Activision CEO sees $199 game consoles

Competition is definitely a good thing. And in this case it’s win, win for the consumer. The expectations that the price for Sony’s Playstation 3 and Microsoft’s Xbox 360 could drop to $199 within the next couple of years is good news for gamers who are still hanging on to their older systems. With a competitive introductory price of the Nintendo Wii, I’m surprised the PS3 and Xbox 360 aren’t decided to drop in price sooner. A lower price would help in over sales as well as sales in games themselves. All that’s left is for those with PS2’s to sit and wait for the price drop to pick up a PS3…a couple month’s before they release the PS4.


http://tech.yahoo.com/news/nm/media_summit_activision_dc

Verizon to Open its Network

In a major shift for the mobile phone industry, Verizon Wireless said yesterday that it planned to give customers far more choice in what phones they could use on its network and how they use them.While there are technical limitations involved, the company’s move could lead to an American wireless market that is more like those in Europe and Asia, where a carrier’s customers can use any compatible phone to easily reach a wide array of online services — and take their phones with them when they switch companies. The move, which surprised industry watchers because Verizon Wireless is known to be highly protective of its traditional business, is part of a larger shift in the communications world. I mean, finally. It is rediculous that it has taken this long. O mean so many people spend a good amount of money to get the phone they need for work, and then have to switch when they leave that company. I had verizon a few years ago and loved their plans, and service, but switche for whatever reason to cingular. When I considered switching back a 6 months ago I decided not to simply becuase I couldn't get the I phone.


www.nytimes.com/pages/technology/index.html

What is nanotechnology?

Despite the consensus that nanotechnology is some new development, it is something that has been around for years and has won multiple Nobel prizes for its outstanding innovation. The basic idea behind it is engineering functional systems at the molecular scale. This ability is leading to all sorts of possibilities. Some ideas for this science include building tiny machines that can insert the body through the blood stream and fight infections, space elevators, and space cultivation. Stronger metals, protective coatings. This list goes on forever. Just think of what this could mean for our future. The possibility of living a disease free life on another planet, In a home that lasts 100 years with no upkeep, and can withstand any natural disaster. OK maybe we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Think about what this could do for the military. Although this stuff is extremely exiting to think about, it really freaks me out more than anything.


http://www.iop.org/EJ/abstract/0957-4484/14/1/001

FCC wants more data for cable TV report

I can’t be the only one who actually enjoys a little vulgarity, raunchiness, and all around debauchery when it comes to my television programming can I? Well the fellas at the fricking FCC are trying to control what we watch again. They can control basic television as much as they see fit. But when it comes to cable television, I feel they should keep their hands out of the cookie pot. Cable television channels, like Comedy Central, MTV, Spike TV and others are still classified as paid cable channels. Much like HBO and other premier movie channels, they are not regulated by the FCC. They simply charge more to have more flexibility on what they show. Cable channels rely on advertisers to help generate revenue, this is why they regulate themselves when it comes to content. It also always cable channels to show what they want it they choose to do so, a perfect example would be Comedy Central’s South Park. They have episodes with swear words and other vulgarity. I think it should stay this way and the FCC should stay away.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071128/ap_on_hi_te/fcc_cable

Network Applications Reading Assignment

Network Applications

The four major categories of network applications that have been discussed in the material are discovery, collaboration, communication, and Web services.

Based on my reading I am most interested in communication. The Internet shrinks the world with each transferred megabyte. According to the reading some forms of communication on the Internet are e-mail, call centers, chat rooms, voice (VoIP), blogging, and Wikis.

Electronic mail known as e-mail is “the largest-volume” application running over the Internet. Naturally the sheer amount of volume has brought mischief. According to the reading in 2003 over half of e-mail was spam. Some of these spam e-mails led to viruses, some simply an annoyance and others computer hellish nightmares.

Web-based call centers allow for total communication by using e-mail, telephone or a voice/Web session. The web-based call centers allow for a holistic approach in helping customers or people in need of assistance.

Electronic chat rooms allow for others to get together and socialize. I think chat rooms have lost their luster however they remain an important element in communication.

Voice communication through VoIP allows users to manage their monthly calls more efficiently. VoIP does have limitations such as the need of an Internet connection.

Webblogging, blogging, or Weblog, blog for short refers to people utilizing the Internet to tell their story. Blogging has become popular in the past year and continues to grow in numbers. Some companies have utilized blogs to maintain better customer relations. Other companies have allowed inner company blogs to help stimulate growth and communication.

Wikis such as Wikipedia allow people to easily share and edit information. Although Wikipedia can be useful at times a strong caution should be raised in the validity of the information. The old methods of research should be utilized for finding concrete and precise information.

