According to the Virtual Reality Society, the first known example of “creating the illusion that we are somewhere we are not” are panoramic paintings. These 360-degree paintings would surround the viewer and “transport” them to a battlefield or other scene. Stereoscopic photo viewers, like the View-Master toy, are closely aligned to modern VR headsets. They were even used for what was called “virtual tourism.”

In 1929, Edward Link created the “Link Trainer,” now considered the first flight simulator. While the technology was primitive by modern standards, the general concept of the Link Trainer is still used to train pilots and astronauts. Alternatively, you may find them at amusement parks or museums simulating everything from rocket launches to roller coasters. Just a few years later, a 1930s science fiction story by Stanley G. Weinbaum predicted what virtual reality would be like.

It wouldn’t be until 1987 that the term “virtual reality” was coined by Jaron Lanier, founder of the Visual Programming Lab. Before this, the popular term was “artificial reality,” termed by Myron Krueger. The nineties would be when VR hit its stride, with dominance in arcades, home consoles, and popular cinema. Anybody else remember The Lawnmower Man? Or the Nintendo Virtual Boy? It was the turning point for VR. The following two decades would see rapid growth in both public and private usage of virtual reality.

This brings us to the present day. We’re all familiar with VR headsets like the Oculus Rift or the HTC Vive, which makes gaming more immersive than ever. But few are considering the more practical uses of virtual reality. Many hospitals and medical schools use VR to teach students how to perform surgeries without putting an actual patient under the knife. Similarly, militaries can use VR to train soldiers or to see what an officer on the field sees to better guide them and other troops. And of course, flight simulators are still being used in conjunction with VR for a multitude of training programs.

As for inventors, the rise of DIY kits for virtual reality is feeding into the rising interest in inventing. Google Cardboard is a notable example, allowing users to build a rig to use their smartphone as a VR headset. In the same vein is Nintendo Labo, an accessory for the Nintendo Switch. By building cardboard cases and tools for the Switch console, users can unlock more immersive ways to play certain games. For example, a steering wheel can be built and used in conjunction with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe to truly simulate kart racing.

Virtual reality is not perfect yet; however, the technology is far more reliable than it ever was before. As refinements are made, more uses will be found. It’s entirely possible that VR will soon become so realistic and lifelike as to blur the line between real life and digital. (Well, perhaps not- we don’t want The Matrix happening outside of the movies, do we?) Each day brings improvements and a new industry to the virtual reality wellspring. Inventing is still only taking a tentative steps, but it won’t be long before it fully takes the plunge.

While the market will continue to grow with virtual reality items it also can add an element of exercise as well. This opens up a technology that is fit for anyone. While we are fairly certain that the inventor of VR designed it so that everyone could use it they sure did make a great product! Why not check and see what kind of inventor you are with our inventor persona quiz! Click here to check it out.

The post Virtual Reality and the Future of Invention appeared first on Davison.

Aside from chocolates, flowers and a nice romantic dinner, jewelry also can be lumped into the category of classic Valentine’s Day treats. But, this year, if you are considering buying that someone special something special in the form of jewelry, take a look at this!

Rather than heading out to your local jeweler, how about you fire up your 3D design software! If you don’t have 3D printing capabilities of your own, perhaps, you can turn to Cambridge startup Matter.io to help you with designing and creating custom jewelry with a 3D printer.

But, unlike most 3D printers that generate objects that are made of plastic, chief executive Dylan Reid went a step above that idea and to make jewelry from metals such as brass, bronze, steel and sterling silver. These materials are more durable and are hopefully reminiscent of your strong bond with your significant other.

Some of the common 3D printers are MakerBot and Formlabs that mold liquid resins into plastic objects. However, Matter.io uses high-end printers that utilize thin layers of powdered metals, which are then zapped by lasers. Next, the metal filaments are heated and cooled and that is what creates the solid shapes. The laser-zapped powder is then layered and produces a piece of jewelry.

Or, what if this is the year you pop the question to your better half? Well, there’s a 3D printer for that, too!

There is one jeweler in the Big Apple that has big plans this year. One tech-thinking New York jeweler, by the name of American Pearl, is using 3D printing in order to let customers create their own customized pieces of gold, platinum and silver more quickly and cheaply than the traditional jewelry-making process. So, if popping the question is a last-minute decision for you this Valentine’s Day, you are in luck; because, you don’t even have to travel to New York to get the ring, you can order it online from your computer.

