Mainnav pairs GPS and Bluetooth in a watch

Mainnav has released the Innovator MW-705 BT GPS watch - a timepiece that teams inbuilt Global Positioning System (GPS) functionality with a Bluetooth transmitter and also manages to pack-in a heart rate monitor, speed and distance sensor, temperature sensor, pedometer as well as the standard countdown timer and alarm.
It is the inclusion of GPS and Bluetooth in the one package that truly expands the functionality of the watch as it enables the watch to send GPS data to a Bluetooth enabled device up to 10 meters away, such as a PDA or a smart phone, for the purposes of navigation. The GPS functionality also allows for altitude data to be analyzed giving fitness fanatics using altitude training access to even more information about their performance.
Weighing in at 75g, the watch may not be the prettiest or smallest thing you’ve ever strapped to your wrist, but it does pack quite a bit of functionality into one package. The watch can also be easily removed from the wrist strap and placed in a special included frame for attachment to a bike or hung around the neck with the included lanyard.
The watch is also water resistant complying with the IPX7 standard, meaning it can withstand accidental immersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes, although the operational limitations of GPS mean the functionality won’t work under water. With normal use the Li-ion 400 mA/h battery will tell you where you are for 66 hours before needing a recharge through the mini USB interface meaning you’ll have plenty of time to figure out where you are and where to send the rescue choppers if you get lost.
For further info visit Mainnav.

Videotex SIM Card Backup Device with LCD display

November 2, 2007 Anyone who has ever lost or had stolen their mobile phone will appreciate the utter chaos this can cause. As as our reliance on the information stored in mobile devices grows, so does the need to ensure that the data on your SIM card is securely backed-up. The Videotex SIM Card Backup Device 801A offers a sensible solution in the form of a pocket-sized (3.3 x 2 x 0.5 inch) unit with an LCD screen for displaying up to 1000 contact details and the ability to restore data quickly to your replacement SIM card.

The 801 series works with GSM and CDMA SIM cards plus UK 3G SIM cards and supports data exchange amongst different compatible SIM cards. It features 32KB internal memory capacity and a large keypad for editing information stored in the device.
The Datopal Brand Videotex SIM Card Backup Device 801A is available via Vavolo.com for USD$16 - not a huge outlay for the resulting peace of mind.

Unplug from the electricity grid: Solar bags for the eco-minded

November 8, 2007 Adding to a growing selection of solar powered bagsand backpacks on the market, Office Depot has announced the release of a line of Voltaic solar charging bags that feature three lightweight, waterproof solar panels generating up to four watts of power - enough energy to charge nearly any handheld electronic device.
The bags can be used to charge Blackberrys, MP3 players, digital cameras, two-way radios, PDAs and nearly all brands of cell phones, however laptops prove too big a power challenge. Included with each bag is a Li-Ion battery pack, which clips inside the back pocket of the bags and stores any surplus power generated, so it is available when needed - not just when the sun is up. The battery pack can also be charged using an AC travel charger or car charger (both included).
Integrating the solar panels into the back pocket of the bag means there is no need to unpack and setup the panels and they are built into the back of the bag in a way that allows them to articulate, so the bag itself does not feel stiff or restrictive. The solar panels will charge a typical cell phone in 4-6 hours in direct sun. The panels are built on a strong but lightweight aluminum plastic composite, specifically selected to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Further adding to the bags’ environmentally friendly credentials is the fact that the bags are also made largely from recycled plastic soda bottles.
Office Depot carries three products in the assortment: The Voltaic Converter Solar Charging Bag, which can be used as a standalone daypack, or can be easily attached to another bag by utilizing the included fastek buckles. It is fully padded to carry and protect a notebook computer, includes a lined MP3/sunglasses pouch and features high-density padding in the shoulder straps and back panel, and can be worn as a backpack or a sling bag.
The Voltaic Messenger Solar Charging Bag is aimed at the professional or businessperson traveling to the office and/or going on a short business trip while the Voltaic Solar Charging Backpack has 1,850 cubic inches of storage space, includes multiple pockets and wire channels for electronic devices. It also features high-density padding in the shoulder straps and back panel, a nylon mesh backing for better air flow, an adjustable phone/MP3 pouch on the shoulder strap, a padded laptop sleeve, and a lined pouch inside.
The bags and backpacks range in price from US$179.99 to US$219.99

MOTOROKR T505: hands-free speakerphone and FM transmitter

November 8, 2007 Motorola’s latest in-car technology combines a Bluetooth In-Car Speakerphone and a Digital FM Transmitter for hands-free phone calls and music streamed to the car stereo. When calls come in, the T505 automatically mutes the music and audibly announces the Caller-ID, so drivers can keep their eyes on the road and echo and noise reduction technology are built-in along with "StationFinder" technology that identifies the best FM connection. When the ride’s over, the T505 can be easily unhooked and taken to another car for the next trip.

