Showing posts with label technology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label technology. Show all posts

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Google Apps gets more IT-friendly



Google Apps become more IT-friendly today with the addition of new security features for iPhone, Nokia, and Windows Mobile users. The new features allow administrators to enforce password requirements and remotely wipe data from mobile devices.

"With this change, Google Apps Premier and Education Edition administrators will be able to manage their users' iPhone, Nokia E series, and Windows Mobile devices right from the Google Apps administrative control panel, without deploying any additional software or having to manage dedicated enterprise mobile servers," wrote Bryan Mawhinney, a Google software engineer, in an announcement posted Wednesday on the company's Enterprise Blog.

These new mobile device management capabilities will allow administrators to:
  • Remotely wipe all data from lost or stolen mobile devices
  • Lock idle devices after a period of inactivity
  • Require a device password on each phone
  • Set minimum lengths for more secure passwords
  • Require passwords to include letters, numbers and punctuation

These features will be accessible from the 'Mobile' tab under 'Service Settings' in the Google Apps control panel. Once a user starts syncing their devices with Google Apps, the domain administrator will be able to remotely wipe device data, right from the user settings page. These policies will let employees access their data from their phone while helping IT administrators easily control access to corporate data on mobile devices.

Read the official article on the Official Google Enterprise Blog

Friday, January 29, 2010

Samsung Electronics First to Begin Mass Producing 3D TV Panels


The 3D experience is one step closer to "invading" your personal home space. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd announced that it has become the first company to commence mass production of panels for 3D LED TVs and 3D LCD TVs.

“Samsung Electronics aims to lead the global 3D TV panel market in pioneering panel mass production for 3D LED and LCD TVs” said Wonkie Chang, president of the LCD Business at Samsung Electronics.

The company began producing LED and LCD compatible panels for 40-inch, 46-inch and 55-inch full-HD 3D TVs using ‘3D Active Glasses’ this month, employing Samsung’s exclusive true 240Hz technology. Samsung’s true 240Hz technology delivers full-HD viewing in 2D, and also smooth, natural, full-HD 3D images that can vividly capture rapid movements. Operating at 240 frames per second, Samsung’s panels deliver a more lifelike picture with alternating left and right eye images through the use of 3D Active Glasses technology.

Samsung’s new 3D Active Glasses technology first blocks the left and then right lens, causing a momentary lag when images are shown to each eye to achieve more lifelike 3D images. The term, 3D Active Glasses, was selected as an official term by the Glasses Standardization Working Group of the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) earlier this year. The polarized glass method previously used in 3D glasses produced separate images for the left and right eyes, resulting in half the resolution of two-dimensional pictures as only half of the screen can be viewed through each polarized filter. Brightness was also lowered because of the polarized filter.

According to DisplaySearch, a market research firm, the 3D display market is expected to grow from $902 million in 2008 to $22 billion in 2018. Specifically, the 3D TV market is expected to expand to a $17-billion market, with sales increasing from 200,000 units in 2009 to 64 million units 2018. But who knows, that could be a lot more a lot faster. I know I'm dying to get one of those.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

The Apple iPad tablet is everywhere. Yet another hype?



A few years ago the iPhone pretty much got the same kind of attention the new iPad tablet from Apple is getting these days. And the way the iPhone started a sensitive touchscreen trend, it highly possible that we are witnessing the start of a new one: the tablet frenzy. Even though tablets have been around for a very long time, and some designs are really great, it seams that people needed Apple to give the OK for everyone to say: "Yes man, tablets are great! Everyone should have one!". This is stupid.

Anyway, if you need more info related to the new Apple iPad tablet, and not all of the opinions will be positive (some will even be realistic), check out the links below:

And that all it's worth mentioning about it. We'll just have to wait and see how many people will encounter problems with this tablet and how well will it rate against other tablets, like the HP Pavilion tx2500z or the Lenovo ThinkPad X200 tablet. But who cares, as long as it's from Apple, right?

