OpenSSL, noun; The most popular open-source library used to implement secure encryptions for websites, e-mail servers and applications. SSL stands for ‘Secure Sockets Layer’, and OpenSSL simply means that anyone with the means can contribute to You’ve likely heard a lot…
The newly released Internet-connected building blocks are the grown-up’s Legos. littleBits; n, Blocks built of tiny circuit boards that snap together like Legos, but using magnets instead of plastic shapes. Each bit is programmed to perform a specific function (like light,…
Google’s Project Tango experiment made a surprise appearance at the Mobile World Congress this week. It is not a tango-ing robot (but they should make that, just for kicks). Project Tango, noun; An experimental Google smartphone with a number of cameras and…
The name is pretty self explanatory, but how does the new tech work? 3-D Printing; verb, The process of creating a three-dimensional, solid object from a digital model. 3-D printed objects can be made from plastic, glass, silver, and a variety…
A newly-crowned Crunchie winner and fan-favorite at last month’s Consumer Electronics Show, the Oculus Rift is about to get even more hype. Oculus Rift, noun; A head-mounted display for games developed for virtual reality. In short, you can live-play video games…
How does your hacker friend get that cool custom look on his iPhone? Jailbreaking; v, To access the root of the iOS operating system in order to make customizations to a device. (It sounds a lot scarier than it really…
These wearable gadgets have been around for a while now, but the hype hasn’t died down. What are they all about? Google Glass, n; A wearable computer system that adds a display to your daily vision. With it, you can…
If you just figured out the difference between the curvy light bulbs and the old ones, let us introduce you to something completely new. OLED, n; A reemerging style of lightweight light technology used to create digital displays. In long form,…
It’s the hot topic at CES 2014. But what exactly is the “Internet of Things”? Internet of Things, n; The basic interconnected-ness of objects through the wireless Internet. So, being able to control things (and things being able to control themselves)…
It’s New Year’s Eve, and parties abound. If you’re heading out with your best friend of yours who never carries cash (even when you remind them a million times about the door cover or cash-only bar), get acquainted with your new best…
Android Launcher, noun; Technically, it’s the homescreen of an Android phone. There are launchers built into an Android phone’s code (which is why each manufacturer can sell its own look), but there are also apps that let users customize the look…
iBeacon, noun; An indoor positioning system developed by Apple that can send push notifications to devices close by. It senses your location and puts it in context to push out deals, information, and even enable payments. iBeacon tech is already…
