Next Generation Searching

Last week in class we talked about different versions of the internet, and search engines. I was really interested in learning about web 3.0. For anyone who missed class, web 3.0 will be a new version of the web, and it works by using intelligent applications. For instance, you could input" what should i do for fun this weekend" in the search bar of a given search engine, and wa la! It pops up several answers/ideas based on your personal search history. Pretty cool, eh?

I found a web site called 'Twine' and its said to be the closest thing to web 3.0 thats available now. As stated on the Twine web site (http://www.twine.com/tour/overview), "Twine is an online service for intelligently finding, organinzing and sharing information with the people you trust." Recently the firm merged with Evri, a firm which specializes in changing the way customers view and use content on the web. It seems that Evri is a firm which tries to facilitate the access of web content for users on a global level. This is a very practical merger for both firms. Win Win.

Twine is actually pretty neat, you can search for and share info that interests you, with whome you want or trust. Its organized by topic, so its all pretty easy to sort through quickly. Also, on their homepage it has a link to step by step directions to help you start your own twine, and also the part that related the most to web 3.0 is the recommendations tab, which explains that Twine gets to know you, and that it will guess/predict your likes and dislikes, aswll as eventually give or suggest info, other twines you may want to follow, other people you may want to contact. Featured twines include: cool/funny tv commercials, beer, coffee junkie and more. Check out more at http://www.twine.com/

contextuality

Contextuality is a word that is hardly use and a lot of people do not uderstand the meaning of this word. In class the definition of contextuality is that every idea must be part of a context. In class we learn that context is the set of facts surrounding a situation or event that give it meaning. So with every decision we make we base it on facts or information we had gathered and process in our minds. With every idea experience or information will make you decide.

Me personally I do handle decision through information gather and process most people my age get told by family member experiences they went through so that you will not make the same mistake. When you take the facts given to making those kind of decision yoou are using contextuality. I know when i prepare myself for college my family told me certain things to watch for. I took their advice and so far i have not been in trouble here. Contextually is a word that we really need to start using more.

As everyone should know wikipedia is the most uncontextuality site to visit on the internet for information. On this website you can change any information you want whenever you want. I personally went on to the website and change some information just to see. With thousands of people visiting this website everyday and changing up the information how do you know which information is truthful and what is false which make this website unsupported. This why teacher do not like student use wikipedia to support their contextuality of a topic.

link to wikipedia: www.wikipedia.com

Ubiquitous Computing

I know everyone and their brother has already posted on this subject, but it is very intriguing, so I think it merits another look. It is really exciting to be a part of a time when something like a "smart house" that would only have been a dream 7 or 8 years ago are becoming more and more possible. It would make hosting a party or social event so much easier, for one thing. To have everything change to the tastes of your guests would ease a lot of the burden on the host. No more would one have to ask what channel to watch. A microchip would just take care of it.

Another facet of this concept that intrigues me is that of a cellphone switching to Wi-Fi compatability where there is no cell signal. This would be extremely beneficial to me, in particular. My room at my parents is/was (I've since moved out) in the basement, and there was absolutely no service to be had. However, I had a very strong Wi-Fi signal on my computer. Not having to run upstairs everytime I got a call would be very appealing to me, albeit a little lazy.

All in all, while it is possible to have these smart houses, it is all but impossible for anyone who is not vastly wealthy. We see these being invented, but I think it will be a very long time before we see them as commonplace. Perhaps some restaurants, bars, or stores may start incorporating them before we see them in residences. Any way you slice it, I'm excited to see what the future will bring.

Contextuality

This week in class we talked about Contextuality. The root of this word, context, can be used in so many different ways. I personally think life in context goes hand in hand with life. Not many things are obvious and right in front of your face. You have to have some sort of an understanding of the subject to really understand. If there's something that not comprehensive you can always use CONTEXT clues to get a better understanding of what was said.

As far as technology goes, context is the logic behind ubiquitous computing. Our technology has come so far in just the last decade. Ten years ago we didn't need to know others every move, and we definately werent heart broken when we left our phones at home. It has come to the point now that we have GPS on our phones that pinpoints our exact location, tells us where to go, and gives us detours is necessary. You can even have Twitter pinpoint your exact location now. I think that is cool but somewhat stupid at the same time. It's good to have people be able to find you to hangout, but your location being broadcasted via Internet is not the best idea.