The T505 requires no wires or installation - it can simply be clipped to a car’s visor and paired to a compatible Bluetooth device using Motorola’s EasyPair technology - and supports Bluetooth Advanced Audio Delivery, Audio Video Remote Control, Hands-free, and Headset profiles. When the T505 is paired to a stereo Bluetooth phone or MP3 player calls and music are streamed wirelessly to the car stereo via the built-in digital FM transmitter. To ensure a clear connection the T505 also features StationFinder, a technology that announces where the best FM connection can be found on the user’s car radio.
“Today’s drivers demand convenience and connectivity without missing a beat to what’s important to them – their calls and their music,” said Jason Few, corporate vice president, Motorola, Inc. “We’re excited to introduce a portable, music-optimized ROKR to the car to enhance the mobile experience while consumers are on the road.”
The ROKR T505 features a talk time of 18 hours with standby time of up to 14 days. It is expected to become available in Q1 2008.
For further info visit Motorola.

T-Mobile's two new Sidekicks

Both models have a 1.3 megapixel camera, though the larger LX model also includes a flash, and both incorporate MMS, SMS and popular IM clients Windows Live Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger and Yahoo! Messenger.
The US$299 Sidekick LX hits shelves on October 24th, but is available (in both “midnight blue” and “espresso brown”) to T-mobile customers on October 17th. Its three inch WQVGA 400x240 resolution LCD screen has a “mood light” setting which notifies users when text messages, e-mails or calls are received - replies can be composed on the QWERTY keyboard. A built in music player reads MP3 and AAC files, and the phone has room for up to four gigabytes of removable memory.
The US$199 Sidekick Slide is the LX writ small, with just a two inch QVGA screen. But the phone loses little in terms of features, including a QWERTY keyboard, 1.3 megapixel camera and the messaging features of the LX. The Slide is available from November 7th.

BlackBerry 8320 bridges the gap between home phone and mobile

Mobile phones are increasingly taking over as the primary contact number for many people, with home landlines hanging on largely by virtue of cheap local call rates. Aiming to offer the "best of both worlds" in one package, the new BlackBerry Curve 8320 is WiFi enabled, meaning that it can seamlessly switch between mobile calls and unlimited local and long-distance calls in the presence of your home wireless network.

Available in two distinct finishes – titanium and pale gold – the BlackBerry Curve 8320 from T-Mobile features Research In Motion (RIM)’s smallest and lightest full-QWERTY handset design.
The device is packaged with in-built support for T-Mobile HotSpot @Home service giving users full mobile phone coverage and, with the HotSpot @Home Add-On Plan, can access unlimited calling over a Wi-Fi network as well as unlimited Wi-Fi calling at nearly 8,500 T-Mobile HotSpot locations nationwide. When you leave home or a T-Mobile HotSpot, calls are seamlessly transferred onto T-Mobile’s wireless network, and the same is true for transferring calls from T-Mobile’s network onto Wi-Fi networks. T-Mobile introduced its HotSpot @Home service in June.

The BlackBerry Curve 8320 provides standard multimedia capabilities including a two-megapixel camera, a music and video player, a 3.5mm stereo headset jack and a microSD card slot for expandable memory storage. Access to personal and corporate e-mail accounts and Web browsing is via the BlackBerry platform, Wi-Fi connectivity and T-Mobile’s nationwide EDGE network.

Related reading: the new Nokia 6301 enables voice and data mobility across GSM cellular and Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) networks.

GPS device provides continuous tracking from origination to destination

Real-time GPS tracking device and service provider Anytrack has announced two new products for both business and consumer markets designed to keep track of everything from important cargo to vehicles, pets... even grandpa.

The GPS-130 is designed to help shippers, retailers, transportation and logistics providers reduce cargo theft and increase supply chain security. And with cargo thefts costing from $12,000 to $3 million per shipment, and totalling $15 billion annually according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Anytrack should find a ready market. The smaller, lightweight version of the product, the GPS-100, can be used to track and recover vehicles, boats and pets, as well as monitor teen drivers, protect toddlers and track senior citizens”.

