The future of the Internet from my eyes

The Future is near.

The virtual world, as we know it will shape the future humanity as it takes over more and more aspects of our lives. 

What was once a portable phone has become a camera, music player, and even a GPS.

What used to be a portable computer can now be used like a full music or movie studio. 

What used to be a letter can now be delivered in 3 seconds through my mobile phone. 

Our lives revolve around the Internet and its related gadgets, whether it is the smartphone, computer, or even our television.

With that, I would like to make a few predictions of the future based on what I know about our current innovators such as Apple and Microsoft. 

1) Wearable devices and augmented reality will be integrated to overlook our lives while giving quick feedback, especially in regard to schedule and health.

2) Borders and boundaries which separates countries will become less significant, as the Internet provides immense connectedness which bring the human races across the globe closer to each other. 

3) Phones may do so many things, such as being the house/car keys, every single gadget in the household may be able to be controlled, bus card, personal ID and so many more things. Basically, a single phone to control it all. 

4) Virtual classrooms could come to reality, students can just stay at home to study, take exams, and graduate.

5) Hacking can become a real job. 

Well, the best way to know the future, is to invent it. Will Apple, google or Microsoft be the future? We will wait and see.

The innovators

Apple, Google, and Microsoft

The three names in the tittle are definitely no stranger to anyone who lives in the modern society.

The question is, are we ready to leave our future to these giants?

It is almost impossible for anyone who lives in the modern society to not utilise a product which is produced by any one of these innovators every single day, for many, every 5 minutes. 

These giants have shaped our lives and the landscape has been altered because of them. In other words, they were the future. A century ago, we never had the technology to connect with people or send an email. The creation of such technology, and the implementation of them into our cellphones have changed how to communicate, work and handle our relationships. 

Microsoft was the creator of most of the office work style nowadays. They created the way we can submit our work or present them. 

Apple created the way we use our phones, whether as a GPS or a gaming tools.

Google created the way to look for information. Who goes to the library to find out whether tomato is a fruit or a vegetable?

My point is, they were the creators of today's society. Imagine the power they had and will continue to have in dictating our future. They do not just dominate the market, they own our lives, and our future. 

There are philosophers, or writer who can come up with theories of what our future is going to be; however, there is a group of people who already knew our future, because they are going to invent it.

Citizen journalism

Want to be a journalist?

Buy a computer, and sign up to an Internet plan.

It is simple, really. You don't have to get a diploma from a journalism school.
You don't need to apply for a job at your local news organisation. 
You don't need approval from anyone.

Ok, who am I kidding. We need to earn a living...

But the point here is, you can experience being a journalist, and if you are good at it, you might even get hired for a decent pay!

You can simply report about something, post it online, with a little sharing on Facebook and Twitter, a fair number of people will read your article! Isn't that what journalism is all about? Reporting about something and people reading it?

Naysayers may say that accuracy is a big issue with online article, as anyone can write something without an editor checking their work, or any consequences of it being a fake report. However, the way I look at it, there is more truth in articles like that!

This is because of the same fact that no truth needs to be concealed, there is no partnership with any company; hence, there is no conflicting interest, and there is absolutely no filter. 

Sometimes, people get sick and tired of news reporting when it is simply truth and totally non-opiniated. We human being crave for emotions. We want to see a reporter react like the way normal human beings do. Let's be honest, we like to read an article where the writer feels the same way as us.

It is in the midst of all the emotions that we see truth and worthy news in my opinion. 

Ask yourself this question, when you want to read a review of a product, would you go the official website, or would you rather read a review on a forum by someone who has used the product?

Singapore's first online rally

Internet and Politics 

Singapore

FAIL

Dedicated Local, Determined leader. 

Sounds familiar? 

This is indeed the first Singapore rally held purely online by Singapore politician, Desmond Lim. This is during the Singapore-by election, 2013.

It all sounds innovative and exiting right?

