By Phil Hollows
Wondering what the world of technology has been up to this past week or so? Well, wonder no longer, because it’s that time again.
Time for FeedBlitz: Rewind the Week, where we share recent tech developments, and also introduce you to some great websites and blogs reporting on said news, sites that you might not have heard of before.
Today, we’re heading into the Memorial Day long weekend. For many of you, this means lots of travelling to see family and friends, or just to hit the cottage for a well earned break.
And what better time to ponder over our ubiquitous digital devices, and just how much they know – and can track – about all of us.
The age of anonymity is well and truly over.
Let’s get started.
A Dog-Tracking Gizmo With a Novel Networking Technology
I have to admit, I was a little surprised at this one. Not the ‘tracking’ part, but the ‘your dog’s fitness’ part. Yes, those fitness bands that everyone seems to be wearing these days? There’s one for your family pooch too, and it tracks his fitness over time.
Now, the company has a point when it comes to dog walkers or doggie daycare providers. Heck, if you’re paying to have Fido walked and played with, you better be getting your money’s worth!
But, the cool new thing about this device is that as of summer 2015, The Whistle will have location tracking included. Because if you’ve ever lost your dog, you know how frightening as experience it can be.
Good tracking!
This Brilliant App Lets You Swap Lives With A Stranger For 20 Days
This is a whole other type of tracking altogether. Would you agree to ‘digitally swap’ your life with a stranger for 20 days? According to the article, 20 Day Stranger is a tool to build empathy and awareness. As you and your chosen stranger go about your days the app tracks you, pulling related photos from Foursquare or Google Maps along the way.
The company asserts that since “…neither person has to actively do anything–and no locations are ever specifically named, so anonymity is preserved–their partner will slowly get an impression of their life.” Call me dubious. In today’s world, I’d put money on your ‘stranger’ figuring out a way to find you. Creepy.
New Facebook Feature is a Friendly Reminder that your Smartphone can Eavesdrop on You
And speaking of creepy…! A brand new feature in Facebook’s new mobile app, meant to help a user figure out what music or TV show they’re watching, can eavesdrop on you (if you forget to turn it off).
Ok, it’s not automatic. The user has to turn it on, and then forget to turn it off. And, as of yet it doesn’t record what it’s ‘hearing’. But that’s hardly the point. Someone else potentially listening in on – and recording – your private conversations is the point.
Watch: 136 Years of Special Effects Evolution in a Three-Minute Video
Ok, enough with tracking, and potential for doom and gloom. Many technological advancements are spectacular. And since the summer blockbusters are right around the corner, here’s a nod to special effects in film – 136 years of them in fact, in a 3 minute clip. Enjoy, and have a safe and happy weekend!
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