GPS Tracker to fight speeding tickets in court

This article talks about using a GPS tracking device to fight a speeding ticket in court. A retired sheriff deputy is encouraging his step son to fight a ticket he got for supposedly speeding, only the GPS tracker told a different story. The cop cited the boy for going 62 in a 45 mph zone. By checking the logs recorded, it proved otherwise. How it works is that you install it in your car and using a software that is provided by the supplier, you can see exactly how fast you were going and when. It records your speed every 30 seconds or so. Many are skeptical about using it to fight a speeding ticket, but what do you think? I say... WHY NOT? Cops seem to think they have the right to be right all the time even when they are wrong. So how good would that feel to know that they can't bully us around cause we got PROOF!?!?


http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/10/26/ticket.gps.ap/index.html

Internet and the five forces

Hi, below are a list of words you've used for the class exercises. Just find it interesting for you to re-evaluate the words. You can comment on those choices and vote for the best word for each question.

1. Internet ______________ traditional barriers to entry.
Choises: reduces, lessens, eliminates, sharply reduces, lowers, crushes

2. Internet ______________ the intensity of competition among existing competitors.
Choices: increases, amplifies, enhances, boosts, brings out, improves

3. Internet ______________ the bargaining power of suppliers.
Choices: mixes, limits, escalates?

4. Internet ______________ the bargaining power of customers.
Choices: increases, enhances, raises, greatly increases, favors, strengthens

5. Internet ______________ the existence of substitute products and services.
Choice: boosts, highlights, conveys, raises, amplifies, maximizes, threatens, ensures, jacks up, expands, reveals, promotes, multiplies, broadens

New NIN record for free!

Following the footsteps of Radiohead, Trent Reznor says he plans on giving away his record for free via online.


http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9807934-7.html

Network Applications and E-Learning (After Class Reading)

Web Services is the fourth major category of network applications. They are applications used through computers or any other device like a cell phone that allow users to communicate with one another over the Internet. Web Services are a useful tool and can be used in a variety of ways, from automating business processes to streamlining online buying and selling. For a business, like Citigroup that needed to give its employees access to real time information globally, Web Services became an intricate part of their business so that employees can make faster and better decisions. They were able to give their employees access to real time information and make it more feasible for them to interact when they can’t interact face to face. They did so by using Microsoft’s .NET Web Services technology by building a corporate portal for them. Web Services are a key to creating a more feasible network for people in business to interact when they otherwise can’t.

Switched On: TakeTV is SanDisk's flash drive-in

This cool little device came out just in time for the shopping season. What it does is you store your videos from you pc or mac and then attatch to any television or computer screen with and S-video input. You can then watch your media and also stop, fast forward, rewind and stop it. All in all a pretty cool little device to perhaps store you movies on or put a video you want to show your friends.


Link:
http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/30/switched-on-taketv-is-sandisks-flash-drive-in/

Reverse 911 Calling UPDATE

Last week I blogged about how Vonage didn't have the reverse 911 calling. Today I found a link where you can register your VoIP or cell phone number, and even your e-mail address. Your information will be added to the AlertSanDiego regional database. So for those of you who don't have a house phone and use your cell phone as your main phone, please take the time to register your number and e-mail address. If you live with house mates with no house phone, it's important to note that each number and/or email registered can only be associated with one address in the system. It'd be a good idea to create an e-mail account for everyone to access.

Why the Internet is so AWESOME!!!

Someone somewhere has leaked out the Sears black friday sales deals. For all of you who may not know what black friday is, it is the biggest shopping day of the year and boy are there some deals on the stuff you can get. A 46" Sharp Aquos HDTV for $999.99 that sounds good to me. You can even sign up on this site so that when other black friday lists for bestbuy and other stores are relased then you will know. Hooray internet.

here is the link:
http://www.blackfriday.info/ads/sears-black-friday-ad.html

Readings Posted By Test Date

The Road to WiMax

WiMax is steadily increasing with various companies to become the next standard to that of WiFi. Intel is the leader of the pack (the major promoter of the new technology), with weak cell phone carriers like Sprint starting to provide the service.

