The all new Chromecast

Summary
Chromecast is Google’s new attempt on multimedia streaming on TVs. It is a small USB stick that plugs in the TV. It has large variety of apps and has access to the Google Play Store.

Reaction
This product seems more like a novelty than anything else. Personally, I have no use for this product. My PS3 and Wii U can handle my video streaming needs without any problems. However, this product does look quite appealing for people who don’t yet own such devices. The price tag is incredibly appealing and its design is sleek and portable. Overall, I believe that this new product is well worth its praise.



Connection
The Chromecast can come in handy in quite a number of situations, especially in school. Currently I am taking a film class that requires me to review some movies on my own accord. The Chromecast can facilitate this procedure by allowing me to stream Netflix on my TV. Of course, that is if I already didn't own products that can stream Netflix on my TV.

Short Answer
What is the central idea of the passage and how is it developed and refined throughout the selection?

The central idea is on how the Chromecast can finally be the device that makes Google a popular alternative for other video streaming devices. This supported by a statement from the author, “This new gadget may be the one that makes a seismic impact in the consumer technology world.” This statement definitely makes the reader know that the product is quite important. The author also seems to believe that this product is one of Google’s most brilliant ideas yet.

Worked Cited


Barrer, Edgar. “Chromecast Unboxing.” Photograph. Flickr. Yahoo, 23 Feb. 2014. Web. 30 Mar.
          2014. <https://www.flickr.com/photos/51854924@N00/12729451194>.


Gross, Doug. “Why Chromecast may be Google's TV game-changer.” CNN. Turner Broadcasting System, 25 Jul. 2013. Web. 30 Mar. 2014. <http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/25/tech/gaming-gadgets/google-chromecast-tv/index.html?iref=allsearch>.

Wireless World

Summary
Wireless electricity is not a thing of the past, but a thing of the present. The ability to use electricity wirelessly is currently being created and tested. The near future will most likely use this system for home electricity.

Reaction
Wireless electricity was something that was always associated with the future. That is no longer the case. I find it quite fascinating how scientists managed to create such results. The use of magnetic fields to conduct energy simply sounds marvelous. A world without chargers and wires is a much happier one.



Connection
The whole world revolves around using wires to power their devices. This technology, that is currently under development, has the ability to change life as we all know it. This topic can easily be connected with all areas of life because the use of electricity is a necessity.

Short Answer
What is the central idea of the passage and how is it developed and refined throughout the selection?

The central idea of this passage is on the existence of wireless electricity and its impact on the world. The author also explains how common this technology will be, “wire-free energy transfer could be as easy as wireless internet” (Pondsford). This statement was done to further support that wireless technology will be the way of the future. He also goes into detail about how this technology is safe and harmless, “Don't worry about getting zapped...they are the same kind of fields used in Wi-Fi routers” (Ponsford). This will make all the people that were uneasy about the magnetic fields more content and satisfied.

Worked Cited

Figueroa, Sam. “My new desk.” Photograph. Flickr. Yahoo, 10 Jun. 2007. Web. 3 Mar. 2014.
       <http://www.flickr.com/photos/82767239@N00/538772025>.

Ponsford, Mathew. “Wireless electricity? It’s here.” CNN. Turner Broadcasting System, 14 Mar. 2014.           Web. 16 Mar. 2014. <http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/14/tech/innovation/wireless-electricity/    
       index.html>.

Samsung's New Money Maker

Summary
Samsung has recently revealed their new flagship phone, the Samsung Galaxy S5. It comes with numerous new features like a fingerprint reader and a heartbeat sensor. The new phone will be released sometime in April 2014.

Reaction
It is hard to believe that we are already on the fifth installment of the ever so popular Galaxy S series. The new phone comes to me as a disappointment at first glance. I expected much more from Samsung this time around. However, the S5 has quite a bit of new features that are not only charming, but actually useful. The fingerprint reader, heartbeat sensor, and super power saver mode are all nice additions. However, I personally have no need for a heartbeat sensor, so I suppose I don't care much for this new phone. I like the phone, but I am not dying to have it.


Connection
Technology is used in our school quite a bit. Smart devices are also constantly used among our students and staff. The S5, while not exactly made for school, will most likely be a reliable device for school work.

Short Answer
What is the impact of using personal experience?
Puting your own input and experience into things makes everything unique. The author of this article spices things up by writing things like this, “I mean, I guess it's cool Samsung put this on the phone?”(Covert) This really makes normal generic reports on news more lively and interesting.

                                                                     Worked Cited 
Covert, Adrian. “First Impressions of the Samsung Galaxy 5.” CNN. Turner
       Broadcasting System, 24 Feb. 2014. Web. 2 Mar. 2014. <http://money.cnn.com/2014/
       02/24/technology/mobile/samsung-galaxy-5-hands-on/index.html>.


SamsungTommorow. “Galaxy S5.” Photograph. Flickr. Yahoo, 3 Feb. 2014. Web. 2 Mar. 2014.
      <http://www.flickr.com/photos/47036738@N06/12757378735>.