BIT320 Remix: NewInventions Archives

Reading news earlier this morning, I came across this article: “Computer Decodes Mona Lisa’s Smile” So, a computer engineer - Ncu Sebe, at the University of Amsterdam developed a software that can decode smiles. Sounds almost bizarre to me that a computer s/w can decode your smile and interpret your emotions!? Here is the method they used to decode Mona Lisa’s smile:

Sebe loaded average, neutral expressions of female faces into a database, which the software used to compare the painting against, says the “New Scientist” Web site.

And came up with these results:

The findings? Mona Lisa was 83 percent happy, 9 percent disgusted, 6 percent fearful, and 2 percent angry, according to the British weekly “New Scientist.”

Has technology really advanced to the level where we can use computers to decode smiles? Also, I would think that each person would have very unique ways of expressing emotion, and maynot have the same facial expression or smile when responding to a particular emotion. Hence, how can you just compare against the average smiles and come up with such findings which sound rather precise?

In supriya, 12/16/2005 | Original | Archive | Post to del.icio.us | Technorati

A Third Eye?

Sony has develop a robot with a third eye - a camera at its back which can now keep track on more thnigs than ever before.

In del.icio.us/supriya, 12/16/2005 | Original | Archive

Decode your Smile with a computer now.

Scientists recently decoded Mona Lisa's smile and found that she was 83 percent happy, 9 percent disgusted, 6 percent fearful, and 2 percent angry, according to the British weekly

In del.icio.us/supriya, 12/16/2005 | Original | Archive

Is CDMA dead?

“Will US carriers switch mobile standards?” I read this rather shocking article which talks about how the US Wireless industry is moving from CDMA to GSM technology. I was shocked because I have been doing a lot of research on CDMA since I am writing a CSIB paper on Sprint which is a leader in CDMA technology. From the articles that I have read earlier, I got an impression that CDMA is still a leading technology in the US, and Sprint is further developing it by adding additional data features to it like the EV-DO technology and 3G networks. Also, there were discussions on how Sprint, after its recent merger with Nextel, will be able to combine its CDMA technology with Nextel’s WiDen services and lead the industry with the best networks.

However, this article talks about how there is a migration from CDMA to GSM. The article reads:

“CDMA is losing market share globally as the new mobile phone users live mostly in the areas where GSM is the leading technology”

From earlier blogs, I realize that our class has a good knowledge of different networks and the wireless industry since many of us are researching it for CSIB. What are your opinions? Is Sprint going to convert to GSM, and will GSM really take over CDMA?

In supriya, 12/15/2005 | Original | Archive | Post to del.icio.us | Technorati

50-Hour iPod Battery Pack

iPod recently announced a new battery pack which would keep your iPod going forever.

In del.icio.us/supriya, 12/15/2005 | Original | Archive

Update on $100 Laptops

We discussed earlier that the $100 laptop was going to be a reality, but now Taiwanese company Quanta has made a deal to manufacture these One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) computers, designed by MIT Media Labs.

In del.icio.us/supriya, 12/15/2005 | Original | Archive

Cingular's hot deal with HBO

Cingular Wireless recently announced a multi-year exclusive deal with HBO to get clips of favorite TV shows, including The Sopranos, sent to mobile phones.

In del.icio.us/supriya, 12/15/2005 | Original | Archive

Google's new music search feature

Google is adding a new feature to its website which would allow the users to get information about artists, online reviews and retailer information for particular songs or albums

In del.icio.us/supriya, 12/15/2005 | Original | Archive

The Nintendo Revolution

The new controller is smaller and lighter than you ever imagined.

In del.icio.us/supriya, 12/15/2005 | Original | Archive

Happynews.com

I came across a very interesting website called happynews.com. This website is the brainchiled of Byron Reese, who also has published several advice websites.

Media today is increasingly focused on accidents/ mishaps or exaggerating misery. Hence, I thought this website is a great way to learn about the happy or constructive events happening around the world and cheer yourself up from the dull and depressing media news.

For example, one of the stories talked about how Japanese are making the penguins exercise to stay healthy as they gain weight in the sever winters. Some other stories include: “Emily the stowaway cat is coming home”, “man decorates his house with synchronized lights” etc.

Even though some of these stories may sound lame or not as important, I think its a wonderful way to spread cheer and happiness and make people away of the good things that go on in this world in addition to the misery or war which is on media perpetually.

