From a technology perspective, with the price of memory chips and some processors dropping, it has meant that many of these digital frames have not only become extremely affordable, they are also coming with more capabilities and power than what is truly needed to just show pictures and video files. Despite all the extra processing power, for many of the consumers who may not be tech savy, they have embraced these picture frames as they are not complicated and are extremely easy to use. One company feels that there is an opportunity to not only leverage the power and capabilities that already exist within the digital frame, but also turn this easy to use household item into an entry point for complete home automation.

As an owner of one of these new frames, the next time you are sitting on your couch or in your favorite chair and want to adjust the lighting anywhere in your home, adjust the thermostat, open/close your garage door, or even access a wireless webcam to see who is ringing the doorbell at your front door,  just simply turn to the digital frame on your end table. Use the touch screen on the frame to access the central menu, choose the item you want to access, adjust, and then go back to what you were doing. After a few minutes the digital frame automatically returns to its regular role of displaying your favorite digital pictures. The unit is fully expandable, and sold with a few plug-in lamp controllers so you can begin experiencing the convenience of basic home automation as soon as you get home from the store. Future enhancements include a capability to interact with a power smart meter in order to help users to save on energy spending using standards like Bluetooth, WiFi, Zigbee, etc.

The company is hoping that with the easy to read and use digital picture frame display, combined with the convenience of always being within arms reach of its users, it will allow consumers to finally throw out all of the countless remote controls and have an affordable way to begin realizing the convenience and benefits of home automation.

Type of Technology – Consumer Hardware

Features:

–> Built with simple technologies and does not require the user to be tech-savy or have extensive computer knowledge and experience in order to setup and use. Expansion is easy by having items recognizable by the frame without having to go through complex configuration in order to add control of new devices.

–> Frame comes packaged with a few plug in remote units which allow you to immediately begin using the frame to adjust lighting in your house by simply plugging in the remote units into any standard wall outlet. Easily expand the capabilities by adding either standard or company specific devices in order to give you control over items like your television, garage doors, heating/cooling thermostat, and wireless web cams just to name a few.

–> Priced to allow consumers to get the benefits and convenience of home automation in every room of their house without having to spend thousands, or even tens of thousands of dollars on high end equipment.

–> Available in different sizes including 7″, 10″, 12″ and 15″ frames.

So, now it is your turn….is this Technology Hot…or Not?

A company is hoping to solve this issue once and for all. They have developed a solution that allows you to easily connect any smart device to any computer and have it synchronize anytime they are within Bluetooth range or connected on the same network through Wi-Fi. They have eliminated the requirement to have specialized sync software loaded on your computer and the hassles of setting up any additional software that may be specific to your smart-phone device. With one install of a software package onto your computer, their solution does the rest, including auto-sensing the brand and model of your smart-phone device, and using the appropriate drivers in order to connect and share information back and forth. You have the options to decide what information is synchronized, and kept up to date, and also if you want to have your smart-phone device backed up on regular intervals (daily, weekly, etc.). As a stand-alone solution that runs on your computer, it avoids you having to pay monthly fees to “cloud” solutions that offer (but do not always deliver) a full synchronization of your important data, contacts, calendar, etc.

Type of Technology – Consumer/Business Software

Features:

–> Install once, run always. With one simple install of the solution on your computer, and some setting of preferences you are ready to begin sharing your information within a matter of minutes. If you change devices, not a problem as the software updates itself regularly with new drivers, etc. Just enter your admin password to allow the new device to connect and get your information, and you are on your way.

–> Synchronizing of your data and life happens in the background. The solution uses technologies like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections in order to discover, connect, and share its information between the computer and the device. Once it is setup it becomes transparent to you as you no longer need a cable connection, and when you go running out the door….you have the latest version of your data.

–> Works on PC and Mac, and with any smart-phone. It does not matter if you are using a PC with a iPhone or a Mac with a Blackberry….

–> One time fee with yearly maintenance. No longer do you need to pay monthly fees to yet another supplier just to try and keep your data and information up to date.

So, now it is your turn….is this Technology Hot…or Not?

