Bionic Contacts

For my Com 435 poster presentation about an emerging technology, I chose the topic of bionic contacts. It is a very interesting topic and I learned a lot of information that I was able to share with the observers at the poster fair.

Bionic contacts were invented by an assistant professor, Babak Parviz, in electrical engineering at the University of Washington. He has created a prototype that has been tested on rabbits for up to 20 minutes, in which they showed no negative affects. The contact lens creates a display over the wearer's visual field, so images, maps, and date appear to float in mid-air. The lens includes light emitting diodes, basic wiring for electric circuits, and even a tiny antenna. According to Parviz, his group is currently working on the issue of how to run displays or bio sensors without the need for awkward batteries. They want to be able to transmit signals wirelessly, and so far, the prototype's lens-mounted antenna has shown promise in collecting radio signals.

Some of the possible applications of the bionic contact include:
•Being able to zoom in on distant objects (such as scenery)
•Getting useful facts to pop up in your visual field
•Surfing the web on-the-go (such as while traveling via plane)
•Immersive video games
•Monitoring one's health
•Holographic driving control panels (Used for pilots and drivers)
•Visual aids for the vision-impaired

There are so many beneficial applications from bionic contacts; it really is an amazing invention that will hopefully be ready to use for humans in the near future.

During the poster fair, our classmates tweeted about posters they found interesting and eye capturing. It was cool to read tweets about my poster and I also had fun tweeting about other individual’s posters. Having the class tweet about the posters was a great way to incorporate the use of technology into the classroom.

Powermat wireless charging system

In today's world most individuals own multiple electronic and digital devices- mobile phones, ipods, digital cameras, and GPS systems just to name a few. Most people bring all of their electronic and digital devices with them whenever they travel, and along with packing each device, a charger must be packed as well. The powerless wireless charging system virtually gets rid of all of those annoying chargers that go along with each electronic device.

The powerless wireless charging system consists of a plug in charging mat and a receiver embedded in a cover for your portable devices, which allows you to charge your electronics simultaneously without having to to mess with cords. There are two types of mats offered- one for home and office, and a folding portable version for travel. Each mat costs $99.00 and they both lie flat on a desk or table and can hold three to four electronic devices simultaneously. They also both come with a well-designed Powermat Power Adapter that has built-in cord control. Another great feature is that it includes a Powermat Powercube Universal Receiver, eight assorted tips and a bin for storing them. With these tips you can charge hundreds of different devices.

To use the Powermat, you simply take a device that is “wearing” a receiver and place it on the Powermat. Sound and light indicate that a connection has been made and that the device is charging. A second sound indicates when the device is removed from the mat. Once on the mat the device will charge as fast or faster than the stock power adapter. Also, by using the Powermat,you are saving energy because you charge multiple devices from a single outlet.

Check out the link below to learn more about the Powermat wireless charging system:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feoIvrXKaPQ

WiMAX: Staying connected anywhere

A few weeks ago, I went on a tour at WLFI, the local television station in West Lafayette. Kurt Winkleman, the Senior News Media Sales Director, was speaking about how in order to reach multiple audiences, the television station has taken advantage of the 3 screens: television, computer, and mobile phones. He kept talking about how taking advantage of using the internet to reach various audiences has been huge in the fast couple of years. He then got on the subject of WiMAX, and explained that WiMAX is similar to Wi-Fi, but instead of only having access to the internet within a 100-300 ft "bubble" such as when you go into Starbucks or Panera, internet access would be available everywhere. He said to be on the look out for it because it is coming. This made me curious to read more about WiMAX.

What is WiMAX? WiMAX stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access. It is a wireless digital communication system that is essentially broadband on the go. WiMAX can provide broadband wireless access up to 30 miles for fixed stations, and 3 - 10 miles for mobile stations. WiMAX will transform your internet lifestyle by enabling you to connect at all times through a wide area network.

How does WiMAX work? WiMAX towers transmit and recieve signals, allowing a service provider to enable access across many miles. Individuals will no longer have to search for "hot spots" to get connection to the internet. With WiMAX, individuals will be able to have fast, reliable internet access anywhere within coverage areas from a single wireless provider.

Having acces at all times wherever you go would be very beneficial for those who travel often and need to be connected to the internet for business reasons.

