Mind Controlled Toy Will Soon Launch

Article Review #5

Article Title
"Brain controlled helicopter takes mental concentration to new heights"

Article Author
George Webster

Article Publication Date
Nov. 27, 2012

URL
http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/23/tech/orbit-brain-controlled-helicopter/index.html?iid=article_sidebar

Article Summary
An extraordinary mind controlled toy could be available to the public before the end of this year! The company Puzzlebox plans to launch a helicopter packaged with an EEG headset, which will read the electrical brain activity along the scalp of the owner to manipulate up and down movement of the toy.

Relevance to Class
The holiday season is among us which means that everyone will want the latest new toy or gadget! The new mind controlled toy helicopter set to launch before year's end adds an interesting twist to "brain teasers" as it enables users to hone their concentration skills.

Key Quote
"... by providing powerful visual reinforcement in the shape of [his] telekinesis-powered floating sphere, users will become better able to channel their attentions in other tasks." 

You don't own your smartphone! (Article Review #4)

Article Title
"Why Your Carrier Owns Your Smartphone, Not You"

Article Author
Steven Kovach

Article Publication Date
Nov. 14, 2012

URL
http://www.businessinsider.com/carriers-are-the-customer-2012-11

Article Summary
Smartphone makers are under the thumb of wireless phone carriers, seeing the carrier that sells your data plans as the customer rather than the actual consumer buying the phones. Since carriers decide what phones to sell, phone distributors have to appeal to carriers or risk not being able to launch.

Relevance to Class
Who doesn't "own" a smartphone in this class? Seriously, they are the minority. This article presents some food for thought for smartphone users.

Key Quote
"Two different representatives from two different smartphone companies happened to tell me the exact same thing this week: 'The carrier is our customer.' "

Text Messaging Endangered (Source Comparison #3)

Article 1
"Text messaging falls for first time in U.S."
Nov. 13, 2012
http://money.cnn.com/2012/11/13/technology/mobile/text-messaging-decline/index.html

Article 2
"Apple's iMessage causes decline in U.S. text messaging, report says"
Nov. 12, 2012
http://appleinsider.com/articles/12/11/12/apples-imessage-causes-decline-in-us-text-messaging-report-says

Article 3
"Text messaging is on decline in U.S., says report"
Nov. 13, 2012
http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/technolog/text-messaging-decline-us-says-report-1C7040450#__utma=238145375.861242524.1352925605.1352925605.1352925605.1&__utmb=238145375.1.10.1352925605&__utmc=238145375&__utmx=-&__utmz=238145375.1352925605.1.1.utmcsr=google|utmccn=%28organic%29|utmcmd=organic|utmctr=%28not%20provided%29&__utmv=238145375.|8=Earned%20By=msnbc|technology%20%26%20science|wireless=1^12=Landing%20Content=Mixed=1^13=Landing%20Hostname=www.msnbc.msn.com=1^30=Visit%20Type%20to%20Content=Earned%20to%20Mixed=1&__utmk=156798328


Notes:

• Articles about the decline of text messaging according to a report released by telecommunications analyst, Chetan Sharma
• Article 2 mentions that data-based messaging has been replacing texts as the number of smartphone users increase
• Article 3 highlights Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as the new "go-to sites for messaging"
• All articles note the decline from statistics gathered from recent quarterly report
• Article 1 points out that texting is actually an expensive way to communicate as it can average to $1,250 per megabyte
• Article 2 blames Apple iMessaging, among other data-based services, as causing the decline in conventional text messaging
• Smartphones offer a variety of free text messaging services through their apps
• Article 3 says that "the data suggests that the messaging revenues in the US market might have peaked"
• Article 2 is the most succinct and comprehensive 
• Article 1 links a similar story that was written over a year ago about "The death of the text message"