Description: It’s one of the most popular websites in the world, now YouTube has launched an app in America that’s aimed directly at kids. Source: BBC Date: February 23, 2015 The company say it’s safer than their main website, with more controls that parents can use. YouTube makes money from adverts that pop up on the videos you watch. But… Read more »
Posts Categorized: national culture
Budget PC Targets Developing World With Own OS
Description: Although Silicon Valley’s focus may be mobile-driven. Start-up “Endless” is taking a different approach with hopes to appeal to the underdeveloped countries of the world. Source: BBC News Date: April 16, 2015 San Francisco start-up Endless is on course to reach its $100,000 crowdfunding target for its budget desktop PC. The $169 “Endless PC” uses mains power, plugs into… Read more »
The Risk Of Reviewing The Reviewer
Description: In order for online reviews to work in the long-term, we need to make efforts to move beyond the stars and set a system that is both verified and standardized, as well as free from social pressure. Source: Tech Crunch Date: April 11, 2015 Reviews impact everything: what brands we trust, what we purchase, what we… Read more »
70s and 80s Tech Making Comeback
Description: From the boombox to the Polaroid, Laurie Segall takes a look at how classic tech is inspiring today’s innovation. Source: CNN Money Date: March 27, 2015 Questions for discussion: 1. Would you purchase the updated Polaroid? 2. Are you looking forward to seeing the classic Mario Bros. characters on your smartphone?
Hi-Tech Paint Gives Urinating Revellers a Soaking
Description: Residents of Hamburg’s St. Pauli’s nightclub district are getting their own back on late-night revellers who urinate on public and private buildings, with a new hi-tech paint that sends the spray bouncing right back at them. Source: Reuters Date: March 11, 2015 Questions for discussion: 1. Do you think it is realistic to paint all the… Read more »
Scientists Develop Vibrating Bicycle That Senses Traffic
Description: Senior bike riders are particularly at-risk for motor vehicle accidents. One dutch tech company is hoping to help. Source: Globe and Mail Date: February 26, 2015 Dutch scientists have developed a smart bicycle that uses sensors, wireless technology and video to warn riders of traffic dangers. Questions for discussion: 1. Do you use a bike for transportation?… Read more »
Next Big Thing: TV Airwaves: Moving TV Out, Mobile In
Description: The way we watch TV is changing and the FCC is offering cash incentives to broadcast stations to give up their airwaves in order to allow for the switch to mobile. Source: CNET Date: February 20, 2015 Brian Cooley discusses why wireless carriers are chomping at the bit to buy available TV broadcast spectrum in… Read more »
Are Apps Making In-Person Dating Harder?
Description: The reality of dating is changing. Singles are no longer meeting in bars, they are meeting behind smartphone screens. Source: CNN Money Date: February 13, 2015 Questions for Discussion: 1. Have you signed up for any dating apps? Have you had any success on them? 2. Do you have any dating app “horror” stories?
The Psychology Of Notifications
Description: In order to entice users, apps need to build notification triggers that are thoughtful, interesting and engaging or they risk being uninstalled. Source: TechCrunch Date: February 5, 2015 In his famed experiments, Ivan Pavlov trained his dogs to associate mealtime with the ring of a bell. Pavlov found he could elicit an involuntary physical response… Read more »
I Invented the Twitter Hashtag
Description: Have you every wondered how the hashtag originated? Source: CNN Money Date: January 25, 2015 Silicon Valley insider Chris Messina tells CNNMoney’s Laurie Segall about how he got the idea to use the ‘#’ symbol on Twitter. Questions for discussion: 1. Do you use hashtags on your social media posts? 2. Do you search for… Read more »