Paul's Blog of tech and nonsense (Only #Technology)

Paul's Blog of tech and nonsense (Only #Technology) http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ Paul's Blog of tech and nonsense en-us Matthew1471's BlogX / BlogX.co.uk Content © 2004-2005 Paul J Manoogian paul@manoogian.net paul@manoogian.net http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Thu, 5 Jan 2007 06:55 EST It's The New MACRO-Bolic! (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=381 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=381 So a good PR friend of mine pointed out something amazing to me; Macrovision acquired Mediabolic! I was in total shock. Now, I usually get the skinny on Mediabolic with Press Releases delivered to my "door" by their wonderful PR/marketing guy, but I got left off of the list, and maybe others did too. Which, to me, is just wrong, but I digress... I'm guessing that the folks at Macrovision didn't find me special enough. Oh how wrong they are...The press release describes the buy-out as an "Acquisition to Drive Consumer Access to Digital Content on Entertainment Devices throughout the Home." Personally, I think Mediabolic was doing just fine in this area, making great strides in the industry, and pushing some envelopes in many other places. As I've said before, I really like what they have to offer and thought that their success was more than wonderful.But then, there's this:<blockquote>SANTA CLARA, Calif. January 3, 2007 Macrovision Corporation (MVSN) today announced that, effective January 1, 2007, it acquired Mediabolic, Inc., a leading provider of software solutions for connected consumer electronics devices, such as televisions, set-top boxes and digital video recorders. Founded in 1999, Mediabolic was a privately-held company based in San Mateo, California. The acquisition of Mediabolic extends Macrovision's capabilities in the delivery and enhancement of digital content to a wide variety of connected consumer electronics devices, a strategic priority for Macrovision and its customers. Mediabolic's open and intuitive entertainment networking software platform is an ideal complement to Macrovision's industry leading content protection, enhancement and delivery technology, which is used by Hollywood studios and other owners of high-value content around the world. "Consumers want to interact with media and digital content whenever and wherever they want. Mediabolic is a key enabler of that experience and we believe in its innovative technology," said Fred Amoroso, CEO of Macrovision Corporation. "Mediabolic's software is a strong fit with our roadmap to help content owners transition from the world of physical media to the digital world on the strength of our technology and partner ecosystem." </blockquote>Which is all well and good, but I'm a little concerned about what Macrovision will do to a very good, clean, easy-to-use marketplace which is being filled by companies like Mediabolic. I think the consumers enjoy the freedom of their music, movies, and other fine digital stuff, without the lock-downs of copy protection schemes built in. Most devices deal with the DRM already, so I'm not exactly sure what happens to content that may be "backed-up" from people's private collections. I think everyone deserves the right to "rip a copy" of their movies to their hard-disk and stream it to a TV somewhere in the house, using some kind of hardware/software to deliver it. It makes things easy. Macrovision has been the policing agent for keeping illegal copies of movies from existing by making it hard to copy movies. Granted, people have gotten around this in many ways (and we all know it will continue), but I understand their purpose. Movies are expensive to make, so the investment needs to be protected. But you have to wonder what this type of move is going to do to the streaming entertainment environment? Maybe it's going to allow us to legally download movies (which can't be copied) to our Xboxs, PS3s, and PCs/NAS. Or, maybe it's going to keep us from being able to playback stuff through our own private networks in our homes. Only time will tell, I guess...I wish Mediabolic the best, as always, and I hope to hear great things coming from this acquisition. ... and I hope to remain a "key contact" for Macrovision as things move ahead.[Via: <a href="http://www.mediabolic.com/press/item.php?id=563">Mediabolic Press Release</a>] Wed, 4 Jan 2007 10:50 EST Mobile Advertising Gets Busy (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=380 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=380 Today, <a href="http://www.waterfallmobile.com">Waterfall Mobile</a>, is debuting its MSGME mobile marketing service. It is a mobile messaging platform that gives content owners the ability to add mobile interactivity to their current marketing - online, print, broadcast, or in-venue. It utilizes an easy-to-use web interface to help make publishing effortless, and gives content owners the power to create flexible mobile campaigns, customize their content delivery and send broadcast messages. Their service is built on LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) architecture and they also offer a Developer Toolkit which allows for dynamic publishing, integration of external applications to mobilize any business, and exporting analytics. The company is privately owned, founded by some former E*Trade guys – the CEO, Matthew Sechrest, also helped found E* Trade's venture arm, ArrowPath Venture Capital. Their VP of Engineering is Madhavan Rangarao, formerly of Enigmatic, BEA, and TIBCO. Current clients include the SF Film Society, Youth Noise, and E*Trade among others.So, just for fun (or if you're bored), you can send a message to MY paulsblog keyword from your phone and you'll get a response back. I'll try to keep it updated so you guys can play with it.Here's what you do, you break out your shiney mobile phone, and send a text message to MSGME (that's 67463), with the message text: paulsblog That'll get you a response. If you send a message with this text: paulsblog latest That'll get you one of my latest news articles. Eventually, I'll have it send you a whole bunch of RSS stuff, but for right now, I'll manually update it. I'm also currently working on a poll for you to answer though this method. This may add quite a good bit of new interactivity to Pauls Blog! Comments are certainly welcome![Via: <a href="http://www.waterfallmobile.com/">ANW Networks for Waterfall Mobile</a> - Thanks Lish!] Thu, 19 Dec 2006 04:26 EST Bill Gates Says DRM is Bad, MmKay? (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=366 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=366 The genius Cory Doctorow, from <a href="http://www.boingboing.net/" target="_New">Boing Boing</a>, reported about an interview with bloggers concerning Bill Gates' thoughts on DRM. Apparently, it was received a little strangely, considering his position on the whole thing. Understandably, though. I mean, if Bill Gates is against the way DRM is being handled, and Microsoft JUST opened up the "gates" allowing people to purchase music for their latest foray into the online music sales business, what does this actually mean for the consumer?Mr. Gates admitted that putting anti-copying technology into media makes it worse. He concluded by advising everyone to just forget about the DRM, by buying CDs and ripping them. Gates also included the statement that no one is satisfied with the current state of DRM, which "causes too much pain for legitmate buyers" while trying to explain the difference between legal and illegal uses. He claims that no-one has done it correctly at this time. He also asserts that there are "huge problems" with DRM. and "we need more flexible models," such as the ability to "buy an artist out for life." Gates also had criticism for DRM schemes which try to install intelligence in each copy so that it is device specific. His advice for now was: "People should just buy a cd and rip it. You are legal then."For more on this story, check out the details at <a href="http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/12/14/bill-gates-on-the-future-of-drm/" target="_New">Techcrunch</a> [Via: <a href="http://www.boingboing.net/" target="_New">BoingBoing</a>] Mon, 9 Nov 2006 10:26 EST ViaTalk Says "Take A Test-Drive!" (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=352 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=352 If you're sick of your current phone company, or maybe even your current Broadband VoIP telephone company, it's time to give ViaTalk <a href="http://www.viatalk.com/">Broadband Phone Service</a> a look-see!ViaTalk is a newer debt-free company from New York (that's in the USA, by the way), that is currently offering VoIP service in over 2200 metro markets in all of these United States. They have a full featured telephone service including all of the goodies that we've come to know and love. For just $16 a month, you can get their VT_UNLIMITED plan, which includes e911, voicemail, Caller ID, Call Waiting, Call Forwarding, Call Return (*69), and free "in-network" calling.They're currently running a special for 6 free months, with no initial equipment fees, and fast and easy installation. ...and if you're a little skeptical, they're BBBonline certified - for your protection.They are a USA based company focused on delivering broadband telephone service to those of us in the US, but who knows, maybe they'll expand to the Eurpoean market, soon.Their website is easy to navigate and get things started, so you should take a look. I, myself, love VoIP, so I'm interested in their offering to see what might be for me. Since my wife and I both work at home, the more solutions the better!<a href="http://www.counttrackula.com/tracker/links/1446/7410">ViaTalk</a><img src="http://www.counttrackula.com/tracker/images/1444/7410.gif" />[<a href="http://www.payperpost.com/" target="_New">Sponsored Post</a> - <a href="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Disclaimer.asp">Disclaimer</a>] Mon, 9 Nov 2006 09:56 EST LifeSize Brings Larger Than Life Video Conferencing (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=351 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=351 Video conferencing is something that many companies have been doing for years. I've been in the IT industry for many years and have found my way to many conferences both in the office on TV screens, as well as with little tiny web-cams between collegues. The biggest problem, for me, at least has been the quality of the conference. Sometimes the picture is good, sometimes it isn't. Sometimes the sound is just a mess. Often times, forget trying to read those slides they transmit!The company, LifeSize, has an interesting <a href="http://www.lifesize.com/solutions/">Video Conferencing System</a> out there for you corporate warriors who would much rather not travel and still have efficient meetings. LifeSize Room is a HDTV for your video communications needs. It combines quality and user simplicity to make remote communications a more productive, and realistic, experience. The fully integrated system connects to most displays in any size conference room and provides crystal clear video clarity, along with high fidelity audio - which, I think I already mentioned, is key! <center><img src="images/articles/lifesize_videoproducts.jpg"</center>LifeSize Room includes embedded 4-way HD multipoint capabilities to connect several participants. The HD video communications run at 1280 x 720 res, with 30 frames per second. Along with the HD PTZ camera, you can use the solution in single or dual monitor display modes. It comes integrated with a "super wide-band speakerphone" so you can acually hear everyone in the room (gone are those awful conference room phones!)! It works with today's (and some of the recent yesterday's) standards-based support for H.264, H.263 and H.239, along with embedded 4-way multipoint with continuous presence. It uses IP to ISDN and V.35 connectivity with the LifeSize Networker enhanced gateway agent.You can top this all off with a simplistic user interface and dual-stream support for sharing PC and multimedia content. You can even manage everything through LifeSize Control software interface, including interfaces with products like Microsoft Outlook scheduling; which I basically live out of, these days. So, if you're ready to check out a real corporate communications video conferencing platform, take a look at <a href="http://www.lifesize.com" target="_New">LifeSize</a>. [<a href="http://www.payperpost.com/" target="_New">Sponsored Post</a> - <a href="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Disclaimer.asp">Disclaimer</a>] Sat, 7 Nov 2006 06:04 EST XBOX Live: We're As Good As Apple! (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=345 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=345 Some time last night, the story broke that Microsoft will add downloadable movies and TV shows to the Xbox Live marketplace. Mr. Xbox 360 himself, Peter Moore, delivered the news that will make XBOX360ers all happy. From Microsoft: Movies and TV on your XboxMicrosoft Corp. November 6 announced agreements with CBS, MTV Networks, Paramount Pictures, Turner Broadcasting System Inc. (TBS Inc.), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment to bring an initial lineup of over 1,000 hours of hit TV shows and movies to Xbox 360™ gamers in the U.S. by the end of the year. Furthermore, Xbox 360 will be the first gaming console to bring standard and high-definition TV shows and movies via digital distribution over the Internet directly to the consumer.Beginning Nov. 22, on its first anniversary, Xbox 360 will be the first gaming console in history to provide high-definition TV shows and movies directly to gamers in their living rooms. Xbox 360 gamers will have access to the full-length TV shows as downloads to own and movies to rent via download from the Xbox Live® network, the worldwide leader in online distribution of high-definition gaming and entertainment content. This announcement also brings with it several additional "firsts":* For the first time, consumers will get an integrated gaming and entertainment experience on a gaming console that includes downloadable high-definition TV shows and movies. This new full-length content adds to the ever-expanding number of choices gamers have on their Xbox 360, whether they want to play games or play a movie on a disc or as a download in high definition or standard definition.* For the first time CBS will deliver high-definition download-to-own TV shows including "CSI," "Jericho," "Numb3rs" and remastered "Star Trek" episodes; gamers can buy them and watch them repeatedly.* For the first time on any platform, NASCAR.COM will deliver download-to-own condensed versions of select NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series races from "Race Rewind."* For the first time, the Ultimate Fighting Championship will make 50 of its most intense fights available for download as well as select episodes from the original season of "The Ultimate Fighter" reality series.The curiousity I have is how much content will their partners be delivering from the start? I'll assume that many companies will want to tap both markets of iTunes and Xbox Live to make sure people can buy their wares for iPods as well as Xboxes and the upcoming Zune. It will be an interesting business model, going forward. I'm sure I can find some stats and create a humble view of the world, here. Hmmm... I wonder who might find this interesting, other than me? Sun, 1 Nov 2006 13:53 EST Turntable Review: Been There Before (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=341 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=341 So, I'm reading one of my favorite blogs (<a href="http://www.gizmodo.com" target="_New">Gizmodo</a>), and there's a really cheeky article about this Firebox turntable. Some friends of mine, and I, were talking about these things a long time ago. In fact, I pointed this thing out when I saw it on the Target Website in EARLY Spring! So, I figured I'd rant about the blog post, because it was a little annoying to someone my age.See, the device is actually pretty cool. You can rip your old Vinyl via this USB connected belt-drive turntable and free "open source" Audacity software.<center><img src="images/articles/fireboxturntable.jpg"></center>Now, the article has all of these silly comments about us old people trying to find our 18-year-old past via old vinyl. I think what some "youngsters" don't understand is that this isn't just a way to reminisce about our past, but it's a way to preserve those grooves of music and voice that aren't available in the latest forms of playback. Some people might even remember the ability to cut your own records in little booths at places like the Empire State Building in New York. Imagine having the ability to listen to - or preserve - the voice of your long-since-gone family members and friends? Sure, sometimes it's about listening to your high-school jazz band playing on that old scratchy record, but sometimes it's more than that. It's preservation of memories, or irreplaceable content, and it's not all silly. Mon, 30 Oct 2006 07:04 EST YouTube Get Legal-er (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=327 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=327 <img src="images/articles/YouTubePageClip2.jpg" height="120" width="120">It was bound to happen, wasn't it? Once Google (who I thought was cool) got a hold of YouTube, suddenly a whole bunch of content disappears. 30,000 clips, to be close-enough to exact. The <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/2/hi/business/6069692.stm">BBC </a> reported that YouTube cut 30,000 illegal clips from its online inventory on or around October 20th. To take a short quote: "YouTube cuts 30,000 illegal clips (Fri, 20 Oct 2006 11:43:25 GMT) Web service YouTube removes nearly 30,000 files after Japanese complaints of copyright infringement."The Japanese? Isn't most of Asia where all of the illegal copies of software, movies, music, and applications? I'm willing to be a big man and actually take my lumps for the comment, when I have some stats (other than the general media) to prove me wrong. So, if I'm wrong, let me know. I'll be happy to retract my comment.Oh, well... so much for having fun on the web with YouTube! I guess I'll have to find some way to get my hands on that "Weird Al" video that doesn't exist in digital form that's purchasable! Fri, 27 Oct 2006 16:21 EST Mediabolic "Pushes" More Out the Door! (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=323 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=323 Just released from <a href="http://www.mediabolic.com/" target="_New">Mediabolic </a> is Mediabolic's Software Update Services program. It lets their customers (companies that produce devices which can install Mediabolic's code) "push" updated firmware out to their products, either with or without end-user intervention. With Software Update Services, a manufacturer can fix problems before the consumer experiences them. They can also do remote diagnostics, update DRM keys, and add new, revenue- generating applications to their installed base. In addition, Mediabolic also announced Buffalo, Inc. as the first customer to sign up for their new service. They're using it today to keep their deployed LinkTheater PC-P4 network media players up-to-date.It's obvious that Buffalo and Mediabolic have a very close relationship, and it can be seen by the quick adaptation of Mediabolic's software updates into Buffalo's products.Now, if I could just get my Roku Soundbridge to update and work with iTunes 7! ... I guess Roku isn't using Mediabolic's new updater... ;) Wed, 25 Sep 2006 08:47 EST Hold the FONPod! Podcasting comes directly to your phone. (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=320 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=320 Fōnpods transforms the mobile phone into a mobile entertainment system, untethering consumers from the PC. In a press release from LOS ANGELES, Calif., and SAN DIEGO, Calif. on September 25, 2006, via Trier and Company – Fōnpods, Inc., an industry leader in providing content for mobile devices, today unveiled at DEMOfall, the global leading technology product launch conference, the capabilities of its podcast by phone service. Fōnpods' proprietary platform is designed to provide convenient, cost-free mobile access to digital audio content – podcasts in particular - through the mobile phone. "Fōnpods has developed a unique way to access relevant Internet content on demand while on the go," said Chris Shipley, executive producer of the DEMO conferences. "I expect to see some more exciting developments in the mobile content arena this coming year and Fōnpods is unequivocally among the next-generation of technology companies to be pioneering new platforms for mobile communications."Fōnpods created a technology platform that was created to allow consumers to access digital content (such as podcasts) directly by phone. The service provides users with PC and Internet content optimized for an on-the-go mobile experience – creating a fusion of interactive content and portable media – and allowing users to access their audio content from a landline, mobile or VoIP phone. This experience is supported by Fōnpods' back-end services featuring a rapidly growing and searchable catalog of available podcasts. A Web-based interface allows users to customize and create their own listening “channels,” as well as produce their own content, share content, or collaborate with friends and colleagues. Additional functionality allows users to organize, tag, or rate podcasts - from any web-access device - with all major browsers being supported. Fōnpods significantly increases portability of podcasts without the need for additional expensive consumer devices, such as your standard iPod, or the coming Microsoft Zune, and eliminates the complexity of managing those podcasts. So easy, it's just click, pick, and dial. Fōnpods' service offerings include:• Easy Set-up• Large Searchable Library of Content (podcasts, etc.)