Imagine a smartphone that extends past the functionality of the iPhone. Can it be the pomegranate phone?

The phone presents itself on the website with many unusual features such as a coffee machine, projector, harmonica, and electric razor. After clicking the ‘release date’ plugin, the page directs viewers to a page oriented around tourism in Nova Scotia. This misled many viewers, and many find it controversial if it was a good idea to exclusively target the ad around people interested in technology.

Perhaps Nova Scotia is lacking in tourists lately.

That’s right, Texas Instruments now have an upcoming product that allows calculators to connect via wireless network, allowing teachers to transfer files to students during class. Texas Instruments have always been at the front of the ball game with their graphing calculators, and now their latest calculator, the TI-Nspire, will allow wireless file transferring using the Navigator system. Slideshows can be sent instantaneously to the student’s TI-Nspire handhelds. And remember playing Block Dude on the TI83 back in high school math class? Forget it, with the new TI-Nspire Navigator the teacher can see everything onscreen of every calculator in the network.

Being released Fall 2009.

In the past few years, we have seen Adobe buy out Macromedia, the other design software stronghold and Adobe has been making the Macromedia products more and more integrated with the Creative Suite. Flash has adopted a new, more Adobe friendly Actionscript language and has vector tools more similar to Illustrator. But the question remains if Adobe will continue to progress to have influence on the direction of the internet.

CFML is often looked at as an “Adobe version” of PHP, similar to ASP.NET being owned by Microsoft. Adobe AIR was also released, bringing internet technologies to the desktop. They have Adobe FLEX for internet application development as well. To many, Adobe has maxed out their software released, and to others, it has only just begun.

Despite the economic times, people are flocking to laptop computers like never before. Laptops have become a commodity as the prices for simple ones have dropped dramatically over the past year or so. One of the most sought after in the world of Apple product fans is the MacBook. It remains to be seen whether it will become a hot seller. Harcore fans will be there to take it in but will new buyers come on board? This holiday season will be like no other in history. A follow-up entry in the new year may be warranted with this one.

Digital displays are electronic advertising methods that make use of public spaces. I can only speak from experience that in some public washrooms like in nightclubs, you get the digital signage right in front of you when you’re, well, you know. It makes sense to advertisers to use this type of advertising innovation because you become what’s known as captive audience. You see, digital signage technology is a popular way to both entertain and inform you when you’re stuck doing something (or nothing!) in one location for an extended period of time. Of course, extended could mean 30 seconds in today’s hussle and bussle lifestyle but nonetheless you’re captive. When you’re on the subway and don’t want to look at people in the eye, why not stare at the digital sign right in front of you?! On the other end of things, billboard-size digital displays which can capture your attention as well.

Since film cameras have lost their place to the digital variety it’s only natural that disposable devices for the new age of photography achieve the same quality that some later film models offered.  Sure, the price may be right but digital doesn’t automatically mean you get perfection, as most of us know by now. 

To go the safest route, consider buying a disposable camera up to about 4 megapixels (more than that is certainly ok, but not necessary for most people).  Buyers might however want to try and remember their permanent cameras for that next big wedding or vacation as most disposable models offer a very limited amount photos to take.

(LOL! I put a link to an explanation of a film camera since it’s so ancient…)

With no end in sight for the ever-increasing popularity of the cell phone, consumers continue to get more attached to their devices.  This attachment can unfortunately lead to a lack of consideration and courtesy.  As much as you may be dazzled by the innumerable features on your gadget try and take notice of the following grievances commonly cited on internet forums:

1. Private conversations in public:  Does everyone on the bus really need to hear you tell your mom the reason for your doctor’s visit?

2. Holding up the line:  Whether it’s at the gym or on the golf greens, making people wait their turn because you’re making a call is pretty self-indulgent.

3. Talking while driving:  Some drivers have enough trouble concentrating as it is and cell phones have been proven to cause more accidents, hence why some governments have banned their use on roads.

Watch the etiquette!

In the wake of the trend that saw mobile phone producers competing to see who could develop the thinnest cellphone, the torch has now passed on to the laptop industry.  Earlier this year, Apple released their MacBook Air which is just over a foot wide and weighs in at 3 pounds.  Not to be outdone by competitors, Dell have put together the E-Slim Notebook due to hit store shelves later this summer.  Until that time, Lenovo have the smallest laptop available with their ThinkPad X-series.

There has been much debate between which television is better, Plasma or LCD. When deciding which type of TV you should purchase, the research is a little up in the air as to which is a better buy.  Whereas Plasma TVs seem to offer better picture quality in normal lighting, LCDs are better in brightly lit rooms. That’s one of the main differences between the two technologies. If you have a lot of questions about how these two differ and you can’t find the answer online, be sure to ask sales reps from multiple stores. Don’t just go to 2 Best Buy locations because they’ll likely have the same training on what to tell you. Get another opinion and ask the rep if they have one of these TVs at home! Their personal story can be helpful as well.  As for price, they seem to be very competitive with one another. One thing for sure, both televisions are far superior to the old rabbit ears.