Category Archives: Technology

Android Wins

Posted on September 14, 2012 by Gaius

The smartphone wars are over and Android has won. In October 2009, I explained why “Apple cannot win the smartphone wars”. That was just a year after Google launched the first Android handset, the G1, on T-Mobile and days after … Continue reading →

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Want A New iGrenade?

Posted on August 19, 2009 by Gaius

The latest thing in gadgets, the iGrenade: Apple iPhone 3GS smartphones have reportedly been exploding around Europe, in what Apple is calling isolated incidents. According to some news outlets, in at least one case Apple has offered to reimburse an … Continue reading →

Posted in Technology | 1 Comment

Cyborg!

Posted on August 16, 2009 by Gaius

This isn’t exactly the Borg, but it’s getting closer. IBM researchers are experimenting with using the structure of DNA to create the next generation of computer chips. International Business Machines Corp (IBM.N) is looking to the building blocks of our … Continue reading →

Posted in Technology | 1 Comment

Kindling A Firestorm

Posted on July 18, 2009 by Gaius

Why I won’t buy a Kindle from Amazon. They send books down the memory hole: On Friday, it was “1984″ and another Orwell book, “Animal Farm,” that were dropped down the memory hole – by Amazon.com. In a move that … Continue reading →

Posted in Bad Ideas, Technology | 3 Comments

Is It Still Hip And Cool…..

Posted on April 13, 2009 by Gaius

…When Grandma joins Facebook? An interesting little article from CNN says that the fastest growing demographic on Facebook is women 55 years old and greater – a stunning 550% growth rate in just six months. There are now about 1.5 … Continue reading →

Posted in Technology | 2 Comments

Technical Bellyflop

Posted on August 28, 2008 by Gaius

That's what Cnet News is quoting experts as saying about Barack Obama's much-touted text message revelation about his vice presidential pick. It seems that the Gang Who Couldn't Shoot Straight couldn't quite get over the technical hurdles. Many eagerly waiting … Continue reading →

Posted in Bad Ideas, Politics, Technology | 1 Comment

Distracted From Distraction By Distraction

Posted on July 19, 2008 by Gaius

Here is a place of disaffection Time before and time after In a dim light: neither daylight Investing form with lucid stillness Turning shadow into transient beauty With slow rotation suggesting permanence Nor darkness to purify the soul Emptying the … Continue reading →

Posted in Civilization, Technology | 2 Comments

Counterfeit Concerns

Posted on May 10, 2008 by Gaius

The FBI is worried about counterfeit Cisco routers. They should be. After all, they, along with the United States Navy, Marines and Air Force as well as the FAA have all bought some of the fake routers. In late February … Continue reading →

Posted in Technology | 4 Comments

Magic Is Misdirection

Posted on May 2, 2008 by Gaius

It is generally understood by most people that the effects in the performance are accomplished through sleight of hand (also called prestidigitation or léger de main), misdirection, deception, collusion with a member of the audience, apparatus with secret mechanisms, mirrors, … Continue reading →

Posted in Technology | 11 Comments

Mobile Infantry

Posted on April 26, 2008 by Gaius

The late Robert A. Heinlein's vision of powered armor is rapidly approaching reality. A company in Utah has an operational powered exoskeleton and a contract with the US military to develop it even further. Rex Jameson, one of his test … Continue reading →

Posted in Machines, Technology | 3 Comments

Lessons From Y2K

Posted on March 25, 2008 by Gaius

Bruce Webster reminisces about why the hysteria about Y2K closely resembles the hysteria surrounding Anthropogenic Global Warming – and why he is a confirmed skeptic on the whole subject. He's been there and done that. My first clue that there … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment, Technology | 3 Comments

Turboprop Comeback

Posted on March 23, 2008 by Gaius

The announcements of the death of the turboprop aircraft appear to have been a bit premature. The much-maligned technology is making a comeback in a big way, driven by increasing jet fuel prices. It seems the turboprop is anywhere from … Continue reading →

Posted in Technology | 3 Comments

Don’t DO Fear The Reaper

Posted on March 9, 2008 by Gaius

The newest unmanned aerial vehicle in the US and British arsenals are about to go operational in Afghanistan. The Reaper will be controlled by operators sitting in a facility near Las Vegas, Nevada, but will be capable of killing in … Continue reading →

Posted in Technology, War | 2 Comments

“Phased-Plasma Rifle In The Forty Watt Range.”

Posted on February 27, 2008 by Gaius

It can't be bargained with. It can't be reasoned with. It doesn't feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And it absolutely will not stop, ever, until you are dead. (From The Terminator) Dire warnings are circulating about the possibility of … Continue reading →

Posted in Machines, Technology | 2 Comments

Toshiba Quits HD DVD Format

Posted on February 19, 2008 by Gaius

Toshiba moved very quickly to cut its losses and has withdrawn the HD DVD format from the market. Sony's Blu-Ray has won the format war. TOKYO — Toshiba said Tuesday it will no longer develop, make or market HD DVD … Continue reading →

Posted in Technology | 1 Comment