February 19, 2006, 12:50 AM CT
Using MP3 players as internet banking authentication

'One-Time-Password MP3 Scratch Tracks' is a free software that ports Entrust IdentityGuard Grid Cards into MP3 audio tracks and converts generic MP3 Players into a FFIEC-compliant Internet Banking Authentication Token. Thanks Tea Vui! Link.

Read more....

February 16, 2006, 8:50 PM CT

CD Rippin is not Not Fair Use: RIAA

Many content-related industries have filed a joint reply (PDF) with the government on the effectiveness of the DMCA and the challenges that lay ahead for copyright. As every one expected, the document is a celebration of the DMCA, and the industries are pushing for even more egregious abuses of technology to fatten up their bottom lines.........

Posted by: Ryan      Permalink     

February 16, 2006, 8:33 PM CT

Microsoft May Create Digital Player To Rival iPod

Finally Microsoft Corp. has seen the value of the music market. Microsoft today announced its plan build its own portable music player that would put in direct competition line with the major rival Apple Computer. Apple Inc.'s iPod, has captured a major share of the market at the expense of competitors offering devices with Microsoft's music player.

Today the business week reported that Redmond, Wash., software maker was working on plans to develop its own device, rather than just rely on partners to take on Apple, which is becoming a dominant player in entertainment on the Web. The magazine reported that, Microsoft had put together a team to consider the business behind such as initiative.........

Posted by: Ryan      Permalink     

February 15, 2006, 7:20 AM CT

InfoCard To Increase Online Security

Microsoft is setting up a plan to increase the online security and is looking forward to a secure and safer online environment. Microsoft Corp. Chairman Bill Gates showed off a tool that could replace the need to manually enter usernames and passwords to unlock the doors of the Internet. Bill Gates said that this would increase its security of online transactions.

At this briefing Gates also broadly discussed Microsoft's efforts to improve security in its upcoming Windows Vista operating system and the tech industry's initiatives aimed at stopping malicious software, hackers and other dangers.

"We've all got a common challenge here, yet an amazing opportunity to let these digital systems be used in the broadest way," Gates said at the RSA computer security conference.

And this meeting Gates highlighted a technology dubbed InfoCard that will help computer users corral their identifying information without running the risk of losing it or having it stolen. Companies also may use this InfoCard as a way of granting access to their networks.........

Posted by: Ryan      Permalink     

February 15, 2006, 7:01 AM CT

What would you like to receive as a gift?

What would you like to receive as a gift? As per a survey by IOGEAR Inc., 61 percent of men say that they would rather receive a tech gadget of some sort than the traditional candy or flowers.

For the past Valentine's Day, the top choices of gadgets were portable music players, GPS systems, Bluetooth cell-phone headsets and flat-screen TVs.

'Our poll shows that gadgets are now the way to a man`s heart,' said Miranda Su, vice president of sales and marketing for IOGEAR.........

Posted by: Ryan      Permalink         Source

February 15, 2006, 6:41 AM CT

Fusion powered watch

The worlds 1st Fusion powered watch! No, we're just kidding - it actually takes a regular Lithium watch battery. But who knows what the future might hold?

With a display that is a hybrid LCD/LED and is very simple to read. The outer ring indicates hours, the inner ring for minutes.

The 30 small dots in the centre are seconds, they fill up to 30 and then drain down to make 60.

Fusion DT1 features some nice functions too - in addition to normal time and date there is a programmable alarm. There is also a range of light up patterns, so each time you press a button you get a different light sequence.

There are also 4 icons which light up to indicate various modes. Date, PM, Alarm on/off and Set alarm.

The two models are black and silver. They are the reverse of each other, so for example: everything that is silver one one becomes black on the other.

Date, Time and Alarm.

Shows Seconds.

All stainless.

Hybrid LCD/LED.

Hybrid LCD/LED.

Mineral Crystal Glass.

Water Resistant.........

Posted by: Ryan      Permalink         Source


February 10, 2006, 11:04 PM CT

MusicGremlin MG-1000

Recently introduced MG-1000 digital audio player would connect to the online service MusicGremlin service. You have the choice between ala-carte downloads or subscription service and do as a number of downloads as you please. This would work via any wireless hotspot and would allow you to download your favorite tracks on-the-go. You can also make a buddies list, play lsit and track without using a hotspot. This comes as a windows only version with 4GB or 8GB hard-drive capabilities and has a beautiful two inch LCD color screen.........

Posted by: Ryan      Permalink


February 10, 2006, 8:39 PM CT

Gadget Contest

Do you want to participate in a gadget contest?

Details as on microsoft gadgets website.

Want to mix the next web at the MIX conference hosted by Microsoft? Interested in building Gadgets for Live.com? Want to attend MIX for free?

In the spirit of the MIX conference, we are having a contest to see who can build the best MIXed up Gadget. To get started building Gadgets check out our Gadget Builder Depot. Each Gadget submission must contain data from 2 or more data sources anywhere on the internet and publicly accessible. Here's what you need to do to enter:

Write your gadget for Live.com. If you need help, you can read the getting started documentation or connect with your peers in our forum.

Review the official rules.

Submit your gadget to our Gallery, making sure you supply a screenshot (300px) and thumbnail (80 pixels) for your gadget.

The entries will be judged by both design and functionality. The winner will receive a trip for 1 to attend the Mix06 Conference in Las Vegas, NV, March 20-22. Trip includes a $1000.00 (USD) airfare voucher, 3 night standard hotel accommodations, and entrance into the Mix06 Conference.........

Posted by: Ryan      Permalink    Read more....


February 10, 2006, 8:30 PM CT

Linksys preps VoIP handset

Msy be we will have new Linksys VoIP handset by next week. This WIP300 uses any 802.11b/g Wi-Fi network, includes a POP email facility and has 1.8" color display. The only problem? It may cost more. This phone may run in the range of $250.

This new phone is expected to be shipped to pre-orders on 16 February. This is three months after the results of Linksys' regulatory testing of the handset's radio was published along with photos and a copy of the manual on the US Federal Communications Commission's website.

As you see the phone has a sleek look and supports the SIP 2 VoIP standard. This phone is also able to link up with your POP 3 and SMTP servers for email access and delivery.........

Posted by: Ryan      Permalink    Read more....


February 9, 2006, 11:15 PM CT

cochlear implant could improve hearing

A ribbon-like cochlear implant developed at the University of Michigan could greatly improve hearing for profoundly deaf patients, and simplify insertion to help surgeons minimize damage to healthy ear tissue.

A team led by U-M's Kensall D. Wise, director of the NSF Engineering Research Center for Wireless Integrated Microsystems (WIMS), made the implant using thin-film electrode sites that directly stimulate the auditory nerve.

The implant is currently being tested in guinea pigs and cats, said Wise, who has appointments in the departments of Biomedical Engineering and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. The device may be available in four to five years for use in humans, Wise said, and could be used in current cochlear patients-removing the old device first-to improve their hearing. Additionally, the FDA approves implants for wider use as the technology improves.

Approximately 100,000 patients today have received cochlear implants worldwide. The current technology, Wise said, is bulky, difficult for surgeons to insert, and doesn't allow a great range of perceived frequencies. The present implants use electrodes formed from a bundle of wires fed into the snail-shaped cochlea of the inner ear, but difficulties in inserting such devices make it tough to achieve the deep insertion needed to stimulate lower-frequency sounds, and collisions with the cochlear wall can damage any residual hearing that still exists.........

Posted by: Ryan      Permalink