I never really understood what WiMax was until reading this article. Although I’ve heard about it 3 years ago when I purchased my notebook at Best Buy (I don’t remember who mentioned it whether it was one of the salespeople or a knowledgeable customer), I only thought of it as WiFi with extended range. With this being part of the truth, after reading the article I can’t wait until WiMax is fully out there. Now my question is if Sprint is already offering WiMax because they were mentioned in the article and looking at Sprint’s website, they stated that their USB and internet connection cards provide “broadband-like” speeds. And, I do know that the service is being provided from their cell phone towers, not those fiber optics like in the article. Anyways, with WiMax providing speeds 50 times faster than WiFi, and a more reliable connection, there really is no doubt to not push this technology into production. As long as the pricing is reasonable for customers, I’m all for it! Not to mention how everything can be done wirelessly nowadays.

Network Applications

There are 4 major categories of network applications that have been discussed in this material: discovery, collaboration, communication and Web services.

The one category I’m most familiar with is communication because it’s basically what we’re doing in this class. Blogging is one form of communication and sites like blogger.com is the one that we’re using. Whenever I go on the Internet, I like to go to wikipedia.com because I like to find out information on stars and facts of places. Basically everyone nowadays have e-mail, and if someone asked me a semester ago if I ever used mine, I’d like to say very rarely, but now I’m on it at least once everyday for averaging 10 minutes each time. Although I still rely on my cell phone the most because it’s the most reliable form of communication and the perfect option in case of emergencies, I actually want to get VOiP one of these days because it’s cheaper to call out of country and I too want a 310 area code! Although I don’t have a landline at my house in Temecula because of great reception with Sprint, I do need to have a house line one of these days.

SD Fires

Hope everyone is safe out there. My mom and I packed and evacuated yesterday morning just in case our area needed to evacuate since the news mentioned areas by the 56. They made it even more clear when they mentioned areas west of Black Mtn which is where our home is. Up to now we did not receive a reverse 911 call however my friend did who lives really close to me (about 2 minutes away by car). I wondered if it's because we don't have have a landline, we have VoIP, with Vonage (unfortunately). I've been researching online to see if Vonage allows reverse 911 calls but didn't really find a definite answer. So, I called customer service to ask and it sounded like they didn't know what reverse 911 calling meant or even heard of it. I told them what it is and how it's effecting me right now due to the fires. They said that my number is registered and it should be fine since they have my information and whatnot. Then, 15 minutes later I see on the news that they confirmed that Vonage does not have reverse 911 calling but Road Runner does. So this worries me even more! Please be safe!

Another useful website: http://www.cbs8.com/

Southern California fires information resources

Hello classmates,

I hope you are all ok and in a safe place. I am one of those relying solely on the Internet and a cellphone to keep posted as whether I need to make a move. I'm close to the intersection of the I-5 and I-78, so far so good.

I don't have cable tv (nor air channel / radio reception) nor a land line so I am using the following websites and phone numbers:

10news.com
signonsandiego.com
sosfireblog.blogspot.com
sdcountyemergency.com

211
858.300.1211
866.438.4636

If you know of any other Websites and phone numbers I can check, please post them, there may be others who need them too.

You are all in my prayers. Stay safe - please don't take chances.

Future information System - The Internet everywhere

A very interesting futur communication. I love this video. this will happen in near future for sure.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKchgm9Nslk

Creative Japanese Cellular phone Ad

Japanese Do Co Mo phone put a sharp camera in the phone that could capture fast moving object. I think it's pretty neat.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZruqotPlCVw

For you GAMERS out there...

A cheaper PS3 is announced to release on November 2nd. Just like the iPhone, there is a price cut on the 80GB PS3 from $599 to $499 and they're discontinuing the 60GB PS3 which was sold at a price of $499. Now they're coming out with a new lower-end model with a 40GB drive for $399.

The difference between the new lower-end model and the top-line model is that the lower-end model can only play PS3 games. So, you wouldn't be able to play games made for the PS2.

