Larry's Tech Talk
A Lot of Us Might Be Breaking the Law!
31/10/11 20:18
Technology changes our lives, I don’t think anyone can argue against that point. And the state of Maryland was a different place before cell phones were invented. Cell phones were not only invented, they are everywhere. Almost everyone pretty much has access to a cell phone. Monthly rates are consumer level low and long distance charges are a thing of the past. In addition to providing verbal communication, most cell phones have the “text” capability. You can add surfing the internet and checking your e-mail to the new PDA cell phones capabilities.
OK, Larry we all know that stuff, who is breaking the law? A lot of us are breaking the law, that’s who. The next time you are on the road in your car, look around and see how many people are talking on their cell phones or texting or maybe even reading their email. Yeah dude, but everybody uses their cell phones in the car, who is breaking the law?
I might not have all of the legal-ese correct, but as I understand it, hand-held use of a cell phone while driving, is now against the law in MD. Yeah, but everybody talks on their phone in the car, how can that be illegal? I didn’t say that talking was illegal, hand-held use of a cell phone is illegal. Enter another technology, “Bluetooth”. I get it, so holding a cell phone is illegal, but using a “hands free” device with a cell phone is permitted.
So what’s a “Bluetooth”? Bluetooth is a wireless technology that transmits and receives signals over short distances. So a Bluetooth headset or ear bud can be used wirelessly with a cell phone. There are also Bluetooth keyboards, mouses (or is it mice?), heart rate monitors and other devices which eliminate the wires.
I have to admit that I have questions about the new law. If you use a hands free device like a Bluetooth ear bud, you are legal. But you still have to search your contacts or dial the phone to make a call. To me its not the talking that is dangerous but the eyes off the road and dialing that is dangerous. So is dialing illegal? I understand that texting and surfing the internet are just bad ideas while driving and should be illegal. But who is to say that I am dialing and not texting?
Maybe the new law puts the judgment on Police Officers. Was that driver texting, dialing, or talking without a hands free device? Or if a driver has a hands free device, does the violation go away? I have and use a Bluetooth hands free ear bud. It took some getting use to, but I really like it now. But admittedly, there are times such as dialing that I have to touch the phone and look away from the road.
What if sometime in the future, there was a phone that you could talk to and operate totally hands free? Something like, hey phone, read me my text messages? Or my wife might say to her iPhone, call Larry (she never calls me). Then of course her iPhone would actually dial my number and she would talk on her Bluetooth hands free headset. Now that’s “hands free”! Yeah, but hey Einstein, that will never happen on a small device like a PDA or cell phone. Sorry dude, it is already on the market!
The new iPhone 4S has something called “Siri”. Siri turns the new iPhone into a speech recognition device. It will read you your texts, emails, record and send outgoing texts, reminders and manage your calendar, all by simply talking to it. The other day my wife wanted to check on a prescription while driving. She simply said, “Siri, please call Rite Aid in Chester, MD.
And what if that capability was integrated with our home audio and video systems? I could say something like, go to ESPN. Or what time are the Ravens on this week? Or please play the Allman Brothers Band in Dolby Digital. HOLD UP! That’s a whole ‘nother article waiting to be written! Today is about keeping our eyes on the road!
The new MD cell phone law says that fines will range from $40 to $100 for violations. I don’t know of anyone that has been fined, but I see many, many violators. Maybe the court of public opinion doesn’t yet recognize the danger or potential of driver inattention. But Officer, my mother called me, I had to answer. Sorry, tell it to the Judge!
Steve Jobs is gone, but another one of his technologies is here and making us safer. I will look for Siri to be integrated with many new devices in the very near future. You might not own an iPhone 4S, but please, keep your eyes on the road and your hands behind the wheel!
OK, Larry we all know that stuff, who is breaking the law? A lot of us are breaking the law, that’s who. The next time you are on the road in your car, look around and see how many people are talking on their cell phones or texting or maybe even reading their email. Yeah dude, but everybody uses their cell phones in the car, who is breaking the law?
