Mir:ror

I recently read an article on the New York Times website about a new technological item, the Mir:ror, by a french company, Violet. The Mir:ror is a sensing device, that picks up information about item waved over it. The "magic mirror" actually senses a scanning sticker, or an RFID tag , that is placed on the object. Many new companies are incorporating this system into their products; some books are including stickers in their books, so that, when waved over the mirror, can be read out loud from a near-by computer. The Mirror connects via internet to the nearest computer, which allows for messages, notifications, etc. When bought, the set somes with the Mir:ror, 2 nabaztags, and three extra progammable stickers. You can go to the website, and program your sticker to do anything; bring up pictures, files, send emails, facebook updates, new statuses, record time of use, etc. This seems to have endless possibilites; I think it's incredble! The same company, more well known for their Nabaztag, a rabbit internet connecter, is actually in a financial crisis. I think this project is especially interesting, as it seems that there are hundreds of products similar to this lately. I strikes me as very similar to the subject of my last post, "Favorite Places" (Googles bar-code scanning system).

Google's Bar Code Advances

I recently read a very interesting article; again, it was about advances at google, but in this case, it was about bar codes. Google has been developing a new system for finding information called, "Favorite Places" which is a new subsidiary of Google Maps. Favorite Places allows users to acess all information about anything, simply by scanning their phones (downloaded with certain software) over a small scanner sticker, located in shops, products, museums, restuarants, etc. These one-by-one inch scanner stickers, known as QR codes, have been around Asia for a couple of years now. You could scan a food wrapper, and find out the exact calories, or a new recipe; you could scan a bus, and look for an updated route. The possibilities are endless, but as the article states "The idea sounds great on paper (or pixels), but because of privacy concerns in the United States, the process can be a little laborious in reality. First, you have to download the right code reader for your specific mobile phone." The article goes on to say that the user must agree to numerous privacy settings, and each scan can take up to 45 seconds in the US, but in Asia, these laws don't exist, making the process much faster. Google is also looking to start a coupon/ rewards plan throught this system. I find this fascinating, because in recent months, I've heard a huge amount of talk about scanning phones or cards to discover information, all from different companies; there are also couple of social networking sites that are based off this scanning system. It also reminds me of a recent product discussed in TedTalk, known as Sixth Sense, a scanning, sensing machines that can pick up information from any product, similar to "Favorite Places." I was also really interested to see one of the bar codes, as it seems to be a similar system to that of the Blackberry Messanger "Scan a Friend" system (one Blackberry scans another's bar code).
Here is a link to download a code reader for your phone, or test the bar code system on Google’s Favorite Places page.

[image; example of said bar code- http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/07/putting-a-bar-code-on-places-not-just-products/]

The Google Phone

I recently read an article concerning the rumored "Google Phone." In recent months, many rumors have been floating around that Google is in fact coming out with a phone, but it was only a short time ago that employees confirmed this. Apparently Google is "dogfooding" the prototypes, meaning that they are testing out the product within the company. In the past, the iPhone has dominated the smart-phone market, but google seems to be hoping to compete with this, though they say "the project would not alienate allies, as Google planned to work with partners on it." Many smartphones are being produced by numerous companies, such as Apple, Verizon, and Mortorolla, but this new advance at Google may pose as a threat to these other companies. According to a Twitter user GreatWhiteSnark, “A friend from Google showed me the new Android 2.1 phone from HTC coming out in Jan. A sexy beast. Like an iPhone on beautifying steroids.”

Google has stated,

"We recently came up with the concept of a mobile lab, which is a device that combines innovative hardware from a partner with software that runs on Android to experiment with new mobile features and capabilities, and we shared this device with Google employees across the globe. This means they get to test out a new technology and help improve it.

Unfortunately, because dogfooding is a process exclusively for Google employees, we cannot share specific product details"

Tiger's Texts: Are They Ever Deleted?