Since the release date is before the holiday season, there's still a chance of getting one. Gotta be quick 'cause I have a feeling it will be sold out for awhile.

Article: http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/ptech/10/18/sony.playstation3.ap/index.html

The Fon Club

"Foning" is something that many people may not be familiar with but the founders of the Wi-Fi network FON are looking to turn it into the next big term such as "Googled" and "Skyped." I found this article in the October 15th issue of Business Week and in it FON promises to succeed where many other Wi-Fi networks have failed. The current Wi-Fi networks depend on hot spots that are strung up in light poles and coffee shops but with FON it allows users to piggyback off of other "FONers" home broadband connections for free. FON users buy the company router or install their software onto their existing cable modems creating hot spots for other FON users. Currently there are about 200,000 traditional wireless hot spots around the world and FON has already deployed 280,000 FON routers. It is an interesting article to look at because of the opportunity its giving for the expansion of Wi-Fi networks where big companies such as IBM and Intel have failed. Both companies pulled the plug on their projects for Wi-Fi networks. Currently FON is relying on ads on the sign in page and fees charged to non-FONeros using the network to make money but has already partnered up with the British phone carrier BT to use the technology and Dell Inc. has begun selling FON routers on its website.

"JOIN THE FON CLUB, BE A HOT SPOT" - Business Week

Dot-com fever stirs sense of déjà vu

SAN FRANCISCO: Silicon Valley's math is getting fuzzy again.

Internet companies with funny names, little revenue and few customers are commanding high prices. And investors, having seemingly forgotten the pain of the first dot-com bust, are displaying symptoms of the disorder known as irrational exuberance.

Link

Tech Resiliance

This article talks about Intel and IBM's ability to perform, or outperform expectations of market analysts. With todays current real esate and financial sectors in a slump, many analysts expected demmand for personal computers as well as the semi-conductors that help make them run to be limited. For Intel, this was hardly the case, sales and profits both exceeded predictions in the last quarter. In adittion, at IBM sales of computer services rose at the fastest rate in the last four years.
This should cause some concern going into the usually highly profitable holiday season. If many consumers have been continuing to buy in the last quarter, which we can see they have, then there should be some concern about already built up inventory. So will consumers show up in high enough numbers to keep Intel on this pace to finish off a strong year.
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/oct2007/tc20071016_629674_page_2.htm

WiMax

Okay...so the WiMax caught my eye, but something in the article's comment really made me think...

...it says that it's bringing internet to places that don't have the internet??? Is this true...?? Are they talking about rural places of Missouri, or 3rd world countries?? Places without the internet. I can't imagine such a place. hmmm...
http://images.businessweek.com/ss/07/08/0823_wimax/index_01.htm

New Mac OS "Leopard"

Apple Inc is coming out with a new operating system for their Mac called Leopard which will be available in the next couple weeks for approx. $129.



This new OS was supposed to be out in June, but with Apple putting so much focus onto the iPhone, they had to push it out a bit. Apple just passed Gateway as the 3rd largest computer vendor!!

Knowing all the problems Microsoft has faced with Vista, will you be an Innovater/Early Adopter or will you wait for it to be out awhile and let others test it???

http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/ptech/10/16/apple.leopard.ap/index.html

Collaboration

The internet has opened new doors for social, business, and global interaction.
On a personal and social level, network collaboration application services such as Myspace or Facebook has provided ground breaking means to stay in contact with people that were once lost. They provided feature as sharing media, chatting and many other features. On a business and global level Network Web application services such as Salesforce. com provide an integrated CRM Network Web application you access via the internet and your phone system. So we get a fully intercative Web and internet based CRM system and call managing system which improves overall preformance and encourages mutually benefial collaboration.

EEStor Supercapacitors: The Wave of the Future?

