We knew the time was coming. The first “artificial” life has been created in a lab. The positive potential to society will be astounding as this technology progresses (as will the potential negatives).
Scientists in the US have succeeded in developing the first living cell to be controlled entirely by synthetic DNA.
The researchers constructed a bacterium's “genetic software” and transplanted it into a host cell.
The resulting microbe then looked and behaved like the species “dictated” by the synthetic DNA.
Fring released a free video chat client for the iPhone. You can now make and receive Fring and Skype video calls over Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, you will not be able to transmit your image, due to the fact the iPhone doesn’t have a front camera. It is certainly worth checking out.
Virtual reality as applied on mobile devices seems to be a concept area that is getting more attention lately. Here is a concept video of an idea for combining virtual reality, the mobile phone, and online identity.
With a mobile device and face recognition software this software enables you to discover selected information about people around you. All users control their own augmented appearance and the social network links they want show to others.
Online retailers have always had a few shortcomings when competing against physical retailing. People often like to check out the real physical object before purchasing. Online retailers have come up with several ways to deal with the issue – from long-term return policies to Amazon’s “search inside” feature. Zugara is giving a shot at using virtual reality to help people shop for clothes. The shopper stands in front of their home camera and can “try on” different clothes. The problem here is that while you may get an idea of what the clothes would look like on you, it would not tell you what you would actually look like with the item on – after it conforms to your particular fit. I can see this working a little better with eyeglass frames or other items that don’t change shape as much. On the other hand, this may be a good start and may increase sales because it may really give you a better idea of what the colors, etc would look like on you. Check it out for yourself.
Those of you that own the PS3 have something new coming your way. The PS3 will now carry NBC Universal shows like 30 Rock, The Office and Heroes. Also NBC movies. The television shows are free, but the movies are available for rental or purchase. The content is available in both standard and high definition: $2.99 to $5.99 for rentals, and $9.99 to $14.99 for purchases.
A humorous perspective on technological progress. To some degree, we are a little spoiled and need to chill a little. I love tech progress, but lets stop and smell the flowers… seriously.
Wireless power has been in the works for a while. Here is an example from CES 2009 that looks pretty good. Powermat is a mat-based charger that you just put your devices on. It charges using magnetic induction.
I’ve been wanting to see a magnetic induction table created for years.
I can see whole conference tables built like this where everyone’s laptop gets charged while they are sitting in the meeting. No more power cords everywhere.
Powermat displays new wireless charging systems at CES 2009, a convenient wireless alternative to mobile phone, computer and appliance chargers. The system uses magnetic induction to transfer energy to almost any device.
So, what’s next? As discussed before on Tomorrow’s Trends, 100% wireless (without the charging pads) is also a concept that is in the works. That is, the concept of transmitting energy directly through the air to devices.
Fast Company has a new article on wireless electricity:
THE INDUCTION SYSTEMS are only the beginning. Some of the most visually arresting examples of wireless electricity are based on what’s known as radio frequency, or RF. While less efficient, they work across distances of up to 85 feet. In these systems, electricity is transformed into radio waves, which are transmitted across a room, then received by so-called power harvesters and translated back into low-voltage direct current. Imagine smoke detectors or clocks that never need their batteries replaced.