As many people know, Tiger Woods, widely considered to be one of the world's greatest athletes, has recently tarnished his squeaky-clean, family-man image by involving himself in numerous night-club liaisons with a plethora of mistresses, with names such as Jamie Jungers and Kalika Moquin, all captured in texts and voice-mail messages. I personally have read numerous articles, with sub-titles such as "Sex addict golfer had 18-month affair with golf fan's girlfriend and trawled Las Vegas clubs picking up blondes" and "Tiger Woods, the $8 An-Hour Diner Waitress, and the Deal that Kept Their Affair Out of the News." Life seems to be looking down at Woods, whose not-so-secret love life was actually discovered after his texts and message were leaked to the media, but in the midst of this chaos, a fascinating issue was born: how long, and where, do they actually take our texts, emails, and voice-mail messages?
I recently read an excelent article on the Daily Beast, entitled, "Tiger's Digital Sex Trap," which not only delved into the gofler's reputation-demise, but also the issue of where our technological existance actually goes, after we have "deleted it." As the article states, "If you delete a Gmail message, it is stored for 30 days, and then, according to Google, 'permanently removed from Gmail.' But what does that really mean? Removed from "Gmail" doesn't necessarily mean removed from all Google servers. In fact, your old emails are the data set from which Google models our behaviors—the real product it is offering its advertisers." As we all know, Google is, first-and-formest an advertising company, so it only makes sense that they would store our messages for research, but are our names connected to them? According to Tiger Woods, I am sure the answer to this question in "yes." Though legally, companies cannot release allegedly "deleted" texts, it still seems to happen, such as in the case of Mr. Woods. Not only were his texts discovered, but also his voice-mail message in which he told one of his mistresses to dissasociate her name from her phone, for fear that his wife would use caller-ID to track the number. When the author of the article, Douglas Ruskoff, asked his "best phone experts where [his] SMS messages go to die, and if they ever do. Are they gone, or never really deleted. The overwhelming answer from them all? 'Bet on 'never deleted.'" This innconvient truth may not be "2 hawt" but at least our somwhat innocent convorsations aren't the decyaing carcasses of internation tabloids, such as in the case of the incredibly stupid, and a tad-unlucky Tiger Woods.

Stanford's iPhone Orchestra

I recently watched a fascinating technology video on the New York Times website about Stanford's iPhone Orchestra. It was an incredible example of how our world is advancing and changing; this orchestra doesn't even use instruments! Though technology such as blowing into the microphone, taping, and changing the position of the phone, the orchestra plays a variety of music. They program their own software, and use a plethora of equipment to enhance the quality. It also shows how today's youth is really exploring new ideas; the orchestra is simply comprised of college students. The director of the orchestra says that he has always been interested in music, and decided to start something new. I personally find it incredible that his "something new" is an orchestra made up of mobile phones. He also says that using technologies, in this case, phones, can actually make for a simpler and more efficient process. He says that the iPhones allow for more than any existing instrument, and doesn't limit the user to one sound. I find this incredible, and wonder if we may see more of this in the future. It is interesting to think that one day instruments, or at least the ones we are familiar with, won't exist and instead, mobile phones, computers, and other technologies will take their place.

Unfortunately, I couldn't figure out how to embed this video, so here is the link:
http://video.nytimes.com/video/2009/12/04/technology/1247465985991/stanfords-iphone-orchestra.html?emc=eta1

Child-Parent Military Reunions on Youtube

I recently read an article on the New York Times website about a advancement in You tube videos; the filmed reunions of child and military parent. The videos often show a child, unsuspecting, at school, a sporting event, or at home, shocked when their parent, often a father shows up after a deployment from Iraq. Sometimes they are filmed on home cameras, but often the media are called, though this raise another issue; what if the child doesn't jump up, cry, and run to the parent. As said in the article, by Lillian Connolly “But I recommend to families not to surprise children. The child has been without a parent for so long. The child can hold anger. You never know how they’re going to react.” Is it fair to the child? As the article states, "Do these videos celebrate or exploit?" I think it definitely depends on the family, but it does seem extreme to put up on You tube, or another similar video interacting site. In the end, everyone always seems happy to finally be reunited with their family, but this may not be the way to do it. The children, often very young, may not even really have known the parent, making it difficult for everyone in the situation, but then to film it, and put it up on the internet? Technology and the use of the internet truly seems to have advanced the world in some ways, but at the same time, it has blurred the lines and make everything a little bit more complicated.

