Apple

There is rarely a person out there in the world today who doesn’t know about this giant tech conglomerate. Everything about the brand is recognizable, from its half-eaten apple logo to the sleek designs of its products and stores. But how did Apple become more than just the name of our favorite fall fruit?

Steve Jobs has discussed how, when starting out, the company had to file a business name statement for official purposes. Several suggestions were made, finally landing on Apple Computer, with the stipulation that it would only become the company name if no one else had any better ideas before the filing deadline. Clearly, no one did and they stuck with Apple Computer.

According to Jobs, he landed on Apple Computer for a fairly simple reason, “Partially because I like Apples a lot and partially because Apple is ahead of Atari in the phonebook and I used to work at Atari.”

Sony

This tech company actually began its journey under an entirely different name. Founded in 1946, it was originally called Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo K.K. (Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering Corporation). Otherwise referred to as Totsuko. Talk about a mouthful, right? At this point, though, the company was purely established for research purposes. It wasn’t until 1947 that they launched their first product- the power megaphone.

The name change didn’t come until the 1950s. The company had decided to expand on a global scale, but the trademark TTK already belonged to another company. Interestingly enough, the name they went with (spoiler alert, they went with Sony) was an interesting blend of Latin and English slang. They combined the word ‘Sonus’ meaning sound and ‘Sonny’ meaning well-to-do young man, to end up with one of the more recognizable names in the tech world today.

Google

Did you know that this website turned household name was initially called “Backrub?” Yes, you heard us correctly, Google could’ve been called Backrub. We know what you’re probably thinking…Why? Heavens above, why? Well, according to Business Insider, this name was considered because the program analyzed the web’s “backlinks” to understand how important a website was and what other websites it related to. We would’ve guessed it was some sort of strange play on the phrase “You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours,” but that’s neither here nor there.

Well… it’s certainly not here anymore. They ended up deciding (rightfully so) that the name wasn’t right so they ended up landing on Google. It was a clever misspelling of the word Googol, a word that represents 10^100 (or a 1 followed by 100 zeros). This was suggested by a graduate student from Stanford named Sean Anderson and meant to convey the enormous amount of data they planned to make available.

Samsung

Some may be surprised to know that, though Samsung is now known largely for its tech products, its beginnings weren’t in the tech industry. Samsung’s first products were actually dried fish, vegetables, noodles, and fruit. Weird, right? Though it was originally founded in 1938, it didn’t set its sights on tech until 1987 when the new CEO and son of the founder, Kun-Hee Lee, took over. This is actually one of the few tech companies that started out with its current name. According to The Next Web, the word Samsung in Korean means “three stars” and was chosen by the founders to represent the virtues of being “big, numerous, and powerful,” like stars in the sky. In fact, between the years 1938 and 1993, the Samsung logo featured different designs of the three stars.

LG

The original LG company, then called Goldstar, was founded in 1958 in the aftermath of the Korean War. It was established with a goal to build tech products. A sister company to Goldstar was established and it was called Lak-Hui (pronounced “Lucky”). Thus, the company then began referring to itself as “Lucky Goldstar”. Later, they began to use the LG initials and tagged the meaning as “Life’s Good” rather than “Lucky Goldstar.” Today, the company merely goes by its initials rather than variations thereupon.

As you can see, naming a product or company doesn’t always have to be as complicated as you think. It doesn’t always have to be some clever play on words or indicative of functionality, as long as it stands out and sounds unique enough to intrigue consumers. Though… maybe not Backrub unique.

When it comes to your invention, do you prefer choosing a practical name a la Steve Jobs or taking the more symbolic approach used by Kun-Hee Lee? Take our interactive quiz to learn more about what kind of inventor you are and what inspires your creative side.

The post What’s in a Name: Tech Companies appeared first on Davison.

A few weeks ago, we wrote a blog about Google’s latest invention of the self-driving car. So today, to keep in line with the invention idea of self-driving cars and innovation, we are going to talk about the Cruise RP-1, which is a system that is an autopilot tool for the road.

