Ready for the freshest cup of coffee you’ve ever had? Roasting Plant Coffee Company in New York wants to serve it to you, with a tea spoon of ingenuity. They have created a modern robotic system called Javabot with the intention of creating the freshest, most flavorful cup of coffee available.

Walking into their store feels like stepping through a portal to the future. There are pneumatic tubes overhead transporting several variates of coffee beans to and fro. Grinding gears, a roasting station and brewing machines all whiz and whirl. Just as you begin to adjust to the all the visual and auditory stimulus, you are bombarded with the rich smells from this way and that.

If you’re delighted with all the myriad choices Starbucks offers, you are bound to be in heaven within the confines of this engineering marvel. They have blends that can range upwards of eight beans, you specify the roasting process, and determine the temperature levels at which the coffee is processed. No idea which coffee is best suited to your tastes? The machine will make minute adjustments on your behalf and have 3 samples for you to choose from.

Javabot’s turnover and potential profit must have a few investors licking their chops. It’s a company aimed to produce a highly-customized product at a consistent quality, all in about 30 seconds. You walk in, place your order, and less than a minute later you have the perfect cup of Joe in hand and ready to soldier on into another day of stimulant assisted living.

Their first store in New York is a prototype. But I have a feeling once more people experience the machine they’ll be coming back in droves, with franchise checks in hands.

It sits there, that harmless new kit at your corner drugstore, the paternity test will set you back $30. You buy it, swab some samples from yourself, your kid and your significant other. Maybe you bought it because you needed a random health screening or a way to settle a legal dispute? So you follow the instructions and send it out in the mail along with additional lab fees. A short while later you receive a definitive answer as to who little Johnny’s real dad is.

The reason so many fathers will be speechless when they receive the results is because they’ll then look down at the child they’ve loved and raised.  Realization will slowly sink in that his child is not biologically his own. A staggering 1 in every 25 tests proves that these men who have given their lives to their family have been cuckolded.

Identigene is the company responsible for manufacturing and placing the product on the shelves. The original fees paid to receive the results do not include legal documentation, such as divorce, custody, child support, inheritance, or other legal cases.

On a side note, I always found it interesting that in ancient times (notably with the pharaohs of Egypt)  the kings would usually have to marry their sister. That way the family knows that at minimum 50% of the bloodline is still in tact. That was to hedge against some other handsome suitor slipping one pass the goalie on the kings watch.

I guess human behavior hasn’t changed much. At least now we’ll have an affordable means to apply these simple scientific concepts. It will radically change the way we think about childbirth and paternity in modern sociology.

If you take a trip to Disney World you might be lucky enough to test a new device that promises to streamline your experience. The “Disney Magic Connection” is a wireless device that plans on radically changing the way you experience the magic. It runs on a Nintendo DS and has the ability to:

• Give current wait times for attractions
• Let you know whether FastPasses are left for that particular attraction
• And when those FastPasses will become available
• Show schedules
• Parade routes
• Interactive maps which reveal the location of rides, shows and attractions, restaurants, character appearances, restrooms, etc.
• It will know which ride you are waiting for and display interactive trivia based on that information to pass the time

I’m what you might call a Disney fanatic. When I heard this announcement I was both intrigued and disappointed. The theme parks are a multi-layered environment. They offer so much detail that even as a Disney fan, I still find new cracks and crevices unexplored on each visit.

It’s exciting that families will be able to share a streamlined “in-the-know” experience. On short trips where you might not have the time to plan out an 8-hour day with tired children, you’ll still have the ability to see a lot. That includes character visits, attractions and activities that you might have overlooked by planning ahead on a generic website.

At the same time it’s disappointing because it separates park goers into two groups, those who can afford the device and those who can not. It also has the ability to trivialize the experience by making a job out of the visit. Unless it’s designed with the parks atmosphere in mind, I fear that some guests may constantly be looking down into the screen rather than at the meticulous detail that the parks are known for.

Either way, it should be available for the general public by April of 2009. Chalk up another one to the Imagineers for continuously innovating the theme park experience.

By developing an advanced tracking system, Norwich intends to reward its best drivers with rate cuts. It factors in route, time of day, braking and the age of the driver, among other things. The GPS based IVU (in vehicle unit) uploads data to a database every few seconds on the road.

The bandwidth and computing power required to sequence all that data is impressive. In fact, it resembles a highly transactional environment, just like at a phone company. Computing time, geography and then placing a price on all those variables is a tough job. So the company had to create sophisticated compression technology as an answer.

At best the pay-as-you drive system may shave off a fraction of the bill, but at what cost? You may remember another innovative technology in the US that went bad fast. OnStar is a vehicle monitoring and tracking service that offers emergency assistance, traffic information and an anti-theft device that can turn off the car remotely from the call center. Sounds like a great deal too? Guess again.

In 2003 a federal appeals court had to rule against the FBI, who were using OnStar without the owners permission as a bugging device. If it’s not creepy enough that anyone can listen in, critics believe that there is an ability to hack into the system. The hacker would gain control of the vehicle and have the ability to turn it off, just like the folks at the call center.

