Introducing Google Glass - A Closer Look

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

People nowadays want so desperately to own the must-have accessory and the next major technology trend. The advancement of technology and the research studies over the last years has been unprecedented. The human race is progressing at an amazing rate and it`s undeniable and in evidence, that the way we interact with each other, has dramatically changed because of technology. 

Technological advances are inventions like Glasses with Virtual Reality, Androids, Nanotechnology, Brain Digitizing, Toroidal Machines, Computer Controlled Economy, Colonization of other planets and other futuristic ideas. There is a limit on technology only if there is a lack of imagination! And Google knows this well. But to create a new kind of wearable technology, that’s a real bet and messy at points.

Tech Specs - What's Inside

Google is always pushing it's creativity limits, and Project Glass is no exception. The new and revolutionary augmented reality glasses were designed to help you live in the moment -- even when you’re falling from the sky. It's a headset with a camera, a projected display, and a data connection, that presents information in the form of "cards". These cards are arranged on a "Timeline," which you can navigate through by swiping left and right on the headset's touchpad (Hair is a problem here. Sometimes they fall over the pad and interfere with operation). You can listen to music, take photos and videos, read and send text messages, engage in Google Hangouts, search Google, see headlines from The New York Times and much more. It’s actually your Smartphone with Google on your face. 

It runs on Android, but can connect to both Android and iOS devices. It comes powered by a dual-core Texas Instruments (TI) OMAP 4430 processor, 1GB of RAM and can connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to your laptop, your phone or a home Wi-Fi network, or even work alone as an offline camera or as a disconnected video recorder. The 5-megapixel camera can capture 720p videos, by default. It has 16GB of internal storage and a battery that can last a day. Luckily, the titanium frame is strong and flexible. You can bend and adjust it for an individual fit. 

The elite of the tech world have decided already that Google’s groundbreaking eyewear ecosystem is the future. The product has captured the imagination of technologists and consumers and drawn a fair amount of media attention. There is a dynamic on the horizon and perhaps they're right. There is a new way of seeing our relationship with our mobile computers and people are excited about this glorified eye-mounted camera/computer. 

What's Not To Like?

There are, however, a number of people who are afraid or do not understand the importance of this product. Personally i want to see the world, i don't really want to see the world "differently". And i’m concerned that devices like this will hide the world more than expose it. It could also cause a public uproar over privacy concerns. Let’s say why do we need our Facebook notifications popping up in our eyes? If we are focusing on Facebook notifications and tweets popping up - what are we missing that's right in front of us in the real world? 

Yes, Google Glass appears to be a nice-looking device, it’s all the talk in the wearable tech space, but for the rest of us it’s just a neat idea that brings only excitement. Is the potential worth the risk? Does it really deliver value in practice? Who would wear these in public? What about hacking warnings and security risks? What about downsides like Wi-Fi next to the brain or the open to a whole new level of spyware? It seems we are beginning to take everything for granted like the example below: 

- "Ok Glass, what’s the weather?" 

- "Look out the window” 

What they are not taking in consideration is also that unless they are very cool sun glasses no one likes to wear glasses. They look very uncomfortable and people think you are like a cyborg from a fictional movie. 

Conclusion:

We’re looking forward to it, but so far, the limitation of Google Glass shows that this is an immature product and a yet to be understood platform. It’s an interesting techno-social experiment but an experiment with limitations. It’s just another cool device in our lives to explore.

SEE ALSO: How Google Built Android [INFOGRAPHIC]

What do you think about Google Glass future? Has anyone had experience with it? Let us know. If you are new here then click the like button to get started. Make sure to subscribe too. Get in the know!

*by andreascy*

Some Of The Cost Factors Associated With GPS Tracking For Trucks

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

GPS tracking for trucks comes with a range of benefits for a business owner who has to rely on timely deliveries and pickups and also has to run his trucks on routes that are optimized for savings in terms of time and costs. Therefore, investing in GPS tracking system for one’s trucks makes a lot of sense for many reasons. Today, the market is flooded with many companies offering excellent services as far as GPS truck tracking systems go. These systems can get as advanced as you want them to be and can be configured according to the abilities that you seek.

While looking for GPS tracking systems it is important to keep track of the costs involved in the same. Generally speaking, companies quote for the devices on a per unit basis and come up with a figure that will be a recurring monthly charge. For instance, one of the quotes that are available online is from a leading company promises a figure as low as around $200 per GPS unit and around $22 every month. Companies are in a position to offer features such as real time tracking, support with Google enterprise maps and combinations of tracking systems which include satellite and cellular technologies. 

