FriendFeed, the Centralized Me, and the Data Portal

Remember the great Facebook Revolution of 2006? When all of us logged on to our favorite social networking site to find the "news feed," a.k.a. the ultimate stalking device? Ex-employees of Google have developed the FriendFeed, which is similar to the familiar "news feed," but instead of gathering information from a sole source, FriendFeed uses about 30 services, including YouTube, Flickr, and blog posts. For a company that was launched publicly only a month ago, FriendFeed's number of users has grown 25% per week this month. Now your friends have a new way to follow your every move.

Here's the link:
http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/03/30/friendfeed-the-centralized-me-and-data-portability/

- Jamie Laureola

Cell Phones and Video Games try to make you Healthy

Apple is trying to incorporate a fitness system into their iphone and ipod Touch devices. This would be a program that would monitor your workouts and monitor your body’s physical activity built with in your ipod or iphone. This program would be tailored to each individual through an online survey. After each individual does the survey the digital fitness system alters its programs to fit each individual person’s needs. These workouts would provide visual aid, additional help, and obviously the option to play music as you are working out. This program is very similar and an extension of Nike’s sport kit, a device in your shoes that observes your distance and speed. Video games have made their own attempt to make people healthy through video games known as fitness games. Wii Fit is an example of how Nintendo has attempted to make a game that involves physical fitness. Video games have long been known has a stationary activity, thus with the Wii Fit adds an entirely new element to the video gaming world. Both of these workout tools can help aid your workout experience with new and innovative styles of physical fitness.

To read more about this you can go to this link:


-Haley Rader

Windows XP-powered Eee PC laptop

If you thought the XO laptop was a cool gadget, wait until you read about this new device that completely blows it out of the water. Can you imagine a laptop that is small enough that it can fit into your back pocket? Well if you cant then this new laptop with its 7 inch wide dimension will blow your mind. This new laptop hitting stores in the middle of April is 7 inches wide and will cost only $399 to purchase. Not a bad deal for something like this. It seems that every couple of months companies are fighting to put the "newer, better" device out on the market. The XO was extremely popular, and I am sure that this laptop will be the new thing to have for the summer months. The full specs of the system are actually pretty impressive to go along with a laptop of this size!


http://blog.laptopmag.com/asus-eee-pc-4g-windows-xp-version-to-be-available-at-best-buy-for-399-in-april


-Ryan Oley

Music Downloads on your Net Access Tab?

In response to the current crisis in the music industry, Warner Music Group executive, Jim Griffin, is proposing a strategy that would significantly decrease piracy. Internet service providers would tax on a flat fee per month (ex. $5) that would give consumers unlimited access to download, copy and share music. Griffin reports that this could provide as much as $20 billion per year to reimburse artists, record labels, and copyright holders. This unlimited-access plan is a common theme in the industry as they desire to end piracy. Earlier this week, TorrentSpy, the world's biggest BitTorrent site, was shut down after a two year court battle. Will this business model end piracy?

http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9905404-7.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-5

-Kyle Lopez

The Olympics and the "Great Firewall of China"

As the international community descends on China for the 2008 Summer Olympics, they will be bringing a globe's worth of information with them. China's famous heavy handed approach to internet control will be shut off for a certain block of IP addresses in the olympic village and local venues where foreign media personnel are expected to be working. China uses a series of filters to determine what content is blocked, noting specific web addresses or even crawling the content of a page for "dangerous" keywords and ideas. The firewall can be employed in both directions, with searches being checked and results censored to prevent the release of unauthorized or unfavorable content. This brief opening of the firewall is just the latest step China is taking to answer, or at least silence, concerns of the international community about human rights in the communist country.

