Gadgets Blog » Breaking News

Google TV: Sony Unveils TVs Powered by Google

Dan Evans — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 19:49:30 +0000

The latest chapter in the long-building rivalry between Google and Apple is coming not to you mobile device, your computer, or even your office at all. In the last few months, both companies have set their sights squarely on a new battleground: the living room. Apple has made the foray into television before, with the modest failure of Apple TV. However, with a redesign and deals with major television and movie studios, Apple is back in action with a new device. Not to be outdone, Sony unveiled Google’s retaliation with a host of devices powered by Google TV.

The televisions themselves are what has become standard in our 21st century TV market. High-definition models supporting up to 1080p boast bright screens, between 24 and 46 inches. There are inputs for everything from an XBox 360 to a Blu-Ray player. HDMI support enables the user to easily plug their computer in for additional workspace. Each of these models, which go on sale this Saturday at BestBuy and online from Sony, support WiFi and have 4 USB ports, which are beginning to live up to their “universal” billing.

The real draw here, of course, is the Google TV option. Google’s approach to online television differs drastically from Apple’s. Steve Jobs and company built a media empire by providing products from Apple directly, as seen by their App store and iTunes. Google, instead, works with existing media providers to provide a more open alternative. Netflix and Hulu come built into Google TV, along with other free programs such as YouTube and Pandora. Web surfing comes courtesy of Google Chrome, turning these televisions into more than just a means for watching movies.

The final feature? A bulky remote unit that boasts a solid QWERTY keyboard for Internet use and a navigation device that resembles a video game controller. The user is able to surf the web and access multimedia from a single unit. The additional features come at a steep price though. The largest unit available costs a staggering $1399. It remains to be seen if users will be willing to pay extra for access to Google’s vision of the living room multimedia center. Keep an eye on this situation as it develops, and be prepared for a corporate showdown in front of your couch.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/dailylifeofmojo/4624947455/

Redemption Card: CITI Unveils New Credit Card

Dan Evans — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 18:19:32 +0000

The electronic transfer of money has become so simple in the present day that it’s no wonder something like identity theft is such a rampant problem. With only a little more than a few numbers are needed in order to make a purchase online, credit card companies were forced to take additional measures to secure their transactions. With the risks of credit cards also come great opportunities. As companies started offering rewards points back on purchases, customers began taking advantage of these promotional offers. Now, CITI is taking the credit card to the next level.

The “Redemption” card, as it has been dubbed, looks futuristic even for a credit card, with its textured CITI logo and LED lights at either side of the card. With an extensive rewards program in place, the card enables users to access their Reward points at any given point, putting them towards a purchase on the spot. The LED lights are actually buttons, with one selecting Regular Credit and the other Request Rewards. If you want to put your reward points towards a purchase at any given point, just pressing the button allows you to do so in the next transaction.

The card has been developed by Dynamics, and is quite interesting from a design standpoint. Building the lights into an ordinary-shaped and sized credit card is no small feat, let alone allowing the LEDs to remain charged for an extended period of time. The program isn’t being widely implemented just yet. CITI is planning on a limited release around the United States in the next few months. If the idea is appealing, its worth checking out. You could save some money on your next credit card purchase.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/thetruthabout/2912979213/

Time for a Change: Inside Intel’s Upgrade Service

Dan Evans — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 20:22:14 +0000

As far as computer hardware companies go, few have the same level of brand recognition as Intel. The classic four-toned advertisements from the 1990s established the manufacturer in the public eye, and with good reason. Intel’s world of computer processors has fared well in the 21st century, with the chips being incorporated into laptop computers, smartphones, and tablets. However, if you happen to have an Intel chip in a desktop computer, upgrading to a new CPU has been one of the more difficult and technically challenging upgrades to make.

Intel, in an innovative idea, has decided to simplify this process. The Intel Upgrade Service is a new program intended to allow users to upgrade their computer without needing to make physical changes to the computer. Intel’s latest run of computer chips offered consumers a puzzling choice: pay a premium to unlock additional computing power, or do nothing and enjoy a reduction in the processing power.

The move has seen both supporters and detractors, with compelling arguments on each side. In order to make the upgrade, users purchase an online product from Intel, which then downloads an executable file to their computer. This file launches an upgrade process on the computer, unlocking the additional computing power. The entire process is simple to follow, a lot like installing any other file from the Internet.