Check out the link below to watch an educational clip about WiMAX:
http://www.wimax.com/education

Flo TV Personal Television PTV 350

Qualcomm's Flo TV Personal Television PTV 350, is a personal television that weighs 5 ounces and has a 3.5 inch touchscreen and a tuner that receives content via the FLO mobile TV network . The personal TV has built-in stereo speakers, an adjustable stand and a battery life of 5 hours of continuous mobile broadcast viewing. FLO TV service is available 24 hours a day and includes popular programming from CBS Mobile, CNBC, Comedy Central, NBC 2Go FOX News Channel, MSNBC, MTV, and Nickelodeon just to name a few.

The FLO TV Personal Television PTV 350 is the perfect size to take with you wherever you go, and allows you to tune in anywhere at anytime. It is a the perfect size to take with you on a plane, in the car with your kids, or even to the gym. No matter where you are, with the FLO Tv Personal Television PVT 350 you can stay connected and watch your favorite shows while on the go.

The Flo TV Personal costs around $250.00 and subscription to the FLO TV service costs a monthly fee between $9-$15.

Check out the link below to watch a clip about the FLO TV Personal Television PTV 350:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_yVZDLmyKE

Kodak Zi8, perfect for traveling

For those of you who enjoy making videos during your travels, the new Kodak Zi8 is the perfect gadget for you. The Kodak Zi8 is a pocket size digital video camera that captures 1080p full HD video at 30 frames per second. Digital video can also be captured in 720p at 60 frames per second or in 720p at 30 frames per second. The Kodak Zi8 can also take 5 megapixel still frame photos which are displayed on the 2.5 inch colored LCD screen.

Some cool features the Kodak Zi8 offers include a built in stabilization which reduces shakiness that often occurs while making videos, an external microphone jack that allows you to easily pick up on the sound you want, it has SD card slot that supports up to 32 GB, holds up to 10 hours of HD video, has an HDMI connector and comes with HDMI cord, and has a flip out USB device that allows you to upload pictures to your computer. The Kodak Zi8 comes in three colors which include black, aqua, and raspberry.

The Kodak Zi8 can be purchased for $180 and can make make your travels memorable by capturing your favorite moments on video or in still frame. It has a slim profile and is light, compact, and the perfect size to stow away in your pocket or a small bag during a day of sight seeing, road tripping, or lounging at the beach.

Check out the link below to see more of the Kodak Zi8:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQ2NV463deQ

Microsoft Surface

Microsoft Surface is a revolutionary multi-touch computer that responds to natural hand gestures and real-world objects such as cameras and mobile phones. This new and emerging technology helps people interact with digital content in a simple way with a large, horizontal user interface. Microsoft Surface offers a unique gathering place where multiple users can interact with data and each other at the same time, which is great for business and educational settings, and has even been used by hotels and travel agencies to book trips for vacation and holidays.

Microsoft Surface lets you grab digital content with your hands and move information with simple gestures and touches. Microsoft Surface sees and interacts with objects placed on the screen, allowing you to move information between devices like mobile phones or cameras.

Microsoft Surface uses cameras and image recognition in the infrared spectrum to recognize different types of objects such as fingers and shapes. This input is then processed by the computer and the resulting interaction is displayed using rear projection. The user can interact with the computer using natural touch and hand gestures, instead of a typical mouse and keyboard.

Microsoft Surface has four key capabilities that make it such a unique experience and technology. These four capabilities include, which I have briefly described above includes:

1) Direct interaction- through touch and gesture on the screen.

2) Multi-user experience- the large 30 inch screen allows multiple people to gather around and interact with one another.

3) Multi-touch- the screen by responding to many different points of contact at once from various different people.

4) Object recognition- users can place physical objects on the screen to trigger digital responses.

Check out the short clip from you tube to get a better understanding about Microsoft Surface:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP5y7yp06n0

Google Maps with Navigation

Recently, it was announced that Google Maps Navigation will be released for GPS-equipped phones that are available with Android 2.0. The Google Maps Navigation application will provide turn-by-turn directions powered by Google Maps, and feature a 3D view. Google Maps Navigation offers many features, and best of all, the application will be free. These features include:

1) Search in plain english: Enter your destination as a address, place, a name of a business, or a kind of business. Enter all of the information onto your phone in one string just as you would in a Google search. Google Maps will figure your destination out for you. If there are multiple results for your destination, you can choose which one you want.

2) Voice recognition: You can speak where you want to go, to save time instead of typing in your destination. Because Google maps is connected to the cloud, it has access to all of the updated information on the internet, which can find exactly the destination you want to go to by describing which destination you want

3) Live traffic data: A traffic light glows red, yellow, or green in the corner of the screen based on the currentt of traffic in your upcoming route. An aerial view of your upcoming route is shown and is updated every few minutes.

