ANALYSIS OF THE SURVEY

 The world is constantly challenging us and keeping us on ours toes with its latest innovations of technology, something may be introduced to us today and simply be disregarded tomorrow in just a blink of an eye.  The aim of the blog was to find out what people associated with the next best thing in technology with. In order to establish this, a survey was compiled in which we asked questions to determine what the next best thing in technology would be. Furthermore we examined what the public thought would no longer be accessible to them in the future ; how they saw technology in the future and the influence technology would have in the different departments in society as well as where people saw technology evolving in the next  5 years and how smartphones will interact with smart televisions in the future.

Question 1

Analysis

The first question we asked was how humans would interact with technology in a period of 20 years from now. We decided to use the 5 senses as a form of measurement. The results indicated that more than half of the public 54.55% expected to interact with future innovations using the touch sense; this was followed by sight at 23.38%, hearing at 10.39%, taste at 7.79% and the least innovative sense being smell at 3.90%.

QUESTION 2

Analysis

There are many aspects of society which are influenced and/or enhanced by technology. For this question we wanted to establish which of the four departments consisting of; healthcare, transportation, education and agriculture. 48% of the public expects education to have the most rapid increase of change in terms of technology; with in close region healthcare comes at 33%, followed by transportation at 13% as well as agriculture at 7%. However the public also felt that communication networks would also be affected by technology.

QUESTION 3:

Analysis

Technology is always evolving and some devices lose relevance and become obsolete. The question asked to the public was which devices will seize to exist in the future given the option of cell-phones/smartphone, tablets/ipads, laptops/computers as well as cars. The public viewed laptops/computers as the most likely device to seize to exist with 68%, second tablets/ipads at 13%, third cell-phones/smartphones at 10% and cars last at 9%

Question 4:

Analysis

As technology evolves, people have their own ideas about what technology will be like. We asked the public about where they see technology in the next five years.  And the public’s response was:  the majority think that cars will run on alternative fuel  with 55.84%, followed by people who think we will be paying with our phones  with 25.97%, followed by people who think that practical home-help robots with 18.18% and the least was other with 0.05%.

 Question 5:

Analysis

From the results gathered, we can make the assumption that smartphones will be connected to smart TVs to provide constant connectivity to the TV with 62.34%.

Recommendations

·         The public think education would be the most affected, as it seems like  we are moving away from  a textbook/chalk board  based system towards  one supported by  computers ,tablets, clickers and smart boards.

·          Majority of the public chose the sense touch as a way of interacting with technology as it is already implemented and it seems to be the most practical and easier method.

·         It is recommended that laptops/computers will seize to exist I the future as they can be replaced by other devices such as Google glass, smart watch etc. And the laptops/computer will further be reduced in size

·         We recommend that people use smartphones and smart TVs together to achieve maximum technological performance.

Conclusion

Based on our results we found that people thought that in the future we will be using the sense of touch more than any other sense. We also found that people thought that future technology will enhance our education system, and laptops/computers were the devices that were most likely to perish in the future and cars the least likely to perish. Technology is rapidly changing as our research shows, people have different opinions and expectations if what our future holds for us but the one thing that remains the same is that we will all have to adapt to the changes and if we don’t we will simply just fall behind

Showcase Gadget

In the modern world of business today, things are changing so rapidly and people need to be able to keep up with that change. Technology has been incorporated into businesses to help speed up production as well as reduce costs. New technological devices such as tablets are widely used in place of larger more traditional devices such as computers and laptops. This has made life more manageable in terms of mobility.

The next generation device that surely seems like it will change the way businesses operate is the smart watch. The smart watch is a wrist watch with all the functions of a smart phone. This accessory connects to your smart phone via Bluetooth and this allows you to use the apps and functions from your smart phones on your smart watch. The smart watch allows people to live a more mobile life from the comfort of their own wrists in the same way that tablets are resulting in the reduced use of laptops and computers.

When this accessory (the smart watch) is introduced into businesses then it will make the working environment so much easier as the smart watch can be used anywhere as it is presented as a simple watch. Since is built around keeping up to date, it is sure to result in a boost in productivity.