In supriya, 12/15/2005 | Original | Archive | Post to del.icio.us | Technorati

Apple Boombox- Some Insider News for You.

As we all head into the new year, Apple is coming up with a new product called AppleInsider which is basically a boombox with features never seen before. Read more about it on this article.

In del.icio.us/supriya, 12/14/2005 | Original | Archive

iBoxers - Crazy iPod mania

Yes, I was shocked to learn about this. There are underpants that are called iBoxers, and have pockets to fit your iPod. Now isn't that strecthing it too far!

In del.icio.us/supriya, 12/14/2005 | Original | Archive

New EyeTV

With the new EyeTV partnership, you can watch commercial free TV on your iPod for free - a very cool feature.

In del.icio.us/supriya, 12/14/2005 | Original | Archive

Digital Classrooms

The new generation kids are now using handhelds to read, write, draw pictures etc.

In del.icio.us/supriya, 12/14/2005 | Original | Archive

Citizen's Big Bendy Clock

An interesting clock invented by citizen but the purpose of the bendable feature remains a mystery..

In del.icio.us/supriya, 12/14/2005 | Original | Archive

First Wireless City

Tempe in Arizona will be the first city (of its size) to offer wireless to all its residents in February

In del.icio.us/supriya, 12/14/2005 | Original | Archive

Transform the experience of again with new technology

Technology improves life for Seniors: Watch out for the new inventions as technology now transforms the experience of aging.

In del.icio.us/supriya, 12/14/2005 | Original | Archive

The mythical power of garages in the Silicon Valley.

I just came across a very interesting article talkin about the mythical power of garages in the Silicon Valley. The world’s second largest computer maker today, HP, actually started in a 12-by-18 foot garage. Also, Google was started in a garage rented by the Google founds, Larry Page and Sergey Brin.

We all have often heard about how Bill Gates started his business out of his dorm room, and is now the biggest names in the IT industry. I think its very interesting, and almost difficult to imagine how all these big firms started out in garages. HP actually bought the Palo Alto lot in 2000 and recently celebrated the complete restoration of the garage where it was once born.

In supriya, 12/09/2005 | Original | Archive | Post to del.icio.us | Technorati

Check out the Mimobots

I just came across this website on Mimobots. Wondering what mimobots are? USB flash drives!!! You must check out the pictures of these USB Drives.. Rather interesting, they look like little aliens to me. There are different series like Galaxor and Jolibear and then each of these series have different characters. As the website states:

Mimobots are little friendly data fiends! Feed the 2″ monsters all your essential data (tunes, pics, presentations, videos, etc.) and transport your files wherever you go. mimobots are what happens when designer toys meet USB flash drives - a marriage of art and technology.

Inspired by urban vinyl, we created the mimobots with intentions of injecting a dose of interactivity into the designer toy movement, and to bring style and soul to personal tech devices. mimobots are available in 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, and 2GB (all Hi-Speed USB 2.0) and are compatible with Windows and Mac. mimobots are made with love in the USA.

I am pretty intrigued looking at these UBS Drives. Have any of you seen one or own one? I am curious to see one.

In supriya, 12/09/2005 | Original | Archive | Post to del.icio.us | Technorati

Fido has a cell phone?

Tigerlily recently blogged about an interesting article which talked about PetCells. Though she did not seem very excited about the idea, I think its a great great invention. I am a big pet lover, and I would love for my dog tp have a cell phone.

As Tigerlily mentions, its a great way to track a lost pet. I do not know of many other systems out there which can be used to track lost pets, so I think its a very useful tool.

I specially like the idea of being able to talk to your pet if you are away on a vacation. While this might sound over the top to many non-pet-lovers, but its a great relief to be able to just say hello to your dog or listen to them bark while you are away. I know many pet-lovers who basically set their answering machine on speaker, call their home-line and talk on the phone hoping their pet is around listening to them.

I wonder how the phone network would work, as in, will it have some kind of a phone plan or will it be like a prepaid service? I am definitely excited for this new PetCell to hit the markets.

In supriya, 12/08/2005 | Original | Archive | Post to del.icio.us | Technorati

Wipe that Drainage off your Sink

I know I’ve been totally on the new trends and inventions things but they are just so cool. ANd I wish that it would catch on with everyone else just so I could get EVERY SINGLE ONE, cause they are just so cool.