I might not have all of the legal-ese correct, but as I understand it, hand-held use of a cell phone while driving, is now against the law in MD. Yeah, but everybody talks on their phone in the car, how can that be illegal? I didn’t say that talking was illegal, hand-held use of a cell phone is illegal. Enter another technology, “Bluetooth”. I get it, so holding a cell phone is illegal, but using a “hands free” device with a cell phone is permitted.
So what’s a “Bluetooth”? Bluetooth is a wireless technology that transmits and receives signals over short distances. So a Bluetooth headset or ear bud can be used wirelessly with a cell phone. There are also Bluetooth keyboards, mouses (or is it mice?), heart rate monitors and other devices which eliminate the wires.
I have to admit that I have questions about the new law. If you use a hands free device like a Bluetooth ear bud, you are legal. But you still have to search your contacts or dial the phone to make a call. To me its not the talking that is dangerous but the eyes off the road and dialing that is dangerous. So is dialing illegal? I understand that texting and surfing the internet are just bad ideas while driving and should be illegal. But who is to say that I am dialing and not texting?
Maybe the new law puts the judgment on Police Officers. Was that driver texting, dialing, or talking without a hands free device? Or if a driver has a hands free device, does the violation go away? I have and use a Bluetooth hands free ear bud. It took some getting use to, but I really like it now. But admittedly, there are times such as dialing that I have to touch the phone and look away from the road.
What if sometime in the future, there was a phone that you could talk to and operate totally hands free? Something like, hey phone, read me my text messages? Or my wife might say to her iPhone, call Larry (she never calls me). Then of course her iPhone would actually dial my number and she would talk on her Bluetooth hands free headset. Now that’s “hands free”! Yeah, but hey Einstein, that will never happen on a small device like a PDA or cell phone. Sorry dude, it is already on the market!
The new iPhone 4S has something called “Siri”. Siri turns the new iPhone into a speech recognition device. It will read you your texts, emails, record and send outgoing texts, reminders and manage your calendar, all by simply talking to it. The other day my wife wanted to check on a prescription while driving. She simply said, “Siri, please call Rite Aid in Chester, MD.
And what if that capability was integrated with our home audio and video systems? I could say something like, go to ESPN. Or what time are the Ravens on this week? Or please play the Allman Brothers Band in Dolby Digital. HOLD UP! That’s a whole ‘nother article waiting to be written! Today is about keeping our eyes on the road!
The new MD cell phone law says that fines will range from $40 to $100 for violations. I don’t know of anyone that has been fined, but I see many, many violators. Maybe the court of public opinion doesn’t yet recognize the danger or potential of driver inattention. But Officer, my mother called me, I had to answer. Sorry, tell it to the Judge!
Steve Jobs is gone, but another one of his technologies is here and making us safer. I will look for Siri to be integrated with many new devices in the very near future. You might not own an iPhone 4S, but please, keep your eyes on the road and your hands behind the wheel!
Seven Billion
24/10/11 20:02
Last week had to be a tough week for dictators and deceitful leaders all over the world. So what really contributed to the fall of Muammar Gaddafi? We’ve all heard the saying, “It’s good to be King”. I’m not so sure about that anymore.
The Libyan people just couldn’t be kept in the dark any longer. Technology has reached levels that allow communication and information to flow freely to people around the world, and that includes Libya. And if the king can’t keep his citizens in the dark, he might have some splainin’ to do. Note to world leaders, whatever you do will be shared, scrutinized and communicated to billions of people. Good, bad or otherwise, the people have a world wide web! The days of the telegraph are gone. Information is being shared around the world at lightning like speeds. There is nowhere to hide.
I like to watch a weekly show called CBS Sunday Morning. There was a short segment this week that really caught my attention. It should have been titled, “A Great Time to be Alive”. It pointed out something very true and kind of scary. The world’s population will reach 7 billion sometime around this coming Halloween, (that is next week). Instead of reporting on the negatives going on, the show objectively focused on the positive aspects of 7 billion people sharing one planet.
