Author Archives: Jamee Lopiano

About Jamee Lopiano

My name is Jamee Lopiano and I am currently a first year student at Penn State University with an intended major of Bioengineering

Rolls Royce entering the Salmon Transporting Business

Fishing, specifically salmon farming, is at an all time high. However, the locations in which salmon are farmed are not contusive for placing a processing plant (1). Therefore, a way to transport live salmon so as for them not to lose their freshness before processing was a necessary invention. The solution came from Rolls Royce and their new tanker, the NVC 386, which was designed to be a floating aquarium basically. The water capacity of the tanker is 1/6 larger than that of an Olympic sized pool and can accommodate 442 tons of fish (1). In addition to the fish quarters, the tanker is also designed with the comfort of the crew in mind. The ship includes seven single cabins, a saloon, a fitness center, and a sauna (3).

The aquarium tanks onboard were designed with the fish in mind. Fish spoil fast, even when kept on ice, so the fish had to remain alive and swimming during transport (3). The amount of fish noted above allows the fish to be comfortable and have room to swim around. Monrad Hide, a Vice President at Rolls Royce, says that fish need to be comfortable, or else the quality of the resulting flesh suffers and much of the advantage of transporting them live disappears: “You don’t want to stress the fish, you want to have a very calm fish before you process it” (2). Also, throughout the tanker’s journey the tanker circulates, filters, and oxygenates water providing even more comfort to the fish (2).

In addition to the interior tanks Rolls Royce designed the tanker to be efficient in traveling as well. The shape of the ship and its engine allows less fuel to be used. The ship has a wave-piercing bow that allows to maintain speed and stability in rough seas while using less fuel for the diesel-electric propulsion system with two Bergen C6 engines (1). This new technology could be the kickstart to more programs like this, to transport not only fish but many different products. In the worlds of Rolls Royce president Anders Almestad this design will enter a new era in “quality, capacity, comfort and environmental considerations” (1).

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Source 1 – http://www.gizmag.com/roll-royce-fish-carrier-ship/29969/

Source 2 – http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-11-27/rolls-royce-builds-a-salmon-tanker

Source 3 – http://gizmodo.com/this-rolls-royce-tanker-is-a-school-bus-for-salmon-1472643045

 

Photo Found in Source 2

3Doodler – 3D Printing in the Palm of Your Hand

With the 3D printer becoming more commonplace every day, the world is now seeing everything in 3D. Included in Time Magazine’s 25 Best Inventions of the Year 2013 is the 3Doodle, which is a “pen” that works like a 3D printer melting and cooling hot plastic into rigid shapes (1). Compared by some to a glue gun, the 3Doodler allows users to create freestanding structures with melted plastic. Users can either use the 3Doodler flat on a surface and then peel their creation off or they can make only the base on a surface and build up creating true 3D models. And the 3Doodler isn’t only for the elite or professional, the pen will retail for $99 making this technology open to the masses (1).

The 3Doodler looks like a chubby pen, measuring less than six inches high and is lightweight, easy to hold. The “pen” includes two arrows allowing users to choose the speed at which the pen extrudes plastic, a LED light alerting users to when the pen is hot enough to use, and a fan (2). With temperatures necessary up to 460 degrees Fahrenheit explaining the necessity of the fan and that the metal tip from which plastic is extruded gets extremely hot. However, the high temperatures do not mean that the pen is hot to the touch while in use. Also, one reviewer notes that it takes less than a minute for the pen to heat up to the required temperature to heat the plastic (2).

The one drawback of the pen’s hardware is that it must be plugged in to use. However if you look at the alternative, a portable pen would require a large battery taking away from the small size of the 3Doodler, the wired connection doesn’t seem bad at all (2). Once a user is all set up they can begin to draw. Many reviewers state that this is not easy at first but can be picked up with time. To aid with the actual drawing the creators of the 3Doodler, WobbleWorks, are providing stencils online that are downloadable and printable by everyone (3). These stencils give users an online to follow for many 3D structures. Right now the 3Doodler is still in infancy but with the technology the world is delving further into the idea of machine made 3D products.

