So I found this post on TechCrunch about the different things you can rent when going to foreign countries. Apparently with the help of Airbnb.com, you can rent furnished apartments, entire cities and even the entire country. Now it will cost you $50,000 or $60,000 a night, but you would spend that kind of cash to be able to say they rented a country. The interest in doing this is mostly for company getaways or conferences that have a lot of people and instead of having the meetings in a regular hotel room you could have them in different parts of a German city. Although this is will probably never happen in my field (journalism), but maybe some rich CEO will take his board on a nice trip and rent the Swedish village while they are there.
http://techcrunch.com/2011/04/14/airbnb-country/
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
Tech Post #9
I was looking at Techcrunch.com and found an article about updates on the Facebook App for iPhone. Version 3.4 of the Facebook's iPhone App gives the ability to view your friends on a map from the places area. There is also an improved news feed and an improved notifications tool. Probably the most anticipated change is the ability to unfriend someone from your phone. Probably the biggest change is the ability to check into Facebook events. Originally you could only do this through Facebook places, but now you can actually check into the event. The best thing I think about the check in to events allows you to see who is actually at the event at the same time you are. If you meeting some friends at a concert and if you are unsure they are there just check the vent page on Facebook. It seems rather handy, but the only draw back is you have to have an iPhone to be able to do this and with some people including myself behind the times without a iPhone the checking in ability won't always show the accurate number of people there.
http://techcrunch.com/2011/04/04/facebook-iphone-event-check-ins/
http://techcrunch.com/2011/04/04/facebook-iphone-event-check-ins/
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Tech Post #8
As I was searching Techcrunch.com, I found an article that said AT&T was buying T-Mobile for $39 billion. This merger would give AT&T a customer base of 130 million, which would put them in the top cell phone carrier ahead of Verizon (who has around 100 million). This merger could be stopped by government regulations, but that is unclear at this point. If it doesn't, the switch will only take a year to complete. The thing I find so funny is that Sprint was trying to buy T-Mobile and it appears most employees working for both companies thought that Sprint would get the buy. As we know this didn't happen and it appears it didn't, because AT&T offered more money. Everything in our society is based around money that is the capitalistic way. I find it so incredible that money is such a powerful object and the people with the most money (hence power) win. The AT&T and T-Moble merger will raise a lot of questions for consumers on both ends. We will just have to wait and see what happens.
http://techcrunch.com/2011/03/20/sprint-t-mobile-att-deal/
http://techcrunch.com/2011/03/20/sprint-t-mobile-att-deal/
Monday, March 14, 2011
Tech Post #7
I found this article on Techcrunch about iTunes allowing subscriptions for apps on the iPad, which has magazines producing more apps. There is one app in particular that has stepped up the game and it is Spin magazine. The app will provide all the stories from the current "paper" issue plus the biggest story on their website and inside videos on the set of the photo shoots. The thing that sets it apart is each month the editors of the magazine pick out a top 60 playlist. You can list to the songs and read the different reviews about them. If you like the music you will also be able to download the tunes for a set price. I think this app is the next step in interactive magazines and journalism. I personally love the idea of being able to interact with the stories written and read about or watch videos of the behind the scenes. I think what will really make or break the magazine app is how good the playlist is. If people listen to it and love it then I think they will continue to get the subscription, because they will want to know what music the magazine is promoting, but if the playlist isn't good then people aren't going to pay for something they can get for free by listening to the radio or other music sites.
http://techcrunch.com/2011/03/14/spin-play-ipad/. If you go to the link, there is a video that demos the app.
http://techcrunch.com/2011/03/14/spin-play-ipad/. If you go to the link, there is a video that demos the app.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Tech Post #6
After Twitter, LinkedIn Now Also Blocked in China
I found this article on TechCrunch about Twitter and LinkedIn being blocked by China. The article states that both sites have been blocked by China, because the sites have become platforms for organzing anti-government protests. The author said they checked out access to LinkedIn on both WebsitePulse and JustPing and both sites indicate that LinkedIn is being blocked from cities in China. LinkedIn commented in the article that they are aware of reports about a disruption in their service in China and they are looking into the situation.
I find this kind of banning of websites against the people's personal rights. They should be allowed to view any website that suits them. They should also be able to discuss issues that they see fit and organize protests if they choose to. I understand the government doesn't the people rising up against their dictatorship, but shouldn't the government look at what is best for its people and let their people have basic rights like most of the rest of world. I don't think the government should be able to take away these websites from the use of their people.
http://techcrunch.com/2011/02/24/after-twitter-linkedin-now-also-blocked-in-china/
I found this article on TechCrunch about Twitter and LinkedIn being blocked by China. The article states that both sites have been blocked by China, because the sites have become platforms for organzing anti-government protests. The author said they checked out access to LinkedIn on both WebsitePulse and JustPing and both sites indicate that LinkedIn is being blocked from cities in China. LinkedIn commented in the article that they are aware of reports about a disruption in their service in China and they are looking into the situation.
