Archive for October, 2009

Swine Flu Gone in 90 seconds

October 19th, 2009

 

http://msn.techguru.com.br

http://msn.techguru.com.br

Worried about catching the Swine Flu? Once again Technology provides a means to reduce your chances in getting the flu and other health care associated infections.  In that, most of us spend a lot of time in front a computer, in the workplace, at our homes, Cybercafes, public computers, we are therefore at increased risk of getting contaminated. On October 12th, 2009, Vioguard LLC introduced the world’s first self-sanitizing computer keyboard in Canada.

With widespread use of electronic medical records, computer keyboards have emerged as one of prime focal points of contamination in medical environments. Manually cleaning  keyboards is often time consuming, difficult, impractical and labor-intensive. The Vioguard self-sanitizing keyboard uses ultraviolet lights that are known to be effective against harmful microorganisms such as H1N1 Flu. This light kills 99.99% of harmful bacterias and viruses, in less than 90 seconds.

The keyboard is now available for medical-oriented customers and consumers in Canada, and can be purchased by Amazon.com. In the U.S., it is currently under consideration as a pending electronic -medical device by the Federal Law. Clearance is anticipated in the first quarter of 2010.

It is a practical device, that does not need a software, just plug and play. Its price of $899, is cheap for its benefits, but expensive to many wallets. This is another another breakthrough, assuring that we need technology more than ever in these troublesome times. We can anticipate that the price will drop to a more acceptable level with time and possibly with the introduction of competitive devices.

The Addiction: Blackberry vs. Iphone

October 19th, 2009

Blackberry iphone-3gsThese days there are truly two phone companies, which dominate the cell phone business. Apple and RIM, are seemingly the two best competitors as far as producers of smart phones. The two most popular phones being produced by these companies today are the Iphone 3Gs and the Blackberry Tour/Bold. Both seem to carry loyal customers and each will say that their phone provides the best capabilities. But which one truly outdoes the other? According to an article in thestandard.com, Apple actually out sold RIM in 2008.

I happen to be a blackberry user, however I am still fascinated by the Iphone. I chose my blackberry because of how easy it is to stay connected to my email and business necessities. I have always felt that it is easier to type on a keyboard then a touch screen. Maybe it just depends on the size of your fingers. RIM seems to keep the blackberry at a certain level of simplicity, so that almost anyone can figure out the short cuts. My mother, who probably couldn’t even tell you how to scan a document into the computer, has managed to learn how to use her blackberry. They truly make it easy to understand the applications and the phone has many aspects to it, which I find very appealing. Simple things, such as the red LCD light, that blinks when you have a message or receiving a text when you have a missed call or voicemail, are great additions. I can honestly say that I will probably never give up my blackberry or as many say my “Crackberry.”

On the other side of the spectrum is the Iphone. Released in 2007, the technology was unbeatable. The touch screen, graphics, and much more out did any phone on the market as far as newer technology was concerned. However, it seems that Apple continuously has to make it better because of certain problems, thus releasing a new version every 6 months, or at least it seems that way. The Iphone brings more applications than any other phone known to man. Whether it’s for business or pure pleasure, there seems to be an app for everything. They even have an app, which ignites a fake lighter on the phone, who knew people would find that appealing. Even the Blackberry Storm, RIM’s first touch screen model, didn’t seem to compare to the Iphone. I happen to own an Apple computer and can honestly say that it outdoes any computer I’ve ever owned. Apple always seems to provide a technology better than others, with a sleek uniqueness to it. Either way, you can’t walk a block in Boston without seeing someone’s eyes focused on one of these two toys. Both are extremely addicting, and each one has its own advantages.

Living the E-Life?

October 18th, 2009

Do you ever sit and wonder about all the things that we can do from the comfort of our own home? The power of internet is so advanced now that it makes our lives so much easier. We can do so much over the internet without having to get off our couch, as long as we have a control and keep the balance in our lives, of course!

images

You want to do some shopping but it’s snowing, raining, or it’s one of those days you don’t want to part with your pajamas, well what can you do? Get on the internet and search millions of online stores, the best part is you won’t have to wait in line to pay for what you bought and they are open 24hrs a day. Another good thing is if it’s a gift you’re buying it can be gift wrapped for you, this saves you so much time during the holidays. Now you can schedule groceries to be delivered to your home without going to the supermarket, browse the items online, choose the amount, and get them when it’s convenient for you. Although the rule of don’t go food shopping when you’re hungry still should apply.

