Logging On for a Second (or Third) Opinion

The internet allows patients to be more informed about their diagnoses that ever before. According to the Pew Internet and American Life Project, at least seventy-five percent of all internet users today are looking for health information online. There are so many websites dedicated to healthcare that five categories been established. They consist of general interest, medical research sites, patient sites, disease-specific sites, and web tools. Each of these categories fulfill different purposes, but nonetheless offer a patient information and support that did not exist a generation ago. Along with useful information, patients can find communities online of people with the same illnesses, which offers information on another level. This shows how technology affects culture; doctors may not be regarded anymore as the one who “knows it all.” People no longer solely depend on the physician’s word. We now live in a culture where patients are able to educate themselves about their illnesses from other sources, perhaps even gaining more insight on their illness that the physician who diagnosed them.

Lisa Khakshouri

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/30/health/30online.html?_r=1&ref=technology&oref=slogin

Pandora Issues "Call to Arms"

The Internet radio site, Pandora, has been in a legal argument with artists and record companies over royalties for more than a year. However, recently they have made substantial progress in reaching an agreement and are now faced with a more senior legal decision that could potentially ban their site and others like it. Pandora’s founder Tim Westergren announced last week on the company blog that large broadcast radio companies, like Clear Channel, have launched a covert lobbying campaign to sabotage the on-going legal proceedings. Westergren is convinced that this strategy is a “blatant attempt by large radio companies to suffocate the webcasting industry” in order to continue their monopoly of the airwaves. Interestingly enough, Pandora has made a plea using various guerrilla tactics such as blogging and podcasts, in order to garner public approval and over turn this unneeded pressure. Unfortunately, many believe that there is not enough support from Congress and that the lobbying efforts of big traditional broadcast companies may prove to be too much for webcasters. Since its creation, the technology used in programs like Pandora and iTunes "Genius" has been a tremendous success, allowing users to expand their tastes in music.

Gareth Hornberger

http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/pandoras_issues_a_call_to_arms.php

Here is a clip where Stephen Colbert discusses many of the issues we've talked about in the first part of this class:

The HTC Dream (Phone) Come True?

According to CNET, the much anticipated HTC Android smartphone by Google is rumored to be released for sale by T-Mobile as early as this September. However, many speculate the supposed release date is simply a promotion scheme. Nevertheless, although the Android is no iPhone, it does hold up a good competition and has been referred to as the “HTC Dream” phone on various blogs. The Android is made by HTC, a smartphone manufacturer. This is the first smartphone to use Google’s Android operating system. The Android also uses 3G services, Wi-Fi, GPS, a music player as well as support for third party applications. Like the iPhone, the Android has a touch screen interface however, while it does not have the multi-touch feature the Android does have a trackball for alternative navigating. The Android can also run several applications at once and users can easily switch between them—in fact, when applications that are running require your attention the screen will alert you. Another cool feature the Andorid has is the internal compass and acceleromerter that are great for the Google Maps Street View. These features allow users to obtain directions according to their exact orientation. Finally, it is rumored that by syncing ones gmail account with the open system of the Android, the phone can actually use its GPS feature to remind you to perform tasks in relation to your navigational positioning. While some of the Android’s features sound alluring, many believe that there are still some quirks to work out in order to make it a true contender for the iPhone. In the end, with Google behind the Android—the sky’s the limit!


Alex Gariano
Thurs. 9am

http://www.cnet.com/google-android/?tag=TOCcarouselArea.0
http://news.cnet.com/google-shows-touchy-feely-android-phone/
http://phandroid.com/
http://news.cnet.com/googles-android-phone-to-go-on-sale-in-september/

SanDisk Launches New Music Card Format

SanDisk announced today that it will be releasing a microSD card capable of holding 1GB of music, liner notes, album art, and videos. The slotMusic card will be compatible with phones, mp3 players, and computers. Users can purchase the card with music by artists with EMI Music, Sony BMG, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music, or they can add content to the card themselves. The technology will not include any digital rights management software. Translation: you can copy your music as many times as you want. The slotMusic card should give CDs a run for their money. Let's hope they live up to the hype.


