Google to add Power Point style presentations to Google Docs

Google has confirmed that they will add a Power Point-style presentation to their ever popular Google Docs. Google Docs is a free service that allows users to make documents and spreadsheets online. The new presentation feature, like with docs and spreadsheets, will allow other users to edit a presentation.

I think this is a nifty little move by Google. They basically own everything on the internet, why not add presentations to it? I really do like this idea because its almost no longer necessary to own Microsoft Office software. It is a very inexpensive way to make a presentation or a spreadsheet and you can also allow your friends to edit it online, which is always a plus. Google is definitely gonna give Microsoft a run for their money.

Plug-In Hybrid School Buses Introduced

Students in Florida are the first of two plug-in hybrid school buses in the country. The buses run on both a diesel engine and electric motor, and they plug into a power socket at night to charge the batteries. An ordinary school bus gets about 6 to 8 miles to the gallon, but the new plug-in hybrid models rated at more than 12 mpg. This can cut fuel consumptions in 1/2 for many school districts. It will allow the buses to pay for themselves in a few years because they will cost about $40,000 more than regular school buses.

I think this is a great idea because it will prevent an increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere which cause global warming. It is important to act now and stop climate change because it will be detrimental to us in the near future. Also, it is important that state and local governments are taking the initiative in preventing global warming because the current administration wants nothing to do with this.

Linux on a Dell

Dell is considering possibility of offering leading Linux versions preinstalled in addition to, or in place of Windows on their PCs. The company received 100,000 customer comments in its customer-based crowdsourcing site, Ideastorm, suggesting the computer maker should make Linux the operating system. This move could significantly lower the cost of Dell computers, but it's hard to say how much since it isn't clear what Dell charges for Windows. In addition, some customers are pushing to swap Microsoft Office with OpenOffice, which is another way to reduce system prices.

I think this is great news because consumers will have a choice on which operating system they prefer; hence, they will no longer be forced to use Windows. Also, prices of computers will be reduced and quality of the computer may be improved with a Linux operating system. I think that an open-source operating system like Linux are the future of PCs.

iPod stolen? Have it phone home!

Gadget Trak is a new device that allows owners of USB gadgets, like MP3 players, digital cameras, thumb drives, etc., to track them if they are stolen. When the device is stolenyou log into Gadget Trak's and flag it as lost or stolen. The next time the device is plugged into a computer it sends the owner of the device info about that system like IP address, location, username and computer name and more.

I think this technology is very innovative and necessary since most people own USB gadgets. Also, iPods and other MP3 players keep getting smaller and almost everybody on campus owns one; hence, they become prime targets for thieves. What I like most about Gadget Trak is that it is a free service. The thing I least like is that it only tracks gadgets that are connected to a PC with Windows XP. I guess they are hoping that the person who steals your device doesn't own a Mac, or a firewall for that matter.

GPS sneakers

The latest installment in the ever growing GPS market is sneakers. The shoe is embedded with a 2-inch-by-3-inch chip that is tucked in the bottom of the shoe. The GPS sneakers are guaranteed to accurately signal a persons location. Issac Daniels, the inventor of the GPS sneakers, came up with the idea after him and his sons school thought his son was missing.

I think this is a very innovative idea. These shoes can save the life of a missing person and it can aid people who suffer from Alzheimer's. Also, the technology can't be abused to find out if a person is truly in a location. Although the sneakers are pricey, the user can simply buy a another pair and use the same chip of their old pair.

Apple TV

Apple TV is the latest innovation from Apple that allows people to view their iTunes library on t.v. Apple TV wirelessly syncs your iTunes library and plays it on most high definition tvs. Apple TV works on both Mac and PC and also shows pictures saved in iPhoto and Adobe Albums.

I think Apple TV is fascinating because people are no longer confined to viewing their iTunes purchases in their computer or iPod. It's also very convenient to wirelessly sync your movies, tv shows, pictures and music.

Pandora & The Music Genome Project

Pandora is an internet radio site that was created by the Music Genome Project. The Music Genome Project was created 7 years ago by a group of musicians in order to create "the most comprehensive analysis of music ever". Pandora allows the user to discover new music based on songs or artists they already know. For example, Pandora matches song titles, generes, lyrics, music, etc. and matches them with other songs.

Using Pandora is very simple. First you create a station by typing a band or song that you like. Next, Pandora searches for other songs that are similar to those you have chosen. If you like the song, Pandora will store the song. If you don't Pandora erases it from the station. Those songs that you like are also used to generate more songs that might interest you.

I like Pandora because it is simple to use, and it has introduced me to a variety of new artist that I never knew existed. It's very facinating that the musicians of the Music Genome Project analyzed thousands of songs meticulously in order to create this site. Pandora is an excellent song for people who don't really like mainstream radio and music and those who are interested in new artists.