Author: Jesse Wilson

"We think technology should work for you—to be there when you need it and get out of the way when you don't."

Project Glass is Google's awesome new concept. Quick hint—it's got to do with glasses. Within minutes of releasing this project on Google+, the post went viral and currently has over 10,000 shares. The concept behind Project Glass is intoxicating, something that got me interested in it immediately. Basically, Project Glass is a pair of glasses that rule your technology filled lives.

Want to know the temperature? Just look outside and the temperature pops up on your glasses. Want to get directions? Simply tell your glasses where you want to go, a map will appear and directions will be given to you. The possibilities behind something like Project Glass are endless. This video below showcases just some simple ways in which the glasses could be used;

• Make phone calls
• Find out the weather details
• Take photos
• Get directions
• Make appointments
• Find where your friends are and show friends where you are
• Update status on the go

If these glasses were to ever go into production a variety of issues could be brought along with them. Like mobile phones, they can be a huge distraction and when used at the wrong time could possibly cause accidents (e.g. while driving). Having the glasses on all the time would also cause a lot of cases where privacy is being invaded, where everyone could have almost instant access to a camera all the time.

Along with any new device/piece of technology there are going to be downsides, here at Zise though, we like to look at the upsides. Here are some cool ideas we came up with that these glasses could be used for:

• Virtual Reality gaming
• Conference calls on the go
• Used as action camera

After the release of this video, people started to come up with their own quirky ideas for the glasses. Here was our favourite:

With the release of Facebook's Timeline for Brands, we have decided to do something new and funky with our cover image. Check it out and be sure to ask us about getting a cover design for your business. www.facebook.com/zisewebdesign

In the busy world of computer tablets, many of the leading manufacturers are continuously fighting for control over the consumer population, with most tablet users heading for the extremely well known and popular iPad's. In recent months however, tablets running different versions of Android (an OS created and run by Google) have become increasingly popular taking back some of Apples market.

The most popular Android based tablet to date has been the Samsung Galaxy Tab, which has a fairly decent price tag of around AUD$579. This is where Asus' new 7-inch tablet will take podium. The tablet will be running the latest version of Android, Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0 and will sport Nvidia's Tegra 3 chipset, which is a quad-core processor. At 7-inches it won't be too bulky or heavy and at the same time, will still feel like a tablet. It will have a resolution of 1200x800px, will contain and 8MP rear camera and will have micro USB and micro HDMI ports.

Considering how powerful this tablet is, you would expect it to have a hefty price, but no. At US$259 it should arrive in Australia with a price tag just under $400 in the second half of 2012.

If you have been on the internet today and gone to Wikipedia you would have noticed something a little different to normal. The 24 hour 'Blackout' is underway to protest against SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) and PIPA (Protect IP Act). Hundred's of major websites have protested in different ways against these two acts including Wikipedia, Wired, Reddit, WordPress, Twitter, Facebook and Google.

The most notable of the blackouts would have to be Wikipedia, one of the most visited sites on the internet being completely blacked out. Most sites used interesting methods in which their content was still able to be viewed (see the Wired.com screenshot below) but Wikipedia was completely shut down.

SOPA is a massive issue in America, but it is also going to effect anyone who uses the internet regularly. PIPA, if passed, will give corporations the right to get other website showing their material shutdown permanently and have their domain blocked. This means social networking sites, in particular Google+ and Facebook, will become liable for any content that their users' post. If they fail to remove infringing content, they can become subject to shutdown.

Even though these acts are in America, if passed, will effect Australia too. If you are interested in discussing SOPA further, check out the Zise Facebook Page. Also, if you are interested in learning more about SOPA and PIPA check out Stop Online Piracy Act | Wikipedia

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No one likes working in a boring workspace, no imagination, no freedom, creativity blocked out by the mess scrambled over your desk. Having a tidy, simple and well designed workspace can be extremely helpful in your productivity and the amount of creativeness you have. Get out of the boring and get into a functional and creative working environment.

The most important part of a good workspace is the functionality. There is no point having a beautiful space to work in if there isn't enough room for your keyboard to fit amongst your screens, no point having an awesome wall mount for your desk if its too high off the ground. Make sure when designing your workspace that you leave ample room for all of your equipment, suitable places where cords can be run out of sight and finally, make sure you leave enough room for books, paperwork and anything else you are likely to place on your desk as you use it.

As I mentioned above, one thing that greatly improves both the look and the functionality of a workspace is having every single cord, no matter where it is running to, hidden and out of sight. Having them hidden does not only make the whole space look much tidier but it also helps to avoid cords being knocked, pulled out or tripped over.

My last piece of advice before I show you some inspirational workspaces is; Simplicity is Creativity. The more simple your workspace is, the more freedom you have to move both physically and mentally. Having a tidy workspace leaves nothing to distract you from your work and will greatly help boost your productivity.

Finally, Lifehacker Australia is a great resource for workspace inspiration as once a week they showcase a featured workspace. Here is a list of my favorite workspaces from the Lifehacker Australia Website. Enjoy.

• Elevated Workspace
• Wood and White
• Basement
• Sleek White
• Chalkboard
• Deskbed
• Spacious Office
• Elegance Basement
• Compudesk
• Monitors & Fireworks
• Makeover