The GPS-130 device combines the AnyTrack GPS-100 with a high-capacity rechargeable battery pack in a magnetic, impact-resistant case. The GPS-100, a CTIA Wireless 2007 E-Tech Award winner for its innovative design, small size (2.36" x 1.85" x 0.8") and light weight (2.65 oz.), can be removed from the case for sole use. Both the GPS-130 and the GPS-100 utilize AnyTrack.net, AnyTrack's proprietary real time asset management system featuring remote tracking from any PC, with features such as Automatic Tracking, Locate on Demand, and Location History.

"The AnyTrack tracking units are unique from conventional GPS devices because only AnyTrack can determine its location without a direct line of sight to a satellite," said Charles Napier, vice president of marketing for AnyDATA Corporation, parent company of AnyTrack, Inc. "The GPS-130 can track business assets that are in transit, stored in a warehouse or in a garage, almost anywhere in the U.S. The GPS-130 can report its location for weeks at a time while concealed in cargo or on a trailer."
The AnyTrack GPS-130 transmits location data in real-time to give businesses point-to-point shipment visibility. The high-capacity battery pack in the GPS-130 model powers the device for up to three months, providing continuous tracking from origination to destination. "Any business with high- value shipments can now track their assets throughout the US by inserting an AnyTrack device in the container, then logging into AnyTrack.net, our secure real-time asset management system, to monitor location, speed and direction of the shipment," said Napier.
The AnyTrack GPS-100 and the GPS-130 are available now with the GPS-100 priced at US$229 and the GPS-130 priced at US$349. The real-time tracking service starting at $9.95 per month. Both devices and the tracking service are also offered on a wholesale basis to resellers and distribution partners.

Sharp shows the future of touch screens for micro devices

Sharp yesterday began publicly demonstrating a new technology that could have far reaching effects on the way we interact with the mounting tide of mobile information available to us through diminutive devices such as smart phones, PDAs, cameras and UMPCs – the marriage of sensing function with an LCD screen is not new, but Sharp’s technology puts an optical sensor into each pixel enabling the screen to become a multiple touch-point screen and a scanner.

The technology is a simple one to understand, but one that has massive implications as it is a fundamental building block in the next generation interface. The company demonstrated map-resizing and re-orientation with a multiple (fingertip) touch point interface, scanning a business card by placing it face-down on the screen, and a multi-touch interface for accessing music, but that’s really only the start of something new and very significant – we’re pleased to say that yesterday, we saw a glimpse of the future of the touch screen interface that will enable us to wrestle the information in these devices into submission, or should that be mutually-beneficial-co-existence.
There’s so much more to write about this subject yet our access to the technology was brief, and the demonstration was there to show that the technology works, and to indicate to the developers of the world that there’s something significant about to become available and to get ready for it.
Samples shipments of the new 8.9cm 320 x 480 (half VGA) touch screens will become available in September, with volume production slated to start in Q2 of 2008. In our mind, that means that by mid to late 2008, many handheld devices will suddenly have remarkable new capabilities, and when looking at the capabilities of this device, I couldn’t help but wonder what the likes of Apple’s CHI department r the folks at Wacom will do with the capabilities of this screen – it is a level of sophistication beyond what is available now, and doesn’t need a film over an existing LCD screen to work. Apart from never needing to calibrate the device’s touch screen as you do now, the result is a clearer, better quality of image, plus a range of new applications such as, for example, fingerprint authentication.
The implications for LCD screens becoming multi-function devices are also huge, as the technology offers a fingertip interface and scanning capabilities.

Meridian iRIS Universal iPod Dock - high-quality video on HD screens

Meridian Audio is set to unveil a product later today at the 2007 CEDIA Expo which could have quite some significance if it delivers on its claims. A unique new enabler for the Apple’s iPod family, the Meridian iRIS Universal Dock for iPod accepts the full range of current iPod models and delivers battery charging and home audio-system integration and control. More importantly, the design features high-end video up-conversion processing (up to 1080p) that produces what it claims are astonishing images with clarity and detail, delivering true big-screen performance from iPod Video.

The company claimsthe new dock can play iPod videos on the big screen, with big-screen quality, clarity, and freedom from video-noise, “jaggies,” or blocking-artifacts.

The Meridian iRIS design incorporates specialized video processing courtesy of its Qdeo digital processing engine from chip-maker Marvell. This empowers the Meridian iRIS to derive upscaled and upconverted video—including full-HD-format 1080-progressive mode—with unprecedented quality. Instead of the lower definition resolutions “native” to small-format iPod Video clips, downloaded video can be displayed on the large screen in HD-formatted full-screen video—up to 1080p on HDMI, or 1080i or 720p via the Meridian iRIS analog component-video outputs. Qdeo technology further incorporates advanced DSP for per-pixel, motion-adaptive video processing that corrects both colour and contrast losses.

