Today, while taking a breather and catching up on gadget news on Gizmodo, I saw an article on the Exmovere Chariot. My first thought was "Wow, very RoboCop." My second thought was "Boy, is this going to be tough to get through the FDA and getting medicare reimbursement for"
When I was in business school, one of the really cool summer job offers I had was an opportunity to work for Independence Technology (a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary), which was marketing and selling the iBot wheelchair created by Segway inventor, Dean Kamen. I was amazed by the technology and how it could really impact a person's life. However, it was a difficult battle to get it recognized and "prescribed" and the cost (in 2006, it was around $26,000) was steep. As a marketeer, I couldn't see myself being able to market this in the long run.
When I saw the article on the Exmovere Chariot, I decided to check up on where the iBot was. Needless to say, I was sadden to see that Johnson & Johnson announced that it was discontinuing the iBot and will only support the exhibit products until 2013.
I really hope that they are able to make a success of the Exmovere. It's very much a sad day to see a great technology like iBot, that transforms lives, lose marketing and distribution.
Technorati Tags: Chia-Lin Simmons, iBot, Dean Kamen, Exmovere
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Newspapers, Google and teaching Rupert a lesson
I know, I know. I've been hibernating and not blogging like I should. Be assured that I'll be back more regularly as I made a birthday vow this year to do so. But hey, I've been busy at work and been chatting up a storm on On Digital Media (ODM). So if you miss me, check me out there too!
What also got me off my butt to blog is that once in a while, a voice rings so true and so loud, that I keep thinking "I hope the big boys out there are listening!".
Recently, I visited Danny Sullivan's personal blog. He's responsible for Search Engine Land (which is an awesome site to visit for any marketeer!). He posted what I could consider a strong tongue lashing for newspapers. He also gave Rupert Murdoch (my old boss at Newscorp!) some search engine tips! ;)
It was one of the best, most brutal and honest analysis of the situation between Google and newspapers that I've read in a long time. A lot of us have been saying all this stuff (mainly grumbling to each other, or trying to get our point across to our newspaper friends), but Danny has articulated very succinctly how many of us feel about the situation.
thank you and bravo Danny!
What also got me off my butt to blog is that once in a while, a voice rings so true and so loud, that I keep thinking "I hope the big boys out there are listening!".
Recently, I visited Danny Sullivan's personal blog. He's responsible for Search Engine Land (which is an awesome site to visit for any marketeer!). He posted what I could consider a strong tongue lashing for newspapers. He also gave Rupert Murdoch (my old boss at Newscorp!) some search engine tips! ;)
It was one of the best, most brutal and honest analysis of the situation between Google and newspapers that I've read in a long time. A lot of us have been saying all this stuff (mainly grumbling to each other, or trying to get our point across to our newspaper friends), but Danny has articulated very succinctly how many of us feel about the situation.
thank you and bravo Danny!
Technorati Tags: Chia-Lin Simmons, Rupert Murdoch, Danny Sullivan, Search Engine Land, Google, Newspapers
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
I miss Wired of 1994 - 1996
I used to work at Wired when it was cool and edgy. Back in the mid-1990s. It was probably the coolest job a early 20 something could get. My boss was Mark Frauenfelder, the founder of bOing bOing and the now Editor-in-Chief of Make Magazine (which is extremely cool!). Yup, it's OK to be jealous!
My uber-bosses were Louis Rossetto and Jane Metcalfe, who provided a work place that was cool before Google thought it invented cool work places in the technology industry. Chef made meals? Check! Dogs in the work place? Check! Cool DJ at work, cookies baked in the afternoon, co-workers who were brilliant? Check, check and check. Oh and yes, I did do laundry at work too...(not so cool)
Why am I reminiscing?
Today, a former co-worker at Wired posted an old Netizen episode and shared it with the rest of our mailing list, a list comprised of former Wired-lings. I took a mini-break and watched 5 minutes while I took in some caffeine and it actually got me a little misty eyed. And no, it is not because I missed Todd Lappin's scruffy good looks!
I was misty-eyed because it reminded me of why I wanted to work in the Internet and Web industry in the first place. The sense of optimism I had about how the industry would re-shape how we communicate with the world and each other. How the world of commerce would be transformed, helping individuals to connect directly with producers of the products. That we could take media (print, audio, video) with us anywhere, anytime.