Businesses have been adapting to new technology to try and speed up production and reduce production cost. The smart watch is an effective device as it allows you to control applications that are on your phone. Smart watches allow businessmen the opportunity to work on the go and remain up to date even if their smart phones are not on them.

Author :

Regis Majawa

Reference:

https://www.google.co.za/search?q=smart+watch

For videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7C-XuSEBPA

The Evolution of Technology

The term evolution means the gradual development of something, arising from a simple to a more complex form. A very common example of this would be how we as humans have developed and evolved over millions of years from primates to what we are now.

In the world we live in, the word evolution has been largely associated with living organisms. Such being reptiles, birds and even plants. The question is could this theory of evolution work when it comes to technology? In my opinion I believe that technology does evolve and will carry on evolving, at a fast rate, for many years to come.

Thomas Alva Edison born in 1847 was an inventor and businessman. He was the first person to invent the first commercially practical light bulb. This light bulb looks very different from the light bulbs that are used to nowadays. This is not surprising as it was developed around the 1880’s and was literally the first of its kind. Thomas Edison’s light bulb was the building block for the development of the many different lights we have now, such as hologynic and LED lights. It all started around the 1880’s and because of Thomas Edison and the constant development of his light bulb idea, we always have light at our disposal.

With technology evolving so fast it has resulted in some elder forms of technology becoming obsolete to our generation. Examples of this would first be the use of vinyl records, to the use of audio cassettes to CD’s. This shows that past technologies have lead the way to the technology of today.

What technology may come in the future is beyond our imagination, all we know is that what we have now is still “small” to what we’ll have then.

Author : Marcel Da Cruz

Reference:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=JcSzqm5Whwc http://www.voyagesthroughtime.org/technology/http://www.forbes.com/sites/sap/2012/01/10/infographic-the-evolution-of-technology-its-impact-on-the-development-of-social-businesses/

Revolution of Cell phones.

From the beginning of the 20^th century, global innovators have strived to improve and develop cellphones that would literally and figuratively be life changing. The evolution of the cellphone has taken the world by surprise, not so long ago the “in thing” was the Nokia 3310 and nowadays if you don’t own a blackberry, iPhone or Nokia Lumia you are indeed living in the dark ages. Cellphones have been revolutionary around the globe impacting the ability to function of the being worldwide.

Cellphones may be viewed today as a new and modern technological device but the origin dates back to the 1920’s as they were used by the police, these were in the form of radios. As we all know today, cellphones are not only portable and highly mobile smartphones but have multiple functions such collecting and storing information for businesses as well as sending school statements  to parents which assist the education system, and ultimately govern our lives.  

The influence cell phones have on society is powerful beyond measurement with an approximation of 29 million users of cellphones in South Africa alone.  Today social networks such as Twitter and Facebook have allowed for social integration and diversity acceptance to emerge. Cellphones have made communication and business transactions from one country to another possible. So I personally believe that it is safe to state that cellphones have United Nations and will continue to be the building blocks of a world that our forefathers would never have dreamed of.

Author : Lindokuhle Mabaso

Here are interesting videos to watch and sites to visit regarding the revolution of cellphones:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMmoA4Y3vDw&feature=player_detailpage

http://library.thinkquest.org/04oct/02001origin

IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON EDUCATION: E-LEARNING

You-tube, Google, Tablets, eBooks, just a few technologies that have changed the dynamics of education, through enhancing the educational process by interacting as well as through connecting both the learners and educators to the world at large. The magnitude of technology’s impact on education can be identified through the great impact the e-learning system has had on it.

E-learning is the use of electronic media and information systems which enhance the learning process by allowing learning to take place anywhere at any time. According to E-Learn Consulting, e-learning can include training, the delivery of just-in-time information and guidance from experts through systems such as virtual learning, as well as web-based training.

 With the usage of e-learning, students are able to develop abilities and skills which will help them in preparing to enter into the “big world”. This is done through systems like virtual learning, online skills development, ensuring students are able to understand and interpret the data and making content accessible to learners. According to the U.S. Department of Education 2010, learners who relied on online learning did relatively better, on average, than the students receiving conventional face-to-face learning.