I have had some trouble finding a lot of information on this technology, but from what I have read, it may change the world of propulsion and perpetually delete the need for combustion engines. EEStor, a company out of Austin, TX is on the verge of creating, producing and marketing an electric capacitor called a "supercapacitor" capable of creating as much power as a sports car (generalized statement), and doing so without creating any emissions. And the cool thing? If you can create your own energy (riding a bike creates energy), you can recharge your car without ever needing to go to a pump station. Just read about it...and keep an eye on the company...I know I would love to be a part of the team.

http://thefraserdomain.typepad.com/energy/2006/01/eestor_ultracap.html

http://tyler.blogware.com/blog/_archives/2006/3/6/1799684.html

GPS accuracy for a robotic neurosurgeon

The MiniAture Robot for Surgical Applications (MARS) is already FDA-approved for orthopedic and spinal surgery. I think this is just amazing on how far our technology has come to. This robot has GPS accuracy for keyhole neurosurgery. When dealing with any type of surgery, every millimeter will count greatly, so is it fair to say that this robot can be more accurate than humans? This article really makes me wonder if I would trust a robot with my own surgery even if the U.S. had already FDA approved it. What if it malfunctions during the procedure? But then again human error can and always will be present.


http://blogs.zdnet.com/emergingtech/?p=712

regarding the reading assignment.....

I think David Clark is right about our whole situation when dealing with computers and new technology. We do tend to try and work around the problems we face instead of finding ways to eliminate them. Although finding new innovations and technology is a thumbs up, we should shift our focus to using what we already know about technology and come up with a better system overall. This will prove that we are able to reinvent what we already know into more useful and user friendly concepts where everyone would benefit.

The Internet is Broken..

I thought this article was very interesting. I have had many ongoing problems with spyware and viruses on my friends computers. I have used Apple most my life and have not seen any problems first hand with my Mac. Most problems I have seen is with a lack of understanding on how computers work, I wish Microsoft had created free software a long time ago to battle their security risks. I would assume if there is a drastic change on how the internet is used, the new application that will appear will be as easy to use as the browsers we use now. Lets wait to see what happens....

In response to readings...

Though what David Clark said in the article is true, the problem with restructuring the Internet is how you would go about doing it. First off, you would have to develop the security systems to do all the validation of user and data that he proposed. Then you would have to go about implementing it and making sure it worked for all computers. I think his ideas are good in theory, but not in application. Then the proposed $300 million cost to create a 'better' Internet? And we all know the cost would probably be much higher than that. Where will that money come from? If the NSF is willing to pay for it, I'll use it.

About The Internet reading last Tuesday...

I didn't realize how serious this issue is. I've been through 10 computers in the past 3 years (2 desktops, 4 Windows laptops, and 4 Apple laptops). 3 of my Windows machines have been infected with spyware, malware, and other various viruses. Up until a little over a year ago I really didn't believe in anti-virus software, but with prior experiences and from reading the article, I definitely recommend getting anti-virus software for anyone with a Windows operating system because it will get infected at least once during its lifetime. I'm just glad I have a MacBook now!

The Great Iphone Hack

So it would seem that since that first kid cracked the IPhone over the summer, there was a software update released for the IPhones that basically bricked your phone. Meaning if you had your IPhone unlocked and updated the software the phone would be rendered useless. Well, it seems that hackers have once again cracked the code for the latest update to the IPhone, allowing users to once again use the phone on any GSM network as well as us third party applications. I can only wonder how many times apple will continue to send out updates, and how many times these updates will then be hacked and who is going to put with having to continually update, then patch to continue using their phone.

Read the article here: http://www.news.com/8301-13579_3-9795769-37.html

So you wanna be a professional video game player?

So you want to be a pro gamer. This is an article in ESPN ya thats right ESPN. And no its not about Madden 2008 which has its players earning money as well but rather its about Halo 2. Focusing on the pro gamers and the tournaments they play in across the country. The one tournament covered had a payout of $450,000 to the top team plus individual cash and prizes. Some of the "pros" have contracts that bring in $250,000 a year and thats not including their cash and prizes. The article goes in depth on how they practice up to 15 hours a day before a tournament and then sleep up to 18 hours after the tournament. It is a pretty cool read for those avid gamers.

Link to article:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=hruby/071008

Yet another Lawsuit!!!

