2010: Excited for new devices and ideas

Sure, 2009 was alright. No one really enjoyed anything about the last 365 days.

But in 2010, things are looking bright, especially in the tech world.

Here's my top 5 list of things to be excited about with 2010.

1. Apple's Tablet

Maybe this device will change the world, maybe not. But I'm excited to see what Apple has planned for their tablet. Will it bring some kind of relief for the news industry by offering a medium to produce multimedia content like this Sports Illustrated demo? probably not. But in this Business Week article, it may offer two-way webcam communication, which will give a new opportunity to creating video web chats on the go with Skype.

2. Google's Phone, Nexus One

I'm excited for this smartphone for two reasons.

First, it could be the first actually competitive alternative to the iPhone and Blackberry. It's got a better battery life then Apple's phone, and it runs faster operating system.  And any economist knows that good competition is good for consumers and business.

Second, and more importantly, Google's helping to give consumers an option on whether to go with T-Mobile and AT&T. Finally! The chance to choose between different service providers. Unfortunately, you can't purchase the Nexus One and use it on Verizon (at least not right away). But there are rumors that you can buy the new phone at a hefty price and go to any provider you choose. Can't wait to see that!

3. Foursquare

Here's a chance to help bring new exposure to that hole-in-the-wall bar with the best drink specials, or if you want to share the best pizzeria in town.

Basically, you put Foursquare on your smart phone, either iPhone or Android powered phone, then when you're out eating, or having a night out on the town, you can check-in. If you check in the most, you become the mayor.

It gives you a chance to show people some of the awesome unique places in your city. Haven't gotten a chance to explore? I'm going to use it to get me out of the apartment more often. And as far as I know, I might be the first in East Lansing to use it. (Big accomplishment there).

4. Square

Only one thing to say about this. Forget cash.

Now even street vendors have a way to access credit card payments. All you need is an audio jack on a portable device. That means an iPod Touch could become a sales register. Wow.

5. Skiff and Sprint

The first e-reader offered by a cell phone company. Personally, it could be too little, too late. But it would be interesting to see this develop for newspapers and magazines to generate paid contribution in a digital age.

Plus, check out it's flexibility!

Photo from NY Times.

Just a note, this isn't the actual device's flexibility, this is the metal-foil display inside the actual reader. But that is kinda cool.

Hero Interactive, Great Fun, Good Business.

Lets face it, everyone wants to play a good game. According to the Entertainment Software Association, sixty-eight percent of American households play computer or video games. And in 2008, U.S. computer and video game software sales grew 22.9 percent in 2008 to $11.7 billion.

That's a huge pie to take a bite, and Hero Interactive is looking for a nice serving.

Founded by Jared Riley, in St. Joseph, Mich. and with a crew of about 4 game programmers, the company is bringing money into Michigan through the free flash game market.

Hero Interactive focuses on games that are rich in experience, yet not too difficult for casual gamers. Which is great, because getting into serious gamers market means you have to compete against juggernauts like Sony's PS3 and Microsoft's Xbox 360

One of their first big hits, Bubble Tank, gives the player control of... a bubble tank. The player then moves from stage to stage, trying to burst the other bubbles while avoiding being popped.

After being released March 2007, the game has seen a sequel, Bubble Tank 2, and two spin-offs are in production.

But games that are free don't generate money right? Flashgamelicense.com shows their monthly sales figures. In 2009 alone, Flashgamelicense.com has sold over 900 games to sponsors, totaling $1.07 million. That's just one company selling games for programmers.

In Michigan, businesses haven't jumped off the manufacturing economy. But there is a bright side. Back in 2007, Google (The one and only) set up an office in Ann Arbor to start pushing the Mitt into the digital age.

So businesses like Hero Interactive definitely have a market, and bigger game programers could easily set up shop. But until then, try out Hero Interactive's new game Pixel. Wasted too many hours on this one.

