mad voip

CCNA TV

2007-01-14T10:56:00.000-08:00

I have just made a reservation for a live Cisco tv broadcast:

You are currently registered to attend the CiscoTV Event:
CCNA TV: IP Addressing, Subnetting & VLSM

Event Date:
DAY : THURSDAY
DATE : FEBRUARY 01, 2007
TIME : 08:00 A.M. Pacific

This program is scheduled to last approx. 1:00 Hour

GMT-16:00 Hrs

CiscoTV broadcasts are delivered via streaming IP Video to your computer.

External Viewers Log-on to:
http://cisco.com/go/prepcenter

Internal Cisco Viewers:
http://cmn.cisco.com/ciscotv

Click the following link to test your video streaming up to = hour before the event:http://tools.cisco.com/cmn/jsp/index.jsp?id=35726

Visit our FAQs to view and plug-in and minimum system requirements:
http://www.cisco.com/go/prepcenter/faq/support

If you experience difficulty connecting, contact: 1-877-748-3352 (US/Canada) or 1-408-527-3352 (Int'l)
*Phone support is only available 30 minutes prior to, during and up to 30 minutes after the event.

Enjoy the show!

What is an Etherchannel?

2007-01-09T14:39:00.000-08:00

SW1#conf tEnter configuration commands, one per line. End with CNTL/Z
.SW1(config)#interface fast 0/11
SW1(config-if)#channel-group 1 mode onCreating a port-channel interface Port-channel 1
SW1(config-if)#interface fast 0/12
SW1(config-if)#channel-group 1 mode on

SW2#conf tEnter configuration commands, one per line. End with CNTL/Z.
SW2(config)#int fast 0/11
SW2(config-if)#channel-group 1 mode on
SW2(config-if)#int fast 0/12
SW2(config-if)#channel-group 1 mode on

An Etherchannel is simply a logical bundling of 2 - 8 physical connections between two Cisco switches.

Binary / Decimal Converter Calculator

2007-01-09T12:45:00.000-08:00

Binary / Decimal Converter Calculator

Others links:

ASCII Codes, Bits & Bytes, Character Code Calculator, CHMOD Calculator, Common Conversions, File Types, HTTP Status Codes, Password Generator, TCP/IP, Viruses,Using Windows Calculator with Binary Numbers

Preperations

2007-01-08T13:09:00.000-08:00

Did not do much studying on the course today, just finished a chapter I allready started. Reserved two cisco Lab for the weekend. Read some encouragements on techexams.

Connected Vs Notconnected

2007-01-04T12:32:00.000-08:00

Positive Acknowledgment and Retransmission (PAR)

2006-09-20T03:38:00.000-07:00

Positive Acknowledgment and Retransmission (PAR)
A simple transport protocol might implement a reliability-and-flow-control technique where the source sends one packet, starts a timer, and waits for an acknowledgment before sending a new packet. If the acknowledgment is not received before the timer expires, the source retransmits the packet. Such a technique is called positive acknowledgment and retransmission (PAR).
By assigning each packet a sequence number, PAR enables hosts to track lost or duplicate packets caused by network delays that result in premature retransmission. The sequence numbers are sent back in the acknowledgments so that the acknowledgments can be tracked.
PAR is an inefficient use of bandwidth, however, because a host must wait for an acknowledgment before sending a new packet, and only one packet can be sent at a time.

C64

2006-06-15T17:04:00.000-07:00

C64 Animation: "It's all very well coming up with animation on today's fancy computers, but take a look at this and see what people managed back when all we had was 16 colours and 64K of memory. Great old-skool stuff."

SAMSUNG INTRODUCES THE WORLD'S FIRSTS IN MOBILE

2006-04-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. reinforces its technology leadership by unveiling the world's first 10 megapixel mobile phone (model: SCH-B600), and the world’s first 8GB Hard Disk embedded smartphone (model: SGH-i310) at CeBIT 2006.

“Samsung's development of the 10 megapixel camera phone, and a 8GB hard disk drive phone open a new world in telecommunication industry,” said Kitae Lee, President of Telecommunication Network Business of Samsung Electronics.

“As consumers’ needs of mobile entertainment are growing rapidly, we are continuously introducing breakthroughs in mobile phones. Our i310, 8GB HDD smart phone will be the best match for business consumers who want a colossal of business functionalities as well as rich mobile entertainment contents. Furthermore, the SCH-B600, 10 megapixel cameraphone will satisfy mobile users who are seeking higher quality photography in his or her mobile. I would like to see our technological advances contribute to the future of this industry and improve the way of our future life style.”

Enjoy Maximum storage in Mobile
Samsung breaks the storage limit in mobile phones by introducing the world’s first mobile phone equipped with a 8GB hard disk drive (model: SGH-i310). With the large storage of 8GB, SGH-i310 will change the way people manage and use the mobile phone.

Samsung is the first to adopt a hard disk drive into mobile phones and has launched three models equipped with a hard disk drive; the world’s first 1.5GB HDD embedded phone (model: SPH-V5400), the world’s first 3GB HDD embedded phone (model: SCH-V7900) and the world’s first 3GB HDD Music smartphone (model: SGH-i300).

The i310 works as a perfect platform for users by combining a phone, a digital camera, and a MP3 player with its immense storage capacity. It enables users to carry around 2,000 songs (4MB/song) wherever they go.

The i310 comes with the latest version of Windows Mobile 5.0 for Smartphone which allows users to view files and easily carry their music library with them. This will sync the playlists, songs, and videos from your PC so that your experience is identical to the user’s personal computer. It also offers USB 2.0 and Plug & Play feature which allows the phone to be utilized as a removable hard disk. Businessmen and students can easily transfer files to / from their computers, as well as store and transfer files in any format conveniently.

The i310 has all the latest features including a 2 megapixel camera with flash, microSD slot, document viewer and TV output. Users can record video with the 2 megapixel camera in high quality resolution.

It also supports enhanced music function with Bluetooth® stereo (A2DP), digital power amp and dual speakers. Uses can download music conveniently from online music store from their personal computer or directly via air.

The i310 will be introduced in Europe during the second half of this year.

Combine Mobile Entertainment with Professionalism
Samsung reached another milestone in camera phones by introducing the world’s first 10 megapixel camera phone (model:SCH-B600). Samsung launched the world’s first 5 megapixel camera phone in October 2004; the world’s first 7 megapixel camera phone in July 2005; and introduced the world’s first 8 megapixel camera phone in November 2005.

Samsung’s B600 sets itself apart from its previous megapixel cameraphones by combining the mobile TV technology with the 10 megapixel camera.

The B600 offers the same level of picture-taking sophistication that a 10 megapixel digital camera offers and mobile TV capability in Satellite standard.

The camera function includes 3x optical zoom and 5x digital zoom. It also has auto focus and a flash unit that performs optimally for 10 megapixel photographs.

Also, the B600 comes fitted with a LED autofocus feature, the first time ever for a cameraphone. The B600's LED autofocus feature assists users to capture clear, crisp photos even in dark settings. Located next to the lens, the LED autofocus automatically determines the distance and utilizes the appropriate focus setting for optimal photo shooting.

It also has the “Anycall Band” feature, where each person using this phone can play a specific melody of instruments and arrange it together to create a song for downloading.

It also supports Bluetooth functions, through which users can listen to their MP3 files, enjoy DMB and communicate with other people wirelessly via Bluetooth headset.

The high color Reproduction TFT-LCD produces the highest possible display for its size. The photo-fine chromarich LCD can reproduce 16 million colors, virtually any color found in nature, earning it the “True Color” appellation. Moving pictures can be recorded in QVGA resolution at 15-30 frames per second. Users can watch live TV in crisp picture through Satellite DMB function.

It also supports external memory (MMCmicro) in addition to its internal memory. The mobile phone supports a TV-out function where users can connect their phones to view still or motion pictures.

The B600 comes with a design reminiscent of a real digital camera. The front is designed as a bar-type mobile phone, while the back side is used as the digital camera.

Other advanced functions in the B600 include an MP3 player, business card reader, and 128 polyphonic sounds.

The B600 will be introduced in Korea during the 2nd quarter of 2006.

Flying Cat

2006-04-05T14:15:00.000-07:00

Flying Cat Toys seem to have given their site a good old spring clean at some point in the recent past and it's not bad at all. We were particularly pleased to notice that John Burgerman bears a passing resemblance to Shane McGowan - a sober version, naturally.
http://www.flying-cat.com/

Wireless VoIP-Disruptive To Who?