LE: a lot more details related to the Apple iPad can be found in this article. CNET's Ina Fried and Josh Lowensohn address various aspects of the design and the overall uses of this gadget and certain things that it lacks or will be added latter on.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Natural user interface concept demos from Microsoft research


Microsoft's Natural user interface conceptsIt seems to be a tendency these days for technology to go ahead of itself, releasing new and fascinating ideas continually. Natural user interfaces is one of the hottest topics these days. If you still haven't heard about them, I suggest you visit the natural user interface wiki on Wikipedia. These concepts are meant to improve the way we use technology or the way we interact with it. Lately we have seen that Microsoft has been more involved in social media environments and in the way users receive theyr products. It's not that crispy office company anymore. Or at least that's the way they want to appear.

The natural user interface Microsoft is developing is meant to improve the user interaction with the computer. Craig Mundie, Microsoft’s chief research and strategy officer, discusses how science and information technology can help solve the world’s biggest problems. In his presentations to college students Mundi uses text, voice but also hand gestures to manipulate the data on the screen. The most interesting thing though is the eye tracking, where you skim you eyes over the page in a very natural way.

Dont think that only big corporations have a part of all this hype. There are a lot more people passionate about such things. In fact there are even natural user interface groups out there. NUI Group, which actually is an acronym for Natural User Interface Group, is just one of them. You can check out their website at www.nuigroup.com. They have some really nice videos about the concepts that they created or tested.

Also in the commercial area there are several companies that provide customers multi-touch solutions, but mostly in the advertisement business. One company that deals with natural user interface in Europe is NUITEQ. Natural User Interface Technologies AB (NUITEQ) is a Swedish innovative technology company with its main focus on delivering commercial advanced multi-touch software solutions, to the global market. Additional services include multi-touch hardware solutions.

For all of these cool natural user interface devices you would of course need the top of the line technology or you would have to build it yourself, if you have the skills. But all of it is still in concept phase, which means it may never be created the way it is presented, it might not be cost-effective or another cool thing will come out in the meantime. One thing still bugs me about those transparent glass displays though. Won't they get all smeared from hand fat and fingerprints? Do you always have to clean them?

Monday, August 3, 2009

Samsung F2080 LCD Monitor with cPVA technology

Samsung F2080 Professional 20 Inch LCD Monitor
Continuing our showcase of great LCD computer monitors, we have come to present the Samsung F2080 20 inch LCD monitor.


The Samsung F2080 20" 16:9 widescreen LCD displays feature cPVA technology, for accurate image performance and professional-caliber color. This is one of those Samsung LCD monitors with 100% support of sRGB color mode, the recommended color space for the internet, and the default color space for many computers, digital cameras and scanners, and 178º viewing angles. This ensures a smooth and accurate color to everyone gathered around the screen. Or just to you, if you prefer watching the screen from a very awkward angle. The innovative cPVA technology features a liquid-crystal cell structure that minimizes light leakage for brilliant, accurate color and enables wide viewing angles and high contrast ratios.


Speaking of high contrast ratios, the high 3,000:1 static contrast ratio provides subtle transitions in shadows, and details in the whites and blacks. The 2.5 mm bezel-to-screen depth and the 15 mm ultra-narrow bezel combine to give you an even, virtually seamless display area when tiling multiple displays. Also the Tilt/Swivel/Pivot/130 mm height-adjustable stands also add comfort.


Here are the official specifications for this Samsung 20 inch lcd monitor as provided by the manufacturer.


