Google's Project Tango

BY: Daniel Jackson


While in MIS, we have learned a great deal about the multitude of projects Google has planned for the future. From Google Glass to the tech giant’s self-driving car, it’s obvious that Google has become a sort of pioneer into the future applications of technology. With this in mind, Google’s Project Tango shows that these pioneers are not stopping at cars and glasses, but are becoming a catalyst in the evolution of the mobile phone and its applications.

Project tango is Google’s smartphone endeavor being overseen by their Advanced Technology and Projects group (or ATAP). As stated on their official website, “Project Tango is an attempt to create a mobile device unlike like any other, a mobile device that shares our sense of space and movement, that understands and perceives the world the same way we do”. In other words, Project Tango is a device that can track its own motion as well as model the environment around it in 3D using customized hardware and software.

The sensors in the phone allow for over a quarter million 3D measurements every second updating its orientation and position in real-time. Project Tango then combines that data into a single 3D model of the space around the device, which is a huge step into the future of how we look and interact with the environment around us.

A collaboration of different universities, research labs, and industrial partners from over 8 countries in the past 10 years, Project Tango has around 200 prototype development kits, which will be distributed by mid-March 2014. With these development kits in the hands of developers so soon, the possibilities for Project Tango’s application are endless. From helping the visually impaired navigate new spaces to finding the exact location of the items you need in the store, Google’s ATAP and Project Tango look to revolutionize the mobile phone industry.


Links/Resource: https://www.google.com/atap/projecttango/

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe10ExwzCqk

Wednesday April 30, 2014 - HW#10 - Multiple Regression

Last Class for the semester.

Multiple Regression 

How to use Excel for Multiple Regression and what you will need for the exam. This is my video from last year. Sorry that the Homework number is off. It was #9 in the past but it is #10 now.

http://youtu.be/FEFXp0iilsU

HW#10 - Multiple Regression

Multiple Regression is a statistically model used to analyze the relationship between two or more independent variables and one dependent variable. If differs from linear regression in that is takes more than one independent variable into the model.

Assignment

1. Download Excel Spreadsheet (here) File name has HW #9 but it is for HW #10, this semester.
2. Watch the Windows or MAC videos below
3. See "Understanding Output" video at the end of this post.
4. Take Exam #10 (Thursday May 1, 2014  thru Sunday May 4, 2014 at midnight)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WINDOW USERS
make sure you have the multiple regression option available. If under Step #1 below, you do not see "Data Analysis", then skip to Step 1A.

Step 1

Switch to the "Data" tab in the Microsoft Excel ribbon and locate the "Data Analysis" at far right on ribbon. Click on the "Data Analysis" item to bring up the dialog box of the same name.

Step 2

Scroll through the list of Analysis Tools until you locate "Regression". Click on it to select it, and then click on the "OK" button at the right to open its dialog box.

Here is a quick video:

http://youtu.be/DoAckgj-jUk

If you do not see "Data Analysis" under "Data" Tab, then to add that option see steps below:

Step 1A

Launch Microsoft Excel and click on the "File" tab in the ribbon. Select "Options" to open the Excel Options dialog box.

Step 2A

Click the "Add-Ins" item in the list on the left side of the dialog box. You will see "Analysis ToolPak" in the list of Inactive Application Add-Ins. Set the Manage drop-down menu to "Excel Add-Ins," and click on the "Go" button at the bottom of the dialog box to open the Add-Ins dialog box.

Step 3A

Tick the check box in front of "Analysis ToolPak" in the list of available add-ins. Click the "OK" button on the right side of the Add-Ins dialog box to turn on the Analysis ToolPak once you have selected it in the list of options.

