First Person Tech

Toyota's $50,000 Hydrogen Powered Car

2010-05-09T20:59:00.000-07:00

The question is, would you buy a $50,000 car? Toyota hopes so, and although it is twice as expensive as their eco-friendly Prius, they hope the Pros: zero emissions and a renewable fuel source will be enough to bring in customers. Its FCHV (pictured above) has been on display for some time now and Toyota hopes to make it a success from the get-go. Will it succeed? Only time will tell, one thing is for sure however, until hydrogen distribution centers become mainstream, this bad boy isn't going anywhere.

Google Chrome: Faster than a Potato?

2010-05-05T16:50:00.000-07:00

Well it looks like Google doesn't mess around when it comes to testing their browser's speed. Unlike Apple and Mozilla, who use Java and HTML to test how fast their browser are, Google uses... a Potato? Yes people a potato, the same ones growing in your backyard. Seems like Google wants to set a new standard on how to test web browser speeds, Google don't forget the ketchup.

Adobe vs Apple

2010-05-02T19:24:00.000-07:00

Well it seems that the long awaited Flash for iPhone will not be coming anytime soon.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs responded to criticisms from Adobe this week explaining why Flash is not available for the iPhone. In a nutshell, Steve posted six reasons why they were not allowing Flash on their mobile devices. One of the main reasons that stood out was that Flash was not compatible for mobile devices. Jobs would go on to say that the new standard "HTML5" would be the future of mobile devices on web browsers. This response comes after Adobe's remarks of backing out on making Adobe Flash for the iPhone.

One reason for Apple's attitude might be to protect their App store from being exposed to free, 3rd party games. In the end iPhone users are left without Flash, a product which is becoming standard in other mobile devices such as the Droid and upcoming phones such as the "Lightning" by Dell.

Google Acquires BumpTop

2010-05-02T13:46:00.000-07:00

News has filled the internet that Google acquired the 3D Desktop Manager BumpTop for an undisclosed sum.

So what is Bumptop?

BumpTop is a 3D, multi-touch desktop manager that has been implemented into both Windows 7 and Mac OS X Operating systems. It basically makes both operating systems interactive.

Although no word is out on what Google plans to do with their new "toy" many things come to mind. One is the implementation of their newly acquired asset with Google's Operating system Chrome. This could very well be the beginning of Google's version of an Apple iPad or Touch. One can only hope... Right?

Dell's Answer to Apple's iPhone

2010-04-25T13:00:00.000-07:00

Well it looks like "leaked" phones are becoming the norm in the industry. What your looking at is Dell's answer to the Apple iPhone, deemed the "Thunder." Will this be the iPhone killer? Maybe not, but its safe to say that this phone will pack a big punch.

What differentiates it from the iPhone? Well, according to Engadget, it packs a 4.1" OLED Screen and an 8MP Camera. It is said to tie Facebook and Twitter and adds the "Swype" functionality to replace a touchscreen keyboard. Not only that, apparently it will be able to run a "web integrated hulu app" that would allow you to watch TV shows on the go. The phone also comes with integrated Flash 10.1 support. That alone gives it the upper hand when compared to the iPhone, which still lacks Flash support (Although rumored to be released soon).

The phone will be sold through AT&T, with world friendly HSDPA versions around Q4 this year and a LTE Model (4G) model at the end of 2011.

4th Generation iPhone?

2010-04-20T10:57:00.000-07:00

Image Courtesy of Gizmodo

News spread early as Gizmodo released new information regarding Apple's next installment of its iPhone. The iPhone was apparently misplaced by a fellow Apple employee and then picked up by Gizmodo. The features ranged from improved back camera to the addition of a Camera flash and a possible iChat compatible video camera in the front. Aside from the obvious exterior changes, the new iPhone apparently has a new CPU for faster performance and an enlarged battery.

This is probably the closest to the real thing since Gizmodo also posted an official letter from Apple stating that they wanted the device back. Be sure to check out Gizmodo after the break for a breakdown of all the new features.

http://gizmodo.com/5520164/this-is-apples-next-iphone

Playstation 3 3D Update for Games Only

2010-04-17T15:23:00.000-07:00

Seems that the Summer firmware update for the Playstation 3 will update the system to run 3D games only. According to TechRadar, Sony clarified that the update would enable games first and that Blu-Ray movie support would be available later this year. Seems like we will all have to wait a little while longer to experience Avatar at home.

eGO Cycle 2

2010-04-14T23:31:00.000-07:00

This is the eGo Cycle 2, it is a new set of wheels to drive. It's not a scooter, bike or motorcycle; it's more like a combination of all three. The eGo contains a strong beautiful monocoque chassis with room inside to hold batteries, electronics, and drive components. It has a comfortable seat, it's sandblasted and is scratch resistant.

