Family Watchdog: National Sex Offender Registry + Google Maps

Family Watchdog is a mashup that combines the resources of the National Sex Offender Registry with the map tool of Google.  The result is an internet tool that allows users to check their neighborhoods and communities for sex offenders in their area.  The website was very easy to use since it employs many conventional tools of the internet that we are all familar with (google maps, basic searching skills, etc.)  Users can type in a street address and within seconds a map is delivered that plots registered sex offenders within the area. Family Watchdog includes a color-coding system that categorizes the different types of sexual offenses and misconduct and plots those occurrences on the map.  The user can then use the basic map browsing tools of Google maps to zoom in, zoom out, or move around to check for other offenders in the surrounding areas.

On paper, this mashup seems like it could be a useful tool in making our communities safer from these deviants and sexual offenders.  However, in my opinion, this service is not a very helpful or practical way to try to prevent these crimes or occurrences from happening in the future.  What benefit does this website ultimately have? Are people supposed to memorize the pictures and addresses of where these sexual deviants are living?  It seems to me that this website tells the user nothing more than to use caution when crossing the yard or area of the offender that could be down the street.  Another downside of this website is the fact that it employs little Web 2.0 technologies.  There is the capability to create and customize a personalized safety portal, however, there is no forum or space for interactivity between users. Since so much of Web 2.0 technologies are based upon user interactivity and user-generated content, I would not be able to categorize Family Watchdog as a tool at the avant-garde of Web 2.o technology. 

Family Watchdog

Apple Updates Its iPhone Software

Last Friday, Apple released an update to the iPhone's operating software to help correct some of the bugs and glitches that were being reported by iPhone users.  This new update was designed to create a more seamless operation of the iPhone, allowing for easier sync with the dock computer, fewer dropped calls, improved battery life, and smoother application operation.  Additionally, the update is also supposed to improve email reliability, an important correction as the iPhone is entering the world of commerce and business more and more.  On Internet forums and other similar media, it seems that the new update is receiving positive feedback and is correcting most of the problems that it set out to fix.  

 

It seems that this is somewhat unfamiliar and uncharted territory for Apple.  Apple is often touted as a brand that is so easy to use and has such few problems.  This is probably why Apple has been so quick and careful with its update, because they want to avoid diminishing pieces of their valuable brand equity.  As an Apple Macbook owner and an iPhone user, I can say that I am very satisfied with Apple's response to these problems.  After installing the update to my iPhone a few days ago I have seen noticeable improvement in the problem areas the update was designed to fix.  I have had easier and quicker syncs, better battery life, and definitely more seamless application use.  Ever since Apple essentially "unlocked" their device by making third-party applications available, there have been many glitches and often complete crashing of certain programs.  After this update I have experienced none of these problems and I am very pleased in Apple's reaction and correction to some of the new complications with the iPhone.  Count on nothing but the best from, in my opinion, one of the best technology companies in the market today. 

CNN Technology: Apple Updates Its iPhone Software

CIA, FBI Push 'Facebook For Spies'

With a little influence from social networking websites like Myspace and Facebook, some of America's largest intelligence agencies like the FBI and the CIA will be adopting a technology called A-Space.  This new equipment basically allows intelligence operatives and government insiders, working for various agencies, to network and share pertinent security and other information through innovative networking technologies.  Essentially, on September 22nd, these government agents will "befriend" each other on A-Space and use that network to share up-to-date information about security threats and other new information developments.  

This technology could prove to be a valuable tool in strengthening the communication among America's government agencies.  These types of technologies and the information that they make available can have the potential to prevent attacks on our country or events like September 11th.  It seems that the largest issue going into the launch of A-Space is security.  What happens if that type of information gets into the wrong hands?  The article explained that the managers of A-Space will gather a baseline level of activity for users, so when that level of activity changes or varies a security threat can be identified.  I am sure that the government has thought of just about everything, including technologies we may not even know about, when considering the security of A-Space.  However, it should still be a large concern and something that is constantly modified in order to protect sensitive information and our national security.  The coming months will be crucial in judging how effective A-Space is at disseminating necessary information and strengthening the protection of our country. 

CNN Technology: 'Facebook For Spies'

Google Unveils Free Browser Chrome

Earlier this week, Google's much anticipated web browser Chrome was made available to the Internet-using public.  This new browser seems to be the top headline in information technology news and is actually being promoted by a viral comic book that is sweeping webspace.  What you may not know is that this new release is just the latest event in a long-standing rivalry between Google and the computer giant Microsoft.  There has been intense competition and friction between Microsoft and Google in recent years and Google's Chrome is just the latest development.

This seems to be a very revolutionary step for Google.  For the last several years, Google has been the premier name within the search engine and web services industry.  However, we could now be witnessing Google's breakout into the realm of web browsing and other applications.  It seems Google has made an excellent business decision in releasing Chrome just as Microsoft is priming itself to make Internet Explorer 8 available.  As the standoff between Google and Microsoft continues, the well-timed release of Chrome could help chip away at some of Microsoft's market share.  Also, the fact that Chrome is free only adds to their market-penetration potential.  In my opinion, Microsoft has far too vast of a hold on an industry that benefits from diversity, innovation and variety between technologies.  While this web browser appears to be largely combating Microsoft's hold on the PC-using market, it would probably be in Google's best interest to make Chrome available to Mac users as soon as possible.  These upcoming weeks will be crucial in proving Chrome's legitimacy as a web browser and as an innovative way to experience the web.  Who knows, we could be on the brink of a slow Internet Explorer phase-out. 

CNN Technology (Google Unveils Free Browser Chrome)