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.

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.