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What Is Artificial Intelligence?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 25 Jan 2026 08:38:00 +0000

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems capable of performing complex tasks that historically only humans could do, such as reasoning, making decisions, or solving problems. At a glance, here's what you need to know about artificial intelligence:

Today, the term “AI” describes a wide range of technologies that power many of the services and goods we use every day – from apps that recommend TV shows to chatbots that provide customer support in real time.

Machine learning is the most common form of artificial intelligence used today.

As AI becomes more interwoven into our modern world, knowing how it works and how to use it can help you better leverage the technology at work and in your personal life.

In this article, you’ll learn more about artificial intelligence, what it actually does, and the different types. You’ll also learn about some of its benefits and dangers and explore flexible courses that can help you expand your knowledge of AI even further.

What is artificial intelligence?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the theory and development of computer systems capable of performing tasks that historically required human intelligence, such as recognizing speech, making decisions, and identifying patterns. AI is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide variety of technologies, including machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing (NLP).

Although the term is commonly used to describe a range of different technologies in use today, many disagree on whether these actually constitute artificial intelligence. Instead, some argue that much of the technology used in the real world today actually constitutes highly advanced machine learning that is simply a first step towards true artificial intelligence, or “general artificial intelligence” (GAI).

Despite the many philosophical disagreements over whether “true” intelligent machines actually exist, when most people use the term AI today, they’re referring to a suite of machine learning-powered technologies, such as Chat GPT or computer vision, that enable machines to perform tasks that previously only humans can do like generating written content, steering a car, or analysing data.

Artificial intelligence examples

Though the humanoid robots often associated with AI (think Star Trek: The Next Generation’s Data or Terminator’s T-800) don’t exist yet, you’ve likely interacted with machine learning-powered services or devices many times before.

At the simplest level, machine learning uses algorithms trained on data sets to create machine learning models that allow computer systems to perform tasks like making song recommendations, identifying the fastest way to travel to a destination, or translating text from one language to another. Some of the most common examples of AI in use today include:

ChatGPT: Uses large language models (LLMs) to generate text in response to questions or comments posed to it.

Google Translate: Uses deep learning algorithms to translate text from one language to another.

Netflix: Uses machine learning algorithms to create personalized recommendation engines for users based on their previous viewing history.

Apple's Siri: Apple's voice-activated personal assistant, Siri, is powered by deep neural networks (DNNs) to interact with users and complete their requests.

AI in the workforce

Artificial intelligence is prevalent across many industries. Automating tasks that don't require human intervention saves money and time, and can reduce the risk of human error. Here are a couple of ways AI could be employed in different industries:

Finance industry. Fraud detection is a notable use case for AI in the finance industry. AI's capability to analyze large amounts of data enables it to detect anomalies or patterns that signal fraudulent behavior.

Health care industry. AI-powered robotics could support surgeries close to highly delicate organs or tissue to mitigate blood loss or risk of infection.

Kinds of AI

As researchers attempt to build more advanced forms of artificial intelligence, they must also begin to formulate more nuanced understandings of what intelligence or even consciousness precisely mean. In their attempt to clarify these concepts, researchers have outlined four types of artificial intelligence. Here’s a summary of each AI type, according to Professor Arend Hintze of the University of Michigan:

Reactive machines: Reactive machines don’t possess any knowledge of previous events, but instead only “react” to what is before them in a given moment. As a result, they can only perform specific tasks within a very narrow scope, such as playing chess, and are incapable of performing tasks outside of their limited context.

Limited memory machines: Limited memory machines possess a limited understanding of past events. They can interact more with the world around them than reactive machines can, but cannot form a complete understanding of the world. For example, self-driving cars use a form of limited memory to make turns, observe approaching vehicles, and adjust their speed.

Theory of mind machines: Machines that possess a “theory of mind” are able to create representations of the world and possess an understanding of other entities that exist within the world. Right now, these machines are only theoretical.

Self-aware machines: Machines with self-awareness are the theoretically most advanced kind of AI and would possess an understanding of the world, others, and themselves. This is what most people mean when they talk about "true AI." Currently, this is a far-off reality.

What is generative artificial intelligence?

Generative AI is a kind of artificial intelligence capable of producing original content, such as written text or images, in response to user inputs or "prompts." Generative models are also known as large language models (LLMs) because they're essentially complex, deep learning models trained on vast amounts of data that can be interacted with using normal human language rather than technical jargon.

Generative AI is becoming increasingly common in everyday life, powering tools such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Co-pilot. While other kinds of machine learning models are well suited for performing narrow, repetitive tasks, generative AI is capable of responding to user inputs with unique outputs that allow it to respond dynamically in real-time. This makes it particularly useful for powering interactive programs like virtual assistants, chatbots, and recommendation systems.

That said, while generative AI may produce responses that make it seem like self-aware AI, the reality is that its responses are the result of statistical analysis rather than sentience.

9 New Technology Trends for 2021

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 19:06:00 +0000

Technology today is evolving at such a rapid pace, enabling faster change and progress, causing an acceleration of the rate of change, until eventually it will become exponential. However, it is not only technology trends and top technologies that are evolving, a lot more has changed this year due to the outbreak of COVID-19 making IT professionals realize that their role will not stay the same in the contact less world tomorrow. And an IT professional in 2020-21 will constantly be learning, unlearning and relearning (out of necessity if not desire).

What does this mean for you? It means staying current with new technology trends. And it means keeping your eyes on the future to know which skills you’ll need to know to secure a safe job tomorrow and even learn how to get there. All bows to the worldwide pandemic, most of the global IT population is sitting back, working from home. And if you wish to make the most of your time at home, here are top 10 new technology trends you should watch for and make an attempt at in 2021, and possibly secure one of the jobs that will be created by these new technology trends.

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, has already received a lot of buzz in the past decade, but it continues to be one of the new technology trends because of its notable effects on how we live, work and play are only in the early stages. AI is already known for its superiority in image and speech recognition, navigation apps, smartphone personal assistants, ride-sharing apps and so much more.

Other than that AI will be used further to analyze interactions to determine underlying connections and insights, to help predict demand for services like hospitals enabling authorities to make better decisions about resource utilization, and to detect the changing patterns of customer behaviour by analyzing data in near real-time, driving revenues and enhancing personalized experiences.

The AI market will grow to a $190 billion industry by 2025 with global spending on cognitive and AI systems reaching over $57 billion in 2021. With AI spreading its wings across sectors, new jobs will be created in development, programming, testing, support and maintenance, to name a few. On the other hand AI also offers some of the highest salaries today ranging from over $1,25,000 per year (machine learning engineer) to $145,000 per year (AI architect) - making it the top new technology trend you must watch out for!