Supporters of the measure point out its a great way to make upgrades to a computer more viable. Some users won’t require the extra memory, thus enabling them to save on the less expensive chip in the short-run. However, others are upset that Intel would put a product to market and also deliberately block out part of its physical capability. To them, the chip should be usable as it is. It will be interesting to see if this idea catches on to other aspects of computing.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/huangjiahui/4907798630/

Microsoft Unveils Internet Explorer 9

Dan Evans — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 19:49:54 +0000

It’s hard to believe the 1990s were a staggering 10 years ago, and it must be even harder if you’re a fan of old-school computing giant Microsoft. The big-bad wolf of the 1990s tech boom, Microsoft has found itself in a bizarre place in the 21st century. Apple’s business model of providing both hardware and software for their electronics has earned them a new devout following, while Internet-based search giant Google has essentially given so many products out for free they’ve established themselves as huge player in the gadget world. What’s a multi-billion dollar company to do?

One glaring weakness in Microsoft’s armor has been Internet Explorer 6. The Internet browser, still the most common one in use, comes standard on Windows-running personal computers, but its prevalence has also opened it up to a number of weaknesses. Users craving security have turned to Apple’s Safari, Mozilla’s Firefox, and Google’s Chrome. That could be changing, however. With Internet Explorer 9, which was released in beta earlier this week, Microsoft aim to fix a number of these security concerns, once again providing a quality product for the millions who still use IE.

Amongst the most noticeable changes is the joining of navigation and search into a single bar. Much like Google Chrome, IE9 ties its navigation bar into the Microsoft Bing search engine, providing instantaneous searching and browsing of the web. Its an interesting step for Microsoft, who once scoffed at the idea and stated it compromised privacy too much. IE9 places its tabs next to the search bar, instead of above it a la Chrome or below it a la Firefox. This limits the amount of space each tab gets, which could be annoying for users (such as myself) who jump back and forth between a huge number of tabs at any given time.

While other minor changes bring IE9 up to speed with rivaling browsers, the most exciting is the addition of a download manager. Instead of a new pop-up window for each download, IE9 has a single pop-up window displaying all active downloads and their statuses. This feature, while slightly different from other browsers, has some great advantages, enabling users to keep tabs on a high number of downloads. Additionally, IE9 doesn’t require high amounts of cache space to make downloads, instead plopping them down right in their destination on your hard drive. There might be more improvements afoot for the final version of the product, but thus far, IE9 looks like a great step to putting Microsoft back in the browser game.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/j_aroche/3114533455/sizes/s/in/photostream/

BPG Werks’ Shredder Destroys Segway Scooter

Dan Evans — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 21:10:36 +0000

It seems like only yesterday that the infamous Segway scooter seemed poised to take over the world ofpersonal commuting. With its stylish design, futuristic two-wheeled platform and energy-efficient engine, nothing seemed to stand between the Segway and designer Dean Kamen and global domination. Sadly, in the years since that debut in 2001, the Segway has hardly been the international transformation it was initially billed as. In part, the limited functionality of the small wheels diminished the appeal, and piloting one of them sadly was more difficult than suspected.

Apparently BPG Werks didn’t get the memo. The company specializes in extreme-sports type gadgets and modes of transportation and has several contracts with the United States Army. The company’s newest toy is, for lack of a better word, awesome. With a Segway-esque design, featuring a motorized platform and handlebar style controls, the Shredder is nothing like its older brother. BPG Werks approached the same idea with something entirely else in mind: namely, serious off-roading and performance-level speed and agility.

The skateboard-type platform boats some remarkable performance specifications, designed to scooter infantry around all sorts of terrains at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. With a 4-stroke 200 cc Honda engine, it weighs in at a hefty 125 pounds. The suspension works to keep the board from being hi-centered, an important feature for something designed to carry up to 1200 pounds. Toss in an impressive turning radius of four feet and the Shredder is a highly versatile method of motoring about. BPG Werks’ website is adorned with intense graphics of the thing, with good reason.

Of course, the sad truth at a certain point in time is that the gadget will never see widespread implementation in the armed forces. Through BPG Werks, you’re able to put down a $250 down payment towards the purchase of one once it’s released. In the meantime, videos of the Shredder should be more than enough to tide any extreme sports aficionado over. Keep an eye on this one, as it has the potential to appear in extreme sports video after video in the next year.

Source: techngadgets.com/shredder-from-bpg-werks-will-beat-up-your-segway/

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/peterkaminski/181721075/sizes/s/in/photostream/

For Sale! GoDaddy Goes to Auction

Dan Evans — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 22:06:05 +0000

In the wide world of the Internet, few things are as essential to a website’s recognition and survival as their URL, the address a browser uses to find the desired pages. Domain names are an integral part of website development, and as with most things online, there’s money to be made in the distribution. GoDaddy.com, a website specializing in domain name registration, announced over the weekend that they would be putting themselves up for auction. A move that could value the company for as much as $1 billion. With a recognizable name and a reputation around the Internet, the company’s sale could see some changes to this particular market.