Inhabitat posted a new invention that’s green from Gau Designs that is way cool. Its a sink, that when it drains spills into another little area where you can plant a little something and will help it grow. You use your dirty water to help something else grow. And it looks nice in your bathroom without you having to decorate it. ohhhhh sweetness. I wish I could live in a green house, I really love the color green.

I really like this idea because it plays off of the idea of not wasting anything and assumes that the resources we use are precious, because they are -> they are limited no? I think the ideas of using technology to create sustainability is the way of the future. Our population is growing too quickly for the rest of the world to catch up and one day we are just not going to have enough of everything, so hopefully, today is the day we can start really reusing and using even less

In Shady Waters, 12/08/2005 | Original | Archive | Post to del.icio.us | Technorati

Running on your Sun

Yes that’s right. Solar panels for you car! This is for Zeenah and her post earlier about Hybrid cars. THese little sweeties can be fitted to the top of your car and re-juice your electrical engine. It’s just too sweet for words. They are flexible and so bend to the car’s contures and so don’t effect arrow dynamics. You might not have to worry about that, but you will have to worry about the sun. Which I believe we are missing in Michigan, but hey who cares when you have solar panels on your car right?

In Shady Waters, 12/08/2005 | Original | Archive | Post to del.icio.us | Technorati

Matching your Colors

Can anyone say clashing? Well clash no more with this LED scarf. This wonderful thing changes to match the colors that you are wearing. It’s that great, you never have to run to the store and find something that matches the shirt you just bought because it will match automatically.

Its such a cool idea and has such great potential. Just thinking about the things that are made of cloth that are around me, like my bed, the clothes I’m wearthing, the carpet ;D, my backpack, my shoes, my swimsuits, my underwear, ok that might be a bit much. But still, It could possibly reduce the number of clothes we buy and consume, because they become more versitile. One might need to have control over the color that the clothes change to, but then I would only need to have one tshirt because it would changed to whatever color I felt like that day, it would be great!

And you would only need to have one set of bed spreads, because you could change into what every color and maybe one day, pattern that you wanted. Oh the possibilities!! Maybe they will figure out how to change the color of other things, like jewelry, desks, pencils? What would you want to change color?

In Shady Waters, 12/08/2005 | Original | Archive | Post to del.icio.us | Technorati

Bundle up your Layers, Kids! We’re in for a ride!

I’m on a roll! Literally….CD’s are just rolling around in my head.

For those of you following the blue disc vs HD DVD battle going on. Latest development is that Panasonic has started their pilot production of the Blue disc. Its a double layer blue cd. The single layer has been out for awhile, which in itself holds about 25gigs. But the double layer holds 50 GIGS! Woot….they are still trying to layer more and more layers getting up to 75 or 100 gigs. Ohmi….I’m drooling just typing.

But you have to wonder…..how long does it take to burn? And why isn’t anyone working on the burning technology

In Shady Waters, 12/07/2005 | Original | Archive | Post to del.icio.us | Technorati

Adding Tablets to your Fuel Tank

YEAH! we are one step closer to losing our dependence on fossil fuels. Danish Scientist have found a possible way to store Hydrogen safely and easily. This article is a short summary of how the new invention works.

The tablet is made out of ammonia which is absorbed by sea salt. To be honest, I don’t know what that means, but the result is that its a safe and stable form. Until now the concern has been that driving with a tank full of liquid hydrogen is dangerous because really…..it’s just a bomb waiting for a collision. BUT NOW: you can carry this in your pocket!

Oh I’m just waiting for my fuel cell car…anyday now….aaaaaaaanyday!

anyday….

anyday

soooo soon….anyday….

is it here yet?

In Shady Waters, 12/07/2005 | Original | Archive | Post to del.icio.us | Technorati

Running on Water…Ions

As I was browsing borders, I ran across this book called “Earth from above” a fantastic book. Really it is! It takes pictures

Cleaning your clothes without water. How supurb I think one of the reasons that I love technology so much is the ability to not only improve our lives in terms of cost, effciency, and simplicity, but also its ability to improve our footprint on this world and enviornmnet.

A lot of times, in class or during a presentation, we will hear companies talking about their footprint. But their “footprint” isn’t enviornment, but more presence, brand equity in different countries, so on and so forth. I think its interesting that some companies are approaching this issue of footprint, as making it the biggest in the world, such as GM, and other companies are approaching the idea with leaving no foot print, such as Interface, a floor covering company. Their goal is to aim for full sustainability, to not have to take anymore from the enviornmnet, to tear down old carpets to make new ones or make their carpets biodegrable. I hope they make it.

