Let's Talk Tech
I’m really excited for modular phones. Replacing pieces when they get worn out, instead of having to buy a whole new phone.
Phonebloks took a tour around Google’s lab to see some of the new design work happening on Project Ara, recently acquired from Motorola. Discussing design and aesthetics, one of the highlights is the discussion on magnets for holding all the pieces together.
Here’s to hoping we see a full prototype in action soon!
If you’ve been rocking the BETA, then you’re already aware of this, but it’s finally rolling out for all consumers.
If you’ve got the separate Facebook Messenger app installed, you can now call your Facebook friends over WiFi for free! The update to FB Messenger 4.0 brings this to all users alongside better support for creating chat groups and the ability to create shortcuts to specific chats on your homescreen.
Hit the update and get calling!
Facebook Messenger (Google Play)
No really. You HAVE to let go of Windows XP. It’s time.
Support for XP is really ending, for real, we mean it this time. You’re off the reservation, no more updates. Those who write malware will be able to find exploits to damage your system.
To ease the transition both Microsoft and Best Buy are offering up $100 trade in to give up your older XP system and move up to a shinier new system. I’m sure both companies would prefer you take the plunge on a Windows 8 machine.
Microsoft’s trade in deal is already live, and Best Buy should be unveiling theirs over the weekend. Let’s get a move on people. Windows XP is almost thirteen years old. We’ve moved on from there…
Well I for one welcome our robotic overlords…
Matthew E. Taylor, Allred Distinguished Professor in Artificial Intelligence at Washington State University has published a paper detailing a system where one computer can share information and processes with another computer. The first practical demonstration? Video games!
One system “taught” another how to play Pac-Man, and the “student” system was eventually able to surpass its “teacher”.
A system for delivering “advice” could be an exciting breakthrough, especially if these systems can share information and processes between computers with different hardware builds. Often a set of instructions wont work if you change hardware parameters.
If you’re worried about Skynet happening soon, Taylor had this to say:
“They’re very dumb.”
(via WSU News)
Google’s been planning on splitting this stock for a while now, and following several months of trading at over $1100, the split has finally arrived.
Today, in a straight up 2 for 1, if you’re lucky enough to own some Google Stock, you just doubled your shares. This split also creates a “Class C” stock where people can own a chunk of the company but forfeit voting rights. It’s a smart play for Google as it helps insure company control as stocks are often used for acquisitions and employee compensation.
It’s not without a little controversy however as some analysts are claiming this move is intended to dilute voting rights.
Shares split today and traded as high as 580, at the time of this writing they’ve settled down to the high 560’s. Do you own any Google stock? Will this split affect your investments?
Market disruption. Seriously. Think about it. Do people buy standalone GPS devices anymore? No. We “Google Map” things on our phones. Google has done a remarkable job of examining popular business models and then turning them on their collective ears.
Rumors are flying that in addition to offering up home data connections, Goog could be considering a move to also offer up wireless services in areas where they’re already flirting with fiber. It makes sense as they’ve already invested in the server infrastructure in those areas, but they’d need to work out deals on wireless spectrum if they’re going to operate their own towers.
They could also be considering some sort of MVNO like WalMart does with Straight Talk, but augmented with their own data services. We know Google has worked to try and light up cities with WiFi in the past, and combining WiFi with another carrier’s traditional cell network, and tying that to Google Hangouts/Voice could be a really compelling solution. Much like Vonage or Republic Wireless, you’d have a proper phone number which works over WiFi, and switches to traditional 3G/4G when you’re no longer connected to a hotspot.
Is a Google Phone service one you would consider? Drop us a comment below!
AT makes some of my all time favorite mics, but I’ve never played with one of their Lavs. I ran this little clip-on through a couple different scenarios, including some loud outdoor shots, to see how it holds up. Quick shout out to BooredAtWork, for hooking me up with this mic, and now let’s take a look!
Continue reading “Studio Gear Review: Audio-Technica Pro 70 Wired Lavalier/Instument Microphone”
