Processing Meets Droid

Peter Kirn of createddigitalmotion.com has recently posted an article addressing the new Verizon Android phone with capable access to Processing the computer program. This article was found via twitter and then news spead like wildfire. The processing development center promises the same streamlined, sketchbook-like production flowthat Processing offers on the desktop. This is the first of many programs the Android will receive in competition with the iPhone, who just recently received Flash.

This is highly useful and technologically innovative because this could have came in handy if I had the droid with Processing on it in my Interactive Media Studies class where we had to use Processing to create aesthetically computated codes displaying creative works.

http://www.creativeapplications.net/android/processing-is-coming-to-android-processing-android/

Dreamweaver: CSS Advice

This article is a 10 step tutorial advising the reader on instructional tips for writing a stronger web code via html. These steps are designed to improve the CSS content in the developers code. In the article, the author provides visual samples of code referencing each tip they instruct the reader on.

What caught my attention on this article was the title broadcasting “10 Tips for Writing Better CSS”. Working in Dreamweaver is not the easiest at times, so it is helpful to have instructional aids that can assist me with the work I practice in. In fifth grade, I experimented with Dreamweaver, which makes it aggravating that  I can’t not remember most of the tools and tricks I was sufficient at.

This article directly relates to our class discussion because, currently, the class is working on the website project using Dreamweaver. In order to create a solid webpage in Dreamweaver you have to link your html page to a CSS page to manage a structured site. I can use this article in pursuit to complete my assignment. Hopefully,  it will help me avoid minor mistakes or speed bumps I may run into.

http://webdesignledger.com/tips/10-tips-for-writing-better-css/

Who uses keys anymore?

Let’s say your on a business in New York, and your car is parked in Chicago. Your objective is to unlock your car. No worries. Roman Mica posted this article announcing Mercedes collaboration with the iPhone and the Blackberry. The application is called mBrace. For first time buyers its free for the first six months, then it will tax you at $280.

The New York Times states:

“Another handy iPhone and BlackBerry app will locate your car and provide directions — ideal for those of us who tend to forget where we parked at the mall. And unlike similar functions on some portable navigation devices and smartphone apps, this one does not require you to remember to pinpoint your car’s location when you park.”

This app is extremely nifty and profitable being that it can enhance everyday life for people who live on-the-go (i.e. business men, college kids). People now will no longer not be able to find their vehicles; spotting their car will be effortless. This app is highly convenient even though you have to own a $30,000+ car just to use this app.

This relates to our class because it shows how web 2.0 is a growing entity that is taking the communication world by storm! This app incorporates a designed figure that through a vpn client number can control and operate a 3,000 lb machine. Unreal! Technology is an epidemic and its spreading rapidly.

http://www.examiner.com/x-2812-Road–Driver-Examiner~y2009m11d16-Mercedes-annouces-new-iPhone-app-that-unlocks-your-car-anywhere-in-the-world

What can’t the iPhone do?

In this article, Om Malik, the author, reveals to the public that video chat is now accessible on the iPhone using skype. The application is Fring, a messaging startup based in Israel, which allows you to receive video calls on the iPhone. I know most of you are wondering how could the iPhone access video calls when the camera is located behind the phone. Thats a normal thought, however, it can only receive video calls, it can not outsource video calls. Basically, a user behind a desktop computer can call out to an iPhone user using Skype, and the iPhone user can watch it on their home screens. This casting call can only operate using Wi-Fi.

Aside from the fact that I own an iPhone, which is like the matrix phone to me because it does everything, but being able to use access social networks over their mobile device using video to see someone in another state,

country, or continent. Technology surprises me everyday and due to Web 2.0 these social networks are a means for joining everyone in a multi-connected community.

Earlier in this course we discussed the new wave of internet as Web 2.0, explaining that social networks as Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Skype etc. will have a major impact during the course of 2009. Each will develop immensely connecting users from all areas, geographically, in public forms sharing user-generated content, information, and various sources of media. This stream of information allows users to access news faster than ever before. With the merge of Skype with iPhone accessibility, people who are merely making average phone calls during their day can now stream social networks with these applications such as skype keeping them connected in the web 2.0 community.

http://gigaom.com/2009/12/01/video-calls-iphone/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+OmMalik+%28GigaOM%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher

Xbox’s Limitless

Daniel Terdiman reported that this November, Microsoft will be releasing to the Xbox community social networks as Facebook, Twitter, and Last. The new updates will also allow Xbox to stream videos content rather than waiting for it to download. Microsoft implemented this feature to allow users to make photo slide shows on their tv.

This move by Microsoft is ingenious because it allows more users to interact socially through the means of their xbox. Most users when they are not sitting behind the screen of  a computer, they are glued to the screen of a tv. Due to recent changes, made by Microsoft, those users who were not currently streaming the web on a computer, can now do so straight from their xbox console.

