The Internet of Things

At the Build 2014 conference held this past April, Microsoft held a session on “Windows on the Internet of Things.” Microsoft, as well as other companies, is heralding new technology that will allow computer-chips to function effectively within commonplace “things” such as a watch, coffee mug, or even a pencil eraser. Essentially, Microsoft wants to input its operating system into these much smaller objects-- creating smart mug, smart watch, smart everything. This is the beginning of the Internet of things. Even in recent days, other companies have released statements which may highlight their intention to make headway into this Internet of things. The possibilities involve endless objects that could be plastered with connectable devices, so the race is on.

According to Techopedia, “the Internet of Things (IoT) is a computing concept that describes a future where everyday physical objects will be connected to the Internet and be able to identify themselves to other devices.” With the growth of this kind of interconnectedness, we’d be approaching a wholly connected world, where every item in front of you has an incredible capacity. This type of technology would have an enormous impact on our world and society, as everyday objects would become globally connected: capable of transmitting and receiving objects. The objects themselves would be inherently changed, giving rise to the term “ambient intelligence” where even common objects can contain knowledge and information.

What are Some Objects in Development?

Nest, in collaboration with Google, has developed a “learning thermostat,” a device which presumably would adapt to the surrounding areas, and alter its functioning to suit the environment. They’ve also focused on smoke detectors which respond to voice commands and have connections to a smartphone app.

Jawbone’s UP24 wristband monitors all kinds of things about the wearer, such as physical activity, and sends data to the appropriate computer. This wristband also can connect with other smartphone apps to perform such amazing tasks as starting your coffee brewing in the morning.

Intel has focused on developing a new chip, their tiniest yet, known as the Quark. Intel claims that this chip will be able to be used in computers, smartphones, or wearable items, and will connect these devices using a fraction of the power of other chips.

We’ll See

The Internet of Things presents both wonderful opportunities to have a fully connected world, but similarly may produce some questions and concerns regarding privacy, limitation, and control of these newly connected objects. As this technology is still under development, there are many avenues it could potentially follow, and these concerns may not need addressing until the Internet of Things is in full blown effect. Until then, we anxiously await the arrival of this new way of life.

10 Times Steve Jobs Was Right About Technology & Innovation

Steve Jobs was a technology hero for the ages. The American entrepreneur, technological wizard, and visionary, Jobs was a co-founder and CEO of Apple, Inc. and was a monumental part of the company’s success. Following his illness-related death in 2011, Jobs’ influence still lives on. Several biographies have been written about him and his impact on technology and society remains strong. Steve Jobs is well known for his passionate quotes, full of wisdom. Here are 10 times Steve Jobs--called genius, visionary, a legend--had the right ideas about technology, innovation, and the world.

1. "It's in Apple's DNA that technology alone is not enough — it's technology married with liberal arts, married with the humanities, that yields us the result that makes our heart sing and nowhere is that more true than in these post-PC devices."
2. “These technologies can make life easier, can let us touch people we might not otherwise. You may have a child with a birth defect and be able to get in touch with other parents and support groups, get medical information, the latest experimental drugs. These things can profoundly influence life. I'm not downplaying that.”
3. “Design is a funny word. Some people think design means how it looks. But of course, if you dig deeper, it’s really how it works. The design of the Mac wasn’t what it looked like, although that was part of it. Primarily, it was how it worked. To design something really well, you have to get it. You have to really grok what it’s all about. It takes a passionate commitment to really thoroughly understand something, chew it up, not just quickly swallow it. Most people don’t take the time to do that.”
4. “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”
5. “Unfortunately, that’s too rare a commodity. A lot of people in our industry haven’t had very diverse experiences. So they don’t have enough dots to connect, and they end up with very linear solutions without a broad perspective on the problem. The broader one’s understanding of the human experience, the better design we will have.”
6. “But it’s a disservice to constantly put things in this radical new light — that it’s going to change everything. Things don’t have to change the world to be important.”
7. “Innovation has nothing to do with how many R&D dollars you have. When Apple came up with the Mac, IBM was spending at least 100 times more on R & D. It’s not about money. It’s about the people you have, how you’re led, and how much you get it.”
8. "What a computer is to me is the most remarkable tool that we have ever come up with. It's the equivalent of a bicycle for our minds."
9. "I would trade all my technology for an afternoon with Socrates."
10. “Technology is nothing. What's important is that you have a faith in people, that they're basically good and smart, and if you give them tools, they'll do wonderful things with them.”

The Future of 3D Printing

3D Printing. Now there’s an exciting, yet often unfathomable advancement in technology. 3D printing has been making waves in the news, and for good reason. It’s an incredible step forward, having practical, real-world effects, and making a positive impact on so many industries. Let’s take a minute or two to lay out just exactly what 3D printing is, why it’s so important, and what the future may hold. An Incredible Process

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is the creation of multi-dimensional objects from a wide variety of materials, produced using many layers. Essentially, a digital model is turned into a substantial structure. The printing starts with a CAD file in which images are built in 3 dimensions. This information is than transferred to the printer, and layer by layer, the object is produced.

Truly, this is a revolutionary concept. As researchers have experimented with 3D printing, they’ve been able to craft objects from metals, plastics, and even human cells. One practical application of 3D printing technology might lead to the ability to download files right at home, then, using the correct 3D printer, print out a need item, such as a replacement part for an appliance.

Where is this Being Used?

At the moment, 3D printing is in experimental stages for some of the major things we’ve heard about in the news, such as printing human organs. Currently, some major companies utilise 3D printing to create prototypes of new products. 3D printing is an easy and faster way for these companies to have models of new designs and developments. President and CEO of Autodesk states that the real benefit of 3D printing will be in industrial markets, where this kind of technology could shape the future. He says that for industrial fabrication, 3D printing is a thing of beauty. Bass states that with 3D printing, “shape complexity is free. I can design anything I want to on the computer, and with little to no skill I hit the 'Print' button, and the right thing comes out."

What Will the Future Hold?

There are many possible avenues for the future of 3D printing, depending on its usability in the home or for personal use, as well as its growing popularity and accessibility. In other arenas, the future appears even brighter as there is a huge variety of practical applications for 3D printing.

As 3D printing is new and emerging, no companies are currently the market dominators. This gives rise to many opportunities to take advantage of the opportunity to get a stronghold and find their niche. 3D printing could open up whole new realms of industry.

Certain industries, such as health care, are likely to benefit immensely from 3D printing. Printing which manufactures much needed health care equipment could meet a vital need. This could keep expensive and necessary equipment in top working order, as replacement parts could be produced right in-house. In terms of 3D printing of organs or human tissues, some experiments have been successful, but it is a longer way off to mass-producing these things or making them accessible or affordable at this time.

Whatever the future of 3D printing holds, it is clear that this advent will change the face of technology for years to come.