On December 16th 2014, NASA announced that its Curiosity Rover had discovered organic molecules in an ancient rock on the surface of Mars. The molecules which consist of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen are the building blocks of life on Earth. NASA further stated that this is not necessarily an indication of life previously existing on Mars, as the same molecules can be created from chemical processes that do not involve life.
NASA also announced that Curiosity had detected a momentary increase in methane in the Martian atmosphere. Methane is a common gas found on Earth and is produced in good quantities by people and animals. The presence of methane could be an indication of possible life on Mars, in the past or present. However, NASA feels that it is too soon to consider the temporary spike in methane as proof that micro organisms, which also produce methane, are a possible cause.
In another report, NASA revealed that Curiosity had also discovered water molecules in a Martian rock sample. The rock, called Cumberland was drilled into and analyzed by Curiosity's SAM (Sample Analysis at Mars) equipment. It is believed that the water molecules were bound into the rock some three billion years ago and were freed when heated by the SAM analysis.
Though all of the recent findings made by the Curiosity Rover may not mean that life exists, or ever existed on Mars, they are none the less, fascinating at best.
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
The Coming Of Quantum Dot TV
On December 16th 2014, LG announced the release of its new Quantum Dot televisions. The QD equipped TVs will also be 4K or Ultra High Definition as well. LG says that the new Quantum Dot technology will improve color reproduction.
Quantum Dot technology is a new back lighting scheme for LCD TVs. Quantum Dots are essentially nano crystal semiconductors that are only about 50 atoms in size. LCD TVs use LEDs for back lighting. These LEDs use a yellow phosphor to create white light. This reduces the intensity of hues in the red wavelengths. A cleaner source of white light was sought after, and that's where Quantum Dots come in. Quantum Dots are basically phosphorescent crystals that glow when you shine light on them.
TV manufacturers are using a sheet of film saturated with Quantum Dots, They've replaced the yellow phosphor coated LEDs with a blue LED. The Quantum Dots can be engineered to glow in a specific color, allowing for very precise shades of red and green to be obtained. The light from the blue LED is combined with the glowing red and green Quantum Dots to produce a white light with fewer transient peaks. The result is brighter, more accurate colors.
Those who are interested in finding out more about the new Quantum Dot TVs can do so at the CES ( Consumer Electronics Show), on January 6th 2015, in Las Vegas.
Quantum Dot technology is a new back lighting scheme for LCD TVs. Quantum Dots are essentially nano crystal semiconductors that are only about 50 atoms in size. LCD TVs use LEDs for back lighting. These LEDs use a yellow phosphor to create white light. This reduces the intensity of hues in the red wavelengths. A cleaner source of white light was sought after, and that's where Quantum Dots come in. Quantum Dots are basically phosphorescent crystals that glow when you shine light on them.
TV manufacturers are using a sheet of film saturated with Quantum Dots, They've replaced the yellow phosphor coated LEDs with a blue LED. The Quantum Dots can be engineered to glow in a specific color, allowing for very precise shades of red and green to be obtained. The light from the blue LED is combined with the glowing red and green Quantum Dots to produce a white light with fewer transient peaks. The result is brighter, more accurate colors.
Those who are interested in finding out more about the new Quantum Dot TVs can do so at the CES ( Consumer Electronics Show), on January 6th 2015, in Las Vegas.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Orion Marks New Era In Space Exploration
On December 5 2014, NASA successfully launched its Orion spacecraft into space. The launch marked NASA's return to space exploration. The spacecraft lifted off aboard a Delta IV Heavy Rocket to a height of 3,600 miles above the Earth, for an unmanned test flight that lasted 4.5 hours.
The Orion space craft which was built by Lockheed Martin, is a return to the capsule design that was used in the Apollo missions. The Orion is 16.5 feet in diameter which is 1.5 times larger then the Apollo capsules, and is designed to seat up to six crew members. Like the Apollo spacecrafts, the Orion will also be joined to a service module which was built by the European Space Agency. The service module will contain foldout solar panels for electricity, oxygen for life support, and rocket engines for propelling the spacecraft.
At the end of its flight, Orion returned to Earth at a speed of 20,000 miles per hour as its heat shield brought it successfully through the atmosphere. Its huge main parachutes brought it to a safe splash down in the Pacific Ocean. Orion is not scheduled to fly again until a scheduled launch in 2017, when it will make an unmanned flight to and around the moon. At that time it is expected to use the Space Launch Systems rocket to lift it into space.
Orion's primary mission goal is a manned flight to Mars. However, no manned flights are scheduled until 2021.
The Orion space craft which was built by Lockheed Martin, is a return to the capsule design that was used in the Apollo missions. The Orion is 16.5 feet in diameter which is 1.5 times larger then the Apollo capsules, and is designed to seat up to six crew members. Like the Apollo spacecrafts, the Orion will also be joined to a service module which was built by the European Space Agency. The service module will contain foldout solar panels for electricity, oxygen for life support, and rocket engines for propelling the spacecraft.
At the end of its flight, Orion returned to Earth at a speed of 20,000 miles per hour as its heat shield brought it successfully through the atmosphere. Its huge main parachutes brought it to a safe splash down in the Pacific Ocean. Orion is not scheduled to fly again until a scheduled launch in 2017, when it will make an unmanned flight to and around the moon. At that time it is expected to use the Space Launch Systems rocket to lift it into space.
Orion's primary mission goal is a manned flight to Mars. However, no manned flights are scheduled until 2021.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Machine Turns Water Into Fuel
On November 18th 2014, A German company, Sunfire GmbH, announced that it had created a machine that can turn water and carbon dioxide into synthetic fossil fuels. The machine uses Power-to-Liquids technology to reassemble hydrogen and carbon molecules into synthetic petrol, diesel, and kerosene.
Sunfire GmbH used a technique that was based on the Fischer-Tropsch process that was developed in 1925. They also used solid oxide electrolyser cells to turn water into steam. The oxygen was then removed from the steam leaving only the hydrogen. Then carbon dioxide that was either harvested from the atmosphere, precipitated at biogas facilities, or retrieved by using waste gas processing, was converted into carbon monoxide.
The hydrogen and carbon monoxide was then synthesized into high purity fuels using Power-to-Liquids technology. The remaining excess heat was then used to create more steam, there by perpetuating the process. Sunfire GmbH says that this ensures an efficiency rate of 70%.
The machine, at this point is only for demonstration and feasibility purposes. It has a capacity for recycling Co2 at a rate of about 3.2 tons per ton of fuel created and the ability to create one barrel of fuel per day.
Sunfire GmbH used a technique that was based on the Fischer-Tropsch process that was developed in 1925. They also used solid oxide electrolyser cells to turn water into steam. The oxygen was then removed from the steam leaving only the hydrogen. Then carbon dioxide that was either harvested from the atmosphere, precipitated at biogas facilities, or retrieved by using waste gas processing, was converted into carbon monoxide.
The hydrogen and carbon monoxide was then synthesized into high purity fuels using Power-to-Liquids technology. The remaining excess heat was then used to create more steam, there by perpetuating the process. Sunfire GmbH says that this ensures an efficiency rate of 70%.
The machine, at this point is only for demonstration and feasibility purposes. It has a capacity for recycling Co2 at a rate of about 3.2 tons per ton of fuel created and the ability to create one barrel of fuel per day.
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Lunar Mission One
On November 19th 2014, it was announced that a Kickstarter campaign had begun for Lunar Mission One. Lunar Mission One is the brain child of a UK based team called Lunar Missions LTD. the project plans to bury a time capsule containing digital memory boxes at the moon's south pole.
Lunar Mission One will be in two parts, a public and a private archive. An unmanned robotic lander will be sent to the moon to drill the rock at it's southern pole region. Scientist will have a chance to explore a previously unexplored area of rock that could date back to the beginning of the solar system, some 4.5 billion years ago. The time capsule will be laid after several months of drilling.
The Kickstarter campaign raised $313,000 in its first 24 hours and has managed to garner $500,000 as of November 26th, 2014. The goal is to raise $950,000 by December 18th, 2014. Minimum pledges are set at $1.50, but for $94 or more anyone can reserve a space in the public archive. The expected launch of Lunar Mission One is 2024.
Lunar Mission One will be in two parts, a public and a private archive. An unmanned robotic lander will be sent to the moon to drill the rock at it's southern pole region. Scientist will have a chance to explore a previously unexplored area of rock that could date back to the beginning of the solar system, some 4.5 billion years ago. The time capsule will be laid after several months of drilling.
