Warning To the Vista Users

There has been recent talk going around about when Windows is giving up the support for Vista. You may have heard from people or from some of the Apple commercials that Vista has set back windows from competing with Apple on new systems. There is talk that Windows is about ready to release Windows 7 and is going to try and push it onto the market early to get back in the game. But wait what about all those users out there who still use Vista. Well in my opinion you need to switch now. I havent personally used Vista but Ive heard from others that they were about to throw there computer out the window because of the frustrations they recieved from it. From what Windows has told the media is that they have documented all the users that are using Vista right now and are ready to deliver the new Windows 7 without leaving those users out in the cold. So for the college students using Windows just keep your ears open and be ready to switch over or you might lose your operating system mid year or even worse mid-paper when you havent saved it yet and its your big formal paper for the year.
The next question a student might ask is what benefits will I get from this new Windows 7. Stated by Windows, it brings updated security which was the dreadful problem of vista and other then that it creates a step back from Vista so they make sure the problems dont occur again. So Just be careful with what you go with out there. It sounds like vista is getting thrown in the trash and it seems like they are takeing that step back to regain the lost time they might have lost with offering vista to users.
If you live on the other side of the spectrum like me being a mac user you kinda sit back and chuckle at all of the scrambling that Windows has done to try and catch up. Yes i have been told that macs are much more expensive then the windows computers but then i just ask them how many times has your computer locked up on them. That usually gets them to stop. The one big problem i seem to have with windows is the poor organization of there different applications. With the Mac you can easily find what you are looking for because they are in the most logical spot for the ordinary computer user. So for all those college students out there frustrated with Windows and dont want to go through the hassle with another failing Software system.

Thefts on the Rise?

The evolution of cell phones has taken another giant leap, as Japan announced its newest addition to the mobile phone world. Already, the Japanese cell phone business has vastly surpassed the United States, with Japanese phones usually coming standard with digital TV, music players, GPS, and a camera that doubles as a barcode scanner, and a wireless credit card. But, today, the Japanese are even beating themselves. The Japanese have made a phone that can unlock and even start the engine of a car
The idea is relatively simple. Each phone has an “intelligent key” that is partnered with a specific car. When the phone gets near the car, the doors begin to unlock, allowing the driver to get into the car without worrying about fumbling in their pockets or purses for keys. Once unlocked, the driver merely has to step into the car and the engine will recognize the “intelligent key” and start the engine. Nissan has said that they have already made about a million cars with this capability since 2002.
Okay, we have the facts now, but that is not what this blog is about. Allow me to put in my own two cents onto this article. My first thought when reading this is, if this becomes as popular as it sounds, two things will happen. One, the Japanese will solidify themselves as a serious contender, if not leader of the technological evolution of the world.
Secondly, car thefts will go up an extreme amount. If a student were to get a car with this capability, his/her cell phone would become their life more so than it is right now. If like me, most students have their phone in their hand most of the day, then it would be quite easy to snatch it and run. The same thing goes with leaving your phone out. When I go to eat at one of the dining halls at Purdue, I usually place my phone on the table so I can see a text message pop up, or notice who is calling me. Imagine I absentmindedly leave my phone on the table when I go to get desert. There goes my cell phone, which cost a hundred dollars, but immediately after losing that, I lost my $25,000 to $30,000 car.
Those reading this can now see why I feel it’s a bad idea to design something like this. I feel it will only cause theft to grow higher. But, whatever. The Japanese can do as they wish. I may disagree with this invention, but, with new innovations and technologies, the world is becoming a much cooler place.

Tiny Phone, Big Sound

The cell phone world has crossed with the musical world. Recently while researching my usual site, thinkgeek.com, I found a cell phone that works as not only a cell phone, but as a boom box as well. It's called the Mini Boombox GSM. This phone, the same size as the average cell phone on the market today, works like a phone, allowing phone calls and text messaging, but it also packs a punch when it comes to music.
This phone comes with speakers with extreme power, allowing the user to carry around one device that does the job of two. No more will your pockets be packed with ipods, phones, or whatever other music devices you have. Now, you can keep it all in one device.
The phone is very simple to operate. Order it off of thinkgeek.com, and you wait for the delivery. Now that I mention this, you have to realize that it is only for T-Mobile and AT&T phones. This is due to the SIM card that saves all your information on your current device. Now, back to the boom box. All you have to do is place your SIM card into the phone, and call the old number. Voila! You now have an amazing phone allowing you to carry your music with you.
The phone supports most sound files, so it is easy to transfer your music onto this phone. The phone also has a built in video watching capability, so you can put some of your favorite music videos, and clips onto this phone. The phone comes with a guarantee 256 MB memory, but is expandable up to 2 GB. So, you can carry a lot of your music with you with a lot of ease.
I'm not sure about you, but to me, this phone sounds pretty sweet. I am considering buying it, and at $150.00, its very affordable compared to the iPhone, or equivalent. With new innovations and technologies, the world is becoming a much cooler place .

Lecture with a Buzzer!?