“It’s not big news that the iPod continues to influence every aspect of home entertainment,” says Meridian co-founder and Chairman Bob Stuart. “But the video side of the ubiquitous portable’s capabilities has eluded effective usefulness in any sort of high-performance environment—until now. With the Meridian iRIS, Meridian can offer astonishingly good big-screen playback on today’s HD displays, from an affordable device that features simple, ‘dock-and-hit-play’ usability.”

The Meridian iRIS circular design provides a standard Apple 30-pin dock connector on its top surface, accepting any current or recent “3G” iPod or iPod Video model, while its rear edge includes HDMI, component, and standard-def S-Video and composite video outputs, plus coax and optical digital-audio, and headphone and line-level analog-audio outputs. There’s also an HDMI input to accept an outboard non-iPod source such as a DVD player or game-console, and a simple source-select button to switch between a docked iPod and an external source—so the iRIS needn’t “use up” an HDMI input on the home system. Another simple iRIS button selects video format/aspect-ratio, matching the displayed clip to the home screen. A third automatically synchronizes the iPod with a computer linked via USB.

Volume up/down keys complete the very simple and entirely intuitive iRIS controls. However, the Meridian solution also supplies a compact wireless remote controller that commands the docked iPod as well as the Meridian iRIS itself, and since Meridian iRIS displays iPod menus on-screen in the same format and organization as on the portable itself, there’s no new interface to learn.
Meridian’s iRIS Universal Dock for iPod is available November, at a manufacturer’s suggest price of US$379.

EA-18G Growler project delivered on time, under budget

"The Growler team put together a program plan that... has remained on cost and schedule, while meeting or exceeding all performance parameters. I don't get to say that very often about our programs," said The Hon. Delores Etter, assistant secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition, during the delivery ceremony at Boeing Integrated Defense Systems facilities in St. Louis. "We have a great start to a total procurement of over 80 Gs, which will operate in our fleet for decades to come."

The U.S. armed forces' newest airborne electronic attack (AEA) aircraft combines the Super Hornet's proven airframe and mission systems with a next-generation airborne electronic attack suite. By using the Super Hornet airframe, the EA-18G program and the Navy can leverage the existing capabilities and known reliability and maintainability characteristics of the F/A-18E/F to provide an advanced AEA platform at a fraction of the cost and time of a completely new aircraft. Unlike the two aircraft already in flight test, the EA-18G Growler delivered today was entirely assembled and tested on the same production line as the existing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

"We're very proud today to follow the Super Hornet tradition of delivering on our promises," said Bob Gower, Boeing vice president of F/A-18 programs. "We made a very ambitious promise to our customer in 2003 that we would deliver this aircraft, built on the same line as our Super Hornets, by the end of 2007. We've not only met those promises; our team has found a way to meet every challenge and deliver a cost-effective, incredibly capable product, ahead of schedule."

"Since the rollout in August of '06, the first flight, the software, the flight testing, it's all coming on time, which is a tremendous boon in my world," said U.S. Navy procurement chief Rear Adm. Kenneth Floyd, director, Aviation and Aircraft Carrier Plans and Requirements. "We're glad to have it, and once we get it out in the fleet, we're going to be flying this thing in ways that nobody ever thought possible. A good day for the Navy, a good day for the nation, and I think the only people that might be having a bad day are the people that end up on the business end of this thing's capacity."

The aircraft, dubbed G-1, will join the flight test program at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., before entering fleet service. The Growler is expected to complete flight testing in 2008, followed by initial operational capability in 2009.

Boeing, acting as the weapon system integrator and prime contractor, leads the EA-18G Growler industry team. Northrop Grumman is the principal subcontractor and airborne electronic attack subsystem integrator. The Hornet Industry Team divides EA-18G production across Boeing, Northrop Grumman, General Electric and Raytheon manufacturing facilities. Naval Air Systems Command PMA-265 is the U.S. Navy acquisition office for the EA-18G.

Low-cost HSI3000 Thermal Imaging Camera

If you’ve always wanted a thermal imaging instrument so you can diagnose all those problems that are just begging to be investigated with such a remarkable weapon, then you’ll be delighted to know that a new low cost HSI3000 has been added to the range of Wahl Heat Spy Thermal Imaging Cameras. The US$5995 HSI3000 is an ergonomically designed, hand held, light, compact, and easy-to-use thermal imaging camera, used as a detection and diagnostic tool for condition monitoring of electrical and mechanical systems and building diagnostics such as detecting moisture damage, pest infestation, insulation integrity, as well as energy auditsand Wahl is now offering attractive leasing packages to further ensure we can all get our hands on one.
The Wahl Heat Spy HSI3000 features a 160 x 120, uncooled microbolometer array, capable of producing crisp high-resolution real time thermal images displayed on a large, bright 3.5" color LCD with LED backlight in any of the three user selectable color palettes.