The Kickstarter campaign raised $313,000 in its first 24 hours and has managed to garner $500,000 as of November 26th, 2014. The goal is to raise $950,000 by December 18th, 2014. Minimum pledges are set at $1.50, but for $94 or more anyone can reserve a space in the public archive. The expected launch of Lunar Mission One is 2024.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Google's YouTube Music Key Becomes Reality
On November 17th 2014 the long rumored music streaming service from Google became a reality, as Google announced the release of its YouTube Music Key. The streaming service is being offered both as an ad supported version and an ad free subscription version.
The ad sponsored version, YouTube Music, will now offer not only your favorite songs but will allow users to stream full albums. After finalizing deals with the major labels, YouTube Music now has access to an extensive catalog of music that reaches across a wide array of genres. If there is a video for a particular song, the clip will play as usual. If the song doesn't have a video, then the listener will watch an "Art Track," which is simply a clip of the album art for that particular song.
The ad free subscription version, YouTube Music Key, is being offered right now for a promotional price of $7.99 per month. The regular price will be $9.99 per month. Subscribers will also get access to YouTube's extensive catalog of songs, but will get the added benefit of being able to store there favorite tracks on their smart phones, for offline playback. But wait, there's more. YouTube Music Key subscribers will also get a membership to Google Play Music, its music only subscription service.
YouTube Music Key is currently in beta. You can ask for an invitation, and if you're lucky enough to get one, you will be able to try YouTube Music Key free for six months.
The ad sponsored version, YouTube Music, will now offer not only your favorite songs but will allow users to stream full albums. After finalizing deals with the major labels, YouTube Music now has access to an extensive catalog of music that reaches across a wide array of genres. If there is a video for a particular song, the clip will play as usual. If the song doesn't have a video, then the listener will watch an "Art Track," which is simply a clip of the album art for that particular song.
The ad free subscription version, YouTube Music Key, is being offered right now for a promotional price of $7.99 per month. The regular price will be $9.99 per month. Subscribers will also get access to YouTube's extensive catalog of songs, but will get the added benefit of being able to store there favorite tracks on their smart phones, for offline playback. But wait, there's more. YouTube Music Key subscribers will also get a membership to Google Play Music, its music only subscription service.
YouTube Music Key is currently in beta. You can ask for an invitation, and if you're lucky enough to get one, you will be able to try YouTube Music Key free for six months.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Lytro's Light Field Tech
On November 6th 2014, Lytro announced that it would open up its light field technology for development by other companies. Many companies have been quick to jump on board including NASA and the Department of Defense. The new Lytro Development Kit or LDK is expected to license for $20,000 annually.
Lytro's light field technology is used in cameras and allows the user to manipulate the focus of a photograph after the shot has been taken. It does this by using a light field sensor that senses the direction from which the light is traveling relative to the shot, rather than capturing the light from a single plane. Using the additional software, a user can pivot the shot around for a 3D effect or alter the focus.
Lytro released its first light field camera in 2011. Since then it has become a huge hit within the photographic and scientific communities. The camera uses a megaray sensor rather than megapixels for its source of resolution. The technology has great potential for 3D gaming. NASA, however hopes to incorporate the technology into its planetary rovers and other space missions. The Department of Defense is eying the technology's use in it's Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate.
Lytro's light field technology is used in cameras and allows the user to manipulate the focus of a photograph after the shot has been taken. It does this by using a light field sensor that senses the direction from which the light is traveling relative to the shot, rather than capturing the light from a single plane. Using the additional software, a user can pivot the shot around for a 3D effect or alter the focus.
Lytro released its first light field camera in 2011. Since then it has become a huge hit within the photographic and scientific communities. The camera uses a megaray sensor rather than megapixels for its source of resolution. The technology has great potential for 3D gaming. NASA, however hopes to incorporate the technology into its planetary rovers and other space missions. The Department of Defense is eying the technology's use in it's Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Rosetta's Rendezvous With History
On November 12th 2014, the Rosetta spacecraft will attempt to make history by deploying its lander, Philae, onto the surface of Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. The $1.6 billion mission will provide humanity with its first glimpse of the physical make up of a comet.
On November 4 2014, the European Space Agency announced that the landing site on comet 67P, formally known as Site J, had been renamed, Agilkia, which is the name of an island in the Nile river.
The landing is scheduled to begin at 8:35am on November 12th and it is expected to take Philae 7 hours to reach the comets surface. Confirmation of the lander's touchdown is expected to be about 4:00 pm. While Philae descends it will take pictures and perform experiments.
Once Philae lands, it will begin another series of experiments that may help in unraveling the composition of comets. A drill will take tiny pieces of comet into the lander where they will be tested by several devices. A gas chromatograph mass spectrometer will analyze the ratios of the different isotopes of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and other elements found on comet P67. The Rosetta spacecraft will monitor all of Philae's activities while it orbits comet P67.
Scientists are hopeful that they will find evidence of amino acids, which are the building blocks of life. If so, it will confirm that comets brought those building blocks to the Earth. Other experiments may confirm that comets also brought water to the Earth. Proof of both could mean that life did indeed come from space.
On November 4 2014, the European Space Agency announced that the landing site on comet 67P, formally known as Site J, had been renamed, Agilkia, which is the name of an island in the Nile river.
The landing is scheduled to begin at 8:35am on November 12th and it is expected to take Philae 7 hours to reach the comets surface. Confirmation of the lander's touchdown is expected to be about 4:00 pm. While Philae descends it will take pictures and perform experiments.
Once Philae lands, it will begin another series of experiments that may help in unraveling the composition of comets. A drill will take tiny pieces of comet into the lander where they will be tested by several devices. A gas chromatograph mass spectrometer will analyze the ratios of the different isotopes of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and other elements found on comet P67. The Rosetta spacecraft will monitor all of Philae's activities while it orbits comet P67.
Scientists are hopeful that they will find evidence of amino acids, which are the building blocks of life. If so, it will confirm that comets brought those building blocks to the Earth. Other experiments may confirm that comets also brought water to the Earth. Proof of both could mean that life did indeed come from space.
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Tractor Beam Becomes Reality
On October 19th 2014, scientist at the Australian National University announced that they had created a reversible tractor beam. Dr. Vladlen Shevdov and Dr. Cyril Hnatovsky say that they have created a long range optical tractor beam that uses a hollow laser.
The tractor beam is capable of moving particles that are one fifth of a millimeter in size, a distance of 20 centimeter, which is 100 times further than any previous experiment. The ANU tractor beam uses the energy of the laser to heat up particles and the air around them. The team at ANU used gold coated hollow glass particles in their demonstration.
The ANU tractor beam works by trapping the particles in the dark center of the laser. Energy from the beam hits the particles and travels across their surfaces where it is absorbed, creating hot spots. When air particles collide with the hot spots, they shoot away from the surfaces of the gold particles, causing them to recoil in the opposite direction.
The gold particles where then manipulated by changing the polarization of the laser beam. The polarization was changed by altering the shape of the laser from a doughnut shape to a star shape (axial), or a ring shape (azimuthal). Moving smoothly from one polarization to another causes the particle to stop or reverse its direction.
The ANU team say that because lasers can retain the quality of their beams over long distances, their tractor beam could possibly work over meters.
The tractor beam is capable of moving particles that are one fifth of a millimeter in size, a distance of 20 centimeter, which is 100 times further than any previous experiment. The ANU tractor beam uses the energy of the laser to heat up particles and the air around them. The team at ANU used gold coated hollow glass particles in their demonstration.
The ANU tractor beam works by trapping the particles in the dark center of the laser. Energy from the beam hits the particles and travels across their surfaces where it is absorbed, creating hot spots. When air particles collide with the hot spots, they shoot away from the surfaces of the gold particles, causing them to recoil in the opposite direction.
The gold particles where then manipulated by changing the polarization of the laser beam. The polarization was changed by altering the shape of the laser from a doughnut shape to a star shape (axial), or a ring shape (azimuthal). Moving smoothly from one polarization to another causes the particle to stop or reverse its direction.
The ANU team say that because lasers can retain the quality of their beams over long distances, their tractor beam could possibly work over meters.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Lockheed Claims Fusion Breakthrough
On October 16th 2014, Lockheed Martin announced that it had made a breakthrough in fusion technology that would allow them to create a Compact Fusion Reactor (CFR). The breakthrough is the result of a 10 member team in Lockheed's Sunk Works, or advance technologies division.
Nuclear fission is the process that is used in current reactor technology. It is the process of splitting atoms, and can leave waste products that can contaminate the Earth seemingly forever. Nuclear fusion, on the other hand, is the process that powers the sun. And, just as it sounds, atoms are fused together to create energy. The resulting wastes products are far less radioactive with a shorter length of decay.
