Tag: tech Page 2 of 3

An Overview of the Internet of Things

On December 9, 2022

The term Internet of Things refers to a network of physical objects embedded with software, sensors, and other technologies to connect and exchange data with other systems and devices over the internet. There are over 7 billion connected IoT devices, and experts predict that this number will grow to 22 billion by 2025.

The Tech That Created the IoT

Despite the concept’s long history, the IoT has been practical due to the various advancements in its development. Due to the availability of low-cost and reliable sensors, the IoT has become a practical technology for various companies.

The connectivity of the IoT has become a major factor that has made it practical. Through the various network protocols developed for the internet, it has become easier for sensors to connect to the cloud.

The availability of cloud computing platforms has made it easier for consumers and businesses to access the necessary infrastructure they need.

Advancements in analytics and machine learning have made it easier for businesses to collect and analyze data. With the ability to store and retrieve vast amounts of information in the cloud, companies can now get a deeper understanding of their operations. The IoT’s data also feeds these technologies.

Advancements in artificial intelligence have also made it easier for consumers to use their devices. Through the use of neural networks, which are capable of natural-language processing, various kinds of smart devices have become more affordable and appealing.

Industrial IoT

The use of the IoT in industrial settings is referred to as IIoT. It involves the control and instrumentation of devices and sensors that use cloud-based technologies. Recently, various industries have started using machine-to-machine communication, or M2M, to automate and control their operations.

Due to the emergence of new technologies such as machine learning and analytics, the IIoT has become a vital component of the industrial revolution. It can help companies create new business models and improve their operations.

How IoT is Used

Due to the ability of the IoT to collect and analyze data, it has become a major factor that has made it easier for companies to develop new applications.

Through the use of the IoT, machines can be continuously analyzed and monitored to ensure that they are performing properly. In real-time, products can also be inspected to identify and address any quality issues.

One of the most common features of a tracking system is its ability to quickly identify the location of an asset. Ring fencing can also help prevent the theft of high-value items.

Wearables that are made using the IoT allow people to monitor their health. They can also be used to monitor the health of their employees. This type of technology can be useful for companies as it allows them to keep track of their workers’ safety.

One of the most common applications of the IoT is in the connected logistics industry. Through the use of the IoT, companies can improve the efficiency of their operations by monitoring the status of their fleets.

The Negatives and Positives of Self-Driving Cars

By Russ Ewell

On September 26, 2022

In Blog, Russ Ewell

Despite the technological advancements in the field of autonomous vehicles, they are still not yet ready to be fully integrated into our transportation systems. This could bring mixed emotions to everyone.

The question of whether or not autonomous vehicles should be considered a hazard or help is still a big one. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve listed this technology’s various pros and cons.

Positives

Economic Effects

The economic benefits of fully autonomous vehicles are expected to greatly increase once they are integrated into transportation systems. Even a 5% decrease in crashes could save millions of dollars annually.

Saving Lives

The design of vehicles has greatly improved over the years, which has led to safer and less frequent car crashes. The fatality rate has decreased from 30 people per 100,000 to 8 people per 100,000 vehicles.

Despite the various technological advancements in car design, experts believe that human error is one of the biggest factors contributing to the increasing number of car fatalities. Removing human error from the equation could lead to a significant decrease in the number of road fatalities.

Accessibility

Many individuals have restricted mobility due to their age or disability. With the availability of fully autonomous vehicles, everyone will have the opportunity to have access to the technology without having to take a driver’s license test.

Improved Commutes

With the ability to communicate with other cars and avoid rear-end collisions, eliminating bumper-to-bumper traffic jams is expected to be a reality soon. In addition, automatic braking functions could help prevent rear-end crashes. Speed limits could also be raised.

Environmental Effects

Many companies developing driverless cars are currently focused on using electric power instead of traditional combustion engines. This technology is expected to make autonomous cars more eco-friendly than their gas-powered counterparts. One of the main advantages of this technology is that it eliminates the need for manual steering and braking, which helps save on power.