The CEO’s story, Ray Anderson, is interesting. He had an epiphany after reading a book and realized that he was leaving behind mess and waste for his children and so on…he was in a sense, stealing from his children. Interesting no?

In Shady Waters, 12/07/2005 | Original | Archive | Post to del.icio.us | Technorati

Question: Sprint’s data leadership

I was just reading some articles, and came across Sprint’s leadership is wireless data services. It talks about how Sprint has 5.5 million subscribers for its data service, and also the EVDO network by Sprint.

I am not sure, but by data services, are we simply talking about wireless internet access? I know T-mobile has something called the Hot-Spot where you basically access wireless through T-Mobile and pay them. Is this the same service but provided by Sprint instead? Also, are these data subscribers using it primarily to access wireless internet from their laptops or from their phones? Lastly, what is the EVDO network?

Any help on this topic will be appreciated

In supriya, 12/05/2005 | Original | Archive | Post to del.icio.us | Technorati

A Trend towards “Girly” phones

Its interesting to see how handset manufacturers are specially making phones to cater to their female consumers. The Motorola Razr, which in my opinion is over-rated, was recently released in pink. Personally, I like how the pink Razr looks. However, the CL75 Poppy phone by Siemens is kind of overdone. Click here to see a picture of the phone. The phone is not only pink, but also has a poppy flower impression on it with Swarovski crystals. Its interesting to see the trend towards “Girly” phones. I haven’t seen any phones out there which are spefically catered to the male consumers.

I wonder how much money is invested in designing each of these handsets, as they are designed by world’s top designers and what kind of profits these companies make!

In supriya, 12/02/2005 | Original | Archive | Post to del.icio.us | Technorati

Bendable Fendable Fibers?

I recently ran across info about flexible electronic paper It has been created by Fujitsu and this site, provides very specific information on it. Pretty much it is a think flexible screen that does not change color when touched or flexed. I’m so excited about this newest invention because of the possible applications.

A few weeks later I also found information on a 360 LCD TV screen that’s mainly being used for advertisements. Honestly its just so cool. Up till now, everythings needed to be flat and can’t bend, but now you can put TV’s in odd corners and bend them at funny angles to fit. Oh the possibilities of having display screens in areas one wouldn’t think of The link for the 360 TV provides a ton of shots of different examples and its just fascinating because really….it looks like a huge banner printed but its not….it’s a TV. And with that enlightening statement I’m going to hole up and gaze at my little TV screen that is folded and bent up underneath my bed.

In Shady Waters, 12/01/2005 | Original | Archive | Post to del.icio.us | Technorati

Oh Wireless, Oh Wireless for everyone!

I ran across a really interesting article talking about the rebuilding of New Orleans. They are going to put wireless in the city, starting in the city center and french quarter and then slowly work its way out. They are placing points on top of the street lamps so that the signal will be faster. This is mainly to jump start the city back up and bridge the digital divide for low income families.

I know that there have also been talk of wireless also in the Seattle area and Ann Arbor, but I haven’t seen anything. I think this is going to be an interesting area in the future, not only because of the technology applications but the consequences that will come about, intended and unintended of having the ability to access the internet anywhere anytime. One such consequence is that the internet providors are complaining because it is the state governments entering the market in providing wireless.

And even at the sametime, wireless is provided so freely, if a family cannot afford to spend money on a computer that has wireless….the real question is, what’s the point then?

In Shady Waters, 12/01/2005 | Original | Archive | Post to del.icio.us | Technorati

Don’t be so bitter

Imagine Cup is Microsoft’s annual competition seeking new ideas and talent. You spend months trying to come up with something new and workable in the hopes of winning $33,000 and a trip to India. Kevin Shockey, an O’Reilly blogger, seems to think that this is begrudgingly unfair. Why? Well his point is well taken that after you win you have to sign away your project to Microsoft, or any other corporation that has a similar competition, when that company could be earning millions of dollars if your product (probably much altered, since the competition is for young inventors) wins with the customer. I would say that’s fine. But (come on it’s me, there’s always a but) it’s a choice. Afterall, life is not meant to give you credit and all the benefits because you came up with a basis for an idea. If that is what you’d like to do with your life, then you become an engineer and sing your life away on tweeking your little ideas in an office setting where you can annually benefit from your inventive genius. But let’s get real, this is for young people and quite frankly they do it because they do have an idea and that’s it. They are spending the time to win the trip and win the money. If you find yourself thinking that’s not fair then don’t do it, no one made you, nor anyone has asked you to make this your career. At the end of the day it’s business and the ending product would most likely involve way more complicated inputs than what some young mind can come with as an idea. For the idea, they get a trip and some nice cash.

