Tools

Image Source: WikiVillage

How Do You Use Tools as a Computer Scientist?

Computer scientists have a lot of tools available to them. In fact, it could be argued that there are an infinite number of tools available. Besides physical tools such as a computer and an IDE, there also exist an innumerable amount of tools in the form of knowledge. In this day and age where the answer to every question is only a tap (or a voice command) away, there is no limit to the amount of knowledge we can amass. Knowledge is key component for success in any field. As computer scientists, we should know better than anyone how easily accessible the answers to all of our questions are. Another critical tool as a computer scientist is the people around you. Having someone in the same field as you who you can go to and learn from is an invaluable asset. No matter the tool, each and every one has a special purpose in the overall puzzle that is a career in computer science.

Which Tools Did You Discover This Semester?

This semester I had the opportunity of utilizing many different tools. Not only did I have physical tools such as my computer, a camera, and video production software, but I also had teammates to help support me and a wealth of knowledge at my fingertips that allowed me to successfully learn and apply the skills necessary to create a great project.

What are Some of Your Favorite and Least Favorite Tools?

My absolute favorite tool is Google. I believe that knowledge is one of our greatest assets and Google is the gateway to unlimited and easily accessible knowledge. My least favorite tool probably has to be hardcopy books. As technology advances, information is becoming more and more easily accessible. While books can be a great resource, I find myself going straight to Google when I want to learn or research something.

How are Tools Changing? Why is This Important?

As I previously stated, technology is advancing and information is becoming more and more readily available. Old methods of discovering and researching are being quickly replaced by quicker, more efficient methods. It is important that tools change because the world we live in is changing as well. Information is a living entity. It changes as the world does. Hardcopy books cannot update themselves to reflect the newest information. In a day and age where information is changing on a day to day basis, we have to utilize tools that can keep up with the constant influx of changing information.

References: 

[Hammer on Keyboard ]. Retrieved May 7, 2014 from

http://wikivillage.co.za/sites/default/files/wiki/computer-repair-man/images/computer-repair-man-1351612489.jpg

WWDC 2014

Image Source: Apple

Apple's annual World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2014 is just around the corner. WWDC has traditionally been Apple's opportunity to announce new hardware and software for the company's iPhone and Mac product lines. WWDC 2014 has Apple fans and tech pundits alike waiting in anticipation for the unveiling of the newest iPhone and iOS (rumored to be the iPhone 6 and iOS 8, respectively). So far, nothing regarding either has been officially announced by Apple. However, several leaks in tandem with widespread speculation have began to paint a picture as to what can be expected by next month's conference.

Image Source: iOS 8 Facebook Page

iOS 8

According to MacRumors, features to be expected in Apple's newest version of iOS include new "Healthbook", TextEdit, and Preview apps, improvements to Siri and Maps, and possibly some sort of mobile payment system. The "Healthbook" app is rumored to "pull fitness-related information from both the M7 motion co-processor included in the iPhone 5S and sensors to be included with [Apple's much-rumored] iWatch" (MacRumors 2014). As iOS 7 featured a "complete visual overhaul of the operating system" it is unlikely that iOS 8 will see many design changes (MacRumors 2014). The TextEdit and Preview apps are expected to function like their Mac OS X counterparts while improvements to Siri and Maps are anticipated to be minimal but bring additional functionality.

Image Source: Business Insider

iPhone 6

The real star of WWDC 2014 will be Apple's long-awaited, larger-than-four-inch iPhone 6. In a market where most smartphones are at least 4.7 inches, Apple's iPhone is left dwarfed by the competition. It is widely anticipated that Apple will release not only a 4.7 inch phone this year but a 5.5 inch phone as well (Eadicicco 2014). The iPhone 6 is also expected to feature a new, thinner profile with a curved body as opposed to the current rectangular shape. It is also speculated that the iPhone 6 will feature a display made of a much more durable and scratch resistant sapphire glass as evidenced by Apple's acquisition of a sapphire manufacturing facility in Arizona (Rogowsky 2014).

The hype and anticipation of Apple's newest products continue to build with each day as more and more rumors and speculations surface. Unless we see a repeat of the lost iPhone in a bar, we will just have to wait until June 2nd to see what Apple has in store.

References

Eadicicco, L. (2014, May 07). Apple's Rumored 4.7-Inch iPhone 6 May Already Be In Production. Retrieved May 07, 2014, from http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-iphone-6-production-rumors-2014-5#!KMurC

[iPhone 6 Mockup]. Retrieved May 7, 2014 from

http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/5346974b6bb3f7140788cdfd/new-details-on-the-iphone-6-it-will-be-super-slim-high-res-come-in-two-sizes-and-the-power-button-is-moving.jpg

Rogowsky, M. (2014, February 26). Why The iPhone 6 Is Not Coming In May, But It Is Coming With Sapphire. Retrieved May 07, 2014, from http://www.forbes.com/sites/markrogowsky/2014/02/26/the-iphone-6-is-not-coming-in-may-but-it-is-coming-with-sapphire/

MacRumors (n.d.). IOS 8: Everything We Know. Retrieved May 07, 2014, from http://www.macrumors.com/roundup/ios-8/

[WWDC 2014 Banner]. Retrieved May 7, 2014 from
https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/1383616_579674132087408_1101568949_n.png