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.  

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.