Here are some examples of videos:
(see article and videos: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/29/fashion/29video.html?ref=technology)

Holiday Technology Advances

As the holidays approach, the prospect of buying and receiving new technological gifts loams. On the New York Times website, I recently read a what's what guide of the newest and best items this holiday season. The list included items such as the E-book/ Kindles, kitchen technologies, smartphones, televisions, computers, cameras, etc. Reading the list, not only did the volume surprise me, but more so the variety. As our world expands, so does our dependence on technology. Think of every room in the house; from the kitchen to the bathroom, to the bedroom, almost every aspect of our lives relys on technology. Reading through the kitchen techologies list, I notices a number of interesting and at times, eye-opening, devices. Some of the items mentioned included the Oregon Scientific Grill Right Wireless Talking Oven/Barbeque Thermometer, the Musical Cake Tray by Deni, Viking Portable Induction Burner, and the Connectland USB Cup Warmer With U.S.B. Hub and Clock. By no means are these necessarily essential, everyday appliances, but it is amazing how far technology seems to be taking over our lives. For the first item, the Wireless thermometer, you can "mingle at your party" while still monorting the food. You simply pick your type of meat and what tempurature you want it at (rare, medium, etc.) and the device alerts you at the time its ready. The Musical Cake Tray not only sings the song of your choice, but also allows you to pick the measure of slice, and lights up the exact points at which you should cut. The Induction Burner allows you to cook anywhere, and uses magnitism to create a stable oven-top; it may be handy, but it is also $600. The last item, the Cup Warmer, keeps your drink mug warm all day, allowing the user to pick a tempurature, and it doesn't even need a plug (it can pug right into your computer). While this devices are incredible, it is a little scary (at least to me) how involved technology is in our lives; in 50 years, will we do nothing for ourselves?

[image 1: (the the left) Oregon Scientific Grill Right Wireless Talking Oven/Barbeque Thermometer, image 2: (the the right) Connectland USB Cup Warmer With U.S.B. Hub and Clock- http://www.nytimes.com/gift-guide/holiday-2009/tech-pogue-kitchen/list.html]

Craiglist Killer

I recently read an article on the Vanity Fair website, talking about a number of murders that we facilitated by technology. In this post, I not only want to talk about the subject of the article, but also the way in which technology and news have combined.
The article, entitled, "Killer@Craigslist" talked about the lack of safety and awareness that people have regarding the internet. The article also made a really interesting point about the fact that no one actually knows who anyone is on the internet. It began, "He was Andy and she was Morgan. Both were fake names. They never actually spoke to each other; all their communication was by e-mail or text message. He used a disposable Trac phone that would be hard to trace; her friend and employer pretended that she was Morgan when setting up their meeting via cyberspace." The article goes onto say that they "met" via Craiglist. Her name was actually Julissa Brisman, and his Philip Markoff. After a long string of text messages, im messages, and emails, they finally decided to set up a meeting at 10:00 pm. As the article states, "A few minutes after 10, all pretense and politesse were dropped. Julissa Brisman was dead." She was found in a local hotel, dead and bound by plastic ribbons. A similar case was also reported, but the victim remained alive. Both crimes were commited in a very "personal, violent way,” which almost makes them even more frightening.
Crimes such as these have been reported way too frequently. From facebook, to myspace, and in the case, Cragslist, there have been countless crimes, often murders, regarding identitfy and safety. As our world progresses, especially in the field of technology, I think it becomes more and more important to learn how to stay safe; a skill that many are lacking in. Even with fake names, numbers, and so-called "untrackable devices," the internet is the unknow, the mystery. Even with years of experience and training, even a minute of letting your guard down can lead to bad situations. I think that for all of history, mankind has been used to adapting to new technologies, but I don't think that it is even possible to become totally aware of and about the internet; I think that people are mistaking time and experience with true knowlegde when it comes to the intnet, assuming that just because they have been using it for a couple of years that they've learned everything they need to know. This is not to say the the victims of cyber-crimes are at fault; just that you can never be too safe. It is frightening the number of articles that I have read in the last couple months concerning this topic. I take them as cautionary tales, and hope that others do to.

NEW- Cellphone-Microscope Invention

I recently read an article about new technologies that enable a cellphone to be used as a microscope. Microscopes are incredibly important in the diagnoses of disease, identification of organisms, etc., but they can be very expensive and inconvenient. This new advance is not only an incredible feat of technology, but also of medicine; the previous necessity of a full lab and scientists is no longer necessarily needed, but instead, simply a cellphone. “We convert cellphones into devices that diagnose diseases,”stated Aydogan Ozcan, a professor at the University of California, and the inventor of the device. He also recently started Microskia, a company that will hopefully comercialize the tool. A simple, inexpensive attachment and a standard camera-cellphone is all that is needed. The sample device can be used by inserting a blood slide over the cell's camera sensor. The phone can reigster what exaclty is in the blood, and will send this information to a hospital or health center. The phone can detect abnormal or diseased blood cells, which may imply infection. David J. Brady, a profesor at Duke University stated, “There’s no need for lenses in these devices because the magnification can be done electronically. You don’t need optics at all.” This new advance is said to be particularly effective for identifying malaria, a disease plagging many all over the world. Profesors and scientists all over the country are astounded by this incredible new technology, including Yvonne Bryson, at the Geffen School of Medicine at U.C.L.A, M. Fatih Yanik, at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the previously mentioned Dr. Brady, and many more.