Machine Learning the subset of AI, is also being deployed in all kinds of industries, creating a huge demand for skilled professionals. Forrester predicts AI, machine learning, and automation will create 9 percent of new U.S. jobs by 2025, jobs including robot monitoring professionals, data scientists, automation specialists, and content curators, making it another new technology trend you must keep in mind too!

2. Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

Like AI and Machine Learning, Robotic Process Automation, or RPA, is another technology that is automating jobs. RPA is the use of software to automate business processes such as interpreting applications, processing transactions, dealing with data, and even replying to emails. RPA automates repetitive tasks that people used to do.

Although Forrester Research estimates RPA automation will threaten the livelihood of 230 million or more knowledge workers, or approximately 9 percent of the global workforce, RPA is also creating new jobs while altering existing jobs. McKinsey finds that less than 5 percent of occupations can be totally automated, but about 60 percent can be partially automated.

For you as an IT professional looking to the future and trying to understand new technology trends, RPA offers plenty of career opportunities, including developer, project manager, business analyst, solution architect and consultant. And these jobs pay well. An RPA developer can earn over ₹534K per year - making it the next technology trend you must keep a watch on!

3. Edge Computing

Formerly a new technology trend to watch, cloud computing has become mainstream, with major players AWS (Amazon Web Services), Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform dominating the market. The adoption of cloud computing is still growing, as more and more businesses migrate to a cloud solution. But it’s no longer the emerging technology trend. Edge is.

As the quantity of data organizations are dealing with continues to increase, they have realized the shortcomings of cloud computing in some situations. Edge computing is designed to help solve some of those problems as a way to bypass the latency caused by cloud computing and getting data to a datacenter for processing. It can exist “on the edge,” if you will, closer to where computing needs to happen. For this reason, edge computing can be used to process time-sensitive data in remote locations with limited or no connectivity to a centralized location. In those situations, edge computing can act like mini datacenters.

Edge computing will increase as use of the Internet of Things (IoT) devices increases. By 2022, the global edge computing market is expected to reach $6.72 billion. And this new technology trend is only meant to grow and nothing less, creating various jobs, primarily for software engineers.

4. Quantum Computing

Next remarkable technology trend is quantum computing, which is a form of computing that takes advantage of quantum phenomena like superposition and quantum entanglement. This amazing technology trend is also involved in preventing the spread of the coronavirus, and to develop potential vaccines, thanks to its ability to easily query, monitor, analyze and act on data, regardless of the source. Another field where quantum computing is finding applications is banking and finance, to manage credit risk, for high frequency trading and fraud detection.

Quantum computers are now a multitude times faster than regular computers and huge brands like Splunk, Honeywell, Microsoft, AWS, Google and many others are now involved in making innovations in the field of Quantum Computing. The revenues for the global quantum computing market are projected to surpass $2.5 billion by 2029. And to make a mark in this new trending technology, you need to have experience with quantum mechanics, linear algebra, probability, information theory, and machine learning.

5. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

The next exceptional technology trend - Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), and Extended Reality (ER). VR immerses the user in an environment while AR enhances their environment. Although this technology trend has primarily been used for gaming thus far, it has also been used for training, as with VirtualShip, a simulation software used to train U.S. Navy, Army and Coast Guard ship captains.

In 2021, we can expect these forms of technologies being further integrated into our lives. Usually working in tandem with some of the other new technologies we’ve mentioned in this list, AR and VR have enormous potential in training, entertainment, education, marketing, and even rehabilitation after an injury. Either could be used to train doctors to do surgery, offer museum goers a deeper experience, enhance theme parks, or even enhance marketing, as with this Pepsi Max bus shelter.

Fun fact: 14 million AR and VR devices were sold in 2019. The global AR and VR market is expected to grow to $209.2 billion by 2022, only creating more opportunities in the trending technology, and welcoming more professionals ready for this game-changing field.

While some employers might look for optics as a skill-set, note that getting started in VR doesn’t require a lot of specialized knowledge - basic programming skills and a forward-thinking mindset can land a job; another reason why this new technology trend should make up to your list of lookouts!

6. Blockchain

Although most people think of blockchain technology in relation to cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, blockchain offers security that is useful in many other ways. In the simplest of terms, blockchain can be described as data you can only add to, not take away from or change. Hence the term “chain” because you’re making a chain of data. Not being able to change the previous blocks is what makes it so secure. In addition, blockchains are consensus-driven, so no one entity can take control of the data. With blockchain, you don’t need a trusted third-party to oversee or validate transactions.

Several industries are involving and implementing blockchain, and as the use of blockchain technology increases, so too does the demand for skilled professionals. From a birds eye view, a blockchain developer specializes in developing and implementing architecture and solutions using blockchain technology. The average yearly salary of a blockchain developer is ₹469K.

If you are intrigued by Blockchain and its applications and want to make your career in this trending technology, then this is the right time to start. To get into Blockchain, you need to have hands-on experience of programming languages, the fundamentals of OOPS, flat and relational databases, data structures, web app development, and networking.

7. Internet of Things (IoT)

Another promising new technology trend is IoT. Many “things” are now being built with WiFi connectivity, meaning they can be connected to the Internet—and to each other. Hence, the Internet of Things, or IoT. The Internet of Things is the future, and has already enabled devices, home appliances, cars and much more to be connected to and exchange data over the Internet.

As consumers, we’re already using and benefitting from IoT. We can lock our doors remotely if we forget to when we leave for work and preheat our ovens on our way home from work, all while tracking our fitness on our Fitbits. However, businesses also have much to gain now and in the near future. The IoT can enable better safety, efficiency and decision making for businesses as data is collected and analyzed. It can enable predictive maintenance, speed up medical care, improve customer service, and offer benefits we haven’t even imagined yet.

And we’re only in the beginning stages of this new technology trend: Forecasts suggest that by 2030 around 50 billion of these IoT devices will be in use around the world, creating a massive web of interconnected devices spanning everything from smartphones to kitchen appliances. The global spending on the Internet of Things (IoT) is forecast to reach 1.1 trillion U.S. dollars in 2022. New technologies such as 5G is expected to drive market growth in the coming years.

And if you wish to step foot in this trending technology, you will have to learn about Information security, AI and machine learning fundamentals, networking, hardware interfacing, data analytics, automation, understanding of embedded systems, and must have device and design knowledge.

