Let's go invent tomorrow instead of worrying about what happened yesterday. - Steve Jobs
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Latest Posts by first-tech-blog - Page 5
Thanks to those who came out for Razer’s VRDC Mixer! I heard many positive comments about their OSVR demos.
The Virtuix Omni is a $699 device that allows you to walk through virtual reality while wearing a VR headset. It all starts by getting strapped into the harness safeguard thing while wearing special low friction shoes. It’s not actually a treadmill, it’s more of a slippery concave bowl of which you’re constantly running up the sides.
See TechCrunch reporter Lucas Matney in action here.
Cognitive Implications of Widespread VR
https://labs.unity.com/research/cognitive-implications-of-widespread-vr
Developers for the PlayStation VR cannot let games drop below 60 FPS
ポケモン by VAV
These 10 educational tools are just what you need to make school a walk in a (safe) park:
Classkick
Bubbl.us
Edmodo
Khan Academy
Scholar Advisor
Twiddla
Educreat
Cacoo.com
Bounceapp
Socrative
Make sure to read the article to find out how these sites can help you!
For more updates of Students Toolbox and Strive-for-da-best, make sure to follow my Instagram -Twitter -Pinterest- Bloglovin!
Magic Store by Przemek Puchalski
Tattoo-like 'e-skin' turns your body into digital screen
In a yet another example to integrate electronic devices with the human body, researchers from the University of Tokyo have developed an ultrathin, protective layer that will help create “electronic skin” displays of blood oxygen level, e-skin heart rate sensors for athletes and other applications.
The team demonstrated its use by creating an air-stable, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display. Integrating electronic devices with the human body to enhance or restore body function for biomedical applications is the goal of researchers around the world. Wearable electronics, in particular, need to be thin and flexible to minimise impact where they attach to the body. However, most devices developed so far have required millimetre-scale thickness glass or plastic substrates with limited flexibility, while micrometer-scale thin flexible organic devices have not been stable enough to survive in air.
Keep reading
New ultrasonic research could one day let devices inside your body stream HD video to doctors
Scientists can stream Netflix through a steak and it’s actually awesome news for doctors
Researchers at the University of Illinois successfully streamed HD video through raw meat. They placed a device on either side of a piece of meat, wirelessly transmitting the data through the meat from one device to another. This breakthrough doesn’t impact binge watchers, it impacts medical researchers and patients and here’s why.
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EFF Sues for Secret Court Orders Requiring Tech Companies to Decrypt Users’ Communications
Original post | Reddit thread
Business Insider UK is hiring a front page editor
Business Insider UK is looking for someone who is obsessed with news and has experience managing a team to be our front page editor.
This person is cool under pressure and comfortable assigning, writing, and editing stories.
This front page editor will:
Curate the homepage, which involves choosing stories to feature, writing snappy headlines, and choosing thumbnails that pop on our site
Keep an eye out for breaking news and identify important stories as they develop
Write and report relevant stories
Help manage our Facebook and Twitter accounts
Pull in stories and features from our content partners
Help to manage and develop a team of reporters
The front page editor has a knack for finding stories that people want to share. They are comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and have excellent communication skills. He or she should have 3-5 years experience in a newsroom, and a background in journalism.
APPLY HERE with your resume and cover letter (no more than five sentences) plus links to your work, if this sounds like your dream job.
Please note this position is based out of our London office, located near the Old Street and Shoreditch High Street tube stations.
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NOW WATCH: A 13-Year-Old Made A Revolutionary Invention Out Of Legos And Now Intel Is Investing In His Company
Conversion Strategy: How SEO Can Unveil Your Target Consumer
by Luke Richardson
In the giant realm of this buzz word “Search Engine Optimization” also known as SEO, what’s truly unclear to many people is what exactly SEO does that is so dynamic and valuable. Sure, it is understood to many that SEO drives traffic and improves visibility of websites…but so does digital advertising, social media, content marketing and P.R. So the question you need to ask is: what is it about SEO that is so different than other inbound marketing strategies?
My answer is very clear: conversion behavior.
In my time working as an analyst, I have always been most fascinated by this concept of conversion search behavior which I will define as any type of search data that indicates a user is likely to buy, register, share or download (depending on the ultimate objective of the company). In the image below, you can see the visualization of the typical “sales funnel” that deonstrates how close a user is to actually taking an action. The ultimate goal with conversion strategy is to capture those closest to the bottom.