The overall message of the segment was that right now is really the best time in history to be alive. The author based his premise on 4 factors; lifespan, healthcare, economic opportunity, and literacy. Sure, I know our current economy is down but compared to 250 years ago, things aren’t so bad. And how did we get here? Technology has reached levels that allow communication and information to flow freely around the world at lightning like speeds. Hey is there an echo in here? That’s what I was thinking. So will more people cause more problems or will more people solve more problems?
Gifted and skilled individuals now have the tools to collaborate with colleagues and almost anyone with an interest, around the world at a moments notice. Think about world-wide collaboration and the possible advances in healthcare. And in Libya’s case, freedom vs. oppression? Hmmm, we saw what the now informed people of Libya decided. Maybe think of your computer and the internet as communication devices. “The pen is mightier than the sword” is and old and wise quotation. If the pen is powerful, a keyboard must be a pen on steroids! Make keyboards available to billions of people and you will have a very informed powerful planet. Power to the people, Right On!
Our cell phones can be used as portable cameras to capture photos and videos and then send the graphic information to anyone. We have laptops, desktops, tablets, PDAs that effortlessly give us information and allow us to share our experiences in real time. If you can type g-o-o-g-l-e, you have access to almost any topic that you can think of. And the world’s networks are getting faster and faster.
It took over 2000 years for the world’s population to reach one billion. It took 110 years to reach 7 billion. What will the population be 100 years from now? Your guess is as good as mine, but I do know that technology will need to play a big part in keeping our planet safe and peaceful. Time will tell if more people will cause more problems or solve more problems. But speaking as one of seven billion, I have to say, it’s a great time to be alive!
The Libyan people just couldn’t be kept in the dark any longer. Technology has reached levels that allow communication and information to flow freely to people around the world, and that includes Libya. And if the king can’t keep his citizens in the dark, he might have some splainin’ to do. Note to world leaders, whatever you do will be shared, scrutinized and communicated to billions of people. Good, bad or otherwise, the people have a world wide web! The days of the telegraph are gone. Information is being shared around the world at lightning like speeds. There is nowhere to hide.
I like to watch a weekly show called CBS Sunday Morning. There was a short segment this week that really caught my attention. It should have been titled, “A Great Time to be Alive”. It pointed out something very true and kind of scary. The world’s population will reach 7 billion sometime around this coming Halloween, (that is next week). Instead of reporting on the negatives going on, the show objectively focused on the positive aspects of 7 billion people sharing one planet.
The overall message of the segment was that right now is really the best time in history to be alive. The author based his premise on 4 factors; lifespan, healthcare, economic opportunity, and literacy. Sure, I know our current economy is down but compared to 250 years ago, things aren’t so bad. And how did we get here? Technology has reached levels that allow communication and information to flow freely around the world at lightning like speeds. Hey is there an echo in here? That’s what I was thinking. So will more people cause more problems or will more people solve more problems?
Gifted and skilled individuals now have the tools to collaborate with colleagues and almost anyone with an interest, around the world at a moments notice. Think about world-wide collaboration and the possible advances in healthcare. And in Libya’s case, freedom vs. oppression? Hmmm, we saw what the now informed people of Libya decided. Maybe think of your computer and the internet as communication devices. “The pen is mightier than the sword” is and old and wise quotation. If the pen is powerful, a keyboard must be a pen on steroids! Make keyboards available to billions of people and you will have a very informed powerful planet. Power to the people, Right On!
Our cell phones can be used as portable cameras to capture photos and videos and then send the graphic information to anyone. We have laptops, desktops, tablets, PDAs that effortlessly give us information and allow us to share our experiences in real time. If you can type g-o-o-g-l-e, you have access to almost any topic that you can think of. And the world’s networks are getting faster and faster.