Rebecca Fischer

http://news.yahoo.com/s/zd/20080922/tc_zd/232276;_ylt=Ao0CdyasceP.7JLE4uvQRqgjtBAF

Webkare virtual dating

http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/09/20/webkare-a-girls-only-combination-of-social-network-and-dating-game-from-japan/


Recently released Webkare is a primarily Japanese-based social network that revolves around virtual dating. The site is quickly gaining steam and over 10,000 people joined the network in the first 5 days! The site is exclusively for women. Women join the network and then may pick a virtual boyfriend from 4 anime characters who are the “stars” of the site. The site is truly a mix between a social network (with features such as profiles, message systems, and discussion boards) and a game (which requires the cooperation of Webkare members to ultimately win the heart of the virtual guy. As of now, this is a free service powered by advertising affiliates.

Due to the success of the current model of Webkare, it would not be surprising to see a male-oriented version of the site in the future. I would also expect there to be a greater selection of boyfriends than 4. The range of interaction between the user and the virtual star will also likely increase.

Online dating sites are one thing, but virtual dating is a whole different realm of the social use of technology. This new network is definitely bizarre. The infiltration of technology into daily culture has become the norm in technologically advanced countries such as Japan and the United States, but I am surprised that so many people are committing their time and love life to a virtual character that does not exist in reality! Do they have real boyfriends too or do they think they are actually exclusively dating these virtual men? The site allows people to act as characters, which clearly a lot of people find appealing. Webkare proves that people have a strong interest in the virtual world and there will surely be a lot more to come in online networking and virtual worlds.

Lauren Finkelstein

Does the iPhone have competition?

Some say the iPhone may have a new competition. This fall, Google will launch its first mobile smart phone. The phone is complete with touchscreen technology and new Android software for the same price of $199.00 to compete with the iPhone now going for the equivalent price. The Google phone is manufactured by a Taiwanese company called HTC and will be released by T-Mobile as the carrier. The most anticipation held about this phone seems to be its Android software. Android is an operating system software stack that allows users to create software applications through Javascript language directly on the mobile phone. This software is exclusive to Google and will be released with only with the production of the phone.

Many seem to believe that Google's new phone will cause significant competition for Apple's iPhone. However, I don't believe there will be an overwhelming switch. Out of curiousity for the product and interest in the Android software, there will be a group of people who are interested in the workings and advancements of the phone. However, the iPhone is not just a high-tech phone but rather part of the, if you will, "Apple Culture". Having an iPhone attaches a set of values to its holder that I don't think have been deemed as equally important to those attached with Google. As we discussed in lecture, often times its about the medium and not the actual content itself. People are willing to put up with waiting in lines for hours and continuing complications with the iPhone just to be tagged as part of that community. I think that the release of the phone, its new Android software, and HTC's solid reputation it will bring healthy competition to the market but will not be as dominating and vastly popular as the iPhone.

http://techland.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/09/17/googles-199-phone-to-compete-with-the-iphone/

~Rebecca del Castillo

Internet Advertisement

The internet is the newest and the most effective medium advertisers. For advertisers, it’s the ultimate accountability: Your ad only appears in front of those people who are interested in your type of goods and services, and you only pay for the ad if the user is interested enough in your product to click on it. To make it all work, Google has turned the sale of keywords into an auction wherein advertisers bid on terms. The more you're willing to pay when a user finally clicks, the more likely you are to appear higher up in a search. It’s a highly effective system.

Microsoft, on the other hand, has struggled to gain a following for its search services and has had a tough time building an Internet brand, with a confusing collection of offerings under the MSN service. In addition, Microsoft is still faced with the prospect of another technology giant creating services that compete with core products such as Microsoft Office, then giving them away for free. Microsoft sees that most software is trending toward a cloud-computing model, where data and processing power are shifted off the personal computer and onto the Internet. Given enough time, Microsoft may not have much of a product to sell. So, for Microsoft, buying Yahoo is a hedge against the future.

It’s worth pausing for a moment to consider what that future may look like. Regardless of whether Google or Microsoft emerges as the dominant technology superpower, we are likely to see highly targeted advertising creep into all aspects of our technology. Late last year, Google announced the formation of a new mobile operating system, Android, which could be advertiser-supported. Android, which is still in development, may lower the overall cost of cellular phones and service, but it will almost definitely bring targeted, location-aware advertising that follows you everywhere you go. Consumers would get the benefit of getting expanded usable sources from the advertisements; however the elite ruling class would control consumers’ perspectives of the emerging products.

