Gadgets Blog » New Technology

Family Safety: New Car Feature Limits Teen Driving Speed

brock — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 17:44:35 +0000

When I was 16 and got my license oh-so-many moons ago, I was a reckless maniac on the streets. I would go down the roads at 80 or 90 miles per hour and a host of other dangerous things that should have gotten me killed, but I was lucky.

Sadly, not every teen gets the same deal, and many die in tragic car crashes because of reckless driving. Ford’s new upgrade to the MyKey technology gives parents the option to set the maximum speed limit for the car to between 60 and 80 miles per hour.

So, if your child spends all his time on the highway, then you can set the max speed of the 60 miles per hour, and if they are heading on the freeway, then you can set it for 65. This is some major parental control technology that will inevitably save lives and, at the same time, cause serious teenage tantrums. I can just hear it now: “You’re ruining my life!”

As the parent of three boys, one of which will probably try cliff jumping by the time he’s 10, I am fairly scared about the day they earn their licenses. If they are anything like me, then they will try to do many reckless and crazy things that I will never know about.

I can guarantee you that the day my oldest gets his license, I hope and pray this technology is available on the car we are driving. If I had my way, then I would probably set it for like 25 miles per hour.

The MyKey upgrade also allows parents to limit the satellite radio channels their children can listen to. Satellite radio has several channels that have explicit lyrics, and teens love to have the f-word thumping as they go down the street.

They can still have the windows rattling, but at least it will bleep out all the bad words. I am sure that by the time my kids get to that age, explicit lyrics will likely be on the regular radio. I guess I am just going to have to take the stereo out so he can belt out lyrics from the window. That will be hilarious to see. After all, isn’t it the right of all parents to publicly humiliate their children?

Maybe by the time my kids are driving, they will have cars made out Nerf material so they can never get hurt. I know, even I couldn’t let my children drive around in a Nerf car… or could I?

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/wendypiersall/3202049022

Electronic Cigarettes: Healthy Choice or Risky New Addiction?

brock — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 18:23:16 +0000

One day, as I was walking into my local gas station, I saw a big poster on the window featuring electronic cigarettes. These newest stop smoking aids allow users to imitate the act of smoking, inhale nicotine and expel a smoke-like vapor.

I have never been much of a smoker I have seen too many of my family members suffer from the addiction and the health issues that came from it. Many of the people who smoke try to quit the habit at some point in their lives, often several times, and they can’t seem to break free from the addiction.

There has been nicotine gum, the nicotine patch, medication and now the electronic cigarette. I did a little research, and there are many brands and a starter pack of a cigarette, charger and nicotine vapor cartridges, all costing between $60 and $100, which is a substantial initial investment. The cartridges last about the equivalent of two packs of standard cigarettes, and over time, you apparently make it up in savings because the cartridges are less expensive.

Proponents say the e-cig is a safer alternative to smoking, because you get the nicotine, as in the gum and patch, without the other poisons that are present in standard cigarettes. They also say that the act of smoking is just as much a part of the smoking experience as the nicotine, and the electronic cigarette helps by giving people that as well.

There have been reports of the possibility of inhaling solvents as well as the nicotine in some brands and that this is less of a stop-smoking aid and more of a substitute. You end up becoming addicted to the e-cig just as much as the regular ones. In defense of the electronic cigarette, there are varying amounts of nicotine in the cartridges, so you can choose to purchase those with less nicotine and slowly wean yourself off.

I have seen a few people use these out on the street, but I don’t think it has gained a wide range of use yet. It may be bigger in the more urban areas, but in middle America, you’re more likely to see a pack of Marlboros than an electronic cigarette.

I would love to hear from other people out there who have tried these and what kind of results they have had. As far as gadgets go, these are truly unique, and I wonder if they actually work to help stop smoking or if you just end up substituting cigarettes for electronic cigarettes.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/fred_dela/2233912349

Man Vs. Machine: What Is “Jeopardy” in February?

brock — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 20:09:43 +0000

Scientists have always tried to prove that computers are faster, smarter and better than the very humans that built them. Kasparov defeated Deep Blue in chess, but a revamped program derailed him, and now they are going after the last vestige of human intellectualism on television (besides “NCIS”), “Jeopardy.”

The two biggest winners in “Jeopardy” history are going to go head to head against IBM super computer Watson in two televised matches in February. Ken Jennings won 74 games and more than $2.5 million, and Brad Rutter won more than $3 million in his appearances.

Watson is the culmination of four years of research into allowing a computer to understand a question — or in the “Jeopardy” sense, an answer — and to figure out the answer/question. In human terms, it doesn’t seem like that big of deal. When we hear 2 + 2, our brain formulates the answer using logic, and we realize that the answer = 4. Even if we haven’t heard the question, we can understand the logic.

A computer only understands what it has been told. So if a computer hears 2 + 2, it will only know the answer if someone has written a program that tells it how to answer. Random questions from random categories are difficult for a computer to answer, because it has to use context clues and targeted information gathering.