8. 5G

The next technology trend that follows the IoT is 5G. Where 3G and 4G technologies have enabled us to browse the internet, use data driven services, increased bandwidths for streaming on Spotify or YouTube and so much more, 5G services are expected to revolutionize our lives. by enabling services that rely on advanced technologies like AR and VR, alongside cloud based gaming services like Google Stadia, NVidia GeForce Now and much more. It is expected to be used in factories, HD cameras that help improve safety and traffic management, smart grid control and smart retail too.

Just about every telecom company like Verizon, Tmobile, Apple, Nokia Corp, QualComm, are now working on creating 5G applications. 5G services are expected to launch worldwide in 2021 with more than 50 operators offering services in about 30 countries by the end of 2021, making it a new technology trend you must watch out for, and also save a spot in.

9. Cyber Security

Cyber security might not seem like an emerging technology, given that it has been around for a while, but it is evolving just as other technologies are. That’s in part because threats are constantly new. The malevolent hackers who are trying to illegally access data are not going to give up any time soon, and they will continue to find ways to get through even the toughest security measures. It’s also in part because new technology is being adapted to enhance security. As long as we have hackers, cybersecurity will remain a trending technology because it will constantly evolve to defend against those hackers.

As proof of the strong need for cybersecurity professionals, the number of cybersecurity jobs is growing three times faster than other tech jobs. Also, the need for proper cyber security is so high that by 2021, $6 trillion will be spent globally on cybersecurity.

You must note that however challenging the field is it also offers lucrative six-figure incomes, and roles can range from ethical hacker to security engineer to Chief Security Officer, offering a promising career path for someone who wants to get into and stick with this evergreen trending technology.

CREDIT:- Nikita Duggal {simplilearn}

Nikita Duggal is a passionate digital nomad with a major in English language and literature, a word connoisseur who loves writing about raging technologies, digital marketing, and career conundrums.

Gaze at the Sony Xperia 1 III in this short video that shows the phone spinning 360°

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 18:54:00 +0000

credit:- Peter {GSM ARENA}

After publishing the first Sony Xperia 1 III renders, @OnLeaks created a short video that offers a 360° look at the phone. And with a phone like the Mark 3, many of the good stuff are on the side.

As the phone rotates, notice the camera shutter button plus the Xperia Pro-inspired customizable key on the right side. It’s just below the power button/fingerprint reader combo. A couple of seconds later the 3.5mm headphone jack comes into view. And then the card slot, which will have room for a microSD. This is a paragraph we can’t write about many 2021 flagships.

Other things to notice are the two loudspeaker grills above and below the 6.5” 4K OLED display. Most phones with stereo speakers have transitioned to using earpiece + bottom-firing speaker for their stereo setups.

And, finally, there’s the triple camera on the back. It will have a periscope lens, a first for Sony, but unfortunately we still don’t have details on the other two modules – will Sony finally move past 12 MP sensors? Only time (and leaks) will tell.

First Video of 150MPH Ferrari World Formula Rossa Roller Coaster Released

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 16:22:00 +0000

Inhabitants of the UAE's capital city Abu Dhabi don't do things by halves. After all, they have gold-dispensing cashpoints, the world's tallest tower, and now... the world's fastest rollercoaster.

It's called the 'Formula Rossa' and it can reach speeds of almost 150mph, just like that, hurtling its passengers at speeds that even German Autobahn traffic cops would cock an eyebrow at.

Harnessing the same technology that powers fighter planes off aircraft carriers, the rollercoaster's carriage travels the ride's 2.07 km (1.2 miles) distance in just a minute and half.

Oh, and did we mention it was built above Abu Dhabi's Formula 1 track? Well, it is. It's the star piece for the "Ferrari World" theme park that's opened just in time for the UAE's grand prix on November 12th. This attractions rockets its passengers to speeds in excess of 140MPH over a 1.2-mile track.

And though we can't offer our beloved readers tickets out there to watch the cars race and the rollercoaster blast above them, we can show you this point-of-view footage of the rollercoaster in action

Source: [VIA asylum]

How to Break Into a Mac..

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 16:12:00 +0000

We recently went through a few ways to break into a Windows PC without the password, and it turns out it's just as easy to break into a Mac too. Here's how to do it and keep yourself protected.

Just like on Windows, there are quite a few ways to break into a Mac, but many of them are variations on the same thing, so we're going to highlight the two easiest ways—one with a Mac OS X installer CD and one without—and show you how to keep yourself protected. Note that while these two methods will get you into the OS without knowing the password, you can always just use our previously mentioned "lazy method" with a Mac too—just boot up the computer with a Linux Live CD and start grabbing files.

How to Reset the Mac OS X Password

Both of the methods outlined below are ways to reset the Mac OS X password. While there are cracking utilities like John the Ripper or THC-Hydra, they're either complicated to use or expensive to buy, so we won't go into them here like we did with Windows (which has the very easy-to-use Ophcrack). Both of these methods assume the target computer is running Snow Leopard.

Method One: Use the Mac OS X Installer CD

If you have the Mac OS X installer CD handy, it's super easy to change the administrator account's password. Just insert the CD into the target Mac and hold the "c" key as you boot up the computer. It will boot into the Mac OS X installer. Once it does, head up to Utilities in the menu bar and choose Password Reset. You'll get a window prompting you to select the drive on which OS X is installed; so choose the drive you want to get into and select the user who's password you want from the drop-down menu.

Enter a new password for that user and hit the save button. That's it! When you reboot the computer, you can use your new password to log into the computer. Note that unfortunately, you still won't be able to unlock the Keychain, so if what you're trying to access has another layer of password protection, you won't be able to access it.

Method Two: Boot into Single-User Mode

If you don't have an installer CD handy, you just need to do a bit of fancy command-line footwork to achieve the same end as the CD method. Boot up the computer, holding Command+S as you hear the startup chime. The Mac will boot into single user mode, giving you a command prompt after loading everything up. Type the following commands, hitting Enter after each one and waiting for the prompt to come up again before running the next one:

/sbin/fsck -fy
/sbin/mount -uw /
launchctl load /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.DirectoryServices.plist
dscl . -passwd /Users/whitsongordon lifehacker

Replace whitsongordon with the user who's account you want to access and lifehacker with the new password you want to assign to that user.

If you don't know the users username, it should be pretty easy to run ls /Users at any time during single user mode to list all the home folders on the Mac, which usually correspond to the usernames available on the Mac. Note that, once again, this doesn't give you access to the OS X Keychain, so anything protected with another layer of password s will be off-limits.