So, where does one start? There are the obvious ones like recycling, reducing gas, oil and electricity consumption, however anything beyond this requires that people dedicate time and effort to finding ways to reduce, recycle, and reuse in their day to day lives. This requires a true commitment and dedication to not only find ways, but to experiment and implement into your day to day activities.

There is however a new solution. It is a website that is completely dedicated to helping you find and implement ways in order to easily build this into your daily activities. The site is hoping to be a one stop resource for anyone to find, investigate, and share creative ways in order to recycle and reuse items. No creative idea will be off-limits, and you can visit the site to find out how to build furniture from scrap or left over wood pieces all the way through to learning how to make homemade soap from some common household materials. Not only will you learn, you will also have the opportunity to contribute any creative ways that you have found in order to reduce, reuse, and recycle within your life. As a contributor driven site, it will rely upon its members to ensure that there is plenty of content, the content is fresh, and everyone is working together to help the common goal…a cleaner and better world to live in.

Type of Technology – Consumer Web

Features:

–> A database of creative, and unique ways that you can easily “be green” in the various day to day aspects of your life. The database is completely searchable based upon materials used, or the product that is created. For example if you wanted to make your own soap, you could search for the word Soap to get you the information, or use the word Wax which is a component of the recipe in order to get the instructions.

–> User contributed information. This means that you can also connect with the people who have provided the solution to ask questions and get reviews. Also, it allows users that may modify or improve upon the plans to post them so that other can benefit from the improvements as well.

–> A community with all of the same goals. You can connect with other environmentally conscious people from all over the world through this one central site.

–> Easy to use site, with a focus on helping people to find easy and effective ways to reduce, reuse and recycle. This reduces the time and effort required just to investigate how you may be able to make a difference today.

So, now it is your turn….is this Technology Hot…or Not?

Many of the games which can be downloaded today have great graphics, and provide an opportunity for its user to escape and play a game while on the bus, waiting in line at the grocery store, and anywhere else that people have a few minutes to kill. However, for the most part many of these games are single player only and they do not allow the players to interact with each other even if they may be sitting right next to each other on the bus or in the doctors’ office.

A client is hoping to change all of this through their combined web, location, and game services. As a user the first step is to register with the site and to provide some details about your mobile device, etc. From there you can download some multiplayer games and load them onto your device (Blackberry, iPhone, etc.). The next time you are out and you want to play a game you launch the application and it gives you the option to play one of the games you downloaded as a single player or to find others who are within your area who are within your immediate area who are interested in playing a game. Using the location capabilities (GPS) you can see what other members of the website are within range and you can send out a broadcast using Bluetooth to see if any of these people are interested in participating in a multiple player game. These users receive a message and can either accept or deny the invitation. Once everyone is connected then the games begin. Using Bluetooth it allows the players to play against each other and players can join or leave the game once it has started.

This company is trying to bring people back to the time when we played games together and not isolated in our own bubbles in public places like bus stops, shopping malls, doctors offices, etc. They are also hoping that people will also use this to break the ice, and build some friendships along the way.

Type of Technology – Consumer Software and Service

Features:

–> Using all the latest technologies like location based services (GPS) and Bluetooth to help identify potential game opponents within your immediate area. Using this technology also limits the amount of chargeable data transfer over the cellular network when playing a game with others.

–> Access to all of the latest and greatest multi-player games that can be downloaded from the members site and loaded onto your device. Several smart devices supported including Blackberry, iPhone, Nokia, and Motorola.

–> From the site can see members of the site who are in your area. Can make contact with these members to schedule games or at least to recognize them if you happen to meet them out in public.

–> Chat capabilities that can be used as part of the gaming experience to chat with other players on the game.

So, now it is your turn….is this Technology Hot…or Not?

These fridges have come a long way. Smart fridges today can display information on what’s inside them, give feedback on nutrition and health, and interface with the rest of your house. Recently, one of the more recognized appliance manufactures released a fridge with a special web tablet. The refrigerator scans items as they go in and out, keeping an inventory of what it has available and what has been consumed. When someone runs out of certain groceries, the fridge can automatically order more from an online grocer including the convenient day and time for delivery. It also has the capability to monitor food items, and present you with nutritional information, recipes, etc.