It is also helpful to know that you can ask for a quote and the demonstration of the GPS device simply by going online and accessing the websites of GPS manufacturers. It is important to go with a well-established company because they will have the necessary wherewithal in terms of both devices and experts who can ensure that there is a perfect match between your business needs, size of your fleet and the budget that you have in mind. All this will result in a higher level of satisfaction with your investment in GPS tracking for your trucks. 

Before investing in GPS devices you could also ask for a risk-free trial. Most companies do offer this very useful facility and state that you can check out the devices for 30 days without any strings attached. Given the highly competitive nature of the market there are companies that also give you additional support and features such as a “contract free” product line, discounts and promotional offers, free training and familiarization with the operation of the GPS device and service support after the sales is over. All this means that you can enjoy lower costs as far as a GPS devices concerned. 

At the end of the day you should also be aware that with investment in GPS tracking for trucks you can go on to enjoy returns on investment in many ways. For instance with GPS tracking capability you can optimize your fuel consumption. You can also enjoy enhanced productivity as far as your trucks and its movements are concerned. For instance, with GPS tracking capability you can ensure that your trucks do not run around in unplanned loops. By keeping in touch with your trucks and matching them with client requests you are sure to get a more economical plan of vehicle movement.

RELATED: GPS Fleet Management - What Are Its Environmental Benefits

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*by andreascy*

Google Maps App for Android Updated to 6.5

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Google has announced an update for its Google Maps app for Android devices, with the Mountain View, Calif., company promising new, robust options. Now at version 6.5, the mobile app has all of the public transportation option found on the desktop version of Google Maps, TG Daily reported Thursday. 

Users will have more options when searching, allowing them to search for routes that involve fewer public transportation options, or one that has the least amount of walking no matter how many transfers are required, and one that its algorithms determine as the recommended route, Google said. 

"Whether you just need to get somewhere as fast as possible, or you want to avoid the risk of a missed connection or you prefer not to tire your legs, you can get the transit directions that best suit you". The user interface has been enhanced for the most current version of Android, but even those running versions below 4.0 will see improvements. Handsets capable of displaying high-resolution graphics will see graphics crisper with quicker load times, the company said.

More on Google play.
Are you using Google Maps? Comment below and let us know your experience with this app. If you are an Android user then definitely you'll love this section. Send us your suggestions for the future. If you need our help then contact us. We'd love to help!

*by andreascy*

Next Generation GPS Satellites

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description : 

Global Positioning System (GPS) is accessible to almost everyone by the introduction of smartphones. We can know our position and can locate any place by using satellites. 

Currently, the device has some limitations, as if GPS is not available inside houses, poor signal reception in remote places, and so on. GPS systems currently can track up to 10 feet. However, this height is more than enough for consumer applications, the defense personnel’s are in need of a more accurate system. Lockheed Martin, a high-tech company, is developing the next generation GPS satellites, with a tracking accuracy of almost 3 feet. Using this GPS system, we can track a person or object even if he is indoors or under forest canopies. The first satellite will be launched in 2013 and the satellites will revolve in orbit in 2014.

The new GPS system called the Block III will be more efficient and accurate than the old ones. Block III is supposed to give a precise image of the ground. This will be beneficial for both civil people and military. 

This innovation has already caught the attention of army personnel’s and thus, they have not disclosed all information about the technology. Some of the best features available in Block III are : 

- Reflectors : Reflectors are fitted on the satellite for determining its position. Laser beams are fired from the ground station to the satellites. These beams will be intercepted and reflected back by the reflectors. This signal, when received by the ground station, will help in determining its position and distance. Thus, there will be no need of radio signals. This method will also help in knowing whether the satellite’s clock is off or not and will help in making the satellite more accurate. 

- M - code : The satellite will emit a new signal called M - code that will be difficult to jam. This new signal will offer high security for military applications. High boosting of the signals will be done and as a result will get more accurate signals 

- Civilian signal : This signal can be used by all civilians for various applications in smartphones, cars and other devices. 

The stronger the signal quality the better it will be useful for people. Even Google maps will be better because of good tracking. 

This $5.5 billion project is expected to change the face of the present GPS technology. It is heard that Pentagon is indented to place 32 Block III satellites in the outer space. Further discussions are being made in integrating the different GPS satellite technologies from various countries into the Block III. This will bring a wider scope in the GPS tracking abilities for the common man than the ones available now. Discover more on this section.

*by andreascy*