Weekly Tech Post 10/24

Physical Key Created as an Identity Lock

     Google has recently begun creating a USB device that holds a users information. This USB would be used as a type of identity holder and is said to be extremely secure. The key can be used either monthly or daily and can connect to any computer or Google account. Instead of putting in information every time one uses a computer, he or she can simply insert the USB and their login and password will be entered. 
     This key is planned on being sold for less than $20. The change from "typed in logins" to keys will diminish the amount of accounts that are hacked through passwords. Key USB devices are becoming a more common way of opening accounts and securing information. 
     The Key USB is the most secure option due to the inability of hacking the chip that is inside the key. Many hackers intercept logins through text messages or breaking into cellphones, however, one would not be able to hack into the Google Key unless they physically have the key. You can see the article here.

Weekly Tech Post 10/10

OLED Lighting Sheets Use Half the Energy of Lightbulbs
Researchers have recently been enhancing a stronger form of light energy. The Organic LED light-sheets have had positive feedback in many areas. Although the OLED lights are very costly (one OLED lamp costing around $9,000), many manufacturers have been attempting to recreate the same energy with lower costing products. Some companies, such as OLED-Works, have even made the OLEDs on plastic sheets.  These artificial lights give off a combination of red, green, and blue light. Enhancing these sheets of light can positively influence the entire country. Lighting is 20% of all electricity in the United States. This low-costing and energy efficient form of light can reduce the entire cost of lighting in housing, buildings, or even in public parks. The article on OLED lights can be seen here.

10/3 Weekly Tech Post

     LTE Direct Quickly Gets Information Without the Need For Cell Towers

      Opposed to the current cell phones that require cell towers to connect to information, researchers have begun developing a phone that does not require the usage of cell towers. Many cell phones that use LTE are supposed to quickly go through cell towers to get the user to whatever app or contact they are trying to get to. However, Qualcomm has created a cell phone protocol that will be able to pass cell towers altogether. Instead of making large, bulky, and unattractive towers, beacons will be created and set up in stores or businesses in certain areas.
   With these new beacons, we are able to diminish the dependence on cell towers; possibly even erasing cell towers completely. This new technology implanted into upcoming phones will allow society to turn away from cell towers that give off harmful rays and radiation.
        The technology will be created in a way that saves the user battery life, while searching for beacons to connect to. Despite the similar iBeacon created by Apple (shown above), this new technology will reach farther distances and will not be used from bluetooth settings. Also, the protocol will not send notifications (as seen in the picture to the right), however, it will send a type of wifi signal out to cell phones in order for them to be used proficiently. The protocol has been very successful and will only need simple work on the accessibility for large groups of users before being released into the public.




http://www.technologyreview.com/news/530996/future-smartphones-wont-need-cell-towers-to-connect/