This invention works in a way that once the system is installed, a driver can simply press the Cruise button, which then allows the driver to travel on a highway without having to touch the steering wheel or foot pedals. This innovative invention ensures that the car stays in the lane and maintains a safe distance between itself and the car in front of it. Furthermore, the Cruise RP-1 also can stop and navigate a car through stop-and-go traffic.

This invention will be fitted to nearly any vehicle. Additionally, there is a roof-mounted “sensor pod” that will contain two cameras, a radar mechanism, GPS, inertial sensors and an on-board computer, as well as actuators that will control the car’s steering, acceleration and braking actions. The Cruise RP-1 will use all of these software/hardware combinations to constantly scan the road, in order to keep the car operating within a safe distance from other cars and the boundaries that are present in the driving environment.

In addition to the car system, the Cruise also will feature an iOS app that will allow the driver to see what the system can see in real-time. This will be done through Wi-Fi and the app will provide a graphic that will display the cars that are detected around the driver.

As of right now, this invention is scheduled to be released for a limited rollout in California sometime in 2015!

Copyright Davison 2014

Sources:

http://mashable.com/2014/06/23/cruise-hands-free-driving/

http://www.businessinsider.com/cruise-autopilot-startup-2014-6

The post This Invention is Cruising Towards Innovation appeared first on Davison.

Let’s say that you are driving home from work and you enter the seven-mile radius from your house; the Lyric thermostat will start to cool off or heat up your house based solely on the weather outside.

This is the first product of its kind that relies on proximity rather than predictability. The Lyric thermostat will work with both iOS and Android devices so that a user can utilize their smartphone or tablet in order to adjust temperatures remotely.

The built-in proximity sensor signals the display, which turns on and shows current temperatures and statuses that include heating up and cooling down. The edge of the device lights up when certain temperature adjustments occur. For instance, the device turns orange when heating, blue when cooling and green when away/saving energy.

Though all of these features of this invention sound or, in this case, “feel” very innovative, it doesn’t stop there. One of the most unique features of the thermostat is that it works with AccuWeather to take into consideration the humidity outside and other weather elements.

For example, let’s say that it’s a rainy day and it’s 72 degrees and humid. That day definitely feels different than a sunny, 72 degree day. So, the Lyric thermostat adjusts the temperature accordingly.

This invention also is environmentally-friendly and cost effective, because it senses when the house is empty and switches to energy-saving mode. Furthermore, this smart thermostat offers a safety feature as well through a text notification that is sent when someone in your family hits the threshold or arrives home. This is a great feature to use to tell when your kids get home safely!

All in all, this hot idea is translating into a cool invention and the Honeywell Lyric Thermostat will hit stores in August!

Here is a quick clip to see this innovative invention in action:

Copyright Davison 2014

Sources:

http://www.engadget.com/2014/06/10/honeywell-lyric-thermostat/

http://mashable.com/2014/06/10/honeywell-lyric-thermostat-smart/

Media:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2459192,00.asp

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spu8KZvWxGw

The post Hot Idea for a Cool Invention appeared first on Davison.

Despite the fact that Google has been developing self-driving cars for years, they recently unveiled a fully autonomous self-driving car which was built from the ground up with their partners.

So, how does a self-driving car work? For starters, there is no steering wheel, accelerator or brakes. Although a car with no steering wheel doesn’t seem like the safest mode of transportation, Sergey Brin, Google’s co-founder, said that a custom-built self-driving car can be safe. The safety factor can be found in the sensors that are located in strategic spots on the car as well as a big “stop” button. Additionally, Google’s autonomous car includes internal power steering, power brakes, foam bumper, a flexible plastic windshield and a 5 mile-per-hour speed limit for pedestrian safety.

