Google: “Having safely completed over 200,000 miles of computer-led driving, we wanted to share one of our favorite moments. Here’s Steve, who joined us for a special drive on a carefully programmed route to experience being behind the wheel in a whole new way. We organized this test as a technical experiment, but we think it’s also a promising look at what autonomous technology may one day deliver if rigorous technology and safety standards can be met.”
Apple has released the first developer preview of the upcoming OS X Mountain Lion (no more Mac OS X) due this Summer. I’m excited about some of the new features coming straight from iOS. Give it a look!
I thought I would take a quick break from my current science-mode and make a quick post that I’ve been thinking about writing.
Here is a list of my most used applications at the current moment. These are pretty much in my daily routine. They are either used on my Macbook with Mac OS X, my iPhone with iOS, and some of them on both devices. If you haven’t heard of some of these, you should definitely give them a look. All of them are available cross-platform (useable on Windows). I’ll link them to their site and then quote their description straight from wikipedia (unless otherwise noted).
Dropbox
Wiki: ”uses cloud storage to enable users to store and share files and folders with others across the Internet using file synchronization.”
I can access all the files in my dropbox folder, from anywhere with a web browser. I use this at school, in my lab, even for web hosting. I can also access all my documents (say class power points, pdf’s, etc) via their mobile app on my iPhone.
Summary: if you aren’t utilizing cloud-storage in 2012, you are really missing out!
Spotify
Wiki: A “music streaming service offering streaming of selected music from a range of major and independent record labels, including Sony, EMI, Warner Music Group, and Universal.”
I’m into a lot of alternative music. Their aren’t many “indie-enough” bands that I haven’t been able to access on Spotify. Basically, you type in the artist, Spotify lists their complete discography that you can stream whenever, where ever. Facebook integration is great as well so you can see what your friends listen to, and you can even message and recommend artists to each other. I have yet to try the iOS app yet.
Summary: if you are really into music, you will definitely get good use out of Spotify.
Foursquare
Wiki: “a location-based social networking website for mobile devices… Users “check-in” at venues using a mobile website, text messaging or a device-specific application by selecting from a list of venues the application locates nearby… Each check-in awards the user points and sometimes “badges”.”
Foursquare is a quickly growing start-up that I’ve used for a while. I’ve even got my Dad and his best friend hooked. A lot of places (especially restaurants and stores) have “specials” when you check-in or become they “mayor.” I could really see this being a lot of fun in a big city. It’s great for finding places that your friends like and recommend. If anything, you can at least use it for the recent team up with American Express and foursquare… at many businesses and restaurants, you get a $10 American Express credit when you check-in with foursquare and pay with American Express (a cause to support small businesses).
Summary: It’s a great app to travel with. Claiming the mayorship of your favorite pub, stadium, or grocery store comes with a lot of pride!
Starbucks (mobile application)
Via the Starbucks website, you can “reload your Starbucks Card, track your Stars in the My Starbucks Rewards program and scan your barcode on your iPhone at the register.”
I love using this app when I go to Starbucks. It’s very painless. I don’t have to sign for a debit card and I get rewards that add up. Plus, any Starbucks gold member gets any syrup add-ins on the house. There is a heads up for unauthorized purchases however. Just be sure to lock the app with the password option and don’t let your smartphone get into the wrong hands and you’ll be more than fine!
Summary: If you go to Starbucks and have a smartphone, why not just try it out! You just open the app and swipe your phone at the register.
These may not be new to the raging web 2.0 advocate, but I enjoy incorporating these apps into my busy-second-decade-of-the-millennium life.
“The Nike+ FuelBand is designed for anyone who wants to be more active. It measures your daily activity and turns it all into NikeFuel. So you can set a goal for every day and then go out and beat it. Life is a sport. Make it Count.”
This is a pretty sweet route Nike is going. I think it’s just what the society of 2012 needs.
Facebook’s new timeline feature is now available. I just activated it myself and like any new and radical Facebook innovation, it is hard to adjust to! There are pros and cons to it all, but I really have enjoyed the two new features of “life events”, like trips and travels, along with the new “maps” page, which can show everywhere you’ve been, when, and what you were up to! (My map above).
