. Durbz Blog

Please note that this blog has moved to http://www.marcforrest.com

Thursday, August 02, 2007

A new chapter

I have decided after a few long chats with a very clever man, about moving my blog to my own personalised blog and domain. So this will be the last post of a long & exciting chapter that was
Durbzblog.

From now on this blog will be hosted at http://MarcForrest.com.
I will be focusing on ways to make our lives easier in the internet, and how with mini life hacks we can get this done easier and faster.
Big thanks to everyone who has supported me with Durbzblog, but for now, its time to move on to MarcForrest.com

Don't forget to update your RSS feed to http://www.marcforrest.com/feed/
Catch you on the flipside !!!

Monday, July 30, 2007

QR Codes & Data Matrix Codes

I have recently been doing some research into a newish technology that is the craze in Japan.

It is called QR Code or Datamartrix and is essentially a 2D barcode which allows you to loads more of than your traditional 1D (Every day barcodes), into a barcode format, which can be scanned to allow this info to be read.
Most popular at the moment is readers have now become available for Mobile phones. This allows a person to quicly scan the QR code, and then access a site directly from their phone. You can also generate a code to email you, or even SMS you.

Johnson & Johnson have started implementing these codes globally on thier products, that can be scanned with a 2D barcode scanner, which contains vital information, about the product, like Manufactured date, lot number, expiry date etc etc. Some info on it here

A site called Semapedia, have started linking Wikipeida Articles and Data Matrix codes that allow a full page to be printed out and placed next to the object. So for example when you standing outside a museum in London and you want to know the history behind it, you can scan the Data Matrix code with your phone, and it will take you to the Wikipeida Page, and tell you the history

Generating the codes is simple, and there are quite a few sites which allow you to generate these codes and share them.

To download a reader for your phone: Check http://reader.kaywa.com (Most phones including a Java Reader) or http://www.quickmark.com.tw/En/. You can also generate QR & Data Matrix codes on these sites.

I reckon this has a potential to become a whole lot bigger in South Africa & Africa where a vast majority of the population has access to cellphones. I would love to hear some comments and Ideas how this could be used in modern day life.

Saturday, July 28, 2007

27 Dinners Rock

Last night we had our first 27 Dinner in Durbz, and it was awesome. Thanks to everyone who made the effort to come out and join us, and a BIG BIG thank you to Annice from Immedia who sponsored all the food for the evening. Awesome. Annice did a great chat about the development they have done for East coast radio, and how they have intergarted blogs into the radio. Michael Chadbourne also did an awesome talk about a new open source Maths project he is launching in the next few weeks...watch this space ;)
Also a big thanks to Eran eSquared for sponsoring a gift voucher for one of their amazing t-shirts. Stormhoek sponsored us way way to much wine, which never seems to be a problem ;) The more the merrier... Finally a big thanks to Ciao Itallia for a fantastic venue, everyone loved the vibe & food.

All in all it was an awesome evening, and a big up to Dave & Mike for giving me the opportunity to get this going in durbz. Can't wait for the next one on the 27th September. Book the date !!!

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Another one for your reader - tycoon.co.za

Came across a new SA blog on the block, when browsing amatomu.com this morning. It is called tycoon.co.za, and covers a broad range of economic and everyday questions about money and the sorts.
"In simple words, Tycoon is a site for everyone who wants to find out a little more about how the world of economics and money affects the real world"

Everything from "What you really pay at the petrol pump" to "Why young SA cyclists are starting to make it..."

Interesting stuff -> www.tycoon.co.za

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

27 Dinner just around the corner...

Friday evening sees the first 27 Dinner being hosted in Durbz. Dave Duarte will be coming up to Durbs to join us and help host the evening. The venue is Ciao Itallia in Westville, @ 7pm.
If you still keen to join us, get your name on the wiki at -> http://27dinner.pbwiki.com/Durban

Thursday, July 12, 2007

New look iPhone

This is how I would like to see the iPhone when it is next released :)

Blended into it's infancy.

Friday, July 06, 2007

I'm becoming a Hoeker

I have just received my bottle of 2007 Sauvignon Blanc from stormhoek, which I ordered through cherrypicka.com.
Cherrypicka is an awesome site from the cherryflava guys which allows you to buy a "test-ticket" to test out pre release items such as this wine

I am honoured to be bottle no. 41 of 102 and my name "engraved" on the bottle. Can't wait to test it out :)
Get your own bottle with your name @ cherrypicka.com for only 20 ZAR. Yip R20 delivery included...

Also join the Stormhoek facebook group -> http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2388408693