Truth is, let's just say it is not the most glorious moment in Singapore's history of political campaigns. 

While being innovative is always a good thing, one has to worry about the most basic things first - Speech and the ability to touch the heart and souls of your crowd. 

Doing some online is actually really risky, this is because of anonymity.  People are much more brave with what they say due to the fact that they can hide behind the shield of anonymity. Hence, anything done online will be more critically judged.

                                                               

Therefore, it is crucial to be absolutely ready, in fact, readier than maybe a normal physical campaign, if a politician wants to do an online campaign. 

Obama was definitely up to the challenge, but was Desmond Lim up for this challenge? 
I sincerely doubt so.

The way he spoke was the among the most criticised regarding his campaign. Singaporeans were making fun of his speech, and disliking his YouTube his video for it. 

Soon enough, his speech became a common joke among Singaporeans, and this is definitely not what Desmond Lim was trying to achieve when he decided to be the odd one out by conducting this online campaign. 

At the end of the day, he did not managed to get the minimum vote in order to get his campaign money reimbursed. That shows how much Singaporeans have disliked his methods of campaign.

Lesson learnt here, doing anything online could be easy and rewarding; however, they online community can also crush you down if you don't do a good job. No one wants to be the joke of the Internet, especially not someone who wants to lead his community and be a leader everyone can look up to.

Augmented reality applications

It is no longer just your screen

Today, I will introduce some of the augmented reality application which would once again upgrade the lives of tech savvy people of today.

1. AcrossAir

Platform: iOS

It is an awesome 3D navigator to help you reach your location easily. Look through your smartphone to find the hotel, restaurant, or malls that you are looking for and even see information or even a floating balloon!

2. Spyglass

Platform : iOS

This application records and locates you wherever you are. 

Every had difficulties finding your way to the nearest building you are looking for? Spyglass has the answer. 

3. Nintendo 3DS XL

Yes, augmented reality has come to your gaming console. Although it is still at the infant stage, you can experience this through the lens of the Nintendo 3DS XL.

The console comes with a pack of cards, for me, it was a Mario, since I bought the limited edition of the Mario 3DS.

Look the cards through the lens and you find yourself trapped in a world of moving boxes and fire blowing flowers.

The virtual key

The Internet is not a safe place!

It is easy to lock your house door, it is easy to keep your credit card password in the depths of your brain, but when it comes to the Internet, it is not that straight forward. 

There is no one lock you can see on the Internet. Unlike a key to your house door, the key to break most passwords on the Internet is simply the combination to 1s and 0s. 

The worst part of it all is that you won't even know when it is happening, you can be starring at your computer screen while the hacking virus is working it's way to your most secured files. 

After going through Internet security in class today, I realised how easy it is to be hacked...

As a gamer myself, hacking is something I am extremely afraid of. This because the items which you fought so hard to obtain, years and years of hard can be taken away by someone in a split second, and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it.

Just yesterday, my brother was Phished by someone. Yes, on steam. Hence, for those using steam often and have a precious account that you never ever want to see gone, please read on.

What happened was, at about 11pm. My brother received a message from person X that person Y wants to trade with him, then proceeded to give him the link to person Y's steam account.

Note that person X is real, he talks and response like a normal human being. He is not computer generated.

The link provided by person X is also very real, it is the kind of link that no one would suspect, because it is like any other link. 

Then my brother went to add person Y, some error occurred and steam asked for him to re-login.

And he did. 

After he logged in, he immediately realised what just happened.

He instantly changed his account password, uninstalled steam and scanned for trojans. 

He was extremely fortunate to have done that as moments later steam detected that someone was trying to log in to his account. 

If anyone were to know how valuable my brother's steam account is that is me. I gave him 80 dollars steam credit for Christmas last year.

Lesson learnt here:

1) Never ever click a link that is given to you on ANY online platform. EVEN IF IT"S YOUR CLOSE FRIEND.

2) Always consult your friend first about the link to confirm that it is not computer generated hack.