It may seem like the future of technology with 3D printing is upon us; but, the CEO of the company has cracked an important piece that is necessary for making 3D printing a mainstream service for consumers. He is putting the power of creation into the hands of the buyer by allowing the consumer to pick the size, type of gemstone, metal, color, the piece’s form and fitting.

American Pearl uses a Solidscape T76 3D printer that creates a wax model of the piece. That same model is then used to invent a thermoplastic sculpture of the piece that is followed by a mold constructed of latex, rubber or silicon, to which they pour gold to fashion the final piece.

So, as a final reminder, this Friday is Valentine’s Day; and, maybe this year you can use your creativity to think outside the ring box and surprise your loved one with a new piece of 3D printed jewelry!

Copyright Davison 2014

Sources:

http://www.boston.com/business/innovation/blogs/inside-the-hive/2014/02/05/the-new-valentine-day-gift-printed-jewelry/8dySIKPblLaYwDNGVGWXYN/blog.html

http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2013/12/12/for-that-someone-special-3d-printed-engagement-ring/

Images:

http://c.o0bc.com/rf/image_539o215/Boston/2011-2020/2014/02/05/Boston.com/Business/Images/ObeliskPendant.jpg

http://global.fncstatic.com/static/managed/img/Scitech/american%20pearl.jpg

The post Invent a 3D Valentine’s Day Present appeared first on Davison.

Could you imagine a screen that would allow you to reach out and touch something on the other side? Well, think no further; scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have evidently invented a prototype of a screen that will allow users to virtually reach out and touch things on the other side. The MIT Media Lab’s Tangible Media Group unveiled the invention and dubbed it the “inFORM.”

The inFORM is equipped with a screen that utilizes a Dynamic Shape Display and turns 3D data from the user into real time physical representations, all from a remote location.

The grid that is used in this prototype is powered by an elaborate system of computer-controlled linkages and actuators that are located under the table. Additionally, there is an overhead Kinect and projector that delivers data on user motion into the system while casting visual feedback onto the table.

This invention could change the way that people work, due to the fact that the person on the other end of the video conference will have a strong sense of presence and the ability to have a physical interaction, while not actually being in the room.

Here is a video that should give you a better understanding of how this invention works:

Although there hasn’t been any word of when this invention will be available for use by Americans all over the country, we are definitely looking forward to the day in which this invention finds its way to homes everywhere.

To hopefully speed up the process of actually selling this product to people, researchers continue to work on the inFORM to increase the resolution of the device, and to try and make the device more portable, which would allow people with technical knowledge to work around the world and still leave their mark.

Only time and technology will tell when this interactive invention will hit the market, but we definitely are looking forward to seeing what happens next!

Copyright Davison 2013

Sources:

http://gothamist.com/2013/11/14/new_mit_invention_lets_you_move_obj.php

http://www.newsy.com/videos/mit-invention-allows-you-to-reach-through-screen-and-touch-things/

Media:

http://www.thenerdmachine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/MITinvention.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwJ1TDQvmW8

The post Reaching Out at the Future appeared first on Davison.

A San Francisco startup by the name of Coin recently announced its first product.  This new invention is a credit card-sized device that has the capability to digitally store up to eight credit, debit, gift or membership cards and allows you to switch between them by pressing a circular button on the card’s surface. Additionally, you also can swipe the Coin in any conventional reader or ATM machine as if it were the original card.

Coin is able to work due to the patent-pending magnetic strip that changes the demand on the card. The device will ship with a small reader that can be used to scan cards into the Coin mobile app. The app will then sync with the device itself over Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which is the same technology that is used by fitness trackers and smartwatches. The battery for this new invention lasts two years and the makers of Coin say that the battery powers a tiny display that shows the last four digits of the card that you chose to use as well as the expiration date and CVV.

So, you have all of your cards on one sole device, but what happens if you lose the card? Well, thanks to the BLE technology that powers the syncing of your phone, if you were to leave it behind at a restaurant, for example, your phone will alert you once you walk away.

Let’s take a look at promo video for this awesome invention.  Who knows, maybe next year, you’ll be using your very own Coin to purchase those steals and deals at the mall on Black Friday!

Copyright Davison 2013

Source:

http://www.theverge.com/2013/11/14/5103820/coin-electronic-card-to-hold-all-your-credit-cards

Media:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9Sx34swEG0

http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3569697/coin_560.png

The post This Startup is taking a ‘Swipe’ at the Future of Credit Cards appeared first on Davison.

