Archive for New Technology
Soon You Might NEED Your Smartphone to Shop
Posted by: | CommentsWith smartphone apps evolving to simplify the art of separating you from your money, like: scanning barcodes to price compare while shopping, receiving personalized updates and discounts, and give the ability to bag as you shop and eliminate the ringing-up process, you can now add another function to that progression. However, this one has the potential to be more beneficial than most. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags will give consumers a little more quality protection and peace of mind by allowing smartphones owners to scan the RFID tags to authenticate the product inside. There are two types of tags, active and passive. Active tags need to be connected to a power source to operate and the passive kind draw the power from the field unit, in this case your phone. Passive tags have undergone a security rebirth as of late. Instead of using the same electronic keys for the transmitter and receiver which has been standard, now each tag has a private key which remains secret and public key, securing the digital signal.
Silicon’s Time is Running Out
Posted by: | CommentsThe eventual replacement for silicon may be here. Although replacing the heart of a billion dollar industry seems unfathomable, the technology is being researched as you read this. Researchers at MIT have yet to fully understand or explain the abnormality of physics they have seemed to stumble upon. When they combine lanthanum aluminate and strontium titanate, two materials used normally for insulation, the materials turn semi-conductive and can operate at a much lower voltage than its silicon version, meaning heat will not be such a limiting factor and clock speeds will be increased. An addition to the appeal of this new material is that it is able to operate at room temperatures. Researchers have admitted that their findings are not able to be fully interpreted into the real world and that that it needs much more research to offer any competition to silicon, but the technology is there and will be researched until a fully functioning solution is in place.
Microsoft Advises Against Its Own Software
Posted by: | CommentsMicrosoft has gone on record saying that Windows XP is extremely more susceptible to infection than its other programs and should be avoided. In fact, according to its annual security intelligence report, a fully patched XP is five times more vulnerable than Windows 7. It seems that Windows 7 is your best bet if choosing Microsoft, the 64 bit version to be precise. Vista preformed better on the security report than XP but still pales in comparison to Windows 7. A positive from the situation is that Microsoft is getting better with its security and that the release of Windows 8 should have even more heightened security measures.
Upgraded Laptop Mouse
Posted by: | CommentsHP has updated the wireless mouse for laptops. The dongle (the apparatus that connects the wired version of the mouse to the laptop) has been eliminated for years now, adding two key features over wired mouse systems. First, there’s no dongle to loose or remember and second it frees up your USB port. However, until now these systems operated on a Bluetooth signal. HP has unveiled its Wi-Fi version, which operates off of the already embedded laptop technology. This doubles the battery life and increases the operating range to thirty feet. It will be released in June, at an introductory price of $50.
An Already ‘Iffy’ Playbook Faces Recalls
Posted by: | CommentsIf you bought a Playbook from Staples you may need a new one. Research In Motion announced that it is recalling about 1,000 of its Playbook tablets. RIM is in the middle of substituting the faulty tablets and claims that most of the effected quantity did not reach their intended customers. The playbook, which is smaller and lighter than Apple’s iPad, said the issue at hand is their inability to load initial set-up software. If you one of the unlucky ones to purchase a malfunctioning Playbook, contact RIM for further assistance.
Old GPS Obsolete; New Augmented Reality
Posted by: | CommentsNew GPS technology has arrived. Pioneer, trying to keep the GPS unit relevant with the emergence of smartphone and tablet apps, has announced a release date for its new augmented reality version. With the assistance of a windshield mounted camera, the in-dash system will have all the previous GPS functions with the addition of a scouter mode. It will have the ability to keep you updated of what is happening around you, in addition to placing arrows in lanes on the screen, and landmark and traffic signal recognition to help aid with directions. The system will debut in Japan in late May 2011, for $3,700.
LCD Screens Moved to Electronics Graveyard
Posted by: | CommentsThe LCD television screen is on its way to becoming a rare buy as LED and future technology will nudge it out. As the way of the plasma screen, which is usually heavier and less efficient than the LED, LCD will eventually follow suit. In addition, sales are down this year because of lower prices due to an increased supply of LCD models now that LEDs are no longer a premium option. A lack of overall TV demand is also to blame because there are no global events happening. The World Cup last year and the Olympics next year has put us in a dead zone and has only added to manufacturers worries in Twain’s LCD market. Source your obsolete parts here
Hack a Mac
Posted by: | CommentsHow do hackers hone their skills? Download Skype and practice taking over complete control of Macs. Like many other PCs, Macs have a zero day flaw. However, the Apple product is completely susceptible to a hacker’s remote access just by sending malicious texts using the SMS system in Skype, which seems ridiculously easy. This is dangerous on its own, but multiple Macs could be linked to a worm and turn the computers into a zombie network. Skype was reportedly aware of the issue and have since released a patch, that they say, completely addresses the issue.
iFight For An iPad 2
Posted by: | CommentsIt seems like opportunistic consumers are jumping on Apple’s financial bandwagon and are making money off of Apple making money. Both selling your spot in line at an Apple store and reselling your Apple product (namely the iPad2) at a premium once its purchased has become two lucrative ventures for some; but it comes with a level of risk. Recently four Apple customers needed to be hospitalized because they were standing outside a Beijing Apple store when a fight broke out. According to reports, one customer jumped the line and was then overheard by others saying he was going to sell his iPad2 for a markup. A physical altercation then allegedly took place between the line-jumper and another Apple loyalist. In response to this fight, Apple decided to immediately close its doors. That’s when panic raced through the crowd and a riot broke out, as the future consumers ripped the door off its hinges. Understandably, hard to find items can cause stress, so eliminate that stress by shopping *here*
Kissing Machine
Posted by: | CommentsResearchers in Japan have developed the initial phase in a kissing machine; a motorized box that consists of a straw at the end. The computer stores the movements relayed by one user and transmits them to another user with the same setup. While admitting that the device is in its primitive stage, they vow to incorporate all the tangible elements of a French kiss: taste, breathing, and the moistness of the tongue. The device can also store one user’s movements to replay a kiss repeatedly. The implementations of this feature are being eyed by those looking to profit from the ‘kisses’ of entertainers and celebrities.