I find this kind of banning of websites against the people's personal rights. They should be allowed to view any website that suits them. They should also be able to discuss issues that they see fit and organize protests if they choose to. I understand the government doesn't the people rising up against their dictatorship, but shouldn't the government look at what is best for its people and let their people have basic rights like most of the rest of world. I don't think the government should be able to take away these websites from the use of their people.
http://techcrunch.com/2011/02/24/after-twitter-linkedin-now-also-blocked-in-china/
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Tech Post #5
Moshi Monsters is a website that started in 2008 and is catering to 5 to 12 year olds. The site has 35 million registered users and 7 million active users a month and is projected to generate $100 million this year. Creator Michael Acton Smith hopes that Moshi Monsters becomes the 'Facebook' for kids. At the site, each kid gets to create their own monster and then travel through a virtual world playing games and buying virtual goods for thier monsters. It allows kids to become each other's friends and then chat with each other.
I'm kind of surprised this is just now getting noticed by TechCrunch, because during the summer of 2009 I worked with middle-school aged kids at the Boys and Girls Club. The kids really enjoyed Moshi Monsters and would fight over the computers in order to check on their monsters. I think the idea of this virtual world for kids is great, they have no reason to have a facebook yet. But I do see problems with the site. For instance, there was no moderation on the chat between kids and inappropriate subjects were talked about. I also think with the increasing obesity rate in adults and children, any websites that provide an addicting attachment to them are not good. Kids should want to go outside and play, leave the computer games for rainy or snowy days.
http://techcrunch.com/2011/02/17/moshi-monsters-facebook-kids-tctv/
I'm kind of surprised this is just now getting noticed by TechCrunch, because during the summer of 2009 I worked with middle-school aged kids at the Boys and Girls Club. The kids really enjoyed Moshi Monsters and would fight over the computers in order to check on their monsters. I think the idea of this virtual world for kids is great, they have no reason to have a facebook yet. But I do see problems with the site. For instance, there was no moderation on the chat between kids and inappropriate subjects were talked about. I also think with the increasing obesity rate in adults and children, any websites that provide an addicting attachment to them are not good. Kids should want to go outside and play, leave the computer games for rainy or snowy days.
http://techcrunch.com/2011/02/17/moshi-monsters-facebook-kids-tctv/
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Tech Post #4
I found this article from Techcrunch called 10 reasons to buy a tablet and 5 reasons not to. I though this was really interesting, because I have personally been trying to decide whether I need a tablet.
1. Tablets make great e-readers. I have to agree, my aunt has an iPod and I found it a very interesting way to read a book or magazine. However, I am personally a ink and paper girl. I love the feel of the paper in my hand and the way an book/newspaper smells when I first open it.
2. Tablets are portable productivity stations. I agree this is true too, but so are blackberries and laptops. Tablets give you the size of a laptop without the weight though, so could be more useful when traveling.
3. Tablets are better than older laptops. I am personally undecided on this point. The article stated if you don't have to type a lot than the tablet is better and can handle more content than a 2 year old laptop.
4. Tablets are great for meetings. It would allow you a "green" way to take notes, but I personally would be too distracted with the apps on my tablet to pay attention to the meeting.
5. Tablets are great for sharing photos and 1-on-1 presentations. The capability of photo sharing is a essential tool for me as I start taking more and more photos. Presentations could easily be shown 1-on-1, but more than that everyone would be too crowded to see the screen properly.
6. Tablets are great for movies and music. Being able to take a bigger screen to watch movies on in the car or the plane is tempting especially for long trips. As far as music, I have an iPod that does a great job, so no help necessary there.
7. Tablets are cheaper than a new laptop. They may be cheaper, but can they do everything that my laptop does for me.
8. Tablets don't crash. The article states that if it does crash a simple reset button will fix the problem. If this is true, then it would be great, because I hate the blue screen of death of my older laptop that is constantly having to get fixed.
9. Tablets are good for travel. This is definitly so true. see also #6.
10. Tablets are just cool. I think they are cool, but are they cool enough to buy over a laptop?
The five reasons not to buy a tablet mostly coinside with the questions I have posed throughout the post. Including as portable as a phone you already have, where are the multiplayer games, how much actual work can you do on a tablet such as photoshop, why get another device to browse the Internet, and the possiblity of something better coming along in a short period of time.
http://techcrunch.com/2011/02/12/10-reasons-to-buy-a-tablet-and-5-reasons-not-to/
1. Tablets make great e-readers. I have to agree, my aunt has an iPod and I found it a very interesting way to read a book or magazine. However, I am personally a ink and paper girl. I love the feel of the paper in my hand and the way an book/newspaper smells when I first open it.
2. Tablets are portable productivity stations. I agree this is true too, but so are blackberries and laptops. Tablets give you the size of a laptop without the weight though, so could be more useful when traveling.