GoDaddy itself is built around an interesting idea. Bob Parsons, an outspoken individual who founded the company in 1997, was one of the first entrepreneurs to jump on board domain name registration. Essentially, GoDaddy has worked as a middle-man, enabling up-and-coming web developers to obtain a unique domain name without requiring an extensive knowledge of the Internet and web design. GoDaddy’s business model has since expanded, offering up tools for web development as well as e-commerce and security tools for developers expanding their online presence.

The expected auction price for GoDaddy has a lot to do with their aggressive marketing campaigns over the past several years, with advertisements netting the company a following and making them a recognizable website. Super Bowl ads featuring “GoDaddy Girls,” including professional race car driver Danica Patrick, may have been tacky to some, but the company benefited greatly from this increased recognition, posting revenue of nearly $800 million in 2009. Furthermore, other companies dealing with domain name registration have sold for inflated values recently, including Web.com Inc, which sold for $135 million.

With over 43 million domain names under management, GoDaddy would make an excellent acquisition for a number of communications companies. Thus far, the company has been held tightly by CEO Parsons and a limited number of shareholders who stand to become quite wealthy out of this buyout. The only uncertainty in the process would be any changes that GoDaddy would undergo under new management. Regardless, the story of this company should serve as a reminder that sometimes little businesses make it big time in the world of technology.

Source: online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703597204575484153733196856.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/hyttinen/4800167313/sizes/s/in/photostream/

What’s Happening in the Tech World?

Ritika Puri — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 18:13:09 +0000

Here’s a roundup of some of the loudest buzz on the web:

A Verizon iPhone to hit the market? Rumor has it that a Verizon iPhone will be available to consumers as soon as January 2011. Two reports are powering this buzz: (1) AT&T’s quarterly filing, which details the company’s strategic plan to reduce dependency on a “single handset” and (1) Apple’s recent orders for Qualcomm CDMA chipsets “for a Verizon iPhone run in December.”
Speaking of iPhones: Mark Papermaster, the exec. in charge of the iPhone, left Apple in the midst of the iPhone 4′s antenna problems. Those in the know-how are not authorized to provide additional details.
ComScore released demographic information about the behavior of men and women online. Women are in the majority when it comes to social networking, email, and IM, and women over 55 are the largest demographic of online gamblers.
An adjustable parking meter? The City of San Francisco will be installing parking meters that adjust their rates based on demand in order to control the city’s tough parking situation. The test-run will last for two years.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/seattlemunicipalarchives/4035768966

WiFi & Cell Phone Service Comes to the New York Subway

Dan Evans — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 16:59:32 +0000

Underground public transit: perhaps the darkest black hole of gadget technology. While items like laptops and cell phones allow us to stay connected to the world on the go, places with poor reception can be frustrating and cause interruptions in gadget use. For commuters who require extensive electronic use as a part of their jobs, this can be more than just an inconvience. These “black holes” of reception, however, are coming to an end for New York City commuters. Earlier this week, the city announced that they would begin installation of WiFi and cell phone service in the New York Subway.

According to an article at “ArsTechnica,” the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York has been looking for a contractor to make these installations for some time now. They’ve finally reached an agreement with a company called Transit Wireless to bring service for all major cell phone providers and internet connections for laptops and iPads alike. The focus has been to provide service at subway stations, but according to the article, the structure of the subway tunnels will allow for service to be broadcast up and down the tracks.

The transition won’t be instantaneous though. Transit Wireless will have two years to construct testing facilities at some of the 277 subway stations in the New York area. After preliminary testings, the firm will have an additional two years to finish the full implementation of cell towers and WiFi hubs. Its likely that the majority of the lines will have full reception, an impressive engineering feat.

Technology certainly will have progressed by the time the entire network is online. At the same time, this marks a transition for the mass transit system as a whole. In the past, the subway has been something of a haven from the buzz of electronic gadgets. The convenience will certainly be helpful, but noise and cell phone conversations could become a new annoyance to commuters. In the meantime, look for this continuation of WiFi’s expanding realm. It won’t be long before the internet will be nearly ubiquitous.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/striatic/449749

“World Cup of Data Sorting” Yields New Technological Records

Dan Evans — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 17:50:08 +0000

While it might lack the thrill of a 74th minute goal in the final, as well as the general good looks of professional soccer players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionell Messi, this previous week saw a similarly important international event break some exciting records. The 2010 Sort Benchmark competition pits some of the world’s best computer scientists up against each other in a variety of fields of competition. Many of the challenges yield exciting new ideas of how to arrange and access data on our computers. This year, an important world record was broken, a sign of the futuristic times we are all living in.

