New Iphone Vlog post

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/10/apple-iphone-4s-specs/

Navigating Technomedia

I thought this article was rather dry and boring, but it was informative.  I had never heard of the term Technomedia before this article.  To better understand what this was, i liked how they sued the example of the phone.  We no longer simply use the telephone to have voice to voice conversations.  Now we have the ability to text, surf the web, take pictures, and even listen to music.  Who would have thought this is what the phone would become.  One of the points made in this article discussed the diffusion of technology among the different nations of the world.  I know this wasnt the whole point of the article, but it was something that stuck with me.  I learned about this idea in my Internet comm class.  The diffusion of technology is based on several factors including the economy as well as education.  If you have a poor nation who is not educated to use technology, they will find themselves to be cut off from the rest of the world and would have a disadvantage of not being able to communicate with other people globally.  Technology today is not as simple as it once was.  We are bringing so many elements of old technology together to make something new and user friendly.  Overall this article was a good overview of how technology has shifted and who is able to use it. 

Personal Dynamic Media

I really enjoyed this reading!  After getting through the whole article, I scrolled back up to see when it was written.  I was definitely surprised to see that the date said 1977!!  The goal with todays technology is to have it be used in numerous ways to help make our lives easier.  The goal behind the Dynabook, was that it" could be owned by everyone and could have the power to handle virtually all of it's owner's information-related needs",(Kay, 1977). I really liked how the article gave examples of how this technology could be useful in all walks of life; to artists and animators to doctors and teachers.  I think everyone bennefits from having a the computers and devise we have today that flexible enough for you to make necessary changes that would benefit it's use.  It seems like these devices came from the original vision of the Dynabook.  Technology like the Iphone 4S, have the technology built into it, with the hope that it will make our lives easier. The creators have basically created a hand held secretary who communicates with you and organizes and stores information...  It is really amazing to me that the idea of the Dynabook came out so long ago and we are still trying to perfect that type of interactive technology today. 

Second life

I thought this article was a little long but the information was kind of interesting.  I think the idea of a cyber world where you can design a new persona and have a life different from the one you actually live can be seen as attractive to some people.  Those who are more reserved in person, now have the opportunity to let their guard down and become who they have always wanted to be.  There was a part in the article that talked about the concern about the persons partner.  One girl said that she didnt want her partner to think that she was doing inappropriate things online.  Unfortunately with the kind of freedom a second life can give, it is easy to do those kind of things without any inhibitions.  Cyber worlds are becoming more popular.  You have the ability to redesign your life and how you look.  I can see why this would be appealing to people but I do agree that people still need to use caution when entering these cyber worlds, as your actions will follow you into the real world. 

Nato's Bombing tool: Twiter

I found this weeks article on Wired.  This article is a few months old, but with the new information on Gadhafi's death, I thought it was a very interesting one.  The social networking tool, Twitter is not only being used by celebrities; NATO is also using Twitter.  According to this article, NATO would look at Tweets that pertained to information about Gadhafi's location and troop movement.  These tweets helped determine targets and with sate lights and surveillance planes; NATO has been able to locate some of the Gadhafi's men.  According to this article, Twitter cannot be used as an actual "targeting mechanism" but has become useful in narrowing down target locations.  I had no idea that Twitter was being used in this way.  I have become aware that social networking sites like Facebook have become a huge way for people to stay connected to a cause they are fighting for and it has helped organize movements in the Middle East and other parts of the world; but I did not know that a site like Twitter is being used by the government to hunt people down. 
http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2011/06/natos-newest-bombing-tool-twitter/

Computer Power and Reasoning

I really liked this article and can relate to the experience.  I remember a number of years ago when IMing was big and there was a screen name i think it was (SmartGuy1) that wasnt run by a person but was a computer.  You could ask it anything or talk to it about anything and it would give you the same kind of responses like Eliza.  For Weizenbaum to create Eliza back in the 60's is pretty remarkable to me as the software sounds pretty complex.  I am a little confused why he wanted to start this software as a psychotherapy thing when he isnt a therapist.  However, based on the conversation he listed in the article, the program seemed harmless and it didnt really give medical advise; just a person to talk to.  If anything I think it would get annoying because the responses back are all questions making the person dig deeper into their thoughts and issues, (kind of like a therapist)...  I dont feel that a program like the DOCTOR would be a good idea as a substitute from seeking a psychiatrist's advise but for those who are lost in there issues, it could help them work things out for themselves.  With time I think something like this could be successful....

Technology and Society

Technology has completely transformed our society.  From the television to the telephone, technology has altered the way we communicate and relate to the people around us.  Television has had a huge impact on the world.  Everyone is able to come closer together; we are watching the same popular TV shows and receiving the same new updates on a daily basis.  TV has had a huge impact in my life.  From my early years I have fond memories of my favorite Disney movies and cartoons.  Many people are able to come together and share the same interests through watching the TV.  In a way it has brought my family closer together.  We bond and laugh at the TV shows we watch as a family.  When we socialize with colleagues or friends we talk about the movies we just saw in theatres. Watching history unfold has brought our nation together as we watched our nation under attack on Sept. 11.  TV has shaped the was we socialize and view the world.  Many of us dont have the luxury to travel across the the ocean and see foreign lands, we relay on the TV to educate us and show us what we are missing.  This was a very interesting article and I think we can all relate to it.