Because the quest for the World Series is currently underway, we thought it would be a great time to get a deeper look at the up-and-coming technology of this beloved sport. Hopefully, we won’t strike out with this blog, but instead, hit a homerun with our readers! Alright, now that we have that out of our system, let’s take a look at how technology continues to evolve in the world of major league baseball.

The game of baseball has come a long way since the days when it was first invented and introduced in America. Since then, there have been many changes, both in the rules and the technology that is involved in the sport. In the next year, the game of baseball will get another facelift and a few technologically savvy ideas will be employed to give managers the opportunity to challenge a previous play and create an interactive experience for fans.

All of these additions to the sport will add another layer of substance and grit to America’s favorite pastime, baseball.

Gone are the days of managers rushing the field with a head full of steam and a face furious with anger after the umpire makes a controversial call.  In the 2014 MLB season, the league plans to debut instant replay. Commissioner Bud Selig noted that this was “a historic day” for Major League Baseball.

The idea of the instant replay will allow managers to review virtually every play other than the strike zone. The managers of each team will get three challenges per game, one to be used through the first six innings and two for the final three innings. The idea for the rules continues in saying that the challenges don’t carry over; so, for instance, if a manager doesn’t use a challenge through the first six innings, he will only have two left.

This new rule is very much like the ability given to NFL coaches to challenge a play on the field. However, the idea of challenges in MLB differs, because baseball managers have to challenge the play almost immediately after it happens, while NFL coaches have a few minutes to decide whether or not to challenge the play.

The technology for the 2014 season has infiltrated the world of apps as well. The MLB also plans to equip each stadium with Apple’s new iBeacon indoor mapping technology. The app will use Bluetooth, as opposed to GPS, to sense where you are in the stadium and provide you with information or promotions. In essence, the idea is to create micro-locations within the stadium that offer users different experiences.

The idea behind this technology is that it will enhance a fan’s enjoyment by creating a completely interactive experience.

This is made possible through the At the Ballpark app that each user can access as they approach and enter the stadium. On this app, a unique ballpark guide and map will be available, as well as the ability to display a user’s ticket barcode that can be used as they enter the turnstile.

This will be the first time that a professional sports league will use Bluetooth and iBeacon technologies in stadiums.  This new app idea will allow end users to map indoor locations, such as stadiums and malls. The MLB has not yet announced which team will begin the 2014 season using iBeacon in their ballpark.

These new technologies individually enhance the game of baseball by instituting the idea of instant replays into the sport, while the interactive app will enhance the overall experience at their respective major league baseball stadiums. It seems that the 2014 MLB season will be full of technological changes to improve and enhance America’s favorite pastime, baseball.

Copyright Davison 2013

Sources:

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mlb-plans-expanded-instant-replay-2014-article-1.1427815

http://appadvice.com/appnn/2013/09/mlb-plans-to-introduce-apples-ibeacon-indoor-mapping-technology-in-2014

Multimedia:

http://www.fenwaynation.com/2013_01_01_archive.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball_field

The post New Updates to the Oldest Game in America: Baseball appeared first on Davison.

It may be hard to believe, but big name companies like Apple, BlackBerry and Sony to name a few, have had their fair share of flops when it comes to inventing the next best gadget.

Here are a few of their failed inventions that they wish they could forget about.

Apple Lisa– This personal computer that was invented 30 years ago in 1983 wasn’t one of Apple’s best products. Due to the fact that this large and boxy-designed product cost a staggering $10,000 and with countless delays in the release date, it seemed that the Apple Lisa was D.O.A. However, aside from the fact that this invention was one of Apple’s biggest gadget flops, the Apple Lisa did, however, become the first personal computer to use a GUI.

A GUI is a graphical user interface which allows the user to interact with electronic devices through graphical icons and visual indicators as opposed to text-based interfaces. The GUI offered a solution to the problem of difficult textual interfaces that were found in earlier computing systems. This interface is now standard on computers.