This latches on to the concept we covered in class regarding web 2.0. The further developers incline themselves with the growth of user-applicable programs, the further web 2.0 expands. Allowing xbox to access social networking sites is broadcasting a higher network for users to reach mainstreaming a broader community of people. Web 2.0 is a much sought after creation that creates a proper setting for users to interact in a global network.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13772_3-10375534-52.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20

Up, Up, and Away

 

 

 

 

 

CBS, the mainstream network, aired on 60 minutes, their network program, that NASA has successfully designed a flying machine that hovers, soars, stops, and flies well above sea level. Its called the AirScooter. The inventor Woody Norris was credited top prize for his invention as the Lemelson-MIT award for his life’s achievement as a half million dollar gift. It will be released later on this year. It’s controlled by a computer operating system that allows millions of people to fly whenever they please in their very own vehicle.

The evolution in technology is revolutionizing society as we speak! With the development of these computer operating systems and the AirScooters driving on land will quickly become obsolete. This transforms the normal highway on the road to the new “highway in the sky”. I have always opened the doors on cars and imagined they could fly, and now its roughly at my fingertips.

The title of this class is Information:DigitalAge, and this article satisfies the name of this course explicitly. The content of this article is record-breaking news. This is much sought after “information” that people would like to know about, especially since these will be released towards the end of the year. An important topic such as this one could only be found through this new wave of shared information as WEB 2.0. Through social blog postings and social bookmarking sites such as Delicious, I may have never heard the inside-scoop, and if I did, I guarantee it would have been much later than when I did discover.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/04/15/60minutes/main688454.shtml

Google Owns The World

Flash. Are we ready? Too late…it’s here! Dropping this November 6th, Google’s second attempt at the ultimate phone emerges, in hopes to tkae the world in captivity! The Android 2.0 serviced through Verizon is said to outbeat the infamous, iPhone. With condescending commercials such as “I don’t” marketing the iPhone in the backlight, its no wonder that people are curious about what the Droid has to offer. Motorola has been working on its creation for the past two years, struck it with lightning, and now their monster has come to life!!!

Gizmodo.com seems to believe that the Android will be the phone to take over the world. Supporting their hyposthesis, the Android is the first phone to be equipped with web 2.0. They believe that the iPhone will be no match for the Android in the years to come, “you can expect Android, or its unofficial pseudonym “Google Phone,” to become a household name. Besides, Android will start creeping into our lives in places we might not expect it. It’ll power our settop boxes, ebook readers, PMPs and who knows what else. It’s not just going to be the next great smartphone OS, it’ll be the quiet, invisible software layer that sits between all our portable gadgets and our fingers. ”

Personally, the Droid commercials are dope by slandering the iPhone to promote itself, but as seen in presidential elections the campaigner who puts down the other party, usually seems more desperate and discredible to vote for, while the other party soaks in the spotlight as a noble and bigger person. With that said, the guys at apple most likely will not respond because they already stand for something. That’s prestige!! Plus, I, myself, am an iPhone owner, so I can’t jump the bandwagon everytime something new comes along. Also, visually, I feel that the iPhone is much more simplistic and stylish than the droid. The droid appears to have more gadgets and seem more complex, which targets a more youthful market than a wide-based demographic as the iPhone struck.

Day Old Rivalry

Once again the two adversaries cross paths. PC and Mac. With the new release of Windows 7 and Snow Leopard operating systems, its no wonder these two forces have such strong fields of competition. I have always been  a PC user, so I am generally, more comfortable with Windows than any Mac software. However, I have been spending a great deal of time lately pursuing and familiarizing myself with the programming of Macs. Honestly, I am just waiting for the day until PC and Mac decide to merge and create the ultimate Operating System ever!!

Typing: Old. Talking: New.

Just when the world thought that computers could not develop any further, it does! Computers have facilitated life immensely throughout its expansion. We have all grown quite fond and comfortable with the ever-popular QWERTY keyboard system. Most people on average type anywhere from 40-60 words/minute with 90% accuracy or better, however, there is the select few, who manage to type 90-100. Well aside for the robotic few, most of us have relied on our fingers to hastily express our thoughts and feelings through the web. Now, all of that has changed! WIth the release of Dragon NaturallySpeaking 10, a voice-recognition system, we can replace the keyboard and type emails, word documents, power-points, blogs, or wall posts on a social network using simply: our voice.

On average, most speak 120 words/minute, which significantly rains upon the amount we type. By using this easy-to-use product we can be more efficient using our PC. Imagine controlling your PC completely by the power of your voice. You can start documents, open/close windows, type spreadsheets, anything! Your power is limitless!!

Twitter Replaces The Gavel

Court rooms conventionally conducted order through logic, reasoning, and evidence of the given situation, following the rule “guilty until proven innocent”. The expansion of live web opening up more loop holes in the world that were hidden before, providing access to inclusive information that could link to the case, has now left social networking services the “judge” of the case.

Donal Blarney, a political webblogger, has fallen victim to identity theft via twitter. Apparently, an impersonator has copied Blarney’s identity, and addressing himself as such. Being that the impersonator has yet to be detected, a court in the UK is approving of a law firm to serve an injuction using twitter. The UK passed a law stating that any injunction does not have to be served in person and can be breached through various means such as fax, email, etc. This is an effectively, innovative tool in the court room. It can serve to protect the copyright of public figures in the years to come. Who knew the power of a social networking service…