3. Tablets are better than older laptops. I am personally undecided on this point. The article stated if you don't have to type a lot than the tablet is better and can handle more content than a 2 year old laptop.
4. Tablets are great for meetings. It would allow you a "green" way to take notes, but I personally would be too distracted with the apps on my tablet to pay attention to the meeting.
5. Tablets are great for sharing photos and 1-on-1 presentations. The capability of photo sharing is a essential tool for me as I start taking more and more photos. Presentations could easily be shown 1-on-1, but more than that everyone would be too crowded to see the screen properly.
6. Tablets are great for movies and music. Being able to take a bigger screen to watch movies on in the car or the plane is tempting especially for long trips. As far as music, I have an iPod that does a great job, so no help necessary there.
7. Tablets are cheaper than a new laptop. They may be cheaper, but can they do everything that my laptop does for me.
8. Tablets don't crash. The article states that if it does crash a simple reset button will fix the problem. If this is true, then it would be great, because I hate the blue screen of death of my older laptop that is constantly having to get fixed.
9. Tablets are good for travel. This is definitly so true. see also #6.
10. Tablets are just cool. I think they are cool, but are they cool enough to buy over a laptop?
The five reasons not to buy a tablet mostly coinside with the questions I have posed throughout the post. Including as portable as a phone you already have, where are the multiplayer games, how much actual work can you do on a tablet such as photoshop, why get another device to browse the Internet, and the possiblity of something better coming along in a short period of time.
http://techcrunch.com/2011/02/12/10-reasons-to-buy-a-tablet-and-5-reasons-not-to/
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Tech Post #3
I found an article about it at http://gizmodo.com/5751189/the-jvc-gx+px1-is-a-great-looking-hybrid-camera and at http://www.slashgear.com/jvc-gx-px1-hybrid-gets-hands-on-play-60fps-stills-36mbps-1080p-03130637/.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Tech Post #2
Apparently there is a program that you can download that allows you to use your webcam on your computer as a survelliance video. The program is called iSpy and it has the ability to record video, record audio, and provide online access to video. The recording can take place in a number of ways including: scheduling a time to record such as when you are gone to class or work or the program can record with motion detection. The video can also be directly uploaded to Youtube.
I can see this program being used by students in dorms or apartments that are worried about their roommates or people their roommates have over while they are gone. I personally wouldn't want anyone to mess with my computer without permission. However the motion dection has me confused about whether that means movement in the room or someone touching the computer. If it is in the room then I have a major issue with that; because it could potentionally mess with a roommates privacy. I also would not want the videos to be directly uploaded to Youtube, because accidents could happen and you might forget you are recording and when you come back start to change clothes and check your email at the same time. That would be horrible if uploaded to Youtube. Overall I think this servelliance program could come in handy if you are living somewhere where others have access to your computer.
I found this article at http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/ispy-turns-computer-webcam-surveillance-equipment/
I can see this program being used by students in dorms or apartments that are worried about their roommates or people their roommates have over while they are gone. I personally wouldn't want anyone to mess with my computer without permission. However the motion dection has me confused about whether that means movement in the room or someone touching the computer. If it is in the room then I have a major issue with that; because it could potentionally mess with a roommates privacy. I also would not want the videos to be directly uploaded to Youtube, because accidents could happen and you might forget you are recording and when you come back start to change clothes and check your email at the same time. That would be horrible if uploaded to Youtube. Overall I think this servelliance program could come in handy if you are living somewhere where others have access to your computer.
I found this article at http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/ispy-turns-computer-webcam-surveillance-equipment/
Monday, January 24, 2011
Tech Post #1
Apple brings the App Store to Twitter promising exclusive offers. I found this article on techcrunch.com. Basically Apple has decided to create a twitter account for the iPhone, iPad and iPod App Store. The first tweet was sent from the account saying, “Welcome to App Store on Twitter! Follow us to discover new apps, get exclusive offers, and share with friends. #appstore“. Here is the second tweet that came from the account: Motivation. Full-body workouts. On-demand instruction. It’s all available on Nike Training Club. http://tw.appstore.com/4zo #appstore
This could be an interesting way for Apple to market their App store by giving special offers and showcasing new apps through twitter. It's just another way to provide instant information for everyone and it shows how connected people are to their electronic devices and the Internet. Self-promotion is a major player in how people learn about the new things that are out in the world and this is just another showcase of that. Apple promoting their App store.
http://techcrunch.com/2011/01/24/app-store-twitter/
This could be an interesting way for Apple to market their App store by giving special offers and showcasing new apps through twitter. It's just another way to provide instant information for everyone and it shows how connected people are to their electronic devices and the Internet. Self-promotion is a major player in how people learn about the new things that are out in the world and this is just another showcase of that. Apple promoting their App store.
http://techcrunch.com/2011/01/24/app-store-twitter/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)