Final Video Project: LifeSouth

Social Vending Machines

     Even vending machines aren't safe from the digital age. PepsiCo has introduced a prototype for a new type of social vending machine. You will not only be able to quench your thirst but that of a friend as well. The machine is intended to encourage people to commit "Random Acts of Refreshment" by gifting drinks to people. The machine will feature a touch screen that will allow you to enter someone's phone number, a text message, and will even record a personal video message right at the machine. The recipient will receive instructions on how to redeem their free soda at another social vending machine.  
 
     I personally think this is pretty awesome. I think it's a great way for Pepsi to use of the technology available to them and to take advantage people's obsession with social networking. I mean, wouldn't everyone like to receive a text message saying someone has bought you a drink?

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/innovation/05/05/social.vending.machine.pepsi/index.html

UNA Celebrates World Press Freedom Day

Send it if You Like

It seems like Facebook is always making changes and coming out with new features. This past Monday Facebook released a "Send" button. The button will allow users to share whatever they are viewing to friends. It's intended to replace the usual "email to a friend button" and is aimed at improving the Groups feature. The button is very similar to the "Like" button but when you click on it a pop-up appears that will give you the option to send it to your friends, groups, or the standard email.

The button will also count towards the amount of "Likes" the page has. Facebook will now calculate how "liked" a page is by adding the likes, shares, comments, and inbox messages containing a URL. CNN.com reports that more than 50 websites including, People.com, The Wall Street Journal, and Orbitz are launching the "Send" button.

Facebook may annoy us with all their changes but, this seems like a good idea. It will be a quick and easy way for you to share something you like on a page. It takes the Like button to a whole new level. So is this just another annoying feature, or is it the greatest thing since the "Like" button? Try it out below or make one for whatever you like on Facebook's developer website!

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/social.media/04/26/facebook.send.button.mashable/index.html

The iPhone Knows Where You've Been

Has Apple gone too far? Recently, two researchers found a"secret" file on the iPhone and iPad that can track user's location. This isn't just geotagging pictures and status updates. It tracks every move you make and even allows users to map it out. This has raised concerns for violating privacy rights, but a small paragraph in Apple's terms of use gives them permission to use this application. So the next time you go to click the "I have read and agree to the terms of use", you may want to actually read the terms of use.

Some users have had fun looking at all the places they have been. A few have even gone as far as posting the maps online. One advantage to this application would be if your iPhone or iPad is ever stolen or lost, you would be able to track it's exact location; but is it worth giving some of your privacy for? It's a little creepy to think that a phone can keep track of everywhere I go.

I think this is a little much. We are losing privacy more and more each day. People should at least have a choice when it comes to this. Having a small paragraph in something you know people don't really read anyway isn't really enough. I mean it does sound neat on paper but when you really think about it, it's a little scary to think that someone can pinpoint your exact location at any given time. I do use Foursquare as a fun way to interact and compete with friends but I chose when to check-in and tell people where I am. People should at least have a choice in the matter. So, is Apple intruding or is it not that big of a deal?

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/mobile/04/21/iphone.tracking.fun/index.html

Liberty Tree Planting

Exclusively for iPad

PCWorld.com reports that Rupert Murdoch has joined forces with Apple to create an iPad-only newspaper called, The Daily. The app is designed to give readers a unique experience in how they get their news. It takes advantage of the touch screen design and the multimedia design of the iPad and combines it with journalistic material not found in other places.

It is geared toward younger, more tech savvy readers and is said to have short articles that are quick and easy to read. It also has features like photo galleries and videos to make it more interactive.

The launch of the app has sparked many questions. There is debate on just how useful it's going to be. Murdoch's goal is to reinvent the digital newspaper and from what i can tell he has.

This application looks very interesting to me. It is a new and unique way to get information. It's interactive and let's you look at a story in a new way. It gives you more of an experience than just picking up a paper.

Source: http://www.pcworld.com/article/218445/murdochs_ipadready_the_daily_debuts_5_things_to_know.html#tk.mod_rel