So if the question is Who shot John F. Kennedy?, then the computer’s memory could have tons of data on John F. Kennedy, but it must be able to decipher the answer. If it does beat the two champions, then Watson will have proven that computers can think and be a major coup for scientists, moving one step closer to computers pulling something like “The Matrix” or “The Terminator.”

I have the unfortunate feeling that, come February, Watson is going to beat the two “Jeopardy” champions. It has already passed the test taken by would-be contestants and has been sparring against other champions. I hope my instincts are wrong and that humanity can retain some semblance of superiority over the computer world.

I only hope that when the computers take over, it’s like “The Matrix.” I will take an artificial world over constant war with Arnold Schwarzenegger any day.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/joeduck/3179711337

Microsoft Kinect Prepares for Launch

Dan Evans — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 17:07:02 +0000

Back when current generation gaming consoles were being released, a perplexing turn of events set Nintendo apart from its competitors. Where Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and Sony’s PlayStation 3 opted for high-powered machines that supported other kinds of multimedia, Nintendo kept the graphic capabilities on their Wii console relatively limited, embracing instead a motion-sensing control scheme that provided an extra dimension to their video games. Nintendo’s gambit seems to have paid off, with the Wii standing as a high-selling console with positive market trends on the rise.

Enter Microsoft’s reaction to the Wii. While the Wii controllers had motion-sensing devices built into them, Microsoft’s Kinect controller is entirely hands free. The device is capable of spotting human movement while mounted just in front of the television screen — no controller required. That person’s movements translate into in-game activities, creating an experience that Microsoft hopes will be perceived as more involved and compelling. The players don’t use a peripheral anymore. Instead, they use their entire bodies.

Slated for release one week from today, the Kinect has been met with both praise and skepticism from the gaming community. Many have been skeptical of the Kinect’s ability to operate in the manner Microsoft intends, and the release titles don’t demonstrate anything particularly gaming-intensive. The majority of the release titles for Kinect resemble Nintendo Wii counterparts, including sports mini-games, dancing and rhythm games, and even weight-loss titles. Down the line, further games, such as Forza Motorsport 4, will offer Kinect support, but nothing in the launch titles suggests anything other than casual.

The Kinect device comes packaged with an Xbox 360 for only $229.99. This stands as a pretty great steal, until you realize that this package only has a 4GB hard drive packaged with the console. Microsoft is pretty clearly going after the casual gaming market with this latest device. Still, it could stand as a great package, provided your gaming needs aren’t that demanding. In the 360, you also get a great way to stream Netflix and play some other great titles, but hardcore gamers will want to pass on the $150 upgrade that the Kinect presents.

Photo Source: flickr.com/photos/popculturegeek/4756565723/

Looxcie Camera: Will An Ear-Mounted Camera Catch On?

Dan Evans — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 20:35:21 +0000

If the world of modern electronics has taught us anything, it’s that social norms and standards are liable to shift at any given point in time. Telephone calls used to be a private action, e-mail and texting were considered impersonal, and putting personal information online seemed a risky endeavor. Today’s gadget, the Looxcie (which I’m assuming is a play on “look-see”), challenges another social norm, that being recording everything you do with a video camera is done only by weirdos and creeps. This bluetooth enabled camera is mounted on your ear, documenting your every move.

Its an interesting concept, one that is bolstered by the Looxcie’s innovative design. Just a bit larger than a typical bluetooth headset, the camera has a bright light that goes on when its recording. Using a foam-based clip, the unit latches onto either you left or right ear. The camera can record for up to five hours of video before it doubles back to the beginning and starts writing over the start of your clip. The battery life is impressive to allow for such a thing, but this is perhaps understandable when you look at the video quality: it’s only 480 x 320 with 16 fps.

The interesting dynamic with the Looxcie is its integration with your smartphone OS. While Android 2.0 is the only operating system currently supported, plans to include Apple and Blackberry devices are currently in the works. The Looxcie uses bluetooth to connect to your phone, which can then be used to upload video straight to the Internet. Your phone can even be used to edit the videos, and a “quick-upload” feature automatically submits 30 seconds of video to Facebook or YouTube.

While the idea behind the Looxcie is innovative, gadget aficionados will have to stop and think hard before picking one up. For a steep $199, users will likely be disappointed by the hardware inside the camera itself. If you’re in the market for a device like this, it might be worth checking out. Ideally, you’ll be able to have documentation of all life’s little surprises thrown your way. Hopefully you’ll be able to enjoy this with minimal teasing from your friends, too.

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/

The Slide: TiVo and the Future of the Remote Control

Dan Evans — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 19:09:04 +0000

Wireless technology may be all the rage in our current generation of electronics, but it’s been present in our living rooms long before it made the trip to our computers. The television remote control is arguably one of the most iconic items of the 20th century, a clear-cut sign of technology being put to practical application. No longer would couch potatoes need to stand up to change the channels on the TV. Combined with the ever-complex array of buttons required to operate a modern television, and it’s no wonder a high percentage of the population struggles with such a deceptively simple device.

