Dropbox Cloud Tool

I did a powerpoint on how to get started using Dropbox:
https://docs.google.com/a/myedge.cc/leaf?id=0Bzar2DC2gvxTZTA2ZWRjM2QtYmRjZi00Zjg5LWEyODEtYTAzNjExNGZlMDI2&hl=en

Userful Cloud Based Tools

1. Netfabb - Allows 3D printing users to get repairs needed for their STL (stereolithography) files anywhere they are.
http://www.netfabb.com/news.php?nid=16

2. Spiceworks - Allows those in IT positions to monitor their inventory, which may include desktops, virtual machines and servers, while they are on the go.
http://www.spiceworks.com/

3. Audiotool - Allows users to take a combination of different music devices and create a single song from them all.
http://burn-studios.audiotool.com/

4. Dropbox - Allows users to save files to as many computers as they want at the same time and can share any file just as easily. Also, you are able to work on something on one computer and continue where you left of on a different computer.
https://www.dropbox.com/tour/2#1

5. Evernote - Allows users to save anything that they want to from notes to images in one place and keeps track of it all by organizing them.
http://www.evernote.com/about/learn_more/

Nintendo's 3DS - 3D Game Play

Nintendo just came out with a hand held game system that uses a stereoscopic 3D display that keeps users from having to use the 3D glasses and still have the 3D effect. You can even choose how much of the 3D effect you would like to have, if any at all, by using the slider on the side. Also, the game reacts to movements with built in gyro and motion sensors, much like the ipod touch, to give the gamer more interaction with it and keep them on their toes. It has the option to play older games as well, although they will not be displayed in 3D, and they have given the user the option of taking pictures in 3D with a camera, that is there are two cameras used to take a single 3D picture. This technology is neat as it improves its uses by how we see with our eyes and has come a long way from having to use glasses to see 3D on 2D screens.

Link for more information:
http://www.nintendo.com/3ds/hardware#/3

3D TV Replaces 3D Glasses

Nintendo has introduced a new technology that I believe will, eventually, replace Hi Definition televisions of today. They have come up with a way to make their Nintendo 3DS in 3D without the need to wear the glasses.  Besides not having to wear those dorky glasses anymore,  another benefit to having a 3D TV will be that it won't matter where in the room you sit to watch the television you will still be able to see it in 3D as if you were sitting in front of it.  A barrier is used on the screens creating stereoscopic effect that is unique for each eye as each one views things differently. Only thing is you need to take breaks every hour, which should be done anyways,  to be sure you don't get headaches or motion sickness, - so, those all night marathons wouldn't be as much fun I'm sure. I'm not sure I'd want a 3D TV all the time though, it is neat in the theaters, but having things jump out at you when you are just walking by the television might scare the mess out of someone, would be a good laugh though.

Link to more information and an interactive image of 3D viewing:
http://www.popsci.com/gadgets/article/2011-03/how-it-works-3-d-tv-without-glasses

Kinect use on Quadrocopter

MIT's robotics has taken the Microsoft Kinect, that you use with the Xbox, and use it on a UAV quadrocopter (unmanned aerial vehicle, quad-motored helicopter). Using the University of Washington's SLAM (Simultaneous Localization And Mapping) it can do autonomous 3-D mapping and flight which comes in handy for areas that aren't compatible with GPS and does the processing on the quadrocopter itself using the sensors of the Kinect. It can also tell whether there is any movement with it's IMU (inertial measurement unit). I'm sure that because it is being sponsored by the Office of Naval Research and the Army Research Office that it's uses in the field will be invaluable as our soldiers will remain safe while mapping out dangerous areas and can tell where there are people as well.

Links for more information:
http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2011-03/video-mits-quadrocopter-carries-kinect-autonomous-flying
http://www.geek.com/articles/geek-cetera/kinect-hacked-to-make-uav-quadrocopter-20110331/

Video of the Kinect in action on a Quadrocopter

Smartphone App turns pictures into 3D models

There is a new App, developed by Microsoft researchers, that takes your multiple pictures of an object, from all sides and angles, and "stitches" them together to create a 3D model. You can rotate the recreated image, as if it were a single 3D image, right on your phone and even takes up less bandwidth than if you were to take a video of every side of the object. The only downside is that the object can't be moving, although I'm sure they are working on that. This would come in handy for placing items online that you advertise, specific items you are selling or just want to show off, and even for those who are considering to buy an item.

Click here for more information:
http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2011-03/new-mobile-app-builds-realistic-3-d-models-cell-phone-camera-snapshots

Click here for more information in depth:
http://www.technologyreview.com/computing/37021/?ref=rss&a=f

White-hat hackers Design Hack App

White-hat hackers (good hackers that use their knowledge for good and not for evil) Michael Gough and Ian Robertson designed Caribou, a hack app that bypasses cardkey locks for doors long enough for someone to get in the door. Although this App is not available on any smart phones and there is information about the specific cardkey lock you are trying it on that you need, like the IP address, it is both scary and great that this knowledge has been found. The great thing is that Caribou is helping the security of the car-key locks and they are already working on fixing it. It could be used like an onstar service as well, although I'm sure high security buildings would most likely not want that service.

Here is a video of it at work:
 
For more information:
http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2011-03/video-android-app-hacks-cardkey-protected-doors-one-click