Harnessing Microwave Energy

Usually the first, and only thing that comes to mind when you think about your microwave is that it will heat up your food quickly, so you can eat it when you're ready to. This may not be the only function you think of when you hear the word "microwave" much longer, these kitchen appliances may also be used to charge your phone in the future. Research is being done in Tokyo Japan to make this far fetched idea into reality.

At first, a microwave that charges your phone seems a little ridiculous, but most people don't know that a microwave emits a lot of wasted energy, that could potentially be used for something like keeping your phones battery charged. A man name Yoshihiro Kawahara is leading a team of researchers that are designing a device that can harness and recycle all of that wasted energy and use it for practical things like charging smaller batteries in other devices. This idea was inspired by NASA's attempt at harnessing waste energy produced by the sun and using it as yet another alternative energy source.

Although we probably won't see this phone charging microwave in the immediate future due to regulations on how much energy microwaves are allowed to emit, the advancements are definitely something that can be used in many beneficial ways. As this technology is updated it will absolutely help people easily reduce their carbon footprint by recycling a lot of energy, that is usually considered to be wasted. I know that I personally feel like this is a great idea, and as it is refined it will dramatically decrease the amount of energy we waste on a daily basis.

Cat Paw Breaches Through iPhone 5S Fingerprint Scanner

So now that the iPhone 5S has been out for a few days or so, this is when the fun starts. All the bugs will begin to show themselves. One such bug that many did not expect to see is actually affecting one of the biggest features of the iPhone 5S: the fingerprint scanner. Now the issue with this feature that is now being reported is not that it doesn't unlock due to sweater fingers, but that it opens and accesses your phone with things other than your fingerprint. Everything from your palm, to your forearm, and now even a cat's paw will do the trick.

This is not shaping up to be a good look for Apple's new iPhone, and albeit that we should expect bugs in the new feature, I don't believe that anyone was expecting an animal to be able to access their phone.  With so many people upgrading their phones and getting the new iPhone, it can be very risky to consumers with jobs that require a level of security. The fact that this feature was looked at as one the the main reasons to buy the new 5S is only giving this phone a bad look in terms of security. This news has now become so important that now even hackers are getting involved with this as well.

With the hackers offering a fairly handsome reward, it can only be assumed that the information on how to hack the new scanner properly would be used for malicious intent. The reward has been increasing steadily as well, so now hackers will have a little more incentive. The act of "lifting" someone's fingerprint seems to be the best way to go about tricking the new scanning feature. Supposedly there a few different ways to go about doing this, so now it begs the question, how secure is your new iPhone 5S really?

Now that these issues are starting to arise with the new Apple device, one can only hope that they are working around the clock to try and figure out the issue and resolve it. The main concern with that is that we, as the consumer, can't be sure whether the issue is in the hardware or the software. The only real failsafe involving the scanner is that a numeric passcode is required if the phone is left untouched for at least 48 hours. It hasn't been long that the new 5S has been out and with issues like this already occurring, it doesn't look good for Apple right now.

Bose QuietComfort 20i Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones

By Michael Luciano

We have all been there. That time when you are listening to your favorite song at such a high decibel that you start to get the "look" from passersby. Some of us only do that for the sake of being able to hear it within areas where it can be nearly impossible to enjoy our music. This is where the noise cancelation headphones come in, only this time, they are a bit smaller.

Bose has introduced a much more condensed version of their top of the line, noise canceling headphone, now in the form of ear buds. The new Bose QuietComfort 20i has got many features that not a lot of people would expect from noise cancelation headphones, especially not in ear bud form. Featuring a rechargeable battery for the noise canceling feature eliminates all need for batteries. This alone takes away a common expense for most headphones of this type. It also allows for ambient noise to peak through when you need it to, by the means of an "Aware" mode. Always good for when you are walking through a bustling city.

While all of these features are good, there is always a downside to something that seem to good to be true. With $299 being the cheapest price for these beauties, it's not likely to see an average consumer shell out this amount of money for headphones, but it is definitely a top contender, especially seeing as it's design is suited for more practical use than most headphones. Still, these are going to need a bit of a price adjustment before I decide to pick up my pair.

Source: Bose.com

Application Strategy in a Mobile World

Did you know 64% of the time spent on mobile phones is spent on apps? Ever since the start of mobile applications in the late 20th century our world has been changed. Mobile apps have been on the rise, and our society has developed an “I need it yesterday” mentality. We all think, the quicker the better and mobile applications play a key role in that. With the rise in this field people may be asking “What makes a good application?” or “What are the key components to create an application that will take off in the market place?"

There are a few things to look at when developing an application for your business or for your personal needs. The main thing is why; why do you need this app? Finding the underlying issue will help develop an applications that meets that specific need. Another key component is making your application user friendly. No one wants to use an app that they hate or is difficult for them to use. Make your application simple, to the point, and flexible. Always leave room for change and improvements. One last key component people look for in an app is price. Far more people go for a free application over one that costs; even if it is only $.99. You can always have extra content that a user would have to pay for once they've downloaded the app.

In other words, in creating an application always think of the user. Make sure it solves a specific need and that it is user friendly and easy to use. By doing these things you will always leave people wanting to come back for more.

Wireless technology simply allows small business enterprises to make up in flexibility, speed and efficiency for what they might lack in workforce and physical infrastructure. Looking for help, and a smile, on your mobile technology rental needs for your next event or show? If so check out our full line of tablet rental options!