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Source 1 – http://techland.time.com/2013/11/14/the-25-best-inventions-of-the-year-2013/slide/the-3doodler/

Source 2 – http://www.engadget.com/2013/12/08/3doodler-review/

Source 3 – http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1351910088/3doodler-the-worlds-first-3d-printing-pen

 

Picture found in Source 3

Pebble Smart Watch

One of the technology crazes this holiday season is the smart watch. Usually to be used paired with a smart phone; the smart watch displays notifications such as emails, text messages, etc. One company that is pioneering the smart watch is Pebble. The Pebble Smart Watch includes a 1.26-inch display and can be paired with both iOS and Android smartphones through an app (1). Users simply have to download the Pebble app and turn on their phone’s Bluetooth to connect their smart phone to the Pebble device. The Pebble’s design is simple and understated which one reviewer says gives the watch a “certain elegance” (2). The Pebble watch can be personalized to a user’s taste by swapping the simple band for any standard watchband. Also, users can pick from a selection of five colors and nine designs for the watch face (2).

The battery life of the Pebble is up to a week, thanks to the E-Paper screen (3). Similar to many eBooks, the Pebble does not utilize an LED screen but rather a simple E-Paper screen that uses significantly less battery. Also, E-paper screens can be used outside in the sunlight with little to no glare and the Pebble includes a backlight that is only activated when using the device in the dark (3).  Another feature of the smart watch is its waterproof ability. The Pebble has a waterproof rating of 5 ATM, meaning it can be submerged 165 feet, and has been tested in both fresh and salt water (2). Therefore, users can stay connected through their Pebble smart watch, even when their location is not contusive to their smart phone. The watch is also movement sensitive and shaking or flicking your wrist can activate the watch from sleep or dismiss a notification (2).

But what does a smart watch actually do? As said above, the Pebble displays notifications such as calls, texts, and emails simply through the Pebble smart phone app. The app includes a “Settings” page where users can pick and choose which apps send notifications to the Pebble (3). Another use of the Pebble is to control your phone’s music playback. Users can play/pause and skip tracks right on their smart watch, the only thing users cannot control on the watch is the volume (3). Third parties are already developing apps specifically designed to be used with smart watches and Pebble has expanded the functionality of the watch itself. Now users can use the Pebble device to track their fitness with its built in accelerometer and set alarms that vibrate on your wrist, allowing you not to disturb others (1). While the entire smart watch technology is just beginning, the Pebble smart watch is already a completely functional device.

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Source 1 – https://getpebble.com

Source 2 – http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2415719,00.asp

Source 3 – http://www.engadget.com/2013/01/25/pebble-smartwatch-review/

 

Photo Source – http://b-i.forbesimg.com/patrickmoorhead/files/2013/09/pebble-watch.png

iRobot Roomba – The Future of Cleaning

The iRobot Roomba is not new; the floor-cleaning robot came out 11 years ago, but it is still considered a genius invention and wows people with its cleaning precision. But now iRobot is no longer just concerned with the robotics of the system, now they are revamping the cleaning features of the Roomba to improve its output. Before going into the new features, let’s take a look at the technology of the product, which has remained fairly unchanged with only minor updates throughout the years. The machine uses algorithms to clean in “crop circle patterns” based on the size of the room (S, M, L buttons on the robot) and also has algorithms to hug walls and furniture (1). The Roomba doesn’t exactly know if its cleaned the entire room or if its already cleaned a certain area, but using the algorithms makes the machine extremely precise. Also, the Roomba includes 3 systems of sensors that prevent it from falling down stairs (1).

Another feature of the Roomba is the Virtual Wall® that emits an infrared beam banning the robot from a particular area (2).  This feature allows a user to keep the Roomba out of certain rooms they don’t want vacuumed. The Roomba also contains many other features that give convenience for the user. The Roomba automatically returns to its charging station when it is low on battery, can be set to clean on a schedule, and lights up to indicate when its bin is full (2). The user’s job is limited to setting the schedule of the Roomba’s cleaning and emptying the bin when it is full. Some models even include a remote that can program the Roomba from a far. However, with the older models of the Roomba had the user unblocking the robot when objects got stuck. In the new model, iRobot adds new technology to cut down even further on user maintenance.