3) Always suspect a scam. ALWAYS. When you are asked to log in to anything by anything client, especially when it asks you to re-login

4) As always, keep your password to yourself

Together, we can make the Internet a safer place for all!

Have fun!!

See you all soon!

Music Friday

Time is the essence of making a music video

No DotA reference once again

There is music today!

The making of a music video is not as simple as some may think it is. 

The number 1 thing we need before making a music video is of course *drum roll* MUSIC. 

You have to record your music first! 

I normally just use raw recording from my digital recorder for my music; however, I met someone in my music class that are way more professional than I am and she taught me the use of a tool that I have had for the longest time. Garage band. 

I am ashamed to say that I have never tried using this tool. It was right there in my face starring at me everyday but I have never used it...

I didn't know that I can actually process sounds and edit them through this editing tool and it does make a huge difference. 

I am still learning how to use this! I may post a review of my progress and maybe some samples of what I can come up with! Stay tune!

In terms of movie, I have been using iMovie maker, now I am moving on to Final cut pro. Like I said, moving on, that means I still have a lot to learn about it... I will try my best.

iMovie Maker is a simplified version of the standard video editor. The 1st frame is shown at full contrast, while the ones following are faded. It's quite easy once you get used to the editing system. You can just click at a point in your clip, and then drag the resulting insertion line around the timeline. It is really simple, you just have to try it, and you will get the hang of it in no time!! Have fun making videos all!

Shouldn't say too much today, but instead show you some of the videos my group and I have made! Enjoy!!!

Don't judge. 

Micromanagement

"Micro your units please!"

"Don't just stand there!"

"Noob..."

Yes... I was in limbo once again. It took me a while to find out how I died.

When I was busy earning experience at the middle lane, I have sent my other self to the shop to buy something. I have completely forgotten that and Meepo2 was left standing at the shop waiting to get killed. And he did get killed... that's why I am here again. 

It was already so difficult to concentrate on killing minions for money and experience and at the same time I still have to tell Meepo2 what to do?

This is almost unfair, why is my ability so special? Almost everyone else has only themselves to worry about while I have multiple selves. 

But I knew I had to learn, I knew I have to get a hold of myself. My team was depending on me.

Then suddenly I recalled a good friend of mine, who specialises in combating with more than 1 unit. His name was Sylla, the lone druid. 

"Sylla of the bear clan!"

Sylla was not around but I was really eager to learn some tricks from him. Therefore, I took out my mobile phone and downloaded some replays of Sylla in action and analysed his movements and "micro skills" (Micro in gaming terms means controlling more than 1 unit). 

I found out that this method of learning is by far the most effective way for me. It is even better than Sylla being around for me. This is because, when he is here to teach me, I can only learn as long as he stays. On top of that, he may even forget important information at that moment. However, if i study his skills online, I not only can do it as and when I want, I can always go back to check when I am unsure. 

Traditional learning in my opinion has been taken over by online learning, or Internet learning. 

I have a feeling that in the future, there will not be any DotA classrooms anymore, the future classroom will look exactly like my room. This is because it IS going to be my room. Everyone can study in the comfort of their rooms and be as efficient if not more efficient than any classroom. 

As the respawn timer began to run out, my determination for destruction grew.

Time for a show down.

MEEPAWN

*Spoiler alert* I am breaking character in this post about e-commerce

Being successful in e-commerce 

My name is Alejandro

No DotA references this week

As you know by now, I am fulfilling the requirement to write blog posts about things which I have learnt in class. To spice things up, I mixed it with my favourite game - DotA 2. Of course the main character in my story is nonetheless my favourite hero, Meepo. 

However, for this week's topic, it is impossible to add in any of the DotA references. I am sorry, I am not as creative as some may think I am. 

If you have any suggestion of how I can turn this post into a DotA post, please teach me, comment or something. I may add you as a friend and we can play online together. I am not a bad teammates +)

Soooooooooooo, here goes! Welcome to Alejandro's list of 5 e-commerce trends in 2014!

