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.

October 2015

User Research Center at Harvard Library

At the end of the summer the Harvard Library opened its new User Research Center (URC) which will help to consolidate usability testing across their libraries and allow the library to make evidence based decisions. Their first project was an assessment of a selection of LibGuide. The new center houses devices that track screens and eye movement, among other things and you can read more about it from Library Journal.

Augmented Reality

So you might have heard about augmented reality, but what exactly are companies doing with it? Tech Insider gives ten examples of how augmented reality is being developed by different companies from teaching medical students, to allowing children to draw 3D figures. See all of the examples here.

Facebook’s “On This Day”

Many of you may have seen or used Facebook’s “on this day” feature, which allows you to see what you posted or what others posted to your Facebook in years past. This can be a cool feature, however, in instances where there is something that you might want to forget, up until recently there was no way to hide these memories. Facebook has recently changed that and you can learn more about it here.

Using WiFi and Sensors to Recognize People Through Walls

Researchers at MIT have developed a tool called RF-Capture that allows them to recognize people through walls. While this might seem a bit creepy it could potentially be used in smart homes in the future. You can read more about it from the Verge.

Self Lacing Shoes:

Despite the fact that Back to the Future day is now in the past without things like flying cars and the Cubs winning the World Series, Nike has succeeded in the creation of self-lacing shoes. Check them out on CNet.

3D Printed Prosthetic Hand

Using the 3D printer at the Wilmington Public Library in Delaware a 10 year old boy was able to create (with his Mom’s help) his own prosthetic hand. You can learn more about it from ABC Action News.

September 2015

Apple Event:

Apple hosted an event on September 7 during which they released the newest version of the iPhone, as well as an updated version of iOS, the iPad pro, a new Apple TV (with Apple Pencil), and updated Apple Watch models. To learn a bit more about the products check out this article from The Next Web. For more details about what you can do with the iPhone 6s/6s Plus check out this article from The Verge.

Google Photos and Chromecast:

Google added some additional features to Google Photos (its online photo storage tool) last month. These features include the ability to share albums, label people in your photos so that you can more easily find them, and support for photos through Google’s Chromecast. Read more about it from CNet. Chromecast  (Google’s streaming media device) was also redesigned and showcased during the event. Features include a new look, as well as updated software. You can also read more about it from CNet.

Energy from the air:

The British company Drayson Technologies unveiled a small device called Freevolt that harvests radio waves from the air and turns them into power for electronic devices. You can read more about it from CNet.

3D Human Body Modeling:

The company BioDigital has released their API to the public which will allow a multitude of groups to utilize the 3D body imaging tool for new endeavors. Organizations such as the National Institute of Health are already using the tool. You can read more about it from TechCrunch.

Paralyzed man walks without exoskeleton:

At the University of California, Irvine researchers have developed a method for transferring the electrical activity of the brain to a paraplegic patient’s limbs without the use of an exoskeleton. The technique was recently used to help a patient with paralyzed legs walk.  Read more about it from Cnet.

Logitech Security Camera:

If you’re on the market for a home security camera, Logitech tossed its hat in the ring of options. The small camera, called Circle, allows for streaming of video to your phone (both Apple and Android), and provides highlights of the day for times when motion is detected among other features. To learn about all this camera can do check out this article from The Verge.

June 2015

Streaming Music Services:

Two streaming music services have made headlines recently. Google Music now enables people to listen for free, with intermittent interruption by ads, similar to Pandora. This service lets you choose the type of music you’d like to listen to by the activity you’re completing and the genre of music you would like to hear. You can learn more about the service from Wired or you can simply check it out for yourself.

Another streaming music service released in June is Apple Music. While it is a paid service (similar to Spotify), Apple is currently offering a three-month free trial. Paying for the service will allow you to download albums and playlists for offline listening. You can read more about it from The Verge.

Drone Delivery:

The Federal Aviation Administration has approved the first use of drones for deliveries beginning July 17th. Specifically the drones will be delivering pharmaceuticals to a free clinic in West Virginia. You can read more about it here.   

From Amazon:

New Kindle Paperwhite -

Amazon updated their most popular e-reader with a higher resolution screen, and compatibility with their new font Bookerly. You can read more about it here or check out the product page.   