[image: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/08/business/08novel.html?emc=eta1]
example of cellphone and inexpensive attachable miscroscope-device

Disney Releases Mobile App

Disney has recently released a mobile app named, appropriately, Mobile Magic. This application is only available on Verizon Wireless phones. Mobile Magic allows visitors of all Disneyland/ Disney theme parks to maps, showing exactly where character, rides, restaurants, etc are, for $9.99 for a 180 day subscription. It is currently not available on Blackberry's, or other non-Verizon phones. The information found via the application can also be found on m.disneyland.com or m.disneyworld.com.
To learn more about Mobile Magic, please watch this video.
This is just one example of the numerous advances companies, such as Disney, are making. As mentioned in a previous post, Disney is also looking to expand Disney stores, including built-in movie theaters, "magic mirrors," tech-related merchandise, etc. The pressure to increase all uses of technology within the industrial world is incredible, especially given the current economical situation. It seems that companies are desperate to attract customers, and will do anything to achieve this.

Facebook Steps to Safety

In the past couple of months, I have been reading more and more articles concerning Facebook, especially issues of privacy and identity. Apparently, 30% of employers are looking at possible hiree's facebook pages, and as the worlds largest network site, this can be very ominous. Without even knowning it, you can easily allow hundreds of people to acess your picutes, wall posts, friend's walls, etc., by simply clicking "OK" to an application or game. Skimming over the New York Times technology page, I immediately noticed a tab, entitled "5 Easy Steps to Stay Safe (and Private!) on Facebook," and without hesitation, opened it... The steps are very interesting and important; I would definitely read them, and if possible, follow them, for the safest cyberspace experience.
Step 1: Make Friend Lists
Though this can sound tedious, it is an easy way to sort through friends, and if need be, delete old contacts. If you haven't talked to a person, via cyberspace or in person, do you really need to be able to see their profile? Or let them see yours?

Step 2: Who Can See Your Profile?
By clicking "Settings," then "Privacy Settings" you can easily decide who can, and cannot, see your information, pictures, wall, etc. For most settings, it is probably a good idea to click "Only Friends," because you may not want random strangers looking at all of your pictures...

Step 3: Who Can See Your Adress and Phone Number?
One way to avoid random friends seeing your adress, phone numbers, emails, etc. is to not put up the information in the first place, but if needed, by going to the "Privacy Settings" page, and clicking, "Contact Info" you can change exaclty who can see it, and who cannot.

Step 4: Who Can Find You via Search?
If need be, and you don't want to be found by certain people, you can go to "Privacy Settings" and clicking "Search." Here you can set it so that everyone can search for you, friends, networks, friends of friends, etc. This can be a really useful step.

Step 5: Stop Sharing Information with Unknown Applications
This is a really important step; every time you sign up for an application or quiz, you are allowing the creater to acess all of your photos, information, friends, etc. At times, the creater is known, but at others, you could have no idea. To delete certain application off your page, you can go to "Privacy Settings," and then "Applications."

I would strongly recommend following these steps to stay safe and careful on the web.

Does the Internet Helpr or Hinder Your Social Life?

Recently there have been many articles, books, and blog posts discussing the issue of the internet, and whether it increases or decreases people's ability to be social; though many have sided with the latter argument, I recently read an article that supported the first. ‘Social Isolation and New Technology,' a project created by the Pew Internet and American Life, have found that people who use technology are more social and have a larger and more diverse friend group. Many have stated that the internet is to blame for social isolation, but a telephone survey, conducted by Princeton Survey Research International earlier this year, have found that social isolation has not increased since 1985 (that year that it said to mark the beginning of the internet's harmful effects). On average, the size of people's discussion networks is 12% bigger among cell-phone users than non cell-phone users, 9% bigger for those who share photos online, and 9% bigger for people who use instant messaging. It was concluded from this survey that the internet does not harmfully effect the soical networks of cyberusers. I thought this was really interesting, but I'm not sure I agree with with either argument. I don't think there is any survey or questionaire that can really answer a question with so many variables and expections. Overall, I think that, as true of most things, there can definitely be too much of a good thing. The internet can help people, but when used incorrectly, or harmfully, or even too much, it can become chaos.

