January 2018

Net Neutrality:

In case you missed it, Net Neutrality was repealed in December by the FCC’s 3-2 vote. The New York Times gives a good overview of why and how it may affect you.  If you’re unsure what Net Neutrality is, Burger King put together an interesting ad that was reported on by The Verge and worth a watch. This is also a topic being discussed in the Senate, as reported by the Washington Post and some states have sued to keep it as reported by Reuters. This topic is constantly changing so keep your eye out for it when you’re reading the news.

Libraries and Small Town News:

As the news landscape continues to shift, some communities are finding themselves without a source of local news. Cue the public library. One librarian in New Hampshire is now also producing a weekly newspaper for their community. Read all about it from The Atlantic.

AI in the Library:

The University of Rhode Island is creating an Artificial Intelligence Lab in the Robert L. Carothers Library and Learning Commons located on their main campus with the goal of increasing access to this technology. The lab is set to open in the fall and you can read more about it from Inside Higher Ed.

Strava Heat Map:

Do you know what data your fitness app is gathering and sharing? Reports of military base locations being revealed by Strava (essentially a social network for athletes) in the heat maps they create with user data has sparked concern. Read more about it from Wired. If you use Strava and want to opt out of these maps The Verge has a guide for you.

Facebook and Local News:

Have you noticed more local info on Facebook? That’s not an accident. Facebook is adjusting how it prioritizes information in your news feed. Read more about it from TechCrunch.

CES Overview:

What do huge TVs, smart homes, super thin laptops, and robots have in common? Those are some of the themes from this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held in January. You can get a more detailed overview of the tech presented with links to additional information from CNet.

July 2017

Net Neutrality:

Net Neutrality was last mentioned here all the way back in September 2014. While it seemed like the rules had been decided (CNET breaks down the rules passed in 2015 here), it is once again up for debate. Many companies, including Google, and Amazon, have come together today for a day of action (today!) in support of net neutrality. If this is still a new topic for you Corynne McSherry explains “why you should worry about losing net neutrality.”  

3D Printed Buildings:

3D printers have printed some cool things and now you can add buildings to that list. MIT has developed a robotic system that can print a building structure with expandable foam. Eventually they hope that this system will be autonomous and use additional types of materials so that it can be sent to build in places where traditional construction would be difficult (like Mars).

Facebook Live and VR:

Earlier this year Facebook released an app called Spaces which allows users with an Oculus Rift to hang out in Virtual Reality (VR).  Now they want everyone to join in on the fun and have released a feature on the app that allows users to live stream on Facebook.

Yik Yak is no more:

In case you missed it, Yik Yak, the app that allowed people to post anonymously based on their location, has shut down. You can read about it from TechCrunch.    

Snap Maps:

Snapchat, the app that allows users to take a photo that will remain on the screen for only a few seconds when sent to others, recently released a feature that allows users to share their location and view friends locations within the app. This feature is called Snap Maps also allows you to see snaps posted in different locations that people have added to "Our Story". If you'd rather not share you can also chose to hide your location by turning on ghost mode.  

April 2016

Kindle Oasis

Amazon has released a new high-end Kindle which is currently available for pre-order and will ship starting June 1st according to the Amazon page. This version focuses on the design, with a unique shape that makes the device feel more like holding an actual paperback book, and it has the longest battery life of any ereader. You can learn more about it from The Verge.

Reacting to Facial Expressions

A company based in Berlin called Vyking has developed a tool called ReactivAds that allows video ads to watch you watch them. The theory behind it is that it will provide a more personalized ad experience. Don’t worry, you have to opt-in to allow the video to use your webcam. Read more about it from TechCrunch.

Google Goals

A new feature on the Google Calendar App (for iPhone and Android) allows you to set goals and have Google help you reach them. Answer a few questions about your new goal and Google will find free time in your schedule to pencil it in so you don’t forget about it. Read more about it from CNet.

Brain Implant Controls Muscles

A twenty-four year old quadriplegic has had a microchip embedded in his brain which, when combined with a special electrode sleeve, allows him to move the muscles in his right wrist and fingers. Read more about how this works from Wired.

3D Printed Lawn Mower

As summer has arrived in full force, that means it’s time for regular grass mowing. But what if you had a robotic lawn mower to mow for you? If you have access to a 3D printer there are now plans that you can use to create one (though it might not give the best quality cut). Read more about it from Gizmodo.

Digital Shakespeare

Shakespeare’s works have been presented in many forms, most recently in the form of different apps. Kathleen Wilson provides reviews of a handful of different Shakespeare apps from School Library Journal.

February/March 2016

Apple Updates

Apple announced some updates toward the end of March that included a new 4 inch iPhone, a smaller iPad Pro and an update to iOS among other items. You can check out all of their announcements from The Next Web.