• Free Access to Fōnpods• Customizable Services and Content• Simple Sharing and Collaboration Tools (rating mechanisms and group tagging) I think if they would partner with the major carriers (and that's probably their plan)... they'd do great. I'm sure Verizon would get in on "the details" and make some money via their "Get It Now" service. But the "cost-free" thing seems like something they're trying to not transfer to the comsumer. Maybe the content providers are the ones paying? It would be good to have a "pay-to-be-heard" model with podcasts. These days so many people pump out such junk (points to self). It would definitely narrow the "poor quality" scope. Of course, it would also push out the openness of the "technology" and purpose behind it. So maybe that isn't the perfect scenario, but hey, we're breaking some relatively new ground, here.[Via: Press Release FONPod] Thanks Lish! Thu, 19 Jan 2006 04:22 EST The Future Of Everything (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=311 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=311 As I read so many blogs, I rarely find anything that I want to report (I've said this a million times before, I know). Well, sometimes you have to think about what other people think.Here's a concept idea, of which all geeks have prayed to the their respective gods and pointed their tinfoil hats towards. <a href="http://www.plusminus.ru/call.html">This guy</a> has come up with a concept for the universal ubiquitous tool for everything. Admittedly, wouldn't this be nice? He's managed to combine the functionality of keys, credit cards, discount cards, phones, MP3 players and the rest of it.<center><img src="images/articles/futurephone.jpg"></center>Of course, I've also always said that I can't stand most levels of convergence. The problem for me always lies with the fact that, when you squeeze everything into one device, you suddenly end up with a whole bunch of half-assed products; low-res cameras, low memory mp3 players, poor quality phones, and the list goes on. Granted, you CAN make this work, it's just a matter of what you're really willing to give up to get that all-in-one supah-bling-bling device.So, if anyone is reading this, what's your take? Tue, 31 Oct 2005 07:40 EST Scottsmen Use SMS For Lesson Plans (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=294 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=294 Students at a Scottish university are to have their lecture notes sent to their mobile phones in a pioneering bid to replace paper handouts in classes, reports Scotsman News.<blockquote>"Dr Ayse Goker, from the school of computing at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, is planning to run a trial of the system in her lectures next year.The system, called AmbieSense, uses hi-tech chips in lecture rooms that are capable of beaming information to mobile phones nearby.If successful, the project could spell the end of the traditional image of students moving between lectures weighed down with piles of paper notes. Instead students will be able to download handouts, timetables and other work on to their phones.AmbieSense was developed in a Europe-wide project to provide intelligent interactive tools in different environments.The system has already been piloted in Seville and Oslo Airport to give useful information to tourists. The AmbieSense chips were able to beam pages from the Lonely Planet guide to people as they visited key tourist spots."</blockquote>"But, teacher, it's just the lesson plan that's come across on my celly. No, no... it's definitely not the answers to the test, or plans for a keg-party in the car park..."Via: [<a href="http://www.textually.org" target="_New">Textually</a>] Tue, 31 Oct 2005 01:59 EST What If iPods Ran PocketPC Software? (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=288 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=288 I was writing a reply to a question on <a href="http://www.hive.net/" target="_New">The Hive</a>, and I had a thought: What if iPods ran the PocketPC software, instead of the current Apple software? In general, I thought this might be an interesting topic of discussion: to those whom wish to partake.What if you could play both the Apple and Microsoft DRM'd music on the device? What if it had the same cool style as the iPod, but had the greater functionality of the Microsoft PPC environment? What if the sync features of the iPod were more like ActiveSync, so that it will be possible to always sync whenever a change occurred?We've already got the ability to transfer our calendar and contacts to the device, right? We can listen to music on the iPod; in a number of formats. We can get text to our iPod device. Wouldn't it be cool to be able to have the greater ability to interact with the device?So, what are your toughts? I'm very curious as to what people think about this idea. Please leave your comments for me and others to discuss. Sat, 7 Oct 2005 02:18 EST MotionBased goes Garmin (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=252 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=252 On October 3rd, one of my favorite GPS visualizing sites was purchased by Garmin. Though nothing in comparison to some news of some other blogs being purchased by major internet providers, but I'm pretty excited about this.<center><img src="images/articles/motionbased.jpg"></center>I'm someone who loves the Garmin Forerunner 201 GPS and use it for running and cycling. I was hoping that I'd get a 301and then use the heart rate monitor along with the other great features. But then I was reading on Motionbased that they would be supporting the brand new Garmin Edge 305. Of course, I thought, this is great! Then I started looking at the features of the 305 and got really excited GPS, Altimeter, speed/distance, cadeence, heart rate... Wait... I have to choose between a heart rate monitor or the cadence option? Darn! Now I have to buy an add-on to get all of that? Darn, again!But, anyway, I am totally thrilled with the way Motionbased handles all of the data you can get from your GPS. It maps it out, shows you altitude, speed/distance and even the weather. With it totally integrated into the Garmin way of thinking, I believe this is a good match. Though, I'm hoping - someday - that I'll be able to integrate it with Microsoft Streets and Trips. I would love to be able to ride a route with the Garmin, create a file with waypoints for Streets and Trips and "automagically" create a cue sheet from there! Now THAT would be cool!Anyway, I look forward to all of the great features that Motionbased is planning to offer in the future. Who knows... I may even become a paying member! :)Via: [<a href="http://www.motionbased.com" target="_New">Motionbased</a>/Garmin Press Release] Sun, 1 Sep 2005 16:03 EST AuraOne Partners with Aphelion Communications (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=241 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=241 In a press release from AuroOne Systems, who is a privately funded digital multimedia storage, transport, and delivery company which is headquartered in San Jose, California, they announced that it would be forming a technology alliance and strategic partnership with Aphelion Communications. Aphelion has developed a unique patented sequential ultra RF multi-hopping technology that piggy-backs on existing 802.11b/g and 802.11a technologies. This is a fairly revolutionary breakthrough which allows traditional LAN-based short range wireless technologies to achieve greater distances without degradation. When combined with WiMAX, it's an ideal way for service providers to boost signal strength. Service Providers will now have a way to wirelessly offer triple-play solutions to every device in the home. AuraOne's expertise revolves around its patent-pending ADR (Anywhere Data Retrieval) technology that enables consumers to instantly access digital content in real time over wireless. The company has also developed a revolutionary media archiving file structure, which, when combined with ADR, revolutionizes the distribution of digital content, whether it be voice, video, or data. Via:[<a href="http://www.auraone.com" target="_New">AuraOne</a> Press Release] Tue, 31 Aug 2005 16:10 EST Cool Sony GAP Beta Programs (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=235 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=235 I'm one of the lucky zillions of people who are part of the Sony Gamer Advisory Panel. Basically, it means I get to forum-chat with folks (many whining and complaing teens), and get offered beta versions of new games.Recently, I was given a cool opportunity to take on a beta for Ratchet: Deadlocked; the next Ratchet series game. My son was probably even more excited than me, actually. But what really got my excited was the latest beta I was asked to join: SOCOM for the PSP! Let me tell you the story...I get the email saying I was hand picked - which, I almost believe (Sony, please verify if you are at all paying attention to your GAP members) - and there was info on how to get into the beta. But I'm looking through the steps and I'm bummed out by one of the first things listed: "Requires Firmware version 2.0" Normally, I wouldn't care about doing the upgrade, but I'd recently had a conversation with someone that indicated that v2.0 had some serious problems; or so he'd heard. Well, if I wanted onto the beta, I needed to do the upgrade 'cause you could only sign up via the website FROM your PSP. ...and mayhem ensues...I try to update the firmware, but I don't have my PSP set up for using the wireless stuff yet. My company REQUIRES that I use THEIR WEP KEY so that I can use their laptop on my personal network at home, for VPNing into work OVER MY BROADBAND connection, that I pay for. ...anyway... so, I finally stumble around getting that information into the PSP, which is a pain with the way I have to enter a 26 character WEP key... geez! Then, the update comes down: Great! So I try to run the update, but the battery is low on the PSP - it won't do it. I finally locate the power cord - which wasn't handy (this is what happens when there are children in your house) - and I plug it in. I hit "Start" to get the update going, but it won't do it until the battery is charged (it says). So I let it go for a couple of hours, I try again, it doesn't work, still. I pull the plug out, then try again. It then tells me it can't do it unless it's plugged in!! WHAT?! oooooo K. So, I do it again... it finally updates. Yay!I finally manage to type in the url on the PSP and get to the website for the PSP beta test, and when I get there, the beta is closed 'cause they've got enough volunteers! Aaargh! So, what's the point of my rant?!Sony: Please allow people to just use their PCs to sign up for this stuff! I lost a great opporunity to be one of the first beta testers of something cool 'cause you forced me to do a firmware upgrade and then had some flakey way of being sure the thing wouldn't die while it was upgrading. WORK ON THAT and fix it in version 2.5! :) Tue, 31 Aug 2005 15:35 EST Mediabolic Strikes Up Two More Deals (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=233 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=233 I was going to report that Mediabolic had struck up another cool deal while I was away on vacation, but it looks like the news is coming fast and furious (or I'm just a little slow!). Mediabolic has made the following two announcements:August 25th:OpenTV has chosen to license Mediabolic's networking technologies for its OpenTV Core middleware. As you may know, OpenTV is one of the world's largest makers of PVR/DVR set-top box (STB) software for cable and satellite network operators, with more than 57 million set-tops deployed in 96 countries. The OpenTV home networking solution will integrate Mediabolic's standards-complaint software, enabling network operators to deploy multi-room PVR/DVR STBs that can record shows on a PVR/DVR STB in one room, and view them using a STB in another room. These PVR/DVR STBs will also be able to access personal content on PCs, such as photos and music from any networked STB. August 31st:Maxtor, one of the world's largest suppliers of hard disk drives, has licensed Mediabolic's Media Server software to deliver a new line of UPnP- and DLNA-compliant network-attached storage (NAS) products with built-in media server capabilities. Incorporating Mediabolic's media server software elevates the NAS from a backup support PC peripheral to an entertainment hub for the digital home. If most of the world doesn't have Mediabolic's software in their STB's, TVs or NAS devices in the near future, I will be amazed! These guys are moving fast! ...and they STILL listen to the little guys, like me! :) While talking with one of the Vice Presidents of Forrester Research, he and I had discussed where this technology seems to be going and where the benefits are. He and I both share having musical talents, as well as a serious love of technology. One of the things I had mentioned to him was that I thought what Mediabolic was doing was amazing. He wondered what I thought of the BenQ LCD TV deal, and my thought was this: Consumers want some kind of connected device that allows them to access their pictures, videos, and music from someplace other than just in front of their computer. Converging the TV, and the possibility of Firmware upgrades, with software and other electronics to handle media serving is almost a nature move. Me, I'm kind of a "component" sort of person and prefer to have most of my stuff in all kinds of separate pieces of equipment so I have some greater flexibility. But the truth is, Mediabolic covered MY needs, too. Now all we have to do is see where Forrester puts these guys! :)Via: [<a href="http://www.mediabolic.com" target="_New">Mediabolic </a>Press Release] Tue, 10 Aug 2005 15:10 EST 'ello Gov, your car was speeding! (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=228 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=228 Those crazy Brits are at it, again! Well, they're really not so crazy, but I have to wonder what they're thinking. Obviously, they don't have the blood-thristy lawyers and angry tax payers that the US does. What's he on about, you say? Well, the UK Department for Transport just gave the OKIE-DOKIE for a trial of RFID-enabled license plates.Yep, they're drinkin' the Kool Aid! These ACTIVE RFID chips are designed to track vehicles in Britain. Passive RFID chips transmit over short distances, but active chips "go both ways" and can go longer! The new "e-Plate" licenses use active RFID technology to transmit vehicle identification numbers and other data to readers over 300 feet away. I suppose it comes as not shock that the US will be keeping their eyes on the results found from the Brit's trials. Privacy advocates are already crying foul at the thought of RFID license plates, consdering them "backdoor surveillance tools." Others consider them tools to help fight against terrorism. Yeah, OK...Active RFID is currently in limited usage on US roadways, where the Department of Homeland Security is issuing RFID tags to foreign freight and passenger vehicles as they enter the country. Via: [<a href="http://www.engadget.com" target="_New">Engadget</a>] Sun, 8 Aug 2005 16:56 EST Mediabolic Lures BenQ: A Great Match (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=222 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=222 The folks at Mediabolic, who I totally think rock, have done it again with a great new partnership with BenQ. In a press release dated July 20, 2005, BenQ, one of the world's top manufacturers of LCD displays, and Mediabolic, a leading provider of end-to-end software solutions for connected entertainment products, on July 20th, introduced a family of high-definition LCD televisions with built-in network media player capabilities.So, what does this mean to the consumer? It means awesome prices on LCD monitors with amazing technology advantages from the built-in media playing capabilities! Sure, I can re-write a sentence from a press release, but I think it's obvious that this is cool!The manufactured product has been designed as a turn-key solution for OEMs. The BenQ Network LCD TV product line includes 11 different models ranging in size from 14 to 46 inches and will have on-board Ethernet ports with optional wireless (802.11 a/b/g) connectivity. With this functionality, consumers have the same types of abilities they would if they were to add products like the Windows Media PC, or D-Link's DSM-320. Imagine having the full functionality of your LCD TV with included abilities to view photos, videos, and audio - all streaming from your networked computers, or NAS devices in your home or business. In addition, the new product line is designed to give users the ability to access remoted applications on the PC and Internet applications so they can view premium content.I think this is going to start a trend of great wins for this industry and is finally converging the technologies that have been disparate for a few years. I can imagine this type of technology starting to become more mainstream, and people will start to see the benefits and convenience in accessing their home libraries.Via: [<a href="http://www.mediabolic.com" target="_New">Mediabolic</a>/BenQ press release] - Thanks Bill! :) Sun, 8 Jul 2005 03:23 EST Insteon: The New X10 (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=215 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=215 I've been hesitant to talk too much about Insteon's new technology for Automation. Not because I don't believe in it, but because I'm a fairly cautious person when it comes to reporting the goings on of technology. I get enough things wrong, so a little caution might help me... some.<a href="http://www.insteon.net/" target="_New">Insteon </a>is a new technology for automation, which is focused on supplanting the long-used <a href="http://www.x10.com" target="_New">X10</a>. I personally have a fairly large investment in X10, and have been wary of switching to something new. Insteon, however, has caught the attention of many due to its great innovations, as well as its ability to also use X10 as a protocol for automation.<center><img src="images/articles/insteonautomation.jpg"></center>Insteon becomes an appealing solution because it's wireless. X10 technology carries its signals on AC electrical lines. X10's solution has been somewhat problematic because certain devices are known to "pollute" the power line with electrical noise. Using wireless over-the-air technology is definitely a way to reduce errors (in general) and devices should respond more quickly and accurately. The Insteon Starter Kit sells for $99 at <a href="http://www.smarthome.com" target="_New">SmartHome.com </a>and includes a remote control, two lamp modules, and two repeaters that bridge your power line signals. That is supposed to improve the reliability of your old X10 devices too. I already have something bridging the two legs of my power, so I don't know how that would work in my environment - if necessary at all. What you don't get is a way to computer control the Insteon interface. Then again, smart automation software companies like <a href="http://www.homeseer.com" target="_New">HomeSeer </a>(A long time favorite of mine - I am an early adopter of this software and highly recommend it) will (are) probably be working with the Insteon SDK to create the necessary interface that fits your entire set-up.But there are some caveats. There are definite risks we have to consider with automation toys. On one hand there is a great level of convenience, and on the other there is a scary trade-off. I'm not sure I'm 100 percent comfortable with allowing my automation environment to possibly be discovered and controlled by someone with something like " <a href="http://airsnort.shmoo.com/" target="_New">AirSnort</a>" and a laptop; depending on the wireless protocol used. Then again, hopping on the web and turning off all of my lights (or not thinking about that at all), or changing the temperature on my thermostat from my bed isn't a bad trade-off. Sun, 29 Jun 2005 16:29 EST Blue-Ray goes Java (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=212 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=212 Sun Microsystems was able to proudly announce at it's JavaOne conference in San Francisco - this past Tuesday - that it will help next generation Blu-Ray DVD players add interactive content with its Java platform. Given that Java has largely been used for internet applications, this is a huge win for Sun. Although Java was initially designed with consumer electronics in mind, Sun's technology has found little success in the mainstream market compared to its adoption in the enterprise. With Microsoft's competing technology of CE for consumer devices, Sun is probably feeling pretty good right about now. All interactive features including menus, network services and games will be Java-based, according to Yasushi Nishimura, director of Panasonic's Research and Development Company of America. <blockquote>"The Blu-ray Disc Association, the standards body for the format, has decided it will adopt Java for the interactivity standards," said Nishimura. "This means that all Blu-ray Disc player devices will be shipped equipped with Java."