Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Some Google News

A new version of Android is coming out!

And, Google is partnering with some energy companies to use smart power meters to help people monitor their own energy usage and save money. TXU Energy is one of the energy companies! Yay!

Google is developing Google Wave, an application that combines document editing, email, social networking, and much more. If you have an hour to watch the video, it's really neat. I've been waiting for something like this for quite a long time.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

IMAX, solar power, wind power, and Living Library

The Business Pundit tells us that IMAX is killing their image by not distinguishing between their larger, classic IMAX screens and the newer smaller ones. It's interesting, I think. When I saw Star Trek this past weekend at an Edward's IMAX, the manager spoke to us briefly before the movie started to explain to us that this was a real IMAX screen, unlike the ones at AMC. Differentiation is important.

IKEA has a program to give a solar lamp to a child via UNICEF for every one bought. I think they have needs greater than solar lamps, but there you go.

"Smart wind turbines" are being designed, to maximize power generation and minimize damage. While it's neat technology, I think there are some better designs out there.

Living Library is a new organization that lets you "loan" out a person for half an hour, and you get to learn from that person. They'll talk to you about a predetermined subject, hopefully quelling stereotypes.