-Avi Kushlan

http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200803/chinese-firewall?reddit

India Fears Blackberries are Threat to National Security

Currently, India's Ministry of Home Affairs has refused to grant any further liscenses for Blackberrys because they fear the encryption of the popular device's e-mail application. Vodafone, Bharti Airtel, BPL Mobile, Reliance Communications are the four domestic mobile operators that have been granted permission to test how the users e-mail is routed over the next month. Messages sent through the Blackberry systems are licensed to mobile operators by Research in Motion (RIM), a Canadian company. The Indian government is worried about their ability to lawfully access Blackberry's encrypted system since messages are sent between a handful of secure servers all based outside India. Britain trusts the Blackberry application and RIM claims the system is impregnable, but France has banned its MPs and advisers from using them. RIM claims that this was caused by false rumors speculating that messages can be intercepted and read by the National Security Agency in the U.S. or other 'spy' organizations. Should Blackberry users like myself beware?

- Michelle O'Meara

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,337595,00.html?sPage=fnc/scitech/personaltechnology

Celestial Jukebox Arrives, But Is It Any Good?

The entire method of acquiring and purchasing music may be changing because of the possibility for unlimited over-the-air music downloads that cellphone carriers are beginning to provide. In Britain, the Omniphone MusicStation is allowing music lovers to have access to all of their favorite music, through their cell phone. This unlimited music option provided by MusicStation Max is likely to enter the U.S. sometime in 2008 via Omnifone. If the MusicStation does enter the United States in the next year, the application will likely cost about $7.50 per month. However, Apple is attempting to compete. Apple is contemplating a prepaid unlimited-music option for the iPod and iPhone, but it appears that record labels are more likely to sign with other companies like Omniphone. This is because of the domination that Apple has had over record labels with iTunes. Look for big changes in access to music in the near future.


-Brian Nichols

A Potential Use for the iPhone

This June, Apple will be releasing the next version of the iPhone which could be helpful for individuals in the medical field. The iPhone version 2.0 has a powerful Samsung ARM processor, 8 GB or 16 GB of flash memory, and a visual interface which can be used to show high resolution CT scans and X-rays. This means that doctors would no longer have to look through stacks upon stacks of X-rays and CT scans. Rather, they could use their iPhones to view multiple X-rays or CT scans at one time. A possible concern about iPhones being used for medical purposes is that of patient privacy: "Is it secure enough? Can hospitals guarantee patient privacy when data is being stored or accessed on iPhones?" It is not certain as of now.

http://www.wired.com/gadgets/mac/news/2008/03/iphone_doctors


-Rebecca Landaverde

Movies Coming to Facebook

Facebook is launching a new application called VooZoo that will let users send each other clips from their favorite Paramount Picture movies.

The movie library will contain a broad selection ranging from Paramount's earliest black and white films to their most current releases. The application will also be used for movie promotions, most currently, for films such as "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crsytal Skull". Paramount also hopes to boost sales by providing a DVD purchasing button at the end of each clip.

Other studios are also in the works, but it will take some time seeing that it took Paramount about a year to prepare the clips.

Although the clips are only a few seconds to a couple of minutes long, Paramount is optimistic that they will have hundreds of users within two months. It seems that Paramount Pictures continues to try to find new ways to profit from the digital market. All big movies studios suffered disruption when movies online and home systems began to replace the theater experience, just as Professor Lee explained how old school content distribution and content creation changes as a result of a change in the dominant technology.

While this application has opened up the opportunity for other leading movie studios for successful promotion campaigns, whether this application will become popular, or actually boost movie sales will have to wait to be seen.


http://mashable.com/2008/03/09/paramount-facebook/

Apple Encourages iPhone Programmers

For $99, anyone ranging from large corporations to independent third parties can develop programs for Apple's iPhone. On Thursday, Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced a low-cost software development kit (SDK) that will allow outside programmers to create applications for the iPhone. Until now, iPhones have officially been able to run only the limited assortment of applications that Apple includes. With SDK, programmers can create everything from games to business programs. Sega and AOL are already on board.

The programs that are created will then be available to iPhone users exclusively through a new service on all iPhones called the App Store, which allows iPhone users to browse the available programs directly from their devices. Because Apple will only offer programs that it approves, App Store will provide both innovative and safe options for users.