Solution– Although the Apple Lisa turned out to be a failure, through failure came success for the Macintosh. The first Macintosh was released in January of 1984. With this invention came the iconic Apple Macintosh “1984” Super Bowl ad:

BlackBerry Storm– Everyone has a cell phone and that is why popular brands are constantly creating new ideas for inventions that will outshine their smartphone competitors. In 2008, BlackBerry introduced their first touch screen phone, the Storm, to rival the popular iPhone.  At the time, the new handset used a capacitive touch screen which was a mechanical component that allowed the entire screen to function as a button for confirming selections or initiating actions. However, this idea which was originally supposed to be helpful, turned out to be confusing. The root of this confusion came from the fact that the user could not tell if they had pressed a key or selected an application. In addition, the BlackBerry Storm’s battery life and lack of Wi-Fi connectivity proved to be major problems that were noted by consumers.

Solution– Just like Apple did with the failure of the “Lisa”, BlackBerry went back to the drawing board in order to invent a product that would become a success in the marketplace. In 2010, Research in Motion (RIM), created the BlackBerry 10. The entire phone was, by all appearances, drastically different and included a new operating system that was seen as a big improvement from their previous phones.

In May, BlackBerry announced the Q5, which features a tactile keyboard and 3.1-inch touchscreen. The jury of the general public has not yet decided if the latest attempt by BlackBerry is not guilty of inventing another failed gadget.

Sony Tablet P– In 2012, Sony tried to make their way into the world of tablets, only to realize that their first endeavor didn’t quite make the cut. The Sony Tablet P was a tablet that was small enough to fit in the consumer’s pocket.  Despite its portable-clamshell design, the Sony Tablet P had too many flaws including poor battery life, low internal memory and the device could only be charged using its proprietary power supply.

Solution– Sony said goodbye to the dual screen tablet and jumped on the classic tablet design bandwagon. Along with design upgrades, the Sony Xperia Tablet Z offers high resolution, 16GB of storage and much more.

Although these are just a few of the brands that ran into problems with certain invention ideas, solutions and new gadget innovation are always in the works. It seems that society has reaped the benefits of these companies’ failures, because these same failures fuel their success.

Copyright Davison 2013

Sources:

http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/12-spectacular-gadget-flops-6C10068514

http://inventors.about.com/od/cstartinventions/a/Apple_Computers.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphical_user_interface

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/242033/graphical-user-interface-GUI

http://www.engadget.com/2006/04/01/30-years-in-apple-products-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/

http://www.landsnail.com/apple/local/design/revolution.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Research_In_Motion

http://www.canadianbusiness.com/technology-news/rims-last-stand-bb10-will-be-a-stunning-success-and-an-inevitable-failure/

http://gigaom.com/2013/01/28/after-a-rise-and-fall-blackberry-10-is-rims-last-best-comeback-attempt/

http://money.cnn.com/2013/06/28/technology/mobile/blackberry-earnings/index.html

http://gizmodo.com/5892643/sony-tablet-p-review-a-whole-lotta-terrible-in-your-pocket

http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/ipad-and-tablets/sony-tablet-p-review-50004946/

http://www.techradar.com/us/reviews/pc-mac/tablets/sony-xperia-tablet-z-1133193/review

Multimedia:

http://www.macgeek.org/museum/applelisa1/apple1_00.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIUcNLTsyYo&feature=youtu.be

http://www.gsmdome.com/blackberry/blackberry-storm-pricing-on-vodafone-revealed_1117

http://www.pcmag.com/slideshow_viewer/0,3253,l=287043&a=287043&po=14,00.asp

http://www.engadget.com/2013/05/30/sony-xperia-tablet-z-review/

The post Riding the Technology Roller Coaster’s Ups and Downs appeared first on Davison.

Industry giants like Nike and New Balance have translated the advancements of 3D printed technology into the world of apparel, specifically, for professional athletes.

These 3D printed shoes use the up-and-coming invention to create lightweight shoes that, in essence, mold to the athlete’s feet, thus increasing their speed and performance.

So how are 3D printed shoes different than regular shoes? Let’s take a look at both Nike and New Balance 3D shoes and how they claim to enhance the athlete’s performance.

Nike 3D printed athletic cleat- Weighing in at just 5.5 ounces, the Nike Vapor Laser Talon was specifically invented and designed for gripping the football field turf, in order to help American football players excel in the highly important, 40-yard dash. In addition, the design of this shoe enables an athlete to maintain the initial drive stance, along with giving the athlete more speed and power during the first 10 yards, which are the most important to achieving a solid time.

The idea of a decreased 40-yard dash time is carried out by the Selective Laser Sintering technology.  This technology employs a high-powered laser to selectively fuse thermoplastic particles, usually a plastic or metal powder, into the desired solid. This technique that Nike uses allows them to create a cleat plate in a much shorter amount of time, while at the same time, increasing the overall weight, which offers many benefits to the athlete’s performance.