Here is a video to help explain those three steps above:

http://youtu.be/IN_VHhHqClI

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MAC USERS
Excel 2011 does NOT have multiple regression built in. You will need to add some software from this link. This software is free. The software is called: STATPLUS LE

Here are two videos on how to install Statplus LE

http://youtu.be/uBHo7EVlGW0

http://youtu.be/LRZTvAFfKEU

Here is an example for MAC (EXCEL 2011) using Statplus LE

http://youtu.be/BIlbRHW1DUk

MAC Excel 2007, click here to get short (6 page .pdf file) file on how to set it up.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Understanding Output (pdf file link)

Older Version of Excel - but explanation good

http://youtu.be/ECXeUj8I6w8

Wednesday April 30, 2014 - Last Class: Extra Credit and grades

For grades:

Go to your schoology account.

If you do not have a schoology account. Go to Schoology and set an account up. It will ask for the course access code. (CODE: 7SKH4-WHB82)

The above images are from a Schoology account.

If there is an *, then that grade has not been added.
If you have a question about a grade, you can email me about it.
1) If its about attendance, then check the sign-in sheets (link here).
2) If a grade is wrong, email me proof.
3) Final Grade will be based on today's attendance
4) Extra Credit to follow

There is a grade calculator that you can use to change these grades and add missing grades to determine your final grade. LINK Download this file before you use it. If you use the file in the cloud, the next student will see your results and can change it.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXTRA CREDIT

This assignment is due Thursday May 8, 2014 by midnight. It is worth up to 40 points which will be added to your final grade.

You are to download and use excel to analyze the following data. LINK 


You need to create the following results. Create a video showing you completing each result and include your discussion. Upload this video to youtube and then send me the link. I will grade based on your video. The video should show each step of how you created the four results. You may need more than one video.

Create the video using a free account from Screen-o-matic.com. This site lets you record your record your computer screen, while you are creating each analysis. It records both video and audio. Each video can be up to 15 minutes. Once you finish, you can upload it to your youtube account.

You have the option to complete one or up to all four of the results below. There is no partial  credit with each result. You either get all the points of each section or none. Therefore, you should do more than is required, not less.

1) Create a pivot table (worth 10 points)
     Average Sales Price per Building Square Foot (BSF) by State
     Discuss Results
 2) Chart (worth 5 pts)
      Bar Chart
     Sales Price/BSF on Y-axis and State on X-Axis
     Title Chart, Label and format axis data, Legend
3) Fusion Table (worth 15 points)
     Map all sales
     Change icons from bucket - use a range that allow colors to change
     Add legend
     Discuss Result
4) Linear Regression (Worth 10 points)
     Sales Price to building size
     Show Scatter Chart with regression formula
     Chart must have title, axis label, format numbers
     Best Fit line
     Discuss Results
     Use formula to estimate a sales price

Apple Commits to Increased Drive Safety

BY:  Lewis White

With connection and convenience being of utmost importance to the modern 21^st century consumer sometimes safety tends to take a backseat to this convenience. Hands free driving is a big concern for most folks but the concern and precaution is generally placed on the driver alone. Recently car companies have began to talk preventative measures regarding driver safety in relation to mobile devices. With easy to use in car smart systems as well as increased vehicle utility when it comes to safety and artificial intelligence, the automotive industry has been taking many progressive steps forward to increase driver safety.

With the automotive industry going beyond the call of duty to assist the 21^st century mobile addict, the spotlight has now turned to the mobile providers to step in. With the increased prevalence of the smartphone over the past few years the ability to personally shut down major functions on your phone has been available. Up until now though, there has not been a means in which your mobile device does what’s best for you without your choice. Apple has been issued U.S Patent Number 8,706,143 for "Driver handheld computing device lock-out”, a system that intelligently determines whether a device user is driving and shuts off distracting phone functions accordingly. Apples newest invention takes on two very important tasks. The first concentrates on a lock-out mechanism that requires no input from a vehicle and instead uses on-board sensors to determine when a user is driving. In the second embodiment, the car is able to transmit blocking signals to an iPhone, effectively stopping a user from receiving and sending texts, or using other smartphone functions while in the driver's seat. 