Two measurement cursors, movable anywhere in the image, provide temperature readings at each cursor location, and indicates real-time differential temperature measurement between the two points anywhere along the 14 to 482 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 to +250 degrees Celsius) range. A trigger activated Class II laser, precisely identifies problem hot spots shown on the marked center of the display.

Up to 1000 images can be stored on-board for recall and post analysis, and images can also be downloaded to a PC from the supplied SD card or USB connection for use with the software included. The HSI3000 is powered by a long life LI-ion rechargeable battery.

Standard accessories included with the Wahl Heat Spy HSI3000 are: battery, AC adapter, USB Cable, user manual and software CD, rugged carrying case, wrist strap, SD card and SD card reader.

Sony accelerates PS3 and PSP convergence with PVR and GPS accessories

In an ironic twist on the convergence theme, Sony has made some significant announcements at the Games Convention in Leipzig moving the PS3 and PSP towards

becoming general entertainment and convenience platforms. Announcements included a TV Tuner and PVR software for PS3, a Video Download Service for PSP in conjunction with BSkyB, a voice chat, video chat and instant messaging service for PSP, and a satellite navigation accessory for PSP.

On top of the recent release of the EUR50 Go!Cam which turns a PSP into a video and still camera, the “c” word (convergence) is very relevant.
Go!Cam offers a built in microphone to ensure continuous audio, the ability to change the direction of the camera lens vertically by 180 degrees and Go!Edit, an editing software package which allows users to save and edit photos, video and audio clips.

With clear designs on the PS3 becoming the epicentre of family entertainment, Sony announced the PlayTV TV Tuner and PVR accessory that is certain to have an impact on the home entertainment market. The twin channel, High Definition TV tuner and PVR software turns the PS3 into a TV recorder, allowing users to watch, pause and record live TV. With seamless connectivity to PSP, PlayTV allows you to set recordings, watch live TV and recorded TV programmes remotely on the PSP via a WiFi connection, or quickly transcode recorded TV shows for high quality viewing to the PSP by USB cable for remote viewing away from the home.
SCEE also introduced a host of new services for the company’s new non-gaming Go! Entertainment brand for PSP.
The Go! Video Download Service will launch in early 2008. Developed in conjunction with Sky, it will allow PSP owners in UK and Ireland to turn their PSP into a personalised library of programmes and will feature a vast selection of high quality entertainment. With content from Sky’s existing multi channel offering and support from a whole range of third party content owners, PSP owners will be able to subscribe to dedicated Sports, Entertainment and Animation packages as well as watch premier content on a pay per view basis.

Go!Messenger is a new voice chat, video chat and instant messaging service, scheduled for rollout throughout the SCEE territories in the New Year. Developed in conjunction with BT, Go! Messenger places a small application on PSP’s XMB (XrossMediaBar), which when downloaded separately from the web and installed to the Memory Stick, allows users to voice chat, video chat and instant message each other using VOIP from any WiFi hot spot.
To be launched early in 2008, Go!Explore is a satellite navigation product for the PSP that uses a GPS receiver accessory. Go!Explore incorporates both vehicle and pedestrian functionality, the very latest in three dimensional mapping technology and over 100 different categories of overlays for such things as speed cameras, petrol stations and restaurants.

BioShock Review (Xbox 360)

While gamers and the gaming press continue to rave over what is almost undisputedly the most immersive first-person shooter experience yet, there's a reasonable chance that part of Gizmag's readership remain unconvinced, or even unaware of BioShock. Do you read science-fiction? Think first-person shooters all went downhill after Doom? Looking for a game that offers moral choices? Do yourself a favor and check out an in-depth review of BioShock for the Xbox 360 over at our game blog, The Gamer Gene.

“Tornado emergency hotline. Please hold.” - ROSETTA emergency comm. kit puts order back in crisis

In this new age where communication, not ammunition, is the deciding factor in warfare.

The ROSETTA-911, a rapid response communications system developed by Platforms Wireless International Corporation, has shown that not only is it effective in battles, but can also assist emergency workers in saving lives. The system enables disparate VHF, UHF, 800 MHz radios, cellular and land-line (secured) telephones, and Internet/VOIP to interconnect and communicate with each other, regardless of differences in equipment makes or brands, communications protocols, and/or communications backbone systems.

