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

Miniature Human Cellphone

Japan is making a cell phone that has the features of a human, human larva, and, minimally, imitates the movements of the person talking to the recipient of the call. Besides being squeezable, it's body wiggles and vibrates for incoming calls and movements, with even more limitless movements to come in the future. I know I wouldn't want a pocket person for a cell phone as it seems a bit disturbing to me, but it would make an excellent gag gift.

Here is the link for more information:
http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2011-03/video-squishy-larval-human-japan-could-be-your-next-cellphone

Video of the cell phone: 

BMW integrates Smartphones

BMW came out with an BMW Connected app in their cars' head units, which looks just like the screen of and uses the apps off of a smartphone. They are doing this so users have the ability to access their  facebook and twitter accounts while in the car, as well as internet radio capabilities and, in the future, other apps preset on the phone. Having a built in remote for the internet radio is a neat idea, but I see an accident just waiting to happen when one goes to read or post to their online account while driving. What would be even better is if they come up with a way to keep users from accessing facebook and twitter when the car is in motion.

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-20036183-48.html

Internet In Space

Well, I talked about cloud computing in my last blog, but I just came across an article saying Google is taking it further, in space. They are planning on launching the internet in space by using Disruption-Tolerant Networking (DTN) which would open up the possibility of internet without disruptions both here on earth and in space while broadening the internet farther. Google is planning on using "InterPlanetary internet protocols" this year on the EPOXI (Extrasolar Planet Observation and Characterization investigation (EPOCh) and the Deep Impact eXtended Investigation (DIXI)) to use for communications. If this proves successful then they could use "InterPlanetary internet protocols" on all spacecrafts that are to be left in space, not to mention if every country who goes in space adapts to this idea imagine how far the internet could expand.

The links I found to be the most helpful are:
http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2011-02/google-plans-bring-interplanetary-internet-space-year 

(this link tells what EPOXI was intentionally made for and where the name came from)
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/epoxi/epoxi20100628.html

Cloud Computing

 Cloud computing helps eliminate the need for hardware, software, servers, staff and all other necessary components to create applications needed. Instead, you can buy into the cloud when you need to and for however long you need, whether it be by the minute or the hour. This makes the security and management of the applications worry free. You are buying into an application that can then be customized by you whenever you need and is ready for use when you're finished and only you and whoever you want to can use your customized version of that application. Using e-mail is also a form of cloud computing as the e-mails sit on a server somewhere else, which is not usually in the home.
 Here is a video explaining more about the benefits of cloud computing:

Here are a couple of links if you would like more information on cloud computing:
http://www.salesforce.com/cloudcomputing/
http://communication.howstuffworks.com/cloud-computing.htm

Biometrics - Eyeometrics

Among thumb printing, eye scanning and facial recognition another form is being used for security. Just like handwriting, eye movements have a certain pattern to them and can tell you apart from one person to the next. Traditional eye scanners only look at the shapes of the eye, but eyeometrics can measure the movements your eye makes when you are staring into the scanner. Eyeometrics can be used with a video camera and they are even looking into making an app for this to use on smart phones, which would be good to keep credit card information safe as we can already make purchases with them.
For more information check out this link:
http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2010-11/new-foolproof-biometric-software-tracks-unique-eye-movements-identification

3D Rapid Prototyping- Musical Instruments

3D Rapid Prototyping uses multiple materials combined at one time to make a 3D image, which comes in handy in designing so you can see and feel the dimensions. At MIT a student has created a working flute with 3D Rapid Prototyping just from a digital image, on the downside it takes about 15 hours, but think of all the possibilities that this technology could make easier that was not possible before. And although the flute still has some kinks to be worked out it is amazing that it works at all and how far technology has come. To see the video of the flute and see the trumpet that is next in line to be made check out the link.
http://createdigitalmusic.com/2011/01/a-flute-made-on-a-3d-printer-and-the-possibilities-to-come/

Humanoid-Romeo

Romeo is a Humanoid being built by Aldebaran Robotics in France to be prototyped  by March 2011 for an annual Robotic/Humanoid show. For his movements they will convert electric currents into motion, and vice verses, by using cables and screws, a picture of his leg mechanics as well as more information can be seen in the link below. Romeo will be designed to help around the house, like having your own personal Butler, and is targeted mainly for hospitals, nursing homes and the elderly, although he can be a helpful companion for anyone. At only 250,000 EUR, which equals to 336,525 USD, it makes you wonder how long it will take for everyone to have their own Romeo at this price. Of course you have to keep in mind that Romeo has been designed, but not made, yet, and even when they do make him the question remains will they be able to program him with all of their high expectations that will be needed for helping around the house?
http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/humanoids/france-developing-advanced-humanoid-robot-romeo

Introduction

Hi, name is Tammy and I'm looking forward to learning more about technology in this class.
I have worked on databases and web pages, both of which I would love to work with more, and have done some programming in college. I have always loved computers, but until now I have only surfed the web, used e-mail and previously worked in an electronic department and photo department. I never even used notepad much less word, power point, publisher, access or excel, all of which I now enjoy working with. This is my last semester, I'm excited to be job hunting after graduation and will be helping a family member with web designing to get more experience in the mean time.
I look forward to working with each of my classmates and wish them all the best of luck in not only this class, but all of the ones they are taking!