Search behavior is truly a brilliant thing. It reveals that there might be an unknown online market for a product and thus a major opportunity for a company to see exponential growth. It shows unusual linguistic patterns and tells marketers that the way they assume people will phrase certain queries might not be congruent with the way people actually type them. But most of all, search behavior tells us who is already educated about something, who has been spending a lot of time looking for a product and who is clearly demonstrating with certain words that they would like to take an immediate action.
The First Search Insight: Learning the Market
Before even thinking about conversion indicators with search data, one first needs to determine that there is a legitimate and sizable market for online integrated marketing communication. In many cases, professionals in their field will tel you that their users simply wouldn’t use Google to find them. In some cases, those professionals skepticism may be valid. But a lot of the time, general search data proves them wrong. The reality of today’s world is that people are so accustomed to using search engines in every aspect of all online interaction that they subconciously search queries into Google looking for validation, explanation or data.
The 4 Conversion Strategies in SEO
Once it is clear that there is a substantial amount of people searching for the product of service you are working with, the next step is to understand where that person is in the funnel e.g. how far into the buyer-decision process might they be. Do they already know a lot about the product at hand, more than the average person? Are their searches unusually specific and demonstrative of high product knowledge? These questions are all focused around conversion behavior and there are 4 primary strategies to determine conversion with SEO.
Proactive Keyword Search: This method looks for users who are demonstrating agency and intent with their search queries. Someone searching “What are the best cloud security providers?” makes it easy for an SEO analyst to tell that the searcher is likely in-market for cloud solutions as opposed to simply “cloud security” which is ambiguous and unclear as a keyword. The former demonstrates conversion behavior and is a very valuable insight in the SEO world.
Long Tail Search: Similar to proactive, long tail keywords refer to queries that are detailed and complex, demonstrating that the user has spent a significant amount of time educating themselves about the product and is likely lower in the funnel. Another example from cloud computing would be the long tail search “IT solution for cloud flare” as opposed to a more typical search such as “cloud solutions” which gives an SEO analyst very little to work with from a conversion standpoint.
Geotagging and Localization: One of the most common conversion indicators in all of SEO is localized search and thus, many businesses live and die by the localization doctrine. The thinking around this strategy is very intuitive: when people are thinking about proximity as a factor of their query, they are very likely to register or convert. For example, which of these two search queries would you be more excited about as a marketer for cloud solutions: “cloud computing solution” or “cloud computing solutions in boston ma.” Of course, the latter is the attractive option. The former could depict a user wanting a definition of cloud or perhaps an article that outlines free information about cloud solutions. Maybe that user is in-market but it’s impossible to know. With the second phrasing, we know that the user is very likely to be looking for a product or team to help him or her with cloud solutions simply because proximity has been specified.
Relevant Keyword Search: Finally, an easy way to find your in-market target is by looking for related products or needs that indicate to you that someone would also need your service. This is especially important for those companies working with a product that is new and unknown to many consumers or any complex product that doesn’t have simple and easy search terms. For example, a content management system (CMS) product (such as Weebly, Drupal, Wix, etc.) will have a certain percentage of the market that needs their help but may not know the acronym CMS or understand how content management for websites works. Instead of only optimizing for searches directly for their product category, the company might take a relevant keyword approach and look for those searching for “web hosting providers” and bid on that keyword or build out content that talks about it in order to steer consumers towards their CMS product. If the rationale is not clear here: those in need of a web host will also need a way to manage content for their new website and thus the relevance is established.
Intel to slash 12,000 jobs (INTC)
Trading was briefly halted on Intel ahead of earnings on news that it plans to cut 12,000 jobs, or 11% of its workforce.
Here are the reported numbers for Q1 2016.
EPS (non-GAAP): $0.54 vs $0.49 expected.
Revenue: $13.8 billion vs $13.984 expected.
The company is in the middle of a revamp as it hopes to overcome a years-long slump in PC sales, and do a better job capitalizing on the rise of mobile devices, which have typically been dominated by chips designed and built by rivals like ARM and Qualcomm.
The company’s latest big push has been into the “Internet of things” — basically, getting its chips into all sorts of household and common objects to let them communicate with each other and apps over networks, including the public Internet.
