Cyber Security

Cyber Security (WIP)

Our security has always been a large concern when it comes to technology, and for a good reason. Our constant use of technology only opens us up to more chances for what is called a "data breach." An article from Webhostingmedia.com lists the most recent and largest data breaches. The list varies from Playstation to Home Depot.

Other examples include malware viruses and worms that vary in effect from sending emails, to opening back doors for other hackers to gain access. One worm listed, known as the Melissa Virus, simply replicates itself and sends emails to contacts in the hopes it will crash email servers. The Melissa Virus infected 20% of all computers in 1999.

These are prime examples for our increasing susceptibility to identity theft as technology advances. Financial data such as credit card numbers were lost during the data breaches at institutions such as JPMorgan Chase bank and therefore they either had to be cancelled or monitored for identity theft. Other breaches even opened up clients Social Security numbers and other personal information that can be used against them. If used, the information gained in these breaches can be devastating to the real owners. Using these examples we can see how surveillance has become a major part of our society as we grow more technologically advanced. Specifically unwanted surveillance has increased as we advance in our inventions and innovations. Data breaches such as those listed can be accredited to outdated software, improperly tested new software, poor computer use, or a number of other reasons.

John Oliver made an episode of his show "Last Week Tonight"about surveilance. This informative piece covers a subject most people, knowingly or not, often ignore. The U.S. Government has been proven to survey and observe their own citizens on a number of occasions. To quote Edward Snowden when interviewed by John Oliver, “The NSA has the greatest surveillance capability that we’ve seen.” The NSA has used their surveillance power against American citizens and expects to be trusted. In NSA offices it is actually commonplace for NSFW, Not Safe For Work, material to be passed around and seen. American citizens, however disregard or don’t even know this is happening, and when used as a hypothetical, are against it.

The American people are ignorant, whether it is purposeful or not. They either choose to ignore or have no idea that most, if not all, their information is in the hands of the government and could be used against them at any moment. This piece is intended to educate the public and hopefully enact them to take some action against this mistreatment.

Not only does the video confirm that the U.S. Government has the ability to watch any and all Americans through unsolicited means, but that they actually do so. Edward Snowden's leaked information showed just as much and has forced him to live in hiding in Russia, yet the public sits idle using the technology that the NSA uses against us almost every day. Our vulnerability for surveillance not only comes from other people, but our own government.

CES 2018 Recap

CES 2018 Recap

CES comes and goes every year and with it we gain a sense of amazement at what technology is capable of. Almost every tech company brings their newest gadgets or advancements to try to one-up each other. From toys to Smart Home accessories, everything big and upcoming is showcased at CES. Lisa Eadicicco from Time Magazine recalls her favorite gadgets in her article. Eadicicco talks about L’Oréal's UV Sense, Samsung's "The Wall" TV, My Special Aflac Duck, and more. L’Oréal's UV Sense is a tiny sensor designed to be worn on your fingernail and will help you manage your sun intake. Lenovo unveiled their "Smart Display" which serves as a smart home assistant with a screen. Honda showed their new robotic concepts. Samsung's "The Wall" TV is a 146-inch modular TV.



It was displayed to be customization-ready for changing to any size and the rest of the screen camouflages into the wall. My Special Aflac Duck is a toy designed for children suffering from cancer. These ducks respond with "emotional" reactions when certain tokens are placed on their chest. They are meant to provide the children with a sense of companionship and will be provided free of charge. Lenovo continued to expand their Thinkpad line. Vuzix Blade created augmented reality glasses to compete with google glass. The glasses support Amazon Alexa and will sit prominently in the wearers vision. Byton unveiled their newest concept car. The car features several large screens and is slated to release to the public in 2020. Movi Phone is a new smartphone that will run android and project 720p video. Eadicicco's last highlight is the Philips SmartSleep which is a headband that is intended to assist in achieving better sleep habits.