A fusion reactor makes use of a hydrogen isotope known as deuterium, which is found in sea water, and tritium which is derived from lithium. The most notable fusion reactors have so far all been of the Tokamak variety. A tokamak generates energy by fusing ions into a super heated gas known as plasma. The plasma is so hot that it can only be contained by means of magnetic constriction.
The difference between the CFR or T4, as Lockheed has named it, is the design of the magnetic containment vessel. A tokamak uses a toroidal or doughnut shaped containment design, which can only hold so much plasma before reaching its beta limit. This reduces the tokamak's ability to produce as much energy as it consumes. The Lockheed design makes use of magnetic field confinement, but in linear rings, or "cusps." The CFR also makes use of axisymetric mirrors, which are magnetic fields that reflect any particle that might escape the vessel. This helps the CFR be more efficient.
The size and cost of a tokamak can also be extreme. The current Tokamak project being constructed in France is the ITER, an international effort that costs about $50 billion and when completed will be an estimated 100 feet high and will weigh approximately 23,000 tons. Because the Skunk Works team expects to also use a self tuning feedback system and particle recirculation, Lockheed contends that the CFR will be able to operate at 90% of the size of a tokamak. This means that it will most likely have a physical footprint of no more than 7 feet by 10 feet.
The CFR project is in its early stages, but the Skunk Works team at Lockheed believe that they can have a prototype up and running within the next five years, with use in military applications in 10 years. In twenty years, Lockheed expects to deliver a working fusion reactor to the rest of the world.
Nuclear fission is the process that is used in current reactor technology. It is the process of splitting atoms, and can leave waste products that can contaminate the Earth seemingly forever. Nuclear fusion, on the other hand, is the process that powers the sun. And, just as it sounds, atoms are fused together to create energy. The resulting wastes products are far less radioactive with a shorter length of decay.
A fusion reactor makes use of a hydrogen isotope known as deuterium, which is found in sea water, and tritium which is derived from lithium. The most notable fusion reactors have so far all been of the Tokamak variety. A tokamak generates energy by fusing ions into a super heated gas known as plasma. The plasma is so hot that it can only be contained by means of magnetic constriction.
The difference between the CFR or T4, as Lockheed has named it, is the design of the magnetic containment vessel. A tokamak uses a toroidal or doughnut shaped containment design, which can only hold so much plasma before reaching its beta limit. This reduces the tokamak's ability to produce as much energy as it consumes. The Lockheed design makes use of magnetic field confinement, but in linear rings, or "cusps." The CFR also makes use of axisymetric mirrors, which are magnetic fields that reflect any particle that might escape the vessel. This helps the CFR be more efficient.
The size and cost of a tokamak can also be extreme. The current Tokamak project being constructed in France is the ITER, an international effort that costs about $50 billion and when completed will be an estimated 100 feet high and will weigh approximately 23,000 tons. Because the Skunk Works team expects to also use a self tuning feedback system and particle recirculation, Lockheed contends that the CFR will be able to operate at 90% of the size of a tokamak. This means that it will most likely have a physical footprint of no more than 7 feet by 10 feet.
The CFR project is in its early stages, but the Skunk Works team at Lockheed believe that they can have a prototype up and running within the next five years, with use in military applications in 10 years. In twenty years, Lockheed expects to deliver a working fusion reactor to the rest of the world.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
ICANN Expands Domain Names
In October 2013, ICANN, (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers), began releasing new domain names for registration. In October 2014, ICANN approved hundreds of some 1,930 applications for domain names. Names like .coffe, .email, and .xyz, are now available.
Under its gTLD, (generic top level domains), program, ICANN intends to help facilitate competition and innovation, feeling that this will create a globally inclusive internet, regardless of language. A change like this will allow many businesses an opportunity to highlight their brand in more a direct way. Getting the word out will be the next priority for ICANN, as it is most likely that most of the world does not yet know about the new domains.
Some of the other domains that are now available are, .imb, .channel, .pizza, .business, .auction, and the list goes on. If you are a musician you may be interested in the domain, .band, which is also available.
Under its gTLD, (generic top level domains), program, ICANN intends to help facilitate competition and innovation, feeling that this will create a globally inclusive internet, regardless of language. A change like this will allow many businesses an opportunity to highlight their brand in more a direct way. Getting the word out will be the next priority for ICANN, as it is most likely that most of the world does not yet know about the new domains.
Some of the other domains that are now available are, .imb, .channel, .pizza, .business, .auction, and the list goes on. If you are a musician you may be interested in the domain, .band, which is also available.
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
New Qunatum Teleportation Record
On September 21st 2014, scientists at the University of Geneva announced that they had successfully teleported the quantum state of a photon to a crystal encased photon 25 kilometers away. This experiment breaks the old record of 6 kilometers also set by the University of Geneva back in 2003.
The experiment was performed by creating a state of entanglement of two photons via a laser, then sending one of the photons through a fiber optic cable, while simultaneously sending the other photon to a crystal where it was stored. Then, a third photon was sent through the fiber optic cable where it collided with the first photon effectively destroying both photons.
When the scientists measured the results of the collision of the two photons, they discovered that the quantum state information of the third photon had not been destroyed. It had, however. made its way into the crystal where the second photon had been stored. This verified that the quantum state of a photon can be preserved with the two photons not needing to come into physical contact with each other. The crystal then became a memory storage point.
While all of this may not seem very exciting, the possibilities for future applications are phenomenal.
In fact, quantum encryption may one day make it possible for instantaneous communications, which would be great for future deep space missions or missions to Mars. One day, we might see a quantum internet that makes use of quantum routers that don't destroy the quantum information.
The experiment was performed by creating a state of entanglement of two photons via a laser, then sending one of the photons through a fiber optic cable, while simultaneously sending the other photon to a crystal where it was stored. Then, a third photon was sent through the fiber optic cable where it collided with the first photon effectively destroying both photons.
When the scientists measured the results of the collision of the two photons, they discovered that the quantum state information of the third photon had not been destroyed. It had, however. made its way into the crystal where the second photon had been stored. This verified that the quantum state of a photon can be preserved with the two photons not needing to come into physical contact with each other. The crystal then became a memory storage point.
While all of this may not seem very exciting, the possibilities for future applications are phenomenal.
In fact, quantum encryption may one day make it possible for instantaneous communications, which would be great for future deep space missions or missions to Mars. One day, we might see a quantum internet that makes use of quantum routers that don't destroy the quantum information.
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Microsoft Goes From 8.1 to Windows 10
On September 30th 2014, Microsoft announced the coming of it next OS. But, instead of Windows 9, as most bloggers and tech analysts had anticipated, the new operating system will be called Windows 10. Microsoft says that the new OS will be compatible with a broad range of devices and wanted a name that would reflect the operating system's redesign and new approach.
As is well known by now, Windows 8 has been very slow to be adopted. Many consumers despised the removal of the start menu in favor of the Windows Metro design, which featured its Live Tiles. The change in Windows 8 was an effort to take advantage of the growing usage of the touch screen technology of mobile devices. But, many desktop users were lost when trying to use the interface with mouse and keyboard. In October 2013, Microsoft released Windows 8.1 which fixed many of the problems that plagued Windows 8, including the return of the start button. However, the Metro interface still remained.
Now, enter Windows 10, which has as its first most notable feature, the return of the start screen, ala, Windows 7. It's being billed as a one platform runs all OS. Instead of a different product for each of your devices, Windows 10 users need only obtain one OS for all of their computerized tech applications. The look makes use of a combination of Windows 7 and Windows 8's Metro, Live Tiles, that reside along side the start menu.
The new Windows 10 will still be touch accessible, but it will now be easier to drop down into the command line to use your keyboard and mouse. The new OS is not expected to be released until later in 2015. Some are speculating that Microsoft wants to take advantage of user and developer input as the final version of Windows 10 comes together. No mention of cost was made at the announcement, but it has been speculated that Windows 8 users may get the OS for free, while a reduced price may help to lure XP, Vista, and Windows 7 users.
As is well known by now, Windows 8 has been very slow to be adopted. Many consumers despised the removal of the start menu in favor of the Windows Metro design, which featured its Live Tiles. The change in Windows 8 was an effort to take advantage of the growing usage of the touch screen technology of mobile devices. But, many desktop users were lost when trying to use the interface with mouse and keyboard. In October 2013, Microsoft released Windows 8.1 which fixed many of the problems that plagued Windows 8, including the return of the start button. However, the Metro interface still remained.
Now, enter Windows 10, which has as its first most notable feature, the return of the start screen, ala, Windows 7. It's being billed as a one platform runs all OS. Instead of a different product for each of your devices, Windows 10 users need only obtain one OS for all of their computerized tech applications. The look makes use of a combination of Windows 7 and Windows 8's Metro, Live Tiles, that reside along side the start menu.