This invention comes in three style: Classic, LX and SE. The classic is recommended for those casual commuters and the LX and SE are for daily use for running errands. The LX and SE are legal to drive in any state, have signal lights, horns and are equipped with back-lit speedometer/odometer. All three versions have light breaks, front disc brakes and a rear caliper brakes.

The eGo runs at 23 - 25mph which is good enough to drive around cities. The bike can go 20mph in less than four seconds. It may go faster than 25mph if the Extended Range Battery Pack (XR Pack) accessory is purchased. It is legal to drive on streets at it is safe.
The eGo Cycle 2 range from $1400 to $2100 + shipping.

iPhone OS 4.0 Update: The Features That Matter

2010-04-09T11:41:00.001-07:00

Multitasking
Probably one of the most requested iPhone features will finally be implemented in the iPhone with the 4.0 Software update. Apple stated that although it was: “not the first to implement it, it would be the best.” They promised to have implemented multi-tasking without sacrificing batter life or performance. Apps will be able to run simultaneously in the background and would become available after tapping the home screen twice. This update allows users of Skype or Pandora Internet radio to receive calls or listen to the radio even if the App is closed. GPS enabled Apps also take advantage of the multitasking update because they can be constantly update in the background as well.

Folders
This addition allows users to simply drag and drop Apps together into a folder. Not only does it offer convenience, it also allows users to have more Apps stored on their iPhone, from 180 to 2160.

Changing Wallpaper
Pretty straightforward in that it allows users to change the Background Wallpaper of the Home Screen and the Lock Screen

iBooks
A very popular App that launched with the iPad will also be available for the iPhone. This allows users access to the iBooks store to purchase online books or magazines.

One key note though, the iPhone 4.0 OS Update will have full functionality on the iPhone 3GS and iPod Touch 3rd Generation. The iPhone 3G and iPod Touch 2nd Generation will have many of these features available, but not all of them. (i.e. Multitasking) The OS 4.0 Software will be released later this Summer.

iPad on Dashboard

2010-04-09T09:53:00.000-07:00

Who could have ever thought about putting an iPad on your car's dashboard. I wouldn't have, but seeing this makes me want one. Now I'm not a big fan of Apple's iPad but, this is just genious. Not only does it look stylish, you can do anything on this, from music, browsing, and GPS controls. Never thought a Toyota Tocoma could look stylish, guess I was wrong.

iPad.. Jail broken?

2010-04-04T22:48:00.000-07:00

Well seems that it did not take that long for Apple's New iPad to be jail broken, Just 24 Hours after release. Stay tuned as our review of the iPad will be up soon.

Hardcore Gamers on the Playstation Move?

2010-04-04T11:42:00.000-07:00

In this generation of gaming, the Nintendo Wii brought a surge of casual gamers to the market. This is in most part, due to the success of party based gaming and the simplicity of Nintendo's controller. Sony is in hopes of doing the same with their newest motion controller, The Playstation Move. One key difference between Nintendo's Wii and Sony's Move is that Sony is targeting this to the 'hardcore' crowd. Sony assures its followers that it will take 'hardcore' gamers to a place "they have never been before."

In a recent interview with the Financial Times, SCEA's Senior Vice President of Marketing, Peter Dille, explains how the Playstation Move will appeal to all gamers in the spectrum, from casual to hardcore.

“Hard-core gamers have looked down their nose at motion gaming: it’s not particularly satisfying for them because it’s not terribly precise or challenging, it’s more social.”

“That level of precision gives you different types of experiences like a [first-person] shooter”

“So we’ll have games that the whole family can play that are very social , but we’ll also be able to do hard-core gamer games via a motion device that has never been done before”

The bigger question is will the 'hardcore' respond to this? Sony seems to think so, and will focus all of its resources to do just that. We can expect to see Playstation Move released this fall.

