Technology in the news – Articles from 2011

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New York Times online article, 15 July
With the problem that close to one and a half billion people in the world are living without electricity the new global buzz phrase is "sustainable energy for all". But in many cases these people cannot be connected to a supply grid, and given that the vast majority of the unconnected live near the equator, where the sun is at its zenith, the solutions being tried are almost all based on solar power.
Discussion starters:
• Energy Technology; universal access to electricity; recent technological innovation
• Enterprise: socially conscious investment
Idealog Daily Bacon video, 18 July
Ah, those crazy Swiss people. First they invented the Swiss Army Knife, now they've come up with a way to turn your car into a house. It's a modular box system, installed in the boot of your car, that unpacks and folds out to a bedroom, bathroom and kitchen.
Discussion starters:
• Design and Visual Communication: human aspects of design; modularisation
• Manufacturing Technology: flatpack assembly
Ideolog Daily Bacon video, 18 July
Current New Zealander of the Year Sir Paul Callaghan has always believed ideas are the nexus of a progressive economy. Kiwis have been living off our resources for too long, he says, and it's time we focused our energies on using what's between our ears to create real value. In this video clip from his speech to attendees at Survive and Thrive 2011, a practical expo for creative entrepreneurs, he explains why it's imperative to understand the role that creative industries play and how to grow that sector even further.
Discussion starter:
• Nature of Technology: an environment for innovation
NZ Herald news article, 31 July
The electricity shortage that caused rolling blackouts in Tokyo after an earthquake knocked out nuclear reactors in March is highlighting the usefulness of electric-car batteries as back-up power sources, according to Nissan and Mitsubishi, the world's two biggest makers of such vehicles.
Discussion starter:
• Product development: proper/alternative function; marketing strategies
Cubed webzine article , July
The day-to-day work of the Digital Signal Processing and Multimedia Group at the Centre for Digital Music at Queen Mary, University of London is analysing musical instrument sound. So when the international DigiScope project asked them to apply their expertise in sound separation technology to analysing heart sounds, it provided an exciting challenge.
Discussion starters:
• Digital Technologies: software application developme
• Characteristics of Technology: interdisciplinary collaboration
Idealog Daily Bacon Blog, 4 August
Skylights are a great way to provide natural internal lighting, but installing them is expensive and if you live in the slums of Manila, you'd think it impossible. Not so. A group of innovative MIT students has found a solution by way of some old soft drink bottles.
Discussion starters:
• Characteristics of Technological Products: proper / alternative function
• Enterprising attributes: Generating and using creative ideas and processes
NZ Herald Changespotting video, 5 August
You've probably never tried to cook with your eyes closed, but imagine if you didn't have a choice. For the blind and sight impaired people around the world, this otherwise simple task can be as daunting as it is dangerous.
Discussion starter:
• Product design: Human elements in design
NewScientist.com article, 5 August
Slum reshaping, breathing buildings and next-generation soap are just some of the ideas on display at the annual SRD Change Exhibition in Sydney, Australia. The show flaunts the best in sustainable and environmental design aiming to create products and services that focus on tangible and positive benefits for society in every possible aspect.
Discussion starter:
• Design and Visual Communication: Sustainable design
NZ Herald news article, 6 August
Cheaper internet-ready phones may make India Facebook's biggest market after the US next year with more than 50 million users, according to Nielsen. As Google's rival social network also gains in popularity, companies are boosting internet advertising to reach the 352 million children under age 15 who are coming online.
Discussion starters:
• Digital Technologies: social networking
• Nature of Technology: socio-technological environments
NZ Herald online article, 8 August
Although getting cars off the road and encouraging people to use public transport is a major part of the battle to reduce traffic congestion, technology is becoming an increasingly large part of the mix.
Discussion starter:
• Technological systems : intelligent transport systems
Idealog.co.nz Blog, 11 August
As the focus for Maori in business changes from a reliance on land-based commercial activities into a broad range of commercial ventures, a Maori taskforce has engaged Business and Economic Research Ltd (BERL) to investigate benefits for Maori in pursuing innovation, R&D and technology activities.
Discussion starter:
• Enterprise: indigenous entrepreneurship
TV3 Campbell Live video, 11 August
With the release of the blueprint for the new-look Christchurch CBD - including light rail, a new aquatic centre and European-style boulevards and precincts - a 3D modeller takes the images and creates a virtual experience.
Discussion starters:
• Design and Visual Communication: urban regeneratio
• Digital Technologies: 3-D computer modelling
NZ Herald online article, 12 August
It's billionaire Richard Branson's boldest plan - sending tourists soaring into space. But the countdown to commercial spaceflight hasn't always gone smoothly.
Discussion starter:
• Transport technology: future scenarios
Nature.com news article, 18 August
IBM has unveiled a new 'cognitive computing' microchip that, according to the company, emulates some of the brain's abilities. Nature magazine takes a peek under the hood of this new chip.
Discussion starter:
• Digital technologies: chip design
NZ Herald online article, 20 August
Parents are facing hefty credit-card bills after their children unknowingly spend real money while playing free online games on mobile devices such as iPhone and iPad.
Discussion starter:
• Software applications: ethical design and marketing

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