For more information visit http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/industry/4251345.html

Google Maps Introduces Walking Directions and Street View for Mobile Users

http://mashable.com/2008/09/17/google-mobile-street-view/

Jacqueline Andrejich

Mobile users with internet on their phone will now be able to use Google Maps for walking directions and street views of their route. This advancement allows people to get directions for walking on their phone. Blackberry and iPhone users will also be able to download the application Google Maps for Mobile. This creation will be extremely valuable for those who walk through town everyday or just need to find where they are going after getting out of their car.

"Is Apple America's Jukebox?"

"Is Apple America's Jukebox?"

Blog 101, By: Adam Albrecht

Source: New York Times, Published: September 15, 2008
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/16/technology/16myspace.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss


By a show of hands, how many use MySpace Music as a source to free listening? I won’t lie; I’m in that huge pool of music junkies seeking free downloads and easy access to full songs. The Web offers virtually every notable song ever created, found typically on Apple’s iTunes. But, has iTunes become America’s jukebox monopoly? Some would disagree. Just a few years ago MySpace created MySpace Music, a tangible competitor to iTunes. Free downloads from MySpace Music offers MySpace users a hopeful outlet to both free music and an outlasted CD market. It is no question we’ve entered this digital revolution with new ways in route to pain free access.

This past week MySpace Music joined forces with the major social networks owned by News Corporation, and the major music companies (Warner Music Group, Sony BMG, and Universal) to redistribute its capital by making money by selling advertisements on the site and selling digital downloads through a partnership with Amazon.com (NYTimes). “MySpace Music, which will replace an existing area of MySpace at music.myspace.com, represents an effort to give music lovers the kind of comprehensive online jukebox they could once only dream of. But it is also an effort to solve some of the more pressing problems of the music business” (NYTimes).

So, what’s the big deal, right? Music companies have a clear goal with this venture. They hope this new MySpace Music service will increase the world of online social networking, lending access to online advertisements, and thus weaken “Apple’s dominant grip on the digital music business”.

That’s the scoop. CD’s are gone and digital downloads are in. We’ll have to wait and see if MySpace Music challenges Apple as the new jukebox innovator in music distribution.

Aluminum MacBook Sooner Than Expected?

Rumor has it, that the new aluminum MacBooks are already on their way from China to Apple’s storage facility here in the United States. This news is concurrent with speculation that Apple is going to unveil a notebook refresh some time in October.

According to Citigroup analyst Richard Gardner, “a very thin aluminum casing, a LED-backlit display and an aggressive entry-level price point” are all characteristics of the new MacBooks. As most other Apple items are turning to aluminum, this new MacBooks makes sense. Rumor also has it, that the “aggressive entry-level price point” is one aspect of the mysterious “product transition” Apple announced, perhaps making their products more available to a wider audience.

Posted by: Elias Altamirano

The Newest Version of the IPOD nano

The newest version of the IPOD Nano offers an array of features that make the experience of listening to music that much more dynamic for the user. Aesthetically, the design has been altered, with a much larger and brighter screen, making it much easier to browse through the library. It is now offered in nine colors: a much more unique spectrum than the original pastel colors that were offered in the former versions. The IPOD Nano now offers a new search feature as well: the cover flow. The user can browse through music by the album covers rather than the ordinary listing of the track titles, making the experience more visual, which is the essential goal of the Apple Company. The new IPOD Nano now offers the “Genius” feature, reflecting how the advancement of technology directly caters to our society’s need for luxury. The “Genius” feature creates automatic playlists based on a selected song, which saves individuals the hassle from having to browse through the seemingly endless library in order to construct a single playlist. Also, users can now physically shake the IPOD as a way of shuffling songs, making the technology exciting and that much more interactive. While slight alterations have been made to the newest version of the IPOD Nano, it truly encompasses how the techno-realm continues to cater to the convenience and luxury of contemporary society, which by and large serves as the catalyst for the continual incline of Apple product sales.


--Kati Aspell

http://www.apple.com/ipodnano/features.html

iPhone 2.1

The iPhone 2.1 promises to out perform its precursor with less dropped calls and a better battery life but it also comes with some awesome new features.  Many feel the most significant addition is the iPod application; it goes so far as including the new iTunes 8 with its “ Real Genius” feature. The list of added features goes on, it is safe to say the owner will not be left short handed. However, while all of these new additions are great, I wonder how necessary they are.  Personally, I care more about the durability and longevity of the phone, more then its music or movie capacity.  However, I realize that with technology evolving so quickly it only makes sense that Mac makes a phone that gives us almost everything we need at the tip of our fingers. Who knows I think the progress of the iPhone gives potential cause for disruptions among other technologies. Who needs a computer when your iPhone can do it for you? The iPhone is lightweight, easily transportable and with its new enhanced security and fun features I think the future of this ever evolving phone may surprise many.  

