Archive for February, 2009
What does weather have to do with computers? Well, not much, actually. But cloud computing is a term that has gained in the buzz department recently, although it has actually been around for several years.
“Cloud computing” is really just a metaphor for doing your work entirely online. In computer network diagrams, the Internet is typically portrayed as a cloud shape. The concept integrates Web 2.0, Software as a Service (SaaS) and other common technologies that help to meet user needs in the online environment. Typically, this means that users don’t have to be responsible for maintaining the architecture to support their needs; large data centers often house the applications and data, and users merely connect using their PC and the Internet. One of the most famous examples is Google Apps, which provides free business applications that are entirely online (Such as Google Docs, a competitor to Microsoft Word).
Besides not having to pay for the infrastructure, electricity, etc., many cloud computing applications allow end users to only pay for what they actually use (e.g., Amazon Web Services), much like a traditional utility. Some do use a subscription model (e.g., NetFlix’s download-on-demand service).
What does this mean to me, Laura?
- As more applications move online or have online competitors, expect that your patrons will want to access them. This will possibly mean purchasing more powerful computers and upgrading web browsers and/or their plugins more frequently to keep up with application requirements.
- Cloud computing and mobile devices will continue to bond. Powerful smartphones like the iPhone or the Google Android can use the cloud for extended storage as well as applications. This area will continue to grow as phones continue to become even more powerful.
- There are some inherent risks in cloud computing; reputable providers mitigate these and make sure that your data is sufficiently backed up.
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First, there was virtual reality. Then there were virtual worlds. Now, we have augmented reality, and it may change the landscape of books entirely.
It’s the stuff of many science fiction scenes; open up a newspaper or a book and, instead of 2-dimensional text, 3-dimensional images pop up. Imagine looking at an Ikea catalog and seeing the items in 3D. Or seeing 3D models of historical buildings in a history textbook. Imagine no more; the technology is here, and it is called augmented reality.
Augumented reality, however, unlike the stuff of science fiction, is not totally independent. It requires software and a webcam in order to work. From an article at Wired.com:
It superimposes 3D objects (like the UFOs) onto the real world through camera recognition software, which is downloaded by a user after the book is bought. The only thing needed is a modern web cam on a Windows-based PC. The key to the AR trick lies in the image-processing software that recognizes the book using the camera and the ‘markerless’ tracking system that creates a combo image in real time.
This new technology is already in use, in advertising, Christomas cards and even graffiti. One German company is planning to publish at least one children’s book using the technique. And, of course, the iPhone has an application for it as well. Here’s a video showing an augmented reality app on the iPhone:
So,what does this mean to me, Laura?
- The definition of “pop-up book” may soon be expanded or changed.
- If this is widely adopted, it may change the fundamentals of reading. Will your library be prepared, with webcams and software installed so that people can read AR books?
- Imagine creating library tours in AR. By using a webcam, visitors could see displays, furniture and signage
- Even LEGOS are getting AR-enabled.