After successfully demonstrating an earlier model to the US Department of Defense in 2006, PWIC has recently announced the readiness of its new and improved version.
The ROSETTA-911 Military System Model M-1 has all the capabilities of its predecessor, and additionally includes advanced VHF, UHF, 800 MHz radio and cellular interoperability facilities; twice the number of Talk Groups (four vs. two); eight radio ports instead of five; a secured land-line telephone port, (STU-III compatible); Internet/VOIP communications with two independent IP addresses; integrated military radio (“Green Gear”) interface; and redundant, high-efficiency power supplies.

The system integrates seamlessly with existing legacy radios and communications infrastructure, and is delivered ready to use and fully equipped with VHF, UHF, 800 MHz mobile (LMR) radios, matching portable radios, a cellular and land-line (STU-III compatible) telephone port, Internet/VOIP communications connectivity with two independent IP addresses, and a custom, tri-band interoperable antenna. Once in operation, the system enables incident commanders to efficiently control, direct, and manage communications traffic.

The ROSETTA-911 is currently being marketed to the US Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, all branches of the military, and the police, fire departments and emergency medical services.

USB tape deck converts cassettes to digital format

The TAPE2PC USB Cassette Archiver from ION Audio is designed as a solution for those of us with a massive tape collection of eighties classics sitting in the garage gathering dust. The dual cassette deck system includes recording software that takes your music collection and converts it via your PC into MP3, WAV or WMA digital files or simply copies it to CD.

Aimed at simplifying the process of transferring cassette tape to a digital format, the US$169.95 TAPE2PC plugs into the USB port on your PC or Mac and requires no special drivers.

System requirements for the device are either PC running Windows 98SE, 2000, ME, XP, Vista or Mac running OS9 or higher plus one available USB1.1 port or higher.

The product is largely self-sufficient but does require manual intervention when it comes to marking track division.
For all those vinyl junkies, ION has also released a turntable with the same functionality.

The single deck TTUSB is capable of converting all your old 7” and 12” records to MP3 or CD and also features a switchable phono/line level output for connecting to any home stereo with an AUX input. It even has a built-in pre-amp. It plays at both 33 1/3 and 45 RPM and retails for US$149.95.

US$250 people tracking device

GPS loggers are not new, not rare and for those in the know, such devices are easily built and can offer real-time tracking. Traditionally costing US$500 to US$800 to buy, plus wireless carrier’s services and fees, they required a substantial outlay that ensured you needed a good reason to go that route.

All of which gives the TrackStick “killer app” charisma - it offers a one-off, no-fees US$250 cost (better if you shop), lightweight (42 grams), easy-to-hide (10.4 x 3.0 x 2.2 cm) candy bar size and an ease-of-use that offers plug-n-play covert tracking to the mass market for the first time. The TrackStick uses GPS technology to record location and altitude at pre-set time intervals, then produces detailed mapping and 3D satellite imaging of its exact location and speed for the last seven days (via Google Earth) when plugged into a PC USB port. The TrackStick will be seen by many as the perfect solution for obtaining detailed information on the movements of a spouse suspected of straying, an employee or driver suspected of goofing off or monitoring where your children are spending their time and how fast they drive the family sedan on Saturday night.

Manufacturer Telespial Systems is seeking international distributors apply here.

The TrackStick records its own location, time, date, speed, heading and altitude at preset intervals. Unfortunately, the limitation is not in how much data it can store - the location recorder's 1Mb of memory holds up to 4,000 records and is more than adequate for the time the batteries allow.

When you’ve retrieved the Trackstick from its hiding place, the info it has logged can be downloaded to a PC via a USB 1.1-compatible interface using included Windows software.
The batteries last 16 hours in full power mode and 5-7 days in low power mode and it’s all configurable via your PC.

Indeed it can store months of travel information and it’s surprising that it’s not slightly larger to accommodate more than the two AAA batteries it employs.
TrackStick comes with free software that integrates with most third-party mapping programs and services like Mapquest.com, VirtualEarth.com, maps.google.com and Microsoft Streets and Trips so it’s possible to follow TrackStick movements almost anywhere.
TrackStick uses the Global Positioning System to calculate its own position anywhere worldwide to within fifteen meters. The recorded position history can be output to any PC’s USB port in .rtf, .xls, .html, or .kml formats.
Finally, might we suggest that before you procure one of these babies, you check your local laws to ensure you’re not breaking them – in many countries, quite reasonably, the tracking of a person without their permission is illegal.
Similarly, this is not a toy – but it comes kinda close – the reason it needs a lot of battery power is because tracking satellites isn’t easy and hence it requires a clear view of the sky and though it’ll read through glass and plastic, won’t read through metal such as the car roof. In other words, if you’re intending to hide it in a car, it’ll need to be on the dashboard or the parcel shelf.