Amazon Expands Dash Button

Remember the Dash Buttons mentioned a year ago?It seems they’ve been working out well as Amazon has greatly expanded the variety of products you can now order with just the touch of a button. You can learn more about the button expansion for Tech Crunch.

Smartphone Controlled Robot

The company Sphero has created robots which you can control with your smartphone. For the Star Wars fans there is a BB8 version, however you also have other options. Read more about it from BGR.

Nintendo, SF Public Library and Game Design

Nintendo recently worked with the San Francisco Public Library on an event that helps kids learn about game design using the Nintendo game Super Mario Maker. Read all about the program from The Verge.

Smart Water Pitcher

Do you forget to replace your water pitcher filters? Now you won’t! A new Brita water pitcher has been added to the internet of things and automatically orders new water filters when the filter needs to be replaced. Read more about it from The Next Web.

3D Printed Maps for the blind

The Hasso Plattner Institute has created Linespace a “tactile display system for blind users.” It works by combining voice commands with a camera tracking system and 3D printer extruder. You can read more about it from Make and you can watch it in action below!  

January 2016

NYPL Digital Collections

The New York Public Library has enhanced the sharing features for items in their digital collections that are part of the public domain. One can now download public domain items in high resolution without first seeking permission. In their blog post they also shared projects that have been created using these public domain items, such as a “Mansion Builder” which uses floorplans from the Apartment Houses of the Metropolis Collection.

CES Highlights

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) was held in Las Vegas in early January. From drones, to the internet of things, to retro items like turntables there was a lot to see. For look at some of the show’s highlights check out this article from WIRED or this article from Gizmodo.

Google’s AI

Google’s artificial intelligence made headlines at the end of January when it was able to beat the top European player of the game Go. The program AlphaGo, was created by DeepMind, and used “general machine learning techniques” to learn the game. A match between AlphaGo and Lee Sedol of South Korea is set for March. You can read more about it from WIRED.

Just for fun - Google Street View

Google street view has explored new places once again. Miniature cameras traversed the model street of Minatur Wunderland in Hamburg, Germany, the world’s largest model railway. Read more about it from Google’s blog or you can check out Minatur Wunderland here.

December 2015

Free the Law

Harvard is currently working on the digitization of US court decisions in conjunction with Ravel Law. The grant funded project began in 2015 and is slated to be completed in early 2017. You can learn more about it from Library Journal.

Robots with a Sense of Touch

Robots have been used for a variety of tasks, but with a new technology called SynTouch they might also be able to sense texture. In addition to the potential for application in prosthetic technology, having robots that can touch could allow for the creation of texture standards. There are standards for things like color that ensure quality and consistency, however, feeling texture has always been somewhat subjective. You can read more about it from Wired.

Gene Editing Technology

You might have heard some buzz about the gene editing technology known as CRISPR. This new tech could be used for curing certain diseases, but also brings up topics like eugenics. A summit in Washington DC focused on the implications and future of gene editing took place this past December. You can read more about how this technology could be applied from The Atlantic.

Retro Gaming

Last month, you took a look at the $5 computer from Raspberry Pi. Instructions are now available online to turn that computer (or any of the Raspberry Pi computers) into a gaming console. You can check it out at Make: Projects.

Smart Socks

Yes, you read that correctly. Netflix recently released instructions for creating socks that can sense if you’ve fallen asleep while bingeing your new favorite show, and pauses the show accordingly so you can pick it right up where you dozed off. Read more about it from The Verge.

November 2015

Google Cardboard

You might have heard of Google Cardboard, but what exactly is it? Essentially it’s a cardboard box that turns your smartphone into a virtual reality headset. You can purchase them, or make your own with instructions from Google. Many companies, such as the New York Times are creating their own VR content that you can view using this tool. Read more about it from Wired.

Architecture of Radio

Curious as to what all of those wireless signals around you would look like if you could see them? Now there’s an app for that! While it is $2.99 and is only available for iOS (Android is coming in 2016) it provides an interesting look at the world which you normally cannot see. Read more about it from The Verge.

3D Audio Technology

Working with a project called Cities Unlocked Microsoft has developed a type of 3D audio technology that helps the visually impaired navigate through cities. A reporter for the Telegraph tried out the technology first-hand which you can read about here. Though it is still very much in the testing phase it will hopefully allow those who use it in the future a greater sense of independence. You can also lean more about the project from The Next Web.

Spencer the Robot

If you happen to find yourself in Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport in the spring you might come across Spencer a friendly robot developed by the KLM airline to help passengers navigate through the airport so that they don’t miss their flights. You can read more about the robot here.

PI ZERO

The Raspberry Pi Foundation, which recently merged with the group Code Club, has released a $5 computer known as PI ZERO. Interest for making such a low cost device was spurred from the reality that cost can be a barrier for those interested in learning code. The co-founder talks a little bit about the computer in this video and you can read more about it from Tech Cruch.