Technology - Phone calls from space

Source - http://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/nasas-nexus-s-satellite-phones-home-space/

Recent advancements in technology are allowing NASA to send up a small 4 square inch box into space which has been called "PhoneSat". It cost around $7,500 to build and is a highly modified Nexus S smartphone that allows calls from space. The box is useful because with it being based around a smart phone it not only can be used for communication but can be used for file sharing, storage and even as a source of power. This is a positive advancement because it will allow different types of communication and even promises to improve cell reception miles beyond 4g so effectively you with never loose signal.

Lifestyle - High tech roller coasters

Source - http://innovation.uk.msn.com/design/high-tech-thrills-the-rollercoasters-of-2014-and-beyond

With many thrill seekers always looks for the next roller coaster to amaze and thrill them the theme parks behind them are also getting more advanced by using lighter materials that allow modern and unusual twists and turns enhancing the riders experience on the ride and this intern allows them to increase the speed which is the main fear factor that gets people adrenalin going and coming back for more. The colour of the rides is also getting brighter to look more modern and in your face so you can see it for miles and want to go on it where the old wooden ones simply blended in the news ones sore high above everything and completely stand out and contrast against the surroundings. i feel this is an engineering amazement and the limits to what we can do are only getting greater.

Technology & Innovation - A New Way To Test Plane Engines

Source - http://innovation.uk.msn.com/design/the-incredible-way-to-test-a-new-aircraft-engine

A new life for old and obsolete planes has arose recently with many of the major Aviation engine development companies buying old planes as a way of testing their engines before adding them to the new concept which if any goes wrong will save a lot of money and lives. This is because on new models a team has to go on the test flight as its a new system and not everyone knows it but with this method everything is stripped away making it so any pilot can fly it on their own then escape easily if anything went wrong. All the airline companies around the world are said to introducing these new more powerful, faster and more efficient engines in their aircraft over the new few years so I feel this testing is vital to ensure they are successful and work correctly. This can also be related to the environment and even the main contributors to the greenhouse problem with their large c02 emitting planes can make small changes such as reusing things to cut down the time, effort and money that goes into making a set of new planes which in tern will harm the planet even more through the high energy manufacturing methods.

Cars - The new Lamborghini Veneno Roadster

Source - http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/knowing-bread-buttered-lamborghini-unveils-veneno-roadster-uae-coast/#/5

Lamborghini are renounced world wide for creating some of the best, fastest and wacky looking cars you can buy. It seems they are only getting more advanced in terms of styling with the unveiling of their latest model the Veneno Roadster which many have said looks more like a jet than a car and the only things its missing is wings. The car has a 6.5 litre v12 and can reach a top speed of 220 mph. Back to the stylings this has only been made possible in the last few years with their first really crazy design being the Aventador making the classic Gallardo and Murcielago look tame in comparison. Advancements in technology has been the main contributor allow them to push the boundaries between whats a car and what isnt and this super car does just that with huge vents and fins sticking out from everywhere enhancing it performance its a real breakthrough in the car industry inspiring other companies to follow suit. Overall, I feel this angulated modern look will catch out and we will start to see it in small amounts in everyday cars soon raising the level of motoring of even the most basic car to a new level.

Home - Digital Chairs

Source - http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/cool-ipad-accessories/#/4

This is the latest in combining home furnishings with some of the latest technology many sofa companies are already selling sofas where you can insert your iPod or iPhone to play music through to act like a giant dock and beds with integrated televisions but this seat has been specifically designed to deliver that experience in the best possible way. It uses sounds combined with the drum shape of the chair to bounce and amplify the sounds though and around the cushions surface which intern vibrates the mesh and turning the whole thing into a speaker. The main feature that sets this apart from the rest is the aesthetic it looks clean and modern and has a built in tablet stand so it can be placed in any location and still be used. I feel this is a good piece of design and the whole concept of a interactive home is becoming more and more real.

Innovation - Amazons Drone Delivery

Source - http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/dec/02/amazon-drone-delivery-jeff-bezos-hype

This is the latest idea from Amazon and it uses remote controlled drones to deliver small items to your home. The drones aren't quite ready yet as they is still some improvements to be made and possible larger scaled one to be draw up. The drones would only deliver within a specific distance so if you live by a amazon warehouse which isnt ideal as it will only benefit a small number of people. The drones are said to run off electricity generated form the companies solar panel so they are being introduced as a way to reduce their carbon footprint and help the environment. Overall, I feel its a good idea but to really be successful they have to be tried and tested and be reliable and efficient in their jobs.

Technology - Mac Pros New Look

Source - http://www.apple.com/uk/mac-pro/

This is the newest Mac from technology giant Apple and is going to be a game changer in terms of their aesthetic and whole design process as apple are used to creating slick metal cases but this is a cylinder and made glass with various other component inside. The design of this allows you to see the workings of the computer which relates back to the old macs and at the same time opens up for easy maintenance and upgrades. I feel this change will influence all the other Apple products as many people have said they need a new style for some time. The downside to this product is its shape although its a lot smaller and when powered on and lit looks impressive you have to plug in all the extra disc trays and blu rays drives to use them and many people argue that discs are becoming unused but they are vital for people creating graphics and animations which is one of the main target market that this computer is aimed at. Overall, i feel this computer is adapting to a new style and although not everyone likes it with it already being compared to a bin or a wine cooler I feel its a stepping stone and we will see a whole new range of products from apple in this transparent rounded style.