You need to know about WiMAX

I just accidentally erased what I wrote, so I'll sum it up in a list. You should worry about this later, possibly while trying to sleep.

FACTS: WiMAX is the new wireless standard. It's as fast as Wi-Fi, but applicable for mobile standards, too.

WiMAX will eventually replace cellular networks, wireless broadband, and most 'wired' forms of communication. Cellphones can be replaced by Voice Over IP with WiMAX for cheap. Broadband access to a large area will occur with WiMAX technology. RFID chips in your grocery bag could be attached to a WiMAX network. Your car could drive itself via a WiMAX receiver (See Darpa challenge). Your medical history on an RFID could be attached to a WiMAX network.

BAD THINGS
The company that is pioneering WiMAX is called "Clearwire". Clearwire is composed of Sprint, Intel, Google, Comcast and TimeWarner. The most trustworthy name in conglomerations.

As the media-sphere becomes more filled with commercials, bandwidth will have to be devoted to advertisements. Because every device will have internet connectivity, advertising will go 'beyond' penetrating.

The individual's right to privacy will be decreased - by consumer research. When connecting to a network with a wireless device, that device will be able to provide instant information to an analyst to target advertisements to that person.

Surveillance technology could theoretically be controlled via a WiMAX network - instant cameras installed in unmanned aircraft could monitor a large area.

In a non-democratic country, large sections of the population could be controlled and manipulated via WiMAX. If you wanted to spread propaganda, you could easily have it linked to any of the access points in the area.

Any technology with WiMAX would ultimately have to pass through two economic filters: 1. Intel technology, because the chipsets that handle WiMAX are going to be Intel, and 2. Qualcomm's patents on the technology.

GOOD THINGS

WiMAX is seen as a solution to the digital divide. People in developing areas would be able to have internet access on a large scale so that they could compete with areas that already have internet access.

Of course, the cynic in me points out that anytime there is a society at risk, the infrastructure of that society is what ultimately determines the success or failure of that philantropic effort.

But good news, one step closer to singularity.

Neo-luddites unite

I'm sick of technology. It's so tiring to have to buy the newest, most exciting device on the market.

The last thing I bought myself was a KRZR. I know, I'm probably way-outdated. I must look like a neanderthal when I pick up chicks.

I'm waiting for the new iphone to come out. To be honest, I think it's way too expensive to own an iphone with the market the way it is. Unless you absolutely need web access, it's kind of pointless.

Although, I do think that the unlocked iphone 3G has a lot of promise. I was watching youtube the other day and there was a video with people using the emergency connect for web access. These were not college-educated people! They seemed to be from the inner-city. This, to me, was brilliant.

I'm all for technology being used for creative purposes. Giving access to people who have no access.

What the Hell is Coogi?

So, I found this new brand lately, it's called "Coogi". "Coogi" is pretty much an urban-fashion style. The label itself is from Australia. They focus on bright colors and designs. Check out their website if you have a chance. It's pretty minimal.

The best places to buy Coogi? I think that high-end outlets, and boutiques are going to be your best bet. I found an amazing hat from Tony's Sports in Chicago. Otherwise, Filene's basement also has a good selection of gear, this can be hit or miss.

I'm sick of cellphones

I'm tired of iphones; I'm tired of g1's. I hate those little cheap sliders that come with one-year contracts on the GSM carriers. I want something ubercool, something that will really turn heads and make people say "WOW NICE PHONE."

Well, for a while I used to browse Plemix looking for the newest unlocked phones from overseas. There are some amazing NEC phones out there. I think most of the phones from South Korea or Japan are light-years ahead of the game. In the US, most people have what works. I am not that cool, I'm not used to phones that have multi-functions. I want things that do ONE thing correctly, and then adapt our lives around it.


I used to not text very much. Now I have the biggest text plan I can afford, and it's alot easier to get me to reply to a text message than a phone call. Most of the time, I'm busy doing something. I don't have time to answer a call. Also, I live in Chicago, and when I'm on the train, there's a good chance I'm not going to have service.

Although, U.S. Cellular has reception on the trains...but CDMA just isn't my thing. I suppose that I'm complaining about nothing; I should just be fine with my Motorola KZR and upgrade to a multi-function phone when it's the standard, not the luxury.

I'm not a broker or someone who needs to be 'in the loop' all the time. Although, it would be nice to have something like a Sidekick.