Recently, an executive that Intel hired from Qualcomm, Venkata “Murthy” Renduchintala, slammed the company in an internal memo, citing “lack of product/customer focus in execution that is creating schedule and competitiveness gaps in our products."
The company was recently reported to be planning layoffs of "thousands,” according to OregonLive.
SEE ALSO: Intel’s big hire from Qualcomm blasts the company in a leaked memo
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NOW WATCH: How to find out your Uber passenger rating
F.B.I. Tells Panel It Needs Hackers to Keep Up With Tech Companies
By CECILIA KANG and ERIC LICHTBLAU Appearing before a congressional panel, government officials and Apple representatives showed no sign of compromise in their battle over encryption and privacy. Published: April 19, 2016 at 08:00PM from NYT Technology http://ift.tt/1rfPY02
You’ve seen police cars, but what about a police truck? They’re not very well suited to high-speed chases, but pickup trucks can still be useful to law enforcement agencies. They can carry plenty of gear, and go where traditional sedans can’t.
Sources: Playstation 4 ‘NEO’ refresh will be a 4K gaming beast
via The Next Web
This 2005 Interview with Mark Zuckerberg Proves He Was the Ultimate Bro
Sure, he may be the head of a multi-billion dollar company now, but back in the day, Mark Zuckerberg was just a regular college kid who really loved beer. An interview back from 2005 with Zuckerberg starts off with him asking if he should put his beer down. Also, someone did a keg stand.
But aside from that, the interview gives insight into what Zuckerberg planned for the future of the company.…
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Theranos plans to show its data for the first time this summer
One of the biggest criticisms of controversial blood-testing startup Theranos has been simple: Where’s the data?
We may finally know — at least as soon as this summer.
Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes is scheduled to present data on the company's proprietary blood test on August 1, 2016 in Philadelphia at the annual American Association for Clinical Chemistry conference.
This will be the first time Theranos has presented its data at a scientific conference according to the AACC, and it will include data on Theranos’ proprietary finger-prick test and small collection system.
The AACC is an organization of professionals in the clinical laboratory field, including physicians, researchers, and lab professionals.
“AACC members have been asking for this information, and we are thrilled that Ms. Holmes is presenting the science behind the technology for the first time at AACC, the premier scientific forum for laboratory medicine,” AACC CEO Janet B. Kreizman said in a news release.
Theranos board member David Boies told Bloomberg that some data will also be released before the start of the conference.
Theranos has come under fire over the last six months regarding the accuracy of its blood tests, particularly its finger-prick tests that only require a small amount of blood. Theranos has not publicly released any data on how well its tests work in comparison to standard blood tests, though in recent weeks the company has added a scientific advisory board tasked in part with finding ways to present data to the scientific community.
In the meantime, the company has been facing ongoing investigations by the SEC and the US Attorney’s Office, and it has stopped running tests out of its northern California laboratory until things with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, which has issued the company warning letters, is straightened out.
Theranos did not immediately respond to request for comment.
RELATED: Theranos just made a crucial move that could help its reputation
ALSO READ: US regulators want to bar Elizabeth Holmes from Theranos for 2 years
Join the conversation about this story »
NOW WATCH: This medical device should make drawing blood a lot less painful
Appearing before a congressional panel, government officials and Apple representatives showed no sign of compromise in their battle over encryption and privacy.
mac-book-pro-review-2.jpg 550×323 pixels ❤ liked on Polyvore
RANKED: These are the best 13-inch laptops you can buy
If you’re looking for a 13-inch laptop with the right balance of performance, portability, and looks, your search is over.
The laptops in this list run on Intel’s powerful Core-i processors. You can find cheaper laptops, but they run on less powerful Core-M processors that are designed for mobile devices like tablets.
For Windows 10 laptops, we suggest you buy them from the Microsoft Store, so you can avoid annoying trial software and the manufacturer’s own software that bloats the computer’s storage and hampers its performance.
Check out the best laptops you can buy today.
10. The MacBook Air is ultra-slim, but it’s on the pricey side relative to its specs.
The MacBook Air is very slim, which we like. However, it’s relatively pricey for its specs, and its design could do with an overhaul, too.