You want to get the latest news, don’t wait for the Sunday paper, get online and read up on the latest things happening all over the world. If you want to read a book or magazine you can read many for free online or for a reasonable price buy it. There is also no need to buy a CD that you may only like one or two songs out of it, now you can download the songs you like right onto your computer. Rent a movie, download it online and you won’t have to forget to return it and get charged for a late fee.

Communication is so much easier all because of the internet as well. You can now talk to your relatives and friends who are far away through the internet and even be able to see them. Email also helps us get our messages across so much faster than sending a letter and waiting for a response. You can stay in touch with your high school, college and coworkers through many sites available. You can do your banking online. Think about it, you don’t even need to get stamps for your bills because you can send them online.

As long as you don’t abuse the internet, if it saves time and makes your life easier why not live your e-life.

Nuvifone, This is what a smartphone should be!

October 18th, 2009

Just when you thought there were enough smart phones to choose from Garmin had to get into the arena with the Nuvifone.

As if talking with family, friends and surfing the web wasn’t enough we need our cell phone to have navigation features as well?  Whether we need it or not it’s here and I think it’s great.

Features include:
• Google local search
• Garmin Online services – traffic, weather, fuel prices, hotel discounts, etc.
• nuvi-like navigation on the road or in pedestrian mode
• Email, text, IM functions
• Camera, video camera, MP3 and MPEG4/AAC

I love a phone that cannot only connect me everyone that I want to talk with but also give me the exact coordinates of where I’m making my phone call from.  Sure those other smart phones have a lot of great features and they can take pictures as well but can they tag the photo with the exact longitude and latitude of where the picture was taken? I think not.   This phone is multifunctional as well. You can plug it into the docking station in your car and use it as a navigation system while still using the calling features.   This would make it so much easier when I’m talking with friends while driving.  I can either ask my friend on the phone for directions to the party or I can still get turn by turn directions from the phone.  I think what makes this phones capability so believable is that it is created by such a great company in Garmin.  So far I’ve only seen this product introduced by AT&T but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before other carriers jump on board.

I’m going to run out and get this phone and I encourage all those hikers who would normally get lost in the mountains be sure to bring this phone with you so that way while you’re looking up your coordinates you can give the lodge a call with them.

Get Down Anywhere Anytime Anyplace

October 14th, 2009

By Michael Grant

In our day and age there are so many different types of games to choose from. Even by putting restrictions and limiting the choices down to just videogames there is huge amount of options. Off the top of my head I can think of PS, Xbox, Wii, PSP, DS, and Game boy which are all just consoles that each have hundred of games that could be played on it. Many videogame companies exclusively make games for their piece of hardware a person is also limited by the particular systems that they may have. As a gamer trying to keep up gets really expensive. There is an innovative new product in the market called ONLIVE.


 

ONLIVE is a product that is trying to move away from downloading or purchasing games. Instead will provide access to an enormous online video game library. Their games are able to run without game consoles or high-end gaming computers. ONLIVE first appeared in March 2009 at the Game Developers Conference. It is a cloud based game service that will allow for game play through a micro-console T.V. adapter. The general term cloud computing stands for anything that delivers hosted services over the Internet. The three types of service categories that cloud computing are divided into are Infrastructure-as-a-service (LaaS), Platform-as-a-service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-service (SaaS).
http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/onlive_1.jpg
Normally services through cloud are sold on demand. One may buy the minutes or hours that they need. It is elastic so a customer may have as much or as little service as they want. The service is fully managed by the provider. The only things needed by the customer are a computer and Internet access.