Type of Technology – Consumer Hardware & Service

Features:

–> Removable full tablet PC which has a wireless communications range of up to 200 feet. This allows the user to be able to use the PC and also to communicate with the base station on the fridge from different locations in the house. The cradle provides a cable internet connection and an ability to charge the tablet PC when it is docked.

–> Along with handling the standard capabilities of a regular fridge (temperature control, defrosting, etc.), using the integrated tablet PC, it provides additional functionality like monitoring of contents, automatic reordering or shopping list preparation, recipe database, diet and health monitoring, etc.

–> Advanced power consumption features to help reduce the overall electricity requirements.

So, now it is your turn….is this Technology Hot…or Not?

There is a new service being offered that allows you to find, view, book, and use temporary office spaces including simple work cubicles, office boardrooms, and even full office environments with a temporary receptionist to answer your phone. You can pick and choose from spaces that not only help reflect the image of your company, you can also search within specific areas within the city in order to ensure the location is convenient for your customers to find and get to. This web based service, is a central hub where companies can advertise and rent any additional space that they are willing to offer on a temporary basis, and connects it with the business people and companies who wish to have the convenience of access to a true office environment only when they need it.

The company is building a database of locations in every major city around the world and offers real-time availability so that you can plan your meetings and events in advance. Bookings can be done online using a credit card, and confirmations are provided by email just like when you are booking your hotel room and rental cars. Along with booking time, you can also order additional services like printing, faxing services, and Internet access to ensure that you are set up to make the best possible impression with your clients and to be as productive as possible when you are away from your home office.

Type of Technology – Business Service

Features:

–> Online site allowing you access to search, research, reserve, and manage temporary office space 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from any computer or mobile device. You can search for the perfect location to hold your next customer event or to have access to a temporary office in the area of your customer meetings. Real-time reservation information is provided so that you can see what is available to meet your needs at any time.

–> Once you have registered as a user, your credit card is kept on file and used for any bookings. These charges are automatically applied to your card, to avoid you having to constantly input your payment details.

–> Additional services like phone answering services, faxing, Internet access, printing services are also available upon request. There is also a capability to have catering and even copies of your presentation professionally printed and available for the day and time of your event.

By giving you an “office while away from the office”, this company is hoping to become as trusted and favored resource for busy travelers and companies doing business all over the world .

This technology was voted as Cool! as it received an overall score of 8 out of 10

How often do you feel you would use this type of technology?

0% – Never

0% – Rarely

23% – Sometimes

77% – Often

0% – All the time!

How would you prefer to pay for this type of solution?

0% – One time fee

0% – Monthly / Yearly subscription

0% – Percentage of fees charged

100% – Pay per use

Do you think that internet access should be included in the fee or charged as an add-on?

100% – Included in the fee

0% – Add-on fee

Have you seen this type of technology before?

100% – No

Many people have become very regimented about their exercise routines, food intake, and overall health monitoring. In many cases we may track our food intake and calculate the amount of calories/energy utilized during a regular workout session, however we have no way to incorporate the exercise that our bodies receive throughout the remainder of the day. Until now, we would only be able to guess as to the amount of energy used in the rest of our busy days, and using multiple tools we try and track our progress against our overall fitness goals.

A client is just about to release a solution that consists of a small square device which is about the size of a pack of tic-tacs. This electronic unit can be carried around in a pocket or clipped to a piece of clothing, knapsack, etc. Integrated in this unit is a pedometer, and a GPS sensor. So, now as you are going about your busy lifestyle, this unit measures your movement, and also tracks distances, speed, etc.

The true power of this solution is revealed once you get home or back to the office. You simply remove this sensor and plug it into your computer using a standard USB connection in order to download the data from the device. As this device will hold up to 5 days worth of data and has a battery life of 10 days, you do not have to remember to do this each and every day. The data from the device is downloaded and integrated into a software package that helps you to track all aspects of your fitness, including food intake, exercise, and weight management. There are a number of different analytics components that can help you quickly view and accurately understand how much exercise you have received throughout the day, the distance you have actually physically traveled, the speed at which you have walked or run, and even the amount of time you have spent not burning calories (like driving the car, sitting at a desk, etc.).

