Posts Tagged ‘Technology’
July 25th, 2009 in Trends 1 Comment
The proliferation of touch screens on electronic devices over the past several years has included mobile phones (notably Apple’s iPhone), satellite navigation systems and portable game consoles. Now, according to this article, PCs will soon join the crowd. The author points out that Microsoft has already demonstrated a prototype of the next version of its flagship operating system based around “multi-touch” capabilities that allow a touch screen to sense more than one finger at once. Soon one will be able to press buttons, tap icons, call up windows and rotate and stretch onscreen objects using two fingers at a time. Apple, for its part, has put multi-touch track pads on its laptop computers and is rumored to be working on touch screens for its next line of computers. (more…)
May 31st, 2009 in Technology, Trends No Comments
In an ideal world, employees would eagerly anticipate each written company communiqué; spend their free time exploring the corporate intranet’s self-service feature and curl up with the detailed company newsletter. The reality of today’s workplace, however, is different. This article notes that employees now get instant messages on their cell phones on the bus to work while they’re reading their e-mail. They’re watching TV programs on their computer screens, browsing the Internet on their TVs and getting quick updates from friends while Facebooking, YouTubing and Twittering. New technologies have created new media trends “that are changing expectations for how, why and when employees receive information.” Companies are advised to keep up or risk their messages to employees will be left behind. (more…)
April 15th, 2009 in Technology No Comments
This article alerts readers to two new tools that can turn mobile broadband connections into veritable Wi-Fi hot spots. Novaters Mifi is a device with a built-in broadband connection, allowing purchasers to buy one subscription for the Mifi and then pass it around to their employees. It supports five users with a 30 foot range and is sold through wireless carriers for around $200.
Netgear’s 3G Broadband Wireless Router runs about $130, plugs into a USB modem or laptop and allows up to 64 people to share one person’s connection. The author notes, however, that Netgear recommends a 25 person limit. The range is 125 feet.
Source: Staff, Inc, Apr, 2009
April 13th, 2009 in Buildings, Technology No Comments
Current construction practice has a building’s different utility systems – electrical, heating and cooling, water, surveillance, access control, fire alarms and voice and data networks – being installed by experts in each area with little communication between them. The systems have different cabling and software as well as closed protocols, meaning only the installing companies can modify or repair the systems they install. Most systems are not Internet protocol (IP) that allows data to be sent or received over the Internet. (more…)