So far, the gray prototype raises the comparison of a classic Volkswagen Bug. By the end of 2014, Google plans to build a few hundred prototypes and begin testing these invention prototypes on the roads of Northern California. These pricey prototypes are equipped with lasers, cameras, radar and GPS systems.  Each of the vehicle prototypes that will be tested will carry a human safety tester who will have the capability to take over the vehicle by way of a joystick in the event of an emergency.

Additionally, Google has already mapped out thousands of miles in a Silicon Valley suburb and has already done initial mapping in unnamed cities and states such as Florida and Texas.

These maps will tell the car what to expect and its (on-board) sensors will compare that to the real world. To date, the worst accident involved a Google car getting rear-ended. In fact, Google cites that 90 percent of accidents involve human error.

As we always say, any good invention goes through a myriad of revisions throughout the inventing process and the Google self-driving car is no different. As time goes on, issues like the high cost of technology, its sensitivity to hackers who could reprogram a car’s route and serious weather among others all raise design and development concerns that need to be addressed.

At any rate, this is invention is driving invention. Here is a quick video of Google’s self-driving vehicle in motion:

Copyright Davison 2014

Sources:

http://mashable.com/2014/05/27/google-self-driving-car/

http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-05-28/sergey-brin-s-googlecar-no-steering-wheel-no-brakes

http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2014/05/13/google-self-driving-car-demo-mountain-view/9046385/

Media:

http://images.bwbx.io/cms/2014-05-28/0528_google_car_970-630×420.jpg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqSDWoAhvLU

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Although we used to enjoy our TV a la carte, these new inventions are paving the way to condense our wanted technology into the palms of our hands.

That is why each of these companies is capitalizing on this need and has created their own type of wireless device.

Let’s take a look at Apple TV, the Roku 3 and Chromecast and see what each of these devices offer to the consumer.

Apple TV– easily connects to an HDTV via the HDMI port which automatically detects your wireless connection. Apple TV also can stream content from other Apple inventions. In addition, Apple TV features AirPlay which allows the user to stream music, videos and photos directly from an iOS device. Built into the device is AirPlay Mirroring that is incorporated into the Mountain Lion operating system that makes it possible for the user to stream anything on their computer’s screen wirelessly to their TV.

Roku 3– this small-media player allows the user to stream their internet content straight to their larger device by way of a built-in Wi-Fi connection that doesn’t require the use of a power cord. This gadget works independently and does not need a tablet or computer in order for it to work. In addition, the Roku 3 comes with a remote that controls the online video and music apps, which Roku dubs as their “channels”. The remote for the Roku 3 has a special feature that allows the user to plug their headphones into a headphone jack which mutes the main external audio and transfers the sounds directly to the headphones.

Chromecast– Google now has an invention that might rival Apple TV; this small dongle device connects directly to the HDMI port on an HDTV and allows users to stream TV shows, movies and anything that comes from the Chrome browser, right to their TV. Unlike Apple TV, Chromecast streams its media from the cloud rather than a mobile device itself. Google noted that streaming from the cloud had less of an impact on battery life and allowed for higher-quality streaming.  Google touts that the Chromecast has the capability to stream across multiple operating systems (Android or Apples iOS).

All three of these inventions and their inventors continue to invent solutions that allow us to cut the cord between different technologies. In this instance, Apple, Roku and Google have all created a device that allows the consumer to wirelessly stream their internet content straight to their television.

Copyright Davison 2013

Sources:

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/cloud-computing/google-cloud3.htm

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dongle

http://www.wired.com/reviews/2013/04/roku-3/

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/apple-tv1.htm

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/25/chromecast-roku-apple-tv_n_3654453.html

http://www.forbes.com/sites/sethporges/2013/03/25/the-roku-3-set-top-box-a-nearly-perfect-product/

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-33199_7-57320715-221/apple-tv-vs-roku-which-streaming-box-should-you-buy/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-23437476

Pictures:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-57565436-37/tim-cook-dances-around-the-apple-tv-question-again/

http://www.roku.com/roku-products

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/google-chromecast-lets-stream-video-tv-phone-tablet/story?id=19762854

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Like the interactive glass from Tom Cruise’s blockbuster “Minority Report,” the newest product from Google – Google Glass – offers customers information presented right before their eyes on a pair of glasses.

