Technology Today

 

Technology has come quite a long way in the recent past.  Microwaves, VCR’s, and personal computers were either not invented, or in limited use just 25 years ago!   What will technology bring us next?  How will technology make our lives more interesting?  

 

Read this article on “Eyevision,” which you may have seen used in the Superbowl:

 

(Taken from MSNBC.COM Article)

 

CBS SPORTS will be unveiling its super-secret, multi-million dollar technology called EyeVision that, according to CBS Sports Graphics Manager Mike Bird, “approaches video games” in complexity and sophistication.
 
EyeVision employs multiple robotic cameras to cover on-the-field action and produces rotating three-dimensional-like pictures. Viewers will be able to see video images from multiple angles in continuous motion during replays. Its backers claim it could be the most significant advancement in sports television coverage since CBS first employed instant replay in 1963.


“We’ll have 32 robotic cameras covering the playing field in a circle all around the stadium,” Bird told me from Tampa. “We’ll be able to show viewers plays and have it look sorta like ‘The Matrix’ — shot from every angle.”   (http://www.msnbc.com/news/krakow.asp)

 

QUESTION 1: Do you think Eyevision is a very important new technology?  WHY OR WHY NOT?

 

QUESTION 2: How many cameras are used in Eyevision to create “Matrix-like” special effects?

 

Read this article on satellite radio:   (Taken from MSNBC.COM)

 

Digital satellite radio is exactly what you expect it will be: hundreds of new radio stations delivered to new types of radio receivers via satellite. The stations will provide nationwide service.  There are 2 new satellite radio companies, XM and Sirius.  The transmissions will be all-digital (CD QUALITY). All of Sirius’ stations and most of XM’s stations will be commercial-free.


 Plan to be hearing a lot from XM in the near future.   They’re planning a multi-million dollar media campaign to try to get your attention. They’ve already lined up an impressive array of radio manufacturers who will make receivers — especially for your car — as well as a list of entertainers to get you to pay a monthly fee (in the $10 range) for the service.

 

 

QUESTION 3: What are the advantages of satellite radio stations over normal radio stations?

 

QUESTION 4:  Do you think this will be an important new development in technology?  WHY OR WHY NOT?

 

Finally, there is one invention that is coming in the near future that VERY FEW people know about.   The creator, Dean Kamen, won’t reveal many details of this project.  This is what is known now:

 

“IT”  is known by a code name... “Ginger.”

“IT” will be available in about 2 years.

“IT” will cost about $2,000.

The world has never seen anything like “IT.”

“IT” will profoundly affect our environment and the way people live worldwide.

“IT”  will be an alternative to products that are dirty, expensive, sometimes dangerous and often frustrating, especially for people in the cities.

 

QUESTION 5: So... after reading the facts above... what do you think “IT” may be?  This could be an AMAZING invention... but what? 

 

QUESTION 6: What inventions would you like to see in the near future?   (for example, a machine that sends information directly into your brain, so that you don’t need to study..)   Come up with at least 3 inventions!

 

Question 7: What was your favorite Superbowl commercial? (if you watched it)