Posted By: Erika Carbajal 9/14/08

Sywpe Updates Keyboard Technology

Sywpe

Sywpe is a new type of touch technology that makes it easier to quickly input data. This has applications for everything from cell phones to personal computers. Its premise is that one need only drag their fingers across a touch input surface to type text. This differs from existing touch screens where a user must tap the screen and thus momentarily disconnect their imputing digit from the surface. The new Swype technology will allow faster, more intuitive input and thus more efficient communication. We may see a new generation of super texters :)

-Sally Nussenfeld
Thursday 9AM section




http://venturebeat.com/2008/09/09/tc50-get-ready-for-a-revolution-in-mobile-phones-%E2%80%93-swype-turns-a-stylus-into-a-keyboard/

Microsoft Unveils New Mouse Technology

Microsoft announced a new mouse tracking technology today, called BlueTrack, that will be available in stores starting next month. Software gurus say that the new mice are more precise than the existing laser and optical. One of the main perks of the new technology is that the mice can work on many different types of surfaces, anything from granite countertop to carpet even. The BlueTrack technology uses a blue light beam sensor that is four times the size of the standard beam. A new Microsoft tracking sensor was designed which contributes to the ability of the mice to be used on different surfaces. The mice will be available in one standard size and also a smaller size, which will be priced at $99 and $79, respectively. Besides the BlueTrack technology, Microsoft also announced a new Arc Mouse, which uses a unique slanted shape and is also able to fold into a smaller, more portable mouse.

Renée Radia

http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/09/microsofts-bluetrack-mice-are-here-laser-bids-a-tearful-good/

iTunes 8

On Tuesday, September 9th, Steve Jobs unveiled iTunes 8.  iTunes 8 is a new and improved version of iTunes, featuring the enhancement known as Genius. Genius is capable of searching your music library and creating a playlist that "that go great together, with just one click," according to Jobs. Genius is also capable of compiling information about personal playlists, transmitting data to the iTunes store to create a better iTunes experience, while protecting user privacy. In addition to the release of iTunes 8, Jobs also unveiled updates to the iTunes store. NBC has returned to iTunes to bring episodes of NBC shows such as Heros, The Office, Monk, and 30 Rock in high definition. These HD episodes will be available for $2.99 each, whereas SD (standard definition) episodes will continue to be offered at $1.99 each.  Other NBC programming (from Oxygen and others) is expected in the near future. Other updates to iTunes 8 include, increased universal accessibility through Apple's VoiceOver program and increased ease in music browsing now offering the option to browse by video and album covers.  

For more information about these updates check out MacWorld's article, "Apple releases iTunes 8, welcomes NBC back to store" at http://www.macworld.com/article/135451/2008/09/itunes8.html?lsrc=top_2

To download iTunes 8, visit http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/

Mallory Sussman

To Chrome or not to Chrome? That is the question.

Google has recently released a new browser to compete with Internet Explorer and Safari. Chrome was meant to be much faster in loading and using javascript programs. They did this because Google believes that, in the future, programs on the internet will primarily be run through javascript, which is currently the most popular coding language for the internet applications. However, there are apparent problems with the browser that has and will keep Internet Explorer or Safari users from making the switch just yet. If a person knows that they are going to be primarily using sites or programs built with actionscript, this is definitely the browser for them. However, in order for Chrome to measure up with its competitors like Internet Explorer and Safari, it needs to fix the many bugs that currently plague the newly-released beta version. The look does not appeal to everyone, and in reality simply feels like a mix of the Google search engine and the Safari web browser. Users have trouble finding buttons or adjusting to the new setup. Additionally, many of the options found in Firefox and Internet Explorer are lacking greatly. Chrome has very little in terms of bookmarking options, the download manager is not nearly as impressive as that of Firefox, security options are complicated at best, and the privacy policy creates more difficulty than is neccessary.

Chrome has good capabilities surrounding Javascript but the other weaknesses make it almost useless as an internet browser. However, if Google continues to develop the browser capabilities it could be a contender in the current list of web browsers.

Chelscey Kirkendoll

http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/39202/140/