Daily Bits

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On Being Tech Savvy and Environmentally Aware

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Plastic bags carbon footprint
We don’t normally shout out loud about environmental issues on Daily Bits, but an article that I read some time back on the BBC has got me thinking. The article is titled “What should be done about plastic bags?” and the numbers presented are rather surprising.

We seem to have this idea that plastic bags are bad, and the reusable bag movement has become so big that more and more supermarkets have totally done away with plastics. But is it really justified? Does doing away with plastic bags really make a huge positive impact on the environment? [Read more…] about On Being Tech Savvy and Environmentally Aware

Game of Thrones Theme on Eight Floppy Drives

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Game of Thrones
HBO's Game of Thrones

When HBO’s Game of Thrones was first announced, die hard fans of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire were torn into two camps. On the one hand, we had some people who were really excited about the series getting out there and that more people would be able to appreciate the wonderful work of this writer.

On the other hand, there were some who were apprehensive about the very same fact. The reason, however, was that there might be a lot of people just joining the TV series bandwagon without truly appreciating the books.

Who cares at this point? Both books and TV series are at a level of awesomeness that no one can overlook! [Read more…] about Game of Thrones Theme on Eight Floppy Drives

No Need for Wristbands if You Have iPod Nano Magnets

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Arm Magnets iPod Nano holder
iPod Nano magnets
The latest generation iPod Nano is brilliant in more ways than one, but it seems that with all its brilliance, there are still some people who are not totally satisfied with it.

Ever had the problem of how to hold your Nano, or where to place it, securely?

If you’re simply sitting or lying down while listening to music, there really shouldn’t be any issue. However, if you are the kind who uses the Nano while walking, jogging, running, cycling, or whatever it is that you like doing, then you probably have had your share of shopping for wristbands, straps, and other contraptions to hold the mp3 player in place. [Read more…] about No Need for Wristbands if You Have iPod Nano Magnets

Pretty Soon, You Can 3D Print Your Own Guitar

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3d printed guitar
Spider Guitar - 3D Printed
Are you one of those who get mesmerized by an awesome-looking guitar in the hands of a talented musician? I sure am, and I cannot count the times that I have (almost) drooled over a really good guitar. Not that I can really play well, but a beautiful guitar (that sounds good as well) is something that I always appreciate.

If you are the same way, then you will like the idea of the Spider Guitar, which is a 3D printed guitar. The idea is “owned” by Olaf Diegel, a mechatronics professor at Massey University. What a mechatronics professor does exactly – don’t ask me! ((Wikipedia on mechatronics))

Diegel used to only dream about his 3D printed guitars, but thanks to the development of 3D printers – and the fact that his school is fortunate enough to have several desktop 3D printers – the professor was able to create real guitars, albeit rather small. The limitation, obviously, is the size of the printers. However, Diegel is already looking forward to the possibility of the school having a large-scale printer before the year ends. [Read more…] about Pretty Soon, You Can 3D Print Your Own Guitar

Wi-Fi Blocking Wallpaper to Keep Signal Thieves Away

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Wallpaper blocks Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi Wallpaper
How many stories can you tell about your neighbors stealing your Wi-Fi signal? Or maybe it is the other way around? If you live in a building, then the chances are that you will have quite some stories to tell.

If you are tired of having people leeching off you, you will love what a team of researchers from Grenoble Institut Polytechnique and the Centre Technique du Papier (France) have developed: Wi-Fi blocking wallpaper.

The researchers may or may not have had their own experiences with Wi-Fi thieves, but they seem to be passionate about keeping homes more secure. Sure, the first step is to make sure that you have a strong password, but just in case that is not enough for you, you just might be able to purchase this Wi-Fi blocking wallpaper some time next year. [Read more…] about Wi-Fi Blocking Wallpaper to Keep Signal Thieves Away

The Truth Behind Mobile Apps and Their Success

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How often do you download mobile apps? Are you one of those who check App Shopper on a regular basis to see which apps are available for free or or at a discounted price? On that note, how much do you spend on apps?

For sure, the answer will depend largely on the habits of the user, but you might just be surprised to find out how much people actually patronize mobile apps. As a result, the fact is that being a mobile app developer might not really be as glamorous a life as some might think.

BGR recently posted an infographic titled “Wake Up Call“, focusing on the truth behind success with mobile apps. It might not be as easy as one would think! [Read more…] about The Truth Behind Mobile Apps and Their Success