Freescale Showcase

I went with my parents to a really cool exhibit tonight that really blew me away. The Marriot downtown housed a Freescale Exhibit this week to showcase all of the products and real world applications that use their technology. We are all so proud of the hard work that my dad has put into the behind the scenes Freescale success, so it's cool to see what the company really does.

This truck drives around nationwide during the year to show off the products of the present as well as ideas for the future. One concept that stands out in my mind is being able to wirelessly monitor and adjust utilities in your home based on the feedback that it generates. There were a lot of different applications for this "smart" technology. They were as simple as turning off a light bulb from your phone, or as complex as supplying you with feedback for the hue of the light that you prefer when you arrive home from work. I joked that I could receive alerts on my phone when David leaves the closet light on or has the AC running too much in the house, so I could then harass him! (As if he needs any more of that.)

The products within the actual exhibit were just as cool. I almost felt like I wanted to pursue an engineering degree again. Another smart technology product was a bed that contained sensors to monitor your sleep habits. A lack of movement assumed an ideal sleeping environment. If the sensors picked up on movement, then various conditions (light, sound, mattress firmness, etc) were analyzed and then adjusted to achieve a fully rested state again.

By far, the coolest and most inspiring product out there was the Sam car. It is named after a former racecar driver that became quadriplegic after a car crash. Technology was created to allow him to drive again, and he actually took the car out earlier this morning at the F1 track here in Austin. I felt privileged to get to try out the simulator! The sensors were attached to the hat. Speed was controlled through exhaling and inhaling through a straw, and driving was controlled through subtle head rotation.

After our guided tour throughout the room, the remainder of the night was party time! Robert DeLong and Cake performed a private concert @ ACL Moody Theature for Freescale employees and guests of the weeklong event. It was really fun and both of them were better than expected!