In Pink Footsie, 12/01/2005 | Original | Archive | Post to del.icio.us | Technorati

Static In Rupert's Satellite Dreams

Why two way technologies among others are threatening the life and profits of DirecTV

In del.icio.us/pinkfootsie, 11/28/2005 | Original | Archive

Google's Name Game

Google Print changes to Google Book Searcg

In del.icio.us/supriya, 11/20/2005 | Original | Archive

The Email Time Capsule

Write an e-mail to yourself and be assured of receiving it 20 years in the future

In del.icio.us/supriya, 11/20/2005 | Original | Archive

Building the next generation IT infrastructures

Lessons learned from old IT infrastructures in organizations and what we will see in the road ahead of us

In del.icio.us/supriya, 11/19/2005 | Original | Archive

Sneak Peak at Office 12 (Beta 1)

Before it comes out in 2006, click here to learn about the changes, new features and potential upsides/downsides

In del.icio.us/supriya, 11/19/2005 | Original | Archive

Possible cure for Cancer in progress

An interesting article on how doctors are injecting a certain kind of a virus in patients to fight tumor cells.

In del.icio.us/supriya, 11/19/2005 | Original | Archive

New Geneva speakers for your iPod

This home stereo system looks really nice. I haven't explored in in terms of power/output yet, but it definitely is very neat to look at.

In del.icio.us/supriya, 11/19/2005 | Original | Archive

The human beach ball

This is the most amazing beach ball. It encloses a person, and allows you to run on water

In del.icio.us/supriya, 11/19/2005 | Original | Archive

Google Print: Google set to display books

Google Print will now provide the entire content of books and government documents on the internet

In del.icio.us/supriya, 11/19/2005 | Original | Archive

No more 'Literary Texts'

Dot Mobile, a British mobile company will be condensing classis works of literature into SMS messages to make studying easier for studetns

In del.icio.us/supriya, 11/19/2005 | Original | Archive

Watch your favorite TV show from anywhere

The Video iPod has made it possible to watch your favorite TV show even though you may not have access to a TV Screen

In del.icio.us/supriya, 11/19/2005 | Original | Archive

Tech Gift Guide for 2005

Need help buying Thanksgiving gifts? Or want to buy a camcorder or other electronis for yourself? Check out this site.

In del.icio.us/supriya, 11/19/2005 | Original | Archive

World's first $100 laptop

Tech evangelist Nicholas Negroponte wants to outfit the world's children to improve education.

In del.icio.us/supriya, 11/19/2005 | Original | Archive

More on adding Counters to blogs

In response to Super Matt’s post on adding counters to blogs, I did some web research. I was not familiar with the concept of adding counters to blogs, but I have definitely seen some on websites. Are these counters provided by online services? Like I saw several advertisements which promoted using their counters on your blogs. How does it work? I thought you could just code your own counter on to your website, as in why do you need to subscribe to these online services for these counters?

In response to Super Matt’s question:

If anyone knows how to add a counter to a blog using HTML I would be interested.

I came across thie website: http://spaces.msn.com/members/techsupport/Blog/cns!1pDN_tcfqkBZhtaAhAuEfRhA!179.entry. It seems like it should work, but I have not used it. It may help.

Another question- Do you add the counter to a blog post, or to your blog page? Thanks.

In supriya, 11/17/2005 | Original | Archive | Post to del.icio.us | Technorati

Sidekick II gets an upgrade

New features include Javascript functionality in the Web browser; customizable screensaver; improved headset support; buddy icons for AIM; better search for text and many more

In del.icio.us/supriya, 11/08/2005 | Original | Archive

Open Source, Open Wallet

Open-source business models are booming in the software industry, a rapid rise that has some experts wondering if it's a bubble that will burst.