It took over 2000 years for the world’s population to reach one billion. It took 110 years to reach 7 billion. What will the population be 100 years from now? Your guess is as good as mine, but I do know that technology will need to play a big part in keeping our planet safe and peaceful. Time will tell if more people will cause more problems or solve more problems. But speaking as one of seven billion, I have to say, it’s a great time to be alive!
Co-exist! Low Tech meet Hi Tech
16/10/11 20:19
I am going to guess that most of us have at least a few electronics in our homes. And some of us have a lot of electronics at home. How many TVs are in your house? You might have a surround sound system, CD player(s), iPod, DVD player(s) or maybe a Blu-Ray player or two. Cable TV or Satellite box(es), speakers, subwoofer, remote controls are just a few of the electronic components in our homes. And that’s just the audio and video components. I’m not even mentioning our computers, routers, and printers.
I am also going to guess that most interior designers really don’t like TVs. But unless you want to live in a museum, the issue becomes “function”. Let’s face it, most people spend a lot of time with the TV on. What good is a family room if there is no TV displaying the big game? Sure there are a few people that don’t want that lifestyle. But for most of us, audio and video entertainment is a big part of the time spent in our homes. Let’s add surround sound to that family room which requires 5 speakers and a subwoofer and there goes the décor and the interior designer’s blood pressure.
No problem Larry, why not get a cabinet and stuff all of those components in it, turn everything on, crank them up and slam the doors shut? I hope that sounds funny to you, but the reality is that is exactly what a lot of people try to do. Find or build the cabinet you like and then make the electronics fit! Yeah RIGHT!! Just put that receiver on the chop saw and make it fit in the cabinet?? YEAH RIGHT!!!!
Here is why that mentality will not work. First, most electronic components create heat. If you look at a surround sound receiver or cable box it will have vents on top of it. The vents are for ventilation! So when another component is placed on top of the receiver, it gets hot. And those solid doors won’t allow any heat to escape. Alright Einsten, how about if we drill holes in the bottom of the cabinet? That is actually kind of funny since we all know that heat rises! And that beautiful custom built-in wall cabinet with the solid doors won’t allow for infra-red signals to pass. So leave the doors open, or spend more money and install an IR sensor or RF remote control system if you want to be able to use remote controls.
Yeah but Larry, I measured and the components will fit. Will they? A lot of custom cabinet makers and even a/v furniture makers like to make furniture about 15 inches deep. So, if you measure that surround sound receiver it will probably be about 15 inches deep. So, where’s the beef? Here’s the beef, how about the connections on the back? They require about 2 more inches of depth. And that volume control knob on the front, count on another inch at least. And how about all of those wires? Lets see, each speaker gets a wire, that’s 5 plus the subwoofer. The TV gets an HDMI cable, The BluRay player gets an HDMI cable, and everything has a power cord. And I am just getting started. So those little access holes are virtually worthless when they get filled up with wires. And hard shelves are ridiculous. Components communicate with each other, meaning wires within the cabinet run up and down as well as in and out.
Most components are 17 inches wide. So cabinets should be 19 inches wide at a minimum. Heights vary depending on the component. And we already talked about the forgotten dimension, depth. So are we slaves to our furniture and décor leaving us functionally challenged? Well, yes if we allow that to happen.
Yeah, but my friend stuffed everything into her cabinet and it all works. OK, but how about a year from now, when she adds a BluRay player into that cabinet? It will turn a 10 minute job into a half day nightmare. And remember, heat is the number one enemy to all electronics.
All right dude, so what’s the answer? Well, there are several ways to approach the cabinet nightmare. I will first mention priorities. Décor is important, but leave décor for last. What good is a nice looking cabinet if it doesn’t work? You need ACCESS, VENTILATION, SPACING and then DÉCOR.
If you purchase an a/v stand from a big box retailer, understand that it might pretend to be used for storing electronics. Check the dimensions. The best units do not have backs, leaving access and ventilation. If you want doors, glass or metal mesh work best.
