I can remember when I was a little kid, I would take many things apart with a simple screwdriver. I was curious on how a winding alarm clock or a wrist watch looked on the inside. Sometimes, I would wind up breaking a part or two. Luckily my father never found out. I graduated to more scientific learning kits that allowed me to make a simple solar powered motor or even a crystal radio. It was like magic and still seems like magic in many ways to hear an AM radio station captured from thin air using no power but just the energy from a crystal. We all take it for granted nowadays that signals travel through space and we get our emails, SMS messages, digital music and over the air digital TV programs with no wires. No one really thinks about how all these signals can exist in the air and we can receive them clearly without all the gibberish of background noise.

Image Source: Design Observer

I am always excited about the latest technologies and also love to see and hear about the hi-tech products geared towards kids. I came across a posting on Design Observer that showcases a new product that teaches kids about scientific and engineering principles. The digital camera called the Bigshot Camera comes with over a dozen parts that allows a child to assemble a fully working digital camera. This is truly a great concept and is supported with an online website that the kids can upload pictures to plus get more information about the science and technology behind the Bigshot Camera. 

 The specifications are sketchy but one feature I like is the rotating dial on the front which allows you to select a different lens.

• Standard
• Wide Angle
• 3D

Another great addition is a hand crank that allows you to power the camera when the AA battery runs out. Great for those emergency shots.

Image Source Design Observer

The product is still in its deisgn phase and not slated for release anytime soon though. I hope this product will evolve past the design phase and see light as a commercial product. The article goes on to menton that some of the circuitry is more advanced then necessary. I hope the designers do not reduce the imaging quality or at least create two versions.

• 1: A version that has all the existing features with an overall retail pricing of under $90.00
• 2: A version under $150.00 retail that adds additional features like a SD memory card slot and a built in flash.

I am looking forward to seeing more digital products geared to teach how the inner workings of a product actually works. A digital product with numerous chips is not the same as gears and springs in an old wind up alarm clock but a simple wind up alarm clock does not turn a kids crank these days. At least a modular design can certainly simplify what every component is designed for and make the learning process more exciting.

Source: The Design Observer Group 

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• Link to Retrevo’s Real Time Review of that product

What is Retrevo?

Retrevo is the consumer electronics shopping site visited by over four million people every month. Retrevo uses Artificial Intelligence technology to make sense of the consumer electronics market and help electronics shoppers decide what to buy, when to buy, and where to buy it. Whether it’s HDTVs, camcorders, laptops, or cameras, Retrevo gives shoppers the information they need to make confident purchases. Retrevo is a Silicon Valley based company that has been virtually matching people and consumer electronics since 2006, and has recently been featured in SmartMoney, The Motley Fool, MacWorld, PC World, Fox Business, The UK Register, and more.

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More and more parents are now getting cell phones for their teen and pre-teens in an effort to protect them and make them safer. For the most part, I do not blame the parents for this rise in cell phone usage by kids. The manner in which the industry is promoting the services is the main culprit. Companies are making cell phones in sizes and colors that appeal to young kids This article on MSNBC covers some of these phones for kids. Another promotional avenue is for cell phone carriers is to provide a family plan and also have special deals on phones like BUY ONE and GET ONE FREE. The ability to interact with TV shows and radio programs geared towards kids via SMS messaging is another way companies can get more kids to use cell phones and generates added revenue.

The problem with most phones designed for young kids is that the phones initially look exciting on the outside but are so limiting in functionality that kids will avoid using them very quickly. Phones designed for kids are limited in so many features:

• Only preset numbers can be called. Some also limit the incoming call numbers.
• No text messaging which is very popular with kids.
• Some have GPS tracking which allows parents to keep track of where their kids are. In reality, this technology tracks where the phone is and in many cases, the phone will be left at home since kids hate to be followed by their parents. If the child is old enough to be out on their own then they will feel old enough not to be followed by their parents. The GPS tracking only works when the phone is located outdoors where the satellite signal can be directly accessed.
• No ability to use a hands FREE headset or a Bluetooth headset.
• Can be more expensive to purchase over a normal cell phone.
• If friends have normal cell phones then these will have a camera, SMS text messaging, Internet access and other cool features which appeal to kids. Kids with a kids phone will feel left out and also teased for having a lame cell phone.

Parents will try to do what they can to provide the best protection for their kids but sometimes forget that in some areas, kids are as smart or smarter than their parents. One area that kids excel from a very young age is the ability to pick up on new technologies. Cell phones that limit usage like the number available for calling or received will certainly turn kids off and limit the number of occasions when they will take these phones with them. If the kids require adult supervision in public then they are too young for their own phone anyways in my opinion.