4) Search along route: Allows you to find places you may want to stop at during your trip. The layers menu allows you to find access to popular places along your way.

5) Satellite view: Helps you visualize your route.

6) Street view: Shows you exactly what each turn will look like on the street, tells you the address of your destination and shows you the actual street view of your destination such as a store front or a home.

7) Car dock mode: Allows your phone to go into car mode which gives you easy access to navigation and voice mode.

Check out the link below for a video that demonstrates Google Maps Navigation:

http://www.google.com/mobile/navigation/index.html#p=default

Samsung's New TL220 and TL225 Camera

I absolutely love taking pictures, especially of my friends and I at parties and of my boyfriend and I when we go on vacation. However, when trying to take a picture of myself with a group of friends or with my significant other, I always tend to cut someone out of the picture no matter how far I extend my arm to try and get everyone in the picture. This can be very frustrating, especially when there is no one around to take a picture for you.

The New Samsung TL220 and TL225 camera has made this problem a thing of the past. The Samsung TL220 and TL225 are the first cameras to have two LCD screens- one on the back, and one on the front. The LCD screen on the front is 1.5 inches and simplifies self portraits and group shots by allowing the photographer to see the exact picture that will be taken at arm's length. The 1.5 inch screen can be turned on with just a quick touch of the screen and features a countdown timer on the screen for timed shots.

The LCD screen on the back is approximately 3.5 inches and is a touch screen. The touch screen offers many features to enhance pictures such as red eye reduction, blink detection, and image retouching. Shortcut features such as a touch delete are also offered. To delete a picture, an "x" can be swiped over the image on the screen during the playback with a finger, and the camera will delete the picture. However, a delete button is also offered on the touch screen for those who don't prefer to use the shortcut. Another shortcut feature offered is to view pictures. Instead of pressing the arrows on the screen, sliding a finger across the screen will scroll over to the next picture.

My boyfriend bought me the Samsung TL220 for my birthday and I absolutely love it. With the front LCD screen, I will now be able to take great pictures of my boyfriend and I when we are traveling and laying on the beach on vacation, and of my friends and I when we are out having drinks together. For those who enjoy taking self portraits and taking pictures of themselves and friends or significant others while traveling or just out on the town, I would highly recommend the Samsung TL220 or TL225 camera.

Check out the link below for a video about all the SAmsung TL220 features:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuuKiLKlAa0

iPhone Makes Travel More Conveinient

The iPhone has made traveling easier and enables vacationers to get the most out of their trip with travel applications that iPhone users can download at their convenience for a minimum cost. Some of the most useful travel apps that were rated in the top ten apps for travelers by National Geographic Adventure include: Next Flight, HearPlanet, UrbanSpoon, and World Customs.

When traveling, catching your flight on time is always a concern. with the iPhone application Next Flight, iPhone owners can use this app to track scheduled departures from more than 4,200 airports and 1,100 airlines. This app allows travelers to easily determine if their flight has been delayed, is on time, or may have been canceled. This app can be purchased for $2.99.

Once Travelers arrive to their destination,it is sometimes difficult to decide what are the best attractions to visit during their stay. Many vacationers will pick up brochures about local adventures and excursions offered, other vacationers will ask locals which attraction they recommend to visit, and some vacationers will just find out for themselves which attractions are the best. The iPhone application HearPlanet, simplifies a vacationers search for nearby attractions by telling them which ones are closest. The app even reads a Wikipedia description of the attraction out loud. This app can be purchased for $5.99.

Along with determining the best attractions to visit while vacationing, most vacationers want to know where all of the best restaurants are located. The iPhone application UrbanSpoon, will display the best guide to local restaurants just by simply shaking your iPhone, which will then spin a dial and reveal the closest restaurants. What is great about this app is that it is free!

For those international travelers whom may encounter situations in which they are unsure what the proper etiquette is, there is an i Phone application that will provide the traveler with international do's and don'ts. This app is called World Customs, and it can be purchased for $0.99.

If you travel a lot, and do not have an iPhone, maybe it is time to upgrade your phone plan. An iPhone can help simplify your travel experience and make it hassle free, which will make the trip go very smooth and allow the traveler to enjoy their vacation without any worries.

Geocaching Travel Adventure

A new and emerging technology that involves traveling is called geocaching. I was not aware of this technology until this past week when I learned about it in my new and emerging technology communications class. However, it is quite interesting.

