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