Techno-News Blog

by the BBC

Getting robots to play football well involves conquering lots of basic problems UK researchers are preparing one of the nation’s first teams to compete in the 2011 robot football world cup. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh are currently refining the smart systems that control the team of three humanoid robots on the pitch. They will enter their trio of robots in the main RoboCup competition which pits standardised robots against each other.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11618151

By Michael Fitzpatrick, BBC

Japan is way ahead of others with its wallet phone Imagine giving your bank and credit cards the heave-ho in favour of your omnipresent mobile phone – and simply waving it before the cash register to pay for meals, goods and services ultra conveniently. The Japanese and the Koreans do this every day and according to some, the experience is only 20 months away for Londoners.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11627502

by the BBC

The Tianhe-1A supercomputer is about 50% faster than its closest rival. China has claimed the top spot on the list of the world’s supercomputers. The title has gone to China’s Tianhe-1A supercomputer that is capable of carrying out more than 2.5 thousand trillion calculations a second. To reach such high speeds the machine draws on more than 7,000 graphics processors and 14,000 Intel chips. The claim to be the fastest machine on the planet has been ratified by the Top 500 Organisation which maintains a list of the most powerful machines.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11644252

By Claudine Beaumont, the Telegraph

HP said the new webOS 2.0 would offer improved multitasking by “stacking” similar apps in to logical groups for faster, easier switching. It would also support Adobe Flash, ensuring that web pages with embedded videos or animation can now be viewed by Palm users. A new HP Synergy “hub” aggregates Facebook, Google, Microsoft Exchange, LinkedIn and Yahoo! accounts, making them accessible through a single interface, while the phone can also be used as digital photo frame or agenda viewer when it is docked and charging.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/mobile-phones/8073970/HP-unveils-Palm-Pre2-and-new-webOS-2.0.html

By THE NEW YORK TIMES

New technologies have always brought new ways of telling stories. On this week’s New York Times Tech Talk podcast, J.D. Biersdorfer talks to Anthony Zuiker, the creator of the hit TV show “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” about his latest digi-novel, “Dark Prophecy.” What’s a digi-novel? As Mr. Zuiker explains, it’s “the best of publishing, motion picture and social communities all kind of meshed into one experience.” Every 25 pages, readers get a code they can take to a Web site, where they can watch a video segment that bridges the chapters. “Dark Prophecy,” a thriller, is the second book in Mr. Zuiker’s “Level 26″ series. He tells Ms. Biersdorfer that an iPad app with interactive features is expected next month.

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/20/tech-talk-podcast-digi-novels-and-dating/

By JENNA MINK, The Daily News

When William King attended a technology conference in Nashville earlier this year, he did not expect to spearhead a similar event in Bowling Green. They explore “ways we can use technology to help our students become 21st-century learners and become productive citizens,” said King, assistant principal at Bowling Green High School. “When I grew up, I took notes on notepads. Kids these days take it on laptops, cell phones. … Teachers are kind of behind on that.”

http://bgdailynews.com/articles/2010/10/21/news/news3.txt

by Ed Sattaur, Majestic Media

ItWowed.Me, a new smartphone technology platform developed by Majestic Media Ltd., allows businesses and brands to drive audiences to Facebook fan pages and convert them into fans. “Like” something in real life? By placing a Quick Response (QR) code on real world objects, smartphone users can now scan these codes with their iPhone, Android, BlackBerry or any smartphone device and instantly “Like” the real world product or business on Facebook, thus sharing it with their friends on the social media site.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2010/10/21/prwebprweb4671014.DTL

by Maureen McFadden, WNDU

This “scout” program in Spain relies on special video gaming systems like this Nintendo DS. Kids can learn basic tasks, as well as telling teachers what they want to do, all by touching this screen. A study in 16 Spanish schools found the program decreased outbursts and improved overall behavior. Fortiz said, “They are less aggressive because they can communicate.” The 20 “brain balance” centers in the US offer a slightly different approach. Dr. Mark Goldenberg, Executive Director at Brain Balance Center in Norwalk, CT, said, “The fundamental issue in these kids is that both hemispheres are not linking up.” Emily Kissa has a form of sensory processing disorder – one brain hemisphere is weaker than the other. Doctor Goldenberg uses special goggles and exercise to stimulate her vision, balance and hearing. The goal: to strengthen that weakness through therapy three times a week and better nutrition.