In del.icio.us/supriya, 11/08/2005 | Original | Archive

Google's new ad-referral program

Through the Referral Program, Google will reward AdSense participants that refer other small Web publishers and bloggers to the program.

In del.icio.us/supriya, 11/08/2005 | Original | Archive

New Worm targets Linux Systems

On Monday, a new worm that spreads by exploiting security vulnerabilities in Web server software started attacking Linux systems

In del.icio.us/supriya, 11/08/2005 | Original | Archive

Microsoft's new revolution - Windows Live

Microsoft announced vital changes to its Windows Ops. System and other popular software programs to counter the stiff competition from Google.

In del.icio.us/supriya, 11/08/2005 | Original | Archive

World's first million dollar cellphone

A new device, perhaps more bling tone than ring tone, has begun to emerge, catering to customers who care little for miniature movie cameras or built-in MP 3 players, but for whom talk is never cheap.

In del.icio.us/supriya, 11/08/2005 | Original | Archive

Yahoo and TiVo are collaborating to further blend TV and Web Services

Through the partnership, Yahoo's Internet-based content and services through TiVo's digital video recording devices.

In del.icio.us/supriya, 11/08/2005 | Original | Archive

Microsoft may buy a major stake in AOL

To expand its global reach, MS is in talks to buy a major stake in AOL

In del.icio.us/supriya, 11/08/2005 | Original | Archive

MIT campus goes wireless

Is it good or bad? Do you like having 24/7 access to the net? Or do you consider it a threat to your privacy?

In del.icio.us/supriya, 11/08/2005 | Original | Archive

Making our entire campus wireless?

I was pretty surprised to find out that the entire UPenn campus is wireless during my visit there in 2004. Just reading another article on CNN, I found out that MIT is also completely wireless now. As the article reads:

MIT’s newly upgraded wireless network — extended this month to cover the entire school — doesn’t merely get you online in study halls, stairwells or any other spot on the 9.4 million square foot campus.

I think it will be pretty exciting if our campus went totally wireless. Recently, I have had a lot of trouble with wireless connections- specially in the Kresge library. While completing our Project 1 for this class, our group would get kicked out of the Secure Shell every 2 minutes because of bad connectivity. It was super frustrating given the rather cumbersome steps to log back on to SSH.

On the flip side, I wonder how secure the campus-wide network will be? Would it be a bigger threat to our privacy? Also, I don’t think I’d want to be connected all the time. Not having internet at times is a good excuse to get away from work, and I would not want that to be taken away!!! Any views?

In supriya, 11/08/2005 | Original | Archive | Post to del.icio.us | Technorati

Bought spoiled beer lately?

Sun Microsystems extending its rays of chips.

In del.icio.us/pinkfootsie, 10/23/2005 | Original | Archive

Video iPod capability

In line with Matt’s and Kevin’s comments I think the video capability on the new versions of the iPod is a nifty but a bit overrated feature. The only segment this could possibly serve right now are kids especially when they’re in the car (instead of putting on a movie in the van and having the kids scream about the options, each kid having its own screen and picking own podcasts could solve the problem and keep the mother’s sanity). The one cool thing though is that Apple is thinking of partnering with different groups like TiVo and other content producers to serve the segment on the go. This could be useful to access old content, much like TiVo is used or content abroad (a favorite show while on a trip to Poland). It’s fun, but how useful is it remains to be seen. The truth is that the world will change and if this feature proves to be the knack for the new generation, who knows what will happen…

In Pink Footsie, 10/22/2005 | Original | Archive | Post to del.icio.us | Technorati

Would you use a pocket sized TiVo?

Will Apple and its partners revolutionize the way we see TV and entertainment? Will it be useful on the go?

In del.icio.us/pinkfootsie, 10/21/2005 | Original | Archive

Inform.com....more than just a searchengine

Better at variations in searches than Google

In del.icio.us/pinkfootsie, 10/21/2005 | Original | Archive

Pen it to me

FlyPen opening doors for kids. It reads, writes and talks (and no I haven't had coffee yet)

In del.icio.us/pinkfootsie, 10/21/2005 | Original | Archive

Successful Space Mission

Manned Capsule touches down in China

In del.icio.us/supriya, 10/16/2005 | Original | Archive

Microchips to track pythons and crocodiles

Microchips would be planted in dangerous pets such as pythons to keep track if they were to get lose

In del.icio.us/supriya, 10/16/2005 | Original | Archive

Will Google, AOL and Comcast join forces?