Teenagers will certainly stay away from phones geared for kids. Teenagers will certainly feel like idiots using a limited phone around their friends. Some kids will also feel embarassed to use the same phone that their parents use unless the phone is a new one with all the bells and whistles.

What are these bells and whistles?

• SMS Messaging – This allows kids to send text messages to their (BFF: Best Friend Forever).
• Bluetooth for access to wireless headsets and headphones to listen to music.
• Bluetooth access to a PC like a laptop to use Internet anywhere outside on their laptop.
• Built in music player.
• Large screen for playing games and watching videos.
• Access to an Internet browser.
• Built in camera.
• Built in keyboard for easier texting.
• Built in GPS to find the exact location of a store.
• External memory card slot for loading music, video and games.

What parents need to know about these bells and whistles:

SMS messaging and Internet browser usage means added monthly fees. In most cases, the cost will be charged per use or based on the amount of data that is transfered. Easily $100+  can be accumulated by active kids per month if you are not careful. Even if your kids do not send text messages themselves, you can be charged for text messages received by your kids. Either from friends or via services your kids have subscribed to online through their PC.

The GPS, camera and music player by themselves do not cost additionly per month but to take advantage of these features, kids will want to download the music directly on to their phones via the data service. Pictures taken will be uploaded to the kids favorite online social networking website like Facebook, My Space, and many others. GPS requires software that also is downloaded directly from the Internet. All of these activities cost the parent added usage fees monthly.

Many TV stations and cell phone carriers are now making TV shows and movies available for viewing directly on the cell phone. If you are charged per byte of data transfer, a 30 minute TV show that your kid watches on the cell phone can mean a huge phone bill that month. More and more kids are uploading pictures and videos taken on their cell phones and uploading them on to these social networking websites which are in turn shared with their friends that also download these pictures and videos to watch them directly on their cell phones. In many cases a group of kids can easily take a picture or video and share these immediately by uploading to the website. Others will access the website and view the newly uploaded pictures and videos.

There are no safe guards built into phones to prevent kids going to websites geared for adults only. The website has no direct way to verify the user is of legal age or not therefore parents must be aware that Internet access on a cell phone is totally open like it is on a regular PC.

To avoid these added service charges on an ongoing basis, you can avoid subscribing to a data plan when you have a family plan. Keep in mind that this does not prevent all data access from your phone. Some features on many phones can still access data without a data plan and without you even knowing it. This just means the carrier will charge you more per byte transfered in data. So be careful when you are considering giving your kid a cell phone for the first time. If data service is important to have for whatever reason, some carriers do have an “all you can eat data plan”. Check around and do your home work before jumping into a family plan and giving your kids their own cell phone. You can go HERE to see a good review on the various service providers.

Added Note:

Anyone reading unlimited minutes for a given service plan should be aware that this only refers to local phone calls only in most cases. SMS text messaging, any other data usage times are not included in this unlimited category.

ATM Hunter

The MasterCard ATM Hunter utilizes the iPhone or iPod touch’s location awareness technologies to pinpoint the search. Users can customize their hunt based on their unique banking needs – such as focusing their search to a specific financial institution if they need to make a deposit or wish to avoid ATM withdrawal fees. MasterCard ATM Hunter can also pinpoint wheelchair accessible, drive-through, or 24-hour access ATMs and provide the directions to get there.  Additionally, MasterCard ATM Hunter automatically provides users with helpful ATM safety tips. 

Powered by the MasterCard Location Services platform, MasterCard ATM Hunter is the latest delivery channel for ATM location information from MasterCard.  Each year, more than two million consumers contact MasterCard via the Web, phone and wireless (SMS) to find ATM locations – when they need it, wherever they are – quickly and easily. This is a great offering from Mastercard. In Toronto Canada, this service would not be that beneficial since most major streets and districts would have an ATMs available. Overall in Canada, Most bank locations have multiple ATM machines. Many gas stations and convenience stores also have ATM machines. Most retailers and restaurants also accept debit cards plus in some cases offer the ability to get cash back with no user fees. Debit cards offered through credit card institutions are not that popular in Canada since most people have debit cards offered by their own banks. No need to maintain or transfer funds into a separate credit card companies account. The funds are accessed directly from your savings or chequing account. 

As far as the actual FREE ATM Hunter program goes, many countries do not have ATM machines as readily available like in Canada therefore this program is a huge benefit when Canadian’s travel abroad. This is one beneficial program for any Apple iPhone or iPod touch user. You can go HERE to download the application or use the direct online search form.