Negatives

Traffic

The number of cars on the road could increase if the number of autonomous vehicles becomes popular. Since many people would be able to use their own cars, this could cause a spike in the number of vehicles on the road.

Glitches

Although autonomous vehicles are expected to be safer than human-driven cars, they are still susceptible to various types of glitches and hacks. One of these is the vulnerability that could allow a hacker to take over the car. Also, the sensors and signals used in this technology could be vulnerable to being exploited remotely.

Job Loss

Many individuals rely on cars for their livelihood. These include truck drivers, taxi drivers, and delivery drivers. If autonomous vehicles were to be introduced, these individuals would most likely lose their jobs.

Cost

The cost of developing and manufacturing an autonomous vehicle is expected to be astronomical at first. It will take a long time before the technology is widely available.

How To Introduce New Technologies to Your Business

By Russ Ewell

On August 30, 2022

In Blog, Russ Ewell

Despite the positive effects of new technology, many people still don’t like it. This is especially true regarding technology in the workplace, as it can be hard to implement. It could be that the benefits haven’t been communicated or the implementation process is not ideal. To help build more bridges, here are some tips to help you navigate the various barriers preventing people from adopting new technology.

Pick Technology That Benefits Everyone

Before you start implementing new technology, make sure that you thoroughly evaluate the benefits of the technology and its impact on your organization. This will help you make an informed decision. In addition, before you start talking about the technology, make sure that you are open to the ideas and concerns of your stakeholders.

Find an Ambassador

Negativity can quickly spread within the workplace. To help spread the word about the new technology:

Recruit a few individuals at every level to help others understand its benefits.
Show your champions the necessary facts and figures so that they can easily support the change.
Ensure your entire senior leadership team is on board with the new technology.

Offer Interesting Training

One of the most essential factors that you should consider when it comes to implementing new technology is the effectiveness of the training. If it’s not done well, your participants might not learn anything. Instead of holding boring training, try a variety of activities that will help your participants improve their skills.

Take Different Needs Into Account

One of the most critical factors that you should consider when it comes to implementing new technology is the effectiveness of the training. To cater to varying needs, you should create training sessions designed to accommodate different learners. You can also provide various learning materials such as videos, documents, and live training.

Explain on an Individual Basis

When implementing new technology, it is crucial to emphasize the personal value of the new tool. This will help employees understand how it will benefit them and their work. Make sure that everyone knows the new system’s benefits and how it will help them.

We all have experienced the challenges of learning or introducing new technology. These tips can help you overcome these obstacles and successfully implement the latest technology. Share your own experiences here.

How Technology is Changing Education

By Russ Ewell

On July 12, 2022

In Blog, Russ Ewell

Technology has become an increasingly important part of education in recent years. It can be used in a variety of ways, from helping students to learn more effectively to allowing teachers to track student progress more easily. There is no question that technology has had a major impact on education. With the advent of the internet and online learning, there has been a dramatic shift in how people learn and receive information.

There are a number of reasons why technology is so important in education. One is that it can help students and teachers learn more effectively. For example, if a student is having trouble understanding a concept they can use the internet to find resources that will help them learn it better.

However, technology is not only changing how we learn but also what we learn. In the past, students were typically only exposed to information that was available in their local area or through books. However, with the internet, students have access to a wealth of information from all over the world. This increased access to information is changing the way educators teach and students learn.

In addition to changing what and how we learn, technology is also changing where we learn. With online learning, students are no longer confined to traditional classrooms. They can now learn from anywhere in the world, as long as they have an internet connection. This increased flexibility is giving rise to a new generation of learners who are not bound by geographical boundaries.

Technology is also changing how we assess learning. In the past, assessments were often done through paper-based tests and exams. However, with the advent of online learning, there are now many different ways to assess students’ understanding and progress. For example, online quizzes and tests can provide instant feedback to students and teachers alike. This instant feedback is helping to improve the quality of education overall.

