Panasonic tackles office boredom syndrome with catchy color MFPs

To many office workers, the work scene is one uninspiring setting. All you see is nothing but drab walls and lifeless furnishings. Some aren’t too lucky to have a window to break away from the mundane view. Since most of our time is spent at work, the monotonous nature of the workplace is reflected in our lives. Recent research studies show that color has a positive effect on the brain. A little injection of color in our professional lives can stir up creativity, innovation and improved productivity. What’s more, color is an effective communicator and a morale booster.
This is what Panasonic Digital Document Company had in mind when it showcased its eye-catching brand of networked C3 multifunction products. Besides offering unparalleled copying, printing, fax & email functionality, the award-winning MFPs comes in a series of dazzling colors. The new C3s were specially designed to liven up the workplace, and infuse a fresh wave of work attitude amongst employees. Furthermore, all C3s implement intuitive product design and cutting edge technology from Panasonic which enables superior processing speeds. It seems that everything is working according to plan for the C3 series. Panasonic copiers take first place among business users, according to consumer rankings carried out by J.D Power & Associates.
Source: Panasonic Office Products

Brainstorming software to do all the thinking and creativity for you

Some good news for the ever busy corporate executives, or the perennially lazy-minded . This is a most welcome boon to those who need to conceive ideas or craft presentations at the spur of the moment. An innovative new software from ThoughtOffice Corp, promises the “unthinkable”. It will solve real-world problems, generate ideas and rouse your creativity in an operation themed as “Creativity to Productivity”. Yeah that’s right; generate real and tangible ideas from the click of a mouse in record time.
ThoughtOffice software uses a lateral-thinking process, where it draws information from hundreds of experts and professionals in 16 diverse topics. Furthermore, it makes use of a vast collection of words, phrases, images, quotes, definitions, phrases, synonyms, and rhyming words among others. The end result is a brilliant idea or a resourceful solution generated in as little as 5 minutes. For businesses, this translates to instantaneous solutions, results and some real revenue opportunities. ThoughtOffice derives its unique features from two key palettes:
• The TopicsBrowser – a gigantic and invaluable information resource in 16 topics, pulling expertise from hundreds of geniuses and offering thousands of questions.
• The IdeaBrowser – enables access to over 7 million elements including words, phrases, lyrics, synonyms, images and many more.
ThoughtOffice comes in a simple, well-designed, easy-to-use and feature-rich user interface. The software is compatible on Windows XP/Vista and Mac OSX. Starting price is $99 with topical modules going for $25, and idea tabs at $15. More information and a 15 day trial version can be obtained from ThoughtOffice.

Making History game: Your nation’s fate in your hands

Diplomacy, International relations and Global Economics are not your typical themes when you think of Video games. This is what Making History is all about. It features an exceptional game scene, which puts your diplomacy skills, political shrewdness, military planning and other traits pertaining to national issues to the test. Other pertinent issues players will have to contend with are domestic programs, conflicts between nations and alliances. Your nation’s fate is molded by your actions. This is a real-life gaming experience that lets you change the course of events. Any grave blunders will bear calamitous consequences for future generations.
Making History is an extraordinary real-life simulation of global conflicts, and is based on World War II. It is described as a challenge of brain cells, not bullets by Dave McCool, CEO of Muzzy Lane Software. Making History puts you in charge of your nation. Players begin with a significant moment of history and can deviate from the past, to gauge what direction history would have taken if things were done differently. The game is highly realistic with detailed models of dozens of nations including their land & sea regions, terrains, infrastructure, natural resources and levels of economic development. Making History is different from other WWII based games in that players cannot take sides with either the Allied or Axis nations. Other features incorporated are advanced global economy, multi-player capabilities, full-scale playable nations, Alliance systems, extensive military elements, and customizable game options. The game offers a well-designed display system, wide-ranging resources, maps and a powerful navigation system. Making History: Calm & Collected is widely available in North America going for $39.95. It is compatible on Windows-based PCs. The game is available for download at SteamPowered. For more information visit the Making History site.