As of right now it is unknown as to how much the micro-console T.V. adapter will cost there is also some speculation that it might be free. Will there be a monthly subscription fee like Xbox or will online access be free like PS3? It is amazing to see technological advancements being made and how they affect society. I’m very eager to see the effect of a product that allows you to play any game, anytime, anywhere conveniently.

http://www.crunchbase.com/company/onlive

http://www.onlive.com/

ONLIVE VIDEO

ONLIVE

Power Up Without Power Cords?

October 13th, 2009

When you go on a trip, how many cords, chargers and batteries do you need to bring with you to power up all your gadgets – your digital camera, gaming device, cell phone, Blackberry, iPod and laptop. When you are at home, how long does it take you to find the right plug from among the tangle of cords coming out of every outlet?

Someday, the solution to your problem could be wireless power transmission. While powering up electrical devices without power cords may sound like science fiction, it isn’t. Over a century ago, Nicola Tesla proposed theories of wireless power transmission (but he was never able to implement them because he ran out of capital). Of course, radio waves or Wi-Fi are a form of wireless transmission of power, but they are not feasible for substantial power transmissions because radio waves and Wi-Fi radiation spread in all directions and vast amounts of power end up being wasted.

Dell Latitude Z

Dell Latitude Z

Several wireless charger based products are currently available in the market. Examples are Powermat, WildCharge, Dell Latitude Z and the Touchstone charger for the Palm Pre. These products however still require a physical contact between the charger and the device to power up.

Recently, a new company, WiTricity, based in Watertown, MA has been developing a technology for charging electrical devices without any physical contact. The technology uses oscillating magnetic fields to exchange energy efficiently between twp objects without leaking much power to other objects. MIT physicist, Marin Soljacic, came up with the idea about two years ago when dying batteries of his wife’s cell phone beeped every night as they ran out of power.

The WiTricity system is able to operate safely because when two objects have the same resonant frequency, they exchange energy strongly without having an effect on other, surrounding objects. The system does not involve a transfer of electricity and therefore poses no risk of electrocuting anyone.

WiTricity thinks its system could replace miles of expensive power cords and billions of disposable batteries. Whether it will be successful remains to be seen. Wouldn’t it be great though if we could throw out our power cords and with a simple device half way across the room power up all our electrical devices?

The Future within Nuclear Radioactivity?

October 13th, 2009

          Science and Technology intertwine once again to create energy for the future. Scientists and engineers have tried to make use of energy of any source that can make the life of a particular object. They are getting one step closer with the Nuclear Batteries. Yes, it does sound daunting with the word “Nuclear” in it, but researchers claim that it is quite safe. How it the Nuclear Battery works is as the radioactive substance decay, it releases Beta (charged) particles and when collected properly, it can create electricity!

 

The size of the Nuclear Battery compared to a Penny!

The size of the Nuclear Battery compared to a Penny!

            The Nuclear Battery is still being trialed, having made a small unit sample the size slightly larger than a penny. A team at the University of Missouri, lead by Jae Wan Kwon, is trying to have the battery even smaller, yet completely efficient, to be used with devices categorized in MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) or NEMS (nano- electromechanical systems). These are basically technology that combines computers with tiny mechanical devices such as sensors, valves, gears, mirrors, and actuators embedded in semiconductor chips.

 

            Nuclear Battery have been used in various technologies, including space satellites, underwater systems, and even pacemakers! I know what some of you are thinking, how can pacemakers have Nuclear Batteries if the radioactivity is extremely severe for the human body? First thing that pops out when one hears nuclear is the two elements of Uranium and Plutonium. First, pacemakers with radioactivity weren’t successful and discontinued in the late 80s. Second, even though radioactivity was used in mostly space devices (such as Plutonium-238, which is highly radioactive), strong radioactive elements weren’t used. Let’s get a bit nerdy and enter a realm of chemistry to understand how small devices emit radioactivity

            Nickel-63 is a radioactive element. Considering that this specific radioactive is weak and quite abundant, it is cheap to get and use. It has a half-life of 92 years (that’s less than 46 years of life) and emits beta particles with no problem. As it decays and creates electrons to generate electricity, it becomes Copper-63, a stable element, which is safe. There are other elements, such as Tritium, that can be used, which has a half-life of roughly 12 years and it less harmful than Nickel.