I was one of those people who started working in on the Internet (before it was cool to head into technology during the frenzy of the late 1990s) because I WAS A BELIEVER! I believe that technology would change the world and I wanted to be a part of it.
Am I now a lot more jaded?
Yeah.
I've pretty much only work in this industry and have done a lot and experienced a lot in digital media distribution.
But today, for that 5 minutes, I remember what I felt when I was 22 years old.
My uber-bosses were Louis Rossetto and Jane Metcalfe, who provided a work place that was cool before Google thought it invented cool work places in the technology industry. Chef made meals? Check! Dogs in the work place? Check! Cool DJ at work, cookies baked in the afternoon, co-workers who were brilliant? Check, check and check. Oh and yes, I did do laundry at work too...(not so cool)
Why am I reminiscing?
Today, a former co-worker at Wired posted an old Netizen episode and shared it with the rest of our mailing list, a list comprised of former Wired-lings. I took a mini-break and watched 5 minutes while I took in some caffeine and it actually got me a little misty eyed. And no, it is not because I missed Todd Lappin's scruffy good looks!
I was misty-eyed because it reminded me of why I wanted to work in the Internet and Web industry in the first place. The sense of optimism I had about how the industry would re-shape how we communicate with the world and each other. How the world of commerce would be transformed, helping individuals to connect directly with producers of the products. That we could take media (print, audio, video) with us anywhere, anytime.
I was one of those people who started working in on the Internet (before it was cool to head into technology during the frenzy of the late 1990s) because I WAS A BELIEVER! I believe that technology would change the world and I wanted to be a part of it.
Am I now a lot more jaded?
Yeah.
I've pretty much only work in this industry and have done a lot and experienced a lot in digital media distribution.
But today, for that 5 minutes, I remember what I felt when I was 22 years old.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Chia-Lin "phone home" and recent geek cravings
Those who follow this blog know that I record a weekly (sometimes we fall behind) podcast on digital media call "On Digital Media" or ODM. Recently, I realized how much I missed engaging in geek talking with my friends.
While I still record the show, I now Skype in for the show and dial-in for our live show (October 16, so give us a ring!), I realize that "phoning" in is just not the same. I miss my geek friends. There's just something different about recording in studio together. To give you a sense of what it's like to do that, check out how Eric Rochow, a former guest of the show, describes the experience.
This makes me think that despite of being one of the biggest geeks around, I still relish the physical interaction between friends. Technology facilitate communications and helps us "stay in touch". But really, that's a little different from that homey feeling of live interaction, animated discussions where maybe just a little wine spills in studio from our frantic gesturing to make our points.
Anyhow, I recently also found a great little device, or up and coming device I'd like to discuss in my next posting and the podcast. Check out Plastic Logic's technology for an upcoming eReader. I'm going to make it my next gadget...
Let me know what you think and write me a note. I'll discuss this product more at length in my next posting.
TAG: Chia-Lin Simmons, On Digital Media, Eric Rochow, Brain Trust experience, Plastic Logic
While I still record the show, I now Skype in for the show and dial-in for our live show (October 16, so give us a ring!), I realize that "phoning" in is just not the same. I miss my geek friends. There's just something different about recording in studio together. To give you a sense of what it's like to do that, check out how Eric Rochow, a former guest of the show, describes the experience.
This makes me think that despite of being one of the biggest geeks around, I still relish the physical interaction between friends. Technology facilitate communications and helps us "stay in touch". But really, that's a little different from that homey feeling of live interaction, animated discussions where maybe just a little wine spills in studio from our frantic gesturing to make our points.
Anyhow, I recently also found a great little device, or up and coming device I'd like to discuss in my next posting and the podcast. Check out Plastic Logic's technology for an upcoming eReader. I'm going to make it my next gadget...
Let me know what you think and write me a note. I'll discuss this product more at length in my next posting.
TAG: Chia-Lin Simmons, On Digital Media, Eric Rochow, Brain Trust experience, Plastic Logic
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Gadget Girl pick of the week
Many of you know I have an unhealthy email/message addiction. I like to be connected at all times to the Internet.
I know, I know, it's ridiculous. But I like being connected to friends and family wherever I am. When I was in Paris (on a romantic week long vacation with my husband), I actually had a bit of withdrawal because I didn't have a cell phone or Internet access. Sad, but true.
So imagine my delight, when I saw the Spot Messenger. A satellite gizmo that's really created for sports and adventure aficionados. The Spot Messenger it utilizes a satellite with GPS to track your location and allows you to send SMS or email messages and your location (displayed on Google maps) to a select group of friends and family.