2006-04-05T14:01:00.000-07:00

Wireless VoIP-Disruptive To Who?: "It's clear that the mobile carriers are doing their best to keep as many minutes on their networks by hook or by crook. Dean Bubley, one of the better and free thinking mobile analysts has spent a lot of time covering the mobile/fixed mobile convergence space and weighs in with an opinion.

His closing point (scroll down to the bottom of his post) about niche players being where the difference is, really is what I believe. My gut tells me that the mobile operators who embraces the VoIP world and delivers a new combination of communication tools will rule the roost. "

Open source players unite for patch testing

2006-03-19T17:14:00.000-08:00

Source: vnunet.com

Spikesource has teamed up with a group of open source application developers to test and certify software patches for commonly used applications with their business suites.

Partners include virtualisation provider Xensource, CRM vendor SugarCRM, Business Intelligence specialist JasperSoft, LogicalWare mail management and the Alfresco content management software.

The programme for example will test a patch for the Apache web server and ensure that it works well with the SugarCRM application before it is distributed to subscribers of the service. Both SugarCRM and Spikesource will provide support for the stack as well as the actual application.

"We'll partner with companies to certify their products on top of our stack, " Nick Halsey, vice president of Strategic Alliances and International Sales with Spikesource, told vnunet.com.

The approach is new to the software industry, he claimed. Patches currently are certified only for a specific application, and require users to test for possible compatibility issues with third party products.

"We want to raise the bar and provide higher level of testing and support."

"Before, you had Linux operating systems available that were supported and you had applications that were supported. But what about everything else that you had to run in between? There is a tremendous amount of infrastructure that goes into setting up a J2EE server."

The programme evolved out of a similar offering that was launched last month with SugarCRM. It sparked other open source software vendors to create similar programmes.

Spikesource makes its money by collecting, testing and distributing patches for a series of commonly use open source middleware applications. Those services are sold on a subscription basis at fees between $995 and $65,000 per year, depending on the system configurations.

The company also has created a collection of seven stacks of open source applications that the company tested and certified to work together.

The stacks enable IT departments to pick a fully functional stack of applications instead of having to test and integrate dozens of open source solutions themselves, promising to make it safer and easier for companies to adopt and rely on open source. A typical J2EE server for instance can be made up of up to seventy components, Halsey said.

Spikesource was first launched in April 2005. The company logged over 100,000 software downloads and claims "a few dozen" paying customers, according to Halsey.

Sprint's pocket PC is smart, not showy

2006-03-07T16:39:00.000-08:00

At first glance, Sprint Nextel's PPC-6700 looks like a run-of-the-mill phone/PDA combo, but turn it sideways and slide the top up, and out pops a great QWERTY keyboard. It's a welcome relief if you've had it with the complicated, cramped keypads or hunt-and-peck on-screen keyboards that are standard on other smart phones.

While the PPC-6700 is not as sexy looking as the popular Treo, it's certainly less intimidating, with fewer buttons on the front to scare off tech-timid types. However, streamlined doesn't mean lacking in features.

Microsoft, Intel partners to make 'Light' tablet PCs-NYT

2006-03-03T08:33:00.000-08:00

3 March 2006, Source: Dow Jones International News

Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) and Intel Corp. (INTC) plan to announce next week that several industry partners will make small, light versions of a tablet personal computer, people close to the two companies said, The New York Times reported in its Friday editions.
The machines will be tailored more for consumer entertainment than the larger tablet machines running Microsoft's Windows that were introduced in 2002. The new models - a category called ultramobile personal computers - will have smaller screens, seven or eight inches, and sell for $1,000 or less, depending on options, the paper reported.
The machines will have the handwriting recognition software of the standard Windows tablet personal computers, and include wireless technology for browsing the Internet. But the new tablets will also have multimedia capabilities for playing music, movies and games in some models.
The Times reports that those describing the features would not speak for attribution because the products have not been announced, nor would they name the three or four manufacturers that they said were involved.
Intel will supply the chip technology for the ultramobile PC's, and they will run a version of Windows Tablet PC software. The models to be introduced this year are an initial step to what Microsoft and Intel hope will be a popular hybrid category of computer, the Times reports a consultant to Microsoft as saying.

Samsung SH-B022A, SH-B026A Blu-ray burners

2006-02-28T16:34:00.000-08:00

Samsung SH-B022A, SH-B026A Blu-ray burners: "Filed under: HDTV, Peripherals, Storage Previously displayed only under glass, or doled out for review to the privileged few, Samsung has begun showing off some of the company's first Blu-ray burners, which are expected to hit retail shelves in April. Heading the pack is the SH-B022A, an internal drive that supports both 25GB single-layer Blue-ray discs and 50GB double-layer discs with 2x write-speeds (so, yeah, you should go grab a meal if you're burning a 50GB BD). The drive also supports DVD burning at 12x and CD burning at 40x. An external version, the SE-B026A, has similar features along with a swanky case. Pricing hasn't been announced, but earlier word was that the drives would go for about $500. "

Shutdown the system

2006-02-19T16:09:00.000-08:00

The screens informing that Windows is shutting down are so nicely done, one can’t happen but wonder whether it is so that user will be more eager to quickly relaunch the system again. Guidebookgallery is showing them all, Amiga, Windows Longhorn, Mac OS X Panther, Gnome, etcetera, etcetera.

Orange plans SIMs with 8,000 times more capacity

2006-02-16T15:25:00.000-08:00

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Mobile phone group Orange plans to launch SIM cards this year that can store up to 8,000 times the data stored on present day SIMs, potentially helping to transform a traditional phone into a multimedia player.

The France Telecom unit said on Wednesday the 512-megabyte "MegaSIM" cards could store up to 130 songs, three movies or 80 games, compared with existing 64 kilobyte cards which could at best store a phone book and some text messages.

"The SIM will... remove the need for clumsy additional card slots that are required today to provide storage in multimedia handsets," the firm said in a statement.

Orange, which plans to roll out these cards across Europe this year, said the MegaSIM was the result of a collaboration with M-systems, Oberthur Card Systems and LG Electronics

SipPhone Lands $6 Million, Expanding into WiFi and Dual Mode Phones

2006-02-15T15:29:00.000-08:00

SipPhone Lands $6 Million, Expanding into WiFi and Dual Mode Phones: "Never one to miss where the market is heading, Michael Robertson has grabbed $6 million in investment money out of New York City and is indicating that his intent is to move into dual mode handsets, meaning WiFi/IP meets 3G cellular. That's a concept I have been hot on for sometime, ever since my buddy Jeff Craig at Bridgeport Networks almost two years ago or so started to fill my head with the possibilities of just what their technology can do.

What Robertson is doing and the direction he's taking SipPhone/Gizmo Project is much more focused and ultimately more on point with where other IM/Voice players have to go. Unlike Skype which is still focusing on dual capability, not real dual mode, Gizmo Project is seeking to really blend the two world together on one device, using the HLR (Home Location Registry) to pass the traffic between the circuit switched cellular world and the IP driven WiFi world.

As a GizmoProject user for some time not only am I happy to see this fund raising occur, I think their roadmap is right on.
"

High Dynamic Range photography

2006-02-14T12:11:00.000-08:00

"HDR is a process whereby you take a number of shots of the same scene at different exposures and then merge them all together into a single image, with amazingly vivid results.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/hdr/"

The Rootkit of All Evil

2006-02-11T14:14:00.000-08:00

The Rootkit of All Evil: "Bruce Sterling looks at the repercussions of Sony's digital-rights quagmire and wonders if a dangerous precedent hasn't been set. From Wired magazine."

Cable research industry working on new standard for VoIP enhancement

2006-02-02T12:13:00.000-08:00

Cable research industry working on new standard for VoIP enhancement: "CableLabs, the research arm of the U.S. cable television industry, is preparing an updated standard that would enable its members to enhance their current VoIP offerings with video telephony, TV-based instant messaging, and integration of VoIP service with wireless. This would be done via the forthcoming PacketCable 2.0 communications standard,an upgrade of the PacketCable 1.5 standard now in effect.

