NU6 - Ideas on Kinect

Innovative Ideas for Kinect by R090206

 It's only 47 days before Christmas. For the kids, it's about time to ask their Mom and Dad to buy them gifts. In these days, game for them equates to gadgets and consoles. One of these famous consoles is the Xbox 360. It now comes with a new accessory which is called Kinect.

For those not familiar with Kinect, it is defined in Wikipedia as:

Kinect for Xbox 360, or simply Kinect (originally known by the code name Project Natal) is a motion sensing input device by Microsoft for the Xbox 360 video game console. Based around a webcam-style add-on peripheral for the Xbox 360 console, it enables users to control and interact with the Xbox 360 without the need to touch a game controller, through a natural user interface using gestures and spoken commands.

Simply put, it is what you attached to your Xbox so that you can play the game using your own body as a controller.

This kind of technology is not only applicable to games. In fact, in February 21, 2011, Microsoft released a non-commercial software development kit for it. Since it's relatively new, listed below are some of my ideas on how to use the Kinect other than gaming. Some of them may or may not exist already.

The obvious application would be on presentation. In fact, I've seen one on a seminar. However, this needs to polish even more. It would be a good idea to integrate this to an office application like Microsoft PowerPoint so that non-technical users can be able to create amazing presentations. Imagine moving to the next slide at the flick of a finger, or maximizing the slide by a simple gesture.

Using the movie Minority Report as an inspiration, the Kinect can be used as a User Interface in a computer. Like the movie, the user can simply type in the air, point his fingers and wave then the computer would automatically execute the said command.

Again using a movie as an insight, the Kinect can be used in Engineering work like that of Iron Man. Coupled with 3D Glasses, designing sophisticated machines would be easy and interactive. It's like touching the real thing. The user can enlarge the design, rotate and tweak some parts using just his hands and fingers. No need to memorize cryptic commands.

In the late 70's up to early 80's, there is a famous cartoon named Diamos. It's a robot where it imitates the movement of its user. The Kinect can be used like a "Diamos" of some sort. Of course controlling a big robot would be very far from the future albeit possible, the Kinect can control small robots or even just robotic arms. Imagine a doctor doing an overseas operation and controlling the operation via Kinect; or a bomb being defused by a robot being controlled using Kinect; or an astronaut using it in space to explore. It's basically using a robot to keep the user in harm's way while still being in control.

The Kinect can also be used in learning some skills. Music or drawing can be trained with it. The Kinect can observe the fingers in a piano or guitar and correct the user for each wrong position. It can also observe the movements while learning to draw and suggest possible improvements. Other skills like learning to bike, skate and such, the Kinect can observe your movement and give feedback to do it properly.

It's true that Kinect is now famous for its games. But a kid's toy, when viewed using a wild imagination and thirst for innovation can also be a man's plaything.

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NU6 - Ideas for HP Touchpad

Ideas for HP Touchpad by R090206

 As seen in Technology news, Hewlett-Packard is now offering their HP Touchpad for developers at a price of $150. This is still very cheap price for a usable tablet.

The HP Touchpad is HP's first try in the tablet industry. It was launched in July 1, 2011. Our very own Manny Pacquiao was even an endorser of it. Nevertheless, the Touchpad could not compete with the infamous iPad and Android Tablets. On August 18, 2011, less than seven weeks after the TouchPad was launched, HP announced that it would discontinue developing the Touchpad. The following day, Touchpad was available across the United States at a dirt price of $99! Stores sold out their inventory in record time!

This author is not about to discuss the life of the Touchpad. Instead, I will provide a list application that may be helpful to the device. Since developers are given an opportunity by HP, might as well take it and improve on the product.

Looking at the history of the product, we can say that the target market for the touchpad is the middle class. It's mostly consumers and we can presume that none of it is used for business. Some of it just bought the thing for its very cheap price. Having analyzed the market, the product to be created must be usable and has a simple interface. Games are a good candidate for the application. It also must be cheap if not free. Business Applications are out of the question.

One usable Application is an Android Emulator. It is an application that can execute Android Application in its own sandbox. It said that RIM's Playboook will be equipped with one, if it's on one platform, why can't it be created on the Touchpad. Imagine being able to execute most of the Android Apps which is like having thousands of Apps in your fingertips. As of my research, the Touchpad can be dual booted but there is no emulator available yet.