In an attempt to lure more corporate users, the iPhone will also support Microsoft's Exchange software, allowing it to interact closely with corporate networks and e-mail systems in much the way that BlackBerry devices do. While the beta version is available now, we have until June to speculate on the App Store and its content.



Posted by: Whitney Kollar

Winking: The New iPod Remote!

Japanese researcher Kazuhiro Taniguchi is developing a system that will let people run their iPods at the blink of an eye:

"Closing both eyes for one second starts an iPod, while blinking again stops the machine. A wink with the right eye makes the machine skip to the next tune while with a wink of the left eye it goes back."

The system, dubbed "Kome Kami Switch" or "Temple Switch," can distinguish quick, natural winks from deliberate winks, which is really cool. But what if users close their eyes to rest or as a result of something flying into their eyes?

If the developer(s) can somehow figure out a way to bypass these problems, the system can greatly improve enjoyment of music. I, for one, am tired of constantly having to pick up my iPod and change songs when I'm doing work or working out. In addition, the system can be adapted as a universal remote, which may be able to run cell phones, wheelchairs, television sets, air conditioners and other electronics. Although I don't see this happening in the immediate future, the remote control may be phased out eventually.

If it's successful, the system may make an impact on communication and society. No longer will winks be secret signals or come-ons; instead, they will be remote controls. So that hot guy across the bar winking, smiling and bobbing his head in your direction? He just switched to a great song on his iPod!


http://www.news.com.au/technology/story/0,25642,23312108-5014239,00.html


Tina Chu

Assignment #2

US election battle goes online

Obama Text Messaging On Today Show

My.Barackobama.com Tutorial


The purpose of this assignment is to get you to think about the impact new communication technologies have on the political process. While traditional technologies such as newspapers and television still account for a majority of the political information disseminated in the United States, social media is a playing a larger role in the political process. You may wish to read Wired’s article, “How the Internet Invented Howard Dean” as a starting point for this paper.

You paper should be a minimum of 2 to 3 pages and structured in three sections. Remember to include a works cited section. First, describe how a new communication technology is being used in this election in a way that is fundamentally different from the election eight years ago. Does this technology create a community of users, does it coordinate political actions, or does it provide a mechanism for distributing information? Provide a detailed description.

Second, describe the potential impact of the technology. What characteristic’s of this technology makes it an effective political tool? Do you believe this technology will have an impact in the coming election? Will this technology be significant in the future elections?

Third, experiment with these technologies and write about your experience. How easy were they to use? What did you like about it vs. what did you dislike? Did you have any problems using it?

Finally, remember I don’t care who you vote for I just want you to vote. That’s the beauty of our nation.


SUGGESTIONS FOR PART III
Text Message Alerts

Little Green Footballs

Wonkette
There are numerous politically oriented facebook groups.

POTENTIAL TOPICS OF INTEREST:
Social Networking Sites
Youtube and Online Video Sharing of Speeches and Debates
Mobile Phones
Political Blogging

Robot Care for the Elderly

Two employee groups in Norway have decided to team up and work together to see how robots and other technology could be used in the caring for the elderly. Norway faces a shortage of health care staff in the next 5 to 10 years and robots are being seen as a possible solution. According to a group representing the Norwegian Municipalities, the robots could do housework like washing clothes and dishes, and cleaning the floor. The groups were also looking into having the equipment look after people's health by giving daily test, handling medical surveillance, and taking care of personal hygiene.

The two groups have said it is too early to tell when robots will begin caring for Norway's elderly. However, the robots are not only seen as a possible solution to the shortage of staff, but they would also allow more people with the ability to live longer and more comfortable in their own homes.


Article
posted by: Jose Diaz

The Sportscar Hybrid!!

