Googles NEW initiatives for Project Ara: Better Battery Tech

Another one bites the dust with Google… with the new release for Project Ara initiatives working towards bettering mobile computing uses for consumers. The new Project Ara initiatives consist of better and “cutting-edge” battery tech, and working towards the next generation of smartphone modules. Google has been listening to their consumers… ever since the introduction to the Project Ara consumers have been interested in a “customized smartphone with hot-swappable modules and varying functionality that can be changed on the fly depending on the users needs” (Extremetech).

Google has been focusing on the Spiral 2 device which is a new version of the hardware that offers a variety of better modules for consumers. This includes, greater flexibility, the option to swap out of battery while the device is in low power mode, and the opportunity to use multiple antennas for better signal sourcing and multiple carrier support (Extremetech). Then, Google is adding the Spiral 3 device to the latest Android release which includes packaging and decorating improvements and an updated framework for software development. “There are battery technologies that offer substantial improvements over conventional lithium polymer architectures, but either cost too much for typical inclusion into smartphones or have other, specialized requirements” (Extremetech). However, Google is looking into this to better suit their Android users.

In the longer term, Google’s goal is to create around 20-30 modules to once again better suit their consumers needs. As well, Google plans to look into “pollution sensors” and is currently stressing the goal of creating an entire ecosystem. Ultimately, the newly launched Project Ara initiatives are seeking to provide better cutting edge technology, flexibility, adaptability, and and customize – ability to their consumers.

Hruska, Joel. “Google’s Project Ara Update: New Partners, inductive data  transfer, and cutting-edge battery tech.” extremetech. 14 Jan 2015. Web. 18 March 2015.

http://www.extremetech.com/computing/197512-googles-project-ara-update-new-partners-inductive-data-transfer-and-cutting-edge-battery-tech

Is your Mobile Computing Device Considered a Fashion Accessory?

Has technology consumed our daily lifestyles so much that our mobile computing devices might play a critical role in our closet? Is the new Apple Watch going to replace our typical watch brands like Cartier or Rolex? Is the Google Hololens going to be one of the newest fashion statements? Today, more than ever we are really seeing the evolution of technology from the typical PC to the newest and latest smartphone or tablet. But as technology grows over time we are quickly seeing the release of technological gadgets being considered the newest “fashion trend.” Being able to distinguish of the new trendy technology gadget “Apple Watch” is either a technology platform or a fashion statement could be tricky.

The uses of technology on the runway has been evident for some time now. With the usage of technology based printing techniques used to project images on shirts and other fashion garments. I think it is safe to say with the fast expanding technological market our very own technology platforms provided to us by Apple, Microsoft, Google, and etc will eventually become a fashion statement. Technology has become so ingrained into our every day functioning lives that having our very own Apple technology based watch on our wrist will be a necessity and eventually a trend that everyone will want to follow. So let’s ask this question again…. is the Apple Watch going to replace the traditional Cartier or Rolex watch? Is your mobile computing devices being considered a fashion accessory?

Beker, Jeanne. ” Wearable tech is going mainstream- but does it have a place in fashion?” The Globe and Mail. 18 March 2015. Web. 18 March 2015.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/fashion-and-beauty/fashion/wearable-tech-is-going-mainstream-but-does-it-have-a-place-in-fashion/article23475889/

The Introduction to Microsoft’s Hololens will have an Impact on Mobile Computing

Microsoft one of the other big players in the technology world has released one of it’s newest innovations and add-on to the mobile computing market. Microsoft’s innovation the “HoloLens”  was a surprise highlight in Microsoft’s top 10 preview event. The HoloLen’s can be described as an “holographic augmented reality device that would allow a user to change dynamically the appearance of the world around us” (Sd Times).

The idea of the HoloLens is efficient for consumers because you will not need a PC or tablet to run the device you just need the device itself. Which is a great competitive advantage to other devices introduced into the mobile computing market. What makes the HoloLens so essential to the market is the technology features it provides. “HoloLens integrates a number of technologies together to fool our eyes into seeing things as if they were really in the room with us. It uses a more advanced form of the Xbox Kinect camera to scan the environment around you, and then places that information in a unique computer mounted on your head with three processors” (Sd Times).