A new web experience via the Xacti Digital Video Cam revolution

Japanese electronics giant, Sanyo has unveiled their latest digital camera, the DMX-CG65. This is the first line from the Xacti 2.0 project; a collaboration between Sanyo and four leading Web 2.0 corporations.
The DMX-CG65 is a pretty powerful camera capable of giving improved high-resolution video images. When fitted with an 8GB SDHC Memory card, the Xacti video cam can easily manage 10 hours recording time of top-quality movies. While filming, users can switch modes and capture 6 Megapixel still images. Additionally, the DMX-CG65 is specially designed to incorporate Web 2.0 functionality. The cameras embrace the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 web movie format, which is made possible by a built-in LSI “Pure Force Engine III” facility for quick image processing. Top-quality video content is generated with relative ease and can be uploaded to a computer, from where it may distributed to the general web community, via blogs, podcasts and video-swapping sites. This underscores the goals of the Xacti 2.0 project, which entails connecting people in diverse locales and sharing info across online communities. With this innovation, Sanyo aims to develop the concept of “movie-blogs”.
The marvels of the DMX-CG65 are brought to us, courtesy of the Xacti 2.0 project which promises to introduce an exceptional movie culture. Xacti is a joint research venture, which is spearheading the growth of web communities using state-of-the-art digital video formats. Xacti cameras will be available in Japan beginning late April and will retail about ¥50,000 (Approx. $426).
Additional product features:
• Hand shaking canceller and Image Stabilization feature – implements internal sensors, which enables the camera to produce sharp and stable images, in spite of external movement caused by shaking.
• BGM Slide Show function – ability to playback slideshows with music.
• Audio recording capability at 48 kHz sampling with 16-bit stereo output.
• Widescreen 16:9 photo shooting function - allows high-resolution photo viewing on high-definition TV.
• Software suite to create DVD movies in MPEG-4 format (Ulead DVD MovieWriter) and manage videos & still images (Ulead Photo Explorer 8.5).

Nintendo Wii to use GameSpy multiplayer for online games

The Nintendo-GameSpy partnership has been bolstered with a new deal for Wii titles. Nintendo Wii users will now use a middleware platform from GameSpy, amid promises of some cool and exciting features. They are talking of a host of online community features, including friendly rosters, leader boards and even matchmaking capabilities.
In a press release, Reggie Fils-Aime, President of Nintendo of America said that this will expand the wireless community of players on Nintendo Wi-Fi connection. Already, millions of users on DS are using GameSpy technology. The same is expected of Wii in what guarantees to be a fun-filled, multi-player setting. Adding to this was Jamie Berger, Senior Vice President of Consumer Products and Technology for IGN Entertainment, who said, "Nintendo has been an invaluable partner, and we look forward to expanding our relationship with them in the future. Our goal is to extend our ground-breaking work on the Nintendo DS to provide Wii users with the social, community, and multiplayer tools that we believe will expand the online gaming experience to the mass market".
The first game lined up for this venture, is the Pokemon Battle Revolution, scheduled for June 25. I wonder what lies ahead when gaming takes to the social networking realm, especially coming in the wake of Sony’s Home.

Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard: all you need is a flat surface

Taking a glimpse into the future, we take note of an exceptional virtual bluetooth keyboard. The portable device uses laser technology to project a QWERTY keyboard on any flat surface. The gadget is compatible with various PDAs and Smartphones, which further elevates mobility and typing convenience to unprecedented levels. Product specifications and features:
• Compatibility: PalmOS 5, PocketPC 2003, Windows Smartphone, Symbian OS, and Windows 2000/XP and Limited Mac OSX Support. No drivers included for Mac.
• OS Compatibility: Windows 2000/XP.
• Power: Includes a rechargeable battery, which allows for 120 minutes of continuous typing.
• Keyboard: 63-key QWERTY, 295 x 95mm projection size.
• Dimensions: 1.38" x 3.6" x 1"
Source: ThinkGeek

Curbing online video menace with new Video Copyright detection technology

MotionDSP, a fast rising global force in video copyright enhancement, announces an innovative means to accurately identify copyrighted video material. The new technology, dubbed Ikena Copyright, uses a series of patented video intelligence mechanisms to identify content and append a “video fingerprint”. This is a significant improvement from a prior technology that used audio copyright detection, which proved ineffective. Ikena Copyright is capable of tracking motion characteristics in very small video clips as well those that have been re-encoded from their original formats. The same is possible for videos that have their color and quality heavily distorted. Furthermore, Ikena Copyright technology can be applied in large databases, with its ability to match thousands upon thousands of videos every day.
This comes at a most opportune time; when video sites are all the rage. It is not surprising that the new platform has generated considerable interest from high-volume video content owners; eager to rein in on the pervasive illegal video downloads. Mobile carriers such as AT&T, Verizon and DoCoMo are also likely candidates to embrace the next-generation video technology.

