More news in the mobile tech world – Google is now opening up the Android app development platform: App Inventor.

Some info: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/12/technology/12google.html?ref=technology

Besides the obvious – competition with the world of iPhone apps – it’s definitely an interesting thing to note about opening up app development to the masses, promoting active engagement and involvement from end users, and indicating just how ingrained mobile tech, namely our phones, have become in our every day lives.

What’s the latest trends in the Internet?

http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/5_key_trends_of_2010_half-year_report_for_the_web.php

There’s an interesting article about Google’s inroads toward language translation on the web.  It does weave itself into other bigger picture and systemic questions of how we learn language, information exchange, and the types of skills that are being focused on in the current knowledge economy.

Today, a group of computer programmers, web developers, and other technology folks are pooling knowledge and efforts to see how technology can help in the rebuilding of Haiti: Techies to help Haiti. It’s an interesting idea and I think it’s great to start exploring different ways many the skills and tools that are sometimes taken for granted (accessing satellite imagery and maps via Google Maps and Google Earth to creating online communication networks for relief workers and survivors) could help Haiti.

And while much can be said that these sort of technology discussions could have taken place sooner and more importantly, their ideas implemented before the earthquake, I think it’s inspiring to see how many folks are trying to pool their knowledge and skills to help Haiti in this disaster.  Let us keep thinking, keep trying, and keep helping so many in such need right now in Haiti.