Intelligent, Chatting Machines

Over the past several years, technology has enabled computers to become more advanced as well as a lot more user friendly. These days, a majority of university students own a laptop and it is becoming evident that these machines are making individuals and organizations lives a lot easier.
DEFINITION/DESCRIPTION
For a long time now, research around the world has been faced with a problem called natural - language processing. Basically, trying to make a computer which will talk with conceptual thought and not strictly through text input. Though there are already several computer programs that simulate conversation, none of them compare to what Cognitive Code has in mind. This company has built a new software which allows humans and computers to talk with one another. In order for this to work, a set of algorithms (computational procedure for solving a problem in a finite number of steps) are used to convert simple words into meaningful concepts and full sentences. The program used to do this is called SILVIA (symbolically isolated, linguistically variable intelligence algorithm). This program has 2 brand new technologies that seperate it from the rest. First, it understands and then remembers the context of a conversation. Secondly, SILVIA is able to understand concepts that are worded in different ways and then answer with worded responses. This new technology is looking to market its product to certain companies such as Toy makers and cell phone distributors. If done properly, these companies can produce a new wave of technologically advanced products.
PROS FOR ORGANIZATIONS
1) Time - saver:
With a tested and advanced program such as SILVIA, companies can find many ways to benefit their organizations with this product.Instead of composing a texted e-mail, people can send an email via PDA's and say "I will be there in 5 minutes". This can be very helpful and productive because instead of having to type out an entire message on a phone or computer, you can just say your message and it will be a lot faster.
2) Silvia can be used on both a desktop or a mobile device:
Being able to use SILVIA on your computer is already a great benefit but it does not stop there. This program can be installed on a cellular phone and surprisingly only takes up less than 3MB of RAM. This is a pro for organizations because this system can now be used outside of the main work facility and used by employees at home or even on business trips.
CONS FOR ORGANIZATIONS
1) Technology and its risks:
Altough SILVIA is a great and emerging technology, we must remember that computers and software's do infact have problems. It is known that from time to time, products and programs do go down or have to be fixed. A bad idea for an organization would be to get too dependant on this program or any program for that matter. If you depend on this product to manage your work and suddenly something goes wrong then your organization will be faced with several problems.
2) Clarity and Understanding:
SILVIA is different because it is made to use its own concepts and understanding to answer questions in its own unique way. The problem with this is that not everyone at an organization is the same. What one employee might understand, the other might not. Therefore if an employee cannot communicate properly with this program then the company can run into problems due to miss communication.

For further information please visit:
1) http://www.technologyreview.com/Biztech/19403/

2) http://cognitivecode.com/about.html
3) http://crunchgear.com/2007/09/17/cognitive-code-at-tc40/

Solar Power

It has been well over one hundred years since we first started using electricity; Since the invention of the first lightbulb by Thomas Edison, electricity has taken enormous strides in benefiting our world. With emerging technologies getting better and better everyday, who knows what electricity and technology will do for us next?
DESCRIPTION/DEFINITION
Many efforts are presently being made to improve the technology as well as the cost of solar energy. The way solar power works is with photovoltaic cells which use conducters to convert light energy into electrical current. The way this conversion is done now is by using silion based - panels which does in fact work quite efficiently. The only problem with it is that using silicon for this conversion is fairly expensive. After several years of testing, several chemists believe that they have found a solution to create efficient and cost efficient energy from solar power. This new method includes quantum dots; little crystal semiconductors that are able to interact with light. The way this works is that these dots are able to release electrons when exposed to high energy photons and this is what gives off the elctrical energy.
PROS FOR ORGANIZATIONS
1) Cost efficiency and convenience
Unlike the silicon based panels, Quantum dots are alot easier and less expensive to produce and use for solar power. They can produce just as much power and because of its weight and flexibility, these quantum dot panels can be installed in many different places. This is good for any organization because they will be saving money on these systems and due to the storing convenience, they will be able to use them in any part of the company.
2) Environmentally concious and low maintenance cost
This new invention has an unlimited amount of advantages for all organizations as well as for the environment. Another reason is that they require very little maintenance and that means more money saved for the business. These machines also work silently and last but not least, they are the cleanest/safest method of electrical power. This is helpful to an organization because it keeps the workplace cleaner and it shows people that the company cares about keeping a clean environment.
CONS FOR ORGANIZATIONS
1) How often will it be used
When it comes to the technological thought behind this invention, there seems to be nothing wrong with it because it is such a well thought idea. Unfortunately, the reality of it is that this emerging technology is very much so still emerging. The actual product will probably not be commercialized for the next few years and so until it has been tested, it is hard to say what will be good and bad about it. One problem that organizations might inccur is a mixed amount of solar power throuhgout the year. The weather cannot be tampered with and therefore organizations may believe that they will get a certain amount of electrical energy from solar power but then might be dissapointed to find that they recieved less than they bargained for.
2) Advanced technology
Since this piece of equipment is so advanced, it takes a certain type of person to construct and fix this product. If the machine somehow breaks down or needs maintenance, it will be hard to get the proper help to replace or fix it. There is not necessarily someone in the company that will know how to fix the machine and therefore it might become a hassle for the organization.

