Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Gadgets, Doodads & Gizmos #5

This week on GDG we will look at technology that will aid the average joe during the unexpected. Sometimes the worst happens to us despite any precautions we may have taken. These gadgets will aid us in making sure those times are easier to get through.

Cobra Tag: We all, at some time or another, have lost either our keys or our cell phone. Sometimes we are fortunate to be aware quickly enough to recover, or better yet to receive our lost items from a good Samaritan. However, when luck is not on our side we now have The Cobra Tag. The Cobra Tag alerts us once your lost object is further than a particular distance from the tag, and best of all records the GPS location of the lost object. Even if you lose your phone, the tag (which can be attached to your keys) at the push of a button can cause your phone to ring and have the GPS info sent through or social networks like Twitter and Facebook. Now if they could only invent a way to find a lost wallet…..

Smozzy: Now this right here is awesome and legal so far. Smozzy allows you to surf the web without having a data plan. It uses sms/mms technology on your phone to allow you to surf online. This is great given that the data plans these days are getting a bit out of control. Unfortunately this only works with those using Android phones on T-Mobile wireless service. Kudos for economically sound innovations.

Disaster Smartphone Network: As we remember the tragedy that occurred on 9/11, I recall of many other forms of tragedies that occurred all around the world; from natural disasters to man-made destruction. One never knows when such an event occurs and in the crucial moments right after, information and communication are key to survival. TU Darmstadt scientists have developed software that would allow smartphones, upon receiving a special signal, to create a ad-hoc network of their own.  This would allow for communication between smartphones without a centralized network available. The software would also optimize each smartphone to allow for maximal use of the battery and phone capabilities. I can’t express how immense and urgent this isl This development will undoubtedly save lives, maybe even yours.

Please share your thoughts on this week’s GDG in the comments below and if you know of anyone that would be interested feel free to share.

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