Razer's booth showcased a giant keyboard which is actually functional. They also presented future plans for the Razer phone including integration into the Blade series and partnership with Netflix. Razer phones are going to plug into Blade laptops and actually support the entire power for the system. Currently the phones take the place of the touchpad and connect to the laptop's systems. The intention for the future is to make the phone the strength and power of the laptop.

HTC showcased their new Vive Pro which they hope will continue to boost peoples excitement for VR. The HTC Vive Pro is an upgraded wireless version of the Vive VR headset. 

Intel made many PC gamers extrememely happy when they revealed their new line for CPU's. Nvidia also blew gamers minds when they announced they will be producing 65 inch gaming displays capable of 4k resolution and HDR. LG revealed the world's first rollable OLED display. The TV rolls into a console for storage which not only makes it space efficient, but hypothetically portable. 



In a callback to my first blog post, one of the largest advancements seen at CES is in the field of 3D Printing. 3D printers are now beginning to come in cost-saving models and packages. The newest revolution is actually the medium in which they print. Instead of printing with plastic, some printers now use metal instead. 

The Retro Revival

The Retro Revival

Everyone has a sense of nostalgia. Whether it is for their favorite old TV show or just a favorite memory varies from person to person. Nowadays it's become a fad to use and enjoy older technology. In an article titled, "The Retro-Tech Revival," the author, Mike Walsh, explains why some people might see that "the future of technology is in the past." He talks about how Nokia phones are being released again, Nintendo is releasing the NES and SNES Classic Editions, and even the revival of typewriters. 

Now you may be thinking that people just want to have a throwback, but the power of nostalgia vision is much stronger than that. 

That's right, these systems are selling for close to $300, a little more than triple the original price of the original NES in 1985. These classic editions don't even play all the games originally created for the system, they only play a select amount of pre-loaded titles. The throwback console game has even grown to include Sega and Atari.

This isn't Atari's only current project either. Atari is planning on coming out with the Atari VCS (Video Computer System). This new system will not only play classic Atari 2600 games like the Flashback but also new games, as it will be running a Linux OS. This means that the VCS will essentially function as a living room desktop. Atari has said that they plan on making a sort of "sandbox" mode on the system allowing for a basic Linux desktop screen. This system will have the capability to download the Linux port of Steam and Steam games. However, no specs, price, or official release date have been announced. 

 One of the biggest examples of the return of retro can be seen in the music industry. Several artists are re-releasing albums on vinyl records again. These LP's are coming back into popularity and reviving an industry thought to be dead. Any tech section at stores like Target is bound to at least sell one type of record player. This isn't just an observation either, I am one of the people involved in this fad.

The old school feel of records allows for fans both old and new to enjoy their favorite artists like they're back in the "good ol' days."

This new industry has grown so large that even new bands have begun to press their albums. I personally own an LP of Pierce the Veil's Misadventures, and Adelitas Way's Stuck. Neither of these bands were formed for the original era of vinyl. 

The last retro industry I want to talk about is the instant camera scene. People today have cameras everywhere, from their phones to their security system. This doesn't lessen peoples fascination with pictures at all. People have progressively moved over to Dslr cameras. These cameras allow for great pictures and have amazing connectivity, some can even email photos directly from the camera. As of late, however, people have moved back to instant cameras like Polaroids. This cameras allow for a retro feel and keepsake at the same time. The main downside to these cameras is you continually have to pay for film.

Technology in sports

Technology in Sports

Sports has been apart of our culture and many other culture since the beginning of time. It is one of those rare things that has the power to bring people together and set aside all their differences and allow them to be on the same team. Sports is continuing to change and evolve  through its rules, regulations, dynamics and overall perception behind the game. The beauty behind sports is that it will always remain true to its roots. One reasoning to why we are seeing these changes is through the involvement of technology. We are living in a time in where we are all consumed by technology and even has found its way to affect the sports we come to love. Whether it's through the scoreboards at games, the broadcast booth, what goes on inside the locker room, or even through the equipment players use. Not all technological innovations are provide  negativity, there are some advances that have shown to have help make the games to be more safe and fair. In this blog, I am hoping for you to come out of this and be aware of all the technology that is involved in the Sports Industry and have a better understanding of these innovation.

