Google Maps. Only has the US for now. But that may change, given that
not to mention that google has been primarily focused on the u.s. market and is now turning their full attention to the global marketplace.
The interface, as always with Google, is fantastic. This is the way to go for Web applications.
I’m trying a couple of experiments with my blog. One is a feed of sorts that shows recently updated blogs. I’m conducting a trial with a few blogs I read, on the right-side tab “Recently updated blogs”. The last 3 posts of the blogs updated within 3 days one-and-half days show up here (using their RSS feed).
The other is creating an online catalog of digital resources I’ve encountered. Right now, I’ve put in books (fiction) I’ve read soft copies of on the right side tab “My fiction collection”. I’m planning to add non-fiction, music and movies.
The good part about having digital books, of course, is being able to lend them without worrying about losing my copy.
Total immersion has technology that lets you create real-time 3-D images on a video feed. It’s more impressive to watch one of their demos.
The Woodward and Bernstein papers.
Woodward and Berstein of the Washington Post wrote a series of stories leading to the resignation of Richard Nixon. Their novel All The President’s Men has a gripping account of their adventure. Now, their original papers are available at the University of Texas.
Calvin and Hobbes search from David Tweed. You can search for your favourite comics (mine are Tracer Bullet), note down the dates, and check them out on ucomics. (You need a subscription to view old comics.)
I’ve typed out the quotes.
Haptic technology lets you “touch and feel data”.
Surgical-simulation devices are currently the bread and butter of many haptics companies. Recently, haptics have also been finding their way into consumer products. Many video-game controllers, such as force-feedback steering wheels and joysticks, already contain simple haptic devices to enable virtual rally drivers and pilots to feel the bumps of artificial roads or the rumble of machine guns. Mobile phones are next. Just as existing phones can be programmed to play different ring tones depending on the caller, VibeTone allows for different vibrations. Without reaching into your pocket, you will be able to tell whether it is your boss, spouse, or babysitter who is calling.
Companies like SensAble make products that simulate touch for as low as $2,000, and the prices are falling rapidly.
The Economist talks about how mobile phones are used for deception.
SounderCover allows certain Nokia handsets to play pre-recorded bursts of traffic noise, airport announcements or other sounds in the background during a conversation.
Two services offered by American operators, Cingular’s Escape-A-Date and Virgin Mobile’s Rescue Ring, allow customers to prearrange a call at a given time, to enable them to get out of a disastrous dinner date or boring meeting.
I would personally like a service that says “This phone is unreachable” instead of an engaged sound, when I cut the call off.
Amazon’s Best books of 2004, All consuming, and Daypop Amazon Wishlist are good places to look for books to read.
Google domains is next, possibly leading into site hosting with 1GB space, and linkages with Blogger.
Winners of The Future of Time contest by Timex. Showcases futuristic designs for watches. I liked the “nail watch”.