How to Protect Your Mac from Being Broken Into

Luckily, while it's pretty easy to break into a Mac, it's also just as easy to protect yourself. Just like last time, our main recommendation is encrypting your entire OS. Note that this does not mean use OS X's built-in FileVault tool. We weren't impressed with FileVault the last time we looked at it, and it turns out it's pretty easy to get past FileVault's protection.
Instead, we recommend you use our favorite free, open-source encryption tool TrueCrypt. It came out with a Mac version back in 2008, and it still works wonderfully at encrypting entire partitions and drives on your computer. And, since anyone wanting to boot the computer needs to know your TrueCrypt password, they'll never even get to the password reset stage—so all your files will be safe.

Update: As many of you have pointed out in the comments, I misunderstood a few things about both FileVault and TrueCrypt. FileVault is not easily bypassable, and while it won't encrypt your entire drive, it should keep you safe from the above methods. TrueCrypt cannot currently encrypt an entire boot drive on a Mac.

However, you also pointed out that there's another simple way to keep people from resetting your password, and that's using a firmware password. If you have a Mac OS X installer CD, you can boot up from it and go to Utilities > Firmware Password Utility and set a firmware password. This prevents other folks from being able to boot up your computer from another hard disk, CD, or in single user mode. Someone with bad intentions could still bypass it, but it would require quite a bit of alone time with your hardware. So, for best results, you'll probably want to encrypt your files with FileVault and set up a firmware password.

As always, these are just a few of the easiest ways to break into a Mac. Do you know of any others? Share them with us in the comments (don't forget to share their weaknesses, too, so we know how to protect ourselves from them).

Virgin Galactic Spaceport Now Open, is World's First

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 18:51:00 +0000

Virgin Galactic has opened its first commercial spaceport "Spaceport America" in New Mexico. The facility will be able to launch all known types of spacecraft.

Fresh off its first successful solo space flight, Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic airline has completed the runway to its first commercial spaceport. “Spaceport America,” in Upham, New Mexico, is now operational. The port includes a two-mile long runway with a thickness of 42 inches, or 3.5 feet. It’s built to support any form of spacecraft currently in existence–a short compatibility list.

Virgin CEO Richard Branson: “The last few weeks have been some of the most exciting in Virgin Galactic’s development. Our spaceship is flying beautifully and will soon be making powered flights, propelled by our new hybrid rocket motor, which is also making excellent progress in its own test program. The investment deal with our new partners Aabar has successfully closed, securing funding for the remainder of the development program and we are seeing unprecedented numbers of people coming forward to secure their own reservations for this incredible experience. To be here in New Mexico to witness this historic moment is the perfect end to a great month.”

In addition to the runway, the terminal hangar facility is nearly completed. The building will be able to house up to five spacecraft and two guiding planes.

“With the recent signing of the NASA Authorization Act of 2010 by President Obama, it is clear that our nation’s future space efforts will be working even more closely than with the growing commercial space transportation industry,” said Lori Garver, Deputy Administrator of NASA. “Innovative approaches that foster this new commercial industry will bring more competition and opportunities that will lower the costs of spaceflight and payload services for America’s aerospace programs, and introduce new human space transportation systems.”

Space flight isn’t all that Virgin has up its sleeves. Branson also has a commercial underwater plane (a submarine) called the Necker Nymph. For a modest $25,000, you can rent it for a week.

Source: [VIA techeblog]

Powerloader Light Exo-Suit Adds 40kg of Kick-Power to Your Legs

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 18:20:00 +0000

If this exo-suit is the Powerloader Light, I'm guessing this is the Powerloader. It can increase leg power by 40kg, though at a cost of $223,000, none of us will be kicking someone while wearing it anytime soon.

Panasonic is selling the Powerloader Light for half that price to developers ($111,500), with the request that any research must be presented within the first year. The idea behind it is that it can help with rehabilitation, but when it runs on Linux 2.6 and can be modded both at software and hardware levels, I know what I'd be using it for. Kicking down pinatas and sprinting off with my spoils, yes.

Source:[VIA plasticpals]

Why We Hack: The Benefits of Disobedience

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 18:13:00 +0000

Sometimes disobedience is necessary and good when rules fail us, and it's at the core of why we hack. Hacking is a means of expressing dissatisfaction, confounding the mechanism, and ultimately doing better. Here's why it's so important.

Much of today's entertainment focuses on vigilantes, serial killers, and traditionally bad people. The common thread? They all promote disobedience as a virtue. How do you relate to a serial killer like Dexter? You do it because he murders other serial killers—read: bad people. He does something wrong because good behavior won't accomplish what needs to be done. It's this same mentality, this same brand of unrest, that fuels all kinds of disobedience. In particular, it's why we hack.

What I Mean When I Say "Hack"
Hacking can be defined a few ways, from the more innocent type of life hacking we generally talk about to the darker side of the spectrum where people are actually carrying out highly illegal actions. Here, we fall somewhere in the gray middle, where hacking disobeys companies, circumvents copyright laws, and challenges people to do more with what they're given. Hacking is a brand of disobedience that both expresses dissatisfaction with the status quo and does something to change it. This is the kind of hacking—and disobedience—that's beneficial and good.

The Reasons for Disobedience

It's hard for a lot of people to justify disobedience because it often involves breaking rules, if not the law. There's always at least a shred of incorrectness to disobedience, even if it's committed for all the right reasons. Hacking gets a bad reputation for those reasons as well, and to really understand why hacking is so important it's necessary to look at its roots: civil disobedience

Though certainly not the first instance, the idea of civil disobedience was popularized by Henry David Thoreau in his aptly titled 1848 essay Civil Disobedience. Wikipedia summarizes the thesis nicely:

It argues that people should not permit governments to overrule or atrophy their consciences, and that people have a duty to avoid allowing such acquiescence to enable the government to make them the agents of injustice.