The latest version of the Roomba, the 880, turns its new features away from robotics and towards the cleaning it preforms itself. The 880 contains new technology, called AeroForce Extractors, which look like regular vacuum rotors without the bristles (3). Instead the design features rubber bristles that grabs and brakes down dirt on the floor. Other improvements to the Roomba include an Airflow Accelerator that concentrates the vacuum power on the floor surface to bring in more debris and a more efficient motor that generates five times the air power as in previous models (2). Between the rotors, the airflow, and the motor; iRobot claims that the model is capable of picking up 50% more debris than older models (3). More importantly, as far as users are concerned, is the fact that the new rotors were designed to not allow hair to tangle as easily, which has been a key complain of previous models (3). This cuts down on user maintence as they don’t have to manual untangle the hair in the rotors.

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Source 1 – http://www.technologyreview.com/news/401687/irobot-roomba/

Source 2 – http://www.irobot.com/us/learn/home/roomba.aspx

Source 3 – http://www.theverge.com/2013/11/12/5094052/irobot-roomba-880-vacuum-cleaning-robot-announced-maintenance-free

 

Picture Source – http://www.robotreviews.com/pics/roomba560.gif

Logitech Harmony Touch – The Hi-Tech Remote

In today’s day in age it’s close to impossible to be unable to find a certain product with a touchscreen feature. The latest technology product to employ a touchscreen is the universal remote. Always regarded as having a high quality line of remotes, Logitech has released the Harmony Touch as its latest product. The touch features a 2.4-inch color touchscreen and measures in at 7.5 inches long and 2.25 inches wide (2). The size of the remote is significantly smaller than others like it, thanks in large part to moving the number pad onto the touch screen (1). The design of the remote itself is quite innovative; it features an extruded bottom that makes the remote easier and more comfortable to hold. Reviewers claim that this rotund end does indeed place your hand at the perfect position to use the touchscreen, but to utilize either the buttons above or below the touchscreen is awkward (2).

One major factor of the Harmony Touch is its convenient and simple setup. Users simply connect their remote to their computer (compatible with both Mac and PC) to sync all devices with the remote (15 different devices can be synced with the Touch) (1). During this initial setup the user can also program gestures and layouts of the touchscreen online. However, unlike older Harmony models that made users go online to make any layout changes, the Touch adds an “edit” feature so these changes can be made right on the remote (3). Also, the editing of these features is almost unlimited, there are very few features a user cannot change to fit their liking. Another way to personalize the remote is by adding favorite channels, up to 50 of which can be added. Users can also download channel logos from the Harmony website or design their own to be shown on the favorites page (1).

The Harmony Touch is powered by a rechargeable, nonremoveable battery and includes a power cradle to recharge. Logitech claims that the battery life of the remote is about one week for light TV users, but one reviewer claimed that the remote lasted just as long for heavy TV watchers (3). Also, the reviewer noted that battery life is no issue as he is inclined to leave the remote in its charging cradle while not in use. Logitech says the goal of the remote was to give users a place to keep their remote so that “you’ll never have to search for your remote—or batteries—ever again” (1). Finally, one reviewer claims that he liked the touchscreen features of the remote but not its lack of buttons and awkward shape (3). With a $250 price tag, the Harmony Touch seems like an unnesscary expense unless you have money to spend and need the neat new product on the market.

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Source 1 – http://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/harmony-touch

Source 2 – http://hometheaterreview.com/logitech-harmony-touch-universal-remote-control/

Source 3 – http://reviews.cnet.com/remote-controls/logitech-harmony-touch/4505-7900_7-35477657.html

 

Photo Source –  http://technabob.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/harmony_touch_1.jpg

Xbox Kinect Technology

The first video game consoles were large, clunky machines that stored the data of their games in cartridges. Every child born in the 1990’s remembers blowing into a Nintendo 64 game to fix it. Gone are those days as gaming systems are streamlined, contemporary devices. The cartridges have been replaced with the more cost effective and less problematic CD-ROM. But perhaps the biggest change over the past decade is the video game controller. Standard controllers progressed to wireless, and then the Wii introduced controllers that connect over Wi-Fi and also were controlled by movement. But most recently the gamer’s body has become the controller through multiple devices but not as popular as the Xbox Kinect. The first Kinect had its kinks, as all new technology does. It claimed to track a person’s movements but it was not perfectly precise (1). Flash-forward to the latest connect that is not only perfectly accurate but also can accomplish much more, the new era of video gaming is upon us (2).