For further information:

1) http://www.technologyreview.com/read_article.aspx?ch=specialsections&sc=emerging&id=18285
2) http://www.technologyreview.com/Energy/13659/
3) http://www.newenergy.org/sesci/publications/pamphlets/photovoltaic.html

Fuel Cell Charger

Throughout the past 10 years, cell phones have become more and more technologically advanced in hopes that they could one day be a neccessity in society and organizations. Now, in 2007, cell phones are seen everywhere whether it be a 50 year old business man or a 13 year old school girl. Cellular phones are more popular than ever and this is why technology has focused on making better and more efficient products for its users.
DEFINITION/DESCRIPTION
As the years have gone along, companies have found a way to adopt and depend on cellular phones to improve their organization. Phones are a very common way to communicate amungst employees especially when they are out of town and on business meetings. This is where problems are created because we all know that more times then less, we use our phones until the battery dies. Fortunately, this will not be a problem for people anymore, now that SAIT and Samsung SDI have come together and produced the world's smallest fuel cell phone charger. This specific charger works similar to a regular charger but instead it uses what are called user - replaceable methanol cartridges. These cartridges are able to be charged and then inserted into the phone, PDA, laptop or whatever other technology it is adaptable to. These fuel cells will allow people to talk for up to 20 hours instead of today's lithium - ion batteries which last on average up to 4 hours. The way this battery works is that methanol fuel cells are used to produce watts which then has the power to recharge the phone. Basically, these cells use available sources such as hydrogen or methanol and produce it into waste products such as water, carbon dioxide and heat. This is a huge step for cell phone users because chances of getting stuck with no battery anymore is much less likely. The actual charger itself is only 5.3mm thick and only weighs 5.3 ounces. This technology is on its way up and has already filed over 20 patents worldwide for its energy consuming method.
PROS FOR THE ORGANIZATION
1) Conveniency
As it was stated earlier, fuel cell chargers are on the verge of being commercialized and because of that, technology has been able to reduce its size a considerable amount. This is perfect for the typical businessman/woman who have to travel alot and carry this equipment. Another convinient aspect of the fuel cell charger is that there are no more hassles looking for those wall sockets because the fuel cell produces enough watts to recharge conventional batteries.
2) Time Consomation
This newly discovered fuel cell charger is not only convenient to travel with but it also saves a lot of precious time for people and organizations. By having 20 hours of talk time, companies can be quite sure that whenever on business trips, employees will be able to reach each other with no problems at all. No more having to save your batteries life span because with 20 hours of time and rechargeable cartridges, there is no excuse to have low battery on these phones.
CONS FOR THE ORGANIZATION
1) Forgetfullness
Because this product has been tested over and over again, it is hard to say that there are many cons for organizations. One that comes to mind is the forgetfulness of the users who use it. Since many of us are used to using our phones for 4 hours instead of 20, people might forget to re charge their phones. An employee might be so focused on his work that he might forget to recharge the phone because he is not used to how long it lasts. Apart from that, this product has showed over 200 positive charges on cellular phones and therefore is hard to point out negative effects it would have on an organization.

For further information:

1) http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=5130
2)http://www.technologyreview.com/Energy/12668/
3) http://www.cellexpower.com/Technology/fuel_cells.htm

Video link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=-8K11IVNXB4