I have yet to invest my money into an iphone ( I am an AT&T customer), but I know that some people just couldn't wait to get their hands on one. Some of those people were people that were not customers of AT&T. I came across an article about a man, Damian Fernandez on behalf of a California man, accuses Apple of creating a monopoly involving the iphone.
http://tech.yahoo.com/news/afp/technologyittrialtelecomcompanyapple

He's basically accusing Apple of taking away the rights of the people who purchased the iphone and were able to unlock to use other carrier by creating a software update that deactivates any iphone that is not with the AT&T Corprate Giant.

I get what Damian is trying to do, but come one. I don't blame Apple for wanting to protect and strategically market their new product. Remember when the Razr phone came out and tons of people wanted it, but Cingular was the only one that had it, but in time the Motorola phone spread to all carriers. This will more than likely happen with the Iphone as well. So Damian, calm down, don't get sue happy, and give it time.

8-Bit Tie: The New Fashion Trend

.
Having recently learned the difference between bits and bytes, I found this cool site where they sell 8-bit ties. Something an MIS professor would die for!

.

If anyone needs an idea of what to get Fang Fang for Christmas, here it is!

http://www.thinkgeek.com/apparel/hats-ties/9352/

WiFi on airplane flights????

I think it's truly a great idea to surf the web when on a flight. While traveling in an airplane, it's basically the most boring ride ever. All you basically do is go to sleep during the two through 20-hour flight. With practically every person in the US these days going on the computer as a normal routine in their life, it would benefit everyone as a whole. Not to mention using satellite technology should make this innovation highly reliable. I definitely hope this plan follows through.

Maybe now everyone can check their MySpace accounts every 15 minutes!

Here's the site where I found the article:
http://www.marketingpilgrim.com/2007/10/alaska-airlines-testing-in-flight-internet-access.html

the FATHERS of the MP3 and iPod

France's Albert Fert(left) and German Peter Gruenberg(right) discovered a physical effect in 1988 that lets the electronics industry use smaller and smaller disks, a phenomenon called giant magnetoresistance. This ultimately won them the Nobel prize and everyone can agree that it was absolutely necessary. "The MP3 and iPod industry would not have existed without this discovery," Borje Johansson, a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences told The Associated Press. "You would not have an iPod without this effect."

It's amazing what these two have done for the world of tech savvy consumers.


http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/10/09/nobel.physics.ap/index.html

Wi-Fi detecting T-shirt

.
How ridiculous is this?!?! $30 for a t-shirt that requires a AAA battery in order to detect wireless networks??? Thanks, but I'd rather pay $10-15 for a pocket-sized detector at Best Buy and save my dignity.

However, I wonder how you wash this type of shirt?

I'll have to pass until cooler colors come out!

False Advertising or Fraud???

Just signed up for DSL service with At&t and noticed that they are promising speeds up to 6Mbps (download) for their most premium service. I foolishily chose a semi premium service at 3 Mbps, but now am a bit confused. I think im being had if the fastest data transfer speeds for telephone lines are around 1.5Mbps (Fang lecture).
Any ideas?

OnStar stops.................................their vehicles!

Starting in 2009, OnStar is adding a new feature to GM's lineup: disabling their vehicles when it gets stolen. I find it to be a cool feature because it should reduce insurance rates (such as alarms and anti-theft devices), and the company OnStar overall is a great security feature when the vehicle breaks down or you need directions.

However, how reliable is OnStar when it comes to disabling their vehicles? I'd find it hilarious if a parent doesn't want their newly-licensed kid to drive and they teach them a lesson by disabling the vehicle. Or if a jealous and overprotective spouse doesn't want their loved-one to go out by disobeying them. How will OnStar know what is a serious issue or not???

I do believe it is a threat to motorists because it may cause accidents. What if the carjacker doesn't pull over to the side?

I'm just thankful I'm driving an import!

OnStar article

Quite Possibly one of the greatest inventions that man has made. He got such demand for his product that he went on the late show with David Letterman and has considered putting the design into full production.
Robotic Beer Launching Refrigerator - The best video clips are here

Robots to the rescue!!

http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/10/04/japan.robot.ap/index.html

Japan has invented everything for our elderly needs!