Considering that most cable companies are CableLabs members, the effect of the new 2.0 standard on VoIP and broadband services is likely to be huge. "

Google working on Linux distro

2006-01-31T14:58:00.000-08:00

Google working on Linux distro: Google is preparing its own distribution of Linux for the desktop, in a possible bid to take on Microsoft in its core business - desktop software.
A version of the increasingly popular Ubuntu desktop Linux distribution, based on Debian and the Gnome desktop, it is known internally as 'Goobuntu'.

Skype updated to fix DEP Warning bug

2006-01-22T11:21:00.000-08:00

Skype updated to fix DEP Warning bug: " Skype has added a fix for the Data Prevention warning I wrote about in a Monday, January 16 post I entitled Alert: Skype 2.0 triggers Data Execution Prevention Warning.As documented in the screen grab at the top of this post, the fix is the leading repair included in the new Skype 2.0.0.73 for Windows. Download it here.

beginning asp.net 2.0

2006-01-11T13:51:00.000-08:00

Just letting you know I bought the book beginning asp.net 2.0 and downloaded visual web developer 2005 express edition Its free for a year, that is after a year you don`t get any updates from microsoft. I also download the express version (free) SQL Server.
Now I have to find a cheap webhosting service that supports asp.net 2.0. Let me know if you one?

Apple iPod Radio Remote adds FM to iPods

2006-01-10T15:44:00.000-08:00

Apple iPod Radio Remote adds FM to iPods:
We've been waiting just about forever for Apple to add an FM receiver to the iPod, and the company's competitors have had no trouble exploiting that lack; it's almost impossible to find a digital audio player from another company that doesn't have an FM tuner. Now Apple has thrown in the towel and added an FM receiver of their own to the iPod — sort of. The new iPod Radio Remote has a built-in FM receiver, something that's been available for some time on third-party products like Griffin's iFM. Of course, now that Apple's doing it themselves, the vendors can just throw in the towel. The iPod Radio Remote supports the nano and iPod with video, and is powered by the iPod. Stations can be saved as favorites, and the radio supports the Radio Data System for display of song or station information. Of course third-party vendors may still find an audience for their products given that Apple's offering only works with the most recent iPod models, and doesn't include a voice recorder or some of the other bells and whistles available on some aftermarket products.

Let Freedom Reign

2006-01-02T13:44:00.000-08:00

AllPeers is a free extension which combines the strength of Firefox and the efficiency of BitTorrent to transform your favorite browser into a media sharing powerhouse.

Regain control! You decide which media files you want to share with whom and to maximise your privacy, communications are encrypted.

Forget about complicated setup or obscure user interfaces. If you know how to use Firefox you know how to use AllPeers.

What can V4S do for me?

2005-12-28T11:36:00.000-08:00

What can V4S do for me?

Think of V4S as your Internet voicemail for Skype™.

Anywhere you have access to the Net, from any device with a streaming audio player, you can play and manage the voicemails V4S has taken for you.

V4S will take voicemails for you no matter where you are – at your main PC, logged onto Skype from a PDA, clubbing, whatever. V4S can also send you email or SMS alerts containing a link to new messages as they come in.

Even from devices that don’t have a streaming audio player (like some mobile phones), you can still check to see what messages you have.

V4S – your free Internet voicemail for Skype. Always with you. Always free. As Skype should be!

Why would I use V4S instead of Skype Voicemail?

For one thing, V4S is FREE. For another, it’s more convenient!

Even better, V4S gives you access to all your Skype voicemails from EVERYWHERE. Also, V4S can send you email and/or SMS alerts when you get a new message so you’ll know right away when an important call comes in. Finally, because the voicemail plays in a media player, you can easily rewind and fast-forward.

more

Take your cable channels with you on the road

2005-12-25T15:39:00.000-08:00

In 2002, Blake Krikorian and his brother Jason were beside themselves. Their beloved San Francisco Giants were in a pennant race, yet Blake and Jason, two Silicon Valley engineers, were traveling so much that they missed many of the games on television.

Desperate, they signed up for a service that offered live audio and video of the games over the Internet, only to find that subscribers from San Francisco could not watch Giants games because of blackout restrictions.

The idea for Slingbox was born. The Krikorians decided to find a way to let cable and satellite television customers watch what was on their home televisions while they were on the road. After several years developing the product, their company, Sling Media, released its first boxes in July.

"I was paying $80 a month to Comcast, and I have a broadband pipe in my house and all these other displays," Blake Krikorian said. "So why can't I just watch the TV coming into our house?"

Just as TiVo and other digital video recorders ushered in the concept of "time shifting" a few years ago, the Slingbox promises to make "place shifting" a reality for households. By letting consumers connect with their cable or satellite hookups when they travel, Slingbox has the potential to splinter further the way television is watched.

For instance, even people living far from their hometowns could get a Slingbox, allowing them to watch their local television in another city or even country. Sling Media does not endorse this use of its device for fear of antagonizing cable and satellite companies, which may see it as illicit sharing.

Merry Xmas

2005-12-24T14:12:00.000-08:00

I love you

Penn-State Philips CMOS transistor model adopted as industry-wide standard for future nanometer chip design

2005-12-20T15:12:00.000-08:00

Penn-State Philips CMOS transistor model adopted as industry-wide standard for future nanometer chip design: "The PSP (Penn-State Philips) model will now become the industry standard for simulating the behavior of future generations of CMOS transistors produced at the 65-nm technology node and beyond."

By allowing designers to accurately predict circuit performance before committing their designs to silicon, this new standard will enable the optimal use of CMOS chip technology in real-world applications. In addition, the standard will facilitate the exchange of chip designs between design groups and the outsourcing of chip fabrication to silicon foundries by allowing everyone to communicate using the same transistor modeling language. As a result, the chips produced will perform better, be less expensive and appear earlier on the market.

“As CMOS takes on new roles beyond the production of purely digital chips, it is important that the industry has a single model that accurately predicts transistor performance under all circuit conditions, including RF and analog circuit behavior,” said Dr. Reinout Woltjer, Department Head of the Device Modeling group at Philips Research. “By basing the PSP model on the fundamental physics of transistor operation, it provides extremely accurate results over the entire operating spectrum from DC to well in excess of 50 GHz.”

“The PSP model incorporates a number of recent advances in MOS device physics and was made possible by the innovative but practical solution of several long-standing theoretical problems of compact MOSFET modeling” said Dr. Gennady Gildenblat, Professor of Electrical Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University. “This made it possible to include all relevant physical effects without significantly increasing model complexity – a prerequisite for scalability of the model to ever-smaller device geometries.”

Because it is based on the underlying physics of CMOS transistor operation, the number of parameters needed in the PSP model is significantly less than that required by other models. This not only means that the PSP model enables faster circuit simulation. It also means that the simulation results obtained are more accurate. In particular, it accurately models gate leakage, noise and quantum-mechanical effects that will become increasingly significant to circuit performance as CMOS processes are scaled to nanometer proportions. To allow rapid integration into EDA tools, the model is supported by SiMKit – a professional grade software environment that allows it to be directly coupled into popular circuit simulators.

Wireless USB creeps nearer

2005-12-19T16:41:00.000-08:00

DECEMBER 19, 2005 (TECHWORLD.COM) - The wireless replacement for Universal Serial Bus has come a step closer to reality -- and some questions on migration have been answered -- with the release of a reference design from Wisair Ltd.

Wireless USB, which will work at 480Mbit/sec. using short-range ultrawide band (UWB) radio, has been specified by a group led by Intel Corp. and has its standards published online.

Wisair has produced working Wireless USB devices that connecting wireless and existing wired devices. A USB dongle plugs into the PC and gives it Wireless USB powers, while a wireless USB "hub" has sockets for existing USB devices and a wireless USB link back to the PC.

"Wireless USB, naturally, will be native in the PC and in devices eventually, but to support your existing PCs and laptops and all the millions of USB devices out there -- the cameras and hard disks and printers -- you have to start with a wired adapter concept," Serdar Yurdakul, Wisair?s director of marketing told online news site Wi-Fi Planet.

Wireless USB puts the USB protocols on top of an underlying UWB pipe, and the USB standards makers have chosen the WiMedia flavor of UWB which is backed by Intel. Earlier this month, the WiMedia Alliance succeeded in getting its specification published as a formal standard by the ECMA group -- despite its being deadlocked in the IEEE by a rival proposal from Freescale Semiconductor Inc.