The next generation of social lifestyle tool is now available. The product is called Yellowpin and originally appeared on Facebook as an add-on application. It’s a very simple application to use and take advantage of. Anyone with a SMS capable phone can easily send a text message and have their activity and location made available to all their buddies in the social network.

- Pinpoints exactly where you are.

- No GPS tracking or montioring.

- Provides a very secure and controlled environment for sharing your location and activities.

- Communicates your activity with the longitude and latitude of where the activitiy is taking place.

- Aggregates friends’ activity to give a user a clearer view of their social landscape.

- Allows access to all functions through the desktop application or SMS.

- You are in complete control of your information.

Yellowpin is available on a 30 day FREE trial and costs only 99 cents month. This is a great add-on application and is very reasonable in cost. You can go to www.yellowpin.com for more details and to register online.

Police Surveillance Tool Now Available For Personal Use.

If you are a fan of TV shows like CSI and Fringe, you will see from time to time, covert monitoring conducted using an individuals cellphone. Examples are tracking the user via the cellphone signal, accessing the internal GPS, turning on the microphone remotely and silently.

Now a company called Retina-X Studios has released a software program for Windows Mobile smartphones which allows you track and access features on your phone if it is ever stolen or lost. The program called RecoveryCop allows you recover your lost or stolen phone by tracking its whereabouts. You can send an SMS message from another phone or access your control panel via the online website.

Capabilities:

- Track the phones location if the device is GPS enabled.

- Have the phone silently call any number so that you can monitor the user via the microphone.

- Keep track of all SMS messages and calls made.

- Be notified of any SIM card changes.

- Automatically lock the phone when the SIM card is changed or activate the lock via a command remotely.

- Backup, erase or restore the data on the phone.

- Record the phone number registered on the new SIM card,

The program could pose some ethical issues if used illegally for spying purposes but certainly has some interesting aspects if you ever lose your very expensive Windows Mobile smartphone. Tracking and locating your phone is quick and simple but the actual recovery is left up to the individual. The software and service is available for $29.97 USD per year. You can go to RecoveryCop for more details.

Many people understand generally what it means when someone says GPS but most people do not know how or what a GPS can be useful for. Typically a GPS is used to determine where you are which is not really a benefit in populated areas since we have street signs and other landmarks to guide us. Inexpensive maps can also show us exactly where we are thus a device costing $100.00 or more is not something the average person is willing to invest in. Keep in mind that street signs and maps are only as good as the person using these tools since the information only provides a point of reference only. The user must use the information effectively to reach the final destination. This method is easily prone to human error.

The GPS technology consists originally of 24 orbiting satellites. Anyone that has a GPS unit can detect anywhere from 6 – 10 satellites which are in direct line of sight from any point on earth theoretically. In actuality, we have to deal with buildings, mountains, and trees therefore the number can easily be anywhere from 0 – 6. For the GPS to correctly triangulate your current location, a minimum of 3 satellites must be continuously detected. 4+ satellite detection ensures a higher level of accuracy.

GPS Satellites - Image: Wikipedia

The GPS unit will determine the longitude and latitude of its location which will then be positioned on top of a regional map. This will provide the user the current location visually. Typically, the accuracy is within 10 meters and I have experienced as good as 5 meters.

Here is a small list of what a GPS unit can be good for:

- Determine current location.

- Determine the location of other people. A cellphone with a built in GPS can be contacted via SMS (text messasging) and another SMS can be relayed back to the origianl SMS sender with location details.

- Surveying: information can be collected about a given region and tagged with specific location information.

- A highly accurate clock is contained within each satellite therefore detailed time and date information can also be recorded with the exact location information.

- Search and rescue: Users or pets with GPS trackers can be quickly located in emergency situations.

- Traffic information can be displayed in conjunction with GPS information to coordinate travel routes to minimize travel time.

- Fish finders nowadays have GPS units combined to track and record suitable fishing locations.

- GPS is very handy for astronomers to determine the exact orientation of the night sky. The location of the stars will vary depending on the longitude and latitude. A GPS will allow you to locate a reference star to guide you through the night sky to locate other stars, constellations and planets.

- By combining the GPS location details and the clock together, a PDA based software program can continuously track an individuals activity thereby allowing details information to be gathered for use in an exercise program. Jogging for example the GPS logger can determine distance travelled in X amount of time therefore details like the estimated amount of calories burned and current level of activity based on previously recorded stats.