http://www.wndu.com/mmm/headlines/New_technology_helps_autistic_kids_communicate_better_105405628.html

By Rosa Castañeda, City on a Hill Press

McHenry Library now offers five iPads for student checkout. The touchscreen computers were bought in June with end-of-the-year discretionary funds, a decision that has raised criticism in light of budget cuts and limited library hours. Pressing a dime-sized button at the bottom of the 10-by-8-inch touchscreen platform lights up the iPad and its applications, and with it, the newest gadget at McHenry Library. Jenesis Bonilla, a fourth-year Oakes student, heard from a friend about the library’s new acquisition, and went to see for herself. “I did not know they had iPads,” Bonilla said. “[I checked it out] just to actually play with it. I’ve never actually been able to use it or experience it.”

http://www.cityonahillpress.com/2010/10/21/new-technology-at-mchenry-raises-questions-concerns/

By: Chris Preimesberger

The three main goals of the new SSD Form Factor Working Group are to design a common connector specification, develop a form factor based on 2.5-inch hard drives, and support a hot plug capability. Intel, Dell, EMC, IBM and Fujitsu are linking up to help start a new industry group with the goal of hammering out a common standard for PCI express motherboard cards. The three main goals of the new SSD Form Factor Working Group are to design a common connector specification, develop a form factor based on 2.5-inch hard drives, and support a hot plug capability, Intel Director of Technology Initiatives Jim Pappas told a conference-call audience on Oct. 27.

http://goo.gl/toQp

By: Clint Boulton, eWeek

Google wields some 6.4 percent of all Internet traffic around the world, a finding that should do little to quell concerns by consumer advocates that the search engine has grown too large. It’s well known that Google has for years cultivated a 65 percent share of search in the United States, with more overseas. But few have tried to quantify the company’s overall footprint on the Web, which includes the snaking tendrils of dozens of Web services such as YouTube, Google Apps and other products. Craig Labovitz, chief scientist at traffic-watching security firm Arbor Networks, crunched some numbers and found that Google grabbed more than 1 percent of all Internet traffic share since January.

http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Web-Services-Web-20-and-SOA/Google-Grows-Massive-on-the-Web-Arbor-Networks-165588/?kc=rss

by D.Burton, Daily News Engine

The new MacBook Air is a grate notebook. Seems like Apple has a new success with the latest MacBook Air. Before concluding the event they call Apple Mac Back to first know the details and particulars of the new MacBook Air. You may rumors coming from different pages can be met and even longer spoke of two specific models, a 11.6-inch and 13.3 inches. Such as claimed in Cult of Mac, the characteristics of these two teams are or would be as follows in the next lines. The model 11.6 inches have a configuration of really basic and 13.3 inches high and a more optimal for almost everything. Battery 50% larger than the previous MacBook Air, giving greater autonomy.

http://www.dailynewsengine.com/932/the-new-macbook-air-new-technology-and-lots-of-features/

By Claudine Beaumont, UK Telegraph

HP said the new webOS 2.0 would offer improved multitasking by “stacking” similar apps in to logical groups for faster, easier switching. It would also support Adobe Flash, ensuring that web pages with embedded videos or animation can now be viewed by Palm users. A new HP Synergy “hub” aggregates Facebook, Google, Microsoft Exchange, LinkedIn and Yahoo! accounts, making them accessible through a single interface, while the phone can also be used as digital photo frame or agenda viewer when it is docked and charging.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/mobile-phones/8073970/HP-unveils-Palm-Pre2-and-new-webOS-2.0.html

By Kathleen Hickey, Government Computer News

The Army is testing lightweight, wrist-mounted displays built with flexible materials and new phosphorescent technology for video streaming and other information feeds to soldiers in the field. With soldiers carrying up to 100 pounds of equipment and gear, the Army has made it a priority to develop lightweight, durable and energy-efficient technologies to connect warfighters with headquarters and provide them with up-to-date information for improved incident response. The Army Communication Electronics Research and Development Engineering Center’s Technical Lead, Raymond Schulze, and representatives from the Project Director – Common Hardware Systems (PD-CHS) are evaluating and testing eight prototypes. The devices were showcased at the Army’s C4ISR On-the-Move testing environment last month at Fort Dix, N.J.