The most obvious application of this product is of course, is its 911 features, which allows for tracking in case of emergencies when you are out of reach of conventional cell phone coverage. The company provides video testimonials of dramatic rescues (such as the Bertsch family) where the Spot Messenger saved the day.
Alternative usage of this device of course would also include traveling to a location with spotty cell phone coverage or little to no phone coverage. It's a nice device to have just to stay connected with your family and let them know where you are.
A $99USD/year package buys you unlimited 911, ask for help, and check-in services. For an additional $7.95 USD/yr at the time of activation, you can get an additional $100,000 of additional search and rescue resources - including helicopter extraction around the world! - underwritten by Lloyd's of London.
The Gadget Girl in me really, really wants this device! Spot Messenger folks, send me a unit, an one-year subscription and the additional search and rescue package! Just in case I need an helicopter extraction in the near future....
OK, Sydney Bristow (um, I mean Chia-Lin Simmons...), signing out.
I know, I know, it's ridiculous. But I like being connected to friends and family wherever I am. When I was in Paris (on a romantic week long vacation with my husband), I actually had a bit of withdrawal because I didn't have a cell phone or Internet access. Sad, but true.
So imagine my delight, when I saw the Spot Messenger. A satellite gizmo that's really created for sports and adventure aficionados. The Spot Messenger it utilizes a satellite with GPS to track your location and allows you to send SMS or email messages and your location (displayed on Google maps) to a select group of friends and family.
The most obvious application of this product is of course, is its 911 features, which allows for tracking in case of emergencies when you are out of reach of conventional cell phone coverage. The company provides video testimonials of dramatic rescues (such as the Bertsch family) where the Spot Messenger saved the day.
Alternative usage of this device of course would also include traveling to a location with spotty cell phone coverage or little to no phone coverage. It's a nice device to have just to stay connected with your family and let them know where you are.
A $99USD/year package buys you unlimited 911, ask for help, and check-in services. For an additional $7.95 USD/yr at the time of activation, you can get an additional $100,000 of additional search and rescue resources - including helicopter extraction around the world! - underwritten by Lloyd's of London.
The Gadget Girl in me really, really wants this device! Spot Messenger folks, send me a unit, an one-year subscription and the additional search and rescue package! Just in case I need an helicopter extraction in the near future....
OK, Sydney Bristow (um, I mean Chia-Lin Simmons...), signing out.
Monday, April 21, 2008
PlayStation to (Finally) get Movies, TV shows, etc? Not likely soon....
I love video games. I love gaming. I love the PlayStation. I'm not ashamed as a woman to say that last Christmas, I had to think long and hard about whether I wanted a necklace or a PlayStation 3 as a gift. Those of you who listen to my podcast knows that I'm called OneGadgetGirl for my love of consolidated technology. My dream is to have a really reliable all-in-one portable device and other technology.
Imagine my excitement when I headed over to the PlayStation Blog and saw a posting by Sr. VP of Marketing and PlayStation Network, Peter Dille, that PlayStation may finally offer a long hoped for digital download solution for entertainment. Having had some professional history in this area in working with Sony, this came as a happy suprise.
Upon further reading, I realized that I had to read between the lines here. There was nothing of substance here that would address the issue that has always held up digital download services at Sony: DRM, "usage" availability, portability, cost of digital products and potential revenue share with partners. DRM is the major issue here. Nothing said beyond that the files would work across many devices. Hum...what that mean?
A stronger statement of course, would have been for PlayStation to come out and state what type of "open" standards it was supporting for DRM. It would give us fans a feeling of reassurance (or resignation).
I suspect that I will not be able to use the files I purchased from Sony on my Treo, Blackberry, iPod, SanDisk MP3, Creative MP3 or Garmin GPS system. But perhaps I'm just a glass half-empty gal? Please prove me wrong Sony!
Imagine my excitement when I headed over to the PlayStation Blog and saw a posting by Sr. VP of Marketing and PlayStation Network, Peter Dille, that PlayStation may finally offer a long hoped for digital download solution for entertainment. Having had some professional history in this area in working with Sony, this came as a happy suprise.
Upon further reading, I realized that I had to read between the lines here. There was nothing of substance here that would address the issue that has always held up digital download services at Sony: DRM, "usage" availability, portability, cost of digital products and potential revenue share with partners. DRM is the major issue here. Nothing said beyond that the files would work across many devices. Hum...what that mean?