Consumer GPS units where typically $300.00 – $1000.00 but have continued to drop in price with the lower price range being under $100.00 nowadays. Keep in mind that the lower priced units will require a computer system of some kind to connect to.

USING AN AUTO BASED GPS

GPS units designed for the automobile can be very useful for those frequent travellers. Exact routing information can be displayed with voice prompts. Great for travelling along unfamiliar territory. Off road 4 X 4 activities can be more envigorating and safe when a GPS can clearly define safe routes ahead. When you are planning on purchasing an auto GPS for your own vehicle. You must take care in purchasing one that is suitable for your specific car.

I would recommend a GPS that has a rechargeable battery, a car lighter adapter and a separate cabled GPS antenna.

Having a rechargeable battery included will allow the unit to operate without being connected to the cars battery when the engine is not running.

A separate GPS antenna will allow you to position the reciever in a location that provides the best access to the information displayed plus allowing the antenna to recieve the strongest signal. Features in the car like the defroster build into the windows and thick metal body work can jam or block the GPS signals. Reflected signals will cause inaccurate readings thus a direct line of sight is required for the antenna placement. Suction cups are generally provided with the antenna allowing easily attachment.

As the salesperson if he/she has actually used any or all of the GOS units they carry to get a feel of what will be suitable for your own situation. It is always a good idea to read up on various makes and models ahead of time before heading out to your local dealer. A little research can greatly reduce headaches after the purchase.

Types of GPS Units

There are a number of GPS types to be aware of. The two main categories are stand alone units and a Bluetooth or wired GPS unit designed to be used in conjunction with a PDA, phone or computer. Either way, a GPS unit is more than just a device to get you from point A to point B.

These are some of the uses for GPS systems.

1 - Points of interest location maps. A good GPS unit or a GPS program can inform you of any “points of interest” within the area you currently are located or another area you wish to be at. Then determine the best route to take to get there. http://www.gps-poi-us.com/

2 -- Allows you to pinpoint the location of someone important when they have a GPS unit that you can connect to via an SMS message or via another service. http://www.startrackgps.net/

3 -- You can play location based GPS games. http://www.gpsgames.org/

4 -- Using a GPS to track the location of stars above your current location. GPS for Astronomy

GEOCACHING

Geocaching is a free activity that is great for the lungs, heart and the rest of your body. It’s a way of getting yourself outdoors to search for hidden treasure. When Geocache was first started, a little token of appreciation for finding the hidden box was your reward. You were to either leave the token item for the next person to find it or you take the item and replace it with another of equal or greater value. Nowdays Geocaching is just about  having fun which is great activity for all ages. All you need is a stand alone GPS unit or a portable unit like a PDA or phone with a built in or external GPS unit. The basic idea is you are given waypoints which are the longitude and latitude of where a Geocache or treasure is hidden. Your task is to find the cache/treasure and record that you found it in the log book contained in the cache/treasure container.

This is a huge activity that involves thousands of hidden locations all over the world. You can go to www.geocaching.com and probably find a Geocache in your area. You will certainly discover fun areas around your home or town that you never paid much attention to all these years. Many enthusiasts even travel all over the world to Geocache. It’s one good way to discover the area you have never been to. Next time you are given the opportunity to purchase a GPS unit at a great price, consider Geocaching as one of the potential uses for the GPS.

Garmin GPS Units

Garmin has been one of the original pioneers of GPS technology. Garmin continues to design and manufacture innovative GPS units. You have not envisioned the potential benefits of GPS until you visit the Garmin website. Garmin manufactures a wide range of products with a built in GPS unit lke:

- A GPS for dogs.

- GPS to indicate traffic congestion.

- GPS with two way radios built in.

- GPS with range finders for golfers

- GPS units for extreme sports enthusiasts to track location and activity of your daily exercises.

Plus many other categories.

Toshiba TG01 Windows Mobile 6.1 Pro PDA

The Toshiba Windows Mobile PDA has a built in GOS unit that allows you to install all sorts of software that will take advantage of the GPS technology. The skies the limit to what you can do with any PDA based GPS system. The functionality is only limited by the application software installed. Yesterday I posted the TG01 as one of the interesting PDA devices in my weekly PDA Tuesdays posting. By allowing the GPS unit to interact with a given software program, you can always update the software program with up to date information like “points of interest” and new streets. you can even find games that utilize a GPS unit. One such game is called GPS MISSION which is a multi player game. Watch video below.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkPbp9ITCRI

Hope you enjoyed a small glimps of what a GPS is all about. I will be posting this feature weekly and hope to bring you some more interesting tidbits of information from the GPS world.