The new Windows 10 will still be touch accessible, but it will now be easier to drop down into the command line to use your keyboard and mouse. The new OS is not expected to be released until later in 2015. Some are speculating that Microsoft wants to take advantage of user and developer input as the final version of Windows 10 comes together. No mention of cost was made at the announcement, but it has been speculated that Windows 8 users may get the OS for free, while a reduced price may help to lure XP, Vista, and Windows 7 users.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Apple's U2 Album Give Away
On September 9th 2014, as part of its major iPhone announcement, Apple had another surprise. It announced that 500 million users across 119 countries would received the the new U2 Album, "Songs of Innocence." If you are an iTunes or iPhone user you only need to sign into your iTunes account. If you're not, sign up by October 13th 2014 and get your free album.
The album give away was intended to help celebrate the release of the new iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, and the Apple Watch. Needles to say, some Apple users were not happy about this at all. Younger Apple users claimed that they didn't know who U2 was. Others decried the further devaluing of music by giving away the new release of of an iconic band. The idea however, was to promote U2"s new album by exposing it to the largest audience possible.
U2's album was paid for by Apple to the tune of $100 million. So, the band got paid. Those who like U2 and use Apple products gained an opportunity to hear their favorite artist's new music before its official release, or the tour that will surely follow. While it is tough to imagine a give away of this magnitude, especially when it is hard for independents and/or label new comers to carve out a niche, you still have to be amazed at how effective this promotion has been. It got people's attention, which is what it was designed to do.
The key to all of this is the word, "promotion." Both Apple and U2 believe that artists should be compensated for their work. The two brands have said that they are teaming up to create a new music format that will revive the album. Realizing that not everyone who makes music, tours, U2 says that the new format will be interactive and audiovisual in nature. They also said that the new format can't be pirated and will bring back the lost art, of album art. The new format's release, however is still 18 months away.
The album give away was intended to help celebrate the release of the new iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, and the Apple Watch. Needles to say, some Apple users were not happy about this at all. Younger Apple users claimed that they didn't know who U2 was. Others decried the further devaluing of music by giving away the new release of of an iconic band. The idea however, was to promote U2"s new album by exposing it to the largest audience possible.
U2's album was paid for by Apple to the tune of $100 million. So, the band got paid. Those who like U2 and use Apple products gained an opportunity to hear their favorite artist's new music before its official release, or the tour that will surely follow. While it is tough to imagine a give away of this magnitude, especially when it is hard for independents and/or label new comers to carve out a niche, you still have to be amazed at how effective this promotion has been. It got people's attention, which is what it was designed to do.
The key to all of this is the word, "promotion." Both Apple and U2 believe that artists should be compensated for their work. The two brands have said that they are teaming up to create a new music format that will revive the album. Realizing that not everyone who makes music, tours, U2 says that the new format will be interactive and audiovisual in nature. They also said that the new format can't be pirated and will bring back the lost art, of album art. The new format's release, however is still 18 months away.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Hidden Landscape At Stone Henge
On September 10th 2014, researchers from the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute and the University of Birmingham in the UK published digital maps that reveal 17 new structures beneath the ground at Stone Henge. The megalithic monument was apparently part of a larger complex of shrines.
The Hidden Stone Henge Landscape Project was conducted using magnetometers, ground penetrating radar, and 3D laser scanners. Much is being made of the discovery at the Durrington Walls, which is only a stone's throw from Stone Henge. The "super henge," structure is a massive 1.5 kilometers in circumference, and is believed to be the largest structure of its kind, in the world. The maps have revealed that the structure was surrounded by rows of posts or stones,with 60 totems that were up to 3 meters high.
Researchers have discovered prehistoric pits, some with astronomical alignments, homes from the Bronze and Iron Ages, and dozens of burial mounds. One of the structures is a long barrow which incorporated a huge timber building. It is believed that this was probably part of a process that exposed the dead to the elements before de-fleshing them for burial.
The maps, when put together, reveal an area that spans the size of 1,250 soccer fields and offers archeologists a chance to gain a deeper understanding of the Stone Henge monument. The new finds have shown that Stone Henge was not the quiet, solemn shrine on a wind swept Salisbury plain, as once believed, but at one time, it was a bee hive of activity. However, with these new finds, the mystery continues.
The Hidden Stone Henge Landscape Project was conducted using magnetometers, ground penetrating radar, and 3D laser scanners. Much is being made of the discovery at the Durrington Walls, which is only a stone's throw from Stone Henge. The "super henge," structure is a massive 1.5 kilometers in circumference, and is believed to be the largest structure of its kind, in the world. The maps have revealed that the structure was surrounded by rows of posts or stones,with 60 totems that were up to 3 meters high.
Researchers have discovered prehistoric pits, some with astronomical alignments, homes from the Bronze and Iron Ages, and dozens of burial mounds. One of the structures is a long barrow which incorporated a huge timber building. It is believed that this was probably part of a process that exposed the dead to the elements before de-fleshing them for burial.
The maps, when put together, reveal an area that spans the size of 1,250 soccer fields and offers archeologists a chance to gain a deeper understanding of the Stone Henge monument. The new finds have shown that Stone Henge was not the quiet, solemn shrine on a wind swept Salisbury plain, as once believed, but at one time, it was a bee hive of activity. However, with these new finds, the mystery continues.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Experiment Brings Telepathy One Step Closer
On September 3rd 2014, a research team announced that they had successfully transmitted the thoughts of one human being to another across a distance of 5000 miles. The team composed of researchers from Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Starlab Barcelona in Spain, and Axilum Robotics in Strasbourg, France made the break through by using technology to send a message from India to France.
The experiment involved one person wearing a wireless electroencephalogram that was linked to the to the internet. This person thought of the words "hola," or "ciao." The persons thoughts were then translated into binary code or 1's and 0's, by a computer. The code was then transmitted via email to the receiving location where it was received by three other participant who wore TMS headsets that stimulated their visual cortex. The three recipients did not hear sounds, but reported seeing flashes of light that corresponded to the message.
The researchers feel that this first successful attempt may pave the way for bypassing or complimenting more traditional means of communication. However, more tests will be necessary to improve the experiment's overall performance, as the bit rate for data transfer were as low as two bits per minute. They expect bit rates to improve with advances in computer to brain technology. The researchers believe that brain to brain communication technology may serve to change how humans communicate with each other in the future.
The experiment involved one person wearing a wireless electroencephalogram that was linked to the to the internet. This person thought of the words "hola," or "ciao." The persons thoughts were then translated into binary code or 1's and 0's, by a computer. The code was then transmitted via email to the receiving location where it was received by three other participant who wore TMS headsets that stimulated their visual cortex. The three recipients did not hear sounds, but reported seeing flashes of light that corresponded to the message.
The researchers feel that this first successful attempt may pave the way for bypassing or complimenting more traditional means of communication. However, more tests will be necessary to improve the experiment's overall performance, as the bit rate for data transfer were as low as two bits per minute. They expect bit rates to improve with advances in computer to brain technology. The researchers believe that brain to brain communication technology may serve to change how humans communicate with each other in the future.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
The Coming Of 1 Gbps Internet Service
On March 17th 2010, the FCC established the National Broadband Plan, in an effort to bring the power of broadband to all of America. Gig.U, or The University Community Next Generation Innovation Project was created in 2007 to help facilitate this process. These research facilities are working in conjunction with the private sector to help bring this initiative to fruition.
According to Akamai, the US now ranks 10th in overall internet speed, behind Ireland, Latvia, and Sweden, with South Korea holding strong at number one. Google and other internet service providers such as ATT, CentruyLink, Cox and Time Warner have all taken on the challenge of improving high speed access for millions, some of whom may not yet be connected.
Google now offers it's 1 Gbps internet service in twelve cities across the country that include, Atlanta, Nashville, Salt Lake City, and Phoenix. ATT plans to roll out its Gigsbit network with 1 Gbps speed to 100 candidate cities that include, Miami, Nashville, Houston, San Antonio, and Charlotte in the coming year.
As word of the successful deployment of 1 Gbps networks across the country spreads, more and more communities are beginning to reach out to willing providers, and more forward thinking companies like Google and ATT are taking the lead. The ball is rolling, and may reach your city some time in the near future.
According to Akamai, the US now ranks 10th in overall internet speed, behind Ireland, Latvia, and Sweden, with South Korea holding strong at number one. Google and other internet service providers such as ATT, CentruyLink, Cox and Time Warner have all taken on the challenge of improving high speed access for millions, some of whom may not yet be connected.