Joe McNally is my Hero

I bought a book a while back called "The Moment it Clicks" by Joe McNally. It discusses some of the experiences he has had while a photojournalist for magazines like Life, Time and other large names. His images are extraordinary, and I love reading about his creative process.

It's no suprise to see an article written by McNally about lighting at DigitalPhotoPro.com. He shows how you can use the environment around you to help develop a compelling lighting situation.

Here's the article. I enjoyed it.

Have light will travel

Spike's Deadliest Warrior

Who would win? Samuri or Viking? Ninja or Spartan? Gladiator or Apache?

The age-old question. Whenever more than one guy is sitting in a room, this conversation will emerge. Who's stronger? Who's faster? Which is better?

Spike TV decided to create a show to answer the question. Deadliest Warrior takes two ancient warriors and pits them in battle using a computer simulation. The analysis consists of the lethal power a weapon would have.

And this show rarely proves anything.

The most important aspect of a warrior is it's defense. Without defense, the battle would be over based off of who can land a blow first. But the show analysts don't factor armor or defensive maneuvers.

Obviously they need to test every aspect of the battle, but that would be too complicated for Spike TV viewers.

Editor-in-Chief

I am proud to announce that starting this week, I will take over at the Red Cedar Log as the Editor-in-Chief for the remainder of the year and the next year.

I'm hoping to expand my knowledge of the Internet and its capabilities so that the RCL can grow within the next year. I want to give writers, photographers and designers a chance to learn more than ever before.

We'll see how things work. But I have some big plans for this publication.

The Web is Us/ing Us

It's been a while since I've posted, but I feel that this is necessary.

Recently, a professor of mine showed this youtube video about the possibilities of Web 2.0 functions. Ever since then, I have been completely fascinated by the influence of these applications on our social, economical, leisure and professional lives.

The Machine Is Us/ing Us is a compelling video that challenges us to think of how our society is interconnected through the Internet. Every time we tag, link, or comment, we add to this ever growing collection of data.

Never before have we been so connected, so interdependent. Our need to know society has developed to the point where websites can show where an acquaintance is by using the signal from their cell phone. We can stand outside our childhood house from the comfort of our living room with Google Maps Streetview. We can post videos on Youtube, place photos on Flickr, publish books through Blurb, even see each other using Skype. And we can invite friends and family to see every aspect of our personal life through Myspace and Facebook. And with Really Simple Syndication, or RSS these sources come directly to us.

This ability to immerse oneself in others social lives through the Internet is awe-inspiring. My generation will practically share their entire life with the world, and rarely do we bat an eye at the idea.

Should we be so willing to expose our personal lives through the Internet? Would we usually allow millions of people to walk through our house? Should we care? In essence, by posting our content and personal information online, we invite anyone with computer access to walk through our lives at our leisure.

I guess if they wipe they're feet at the door, I wouldn't mind visitors.

Tired of looking down? Everyscape.com views from the ground up.

I knew that the digital world was expanding when my dad (who has a hard time sending an email to a friend) downloaded GoogleEarth to his computer.  I was proud to see him flying around the world on his laptop, but after a few hours exploring GoogleEarth, I felt that the birds eye view of Times Square was not nearly as exciting as actually seeing it from the streets.

Enter Everyscape.com.  Everyscape.com is a website that recreates walking through popular cities and countries all at the click of a mouse. Everyscape.com offers Aspen, Miami, Boston and New York.  And it doesn't just show you the popular locations, you can see everything as if you were riding in a taxi (minus the cab fare.)

I started my trip at St. Patrick's Cathedral on 50th St and 5th Ave, strolled by Rockefeller Center, then jumped over to Times Square, all within five minutes.

Maybe seeing the sites online doesn't substitute for actually visiting, but now I at least know a few nice locations to check out. Maybe I can even find a spot to get a bite to eat when I visit New York.

Check out the New York Times article on how Everyspace might even help businesses advertise as well.