There is no question that technology is having a major impact on education. With its ability to change how we learn, what we learn, and where we learn, it is clear that technology is here to stay. As education evolves, it will be interesting to see how technology continues to shape the way we learn.

New Assistive Technologies in 2022

By Russ Ewell

On June 14, 2022

In Blog, Russ Ewell

There is no doubt that technology has changed the world in innumerable ways. In particular, it has made life easier for people with disabilities. Assistive technologies have come a long way in the past few years, and they are only going to get better in 2022. Many people with disabilities rely on assistive technologies to help them with everyday tasks. Here are some of the most promising new technologies that will be available in 2022.

Help for the Hearing Impaired
One of the most promising new technologies for people with hearing impairments is called AudioEye. This technology uses a combination of hardware and software to provide real-time captioning for live events. AudioEye is already being used by some major corporations, including Microsoft and AT&T. Also, the National Association of the Deaf has given AudioEye its seal of approval. Most importantly, AudioEye is very affordable, which makes it accessible to people with all types of hearing impairments.

Help for the Dexterity-Challenged
There are many new technologies being developed to help people with dexterity issues. One of the most promising is a robotic arm that can be controlled by thoughts. The user simply wears a special cap that reads brain waves. This technology is still in the early stages of development, but it has great potential for people with disabilities. According to one estimate, there are over a million people in the United States alone who could benefit from this technology.

Help for the Visually Impaired
There are several new technologies being developed to help the visually impaired. One of the most promising is called eSight. This wearable device uses a high-definition camera to capture images and then displays them on two OLED screens in front of the user’s eyes. The result is that the user can see things that they would not be able to see with their naked eyes. eSight is already being used by thousands of people around the world, and it is expected to be available to the general public by 2022.

These are just a few examples of the new assistive technologies that will be available in 2022. It is clear that these technologies have the potential to change the lives of people with disabilities for the better. We can only imagine what new technologies will be developed in the years to come.

The Cost of a Data Breach

By Russ Ewell

On May 5, 2022

In Blog, Russ Ewell

Introduction

Data breaches are one of the biggest challenges businesses face in this digital world. A data breach can cost more than an organization’s worth when its reputation is threatened, and it has to pay for rectifying the damage.

What exactly is a data breach?

A data breach is when a hacker or third party gains access to systems, applications, or websites that contain personal data and are not authorized to possess. Data in these systems and applications are often electronic, such as credit card information and other personal information.

What are the different types of data breaches?

At some point, everyone will be affected by identity theft due to data breaches. On average, there is a data breach every day globally, and the number is only getting more significant.

Data brokers have discovered new ways data can be used for identity theft, from browsing history to social media accounts. There are four main ways in which data will get stolen:

Hacking into a site.

Exploiting vulnerabilities.

Social engineering (tricking someone into giving up their personal information).

Ransomware.

What are the costs?

A data breach often does not end in financial losses for customers or the company, but this is not always the case. Data breaches can be expensive for both parties. Once a data breach occurs, an organization loses control over its brand image and customers’ trust in its products and services. A data breach can cause significant financial damages to an organization due to the loss of sales and the payment of fines.

How to avoid data breaches

To avoid data breaches, it is crucial to conduct penetration testing and vulnerability assessments of the network regularly.

Companies should ensure their database are secure. There are many ways to do so. One of them is by making the most out of their passwords. Passwords can be stored with encryption, have a length that makes guessing near impossible, and include unique and ever-changing characters. Also, never work on files or other documents on a public computer or network.

Conclusion

The cost of a data breach is continuously on the rise, but taking action to secure data now can help protect data in the future.