</blockquote>It may be possible for some next-gen Java Blue-ray DVD players to even support network capabilities, such as downloading additional content from the Internet; making these devices more popular to most consumers, unlike new options for MSN-TV or the promise of set-top boxes derived from many game consoles.Via: [<a href="http://www.betanews.com" target="_New">BetaNews</a>] Sun, 29 Jun 2005 16:19 EST HAL: What's my weight? (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=211 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=211 Among the many things I find tremendously intriguing about Home Automation technologies, I am constantly amazed at how interested many different companies are in creating devices to help you monitor your health. I've written some short white papers on some of the technologies and am totally into this idea. Imagine the healthcare benefits that one could have by not having worry about if someone will notice when they've "fallen and can't get up." It's not just about pushing an alert button, anymore. It's about knowing what's going on with the person's vitals when it all goes downhill.The Japanese are very into creating these types of devices and have, in fact, designed mirrors that monitor vitals for when a person walks up to them. But they're not alone, as the folks at Engadget have reported. A British company named Toumaz is currently developing a tiny electronic device, which embedded in ordinary plaster that includes sensors for monitoring health-related metadata such as blood pressure, temperature and glucose levels. <blockquote>The “digital plaster” contains a Sensium silicon chip, powered by a tiny battery, which sends data via a cellphone or PDA to a central computer database. If the results show any worrisome signs, patients and doctors alike would be notified of the change in the data patterns. They also plan to add a motion sensor to the device so it could additionally serve in the role of “granny monitor” by detecting things like falls or complete inactivity.</blockquote>See?! ... I'm not so dumb... I thought about that stuff even before I read the whole article! :)The folks at Digital Angel are also working on this type of thing and are building some of this tech into things like shirts, and watches.Via: [<a href="http://www.engadget.com/" target="_New">Engadget</a>] Sun, 29 Jun 2005 14:54 EST Lego Does Star Wars (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=209 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=209 My son was very excited to tell me how awesome the <a href="http://www.lego.com" target="_New">Lego </a> <a href="http://www.starwars.com" target="_New">Star Wars </a>game, after having played it over his cousin's house. Now, you have to realize how long my son has been following the Lego Star Wars game. As soon as I knew there was something coming out - he knew. ... and since he has no sense of time, I got asked almost every day.I have to admit, after renting the game for the PS/2, my kid and I spent at least 45 minutes to an hour playing the game as a pair of heroes, bad guys, or anything you want. You get to play lots of episodes, matching the movies, and you can play with cool "power-ups" which give you funny things that kids and adults can laugh out loud seeing; like mustaches, or purple light sabers. I have to admit, it's a great bit of fun that both kids and adults can enjoy together. Granted, this game has been available since something like April, so it's not like it's super new on the shelves. But, that's not what's important, here.Now, <a href="http://www.kctsdigitalworld.com" target="_New">my buddy Kevin</a> tells me that he didn't have quite the same pleasure playing the game with his little one. Apparently, he had the PC version of the game, and much like my experience with <a href="http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/index.shtml" target="_New">Final Fantasy XI</a>, you can't play this game without one of the hottest video cards on the market. Granted, I understand why a game designer might want the fastest and the best, but most of us can't just run out and buy new cards. Well, OK, maybe *I* can, but not everyone can! I'm hoping that Kevin will detail his findings during his trying to get the game going on the PC.My thought here is that, maybe it's a good place to start discussion on the different architectures between PCs and Game Consoles. What are the caveats between the too, and what drives us to using one or the other? My wife plays Final Fantasy XI on our <a href="http://www.playstation.com" target="_New">Playstation</a>; I play it on my PC. I wonder if we can run down the comparison chart and see which technology works out to be the better "cost/performance" model for purchase?... all this, based on a "kid's game" from a great building block company. Comments please!Also, check out: <a href="http://www.kid-cast.com" target="_New">Kid-cast.com</a> for a forthcoming review, about this game, played by my son. Sat, 28 Jun 2005 07:03 EST Mediabolic gets on the Top 100! (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=208 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=208 I have to say, as far as innovative companies go, I've really been impressed with Mediabolic. Not only does the San Mateo based company come up with great stuff, they've also managed to get to the <a href="http://www.alwayson-network.com/" target="_New">AlwaysOn </a>Top 100 list for Private Companies. <blockquote>The AO 100 was selected from more than 1,000 companies, peer-nominated by leading venture capitalists, investment bankers, and industry analysts. The listing consists of private companies at all stages of development. </blockquote>Mediabolic develops standards-based software technologies that enable connected entertainment devices and computers to interoperate, allowing users to browse and play back all of their personal music, photo, and video files throughout the home. The company partners with world-class CE, PC, and semiconductor companies, which can embed Mediabolic's software in their products. Those devices communicate with PC, NAS, or DVR servers to smoothly stream and play rich content and applications over a home network -- all at the touch of a remote control. Granted, these guys aren't doing too much different than some of the others out there, but their ability to listen to people, bloggers, and the little-guy, definitely sets them apart from most of the giants in this industry. I've been applauding them for months, and am glad to hear they're doing so well - based on the recent press.I know this sounds like a commerical, but they're really worth a look!Via: [<a href="http://www.mediabolic.com" target="_New">Mediabolic press release</a>] Sun, 15 Jun 2005 17:48 EST Apple catches up... while I lag... (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=206 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=206 It seems that <a href="http://apple.com" target="_New">Apple computer </a>has been the busy-bee of the tech world darlings, these days. I've been listening to the news, reading the blogs, and thinking to myself: "Self, Apple has sure taken to making sure they are everywhere."Recent news from Apple computer is that they've decide to release their operating system, OS X, on an Intel Platform. So, what that means, to the normal people out there, is that you'll be able to run Windows, Solaris, Linux, a bunch of other "odd" Unix flavors, AND the Mac OS on your Intel Processor PCs. Yeeha! I find this cool, as I might actually be able to run a version of this thing on a "stand-by" PC without having to purchase any of Apple's hardware. Now, don't get my wrong, I like Apple hardware. It's just WAY expensive. It'd be cool to purchase a high-speed eMachines box for $200 and put OS X on it! Neat!Another cool thing Apple is doing is updating it's famed "iTunes" software with the ability to download PodCasts. This, I think is good news and bad news. I have some friends in the Podcatching business (and I believe THAT term was coined by my friend <a href="http://www.kctsdigitalworld.com" target="_New">Kevin</a>). The tools like <a href="http://ipodder.com" target="_New">iPodder </a>and <a href="http://doppler.com" target="_New">Doppler</a>, among others, are now looking at some competition with the grandaddy of iPod interfaces. For me, I like the other tools and would gladly use them; especially if they'll support some cool stuff (that is yet to be released - what? might I have some ideas in the works? Shhh... maybe Apple will pay us for the code!) that Apple doesn't have. But, overall, I think many will opt to use the <a href="http://itunes.com" target="_New">iTunes </a>for PodCasting solution. Having my own Podcast (which I really need to do more of), it would be great to have that material exist for people to listen. I have a number of friends that do their own 'casts and I'd really like them to get the widespread listenership they deserve for their efforts. So, this may be a cool thing.What other cool stuff has Apple done, lately? Leave a comment and let's get the discussion going! ... perhaps we can use some other companies as examples, too? C'mon, I know you guys have got some info... spill it! :) Sun, 15 Jun 2005 16:57 EST Robot's Gone Wild! (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=204 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=204 A colleague of mine pulled an article from the <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/" target="_New">San Francisco Chronicle </a>that talked about Robots and Healthcare not always being a good mix. I'm going to block-qoute the portion he sent me. It's amazing what happens when a little "whisper down the lane" mixes with a simple technology mishap. <blockquote>Where's Waldo?: Waldo the pill-dispensing robot apparently went berserk this past week at UCSF Medical Center, sending a doctor and patient running for cover.Whacked-out Waldo is one of three battery-operated, rolling robots that dispense pills at the hospital. The other two are named Elvis and Lisa Marie.All three are about the size of a large TV and are programmed to roam from floor to floor, distributing medications to nursing stations.At the end of their rounds, the robots are supposed to roll into the basement pharmacy for refills.But Tuesday, Waldo shot past the pharmacy and barged uninvited into the examination room in the radiation oncology department, where -- according to an anonymous caller -- a doctor was examining a cancer patient.According to the caller, Waldo wouldn't leave, and the startled doctor and patient felt obliged to flee the room.UCSF spokeswoman Carol Hyman said she didn't know anything about any doctor and patient having to beat feet -- but confirmed that the wandering Waldo did wind up in an examination room."This is the first time anything like this has happened," Hyman said. "Our technology folks are going to have to take a look.''That is, if Waldo will stand still for it.</blockquote>Again, I have to say... "RoboCop, anyone?" It's scary to see our every effort to integrate robots into our lives becoming news stories of mishaps. Though, I'm sure the robot worked fine for a tremendously long period of time before anything went wrong and, more than likely, someone that didn't like the little fellow assisted in its travels into "wonderland."I've seen this kind of thing happen, first hand. I've watched a mail-cart 'bot be sent down the steps - instead of the elevator - just for fun. We are SO mean to our mechanical counterparts, aren't we?via: [<a href="http://www.sfgate.com" target="_New">SF Chronicle</a>] and a colleague Fri, 20 May 2005 10:15 EST Necoro: Evil Robot Cats! (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=200 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=200 What is with the Japanese and robotic stuff?Engadget reported a story (short, mind you), about the company Necoro (and that still just looks like NECRO to me) who has created a robot cat which looks pretty much real. [<a href="http://www.necoro.com/theater/broad/vp.mov" target="_New">View the video</a>]<center><img src="images/articles/necorocat.jpg"></center>Wasn't the World's Fair met with greeters which were a bunch of robots with a scary realizism; speaking multiple languages and even having a sense of humor? Isn't there a TV newscast where androids read the stories?WHY? Why do we need machines that look like humans, or pets, to coldly do the job that humans and animals can do well and co-exist? I know this is a rant, but... I think I'd like a nice soft cat, with it's own realy brain, to decide whether or not she loved me, or wanted to bite me. ... and not be able to playback MP3s from her mouth via a uPnP interface.Partially Via: [<a href="http://www.engadget.com" target="_New">Engadget</a>] Fri, 20 May 2005 10:05 EST AMD/HP Lance-Top! (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=199 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=199 In the true meaning of everyone getting into the act, HP and AMD have combined thier collective concious to build a special edition notebook, (which is an L2000 series) with the “LIVESTRONG” yellow logo, and a reproduction of Lance Armstrong's signature. <center><img src="images/articles/hp_lancetop.jpg"></center>A mere fifty dollars from the sale of each latop be given to the Lance Armstrong Foundation for funding to help people with cancer. Though the donation amount is pretty low, it is a nice way to get a good laptop, and support a worthy cause. I <a href="http://www.wearyellow.com" target="_New">wear my yellow </a>everyday. I also support the <a href="http://www.diabetes.org" target="_New">American Diabetes Association</a>, and the <a href="http://www.nationalmssociety.org/" target="_New">MS Society</a>. You should too!via: [<a href="http://www.engadget.com" target="_New">Engadget</a>] Fri, 20 May 2005 07:18 EST Cool Disney Tech Part 1 (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=198 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=198 If you were taking a trip to <a href="http://www.disneyworld.com/" target="_New">Walt Disney World</a>, what kind of tech would you bring? I always bring some kind of PDA, music listening device, and the obligatory cameras. But, what if you were a kid? What would YOU want while at Disney World? Well, here are a couple of suggestions, that my little guy has and uses, and your little ones might not want to be without!<center><img src="images/articles/pal-mickey-box-200.jpg"></center>My Pal Mickey - An interactive plush Mickey Mouse personal Disney Tour guide! Introduced in May 2003, this 10 1/2-inch talking Mickey-plush toy takes advantage of wireless communication technology to provide up-to-date information about shows, theme park attractions, and parades -- he can even tell the time. Pal Mickey tells stories, facts, and can play a variety of games; for when you're standing in that long line at Peter Pan's Flight!He's pretty easy to use, too. You turn bring Pal Mickey to life by sliding the switch on his back, then tuck the eletronics safely back inside. Clip him to your belt or waistband, using the provided clip. But make sure you have Mickey facing forward, 'cause the one bit of technology in Mickey is his nose. It's a special nose, too. It's an infrared nose, where he gets his information delivered to him as you wander around the parks. Mickey will giggle and shake when he has something to say. Just squeeze one of his hands or his belly, within 15 seconds, and listen. And if you missed it, you can squeeze again. <blockquote>"Pal Mickey not only knows where he is in the parks, he knows where he's been, so he doesn't keep repeating the same information," says Linda Conrad, one of the Imagineers who worked on the toy. "He has 700 pieces of information to share on everything from the parade times to attraction wait times." </blockquote>Mickey might say: "Hey, you see that bird over there? That's a Mynabird. The Mynabird..." and then Mickey tells you cool stuff about things like the animals you'll see at the Animal Kingdom. If you miss what Mickey said, and want to hear it again, press his hand or tummy within 15 seconds and he'll repeat it up to five more times. Mickey won't work at your resort hotel, yet, though. He can still tell jokes and play games, but he won't have anything to say about what's going on at the hotel.Mickey isn't without flaws, though. he might get a little confused about where he is and tell you something that's not relavant to where you are. Like, while we had him at home, Mickey told us that the MGM Parade was going to start at 3:00pm. Hmmm... But, after 3:00pm, he forgot about it, and started working the right way. Pal Mickey is available at resorts and selected theme park gift shops. Pal Mickey costs $56.33 plus tax, which is "Disney" for $60.So, the next time you're taking a trip to Disney World, you might want to pick up (or bring along) one of these technology goodies! ... and send us a postcard, or at least some pictures!Check out part 2 of this article: The Mickey PDA and Portable Game GearComing up soon! Wed, 18 May 2005 04:17 EST Why I Hate DRM, sometimes. (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=194 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=194 Being the owner of an iPod, I obviously have a requirement to move my music library to iTunes so I can listen to all of my stuff. iPods are beautiful, really. You have a very nice, simplistic user interface, lots of space, and a ton of fun wherever you are. It's definitely a cool thing to be able to take all of my pictures, my CD collection, my calendar, contacts, notes, and a bunch of my programs along with me. On that, is Uncle Bill (Gates) right about his new Mobile 5.0 on SmartPhones taking over the iPod space? Who knows... Nintendo, and Sony are trying to do the same thing with their game devices; along with a million other companies. Windows and Palm still win with the PDA area, and Apple seems to be in the lead with the portable music device. We'll see. But, I digress...Back to my DRM rant: So, I'm ripping some new CDs to my PC. I grab one of them and notice that they say that it's protected. I shove it in, and iTunes goes out to CDDB and picks up the tracks. I thought, "cool, this might work!" ... and then it happens. I click IMPORT and then the drive spins... and spins... and I don't have to say it 400 times for you to realize what happens next. It totally hung my machine. It would have been nice to be able to CANCEL! Look guys, I'm a musician. I know what it's like to have my stuff stolen; I don't like it either. But, I'm legit. I bought the CD. I prefer it on my iPod so I can keep stuff together, referenced and usable through my uPnP devices in my home. ... and don't even get my started with why I can't play music I've purchased from the iTunes store on my uPnP device! So, as musicians (more like record companies) try to protect their music, the restrictions on purchasers (consumers) of music become more stringent. How do I get what I want, and what they want at the same time?Note to DRM vendors, and companies providing this service: Find a way to let those of us who are honest, use the license to the music as we have always been allowed, and don't come out with new BIOS and software application upgrades which make things even more restrictive. Tue, 17 May 2005 04:58 EST 'iObi' Won Kanobi: Where are you? (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=193 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=193 In my area, Verizon is basically the largest communications provider (for all of you youngsters, we used to call them a Phone Company, and they were known as "Bell," back in the day). In all honesty, over the years, they've managed to introduce some pretty interesting technology with varying reliability. Fortunately, Verizon has gotten most of the issues they faced previously, in line.Well, now they have something new. It's been talked about and advertised for a while, but I wanted to cover my first personal experience with you folks, here. Realize, this isn't a full product review, and you'll read why.So, I go to the Verizon website, 'cause I'm lookin' for new ways to save money on my service... I see a little banner ad and wonder what it is. It's an ad for "iobi," which states that I can have stuff follow me, and review it where and when I like. I'm diggin' this idea, so I click on the link. Those who know me personally, know that I am forever in search of the perfect (careful what you're thinkin I'm going to say...) Unified Messaging solution (that was exactly what you thought I was going to say, right?). So I'm reading what I can do... voicemail, email messaging, caller-id management, address book, calendar, voicemail... looks like the whole enchillada! I'm totally down with it, and start clicking to figure out how much it costs... $8! Whoa! Awesome! For $8, I can get my stuff in one place, or at least have it find me in the place where I am. Woohoo!But, then they do that thing. You know the thing, where they make you enter your current phone number to see if the service is available in your area. Guess what? *Makes big red 'X' noise from Family Feud* Of course not. *sigh* To me, it would seem reasonable that Verizon would have my area covered with this service, by now, since they're headquartered in New Jersey, or Texas, or one of the states in the union!I guess I'm going to have to wait... or switch to Vonage, uReach, or Skype-In/out or something... It's so frustrating to see great technology (and funtionality) announced and then have it just out of your reach.Verizon: Hurry up! I'm trying to HAND you money, and you can't take it from me! Fri, 6 May 2005 08:48 EST Broadcast Flag is Captured and Torn! (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=190 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=190 In the words of Cory Doctorow: <blockquote>This morning, the DC Circuit of the US Court of Appeals struck down the loathsome Broadcast Flag, ruling that the FCC does not have the jurisdiction to regulate what people do with TV shows after they've received them.