Type of Technology – Consumer Hardware Device and Software Package

Features:

–> The system does not require you to adjust your lifestyle. It travels with you and using motion sensors (pedometer) and GPS technology tracks the exercise you get all throughout the day…and not just while in the gym.

–> Fully integrates into a software package that tracks all aspects of your healthy lifestyle including food (caloric) intake, exercise (calories burned), and presents you with multiple ways to analyze and understand your overall fitness level. The software package allows you to also track against your fitness goals, and can provide you with additional information to help you to achieve your goals. The unit also recognizes idle time, and represents this information for you as well so that you may categorize the activities and quickly analyze the amount of time you are not getting any type of exercise.

–> The discreet unit is small enough to be carried in your pocket or clipped to your clothing or carry bags. You do not have to worry about downloading or charging the unit if you miss a few days. The integrated battery will last up to 10 days, and you can store up to 5 days worth of activity before having to connect to a computer or power outlet.

The company is hoping to make it much easier for people to easily monitor, view, and understand their day to day activities in order to help them meet their fitness goals.

This technology was voted as Cool! as it received an overall score of 8 out of 10

Do you currently track and monitor your diet and exercise on a regular basis?

31% – Yes

69% – No

How likely are you to use a solution like this?

0% – Very Likely

0% – Somewhat Likely

58% – Probably

27% – Somewhat Unlikely

15% – Very Unlikely

What would you be willing to pay for a solution like this?

22% – Less than $50

56% – $50 to $100

22% – $100 to $150

Have you seen this type of technology before?

100% – No

Lets say you are out shopping for a new high definition television. You stop by your local big box electronics store and see a television with all of the features you are looking for. You look at the price, and you want to purchase the TV, however you want to make sure it is the best possible deal. So, you reach for your cell phone or smartphone and using the browser you go to a specific website. Once you have logged on to the website, you type in the first 4 letters of the name of the manufacturer of the television. You then put in the first 4 letters or numbers of the model number, and hit search. Instantly, you are presented with results showing that you can get the same television from a competitor for $500 less. You can then purchase it instantly using your account on this website which is tied to your credit card, or you can go to the other store in order to purchase the television. On the screen of your phone it also gives you a message that based upon historical trends on that particular television, it is estimated that if you wait for another week, the price will be even better.

On the back end of this solution is a web service that monitors and collects the pricing of products from all major store websites. It uses this information to give you real-time access to instantly see if you can get a better deal at a different store. What is unique about this solution is that not only does it have the database of pricing information which is being updated in realtime, it is also using a number of algorithms which monitors past history of sales events by each of these stores, and make a prediction if the unit will be on sale at a better price within the next 45 days.

Type of Technology – Web service specifically tailored to be accessed by mobile devices

Features:

–> Item manufacturer and model information searchable based upon partial entries. This has been done to help you easily use your cell phone to enter information quickly and efficiently.

–> Real-time monitoring of the pricing information from multiple electronics, furniture, appliance, and home outfitter stores (more types of stores being added regularly). This allows you to make sure you are getting the best possible deal at that moment.

–> Advanced data monitoring and analysis which uses historical information to predict the best time within the next 45 days would be the best time to purchase the item. This information is presented to you so that you may instantly decide if you wish to wait and try to get a better deal, or if you want to purchase the item right at that moment.

–> Your account on the website contains your credit card and contact information which is tied to your unique username. This allows you to instantly purchase the item online to be delivered, or picked up at your local store. By having this information already assigned to your account, there is no need to spend time inputting information using the awkward mobile phone or smart phone device.

This technology was voted as Mmmmm? as it received an overall score of 6 out of 10

How often do you feel you would use this technology?

0% – Never

60% – Rarely

18% – Sometimes

12% – Often

0% – All the time

How would you prefer to pay for this type of solution?

0% – Monthly Subscription

0% – Yearly Subscription

33% – One-time Fee

0% – Fixed percentage of the item purchase price

66% – Flat fee per transaction

Would you like to use this system through a browser as well as on your mobile phone?

100% – Yes

Have you seen this type of technology before?