Ideally, rack systems are the best. They don’t always integrate with existing wall units, but if you are having one built any time soon, look into a sliding rack unit. They are not that expensive, are able to fit within a cabinet and slide out and spin for access.
The other answer is to have a metal component rack in a closet, basement or other area connected to the speakers and TV in the family room. That’s not always an option, but if you are building new or renovating your home, consider having the wiring done before insulation and drywall goes up.
Most of the ladies don’t want to see a bunch of black boxes. With the right planning, electronics and décor can “coexist”. Low tech, meet hi tech!
I am also going to guess that most interior designers really don’t like TVs. But unless you want to live in a museum, the issue becomes “function”. Let’s face it, most people spend a lot of time with the TV on. What good is a family room if there is no TV displaying the big game? Sure there are a few people that don’t want that lifestyle. But for most of us, audio and video entertainment is a big part of the time spent in our homes. Let’s add surround sound to that family room which requires 5 speakers and a subwoofer and there goes the décor and the interior designer’s blood pressure.
No problem Larry, why not get a cabinet and stuff all of those components in it, turn everything on, crank them up and slam the doors shut? I hope that sounds funny to you, but the reality is that is exactly what a lot of people try to do. Find or build the cabinet you like and then make the electronics fit! Yeah RIGHT!! Just put that receiver on the chop saw and make it fit in the cabinet?? YEAH RIGHT!!!!
Here is why that mentality will not work. First, most electronic components create heat. If you look at a surround sound receiver or cable box it will have vents on top of it. The vents are for ventilation! So when another component is placed on top of the receiver, it gets hot. And those solid doors won’t allow any heat to escape. Alright Einsten, how about if we drill holes in the bottom of the cabinet? That is actually kind of funny since we all know that heat rises! And that beautiful custom built-in wall cabinet with the solid doors won’t allow for infra-red signals to pass. So leave the doors open, or spend more money and install an IR sensor or RF remote control system if you want to be able to use remote controls.
Yeah but Larry, I measured and the components will fit. Will they? A lot of custom cabinet makers and even a/v furniture makers like to make furniture about 15 inches deep. So, if you measure that surround sound receiver it will probably be about 15 inches deep. So, where’s the beef? Here’s the beef, how about the connections on the back? They require about 2 more inches of depth. And that volume control knob on the front, count on another inch at least. And how about all of those wires? Lets see, each speaker gets a wire, that’s 5 plus the subwoofer. The TV gets an HDMI cable, The BluRay player gets an HDMI cable, and everything has a power cord. And I am just getting started. So those little access holes are virtually worthless when they get filled up with wires. And hard shelves are ridiculous. Components communicate with each other, meaning wires within the cabinet run up and down as well as in and out.
Most components are 17 inches wide. So cabinets should be 19 inches wide at a minimum. Heights vary depending on the component. And we already talked about the forgotten dimension, depth. So are we slaves to our furniture and décor leaving us functionally challenged? Well, yes if we allow that to happen.
Yeah, but my friend stuffed everything into her cabinet and it all works. OK, but how about a year from now, when she adds a BluRay player into that cabinet? It will turn a 10 minute job into a half day nightmare. And remember, heat is the number one enemy to all electronics.
All right dude, so what’s the answer? Well, there are several ways to approach the cabinet nightmare. I will first mention priorities. Décor is important, but leave décor for last. What good is a nice looking cabinet if it doesn’t work? You need ACCESS, VENTILATION, SPACING and then DÉCOR.
If you purchase an a/v stand from a big box retailer, understand that it might pretend to be used for storing electronics. Check the dimensions. The best units do not have backs, leaving access and ventilation. If you want doors, glass or metal mesh work best.
Ideally, rack systems are the best. They don’t always integrate with existing wall units, but if you are having one built any time soon, look into a sliding rack unit. They are not that expensive, are able to fit within a cabinet and slide out and spin for access.