Google now offers it's 1 Gbps internet service in twelve cities across the country that include, Atlanta, Nashville, Salt Lake City, and Phoenix. ATT plans to roll out its Gigsbit network with 1 Gbps speed to 100 candidate cities that include, Miami, Nashville, Houston, San Antonio, and Charlotte in the coming year.
As word of the successful deployment of 1 Gbps networks across the country spreads, more and more communities are beginning to reach out to willing providers, and more forward thinking companies like Google and ATT are taking the lead. The ball is rolling, and may reach your city some time in the near future.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
A Giant Crack Opens in Mexico Landscape
On August 22nd 2014, Excelsior, a Spanish language new source in Mexico announced that a giant crack had opened up and split a rural road in half, about 50 miles west of the city of Hermosillo, in the state of Sonora.
The crack, which is 28 feet deep, is 16 ft wide in some parts and runs nearly two thirds of a miles. The civil protection unit believes that the crack may be the result of a minor Earth quake that took place on August 17th 2014. However, geologists from the University of Sonora who were investigating the crack, believe that it is the result of farmers who had built a levee stream to contain rain water. They think that as the levee began to leak, an underground stream developed which softened the Earth above it and caused the ground to collapse.
Expreso, a local Mexican newspaper stated that social media reports claimed that there was a heavy rainfall before the crack appeared. The USGS said that the quake that occurred on August 17th was a magnitude 5.0, which was strong enough to open the rift. However, the geologist from the University of Sonora stated that when a rift is created by an Earth quake, one side is usually raised higher than the other. Both side of the Hermosillo rift are at the same level.
The head of the National Autonomous University at Mexico's Regional Station of the Geology Institute, Martin Valencia Moreno has come forward to assure the public that there is no cause for alarm. He feels that the appearance of the rift is something to be sensationalized by the media.
The crack, which is 28 feet deep, is 16 ft wide in some parts and runs nearly two thirds of a miles. The civil protection unit believes that the crack may be the result of a minor Earth quake that took place on August 17th 2014. However, geologists from the University of Sonora who were investigating the crack, believe that it is the result of farmers who had built a levee stream to contain rain water. They think that as the levee began to leak, an underground stream developed which softened the Earth above it and caused the ground to collapse.
Expreso, a local Mexican newspaper stated that social media reports claimed that there was a heavy rainfall before the crack appeared. The USGS said that the quake that occurred on August 17th was a magnitude 5.0, which was strong enough to open the rift. However, the geologist from the University of Sonora stated that when a rift is created by an Earth quake, one side is usually raised higher than the other. Both side of the Hermosillo rift are at the same level.
The head of the National Autonomous University at Mexico's Regional Station of the Geology Institute, Martin Valencia Moreno has come forward to assure the public that there is no cause for alarm. He feels that the appearance of the rift is something to be sensationalized by the media.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Google To Launch YouTube Music Key
As of August 18th 2014, the word is that Google will soon launch a new subscription music service called, YouTube Music Key. Google has been planning the new music service for quite some time, noting that a major hold up had been the failed negotiations over royalty payments for some independent artists.
Google is said to have reached a deal with all three of the major record companies, Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group. Most of the independents have also signed on, giving Google cooperation from 95% of all of the labels.
According to the Android Police, YouTube Music Key will be an ad free service that will cost $9.99 per month. This fee will also allow YouTube Music Key subscribers to gain access to Google Play All Access Music at no additional cost. The Android Police also report that the Google Play All Access service will be rebranded to carry the name, Google Play Music Key.
YouTube Music Key will offer an audio only feature for background listening as well as video viewing. Subscribers will also be able to listen offline to 20 million plus tracks, that will include standard videos, concert footage, covers, and remixes. No timeline has been given for the launch date of Google's new music service. You may want to keep an ear open.
Google is said to have reached a deal with all three of the major record companies, Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group. Most of the independents have also signed on, giving Google cooperation from 95% of all of the labels.
According to the Android Police, YouTube Music Key will be an ad free service that will cost $9.99 per month. This fee will also allow YouTube Music Key subscribers to gain access to Google Play All Access Music at no additional cost. The Android Police also report that the Google Play All Access service will be rebranded to carry the name, Google Play Music Key.
YouTube Music Key will offer an audio only feature for background listening as well as video viewing. Subscribers will also be able to listen offline to 20 million plus tracks, that will include standard videos, concert footage, covers, and remixes. No timeline has been given for the launch date of Google's new music service. You may want to keep an ear open.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Rosetta Spacecraft Rendezvous With Comet
On August 6th 2014, the European Space Agency announced that after a ten year journey, its Rosetta Spacecraft had finally arrived at its rendezvous with comet 67P Churyumov - Gerasimenko. Rosetta will continue to orbit 67P on its journey toward the sun, and then as it makes its way around it in August 2015.
As Rosetta approached comet 67P, it detected water in the comet's ejected gases and took the comet's temperature. Scientists discovered that the comet's temperature is 20 degrees warmer then one would expect an icy body to be. In the weeks to come, Rosetta will hover ahead of the 4 kilometers comet, while it gradually spirals inward. It may come as close as between 30 to 10 kilometers of 67P.
In November 2014, the ESA plans to place the robotic scientific lab, Philae on the surface of P67. It will be the first ever landing on a comet. The Philae lander will latch on to the comet's surface with the aid of an explosive harpoon. Philae will analyze soil samples taken from the surface of 67P. The lander will also send x-rays through the comet's nucleus back to sensors on the Rosetta spacecraft that will reveal the comet's structure.
Scientist at the ESA hope to learn more about the composition of comets and whether or not they brought water to the Earth. They also hope to discover whether comets are responsible for bringing the Earth, the building blocks of life.
As Rosetta approached comet 67P, it detected water in the comet's ejected gases and took the comet's temperature. Scientists discovered that the comet's temperature is 20 degrees warmer then one would expect an icy body to be. In the weeks to come, Rosetta will hover ahead of the 4 kilometers comet, while it gradually spirals inward. It may come as close as between 30 to 10 kilometers of 67P.
In November 2014, the ESA plans to place the robotic scientific lab, Philae on the surface of P67. It will be the first ever landing on a comet. The Philae lander will latch on to the comet's surface with the aid of an explosive harpoon. Philae will analyze soil samples taken from the surface of 67P. The lander will also send x-rays through the comet's nucleus back to sensors on the Rosetta spacecraft that will reveal the comet's structure.
Scientist at the ESA hope to learn more about the composition of comets and whether or not they brought water to the Earth. They also hope to discover whether comets are responsible for bringing the Earth, the building blocks of life.
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Pandora Strikes Its First Deal With Artists
On August 6th 2014, internet radio service, Pandora, announced that it had struck its first ever deal directly with artists. The deal was signed with Merlin, an independent label group that represents artists such as, Arcade Fire, Bad Religion, and Lenny Kravitz.
As part of the deal, Merlin represented artists could get more rotations and see their songs placed earlier in playlists where their songs fit. Those artist will also get access to Pandora's data which can help them make decisions about where to tour, who to tour with, what their concert set list should be, and what song or songs they should release next.
This deal will help Pandora improve its relationship with artist who have been complaining that Pandora's royalty payments to artists for streaming services are too low. Merlin CEO, Charles Caldas said that the deal is an incredible opportunity for Merlin artists to get their music in front of a larger audience.
The deal covers performance royalties and not songwriter royalties which are collected by performing rights organizations such as ASCAP (American Society of Authors and Composers) and BMI (Broadcast Music INC.). It remains to be seen as to how this deal will effect those entities.
As part of the deal, Merlin represented artists could get more rotations and see their songs placed earlier in playlists where their songs fit. Those artist will also get access to Pandora's data which can help them make decisions about where to tour, who to tour with, what their concert set list should be, and what song or songs they should release next.
This deal will help Pandora improve its relationship with artist who have been complaining that Pandora's royalty payments to artists for streaming services are too low. Merlin CEO, Charles Caldas said that the deal is an incredible opportunity for Merlin artists to get their music in front of a larger audience.
The deal covers performance royalties and not songwriter royalties which are collected by performing rights organizations such as ASCAP (American Society of Authors and Composers) and BMI (Broadcast Music INC.). It remains to be seen as to how this deal will effect those entities.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Giant Crater Found In Siberia
On July 16th 2014, a scientist at Russia's Scientific Research Center of the Arctic reported that a huge cater had been discovered in Siberia on the Yamal Peninsula. According to Andrei Plekhanov, a senior researcher, the crater is 66 meters wide, but an asteroid strike has already been rule out as a probable cause.
Plekhanov says that the crater appeared to be made up of 80% ice and there were no traces of an explosion. It has a depth of 70 meters with an icy lake at the bottom. Plekhanov believes that rising temperatures in the region may have created a build up of pressure that forced ice upward through the ground.
