A small city in eastern Ontario is running an experiment that could one day have a big impact on public transit operators across North America. Belleville Transit has launched a new service allowing customers to summon a bus to their nearest bus stop — and the ride won’t take the scenic route to their destination. “This… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Green Tech
Google’s Sidewalk Labs signs deal for ‘smart city’ makeover of Toronto’s waterfront
A unit of Google’s parent company, devoted to urban innovation, has signed a deal to map out a new kind of neighbourhood on Toronto’s waterfront that could demonstrate how data-driven technology can improve the quality of city life. On Tuesday, Sidewalk Labs, a division of Alphabet Inc., and the government agency Waterfront Toronto announced a partnership in… Read more »
Facebook invests $1 billion in Virginia, U.S.A.
Facebook (FB, Tech30) plans to invest $1 billion in the state in all. The company is putting $750 million into construction and $250 million to multiple solar facilities that will power the data center, McAuliffe said. “Working with companies like Facebook and many others, we are advancing Virginia’s position as a global leader in the technology economy,” McAuliffe… Read more »
Your tech habits leave a carbon footprint, too
The company you are using and the way you power your home are all factors in the way your technology affects the environment, researchers say. Source: Washington Post Date: February 1, 2017 Link: https://www.thestar.com/business/tech_news/2017/01/25/your-tech-habits-leave-a-carbon-footprint-too.html Discussion 1) “How do our tech habits affect how much power we use and the environment? Finding an answer is harder than you may… Read more »
Gadget trash is piling up in Asia
In Asia, electronic trash has reached new heights. A growing number of gadgets — and more people who can afford to buy them — has led to a 63% increase in electronic waste in Asia, according to a study from the United Nations University. And that’s only in the past five years. Phones, computers and… Read more »
Is the world wide web a waste of water?
Researchers at Imperial College London made headlines last year when they claimed that up to 200 litres of water could be involved in the download of a single gigabyte (GB) of data. Source: BBC News Date: October 18th, 2016 Link: http://www.bbc.com/news/business-37471911 Discussion 1) “Whenever you check social media, send an email, or stream a video, you will be… Read more »
Canadians Craving Smarter Homes as Trend Gathers Momentum
Description: Connected smart home devices are well on their way to becoming as prevalent as smartphones and tablets. Source: Tech Crunch Date: April 21, 2016 A new study conducted by MARU/VCR&C, and commissioned by Telus, found a significant gap between those that believe that smart home technology will benefit their lives (61 per cent) and those… Read more »
Want to clean up India? Turn trash into free Wi-Fi
Description: ThinkScream’s smart trash can rewards users with 15 minutes of free Wi-Fi for throwing things away. Source: CNN Money Date: March 23, 2016 Desai and Agarwal, both 26, invented a trash can that rewards people with 15 minutes of free Wi-Fi every time they throw something away. The plastic bin (which costs about $1,470) is… Read more »
This is FlyKly
Description: Introducing this Smart Ped, the first foldable motorized scooter. Source: Tech Crunch Date: October 25, 2015 Questions for discussion: 1. What age demographic do you think is most likely to be the target market for a bike like this? 2. Do you think cyclists will warm easily to a device such as this?
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 »
Leading Titles
Introduction to Information Systems, 3rd Canadian Binder Ready Version Update Edition
R. Kelly Rainer, Casey G. Cegielski, Ingrid Splettstoesser-Hogeterp, Cristobal Sanchez-Rodriguez
ISBN: 978-1-119-13385-8
August 2015, © 2016
CDN $98.95; CDN $114.95