With Microsoft’s newest console, the Xbox One, the Kinect is moving even further into the age of “virtual reality.” The new Kinect features a traditional camera used for facial recognition, built in infrared so gamers can play in low light or even pitch darkness, and it can even monitor your heart rate! (2) The device can tell if you are bored or engaged while playing by constantly monitoring your face. Rumor is that games may start to incorporate this technology by “becoming more difficult when you are bored, or throwing in a scare when your heart rate suggests that you are relaxed” (2).  The uses for this technology are endless both in games and other features of the Xbox.

But what exactly is this technology? Both the hardware and software of the device contribute to its technology. As far as the software goes, multiple advancements have been made using new technology called “time of flight” which works by constantly firing protons and counting how long it takes them to come back (2). But the real advancements come through in the Kinect’s brain. An artificial intelligence center stores analyzes what it “sees” to interpret a player’s movements. (3). On the other hand the hardware of the system includes a camera that establishes facial and body recognition. In addition, the microphone is able to separate the player’s voice from background noise, allowing their voice to be used in gameplay. The camera and microphone together can detect and track 48 points on a player’s body and repeats its analysis every 30 seconds (3).

 

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Picture found in Source 3

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Picture found in Source 2

 

Source 1 – http://hothardware.com/News/Is-Microsofts-Kinect-A-Gaming-Failure-/

Source 2 – http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/new-kinect-can-track-you-so-well-you-may-not-6C10287970

Source 3 – http://www.jameco.com/Jameco/workshop/howitworks/xboxkinect.html

 

Disney World’s RFID Technology

RFID, short for radio frequency identification, is a relatively new technology being implemented in every day life. This technology consists of tagging an object, which can then be scanned by a reader over short ranges. These tags are useful for tracking products and storing information. Recently, one company has decided to base their new branding and technology with RFID tagging. This company is none other than the Happiest Place on Earth. Yes, Disney World guests will now be issued an RFID chip inside either a wristband or a standard key card as part of the company’s new MyMagic+ initiative. Disney has both short term and long terms on how to implement its technology, which is not without its critics asking about privacy issues. In an official statement the Walt Disney Company has said that the mission of the MyMagic+ system is to take “the Disney guest experience to the next level” (Source 3).

At this point in its campaign, Disney is marketing the RFID enabled wristband (or a Magicband as the company is calling it) to be the source of ultimate convenience for the guest. The chip inside the Magicband can be used to access your park admission, hotel room entrance, dining plan, and Disney’s FASTPASS, all by passing your wrist in front of a reader (Source 2). Also, a credit card can be linked to a guest’s Magicband that can be used throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. In the future, however, Disney hopes to move beyond simply guest convenience to use the RFID technology to personalize attractions to the individual guest as it reads information off their Magicband. One Disney spokesperson said that “it’s not about the technology, it’s about creating an experience (Source 1). Disney plans that this technology will be used to create guest interactions in various attractions and for the characters to know a child’s name when they come up to greet their favorite princess.

Another use for the RFID technology for Disney is using long range Bluetooth in the bands to analyze the flow of traffic throughout the parks (Source 1). It is easy to see how this information could be useful in planning for the future of the parks but the idea of “tracking guests” is bringing out the critics. As usual as Disney says this technology will be for the guests they are allowing those who have privacy issues to opt out of the MyMagic+ initiative (Source 3). Another major concern for critics is the potential theft of the information from the band. However, Disney claims that no information is stored on the band itself; rather the band leads to an encrypted database that stores the data (Source 2). Other security measures are also being taken such as needing a PIN code for purchases over $50 and the ability to deactivate your Magicband from your smartphone if it is lost. Although there are security concerns, Disney is taking every measure possible to minimize the potential risks.