Amazon Echo Now Available for Regular Purchase -

Back in February Amazon announced Echo, a smart bluetooth speaker complete with a siri-like assistant named Alexa. At the time purchase was limited to prime customers by invitation only. Amazon has now begun shipping those orders and the general public can now purchase Echo. Read more about it from Yahoo Tech, or check out the Amazon Product page.  

Device to let the blind ‘see’ with their tongues:

The FDA recently approved a device that will allow the blind to ‘see’ with their tounges using a glass mounted camera that interprets visual objects as electronic pulses. You can read more about it from Yahoo Tech.

Gmail’s Undo Send Option:

Ever regret an email the moment you send it? With Gmail’s “Undo Send” option which has been released for the web, you can now have up to 30 seconds to take it back. You can read a bit more about it, and learn how to turn the feature on from Forbes.

OS X El Capitan:

During Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in early June, in addition to showcasing Apple Music, they also gave everyone a look at their new operating system - El Capitan, which will be a free upgrade for existing Mac users when it is released in the fall. Changes include updates to the spotlight search, the ability to view two windows at once in full screen mode, and enhancements to the notes application. You can read more about El Capitan from CNET.

New Tech to Stop Drunk Driving:

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently announced two new technologies that will determine blood alcohol content. One monitors the alcohol content in the air within the car, and the other through near-infrared tissue spectroscopy. You can read more about both from Yahoo Tech.

April 2015

Microsoft Build 2015:

Microsoft held it’s Microsoft Build conference last month. During this event they showed the world their new operating system Microsoft 10 along with Microsoft Edge, which is set to replace Internet Explorer, and an improved Hololens (an augmented reality headset). It was also noted that it will soon be easier for iOS and Android app makers to bring their apps to the Windows phone as well. Read more about Microsoft’s announcements from The Verge.

3D Printed Airway Splint:

3D Printers are used for a ton of fun things, but here is yet another instance of 3D printed medical objects. Three babies have been saved with a 3D printed airway splint, and the coolest thing about this is that the splint will actually grow with them. You can read more about it from The Verge.

Periscope:

Periscope is a tool to provide live video of an event with their tagline being “explore the world in real time through someone else's eyes.”  While currently only available for iOS, there is work being done to also release the app on other platforms. It was used during the Therapy Dogs event during finals week and in the first ten days after the app’s launch over a million people signed in! You can read more about from Tech Crunch.

How Old do you look? - A Microsoft Product

In conjunction with its build event Microsoft released a product (how-old.net) that will guess your age and gender based on an uploaded photo. So far it has proven to be less than accurate, but some have done interesting things like have this tool determine the ages of Disney princes and Harry Potter characters. You can read more about it from Tech Crunch.

March 2015

Amazon Prime Members can place Orders with Buttons

So this might seem a bit like an April Fool’s prank, but Amazon is seeing it as the way of the future. Amazon Prime members can now order buttons, called Amazon Dash, that allow them to quickly place orders for certain products, such as Tide detergent, that they purchase on a regular basis by simply pressing the button. Don’t worry, there are measures in place so that you don’t order hundreds of bottles of detergent unintentionally. Read more about it from The Verge.

3-D Printing at UMass Amherst

The library at UMass Amherst has recently opened a “MakerBot Innovation Center” as part of their Digital Media Lab. It houses 50 3-D MakerBot printers along with several 3-D scanners.  20 Faculty attended a pre-grand opening training session, and the library is putting together a basics of 3-D printing one credit course for students to learn about 3-D printing. You can read through all the details from Matt Enis at Library Journal.

More about Drones

The February 2015 post explored drones that could bump into things without detriment to the person, object, or drone. This article from The Next Web explores the variety of ways that drones of different types are being used to improve the world from helping with search and rescue to delivering needed medications. You can read more about uses for drones here.

Apple Event

During the Apple Event on March 9th, the company made a number of announcements. These included the reveal of the new Apple Watch which is set to come out this month, along with an updated line of MacBooks, as well as an updated Apple TV. All of the products can now be viewed in the Apple Store, but if you’d like a quick overview of the most interesting parts of the event check out this article from The Verge.

Google Maps and PacMan

If you open Google Maps right now you’ll notice that there is a PacMan button at the bottom left of the map. Turn any location (including the F&M campus!) into a fancy game of PacMan. You can read more about it from The Next Web or try it for yourself: maps.google.com.  

Turn Your Handwriting into a Font

Do you really like your handwriting? You can turn it into a font for free from MyScriptFont.com. Read more about it from makezine.com.