Dryers That Twitter

Dryers That Twitter

Author JoeDigital | 06.01.2009 | Category Computers, Telecommunications, World Wide Web

Admittedly, some things probably didn’t need to be invented, and this is most likely one of them, but it is still an interesting idea that could come in handy: Alternate methods for your clothes dryer to let you know that load is done. Now, we realize that most dryers already sound a buzzer, but sometimes that buzzer is in the wrong room, or you’ve become too involved in something online to notice that outside world without a friendly reminder.

This video will show you how to create a dryer alert system of your own, and your imagination can guide you in creating the perfect alert for your own needs. For some, a big flashing sign may be enough, bot other among us might need our digital devices to do the notifying, and in that situation, getting a twitter from your dryer could be the perfect way to go.

Atomic Scale Computing

Author JoeDigital | 05.01.2009 | Category Computers, Technology, Technology Viewpoint

Since the advent of the transistor in 1947, the power of computers has grown exponentially. Every year that goes by, the speed and power of computers has increased dramatically, causing many to wonder when the so called ‘doubling effect” will end. Until recently, many researchers had considered the wall within sight, but recent discoveries on the molecular level have changed all that.

Funded by the European Union, the CEMES Nanoscience and Picotechnology Group (GNS) has put together some of the brightest minds from 15 top academic and industrial research institutes, working on the problems of nano-computing and atomic scale computing. It will still be a few years before these machines are on the market, but the steps taken today will help guide near-future business ventures.

The goal is to create a logic gate, a single ON/OFF switch, in a molecule, and computing by comparing such set states at the molecular level. If successful, and early results indicate that the field is not only promising, but emerging, whole new levels of computing technology will open up, increasing the current speed and storage levels beyond anything currently imagined.

CES 2009

Author JoeDigital | 04.01.2009 | Category Computers, Consumer Electronics, Technology Viewpoint

One concern for the upcoming CES 2009 is the current worldwide financial shae-up. Many vendors are expected to cut back on their level of participatiion, while other are expected to ramp up and roll out the best they have available, hoping to draw in some consumer recognition and sales to follow up on 2008’s overall slump.

Mircosoft is expected to unveil Windows 7 at CES 2009, bringing the latest evolution of the software gient’s operating system into play at a critical time. Microsoft has been facing potential competition from many directions recently, including Google and various Open Source software offerings, and the company seems to pinning a lot of hope on cornering portions of the mobile computing market in 2009.

In addition to Microsoft, you can expect IBM, Intel, and Hewlitt Packard to put ina  good showing, and other companies ar certain make make at least honorable appearances. 

On the downside, this year’s attendance is expected to be quite a bit lower than in previous years, with pre-registration currently the lowest it has been since 2006. For those who attend CES for the party-like atmosphere, you may be a little this years, as tightening budgets are going to hamper the freebies and incentives that have been so common at conferences in the past.

Microsoft Pay-per-use Rejected

Author JoeDigital | 03.01.2009 | Category Computers

The U.S. Patent office has rejected a patent application by Microsoft Corporation for pay-as-you-go computing. The patent was rejected on several points, including the frequent usage of “fuzzy terminology” that did not properly define that intention, and the premise that many components of the aplication already exist in other forms.

This effectively quells Microsoft plans to channel users of their popular productivity products into individual permissions obtained electronically for the use of applications, both on the users machine, and online. WWhile this is most likely not the end of Microsoft’s plans, it will definitely send them back to the drawing board, or at least give them reason to consider existing technologies, rather than inventing the wheel all over again.

Tech-Science 2008: Phoenix Mars Lander

Author ColGlobe | 01.01.2009 | Category Computers

The Phoenix Martian Lander was one of 2008's crowning technological accomplishments.

Perhaps one of the most notable of scientific achievements in 2008, the Mars lander, Phoenix, was put down in the northern hemisphere of Mars, where it set to work on a few short months of investigation.

A state of the art robotic aboratory, Phoenix had one mission: to identify water below the surface, in polar regions. To this end, the mission was both successful and sadly diappointing. Water does exist beneath the polar sands, but extracting it will not be anywhere near as easy as scientists had hoped.

