Tech Advances #9

The danger with streaming and driving

http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35925773

Neil, a police officer and Twitter user, wants to end streaming while driving, and has started an unofficial campaign to do so, called #dontstreamanddrive. Neil has noticed the increasing amount of people who choose to stream and have even interacted with an app while driving. The campaign is focused on Twitter as Neil tries to ask these streaming drivers why they choose to risk their life to do something that is not all that important. Using mobile phones while driving is a notorious killer, as it was accounted the cause of 21 deaths in 2014, according to officials. 

Tech Advances #10

Does 'pay by app' mean an end to shopping queues?

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-35933801

Current technology that allows you to pay for items through your phone are becoming all the rage. For example, Starbucks currently employs this technology by allowing a consumer to have their Starbucks card on the Starbucks app and pay for drinks and other items by scanning the bar code on the back of a virtual card. This trend leads people to believe that a digital wallet will soon become our reality, and we will be paying for everything through our phones. 

Big companies, such as WalMart and J.P. Morgan Chase have launched apps that allow you to pay for your items. As this trend continues to rise, in the next four years there may be a contactless way to pay.

But paying through apps has some consequences. People worry about the security of their information- passwords, bank accounts, purchase records. All of this could easily be stolen if someone were to steal the person's phone. As people create more apps similar to Starbucks', they have to keep in mind the security necessary to keep all information confidential. 

Tech Advances #8

1    “SnapGlasses? HoloChat? Snapchat is secretly hiring wearable technology experts”

Snapchat may be in the process of creating glasses that will allow the wearer to instantly take pictures or videos of whatever she/he is looking at. Currently, the instant photo and video process is done through the Snapchat app, which a user must open on his/her phone. If Snapchat were to invent glasses, this process could be done instantly and give the user more control over how he/she wants a video or picture to look. Recently, researchers have taken steps towards this project. In 2015, Snapchat created a team of scientists and engineers who specialize in machine learning and computer vision. The company has hired gadget specialists, engineer directors, and marketing strategist that specializes in gadgets. The company is currently looking for a 3D Computer Vision Engineer. This could be the next big step for Snapchat and make it a company that has tangible objects that can be sold on the market, increasing value and popularity of its already successful business.



http://www.cnet.com/news/snapchat-glasses-vergence-snap-labs-hints-wearable/

Tech Advances #7

1  “U.S. military invites pre-approved experts to ‘Hack the Pentagon’”

The United States government hires pre-approved hackers to be in a program called "Hack the Pentagon." This program aims to find problems before hackers can exploit them. In a world where safety online has become a major issue, the government believes this program will strengthen the "digital defenses and ultimately enhance our national security." People who want to join this program must be United States citizens and go through extensive background checks.

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-cyber-pentagon-idUSKCN0W40H8

Tech Advances #6

    “Happy Goggles’ Bring Virtual Reality to Swedish McDonald’s”

As a way to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Happy Meal in Sweden, Swedish McDonald's create 'Happy Goggles' from the Happy Meal box.These Happy Goggles will allow McDonald's customers to experience a virtual reality through their smartphones. The goggles are made by refolding the box. When the goggles are made, a person slides his/her smartphone into the back, and the virtual world is up close and personal with the customer.

http://www.nbcnews.com/tech/gadgets/happy-goggles-bring-virtual-reality-swedish-mcdonald-s-n528271