A stronger statement of course, would have been for PlayStation to come out and state what type of "open" standards it was supporting for DRM. It would give us fans a feeling of reassurance (or resignation).
I suspect that I will not be able to use the files I purchased from Sony on my Treo, Blackberry, iPod, SanDisk MP3, Creative MP3 or Garmin GPS system. But perhaps I'm just a glass half-empty gal? Please prove me wrong Sony!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Non-tech related rant: civility in the modern world
Generally, I use this blog to discuss technology related news, latest work (tech of course) related interests, etc. Today, I felt compelled to write something about civility in the modern world.
I take the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) system from my Oakland home to work in San Francisco. This system is similar to a subway, but in many ways function much like trains that take commuters from CT or NJ into New York City. Perhaps many of you would disagree with me on this, but my expectations tend to be fairly low for New York subways and transit systems and the general civility of people who ride on them.
This is based on my own experience. In 2005, I fell off the sidewalk accidentally in New York City and broken my ankle after a job interview. I was visibly limping, in pain and sadly, was crying (just a little). I still had to get home however and could not find a cab in sight. Thus I had to limp my way to a subway to get to the train station and back to New Jersey. On the subway, despite the obviousness of my injury, not one person gave up their seat in on the NYC subway line to let me sit. Not even for those seats that are "federally" mandated for the elderly and disable. All people sitting were able bodied and young.
When I moved here (for some reason,) I expected more from my Bay Area dwellers. Perhaps it's because Californians tend to pride themselves on being friendly. In the Bay Area, this is especially true. There's this attitude and people tend to think that they live in this friendly, liberal town, filled with nice people.
This morning, I found myself staring at a lazy, twenty-something year old woman with a red Blackberry sitting in the "federally" protected seat on the BART. Right in front of her? An older woman with an ankle brace, and x-rays for the obvious broken/sprain leg. I was quite obvious in staring at this uncivil, blond, twenty-year-old twit. She avoided all contact with people and sat her butt on that seat and never gave it up for the other woman. I was angry. Very angry.
I blame myself as well. I should have just tapped that idiot and said to her "You have to give up your seat. This woman has a right to sit down. You don't. Get your lazy butt up!"
The episode this morning left me feeling slightly depressed about the state of civility in the modern world and how we treat each other as human beings. Perhaps I'm making a mountain out of a mole hill. It made me resolved to speak up more often when I see lack of civility among our fellow city dwellers and resolved to do more to change that if I can.
I take the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) system from my Oakland home to work in San Francisco. This system is similar to a subway, but in many ways function much like trains that take commuters from CT or NJ into New York City. Perhaps many of you would disagree with me on this, but my expectations tend to be fairly low for New York subways and transit systems and the general civility of people who ride on them.
This is based on my own experience. In 2005, I fell off the sidewalk accidentally in New York City and broken my ankle after a job interview. I was visibly limping, in pain and sadly, was crying (just a little). I still had to get home however and could not find a cab in sight. Thus I had to limp my way to a subway to get to the train station and back to New Jersey. On the subway, despite the obviousness of my injury, not one person gave up their seat in on the NYC subway line to let me sit. Not even for those seats that are "federally" mandated for the elderly and disable. All people sitting were able bodied and young.
When I moved here (for some reason,) I expected more from my Bay Area dwellers. Perhaps it's because Californians tend to pride themselves on being friendly. In the Bay Area, this is especially true. There's this attitude and people tend to think that they live in this friendly, liberal town, filled with nice people.
This morning, I found myself staring at a lazy, twenty-something year old woman with a red Blackberry sitting in the "federally" protected seat on the BART. Right in front of her? An older woman with an ankle brace, and x-rays for the obvious broken/sprain leg. I was quite obvious in staring at this uncivil, blond, twenty-year-old twit. She avoided all contact with people and sat her butt on that seat and never gave it up for the other woman. I was angry. Very angry.
I blame myself as well. I should have just tapped that idiot and said to her "You have to give up your seat. This woman has a right to sit down. You don't. Get your lazy butt up!"
The episode this morning left me feeling slightly depressed about the state of civility in the modern world and how we treat each other as human beings. Perhaps I'm making a mountain out of a mole hill. It made me resolved to speak up more often when I see lack of civility among our fellow city dwellers and resolved to do more to change that if I can.
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