Category Archives: Pervasive Computing

Diapers and Bras- A Sensor Revolution

Written on March 4, 2014 at 10:00 am, by

Wearable computing is just in its infancy, but already some are taking it to places we wouldn’t have imagined.  While there will be many benefits to the technology, there is a real threat of decision making continually being outsourced to technology.  Two examples recently caught our attention:   Researchers in Japan have designed an organic,  Continue Reading »

The World We Are Creating

Written on August 2, 2013 at 9:08 pm, by

 We have suggested that in the deployment of technology, the means justify the ends – that is, if we can do it, then we should do it. With that perspective, humans will be forced to adjust to the presence of technology wherever they go and whatever they do, seemingly without regard to effects   As  Continue Reading »

States and Casinos Up the Ante

Written on February 21, 2013 at 4:27 pm, by

One of the main drivers of the growing gambling movement has been the states’ desire to increase revenues. Now that so many states are getting involved however, gamblers have numerous options, which is lowering the pool of players for any individual casino or state, limiting revenue opportunities.   New Jersey, once the premier gambling destination on the  Continue Reading »

Postal Service Gets With the Times

Written on November 30, 2012 at 2:42 pm, by

Starting December 12, the U.S. Postal Service will begin a test of same day delivery service for online shoppers residing in San Francisco – with additional plans to expand this program next year into Boston, New York and Chicago.   Could such an offering eventually become the moneymaker the Postal Service needs to replace the  Continue Reading »

Rethinking Connectivity

Written on July 30, 2012 at 2:01 pm, by

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, generally accepted as the professional authority on mental illnesses, will include “Internet use disorder” in its appendix next year.  Such a position means that scientists believe there is a concern that deserves additional research before deeming it a condition.  “It is [a] basic cultural recognition,” explains psychologist  Continue Reading »

Lightweight Entertainment

Written on June 11, 2012 at 6:25 pm, by

Coach travelers on Singapore-based carrier Scoot Airlines can rent iPads for their flights. Scoot has removed its previous seatback entertainment system, reducing the weight of its four Boeing 777s by 7 percent. The reduced weight has meant reduced fuel usage and has saved the airline money.   This is yet another example of airlines doing  Continue Reading »

Virtual Wall, Real Sales

Written on May 1, 2012 at 7:53 pm, by

An Adidas store in Oxford, England, increased sales of its F50 sneaker ($270) five-fold when it tested the Adidas Virtual Footwear Wall. The company subsequently installed the technology in its Lower Broadway, Manhattan (NY) store in March.   The Adidas Virtual Footwear Wall renders products in 3-D on four 46-inch vertically-stacked touch screens. Customers can  Continue Reading »

Getting it Wrong, Getting it Right

Written on April 27, 2012 at 7:54 pm, by

Fox Broadcasting, Paramount Pictures, Sony Entertainment, Universal Pictures, Warner Brothers and Wal-Mart are unveiling an “Ultraviolet cloud locker system.” After purchasing a DVD released by one of the studios, customers can go to Wal-Mart and pay between $2 and $4 more to have that movie stored digitally in a “cloud locker.” The movie will then  Continue Reading »