It’s Apple Mac-Guyver: pocket sized detective tool hacks into computers

SubRosaSoft’s MacLockPick is a USB sized gizmo that can extract passwords, e-mail addresses, recently accessed files, search strings, bookmarks and internet history from running or sleeping computers. But the US$499 device can only penetrate the defences of Macs running OSX – apparently, anyone who manages to build an empire of crime using Windows deserves to keep it.

The “live forensics tool” is based on Flash drive technology and is available only to law enforcement officials - amateur gumshoes will have to tread the mean streets of the internet superhighway without it.

MacLockPick takes advantage of the fact that the default state of the Apple Keychain is open, even if the system has been put to sleep. It also makes use of the openly readable settings files used to keep track of your suspect's contacts, activities and history. These data sources even include items that your suspect may have previously deleted or has migrated from previous Mac OS X computers. The MacLockPick extracts data from the Apple Keychain and system settings to provide the examiner fast access to the suspect's critical information with as little interaction or trace as possible.

A database of the suspect’s information is compiled on the Flash Drive to allow for easy transportation away from the suspect's system. This database can be read by the included log readers on Microsoft Windows, Linux, or Apple Mac OS X computers back at base.
The following is a list of file items that can be extracted using SubRosaSoft’s MacLockPick:
Apple Keychain Passwords
System: The user password of the logged in user. General: Includes (but is not limited to) passwords for encrypted disk images, wifi base stations, iTunes music store, iChat login and Apple Remote Desktop. Internet: Includes (but is not limited to) login and password details for web sites, email accounts, some peer to peer networks, online services and stores, auction sites, and .mac accounts. AppleShare: A list of login and password details for appleshare servers this mac has connected to.

Intellivid Video intelligence software streamlines in-store security

We’ve all seen the seemingly ubiquitous eye in the sky cameras watching us from store ceilings and most of us have probably wondered if anyone actually monitors those things. In an effort to improve the efficiency of such surveillance, Intellivid has developed a Computer Aided Tracking (CAT) tool that incorporates a newly patented adjacency algorithm. The technology uses sophisticated video analytics to streamline video surveillance, giving the ability to seamlessly track in-store movements and create complete end-to-end footage.

Being able to track customers - or suspects - throughout their entire in-store experience offers obvious benefits in combating shoplifters – or in assisting “retail loss prevention” as Intellivid likes to call it. The system allows the operator to follow a suspect throughout the store - as the person exits a single camera view, the CAT technology signals the operator the most likely camera where the person will appear next. While the operator tracks suspects or customers across cameras, IntelliVid’s Video Investigator software instantly creates an end-to-end movie of their travels. This allows fast access to door-to-door evidence movies, which improves law enforcement’s abilities to hold and convict serial shoplifters or members of organized retail crime rings. An added benefit is the reduction of “bad stops” of innocent customers saving the law abiding some embarrassment at the store exit.

While obviously a priority, crime prevention isn’t the only application for the system. Marketers and merchandisers can take advantage of CAT to understand in-store customer traffic flows and to improve merchandise placement. The underlying data collected by the CAT algorithm also provides retail store designers with feedback about how to achieve localization and adapt layouts to the unique needs of customers in each community. Retailers, particularly large retail chains, can find it hard to localize product assortments across their store networks so tracking and understanding in-store customer behavior can be a key driver of retail profitability. The software can also assist with people counting, multiple conversion rates and linger analysis to optimize in-store advertising, displays and product layouts while store managers can take advantage of these same features to reduce lines at checkout counters and improve customer service.

The system is also highly adaptable as it requires no pre-configuration and can even automatically adapt to the changes in floor plans and store layouts that are common in retail. Operators can use CAT on live and recorded video and track people across cameras going forward or in reverse and the system can be used with retailers existing Closed Circuit TV systems. “Our loss prevention customers frequently tell us that CAT is so fast and easy to use, they are able to create and burn evidence CDs before police arrive on the scene”, said Patrick Sobalvarro, president and CEO of IntelliVid.
For further info visit Intellivid.

Texas Instruments releases TI-Nspire calculator range

From its origins as a flat stone covered with sand in ancient Babylonian times through to the emergence of the first electronic versions in the mid 20th Century, the calculator has long been an invaluable tool in any number of human endeavors. Like all early computers the first electronic calculators were large, heavy and definitely far from portable, but that all changed in 1967 when Texas Instruments (TI) applied for a patent on the world’s first electronic handheld calculator and brought the device into its own as a widespread learning tool for students.