            To get back on topic, Nuclear Batteries uses the isotopes of the radioactive element to power devices for a long period of time. The only problem of this is that to use these isotopes, the conductor or semiconductor had to be built large or the isotopes would suffer damage. Professor Jae Wan Kwon created a liquid solution that will enable a small device as the battery to transfer the isotopes without causing any damage, making them safe under normal use.

            Now, using this to power future technology would be a great improvement, but a risky one at that. Now all technology today uses some sort of radioactivity when you use it (if you didn’t, well now you know!), and having a Nuclear Battery in something as an iphone is like walking with a mini nuke; atomic bomb, in your possession! Or I may be exaggerating. But the big question is, will this be successful or kill us in the long run?

Paper, Plastic or Digital?

October 13th, 2009

Valve-Steam

The advancement of computer technology alongside the seemingly never-ending growth of the internet has given companies and consumers alike new ways to sell and acquire products. More specifically, I’m talking about the digital marketplace and digital distributors. Instead of getting the “paper” product by going to the store, one can already order nearly any product online and have it shipped from sites like Amazon and E-Bay using their “plastic” online. Ah the cleverness of my title slowly reveals itself. Chances are if there is something you’re looking to buy, more than likely someone else is selling it online.  However the market has grown even further for some companies that sell products that are available digitally. Music, movies, TV shows, books, computer programs and games are now all available for purchase online in a “digital” format, and you can download or stream them directly to your computer, cell phone, smart phone, gaming console, whatever it is you prefer to use all online from a digital distributor.

The digital distributor in particular that I’d like to talk about is Steam. Steam is a digital distribution platform launched in 2003 by gaming developer Valve Corp. that allows users to download a large variety of video games to their computer. The beauty of the Steam platform is really the ease of use and variety of games from all sorts of developers, and the library of available games is only growing larger. The system is simple, you download the Steam application for free at Valve’s website, create your account (also free) to login to the Steam platform. Your unique login stores all the information on any games you may have purchased. That way if you switch or buy a new computer, all you have to do is download the Steam application on that computer, input your account name and password, and re-download any games. All games you download are viewable in the Steam browser under the game tabs. The Steam platform also automatically keeps your games updated to any patches or fixes made to the game by their respective developers. To play a game you have purchased, you need only to select the game tabs, download the game, and select “play.”

How To Use Steam Video:

The Steam platform is not just limited to the purchasing and playing of games.  Steam has a feature similar to AOL’s Instant Messenger and Facebook in that you have a friend’s list. You can keep track of who you’ve played with, who is online, what game they are currently playing and you can message them to chat. The Steam Store displays info about any new and upcoming games, demos of games that are free to download, and also allows you to access user-modified games. Many of the games that Valve creates are open-source and, beyond that, Valve provides the software tools to modify the game to your own liking.  In doing so, the Steam platform becomes more than just a digital platform to download and play games; it has been a community where players get together and play these games online and discuss them in forums provided by Valve to talk about the games. One of Valve’s niches is that it takes feedback provided on the forums and makes changes and updates to their games. Players and groups that modify some of the open source games get a chance to advertise their games and some even get picked up by Valve for official release.

There are also plenty of educational oriented games available on Steam. For you concerned parents out there that want to monitor what your kids play, Steam does have safety features that you can activate to block the availability of playing games that are rated for Mature players as well as setting timers for how long they can play a game.

214700498_mHJ2S-L-2

Digital distribution of products is certainly not something new; however it is increasing in popularity. I mean given the choice would you rather get in your car and drive to the store or simply click a button? How often do you buy CDs in a store compared to downloading them from Itunes. When was the last time you went to blockbuster to get a movie? Hop on your computer and go to Netflix. The truth of the matter is although these digital distributors have become popular, what are the counter-effects? I have seen three Blockbusters close near my home, Hollywood Video is all but out of business, and Strawberry, once a popular music store in my area also went out of business. This is not to say this is throwing the market for these products out of whack. Retailers simply have to adjust as consumers and the marketplace evolve as technology moves from paper to plastic to digital.