Some have speculated that the cause was everything from a missile strike to extraterrestrials, as the Yamal Peninsula is known as, "the end of the world." The crater itself has been nicknamed, "the Yamal black hole."
On July 29th 2014, a local Russian newspaper reported that two more craters have also been discovered. The second crater has a diameter of 15 meters and is on the Yamal Peninsula, as is the first. The third crater is on the Taymyr Peninsula, east of Yamal. The hole of the third crater has a perfectly formed cone, with a diameter of 4 meters and an estimated depth of 60 to 100 meters.
No radiation levels have been detected at either site. Researchers have offered several theories as to how the craters and the resulting holes were made, but hesitate to say for certain just how. The consensus is that more study is needed in order to arrive at a firm conclusion.
Plekhanov says that the crater appeared to be made up of 80% ice and there were no traces of an explosion. It has a depth of 70 meters with an icy lake at the bottom. Plekhanov believes that rising temperatures in the region may have created a build up of pressure that forced ice upward through the ground.
Some have speculated that the cause was everything from a missile strike to extraterrestrials, as the Yamal Peninsula is known as, "the end of the world." The crater itself has been nicknamed, "the Yamal black hole."
On July 29th 2014, a local Russian newspaper reported that two more craters have also been discovered. The second crater has a diameter of 15 meters and is on the Yamal Peninsula, as is the first. The third crater is on the Taymyr Peninsula, east of Yamal. The hole of the third crater has a perfectly formed cone, with a diameter of 4 meters and an estimated depth of 60 to 100 meters.
No radiation levels have been detected at either site. Researchers have offered several theories as to how the craters and the resulting holes were made, but hesitate to say for certain just how. The consensus is that more study is needed in order to arrive at a firm conclusion.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Mars Rover Discovers Its First Meteorite
On July 15th 2014, NASA announced that the Mars Curiosity Rover had taken pictures of a metallic meteorite. The rock, which was discovered on May 25 2014, was in two pieces, and was dubbed, Lebanon and Lebanon B. The piece named Lebanon is 7 feet wide and made of iron.
Lebanon B is a much smaller piece that lies just several feet away from the larger Lebanon. Another piece of meteorite was also found a little further from Lebanon that is said to be about 7 feet wide as well, and its image is believed to be part of a group of unreleased photos.
NASA says that all of the Mars rovers have discovered iron meteorites. They are as yet unable to give a reason for why they have found so many more iron meteorites on Mars than have been found on Earth. A look at the photos reveal that Lebanon shows very little signs of degradation. NASA feels that this is due to Mars' thin atmosphere and very few other mechanisms of erosion.
While this discovery may or may not seem very exciting, it does add to a growing list of Martian peculiarities.
Lebanon B is a much smaller piece that lies just several feet away from the larger Lebanon. Another piece of meteorite was also found a little further from Lebanon that is said to be about 7 feet wide as well, and its image is believed to be part of a group of unreleased photos.
NASA says that all of the Mars rovers have discovered iron meteorites. They are as yet unable to give a reason for why they have found so many more iron meteorites on Mars than have been found on Earth. A look at the photos reveal that Lebanon shows very little signs of degradation. NASA feels that this is due to Mars' thin atmosphere and very few other mechanisms of erosion.
While this discovery may or may not seem very exciting, it does add to a growing list of Martian peculiarities.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
iTunes Reverts to 30 Second Previews
On July 10th 2014, Apple released iTunes 11.3. This update improves Apple TV and brings new features for DVD and Blu Ray users. Along with this update came reports from users that Apple had rolled back song preview lengths from 90 seconds to 30 seconds for some new and popular releases.
The song selection for the shortened previews appear to be random. This move does not appear to be a part of the iTunes 11.3 release. It is however being speculated that this could be related to some kind of licensing issue.
Apple introduced the 90 second song preview in 2010 after growing requests for more listening time, especially with regard to songs that play for at least 2 mins and 30 seconds. No official announcement has been given as to what is going on, why it is happening, or if it is a permanent change.
Stayed tuned.
The song selection for the shortened previews appear to be random. This move does not appear to be a part of the iTunes 11.3 release. It is however being speculated that this could be related to some kind of licensing issue.
Apple introduced the 90 second song preview in 2010 after growing requests for more listening time, especially with regard to songs that play for at least 2 mins and 30 seconds. No official announcement has been given as to what is going on, why it is happening, or if it is a permanent change.
Stayed tuned.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Taylor's Op Ed Piece
On July 7th 2014, the Wall Street Journal featured an opinion piece written by Taylor Swift. In it the self professed optimist claimed that that she didn't understand why people are saying that the music industry is dying when it's "just coming alive."
Many bloggers had at least one negative comment to make about her story. Most of those comments dealt with what they claimed was either a lapse of memory or a hole in her perception. There seemed to be some disagreement with her notions of how the music industry is changing.
Taylor feels that artists need to have a love affair with their fans, and she believes that one day artists will be signed to record deals because they have fans. She believes that social media will create a new way for those who seek to become recording artists to bring their musical vision to the public.
Swift sites the fact that album sales are down, but that it's only because artists are not surprising their fans. That fans are now only willing to pay for albums that touch their heart. And, that piracy is the real cause for the slump in overall music sales that continue to dog the industry.
I found her perspective very interesting. Many of the articles I read were also kind to her, in her observations. Those who disagreed with her were concerned that success has obstructed her view of those who have yet to sell millions. In many instances, streaming is being labeled as the culprit that is sucking the life out of album and singles sales.
I agree with Ms Swift when she says that music should not be free. But I think that what we are talking about is the commodity of recorded and packaged for sale music, that should not be free. I would add that it's only been the total conversion to an all digital format that has left sellers of music at a lost as to how to keep those who would steal music from doing so.
Meanwhile, the reality TV machine continues to destroy the meaning of what it means to be an artist, choosing instead to emphasize the idea of being a star, as the end all be all objective that industry hopefuls should seek. Both audience and contestants continue to be exploited for fun and profit.
Major recording companies are now down to just three. Not much incentive is left to present anything that is truly fresh and/or new with so little competition. A handful of producers produce the performers of all three companies. The result is a sameness that leaves most music consumers flat and unwilling to purchase a product that is so unremarkable.
Whether you consider Taylor Swift to be an artist or a star, she has made her mark. She has been a good soldier, and should her popularity begin to wain, I feel confident that there will be more than a few other opportunities for her to pursue.
Many bloggers had at least one negative comment to make about her story. Most of those comments dealt with what they claimed was either a lapse of memory or a hole in her perception. There seemed to be some disagreement with her notions of how the music industry is changing.
Taylor feels that artists need to have a love affair with their fans, and she believes that one day artists will be signed to record deals because they have fans. She believes that social media will create a new way for those who seek to become recording artists to bring their musical vision to the public.
Swift sites the fact that album sales are down, but that it's only because artists are not surprising their fans. That fans are now only willing to pay for albums that touch their heart. And, that piracy is the real cause for the slump in overall music sales that continue to dog the industry.
I found her perspective very interesting. Many of the articles I read were also kind to her, in her observations. Those who disagreed with her were concerned that success has obstructed her view of those who have yet to sell millions. In many instances, streaming is being labeled as the culprit that is sucking the life out of album and singles sales.
I agree with Ms Swift when she says that music should not be free. But I think that what we are talking about is the commodity of recorded and packaged for sale music, that should not be free. I would add that it's only been the total conversion to an all digital format that has left sellers of music at a lost as to how to keep those who would steal music from doing so.
Meanwhile, the reality TV machine continues to destroy the meaning of what it means to be an artist, choosing instead to emphasize the idea of being a star, as the end all be all objective that industry hopefuls should seek. Both audience and contestants continue to be exploited for fun and profit.
Major recording companies are now down to just three. Not much incentive is left to present anything that is truly fresh and/or new with so little competition. A handful of producers produce the performers of all three companies. The result is a sameness that leaves most music consumers flat and unwilling to purchase a product that is so unremarkable.
Whether you consider Taylor Swift to be an artist or a star, she has made her mark. She has been a good soldier, and should her popularity begin to wain, I feel confident that there will be more than a few other opportunities for her to pursue.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Share Of Ear
According to a study done by Edison Research called, "Share Of Ear," terrestrial radio is still very popular. The results of the study were announced in June 2014 and revealed that AM/FM radio still maintains 52.1% of listening done by music fans and consumers. 20.3% of all listening was considered to be of the, "owned," variety, (CDs, cassettes, vinyl, or mp3s).