"If you grow old in Japan, expect to be served food by a robot, ride a voice-recognition wheelchair or even possibly hire a nurse in a robotic suit -- all examples of cutting-edge technology to care for the country's rapidly graying population."

I think the ideas and concepts are pretty cool and especially for them to actually develop such robots to perform different tasks. For me, however, I would want to be taken care of by my own family and/or friends that I personally know because who knows if something fails and you're already helpless as it is.

The end of Mac OS X Tiger???

With Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard inching closer toward production, Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger is up to its final update. I just purchased my MacBook with Tiger nearly a month ago, and I'm semi-pissed that I most likely have to purchase a couple hundred dollars to upgrade to Leopard. I'm already content with Apple's current operating system, however, am eager to check out what Leopard has to offer, most especially running an official boot camp software with Windows. Expect it sometime by the end of this month.

Apple Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard

RIAA Major Victory

That lady got messed up! I personally have sympathy for her because for sure she's not the only one who downloads music. She has to pay $222,000, equivalent to the price of a house (not in California, of course). Although downloading music is illegal - at least when downloading for free or from a non-authorized site - many people do do it. Most especially when it comes to kids, they might as well be smoking or drinking or anything when it comes to breaking the law. I remember back then when the RIAA wanted to sue a 7 or 14 year old girl because she downloaded a lot of songs from Kazaa or Bearshare (not sure which). It's ridiculous what the music industry is coming down to.

Even though I agree to not illegally download music, it might be a good idea to at least download to listen to the album, making sure it's worth a trip to purchase at the local music store. This is only because when you purchase a CD from major stores like Best Buy, Circuit City, or Wal-Mart, you cannot return or exchange it for a different album once opened. A prime example was when I purchased Plies's (up-and-coming rapper) CD, and $12 was wasted. He only had ONE good song!

I hope her appeal is successful.

Click here to see the outcome of Jammie Thomas and the RIAA.

Demonoid down.......... for a while

The number two most popular downloading torrent site - Demonoid - went nonoperational for a little less than two weeks most recently. For those who don't know what Demonoid is, click here. It's similar or exactly like a P2P network (such as Kazaa, Napster, Bearshare, etc.), but provides more features and reliable downloads than P2P. Users can look at comments to make sure they are downloading the right file - whether it is music, programs, movies, or games - and is technically the norm of downloading these days.

Demonoid went down because their servers are currently based in Canada, and recently, the CRIA took action to track users and the types of file they download, which slowed down the process. I found out about this site a month and a half ago, about 3 weeks before it temporarily went down, and I personally like the format and layout.

Here's the site:
http://torrentfreak.com/an-open-letter-to-the-cria-071004/

What? No More White MacBook?!?!?

What is Apple thinking! Rumor is Apple is going to axe the white color from their lineup. They already started the movement three weeks ago with their iPod product line (both the Nano's and Classic's). Now, they are doing the same thing with their MacBook, replacing the plain-vanilla black and white colors with a more slimmer black and silver aluminum.

I personally hate this idea! Although the newer generation MacBook's will definitely look way better, I just bought a bulkier white one less than a month ago, which is why I feel jealous about the idea. But, I do believe they should keep the white color around because that's somewhat their trademark. They started out with a white iBook 4-5 years ago, and not to mention the first generation iPod back then also. The white is the foundation of Apple! I'd hate to see it go.

Here's the site of the rumor: http://macslice.com/2007/09/22/complete-macbook-line-to-be-redesigned/

Portable,Rollable Screens

We have crammed phones and computers into pockets, but TVs,screens, and displays will be the next portable device. It seems the next big technology that is already available but not yet out in the general public are pocket size expanding screens and TVs. They roll in and out of a device. Just picture a phone, pc, and tv in your pocket(Ok IPhone can kind of do it but the small display pales in comparison to the large pocket sized screen). An example of a one year old prototype can be found at the below link and a picture is shown here. Unfortunately, the better products I saw were on a different website, if you see them let me know.