The other answer is to have a metal component rack in a closet, basement or other area connected to the speakers and TV in the family room. That’s not always an option, but if you are building new or renovating your home, consider having the wiring done before insulation and drywall goes up.
Most of the ladies don’t want to see a bunch of black boxes. With the right planning, electronics and décor can “coexist”. Low tech, meet hi tech!
Imagine!
08/10/11 22:29
The passing of Steve Jobs last week marked the end of a brilliant man’s life whose career(s) changed the lives of many of us. Most of us heard of his many technical accomplishments on the news broadcasts covering his life.
I won’t repeat last week’s news but I will mention a few innovations that really grabbed my attention. The first was co-inventing the personal computer in his parent’s garage. C’mon man, how could anyone in my lifetime invent the personal computer? We all take PCs for granted these days, its hard to imagine a time without a computer. And how could someone born in the same month and year as myself be credited along with Steve Wozniak as inventing the personal computer? In his parent’s garage?? You gotta be kidding me!
He was able to take the PC and found Apple Computer. Back then people weren’t sure what to do computers, but Apple soon added application software that would change everything. Xerox had invented the first mouse driven graphical user interface (aka, GUI), and Steve Jobs saw the commercial potential. The first Macintosh computers were a huge hit. A lot of people might think that Microsoft’s Windows OS was the first GUI on the market, but that was not the case. Macintosh Computers were the first small computers employing a GUI.
In 1985 Apple was not doing very well. They brought in John Sculley, a Pepsi executive to turn things around. Acting just like a lot of predictable, insecure corporate executives, Sculley convinced the Apple Board of Directors to fire the man that founded the company. There is no loyalty in Corporate America and Apple did the unthinkable. Way to go Scully, you fired one of the most innovative men of our time! Forget loyalty and throw common sense out the window, Corporate America ultimately answers to Wall Street.
What did the unemployed Steve Jobs do then? How about one of the most incredible things of his time? He acquired the computer graphics division of Lucasfilm and called the new company Pixar Animation Studios. If you’ve ever seen Toy Story, Cars or any Pixar movie, you know how good a Pixar production can be. On today’s flat panel hi-def TVs, a Pixar movie is amazing. And the sound track is pretty special too.
OK, so lets see, he invented the Personal Computer and founded Pixar Animation and showed Hollywood how to improve movie production. Is that it dude? All in a days work right? Well no, that wasn’t it. After agreeing to handing over complete control, Apple brought Steve Jobs back making him the permanent CEO in 2000. We all know of the success of the “i” products, and today Apple Computer is the world’s largest technology company. Oh, I forgot to mention that along the way he became the largest stockholder of The Walt Disney Company. And it is rumored that there are at least 4 more years of his innovations waiting for production. Hey Sculley, way to go! That maneuver has to be right up there with the Red Sox selling Babe Ruth to the Yankees!
Yes, this past week was a sad one for the tech world. But let’s shift gears a little and go back 71 years from today. That was October 8, 1940. While German planes were bombing Liverpool, England, John Lennon was born. Happy Birthday John! Thanks to people like Steve Jobs, Lennon’s words, ideals and music will be with us forever. Lennon’s music and lyrics are on our iPods, iPads, iPhones, and available from iTunes. What good is technology without entertainment, music and culture. Known as the “outspoken” Beatle, John Lennon was way ahead of his time, just like Steve Jobs.
Imagine!
I won’t repeat last week’s news but I will mention a few innovations that really grabbed my attention. The first was co-inventing the personal computer in his parent’s garage. C’mon man, how could anyone in my lifetime invent the personal computer? We all take PCs for granted these days, its hard to imagine a time without a computer. And how could someone born in the same month and year as myself be credited along with Steve Wozniak as inventing the personal computer? In his parent’s garage?? You gotta be kidding me!