Source: MotionDSP Inc

Intel releases its first solid-state hard drive: The Z-U130

Leading chipmaker, Intel Corp, joins a growing list of solid-state hard drive manufacturers with its very own product, the light-weight Z-U130. Intel’s new product line will come in different sizes. 1GB and 2GB are already in production, with 4GB expected in April this year and an 8GB unit lined up for December.
The Z-U130 has interfaces for USB 2.0/1.1 and is based on NAND flash memory technology. Additionally, it features read and write speeds of 28Mbs and 20Mbs respectively. Moreover, the units are expected to provide the distinct advantages solid-state drives exhibit over traditional magnetic ones. These include faster boot times, less seek time, lower power-consumption rates, embedded code storage, speedy data access, improved reliability and robust performance.
A number of applications areas have been identified that could take advantage of the lightning fast system boot times. These include video gaming, handheld devices as well as routers, servers, Point-of-Sale terminals, next-generation notebooks and other devices with built-in solutions from Intel.
There has been a considerable rise in the storage realm, with prominent manufacturers such as Samsung, SanDisk, ASUS and Fujitsu making serious progress. It will be interesting to see how Intel positions itself. With the Z-U130, Intel promises to deliver a top-quality, value-added product that will offer reliability across wide-ranging embedded applications.

NME launches a low-cost, 40GB HD multi-layer optical disc

As Blue-ray and HD-DVD wrestle to dominate the home entertainment front, New Medium Enterprises (NME) releases the third HD format based on Versatile Multilayer Disc (VMD) technology. NME touts VMD as the world’s first low cost true high-definition format.
Unlike other formats, VMD uses the Red-Laser technology which consists of multiple layers to offer higher storage capacity. While conventional DVDs utilize two layers, VMD is capable of stacking an impressive 8 layers. Each layer can store as much as 5GB; while at the same ensuring the VMD retains the thickness of a typical DVD. Moreover, NME applies the 2P technology between layers, which solves a myriad of irksome problems faced by other manufacturers when attempting to develop their own multi-layer discs. Furthermore, the high-definition VMD format works at a 1980x1080i/p resolution with a 40Mbs data rate. In addition, VMD supports similar video codecs as Blue-Ray and HD-DVD, plus future open source codecs. As the new format hits the market, a new series of HD-VMD Media players will be released.
At the moment, the discs store up to 20GB of content, well behind Blue-Ray and HD-DVD. However, New Medium Enterprises plans to roll out discs in 24GB, 30GB, 40GB and 48GB storage capacities.

On the move with Samsung’s new Ultra-Mobile PCs for Windows Vista™

Samsung Electronics announces the super sleek, stylish Q1 series of Ultra-Mobile PCs, optimized for Windows Vista. Models include the Q1, Q1B and Q1P. UMPC devices are specially designed to combine mobility and high-performance PC functionality. The devices are well suited for busy professionals, who are always on the move and need to keep themselves connected and well-informed at all times. Besides, the lightweight Ultra-Mobile PCs harness the added functionality of Windows Vista™ to provide wireless internet access via WiFi (and Bluetooth), instant entertainment, VoIP functionality using Twin array microphones and a revolutionary Touch Screen display. The latter feature allows for handwriting output, which can be converted to regular text. Of special mention is the AVS Now feature, which allows users access a multitude of multimedia content including videos, music, music, photos as well as multimedia applications. The UMPCs run on a 1.0 GHz Intel processor and weigh a trifle 1.7 pounds (without the optical disk drive). Sorry folks, no details on pricing are available.
• Processor: Intel Pentium M ULV 1.0 GHz
• Chipset & Graphics: Intel i915GMS, GMA900, DVMT 128M
• Memory: 1 GB DDR2
• Display: 7 Inch WVGA Touch Screen
• Audio: Two stereo speakers, Twin Array Microphone, SRS sound, H/P out
• Storage capacity: 60 GB Hard Drive
• Connectivity: 802.11 b/g, 10/100 Base-TX Ethernet, Bluetooth® v2.0
• Battery: Li-Ion Battery, Standard:3 cell Battery
• Dimensions: 9.0"(w) x 5.5"(H) x 1.0"(D)
• Weight: 1.7 pounds (w/o Optical Disk Drive
• Accessories: 3 External Combo drives, Ultra-thin keyboard, Organizer bag, Auto-adpater, 6-cell battery and Power Bank