Another useful Application would be an Emulator for legacy application. This would be able to execute old application or games from the desktop. Classic games like Pacman and Mario where the installers are available everywhere will be able to run. Or maybe a favorite chess program running on DOS would be helpful. Games like this might be available on SNES or console emulators but it will be more useful if it can execute more than games.

For developers, researching the top 10 games in the Android Market or iOS's App Store would be a starting point. These games already have a captured market, having them on the cheap Touchpad would attract more people into the device.

Developers can also interface the Touchpad with other HP's product like printers or server. Although admittedly this will veer off from the target market, it may make the business sector take a second look at the device.

To some, the Touchpad might be dead. Some say HP is just clearing their inventory in giving out Touchpads to developers. But this author views it as an opportunity to tap a small market and control it. If HP then decided to continue with the Touchpad, your market is already at hand and will only continue to grow more!3

NU6 - Taking Advantage of Online/Forum Marketplace by R090206

Taking Advantage of Online/Forum Marketplace

By R090206

Nowadays, when we talk about marketplace, sometimes it is not the usual hot, crowded area where a lot of merchants are selling their wares. It is about the digital Marketplace. It is a virtual place where with a click of a button, you have purchased your items.  Examples of these are eBay, Amazon and iTunes.

There are also market forums. Where a seller will post an item he is selling and wait for prospective buyers to contact him. He will usually then meets up with these buyers to show his item for sale. A transaction is made after the two agrees on the purchase.

Some people think that these virtual marketplaces are stealing market share from their business. But if you think about it and use your imagination, you could find business opportunities on the online market itself!

These are some of some examples.

1)      Start a resale business. A prerequisite of this business is knowing the current price. An innovation here is to create an application to monitor all of the forums. This could be a simple script or a full blown Application (in which you could also market by the way). This application would notify you when a new post falls well below the current price. You could also form a network of buyers with you as the central headquarter. When a post in a distant place comes up, like for example Cebu or Davao, have someone in your network close to the person retrieve the item then sell it again online.

2)      Another idea is to have a drop out station. Some people who post their items have no time to visit prospective buyers. They could drop the item in the station where buyers can examine it. They will be notified as soon as the item is purchased.

3)      Creating a sell page. Most people don't know how to create a web page. Creating a simple page or posts, though it works, sometimes does not garner attention for most people. Having a business to create professional attractive pages or posts will help in selling the item.

4)      Another good idea would be combining idea number 2 and 3. People would just drop their item. The business' job would be to assess the possible price of it then create a page/post to sell the item. The company's positive review would also attract more prospective buyers. Like idea 4, the seller would be contacted when the item is sold.

5)      A gopher business could also work. Your business could be based on getting the items from busy sellers and meeting all of the prospective buyers. This could also cater to sellers who are afraid that they might get rob on a meet up.

6)      For those conscious of purchasing online, an idea would be having a business of purchasing online items for a fee. Some people feel that online purchase is not secured and they have a fear of being hacked. However, some items are not available in our country so there's no choice but to purchase online.

7)      Again to cater to online purchases, a business that resale gift certificates on online sites could be useful. Sites like amazon or itunes already have these gift certificates; it is possible to resell them to conscious people online. For those sites that don't, maybe having an arrangement with the web site owners will help.

8)      Being a courier for an online purchase could also be a business. Shipping fee is costly especially when the item is bought overseas. However, shipping cost per item can be reduced when the amount if items is compounded. Having a central dropbox in strategic countries then shipping the items simultaneously can be a source of business. 3.5

The difference between an ordinary people from an entrepreneur is what a normal person sees as a hindrance, the entrepreneur sees as an opportunity. Let's take advantage of the technological advances we have to build our own empire!

NU6 by MB- What pisses you off in your office? / What do you think must be done?

What pisses you off in your office? / What do you think must be done?

By R090206

                My department has just been bought by another company. Originally, we are a Division of an American company which was bought by a Japanese Company. Previously, the nature of the business was a Shared Service Center. We cater not only to the division's need but to all other divisions across the company. Now, we only accommodate request to the division that has been bought.

                What pisses me off is that the new leaders in Manila didn't take this as an opportunity to create our identity. Manila Office has always been just all about support. Whatever the US needs, Manila must be there to guide and support them. Now that we are Japanese Company, they still want to have a passive role in the company.