With our society being so wrapped up in technology and connectedness, it seems as if there must be someone or something to step in and babysit the minds that seem to no longer be able to take care of themselves. We may never learn when enough is enough and when our safety should be our first priority, but at least someone has stepped in to do it for us.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-Jf5NaBLjc

Facebook Announces to Buy Oculus Rift for 2 billion

BY: Myles Johnson

The idea of sending a person through a three dimensional virtual reality seemed like a dream far too big to be conceived in yesterday’s time and age.  It was as laughable as the Matrix or a Star Trek movie.  Yet a company called Oculus VR decided bring that dream into a reality by starting a kick starter that raised 2.4 million to not only get startup, but also see the desire for such a gaming device to hit the market.  The world responded above and beyond the company’s expectations and they have used this resource to proceed with the production of the Oculus Rift.

            The Oculus Rift is a virtual gaming platform that since its early stages of birth was made to revolutionize the way we play video games.  It comes with a headset/goggles that immerses the gamer through peripheral rotation so the environment of the game is literally around you.  There is also a platform for your feet with a circular bar so everything is contained within it that tracks your body weight, how much energy you exert, and synchronizes your movements into the character you are playing as.  It’s almost like “larping” but extremely more complex and cool. This type of gameplay takes the controller out of the hands of gamers as well; instead of pressing the right trigger to shoot you will be pulling a plastic gun model synced with the Oculus to shoot.  So the specs and models of this platform are amazing especially when concerning the technology but it is still in the development stage. 

Although recently Facebook just bought the company Oculus VR for 2 billion dollars.  The logistics of that buyout being 400 million in cash and 1.6 billion in stock. With the projection of up to 300 million depending on the performance of the Oculus.  Mark Zuckerberg has a lot more than just virtual gaming with numbers like those. His vision probably lies along the lines of virtual chat rooms, or being able go to a doctor visit or being courtside at a basketball game all through power of the goggles. 

Articles:

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/video-games/when-virtual-reality-goes-beyond-gaming-16611699

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/24/arts/video-games/oculus-rift-and-morpheus-take-games-to-a-new-dimension.html

Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P50fvL_EWYY

Monday April 28, 2014 - No Class

I will be inputing grades into schoology.com throughout the day. Check the site to see you score.

On Wednesday, class will cover:

1. Excel HW #10,
2. Extra Credit (Final),
3. Schoology Grades
4. 3D - Printing (?)

If you have any questions about your grades entered, email me (os3@aol.com) with proof, you are correct or text me with questions.

Wednesday April 23, 2014 - HW #9 Linear Regression

Define Linear Regression

To describe the linear association between quantitative variables, a statistical procedure called regression often is used to construct a model. Regression is used to assess the contribution of one or more independent variables  to one dependent variable. 

It also can be used to predict the value of one variable based on the values of others. When there is only one independent variable and when the relationship can be expressed as a straight line, the procedure is called simple linear regression. 

If there are more than one independent variable, then its called multiple regression 
(See HW#10).

As a business major, you will see both linear and multiple regression again, possibly many time in future classes. Homework #9 and #10 will provide a simple introduction and more importantly how to use Excel to solve problems. Again you will see this again.

HW #9 Data for Student Exam

HW#8 Steps:

1. Watch the video(s) below (there are both PC & MAC videos)
2. Download the excel file for HW#9
3. Take Exam on classmarker.com (Thursday 9 am until Sunday midnight)

Excel 2010 Windows

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkNubKibM0A

Excel 2011 - MAC

http://youtu.be/1jZ4T1dcsFg

Facebook Invests in Virtual Reality

By: Langstin Hendrix-Wright

Over the history of Facebook, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has purchased Friendster, Instagram, WhatsApp, and many others. On March 25, 2014, Facebook made another step forward by purchasing Oculus VR for $2 billion. Oculus VR is a company that develops virtual-reality technology by making gear that enhances video gaming. This is an interesting investment since Facebook is a social media network.

Facebook may have purchased this technology to enhance their user experience when communicating with someone online, even though one is already able to video chat with another on Facebook. This virtual-reality technology may make the conversation seem as if the other person is right there in the room with you.

The technology looks like goggles that you put on when you go scuba diving. It has a built-in, high-definition 3-D display, which make it look as though you are right there in the scenery of the opposite user. The goggles also have an accelerometer, gyroscope and a compass, which will be helpful to the user when moving around, so the goggles can track your head movement and you can see everything in a 360-degree view. This will help the user see and interact with what is being projected.