The study was done by asking 2,000 respondents, age 13 and older to keep a 24 hr listening diary of an assigned day. Diaries were completed both online and by mail. The study found that the break down for other forms of listening were as follows: streaming services, (Spotify, Pandora, iTunes Radio) made up 11%, satellite radio, (SirusXM) made up 7.7%, TV music channels, (Music Choice) made up 5.2%, podcasts made up 1.7%, and the category of other, (audio books) made up 1.5%.
Edison did the study as a response to requests from all corners of the audio industry and investment community for, "total share of everything, " figures, which up until the study, did not exist. The study not only pointed out that radio makes up for half of all listening that is done in a household, but it also revealed that the average American spends 4 to 5 hours a day consuming audio.
Proponents of streaming may find the numbers hard to fathom, given the increase in the use of tablets, smartphones, and other mobile devices. However, in my opinion, the growth in overall internet usage is being attributed as on the rise, due to the vast amount of media attention that is being given to new and emerging technologies. More focus should be placed on the consumers ability to actually purchase and/or adopt these technologies. Not everyone is "wired," at this point in time. It is still much cheaper and easier to listen to the radio.
When real purchasing power is returned to the, "mainstream," consumer, it will then be in their hands. Only then will it truly be possible to know whether changes in technology will create a change in listening habits.
The study was done by asking 2,000 respondents, age 13 and older to keep a 24 hr listening diary of an assigned day. Diaries were completed both online and by mail. The study found that the break down for other forms of listening were as follows: streaming services, (Spotify, Pandora, iTunes Radio) made up 11%, satellite radio, (SirusXM) made up 7.7%, TV music channels, (Music Choice) made up 5.2%, podcasts made up 1.7%, and the category of other, (audio books) made up 1.5%.
Edison did the study as a response to requests from all corners of the audio industry and investment community for, "total share of everything, " figures, which up until the study, did not exist. The study not only pointed out that radio makes up for half of all listening that is done in a household, but it also revealed that the average American spends 4 to 5 hours a day consuming audio.
Proponents of streaming may find the numbers hard to fathom, given the increase in the use of tablets, smartphones, and other mobile devices. However, in my opinion, the growth in overall internet usage is being attributed as on the rise, due to the vast amount of media attention that is being given to new and emerging technologies. More focus should be placed on the consumers ability to actually purchase and/or adopt these technologies. Not everyone is "wired," at this point in time. It is still much cheaper and easier to listen to the radio.
When real purchasing power is returned to the, "mainstream," consumer, it will then be in their hands. Only then will it truly be possible to know whether changes in technology will create a change in listening habits.
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
New Release
I've just released a new single. It's a "summer friendly/" mid tempo R&B/Pop/Funk groove that's available on iTunes, Google Play, Rhapsody, and my others. Click the Tunecore widget to the right for a full stream preview. A video clip from the song is also available at YouTube, or click the video player below. Thank you for listening.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Tesla Patents Free For Fair Use
In a bid to accelerate the adoption of the all electric car, on June 12th 2014, Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk announced that all Tesla patents would be shared with other automakers. Musk made the move because he believes that the major car manufacturers are lacking in their electric car programs.
Musk feels that holding on to his patents will only mean growing competition from companies that make combustion engine vehicles. He is opting for a "fair us," approach that he hopes will encourage other car makers to not only make more electric cars, but perhaps in return, share their ideas with Tesla.
Noting that the current rate of electric car production is only 1% of current overall vehicle production, Musk said that it would take about 20 years to replace all of the fossil fuel cars on the road today, with electric cars. He sees the rate of Co2 emissions as a "carbon crisis," and thinks that an accelerated rate of electric car production could only be carried through if the other car manufacturers were to step up their programs.
As for share holders worries that Tesla is "giving away the store," so to speak, Musk believes that by creating an open source platform, Tesla will also "attract and motivate the world's most talented engineers to become involved." Problems with the development of more improved lithium-ion batteries or increasing the range of electric cars, could be solved with greater speed and efficiency, with more minds committed to the task.
Sales of all electric cars were up 288.88% in 2013. The transition has begun. Will this move by Tesla Motors be the spark that ignites real growth in electric car production? We will see.
Musk feels that holding on to his patents will only mean growing competition from companies that make combustion engine vehicles. He is opting for a "fair us," approach that he hopes will encourage other car makers to not only make more electric cars, but perhaps in return, share their ideas with Tesla.
Noting that the current rate of electric car production is only 1% of current overall vehicle production, Musk said that it would take about 20 years to replace all of the fossil fuel cars on the road today, with electric cars. He sees the rate of Co2 emissions as a "carbon crisis," and thinks that an accelerated rate of electric car production could only be carried through if the other car manufacturers were to step up their programs.
As for share holders worries that Tesla is "giving away the store," so to speak, Musk believes that by creating an open source platform, Tesla will also "attract and motivate the world's most talented engineers to become involved." Problems with the development of more improved lithium-ion batteries or increasing the range of electric cars, could be solved with greater speed and efficiency, with more minds committed to the task.
Sales of all electric cars were up 288.88% in 2013. The transition has begun. Will this move by Tesla Motors be the spark that ignites real growth in electric car production? We will see.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Quantum Teleportation Breakthrough
On May 29th 2014, physicists at Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, which is part of the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, announced that they had sent quantum information concerning the spin state of an electron to another electron that was about 10 feet away. Quantum teleportation has been reported before. In fact I posted a blog on results of experiments done by physicists in Australia in September 2013.
In this particular experiment, the results of the study have a replication rate of 100% at the above distance. This was made possible by means of what is known as entanglement. This is a quantum state in which two or more particles can simultaneously communicate their attributes to each other, even when they are separated by vast distances.
The information or data that was teleported in this experiment was not that of a classical sense, such as ones and zeros. The physicists at Delft University had to use quantum bits, or what's known as qubits, which can simultaneously describe a number of values.
In their experiment, the physicists trapped electrons in diamonds at very low temperatures, separated at about 10 feet apart. When the spin of an electron was taken in one location, the physicists observed that the same was true of the corresponding electron that was 10 feet away.
While this is not what one would expect wen you hear the word teleportation, such as being beamed up to the Enterprise as they do on Star Trek, is a very important step in the development of high speed communications. There are five or six groups that are in a race to catch that elusive "big one," and perhaps win a Nobel prize as well.
In this particular experiment, the results of the study have a replication rate of 100% at the above distance. This was made possible by means of what is known as entanglement. This is a quantum state in which two or more particles can simultaneously communicate their attributes to each other, even when they are separated by vast distances.
The information or data that was teleported in this experiment was not that of a classical sense, such as ones and zeros. The physicists at Delft University had to use quantum bits, or what's known as qubits, which can simultaneously describe a number of values.
In their experiment, the physicists trapped electrons in diamonds at very low temperatures, separated at about 10 feet apart. When the spin of an electron was taken in one location, the physicists observed that the same was true of the corresponding electron that was 10 feet away.
While this is not what one would expect wen you hear the word teleportation, such as being beamed up to the Enterprise as they do on Star Trek, is a very important step in the development of high speed communications. There are five or six groups that are in a race to catch that elusive "big one," and perhaps win a Nobel prize as well.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
SpaceX Presents Its Dragon V2 Reusable Spacecraft
SpaceX, the private space flight company, unveiled its new spacecraft, the Dragon V2 on May 29th, 2014. In a press conference, Elon Musk, the company's founder, announced that the Dragon V2 will be a manned, reusable vehicle, capable of landing anywhere on Earth, after its return from space.
SpaceX made history in 2012 when its Dragon 1 became the first commercial spacecraft to deliver cargo to the International Space Station and then return safely to Earth. Since then, Dragon has flown many successful unmanned, automated resupply missions. However, the Dragon spacecraft was always intended to be used to carry humans into space.
Enter the Dragon V2. The spacecraft will lift off atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. It can seat up to a seven member crew. After docking with the International Space Station, the Dragon V2 is capable of making a safe, controlled landing back on earth by means of eight SuperDraco rocket engines. These engines are placed in four pairs mounted around the sides of the spacecraft.
The SuperDraco engines are capable of producing 16,000 pounds of thrust and should enable the Dragon V2 to land via its landing struts, just like a helicopter. There's also a back up parachute in case of engine or other malfunctions. The spacecraft can then be refueled and readied for flight right away. It is capable of being reused up to 10 times before it needs serious servicing.
SpaceX, Boeing Co, and Sierra Crop all have received about $1 billion from NASA to develop a replacement for the retired space shuttle. Currently, NASA pays the Russians $70 million a seat on a Soyuz capsule. SpaceX expects the Dragon V2 to bring that price down to $20 million a seat. Flights could become even cheaper if the rate of flights increases.