I don't believe that being passive will help Manila's cause. If we give them no other value, they can simply outsource the work in another country since support is just what they need. Being passive will also put Manila's future in other hands. We will just be waiting for their orders on what to and what not to do. And I don't want to be pushed around at this stage of my career.

I believe that Manila office should grab this opportunity to create an identity which is different than what it previously is. For starters, we can expand the scope of knowledge in Manila. The new Japanese company has other Divisions and Products. Manila can study all of these products. Being a good English speaking country, I believe that Manila office can be a center of knowledge which can provide not only support but product development as well.

Product Development is something that Manila Office should push through. We have been in support of the current technologies for years. I believe that Manila now possess the knowledge and experience to develop new products. We could hire experienced professionals to jump start product development.

Aside from Product Development, Manila could also take Global Support as one of its goals. Manila Office has already mastered the products of the Division. If supplied with trainings, Manila can be an expert to the other company's products as well. Since the Philippines is a good English speaking country, we could support not only US but the whole world as well.

With these goals, the opportunities for growth of an employee will rise. Trainings will improve knowledge and will increase the self-esteem of employees who are afraid that they're not competent enough to compete in the international world. It will also provide positions of growth within the company.  New Positions will now be open as the Manila Office is targeting globally. This should motivate employee to do their best to advance their career. Creativity and ingenuity would also be appreciated especially in Product Development. Manila Office could also provide jobs for creative Engineers and Scientist which the country could have lost internationally.

                In summary, I think what the company needs right now are visionary leaders and not just effective managers. We are already efficient in what we do. Manila Office needs a new direction, and that's what a visionary leader can provide! 3.0

NU 6 by MB What pisses you off at the mall? What do you suggest?

What pisses you off at the mall? What do you suggest?

By R090206

            With the current issue of the shooting at the mall, what really pisses me off right now is the security we have when we enter the mall. I pass by SM Megamall on the way to the office, when I'm having my dinner and on the way home. It really is a hassle when you have to wait in line as the security guards inspect each and every bag of each and every person.

           Personally, I feel that my privacy is being invaded. When I go to the gym and they have to inspect my gym bag, they even have to take out some of my personal items for them to see through. Even the backpack that I bring to the office, I have to open each and every pocket on it. What if I had some personal items on those bags? The security guard may not care, but how about my friend who is with me that now knows I carry this stuff?

           I'm not against inspection if it really helps keep the malls safe. But I think right now, they're overdoing it. It probably is an initial reaction to the shooting a few days ago. I think they're turning people out. I already know some people that would rather go to a separate restaurant than to have their dinner at the mall and lineup for the inspection. Some foreigner guests we have are surprised why the mall thinks it is like a bank or airport due to the level of security.

           The problem right now is how to tighten security and at the same time not inconvenience the mall goers.

            My first suggestion is to have a metal detector in which you could walk-through. These can be found in airports. Of course these things come with a hefty price. To cut the cost, they could put it only on those entrances where there is a lot of traffic. In other entrances, they can have handheld metal detectors in which trained guards can use to inspect the bags without actually taking things out of it. Mall owners can also require high traffic stores to have their own walk-through metal detectors.

           Second would be using dogs. The dogs can sniff out the gunpowder or bombs. The problem with this is it might scare some mall goers as mostly, these dogs are quite frightening.

            Third would be cameras. Mostly, malls already have these cameras but most of the time they're hidden. Some of these cameras need to be seen by people so that it will discourage them for any wrongdoing they might be thinking. Some cameras don't even need to work full time but their presence alone helps.

As an entrepreneur, we could come up with ideas based on the suggestions. First idea would be to think of a way to produce the metal detectors or x-rays. If someone could create a low cost product that fits this description, I think he would be a market leader in this industry. As there is a security threat, there is always a demand for the product. Second would be to have training center for dogs or to have them available for security threats. Mostly, canine are from the military but I think there is no law prohibiting private individuals in pursuing this line of work. Lastly, is to pursue a Security Agency which will provide the metal detectors, canine, cameras and others as part of their service.

A part of a skill set of an entrepreneur is turning something negative into positive. Though the event unfortunately caused some death, this can be also viewed as an opportunity if you looked at it in a positive way.