The virtual reality goggles make it feel as if you are right there inside of a game or an environment. Facebook may transform this into a conversation that makes it seem as if the person you are talking to is right there in front of you.

In the future, Facebook make advance the goggles so that the user can take a 360-degree picture or video where the viewer can see everything the uploader saw. This new technology can drastically change the Facebook experience.

http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/26/tech/gaming-gadgets/oculus-vr-explainer/index.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGhTPQfzANs

Monday April 21, 2014 - Internet Financial Web Sites

Savefrom.net allows you to download the youtube video. Just click the download button.

Need to download a youtube video. Try this.

1. Bring up the youtube video (Ex. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcnTaPmHFHY)
2. Now add ss after the www. and before the y ( Ex. http://www.ssyoutube.com/watch?v=YcnTaPmHFHY)

---

Today we will discuss four important web sites used for managing business financing and accounting.

Mint is an online free bookkeeping web site. Its quickbooks online.

http://www.mint.com

.

Paypal offers a way for businesses to take payments and pay bills online using a paypal account.

http://www.paypal.com

http://www.curdbee.com

http//www.square.com

Hyundai Google Glass App

BY: Jordan Youngblood

Hyundai is introducing a new wearable technology in their 2015 Genesis sedan. The car will be able to connect to Google Glass and other wearable technologies as well. Numerous people believe that the new wearable technology connected to the 2015 Genesis will increase the amount of distractions that drivers will face. However, car companies and other people strongly believe that this new technology enhancement will decrease the amount of distractions the driver has. They argue that utilizing wearable technology will decrease distractions due to the fact that the driver can keep their eye on the road while using their wearable technology device.

In correlation to information systems, it will increase the amount of information that the driver can receive while driving. This new device in the car can inform drivers about speed, navigation directions, traffic, and speed limits. Hyundai is not the only automaker who is working on using wearable devices because apparently Nissan is currently working on it as well. This is a key advancement in technology and will be very influential on the future car models to come.  

http://youtu.be/zPtk2yavckQ

MIS Course

BY: Malik Johnson

As we have come this far into this semester, I have come to thoroughly enjoy Prof. Sistrunk’s Management Information Systems class, as I believe that he is teaching us integral skills in both the program Excel, and as well as our history as African American men in America. Excel is a very powerful tool that can be used to not only help businesses make money, but also land prospective employees that dream job. I look forward to closing out the rest of the semester learning as much as possible about this powerful program, in hopes that it will in turn be applicable to me as I begin to start my career in upcoming years.

·         http://www.excellentones.com/resources/5-Ways-Excel-Can-Help-Businesses-Make-Money.html

http://smallbusiness.chron.com/can-excel-business-23131.html

Store Dot

BY: Amon Ra Cummingham

With our world evolving each and every day there is new technology that is mind blowing to many that really makes us think how is this possible, or how is this happening?  In recent news, technology has really been advancing and in the last couple years with the new release of drones, that do different things that every day people used to do etc. As I was surfing the web recently I came across a company called “Store Dot” which is a company that works on and has created, what is called “Nano Dot” technology, which is the technology that will be used in a new cell phone batteries, that allows your average smart phone to be recharge in about 30 seconds.

Store Dot is the company that created this quick rechargeable flash battery that uses what called “Nano Dots”.  It uses many biological elements to assemble this nifty piece of technology all converged in to a battery package. In this new device they use what are known as “Nano crystals” which are two nanometers in diameter, and contain many “bioorganic peptide molecules”, that will ultimately allow the phone to re-charge in a very short amount of time. This device is very eco-friendly, that is something that the company strives on. The invention of the Nano-dot technology is being used in more than just phone batteries, but in TV displays and other devices that use LED’s as a visual. The Flash Battery device will eventually eliminate the Lithium ION batteries we use now in todays phones.  This technology will not be available in phones till at least the year 2018 because of patents and other issues but the technology is here and will soon be on its way.