Walt Disney once said, “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths (Source 2). Walt certainly would be proud of his company now, as they allowed themselves to pursue this new technology in the sake of curiosity in hopes in would lead them down new paths. Time will tell whether they were successful but it is clear that they are trailblazing a path that the world has not seen before.

 

Source 1 – http://thenextweb.com/insider/2013/05/29/disney-goes-into-wearable-tech-with-the-magic-band/

Source 2- http://allthingsd.com/20130529/tomorrowland-today-disney-magicband-unlocks-new-guest-experience-for-park-goers/

Source 3 – http://blogs.computerworld.com/privacy/21610/big-brother-mickey-mouse-monitor-behavior-disneys-mymagic-rfid-wristbands

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Photo Source – http://wdworldnews.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/disney-magic-band-elite-daily.jpg

Innovative Living: The Linked Hybrid

Bejing’s Linked Hybrid complex may be the living space of the future. Composed of nearly a dozen towers including both residential and hotel living spaces the complex strives to be a “city within a city” (Source 1). The different towers are connected by a series of sky bridges and walkways that allow residents to commute from one tower to another. But why would they need to visit other towers? Because the system of towers and the complex as a whole strives to be a microcosm of a city, these passageways allow residents to move throughout the complex to satisfy their needs just as people walk through streets in a typical city. Shops, restaurants, and other public venues line the lower floors of the complex, just like the businesses that cover the street levels of cities. The higher floors include luxuries for the residents such as swimming pools, fitness rooms, and salons. According to architect Steven Holl’s website the project strives to “promote interactive relations and encourages encounters in the public spaces that vary from commercial, residential, and educational to recreational” (Source 1).

The design and mission of the Linked Hybrid complex may be enticing to potential residents on their own but in addition to offering a new and convenient style of living, the project is actually a worldwide leader in green and sustainable design. The entire complex is heated in the winter and cooled in the summer by energy provided from deep geo-thermal wells (Source 2). These wells are located below the basement level and provide clean energy for the residents. Another green feature of the Linked Hybrid is that all the water in the complex is recycled. Used water is filtered and ran into a reflecting pool on the grounds or used to water the plants and greenery (Source 2). Finally, the areas surrounding the bottom levels were purposely kept as open grassy areas. The sustainable design intent was to create a complex that includes open parks and is pedestrian friendly to reduce waste and continue to have green areas in the middle of a bustling city like Bejing.

The Linked Hybrid complex did not come without criticism however. One of the most prominent criticisms was that the innovative new designs were not cheap. In 2008, when the complex first opened to residential buyers, condominiums were sold for around $6,000 per square meter (Source 3). Other critics of the project claimed that the “city within a city” idea was isolationist and hostile. However, the architect of the project, Steven Holl, responded by saying the complex was no more isolationist than Greenwich Village or Rockefeller Center in New York (Source 3). He claims that yes, the complex does have a residential aspect but the commercial areas are open to everyone. In my opinion the Linked Hybrid complex seems like an innovative new way of living and the “city within a city” idea should be incorporated throughout other cities.

 

Source 1 – http://www.stevenholl.com/project-detail.php?id=58

Source 2 – http://www.dezeen.com/2009/07/08/linked-hybrid-by-steven-holl-architects/

Source 3 – http://edition.cnn.com/2008/TECH/06/18/beijing.hybrid/

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Photo credit – http://ad009cdnb.archdaily.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/1252359914-steven-holl-lh-09-06-8692-528×348.jpg

Apple’s Latest Innovation: The New Mac Pro

Most people aren’t aware that the company known for its user-friendly interfaces manufactures a product that most standard consumers would never have a need for. I am referring to Apple’s Mac Pro, the professional-grade computer retailing for $2,999, clearly not in the ordinary customer’s price range. Even though most people will never set a finger on a Mac Pro it is used in many industries that consumers come in contact with on a daily basis such as the music production and photography industries (Source 1). Apple’s flagship product had not seen any significant upgrades in several years, so the company new it could not simply change the computer’s shape and add a few tech specs and be done with it (see: the difference between iPhones 4 and 5). Instead, Apple did what it does best and completely revamped their product from its sleek new design and internal capacities, making a truly next generational computer.