A team of computer scientists from the University of California, San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering managed to rig a computer to sort through a staggering one terrabyte (that’s 1000 gigabytes for those keeping score at home) of data in under 60 seconds. The same team managed to sort through one trillion data records in 172 minutes, a feat made staggering by the sheer amount of information the computer processed. The two records are currently on display at the nonprofit site run by scientists to show off the latest and greatest in the fields of information sorting.

The technology itself has increasingly useful application in our modern computing world. In the age of Facebook-targeted advertisements and Google searching, individual queries to a large website can run into multiple petabytes (again, 1,000 terrabytes.) With numbers this impossibly large, its critical that computer be able to keep up with information system demands. Running queries of this size and scope is likely to become a staple of computing in the future. The competition is intended to generate new ideas for the future of computing.

UC San Diego computer science professr Amin Vahdat, who led the record-breaking team, explained in an article at BioScholar the importance of this kind of work: “Companies are pushing the limit on how much data they can sort, and how fast. This is data analytics in real time.” The application for these high-capacity data centers is continually growing, and while the technology may seem impossibly huge now, it in reality is just a matter of time before these same features begin making their way to our personal electronics.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/swanksalot/2704017177

Data Mining Laws: Who’s Responsible for Your Privacy?

Dan Evans — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:46:21 +0000

Written by Dan Evans & Ritika Puri

Dan:

For a company that has become as ubiquitous with the Internet as Google, the firm has maintained an air of moral purity that is rare in the modern business world. Unlike a company like Microsoft, which made plenty of enemies during its rise to the forefront of the technology world, Google has kept a public image tailored to being the good guy in the 21st century. Many of their best products are released for free, and they generate finances not by charging their users, but rather by engaging in ingenious advertising sales. Some services, such as Google Maps, offer not only a practical application, but also continually wow users with the impressive array of information available.

However, in an article from the “Los Angeles Times Blog,” it seems there’s a concern growing about one facet of Google Maps: the fantastic Street View feature allowing us to see a staggering number of locales from the ground level. According to the article, Google allegedly collected information from unsecured WiFi connections while filming the street. Google recently unveiled a feature allowing for users to see WiFi hotspots, many of which were not supposed to be accessible to the public. Google, since 2007, has allegedly picked up 600+ gigabytes of data from these unsecured WiFi points.

The investigation into this matter, according to the article, is headed into overdrive.

Connecticut Atty. Gen. Richard Blumenthal, who has been leading the month-old investigation, sent a third letter to Google on Wednesday asking, among other things, whether it had tested the feature’s software before putting it to use. Doing so, he said, should have uncovered any glitches responsible for the unwarranted collection of e-mails, passwords and other personal data of those who failed to protect their networks with passwords.”

Google’s responses continue to generate more questions than they answer,” he said in a statement. “Now the question is how it may have used — and secured — all this private information.

Blumenthal, who is running for Sen. Christopher J. Dodd’s seat, also said that attorneys general from 37 states and the District of Columbia have officially joined the probe, including those from Texas, Florida, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri and Massachusetts. Eight states would not be identified because their laws bar them from disclosing investigations, he said.”

Ritika:

According to Google, the 600 gigabytes of data was obtained in error and was never used. For this reason, it is ambiguous whether Google committed a crime, and the legality of the situation is in a gray zone.

The revelation of Google’s data collection practices have raised questions regarding legal practices surrounding data mining. Should businesses be subject to monetary and criminal penalties for acquiring private data — either willfully or by accident? Did Google actually commit a crime if no losses or damages occurred? Were there even any tangible losses or criminal violations of privacy? Above all, shouldn’t wireless network administrators make an effort to protect their networks and encrypt their data?

If physical property was the debated issue, the law and penalties would be clear-cut. When you take something of someone’s, for whatever reason, it’s theft — regardless of whether the property was acquired from an open area or safety deposit box. Of course, there are also laws that protect privately owned land from criminal trespassing.

As the Internet continues to evolve, the law struggles to keep up to pace. Who is ultimately responsible for your privacy? Legally speaking, should users be obligated to show a good faith effort to protect their information? In the realm of digital information, should businesses make an effort to implement protective measures so that they don’t “accidentally” pick up information (especially since protective measures already exist in security-enabled wireless networks)? Should the law and society treat digital property as real property? Especially in light of recent movie and music industry lawsuits, the law seems to be heading in that direction.

In the case of Google, we’ll have to see what direction these new precedents will pioneer.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/criminalintent/25654014