http://crave.cnet.co.uk/gadgets/0,39029552,49287756-1,00.htm

For Google, Advertising and Phones Go Together

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 7 — For more than two years, a large group of engineers at Google has been working in secret on a mobile phone project. As word about their efforts has trickled out, expectations in the tech world for what has been called the Google phone, or GPhone, have risen, the way they do for Apple loyalists ahead of a speech by Steven P. Jobs.
Click to view article

For Google, Advertising and Phones Go Together

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 7 — For more than two years, a large group of engineers at Google has been working in secret on a mobile phone project. As word about their efforts has trickled out, expectations in the tech world for what has been called the Google phone, or GPhone, have risen, the way they do for Apple loyalists ahead of a speech by Steven P. Jobs.
Click to view article

Bungie: We're already at work on another Halo game, Halo 3 wasn't the last

This is for all those avid gamers out there who have so thoroughly enjoyed the halo trilogy thus far. The game is said to take place in the Halo Universe which leads me to think what is it they will do without master chief? This is all on the heals of Bungie and Microsoft announcing that they are parting ways so that Bungie originally an independent game development company can return to its roots. It worries me a little though to here that if there is another halo that it will be realeased on more than one platform which as i see it could really hurt microsoft in the future. So if you are a gamer that has enjoyed the story to this point let me know what you think. Following are links to both stories.

Story 1
http://www.maxconsole.net/?mode=news&newsid=21529

Story 2
http://www.alphagamingonline.com/Home/tabid/245/itemid/225/Default.aspx

ASIMO is awesome-O

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASIMO

If anyone gets a chance to go to Disneyland you have got to stop and see ASIMO. He’s a cool little robot and the show is very impressive. I was fortunate enough to see him in action a few months ago. I think they show him several times a day.

Honda has come a long way with developing this robot. There are currently 46 ASIMOS roaming the planet as we speak.

Response to IS News Presentation on E-Gaming

I wanted to see who plays games online. I play Battle Field 2 online. There is a new version out but I don’t like futuristic games and the new Battle Field is Battle Field: 2142. Hence 2142, hence I don’t shell out the 30 smackaroos. I love Battle Field 2 and I have spent many a night gaming into the wee hours of the morning. I don’t get to play when I am school because it waist way too much time.

I started off playing Rogue Spear. My brother and I got into the game and he moved to Georgia during this time of our lives and we played together even though he was 2500 miles away. Naturally I ventured into Battle Field and I have been hooked ever since then. I pretty much buy every edition, eventually I’ll purchase 2142, I help my mum pay for DSL, and I even shelled out some serious coinage for a decent DELL solely so I could play the game.

I enjoy the competitive environment in which the game generates online. There is nothing like playing a real person. AI is just so boring, mundane, and predictable. Even the best games today do not demonstrate extremely advanced AI.

The game also creates a community oriented environment especially if you play on a squad. The game has a diverse group of players. I play with people all over the US and the globe.
What game, if any do you play

Microsoft Unveils New Zune Players

Keep on trying Microsoft! I think it's great that Microsoft is still challenging Apple as far as mp3 players are concerned. These Zunes are geared to challenge the iPod Nanos. From what it sounds like, they are pretty comparable. The thing is, people are comfortable with iPods, so it's going to take a lot or a really good reason to switch. My contention is, if Microsoft is going to try to challenge Apple, they need to not just be comparable, they need to exceed their product in some way. If the product specifications are basically the same as the Nano, then you have to give consumers some kind of other incentive. The biggest would be PRICE! Come on Microsoft, beat them in price. Make it $20-$30 cheaper than an iPod, and people will start buying it. Sure it will cut into your profit margin, but this will get people out of the iPod comfort zone. If you're telling people that they have to learn how to operate a whole new product (no matter how difficult), change over all their currently formated iTune mp3's, and all they get is a comparable product...who's gonna do that?!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/zd/20071003/tc_zd/216411;_ylt=AutPbCzb9J27uAUC4g8xymBFr7sF