New Balance- All-American track runner, Jack Bolas became the first athlete to run a race in 3D printed equipment.

Bolas said, “I always wondered what it would be like to have custom shoes. They gave me a much more natural feel, with a perfect balance between the flex of the sole and still the responsiveness of a stiffer plate.”

After a long research-and-development process that was focused on ensuring that the shoes met Bolas’ individual needs, New Balance was able to create tailored spike plates. The process began when Bolas wore shoes that were wired with sensors to help designers at New Balance get an idea of how his foot interacted with the shoe. In addition, Bolas ran on tracks that were equipped with force plates that measured his impact with each stride. High-speed cameras also were used to add a detailed look at the interaction between his shoes and the track. Once this information was collected, just like Nike did, New Balance used the technology of Selective Laser Sintering to create the shoes.

For both brands, a custom spike plate entailed an expensive injection molding process. However, the invention of 3D printers offered them a solution to this expensive and time-consuming process and has now increased the speed of production, while decreasing the cost.

Both of these companies have invented a product that is intended to increase the speed and performance of professional athletes, through the use of 3D printed technology. Both Nike and New Balance have set the tone in the world of 3D printing by creating products that have a light-weight design and the ability to grip their intended surface with ease.

Copyright Davison 2013

Sources:

http://www.gizmag.com/nike-3d-printed-cleat/26403/

http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/nikes-vapor-laser-talon-brings-3-d-printing-athletic-shoes-1C8645125

http://gizmodo.com/5990352/new-balance-adopts-3d-printing-to-create-hyper+customized-track-shoes

http://www.wired.com/playbook/2013/03/new-balance-3d-printed-shoes/

Pictures:

http://hypebeast.com/2013/2/nike-debuts-3d-printed-vapor-laser-talon-cleat

http://www.designboom.com/design/nike-vapor-laser-talon-boot/

http://gizmodo.com/5990352/new-balance-adopts-3d-printing-to-create-hyper+customized-track-shoes

http://printingdress.com/tag/3d-fashion/

The post Nike and New Balance are Making Great Strides appeared first on Davison.

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

The post Cutting the Cord with Smarter TV’s appeared first on Davison.

Facial recognition seems to be the next big thing in the future of technology. For instance, Minnesota-based company, Identix, created their own facial recognition technology. Identix created software called, Facelt, which has the capability to recognize a face and measure its various features.

Each person’s face is different, which allows Facelt to distinguish differences by measuring individual characteristics, such as the distance between eyes, width of nose, the shape of cheekbones, etc. All of this information creates a numerical code called a faceprint.

Early forms of facial recognition technology continually ran into problems using 2D technology. Due to the fact that even the smallest change in light in the environment could reduce the overall effectiveness of the technology, the rate of failure increased.

Despite the growing problem of the inaccuracy of identifying people, a solution was quickly discovered in 3D software.

This new type of technology captures a real-time 3D image of the surface of a person’s face. Lighting does not affect this technology; in fact, it can be used in darkness and has the ability to identify a subject at different angles, with the probability of recognizing up to 90 degrees, which is a face in profile.

The 3D software goes through a series of steps in order to accurately identify a person. The first step is detection, which acquires an image by digitally scanning a live picture of a subject. Once this has been accomplished, the technology determines the head’s position, size and pose. The system then measures the curves of the face and creates a template. From there, a unique code is created and matched in a 3D database. After all of this information is collected, an image is matched to only one image in the database.

Although this type of technology is still being used by law enforcement officials and for surveillance purposes, it has recently been adapted for advertising purposes.

Companies like Redpepper are beginning to use facial recognition to boost their business. This may be the new route that advertisers take to target consumers. At its core, facial recognition technology is a computer application that automatically identifies or verifies a person from a digital image or video frame from a video source.

Although facial recognition technology is an essential tool in identifying people, it is now being beta tested by advertising companies such as Redpepper to target consumers and create customized deals through the structure of their face.

A team of developers for the company are currently working on creating a facial recognition technology for businesses to automatically send deals to the customers that walk into their establishments.

In order for the person to get the deals, their face will be scanned, using a Facedeals camera box that will be located outside of the business. In addition, the customer must authorize the Facedeals app on their Facebook account. Facedeals scans your history of Facebook likes and, with that information, customizes deals based on those likes.