As with the debate on underlying UWB standards, the wireless USB issue may not be entirely simple. USB specialist Icron Technologies Corp. has demonstrated its own wireless ExtremeUSB USB 2.0 implementation over Freescale's UWB products.

Meanwhile, just to show that there's still interest in wired USB, we noticed while we were at Icron's site, that it has pushed regular USB up to 10km using fiber optic. Now we're trying to imagine a use for that.

Philips 960 mobile phone

2005-12-14T14:57:00.000-08:00

The 960 is the first Philips mobile phone with an integrated Real Music player that allows users to listen to MP3 and AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) music files.

It is possible to store up to eight hours of music in the resident memory, and extra capacity can easily be added by inserting an SD/MMC memory card into the phone’s card slot (the card is automatically recognized by the phone). Users can put together an extensive playlist and effectively use their phone as a portable jukebox.

An extremely convenient ‘drag and drop’ feature means individual songs and entire albums can be transferred to and from other media such as portable digital audio devices or PCs via a USB cable or wirelessly by Bluetooth™ or via a WAP connection.

The 960 is also a powerful imaging device. The integrated 2 megapixel digital camera takes excellent quality pictures at up to 1600x1200 resolution. Images can then be viewed in considerable detail on the exceptionally sharp 262K TFT LCD screen, shared with friends via MMS, or transferred to other media such as a PC and even print with a bright colorful quality.

The same applies to the high-quality video clips that can be made with the phone’s video recorder. Shooting at 30 frames per second, the end result has amazing clarity and accurate motion reproduction. As with music files, a memory card can be inserted to increase the capacity for pictures and video clips.

The housing of the 960 has an innovative ‘sliding’ movement that is functional, fashionable and fun. When closed it is at its most compact, yet users can still access all the multimedia features via the interface, centered on a screen-based menu grid. This has animated color icons for everything from entertainment, media player and camera to profiles, settings and connectivity.

The keypad slides out to allow number dialing and text input for messaging. When used as a phone it has a talk time of over four hours and a standby time of up to 300 hours. The attractive metallic finishing and compact design - it weighs just 95g - means the 960 is just as likely to be hung from a neck strap or belt than hidden in a pocket or bag.

Microsoft, MCI to join computer-to-phone calling market

2005-12-13T11:15:00.000-08:00

Microsoft teams up with MCI to extend the reach of MSN's instant-messaging service into the crowded global computer-to-phone call market.

The deal will allow consumers to place calls for as little as 2.3 cents a minute -- undercutting rates MCI offers existing customers -- and highlighting the challenge Web-based calling poses to voice-based telephone businesses.

Subscriptions initially will be available in five markets - starting with the United States and then extending to Britain, France, Germany and Spain in the next few weeks, said Blake Irving, vice president of MSN Communications Services.

Once a customer subscribes to the new service, customers will be able to place calls for 2.3 cents a minute to phones in any of the five countries. Prepaid calling time can be purchased from MCI in $5, $10 or $25 increments.

MCI and Microsoft said they are testing the Windows Live Messenger service among 10,000 users, which they expect to expand to include tens of millions of Microsoft instant messaging users within four months. The service will be made available to subscribers in countries worldwide within a year.

The two companies said the new service, to be known as MCI Web Calling for Windows Live Call, will be available through Windows Live Messenger -- Microsoft's recent name change for its MSN Messenger, which counts 185 million active users worldwide.

MCI computer-to-phone computer-to-phone Microsoft Messenger

VOIP 911 calls

2005-12-11T06:22:00.000-08:00

A major standard enabling voice-over-IP telecommunications providers to deliver enhanced 911 (E911) service has been approved by a non-profit organization promoting implementation of the three-digit emergency phone number system across the nation.

The board of directors of the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) earlier this week approved the Interim VOIP Architecture for Enhanced 911 Services (i2) standard. The approval is considered the first step of a major system redesign around IP.

The standard, which was published Dec. 6, is a transitional measure that allows VOIP calls to be routed via existing legacy systems to 911 call centers known as public safety answering points (PSAPs).

911

Global Warming Photographs

2005-12-11T04:02:00.000-08:00

Global warming at the extremes of the earth: Habitats and cultures everywhere react to climate's rapid changes World View of Global Warming

"global warming"

Google adsense server down

2005-12-10T12:06:00.000-08:00

Where are my ads? Nothing on adsense inside
No news on Adsense News.

What kind of world is this??? Anyone??
Hmmm... They are back!!!

Aaarrrrgghhhh...They are gone again.
What is happening?

hmmmm... they are back

adsense

Here's who Yahoo! is really going after with VoIP

2005-12-09T16:30:00.000-08:00

What's the end game for Yahoo!'s just announced new PC-to-phone VoIP services?It's not as much a strike against Skype as it is against...I'll tell you, but first, some background would be useful. Ever since Yahoo! acquired softphone developer and service provider Dialpad, we've suspected for some time now that Yahoo! has been planning fee-based, PC-to-phone VoIP [...]"

bruna bianco

2005-12-05T17:02:00.000-08:00

Bruna bianco translates to tawny white man.
At least babelfish translates it like that. (Italian to English)

Firefox plus Google Toolbar through the AdSense referrals

2005-12-05T03:52:00.000-08:00

International publishers can now refer users to Firefox plus Google Toolbar through the AdSense referrals feature. As you connect your users with Firefox to improve their web browsing experience, you can generate earnings - up to US$1 for each new Firefox user who downloads and runs the product for the first time. To add a Firefox referral button to your site today, visit the 'Referrals' tab in your account.

Google Talkabout: Lots to Talk about!

2005-12-04T12:19:00.000-08:00

From the googletalk on Blogger: Lots to Talk about!

There are a lot of exciting things in store for Google Talk in the coming months and we thought the best way to tell you about them was to create a blog. We'll keep you posted on new features, happenings in the community, and progress towards our goal of enabling customer choice in Internet communications through open standards and interoperability.

One thing in particular we are really excited about is all the activity in the community around Google Talk. One of our favorite resources is Customize Talk which provides news, tips & tricks, and links to fun add-ons.

In addition to all the add-ons, some clever developers in the community have also documented our voice signaling extensions to XMPP (which we will also formally document soon) and someone even figured out how to make RPC calls using Google Talk ;-)

Thanks for all your great feedback on the product so far, keep the great ideas coming!

Mike Jazayeri
Product Manager

The world's first worldwide wireless personal Internet telephony service

2005-12-04T04:15:00.000-08:00

The world's first worldwide wireless personal Internet telephony service is how Vectoria Telecom is promoting its new WiFi-based teliPhone venture. The company, which has also renamed itself teliPhone, says the service can be used in offices and homes featuring a WiFi access point, as well as in any indoor or outdoor, public or private, WiFi hotspot. The service is available now at a basic rate of $16.95 per month, excluding the price of the wireless IP phone. The monthly service includes 60 minutes of long distance calls anywhere in the continental U.S. and Canada. All additional minutes are charge at the rate of $0.029 per minute. The service provides the usual VoIP goodies, including voice mail, caller ID, and an online account management system.

Microsoft OneCares about you

2005-12-03T06:43:00.000-08:00

Microsoft OneCares about you: "Microsoft is testing the waters of personal security with a public beta release of OneCare Live. Should you take the plunge, and should Symantec and McAfee be scared? "

Review: Wireless LAN Analysis Tools

2005-12-03T06:31:00.000-08:00

Review: Wireless LAN Analysis Tools: "Despite the hype, security isn't the only bogey plaguing wireless networks. We tested 12 portable wireless LAN analyzers designed to troubleshoot a wide array of everyday problems at the physical- and data-link layers."

Philips 102-inch Candeo LED display on sale in US

2005-12-03T06:27:00.000-08:00

Philips 102-inch Candeo LED display on sale in US: " It seems logical that the bigger you make a display, the bigger the pixels have to be, but what?s with the 384 x 216 resolution on Philips? mammouth 120-inch Candeo flat-panel LED? At first we thought that this was a typo, but the spec sheet for the Candeo line shows exactly that res for the 6.75-millimeter pixel pitch model (6-120i), along with a 256 x 144 resolution for the 10.125-millimeter model (10-120i), which must make the pixels as big as postage stamps. Anyway, we assume that these 40-square foot models are mostly meant for commercial use, and not for pushing incredibly downscaled 1080p through your home theater (even though they do contain digital inputs). Another clue about the target audience for these behemouths is the pricetag, which hovers around $100,000 no matter which pixel pitch you prefer. Although these models aren?t officially being released until CES, several have already found their way onto US store shelves, with at least three of them being eyed up by NBA players.[Via I4U]

Flaws found in RealNetworks media player

2005-12-03T06:26:00.000-08:00

Flaws found in RealNetworks media player: "Two RealPlayer flaws could let attackers commandeer Windows PCs running the software, eEye Digital warns."