Recently reported by ABC news, educators across the country are buying into the new technology that is allowing professors to figure out there question they always ask in the back of there mind, "Is anyone paying attention?" Supposedly the new technology isn't new but its new to the classroom. The main part of the technology is the clicker that is very similar to a remote and sends responses by the students back to the computer of the teacher instantly. With this technology, the teachers and students enjoyed the item and said it helps with the class as a whole. 

Now from what you have heard, I want you to imagine your most boring class. Then picture that class with this new technology at work in it. Probably seems logical doesn't it? Well, with this new technology spreading rapidly across different campus's around the world you could soon see this new technique of teaching by teachers soon. I think this could bring more engagement by the students to the lecture and it wont call students out if a teacher asks them an answer to a question and they have no clue what going on. I know for sure I would need it in a few of my classes at the later levels because of how hard the material is going to get and how many times it might take me to understand it clearly. If you think this is a good idea bring it up with your teacher and maybe they will consider what the new technology can bring to the class. Trust me any teacher has gone through that tough question if anyone is paying attention or not. 

American's Love Their Video Games!

Everyone does it; well actually 97% of the youth in America do it. After a survey released on Tuesday, the American people realize that almost every youth plays video games. Be them elite gamers or casual players, everyone plays video games. Everyone has their own weapon of choice, it maybe a decked out Xbox controller or a full gaming keyboard.

According to the survey 99% of all boys play some type of video game and 94% of all girls. Now the percent of boys does not surprise me, cause who would not want to beat the crap out of their friends without retaliation. The percent of girls does surprise me though but now that I think about it, what girl would not jump on the chance to make their boyfriends cry like a baby after getting their jimmy whipped in Guitar Hero.

The survey also goes on to say how video games do not deter people from being social instead it does the opposite. It says how people who game are more social because they are constantly communicating with other players. Gamers use all sorts of communication devices. They use headsets to help them intimidate their opponents and help them communicate with their allies so that they can win. Gamers across the world collect the latest technology to help them better their game and become the best.

Video games are one of the best social interactions between people that were ever invented. One day you may be sitting in your room and hear someone screaming hysterically at the end of the hall. So as the nosey person you are you head down to see what is up. You end up stopping in front of a room in which ten people are sitting in staring at a single television. You notice that they are playing Guitar Hero on the Wii. You mention that you love that game and instantly you have ten new friends who cannot wait to challenge you.

Technology is invented to help people become more connected and as you can see, I think it is doing its job.

TV ON ... TV OFF!

The other day I was abruptly awakened by someone blaring their television. I walked down the hall to find out what room the annoying sounds were coming from. I eventually reached the room, which was at the end of the hall, and politely asked them to turn down the volume. Instead of doing what I asked they just stared at me like I was crazy. Later that day I was on a website and found the perfect item that would have been a great help in my earlier debacle.

The TV-B-Gone would have been the answer to my problem. The TV-B-Gone is basically a remote that can turn off any television. It has the off codes programmed into it for almost every television in the North America. This remote is designed to fit on your keychain and is easy to use. All you have to do is hold the button down and point it at the television you wish to turn off. Within seconds the annoyance will be neutralized.

Just imagine sitting down in the lobby trying to do your homework and someone has the TV on. It is disrupting your concentration so you pull out your keychain and push the button on the TV-B-Gone. The television turns off and your worries are over. You can also use it as a great way to prank your friends. All of your friends meet up to watch a movie at someone’s dorm. About half way through the movie you hit the keychain remote and the television flips off. Someone goes to turn it back on and instantly you turn it back off.

The TV-B-Gone is a great tool to get rid of any annoyances and to tick off your friends.

Google Round 2 ... but This Time It's the World

Its official Google is taking over the world! It has only been a few months sense the release of the new Google Chrome and they have already begun to hit the phone industry. Google has teamed up with T-Mobile to create their new world changing device called the HTC Android.

Google is trying to make the life of Apple a little bit harder with Android. Android has all the same features as the iPhone, the prized possession of the fruit. It is supported by 3G technology making it one of the fastest phones on the market. The only problem with T-Mobile is that they do not have a wide range of 3G networks so; about 95% of the country is screwed out of that deal. T-Mobile did say that they are working on creating more 3G networks but it is difficult with when they have a new phone coming out; excuses, excuses.

The Android also has a touch screen application making it easy for the user to interact with it. You no longer have to punch in buttons to text your friends; instead you can type on a screen. The touch screen is a nice addiction but I do not think people are going to care that much because they already own an iPod Touch or iPhone.

Google’s Android does include a nice 3-megapixel camera which lets you take decent pictures of your friends to put on Facebook. The phone is programmed with the latest Google software and has all the needed applications like Gmail. Unfortunately is completely useless to everyone who uses Yahoo mail, like yours truly. The only application I can see being useful would have to be Google Earth because it at least gives me the opportunity to look up my house and try to find myself out on the lawn.

Now everyone beware of the new technological giant. Google has come out of the internet and is now available for your computer. In a few months they will be offering the Android to everyone and soon take over the digital world. I am not saying Google is evil; all I am saying is that do not be surprised when you wake up one morning, turn on the TV, the Google logo appears, and asks you what you would like to watch.