</blockquote>All I can say is: YAY!!! It's about time we slapped down these people. There is nothing better than reading about an oppressive bunch of people being kicked in the teeth for stepping out of bounds. I mean, c'mon, what right do they have, really?Anyway, I'm happy, thus far! Wed, 4 May 2005 07:00 EST GigaWorld: Emerging Tech, and Auto-annoyance (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=188 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=188 So, today at <a href="http://www.forrester.com" target="_New">GigaWorld</a>, we started off with a pretty boring Keynote, and then it moved onto what turned out to be a pretty lame approach at showing off what these guys thought was "emerging technology." My person opionion of this "display" was that they looked at technologies that weren't emerging (and my definition of emerging is something that's up and coming in the future, not something I can necessarily use now), but technologies that were more than readily available for consumption. In fact, many of which have been in production for quite some time. The only cool things, and this is pretty lame in all aspects of new technologies, were <a href="http://www.citrix.com" target="_New">Citrix's </a>"new" GotoMeeting web conferencing tool (they had a really good demo, and it was amusing on top of that), which is just like <a href="http://www.placeware.com" target="_New">PlaceWare</a> (LiveMeeting) or <a href="http://www.webex.com" target="_New">WebEx</a>, just cheaper in cost and is based on their GotoMyPC architecture. The other interesting technology was from <a href="http://www.rfcode.com" target="_New">RF Code</a>, who used RFID technology to track people who were skiing at a resort, and families in an amusement park. One of the demos showed, on a PDA, the proximity of a kid to his dad and mom, who was closer, and what the optimal path was between them. That was neat.Then, I got accosted by some dude from <a href="http://www.autonomy.com" target="_New">Autonomy</a>. He was yapping my ear off about how great their product is and why my company should use it. Well, they do have a cool product, we've looked at it before, but that was a long time ago. Maybe they deserve another look, but as of today, I'm annoyed. He did, however, give me a cool link you should check out - that I've heard of but never visited - which is <a href="http://BlinkX.com" target="_New">BlinkX.com</a>, and <a href="http://BlinkXTV.com" target="_New">BlinkXTV.com</a>. Autonomy's technology is the underlying tool for how the search is done and for what they deliver.More later, I hope! Mon, 2 May 2005 04:28 EST GigaWorld IT Conference (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=181 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=181 So, here I am, at the GigaWorld IT conference in Dallas, Texas. I'm staying at the beautiful Gaylord Texan resort and conference center. It's a HUGE hotel and conference center, living up to the reputation of Texas; everything is bigger in Texas! I'm thoroughly impressed by the hotel staff. Their professionalism, kindness, and hospitality is amazing. The conference hasn't quite begun yet, but I'm already registered and have my swag from Forrester.Since it's been so long since I've blogged, I figured I would wait until today to start again so that I can sort of get back on the horse in the same way I started my blog back in October; with conference highlights, pictures, and maybe a few cool technology details.Stay tuned from today until Thursday May 5th, for details from the conference. I was going to do a PodCast from here, but I forgot my good mic. :( Oh well! Maybe I'll try with the laptop mic - yuck!Keep your browsers and RSS readers here for further stuff! Thanks for not totally abandoning me! :) Sat, 14 Feb 2005 08:01 EST Studio on a phone (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=122 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=122 Some seriously smart musicians (you mean they're NOT all smart? - Hey, I'm a musician, I can say that!) are working on some software to enable the mixing of music and beats on some new breads of cell phones. The hope is to turn the ordinary cellphones in to a kind of musical instrument and make instruments like drums and guitars obsolete (which is probably never going to happen - 'cause musicians love to play their instruments - take that how ever you want). ... and they'll be able to do unlimited nights and weekends plans on their phones. ;)Via:[<a href="http://www.mikeslist.com/" target="_New">The Raw Feed</a> ] Through an article on <a href="http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/10890372.htm?1c" target="_New">The Contra Costa Times</a> Wed, 11 Feb 2005 10:46 EST Geeknews Central Promo (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=120 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=120 If you haven't gone to GeekNews Central by way of an article or two from here, you should <a href="http://www.geeknewscentral.com/" target="_New">go there now</a>! It's a fantastic site done by a great guy with an awesome sense of humor and a great sense of tech.I'm hoping that he decides to play my band's song on his show! ... at least, mention the short bio in the show notes and linky-link me! ;)Check out: <a href="http://www.geeknewscentral.com" target="_New">Geek News Central</a>!EDIT: I forgot to mention, and I should have, <a href="http://www.kctsdigitalworld.com">my good Friend Kevin</a>, turned me on to Todd's show. You should read his awesome blog of Tech and listen to his weekly Commute-cast! Wed, 11 Feb 2005 06:09 EST Remember Me, Wirelessly (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=116 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=116 The MemoryFrame wireless digital picture frame is one cool device. With this deviceup to 80 images can be directly uploaded from a digital camera or memory card. It's also possible to add sounds, and even select how long each image is displayed. Pacific Digital's Wireless and USB digital photo album, the MemoryFrame, with stereo sound and text overlay, has a 10.4-inch TFT screen (800x600 pixels) and comes bundled with a wireless 802.11b receiver and a USB interface, for computer-independent transferring. <center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/images/articles/memoryframe.jpg"></center>The MemoryFrame, which costs about $730, also comes bundled with Pacific's Digital PixMaster software which allows you to add captions, stereo sound and special effects to slideshows. Slideshows can be created by simply choosing the pictures, audio clips, special effects and transitions. Create, rename, save, photo rotation, efftects, and previews are some of the other features of Digital PixMaster.The MemoryFrame comes mounted on a 8x10-inch wooden picture frame (5x7-inch also available) and can be displayed in landscape or portrait mode on a desk, or wall mounted. The frame comes with a power supply and has a Kennsington security lock slot.Via: [<a href="http://www.gadgetryblog.com/">GadgetryBlog</a>] Tue, 10 Feb 2005 14:55 EST Animals! Show your UPCs! (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=115 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=115 According to a brief article on <a href="http://www.physics.org" target="_New">Physics.org</a>, world scientists have <a href="http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=21182" target="_New">plans to barcode</a> all of the known species of life on the planet before they're all gone.But the animals can all rest easy, well - sort of, the plans doesn't involve actually branding the animals with a barcode – it involves briefly invading their privacy by taking a small sample of DNA from all the known species on Earth and linking them to photographs, descriptions and scientific information.The project is expected to be completed in 2010, where plants and animals will be able to be identified using the latest technology, which will no-doubt be less expensive to operate at that time.Via: [<a href="http://www.physics.org" target="_New">Physics.org</a>] Tue, 10 Feb 2005 09:23 EST Peavey's USB Mixer (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=114 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=114 At NAAM 2005, Peavey introduced their latest FX Series mixing consoles. The consoles are available in 16-, 24- and 32-channel versions with exclusive Silencer mic preamps, dual DSP engines, dual USB ports and built-in MP3 compression for exporting audio directly to a computer.<center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/images/articles/peavey_fx.jpg"></center>FX Series mixers feature new, Peavey-exclusive technology to enhance live sound reproduction and project studio recording, including Silencer mic preamps, which allow very high gain with low noise and distortion for crystal-clear signal reproduction. The Silencer is a state-of-the-art low impedance amplifier engineered with extremely low noise transistors and a wide dynamic range to accommodate any type of microphone or other low impedance source.The mixers' dual USB ports, which allow streaming of digital audio directly to a computer or memory stick, also feature exclusive, built-in MP3 compression. USB port A saves to memory stick, while USB port B sends the stereo output to a computer or hard disc for recording. With this feature, performers can rip a live performance or rehearsal directly to MP3 (or other digital format), or even save demos to memory stick and bring song ideas to rehearsal.Via: [<a href="www.peavey.com">Peavey</a>] Sun, 8 Feb 2005 04:01 EST Hush ATX Announces AMD Athlon 64 (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=110 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=110 Yesterday, <a href="www.hushtechnologies.net">Hush Technologies</a> announced that they will begin offering an AMD Athlon 3000 and 3500 64-bit CPU based Windows Media Center Edition 2005 PCs. The latest high-speed AMD chips will be available Hush's standard Hush ATX and the new E-Series ATX set-top boxes. <center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/images/articles/hush_atx.jpg"></center>Hush ATX machines will feature 7.1 Surround Sound audio as a standard, and E-Series PCs can now be configured with dual TV tuners for recording two television programs at once. Pricing and configuration details are available via the Hush Technologies site (U.S. customers can order Hush products directly from <a href="http://www.logicsupply.com/">Logic Supply</a>).Via: [<a href="http://www.ehomeupgrade.com">eHomeUpgrade</a>] Wed, 4 Feb 2005 05:26 EST Sony's Experimental Keyless World (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=108 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=108 If you haven't had the opportunity, you should definitely check out <a href="http://www.sony.net/Fun/SonyDesign/2003/home.html">Sony's Experimental "Experience Computing" website</a>.They've got experimental (I know, what a surprise, right?!) techonology concepts for replacing the typical applications where keyboards are used to navigate information. For example, they've got something called "<a href="http://www.sony.net/Fun/SonyDesign/2003/Gummi/future.html">Gummi</a>" which is a display that can be bent towards you, or away from you, to zoom into information. Their example on the website shows how this would work with a map, zooming in to tighter detail of an area map as you bend it up towards you. I think this has great potential. Wouldn't it be cool to traverse a data tree of some sort - like a database of topic areas - just by bending a small card display?<center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/images/articles/GummiCrop.jpg"></center>They've got other ideas where you can send information between displays - like playing a game of catch - just by flinging the display in the direction of the other display that will "catch" the information.Via: [One of my work friends] and [<a href="http://www.sony.net/Fun/SonyDesign/2003/home.html">Sony</a>] Tue, 3 Feb 2005 11:49 EST Scosche Bluetooth iPod Interface (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=107 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=107 That's easy for YOU to say! ...<a href="http://www.scosche.com/">Scosche Industries</a>, a leader in mobile electronics aftermarket accessories, announced today that it is developing a Bluetooth interface for iPods. Unlike other wired adaptors, this interface will connect directly to the headphone connector of the iPod and will transmit to a Bluetooth receiver connected to the aux input of a head unit. The company said the new product is designed for third and fourth generation iPods and iPod minis, and will work with both OEM and aftermarket head units. The Bluetooth interface will be available in "spring/summer of this year" at specialty retailers. No pricing was announced. This sounds like a really promising technology, and I hope that more devices are made available that can do similar things. They don't have to be Bluetooth, but some better ability to transmit information, rather than "sound" (where there's NO error correction), would be fantastic! Mon, 2 Feb 2005 10:48 EST Wi-Fi Detector Ring (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=103 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=103 OK, maybe it looks kind of silly, and you probably won't find one in your Lucky Charms box, but ... wouldn't THAT be cool?!<center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/images/articles/wifi_ring3.jpg"></center>So, what is it? It's a Wi-Fi detector ring, which is only a prototype at the moment, but it's able to detect 2.4GHz signals; even if it's a mal-formed one. It flashes to let you know it's picked up a signal. I think I would eat more cereal if this would be one of the prizes! Then again, I have enough rings on my fingers...Via: [<a href="http://www.gizmodo.com">Gizmodo</a>] Mon, 2 Feb 2005 05:23 EST Review: Roku Labs M2000 (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=100 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=100 Recently, I purchased a Roku SoundBridge M2000; which is a device that lets me play my digital audio library (stored on my PC) through an audio system. It does this by using a WiFi network connection to the PC and it "talks" to my iTunes (iPod library) software to get to the music (I have to share out my iTunes library using the built in "sharing" - it's UPnP for all of you geeks out there!). It then transmits the data from the library, by way of an audio stream, to the Roku. The Roku processes the audio stream's data into the actual audio heard through my sound system. <center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/images/articles/SB-M2000-small.jpg"></center>The M2000 can output through composite (L/R) RCA outs as well as digital coax and digital optical. It has a huge 4-line Vacuum Florescent Display (VFD) and a simple, but very functional, remote. I can go through the library, pick a playlist, or even get news and weather through the unit. It tells me all kinds of stuff about what's playing (artist, track information, year it was recorded, album...) while it's playing the material, or it can go into "Screen Saver mode" (When using <a href="http://www.slimdevices.com/">SlimServer</a>) where it will do stuff like display the date and time, or the news can scroll by. It's completely extensible through the SlimServer xPL programming interface, so I can write my own programs to make it show me stuff I want to see - like information from my Home Automation software. I found a program to pick up Caller-ID and display that, as well. It even has a Telnet server built into it where you can send it commands, like writing things to the screen. Pretty cool!It is a very cool and entertaining piece of equipment. Right now, it's in my office - with my secondary amp - pumping to the whole house system. It's almost silly (since it's right behind me near my PC) but it actually frees up my PC a lot, because of the audio processing getting done in the Roku instead of my PC. The fidelity is also better coming out of a real audio DAC instead of my PC's ESS Allegro soundcard DAC.<center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/images/articles/SoundBridge_rightelevation.jpg"><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/images/articles/SoundBridge_leftelevation.jpg"></center>I had originally picked up an M500 over the weekend, and traded up to the better one because of the better display visibility and the ability to do more with that display. It's Fabu!<center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/images/articles/SB-M500-small.jpg"></center>I may still keep the M500 for use in the master bath or the office. But, my plan for the M2000 is to completely replace my CD changer in my main audio system. I see no use for the CD changer, any longer. It's time has passed as a useful audio component in my digital world. Le Roi Est Mort! Vive le Roi! Though I've had great luck with playback through the SlimServer and iTune's sharing abilities, I haven't been so lucky with Windows Media Connect; the Microsoft system service that lets you share out your collection through the Media Player. Even though the box of the Roku boasts the "Plays For Sure" logo, I can't get the service to start on my PC. I'm not alone. I've researched it. For those who have experienced this issue, they've seen it in the same way I have. Same errors, word for word. Though I'm SURE that the folks at Roku have had this working, and others probably do as well, I can't get mine to function. it doesn't matter, though, my entire library is in iTunes, because I decided that it had the best architecture for DRM'd music and for synching with my iPod.A note about DRM'd music with the Roku/iTunes services: You can't listen to your DRM'd tracks through the Roku. In my opinion, this makes no sense, but I'm sure it has to do with authorizing the device with your account - but you can't currently do that; what a pity. I'm sure a firmware upgrade will fix that in the future. After all, this isn't just a locked-up piece of electronics, it's a sub-linux system with "future-proof" capabilities!At any rate, my review of this item is from actual experience and enjoyment. I may do a quick installment of how to set one up and enjoy it for yourself! It's very easy, even I could do it!Get your set up from here: Networked Audio Streaming: [<a href="http://www.rokulabs.com/">Roku</a>] - Choose from M500 (2-line LCD), M1000 (2-line VFD), M2000 (17" 4-line VFD).Software: [<a href="http://www.slimdevices.com/su_downloads.html">SlimServer SqueezeBox</a>] - Web Interface and Service for Windows, Mac OSX, Linux, and Perl Source available. Tue, 31 Jan 2005 05:47 EST Roku Products and Review (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=99 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=99 <a href="http://www.rokulabs.com/">Roku</a> makes a fantastic group of products. I was going to review a recently installed SoundBridge M2000, but may wait until I have a chance to trade up to the PhotoBridge HD; a video, audio, and photo viewing "console" device which will transfer content from your PC to your home entertainment system via wireless or wired ethernet.I may still review the M2000, as it is one of the few pieces of technology I have used recently that, simply put, just works. You plug it in, and BANG! your stuff is there, waiting at the ready. (...and No, the folks at Roku didn't pay me to say that!) :) In fact, I accidentally sent them the wrong URL to my blog (where is my head?).Anyway... keep your eyes here - I'll be updating with a review of the produt and its features. But, if I were you, I'd just go get one if you want to be able to wirelessly (or wired-ly) send your iTunes library to your home entertainment system. I'd also send my "Plays For Sure" Windows Media Player library, but the stupid Windows Media Connect service won't actually start on my PC! But Roku does say they support it. You know what? I believe them... now if I could just get Microsoft to tell me what's wrong with the Media Connect service, I'd be in business!More to come... Thu, 19 Jan 2005 04:06 EST Run Other PCs From Your PPC (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=97 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=97 Some time ago, <a href="http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/">eHomeUpgrade</a> had previously posted a story on RealVNC. RealVNC is a cross-platform application that lets users remotely assume control (with full access) of a computer across a network. <a href="http://www.wired.com/">Wired</a> has a feature story on Austrian tech columnist, <a href="http://teddythebear.blogspot.com/">Teddy the Bear</a> who can be seen showing off his Apple Powerbook's OS X desktop in Vienna via his 640x480 VGA Wi-Fi Pocket PC. Teddy says he uses his remote setup for "productivity (email, surfing, word-processing), queuing up TV shows to record on his Mac using EyeTV, and accessing his digital media files back at home." <center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/PocketPC_OSX.jpg"></center>Don't get too excited, though. A lot of the underlying research technology, originally developed at AT&T (Bell) Labs, and now taken over by the RealVNC Open Source project, was designed for "older" operating system environments. You'll still have to search around to find a version that will work with, say, your latest ARM and SH4 processors.Source: [<a href="http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/">eHomeUpgrade</a>] Wed, 18 Jan 2005 09:51 EST Link Up The World (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=96 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=96 <img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/grafedia_150.jpg">Website author John Geraci suggests that maybe it's time to turn the world into a real-life web artform. His intention is to see the real world with URLs written onto it."Grafedia turns New York into a potential webpage."