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.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
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.
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