Facebook Girl, 17, Found Dead in Field

I recently read an article about a 17 year old girl, named Ashleigh, who was found dead in a field in Sedgefield, County Durham on Monday night; she was kidnapped and murdered by Peter Chapman, a 32-year old sex offender, whom she met via facebook. It has not been concluded whether or not she was sexually assaulted. Studying childcare at Darlington College, Ashleigh was a "well-liked, kind, very bubbly" girl, who was a "always popular." She left her house at 7:00 pm, telling her mother, Andrea, that she would be sleeping over at a friends house, but instead met up with Chapman, never having met him prior to the attack.
Andrea, the mother, has been reaching out to other parents who also lost a child in similar situations, and has also been warning other parents about the perils of allowing sites such as facebook without monitoring exactly what their children are doing.
Chapman has been charged with kidnapping and manslaughter.
The head master of Darlington College stated, "We will try to remember Ashleigh not in terms of her passing, but as a student at Hurworth, and one we were all fond of."
Only after her death did her parents find her conversatoins with Chapman on her computer.
I definitely think this is a causionary tale; I don't think it means that no one should have a facebook, but that one should always be safe and careful, and not speak to those that you don't actually know in the "real world."

Read more: (both images) http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1223270/Sex-offender-charged-Ashleigh-Hall-kidnap-killing.html#ixzz0VdWQAqOs

(image right; Chapman; image left; Ashleigh)

Technology Around Us: What is it?

This past weekend, I took the time to look around and take note of how much technology surrounds us. Just looking around my room, I can see countless examples of technology; lamps, phones, computer, ipod, alarm clock, heaters, fans, chargers, etc. are some of the first item I noticed, but at a second glance, I thought, What is Technology? What defines it? Who came to define it? Is it the process of creation or the item itself? Do my curtains count as technology? What about the drawers, books, and racks?
When we tend to think about technology (at least when I think about technology) I tend to think of electronic, computerized, digital, items or products. They are normally expensive and important. But why is this technology? The New Oxford American Dictionary states that technology is "the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes; machinery and equipment developed from such scientific knowledge; the branch of knowledge dealing with engineering or applied sciences." Though "sciences" are mentioned, the actual definition it quite general. Why don't we normally think of curtains or hinges are technology? My guess is that each generation thinks of the modern advances of their day as technology... Maybe 100 years ago, the general, everyday idea of technology was the current advances of the early 1900's. When speaking about technology, I think that more specific words should be used, such as "scientific..." or "electronic..." to exactly describe that which is meant.

ESPN Announcer’s Family Stalked by Facebook, Texts, and Emails

I recently read an article about an ESPN announcer, named Steve Phillips, whose family was stalked by a crazy co-worker, Brooke Hundley, via texts, facebook, and emails. Phillips admitted to having a brief affair with Hundley over the past summer, but stated that it had ended months ago. Hundley not only sent texts to Phillip’s wife, Marni, but also contacted their 16-year old son, via facebook. She pretended to be in his Spanish class, and told him that she had overheard someone talking about his father’s affair at a football game. She said that she had gone through a similar situation with her parents, and encouraged him to talk to her. The son stated, “She initiated every conversation. She began to ask me very personal questions about my family including our whereabouts, family plans for the summer, if we were going on vacation brother including ages and birthdays and various facts about there athletic schedules and knowledge about my fathers affair, she also questioned me about some of my friends, would often times make comments of how lick my mom was to marry a guy with money and not have to work, she would ask how often my parents were out of the house. “ She even made flirtatious comments, that he described as very “awkward.” When he didn’t respond immediately, she would get impatient, and ask what was wrong. Eventually, she asked for their home phone number, because “her mother needed to contact her parents about the PTA.” He declined, but to her annoyance. Started making comments about his mother that seemed jealous, and almost angry. She even talked about his house. By August, he started to receive numerous friend requests from “Brooke Hundley,” but declined them all. Then he received a friend request from another classmate (actually Hundley), to which he accepted. Eventually, she asked for his home phone number, because, again, her parents need to contact his parents. He didn’t answer, and got concerned. On August 19th, Hundley showed up at the Phillip’s house, dropping off a letter for Marni Phillips, but when Marni and his younger son returned, Brooke Hundley panicked, drove into a stone pillar, and drove across the lawn, prompting Marni to call the police. After the incident, the 16-year old son received a message from riorgirr4life, saying that she went to his house, but when his mom came home, got scarred. This freaked home out. He checked the 2nd classmates profile, and found that he was her only friend. He checked his friends, and found that he was friends with the actual classmate, who had 580 friends. He showed him mother, who was also being harassed by Hundley. In her texts, she used information that she had found out from the son, to try to convince Marni that her relationship with his husband was real. She used specific events, and facts about the Philips family to rattle Marni. She was eventually caught, but Marni Phillips is now sure her husband.
This is an example of how technology can have a negative effect on the modern world. It makes it easier to commit crimes, and in this case, find out a lot of personal information about other people. It is always important to know that you never really know a person online.