The mission, which was originally planned for only 3 months was extended to 5 months before the Martian winter forced the craft to shut down due to lack of power.

Robotic missions to the Red Planet are helping scientists prepare for a manned mission which is optimistically scheduled to take place in only a few years.

Video for Wii

Author JoeDigital | 31.12.2008 | Category Computers

Dentsu Inc which is Japan’s largest ad agency, will now team up with Nintendo Co Ltd to launch a service for the purpose of distributing video on the wildly popular Nintendo Wii.

The companies have planned to offer specially created content for the service, a Dentsu spokesman said, which is in contrast to most other such online services, which tend to offer existing content available on the TV and theaters.

Viewers will pay to see some of the programmes, while others will be free, being accompanied by advertisements. Anime, which is the Japanese term for cartoons are rumored to constitute a bulk of the programming material. The new service will roll out in Japan next year, while the time line for the overseas sales has yet to be set, the Dentsu spokesman said.

Nintendo has sold 34.6 million Wii consoles, outselling Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and Sony’s PlayStation 3 almost 2 to 1.

Google Feels the Pinch This Christmas

Author JoeDigital | 30.12.2008 | Category Computers

Google is giving employees mobile phones instead of cash gifts in an effort to cut costs during the recession. 85 percent workers are expected to get a Google’s Android operating system powered handset as a holiday gift. This is in comparison to $1,000 cash gifts last year.

Google is seeking to control expenses as the global slump affect online advertising. The G1 Android phone went on sale in October, offering many features as the iPhone. the phone however won’t work in many countries, including Brazil, Russia, India and China. Employees there will receive about $400.

Google, offers benefits like free gourmet lunches and massages, has lowered the forecast for U.S. Internet ad spending to $25.1 billion by about 11% in 2009. Technology companies are struggling with the slowing economy, forcing job cuts and other expenses. Hewlett-Packard Co. froze salaries to lower expenses. Unisys Corp. said it was cutting its workforce and halting pay raises.

This year Google added 519 workers compared with 2,130 a year earlier. Google reduced the use of contract workers.

tech gifts for under a $100

Author JoeDigital | 30.12.2008 | Category Computers

Version:1.0 StartHTML:0000000168 EndHTML:0000002927 StartFragment:0000000471 EndFragment:0000002910It is the time of giving, but as economies tumble, we really don’t have all that much left to give. Giving cool stuff doesn’t necessarily mean breaking the bank, and so for our tech crazed readers, here’s a list of things that are cool and don’t leave you homeless at the same time.

1. Samsung s2 pebble 1 gb : The Samsung S2 Pebble offers excellent value: it’s inexpensive, sounds great, and offers a sleek and stylish design. Although it has no screen, and operating the Samsung S2 Pebble’s extra functions takes some practice. its cute MP3 player that offers a super affordable price tag, good sound quality, and some compelling extras.
2. Logitech Z-5 - Logitech’s Z-5 PC feature omnidirectional acoustics; USB connectivity, compatibiliy with Mac and Windows PCs; remote. The speakers are a little light on the bass but the Logitech Z-5s’ combination of a simple, clean design, USB connectivity make them a great buy.
3. The Verizon Wireless Blitz - Blitz has a vibrant display, a compact shape, and an excellent QWERTY keyboard. Though it lacks EV-DO. If messaging is your thing, this is your phone!
4. Logitech Driving Force Wireless: with wireless operation; no clamping required; force feedback; relatively lightweight and PS2 compatibility. This is a great buy, although build quality is not as good as the Logitech Driving Force GT; and the absence of a battery means the wheel needs an AC cord. Although it may not be for hard-core racers, but loose in performance you get back in ease of use and set up.
5. Radius Atomic Bass earphones: The earphones feature a compact and stylish design with a ton of bass, sometime suffering from muffled, chaotic audio at times. The earphones are a good choice for bass-addicts on a budget.
6. Microsoft Arc Mouse : The mouse has a unique appearance including a collapsible design and is easy to set up. though the side button hard is to use, Microsoft’s Arc mouse is almost as functional as its form is pleasing. A great choice for traveling, it’s a serviceable mouse for Macs and PCs.