Specs:
- 1440 x 900 screen
- 5th gen Intel Core i5 1.6GHz processor
- 8GB of RAM
- 128 GB of fast flash storage
Defining features:
- Slim design
- MagSafe magnetic power connector
Cons:
- Low resolution screen
- Design is slightly outdated
- Relatively expensive
- Runs on last year’s processor generation
- Base mondel can be underpowered for some
Starting price: $1,000
9. The Surface Book is the purest Microsoft experience, but it’s expensive.
The Microsoft Surface Book is a formidable machine that turns into a tablet with its removable keyboard. Its tall screen is also great for scrolling through web pages and work documents. Yet, it’s high price tag put the Surface Book towards the bottom of the list.
Specs:
- 3000 x 2000 resolution screen
- 6th gen Intel Core i5 6300U 2.4GHz
- 8GB of RAM
- 128 GB os fast SSD storage
Defining features:
- Pure Microsoft experience
- Removable from keyboard
- Touchscreen
- Includes stylus
- Tall 3:2 aspect ratio screen is great for web browsing and work
Cons:
- Very expensive for the specs
Starting price: $1,500
8. The Dell XPS 13 is a solid laptop that looks great, but it might be underpowered for some.
The Dell XPS 13 is a beautiful laptop and works well despite its relatively pedestrian specs. Just be wary that because of it’s entry-level specs, you might be looking for a new laptop sooner than you’d like.
Specs:
- Full-HD 1080p screen
- 6th gen Intel Core i3-6100U 2.3GHz processor
- 4GB of RAM
- 128 GB of fast SSD storage
Defining features:
- Narrow borders around a nice-looking screen
Cons:
- Core i3 and 4GB RAM are relatively light specs, especially for the $800 base price
Starting price: $800
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
Netflix's 'violent' 12% drop probably isn't a big deal
Netflix stock got creamed on Tuesday, falling by more than 12% for the day.
That large of a drop certainly grabs eyeballs, but based on the company’s track record it may not be a big deal according to research from Bespoke Investment Group.
“Notably, NFLX has averaged a move of +/-13.8% on its earnings reaction days throughout its history as a public company, so today’s 11% decline is actually less volatile than normal,” said a report from Bespoke.
“Using our Interactive Earnings Report Database, we pulled all earnings reaction day drops of 5%+ for NFLX. Since 2002 when NFLX went public, the stock has experienced 5%+ drops following earnings 24 times!”
In fact, according to Bespoke, the company is the most violent mover of any S&P 500 company the day after earnings and this even the worst drop, Netflix crashed over 20% after its Q3 2014 earnings.
Now of course, it could be different this time. Subscriber growth came in as expected, but guidance was much lower than estimates. Plus, the increased competition from companies like Amazon and Hulu could make the landscape totally different.
On the other hand, the company is pivoting towards original content and its customers are the most loyal of any streaming service.
So the future of the company may seem unprecedented, but today’s stock drop certainly isn’t.
SEE ALSO: Netflix tanks after giving a terrible second-quarter forecast
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NOW WATCH: EX-UNDERCOVER DEA AGENT: What I did when drug dealers asked me to try the product
4 questions about the rumored 'PlayStation 4.5' you should be asking
4 questions about the rumored ‘PlayStation 4.5’ you should be asking from Tech http://ift.tt/26dfFOs
Pinterest Reinvents Itself to Prove It’s Really Worth Billions
To fulfill its promise, Pinterest needs to transcend its core audience. Now the company is betting big that better tech and design can make that happen. The post Pinterest Reinvents Itself to Prove It’s Really Worth Billions appeared first on WIRED. #kiddgoth
Make slow-motion videos on a phone
Say it with me now: Pink MacBook! 🙆🏻 But the fun doesn’t stop there, read on!
#Repost Techcrunch ・・・ Apple’s MacBook gets an upgrade today with faster processors, better graphics, faster internal memory and an hour more of battery life. Apple says this is 10 hours of web browsing or 11 hours of iTunes movie playback. You can get the new MacBooks starting at the same $1,299 price for the 1.1 GHz M3 processor or $1,599 for the 1.2 GHz M5, and all of the models now come with 8GB of RAM standard across all configurations.
Check out more on the specs through the link in our bio. #Apple #MacBook #AppleMacBook #laptop #iTunes #battery #batterylife #tech #TechCrunch
The acoustic mirror or acoustic locator. It was used to detect the approach of aircraft
