Mobile devices as nano-bots measuring climate changes....

Imagine all the smartphones in this world be able to measure minute localized climate parameters and act as nan-sensors to a global climate monitoring and analysis system?

May be with big data technologies, we can transform that collection of data to useable intelligence to understand climate change and reverse adverse effects while enhancing positive changes ?

-Hari

The Smoking Kid

Beng Dillena

Imagine two cute Kids asking for a light? In the video, we see kids going to teens, professionals, and other adults who get shocked by the idea of these kids asking for light. Shocked as they were, of course they respond by telling these kids that smoking is bad to health and stop doing it.  Are we telling that smoking is bad when we are doing it? The last part of the video is a question, not only to the adults in the video but also to the viewers, Why do you care for these kids when you don’t even care about yourself?

Instead of telling people that smoking is bad, this Heartbreaking Video used this little kids to trick smokers into saying how bad the habit is. This Video, became viral since it was launched and won international awards.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_YZ_PtMkw0

What’s New: For the Home

Steph Ranada

For those dreaming of a smart home system where every component is a click away, here’s an innovation from Beijing, China called Plugaway. This is a simple adapter that gives connectivity to the device plugged to it with your smart phone.

Currently funded through Kickstarter, “Plugaway produces simple to use smart plugs and LED bulbs that let you universally control and monitor your home from smart devices.”

With this simple tool, the high-tech home can be easily achieved

For more information, visit their website at www.plugaway.co

What’s New: For the Bike Commuter

Steph Ranada

In Manila, bike commuting is still considered as a hobby rather than a way of getting around the metro. However, steps have been taken to promote this activity through the initiation of legislation for a bike-friendly country.

This activity is not without its dangers, which is why certain precautions have to be made such as wearing of safety gear.

One new innovation for those who might be considering bike commuting is the Morpher helmet.

Morpher is a piece of bike equipment that provides protection of a standard helmet while also being collapsible. It is made of recyclable materials and uses a unique folding mechanism, which allows users to tuck it away in as small as a laptop bag.

Truly something to look forward to as the country becomes more bike-friendly.

Sources:

www.morpherhelmet.com

Biking for Life, Manila Bulletin, 27 Aug 2013

 

Lollipop Bait Project

Beng Dillena

The Video will make you think twice the next time you see a child alone. It is a reminder to parents to always keep an eye to their children especially when they are out in the malls or other establishments. Kids are kids, no matter if we tell them not to talk to strangers they are not yet matured enough to know if the person they are talking to are bad or not. On the other hand, the predators are always there to check on their prey. 

http://youtu.be/Bx_aj3kG_T

Mobile Apps

jem villanueva

Undoubtedly, technology is one of the intangibles of modern day living. The benefits of using it outweigh any reason not to. In today’s fast phase world, the statement “information at your finger tips” is an understatement. The use of mobile technology to amplify this statement is a clear and present necessity. Here are some indispensable mobile applications, which should be in your mobile phones or tablets:

• Google.Your online research bible on just anything and everything

• Click the City. Contains information on movie and TV schedule, places to dine, shows   and events in Manila.

       

• Metro Traffic. Get to know the traffic condition (light, moderate and heavy) in major roads through and around metro manila on a real time basis.

• Google Maps. Go from one direction to another. This apps comes in handy especially when it’s your first time to travel to a new place.

   

• Flash Light. You might be asking “are you kidding?” You’ll never know when you’re going to need one. Fortunately, there’s already an application that lights up your day, literally.

  

Exploitation in Mobile Market place....

jem villanueva

Beware of fake!!!!

After buying a new laptop in PC Express Greenhills, I decided to go window shopping in the tiangges selling mobile phones and other electronic gadgets. I was looking for a Samsung tablet since everyone in the office is vouching for it. I am an Ipad user so I am not familiar with Samsung. As I stopped on one of the booth a sales lady approached me and showed me a second hand Samsung Galaxy Tab 2. It looks new and the resolution of the camera is very clear. I asked how much, she said 6700. I thought it was cheap considering how fresh and nice it looks for a second hand tablet. Without further much ado, I bought it.

 As I tried it at home, everything seems to be working except that I can’t open the Samsung Tablet application as well as the other apps. I can surf the web but that’s it. I cannot download Candy  Crush or Kindle Apps. I was mad. I’ve tried everything. I reset it several times, clear the cache and Viola! It still won’t work and continues to shut down. Finally, I decided to show to my friend who is a Samsung aficionado and much to my dismay… I found out that it was a clone…a generic tablet with a Samsung cover. I called up the sales lady and complained. They asked me to bring it back to the shop but they denied that it is fake. And although I lived in Paranaque I went all the way to Greenhills despite the heavy Christmas traffic.

 It was a lesson learned the hard way. It was a very sad experience which caused a lot of headaches, time, effort and money. I returned it and they gave me back my money less 500. I learned a very good lesson…I will only buy from reputable authorized dealers and preferably in the mall.  What the hell are we doing to stop the proliferation of clones in the market; not only  does it violates intellectual property rights  of the manufacturers and suppliers of gadgets but  it also fools a lot of consumers. Hopefully, our government will initiate efforts in controlling the proliferation of these substandard gadgets in the market.

Facilitating speedy emergency medical support using mobile technologies

hari mepurathu

A mobile phone as an emergency beacon? ICE applications and SOS calls from anywhere?