Bump: Making Mobile Device to PC Transfer a Snap

Bump is a simple and fun to use app for transferring contact info and photos by physically bumping devices together. It is also capable of transferring photos between your Android device or iPhone with your computer. Best of all it is free.

Security could be an issue here, but fear not, Bump has a solution. You litteraly have to bump your phone on your computer and before a transfer begins, it must be approved by both devices

Learn more: http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57412688-285/use-bump-to-transfer-pics-from-iphone-android-to-your-computer/

Samsung Galaxy S III

Today Samsung Electronics Co said that  it would unveil the third-generation Galaxy S on May 3 in London, wisely choosing marketing campaign heading into the summer Olympics in the city.

Samsung became the world's top smartphone maker last year with its record sales of the Samsung Galaxy S II phone. Samsung sold over 40 million Galaxy smartphones since the model's release in June 2010.Samsung now dominates in the top end of the smartphone market along with Apple Inc.

Samsung estimated earlier this month that its first-quarter operating profit would hit a record 5.8 trillion Korean won thanks to strong sales of Galaxy series smartphones.

Cellphones are a great example of a way to eliminate the digital divide. Many people in third world countries now have a cell phone even though in many regions landlines are non-existent. Smartphones are also a great example of a converging technology; smartphones aren't just phones, they are powerful computers with cameras and a GPS. 

Learn more: http://www.torontosun.com/2012/04/16/samsung-to-unveil-new-galaxy-phone-may-3

What is Micropayment?

The Royal Canadian Mint is introducing a new type of payment called micropayment or nanopayment.


Chief financial officer Marc Brule says "We came to the conclusion that there is still no cost-effective electronic solution that can accommodate low value transactions, protect privacy, and have some of the familiar properties and characteristics of cash."


The word is that MintChip could enable easy micro-transactions for things like buying music, news articles or add-ons for video games, or online auctions. 


The mint is currently holding a contest open to software developers to design applications that use the prototype MintChip technology. Winners will be announced Sept. 24.

One report argues the Canadian economy could get a two per cent productivity boost worth $32 billion by modernizing how the country makes and handles payments.


One social issue that is really obvious is the digital divide caused between Canada and other countries which have successfully integrated digital transactions for everything. One example is China which has magnetic cards for its public transportation system, whereas Canadians are buying bus passes still. However, the Canadian government is finding ways to eliminate this divide. Micro-transaction cards seem like an effective solution.


Learn more: http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2012/04/12/technology-mintchip-digital-penny-payment.html