TiVo’s new remote is not likely to change any of that. The remote itself has become an endangered species, as online services such as Netflix and Hulu have begun steadily endangering television as we once knew it. The frustrating act of finding a specific program to record on a traditional remote has been a major inconvenience, which explains TiVo’s innovation. Styled much like a cell phone, a QWERTY keyboard slides out from the bottom of the remote, allowing the user greater flexibility with entering information into their TV receiver.

The Slide, as it has been dubbed, isn’t a universal remote, only working with TiVo-enabled devices. While this can be a great asset for someone with this type of device in the first place, it doesn’t solve one of the biggest problems with television remotes: the sheer number required. With each device requiring its own unit to operate, the buildup of three to five remotes in a typical living room has become the norm.

The future of the remote may be in question, but TiVo’s step towards a unit that looks like a smartphone isn’t all that far off. Touchscreen technology could very well become the norm over the next several years. Right now, apps such as RedEye on the iPhone and iPod touch are able to convert these devices into universal remotes, capable of operating a variety of gadgets. With free options such as this floating around, is it only a matter of time before the remote is a distant memory?

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/iwantanimac/2082195303/

Casio Unveils New Generation of Calculator

Dan Evans — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 18:05:49 +0000

In some ways, the irony of this post is quite fitting. This morning, I had an accounting midterm at school that only allowed the most basic of calculators. An accountant doesn’t need much more than addition and subtraction, but if you’re mathematical requirements are more demanding, Casio has a solution for you. Other companies, most notably Texas Instruments, have provided high-tech calculators for advanced mathematics for the last several decades. Casio has seemingly one-upped their competitors though with the PRIZM fx-CG10, the first color-screen graphing calculator.

The PRIZM doesn’t look like your typical scientific calculator at first glance. Put side-by-side with my Texas Instruments TI-89, the PRIZM has about half as many buttons, but the large display screen dominates the frame of the device. The 3.7 inch color display screen has a resolution of 216×384 pixels, capable of displaying graphs and charts in a bright and easy to read interface. The idea behind this innovation is simple: graphs can be displayed in a manner similar to that in the textbooks. Ideally, this will improve the ability of math students to grasp concepts presented in trial problems.

Other features to the PRIZM are truly unique in the world of calculators. A camera mounted on the front of the device enables the user to take pictures, importing them into the graphing portion of the calculator. By taking a picture of an object, the user is able to find mathematical patterns derived from the picture itself, selecting the part of the image to graph. Additionally, the device boasts many advanced computation abilities, including derivatives and other forms of calculus, as well as financial formulas and algebraic capabilities.

With a battery life of 140 hours and a price tag of $129, the PRIZM has the potential to become a hot item for a scientist or mathematician. Casio wisely got the device approved for a number of standardized tests, including big names like the SAT, ACT, and AP Math exams. While the PRIZM is certainly excellent, its steep price tag does raise some questions: is there still room for single-function gadgets like this in the world of electronics? Sure, on a test something like an iPad won’t be allowed, but beyond that, integration of multiple items into the same gadget is becoming the norm.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/afroswede/6910007/

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/

UEFI: Is This New Technology the End of BIOS?

Dan Evans — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 21:27:43 +0000

As prevalent as computers have become in our daily lives, one of the most important features in an electronicdevice remains one of the oldest. BIOS, which stands for basic input/output system, has remained a part of electronics since it was created over 25 years ago. The simple computing processes provide the vital start-up systems for computers of all shapes and sizes. The technology which debuted in 1979 was never intended to last as long as it has. Yet the fact that it remains a part of modern computers explains why devices have such lengthy starting times.

That’s where new technology designed by a cooperative of computer scientists comes into play. UEFI, or United Extensible Firmware Interface, has been designed to perform the same function as BIOS with the modern computer in mind. Old computer functions under BIOS have had difficulty adapting to the numerous elements of modern computer, especially USB peripheral devices and external harddrives. UEFI takes these relatively new advancements into consideration, which is good news for developers: developments that remain just on the horizon such as touchscreens and “natural-gesture” interfaces will be able to work smoothly.

But the real attraction here is boot-up time. A typical computer now takes thirty seconds or more for the log-in screen of the OS to appear. This is due largely in part to the limitations of BIOS. UEFI can cut that time to literally seconds. In an article with The Telegraph (UK), head developer Mark Doran gave us a look at what it could be capable of. “At the moment, it can be 25- to 30 seconds of boot time before you see the first bit of OS sign-on. With UEFI, we’re getting it down to a handful of seconds. It’s not quite instant-on, but it is already a lot better than conventional BIOS can manage.”

UEFI is expected to begin moving into the market share next fall. It’s a development that could provide a subtle, but highly beneficial boost to the development of personal computers. As the demands on the basic systems of the computer begin to grow, sublte changes such as this will allow computers to become smaller and smaller, all the while being more responsive to our personal needs.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/oskay/367844180/