It's possible that someone in class has already talked about all the people out there hacking into the Kinect camera and trying to use it as a 3D camera for a computer. Here's a link to a video of a guy doing just that: http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/14/hack-turns-kinect-into-mindblowing-3d-video-capture-tool/
Now, I realize that that particular post is kind of old, but it's important to know that bit of information before I talk about the tech post that I found from yesterday. In this post, they have actually hacked the Kinect camera to operate as, not only a 3D camera, but also a 3D scanner. Here's the link to that one: http://www.boingboing.net/2011/02/27/kinect-as-3d-scanner.html
Anyway, back to the post. Apparently someone is trying to use the Kinect camera as a 3D scanner that can recognize 3D images so that users can fabricate themselves. Of course, the project still needs improvement, which you'll see if you watch the video. The resolution isn't high enough to get any kind of detail as of now. BUT, if you're really jonesin' for a tiny 3D replica of yourself, then this project is for you.
Kidding aside, I can see how this project could be used for some interesting things. What comes to mind for me is architecture and the ability for team members to be in two locations. Being able to construct a 3D image of a remote object could be important in the future. Of course, I don't really know anything about architecture, and there's really not much information on that tech post, so I'll leave you to ponder.
"Muse upon it further, I shall return!" Hilarious Little Britain skit. You should watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mCbIz10PK8
Monday, February 28, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Hard Science Meets Science Fiction
Once again, I had a difficult time finding a purely tech post to talk about today, but I managed to find a scientific one on a tech blog. Here's the link: http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/02/seti-dolphins/#more-50710
Now, this particular post gives a rather unusual and far-fetched reason why communicating with dolphins could be useful (apparently it's absolutely imperative that we learn how to communicate with extraterrestrials very soon), but it still brings to light an interesting question. Why haven't we learned how to communicate with some of the planet's most intelligent creatures? Obviously everybody knows about chimpanzees and the progress we're making there, but when it comes to actual two-way communication, our knowledge is lacking, especially in intelligent animals other than chimps.
So often we simply try to teach an animal the language we're used to. Training a dog is probably a good example. But we haven't really ventured into the idea of creating a language to share. That's what this article is talking about.
I think continuing on in this endeavor is a fantastic idea. There has already been some success with chimpanzees and, according to this post, dolphins are also right around the corner. And you never know where these kinds of things could lead. Maybe one of these days two-way communication between humans and animals will become so advanced your dog will be teaching you tricks.
Now, this particular post gives a rather unusual and far-fetched reason why communicating with dolphins could be useful (apparently it's absolutely imperative that we learn how to communicate with extraterrestrials very soon), but it still brings to light an interesting question. Why haven't we learned how to communicate with some of the planet's most intelligent creatures? Obviously everybody knows about chimpanzees and the progress we're making there, but when it comes to actual two-way communication, our knowledge is lacking, especially in intelligent animals other than chimps.
So often we simply try to teach an animal the language we're used to. Training a dog is probably a good example. But we haven't really ventured into the idea of creating a language to share. That's what this article is talking about.
I think continuing on in this endeavor is a fantastic idea. There has already been some success with chimpanzees and, according to this post, dolphins are also right around the corner. And you never know where these kinds of things could lead. Maybe one of these days two-way communication between humans and animals will become so advanced your dog will be teaching you tricks.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Apps, Apps, Apps...And More Apps.
The particular app I'm talking about has actually been around for awhile now, but Google has finally developed one specifically for the iPhone. Here's the link to the post: http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/08/google-translate-for-iphone-hits-the-app-store/
Now, this probably doesn't seem very interesting...and it kind of isn't. However, as a person who despises foreign language classes it is intriguing. This app reminds me of something I saw a few months ago (posted below) and it makes me wonder how important this required foreign language business really is. Maybe (hopefully) it won't turn out to be such a big deal after all. I understand that I'm being lazy, not wanting to learn a foreign language, shame on me. But that's kind of a consequence of going to a public school in the United States, right? Not really anything I could do about it. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that I think this app is pretty awesome...that's about it. Oh, and it reminded me of this video I saw awhile back. Enjoy!
You thought it was real for a second, didn't you? (If you've never seen that video before.) Don't feel bad, I did, too. It's actually an ad for Nova Scotia (instead of getting everything you want in one phone, you get everything you want in one place). Anyway, it kind of makes you think, doesn't it? Who knows, maybe one day we will have a phone, cafe, and blues band all in one...all in the palm of our hand.
Now, this probably doesn't seem very interesting...and it kind of isn't. However, as a person who despises foreign language classes it is intriguing. This app reminds me of something I saw a few months ago (posted below) and it makes me wonder how important this required foreign language business really is. Maybe (hopefully) it won't turn out to be such a big deal after all. I understand that I'm being lazy, not wanting to learn a foreign language, shame on me. But that's kind of a consequence of going to a public school in the United States, right? Not really anything I could do about it. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that I think this app is pretty awesome...that's about it. Oh, and it reminded me of this video I saw awhile back. Enjoy!
You thought it was real for a second, didn't you? (If you've never seen that video before.) Don't feel bad, I did, too. It's actually an ad for Nova Scotia (instead of getting everything you want in one phone, you get everything you want in one place). Anyway, it kind of makes you think, doesn't it? Who knows, maybe one day we will have a phone, cafe, and blues band all in one...all in the palm of our hand.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Anthropology Wins This Week
So, I looked over about five different tech blogs looking for something to talk about today and I couldn't find anything I'm interested in other than this anthropology video.
Anyway, this video was filmed by BBC in the remote jungles of the Amazon. Apparently they've captured on video a tribe of uncontacted natives. Now, I can see this going both ways: good and bad. Let's start with the bad. First of all, now that these people have been discovered, you can bet that there are going to be a lot of researchers wanting to study them. Therefore, I don't think they will remain 'uncontacted' for very long. I can understand the curiosity out there, but sooner or later you're going to get people who want to change the way these tribes live, and that's never a good thing. Just by introducing new technologies and ideas you can change the way they live. Yes, they are completely different from all of you...they eat differently, they dress differently, they talk differently, they worship differently, all in all they live differently. But that doesn't mean they need to change, and contact will most likely do just that.
Now, for the good. Most of what I have to say here is discussed in the video. By proving that these tribes do exist, it is possible to get the government to take notice. Who knows if having that knowledge will persuade the government to do anything, but at least they're giving it a shot. So, basically, there is the potential for protection against invasion and disease if there is proof of existence.
Here's the video:
Anyway, this video was filmed by BBC in the remote jungles of the Amazon. Apparently they've captured on video a tribe of uncontacted natives. Now, I can see this going both ways: good and bad. Let's start with the bad. First of all, now that these people have been discovered, you can bet that there are going to be a lot of researchers wanting to study them. Therefore, I don't think they will remain 'uncontacted' for very long. I can understand the curiosity out there, but sooner or later you're going to get people who want to change the way these tribes live, and that's never a good thing. Just by introducing new technologies and ideas you can change the way they live. Yes, they are completely different from all of you...they eat differently, they dress differently, they talk differently, they worship differently, all in all they live differently. But that doesn't mean they need to change, and contact will most likely do just that.
Now, for the good. Most of what I have to say here is discussed in the video. By proving that these tribes do exist, it is possible to get the government to take notice. Who knows if having that knowledge will persuade the government to do anything, but at least they're giving it a shot. So, basically, there is the potential for protection against invasion and disease if there is proof of existence.
Here's the video:
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