100% – No

Tripware is travel plugin to plan, book, and manage your business trips right from your Outlook calendar. Schedule appointments and book travel at the same time and in the same business tool that you use to manage your calendar, contacts, and email.  This software plug-in simplifies business travel with one tool, one profile, and one itinerary in one familiar place: your calendar.  The plug-in eliminates the need to use multiple tools such as online travel agents, travel search engines, and itinerary consolidators.  With this tool, there is simply no faster way to book travel that is tied to your business meeting. It is simple, easy, and effective.

The tool’s patent-pending and proprietary technology, dubbed Behavioral Travel Management (BTM), focuses on automating business travel as much as possible by analyzing habitual and repetitive behaviors and employing advanced algorithms. The tool improves business trip productivity for travelers by incorporating BTM’s True Trip Value (TTV).  TTV shows you time-cost savings and optimal trip options to assist you in making the right travel choices right when you need it.

Type of Technology: Downloadable Outlook Plugin

Features:

–> Full integration with Microsoft Outlook 2007 to provide you with “one click” booking,  access to adjust your trip schedule, airline, hotel, and car preferences including the ability to choose from multiple payment and discount options. Manage any of your upcoming travel and changes with a simple “Drag and Drop”.

–> Manage your expenses with a report management capability, along with other administrative functions.

–> Rewards program tie-in.

–> Access to itineraries with weather and maps, definable pre-travel reminders and in-travel alerts using email, voice, and/or SMS.

–> If you are booking multiple travelers, it can all be done in the one interface. Share itineraries via email, iCal, and of course, Outlook.

–> Access to the information you need when you need it. Example: Select from multiple airports, search flights by departing or arriving information, etc.

–> Access to Secure servers, full customer support and even a phone booking option to gain access to your travel planning, and management anytime from anywhere.

So, now it is your turn to decide…Is this technology Hot…or Not?

This technology was voted as Hot as it received an overall score of 8 out of 10

How are you currently planning, booking, and managing your travel requirements?

100% – Online using multiple sites (Hotel, Airlines, etc.)

On average how many trips do you take per month?

10% – 0

75% – 1

10% – 2

5% – 3

Would you be willing to switch from your current travel system to this one-click system?
100% – Yes

Have you seen this type of technology before?

100% No

If you would like to get more information about this solution, please visit the Tripware website.

Retail Stores, Restaurants, Coffee Shops, etc. along a street or within a mall would be equipped with a Bluetooth transceiver which can then be connected to a PC. From a collection of templates, the store then has the ability to create their own advertisements and coupon to attract people to come into their store. This coupon is then sent to the mobile device of people who pass by their location. Here is a simple example….As you walk by a store in a mall, you receive a Bluetooth message on your mobile phone (Blackberry, iPhone, etc.) telling you that the store has a sale on for a certain item, and if you come into the store and purchase you get a 25% discount.

The company is looking at their different pricing models and different options as it relates to getting this solution to market.

Type of Technology: Advertising system using BlueTooth transceivers

Features:

–> Standalone unit that is small and takes up little space within the retail store. The box with the transceiver measures 6″ by 6″ and it 4″ tall. It is discretely colored to make sure it can blend with the store equipment or within a window display.

–> Easy to set up and use. The device connects to a PC and comes with installation software and a number of pre-set templates to create advertisements and coupons. The user has over 50 different templates to choose from.

So, this company is trying to understand more about this solution from the consumers perspective. So, now you have the choice….is this technology Hot…or Not?

Voting for this technology has now closed. The following are the highlights from each of the questions asked:

This technology was voted as Hot as it received an overall score of 9 out of 10

How likely are you to go into a store that offered this type of advertising solution?

15% – Very Likely

60% – Maybe

20% – Likely

5% – Very Unlikely

Do you think that stores offering this service should broadcast it to the public for free, or should there be a group where you can pay a minimal yearly subscription fee to \”Join\” and the stores who have deployed this technology only send to members of this group as they pass by the store?

60% Public for Free

40% Only people who have paid to get the special discount

Would you go out of your way to shop at a location that offered this type of advertising solution?

20% Yes

80% No

Have you seen this type of technology before?

100% No