            This type of technology really relates back to “Management Information Systems”, because it shows how much our world is really advancing and moving foreword in the technological world, but what really made me intrigued about this device is that it solves a problem. All of us have had times when our smart phones are about to die and we have to go somewhere and the charge that we get now on our phones takes about an hour to our fully charge and can be very inconvenient. Well with this technology, that will be soon be coming to an end.  I believe an invention like this is very powerful and even world changing because it will cut all the time out that we spend charging our phones down to just minutes.

Video Links

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jd9Nn74TDII

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6xieZzGnPc

Additional Info: Store Dot Website:  http://www.store-dot.com/

Rivalry Taken To Court

BY: Drew Wilkins

          The battle of the premier cell phone has been taken to court. Apple has just began detailing there 2.2 billion dollar damages claim against Samsung. Apples iPhone and Samsung galaxies are the premier two phones on the market now.

          Apple is claiming that Samsung committed copyright infringement. Apple claims that Samsung stole their “slide-to-unlock” function that takes the lock screen to the home screen, universal search- a function that searches results from the phone to the internet.  The ability to sync data in the background; automatic word correction as a user types, and contextual links that attach a menu to items such as phone numbers , email addresses and post addresses.

          Apple is claiming that Samsung had made near 2.2 billion dollars from stealing these ideas and look to receive this money through the suit. Some question whether this is an attempt for Apple to just damage there competitors sales as well as making up lost income. Apple also claims that by Samsung stealing their ideas they have stolen a lot of first time smartphones buyers. This is said to be very important because there has been studies that show once you buy a smart one you are very likely to stay with that first smartphone company.

http://www.cio.com/article/751204/Apple_Details_2.2_Billion_Damages_Claim_Against_Samsung?taxonomyId=3234       

Have It Your Way: McDonald's Race in Technology

By Christopher Whyte

Technological advancements have vastly changed our way of life. Nowadays, mobile technologies seem to be the most lucrative area to yield tremendous results for the earliest comers. McDonald's is one of the first fast food chains to jump on the mobile technologies bandwagon by offering customizable burgers to select markets.

Using a tablet, you choose the bun, patty, cheese, and toppings beforehand and receive a fresh, customized burger moments later. This option is only available in two locations targeting millennials and other hungry folks, but McDonald's has plans to spread. 

According to Chris Katje, writer for The Street, "McDonald's customizable burger places it in a chopping block clash with other fast casual favorites. Five Guys Burgers and Fries and Smashburger have seen strong unit growth as they continue to be popular with "millennials" and achieve cult like followings. McDonald's possible addition of premium burgers also puts it in closer competition with national burger chains like Red Robin."

These premium toppings will definitely increase the average price of a burger sold, but they also might slow down the progress of the workers who will have to deal with much more individualism. I can only imagine what customizable burgers at McDonald’s will do to the competition: Taco Bell’s breakfast, Wendy’s new salads, Smashburger’s existing customizable burgers, or Burger King’s everlasting attempts to switch up their playing field.

What’s next for McDonald’s? After running down the profits of its competitors, maybe replacing some of their workers with those up-and-coming Google robots? What are everyone’s thoughts on this? Would you pay to have a special *insert name here* burger?

http://www.thestreet.com/story/12613646/1/mcdonalds-is-serious-about-its-custom-burgers.html

http://consumerist.com/2014/02/27/mcdonalds-expanding-test-of-customizable-burger-options/

http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-11-19/hold-the-special-sauce-custom-made-burgers-come-to-mcdonalds

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/mcdonald-536971-burgers-restaurant.html

New iOS App that Improves Vision?

By: Jordan Hollingsworth

Vision is something that is very precious, whether going through your normal day to day activities, or needing to focus on something specific like hitting a 95 mph fastball. There have also been studies tested that have shown that squinting to see something has negative effects on human eyesight.