http://gcn.com/articles/2010/10/20/army-tests-wrist-mounted-displays.aspx

By Sami Lais, Washington Technology

A historic new prosperity, driven by developing countries and new technology, is coming, but whether it happens here or instead finds its home in China, India or perhaps Brazil remains a question, the CEO of Cisco Systems Inc. told those attending Affirm’s IT Visionary Series forum Oct. 19. “I think we’re on the front edge of a 3…to 5 percent productivity gain over the next 10 years,” Cisco CEO and chairman of the board John Chambers said. “That’s only been done once before — between 1997 and 2004. Cisco called it then, in 1997, and you’re about to see it again.”

http://washingtontechnology.com/articles/2010/10/20/cisco-chambers-innovation.aspx

by Rory Cellan Jones, BBC

A study into how much the internet contributes to the UK economy says it is larger than the construction, transport and utility sectors. The research, which was commissioned by Google, found that the internet is worth one hundred billion pounds a year to the UK economy. It suggests that the UK’s online industries now contribute more to the economy than either the construction industry or transport. The researchers also found that the country’s internet economy employs a quarter of a million people.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11641859

by the BBC

Mr Hurley said he would continue as an adviser to YouTube YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley is stepping down as chief executive of the online video-sharing website. Google bought the YouTube website in 2006 for $1.65bn (£1.03bn) and since then has been asserting more control over the popular site. In a statement, Mr Hurley said Google’s Salar Kamangar had led YouTube’s daily operations for the past two years while he had worked in an advisory role.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11657290

By Andy Nelson, the Packer

Santa Clara, Calif.-based Intelleflex is entering the fresh produce arena with a tracking system company officials say will bring radio frequency identification capability to the pallet level. Intelleflex, a provider of technology services to the pharmaceutical and other industries since 2003, introduced its new XC3 technology and handheld and fixed readers Nov. 16, said Tom Reese, the company’s senior director of business development. The technology will provide tracking capability comparable to existing active RFID technology but at one-fifth to one-third of the cost, Reese said.

http://thepacker.com/New-RFID-technology-promises-pallet-level-application/Article.aspx?oid=1283352&fid=PACKER-HANDLING-AND-DISTRIBUTING&aid=684

by Julia Ceasar, BBC

Microsoft is still the world’s top software company and a giant of the US stock market – but is it losing its touch? Quarterly results out after the Wall Street close later this Thursday are expected to show a rise in revenue and profits as corporate IT spending picks up. However, there are big changes under way in the tech industry, and some think Microsoft has been too slow to react. Microsoft’s Chief Software Architect, Bill Ozzie, recently announced his departure and his parting shot was to warn the company to imagine a “post-PC world”.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11642704

by Gareth Morgan, UK V3

IT leaders will have to keep on their toes to stay ahead of the rapidly changing technology landscape, warns IT analyst group Forrester Research, as new research highlights the rapidity with which emerging technology is having to be incorporated into formal enterprise IT plans. The latest research by Forrester highlights areas such mobile technologies, collaboration and social media, business intelligence, and infrastructure virtualisation as key new technology trends within the enterprise.

http://www.v3.co.uk/computing/news/2271824/leaders-fleet-footed-keep-tech

by Credit Loan Blog

In a world that is increasingly centered in technology, credit card companies are coming up with new ways to protect your identity – methods that, just a few years ago, were mere fantasy and they are being met with great success. Many of these new identity protection safeguards use biometric technology. This form of identity protection is the most favored by consumers, with almost two-thirds of cardholders preferring biometric identity confirmation to other forms of identity confirmation such as pin numbers and signatures. This is typically completed through the use of a fingerprint reader. New credit cards being debuted currently may require that your fingerprint be read at the checkout, or alternatively, that your credit card have a scanning device imbedded in it so that it could not be used unless your fingerprint was scanned first.

http://www.creditloan.com/blog/2010/10/19/new-credit-cards-use-technology-safeguards-to-protect-your-identity/