With everyone looking for alternatives for fuel for their cars with the "limited" supply of oil in the world, the hybrid's have been put at the forefront as the leader's with the ability to offer electric powered/gas powered cars. However, several people have disregarded the Hybrids because of their unstylish models. Only recently, have car manufactureres made the first SUV HYbrid, but up until then, all other cars have been unattractive models for the comsumers. So what were car designers to do? Design a sportscar that would attract these consumer's in need of speed, horsepower, and run on a Hybrid enginee - The Quaranta. Operating with an all-wheel drive, V6 engine and with the ability to go from zero - 60mph in 4.05 seconds the Quaranta is measured in the ranks of cars such as the Porshe. However, it has receieced lots of criticism from professionals suggesting that the car is hideous! They suggest that its design is ugly and unattractive. However, upon reading several of the postings, many people think its the new-age car design of the future and they desire one. Considering we're reaching the peak of our supply of natural oils, this concept could very well be what we're looking for to lead us into the future of Hybrid cars. Eventually we will all have to resort to it, The Quaranta provides those that desire speed in their lives an bright outlook knowing they wont be crammed in some small Prius that'll go zero-60 in 2 days. The Sportscar Hybrid will be more attractive to society as we gradually leave the age of gas-powered automobiles to the hybrid powered ones.

-Angel S. Haro

Forget VIKI or HAL, the new super computer has arrived!

Well it may not be the best, but it can definitely beat out anyone's laptop...:

The largest and most advanced supercomputer in the U.K. has been unveiled in Edinburgh.

Hector--or the High-End Computing Terascale Resource--can handle 63 trillion calculations per second, which is the equivalent processing power of 12,000 desktop systems and four times faster than its predecessor. The amount of calculations the system can handle is equivalent to every person on earth simultaneously carrying out 10,000 calculations per second. The supercomputer is based at the University of Edinburgh's Advanced Computer Facility near the Scottish capital and will cost $221.3 million (113 million pounds) over six years. The facility will be operated by the Edinburgh Parallel Computing Center (EPCC). The EPCC claims Hector will take high performance supercomputing up "another gear" and will play a key role in allowing scientists to be at the forefront of research. Work due to be carried out using Hector includes forecasting the impact of climate change, projecting the spread of disease epidemics, and developing new medicines. Hector uses a Cray XT4 system with software and application support provided by Numerical Algorithms Group. At present, the supercomputer has a peak capability of 63 teraflops, but this is due to increase to 250 teraflops in October 2009, with a further upgrade due two years later. The procurement was managed by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council on behalf of U.K. Research Councils with some of the money coming from the Department of Innovation, Universities, and Skills. EPCC also runs a green supercomputer called Maxwell--unveiled early in 2007--which is 10 times more energy efficient than traditional equivalents. Despite its vast power, it falls short of the world's fastest computer, Blue Gene/L, which can reach speeds of 478 teraflops.

http://www.news.com/U.K.s-fastest-supercomputer-unveiled/2100-1010_3-6226157.html?tag=item

Asia always seems to be ahead of the game

Most technology has found its beginings within the asian continent, and still today countries like China and Japan greatly surpass the United States with their technological advances. New gadgets, toys, and tools are always being introduced but today it is not so much what the technology is, but what one is able to do with it.

Japan recently released a "mobile wallet service" in which a smart chip is placed into a persons cell phone allowing them to download "applications like electronic money, your commuter pass, an airline mileage card or a credit card just by downloading some software." As of now, Japans largest phone carrier offers a program allowing the user to have a charge limit of 10,000 yen ($94), and charges appear on the phone bill. One may apply for a higher limit, but the fact that this type of technology even exists is amazing! This appears to be less harmful and less scary than RFID's, however the user can reap the same benefits from the technology. They are able to have all of their information at the palm of their hand and wallets may soon be a thing of the past. All you need to do is bring the phone within an inch of the receiver in order for it to be read, and it is already accepted in more than 71,000 convenience stores, bookshops and coffee chains. "More than 37 million cards and cell phones that support Edy are on the market, and the network handles close to a million transactions per day on average."

This techonolgy represents the utopian view because consumers will not have to worry about losing credit cards, purses or wallets. All of their information is easily accessible and the tool seems to completely benefit the user.

-Only in Japan: The Best Technologies You Can't Buy
http://tech.msn.com/news/articlepcw.aspx?cp-documentid=6353976

By Kimberly Koretoff