Blockbuster in handset maker talks

I’m definitely a movie going fanatic, and the idea of having movies more accessible is something that really intrigues me. My only concern would be how Blockbuster and the major phone companies could make it so you could download movies quick and easy. I currently have a Nextel phone and I feel it takes way too long to download text messages as is. I wouldn’t want to sit and wait for hours on end to wait for a movie to start. If they can come up would the technology to actually make this procedure efficiently I’m sure they would have a hit product on their hands. People could enjoy their favorite movies on planes, trains, or yes, even automobiles!


http://tech.yahoo.com/news/nm/media_summit_blockbuster_mobile_dc

I Phone. Practical Or Pointless

This article brings up the idea that the I phone is simply a very overpriced I pod that allows you to make phone calls. It discusses the contention to the technology development world to go in the direction of product convergence. And then sell that product for far more than its real value. For example, you can pick up the 30GB for less than $250, so how do you justify paying $500 for the 8GB I phone. At first this article seems to bring up a good point, until you think a little bit about what this phone can really do. The phone is so much more than what this article talks about. I combines the I pod, a portable media player, video podcasts, organizer, Bluetooth capability, and so many other cool stylish things that can keep you entertained and organized, and less bulky. With blackberries and I pods selling like hotcakes, it seems foolish not to combine the two. Between work, school, and traveling I really used to have my cell phone, DVD player, PDA, and I pod on me at almost all times. Now I carry one thing, the phone. No I not trying to sell it, I’m just saying this thing is the iish. If you are someone that can use its features, I’m telling you, buy this phone.

www.talkiphone.com/forums/iphone-articles/121-iphone

Robotic Exo-Skeleton already in use by humans

I do not know if you remember the movie Aliens, where Sigourney Weaver takes down an alien with an exo-skeleton. Well, here it is, a prototype that is actually being used in the army. These exo-skeletons can lift heavy objects, and overall achieve monstrous strength while shielding an individual. Therefore this suit can be used not only for combat but also laborious work. Picture a world without physical stress in a work environment. Here is a link to the a video showing the suit in action:http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/tech/2007/11/27/yeates.ut.robo.soldier.ksl

Blu-ray outsells HD-DVD in Europe

The battle rages on! The war between Blu-Ray and HD DVD reminds me of the good ol’ days when people had to choose between VHS and Betamax. I remember going to the video store and having to make sure that the movie you were selecting would actually fit inside your electronic playing device. Well those days have returned! Now shoppers and movie renters must choose between the next generation of home movies. While both formats offer superior picture quality and sound then that of traditional DVD’s, consumers are once again forced to pick a horse and stick with it. If I was a betting man, I’d put my money on Blu-Ray. For starters, Sony’s PS3 comes with a Blu-Ray player, while the Xbox 360 requires an additional attachment. Another aspect benefiting Sony is the price gap. Selling PS3’s cheaper than traditional HD DVD players has helped flood the market with their product, eventually leading to higher sales in movies. If you haven’t done so, start saving up for a Blu-Ray player now and say bye to Betamax…I mean HD DVD.


http://tech.yahoo.com/news/nm/bluray_sales_dc

New technology by Coca Cola allows ice-cubes to form in bottles of Sprite

Coca Cola has come up with a new technology that will create ice cubes right into the bottle as soon as the cap is twisted off. They will be first be testing this product in Sprite, and if it works, they will spread it to all other Coke products, and later try to market it to beer and alcohol makers. This could be a great product, allowing the consumer to have cold refreshing drinks where ever he is. But what products are in this new technology? Could something harmful or cancer causing be released into the drink products. I think there should be plenty of testing before the product is actually released into the retail market. Buyer Beware.


http://techdigest.tv/2007/09/new_technology_1.html

Greenpeace slams Microsoft, Nintendo

While I appreciate Greenpeace looking after companies to ensure environmental safeties, I find it somewhat unfair to certain companies. Nintendo scored a zero, due to the fact that they didn’t release any data. I’m sure a corporation like Nintendo must follow strict government regulations when it comes to hazardous materials. Why does Greenpeace feel obligated to slander companies, simply because they do not meet up to their standards, or cow tow to their wants and whims. Either way, I’m sure this ranking won’t affect the sales of any of these companies. It seems like a noble cause, just a little misguided.

http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/netherlands_greenpeace_electronics

A Grocery Store That Practically Reads Your Mind

Grocery retailers have been working on new innovations to eliminate the checkout counters. Ideas such as each shopping carts having individual computer scanners that customers would scan in their products upon putting them in the cart, and computers that track past purchases of each customer and offer custom tailored coupons, and scales that could weigh and price the products. These innovations are now a reality, Metro Group a retail store in Europe has already opened a store with these technologies. Customers are very excited. The next step is to make the system cheep enough, and how to make the retailers pay for it. Suppliers will have to imbed their products with new smart computer chips, that will work with the retail stores equipment. As soon as the costs on this new technology are low enough to not impact the overall cost of the consumer products, I think these innovations will be put in place, and customers will be very pleased at the efficiency, and the time saved while shopping.