The U.K. government is considering instituting pay as you drive systems to replace tax discs one day. Let’s just hope this is one innovation that doesn’t make it across the pond. I don’t want companies basing their decisions on my real time data. And I sure as hell wouldn’t appreciate that data used against me one day in court.

[CNET News]

For the first time in history a company will be able to scan your DNA and tell you the history of your cells, where you’ve been for the past billion years and where your genetic future is going. 23andMe, a silicon valley startup with links to Google offers you the chance to shell out $999 for a personal map of your genomic profile.

Why would anyone beyond scientists and researchers want to do this? The company says because the information could be as fun as tracing family food preferences, sleeping habits and seeing which grandparent passed down your athletic ability. On a more serious note it will also give you insight as to what diseases and conditions you’re predisposed to – all the way from glaucoma to cancer.

The challenge isn’t behind uncovering the data. It’s finding a way to present it to both the layperson and a researcher. That’s really where this service aims to shine. The massive amount of information will be linked to current and future research. Right after you read about a new disease study you can go online and look to see if you are predisposed to that ailment in real time. While the novice will have very minimalistic reports, anyone can scan deeper. Possibly even to become a genetic hobbyist, where you’ll realize that access to your detailed information is already at your fingertips.

The founders of the company envision groups of people getting together that may share genotypes on a type of social-networking engine. They would have the potential to be involved in research work, which would help to exponentially advance the field of genetics.

Genetics changes the nature of medicine, it changes the predictions of medicine and how medicine works. For instance, what if you find that you have a personal genetic variation that makes you 50% more likely to get getting breast cancer? Armed with that information you can take preventative measures, find out what you need to avoid/do and even take drugs that are specifically trailered to your DNA.

We’re just beginning to learn what we came from and where we are. It’s exciting that in 2003 the map of our common genetic sequence was completed by the Human Genome Project. The costs associated were upward of $3 billion. Four years later we are able to take portions of our own DNA and have them genotyped, finding references to the past and future for a mere fraction of the cost.

For more information on the importance of genetics please take a look at this TED video by Juan Enriquez:

[Guardian]

Those wacky Japanese are at it again this month at the Tokyo Auto Show. The Suzuki Shared Coach made its debut as an electric car… with a car inside it. If you’ve ever watched The Jetsons it may look familiar.

This concept vehicle is the next generation in fuel efficiency and sustainable mobility. The idea is that two drivers will use the larger vehicle over long distances together. The smaller 3-wheeled pods, dubbed the PiXY, will be used for one person while inside the city.

It is a social project whereby multiple people can effectively carpool just outside of a busy area, ditch the larger car and ride into town in a smaller pod that finds parking with ease. Not to mention that it may be small enough to be used on sidewalks and in buildings, similar to a Segway.

This bold departure from traditional design may be initially marketed to older generations who find it difficult to navigate over long distances. Yet the idea behind sustainable mobility may catch on with just about everyone as major cities become more dense and populated.

Suzuki also intends to release a sports car version for the pods, the SSF for those who want to travel in style. A marine unit, the SSJ, will allow people to glide over water to their destination of choice.

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[Yahoo France] (Warning: Link is in French)

There are surcharges and minimum purchases everywhere you use your credit card these days, at your favorite lunch stop, the gas station, even larger retailers. It seems to be an uprising trend among merchants, if you want to use your credit card, you need to pay more. You may be have been thinking the same thing I was thinking when you see an outrageous price for using your credit card: Isn’t this illegal? The answer is yes and I am sick of it.

There is, however, a very fine line. If the merchant clearly states that there is a cash price discount, they are able to charge two different prices. However, if the price you see is clearly stated in plain view and they say something along the lines of, “that will be an extra $3 for credit cards,” that is crossing the line. The Federal Truth in Lending Act states: 167, (2) “No seller in any sales transaction may impose a surcharge on a cardholder who elects to use a credit card in lieu of payment by cash, check, or similar means.”

So lets say you get a double whammy, they want to charge you to use a credit card and you finally agree. Reluctantly, you hand over your credit card for your sandwich and cup of coffee when a bubble gum chewing teenager points to a sign that says, “$10 minimum charge.” Now your really pissed, because you don’t have any cash with you. Trust me, I always am too.

Funny thing is, if your paying with a Visa, Mastercard, or Discover their merchant agreements clearly state that a minimum charge is a violation . So is a surcharge. In fact, if you call in to dispute the charge it will immediately be removed. If they find out that the merchant you went to was imposing a minimum charge they will flag their account and with enough complaints that merchant would not longer be able to accept that brand of card.

This article may be a slight departure from innovation but I do feel like it is a trend that has been increasingly common amongst businesses and wanted to bring the facts to light. Sure it may be a minor annoyance in the long run but at least now you know it’s one you don’t need to tolerate.

_________
References
_________

Visa “Rules for Visa Merchants”
Dollar Minimums and Maximums – Always honor valid Visa cards, in your acceptance category, regardless of the dollar amount of the purchase. Imposing minimum or maximum purchase amounts is a violation.