Bugs

2005-12-02T11:33:00.000-08:00

Bugs: "Ferry Halim's Orisinal site is a wonderful showcase for his imaginative, pastel-shaded and simple-to-play games. Bugs is the latest - a pleasant combination of bubble-blowing and insect-stomping.http://www.ferryhalim.com/orisinal/g3/bugs.htm"

Second sample of Windows attack code posted

2005-12-02T11:17:00.000-08:00

Second sample of Windows attack code posted
2 December 2005, Source: IDG Computerworld

For the second time this week, hackers have posted a sample of code that could be used to attack a Windows machine that has not been updated with the most recent Microsoft. security patches.

On Tuesday the French Security Incident Response Team website posted a sample of a maliciously encoded image file that could be used by attackers to grind a Windows PC to a halt.

This latest example exploits a critical vulnerability in the way that Windows processes files saved in the Windows Metafile graphics format. Metafile is a graphics format used by CAD (computer-aided design) software. Files that use this format have either a .wfm or .emf extension.

"The crafted metafile from this code when viewed in Internet Explorer raises the CPU utilisation to 100%," the FrSIRT advisory states.

The advisory did not say which versions of Windows are at risk from this software, but it noted that the code had been tested on Windows 2000 Server, Service Pack 4. The Windows Metafile problems affect virtually all supported versions of Windows, according to Microsoft's website.

Microsoft believes that this code could be used to effectively rendering a machine unusable, something called a denial of service (DoS) attack, but it can not be used to take over an unpatched computer, the software vendor's public relations agency said in a statement.

Microsoft fixed this Metafile bug in its MS05-053 Security Update, released Nov 8, so customers who have not yet applied this patch are the only ones at risk from this new attack.

Earlier this week, hackers released code that took advantage of a second Windows security hole, which was patched in October. That software exploited a flaw in the Microsoft Distributed Transaction Coordinator, a component of the operating system that is commonly used by database software to help manage transactions.

The MSDTC attack software could be used to knock Windows systems out of operation, according to Microsoft's statement. Code that took advantage of this flaw has been in circulation since mid-October, but had not been posted on a public website before this week.

Microsoft is not aware of any active attacks that use either of these malicious code samples, the statement says.

Samsung SGH-D600 Mystery Game

2005-11-28T15:09:00.000-08:00

Samsung SGH-D600 Mystery Game: "Samsung has launched an interactive adventure game featuring the SGH-D600. The game, which requires Macromedia Flash Player 8, has players use the phone's features as they try to solve a mystery. There's also a weekly draw for prizes.

VoIP Wrapup Story in Business Week

2005-11-28T14:51:00.000-08:00

VoIP Wrapup Story in Business Week: " This story is a fairly comprehensive wrap up about the state of VoIP. It again tells us what we already know: 1. CallVantage has the best call quality. 2. The cable guys are making moves into VoIP in a big way 3. Skype is the alternative"

The inanity of the American consumer

2005-11-27T14:04:00.000-08:00

The inanity of the American consumer: " Never before in history have so many needed so little. 'What do you get for someone who has everything' takes on a whole new meaning in the face of the BTB TEM 500. This device will toast your muffin, poach an egg and heat your ham, all at the same time. What kind of person, exactly, needs this? If you're the rush out the door guy who stops at McDonalds, then there's no way you're going to stop and clean the thing. And if you're a gourmet, you probably want to make more than one at a time, and you still don't want to clean it. Not only don't people need it, it's unclear that they even want it. It seems as though we've marketed ourselves into a corner, where the only way to grow is to find increasingly narrow niches of decreasing utility. The consumer portion of our economy is now dependent on a four-week long debt-fueled race to buy the useless. Surely consumers can do better. And maybe, marketers can lead us there."

LamaBox P2P media playin' lawsuit in a box

2005-11-27T04:54:00.000-08:00

LamaBox P2P media playin' lawsuit in a box: " Whoa Nelly, here?s a little sumtin? sumtin? to get the attention of the MPAA and RIAA litigation gestapo: Dutch company LamaBox is launching today what they are claiming to be the world?s first media player with built-in peer-2-peer functionality. It plugs directly into your TV, provides search and download support for all the major P2P services you?d expect including Bittorrent and Kazaa, ships with a DVD burner and up to 400GB with 2 additional IDE connections for expansion, and is said to play ?any format? of image/audio/video files found on the Internet. You may remember that Grokster was taken down due to their file sharing app and for subjectively taking ?affirmative steps to foster infringement.? So LamaBox is easy prey, eh? Not so fast, see the Dutch supreme court ruled long ago in favor of the then Netherlands-based Kazaa and only classifies the upload of copyrighted material as illegal. As the LamaBox FAQ responds to the question of the legality of downloading films and music, ?downloading from the Internet is always legal.? Those free-livin? straight-talkin? Dutch are offering the low end 40GB LamaBox 400 for ?279/$329 or a 400GB top-end LamaBox 900 with DVD burner for ?479/$565. Expect ?em to ship with a subpoena if they ever come Stateside ? you know how the MPAA and RIAA roll.

Holographic-memory discs may put DVDs to shame

2005-11-27T04:46:00.000-08:00

Holographic-memory discs may put DVDs to shame: "A new computer disc � about the size of a DVD yet able to hold 60 times more data and work 10 times faster - should go on sale in 2006"

Blocked ventilation holes on Xbox 360?

2005-11-27T04:28:00.000-08:00

Blocked ventilation holes on Xbox 360?: "From xbox360fanboy.com: Some observant [xbox360fanboy.com] readers have written in wondering if any of the possible Xbox 360 heating issues could be linked to what appears to be 'unpopped' ventilation holes on the console itself (see below).Bottom-line: While it does look like a random pattern, it is consistent across all examined Xboxes and does not appear to be any kind of manufacturing flaw.

Xbox 360 Launch Team 2005 Special Edition

2005-11-27T04:18:00.000-08:00

Xbox 360 Launch Team 2005 Special Edition: "Some of you might remember the Xbox Launch Team 2001 special edition. It's probably one of the most (if not THE most) rare retail (original) Xbox system.It's a translucent green Xbox with a 'Launch Team 2001' jewel signed by Bill Gates and it came with unique 'big' translucent green controllers (the PAL and Halo1/2 green special editions came with green 's' controllers). It was sold (not even given for free) to Xbox-division employees back in 2001.Well it looks like Microsoft did something similar for the Xbox 360. Below is a picture of the 'Launch Team 2005' Xbox 360 special edition, courtesy John Porcaro, a PR manager on the Xbox team at Microsoft. Check out the USB door, it says 'I made it'. The top and bottom grill/hard drive are green.I don't know if these were given for free to the Xbox Team or if they had to buy them again, but either way ... knowing what such a special edition could go for on ebay it's certainly worth it. News-Sources: flickr.com, joystiq.com, playright.dk."

BT to Provide Free VoIP Calls via WiFi and WiMax

2005-11-27T04:01:00.000-08:00

BT to Provide Free VoIP Calls via WiFi and WiMax: " In what has to be good news to Yahoo and possibly Bridgeport Networks, British Telecom has signaled the market that they don't plan to sit idle as 'free calling' from the likes of Skype. To accomplish this there needs to be some IMS layer technology, which is where Bridgeport Networks comes in. Both companies were recently at a Fixed Mobile Convergence conference in Toronto last week, so it's kind of interesting that this story breaks. But one has to wonder if Yahoo with all the partners it has (BT, SBC, Verizon, YahooBB in Japan) is really friend or future foe. Couldn't Yahoo at some point take all that traffic, keep it on their network, connect all the Yahooligans together and bypass their partners when Yahoo user one wants to talk to Yahoo user 2?"

CBS looking to Google for Internet TV?