Links to Police Reports and Statements:

Article

LETTER: MISTRESS TO THE WIFE

STATEMENT FROM STEVE PHILLIPS

STATEMENT FROM MARNI PHILLIPS

STATEMENT FROM THEIR TEENAGE SON

WILTON POLICE REPORT

(Image: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/espn_suspends_steve_phillips_after_BqI2i7uj46oLDZSWhxsGvK)

Wikipedia: A History

I recently learned about the history of Wikipedia, which was actually very interesting. Wikipedia is an online encyclopaedia that was officially created in 2001. It was launched on January 15, 2001 by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger. The original idea for an online encyclopaedia was actually developed by Richard Stallman. Wikipedia was originally created to be a feeder into the online encyclopaedia, "Nupedia." Nupedia incorporated the peer-review concept that Wikipedia is now famous for. Though Nupedia actually had many of the same ideas as Wikipedia, it started off very slow, with only 12 articles in the first year. When it was clear the Nupedia wasn't doing very well, Larry Sanger suggested that they start a separate online encyclopaedia, Wikipedia, just to test what was going wrong with Nupedia. Wikipedia grew in every respect, and eventually Nupedia was terminated. By 2003, Wikipedia passed 100,000 articles. By 2005, hundreds of new languages were introduced. By 2007, more than 5 million peer-editors were participating. In my experience, I have found that Wikipedia can be very flawed, but it definitely is a very impressive feat of technology. Currently, Wikipedia has 14 million articles, in more than 100 languages, with more than 1,000,000 contributors.

(image: http://ccrjustice.org/spread-word)

NEW Nano Banned in Fitness Chain

I recently read that the new iPod nano is raising many privacy concerns within certain fitness chains, such as the YMCA and Life Time Fitness. The new model contains a camera, which would not be traditionally allowed in a gym. One could record a video within the gym, or in the locker rooms. This could raise serious problems for the chains, and other clients, but it is hard to regulate who has an old model and who has a new model. Other than the camera, and the slightly larger screen, it is hard to tell the difference, when in case. It is also difficult to ban a musical device, such as an iPod, when it has such a vital use to so many gym-goers. Life Time has officially put the ban on the nano, restricting the iPod from its 84 stores, across 19 states. The nano also has a special workout option, Nike+, to track workouts, but cannot be used if all gyms exclude it. This idea is spreading rapidly to many other chains, which could be a potential problem for Apple.


(image: http://theappleblog.com/2009/09/23/new-ipod-nano-raises-privacy-concerns-with-fitness-chain/)

An Apple Perspective Coming to Disney

I recently read that Disney stores are actually being modified and revised, based on the new-and-improved Apple stores. Built-in movie theaters will be added, similar to the ones currently in Apple stores; the outlets will not just be forums for selling Disney merchandise. More technical equipment will also be added; one example mentioned was "magic mirror" in which you would see a specific Disney character based on what Disney toy/ item you was holding at the time. Steve Jobs, the CEO of Apple is actually on the board of Disney, meaning that many of the ideas easily could have been influenced by his current advances at Apple. The new paying system at Apple, where one can purchase an item from a salesperson on a portable device, is also being adapted at Disney. These current advances are examples of our forever-changing and advancing world; maybe soon, all stores around the world will have similar formats.

http://www.topnews.in/regions/san-francisco

Goal of Blog

This blog is a combination of technology, and the way technology is applied in the world today. Some posts might have to do with new gadgets coming out, others about new advances in medicine, etc. The content will vary, but the goal will always stay the same; to share information about our ever-changing and modernizing world through technology and culture.