He was able to take the PC and found Apple Computer. Back then people weren’t sure what to do computers, but Apple soon added application software that would change everything. Xerox had invented the first mouse driven graphical user interface (aka, GUI), and Steve Jobs saw the commercial potential. The first Macintosh computers were a huge hit. A lot of people might think that Microsoft’s Windows OS was the first GUI on the market, but that was not the case. Macintosh Computers were the first small computers employing a GUI.
In 1985 Apple was not doing very well. They brought in John Sculley, a Pepsi executive to turn things around. Acting just like a lot of predictable, insecure corporate executives, Sculley convinced the Apple Board of Directors to fire the man that founded the company. There is no loyalty in Corporate America and Apple did the unthinkable. Way to go Scully, you fired one of the most innovative men of our time! Forget loyalty and throw common sense out the window, Corporate America ultimately answers to Wall Street.
What did the unemployed Steve Jobs do then? How about one of the most incredible things of his time? He acquired the computer graphics division of Lucasfilm and called the new company Pixar Animation Studios. If you’ve ever seen Toy Story, Cars or any Pixar movie, you know how good a Pixar production can be. On today’s flat panel hi-def TVs, a Pixar movie is amazing. And the sound track is pretty special too.
OK, so lets see, he invented the Personal Computer and founded Pixar Animation and showed Hollywood how to improve movie production. Is that it dude? All in a days work right? Well no, that wasn’t it. After agreeing to handing over complete control, Apple brought Steve Jobs back making him the permanent CEO in 2000. We all know of the success of the “i” products, and today Apple Computer is the world’s largest technology company. Oh, I forgot to mention that along the way he became the largest stockholder of The Walt Disney Company. And it is rumored that there are at least 4 more years of his innovations waiting for production. Hey Sculley, way to go! That maneuver has to be right up there with the Red Sox selling Babe Ruth to the Yankees!
Yes, this past week was a sad one for the tech world. But let’s shift gears a little and go back 71 years from today. That was October 8, 1940. While German planes were bombing Liverpool, England, John Lennon was born. Happy Birthday John! Thanks to people like Steve Jobs, Lennon’s words, ideals and music will be with us forever. Lennon’s music and lyrics are on our iPods, iPads, iPhones, and available from iTunes. What good is technology without entertainment, music and culture. Known as the “outspoken” Beatle, John Lennon was way ahead of his time, just like Steve Jobs.
Imagine!
Meet George Jetson
03/10/11 22:30
Remember the Jetsons! I really loved that old cartoon show. There was George, Jane, Judy, Elroy and the dog, Astro. Jane cooked by pushing a few buttons, kind of like we use microwave ovens now. And George went to work in that really cool flying car. Whether we’re commuting to work, running errands, or working, most of us spend a lot of time in our vehicles, just like George Jetson. I wonder what kind of electronics George would have had in that flying bubble car?
Back in the day AM radios were offered as an option from the automobile manufacturers. Now we have AM/FM/XM radios with iPod jacks. There might be a multi-disc CD player in the trunk. How about a built-in GPS, aka Navigation System? Touchscreen sound systems, surround sound and video monitors that drop down from the ceiling or are mounted in the headrests are fairly commonplace. All the kids in the neighborhood watch DVDs while riding in the car. Then there is that backup camera in SUVs when they are in reverse. There are Lo-Jack security systems for locating stolen vehicles. You might call them “creature comforts” or whatever, but make no mistake electronics have invaded our vehicles!
Built-in cell phones were nice, but with portable cell phones, who needs them? GM has its very successful OnStar service. OnStar provides various services for emergencies, security, navigation and even hands free calling. Yes, GM is in the cellular telephone business!
What else could they possibly put in our cars? How about the internet? C’mon Man, really, the internet? Yes, dude, I said the internet! GM has announced that seven Chevrolet models will offer an internet ”hotspot” device and service. Yes, your car could have the ability to be an Internet Service Provider (ISP). GM claims that the service will enable PDAs, computers and similar devices to connect to the internet via WiFi up to 150 feet away.