Verizon unveils iPhone rival

Whoa! I think that's a pretty bold statement by Verizon's Cheif Marketing Officer. To say that he thinks the Voyager will, "kill the iPhone...", is pretty sweet. That definitely sends a message to consumers that this phone is for real. The only problem with making a statement like that, is you have to deliver. I think they're right about the fact that they think Verizon user's will probably be more likely to stay with Voyager rather than switch to the iPhone, because they might not want to switch service providers. Plus, some of the phones are a fraction of the cost of the iPhone. It will be interesting to see the battle between the Voyager and the iPhone play out!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071003/tc_nm/verizon_phones_dc;_ylt=AtwMWFm9c3D130gWu0tewJVFr7sF

Scientist invents computer pillow to stop snoring

That's rad! I do not really snore myself (I think), but I have friends and family that do. I think this would be a great invention for people who snore and people who have to sleep around people who snore! Everyone's had those nights when all your buddies crash out in the same hotel room or something on a trip. There's alway's a snorer or two in the crowd, that keeps everyone else up all night. And of course, they never wake up each other! This pillow would come in handy either to manage the snoring or if that fails, you can just smother them with it! HA HA! Also, I know a lot of snorer's who are self conscience about the fact they snore. This could possibly help them in these social sleep gathers to not have to feel so bad that they kept everyone up. Kudo's to Daryoush Bazargani!!!!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071003/tc_nm/germany_pillow_life_dc;_ylt=Apt5atS8oJOtWBSdt0mfE6FFr7sF

Palm, what are you doing?

http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS5060055175.html

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/feature/ultimate-launch-wrap+up-palms-new-foleo-does-what-exactly-264567.php

Palm was planning on saving it's agonizing Treo with the Foleo (quasi-laptop) mobile companion to which the smartphone can syncronize automatically giving the user the advantage of a bigger screen and keyboard. Amongst the mounting criticism Palm decided to wait until it has the sequel, Foleo II, ready to go before daring to launch.

Here's the deal: It's way bigger than your smartphone but has less capabilities than your notebook. It's cheaper than a notebook but quite pricy for a smartphone accessory. It's too big for a purse, too small for a laptop case, so its another gadget to be carried by your already busy hands. I say let's wait until we get the full package: a laptop that can sync to your smartphone like the Foleo does. Some ladies, however, may choose to play Mary Poppins...

Wall TV Organizer

This is a Wall TV/family organizer from Sharp Electronics. Some households have it hung in the living room. I was thinking that this might really work in an office where there's a lot of team work and many things are going on at the same time that are changing rapidly and frequently throughout the day. Actually where I work it would be so practical to put one of those in the Manager's office so that we could all constantly post updates through our PC on the work we are getting done. It would save her time from constantly visiting our cubicles to see how much we are getting done, and it would help us by keeping her away from us for awhile and from breathing over our shoulders!

http://www.news.com/2300-1041_3-6211192.html?tag=ne.gall.latest

Dongmei Li of Queens, New York has filed a lawsuit against Apple and AT&T on September 24 with the U.S. District Court in New York for .........$1 Million....yes you heard right, $1 Million dollars. She claims that Apple violated price discrimination laws and that she has suffered "damages" to the price slashing of the apple iPhone because she would not be able to sell for a profit compared to those who bought the iPhone after the price reduction. Her lawsuit against AT&T is because she thinks they practice unfair business practices for having sign up for a two year contract.

Honestly, I personally think this person is obviously trying to make a buck out of a dime. These days in the U.S. it seems as though our justice system is just totally being stomped upon by people filing lawsuits for retarded things! Like that person who sued McDonald's for getting them fat! And this lady, man, $1 Million for damages! What damages??!!?? Yes Apple slashing prices was shocking, but suing for this much money because you can't resell for a profit! BLAH! and she sooooooo knew what she was getting herself into when she signed up with AT&T. Its just so ridiculous! But I wouldn't be surprised if she won.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/10/02/apple.iphone.lawsuit.ap/index.html

Online Videos May Let Viruses Invade

ATLANTA (AP) — Online videos aren't just for bloopers and rants — some might also be conduits for malicious code that can infect your computer.
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