Technology has allowed to provide a safer and more fair game-playing environment among any sport.  In the NFL and NHL, players have been introduced with “smart helmets”. Since, these are the two main contact sports aside from Rugby, Boxing, and UFC who do not use any type of protective gear for the head, body, or other specific areas. Both the NFL and NHL, but mostly the NFL have faced much backlash recently for all the untreated concussions that have been fatal for many of their players in years past. The way medical staffs and how the NFL and NHL treated concussions and other head trauma injuries was believed to be behind all of this. The NFL and NHL responses by establishing new policies and Rules that takes these head injuries more serious. The real problem has always been the helmets being used. Through many experimental studies the helmets being used have been seen to make a greater chance of injuring your head. According to Sam Cohen of the Huffington Post, Riddell, the manufacturer of the many helmets  being used in the NFL have launched a new more safer and advanced helmet that will help protect the players and address all these head trauma injuries. The specs behind these smart helmets are “introducing a new sensor and magnet technology into this equipment. The sensors detect and disperse the force of collisions, while the magnet will help by spreading and absorbing the force.” Although, concussions and other head injuries are continuing to occur we are seeing a lower level compared to the years past. If it wasn’t for the involvement of technology we could have continued to seen our favorite players continue to get hurt and jeopardize both their careers and lives.

Another way technology has revolutionized the sports landscape is through implement of  instant replays. This system of allowing us to capture a moment, a play more than once has helped the integrity and total fairness of the game. All sports used the instant replay. It is the most used for referees who have to come to a decision for challenges in the game. They can also use instant replays to highlight or showcase something spectacular like one handed catches, Dunks, robbing homeruns, bicycle kicks, etc. I can’t imagine how unfair these games would have continued to have been if we didn’t introduce the instant replay. There is a particular event that I remember my dad talks to this day. On November 11, 1985 the San Francisco 49ers faced the Denver Broncos in a snowy blizzard day. Due to the weather circumstances this game was so close that it resulted in every Touchdown or Field Goal to be very vital. The 49ers were set to hit a field goal in the final seconds of the 4th quarter that would’ve won the game if it wasn’t for a Bronco fan who threw a snowball at the football holder. The holder mistook it for the football and it miscued everything. It ultimately lead to the 49ers missing the field goal and losing the game. Instant Replay wasn’t a thing back then. The referees couldn’t tell because it was snowing at the moment, but many viewers including my father remember seeing that snowball. 20 years, we are able to rewatch this game and see that this magic snowball was true. If that were to happen in today's games. The referees would’ve been able to use instant replay to see how unfair this play was and throw some kind of flag/foul on the Broncos. I’m sure there were many games like these back then.

  Within the locker rooms, the number one thing that all players and coaches do is prepare themselves for their opponents.  This is where players go over drills and playbook so when they are on the field they are all on the same page. When studying for an opponent's, back then they would have to rely on the scouts of their teams/ Later as time progressed through the involvement of technology they are able use real game footage. All this preparedness gets both teams ready and leads to a better, more competitive game. How many times did you see when Tom Brady or Peyton Manning after a drive goes and sits down on the bench and picks up a big blue tablet that shows what he just did wrong 10 seconds ago or what he could improve? Not only are these players are being affected, so are the fans. Thanks to the new technological innovations in the way we record a game. We are now able to see any sports game in the best quality from the luxury of our couch. We are able to have multi-camera angles, broadcasting, and be where the action is throughout the game. That is a big upgrade compared to 60 years ago when our grandparents were only able to listen to the world series through the radio and only can imagine what was going on.