Assistive Technology Empowering Students

By Russ Ewell

On June 9, 2020

In Blog, Russ Ewell

Stepping Into the Future: How Assistive Technology is Transforming Teaching Students with Disabilities

When considering technology, the first thing that comes to mind might not be the assistive tools used in classrooms, but these innovative instruments are revolutionizing the way teachers conduct their classroom business, especially Special Education classrooms. With a variety of different apps, organizers, and special technologies, students with disabilities and their families can rest assured that teachers have a large group of resources at their disposal.

Consider the Academy of Whole Learning, a K-12, private Minnesota school for students with learning disabilities including Autism. The academy introduced virtual reality technology to their classrooms, which is just one example of the many assistive technologies teachers can implement in their teaching. According to Kade Dreschler, a teacher at the Academy of Whole Learning, the immersive VR experience was a wonderful experience for the students. Using the VR technology, the students were able to block out classroom distractions and focus on the environment on the screen in front of them, leading to improvements in their social and friendship experiences. These technologies, too, are helpful for students with a range of disabilities, including those who are blind or visually compared, those who are deaf or hard of hearing, or those with other learning, cognitive, or developmental disabilities.

The types of assistive technology used by teachers is incredibly varied, especially depending on their students’ disabilities. For students who are visually compared, have dyslexia, or are blind, teachers can use text-to-speech technology to allow these students to listen to things on a printed page. It works by scanning words on a page and reading them allowed in a robotic voice, allowing students who cannot easily read to still enjoy the text!

Perhaps a lesser-known type of assistive technology is called the sip-and-puff system and works to assist students and people with paralysis or other motor skill difficulties. Using this system, students can use a joystick in order to control their technological applications, moving the cursor with their heads and clicking with a sip or puff. While this system is new and still needs some refinement, it has already become a pivotal part of special education classrooms.

Clearly, assistive technologies for students with disabilities are quickly becoming a necessity. With the emergence of these technologies, and the tireless plight of teachers to teach their students to the best of their ability, it’s safe to say that students with disabilities are in good educational hands.

Technology Spotlight: Project Understood

By Russ Ewell

On December 31, 2019

In Blog, Russ Ewell

Google is a seasoned pro when it comes to developing reliable and modern technology that promotes inclusion amongst all users. We are living in an era where voice technology is becoming the norm as pivotal software to assist users with a variety of tasks. Digital voice assistants like Google’s Assistant, Apple’s Siri, and Amazon’s Alexa have quickly become a necessity through all tech mediums like smartphones, tablets, and home devices.

However, the Canadian Down Syndrome Society (CDSS) noticed that voice technology can lack the capability to correctly understand and transmit the voices of individuals with Down Syndrome. The way that individuals with Down Syndrome speak can be anomalous compared to those without, making the software difficult to use. Although, it is likely that individuals with a number of disabilities would benefit from the technology the most.

With this mission in mind, the CDSS set forth to find partnership in one of these major tech companies to not only recognize the issue at hand but join them in developing a solution that they have named Project Understood. Google was quick to jump on board and, with the society’s help, is testing its technology.

The initial test was to record 1,700 words and phrases spoken by individuals with Down Syndrome. From there, researchers could analyze whether or not Google’s voice technology was able to learn from the repetitive input of this voice data. They started with about nine volunteers.

After the initial testing, researched could confirm that Google’s voice technology was able to understand about 2 of 3 words spoken by individuals with Down Syndrome and that it has the capabilities to learn more with further data. Now the project just needs to secure more volunteers to feed Google’s voice technology more data.

Google and the CDSS are now seeking to collect about a thousand different voices of individuals with Down Syndrome to donate their time to developing this dynamic software. Not only will this help teach the system to learn to recognize speech from individuals with Down Syndrome, but it should also benefit other individuals with disabilities or atypical speech.

Google and the Canadian Down Syndrome Society are just a few of a number of companies that are working to build a more inclusive future for individuals with disabilities. Voice recognition, along with other smart technologies, has the capability to enhance the lives of all users, no matter their differences.