What would you do with an ISP capable vehicle? Connect to the internet of course! Your kids will never need another disc to watch because you could download a movie to your car. Online music services like Pandora and Slacker will take market share away from FM radio. Of course you should park before checking email or searching Google. I know you can do a lot of those things now with your PDA or iPad on the 3G network. But, companies are always looking for new revenue streams and now it looks like GM wants to be in the Internet business.
That means another monthly bill to pay. GM announced that pricing starts at $29 for 3G performance and a 1GB data plan. Ford has a similar product and even offers an in-dash personal computer option as part of its Work Solutions package.
I am sure that I am only scratching the surface for possible applications. But it looks more and more like everything is utilizing the internet, and now that includes our automobiles. A contractor could Skype a customer, check a supplier’s pricing and inventory or search for information at a jobsite. When you are separated from your car or truck you could check on it’s location from anywhere. You might even see live video if the vehicle had an internet camera onboard. It is getting difficult to hide in this world! Maybe your car could send you an email if it were moved or violated in some way. Hey who is that in the driver’s seat? Electronics are part of our lives and automobile manufacturers are not going to be left out.
Entertainment, business, security and even law enforcement are just a few industries that have benefited from mobile electronics. And now we have a mobile ISP.
Remember at the end of the show George would walk Astro on the treadmill? “JANE, STOP THIS CRAZY THING!”
Back in the day AM radios were offered as an option from the automobile manufacturers. Now we have AM/FM/XM radios with iPod jacks. There might be a multi-disc CD player in the trunk. How about a built-in GPS, aka Navigation System? Touchscreen sound systems, surround sound and video monitors that drop down from the ceiling or are mounted in the headrests are fairly commonplace. All the kids in the neighborhood watch DVDs while riding in the car. Then there is that backup camera in SUVs when they are in reverse. There are Lo-Jack security systems for locating stolen vehicles. You might call them “creature comforts” or whatever, but make no mistake electronics have invaded our vehicles!
Built-in cell phones were nice, but with portable cell phones, who needs them? GM has its very successful OnStar service. OnStar provides various services for emergencies, security, navigation and even hands free calling. Yes, GM is in the cellular telephone business!
What else could they possibly put in our cars? How about the internet? C’mon Man, really, the internet? Yes, dude, I said the internet! GM has announced that seven Chevrolet models will offer an internet ”hotspot” device and service. Yes, your car could have the ability to be an Internet Service Provider (ISP). GM claims that the service will enable PDAs, computers and similar devices to connect to the internet via WiFi up to 150 feet away.
What would you do with an ISP capable vehicle? Connect to the internet of course! Your kids will never need another disc to watch because you could download a movie to your car. Online music services like Pandora and Slacker will take market share away from FM radio. Of course you should park before checking email or searching Google. I know you can do a lot of those things now with your PDA or iPad on the 3G network. But, companies are always looking for new revenue streams and now it looks like GM wants to be in the Internet business.
That means another monthly bill to pay. GM announced that pricing starts at $29 for 3G performance and a 1GB data plan. Ford has a similar product and even offers an in-dash personal computer option as part of its Work Solutions package.
I am sure that I am only scratching the surface for possible applications. But it looks more and more like everything is utilizing the internet, and now that includes our automobiles. A contractor could Skype a customer, check a supplier’s pricing and inventory or search for information at a jobsite. When you are separated from your car or truck you could check on it’s location from anywhere. You might even see live video if the vehicle had an internet camera onboard. It is getting difficult to hide in this world! Maybe your car could send you an email if it were moved or violated in some way. Hey who is that in the driver’s seat? Electronics are part of our lives and automobile manufacturers are not going to be left out.
Entertainment, business, security and even law enforcement are just a few industries that have benefited from mobile electronics. And now we have a mobile ISP.
Remember at the end of the show George would walk Astro on the treadmill? “JANE, STOP THIS CRAZY THING!”