1) BIGGG DATA, MOREEEEE

Big data has been around for a while now. However, it seems like most e-commerce companies are still not tapping into it's full potential! Tapping into big data's full potential will allow companies to make better decisions. An intuition or an idea is just an intuition or an idea at the end of the day, as the data will reveal the truth.

2) Subscription services

Subscription models opens up opportunities for better reoccurring revenue and also allows for companies to foster more personal, and deeper relationships with their customers which is great to improve brand loyalty. 

3) More personalised shopping experience

With the huge amount of data that companies are getting from costumers online nowadays, companies are able to customise the shopping for the consumers. This has not only increased sales but also improve the shopping experience for many.

4) Support on all devices

The importance of a device-friendly platform cannot be further emphasised. A service not available on Android devices, is the same as losing a portion of the market right from the start. It is like calling quit before it even starts. Imagine that. 

5) Transparency

There is a sea of e-commerce sites out there who are looking to succeed. Users have so many choices and so many alternatives. This means that competition has also increased. Hence, users are demanding more transiency from the companies in order to build trust and liking. Without this element of transparency, users can simple type in a google search and look for an alternative. 

There you go!

See you soon~~

You can't run from heaven!

"Don't take it badly if I look down on you, from when I sit, you all look like tiny insects"

The global power is unstoppable 

"If I own the world, do you expect to hide from me?"

Zues - The owner of Thunder

If you don't know by now, when a DotA hero dies, they are transported to limbo for  period of time before they respawn back into the map. 

As I was completely destroyed by Crystal Maiden, that's why I am here in Limbo, reading this DotA magazine, featuring Zeus.

Zues is famous for his ability to control thunder; he is able to strike everyone, no matter why you are with his powerful thunder. 

Back in the days, there were a few major players that have access to thunder. Medusa and razor used to be able to control the power of thunder. 

Razor

Medusa

It was until Zeus decided to monopolise thunder. 

He discovered a way to make use of a device called the Observer ward to observe what people are doing with thunder, the market for thunder and the companies that supply it. This observer ward allows Zeus to have a clear vision of the industry of thunder.

Zeus knew exactly who to look for and who he can work with in order to expand his power of thunder.

Some say that these observer wards are spying tools, but in fact, it is out there for everyone to use. However, too many have overlooked the importance of Observer wards. 

With that knowledge, Zeus was able to come out with more powerful thunder before Medusa and Razor could, rendering their thunder useless. 

In another world, these observer wards are more popularly known as social networking. It serves the same purpose, it allows people to go online to study what is happening around the world and most importantly, understand the market. 

For example, Mark Zuckerberg saw on opening in the social media site industry, as more people are adapting the use of Internet and communication through. Therefore, he created Facebook and now, he is the founder of the most used social media site in the world. 

Zues saw the opening for a powerful thunder item and went on to develop the maelstrom which later became the almighty Mjolnir. This invention put thunder users to shame; hence, they drop thunder from their skill tree, allowing Zeus to be the sole owner of thunder. 

In this interview with the DotA team, Zeus mentioned the most important values of succeeding in the world:

1) Always buy wards to know your market, know your competitors and know your openings.

2) Know where and when to put your wards, having wards in the wrong places is the same as not having any.

3) Interact with the market in order to cater to their needs.

Oh... I guess I got to go! 

Respawning in 3...2...

"Meepo the genomancer"

To be continued...

Middle is missing

"Invoker is missing"

Does it matter?

Is it just a way to blame someone for your lack of attention?

There is something called the mini map. It is where every member of the team can see what is going on in the map. Technically, if anyone is missing from their lanes, we could all tell, if we are paying attention. 

Of course, it would be best if your teammate at that lane would tell you that someone is missing since he would know best. However, does it really matter if he doesn't? 