2005-11-26T14:16:00.000-08:00

CBS looking to Google for Internet TV?: "Is content king, or how we get at it? CBS is in talks with a number of companies to bring its content to new viewers, but old debates are taking on new life."

Google And Time Warner Telecom?

2005-11-26T03:51:00.000-08:00

Google And Time Warner Telecom?: " Time Warner Telecom, which was spun out a few years back from TimeWarner/AOL may be in cahoots with Google. TWT does have a very good network. They want only enterprise customers and the have the build out to be able to supply Google with some aspects of what they want, likely filling in gaps beyond the dark fiber Google has of their own."

Skype goes retail with RadioShack, adds Moto Bluetooth headset

2005-11-21T10:59:00.000-08:00

Skype goes retail with RadioShack, adds Moto Bluetooth headset: "If one of eBay?s goals in handing over $4 billion to pick up Skype earlier this year was to make the popular VoIP service more mainstream, it looks like they?re starting to make it happen. Skype hardware, including a new Motorola Bluetooth headset (pictured), will soon be available in a mall near you, thanks to a deal just inked between Skype and RadioShack. Beginning Monday, RadioShack stores will feature Skype kiosks, where customers will be able to try out Skype-specific accessories, including starter kits that will bundle a basic headset with a 30-minute SkypeOut calling card for just $5. The Moto headset, the H500, will come bundled with a USB adapter, at a price of about $100.

Sony Ericsson J220

2005-11-14T14:28:00.000-08:00

Sony Ericsson J220: "The Sony Ericsson J220 is a stick phone optimised for ease of use with simplified one click menu access. The phone will be available in the first quarter of 2006. From the news release: Sony Ericsson J220 – Simplicity and..."

The Emotional Wardrobe

2005-11-14T14:15:00.000-08:00

The Emotional Wardrobe: "Lisa Stead' s Emotional Wardrobe is a collection of garments that represent and stimulate emotional response through technology-enhanced aesthetics. The pieces of clothing change their aesthetic display in response to the emotions of the wearer or the presence of a viewer. The Emotional Wardrobe comprises of both worn and unworn garments. The worn garment responds to the wearer via body sensors, translating an inferred change in emotional state with a change in the garment aesthetics. LEDs create various patterns of colour, which glow from behind contours in the dress. The rhythmic patterns associated with music and emotion and could be used to improve self-awareness of moods or enhance and explore social interaction and self-expression. This concept could also encourage interaction between the wearer and society. The most interesting part (to me) of Lisa Stead's research is the unworn garments which 'live' around the house. They suggest that clothing left unworn could assume an emotive function by reacting to human presence. By representing human characteristics, fears and fantasies, they seek to provoke paradoxical emotions in the viewer. Desiree (picture above) is a dress of electroluminescent 'sequins' that flirts with the viewer. When she senses your presence she shimmers, her signals becoming more excited as you draw nearer, imitating the human gaze during the ritual of flirting. Pikme "

Mercora IMRadio for Google Talk

2005-11-14T14:13:00.000-08:00

Mercora IMRadio for Google Talk: "Think peer-to-peer music sharing is a thing of the past? You couldn't be more wrong."

ESPN the ring tone: In the zone on a cell phone

2005-11-13T18:37:00.000-08:00

ESPN the ring tone: In the zone on a cell phone: "ESPN has crammed everything it has learned about television into the guts of a black Sanyo cell phone with red keys and a 2.1-inch screen."

No Xbox 360 for Walk-in Customers until April 2006?

2005-11-12T17:56:00.000-08:00

No Xbox 360 for Walk-in Customers until April 2006?: "From xbox360.ign.com:[QUOTE]The rumors, apparently, are true. According to retailers in San Francisco, Chicago, New York, Miami and Houston, there will be mass shortage of Xbox 360 units on the targeted launch date of November 22. IGN contacted dozens of stores around the country, including Gamestop, EB Games, Electronics Boutique, Target and Walmart. One short-tempered clerk at a Gamestop in New York estimated that Xbox 360 units will not be available for walk-in customers until April. That's right, April.April is obviously the worst-case scenario, but every retailer we spoke with that accepted preorders estimated that walk-in customers will have to wait until January for their new system. And since none of those retailers are accepting any more preorders, there may be a lot of disappointed little gamers this Christmas.[/QUOTE]Read More: xbox360.ign.com"

Management guru Drucker dead at 95

2005-11-12T17:54:00.000-08:00

Management guru Drucker dead at 95: "Showed keen eye for observing management, business trends, predicting, in '50s, coming importance of computers."

Memo to Amazon: if it takes buying IDT to get Net2Phone, do it!

2005-11-12T17:31:00.000-08:00

Memo to Amazon: if it takes buying IDT to get Net2Phone, do it!: "A few months ago, after I posted that Amazon.com ought to snap up Net2Phone, fellow VoIP blogger, friend and peerless wine connoisseur thought I was a bit daft. He then created a post called 'Pass The Pipe, Russell.'Well, here's the pipe, Andy. The IP pipe.Let me revisit the issue.IDT is a diversified telephony services provider [...]"

Feds' Net-wiretap order set to kick in

2005-11-12T17:17:00.000-08:00

Feds' Net-wiretap order set to kick in: "Starting Monday, all broadband and many VoIP providers will have 18 months to ready their networks for easier eavesdropping."

Cell phones rule`s

2005-11-11T14:35:00.000-08:00

Walt Mossberg: Cell phones rule by ZDNet's Dan Farber -- I caught up with Walt Mossberg for a podcast prior to the Churchill Club event "Making a List: What's Hot and What's Not in Personal Technology," which Walt hosted with fellow Wall Street Journal columnist Kara Swisher.Walt explains why the "device formerly known as the cell phone" is the hottest consumer product category, along with iPods [...]

Here's a look at Vonage's ops center, worker bees

2005-11-11T14:24:00.000-08:00

Here's a look at Vonage's ops center, worker bees: "Earlier this week, fellow VoIP blogger Tom Keating got a tour of Vonage's headquarters and Network Operations Center.In his post 'A peek inside Vonage headquarters,' Tom's embedded a streaming video of his tour. You can call up the video directly by clicking this link. That's a freeze-frame grab off the video on the right. And, [...]"

Windows Washing Machine

2005-11-10T12:42:00.000-08:00

The Windows Washing Machine is made out of a pc, an electrical tincan-opener, an alu-frame and two roadbricks. As the computer rotates 360 degrees around its axis, all desktop elements such as windows, buttons and scrollbars respond to the constantly changing direction of gravity: they fall to the bottom of the screen all the time.A little stone is attached to the mouse which is also connected to the computer and functions as a balancing receptor. When the computer rotates, the mouse clicks and releases by the changes in gravity. Harm van den Dorpels.
http://www.harmlog.nl/harm/harmlog/main.asp?id=67

Yahoo to Introduce Cellphone

2005-11-08T13:52:00.000-08:00

Yahoo to Introduce Cellphone: "Yahoo has announced that it will be introducing a cellphone in conjunction with SBC Communications. The phone will be manufactured by Nokia, and will operate on the Cingular network, which is co-owned by SBC Communications and BellSouth Corp. The phone will be manufactured by Nokia, and will operate on the Cingular network, which is co-owned by SBC Communications and BellSouth Corp. The phone will feature an MP3 player, a 1.3 megapixel camera and a removable memory card.
"

Dutch Postbank Blue Box USB piggybank

2005-11-07T15:53:00.000-08:00

Dutch Postbank Blue Box USB piggybank: " Probably taking their cue from the tobacco and fast-food industries, the post office-based Dutch Postbank is trying to get kids addicted to banking early in life by offering them a free USB-powered “piggybank” to count their allowances and lemonade stand earnings (or whatever it is they peddle out of their makeshift storefronts in the liberal Netherlands). The Blue Box, as it is known, is available to children ages 7 to 11 who open up an Easy Blue account, and agree to let the bank open up a secret credit card upon their first overdraft (oh wait, we’re thinking of Wells Fargo right here in the US). Anyway, besides counting up Euros, the Blue Box also rocks a stopwatch, photo album, game device, and limited web browser (limited to one site, it seems). So if you’re a parent who really cares about your kids, send ‘em off to Amsterdam, where Junior’s early exposure to money-lust will give him a better chance of maturing into a Dennis Kozlowski, John Rigas, or similar titan of industry.

Is the Xbox 360 the 2nd coming of the Sega Dreamcast?