A recent development where the three companies want to form a new entity to leverage content programming.

In del.icio.us/supriya, 10/16/2005 | Original | Archive

Apple's New Video iPod

Video can be viewed on Apple's new iPod, which is expected to set off a new trend with video podcasting.

In del.icio.us/supriya, 10/16/2005 | Original | Archive

Denali Flavors: A fascinating concept

In continuation with Tigerlily’s blog about Denali Flavors, I think its a fascinating concept. Before my introduction to Denali Flavors, I had not heard of the concept where ice-cream makers buy the flavors and add-ins from other suppliers. I was always under the impression that every ice-cream manufacturer essentially makes his own flavors to maintain his exclusivity. I think a company like Denali is a very interesting concept. I was wondering if this concept is more popular in US or is it also renowned internationally? Does anyone have a better idea?

I wonder if this concept exists in India, since I was not familiar with it ever. This has prompted me to do some research on Google.

In supriya, 10/15/2005 | Original | Archive | Post to del.icio.us | Technorati

A $100 Latop?

MIT introduces a new revolution of laptops

In del.icio.us/supriya, 10/09/2005 | Original | Archive

Web 2.0 has arrived

"Web 2.0" stands for the idea that the Internet is evolving from a collection of static pages into a vehicle for software services, especially those that foster self-publishing, participation, and collaboration.

In del.icio.us/supriya, 10/09/2005 | Original | Archive

SMS gains popularity

Bible group spreads word by SMS

In del.icio.us/supriya, 10/09/2005 | Original | Archive

WebSite Management Woes

ISP spat blocks Net for thousands

In del.icio.us/supriya, 10/09/2005 | Original | Archive

Robots Race on Saturday

Unmanned vehicles being pushed by Defense Department

In del.icio.us/supriya, 10/07/2005 | Original | Archive

A challenge to Microsoft?

Google and Sun join hands

In del.icio.us/supriya, 10/07/2005 | Original | Archive

Google and Sun join forces?

An interesting merger of two big powers

In del.icio.us/supriya, 10/07/2005 | Original | Archive

Bit of Torrent Attack

Bud happened to post a del.icio.us link to an attack on Bit Torrent. The corporations are running as peers in the systems and sending chunks of garbage instead of the actual file. For those who don’t know, Bit Torrent is a little simpler than a regular file sharing such as Kazaa, napster, or DC++, in that it just connects you directly to other computers to share the file instead of running it through a middle man or server. It also runs better the more people who are sharing the file itself, called seeding. No one person or computer “hosts” the file, but instead puts their file up for sharing and downloading The longer, more you share the fast your own download goes. It does this by swarming…I think is the correct term, because a majority of your bandwidth is unused which is a waste, so BT just takes over the extra stuff. That’s the best way I can describe it, I might be wrong but its my type of lay terms correct me if I’m wrong.

I’m particularly upset about this recent info about people funding garbage. The whole point of BT is that you can share things easily and it encourages sharing. This is similar to when record companies started getting on Kazaas and others and sharing songs with blanks in it to deter people. Do they really really think that this will deter people? NO…they will still search. I doubt this is the real solution and could be spending so much more time just actually making downloading more legalized. It’s not going away, now or never, live with it!

To further this sharing, here are some links of bit torrent programs: official bit torrent page, ABC torrent (I use this), Azureus, Bit Tornado. You just download this little program, and then search the internet for file links of bit torrent, click, save on your computer through the program and you’re downloading. The only downside is that if no one is sharing or seeding…there’s a likelyhood that you won’t get your file.

I do try not to download US stuff…just to be on the safe side, but I use BT mainly for manga so…

In Shady Waters, 10/05/2005 | Original | Archive | Post to del.icio.us | Technorati

Problems with the Nano screen

As the Nano gains popularity, users are complaining about the screen being easily scratched

In del.icio.us/supriya, 09/24/2005 | Original | Archive

Google releases toolbar for FireFox

Additional features like spellcheck are included in this new toolbar

In del.icio.us/supriya, 09/24/2005 | Original | Archive

Your height determines your wages

Will I earn less just because I am short--- an interesting read

In del.icio.us/supriya, 09/24/2005 | Original | Archive

Michigan launches center for stem cell biology

The University has recently announced extension in the field of stem cell research

In del.icio.us/supriya, 09/24/2005 | Original | Archive

Keyboard sounds: A threat to your privacy

I came across this interesting article which talks about how researchers have developed a way to spy on your computers through monitoring the keyboard sounds. Its a form of acoustical spying. Its almost scary to think how one can translate the clicks of the keyboard to valuable information and invade your privacy. With life becoming more dependent on computers, it seems like the danger of using these machines is increasing by the minute. Indeed, an interesting article to read: Researches snoop on keyboard sounds

In supriya, 09/24/2005 | Original | Archive | Post to del.icio.us | Technorati

Will Xbox 360 dominate the video-game market?