No Surcharging – Always treat Visa transactions like any other transaction; that is, you may not impose any surcharges on a Visa transaction. You may, however, offer a discount for cash transactions, provided that the offer is clearly disclosed to customers and the cash price is presented as a discount from the standard price charged for all other forms of payment.

Mastercard “Merchant Rules Manual“
9.12.2 Charges to Cardholders

A merchant must not directly or indirectly require any MasterCard cardholder to pay a surcharge or any part of any merchant discount or any contemporaneous finance charge in connection with a MasterCard card transaction. A merchant may provide a discount to its customers for cash payments. A merchant is permitted to charge a fee (such as a bona fide commission, postage, expedited service or convenience fees, and the life) if the fee is imposed on all like transactions regardless of the form of payment used.

• A surcharge is any fee charge in connection with a MasterCard transaction that is not charged if another payment method is used.
• The merchant discount fee is the fee the merchant pays to its acquirer to acquire transactions.

9.12.3 Minimum/Maximum Transaction Amount Prohibited

A merchant must not require, or post signs indicating that it requires, a minimum or maximum transaction amount to accept a valid MasterCard card.

Discover “Merchant Operating Regulations“
3.1 Surcharges
Unless otherwise agreed upon by us in writing, you may not impose any surcharge, levy or fee of any kind for any transaction where a Cardmember desires to use a Card for any purchase of goods and services.

3.6 Minimum/Maximum Dollar Limits and Other Limits
You may not require that any Cardmember make a minimum dollar purchase in order to use a Card and, other than when we have not authorized a Cardmember’s transaction, you may not limit the maximum amount that a Cardmember may spend when using a Card.

California Civil Code Section 1748.1

Federal Truth in Lending Act

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A clothing company in Germany is implementing a new technology that will tag clothing items throughout the store with RFID, or smart chips. They plan to reinvent the shopping experience by installing systems throughout the stores that recognize what you pick up and try on in their Smart Dressing Rooms.

When you try something on in the dressing room an on-screen display will provide you with the price, colors available and current stock. Future plans include a suggestion system for complimentary items. That way you can see the shirt and jacket that go along with the hot pants your trying on.

As an added benefit employees will be able to locate where each item is in the store with hand held scanners and LCD screens. No more fumbling around each rack until you find the size you actually need. If it isn’t in stock they should be able to hit a button to order it to the store or your home.

Don’t worry, the tags will be removed and will cease to track you once your out of the store. Or will they?!

[Consumerist]

Many of you may not know this about me but I am what you call a Snearkerhead. That means that I adore unique looking kicks, especially Nike’s. Now what you do know is that I also love Back to the Future and am crazy about innovation. Put them all together and boom – you have me calling for the one other product we still don’t have, futuristic Nikes.

It seems that someone has championed my cause at the McFLY 2015 project. Michael Maloof has begun the ultimate grassroots project, to petition Nike, demanding the product of the future that was promised to us – today.

In essence all the shoes offer are power laces, simple lighting and making everyone on your block jealous. A continuous charge battery pack similar to the cushioning and dampening system used in the Adidas 1’s could be used. Efficient LEDs could be installed and a small servo-rotor system could be used to pull the laces tight.

The point is that the technology exists now, why wait another 8 years?

If you have flown anywhere as of late you probably know that planes are consistently delayed and your baggage has a decent chance of being mishandled. So who is to blame? As the old mantra goes, computers don’t make mistakes, people make mistakes. At the Check-In conference in Las Vegas last weekend 300 airline and airport officials marveled at technology that takes all that human error out of the equation.

Some of that technology included kiosks by a European company called SITA that allow check-in for all major airlines off-site. In other technology a wave of a passport will show all of the flight information on a display screen. Passengers will then select a seat and print a luggage tag with an RFID transmitter. That way the airline knows via computer if the bag actually made it on the flight.

A computer software developer, Mobiqa has a software platform that sends e-mail to cell phones. The e-mail includes the same bar code you normally would see on an electronic ticket, allowing you to just scan your cellphone and go.

No matter how spot on airports and airlines are they are still stuck with one real ugly bottleneck, TSA. “We have to somehow compensate for their inefficencies,” CIO of JetBlue said to the LA Times.

Bus shuttle program FlyAway in Los Angeles allows two bags for $5 to be checked in at the pick-up points throughout the city. They even get their boarding passes at the same time. Travelers go by bus straight to screening and then to their boarding gates. TSA is inspecting the bags at the same time they find their seat aboard the plane.

Although it may be impossible to prevent delays all together, the airline industry does have control over preventing the problems that cause congestion, long lines for check-in and lost luggage.

I can see where these types of emerging technologies could be very beneficial when implemented correctly. I just hope that the airlines don’t rely on them too heavily while they are trying to make a transition. Even though the majority of the passenger population has cookie cutter needs that can be easily fulfilled, a minority may need to have a human punch a few keys to make things right in special circumstances.

[LA Times]