Google, Oxford and AI:
Google and Oxford University are joining forces to work on advancing research regarding artificial intelligence with a focus on image recognition and natural language understanding. For a few more details check on this article from The Next Web or Google’s Europe blog.
Understanding Shakespeare:
JStor and the Folger Shakespeare Library have partnered to create a resource called “Understanding Shakespeare.” With it scholars can click on different lines of the bard’s plays and be brought to a set of items in JStore which reference that particular line. For more detailed information check out their about page.
Google’s Inbox:
Google has released a new Inbox app for Andriod and iOS that allows you to use your inbox as a “To Do” list. There are, however, two caveats. The first is that it is available by invitation only (I’m still waiting for my invite). The second is that it only works with @gmail.com email addresses. Hopefully there will be Google Apps integration in the near future, but if you can snag an invite it might be interesting to explore for your personal Gmail account. Check it out on The Verge.
Privacy and Technology:
Libraries have historically been protectors of patron privacy. We don’t give out information about what books our patrons have checked out or that they’ve checked out in the past. However, this is a whole different ball game when third parties, such as Adobe enter the mix. Adobe Digital Editions keeps track of the books that patrons are reading and sends information about this back to Adobe. Read more on the issue from Slate.
3D Printing and Scanning:
Each day it seems that there are new uses for 3D printing. Recently a project called Touchable Memories has used 3D printing to transform photographs into physical objects to aid the blind in remembering past life events. The Verge gives a few more details or you can check out the Touchable Memories website.
Along another vein, HP is working on a line of 3D printers that allow for multiple nozzles, resulting in incredibly fine detail, and much faster print times. While the printer won’t be available till 2016 it’s exciting to think about what types of items could be created with it. More details can be found from Forbes.
HP has also released a new PC that has a built in 3D scanner called Sprout which seems to be tailored toward those interested in creative work. Engadget gives an overview of the features of the new PC here.
Learning to Drive Tools:
A coaching tool for teen drivers called License+ was recently launched by the company Automatic. A device is plugged into the car and monitors various driving habits - speed, breaking, etc. as well as the condition of the vehicle. New drivers can also earn badges as they work on their driving skills. A more complete overview of the tool can be found from TechCrunch.
The Robots Make Headlines:
The Robots mentioned in my September post gained quite a bit of media attention. The Digital Shift gives us some further information regarding the project for those who are interested.
