Wednesday, March 30, 2016

The next big thing in tech: The desktop computer (yes, really)

“People are like you and I, they want the best that they can afford,” said Matt Dalio, CEO of Endless Computers.  Nearly three years ago, Dalio had a vision.  He noticed that in remote areas, there are typically plenty of televisions, but not desktop computers.  Due to poor Internet, power supply and monetary issues, billions of people have been robbed of an array of knowledge.  Dalio decided to address this problem by creating a $169 computer.  He wanted to find a way to link HD televisions with smart phones through the use of a pared back desktop.  Finally, after years of work, the Endless Computer was born.

This computer is considered to be revolutionary because of both its capabilities and versatility.  Endless Computers set itself apart in the fact that it is considered “internet optional”.  According to techcrunch.com, the product allows users who do not have Internet access to use off line applications through the system.  This invention contains previously installed apps such as Wikipedia that can be accessed without an Internet connection.  This makes the technology much more appealing for developing areas, where they’re often is not Internet.  In addition to the off line option, Endless Computers are extremely versatile.  Due to the small size of the processors, the possibilities for usage are quite literally endless. 

I hold that this technology can be extremely useful, but may not catch on in most countries.  On one hand, the technology can be very efficient in areas that Internet is hard to come by.  The new technology even has a schooling application pre installed.  This could prove to be a game changer in terms of the development of these remote countries.  Through this technology, educational tactics could be enhanced and students could be reached more efficiently.  Additionally, this could all be done at an affordable price and without the need for Internet.  However, I do not believe that this technology will take off in the US specifically.  I hold this to be true because we currently live in the age of “smart” technology.  Everywhere we look, there is a smartphone, smart computer, smart TV, etc.  I believe that the Endless Computer, although affordable, may not catch on due to the fact that people could be reluctant to change their current ways.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/04/tech/mci-endless-computer-desktop-pc-emerging-markets/index.html

http://techcrunch.com/2016/01/09/endless-launch/

3 comments:

  1. I agree with Michael that the Endless Computer will not gain popularity in our technologically advanced country, however, this is an extremely useful tool for developing countries. While we take Internet connection for granted, there are billions of people across the world who do not have access to this kind of world connecting technology. By deveoping a computer that can give members of the developing world some information with the use of Internet, you are providing a vast amount of knowledge to a people who many never gain it otherwise. One concerning part of this Endless Computer is how exactly new data is put onto the computer. The article says that Wikipedia is previously downloaded, however, this website is constantly updating and gaining new information. While this technology may give people in the developing world more knowledge than they had before, they are still no where near close to receiving all of the information that comes with a streaming internet system.

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  2. The concept of the “Endless Computer”, explained by Michael, was well explained and very interesting. I feel that the ability for a computer to run its applications without the need for internet access could be vital to society. There are various areas in the world that have no access to the internet, and thus, get left behind in the technological progression that our society is facing.
    I feel that the price aspect of this information technology is the most crucial. This gives the ability for poorer populations to be able to keep pace with the technological wave. The problem that I do not understand with this technology is with third-world countries that have no access to electricity. This may seem obscure, but how will this computer get charged? It is hard to believe that this device requires no charge, and if requires a charge, there must be an electrical source that gives this device a charge. Yes, it is very rare that a country has no electricity, but it is plausible, leaving that area out in the cold. Other than, this concern, I feel that this blog post was very resourceful and intriguing.

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  3. I think that Mike has a very good point about these computers. Many areas of the world lack internet access, essentially cutting them off from the rest of the world. Although they do not provide internet access, it allows for people in developing countries to use widely used applications without accessing the internet for them. This is a great tool because they are able to access desired information without the internet. I agree that this technology probably won't make any sort of impact in America. There is no need to have applications when we can simply access them online at the click of a button. Technologically, these computers could be ground-breaking. It will teach developing countries how to go about accessing information without actually needing to surf the web for it. If this technology takes off, it could evolve into a great communication base for the world without needing connectivity. If this is the case, it can tie people together from all over the world just through a common machine.

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