Hmmm…

University presses being left behind by digital era

Filed under: Further Reading

Hey Microsoft, I can do that!

Microsoft patent app reveals heads-up vehicle display, fluffy dice – Engadget

Dear Microsoft,

I would just like to let you know that I’ve done some user research in the area of automobile HUD’s. If you’d like to, you know, get in touch with me, I’d be happy to discuss arranging a mutually beneficial relationship.

Filed under: Uncategorized

This is just really interesting.

Blizzard negotiating with researchers for virtual epidemic study

Filed under: Further Reading

Skype Outage Questions

Giant, synchronized reboot Windows Update smokes Skype

There was a massive Skype outage recently, lasting about three days. It remains to be seen if/how emergency calls were affected.

A two-day disruption of traditional phone service is pretty much unthinkable, given that society relies on it not only for business and social communication, but also for emergency services.

But as we rely more on Internet-based communications systems for things like medical records and emergency communications, reliability will move up the list of desirable features closer to the top. Let’s just hope that the Internet can stand the strain.

Basically, don’t replace your landline or cell with Skype.  I don’t think anyone should rely on cellular technology for their 911 service either, but that’s another argument for another time.

Filed under: E911

My guess is that it will be used for marketing.

TripAdvisor Acquires Facebook App Where I’ve Been For $3 Million

Filed under: Privacy, Uncategorized

Fighting Crime with Data Mining

CBC News In Depth: Technology: Data mining

via Bruce Schneier.  Pretty cool.

Filed under: Further Reading

GPS techniques help surgeons carry out delicate procedures – Engadget

GPS techniques help surgeons carry out delicate procedures – Engadget

Wow.  Really.  I’d thought of something like this once before, where a GPS-like technology could map a human body in three dimensions.  You could theoretically map down to the cellular level, and it might be incredibly useful for tracking the development of diseases and tumors.

Filed under: GIS