Video Games Provide an Outlet for People with Disabilities

By Russ Ewell

On November 25, 2019

In Blog, Russ Ewell

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 61 million individuals with disabilities living in the United States alone. That is 26% of the adult population or 1 out of 4 people.

These disabilities vary immensely between being physically or mentally centered, but having any can impact an individual’s quality of life. Social and physical isolation is common among people with disabilities. Not being able to perform day-to-day tasks, or even leave the house, can lead to crushing discouragement.

However, especially with technological advances in the digital age, Video games can often provide an outlet for relief and inclusion for these individuals. This can be true for several reasons.

To begin with, video games are a great distraction from the real world. Regardless of genre, a good game pulls you into its world, allowing the user to forget about your problems. And for individuals with disabilities, they are offered the same opportunity to immerse themselves in a new world.

Many gamers with disabilities call the virtual realms an escape from reality. The same is true for everyone. Video games are an outlet for gamers with or without disabilities, for anyone looking for another life.

The distraction isn’t the sole appeal of games. Video games can also become major hubs for socializing. Many games are driven by online, real-time interactions. As a result, games are incredibly connective. People from all walks of life can assume new identities and work together to complete a common objective.

Consistent teamwork builds strong friendships, even among strangers. People bond over mutual interests. By default, all of the users have a mutual interest – the game itself. There are even communities for single-player and offline games, which reside in forums and social media.

This is a huge benefit for gamers with disabilities as well. Not only do they enjoy a safe space to have fun (the game itself), but they also have an opening to make friends and join social groups. All of this is possible to do from home, most often times for free.

Video games bring friendship, activities, and entertainment directly into homes for children and adults alike. For those who can only leave the house with a great deal of effort, this reality (or, rather, virtual reality) is life-changing. In particular, individuals with disabilities are given new opportunities for fun and mental stimulation.

Google’s New Accessibility Projects

By Russ Ewell

On October 21, 2019

In Blog, Russ Ewell

Google has recently unveiled 3 separate efforts to bring technology to those with disabilities to help make their daily lives easier and more accessible. The three projects are Project Euphonia, which aims to help those with speech impairments; Live Relay, which assists anyone who is hard of hearing; and Project Diva, which aims to give autonomy and independence to people with the help of Google Assist.

More than 15% of people in the United States live with a disability, and that number is only expected to grow in the years ahead as we grow older and start living longer. There has never been a better time to try to harness the power of our technology to help make the lives of the disabled more comfortable and fulfilling.

Project Euphonia

Project Euphonia aims to help those with speech difficulties caused by cerebral palsy, autism, and other developmental disorders, as well as neurologic conditions like ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), stroke, MS (multiple sclerosis), Parkinson’s Disease, or traumatic brain injuries. Google’s aim with Project Euphonia is to use the power of AI to help computers understand speech that is impaired with improved accuracy, and then, in turn, use those computers to make sure everyone using the service can be understood.

Google has partnered with the ALS Residence Initiative and the ALS Therapy Development Institute to record voices of men and women with ALS, and have worked on optimizing algorithms that can help to transcribe and recognize their words more reliably.

Live Relay

Live Relay was set up with the goal of bringing voice calls to those who are deaf or hard of hearing. By using a phone’s own speech recognition and text-to-speech software, users will be able to let the phone listen and speak on their behalf, making it possible to speak to someone who is deaf or hard of hearing.

Google also plans to integrate real-time translation into their Live Relay software, allowing anyone in the world to speak to one another regardless of any language barrier.

Project Diva

Project Diva helps those who are nonverbal or suffer from limited mobility to give Google Assistant commands without needing to use their voice, but instead by using an external switch device.

The device is a small box into which an assistive button is plugged. The signal coming from the button is then converted by the box into a command sent to the Google Assistant.

For now, Project Diva is limited to single-purpose buttons, but they are currently devising a system that makes use of RFID tags which they can then associate with certain specific commands.