Software that fixes your English grammar and writing

English can tough, even for native speakers. You can now save yourself the blushes when speaking or writing documents by using the WhiteSmoke software that promises to improve your grammar. The software is developed by two Israelis and derives its name from the native practice of communicating using smoke signals.
WhiteSmoke uses the Natural Language Processing (NLP) technology and makes suggestions from a vast database and synonyms dictionary. The software parses all kinds of documents against the vast database to suggest suitable context-based synonyms and usage patterns to make the documents understandable and fluent. WhiteSmoke incorporates plenty of enhancement features namely, grammar check, thesaurus, spell check, punctuation, text enrichment, synonym dictionary, grammar corrector and idioms. It is ideal for legal contracts, essays, emails and other documents. Besides, the software is compatible with popular software, such as MS-Word, Outlook, Excel, Internet Explorer browser, Acrobat PDF and Instant Messaging software.
It may take you by surprise that WhiteSmoke’s top market is the US. The company is aggressively venturing into potentially lucrative and high-demand markets like China and India.

Source: WhiteSmoke

Ground-breaking Bionic eye technology offers great promise to the blind

An innovative venture spearheaded by Professor Mark Humayun, (Ophthalmology Professor at Keck School, USC and Associate Director of Research at the Doheny Retina Institute), could finally restore eyesight to blind people. It is a fact that most cases of blindness are preventable and reversible. The team of researchers behind the project already has the FDA’s blessings. If everything goes well and according to plan, millions of blind people could have their sight restored in two years.
So how does this work? Bionic technology makes use of a bionic eye implant, which has a built-in camera that transmits visual information to electrodes at the back of the retina. Earlier prototypes of the implant which were considerably larger and had 16 electrodes, enabled patients perceive shapes, light and even movement.
According to Professor Humayun, the research team is working on a new device that will take up and process images from a camera into electrical pulses. The patient will be able to view images from a camera on their glasses, and the pulses are then sent to a hand-held device. The processed visual information is relayed back to the patient’s glasses and consequently transmitted to a receiver in the eye. From here, the receiver sends visual information to electrodes in the retina. This stimulates the retina, which eventually sends the information to the brain. The implants have already been fitted in several patients. A typical second-generation implant measures approximately one square millimeter and is packed with an impressive 60 electrodes.
Retinal implants offer promise to an estimated 25 million worldwide. The implants have the ability to restore sight to those who have been severely visually impaired.
On a much more promising note is the recent finding that the brain is an invaluable asset in fighting blindness. Recent studies show that the brain has the ability to enable sight, regardless of any visual impairment present earlier on in life. This means that sight can be restored to millions of blind children worldwide. An example was the case of an Indian woman named SRD who had her sight restored at age 12 through a cataract operation. She performed well in numerous vision tests and was even able to recognize objects, light, darkness, patterns and movement.
SRD died in a road accident. Her exceptional case has sparked studies as well as casting doubts on traditionally held beliefs in visual development.

Sony turns High-definition photo-viewing into reality with W-series Cyber-shot cameras

With High-definition gadgets becoming all the rage in many households, Sony electronics introduces an innovative new line of digital cameras. You can enjoy this ultimate experience using any of their three cameras which include the 12 MegaPixel DSC-W200, 8 MegaPixel DSC-W90 and the 7.2 MegaPixel DSC-W80. All cameras are fitted with 3x optical zoom lenses and 2.5 inch LCD screens.
The Cyber-shot camera series are specially designed to produce HD quality, crystal clear photos and can be integrated into a full HDTV set or Home Theatre. This is made possible by setting up a simple connection to a HDTV set via a Sony VMC-MHC1 high definition cable. According to Phil Lubell, Director for digital cameras at Sony Electronics, it is only natural to view all content in high-definition, with digital photos included. The cameras are compatible with the Sony CSS-HD1 high-definition Cyber-shot Station®. Moreover, a DSC-W80HDPR kit is provided which consists of the DSC-W80 camera, a DPP-FPHD1 printer package, a VMC-MHC1 high-def cable, a Cyber-shot cradle, remote commander, digital photo printer and high-def component output. The kit allows for full integration with a home theatre system.
The new cameras also incorporate a myriad of built-in camera functions such as slide show function, face-detection technology, multi-point auto focus (AF) feature, Super Steady Shot® optical image mobilization and the Clear RAW ™ noise reduction technology. There are other inventive features included namely, Dynamic Range Optimizer that determines optimal exposure of captured images and the very resourceful red-eye correction & retouching effects. In addition to these is the ground-breaking Bionz™ processing engine that enables super-fast and unparalleled high definition image processing.
Let’s now get to the bottom-line. The high-def will be shipped sometime in May with the W200 going for $400. However, the W90 and W80 will be available in March and will retail at $300 and $250 respectively.
Source:Sony Electronics

