Have you gotten your Chumby yet? A Chumby, as their site describes it, “…takes your favorite parts of the internet and delivers them to you in a friendly, always-on, always-fresh format. It’s a window into your internet life that lives outside your desktop…” Basically, it is a small WiFi-connected device with a 3.5 inch LCD screen that feeds internet content wherever you want it. It can play internet radio, display digital pictures, deliver news and weather feeds, and function as an alarm clock. Chumby has an active developer network as well, and there are dozens upon dozens of widgets that will add more content to your unit. You can order a Chumby through their site, or via our Amazon affiliate link.
Meet ASIMO!
You know that anything technological and novel appeals to my inner high-tech geek! While researching Honda for a project, I discovered ASIMO, which Honda (ASIMO’s developer) bills as ” The World’s Most Advanced Humanoid Robot”. In development since 1986, ASIMO indeed lives up to its “advanced” claims. It is not so much a toy, as it is a electromechanical companion designed to assist humans in their daily tasks…more specifically, people who may be handicapped, disabled or elderly. ASIMO is just over four feet tall–tall enough to help with daily tasks, and yet, not intimidating. When a person is seated or sitting up in bed, ASIMO is at a proper eye level to that person.
If you view the videos on ASIMO’s website, you notice the gait looks slightly crouched over–this is done to assist with balance, and also permits ASIMO to climb stairs, run at nearly four miles per hour, and avoid obstacles. ASIMO’s movements are also precise, especially in the hands which feature four very flexible fingers and an opposable thumb. In one video, ASIMO conducts the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, of which Honda is a corporate sponsor. ASIMO can be seen at Disneyland in a permanent display, as well as on tour at science centers and large events around the world.
The 52nd Annual Grammy Popularity Contest
It’s been several years since I went on a rant about the Grammy awards, given out by the NARAS. Normally I ignore the annual spectacle and go on with life. But something this year clued me in that there was a painful moment or two, namely, the fact that something (or someone) named Taylor Swift won a Grammy for “Album Of The Year”. And that it had performed live.
That something: social media. Facebook. “Trending topic” indeed. One of my good friends wrote, “After seeing Taylor Swift win the Album Of The Year Grammy, I think they should give Milli Vanilli their Grammy back!” Another friend, the wife of a well-known jazz musician, wrote that Swift’s performance reminded her of an old phonograph winding down in speed. So, why the rant?
Epic FAIL: apple’s new ipad
So, now apple has released yet another overpriced “something you don’t need, but you look cool owning it” product. A limited-storage touchscreen computer. The tree-hugging hipster crowd and apple fanboys will love this one, but the rest of us in I.T. are stifling our collective yawns. Deduct $300, and you can actually get a real portable computer with a keyboard. Hmmm. Fail.
So why is it an epic fail? Can you say, “Epic marketing fail?” What company, with a single ounce of common sense, would name a product an “iPad”? Within minutes of announcement, the name was being compared to feminine hygiene products. No pun intended, it’ll now be the butt of jokes for years to come. Good going, apple.
New Blog: Mike Dow’s “Every Little Thing”
Co-host of the Mike & Mike morning show in Bangor, Maine has recently launched his new blog called Every Little Thing, featuring articles he’s written for other publications, as well as anecdotes and news from the morning show and his own musings. Be sure to stop by and read his articles, and tell him Rudy sent you!