2005-11-06T03:01:00.000-08:00

Is the Xbox 360 the 2nd coming of the Sega Dreamcast?: "From 1up.com:[QUOTE]* 23 eerie parallels between Xbox 360 and the Sega Dreamcast.Ever since the first details of the Xbox 360 hit the web, gamers have drawn comparisons to Sega's ill-fated (yet still highly regarded) Dreamcast console. There are the obvious examples - the timing of the launches or the color of the hardware - but then there are a lot of not so obvious ones, too. As part of our Xbox 360 countdown, we've put together a list of our favorites. Noticed any others?Check it out: 1up.com* 10 reasons why Xbox 360 will succeed where the Dreamcast stumbledSure, it's easy to come up with some parallels between the two platforms, but will the Xbox 360 go the way of the Dreamcast and have Microsoft abandon it a few years into its life cycle? Extremely unlikely. Microsoft is in a much different position than Sega was a few years ago. Here are some of the top reasons why the Xbox 360 will succeed where the Dreamcast failed.Check it out: 1up.com[/QUOTE]Read More: 1up.com"

History of the Coffee House

2005-11-05T15:23:00.000-08:00

History of the Coffee House: "Today, the idea of a coffee house usually brings to mind a cozy place that serves gourmet coffee and espresso drinks, with couches to lounge in while you sip. So how did the coffee house get its start? How long..."

Apple iMac G5 (iSight)

2005-11-05T11:53:00.000-08:00

Apple iMac G5 (iSight): "Set Your Sights on the Latest Apple iMac G5"

Voice Over Wireless LANs

2005-11-05T11:51:00.000-08:00

Voice Over Wireless LANs: "New dual-mode cellular/Wi-Fi systems and standards may fulfill the promise of just one mobile device that works anywhere. We evaluate what's being called the killer app for WLAN."

Will Google buy TiVo? Here's how it could make sense

2005-11-05T10:53:00.000-08:00

Will Google buy TiVo? Here's how it could make sense: "That's not as an outlandish idea as it might sound. In fact, columnist Rick Aristotle Munarriz of the investing news and advice site The Motley Fool mentions TiVo first in a list of companies he thinks 'may be in the process of dolling temselves up in frnt of the dressing room mirror because they can [...]"

Buffalo HD-HTGL/R5 TeraStation reviewed

2005-11-02T15:17:00.000-08:00

Buffalo HD-HTGL/R5 TeraStation reviewed: "If you’re considering using a Buffalo TeraStation or other big NAS drive as a media server, you may want to check out Davis Freeberg’s review of the TeraStation at Thomas Hawk’s Digital Connection first — along with the response from Buffalo to an earlier version of the review. Freeberg points out that, although having a terabyte of networked storage sounded great at first, he was plagued by throughput problems and misinformation from customer service personnel when he tried to get a fix. Later, Buffalo responded that throughput would indeed be slower on a NAS than on a dedicated drive, but that his speeds were unusually slow, and that, despite word to the contrary from customer service, the drive can work as a server with Windows MCE. Looks like these drives aren’t quite ready for the average non-technical consumer — or for Buffalo’s average non-technical support personnel.

Noted crypto expert performs detailed Skype vulnerability analysis

2005-10-31T15:53:00.000-08:00

Noted crypto expert performs detailed Skype vulnerability analysis: "Those in the VoIP community who are critical of Skype are numerous in their number and loud in their derision of the utility as not secure.With 35 years as a cryptographer, Tom Berson of Anagram Laboratories writes that he is 'professonally skeptical about the security of almost anything, especially of a system which is as [...]"

Linux Tutorial: Getting Started

2005-10-30T12:52:00.000-08:00

Linux Tutorial: Getting Started: "This tutorial is meant as an introductory guide for a user to use a modern personal computer (PC) running the Linux operating system. The main aim is to provide a self-learning guide on how to use a modern Linux desktop..."

iKids Phone with GPS Reciever

2005-10-28T16:26:00.000-07:00

Dutch telco KPN has introduced a mobile phone specially made for young children. The iKid phone comes with a GPS receiver that "remains working even when the phone isn't activated. Parents can select three 'safety zones', areas where their children... iKids Phone with GPS Reciever: "Dutch telco KPN has introduced a mobile phone specially made for young children. The iKid phone comes with a GPS receiver that 'remains working even when the phone isn't activated. Parents can select three 'safety zones', areas where their children..."

Telecom offers VoIP for companies, households to get it in mid-2006

2005-10-26T01:05:00.000-07:00

Telecom offers VoIP for companies, households to get it in mid-2006
24 October 2005, Source: CIA - Daily News

Cesky Telecom started today offering mid-sized and large companies the service of the calling via the Internet. The service ePhone integrates the voice communication into the application Microsoft Outlook 2003. The service ePhone is now offered as a part of the complex corporate communication solution and it will be offered independently in the first half of the year 2006. Telecom will offer VoIP for households in the middle of next year, Cesky Telecom IP Telephony Services Manager Jakub Kopecky said at the INVEX fair today.

The service ePhone makes it possible to use Outlook not only for sending e-mails but also for telephoning not only in the framework of the Internet but also to fixed and mobile lines in the Czech Republic and abroad. Because Telecom does not offer the serice independently, there is no price list for ePhone. The company is negotiating the price of the corporate communication solution independently.

Cesky Telecom has developed the service ePhone in cooperation with Microsoft and media-streams.com.

Ready for a Mobile Phone Comedy Series?

2005-10-21T17:26:00.000-07:00

Ready for a Mobile Phone Comedy Series?: "Motorola has teamed up with MTV Networks and Comedy Central to produce a new mobile-phone comedy series. Entitled 'Head and Body', the show launches this week and targets teenagers and young adults. So what's the show about? ''Head and Body'..."

How to build a better lens

2005-10-21T17:20:00.000-07:00

So, our amazing (and tiny) squad of beta testers have built a few hundred lenses. Some of them are pretty thin, some really jump off the page.
What’s the difference?
If you get a chance, take a look at Seth’s lens. I designed this page as an example of chunking and storytelling.
Chunking, because the best lenses divide the world into tiny bite-sized chunks. A long long list of links (which is what most web pages that fashion themselves as lenses contain) is completely useless to the average human. The goal here, remember, is not completeness, it’s to give me a toehold. The best bookstores have a little display at the cash register to get you excited about exploring the bookstore and buying stuff. The smartest people I know don’t spend all day showing off how much they know–instead, they focus on a few topics and make it easy for the people they’re dealing with to engage in a conversation.
Same thing happens on a great lens. You expose a few points, just a few, maybe as many as five. Then move on to another module.
Less, not more.
Which leads to storytelling. The point of a great lens is to convert someone from a stranger into someone with enough confidence to actually click on something. Remember, on almost every single page on the entire web, the single-most clicked on button is BACK. Your goal is to have a narrative, to tell a story that unfolds and makes it easy for people to get what you’re up to.
So, as we expand the beta and you get your chance to make your first lens, or if you want to build a lens somewhere else, make it chunky.

Samsung YP-U1 reviewed

2005-10-20T16:25:00.000-07:00

Samsung YP-U1 reviewed: " With 512MB or 1GB of flash, a chewing-gum form factor and a price somewhere between $99 and $149, Samsung’s YP-U1 is the company’s attempt to grab some market share from the iPod shuffle. And with a backlit display, hinged USB and equalizer, it’s got an edge on the shuffle in at least a few places. CNet Asia put one through its paces, and found it to be a decent, basic player, but found the battery life and playlist capabilities a little on the weak side. They also dinged Samsung for leaving out an FM radio, but what do you want for $99?

Attack of the gaming grannies

2005-10-19T14:06:00.000-07:00

If you saw her in a grocery store, you would see an old, Midwestern diabetic with thick glasses leaning on a crutch or shopping cart," says her grandson Timothy St. Hilaire, who launched a blog recounting her gaming exploits -- and her colorful expletives. "She's a polite mother of five and grandmother of 12...but get her in front of a game, and she becomes a monster."St. Hilaire represents the new older face of gaming. Despite the common perception that most gamers are busy coping with acne and adolescent awkwardness, many are instead concerned with getting their Social Security checks on time.PONG ADDICTS. Some 19% of gamers are over 50, up 9% in five years, according to Peter D. Hart Research Associates. And 53% of game players expect to be playing as much, or more, 10 years from now.

