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

Now Playing on a Wall Near You...

Facebook is in the works with Warner Brothers Studios to allow people to watch movies in a whole new way. CNN.com reported that the two are in the works for a movie streaming application for Facebook. You can currently rent The Dark Knight on the application for 30 credits, or about $3. There is said to be more titles to come available over the next few months. The movie will not interfere with the operation of Facebook, so you can update your status to inform people you are watching a movie while on Facebook.

The application, which with be ran by the Warner Brothers, is Facebook's response to movie streaming sites like, Hulu and Netflix. They are trying to keep up with the competition so they are not left behind.

I think Facebook has taken it a step too far with this one. When I think of Facebook, I don't think about what movies I can rent from it. For me, Facebook is more of a place I go to talk about movies and see what others had to say about them. It's going to be hard for them to compete with the movie streaming sites already available.

Source: http://money.cnn.com/2011/03/08/technology/facebook_movie_rentals/index.htm

It's Complicated

Now your cyber stalkers can be notified via e-mail when you change your relationship status. through a new application on Facebook. The Facebook Break-up Notifier is easy to use and as CNN.com reported, will probably be super popular. The application let's users select certain friends that they want to be informed of when their relationship status changes.

In theory, the application can be used by your friends who want to keep up with what's going on. But that's only in theory. The app is perfect for those of you who have your eye on someone who is "in a relationship". You can use the app and not have to constantly check that person's page to see when they inform Facebook that they are now single.

This is taking social networking to a whole new level. It's a little creepy to think that someone would want to be notified at the exact moment I change my relationship status. Facebook is a fun way to connect with people but it's almost becoming a little dangerous. Their "Places" feature let's you check in at various places, giving the people that view your page your exact location. There are privacy settings, but people can always find a way around them.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/social.media/02/21/facebook.relationship.status/index.html

OMG! Texts in 3-D?

That's right, it looks like we are soon going to have 3-D at our fingertips. CNN.com reported that LG has announced a plan to release a 3-D phone at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. LG is calling the smartphone the Optimus 3D. Not only will you be able to see things in 3-D but, a special pair of cameras on the back of the phone will allow users to capture pictures and video in 3-D.

No worry for those of you who like 3-D but, don't like to wear the glasses. An interesting part of this phone is that it uses a method called the "switchblade barrier" which makes the glasses obsolete. With the growing popularity of 3-D it's not really surprising that there is a 3-D phone in the works. The phone will be able to be hooked to a 3-D TV so pictures and videos taken can be displayed on the big screen. This brings a whole new aspect to home videos. The phone caused some excitement at the Mobile World Conference but so far does not allow for spinning text messages or dial pads that jump off the screen.

Just when you think you get caught up with the latest technology, something new comes along. You might have a smartphone but there's usually gong to be someone with a smarter phone. While I am all about trying to keep up with the latest technology, this phone just doesn't jump out at me. I don't think there are any 3-D texts in my future.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/mobile/02/15/lg.optimus.3d/index.html?hpt=C2

What's not to "Like"?

Social networking is a great way to connect with friends and keep up with what’s going on in the world. But, how much is too much? Between text, tweets, Facebook updates, and Foursquare check-ins things can get crazy. Trying to keep up with what’s what can be hard. It seems we like we are constantly checking our phones for updates and sometimes things can get confusing.

USA Today reported that there are 110 million tweets everyday. Not to mention the countless Facebook status updates, wall posts, and comments. The human brain just doesn’t have the capability to keep up with this much information. "People used to be concerned about ADHD. Now, you almost have to have that trait to cope with so much information," sa6s Robi Ludwig, a psychotherapist in New York. Social networks are trying to find ways to address this issue so they don’t lose users to other sites.

For me trying to keep up with my Facebook and Twitter accounts is a challenge. I have updates sent to my phone and sometimes forget whom I’m talking to. I like being able to connect with people who I would have never have gotten to before the use of social networks so, I’m not ready to sign off just yet.

Source: http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2011-02-01-tech-overload_N.htm

What's in a Status?

"What's on your mind?" That's the question that greets us each time we sign into our Facebook account. Most of the time our status updates are about the mundane tasks we do everyday but they can be very entertaining at times. For most of us we don't really think twice about answering that question or the power a simple status update can hold. But after the recent outbreak of riots in Egypt, we are beginning to see just how powerful social networking is becoming. Protesters used social networking sites like, Facebook and Twitter, to organize these riots.

So, what's in a status? Now we are able to find out about things as they happen instead of having to wait for the evening news. We can get first hand accounts of what is happening as the story unfolds. If you want to find out what's going on right now all you have to do is log on.

No More Textbooks?

The Webb School of Knoxville is a private school and teaches kids from grades K-12. Beginning next year things are going to be a little different for some students. There will no longer be textbooks. That's right, students will no longer have to crack open a book. However, there is an app for that. The school has decided to make iPads mandatory for all students and teachers in grades 4-12. The parents will either have to purchase their child an iPad they will have to rent one from the school.

The school looked at other alternatives such as laptops and digital readers before ultimately settling on the iPad. They believe that because of the wide variety of applications that are available it was the best fit for the school. At the beginning of the year the iPads will be loaded with the required applications and it will be the students’ responsibility to keep them synched and up to date throughout the year. Students will also be allowed to download other applications of their choice.

We are in a digital age but is this taking it too far? While an iPad may be a handy tool to enhance the learning experience for students, it can be very distracting as well. While the school will have sites like Facebook and Twitter blocked, it will still be easy for students to access games while they are supposed to be paying attention in class. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. Some schools and Universities are encouraging the use of iPads in classrooms but it is hard to imagine a classroom with no books.

Sources:

http://www.webbschool.org/technology

http://www.tuaw.com/2011/01/21/tennessee-school-requires-ipads-of-all-4th-12th-grade-students/

So what's this all about?

Have you ever seen something in the media and asked yourself, "What's up with that?" Well, I have and for this blog I'm going to be looking at the world of media and asking that very question. Before I go any further, let's take a closer look at what I mean when I say media. I am referring to the way we get our information or entertainment. It can be anything from a newspaper to an iPod. You may be surprised by how much society is being shaped by media. Sometimes this can be a good thing but it can be negative as well. It all depends in how you look at it. That brings me to the basic purpose of my blog, to take a closer look at media and how it is affecting our everyday lives.
This blog comes from a class assignment from my Media Convergence class. I must say that since this is my first time to really be blogging, I'm a little nervous about. I am on Facebook and Twitter but this is much more than just a status update or tweet. I look forward to this experience and hope that you enjoy the journey as much as I do!