Link to Steam Platform and Valve Corp:

http://www.steampowered.com

http://www.valvesoftware.com

Are You Suffering from Facebook Addiction Disorder?

October 13th, 2009

Facebook Song Facebook is one of the fastest growing and best-known websites to date with more than three hundred million users (nearly as big as the U.S. population), most of which are outside of the United States.  Facebook and Facebook Inc. is an on-line destination for not only teenagers but adults alike, and a company, which strives to “connect everyone.”

Facebook is a social networking tool for work or pleasure, which strengthens friendships, reconnects friends or even family members and cuts through social barriers, it is the Web’s “dominant social ecosystem” (Stone).  Facebook has unlimited possibilities from allowing friends to send messages, chat, upload photographs, videos, create or join groups and events, play games, share music, send virtual gifts, create applications, advertise, promote businesses, etc. There are even Facebook applications for iPhone and Blackberry, With its endless capabilities, many people are spending countless hours on Facebook. Whether going through pages of photos, visiting personal pages, or not to mention how many times I’ve heard someone remind another to “tag them” in a picture, or seen someone spend an hour on Facebook in class or while they are in the library studying for that big midterm, or how about that person friending me just because we have the same name? Might I also add that “friending” isn’t in the dictionary but has become a word in our day-to-day conversations.

Facebook is more than just a social networking tool, it is an addiction, and it’s like a big party with everyone you know. Facebook is infiltrated with innumerable personalities from the let-me-tell-you-exactly-what-I’m-doing-how-it-makes-me-feel: this person just told us they ate their second bowl of the new honey bunches of oats with pistachios and it was good but not as good as the honey bunches of oats with almonds and now they ran out of organic soy milk …followed by a second post about the long line at the supermarket, even though they are standing in the line for twelve items or less  (since they ran out of organic soy milk this morning when they tried the new honey bunches of oats with pistachios). This personality can also fall under the “TMier” telling us about their upset stomach from the milk this morning because oops! They are lactose intolerant. Then of course there is the person who posts comments on those endless updates.

There is also the lurker, who never posts anything but brings up your posts or comments, or friends in conversation. There are people who chronically invite a person to groups or events, which goes in hand with the one who accepts every friend request, group request or invite just so their news feed shows how popular they are (obviously).  How about the paparazzo who posted a picture of you from last weeks party making out with that bag of wine but you never approved it, although I’m sure at the time reminded the photographer to “tag me.”

Facebook has gone beyond a social networking system to an addiction, which I have considered eliminating because I don’t really care that Josie just bought a new sweater on sale, meanwhile I am going back and forth between writing this and checking if I’ve been tagged in any pictures from this weekend. Facebook has seeped into every day life, and I don’t think it is going to slow down, but maybe it’s time to assess if you are suffering from Facebook Addiction Disorder?

Wikipedia To-Go? Why bother?

October 13th, 2009

A Taiwan based company Openmoko releasing a hand-held device that lets you take Wikipedia, the popular online collaborative encyclopedia, with you wherever you go. The WikiReader allows for searching through all of Wikipedia’s current entries, but nothing else. The WikiReader stores it’s information on a microSD card which can be updated with quarterly downloads free from the WikiReader website or the updated cards can be mailed out every few months for an annual fee of $29.

With so many people owning SmartPhones and other cell phones with online capabilities, it is really worth it to shell out $99 to get access to only Wikipeda? Notoriously known as having erroneous content thanks to it’s reliability on user created content, who needs to have a device that does nothing else than act as a pocket-size mildly unreliable encyclopedia?

With no Internet connection required, this might suit someone who needs quick access to information who might not have a computer handy. It is perfect for those who are unwilling to upgrade their cell phones or who have little working knowledge with computers. And to make life even simpler, the WikiReader doesn’t need to be charged as it runs on two AAA batteries. The WikiReader website promotes itself as “easy way to protect your child from adult-oriented content”.
For such a technology free device, it seems odd that the WikiReader has a Twitter page, and a Facebook page, and videos on YouTube.

photo courtesy of: CNET.com