Why It Matters

We've seen numerous examples of the benefits of civil disobedience over time, from Ghandi's campaign for independence from the British Empire (e.g.: the Salt March), to the Civil Rights Movement in 1950s and 60s America (e.g.: Rosa Parks), to the more recent Gay Rights Movement. With issues that have been around for some time it's easy to see, historically, how each group is denied rights and, at strategic times, chose disobedience as a means of fighting back. It all seems obvious now, but oppression and disobedience aren't necessarily all that different. For example, the Nazi party came to power because of civil unrest. Disobedience was a key component in Hitler's rise to power. For a more contemporary example I won't make comparisons to current political movements, because nothing is quite on the level of the third reich, but instead offer up something that's a little controversial:

Take Antoine Dodson's (of Bed Intruder fame) new iPhone app that takes sex offender tracking a lot further by identifying sex offenders through the wonders of augmented reality. The general assumption is that sex offenders are bad people and knowing their locations allows us to stay safe and keep our loved ones safe. The problem, however, is that sex offender databases suck. They suck because the definition of a sex offender is so broad that it includes people like Wendy Whittaker (full text at The Economist) who engaged in sexual activity with another minor who was below the age of consent. While there are definitely bad people who belong on such a list, there are plenty—like Wendy—who do not. We're catching too many dolphins with our tuna nets, so to speak, and its these sorts of unjust and ineffective laws that define oppression. It's our often emotional reactions that let people in desire of power (in this case, politicians) step in, willing to be so tough on sex offenders that they'll throw a net to catch anyone vaguely criminal, and slowly turn us into willingly oppressive people without even knowing it. While it feels like disobedience, it's not. This is one of many reasons why disobedience is necessary.

Why We Hack

So what does this all have to do with hacking? Let's look at two examples: Napster and Apple. Napster was really the beginning of the music sharing movement, which largely revolved around stealing copyrighted music by trading it online with others. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) quickly stepped in and made major efforts to catch and sue as many music thieves as possible. In some cases they caught people they were after, but many people were sued by the RIAA despite their infraction either being minor or possibly non-existent.

It is, again, the same situation: a group of people react emotionally, act without thinking, and hurt innocent people in the process. Despite the oppressive nature of the RIAA, file-sharing services were an incredible example of positive disobedience. They demonstrated the desire for purchasing and sharing unprotected digital music online, created the market for portable media players, and have reoriented the music industry more towards the benefit of the consumer. While the RIAA's witch hunt brought a number of casualties in the process, the immense change brought by the existence of music file sharing services—a simple act of disobedience—changed an entire industry.

That inevitably leads us to Apple, iTunes, and iOS. Apple quickly recognized the desire for people to buy and trade music legally, so they released the iPod and iTunes. A music store quickly grew as part of iTunes so people could legally purchase digital audio content. Initially, this content was locked down by digital rights management (DRM) copy protection, but dissatisfaction with its limitations eventually moved the music industry away from using it all-together. Today, you can buy music on iTunes and virtually any online music store with no DRM, leaving you the choice to share it with as many people as you want or simply keep it to yourself. What you do with your music is now your choice.

Apple recognized the problem with complex user experiences and attempted to create simpler, easier-to-use products. Their idea with iTunes had less to do with the legal consumption of music and more with the convenience, and they've applied this paradigm to all their products. With more and more people using computers and the internet, Apple's strategy has been to build the hardware and software that was the easiest to use. As a result, over the years, Apple has created two things: some pretty impressive hardware and software, but also a locked down platform that purportedly protects us from viruses, pornography, and other things Apple believes we don't want.

While no one can argue that Apple's been successful doing this, many of us who love their products but want the ability to do more are fed up. Lively communities for building Hackintosh Macs and doing amazing things with jailbroken iOS devices demonstrate the desire for the option of openness. When we purchase a product, said product should not make an effort to prevent us from using it in the way we want. Somewhere along the line, people started believing that when Apple says you shouldn't jailbreak your iPhone, it was actually against the law to do so. That's simply not the case.

We hack because we want to do better. We hack because we want to demonstrate the desire for greater possibilities. We hack because we're sick and tired of being caught in a net designed for other people. We hack because it's fun. With the internet becoming the world community, hacking is our form of civil disobedience. It's our way to passionately tear down and rebuild, confound the mechanism, and express dissatisfaction through improvement. It's about doing better, not breaking the law.

In addition to hacking, the Do It Yourself (DIY) movement is a kinder form of disobedience. We've grown into a society where processes are so streamlined and tailored to the customer's convenience that we don't need to make anything anymore. Instead we can work longer hours at our jobs and come home to a house cleaned by a robot vacuum and sit down to eat the seventh take out meal of the week. It's not that these conveniences are inherently bad, but when something breaks (as a Roomba often does), you have to be prepared to vacuum yourself. At those times, you're reminded how it's important to know how to clean, how to fix things around the house, and how to cook so you can do it when you need to or want to. There are so many things we've neglected to learn or have forgotten because convenience has stripped them of their relevancy.

The DIY movement stands behind the belief that forgetting how to do things is, culturally, a bad thing.

The need for disobedience comes in many forms but it all stems from being denied something we sorely need in our lives. While it's not always the right answer, it's hugely important. We need to keep on hacking so long as we're angry, frustrated, and dissatisfied with the status quo. We can sit around and complain, or we can do better. For me, it's a pretty easy choice.

Source: [VIA gizmodo]

Canon's 35x SX30 superzoomer reviewed: dazzling specs don't trump sub-par performance

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 07:02:00 +0000

The more things change, the more they stay the same, and though Canon's PowerShot superzoom line has gone from SX20 up to SX30, the new model has received a review that's strikingly similar to that applied to last year's model. On the SX20 they liked the focal range but hated the noisy image quality, and such is the case on the SX30 IS. This year it has a whopping 35x focal range, going from 24mm all the way up to 840mm and adding "very effective" IS to boot. The problem is double-trouble on the image quality front: noisy shots anywhere north of ISO 400, and chromatic aberrations that add a little too much Technicolor delight on contrasty shots. Ultimately it sounds like a hugely flexible and capable shooter, but only for those who aren't too picky about quality -- and who don't mind the $429 MSRP.

Photography Blog

20 Geeky Mug Design

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 06:58:00 +0000

A coffee mug is the first thing you look for when you get up in the morning. A mug is one of those necessities of life which we cannot do without.

Some prefer large, while others prefer small mugs. Some look for class whereas some prefer the simple ones. Whatever your choice, mugs are those inevitable accessories of our day to day life that can never be avoided.

For some people, their coffee mugs symbolize their character, personality, and liking. They like to get up each morning and be reminded of that one passion or love that keeps them alive. And for the same reason, they want the first thing that they hold in their hands, a coffee mug, to remind them of that love that keeps them going.

In this article, we have brought to you some of the best coffee mugs ever made until now. Choose the one that rightly fits your personality and style.

Automatic Stirring Mug

Have you ever spilled out your coffee while stirring or often felt lazy to do hold the spoon and stir your coffee in your mug? Then look no further, for someone heard your complaints and has come up with the “Automatic Stirring Mug”. This mug comes with a special facility which will stir your coffee automatically.