<a href="http://www.grafedia.com">Grafedia</a> is hyperlinked text, written by hand onto physical surfaces and linking to images, video, sound files, etc. It can be written on walls, in the streets, or in postcards, on the body as tattoos, or anywhere someone feels like putting it.People who find these physical hyperlinks 'click' on the grafedia with their phones by sending a message addressed to the word + '@grafedia.net' to get the content behind the link. For example, Pick a word - any word. Then, send a media file from your cell phone to that chosen word plus '@grafedia.net', e.g. 'myword@grafedia.net'. Write that word anywhere in the real world in blue with an underline (just like what a traditional hyperlink looks like). The word will then be linked to the media file the author sent to grafedia.net, and viewers will be able to retrieve the file. It's also possible to upload media from your computer directly to the grafedia.net server in order to create grafedia with more precise images or robust content.This whole treasure trove becomes street-art within grafedia. Think about it, you can leave behind simple calling cards for people, wherever you go. You can have running dialogues between authors, create interactive narratives, or poetry in public spaces. Any surface can potentially become a link to a web page, and the entire physical world is then connected with the Internet.Other than the markings in the real world causing issues with shop owners, park patrons, and other people not wanting graffiti scribbled all over their real world, what a cool way to define what people see in the real world, and know where to look it up?Source: [<a href="http://www.textually.org/">textually.org</a> via Rhizome] Sat, 14 Jan 2005 10:31 EST Home Internetworking Ideas (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=94 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=94 I've been writing a Home Inter-networking White Paper for myself - which I'm hoping to submit to a conference sometime in the near future. Part of what I've been doing is coming up with ways to manage the entire structure of what can be done with a fully automated home and how everything is interconnected.<center><a href="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/internetworking-full.jpg"><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/internetworking-small.jpg"></a><h6>Click on the picture to see an enlarged version. Warning: The full version is enormous.</h6></center>In my illustration here, you can see the complexity (and redundancy) of the interconnected home (at least, as far as I see it). My intention is to gather some other people's ideas on what they believe fits in this model as well.So, if you've got some thoughts on this, please comment!...and by the way, I wouldn't have been able to come up with such a great diagram without MindManager. It's one of my favorite brain storming applications. I actually have a draft article, that I've been writing, about that product and will hopefully be able to publish it soon. Sat, 14 Jan 2005 03:00 EST Mp3 Watch (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=91 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=91 In a post over at <a href="http://www.watchreport.com">Watch report</a>, they've reviewed the nTren MP3 player watch, which looks pretty stylish for such a geeky thing. <center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/ntren_mp3watch.jpg"></center>While employing a 10 hour playback, with models up to 512mb, and USB connectivity, the nTren watch still looks pretty stylish amd unboring or similar to a normal watch. I can only image how this looks when you're using it, but I can't image that running headphones from your head to your wrist, is going to feel, or even look, comfortable. But if you'd like to listen to something other than your clients during a business dinner, "in style," then this may be the $200-$300 watch/mp3 player for you! Fri, 13 Jan 2005 09:12 EST LG's 3D Game Phone (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=90 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=90 LG Electronics has unveiled what they claim to be "the worlds fastest 3D game phone." Their latest 3D Game Phone is equipped with a 1M polygon graphic accelerating chip, running 5 times faster than its competitors; according to LG.<center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/lg3dgamer1.jpg"></center>Other features of the phone include it being equipped with an acceleration sensor to enable users to control their games by moving the headset up and down. I suppose this is similar to Samsung's latest idea: they've designed some kind of dialing system where by the phone is swung around to make the numbers "in the air" and the ability to answer or hang-up the phone by just shaking it. Can you image how stupid this is going to look? <center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/lg3dgamer2.jpg"></center>The game development company Nexon has currently developed some games for the device, and a greater number of games will be "offered soon."Source: [<a href="http://telecomskorea.com">Telcoms Korea</a>] Fri, 13 Jan 2005 08:54 EST LaCie Silverscreen: Theater in a Tiny Box (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=89 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=89 LaCie has announced their latest product, the LaCie Silverscreen. The Silverscreen is a portable hard drive that allows you to play all of your media files back on your TV. You can transfer your movies, pictures, and MP3's to the device through its USB 2.0 interface.The device has standard composite and S-Video out ports on the back. In addition the device supports compressed Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS pass through via its SPDIF jack. It, surprisingly, also offers HDTV compatibility, with viewing resolutions scalable up to 1920 x 1080i and 1280 x 720p.<center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/lacieSilverscreen.jpg"></center>The LaCie Silverscreen supports the following playback formats:Video: MPEG-1, MPEG-2 (AVI, VOB, ISO) and MPEG 4 (AVI, DivX®, XviD);Audio: MP3, WAV, WMA, AAC, and AC3;Photo: JPEG (up to 8 megapixels)There are two different models: The 40GB, which sells for $249.00, and the 8GB for $329.00. Both are available now, directly from LaCie's website.Source: [<a href="http://www.engadget.com">Engadget</a>] Fri, 13 Jan 2005 08:28 EST Pantech & Curitel Pendant-sized Mobile Phone (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=88 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=88 The new pendant-sized phone from Pantech&Curitel is a mere 56 mm wide and 67 mm tall. The PH-K2500V can supposedly be worn around one's neck, just like a pendant! It features TTS (Text To Speech) functionality, which converts a text messages into voice messages for the receiver. When in "speak mode", it will read an incoming text message with it's own voice. It extends this functionality to the phone's menu, phonebook, and the unanswered calls list.<center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/PendantPhone.jpg"><h6>Picture courtesy of 3G.co.uk</h6></center>The PH-K2500V can play MP3's and lets you control the music from buttons on the outside of the phone, without opening the device. It also comes with a 1.3Mpix camera and an OCR (Optical Character Reader) function which can recognize text from JPEG files. It supports the recent business card scanning craze, going on these days. The information from the business card can then be saved as text. Another feature of the phone is a 34,000 word (with definitions) electronic dictionary, memo and highlight tools. The phone is available in blue, red, or silverSource: [<a href="http://www.textually.org/">textually</a>] Thu, 12 Jan 2005 08:17 EST EZAV EMP-500 MP3 Player (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=81 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=81 EZAV has this cool new tricked-out chrome-plated and totally pimped MP3 player! Yeah, I know, the MP3 Player part actually dimmed the whole build-up, didn't it? Well, don't get too down, 'cause thing is a really trick device.The EZAV EMP-500 is an MP3 player with a color screen, avilable in 256mb, 512mb, and 1GB flavors. The exterior of the device has a reflective chrome casing, with a arounded coffin style body. The controls on the unit are inset to the device and blend very nicely. With the ability to record in Stereo and Mono, as well as sporting an FM radio, you can take this anywhere and be able to listen to music, catch up on the current broadcast news, and record your next meeting or class. It's even got a line-in jack which can record bit rates up to 256kbps. <center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/ezav_emp500.jpg"></center>Powered by only two AAA batteries, which supposedly will last for up to 15 hours, this is a great little device for listening anywhere; like on the long flights from coast to coast.The package contains the EMP-500, stereo E/P, Mini USB, Line-in cable, USB cable, user manual, install CD, Neck strap, Carrying case, Shining Wiper ... I guess to help you keep that shinning case nice and shining! Thu, 12 Jan 2005 04:49 EST RSS feeds from MSN Search (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=80 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=80 Microsoft has definitely made the right choice; at least in Beta.They've allowed users to take their MSN search tool and format the output to RSS feeds, and it's a really simple process, too. Just follow these simple steps, and you TOO can have a search engine-based RSS feed in your reader!Step-by-step instructions:* run your web or news search on the MSN Search Beta* add the text ‘&format=rss' to the url* copy the full url into your RSS Reader.Here is a sample web search url:http://beta.search.msn.com/results....lief&format=rssHere is a sample news search url:http://beta.search.msn.com/news/res...lief&format=rssThe competition *cough* Google *cough*, on the other hand, has already decided that RSS feeds are the work of the devil and have requested a shut down to a couple of sites hosting scripts which tap their engine with keyword searches. How silly. Google, don't you think people are moving towards RSS? If a giant like Microsoft can see that, then Google, and Yahoo, and... and... and... should have seen it by now. If I can embrace RSS for my cycling club web site, then I think a behemoth like Google can do it too - instead of picking on people trying to inovate with their technology. Or, perhaps, their motives are to claim it as their own? We should keep our eyes open for Google's next steps and responses to Microsofts latest move.Special thanks to TadW at <a href="http://www.MobileRead.com">MobileRead</a> for the source and links! Thu, 12 Jan 2005 04:29 EST Apple's iPod Shuffle: Genius? (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=79 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=79 To quote Apple, themselves: "Good things really do come in small packages."I think Apple, although following in the footsteps of other vendors, such as creative, and SanDisk, have hit upon an area which I think is an excellent one. Though, the pricetag may leave a little bit to be desired for some, I think you get a lot of styling for the buck and Apple may have actually undercut the market this time.Apple's newly revealed <a href="http://www.apple.com/ipodshuffle/">iPod Shuffle</a>, is the latest incarnation of the very popular iPod music player. Having had an iPod for over a year, myself, I can certainly attest to the fantastic joy it brings me, and it still remains at the top of my personal "cool gadgets" list. This time, I think Apple did something almost new, but not quite. Though, I still believe they've done the right thing.<center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/iPodShuffle_USB.jpg"></center>The iPod shuffle has that same sleek design, styling, and clean functionality that the other iPod's have, but its beauty is in the fact that it's a memory based MP3 player. Another sexy feature of the product is its simplistic USB connection interface that's built right into the device. So, let's see... Thumb Wheel, great style, small, direct USB connection, and $99; why wouldn't I buy one? Well, I know why "I" wouldn't buy one - 'cause I've got a device with lots of disk space on it, to which I can transfer my schedule, news, and even install a tiny version of Linux. But, for people looking for an MP3 player - this thing is fantastic!Some features:* Tiny "gum-pack sized" design* Apple's "patented" Thumb-Wheel* Functions with iTunes* Weighs about as much as a set of car keys (without your ridiculous 10-thousand fobs, and grocery-store tags)* Drag-and-drop song copying from USB* All memory - no moving parts, so it's GREAT for exercising!Those are just to mention a few things that this little work of beauty has. I have to admit, I'd buy one... and may still (probably not), if I didn't have my 40GB G3 iPod. But, with a 12 hour battery life, it certainly does do better than my G3! ...and it does only measure 3.3 x 0.98 x 0.33 inches.The iPod Shuffle is available in a 512MB or 1GB version.<center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/iPodShuffle_gum.jpg"></center>Check out more on the <a href="http://www.apple.com/ipodshuffle/">Apple iPod Shuffle Website</a>.Source: [<a href="http://www.apple.com/">Apple Computer</a>] Wed, 11 Jan 2005 09:41 EST µBook: eBook Reader for PocketPC (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=78 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=78 A fantastic new version of ebook reader by <a href="http://www.gowerpoint.com/">David Gowerpoint</a>, has just been released. This new Pocket PC e-book reader is called "µBook - version 0.9b."The µBook eBook reader is a great little piece of software which is available for Windows PCs, Windows CE 2.11, and 3.0 (PocketPC 2002/2003), for HPC and ARM. The software supports skins for how books look in the reader, as well as having some neat utilities for analyzing the text quality. There's even an SDK available.Rendering for different formats and other features, including:* Renders .TXT, .RTF, .HTML, .PML, .PDB and .PRC (Non-Secure), files book-like.* Extracts text out of .PDF (Non-Secure) files.* Displays PRC, RTF and HTML images, .JPG, .GIF, .PNG, .WMF (in RTF) or .BMP.* Opens text inside .ZIP, .CHM and .RB files, uncompressing paragraphs on the fly, limiting the amount of memory required (except CHM).* Saves Pagination files to disk for quick reloading.* Follows hyperlinks (on local computer only)* Shows an image with same file name as a Cover image.* Lets you associates Images and Text with Files.<center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/uBook_ppc_skin.jpg"></center>Some of the latest features of the uBook software are:* Support for new e-book formats (eReader, MobiPocket - non-encrypted, PML, Rocket eBook, CHM, PDF - non-encrypted)* Increased artificial limit for number of words per minute to 1200.* Better images, tables and stream features* Updated usage manual* New skin added: n0de by Marcus Kopp<a href="http://www.gowerpoint.com/uBook_main.html">Click here</a> for a full overview of all µbook features including screenshots.µBook is a shareware product with a licence of only $12USD; which unlocks all versions of the reader. The unlicenced version is not crippled in any way, but pops up an about screen, on occassion, while using the software. Wed, 11 Jan 2005 08:16 EST IBM Gives Away 500 Patents (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=76 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=76 The good people at <a href="http://www.ployer.com/">Ployer</a>, today reported that International Business Machines (IBM) Corp. has announced plans to provide free access to the information in 500 of its patents to open source developers, individuals and groups. IBM said it believes this is "the largest pledge of patents of any kind and represents a major shift in how it manages and deploys its intellectual property." The pledge is applicable to any individual, community, or company working on or using software that meets the Open Source Initiative (OSI) definition of open source software now or in the future. Access to these patents is expected to form the basis of an industrywide 'patent commons,' to spur on future innovation. IBM has already been making selected patents available, without charging royalties, for use in open standards software protocols, file formats and interfaces. The company said it had collected royalties on the patents previously and that they would be worth more than $10 million if they were sold. John E. Kelly, IBM's senior vice president for technology and intellectual property, said in a statement this is not a one time event -- 'Through measures such as today's pledge, we will increasingly use patents to encourage and protect global innovation and interoperability through open standards, and we urge others to do so as well.' IBM has around 40,000 patents world wide and 25,000 US patents.The list of patents can be found in this <a href="http://www.ibm.com/ibm/licensing/patents/pledgedpatents.pdf">IBM PDF file</a>.Source: [<a href="http://www.ployer.com/">Ployer</a>] via [<a href="http://www.p2pnet.net">P2PNet</a>] Wed, 11 Jan 2005 04:26 EST Griffen's iPod Cassette Deck Integration (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=75 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=75 Here's a cool idea for all of you people with iPods (Like Me!). If you're looking to integrate your iPod into your car, and get rid of all of those cables, poor FM signal transfers, and clunky set-ups, check out the new SmartDeck - Intelligent Cassette Adapter for iPod from Griffen Technologies.SmartDeck allows you to control your iPod using the built in controls of your cassette player. Using patent-pending sensing technology, the SmartDeck determines which commands the cassette player sends to the iPod. The devices appears to connect to the TOP of the iPod and seemingly operates with commands just like Apple's in-line remote.SmartDeck is more than just a cassette adapter for iPod; it achieves seamless integration between iPod and cassette deck. Users can utilize the cassette deck's forward and rewind buttons to advance to the next or prior songs in the iPod playlist. In addition, pause and stop buttons do what pause and stop buttons are expected to do. When one presses the cassette deck's Eject button, or switches from Cassette to Radio, Griffin's SmartPlay technology automatically pauses the iPod.SmartDeck Features and Benefits * Control iPod navigation through the car stereo * Intelligent level control for optimal cassette player input levels * Features highest-quality cassete tape head for crystal clear quality * Sets optimal volume on the iPod for best audio quality * Seamless integration between iPod and car stereoClear, high-quailty audio and iPod control together in one brainy cassette adapter. How cool is that?! Besides the fact that you won't be paying hundreds of dollars for this kind of integration. The base price, from Griffen's web site, is just $25. The adapter won't be available until the second quarter of the year, but you're able to pre-purchase it (at least, that's the way it looks on their site). Sat, 7 Jan 2005 09:53 EST Phishers Hook Firefox (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=74 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=74 The folks at TechNewsWorld reported on the Secunia security story related to their recent find of a security flaw in FireFox. I suppose it wouldn't take long, considering that FireFox is outpacing any other browser's rise to marketshare. To paraphrase what my buddy <a href="http://www.kctsdigitalworld.com">Kevin said</a>, the more popular you are, the more likely you are to be hacked. I consider being hacked akin to the idea of flattery. You've obviously decided that the best way to get to "me" or my adoring public is through hacking my fantastic