The future is here. Or is it? Google Glass could be as successful as something like the iPhone or as big of a bomb as the Segway. Only time will tell, but pundits are already weighing in. Currently only a chosen few have been allowed to buy Glass:

The Huffington Post notes:

In February, Google launched a contest inviting U.S. residents to submit applications detailing how they’d use Glass for a chance to join Google’s Explorer Program. Glass Explorers would be able to buy an early version of Glass for $1,500, months before the product’s forthcoming release to the public at large. General sales for Glass are expected to start in late 2013 or early 2014.

So how does Glass work? According to The Verge:

Glass’ basic paradigm is one of a ‘timeline’ full of ‘cards.’ Each card, when tapped, can reveal more cards, or present actions like ‘reply’ or ‘delete.’ Some cards can be ‘pinned,’ which places them to the left of the home screen. Otherwise, cards are sorted chronologically to the right of the home screen.

While Glass’ best known interaction method is the verbal “Okay, Glass” prompt, most of the UI can only be operated by swipes and taps. Outside of the homescreen, the only time you’ll be speaking is when you’re composing a text reply to a card in your timeline (like an email message, or a tweet). While voice might seem like a gimmick, it’s actually preferable to the hypersensitive touchpad at times — we’ve accidentally tapped to share a photo with the wrong Google+ contact a dozen times, simply because Glass registers a tap instead of a swipe. At least when you’re talking you get a chance to cancel the action if you’re misheard.

Glass’ very simplicity means there’s actually a steep learning curve: You have to use Glass how Google wants you to use Glass, or it just doesn’t work. Also, you have to be really good at swiping and tapping.

Sounds interesting, but not everybody is a fan. A recent Forbes article expounded on what Google needs to do better if Glass is ever going to take off, including:

The Glass camera lacks basic camera functionality. People are used to cameras on smartphone constantly improving. Glass bucks this trend. There are no settings of any kind and no live preview, so each shot is composed blindly. “After using Glass for the past few days now and taking hundreds of photos, I’ve gotten used to it,” writes Chris Chavez of Phandroid. “The camera shoots at a downward angle meaning you point your nose at what you want in the center (if that makes sense).” It does, but only if you are particular kind of gadget-loving masochist.

Given Glass’s limitations it seems like it’s only a matter of time before Google either releases a radically improved version of the product, or the hype plays itself out and Glass becomes a victim of its marketing success. Will Glass go down in history as one of the decade’s most innovative products or one of its biggest marketing flops? Today, either outcome seems equally possible.

As with most inventions in the tech world, the early versions tend to be the roughest around the edges.  As research is done and feedback from the industry starts to come in, changes are made and the product usually improves.  If you take a moment and look at the first version of the iPod and how ancient it may seem now, that same advancement that Apple has made could also be the road Google takes with Glass.  Color choices, partnering with titans of the glasses industry (Ray Ban, Oakley and others) and improving battery life are not too far away.

Google Glass might have early limitations but the idea is there and that should make anyone excited about what the future might hold.

Images:

http://appft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-adv.html&r=13&p=1&f=G&l=50&d=PG01&S1=(20130221.PD.%20AND%20Google.AS.)&OS=PD/20130221%20AND%20AN/Google&RS=(PD/20130221%20AND%20AN/Google)

http://gadget-tech.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/google-glass.png

Sources:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/eliseackerman/2013/05/22/google-glass-whats-not-to-like-quite-a-lot-actually/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/22/google-glass-winners_n_3321325.html

http://www.theverge.com/2013/5/20/4339446/google-glass-apps-everything-you-can-do-right-now

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