Ya, so Invoker killed my teammate, but on the bright side, I am finally get more free space to earn experience! It is not like my teammate won't respawn... 

But... What if I actually called "missing middle"? Bane would have known about the danger that might be coming and he would have hidden behind our combat towers, rendering Invoker's surprise ambush useless and on top of that, I would still have gotten free space to earn experience!

Oh my... What have I done... 

Communication is oh so important. If only I said the three simple words, things would have gone different. My teammates would have thanked me instead of thrashing me. We would have greater trust for each other, or even build a stronger bond...

"I am sorry, Bane, I should have reported missing"

I responded with an apology. 

YEAH RIGHT. NOBODY EVER APOLOGISES IN AN ONLINE GAME!

As I continued to earn valuable experience at middle lane, I heard a faint sound approaching me. 

A pink coloured missile-like ball of vengeance flew right into my face.

Suddenly, I saw stars, I couldn't move, I was so dazed I forgot my own name.

"Magic missile"

 -Vengeful Spirit 

Before I could regain my consciousness, I saw a thick layer of ice forming from my feet up to my neck, it was so cold and I could not move an inch. It felt like frost bite but only a thousand times worst. Right next to Vengeful Spirit was Crystal Maiden, the girl of my dreams... but also my worst enemy... 

Within seconds, I was destroyed. 

I was furious as to why did nobody report missing from top and bottom lane!

The irony..

Then I looked at the chat and I saw....

"Top is missing!"

"Bottom is missing!" (posted 2mins ago)

... I am such a noob...

To be continued...

The middle lane - The history of the ancient.

The place you wouldn't want to be

The weight of the world lies in your hand.

Although you are alone, people will be screaming in your face.

Time to make history

All knowledge and intelligence start from one place - the brain as we know it. However, I would rather call it the fountain of knowledge. This is a place where you have to continuously revisit in order to find what is most valuable to you. However, staying in the fountain is useless, as you need to go out into the world to gather knowledge.

We are all born in the fountain of knowledge, and in my world, 10 people can appear at a time, 5 friends and 5 foes. This was never possible, at least not before the invention of the Internet, which allowed these 10 people to be connected globally. 

I am sure you have been to Orchard road, Arab street, or Chinatown. But may I ask you, "Have you been to the middle lane?" 

Have you ever felt so important the weight of the world rests on your shoulders?

I walked down the middle lane, the air was cold, but my heart was fiery. Determined to combat whoever I am going to meet when I reach the river. I had all my plans and strategies mapped out inside my head, I was confident that I was going to earn more experience than my enemy.

I was wrong. 

While I use a spade to attack, my enemy was able to shoot orbs at me. I could not get closed to him or his minions. My minions vanished in split seconds. The whole time, I was waiting for my back up minions to arrive while staying far behind to watch them fall and my enemy killing them to earn combat experience. 

Although I could learn from watching him fight, it can never be replaced to the amount one can learn during combat. 

Hence, I had to painfully watch his head glow, indicating an increase in level, while mine will only glow much later. I was helpless.

I can still remember vividly that his eyes were white and his always had three flying orbs floating around him. Hmm... What was his name...

"Glorious invocation!"

Suddenly, he disappeared, for whatever reason, the middle lane was left to me and me alone. I took this opportunity to step forward and started killing his minions, earning both experience and money. I was finally growing, but...

"Ahhh.. First blood, as indeed I am first in everything!"

Yes... my enemy has traveled to another lane and surprised my teammates, killing them with ease. 

"Middle missing never report?!"

"What on earth is our middle lane doing"

"**** you, useless middle"

"People middle level 6, you middle level 3, well played"

"$#$@$^%$&^%#"

and so on...

My teammates have gone rampage on me not telling them that the Invoker was missing. Ahh... His name was Invoker. 

Right at this point, I hit level 3. As you may have heard by now, when I reach level 3, I duplicate. 

It's time for some fun.

My name is Meepo. 

To be continued...