noemi

WalkSafe: Android App for Inattentive Pedestrians

November 29, 2011 by noemi

I have one word for people who use their mobile phones while crossing the street, but I would rather not say it here. Then again, you never know if there is an emergency which absolutely requires you to talk on your phone while walking. Let’s just say that whatever the situation may be, when you talk on your phone while on the road, you can be described as an inattentive pedestrian. The bane of motorists every where in the world.

Just in case you are “forced” to talk on your phone as you cross busy streets, there is an app that might just save your life. It is called WalkSafe, which is developed by the Smartphone Sensing Group of Dartmouth College and University of Bologna. Developers Tianyu Wang, Giuseppe Cardone, Antonio Corradi, Lorenzo Torresani, and Andrew T. Campbell have one question they wish to continuously answer with their work: How do we make smartphones even smarter? [Read more…] about WalkSafe: Android App for Inattentive Pedestrians

Having a Baby? How About Checking Google for Names First?

November 28, 2011 by noemi

Apparently, this is what a lot of parents are doing these days. Gone are the days when parents simply pick whatever name they like based on their own criteria – without having to check if other people have the same name. It used to be that people chose names for their babies based on the meaning of the name, or maybe because they have someone in the family with that name.

Today, more and more people are looking to Google to make sure that the name they pick for their baby is “safe”. What does safe mean in this case anyway? The New York Times recently ran a story about how a couple checked Google to see if the names they had picked for their baby girl matched “inappropriate” people online. ((NYT)) For example, they did a search on Kalia, only to see scantily clad women come up in the search results. They immediately discarded the name, as they didn’t want their child to have to “wrestle” with a Google identity. [Read more…] about Having a Baby? How About Checking Google for Names First?

TARDIS Bag: The Only Bag You’ll Want for Christmas

November 25, 2011 by noemi

Everyone’s all excited about the Dr. Who Christmas Special, aren’t they? It is not surprising as this tradition has spanned generations. The holidays are just more exciting with something additional to look forward to.

And when it comes to Dr. Who, it is not only the Doctor and his companion that piques the interest of viewers. If anything, the TARDIS has gotten so much more attention from fans all over the world. How can one not want a TARDIS of his own? This seemingly innocuous police call box is a world of wonders inside. Your very own time machine. [Read more…] about TARDIS Bag: The Only Bag You’ll Want for Christmas

Gerber Gear’s Apocalypse Kit

November 24, 2011 by noemi

The Walking Dead has become so popular that it was only a matter of time that we see gear from the TV series that can be bought – and presumably used – in real life. I used to be all over The Walking Dead, but after the first couple of episodes of the second season, it lost its appeal for more than one reason. In any case, from the comments I have been seeing on Facebook and Twitter, it looks like the show has been dragging for a while now.

Still, there is something about the story that gets one interested. I am sure I will pick it up again some time in the future. In the meantime, this cool gear as seen on the show has caught my attention. [Read more…] about Gerber Gear’s Apocalypse Kit

High Tech Computerized Contact Lenses on the Horizon

November 23, 2011 by noemi

People who have perfect – or near perfect – vision might take their eyesight for granted. For those of us who have had to wear corrective optical equipment for practically our whole lives, the story is a totally different thing. I have been wearing glasses since I was in third grade, and if I could afford it, I would have gotten LASIK a long time ago.

Glasses can be cool, but they can also be a hassle. Thank goodness for contact lenses. Then again, there is the issue of hygiene and prolonged wear. Contact lenses do offer convenience, but it also means a little more taking care of your eyes. [Read more…] about High Tech Computerized Contact Lenses on the Horizon

SUR40 Touchscreen Table Computer

November 22, 2011 by noemi

Remember that awesome table (cum computer) that Tony Stark had? I bet you’ve wanted one ever since you saw the movie. I know I have been lusting after it. Then again, the same can be said of Iron Man himself. But I digress.

Your dreams of a touchscreen table computer is becoming reality, albeit falling way short of what Iron Man had at his disposal. We have heard of surface computers before, but the result of the collaboration between Samsung and Microsoft might just blow everything out of the water! [Read more…] about SUR40 Touchscreen Table Computer