Tech Stream
Archive for the ‘ Research’ Category
Tech Stream 054 – Innovation, Chrome and Redemption
28 May 2010
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The Chrome browser: Google’s secret weapon in it’s expanding empire. (Flickr: Ken Lee)
In the Tech Stream this week: recognition for Australia’s pioneers and innovators in science and technology; how smart-phones and social media are changing the way news is gathered and shared; behind Google’s Chrome browser and their plans for our televisions; You Tube turns five… and Bajo reviews the sprawling Wild West adventure Red Dead Redemption. Take the jump to find out more, or listen now via the MP3 link above.
Tech Stream 053
21 May 2010
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Is using a mobile phone like this actually safer than we think? (Flickr: André Hengst, aka Vectrus)
In the Tech Stream this week we’ll revisit the privacy and safety debate around the use of social networking websites like Facebook; hear about new research into the link between mobile phone use and cancer; get the inside picture on internet censorship in China; and while we all love the TV program Good Game, are games… good? Listen to the radio program via the MP3 link above, or read on for more information.
Tech Stream 051 – NBN, Clean Technology and the Webby Awards
7 May 2010
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Nasturtium Droplet. An example of nature inspiring innovation. (Flickr: Kevin Krejci)
In the Tech Stream this week – behind the long awaited study into the implementation of a national broadband network (NBN) in Australia, which suggests the government can build the infrastructure without Telstra, and deliver it to more people for less than was thought; we also take a look at the clean and green technologies that are getting investors excited… and the part nanotechnology is playing in their development; plus the big winners in this year’s Academy Awards for websites, the Webbys… Find out via the MP3 link above, or read on for more information.
Tech Stream 050 – 3DTV health concerns and the NZ Web Harvest
30 April 2010
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The headline of a story on 3D colour televisions in Australia, published in Radio Television & Hobbies, 1958. Image from twitter, posted by @iBleeter.
In the Tech Stream this week we take a look at the health concerns associated with new 3D televisions which have just gone on sale in Australia. We’ll also find out why websites are being harvested in New Zealand; discuss whether regulation is the answer to stamping out racism online; and Hex from Good Game joins us for a review of the role-playing adventure game Torchlight. Take the plunge with the MP3 link above or read on for more information.
Tech Stream 046
31 March 2010
The game Fallout 3 which was initially refused classification, and therefor banned in Australia until it was modified. It wasn’t banned because of excessive violence but because of the “realistic visual representations of drugs” [source]. (Image from Flickr by Tom Francis)
Today’s Tech Stream radio program features a debate on the proposed introduction of an R18+ rating for video games in Australia. And as you’ll hear, many gamers and people in the industry support an adult rating, saying it brings us in line with other countries, allows adult gamers to play the games that want, as they were made and will help parents make better choices about the games they buy for their kids. Conversely others are worried it could mean more violent games finding their way onto shelves and then into the hands of children.
It’s a complicated issue, but one that is starting to heat up here in Australia. You can listen to this program via the MP3 link above or take the jump for more information.
Tech Stream 045 – Women in IT and Technology Special
26 March 2010
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Image by Alexander Hans from Flickr.
We celebrate pioneering women who have chosen careers in IT and technology related fields this week in the Tech Stream. The inspiration for this program came when I discovered that this Wednesday just gone, March 24th, was Ada Lovelace Day. Ada, the daughter of Lord Byron, who was born in England in 1815. She is often regarded as the world’s first computer programmer and is credited with actually writing the first description of a computer and of software. On Wednesday bloggers from around the world took to their keyboards, to share their stories of women who, like Ada Lovelace, have made their mark in fields that is still largely dominated by men.
In our own program today we meet three women who are an inspiration to those around them. They are passionate about encouraging more women into science and technology fields, but as you’ll hear they’re concerned that the number of young women attracted to working in these industries is in decline.
Follow the MP3 link above to hear the full program or read on for more details…
Tech Stream 044
19 March 2010
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The Martin Jetpack, developed in New Zealand. Photo from Flickr. Strong men not included.
This week in the Tech Stream, the futuristic transport we’ve all been dreaming about is here: JETPACKS! We’ll meet a New Zealand man who says he’s turned his childhood fantasy (and mine) into a legal, almost affordable aircraft for one. We’ll also find out how to use our laptop to measure, map and even predict earthquakes. And Twitter expands into richer geo-location services and spreads our conversations across the web… but is it innovating or just playing catch-up?
Follow the MP3 link above to start listening, or take the jump to find out more.
Tech Stream 041
26 February 2010
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E-Waste: Discarded PC cases in a dump in Guiyu, China. Photo by Bert Van Dijk from Flickr.
In the Tech Stream this week we look at a new UN report into the management of electronic and electrical waste (e-waste) in developing countries. We also hear from two sides of the nanotechnology debate. Do we really understand the implications of the developments in this science, and are the proper regulations in place? There’s more on mobile telco Digicel’s expansion in the Pacific with its new license to operate in French Polynesia… and finally Bajo reviews the film-noir video game Heavy Rain. More details after the jump or follow the MP3 link above to start listening to the program.
Tech Stream 034
10 December 2009
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Video game designer David Jaffe provided the keynote speech via video link at GCAP 2009
The Tech Stream program this week is focused entirely on gaming. It was recorded at the Game Connect: Asia Pacific 2009 (GCAP) conference and expo which took place in Melbourne, Australia from the 6th to the 8th of December. Follow the MP3 link above to listen or continue reading for details.
Tech Stream 028
26 August 2009
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Can you really hide your identity online? Photo by Jamelah from Flickr.
We’re getting in early this week, and it’s a packed Tech Stream program, kicking off with a special look at whether, in light of some recent events, the ability to protect our identity online is under threat. More after the jump, or click the MP3 link at the top of the story to hop straight into it.

















