Universal Hub - Technology

Next version of city complaint app will let you 'like' the way the city responds to your complaints

adamg — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:42:10 +0000

Gamification explains why an upcoming upgrade to Citizens Connect will feature a Facebook-like "like" function.

BU charges Samsung light-bulb parts not such a bright idea

adamg — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:06:30 +0000

Boston University yesterday sued Samsung for patent infringement, alleging it holds the rights to the way Samsung is making LEDs and similar electronic components.

In its lawsuit, filed in US District Court in Boston, the university charges that Samsung's charmingly named SPHWWTHDD805WHT0GD violates a patent for creating "highly insulating monocrystalline gallium nitride thin films."

Two local tech leaders to fund new ACLU efforts

adamg — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 15:37:22 +0000

The local ACLU today announced its Technology for Liberty and Justice for All program, funded initially by $2 million in donations and challenge grants from Vertex founder Joshua Boger and Akamai Vice Chairman Paul Sagan:

Boston startup map

adamg — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 22:04:15 +0000

Kinvey puts together the map. And it's just startups actually within Boston city limits - none of that frou-frou Kendall Square or 495 stuff.

Pleasant dreams: Waltham company builds four-legged robot that flings cinderblocks

adamg — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 01:37:05 +0000

This video shows Boston Dynamics's Big Dog, which used to just be able to walk up hillsides, but which has now been outfitted to be the sort of robot you wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley.

Via MetaFilter.

MBTA seeks company to take over, beef up commuter-rail WiFi service

adamg — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 17:09:01 +0000

The T's started soliciting bids from companies willing to bolster WiFi service on the Purple Line and ferries in exchange for advertising opportunities, starting with painting over the AT&T logos now on the sides of commuter-rail trains (unless, of course, AT&T bids and wins). According to a T press release:

BU has own space program

adamg — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 12:28:18 +0000

The Daily Free Press reports the BU Rocket Propulsion Group hopes to launch its own rocket into space in 2015 - using a "hybrid" engine that uses laughing gas and tire rubber for fuel.

Have you ever wondered what a car would look like covered in 5 1/4-inch floppy discs?

adamg — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 13:49:21 +0000

Wonder no more (and note the CueCat on the dash). Spotted around Camberville.

Via Boston Reddit.

Next up in the dock: Bose patent lawsuit

adamg — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 13:34:08 +0000

The Framingham audio company yesterday filed a patent lawsuit against a company that makes an iPhone docking system that competes with its own SoundDock offering.

In its suit, filed in US District Court in Boston, Bose charges SDI Technologies' iHome line, which lets users turn their Apple iDevices into boomboxes, violates a patent Bose was awarded on Jan. 29 for a system for turning computers into audio systems.

Bose says SDI knew it had applied for a patent for the system and that the continued existence of iHome unfairly harms sales of its SoundDock system. Bose is seeking the complete withdrawal of the iHome line from the market and, naturally, tons of money.

Courthouse vigil for Aaron Swartz

adamg — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 12:29:09 +0000

3 p.m. today at the Moakley Courthouse.