E-learning offers a platform for educators to be able to share information on which they have expertise on such as the well-known Khan academy. E-learning provides us with information a broad set of topics which sometimes hinders the spirit of self- exploration because we tend to rely on the work done by someone else. 

As a student I have come to experience the full extent to which e-learning enhances the education not only for the students but for   educators themselves. Keeping in mind that e-learning is one of the many spheres of technology it is safe to say that technology has a positive impact on our education system.

Author Rendani Muthivhi

References:

http://www.academia.edu/335899/Impact_of_Technology_in_Education

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFtJTKze3tc

 http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/world-ahead/world-ahead-positive-impact-of-elearning-paper.html

What does the future hold for books?

As the world is constantly moving towards a more technologically advanced period, one always wonders “what is the next big thing?” Everything that we use from cars, cellphones to books we are always on the lookout for ‘next big thing’.  With regards to books, authors, publishers, book sellers and readers are also asking themselves this question.  

For hundreds of years the use of paper was uncontested unlike the use of its relative medias, the VHS tapes, vinyl records which have ceased being used- unless by antique collectors- they have been replaced by more advanced devices and you have to wonder if paper books will have the same fate. In recent years the introduction of e-books and e-readers has left people wondering if this is the future of books.

Electronic books (e-books) “is a book length publication in data form consisting of text, image, or both and production on through and readable on computer or other electronic devices.”[i]  And e-book reader is’ a mobile electronic device that is designed to primarily for the purpose of reading e-books and periodics’[ii].  

 The vital thing that paper books and e-books provide is that you are able to read a book, but they both have their advantages and disadvantages. The paper books’ advantages they are portable, easily accessible as you can get a book shop or library anywhere, they are cheap if they are bought, they do not cause much eye strain to readers. And its disadvantages of paper books is that if you are carrying more than one book they can get heavy, a light source is needed to read the paper books, easily damaged. The advantages of e-books is; they are portable can have more than multiple e-books on one device; it is easy to read as you can zoom in, change the font[iii]. The disadvantages the e-reader needs to recharged, the looking after of the e-reader if water is spilled or dropped it can be broken, and some websites can cause your e-reader to freeze.

With an increase in the trend of using e-readers, the publishers and authors need to change in the way they do business in selling paper books and focus on e-books. I think the next best technology for books will e-books as people want things that are faster and convenient for their life styles.

Author Sesta Chauke

Video about Google e-books: http://www.youtube. com/watch=ZKEaypYJbb4

E-books VS paper books video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9DXdlewgwA

---

[i]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-book

[ii]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-book_reader

[iii] [iii] http://blog.the-ebook-reader.com/2013/04/15/what-is-your-favorite-ebook-font/

Available security measures provided by technology

T

echnology is a platform that allows an individual to store all of their information and for other practical purposes. Due to its vulnerability, certain security measures are necessary to prevent personal and important information from being accessed by foreign and unwanted people.

The world of technological devices provides users with software that can be easily installed and updated. These help in ensuring the safety of personal information and preventing any fraudsters from accessing the information. These security measures include firewall, virus checking, security updates, spyware, backing up regularly and passwords.

A respectable anti-virus system should be installed to scan and clean all viruses from the computer. By regularly updating this security measure, an individual can ensure the safety of their information and prevent any loss that my detrimental to them.

With all these available security measures that technology provides, an individual can remain assured that their information will be protected and inaccessible from foreign users. The future of technology promises updated security measures that will be free from error, trustworthy and less laborious.

Author : Boitumelo Mahlare

References:

http://ico.org.uk/for_organisations/data_protection/security_measures

http://www.techterms.com/definition/antivirus

http://searchsecurity.techtarget.com/definition/firewall

http://www.preservearticles.com/201012301941/security-measures-for-protecting-your-computer.html  

Standard Bank Enterprise development

Standard Bank being one the South Africa’s biggest bank has attracted many large business organisations that in turn do business with other big businesses, so this would mean that various many exchanges would happen daily or even hourly in the business as payments have to be made for stock or paying services depending on that specific businesses needs.

Previously businesses did not have the advantage of doing what we call today Electronic Funds Transfer, they would have to do the transactions manually. For example a petrol station type of business wants to place an order to the supplier, and take the amount to the bank to be deposited to the suppliers account then fax the supplier the deposit slip as proof of payment. This did not only take a long time to do but also led to a loss for the business if it was not done on time or if mistakes were made in the process.