Source: Samsung Electronics

Samsung packs an astounding 8GB embedded memory card for Mobile phones

How about saving a whopping 2,000 songs, chunks of map data capable of running GPS or full-length media content on your mobile phone? All this without using an external memory card is a godsend. That is what Samsung electronics, the global leader in chip memory designer has been up to lately.
This remarkable feat will be achieved through Samsung’s latest high-density moviNAND memory card, which consists of four 50-nanometer, 16 Gigabit NAND flash memory chips, high-speed Multimedia Card (MMC) controller and onboard firmware. What’s even cooler is the fact that the new card delivers twice the performance of a 4GB card, is relatively smaller and processes data at 52 Mbps. The project is a continuation of Samsung’s earlier releases of 1GB, 2GB and 4 GB samples of moviNAND designed for mobile devices. The moviNAND technology makes use of NAND flash memory which is easily accessible via a standard MMC controller. This effectively illustrates the ease of embedding moviNAND technology in mobile phones. Additionally, moviNAND offers increased security, making it a suitable option for storing private information.
Plans are underway to kick off mass production of mobile phones using this technology which promises high-density, high-speed, low noise-interference and enhanced security capabilities.

Playing Video Games using the power of the Brain

Very soon, at least by next year, you may be able to play your favorite video games using your brain. No kidding here. You can move a game object using your thinking power, rather than using a joystick or keyboard. Furthermore, make your character smile by simply smiling, or keep your cool to make your character remain undetected. That’s according to Emotiv Systems, a pioneering tech company in the field of neural-processing technology. All you need to do is wear a helmet which can detect human thoughts, emotions and actions. As a result, the brain power will control gaming characters’ actions, movements as well as manipulating diverse objects. The remarkable development is expected to enhance interaction between our brains and other electronic devices.
The Emotiv Development Kit (EDK) comprises of sensors which connect to the headset and is capable of processing dozens of user expressions, sensations and gesticulations. Principally, the brain consists of 100 billion nerve cells called neurons. Neurons stir up electrical activity and are observed using electroencephalography (EEG). At this point, a computer or similar device observes electrical brain activity, taking brain inputs in the process. The thoughts, actions and emotions of a human are then programmed into numerous actions and aspects within the game. Moreover, the EDK has a series of different application suites to enhance realism:
• Expressiv™ - detects facial expressions, enabling developers to simulate simple gestures.
• Affectiv™ - detects unnoticeable levels of emotion. This enables the game respond to a player’s change in emotions and feelings.
• Cognitiv™ - specially designed to detect actions and movements. This is the feature that allows gamers to manipulate or move objects through “thinking”.
Advancements in Brain Computer Interface technology will see its potential applied in various fields namely medicine, market research, security systems, interactive television, and accessibility design among others.

Your perfect house help: A Robot to serve you tea, and even do the chores

Japanese researchers have designed a futuristic HRP-2W humanoid robot, fitted with camera eyes, sensors and rolling on wheels, that is capable of performing those pesky household tasks. This could turn out as a most welcome boon to a nation with the highest proportion of people aged 65 and above. Of particular interest is the robot’s ability to obey simple verbal commands, its courteousness and even learn from its mistakes!
The humanoid’s capabilities were demonstrated in a typical home-like setting. The robot was dressed in an apron and had kitchen gloves. It approached one of its instructors, courteously offered to serve tea and later went to the kitchen after receiving the order. Soon after, another humanoid poured tea into a cup from a plastic bottle. In addition to this, the tea-pouring robot is capable of washing dishes.
The research team behind this fascinating marvel feels that there is still plenty of unfinished business. Their immediate focus is to empower the robot with memory to enable it make sound judgment from unforeseen situations, such as accidentally dropping a cup. Should this happen, the robot will memorize this information and learn to hold the cup firmly next time round.
In conclusion, such advances in artificial intelligence would be applied in caring for the sick and elderly as well as carrying out simple tasks. For now, a human servant (or waiter) is faster but you may have to say “thank you” and probably offer a tip. :-)