Most analysts say that HoloLens is a leading innovation in mobile computing and will be the next generation of the many uses of mobile computing. With the integrated features of voice commands, eye tracking, and portability the HoloLen’s will become the next generation of mobile computing.

Enderele, Rob. Analyst Watch: Microsoft Hololens: Anticipating the next age of mobile computing. Sdtimes. 26 Feb 2015. Web. 13 March 2015.

http://sdtimes.com/analyst-watch-microsoft-hololens-anticipating-next-age-mobile-computing/

Android is Getting into the Mobile Computing Battle

Google Incorporated is trying to get a taste of the expanding mobile computing market by launching Android into the never ending competitive battles of the market. Apple Inc. being the hottest trend out there in mobile computing; now customers have to decide between the Iphone or Android Smartphone. As we know, most customers prefer the uses of the Apple Iphone but many smartphone users will choose the Android as well.

Google Inc. is releasing a set of tools designed for businesses and employees who want to get work done on Android powered smartphones (The Globe and Mail). Google has been focusing on the corporate market for years, with these new Android launches mobile computing will turn Android phones into the hub of people’s professional and corporate lives. Google Inc. and Apple Inc. have become so dominant that 96 percent of the smartphones sold last year run on the companies software (Research Firm, IDC).

Android is attempting to make their smartphones more enticing for customers by offering features that enable consumers to integrate their corporate lives into the many uses of the phone. “Our vision is that every employee out there should have a work-enabled device in their hands” (Rajen Sheth, Director of Product Management). Some of the many features that will help consumers integrate their corporate lives into their mobile computing would be the introduction of the “Android for Work Program.” The program allows users to create professional profiles while keeping separate files from “snooty employers” (The Globe and Mail).

Liedtke, Michael. Google Pushes Android into the office, launching mobile computing battle. The Globe and Mail. 25 Feb 2015. Web. 13 March 2015.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/technology/tech-news/google-pushes-android-into-the-office-launching-mobile-computing-battle/article23205429/

Is Mobile Computing Safe?

The increasing uses of mobile computing can actually be scarier to our lives than we think. Increasingly, social media companies such as Facebook have been infamous for secretly changing users privacy settings and engaging in “Big Brother” type activities with the launch of their new “I Messenger App.” Facebook is not the only social media company who is engaging in this though, Google Inc. also utilizes users information to gain a profit for marketing initiatives based on what users search. On the other hand, Facebook targets advertising campaigns on Facebook accounts to the specific user based on their top Google searches. Creepy isn’t it?

So what exactly is this I Messenger App all about ? Have we become so consumed with mobile computing and the uses of social media that we are unconsciously agreeing to Facebook listening to our conversations, monitoring our conversations, and physically tracking our phone and social media activity. Yes, we have. As most Facebook users are now aware of, you will not be able to access your Facebook private messages on a smartphone Facebook app without downloading a separate app specifically utilized for messaging called “I Messenger” App. Yes, users have no way around this. Facebook is forcing smartphone mobile computing users to download the app or else they could not view their private messages on a smartphone. Facebook has pulled a major Big Brother move! Facebook can now view your call lists and camera… now that is insane.

Why exactly would Facebook make such an app “mandatory” for mobile computing users to download or else they could not view their own personal messages. Mobile computing users are so addicted to the streams of social media that we tend to ignore the fine print of terms and conditions when downloading the app. Facebook, did indeed “cross the line” with this messenger app but most users still agree to these terms. Is social media more important than giving up our rights to privacy?

Fogarty, Susan. “Mobile Device Security Surpass Reality, Survey Says.” Tech Target. 13 June, 2011. Web. 13 March 2015.

http://searchmobilecomputing.techtarget.com/news/2240036827/Mobile-device-security-demands-surpass-reality-survey-says