For the future of technology in sports, I’m sure we will still continue to upgrade and find a way to make these sports more safer and sufficient and provide integrity of the game. There is a boundary when it comes to technology and sports. I don’t suggest we incorporate robot umpires behind the plate, courtside, or anywhere at all. This the biggest each sport has become ever since they were created. NBA,MLB, NFL, FIFA, UFC, etc are all seeing the high rates in these days and it evident through the incorporation of these sports collabing with technologies. We as sports fans should be lucky for what have right now. It is a nice balance of the two. Should we continue to implement technology to our sports or just leave as it is? Or are these technology aspects that we are already exposes to have already went against the integrity behind the game?

blog#6

Hello collegians

Today well be talking about nanotechnology specifically putting nano particles in your body.It just like plastic surgery but without spoiled brats.But just like every topic out there are pros and cons to thing that sound potentially dangerous.Due to this nature I’m going tell you what I think and let you think for yourself if it is a good idea.

First let's start with the pros with major one being that it could be used in medicine.One of them being that it can see and diagnosis problems in the body.Another thing it can do is deliver drugs to the part of the body that actually needs it.As well as help treat  cancer by killing the tumors in the body.It can even help with treat genetic diseases just like cancer I stated before.

Now let's start with the cons of having mini robots in your body.First let's start with that you may get morbidity and mortality by cardiovascular effects.Which basically means you may die or get a disease involving the heart.The same could be said to the lungs which it too could make kill you or a disease like SARS.Another thing that could happen is the translocation and toxicity of cells to other organs which can make a whole lot of problems.

 Personally I’m kinda on the ladder on this one considering they both due harm and good to people.Yay it could get rid of your cancer and other diseases but it could possibly kill you and give health problems.I think we need to wait a long time so that this can be fixed so we won’t get killed by the robots.In all honesty it’s up to you whether or not this is a bad idea seeing I have rule over you.

In conclusion science could make people good or make them feel afraid.And with the nanoparticles being in your body being afraid is alright.Seeing that it could kill you or at least give a disease. But it could help treat cancer and genetic diseases which makes it sound kinda risky.It’s all up to you to decide whether it is good or bad for society.

                                                                                                       Sincerely,

                                                                                                        Charlie

   Maureen R. Gwinn and Val Vallyathan “Nanoparticles: Health Effects -pro and cons” ,  Published by Environmental Health Perspective ,( Dec 2006) vol.114 , No.12 ,pp. 1818-1825

https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/4119591.pdf?refreqid=excelsior%3A080983c473bf6649bca5e9890d5c0a1b

Hoverboards

Brian Eguizabal

ENG-105

Professor. Tabios

30 March 2018

Where are these Hoverboards?

Let's all be honest, there has had to be a time in where we always wanted to own or use a hoverboard. I personally always fathomed the idea of hoverboards ever since I watched Back to the Future Part 2 and watched that infamous Marty Mcfly hoverboard scene. Since that I've always been excited for the future. The movie was set in the year 2015, that’s been 3 years ago and I don’t see anyone in the neighborhood roaming around on their iconic pink “Mattel Hoverboards”. All though  it was just a movie and it should have not been considered as a legitimate source for the availability of hoverboards. This raises questions like are we ever going to get our hands on these contraptions? There is hope. The technology from todays looks highly advanced compared to the technology present in the 1960’s. In this blog I will go over the current state of these hoverboards. I will also discuss the future of these mechanisms and develop of an output of when we can imagine ourselves on hoverboards.