Recently, we analyzed a case in our CSIB class regarding the video game market, and the Xbox versus Playstation videogame wars. Reading an article on CNN, it seems like Xbox is ready to dominate the market. As stated in the article, “Lifting a page from Sony’s PS2 launch, Microsoft plans to have the Xbox 360 on U.S. store shelves November 22 — months before the upcoming PS3 — giving it a leg-up in market share and an edge with hard-core gamers willing to pay top dollar for the latest technology. Last time around, Sony beat Microsoft to market by slightly more than a year.”

I am not a big video game fan, but it makes me wonder if PS2 players will give up their loyalty, and switch to Xbox 360 just for a few months. What do you feel? The coming months will definitely be exciting for the video game fans out there!!!

In supriya, 09/24/2005 | Original | Archive | Post to del.icio.us | Technorati

Start your Zoom Zoom Engine with a USB

Both Supriya and Pink Footsie have been looking into this interesting concept of plugging in an USB mp3 in to a car and playing music. While as Pink Footsie has said it’s not a really new concept, just not one that has picked up, the way that Mazda has decided to use their USB is.

On Everythingusb.com, they happen to have a short article on how Mazda uses the USB flash drives to, most interestingly:start the engine. It also does the usualy mundane things like *yaawn* transfer directions, and of course play songs of your choice.

The pictures look sweet and I can’t wait for mine. But I do wonder about the secruity of the USB starting your engine. People could just copy it to theirs and hop in your car. Life’s hard.

In Shady Waters, 09/17/2005 | Original | Archive | Post to del.icio.us | Technorati

Wiki Wiki What?

Supriya happened to be musing about Wiki, the interesting encyclopedia that is gaining popularity on the web.

One of the things that makes it so special and popular is that it actually is an encyclopedia that is put together by the people of the internet. If you know something about the topic, you can just log in and start editing, adding, changing whatever you feel.

You can provide links and write any information that you would like. Here’s the page on Wiki itself and explanations about it.

I think its an interesting concept but I sometimes wonder how correct it is. Wiki says that its ok to be wrong because someone else can come in and edit it, but while we are waiting for someone who has a better idea of what is really true, tons of people are running around with the wrong information. Who knows what they could be thinking…they could be thinking that poop has proporties of helping acne. I wonder if it does.

But it also brings up another interesting question about mashups, the things we brought up in class? The definition is for different websites. But is this a mashup of different information and knowledge?

In Shady Waters, 09/17/2005 | Original | Archive | Post to del.icio.us | Technorati

Nintendo's revolutionary video-game controller

A new innovation by Nintendo where the controller looks more like a TV Remote, and can be operated by one hand only

In del.icio.us/supriya, 09/16/2005 | Original | Archive

The new Blog search engine by Google

Does this hinder the blogger's privacy even more as Google searched into their journals?

In del.icio.us/supriya, 09/16/2005 | Original | Archive

USB for your car

Plug in your MP3 player to your car dashboard with the latest technology

In del.icio.us/supriya, 09/16/2005 | Original | Archive

What is Wikipedia?

What are the other features of Wikipedia besides an encyclopedia? I have often heard people talking about using “Wiki” to build a shared database or maybe something similar to blogging. But I have not used it so far. It will be interesting to learn more about Wikipedia if any of you can share your insight on it.

In supriya, 09/16/2005 | Original | Archive | Post to del.icio.us | Technorati

Can you make fuel out of cats?

This article talks about a German inventor making fuel out of dead cats. Indeed, some technologial inventions can be distubing.

In del.icio.us/supriya, 09/14/2005 | Original | Archive

SensiTile - A recent invention by a Michigan Graduate

I was fascinated looking at this site. The wonders of technology...

In del.icio.us/supriya, 09/14/2005 | Original | Archive

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