Battery Mug

Have you ever burned your tongue by sipping in hot dosage of coffee or cussed as your coffee got cold because of your busy work load? If yes, then “Battery Mug” is the solution for you. Don’t get confused by thinking whether it’s a battery that has been turned into a mug or a mug that has been infused with some sort of battery. The Battery Mug displays the hotness of the beverage poured in it by means of the indicator. This battery image on the mug glows when the beverage inside it is hot and fades as the mug is emptied or the beverage is cold.

Biscuit Storing Mug

Biscuit Storing Mug or “The Dunk Mug” has a little shelf/space at the bottom of the mug which allows you to store in your cookies. You can also use the shelf to hold a small piece of bread, sugar packets, or even your napkin. Now, you don’t have to carry a separate plate for biscuits or cookies with your tea or coffee; it’s all in your mug.

Canon’s Lens Mug

Canon’s Lens Mug, as the name suggests, is a product from Canon, and is a replica of Canon’s 70-200mm F4 lens. This Canon’s Lens Mug is made up of heat resistant material, and is a great attractive collectible for all the photographers.

Coffee Bean Mug

Coffee as we all know is made from coffee beans. The smell of coffee bean or freshly brewed coffee is a divine aroma for all the coffee lovers. Here’s a “Coffee Bean Mug” to enhance the flavor and smell of your coffee. This Coffee Bean Mug is made of coffee beans which will smell wonderful each time you take a sip.

Bacon Mug

Good news for all the bacon lovers. This Bacon Mug is too realistic to be true. A genuine piece of art, this bacon mug is for all those people who love eating ham and bacon.

Connectable Coffee Mugs

Designer Jonathan Aspinall has come up with a unique design for mugs, which can be easily carried from one place to another all together at the same time. This “Connectable Coffee Mugs” can be linked together to form a six mugs chain. Each mug has a plus sign shape male connection on one side and matching female connection on the other side, which help them to stay connected to each other and to be carried easily.

Star Wars Darth Vader Helmet Mug

If you’re a Star Wars movies fan and can’t get enough of these movies, then this “Star Wars Darth Vader Helmet Mug” is for you to enhance your movie experience and to show how big a fan you are. The design of this mug is inspired from the famous Darth Vader character of the Star Wars movies.

Duct Tape Coffee Mug

As we all know duct tape is used to fix broken things in your household. However, now you can ‘fix’ up a cup of hot coffee every morning with this Duct Tape Coffee Mug. This mug is made up of ceramic and is designed as if a duct tape is wrapped around a mug. The Duct Tape Coffee Mug comes in silver and black color.

The Fisticup

This ceramic mug is from Fred’s brand new line called “The Fisticup”. While holding this mug, it feels as if you’re ready to pounce on someone. This unusual mug is definitely for all the tough guys out there.

The Pacman Mug

Pacman is one the oldest and most popular games of all times. If you are a Pacman addict or you are among those gamers who like taking small breaks in their busy schedules just to play Pacman, then the “Pacman Mug” is just for you. This cute looking mug will definitely bring a smile on your face.

Arcade Games Mugs

Kick start your mornings with a cool display of your favorite arcade game characters, graphically inscribed on your coffee mug. This ‘Arcade Games Mug’ are the best option for all the arcade games lovers.

Star Trek Pewter Mug

Get ready to take a ride to traverse across galaxies with the “Star Trek Pewter Mug”. The mug will take you to the imaginative and wonderful world of the Star Trek movies. Star Trek Pewter Mug features a metallic look with movie visual symbols inscribed on the surface. This mug is the coolest gadget for the Star Trek geeks.

R2-D2 Coffee Mug

The R2-D2 Coffee Mug is definitely the coolest gadget for all the R2-D2 Fans. What a great way to start your day with a cup of your favorite coffee served in your favorite Star Wars character mug.

Unplug the Plug Mug

The Plug Mug is designed especially for those people who love to play pranks at home or in office or whose personal mugs are often taken for use without their knowledge. You can leave your mug anywhere and unplug it so that no one else can use it. The “Plug Mug” is definitely an unconventional yet innovative mug design.

Facebook Mug

Now you can get hooked up to the addictive social networking website right from the time you wake up in the morning. For all Facebookaholics, this “Facebook Mug” is a boon. On the mug, the ‘wall’ option from the facebook main screen is encrypted, along with ‘I Need More Coffee’ written in the post line, ready to be submitted. This mug will give your day a jolting start with a combination of caffeine and Facebook kick.

ON-OFF Mug

This “ON-OFF Mug” is an ordinary looking mug with extraordinary magical features. Now, you might ask: what’s so extraordinary and magical about this normal looking mug? When you pour hot beverage into the mug, it turns white, with ‘ON’ written on it and when the mug is empty or the beverage is cold, it turns black and shows ‘OFF’.

Space Invaders Coffee Mugs

If you’re a lover of classic video games, then you must have played the Space Invaders game. For all those kids and grownups who love to play Space Invaders and can’t get enough of it, this “Space Invaders Coffee Mug” is just the right thing for you. This mug features the Space Invaders game and comes in different colors. These Space Invaders Mugs can also be a perfect gift for your kids.

Teeth Mug

Good oral hygiene is essential for healthy and strong teeth. For all the dental conscious people, the ‘Teeth Mug’ is a great collectible. The “Teeth Mug” has a teeth shape on one side. Each tooth is individually hand carved by skilled Taiwanese Ceramic artists to make sure that all the teeth are straight and clean for the brightest smile.

The Toilet Mug

The Toilet Mug, as the name suggests, is shaped as a toilet bowl. This hand-painted toilet mug makes a great gag gift for any coffee or tea lover. The Toilet Mug is definitely one of the weirdest mugs with a gross taste.

Source: gadgether

iMac refresh is imminent, according to reseller sources

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:02:00 +0000

The latest word from behind Apple-authorized cashiers is that Cupertino has stopped shipping out fresh stock of its entry-level 21-inch iMac. The Core 2 Duo-equipped machines were already looking long in the tooth in this Core i-something era, and so predictably the latest speculation centers around the idea of Apple taking its full iMac range into Core i3, i5 and i7 territory. Nobody really knows any of the specs for the moment, but resellers are apparently being advised to sell through what stock they have and to "keep inventories lean" for the next few weeks. Considering Apple's last all-in-one overhaul coincided with the introduction of the Magic Mouse, we're starting to suspect the company might have another iMac plus touch input device combo coming -- potentially in the very near future.