software. Microsoft and FireFox should be proud that people pay them this kind of attention. Of course, the news media turns anything into fodder, no matter how minimal the overall effects are.The news story: <a href="http://www.technewsworld.com/story/39486.html">Phishers Catch Out Firefox</a> on TechNewsWorld states that "A security flaw in the increasingly popular Firefox browser is exposing millions of users to phishing scams, security experts have warned."Jakob Balle, security specialist at Secunia Research, said that the vulnerability in Firefox and Mozilla Latest News about Mozilla Foundation allows malicious hackers to execute phishing scams by spoofing the source URL displayed in the browser's Download Dialog box.'The problem is that long sub-domains and paths are not displayed correctly, which can be exploited to obfuscate what is being displayed in the source field of the Download Dialog box,' he said.A Secunia Research advisory stated that the 'less critical' vulnerability has been confirmed in Mozilla 1.7.3 for Linux, Mozilla 1.7.5 for Windows, and Mozilla Firefox 1.0. It added that 'other versions may also be affected.''Currently, no solution is available. However, the vendor reports that this vulnerability will be fixed in upcoming versions of the affected products,' Secunia stated.Balle urged users not to follow download links from untrusted sources" I thought that the 1.0 version wasn't effected, but it appears that it is. I guess I'll just have to make sure I only "follow download links from [trusted] sources." ;)News article source: [<a href="http://www.technewsworld.com/">TechNewsWorld, Robert Jaques, VNUNet, Jan 7, 2005</a>] Sat, 7 Jan 2005 05:56 EST Thoughts on New DRM Scheme for DVD Players (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=73 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=73 Seen on ExtremeTech:<a href="http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,1748511,00.asp?kc=ETRSS02129TX1K0000532">New DRM Scheme Could Make DVD Players Obsolete</a>: "Hewlett-Packard and Philips said Wednesday that they have developed a content-protection system for DVDs, designed to protect users from burning 'protected' DTV broadcasts. The encryption system will be built into next-generation DVD players as well as media."This is troubling, to me. Why are these manufacturers so hell-bent on making it impossible for everyone to stop copying their own stuff. Sure, there are many people who pirate things they're not supposed to. But the truth is, the only people they're keeping out are the honest ones; the people who DON'T copy-for-profit. In fact, these guys are causing us to spend lots of money on new equipment to support the ridiculous directions the RIAA and the MPAA are pulling out of the sky. Manufacturers see this as a good excuse to make money; I don't blame them. But, I cannot ever continue to support technology which constantly alienates the honest.Think about it. Do you honestly think that people only pirate movies from DVD screeners? C'mon, there are guys that go into screening rooms with digital cameras and then digitally transfer the films to formats easily downloaded over the internet. Is it impossible to playback material and pick it up on a microphone or line-in device and then make an MP3 out of it? Of course it's not.Anyway... my $0.02. Fri, 6 Jan 2005 12:06 EST Skype from Your Landline (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=72 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=72 While Skype starts to pick up in the Internet Phone market, there's this interesting device that takes kind of a simple step backwards, but -- at the same time -- in the right direction.Actiontec has created something called the Internet Phone Wizard. The device can enable your existing landline to make, and receive, free internet calls via Skype Technologies. <center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/actiontechphonewizard.jpg"></center>Previously, it would have been necessary to have two separate phones to make that happen. The company is claiming that the device even improves the sound quality of internet calls. With the way it's designed, if you have two phones, you can even make a separate call on the landline phone at the same time as your Skype call. How cool is that?!Information at: <a href="http://www.actiontec.com">Actiontec</a>Source: [<a href="http://techdigestuk.typepad.com/tech_digest/2005/01/internet_phone_.html">TechDigest</a>] Fri, 6 Jan 2005 11:05 EST MIO 168 PocketPC with GPS (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=70 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=70 Mio Technology has announced that they will debut their latest devices: The Mio 136 and the Mio 168RS. According to sources at <a href="http://www.geekzone.co.nz">GeekZone</a>, Mio is exhibiting these products at the current Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, NV. Using the 168RS's high-sensitivity satellite reception system, and working in conjunction with Microsoft, Mio has been demonstrating wireless communications at the Microsoft booth in the Las Vegas Convention Center.<center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/mio168larg.gif" width="135" height="268"></center>Mio Technology has indicated that it will increase the pace at which the company enters new markets during 2005. Mio's promise is to deliver distinctive designs and continually innovate while providing consumers with richer, more convenient, wireless communications-enhanced lifestyles.The Mio comes with a built-in GPS and navigation software with turn-by-turn voice guidance. There is a special hotkey button to quickly switch between GPS and Pocket PC applications with just one key press.Running Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 Pocket PC OS on an Intel PXA255 processor, at 300Mhz, The MIO 168 (pictured), sports a 3.5-inch 65,000 color Transflective LCD screen, and comes with an SDIO slot, 32MB of ROM, and 64MB of SDRAM. The device weighs only 5.2 ounces. The included accessories are an AC adapter, USB cable, and a car kit which consists of a charger, holster, and window mount. Also included are a set of earbuds and a protective case. Fri, 6 Jan 2005 08:36 EST Technology Weaves Into Interactive Skirts (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=69 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=69 There is this interesting garment technology thing going on, lately. I find it facinating that people are developing clothing with technology characteristics to make the garments more intriguing; hopefully more attractive in more ways than just sales.HearWear, by Younghui Kim and Milena Iossifova, is a skirt that turns "urban noise" into colourful light patterns. The skirt uses a sound recognition module, driven by a micro-controller, to perceive and qualify varying characteristics of noise patterns. The microcontroller is programmed to activate a number of LEDs and electroluminescent wire woven into the fabric.A few years ago, Fionnuala Conway and Katherine Moriwaki created something similar: the three Urban Chameleon reactive skirts. The skirts are influenced and changed by perceptions of one's surroundings. 'Touch' changes visual properties upon contact. 'Speak' reacts to urban noise, and 'Breathe' visualizes pollution and urban exhaust as it travels through the garment. Um... eww?<centeR><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/breathedress.jpg"></center>Francesca Rosella and Ryan Genz at CuteCircuits have developed the KineticDress that changes pattern with the wearer's moves. If you stand still, the dress is just black, when you move the garment slowly lights up with a blue-circles pattern that creates a magic halo. The Skirteleon is made from a laminated fabric that changes color 'on-demand'. It is blue in the morning when the wearer is working, then shows a pattern with animal characters when the wearer is with friends for an drink, and in the evening it displays a Japanese pattern. How neat!There's also the new skirt from Out Of The Closet that can be set to a certain color, and it's 'mate' skirt will adjust it's color to match the original settings. So, you can give a skirt to your friend, pick your colors, and when you see your friend, the skirt will cause a combination color between the two wearers selections. I'm not sure if this SOLVES the problem of two women showing up in the same dress, or makes it worse. I suppose you DEFINITELY have to have called each other. ;)Via: [<a href="http://www.popgadget.net/2005/01/interactive-skirts-part-ii.html">PopGadeget</a>] Fri, 6 Jan 2005 08:17 EST Samsung Cellphone Speech-to-Text (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=68 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=68 Samsung has announced two new mobile phones that can convert spoken words into text messages. The speech-to-text is called VoiceMode and works alongside something called QuickPhrase which lets you send pre-programmed messages like 'I'm running late' just by speaking the words (I'm assuming the process needs no manual input at all, to differentiate it from VoiceMode).<center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/samsungspeechtext.jpg"></center>These phones look as big as models with full alpha keyboards, but judging from the size of the screens probably have impressive camera/video capabilities. And you can text while driving without being a menace on the highway.I wonder if Samsung brought these to CES? I'm also curious about the accuracy of the voice recognition. Fri, 6 Jan 2005 08:06 EST Boostaroo Revolution: Portable Audio Amp (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=67 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=67 Audio amplification manufacturer, <a href="http://www.upbeataudio.com/">Upbeat Audio</a>, has introduced the Boostaroo Revolution. This pocket-sized audio amplifier, and two-way splitter combination, provides high-end headphones (at greater than 60 ohm impedance) with high-definition 3-channel surround sound quality. The Boostaroo will double the output of a player with no more than 1% of harmonic distortion. The Boostaroo employs similar output amplifiers to those found in most CD players.<center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/boostaroo_revolution.jpg"></center>'The Revolution has been scaled down to about the size of a disposable lighter to match the size of the new, smaller MP3 players and features the same durable, high-gloss white plastic housing as today's popular iPods.' The Boostaroo Revolution easily adapts to the PocketPC audio outs, as well as iPods, and other MP3 players, due to its simple 'in-line' design.The Revolution, which will be priced 'just under $80,' uses two AAA batteries (included) that will provide about 20 hours of constant use. Fri, 6 Jan 2005 07:32 EST Gates and Microsoft's Place in 'Digital Lifestyle' (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=65 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=65 Looks like Uncle Bill is at it again. He's touting Microsoft's position in society during his Keynote speech at the CES in Las Vagas. According to eWeek's article: <a href="http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1748639,00.asp?kc=EWRSS03119TX1K0000594">Gates Heralds Microsoft's Place in 'Digital Lifestyle'</a>: "During his opening CES keynote, Microsoft's chairman says consumers are embracing digital technologies as he announces more Windows support in TVs, DVD players/recorders and other devices.""Conan O'Brien of "The Late Show" joined Gates on stage, opening the keynote with a monologue and then sitting down with Gates to lead him through his presentation.""The kickoff address from Gates was riddled with demo glitches ranging from a marred digital-photo slideshow to a memory error that crashed an Xbox game. On the bright side, the miscues gave Gates' celebrity guest plenty of fodder for jokes." Tue, 3 Jan 2005 17:30 EST iPodZilla! Monster iPod Ruler! (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=64 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=64 Very quickly, I had to blog this... just so I can keep you posted: I installed iPodLinux on my iPod. My first impression is this: It is AMAZING!I've been reading about doing this hack for a while, and have avoided it because I love my iPod and didn't want to "hose" my precious device with some hacky-junky-Open-sourcey thing. Well, this is far from my leary thinking, and is fantastic. I love the idea of how extensible this really is. It's definitely time to do a review!You'll be able to see my review here and on <a href="http://www.pocketpctools.com">PocketPC Tools</a>Stay Tuned! Mon, 30 Dec 2004 08:28 EST Time Logger for Microsoft Smartphones (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=60 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=60 Here's a nifty little program for all of you consultants out there with a SmartPhone: Time Logger.With Time Logger for Microsoft Smartphone, you can track time spent on the job, special projects or anything else you think of. It's probably considerable as yet another time tracker for Microsoft Smartphone and, unfortunately, there is no trial version available for download; which is sad.But the program is an easy to use Time-clock-like application that allows you to track the amount of time spent on project, jobs, or whatever else you might want to track. <center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/TimeLogger.gif"></center>Time Logger includes the following features: * Unlimited number of projects * Each project timer can run idependently of others * Timers may be paused * Fees are calculated from project's hourly rate * Numerous reports available * Desktop component for exporting data or printing reports (free download) * Export data OTA via e-mail attachments To learn more, or to buy this program (price: $9.95), check out the Handango Website: <a href="http://www.handango.com/PlatformProductDetail.jsp?siteId=1&osId=600&platformId=11&productType=2&productId=147361">Handago</a> Mon, 30 Dec 2004 08:05 EST UPS Tracking via an RSS Feed (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=58 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=58 Recently, my buddy James (of <a href="http://jkontherun.blogs.com/">jkontherun</a>) wrote a little blurb about a guy who created a way to view UPS tracking information via an RSS feed. I thought this was incredibly cool and had to share it.The basic premise of the whole thing is that the guy (<a href="http://superjason.com">SuperJason</a>), who is a developer, created a .NET DLL to handle the XML interface while using a handy little class module called "RSSMaster" from SoftTool; which made it possible to create the RSS feed from a data source.There are links to other people and articles on how to do this with other vendors like USPS, FedEx and DHL.Source: [<a href="http://jkontherun.blogs.com/">jkontherun</a>] via [<a href="http://superjason.com/archive/2004/11/28/272.aspx">SuperJason</a>] Mon, 30 Dec 2004 07:43 EST Battery Powered HDD Enclosure (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=57 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=57 If you're looking for any easy (and cheap) way to take up to 80GB of storage with you on the go, take a look at the Alpha-Data Copy Bank 2.5-inch hard drive enclosure with USB 2.0 support. It'll be made available during January in Japan for only $60. But the differentiating feature of this ultra-cool, slimline HDD enclosure is that it can be powered by 4 AA batteries so users don't need to plug it into a PC or power outlet for juice!<center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/alpha-data_copy_bank.jpg" width="185" height="147"></center>According to TechJapan: "The case can be used as a removable drive when connected to a PC. Power is provided by the PC's PS/2 port or USB port using the included cable. Supported operating systems are Windows ME/2000/XP and Mac OS9 or later."The device case is made of aluminium. It measures a small W80 x D140 x H14 mm in size and weighs only 80 grams. Accessories Included are a number of cables (mini USB-mini USB, mini USB - USB, mini USB - USB (female)), a carrying case for the HDD case, and battery box. Mon, 30 Dec 2004 03:23 EST Bang and Olufsen's iPod Killer? (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=53 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=53 The BeoSound 2 is a portable MP3 player from the uber Scandinavian electronics company Bang & Olufsen. Priced at $460 USD the player designed for music playing and that alone will set any connoisseur of simplicity and style at peace. <center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/beosound2.jpg" width="177" height="169"></center>Features include USB interface, no on board memory (SD memory card required), MP3, WMA playback support, Polished stainless steel case and Rechargeable Lithium ion, 8 hours before recharging.Source: [<a href="http://www.engadget.com">Engadget</a>] Mon, 30 Dec 2004 03:14 EST BeamDock: Flying iPod Tunes! (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=52 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=52 Networx (Germany) has announced BeamDock a wireless music transmitter for your iPod. The BeamDock includes a transmitter and includes a receiver that connects to your stereo. <center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/beamdock.jpg" width="177" height="169"></center>BeamDock has analog audio output ports for use with other audio devices. Features a 100-foot transmission range via 2.4GHz ISM broadcasting, built-in volume controls, iPod-to-computer connectivity via mini USB and mini FireWire ports, and a rechargeable battery for eight hours of continuous playback. BeamDock will be available February 2005 - $160.00.Source: [<a href="http://www.ipodlounge.com/ipodnews_comments.php?id=5917_0_7_0_C">iPodLounge</a>] Sun, 29 Dec 2004 05:22 EST E-Paper gets on the right page (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=50 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=50 Cambridge-based Plastic Logic is to work with US firm E Ink to produce what could be the nearest computing has yet got to electronic paper.It has also signed a deal with Siemens to develop flexible screens for mobiles.The company, which was spun-off from Cambridge University, has demonstrated a screen that can bend to a radius of 5mm, a format that would enable its use in mobile displays that scroll out like a roll-top desk - if the flexing can be done repeatedly.Plastic Logic is understood to be working on A5-sized (14.8x21cm) standalone screens that could act as auxiliary displays for mobiles, and would at the very least be more robust than conventional screens using glass substrates.<center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/epaper_product.gif" width="141" height="202"><h6>graphic provided by <a href="http://www.plasticlogic.com/">PlasticLogic</a></h6></center>It is expected that the Siemens deal will involve Oled or LCD rather than E-Ink screens, which have only four greyscale levels. The company says it will be able to offer 100dpi resolution E-Ink screens in 2005 and up to 150dpi the following year, when A4 (21x29.7cm) screens will also be available.Plastic Logic, as its name implies, uses polymer rather that silicon-based semiconductors; one advantage is that the matrix of transistors required to drive screens can literally be printed where required. Click here for more details.This means that screens can be made very cheaply. E-Ink screens, which retain their image without the need for battery-draining refreshes, are used in the ground-breaking but reportedly flawed Sony Libre ebook.One criticism is that they are slow to refresh, but Plastic Logic's Cranch Lamble says the new screens will be much better in this respect. Sat, 28 Dec 2004 09:36 EST iRiver introduces first 5GB MP3 player (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=48 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=48 AME Info Business News talks about the new iRiver Color Screen MP3 player, saying that iRiver, the emerging leader in digital entertainment, announced the H-10, a new MP3 portable HDD music player with 5GB of internal storage and an array of features.