Standard Bank has a creator and Enterprise development unit within the business banking section of the company that would deal specifically with ways of improving integration of the systems in the business sector. A company that banks with Standard Bank can now access the businesses account on the internet and make transfers to their suppliers and customers when it is needed, they are also able to upload the account details of the people they deal with the most, and also have record of when they transferred the money, the amount of money that was transferred, what the money was used for and proof of payment can also be sent directly to that customer or supplier as soon as the transfer has taken place.

Businesses can now keep tabs on what money goes out and comes in to the business by simply logging on to their account and checking, this therefore lessens the chances of the business losing money unnecessarily.

Zenande Mnqandi (603429)

References :

http://sustainability.standardbank.com/socioeconomic-development/enterprise-development/supporting-smes/

http://www.standardbank.co.za/portal/site/standardbank/menuitem.de435aa54d374eb6fcb695665c9006a0/?vgnextoid=ea1436ce16238310VgnVCM10000050ddb60aRCRD

http://bizconnect.standardbank.co.za/sector-news/finance/bizlaunch-a-one-stop-shop-for-small-business-success.aspx

 

PROS OF TECHNOLOGY IN BUSINESS

 

The world we live in today is a world driven by technology in every aspect. It is woven into everything we do, be it for work or pleasure. The world of business is no different. Tasks that were pain-staking and time-consuming before are made simple through the use of technology and it opens up new opportunities for production.

Information is one of, if not the most important commodity in business. Those with the most accurate information, at the right time, are usually the ones who succeed. This is why technology is so important in business today. And with more accurate information comes the ability to make more informed decisions, which could lead to better performance. With information being so important in business, a company with a good system that is able to manipulate this information will have an advantage over those who don’t. Enter Enterprise Resource Planning.

Enterprise Resource Planning systems are software systems that streamline the flow of information in a business. They essentially link the different functions of the business together (e.g. finance, marketing, manufacturing, purchasing). Having all this information together helps the business to work more efficiently.

Having an Enterprise Resource Planning system is great but would be useless if there is no hardware for it to run on. Businesses invest millions in desktops, laptops, servers, tablets and other computing devices to make sure the right people have access to this golden information. Other hardware that has affected business are communication devices such as smartphones and webcams, which allow for long distance communication through video calling, voice calling, instant messaging or social networking, which has become a big part of business today due to the marketing and networking opportunities.
With all the hardware businesses have at their disposal, they need other software besides ERPs to stay afloat. Office suites like Microsoft Office, which offer word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, email and databases amongst other things, are great examples of technology that has worked wonders in the world of technology.

Looking at how business was done 30 years ago in comparison to today, it is easy to see that technology has advanced in leaps and bounds, and has made operating a business efficiently, easier.

Author Neo Mosito

Video links
Microsoft Office information: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1c7S6oxiAI
Introduction to ERP (Oracle): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-RqQ2h1rGY
Introduction to ERP (SAP): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M45hOcgUiW8

Technology - Breaking the communication barriers

How many languages do you believe the human brain can master? Well, according to the Unitarian Universalist History & Heritage Society, Sir John Bowring spoke 100! [i]Imagine what you do with that kind of vocab ;negotiate world peace, conduct business in almost any region of the world , tour the globe and speak to anyone in their language, or any other thing you fancy with you golden tongue.

Now imagine no more because app markets are beginning to swarm with apps that can grant you that golden tongue, at a touch of a button. I have chosen to adopt Translator, a nifty app I picked up at the Windows App Store[ii] that is able to translate voice and text from one language to another. Can't speak Chinese? Allow your smartphone to do it for you. Negotiating prices in a market in Brazil? Have the app say exactly what you mean.

The great thing about these apps is that it is mobile; perfect for times when you just can't seem to find the words to say something[iii]. The downfall is that many of these are that they need an internet connection to activate their linguistic powers, which is a bit of a problem when you choose to play Indiana Jones in a remote village somewhere.