One reporter writes that the new computer is a “bombshell in terms of both design and computing power” (Source 3). Let’s begin with the exterior of the new Mac Pro. The device is sleek and polished black and in the cylindrical shape. The new device is one eighth the size of the previous generation of Mac Pros and stands at only 9.9 inches tall and 6.6 inches wide (Source 3). As Apple always does, they manage to combine the sleek design and power to create a revolutionary device. This time Apple completes that goal by utilizing a single triangular central thermal core that runs along the height of the machine. This core works to cool the entire device in a singular, uniform motion. In addition, there is a fan located at the top of the device that accelerates the air moving through the system which also uses a special blade designed to move as quietly as possible (Source 2).

But do these innovations in design mean anything if the actual computer cannot satisfy the needs of the Mac Pro’s professional clientele? Well it’s a good thing that the new computer lives up to its company’s reputation. The device will feature a 12 core processor and a memory bandwith of 60 GB/s that promise to be twice as fast as the previous generation (Source 3). However, it is a common fact that as computers get smaller, their storage capacity is cut down. The Mac Pro is no excpetion to this rule. The base model comes with a relatively low storage capacity of 256 GB. But Apple has added a revolutionary six Thunderbolt 2 ports and 4 USB ports to allow users to augment the computer’s storage with as many external drives as they wish (Source 1). Time will tell if the Apple’s new Mac Pro resounds with its limited audience but all the features and designs of the computer point to a positive reaction. After all, the design is, as one reporter calls it: “brilliantly insane” (Source 2).

Source 1 – http://www.theverge.com/2013/10/24/5024582/will-creatives-embrace-apples-new-vision-for-the-mac-pro

Source 2 – http://gizmodo.com/the-brilliant-insanity-behind-the-new-mac-pros-design-512574427

Source 3 – http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/cant-innovate-any-more-my-ass-apples-new-mac-pro-is-a-bombshell-of-beautiful-design-and-raw-power-8653861.html

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Photo Source – http://cdn.macrumors.com/article-new/2013/06/2013_mac_pro.jpg

Google Glass – New Technology

Have you ever been looking at something and had the desire to capture that moment exactly how your eyes see it. This idea and more is now a reality with the new Google Glass technology. Google Glass is the newest invention in the realm of personal “smart devices.” The Glass is a headset worn just like a standard pair of glasses and includes a small screen display. As for usability, the device functions much like a standard smartphone, with messaging and camera capabilities among many others. Similar to the iPhone’s Siri capability, the Glass operates via voice commands such as “take a picture” or “check email.” While the Glass is not available for consumer purchase yet, many tech savvies are keeping a close eye on its development.

The design of the Google Glass is quite simple. At its base is a headset, the frame of which relaxes over the users ears as with normal glasses. This frame, along with the nosepads, is adjustable to fit any face. One side of the frame is extended to include the touch control panel, which can be used in lieu of voice commands. Off of this extension comes the small screen, the display of which is said to be equivalent to “a 25 inch high definition screen from 8 feet away” (Source 1). And that is basically it as far as the physical design. The device is simple, free of extravagance of many other devices. The Google Glass’s physicality is the picture of modernity and the future.

The technological design of the glass does not stray far from the standard smartphone. The storage of the device is a typical, yet small, 16 GB which is also connected to a user’s Google Cloud account (Source 2). The camera of 5 megapixels is quite the downgrade from the 8-megapixel camera in the iPhone 5s. The connectivity of the Glass can be developed through either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and the battery life is said to last one day of “typical usage” (Source 1). Moving aside from these technical specifications, the Glass basically operates as a smartphone on your face. While this idea seems unique and revolutionary, many reviewers are asking the question of what the point of this new technology is. In my opinion, only time will tell.

Source 1 – http://gizmodo.com/5994737/here-are-google-glass-tech-specs

Source 2 – http://www.techradar.com/us/news/video/google-glass-what-you-need-to-know-1078114

Source 3 – http://www.engadget.com/2013/04/30/google-glass-review/

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Photo Source – http://cdn1.mos.techradar.futurecdn.net//art/gadgets/Google%20Glass/google_glass_grey-580-90.jpg