<center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/iRiver.jpg"></center>Source: [<a href="http://www.ameinfo.com/news/Detailed/51334.html">AME Info Business News</a>] Sat, 28 Dec 2004 09:30 EST mFeeds for your iPod! (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=47 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=47 <a href="http://www.mfeeds.com/">Mfeeds.com</a> lets you create podcasts from any web page or RSS feed containing links to media files. Simply enter the URL of a page or feed and mfeeds generates a new URL for you to paste into podcasting software like iPodder. Mfeeds generates enclosures for links with the following media file extensions: mp3 ogg mov torrent m4a m4p mp4 mpeg mpg qt avi wav aiff aif mid midi au wmv wma shn flac. Such a useful tool allows users to subscribe to media content from any site they choose. Now anyone posting links to media files on their webpage can create a podcast enabled feed almost instantly. Via Dave's Imaginary Sound Space. Fri, 27 Dec 2004 08:27 EST Opera Listens and Acquires Feeds (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=46 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=46 In an article and interview given to eWeek on December 23, 2004, (<a href="http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1745349,00.asp?kc=EWRSS03119TX1K0000594">Opera Tackles Voice Browsing and RSS in Beta Release</a>) Opera Software ASA unveiled a beta of its forthcoming Web browser. The new browser features new functionality such as speech recognition, discovery of news feeds and automatic Web-page resizing.Opera said that the next release was originally to be version 7.60, though the Oslo, Norway, company announced a change in plans. It said that is "retooling the version to be more than an update, which will include a yet-to-be-determined name", said Jon von Tetzchner, Opera's chief executive officer. "We were preparing for the 7.60 release, but as work progressed and we kept adding improvements and functionality, it became very evident that we now have a browser that is so powerful, secure and easy to use that it exceeds the next logical version number and warrants a major release," von Tetzchner said in a statement to eWeek magazine.The current general release of the new browser is scheduled for 2005. Opera supports Windows, Mac OS X and Linux, the beta is available for Windows only.Opera is the biggest commercial competitor to Microsoft Corp.'s Internet Explorer, though it falls behind open-source contender, Mozilla, in user share. Opera holds about a 1.3 percent share worldwide, compared to 88.9 percent for IE and 7.4 percent for Firefox and Mozilla's other browsers, according to Web analytics provider OneStat.com.Source: [<a href="http://www.eweek.com/">eWeek</a>] Fri, 27 Dec 2004 05:43 EST SwissMemory - The Swiss Army USB Knife! (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=45 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=45 The Swiss are definitely well known for their ability to be neutral, and combine all kinds of things into "little" folding devices that fit into your pockets, as well as make a pretty good watch! Well, this time, they've outdone themselves with probably the best fold-in device; the SwissMemory. The SwissMemory is a Swiss Army Knife, with all of the fixin's AND includes a USB Flash Drive. This is probably the best integration of a USB Flash Drive I've seen, yet. <center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/swissUSB.jpg" width="260" height="184"></center>Available from the Swiss Knife Shop for $80.95 for the 128MB unit and $63.95 for the 64MB unit, the Swissmemory USB is an impulse purchase. To help the impulsivity even more, the Swiss Knife Shop will personalize your knife by engraving it with up to 10 characters. How could anyone resist that deal?<center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/swiss2.jpg"></center>The Good stuff: * The coolest integration of a USB flash drive to date * Gold plated contacts * USB drive can be detached from the knife The Bad Stuff: * No units larger than 128MB available (what a shame!)Read a full review of the device at <a href="http://www.thetechzone.com/?m=show&id=79">The Tech Zone Computer Hardware Reviews</a>. Sun, 22 Dec 2004 10:49 EST eStone Rips Audio In Your Car (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=44 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=44 A group of Asia and North American folks from a company named EStone have created an MP3 car stereo that not only plays back Mp3 format audio, but can rip CDs directly at the console in your car. <center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/estone.jpg"></center>The car stereo, which can be purchased at a small store called "<a href="http://www.z-media.us/">zMedia Technologies</a>" for $645, contains a 20GB hard disk which can store about 5000 songs. The head-unit comes with the standard AM/FM radio technology, as well as the built in CD player/ripper. Another feature is the ability to record audio directly from the radio. A USB 2.0 interface to the removable hard disk lets you take your audio to your PC - for a quick back-up in either direction; never lose that radio show you heard on your way to work, again!Having a PC independant method of ripping CDs is a pretty good feature. It would be great to go out, buy a CD, rip it on your way home (at a quick 16x, 5 minute rip time), and then transfer it to your PC. ... and then copy it into your iTunes directory, and sync your iPod so you can bring your iPod with... you... well, you get the idea! The possibilities are endless!The unit can operate in between extreme temperatures of -20 degrees C, and 80 degrees C. That's probably the right extremes for installation in any environment. The EStone also has an excellent blue-ish LCD full-text display so you can see what's currently blaring out of the 45 x 4 Watts , as well as what's on deck. Very nice design!EStone is expecting to present its product at the CES show in January of 2005.Source: [<a href="http://www.estone-tech.com">EStone</a>] Sun, 22 Dec 2004 10:15 EST More on the Ovideon PMP! (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=43 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=43 Yesterday, I reported on the <a href="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/2004/12/new-oled-digital-video-player.htm">new Ovideon digital video player/recorder</a>. Today, I had a quick volley with the sales and marketing folks at Ovideon and they supplied me with a little further detail, including some cool pix from a presentation.<center><a href="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/aviah-front-side.jpg"><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/aviah-front-side.jpg" width="154" height="194"></a></center>As was not mentioned in <a href="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/2004/12/new-oled-digital-video-player.htm">yesterday's article</a>, the device is called the "AVIAh" - note the lower-case "h" in the name. Kind of like, "aaaahhh..." describing that "FINALLY!" emotion that felt when I saw the news yesterday! One of the important details left out yesterday was the storage device size. It looks like the device has a 5GB hard disk in it, just to settle that score. ...and if it wasn't clear yesterday, or you're too lazy to click the link and read it, the AVIAh supports MP3 /WMA music playback, voice recording, JPG photo slideshows, as well as being able to record broadcast TV and Cable TV right on the device! Besides that, you can even connect your DVD, CD, or VCR to it and record them directly, too! (I'm not getting into the legal implications, those are YOUR problem!) Another great thing is that you can store files on it just like any hard disk (as anyone, these days, would expect) through its USB 2.0 connector.<center><a href="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/aviah-details.jpg"><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/aviah-details.jpg" width="257" height="192"></a></center>I suppose the only disappointment to me is that it only has a 5GB hard disk. I was kind of hoping that was a typo in the slides, but, alas, it's not. If they would just - and I know the 1" drive size is the big thing - put a 60GB drive in that thing, I'd dump my iPod for that in a flash!Great product, though! Now all I need is an eval unit so I can give you all the skinny on performance! :) Sun, 22 Dec 2004 08:59 EST Digimaster SD Card... Drive... (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=41 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=41 A Taiwanese OEM vendor, Digimaster, is releasing a new SD Card that also has a USB 2.0 interface on one end of the device, and the SD Card interface on the other. Basically, you can use it as two devices on one piece of technology! You stick the SD card side into your camera, cellphone, PDA, whatever...) and then you flip it over, and shove it into your USB slot on your PC and use it as a flash drive! The expected pricing of the 256MB version is supposed to be as little $40!<center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/digimasterdoublecard.jpg" width="218" height="124"></center>The only issue might be how some SD card slots are designed and if the spring-loaded end of the card doesn't seat right with some of them (notice how small the "top" of the card is, with just the USB connector sticking out). Still, this is a really slick idea! It would be so much better than stuffing my San Disk Cruzer in my pocket, just so I can read SD cards when near PCs!Source: [<a href="http://www.gizmodo.com/">Gizmodo</a>] Sun, 22 Dec 2004 08:45 EST Announcing: Infinium's Phantom (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=40 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=40 It appears that Infinium Labs has finally announced plans to demonstrate its flagship Phantom Game Service(tm) - the highly-hyped gaming system that proports gaming on-demand, game rentals, game demos, seamless upgrades and patch management, all built on Microsoft's Windows XP Embedded technology.<center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/Phantom-Game-Service.jpg" width="218" height="124"></center>Infinium is planning to make this announcement at the Las Vegas Convention Center during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES),Thursday to Sunday, Jan. 6 - 9,2005. Infinium has announced that nearly two dozen leading game providers have committed to provide content for the Phantom Game Service, including Atari, Codemasters, Eidos, Vivendi Universal and many more. The company has also said that it will launch its service in 2005.Source: [<a href="http://ployer.com/">Ployer</a>] Sun, 22 Dec 2004 04:08 EST Speegle: The Speaking Search (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=39 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=39 Back in October of 2004, a Scottish computer speech technology company launched, what it claims to be, the world's first talking search engine. CEC Systems, which operates from Edinburgh, has based its "Speegle" search engine on the look of Google and on its own <a href="http://panavox.panaserve.net/">PanaVox</a> computer speech technology.<center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/speegle.gif" width="260"></center>The original voice technology was launched last year. While the results of a search on Speegle are an American girl's voice, newsfeeds from the BBC, the New York Times, Reuters and MSN are heard in a Scottish accent. Spiffy! If you haven't seen Speegle, check it out here: <a href="http://www.speegle.co.uk">Speegle</a> Sat, 21 Dec 2004 09:02 EST OLED Digital Video Player (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=38 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=38 Information, stolen directly from <a href="http://www.livedigitally.com/">LIVEdigitally</a>, says that <a href="http://www.ovideon.com/">Ovideon</a>, an Illinois-based manufacturer of flat-panel LCDs, announced today their new portable media player with an OLED screen. Wow, who knew there were companies like this in Illinois?What is OLED? OLED, or Organic Light Emitting Diode, is about the best way a manufacturer can make a small screen look really bright and beautiful. Some cell phones and car stereos are using OLED technologies to create nice-looking displays, but this is definitely a vision of the future. Dan Zubic, Executive Vice President of Ovideon says “you will never want to watch video on an LCD player ever again!”<center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/Ovidean.jpg"></center>Specs:<ul><li>The screen is an odd-sized 512x218 pixels (this is odd as computer screens are typically 640x480, and TV screens are about 500x350), but I'm sure they have their reasons.</li><li>It has a built-in cable TV tuner as well as audio/video inputs</li><li>The device can record video, like a TiVo</li><li> An internal 1-inch hard-disk drive is included to store video (and other media files) - interestingly, the company forgot to mention how much storage was provided in the drive!</li><li>Playback of many video formats is supported, including: MP3, AVI, WMA, WMV, DIVx, and JPEG. I'm sure there are a variety of incompatibilities, but even so, great list of formats!</li></ul>The device has a total weight of 5.1 ounces, and it "fits in your shirt pocket or purse" - sounds good! But maybe they should keep in mind that men who buy this stuff (outside of Illinois) don't usually carry a purse around... a "murse?" "Man-bag?" .. maybe the purse comment was intended to intice the ladies; who, apparently - according to a mid-year article in some fancy news rag like USAToday - spend more money on Tech than men do.Looks really cool! I not overly impressed with the features on many of the portable video players out there, but this one might just make me open the "murse strings". There's nothing like being able to watch my favorite episodes of CSI while on a flight! Although $599 isn't cheap, but it's definitely up there with the iPod Photo, and I get a whole bunch of other stuff to boot! Sat, 21 Dec 2004 07:45 EST HomeSeer: MainLobby Touchscreen Interface Software (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=37 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=37 I've been doing HomeAutomation for about 15 years, now. I absolutely love this stuff, and I curse my friends with the excitement of it. Why are they cursed? Because they visit my house, see what it can do, and then they have to explain to their wives why they've just spent $900 on new switches, modules, and software!Well, some years ago, I was looking for a great new way to automate using my PC. I'd been using X10 for a long time, and had tried a number of X10 software solutions; many of which were excellent, but none that compared to the fantastic ideas and features of HomeSeer. HomeSeer did everything everyone else's did, but it also gave me one feature that I really wanted: Web Access to my X10!HomeSeer, the company, was orginally named "Keware," back in the day. In fact, I got my first copy of HomeSeer so far back in the day, that it only cost me $40. $40, free homeseer phone (for being a beta tester), and free upgrades for life! Well, you'll have to spend a good $100 more for HomeSeer, these days, and HomeSeer Phone will cost you, too. But these guys never stop innovating. The forums, where users of the software post, are a perfect example of how great the following has become.Well, if you've been following them lately, you'll notice something new (besides their really slick new website - which, in my humble opinion, has been a long time coming!): HomeSeer MainLobby Touchscreen Interface Software. The latest version, MainLobby 2, turns your TV, Computer, Webtablet or Touchscreen into a great graphical interface for HomeSeer. You can drag buttons on to a Stage, name them, then access any HomeSeer device or command. Control lighting, applicances, HVAC, security and your home theatre system can all be controlled graphically! You can also launch your favorite program, movie, music or playlist. <center><img src="http://www.homeseer.com/images/products/mainlobby-1-600.jpg" width="163" height="125"><img src="http://www.homeseer.com/images/products/mainlobby-4-165.gif"></center>HomeSeer MainLobby also allows you to send IR commands, launch external CD's or DVD's in your changer or control your entire home theater system using third party programs and hardware. With all of these cool tools, you can create your own Touchscreen kiosk for friends and family to use without being concerned they will access anything else on your PC (like your private collection of... well, it's private!). Skinning the background, buttons and elements is also possible; making it look the way you want it to look. You can even create your own skins using your favorite graphics editing program and use them right away! <center><img src="http://www.homeseer.com/images/products/mainlobby-5-165.gif"></center>If you'd like to check out the product, and buy it (for a mere $60 for the program, and $25.00 for the plug-in), you can go directly to the MainLobby link via the HomeSeer site: <a href="http://www.homeseer.com/products/software/mainlobby.htm">MainLobby Touchscreen Interface Software</a> Sat, 21 Dec 2004 05:17 EST FireFTP: Yet another FTP, with a twist (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=36 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=36 Lately, as I mentioned a few posts ago, I've really gotten into the whole "FireFox" thing. Let me tell you, the experience has been just amazing, as these folks have really hit on all of those things that IE has absolutely failed to deliver over the years. I realize that Microsoft has a lot of stuff on their plate, and I know that a lot of what they do is create base-tools so others can create extension to their environments; and I respect that. But I think that the browser has become that "utility" that everyone uses which really requires more attention to user's needs and requests. How long have people wanted to do Tabbed Browsing? How long have people wanted to Tray-Minimize their browser (and this is still missing from FireFox for some reason, but available in Maxthon)? Well, for me, I've wanted, and enjoyed these features with a couple of different browsers, but there has always been something about the others that made them difficult for me to settle into using. FireFox change that for me.On top of that, there's this really excellent extension that gives you access to FTP sites, directly from within FireFox. How cool is that?! Over at <a href="http://fireftp.mozdev.org/">MozDev.ORG</a>, they've developed a great extension that gives you direct FTP access within FireFox: FIREFTP!FireFTP is a cross-platform FTP client for Mozilla Firefox which provides easy and intuitive access to FTP servers. You have the option of opening an FTP server connection from within a tab window, within FireFox, or in a separate window. <center><img src="http://fireftp.mozdev.org/images/fireftpthumb.jpg"></center>The interface is simple to use: just type in your server address, account information and click CONNECT. You're then presented with a split window of your local machine on the left, and your FTP server's directories on the right. Quick drag-and-drop (or Dragon Drop, if you prefer!), or click the left or right "arrows" to copy from one side to the other. I did experience one little thing I didn't like, though... When I drug and dropped a file, it went and displayed a livejournal blog (which is verbotten where I work - and may be where you are), so be forewarned, just in case.NOTE: This program is still in 'beta' meaning that while it works just fine, it is still in development and there are still features and improvements to be made.Check it out! I'd love some feedback, as well! Fri, 20 Dec 2004 09:49 EST KaBlog - Mobile Blogging! (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=35 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=35 I know, it sounds like the noise that El Kabong makes before he "kabongs" someone, but this little app is a totally cool mobile software find.KaBlog is a blog posting tool for mobile phone and PDAs. To post, your device needs to support the metaWeblog or xmlrpc interface formats. The software works with popular blogs such as Roller, Blogger, TypePad, Moveable Type, UserLand, SNipSnap and any blog that supports the formats listed above. The software sells for $20, and can be found at: <a href="http://www.kablog.org">KaBlog</a>It's a very cool little piece of software for us blog-maniacs! Fri, 20 Dec 2004 08:36 EST Technology News: The Next Five Years in High Tech (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=34 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=34 According to Rob Enderle at TechNews World: <a href="http://www.technewsworld.com/story/39082.html">Technology News: Commentary: The Next Five Years in High Tech</a>: "The companies to watch in the second half of the 2000s are Microsoft, Oracle, HP, Dell, Symantec, Cisco and IBM Microelectronics."Maybe I've become a little too liberal with my opinions in this blog recently but... Rob, that's like saying: "The automobile companies to watch are: GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Nissan, and BMW." Dude, c'mon, be more creative than that. Recent news makers don't always make the most important watches for the coming five years; maybe the next few months. Also, picking the "big guys" doesn't really make for great predictions, considering these companies are ALWAYS pushing for the top. They've got the resources to get there, and plenty of press.Don't get me wrong, I like the guys at TechNewsWorld, but sometimes they write stuff that's a little soft. Fri, 20 Dec 2004 05:07 EST The Skinny on E-Lets Sv10 (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=33 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=33 E-lets JP has announced the Sv10; a new miniature personal computer to the Be Silent Series. The Sv10 goes on sale in Japan January 2005 for around $690.00 (71,400 Yen). Measures 6.61" x 6.29" x 2.5" (168x160x64mm) & weighs 3 pounds (1.4 kg). That is about the width of 4 ping pong balls.