Will these apps form part of society? Will we see random people, from completely contrasting cultures, on the street having a conversation with one another through their smartphones? Well, it may be early days to speak with certainty, but in my opinion, it is definitely possible. The technology has kicked off, and it’s just a matter of time before innovators tweak things up so that they work with greater efficiency …I hear the barrier of communication crumbling already.

Author : Paballo Maiphetlho

References:

---

[i] http://www25.uua.org/uuhs/duub/articles/sirjohnbowring.html(accessed  27 April 2013)

[ii] http://www.windowsphone.com/en-us/store/app/translator/2cb7cda1-17d8-df11-a844-00237de2db9e(accessed  27 April 2013)

[iii] http://www.bing.com/blogs/site_blogs/b/search/archive/2012/04/16/new-translator-app-for-windows-phone-powered-by-bing-available-for-free-download.aspx  (accessed  3 May 2013)

---

 









Sir John Bowring

( 17 October 1792 – 23 November 1872)



Translator





WHAT HAS CHANGED AND WHATS NEW NOW!

Remember the Nokia 3310 that we all wanted to have once upon a time or the Siemens M65 that looked fancy? What ever happened to these phones? Wait for it… TECHNOLOGY hit man with its greatest innovations!

More than ten years ago laptops, cell-phones, cars, computers weren’t as small, portable and convenient for us to use or walk around with, today things have changed. The size of cell-phones, the thickness of our laptops, the speed or our cars back then can be compared to our new gadgets and more innovations. Calling someone or even sending a text message was a bit of a struggle back then due to the signal but today we can send ‘’text messages” instantly with the likes of BBM ( BlackBerry Messenger) and Whatsapp. Our laptops even have texture to accommodate your lifestyle, a smooth, delicate texture if it will be at home or in the office most of the time. Also some don’t have that smooth surface to accommodate you if you always on the go and you need it all the time.

Today cell-phones have turned into smartphones some with android operating system and some with the BlackBerry 10 operating system. We can access our internet via the television and Skype our family members in the comfort of our own homes and get to converse for hours. Technology is expanding day by day and by the time we get to be mothers and fathers some of us will be out-dated with the latest technology and the cycle will commence again.

What was new then is old now and what is new now is still a dream to the masses! This is a fast world we live in ,things are changing at rapid rate!

Author Mmatebogo Sekhoela
References

1.      http://www.institutelegalsecretaries.com

2.      http://www.lolbrary.com

3.      http://www.pricecheck.co.za
4.      http://www.thepeoplehistory.com

The Advancement Of Future Transportation

Transportation is mostly powered by fossil fuels today which is not only becoming costly but has harmful environmental effects. However as the world of technology advances there are numerous proposed forms of sustainable alternatives.

It is predicted that vehicles will no longer use fossil fuels but will be structured so that this material needed to generate power is replaced by biofuels, battery power, hydrogen fuel, electricity, biodiesel, ethanol and even air. All of these aiming to minimise energy loss, costs, emission and increase the efficiency.

The future holds super intelligent modes of transport as vehicles will have features whereby they will communicate with you the driver, each other and with traffic signals resolving our chaotic traffic. To assist travelling in bad weather conditions and decrease collisions vision enhancements will be incorporated into the lights. Our normal vehicles will be replaced by flying cars, Jetpacks, aircycles, cybercabs, skytrans, whale submarines and tubeways to name a few exciting innovations.

The Tube Ways will be a system that enables one to travel privately or publicly depending on their bookings. The structure of this mode will include elevated tracks to selected destinations covered by a transparent recyclable glass which consists of a feature that will capture energy. Capsules or cabins will occupy the tubes where the passengers will sit, these will have soft rubber wheels that will allow the capsules to glide by the means of air force from behind and suction in front. This mode of transport will result in a faster and safer way of travelling.

It is appropriate to declare that technology will advance our modes of transportation in the future giving us the privilege of variation and making them more environmentally friendly, safer and efficient.

Author Noxolo Dlamini.

References:

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9CfHGnsPqsfutureforall.org/transportation/future_of_transportation.htm

http://www.networkworld.com/slideshow/61148/12-cool-future-transportation-concepts.html

 http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/green-steam-energy/

http://tubeway.jimdo.com/