Blu-ray to expand its storage capacity

2010-04-03T15:28:00.000-07:00

Just in case you felt that the standard 50GB blu-ray disc was not "enough," the Blu-Ray Association has announced that it will be rolling out a new BDXL format that will be able to store 128GB (Write Once) and 100GB (Rewritable). Now before all you Playstation 3 owners start jumping for joy on how a potential Killzone 3 will utilize all of this memory, you should know that this is something that cannot be unlocked via a firmware update. So what does that mean? You will need a new Blu-ray player! (Yay?) because these discs will probably need a more powerful laser to read through the added layers on the disc. No word on when the hardware will actually hit the market, but it should be out "in a few months." Check out the full details after the break.

Blu-ray Disc Association Announces Additional Format Enhancements

LOS ANGELES --(Business Wire)-- Apr 03, 2010 The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) today announced two new media specifications that use Blu-ray Disc technology to provide targeted functionality for commercial and consumer applications. The specifications for BDXL™ (High Capacity Recordable and Rewritable discs) and IH-BD (Intra-Hybrid discs) are expected in the next few months.

The BDXL specification, which is targeted primarily at commercial segments such as broadcasting, medical and document imaging enterprises with significant archiving needs, will provide customers with write-once options on 100GB and 128GB capacity discs and rewritable capability on 100GB discs. The discs reach these capacities by incorporating three to four recordable layers. A consumer version of BDXL is also expected, particularly in those regions where BD recorders have achieved broad consumer acceptance.

"Professional industries have expressed a desire to find optical disc solutions that enable them to transition away from magnetic media for their archiving needs," said Victor Matsuda, Blu-ray Disc Association Global Promotions Committee chair. "Leveraging Blu-ray Disc to meet this need provides professional enterprises with a compact, stable and long term solution for archiving large amounts of sensitive data, video and graphic images using a proven and widely accepted optical technology."

The Intra-Hybrid Blu-ray Disc (IH-BD) incorporates a single BD-ROM layer and a single BD-RE layer so as to enable the user to view, but not overwrite, critical published data while providing the flexibility to include relevant personal data on the same physical disc. This allows for consumer specific applications where combining published content with related user data on a convenient, single volume is desirable. Both the ROM and the RE layers on IH-BD discs provide 25GB of capacity.

Because both BDXL and IH-BD are specially designed formats with specific market segments in mind, newly-designed hardware is required to play back or record BDXL or IH-BD media. However, because the new media specifications are extensions of current Blu-ray Disc technology, future BDXL and IH-BD devices can be designed to support existing 25GB and 50GB Blu-ray Discs.

About Blu-ray DiscTM

Blu-ray DiscTM is the next-generation optical disc format for high definition audio-video and high-capacity data software applications. A single-layer Blu-ray Disc holds up to 25 gigabytes of data and a double-layer Blu-ray Disc holds up to 50 gigabytes of data.

About the Blu-ray Disc Association

The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) is responsible for promoting and developing business opportunities for Blu-ray Disc - the next-generation optical disc format for storing high-definition movies, games, photos and other digital content. The BDA has more than 170 members. Its Board of Directors consists of individuals affiliated with the following member companies: Apple Inc., Dell Inc., Hewlett-Packard Company, Hitachi, Ltd., Intel Corporation, LG Electronics Inc., Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Oracle Corporation, Panasonic Corporation, Pioneer Corporation, Royal Philips Electronics, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Sharp Corporation, Sony Corporation, TDK Corporation, Technicolor, Twentieth Century Fox, Walt Disney Pictures and Television, and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

The Blu-ray DiscTM name and Blu-ray DiscTM logo are registered trademarks of the Blu-ray Disc Association.

BDXL™ is a trademark of the Blu-ray Disc Association.

Welcome to our blog!

2010-03-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I would like to personally welcome you to the First Person Tech Blog! We are very excited to embark on this "Technological Journey" with you.

My name is Francisco Reyes and I am one of two "co-posters" (like my word ehh?) who will be updating this blog (The other being my partner Monica). I am currently attending California State University, Fullerton as an undergraduate and am majoring in Business Administration. I am what you would call a "technology lover" (if that is even word) who is fascinated by anything and everything that involves innovations in technology.

The focus of this blog is to inform and analyze the different technological marvels that occur in our world everyday while adding in our own 2 cents on what we think of it all.

One again I would like to thank your reading and stay tuned as our first post will be soon!