On March 17th 2014, NASA announced that the first test flight of its Orion spacecraft will be moved back from a September/October launch to a mid December launch. Orion is NASA's own multipurpose spacecraft designed by Lockheed Martin. The Orion is intended for future missions to the Moon, the asteroids, Mars, and beyond.
SpaceX made history in 2012 when its Dragon 1 became the first commercial spacecraft to deliver cargo to the International Space Station and then return safely to Earth. Since then, Dragon has flown many successful unmanned, automated resupply missions. However, the Dragon spacecraft was always intended to be used to carry humans into space.
Enter the Dragon V2. The spacecraft will lift off atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. It can seat up to a seven member crew. After docking with the International Space Station, the Dragon V2 is capable of making a safe, controlled landing back on earth by means of eight SuperDraco rocket engines. These engines are placed in four pairs mounted around the sides of the spacecraft.
The SuperDraco engines are capable of producing 16,000 pounds of thrust and should enable the Dragon V2 to land via its landing struts, just like a helicopter. There's also a back up parachute in case of engine or other malfunctions. The spacecraft can then be refueled and readied for flight right away. It is capable of being reused up to 10 times before it needs serious servicing.
SpaceX, Boeing Co, and Sierra Crop all have received about $1 billion from NASA to develop a replacement for the retired space shuttle. Currently, NASA pays the Russians $70 million a seat on a Soyuz capsule. SpaceX expects the Dragon V2 to bring that price down to $20 million a seat. Flights could become even cheaper if the rate of flights increases.
On March 17th 2014, NASA announced that the first test flight of its Orion spacecraft will be moved back from a September/October launch to a mid December launch. Orion is NASA's own multipurpose spacecraft designed by Lockheed Martin. The Orion is intended for future missions to the Moon, the asteroids, Mars, and beyond.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Google Edges Out Apple As Most Valuable Brand
Some may have been shaking their heads while still others might have been saying that it isn't so, when the news was announced on May 20th 2014, that Google was now the worlds most valuable brand. According to market research firm, Millward Brown, Google's brand value rose by 40% to $158 billion, while Apple, who came in second, fell by 20% to $147 billion.
The unseating of Apple as the top brand is being perceived by some as a lack of innovation. Google has given us, Google Glass, Google Package Delivery, Google Fiber(broadband internet access), and Google Driverless Cars. Apple, on the other hand has yet to give a definite release date for the iPhone 6, which could appear in September 2014.
Apple is currently in negotiations to buy Beats Electronics for $3 billion. Many have questioned this move and believed that this is being done in order to acquire Beats Music, in an effort to improve the stature of iTunes Radio. On the surface, it might appear that Apple is skidding towards an innovative slump. Apple, however files a lot of patents.
It is from this wealth of patents that new ideas from Apple come. One such idea is the Smart Home, which is expected to be announced at Apple's WWDC(Worldwide Developer's Conference) coming up in June 2014. While clearly this represents only one new advancement in the past several years, there's no way to know just what else Apple may have up it's sleeve for the years that follow.
The unseating of Apple as the top brand is being perceived by some as a lack of innovation. Google has given us, Google Glass, Google Package Delivery, Google Fiber(broadband internet access), and Google Driverless Cars. Apple, on the other hand has yet to give a definite release date for the iPhone 6, which could appear in September 2014.
Apple is currently in negotiations to buy Beats Electronics for $3 billion. Many have questioned this move and believed that this is being done in order to acquire Beats Music, in an effort to improve the stature of iTunes Radio. On the surface, it might appear that Apple is skidding towards an innovative slump. Apple, however files a lot of patents.
It is from this wealth of patents that new ideas from Apple come. One such idea is the Smart Home, which is expected to be announced at Apple's WWDC(Worldwide Developer's Conference) coming up in June 2014. While clearly this represents only one new advancement in the past several years, there's no way to know just what else Apple may have up it's sleeve for the years that follow.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Spotify Reaches 10 Million Paid Subscribers
Hot on the heels of Apple's announced purchase of Beats Electronics, on May 21st 2014, Spotify announced that it had reached 40 million users and 10 million paid subscribers. This marks a 66% increase of both paid customers as well as over all users.
Spotify was created in Sweden in 2008 as a streaming alternative to illegal downloads. Since then the company has become very popular. It made it's debut in the U S in 2011 and has been increasing in popularity here as well.
As download sales continue to slump, the streaming wars appear to be only just beginning. While clearly Spotify is the industry's current front runner, there is still room for growth. In my opinion, the question is, is whether or not this means that streaming will become more important to music consumers than purchasing and owning their own copy of a song or album.
What may actually be happening is an increase in smartphone and tablet usages, which may include a bundling of services. In some cases, such bundling may give hand held users access to apps like Spotify. Trying the free service may cause user to subscribe to the paid service.
If this line of thinking is correct at all, it may well mean that streaming will at some point reach a peak before it too begins to level off. As more of the population adapts hand held devices, they will no longer be viewed as trendy. It's at that point that users may once again become more diversified in their listening habits.
Meanwhile, speculation continues as to what Apple will do with Beats Music Service. Some bloggers have suggested that the electronics division is Apple's sole reason for the purchase. Others believe that Beats Music will become a ready made paid subscription version of iTunes Radio. Both reasons sound highly likely. With Spotify's latest announcement, I think that the latter is a very good idea.
Spotify was created in Sweden in 2008 as a streaming alternative to illegal downloads. Since then the company has become very popular. It made it's debut in the U S in 2011 and has been increasing in popularity here as well.
As download sales continue to slump, the streaming wars appear to be only just beginning. While clearly Spotify is the industry's current front runner, there is still room for growth. In my opinion, the question is, is whether or not this means that streaming will become more important to music consumers than purchasing and owning their own copy of a song or album.
What may actually be happening is an increase in smartphone and tablet usages, which may include a bundling of services. In some cases, such bundling may give hand held users access to apps like Spotify. Trying the free service may cause user to subscribe to the paid service.
If this line of thinking is correct at all, it may well mean that streaming will at some point reach a peak before it too begins to level off. As more of the population adapts hand held devices, they will no longer be viewed as trendy. It's at that point that users may once again become more diversified in their listening habits.
Meanwhile, speculation continues as to what Apple will do with Beats Music Service. Some bloggers have suggested that the electronics division is Apple's sole reason for the purchase. Others believe that Beats Music will become a ready made paid subscription version of iTunes Radio. Both reasons sound highly likely. With Spotify's latest announcement, I think that the latter is a very good idea.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Apple Buys Beats
On May 8th 2014, Apple announced that it was in talks to buy Beats Electronics for 3.2 billion dollars. While some bloggers have questioned this move by Apple, others have been quick to label the deal as a move to divest some of Apple's sizable cash holdings.
Beats Electronics was started by Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine. The company produces a very popular and successful brand of head phones called Beats By Dre. In January 2014, Beats Electronics launched its own music service, called Beats Music. Reports have stated that Beats Music has only 100,000 to 200,000 paid subscribers since its January start.
iTunes Radio has been doing well, however, Apple is disappointed that the stream to click through ration has been running around 2%, as download sales continue to slump. Apple has been considering an overhaul of iTunes Radio, possibly adding a subscription service to its repertoire.
Apple has been selling Beats head phones practically since their inception. Both iTunes Radio and Beats Music have been struggling. Bringing the two entities together seems like an obvious conclusion. This acquisition will at the very least give Apple access to both the Android OS and Windows Phone. The purchase of Beats Electronics will also give Apple a paid subscription service that's already up and running.
It's not easy to discern whether this deal will mean that streaming will now be viewed as more important than owning your own copy of a song or track. In my opinion, it may just turn out that those who come to Beats to listen to a music stream, will end up clicking through to Apple's iTunes for a download.
Beats Electronics was started by Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine. The company produces a very popular and successful brand of head phones called Beats By Dre. In January 2014, Beats Electronics launched its own music service, called Beats Music. Reports have stated that Beats Music has only 100,000 to 200,000 paid subscribers since its January start.
iTunes Radio has been doing well, however, Apple is disappointed that the stream to click through ration has been running around 2%, as download sales continue to slump. Apple has been considering an overhaul of iTunes Radio, possibly adding a subscription service to its repertoire.
Apple has been selling Beats head phones practically since their inception. Both iTunes Radio and Beats Music have been struggling. Bringing the two entities together seems like an obvious conclusion. This acquisition will at the very least give Apple access to both the Android OS and Windows Phone. The purchase of Beats Electronics will also give Apple a paid subscription service that's already up and running.
It's not easy to discern whether this deal will mean that streaming will now be viewed as more important than owning your own copy of a song or track. In my opinion, it may just turn out that those who come to Beats to listen to a music stream, will end up clicking through to Apple's iTunes for a download.
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