Balloon beams broadband internet from stratosphere

2005-10-19T13:36:00.000-07:00

Balloon beams broadband internet from stratosphere: "The untethered helium balloon sent data to the ground at over 1 gigabit per second � thousands of times faster than home broadband"

The TomTom One car navigator...with MP3 player?

2005-10-18T16:18:00.000-07:00

The TomTom One car navigator...with MP3 player?: " GPS Review claims that TomTom is gearing up for the release of the TomTom One car navigator (artist rendering to right). It is said to feature a touchscreen, Bluetooth, USB, SD card slot, and connector for an external antenna. It will ship with an SD card preloaded with maps and car mounting kit and charger. If the name is correct then we might be talking about a whole new lineup for TomTom devices — GPS Review even speculates that the One might also feature MP3 playback due to the inclusion of a headphone jack. Hmmm, that would make this a very bulky portable MP3 player or an in-car hazard with your head tethered to the dash. But hey, we’ve only got a pathetic artist rendering at this point so let’s just wait and see the deets,

Rumor: 40GB and 80GB HD on Xbox 360

2005-10-18T16:04:00.000-07:00

Rumor: 40GB and 80GB HD on Xbox 360: "From joystiq.com:[QUOTE]We've been tipped off that Xbox 360s shown at the Digital Life show this past weekend at the Jacob Javitz were sportin' 40GB and 80GB hard drives. We can't confirm it with photos or anything, but according to our observant tipster one Xbox 360 was shown to have 38 GB of space remaining when a Microsoft representative navigated a 'memory' section for a few brief moments.This is not to say that the Xbox 360 will ship with anything other than the 20GB drive that has been announced. We confirmed with Microsoft that the console will launch with only the 20GB hard drive initially. This is more about evolution of the console post-launch.[/QUOTE]Read More: joystiq.com."

Acer laptop includes VoIP phone inside

2005-10-17T15:29:00.000-07:00

Dan Nystedt
Acer Inc. has developed a new laptop PC that comes with a wireless VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone the size of a PC card that fits into an onboard slot.
In fact, the phone is a Bluetooth card with a speaker that unfolds for users to talk into. It works with the notebook PC as an onboard VoIP phone via Bluetooth wireless technology.
The notebook PC isn't available yet. The model viewed by IDG News Service Monday at the Intel Developer Forum in Taipei was being used to demonstrate Intel's latest mobile platform based on its Yonah dual-core mobile processor.
Intel officials said they expected the laptop to be among the products available around the time it launches Yonah, expected in about the first quarter next year

The HTC Prophet

2005-10-17T14:47:00.000-07:00

The HTC Prophet: " Some images and details have leaked out about the HTC Prophet, a new GSM/GPRS/EDGE Pocket PC Phone that’s supposedly slimmer than the HTC Magician and that is listed as running Windows Mobile 5.0 and having a 416MHz processor, an integrated FM tuner, WiFi, a 65,000 color, QVGA (240 x 320 pixel) display, and a two megapixel digital camera with flash. No word on a possible release date or which carriers might be offering the phone.

How moribund Google Voice Search could be key to SF Google Wi-Fi AdWords

2005-10-17T07:35:00.000-07:00

How moribund Google Voice Search could be key to SF Google Wi-Fi AdWords: " Dean, who is Site Admin for the U.K.-based VOIP User forum, proposes an absolutely spot-on scenario for how Google Talk could work with, say, the Wi-Fi network Google hopes to build in San Francisco.I've expanded on that scenario with some research and thoughts of my own. Let's go there.Dean's scenario involves a revival of Google Voice, a [...]"

Coffee And Caffeine: A Duel To The Death

2005-10-17T07:32:00.000-07:00

Coffee And Caffeine: A Duel To The Death: "What would happen if there was no coffee to wake us in the morning? As a caffeine addict myself, I would not be a very happy camper."

Mysterious Crop Circles Surface: New viral marketing campaign?

2005-10-17T07:26:00.000-07:00

Mysterious Crop Circles Surface: New viral marketing campaign?: "From TeamXbox.com:[QUOTE]An individual, going by the name of Lutz, has been posting various pictures of crop circles across different Xbox forums including our own. Although this all could be a hoax played by someone with time and Photoshop skills, this look to us like a new viral marketing campaign in the style of ILoveBees, OurColony, and Origen Xbox 360.The pictures each display a type of crop circle; two drawn on sand and one on grass. The circles have three numbers in roman digits: I: 1, VI: 6 and VIII: 8. More Pictures on teamxbox.com.It appears the story thickens as some forum users have come across yet another strange website[hex168.com] that is obviously tied to these mysterious photos.[/QUOTE]Also note that 168 in hex = 360 in decimals ;)HEX168.com also has a counter with countdown to somewhere 3days and 15hours from now at time of writing this news.Read More/Pictures: teamxbox.com, forum.teamxbox.com, hex168.com.Xbox-Scene Discussion Thread: forums.xbox-scene.com"

Pluck lets people connect in the shadows

2005-10-17T07:18:00.000-07:00

Pluck lets people connect in the shadows: "The man behind iChat returns with technology that lets users tag, comment, and rate Web pages."

$99 Color Organizer

2005-10-17T04:17:00.000-07:00

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Oct 12, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- For busy people who want to manage every organizational aspect of their lives simply and affordably, it's never been easier than with the Palm Z22 organizer, one of two new products from Palm, Inc. announced today. An easy-to-use and compact color handheld built for the mass market, the Palm Z22 organizer is the most affordable color handheld from Palm yet. At $99 (estimated U.S. street price), it holds thousands of contacts, years of appointments, birthdays and photos, and its special memory capability keeps the information safe, even if the user forgets to charge the device

Gaming Webcam with USB hub

2005-10-16T08:23:00.000-07:00

Chatting with video & gaming
The Philips SPC 600NC is a fun webcam for adding an interactive dimension to gaming and video chatting. In intense red, it comes with free games you can see yourself in. And when the camera is not on, use its mount for connecting other USB devices.

Skype Zones

2005-10-15T16:07:00.000-07:00

With Skype Zones, you can now access Skype and make calls from more than 18,000 Skype-friendly internet hot spots round the world
Skype Zones BETA is a little piece of software powered by Boingo that gives you access to Skype through thousands of Skype-friendly hot spots, while you’re on the move. So now when you’re at your favourite café or waiting quietly at the airport, you don’t have to count the tic-tac of your watch, instead you can just talk to your friends on Skype.
Skype Zones prices
You can try it out for two hours for just € 2.50 ($2.95) or you can enjoy it as much as you want for a whole month for € 6.50 ($7.95)
Find Skype Zones

EA and Steven Spielberg Team Up to Develop Three Original Videogames

2005-10-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 14, 2005--In a ground-breaking long term agreement, Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) today announced that Academy Award(R) winner Steven Spielberg will be collaborating with the game makers at EA's Los Angeles studio (EALA) to create three new original franchise properties. Beginning this year, with offices located on site at EALA, Spielberg will work directly with EA's development teams to offer his signature style of storytelling to the concept, design, story and artistic visualization of the new games. EA will own the intellectual properties and the game franchises will be developed, published and distributed worldwide by EA. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
"I have been playing EA games for years and have watched them master the interactive format," said Steven Spielberg. "Having watched the game industry grow from a niche into a major creative force in entertainment, I have a great deal of respect for EA's understanding of the interactive format. I'm looking forward to working closely with the team in Los Angeles."
"There is no greater storyteller than Steven Spielberg," said EA Chairman and CEO Larry Probst. "In addition to his gift for pleasing movie audiences, he has an innate understanding of games and how to immerse players into a fantastic world of action and characters."
"It's incredibly exciting to be collaborating with Steven Spielberg," noted Neil Young, VP and Studio Head at EALA. "He shares our vision for the potential of the medium and has the passion and creativity to help us finally deliver on the promise that a game can not only engage and compel you with its interactivity, but can also move you emotionally."
The mission at EALA is to be the definitive creative destination for game makers and game development in Southern California. It is home to the award-winning Medal of Honor(TM), Command & Conquer(TM) and The Lord of the Rings(TM) franchises. EALA drives innovation in technology, art and game design by employing a first-class studio of game-makers at its campus in Playa Vista, CA. The studio is also home to EA's Worldwide Music and Music Marketing group and EA Mobile