Geocaching is a high-tech "treasure hunt," which is played throughout the world by individuals with GPS devices. The goal of the game is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. The containers are usually waterproof and are filled with a logbook and inexpensive "treasures" that can be traded once found.

Geocaching can be as simple as tracking these hidden containers in your local community, or for the more adventurous seeker, geocaching can be an elaborate treasure hunt that takes place across the country. Anyone can place a geocache anywhere in the world. So far, geocaches have been placed in over 100 countries and on all seven continents.

According to the website http://www.geocaching.com/, there are 917,115 active geocaches around the world. Individuals who are interested in geocaching in their community, can visit the geocaching website and type in their address to find a geocache near them. The website even offers steps on how to get started geocaching.

So next time you need an adventure, whether that is locally around your town, or traveling across the country, try to track down a geocache and share your adventurous stories and pictures online with others.

Emerging Technologies and Hotel Travel

Many people love to travel, especially when traveling for leisure. With new technology always emerging, traveling has become easier and more hassle-free over time.

When traveling via airplane, customers can pick up their flight vouchers from a kiosk in the airport without even coming in contact with an airline employee and engaging in communication. A similar feature has been implemented into several hotels including the Hilton and Hyatt to test out the system of electronic check-in.

In the near future, if the testing of these electronic check-in kiosk systems in hotels become a preferred method of checking in for hotel guests, many more hotels could implement this check-in feature for their hotel guests. The hotel electronic check-in would allow a guest to check in without going through the front desk and dealing with a hotel employee.

The electronic check-in at hotels would work by allowing a customer to insert their credit card into the kiosk, which will then allow the customer to choose a room from the touch screen. After selecting their room preference, the kiosk will provide the customer with a key card to their hotel room from the kiosk and provide them with their room number.

In conclusion, emerging technology continues to improve travel and pretty soon everyone may be able to experience the ease and convenience of checking into a hotel through electronic check-in kiosks.

HP Mini 1000 and Travel

When traveling, it is important to keep connected online, especially for business. The HP Mini 1000 is the perfect size to take on the road (or plane) with you while traveling. the HP mini 1000 is a netbook that is approximately 10.2 inches and weighs less than 3 pounds. The HP mini 1000 laptop also costs approximately around $400.

Most laptops are too heavy or too big to lug around in a carrying case, but the HP mini 1000 is the perfect size to bring with you while traveling- whichever your preferred method of traveling may be. Unlike smart phones which allow you to check email and stay connected, but have very small screens which can be tedious when trying to work on business, the HP mini 1000 has a screen that is a convenient size and allows you to comfortably view the text on the screen. Also unlike most laptops, the HP mini 1000 won't weigh you down, which is a plus while traveling.

As I have mentioned, the HP mini 1000 is a great size laptop to purchase for travel. The only drawback about the HP mini 1000 is that it does not have much memory space. However, more giga bites can be purchased in order to upgrade the amount of memory on your HP mini 1000 which wil be beneficial while traveling.

Check out HP's website to learn more about the HP Mini 1000

http://www.hp.com/united-states/campaigns/mini1000/index.html#/Main/

GPS Technology and Travel

Thanks to emerging technology in today's society, traveling has become simplified. Before global positioning systems (GPS), people had to stop at gas stations to ask for directions to their destination when they became lost. Thankfully that has become a thing of the past.

GPS makes traveling less of a headache and allows a trip go more smoothly. Traveling with a GPS allows individuals to plan specific stops along their trip and eliminates the possibility of getting lost. Whether it is a drive to an unfamiliar location, a weekend trip, or a long cross country road trip, a GPS will help ensure that the driver will not become lost along the way.

According to CNet.com, the top five GPS systems include:
1) Garmin Nuvi 880 for ($799.00)

http://reviews.cnet.com/car-gps-navigation/garmin-nuvi-880/4505-3430_7-32815498.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody

2) Navigon 7200T ($202.00-$365.00)

http://reviews.cnet.com/car-gps-navigation/navigon-7200t/4505-3430_7-33229603.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody

3) Magellan Maestro 4370 ($106.99-$409.55)

http://reviews.cnet.com/car-gps-navigation/magellan-maestro-4370/4505-3430_7-33367409.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody

4) Mio C530 Navigation Receiver ($340.00)

http://reviews.cnet.com/car-gps-navigation/mio-c520-navigation-receiver/4505-3430_7-32461192.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody

5) Tom Tom ONE 125- GPS Receiver ($163.54-$179.99)

http://reviews.cnet.com/car-gps-navigation/tomtom-one-125-gps/4505-3430_7-33401031.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody