Technology Changing, Life

I'm a geek.  Really.  Truly.  Unabashedly.

I just spent a few hours listening to the keynote speakers at Google I/O 2012.  Really cool stuff coming down the pipeline, but as I spent all this time listening, I couldn't help but recall something a friend wrote a while back.

Kris wasn't complaining so much about Google in his post (I'm sure he'd be more than willing to share his views on ol' Goog), but about his issues with one of Google's products, Reader.  That said, Kris has most certainly found his way, but all of this simply parallels a few thoughts rattling around today during the keynote speeches.

Throughout the year, there comes about a number of conferences and expos that highlight upcoming technologies by various companies.  Whether it be Apple's WWDC, the E3, or Google's I/O, it's easy for consumers nowadays to stay on top of the newest crop of changes coming in the digital realms.  Excitement, frustration, and anticipation are all present amidst the glittery photos and polished videos.  I've felt all those feelings with the announcements and for all of it, it's still a rush.

So what's the point of it all?  Dylan said it best and he was is right; the times they are a changin'.  Fact 1: Change is inevitable.  Fact 2: Stagnation will always be problematic.  I would venture to state that those two statements will always be true, thus the needed change.

As a teacher, I knew that change was abound; I just never liked it.  It wasn't until not so long ago that I recognized the need and value of change.  Routine becomes boring, which becomes stagnate (you get my drift here?)... Change alters the ecosystem and brings about a stress that results in change.  I can undoubtedly proclaim that my buddy knows the value of changes and the rewards that it can bring.  I've made a few commitments to make certain changes as well.

Sometimes changes seem present only to create some drama, but often times being optimistic (even amid the turmoil and stress) can help see you through the said stress.  Facebook's recent attempt to adding friends was pulled quite quickly, but the attempt was made to change (Note:  I really have my issues with FB, so I won't dwell).  As a technogeek, the changes that Google announced today had me really excited about certain possiblilities (and saddened that the Big Blue Consonant will probably steal a few of those ideas).

 So am I a geek?  Sure.  At least, I'm one who can appreciate that the update to that app is about the developer moving forward with improvements. Google+ has added Events and I'm very stoked about it.  I'm ready to get my pictures on!

So, I leave you with the sublime words from David Bowie:

Time may change me, but I can't trace time.

Cloud Printing

A repost from the TECHNIMertiverse.

I just got done reading an interesting article about Google's Cloud Printing project.

Definitely interesting, especially for those of you with smart phones and laptops not connected to printers and such.

Idea is pretty simple: Have an item you want to print, send it to the cloud. The cloud, in it's mightiness, connects to the established printer (secure and all, right?). Item is printed, and everyone smiles.

It's still in the works within the Chromium project, but I don't see this taking too terribly long. Security is probably the most important aspect here. Once that is clarified, it'll be a real nice and convenient aspect to cloud computing.

Shazam!

Social Networking with the Big G

I got into social networking, after really making an effort to avoid the whole shebang.

I have to say, I didn't know what I was getting myself into. As much as I enjoy getting to meet and reconnect with friends, sometimes it just ain't worth it.

Friends are worth it, do not misconstrue that. Family and friends first. But for all the enticing little extras that await you in the realm known as Facebook, I'm about past that. Really.

Google's powerhouse of apps and add-ons (I love me some Google Chrome Extensions). Google Wave and Voice kick ass. Period. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your view), many of my friends don't use Gmail. Yet. And these are basically my up close and personal friends. Not some schmo off the block who "wants to be friends".

Tomorrow, Google's announcing something big regarding the whole social networking hullabaloo. Keep your ears perked, come 10:00 AM PST.

As for now, I thought I'd go ahead and include a few articles, including this one and this one. Downloadsquad.com reported this first, I believe, but PC World has a more in-depth write up. You decide.

[09 February 2010] Follow-up: So it was announced today. Google Buzz is the latest Google tool to pop out and be integrated within the Gmail application/website. Personally, I like the idea of having something like this within my primary email account. I've read many gripes about just having a regular ol' email account and I understand that. My thought on that is, "Turn it off". Don't utilize it if you don't want it. Easier than easy, but hey: the email account is free, so what's the problem? Not wanting to rant, I'll be checking this out in the coming week, so I'll let you know more afterwards!

Shazam!