Source: Via[appleinsider]

Panasonic gearing up to reveal consumer-level 3D camcorder?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:49:00 +0000

You won't be coloring us shocked if this plays out exactly as rumored, but word on the street has it that Panasonic will be busting out a consumer-level 3D camcorder as early as next week. 'Course, this is a company that already has a built-to-order 3D camcorder available to those with just over 20 large in need of a new home, and with the 3D push happening at a breakneck pace, it was just a matter of time before one of the big boys came along and served up an option for the Average Joe / Jane. Specifics on the device -- which will be "shown at a Tokyo news conference scheduled for July 28" -- are few and far between, but we're hearing that it'll be "about the same size as a conventional consumer-use camcorder," will integrate a pair of lenses in the front and will ring up at "far less" than professional models.

Source: Via[Engadget Spanish]Via[PCWorld]

At least $240 million writeoff in Microsoft earnings report

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:39:00 +0000

Here's a tidbit in today's Microsoft quarterly earnings that we previously overlooked: a $240 million cost of revenue "primarily... resulting from the discontinuation of the Kin phone, offset in part by decreased Xbox 360 console costs." In other words, the company took at least a quarter billion hit due to manufacturing, distribution, and support costs of the Kin (according to Microsoft's definition of "cost of revenue"). We don't know how much Xbox 360 offset, unfortunately, but we can add this figure to the $500 million Danger acquisition and the full marketing cost for the product (which we also don't know, but anecdotally, it was on par with other major campaigns) to reach... well, at least $800 million in regret for the folks in Redmond.

Source: Via[Engadget]Via[Electronista]

Thunders closer look (extreme closeup)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:40:00 +0000

For those who get scared at the sound of thunder, this lightning strike may be a bit too extreme for you. Continue reading to see the entire sequence -- language is definitely not work safe.

Source: Via[Techeblog]

Is Your Boss on the New Sexual Harassment Registry?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:31:00 +0000

Boasting one of the better rhyming straplines I've heard in a while, eBossWatch is a registry for bosses prone to sexual harassment. "Nobody should have to work with a jerk," claims the National Sexual Harassment Agency, and if the testimonies are to be believed, it's the best thing since Dolly did disco.

Not content with merely being a searchable database (Noah and Tyler, my two bosses at Fast Company, have both checked out okay) it's also got a Worst Boss section where the truly execrable top dogs are outed. Interestingly enough, of the 25 dawgs, five of them are women, with 15.9% of all complaints in 2008 being filed by men--this one especially sounds nice.

The site, which was inspired by the FBI's National Sex Offender Registry, was launched yesterday. It sends, apparently, "a strong message to those intending to sexually harass their employees or co-workers that they will be publicly held accountable and will suffer serious consequences for their abusive actions," according to Asher Adelman, eBossWatch's founder. So, no public lopping off of genitalia. Yet.

Source: Via[Fast Company]

Teen Uses Craigslist to Barter Phones for a Porsche (VIDEO)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:18:00 +0000

In a world where many teens seem to lack both patience and common sense, one teen in Glendora, CA, demonstrated both masterfully.

Steven Ortiz, 17, used Craigslist to trade his way up from an old cell phone to a Porsche. It took him 2 years of bartering like mad, but it appears that the effort was worth it. He’s the only student at Charter Oak High School who drives a Porsche to school.

His path from old cell phone to Porsche included working his way up to an iPod, then a MacBook Pro laptop. Eventually, Ortiz traded up from electronics to dirt bikes, then cars and trucks, and an SUV.

“A lot of my friends are jealous,” Ortiz said. “A lot of my friends come up to me and tell me, ‘You want to trade my phone for a car? Try to get me a Ferrari.’ I tell them it’s not that easy. It takes time and patience, definitely.” Video after the break.

Ortiz’s skill at identifying a good deal started years ago when he would buy cell phones off of his friends. At $30 each, he would turn around and sell the used cell phones online for three times the amount he paid. He also picked up a knack for repairing electronics, which enabled him to take something that was almost worthless and get it functioning again.

Eventually, Ortiz discovered bartering. Many people online are looking for ways to exchange something they don’t need in order to get something they do need. These same people often realize that they can get more through bartering than through selling the item for cash.

“A lot of people don’t have money right now, in this economy. So they think, `I really need a new phone, but I don’t have the money. Here I have this CD player lying around that I don’t use anymore, maybe I can trade,”‘ Steven’s father Esteban explained.

Like many Americans, the Ortiz family has been hit hard by the economy. But with his uncanny ability to scour the Web for incredible deals, Steven Ortiz has still managed to get whatever he wants, despite facing economic hardship.

Source: Via[Auto]

Honda will bring plug-in hybrids, full EVs to United States in 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:02:00 +0000

Though they probably won't look anything like Honda's adorable EV-N, the Japanese automaker's got some new technological vehicles up its sleeves -- in a speech today, Honda CEO Takanobu Ito formally announced plans to produce a plug-in hybrid competitor for Toyota's flashy new PHEV Prius by 2012, which rumor has it will sport an estimated fuel economy (when it's using fuel, we assume) of roughly around 140 miles per gallon. Better still, a completely battery-powered electrical vehicle will also go on sale by 2012, and you won't have to fly to Japan to try them out, as they're slated for the States as well. Hydrogen fuel cells are apparently still Honda's long-term solution, though the FCX Clarity received only a passing mention. In the short term, Honda's still circling the wagons around part-gasoline systems like the Civic (which will receive a Li-ion battery pack) and the Fit Hybrid, destined for Japan this fall.

Source: Via[Honda]

Canon developing smaller DSLRs to compete with mirrorless cameras?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 08:55:00 +0000

Nikon was joining the league of mirrorless cameras, the whole world's been waiting for its arch rival to make the next move in the battle of smaller prosumer cameras. Today, Canon finally gave away some hints about which camp it'll side with -- probably just sticking with traditional DSLRs, but smaller. Canon's Masaya Maeda didn't share any specific details, but here's how he dodged Reuters' inquiry: "It's not a question of whether or not you have a mirror. There is a consumer need for good-quality cameras to be made smaller. We will meet this need." And to add some icing to that bland statement, Maeda reinforced that it wouldn't be a challenge for his company to retain a mirror (hence a viewfinder, which is essential for obtaining better results and higher shooting rates) in a smaller design, and that they've made very small SLR cameras before (likely in reference to the film era).

Whatever happens, here's hoping that Canon's new toy won't be any bigger than the much-loved G11.