http://www.sptimes.com/2004/01/13/Business/A_grocery_store_that_.shtml

Online Deals Keep Shoppers Hopping

Retail companies continue to use the internet to boost their sales. This holiday season retail sales are projected to be at the lowest level since 2002. Traditionally the Monday after the Thanksgiving weekend is the slowest retail sales day. By offering online shopping websites in addition to retail stores, these retailers are able to boost their sales. Retailers are using e-mail with enticing sales and special offers, to keep their customers shopping when traditionally they have been too tired or busy to go out into the market. By taking advantage of the internet shopping deals, both the customer and the retailer benefit.



http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2007/11/27/online_deals_keep_shoppers_hopping/

WiMax is like MadMax

WiMax stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access. WiMax or WMAN is IEEE 802.16. The WiMax has an incredible range of up to 30 miles with a speed of 75Mbps. The option below WiMax is WiFi which has a meek range of 300 ft with a snail speed of 11-54Mbps. WiMax also has an advantage because it can be used over radio waves. This will allow for routers to be placed at will and people will not have to go through the tearing up of their lawns, driveways, sidewalks, and or streets. The demand is evident for WiMax. The key seems to lie in the hands of the major technology companies behind WiMax. Naturally, the companies have different interests in the technology. Only time will tell if WiMax becomes a reality. With people like Maloney leading the way it just might happen.

WiMax is like MadMax in that Wimax is facing extreme and harsh odds.

:)

Firebrand.com: All Commercials, All the Time

Just when you thought the internet was filled with enough useless junk, along comes Firebrand!!! A website dedicated to commercials, a web surfer can view commercials from all around the world. They can also view current and past commercials of their favorite products. People will also have the ability to rate their favorite commercials, although I’m not sure what this would ultimately accomplish. It’s pretty fun to watch commercials that I grew up with, some of my favorite super bowl commercials, and commercials I may have never seen from different parts of the world. I’d have to agree with the article’s author though, I’m not sure how many times I’d be drawn back to Firebrand.com, once just might be enough.

http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/patterson/8653/firebrandcom-all-commercials-all-the-time

MySpace-Not Just A Social Network

We have all heard of MySpace but do people fully use the potential of this free but powerful business tool. Business tool you might ask? Well today this social network has been a prime target for businesses to gain a competitive edge over competitors using this free network.
For example, SickyDicky productions uses MySpace for their promotions, products, advertisements, and as a business networking web portal (not just for a social networking web portal). This coupled with free video and audio advertisements via you-tube or similar companies can put companies at the top of their game. Here is a link to a small business that uses MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sickydicky

Is the Internet Evil for Kids?

I feel this comes back to the basic ideas of responsibility. Parents need to be responsible for monitoring what their kids do on the internet. It’s actually reassuring to see that parents are now taking these necessary steps, wither it be talking with their kids or visiting the same webs sites together, to ensure that their children are safe on the net. I do find it interesting that more fathers find online games and social network sites less inappropriate then mothers do. I would have thought the numbers would be closer to even then a 15 percent gap. I wonder if it’s a matter or father’s being a little more naïve about the internet, or mothers being a little too overprotective…

http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/devlin/16417

How Precious!

The panda cub that was born at the San Diego Zoo on Aug. 3 finalyy has a name. The panda cub was named Zhen Zhen (Precious). According to zoo officials Zhen Zhen won out over 2,400 other names submitted to the zoo. Zhen Zhen is not yet living out in public view but can be seen via web cam. Zhen Zhen was born to Bai Yun and her consort, Gao Gao. This panda couple is the most reproductively successful in captivity ever.



http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/science/11/27/panda.cub.name.ap/index.html

Reinventing the Wheel Still Pays

It is always nice to see painting a new face on an old concept still pays. This may be old news too some, but this tale is still inspiring to everyone seeking higher income. A student, Alex Tew,
raised over a million dollars to support his college tuition and much more by advertising advertisements on Web pages via pixel real-estate. This means he would sell for example, 10 by 10 pixels on a web page that was over 1000X1000. Picture how many revenue streams this can produce. Here is an article on his story:http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/09/20/pixel_student/

And here is a link to his web page:

http://www.milliondollarhomepage.com/

Rock Band hits stores!

The gaming world does it again. With the huge success of Guitar Hero, a game like Rock Band was just the next step in the natural progression of this game genre. I’ve only played Guitar Hero sparingly; I would hardly call myself a pro. But with the introduction of drums and vocals to the game, I’m sure a lot more people will want to get involved. The price of $170 doesn’t make this a cheap gift for Christmas, but I’m sure all who receive it will definitely get their money’s worth. Another great innovation of this game is its ability to get people together. It has the possibility to entertain people at a party, get the family together for some good ol’ fashion fun, or best of all, allow kids to interact with each other while getting some minor form of exercise. It’s better then just sitting on the couch.

http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/59649;_ylt=As13X_emruY71yCODfO.GSQFLZA5