Sony Entertainment unveils MLB 07 The Show presenting an electrifying all new user gaming experience

Carrying on from last year’s massive success of the MLB 06, SCEA Inc announces MLB 07: The Show, exclusively for the PS2 console and the PSP handheld device. With over 500 hours of development and an all-inclusive review of last year’s release, the 2007 version is an exceptional masterpiece. It boasts of what is now widely regarded as the most authentic and advanced simulation of the MLB franchise ever seen.
The MLB 07 The Show presents a unique blend of creative game play features, game modes, special effects and an unmatched simulation of ambiances, coordinated crowds, stadiums, pitching animations and even wind effects. Enhancing the realism is the inclusion of thousands of player animations, pitching animations, umpire personalities, emotions, individual player stances, swings, battings, strike-zones, release points, player motion captures among others.
MLB 07 The Show introduces the inventive Road To Show Mode where fans play by beginning on a rookie level and consequently strive to fight their way into the Major’s starting line-up. Adding to the list is the Online League Play that enables setting up leagues, teams and games. Users can also stay informed with the latest updates of all MLB games courtesy of MLB Live Tracker and the MLB.com Headline News. Other key features are the Career and Season Modes. Also included is the favorite Rivalry Mode to keep those heated contests going, the Franchise Mode for managing entire teams as well as Home Run Derby and Eye Toy features. One of the most inspired features that enhance the striking realism on pitch selection and strategy is the Pitching Command System (PCS). In addition is the Adaptive Pitching Intelligence (API) which incorporates an exceptional animation that enables play based on behavior as well as strengths and weaknesses on the batter and pitcher. To wrap up this outstanding game is a very comprehensive and dynamic 3-Man commentary which changes as the season progresses, dependent on the prevailing game conditions and situations.

Glu Mobile collaborates with Nokia to power the N-Gage

With Glu Mobile already a global force in the world of mobile gaming publishing, it was natural for Nokia to team up with them to enhance the N-Gage platform. It was never going to be an easy venture for the world’s largest phone maker plunging into this hand-held gaming realm. With the past problems of N-Gage notwithstanding, there is every reason for Nokia to feel optimistic this time round; especially with Glu on board.
The deal will bring forth an assortment of Glu’s top-rated games namely Super K.O. Boxing!, Stranded and the Ancient Empires franchise.
Nokia is aiming to deliver to consumers an exceptional entertainment service that incorporates quality mobile gaming into their mobile platform. To kick off the collaboration will be the World Series of Poker® Texas Hold'em (WSOP); a highly enthralling game that allows up to eight mobile poker gamers compete against WSOP champions.

Capture the moments anywhere you go with Sony’s new lightweight Photo printers

Sony has introduced the portable DPP-FP70 and DPP-FP90 PictureStation™ photo printers capable of speedy printing. Furthermore, the printers are relatively easy to operate besides offering plenty of enhanced editing features.
Users are able to preview, edit scenes, tilt and adjust for easy viewing. The DPP-FP90 comes with a 3.6 inch built-in LCD screen while the DPP-FP70 features a 2.5 inch screen. The printers make use of the Auto Touch-up feature to fix frequent picture problems, particularly with over/under-exposure and out-of-focus issues. Auto Touch-up corrects exposure problems without affecting the background. Scenes that are out of focus are sharpened by creating several simulations. The best simulation is then selected over the original image for printing.
Users are able to add a personal touch to their photos by appending superimposed and color-customized special messages and phrases such as “Happy Birthday”, “Congratulations” and “Thank you”. Digital photos can be further modified through the filter feature with a remarkable six options. There’s more good news on the way. The printers can access picture files from Sony digital still cameras and offer optimized performance for Cyber-Shot and Alpha D-SLR cameras.
They will be available in March. The DPP-FP90 and DPP-FP70 printers will go for $200 and $150 respectively. More details on features, accessories and pricing can be found at Sony Electronics.