Just like most inventions, as technology continues to evolve, solutions for longstanding problems are quickly coming to the surface through innovation and creativity; and consumers continue to reap the benefits. This holds true for facial recognition technology, as it soon may be commonly used for advertisements.

Copyright Davison 2013

Sources:

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/high-tech-gadgets/facial-recognition.htm

http://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/facedeals-checks-you-into-places-with-facial-recognition/

Pictures:

http://gawker.com/retailers-are-spotting-celebrities-with-facial-recognit-859199676

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/high-tech-gadgets/facial-recognition.htm

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2187801/Were-watching-The-camera-recognise-Facebook-picture-time-walk-shop.html

The post What’s Next for Facial Recognition Technology? appeared first on Davison.

Furthermore, the dawn of wearable gadgets is beginning to make a name for itself in the world of technology. Inventions like the FitBit and the Nike FuelBand, EMBRACE+ and smartwatches are just a few of the new technologies that are slowly, but surely, making an impact.

FitBit– This wearable physical activity device helps the consumer become more active, eat a well-rounded diet and get adequate amounts of sleep. The sleek, compact design of the gadget allows the consumer to discretely pin the device into their pocket or other article of clothing.  Throughout the course of the day, the FitBit logs data, ranging from the number of steps you take to the amount of calories that you burned.

Nike FuelBand– In addition, Nike has a device that tracks physical activity, known as the Nike FuelBand. Nike’s goal with this product is to provide a sense of accomplishment for people doing everyday activities to reach their daily Nike Fuel Points. The FuelBand detects the user’s movement by way of the triaxial accelerometer, which is also found in iPhones.  This technology can sense the movement of the FuelBand and the tilt to which it is held.

EMBRACE+ – This technology is perfect for the consumers who generally keep their smart phones in their purses or pockets. The EMBRACE+ is a wearable technology that alerts the user when they receive a social media notification, important text or incoming call. The technology uses specific colors to indicate what type of notification was sent to their smartphone and helps the user determine if they want to reach for their smartphone or not.  The wristband also includes a security feature that notifies its user when they are too far from their smartphone, which could be very helpful when a smartphone gets stolen or left behind in a public place.

Smartwatches– This wearable device is more than just a timepiece. In fact, the smartwatch can be seen as a wearable computer or a second screen to the alerts on your smartphone via Bluetooth technology. Kickstarter companies, such as Pebble, have developed their own version of the smartwatch.  The Pebble Smartwatch enables the user to receive notifications, including email, SMS and social media alerts, in addition to calendar reminders. For those who like to screen their calls, this smartwatch allows the user to accept or reject incoming calls. Much like the e-paper display, the Pebble watch uses a 114 x 168 black and white screen that displays nearly 20,000 pixels.  This design allows the display to be easily viewed both indoors and outdoors. The Pebble watch isn’t the only device in the wearable watch market.

Technology giant, Apple, is currently working on their own version. As of July 2013, a team of 100 designers and engineers from Apple have been working on the iWatch and it is said that their corporation has filed 79 patents related to smartwatch technology. In addition, Apple recently received a patent for bezel technology that could add touch controls to a bezel on the screen of a small device. The new bezel could be hidden or revealed as needed by the user.

The market for wearable technology continues to expand and only time will tell what new technology will be coming down the pipeline.

Copyright Davison 2013

Resources:

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/other-gadgets/fitbit.htm

http://mashable.com/2013/01/31/nike-fuelband/

http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/embrace-the-wristband-that-glows-when-you-get-texts-notifications/

http://www.infoworld.com/d/mobile-technology/what-look-in-smart-watch-222729

http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/25/pebble-smartwatch-review/

http://www.trustedreviews.com/pebble_Peripheral_review

http://www.coolage.in/2013/07/29/the-emerging-world-of-smartwatches/

http://techcrunch.com/2013/07/02/new-apple-patent-could-finally-take-gadgets-like-an-iwatch-beyond-the-bezel/

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

Images:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2411271,00.asp

http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/embrace-the-wristband-that-glows-when-you-get-texts-notifications/

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/technology/2012/04/pebble-smart-watch-wrist-companion-for-iphone-hits-kickstarter-jackpot/

http://www.fastcodesign.com/1665872/with-fuelband-nike-aims-to-crush-jawbone-up-and-overhaul-nike

The post Wearable Technology appeared first on Davison.