Source: Via [Reuters]

Apple shows Nokia's N97 Mini can be force choked. (VIDEO)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 08:47:00 +0000

Nokia claims it always prioritizes antenna performance over physical design, and we'll take them at their word, but that apparently didn't exempt one Espoo handset from Apple's grip of doom. Here's the Nokia N97 Mini going down for the count, from a full seven bars to two. Of course, Apple doesn't mention whether calls or data drop when the handset's held this way. Video after the break.

[Thanks, Lyndon W.]

Source: Via[Engadget]

Apple's First Quarter Profits announced

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 08:31:00 +0000

Apple posts record $3.25b profit in first full quarter of iPad sales, says more 'amazing products' coming this year

Apple just posted up its third quarter earnings -- its first full quarter selling the iPad -- and, well, it's raining cash in Cupertino. The company posted a record profit of $3.25b on record revenues of $15.7b, which is up from $1.83b and $9.73b from a year ago. The big stat? Apple sold 3.27 million iPads, nearly matching the 3.47 million Macs sold -- and Mac sales were up 33 percent from a year ago to set a new quarterly record. Yeah, damn. iPhone sales -- including the first few weeks of the iPhone 4 -- were up 61 percent from a year ago to 8.4 million, and the iPod continued its slow decline, down eight percent to 9.41 million units sold. Over half of the Apple's sales -- 52 percent -- were international, and Jobs is quoted saying "we have amazing new products still to come this year." Not a bad way to head into back-to-school and the holidays, we suppose -- we've got a feeling those iPad numbers are just going to go up.

We didn't learn too much apart from the fact that Apple's selling every iPhone and iPad it can make (Tim Cook repeated this over and over), and that Apple's setting aside $175 million in revenue to cover the free iPhone 4 cases. Of course, given that Apple added an additional $4.1 billion in cash to its warchest this quarter for a total of $45.8 billion, that's pretty much pocket change, but there's the number.

SpaceShipTwo Makes First Flight with Crew Aboard

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 08:18:00 +0000

That's right, SpaceShipTwo has successfully completed its first flight with a full crew aboard, which "lasted more than six hours and included tests of systems aboard board the spacecraft, according to Virgin Galactic. Video after the break.

"There have been several preparation flights during the last month, suggesting the team is preparing for the glide flight even though no date has been released."

Source: Via[Techeblog]

Google to abandon Nexus One web store soon

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:35:00 +0000

Final delivery of Google’s Nexus One Android handset means that the company’s web store will close shortly

Google is to stop selling its Nexus One online, but the Android phone will still be available in the UK via Vodafone Photo: Reuters

Google is to abandon its online web store and stop selling the Nexus One Android handset. The phone, which was the first Android handset designed by Google itself, was initially sold only at google.com/phone, but in a blog post the company’s vice president Andy Rubin said that the method had not worked and that the company had now received its last delivery of the handset.

Writing in May Mr Rubin said on the company's Nexus One blog: “While the global adoption of the Android platform has exceeded our expectations, the web store has not. It’s remained a niche channel for early adopters, but it’s clear that many customers like a hands-on experience before buying a phone, and they also want a wide range of service plans to chose from.” Now the company has revealed that “This week we received our last shipment of Nexus One phones. Once we sell these devices, the Nexus One will no longer be available online from Google.”

In the UK, however, where Vodafone has been the exclusive retailer of the Nexus One, supplies will not be interrupted. Google has also said that it will shift phone sales to a conventional retail model globally, rather than selling the handset online. The web store itself will become a showcase for Android handsets.

Summing up the success of the Nexus One, Google CEO Eric Schmidt recently told the Telegraph, “The idea a year and a half ago was to do the Nexus One to try to move the phone platform hardware business forward. It clearly did. It was so successful, we didn't have to do a second one."

Source: Via[Telegraph]

Nokia Kinetic Phone Stands Up When Someone Calls

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:16:00 +0000

The Nokia Kinetic isn't just a sleek concept phone. It's a sleek concept phone that raises itself up into a standing position when a call comes in. Huh?

Inside the Kinetic is an electromagnet that can shift weights in the curved base, causing the phone to tilt upright on cue, that cue being an incoming call. Telemarketer again? Tap the phone to decline the call and it'll fall back down. It's intended to be a playful feature, though I can see it being useful in a quiet office where even vibrating phones are sometimes an irritant to others.

The Kinetic's pretty clever, though designer Jeremy Innes-Hopkins will have to do some serious convincing if anyone's going to go for the bulbous form factor of this thing.

Source: via[dvice]

Nokia Finally Wakes Up and Starts Looking For a New CEO

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:59:00 +0000

The Wall Street Journal reports that “people familiar with the situation” indicated that Kallasvuo, who has held the CEO title since 2006, will soon be ousted for a new leader.

And continued to report as

“They are serious about making a change,” one person familiar with the matter said. Nokia board members are “supposed to make a decision by the end of the month,” that person said.

The CEO of a major U.S. high-tech company recently spurned Nokia’s approach after meeting with Chairman Jorma Ollila, because the candidate wasn’t interested in moving to Finland, this person said. Nokia also has flown in at least one other U.S. based executive to interview for the CEO job, the person said.

If the reports are true, it looks like there could be a shake-up at a U.S. based company as well as the mobile manufacturer poaches American companies for a new leader. While the news strikes hard, it strikes fast as the decision by Nokia board members will be made by the end of the month.

It’s a pretty drastic measure for the folks at Espoo, but desperate times call for desperate measures. The Finland-based company has yet to make a splash in the North American smartphone market where the iPhone, BlackBerry and Android handsets rule. Perhaps the Nokia N8 was the latest decent smartphone after the Maemo-powered N900, but even N8 was ridiculed before most people got their hands on it. Hopefully this change will make Nokia a competitive force in the smartphone landscape.

Source: via [Wall Street Journal]

Airbus' Lightweight Plane of the Future Features Holographic Projections and Invisible Floors

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:44:00 +0000

What sorts of airplanes will we be flying in 2030? According to Airbus, this "fantasy plane" concept is a reasonable guess, a lightweight model with curled wings and a U-shaped tail. Oh, and invisible floors.

Sure, the design itself isn't that crazy, but some of the interior features sure are. How about "holographic projections of virtual decors, so that each passenger could transform his or her area into a workspace, a bedroom, or a Zen garden"? Or walls and a floor that can turn "invisible" so you have a better sense of the landscape below. That one sounds both amazing and absolutely terrifying. Having ridden in a glass-bottomed ferris wheel car and almost soiled my shorts, I can't imagine how looking straight down from 30,000 feet would feel.

At this point of time there is no need to worry for another 20 years.

Source: via[Gizmodo]