<center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/sv10.jpg"></center>Features includes 4 USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet, PS/2 x 2, built-in video function - maximum resolution 1,400x1,280 dot (32bit color), C3 1GHz processor and one SO-DIMM slot supports up to 1GB of memory.Via: <a href="http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2004/1220/elets.htm">Impress Japan</a> Fri, 20 Dec 2004 04:39 EST Tax Write-offs for SCI-FI Junkies! (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=32 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=32 A High court gave the Science Fiction Society of Baltimore a tax-exempt status because their work is considered educational.The Court of Appeals took account of the society's annual young writer's competition. In addition, the society holds writing workshops, has a library for its members and runs an annual convention where science fiction novelists and scientists discuss their work. Judge Alan Wilner, writing for the majority, wrote that those initiatives serve an educational purpose, making the society eligible for the tax exemption.COOL! How do I get my blogging to be tax-exempt, too? I mean, the people who read this consider it educational, don't you? I really could use some further tax breaks so that I can afford to keep my server, domain, and hobbies up! :)Article Via: <a href="www.gadgetopia.com">Gadgetopia</a>, via <a href="www.usatoday.com">USA-Today</a>. Wed, 18 Dec 2004 02:35 EST DVD Rewinder (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=31 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=31 Too much time on your hands? Money burning a hole in your pocket? Stupid people on your Christmas List? Then, you need: The DVD Rewinder! But its utility doesn't stop there, it'll also rewind CDs, and Console Game Discs. Yes, don't be fooled by it's lime-green case, and "Centriptal Velocity Spindle," this is the real deal! No fake rewinding here! Just drop the disc on the spindle and you'll hear it rewind!Too many DVDs, and CDs and not enough time to rewind? Are your DVDs running a bit too slow? The DVD rewinder is the perfect solution! But not just novelty, the DVD Rewinder has utility. It has a built in compartment that holds a disc cleaner. This compartment can be used to hold the cleaner, loose couch change, tooth picks, keys or other small items. A truly unique product with a truly unique design!<center><img src="http://dvdrewinder.com/images/dvdrewiso200x131crop.gif"></center>The DVD Rewinder will spin discs backwards and plays a “rewind” sound. You can also record your own “rewind” sound which provides unending possibilities. For the tech hip, the DVD Rewinder also has an additional MP3 port and plays a separate “rewind” sound.Don't delay! Get yours, today!!<a href="http://dvdrewinder.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&ref=2&products_id=1&affiliate_banner_id=1">DVD Rewinder</a> Fri, 13 Dec 2004 09:06 EST More Samsung Micro-memory goodness (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=30 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=30 Samsung announced that it has developed an extremely small (12x14x1.1mm), low-power multimedia memory card (MMC) for mobile phones. The Samsung MMCmicro memory card has been designed to overcome a major hurdle in cell phone design - achieving high performance with a low-power, removable memory card, now smaller than the size of a thumbnail.The 'MMCmicro' device is one-third the size of today's common reduced-size multimedia cards. Samsung said that the design of its low-power card makes it easy to incorporate removable memory into progressively smaller mobile phones. Each card can operate on 1.8 or 3.3 volts of power.The card can read at 10MB per second and write at 7MB per second; a 128MB version can store about 60 5-megapixel digital photographs or nearly one hour of QVGA-resolution video. Samsung says the card can be erased and reused at least 100,000 times and offers an operating speed between card and system of 26MB per second.Samsung can stack up to five NAND flash memory devices into each of the new ultra-small memory cards. Initially, they will be sold in 32, 64 and 128 Mbyte sizes. The company expects to begin mass production of its thumbnail-sized memory cards in early 2005.Via: <a href="http://www.Geekzone.com">Geekzone</a> Tue, 17 Dec 2004 08:39 EST Nintendo DS: Your New PVP? (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=28 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=28 Nintendo has positioned itself to takeover the handheld gaming market with its latest release of the Nintendo Gameboy DS. This little dual-screened wonder can do lots of great stuff, including wireless gaming and chat. But Nintendo isn't stopping there. They've set their sights on the popular market of portable audio and video playback via the Multimedia Adapter.With Sony hot on their heals with the new Playstation Portable (PSP) due out early in 2005 - a device able to playback video, audio, and do everything that that DS can do - Nintendo is feeling the heat and trying to stay ahead.The Nintendo DS multimedia adapter, will let you play MPEG-4 video and MP3 audio from a memory card that fits into the adapter. No pricing has been released for North America as of yet, but the expected sell price in Japan is approximately 5,000 Yen, which is about $48 in US currency.Source: <a href="http://www.mobilemag.com/content/100/337/C3504/">MobileMag</a> Tue, 17 Dec 2004 08:00 EST Bush Prepares for Possible GPS Shutdown (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=26 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=26 From Yahoo News, and the Associated Press: <a href="http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/ap/20041217/ap_on_go_pr_wh/positioning_satellites">Yahoo! News - Bush Prepares for Possible GPS Shutdown</a>: "WASHINGTON - President Bush has ordered plans for temporarily disabling the U.S. network of global positioning satellites during a national crisis to prevent terrorists from using the navigational technology, the White House said Wednesday.Any shutdown of the network inside the United States would come under only the most remarkable circumstances, said a Bush administration official who spoke to a small group of reporters at the White House on condition of anonymity.The GPS system is vital to commercial aviation and marine shipping."Dear George, You Ass! When everyone is in a panic, and the streets are jammed, and they're relying on the technology they so welcomedly were given to use from their hard-earned tax dollars; you turn it off. When my nerves are shot and I'm trying to find alternate ways out of a targeted city, or quicker ways to get my kids from the school that might be attacked, I can't use it.Now, I totally support the idea of blocking villains from using our technology against us, but wouldn't it make more sense to jam THEIR signals, rather than everyone's? I suppose your next brilliant plan will be to turn off the cellular networks at the same time?Time to start thinking outside of the box, y'all! Tue, 17 Dec 2004 07:16 EST Legal Questions Slow GIANT Acquisition for MS (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=25 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=25 Well, it looks like Giant didn't put all the toys on the table, and is playing both sides of the pancake. Yep, that's right, it was just announced that Microsoft may not be able to use the just-purchased anti-spyware software that I just blogged.It appears that GIANT had an agreement with Sunbelt Software, of Clearwater Florida, that allowed them - as their president, Alex Eckelberry, says - "... exclusive rights over elements of the technology, including the ability to offer SDKs (software developer's kits) for Giant AntiSpyware technology."So, now I suppose the Giant takes on GIANT, and Goliath will probably win. Interesting the way these things play out these days, isn't it?Read more here at <a href="http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/pcworld/20041217/tc_pcworld/118994">Yahoo News, via PC World.com</a> Tue, 17 Dec 2004 07:03 EST WiFi Detector: View the discovery! (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=24 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=24 Canary's Wireless Hotspotter is a WiFi detector that can display the name, WEP status, and signal strength of 802.11b/g networks that it finds. The $50 device is a great little tool for locating WiFi hot-spots and actually knowning the names of what they are! Now, my Dell Axim x30 is pretty good at discovery all on its own, so I'm not sure if this thing will be too useful to me; especially for $50.<center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/hotspotter.jpg"><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/hotspotter2_small.jpg"></center>But, if you're in the market for something to help you find those hotspots and your laptop software/hardware just won't do it, maybe this little guy should be on your Christmas list! Mon, 16 Dec 2004 15:51 EST New Spoofing Vulnerability in IE (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=23 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=23 I hate to admit it, after nine long years of being an avid Internet Explorer fan, I have become a Mozilla FireFox convert. My buddy <a href="http://kctofel.blogspot.com">Kevin</a> got me interested in this new beast, and I have to agree: it is sincerely the best.I bring this up because it was announced on <a href="http://secunia.com">Secunia</a> that the Internet Explorer has, yet anonther, vulnerability; also affecting XP SP2. This particular exploit can easily be done by a web site: completely spoofing the address bar. The vulnerability is very similar to another vulnerability disclosed just about a year ago called the '%00' vulnerability, which also was widely exploited by phishers. A <a href="http://secunia.com/internet_explorer_cross-site_scripting_vulnerability_test/">demonstration</a> is available on the Secunia web site.During the test, if the spoof is going to work on your browser, you are vulnerable if a new window is opened displaying a Secunia page, but the address bar is displaying "http://www.citibank.com/".But, just so you know... the "demo" doesn't work on FireFox. Good luck, IE, my old friend... you're in for a beating, yet again! Mon, 16 Dec 2004 15:42 EST Microsoft Acquires Anti-Spyware Leader GIANT Company (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=22 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=22 Via the <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2004/dec04/12-16GIANTPR.asp">Microsoft PressPass home page</a>:Microsoft, today, has announced that it has acquired Anti-Spyware Leader "GIANT Company."They are saying that "New offerings will help customers keep spyware and other deceptive software off their computers."The press release, from Redmon Washington also went on to say that "Microsoft will use intellectual property and technology assests from the acquistion to provide Microsoft Windows customers with new tools to help protect them from ... spyware..."The terms of the acquisition were not announced. Details of the Microsoft solution beyond the planned beta, including product plans, pricing and a timeline for delivery, are not yet available. The anti-spyware technology will complement the enhanced security features available in Windows XP Service Pack 2 to provide a higher level of protection for Web browsing and other Internet computing activities.More information can be found on the Microsoft web site at:http://www.microsoft.com/spyware Mon, 16 Dec 2004 15:13 EST Samsung shows off 102 inch Plasma Screen (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=21 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=21 Holy insane sizing, Batman! Now, if they could just figure out who and HOW they're going to recharge these things, I might actually OWN one...According to <a href="http://http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/12/16/samsung_monster_telly/">The Register</a><center><img src="http://www.i4u.com/images/samsung_102inch_plasma_tv.jpg"></center>Samsung, today, did a demonstration of the world's largest Plasma TV; A whopping 102 inches in diameter!This new plasma panel has exceptionally high brightness with 1,000 candles per square meter and 2000:1 contrast. The Resolution sits at a sweet 1920x1080. Obviously, my wife won't let me put one of those in my house - let alone the size, the price point. Samsung didn't reveal any pricing, but availability is expected to be after the production ramp up between January and June of 2005. Mon, 16 Dec 2004 04:00 EST Pop bubbles and Scare the Dog! (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=20 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=20 Through the strange folks at Canal PDA, we find an article about bizarre PDA applications. All of them were Palm OS, but this one was just funny to me. So funny, in fact, that I had to include the English text as directly pasted from their site - I didn't use a translator of my own; apparently, they didn't either. ;) The app is a Bubble-wrap emulator. Oh. My. God. What could you be thinking? I mean, imagine your kids getting ahold of your Palm and just jumping up and down on it to make the loudest popping sounds they can! Or worse, they start chasing the dog, or their little sister around the house with it!<center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/bubblewrap.gif"></center>Directly via Canal PDA: <a href="http://www.canalpda.com/displayarticle222.html">Bizarre PDA (I): the weirdest Palm OS programs</a>: "Better than rubber cows and dolphins, Turkish rosaries, gelatine bags and steel-ball mobile contraptions, bubble wrap (the variety used for packing) undoubtedly the best invention against stress. However, keeping a bit of bubble wrap in one's pocket for low moments is not very convenient. That's what makes this program such a brilliant invention. Once you have burst all the bubbles in the screen, you can start all over again."I'm still in tears from reading that!Secondly, there's the "Scare the Doggy" application... again, I have to paste the text, because the translation was funny. I'm sure these reviews are excellent in their native language of French, but, the translations make for as much amusement as the applications themselves! Enjoy!<center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/scarethedog.gif"></center>Via CanalPDA.COM: "Get away, you beast!. Who could imagine that annoying beasts would flee, terrified, from a shiny PDA? Dogs are sensible to certain frequencies, around 16 kHz, virtually inaudible for adult humans. Scare The Dog produces just those noises, very useful when our neighbour's Doberman is chasing us or our sister-in-law's poodle is biting our trousers." Sun, 15 Dec 2004 10:17 EST First IEEE-Compliant WiMax Chips - A done deal? (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=18 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=18 The emerging WiMax wireless wide area networking technology has received a boost with the arrival of the first integrated circuit to comply with the IEEE 802.16-2004 standard.Wavesat, the smallest of the three main developers of WiMax integrated circuits, has announced the availability of its sixth generation OFDM chip, the DM256.I'm a bit confused about this, since the spec doesn't actually go "official" until the middle of next year.ABI Research's recent study noted that Wavesat has achieved its stated goal of beating rival WiMax firms Intel and Fujitsu to be first to market with IEEE-compliant silicon.However, the study warned that this first chip is a baseband-only unit, and that Wavesat's much larger competitors are breathing down its neck. Sun, 15 Dec 2004 09:07 EST Tokyo University's Sheet Scanner (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=15 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=15 The folks in the Quantum-Phase Electronics Centre at Tokyo University have created a scanner made from a flexible plastic sheet containing organic diodes (which I assume may be OLRD - Organic Light Reflecting Diodes), that can be placed against an object to scan it; such as a book.<center><img src="http://www.manoogian.net/blog/paul/images/sheetscanner.jpg"></center>It is now entirely possible to scan the pages of fragile texts without compromising their condition. It also doesn't require the amount of light needed by a conventional scanner, as the organic photodiodes pick up reflected light from the object being scanned. Though, it is necessary to place objects directly beneath a fluorescent light. Sun, 15 Dec 2004 08:19 EST What are the Benefits of Top-Level Domains? (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=14 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=14 Recently, while purchasing a few top-level domains, I began wondering why we need so many domain suffixes. By that, I mean, the .COM, .NET, .ORG, where confusing enough to most people. Many people only think about the .COM domain when given a "web address." I know this because, even when I am explicit to people, many people get my personal domain names wrong. When I was starting a new band, I had decided that the two things we absolutely needed to do, while naming this band, where: 1) come up with a name that was different, and 2) the .COM had to be available. Needless to say, the band name sure turned out to be "different." Most of the reasoning was placed behind the ".COM-memory" game I knew would happen. You see, people have .COM-memory. It's a disease, really. .COM-memory is the inability to remember any domain suffix, other than .COM. So I started thinking: why have domain suffixes at all?While reading an article in TechDirt (<a href="http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20041208/1120223.shtml">TechDirt</a>), "Mike" reminded me of how stupid ICANN has become. We've got so many suffixes that, even the tech-junkies can't follow what's going on, and they all just seem to be revenue generators for the domain registration companies. It seems that ubiquity would be handy here. Why not disassemble this dot-everything insanity, and move to a subdomain-dot-domain-name model? I still see reasons for the subdomains, but it could further stand to reason that the subdomain should go, too. Wouldn't it be great to just type "Google" and be done with it? I mean, many alternative browsers (such as Maxthon, and FireFox) already support hot-keys for adding the "http://www." to the front and the ".com" to the end. So, why bother at all, right? These text notations are there to make it human-readable, so let's just make it legible, now.Besides, all of these new "dot-whatevers" have taken us further away from the goal of making a better integrated and usuable online world.It's time for a change: let's make it one that doesn't add dot-complexity to the mix. Sat, 14 Dec 2004 10:01 EST Toshiba's 80GB "iPod Drives" (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=12 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=12 On Slashdot:"sushant_bhatia_progr writes 'The Register has an article about a new 80GB drive from Toshiba. Toshiba says it will ship an 80GB 1.8in hard drive in Q3 2005 - a year after it introduced the 60GB version that can currently to be found inside the iPod Photo. The 80GB HDD - model number MK8007GAH - comes in a 7.9 x 5.4 x 0.8cm casing. Toshiba will ship a 40GB version - model number MK4007GAL - that's just 0.5cm thick in the second quarter. It's lighter, too: 51g to the 80GB HDD's 62g. Toshiba's current 40GB and 60GB (model numbers MK4004GAH and MK6006GAH, respectively) 1.8in HDDs are 0.8cm thick, so the new drive should make for thinner mid-range iPods. Both drives spin at 4200rpm, offer an average seek time of 15ms and operate across an Ultra DMA 100 interface. They can take 500G operating shock and 1500G non-operating shock.'" Sat, 14 Dec 2004 10:00 EST ZigBee Spec Ratified (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=11 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=11 The ZigBee Alliance said Tuesday that it has ratified the specification, paving the way for sensor companies to start making low-power networks a reality.More to come... Sat, 14 Dec 2004 08:57 EST Desktop Search Tools: Microsoft "ups the ante" (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=10 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=10 I was going to report about this the other day, but didn't feel like it was too important. But, as of today more and more information has become available and heading in that direction. So...As per Yahoo:<a href="http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/nf/20041214/tc_nf/29036">Yahoo! News - Desktop Search Tool Ups the Ante, Says Microsoft</a>: "Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT - news) launched its beta version of a new tool that allows users to search from many places on the desktop -- such as Windows, Outlook and Explorer. The MSN Toolbar Suite takes advantage of Microsoft's dominant Windows operating system to provide an ever present search tool to mine for data on a computer's hard drive or information from the Web." Wed, 11 Dec 2004 10:21 EST Kaya (Only #Technology) Technology http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/ViewItem.asp?Entry=6 http://www.manoogian.net/blog/blogx/Comments.asp?Entry=6 Check out <a href="http://www.vetorzero.com.br/kaya/kaya1.html">KAYA</a>: The most realistic unreal person created with computer animation.Even though this Kaya character has big eyes, big teeth, dense eyebrows, a cheap trick of using a hat - so there's no hair to draw, and oily skin, she is a remarkable work of electrons flowing through a computer.<center><img src="http://www.vetorzero.com.br/kaya/bigimages/pose2a.jpg" width="320" height="240"></center>If you want to read the story of how she was made, check out this <a href="http://www.vetorzero.com.br/kaya/kaya2.html">link</a>.There are a few links on the site for the movie that was made with Kaya. They're available in QuickTime, and AVI (DivX) formats.Slick!