To be clear, there are currently some models of hoverboards already out there in the world. The only problem is, these models don’t exactly meet the expectations we would have based off our fantasies. As briefly mentioned in a CNN Article, “Hoverboards that actually hover? They're here” by Thom Patterson the ultimate source that limits the full potential of the hoverboard is the battery core. In order to have these things be mobile they would need a battery core that is “lightweight”. The problem people are facing is that these “lightweight” batteries don’t have the amount of juice to keep a mechanism like a hoverboard on for a long time. In so the hunt for different alternatives to keep these hoverboards on for a long period of time is on. Canadian entrepreneur, Philippe Maalouf was used in this article for his contribution in the hoverboard project. Like other who are in the same boat, they haven’t found the ultimate power source and are even considering using “gasoline-fueled engines.” The estimated retail price at this time is from $25,000 to $50,000.” For a model that is in its first stages and who might not have that amount of money to spend. This idea just sounds unappealing for the moment.

To be fair, I feel like we are more closer to achieving our goals than we were a decade ago. The two main problems I feel affect the availability of hoverboards are regulations and prices. As previously mentioned in the CNN article, regulations can really affect the idea of seeing these completed innovations anywhere. The road, streets, and environment may get affected if we just have millions of people hovering around. If Maalouf’s gas alternative seems to be the way to power up these machines then this plane is in trouble in the long run. Imagine all the gas being used on all the cars, planes, motorcycles, and now hoverboards. All that amount of pollution can be fatal in the environment. In terms of prices, I expect to see it as high as 50,000 for the wave of these technological innovation. It is kind of a throwback to where the very first iphones and Macs were a fortune to be able to own. Over time, once companies and the inventors improve their products within each model. Then I feel like we’ll get a better product at a more reasonable price. I am not expecting these things to be under 2,000 to be honest. Based off the facts and information we’ve been given. I predict we the general public will be able to get our hands on these hoverboards in 10-15 years. My expectations are less exciting now after doing this research. One big reason is that the prices may be a bit high. The other thing is that there will be a lot of laws and regulations in place for my safety and all those around me. This means we can't just be riding our hoverboards casually like those girls from Back To The Future who Marty McFly borrowed from. How much more longer do you think we have to wait? Would you buy one at these high prices? Are you all ok with these regulations that may be set in place?

blog#5

Hello collegians

Today we’ll talk about the advancement of prosthetic limbs which surprisingly is a huge. It’s actually interesting to see the old version we are using back then and now. To the ones the scientists are inventing right now.This advancements will make a lot of people happy and make them feel whole.Which is a good thing the world of science is doing.

Prosthetic limbs have change over the centuries since it was invention. The first one was made in 300 BC and was made of iron and wood.It wasn’t until 1997 when prosthetics were improved that they can customized settings for them.And now they could just more than walking and grabbing. People can now do stuff they want to do like for example people in the paralympics and what the scientist doing now it can do much better.

As for the the future they are working on a exoskeleton that you could control with your mind. It involves a whole lot of words so I’m just going to shorten it for you.So they have to implant electrodes in the brain and increase the neurons. In which another implant well detect them in the cortex.This all will be connected to a neurochip near the skull along with the electrodes so they could get the raw motor commands to control the exoskeleton.And if they could do it for four limbs they could certainly do the same thing for prosthetic limbs all they have to do is connect the neurochip to the prosthetic limb.

People with limbs either losing it or not being born with one sometimes feel like well not whole.And it usually takes some time to get rid of that feeling I should know one of my relatives doesn’t have a arm.But with this they can feel whole sooner because they can control their limb.Which could make people feel great especially for military people who lost one in battle.

So there you have it  prosthetic limbs and there advancements over the centuries and the future.Like I said science is doing a good thing for the world.And the advancement of prosthetic limbs this is one of the reasons why.It can a lot of people in the military and people born without one as well as the one in accidents.

                                                                                                                                Sincerely,

                                                                                                                                 Charlie

Miguel  A. L. Nicolelis “Mind in Motion” Scientific American SI: Beyond the limits of science, published by Scientific american , a division of Nature America ,Inc.(September 2012) pp.58-63 https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/26016080.pdf?refreqid=excelsior%3Ae962d92538359c9d6b76f75153314df8