There is a new iOS app that not only gives your eyes a workout, but can potentially improve your vision altogether! Other alternatives like corrective lenses and laser eye surgery may improve certain aspects of eyesight but some simple eye workouts can improve vision as well. The app is called UltimEyes. The app was developed by a company called Carrot Neurotechnology, after being created by a neuroscientist at the University of California, Riverside by the name of Aaron Seitz.

Ultimately, it is a program that consists of four 25-minute sessions per week, for eight weeks. It is comprised of interactive games where the users find and tap on dots on the screen that are hard to see. Seitz used baseball players from the university as test subjects. 19 baseball players who went through and completed the sessions had an average of 31 percent increase in their eyesight. Some players reached 20/7.5 vision, which is better than the average 20/20, including significant improvements in seeing at a distance of 20 feet. Players were able to see the baseball better, and reported improvement in their peripheral vision.

The iOS app doesn’t change the physical state of your eyes, but it rewires your brain. The concept is called neuroplasticity, essentially training your brain to process information that it receives from your eyes. UltimEyes uses methods of perceptual learning combined with interactive gaming dynamics to improve visual acuity, contrast sensitivity and attention. By making the exercises both fun and challenging, like a well-designed video game, users are encouraged and keep making progress. Users can find the app "reversing the effects of aging eyes, reading without glasses, seeing better in dim light, or optimizing vision for competitive sports."

UltimEyes is available on the iPad, with also desktop versions on Mac and PC. It should not be purchased from an original iPad, or the first generation iPad mini. Is it all hype? Can this app actually improve your vision long term? Find out by purchasing UltimEyes for $5.99 on the iTunes App Store.  There are pictures and videos below to see for yourself.

Links:

http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/231824

http://www.gottabemobile.com/2014/03/02/ultimeyes-ios-app-promises-to-improve-your-vision/

http://www.news.com.au/technology/gaming/can-ultimeyes-app-train-your-brain-to-give-you-superhuman-vision/story-fn81y8rt-1226831602281

Photo:

Videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8M_tVyVlrLQ

The Importance of Excel

By: Sam White

Excel spreadsheets are the most utilized product by American Employers for a huge variety of financial and statistical worksheets. Excel is user friendly and easy to learn for users of all experience level. Excel can handle extremely complex financial and statistical spreadsheets with diagrams and charts and all the way down to family budgets. Excel is now an important "must have" skill for today's job market. As seen at monster com and other job-search websites the ability to use Microsoft Excel is one of the most important skills in the job market today. I this is because Excel enables businesses to keep track of data in a quick and reliable way. Many different kinds of data can be placed on an Excel spreadsheet and the data can be updated on a regular basis. The program allows users to monitor costs, income, employees, and inventories. I recommend that you do not lie about your experience with Excel. A company might just test you.  Instead, commit yourself to really learning the ins and outs of the tools it puts at your disposal.

LINKS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GultMb8sVqA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4EJrmsRBA0

Nike Company

By Jaifus Ingram

Who would ever think Nike would go over to the technology side of their designs? Nike Shoe Company a company started in January of 1964 founded by a University of Oregon Track athlete by the name of Philip Knight and his Coach Bill Bower man. Nike has been around for years now they have created over millions and shoes and apparel for their target customers. This past year in October of 2013 Bloomberg Business Week technology stated that Nike has now move there selves as a tech company due to the new version the of Nike Fuel Band. The Nike fuel SE is a small digital bracelet that tells a story about your everyday life and movement. The fuel band measure your activity of the day to day basis it tells how many calories you burn , how many step you have taking . With the Nike Fuel SE band you are able to set goals for yourself everyday to hit so that you can know you have reach your fitness level of the day. It helps you stay motivated and willing to keep working hard so that you’re able to see successful results. The fuel SE band comes in several different colors that you can choose from. You’re also able to download an app to your IPHONE  to will help you see your results. Never in my life would I think that Nike would come out with such a awesome product that is light weight, easy to handle , and stylish for your personal experience. Here are some links and videos to tell you more about the Nike fuel band.

Article:
http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/fuelband-se/pid-924485/pgid-924484

http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-10-15/sorry-nike-youre-a-tech-company-now

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lA5M0l3YnQ