Staples 3D Printing

Staples announces in-store 3-D printing service

Staples has started a new service called "Staples Easy 3D" that will allow customers to upload their designs to their website, then pick them up at a local office supply store, or have them shipped to their homes directly. The Iris printers employ an innovative method to generate objects, using reams of paper that are cut and printed while being stacked and glued together - thus producing a 3D print.

Socl

Microsoft opens its own social network

Microsoft recently unveiled its new social network to be used by the public. Signing up seems to be easy enough. I'd really like to see a new social network that trumps Facebook. Perhaps this could be it. Who knows? Apparently, it's not entirely easy to find the content you want, but that doesn't mean improvements won't be made to the site in the future. Check it out for yourself.

Mine Kafon

Mine Kafon: Tumbleweed minesweeper

I found this odd-looking piece of technology to be pretty interesting. It's basically a giant, electronic tumbleweed that is used to detonate land mines. It's made primarily of bamboo and biodegradable plastics, but also contains a GPS in the center of it. Attached to the bamboo reeds are those spiky, plunger-looking objects that will activate mines as it rolls over them. The structure isn't harmed by the mines and is light enough to be moved by a small breeze.

Black Friday

Online Black Friday sales top $1 billion

How many of you participate in the craze that is Black Friday? Apparently, consumers spent over one billion dollars online this year. I for one never take part in the chaos, but if I were to ever do it I would do it online. The fact that people die each year because of decent sales is a little crazy. At least online I won't be getting trampled. One thing is for sure - online shopping is becoming the preferred method of spending, day by day.

Lytro Camera

 

Lytro cameras add Instagram-like filters 

The camera was released early this year and features a long and rectangular shape with a small touchscreen on one end and minimal buttons. The camera actually uses Light Field technology to capture its interactive images. This camera allows you to alter your pictures much like Instagram, but a bit more advance. I think the coolest part about this technology is that once you take a picture it allows you to view it in a 3D mode.

Galaxy S III VS iPhone

 

Samsung Galaxy S III dethrones iPhone 

 So apparently the Samsung Galaxy S III has outsold the iPhone 4S in the third quarter. This is interesting news to me because I know so many people (myself included) that have an iPhone. It's an extremely popular smartphone. I had been wondering if there would ever be a phone to take over its place. I got to look at the Galaxy S III up close recently and I have to say it is one slick phone. I can see how it might be more popular. If I had the money I'd definitely have one. Apple's decline is slowly but surely becoming evermore present.

The Dipjar

Apparently This Matters: The Dipjar

 The Dipjar seems to me like a great idea. It allows you to tip the clerk in stores by simply placing your credit card ("dipping it") in the Dipjar. This might not be a big deal to some people, but I for one do not tend to carry cash. I do all my transactions via my debit card. A feature like this in a store could prove to be a huge convenience as it eliminates any need for signatures or cash. I think something like this might also encourage people to tip when they normally wouldn't.

iPad Mini

Apple unveils $329 iPad mini

Apple is releasing the iPad Mini. This item is virtually exactly the same as the regular iPad except it is slightly smaller. Other than that, there are zero new features. It seems to me that Apple is running out of ideas, especially with two of the bigwigs out of the picture. I'm a user of one of Apple's products (the iPhone) and I'm a big fan, but I find this new item to be a little ridiculous. It's cost is over $300, and I'm already hearing of people who already own the original iPad that are interested in buying the miniature version. Sounds like Apple is struggling for new ideas by simply recycling old ones.

Isis Mobile Wallet

Isis Mobile Wallet Finally Launches

Isis is a mobile commerce network founded by three of the nation's biggest wireless carriers -- Verizon Wireless, AT&T and T-Mobile. This "mobile wallet" is an application for smartphones that will allow you to pull out your phone and make purchases at stores rather than using credit cards from your wallet. You can simply hold your phone up to the register and the transaction is complete. It can even be used at subway terminals and the like. On top of that, you can use it to find the best deals and read user reviews on products. To me, this seems like the utmost of convenience. Albeit a little scary that all your financial transactions are done wireless (seems like it would leave you a bit vulnerable), I could see myself taking part in this. 

Best Buy VS Amazon

Best Buy ready for battle with Amazon on pricing

Basically, like many other stores, Best Buy is facing major competition with online stores such as Amazon. What people end up doing is going in retail stores, finding what they want to buy and then find a cheaper purchase of that item online. They call this act, "showrooming." I personally use Amazon to shop all the time. It's really the easiest way to find the best deal. But I must admit that if Best Buy could match the prices (or better yet make them lower) then I would most certainly shop at Best Buy. I do not use Amazon for the convenience alone and I still enjoy leaving the house once and a while and browsing stores. As great as technology is nowadays, I hope the day doesn't come where everyone does everything online and never leaves their computer chair.