The original handheld calculator prototype performed four functions (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division), had 12 bytes of memory, ran on batteries and weighed nearly three pounds. Forty years on TI has released what it sees as the next step in the continuing evolution of the student calculator - TI-Nspire - a product designed to provide up to four representations of a problem at one time in order to engender a deeper understanding of mathematical principles and - believe or not - help students get excited about math.

The TI-Nspire products are squarely aimed at the student market and are designed offer the same user experience in a handheld and corresponding computer software program while presenting math in multiple ways. Students are able to see and make connections among up to four representations of a problem at one time, on one screen, including graphical, algebraic, numeric, geometric or written formats. The benefits of this approach are based on research that shows each student learns math in different ways, whether it’s a graph, table, equation or written form. This is based on the idea that students are able learn concepts more readily and with deeper understanding when they see a problem represented in different ways and are able to choose and evaluate various problem-solving strategies. TI-Nspire technology allows students to change values and observe the results in real time, which dramatically reduces the time needed to see how various concepts are linked.

TI conducted extensive research and product testing and sought teacher input when developing the TI-Nspire products. The company added computer-like functionality and features that it believes will help students broaden their critical thinking skills and make meaningful connections between the different ways math is represented. This new functionality includes dynamically-linked representations of a single problem on one screen. “Dynamic linking” means that changes to one representation of a problem are automatically reflected in other representations, which allows students to understand relationships among math concepts. For example, students can investigate the relationships among rise, run and slope using a graph, word problem and spreadsheet.

Another key feature is a grab-and-move graph function, whereby a graph’s appearance can be manipulated by grabbing a line and moving it to see the effect of changes in real time to help students see mathematical relationships and patterns. TI have also implemented word processing and file storage features similar to a computer. Students can create, edit and save documents, review and revise their work, pick up where they left off in a previous class and easily transfer documents between their handheld and computer, extending the learning process beyond the classroom.

Those students worried they’ll be left high and dry come exam time can breathe a sigh of relief with the TI-Nspire handheld allowed on all of the important college entrance exams, including the PSAT, SAT, ACT and AP math tests. The corresponding computer software allows for additional flexibility so that students and teachers can use PCs, handhelds, or both, at home and in class with the same user experience. TI-Nspire products are being used in more than 150 pilot classrooms worldwide with TI claiming qualitative results showing that students are more engaged and excited about math and want to continue using the TI-Nspire technology. The TI-Nspire products are currently available through educational product dealers and will also be available in major retail stores for consumers to purchase for back-to-school 2008 and will cost approximately the same as TI’s advanced graphing products.
For further info visit Texas Instruments.

Upgraded Sony Reader continues the digital e-book push

Many bibliophiles feel that paper is an irreplaceable medium, but the inexorable march of the digital age is bringing new products into the marketplace that bridge the gap between the traditional book and the sheer convenience of electronic storage. Sony has just released the upgraded second version of its Reader digital book - a compact, comfortable and lightweight viewing platform that allows you to carry up to 160 full novels around at any time.
At a mere 9oz, the Sony Reader is lighter than most books. Its screen is a comfortable 6” “electronic paper” display, different to an LCD in that it’s not backlit – rather, each page “prints” onto the screen as it’s displayed. Effectively this means it’s easy to read without squinting, and it can be viewed from any angle or in bright sunshine, unlike an LCD. A resolution of 170 pixels per inch is more than twice the resolution you read an HTML webpage at on your PC, so it’s sharp and clear to the eye.
The screen, from E Ink, is somewhat fragile and expensive to replace (roughly the cost of the whole unit) so buyers are advised to treat it with care.
Upgrades over the original Sony Reader include a faster E-Ink refresh rate, brighter white state and 8-tone greyscale rather than the 4-tone of the earlier model.
The new Sony Reader charges in about 4 hours from go to whoa through a USB port, which also handles the synchronisation process. A single charge provides up to 7,500 page turns of continuous reading, so battery life seems sorted enough to last you a whole week’s holiday reading if you’re not too voracious. Standard internal memory is 64mb – enough for plenty of text – but this is expandable through memory sticks up to 4GB or SD cards up to 2GB.

As well as doing its best to render 8-tone grayscale versions of your JPGs, GIFs, PNGs and BMPs, and providing a cursory MP3 and AAC music playing facility, the Reader will happily display TXT, RTF, PDF and Word documents, as well as the BBeB Book format, which is a DRM-enabled format that’s used, for example, at Sony’s Connect online bookstore.