  • Screen Size: 20" (16:9)
  • Brightness (Typical): 250 cd/m²
  • Contrast Ratio (Typical): DC 150,000:1 (static 3,000:1)
  • Resolution: 1600 x 900
  • Response Time (Typical): 8 ms (GTG)
  • Viewing Angle (Horizontal/Vertical): 178º / 178º
  • Color Support: 16,7 M
  • Video Signal: 2 DVI-D, D-sub
  • Sync. Signal: separate, composite, SOG
  • Power Consumption: 40 W
  • Stand By Power (DPMS): 1 W
  • Plug & Play: Yes
  • USB powered hub option: No
  • Mac compatibility: Yes
  • Multimedia Speakers: No
  • Wall-Mount: 100 x 100 mm, 200 x 100 mm
  • TCO: TCO 5.0, TUV
  • Cabinet Color: black, texture
  • Optional Accessories: DVI cable
  • Special Features: Multi Screen S / W, MagicBright, MagicColor, Color Effect, Off Timer, MagicTune, Customized Key, Image Size, DVI with HDCP, Windows Vista Premium Certified, Mechanical Switch, EPEAT GOLD
  • Product Dimension(With stand, WxHxD): 18.67" x 14.08" x 7.76"
  • Product Dimension (Without Stand, WxHxD): 18.67" x 11.37" x 2.43"
  • Shipment Dimension (WxHxD): 21.65" x 14.41" x 6.97"
  • Product Weight: 5.5 kg
  • Shipment Weight: 6.8 kg
  • Stand Type: 130 mm HAS
  • Function of stand: Tilt / Swivel / Pivot / height adjustment

For more examples of Samsung LCD monitors you can visit the other pages of this website. Make sure you also visit one of my favorite, even it's pretty old now, the stylish Samsung T220 LCD Monitor. For more information related to this professional 20 inch LCD monitor, you can visit the official page of the product here.

Aerojet and NEC Explore Low Power Ion Propulsion Systems for Satellites

Low Power Ion Propulsion System

Aerojet, a GenCorp company, and NEC Corporation announced today that the companies will explore the feasibility of jointly supplying low power ion propulsion systems for the U.S. and Japanese aerospace markets. Ion propulsion systems can be used for geosynchronous satellite propulsion systems and deep space missions providing significant advantages over traditional chemical propulsion systems due to the higher fuel efficiency.


Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and NEC have jointly developed a low power "Microwave Ion Engine" that uses microwaves for ion generation, enabling long life and high mission reliability. NEC's Microwave Ion Engine is currently flying on JAXA's HAYABUSA asteroid rendezvous and study mission, and has proven to be robust and reliable, with more than 30,000 hours of in-space operation.


Aerojet's electric propulsion products are currently flying on more than 150 operational satellites and span a broad range of electric propulsion products. Dr. Roger Myers, general manager of Aerojet's Redmond operations, states that "the low power Microwave Ion Engine from NEC provides an excellent complement to Aerojet's broad electric propulsion product offerings."


"Aerojet is a leading supplier of satellite propulsion systems in the United States and has broad experience and technical capabilities with satellite propulsion systems," said Kunio Kondo, senior general manager, Aerospace and Defense Operations Unit, NEC Corporation. "Collaborating with Aerojet will help NEC to expand its low power Microwave Ion Engine business in the U. S. market."

The official NEC press release can be found here.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

BlackBerry Curve 8520 for UK

BlackBerry Curve 8520 confirmed in UKResearch In Motion has announced that the BlackBerry Curve 8520 phone will be coming to the UK in August. The operator / operators that will carry the device are unconfirmed as is the price.


The new Curve 8520 comes in two colours, black and frost and enables easy access to email, messaging and social networking sites. The phone has a full-QWERTY keyboard and comprehensive multimedia capabilities (music, game and other apps).


"More and more cell phone users are choosing to upgrade to a smartphone and the new BlackBerry Curve 8520 will undoubtedly convince many more people to make the switch. It delivers all the great messaging, social networking and multimedia features that have made BlackBerry the top-selling smartphone brand in the United States," said Carlo Chiarello, vice president, product management, Research In Motion.

Key features of the BlackBerry Curve 8520 smartphone include:

  • Full-QWERTY keyboard and touch-sensitive optical trackpad for reliable, responsive typing and navigation
  • 256MB Flash memory and a 512Mhz next generation processor for enhanced performance
  • Premium phone features including voice activated dialing, and Bluetooth (2.0) support for hands-free use with headsets, car kits, stereo headsets and other Bluetooth peripherals
  • 2 MP digital camera with zoom and video recording
  • Advanced media player for music, pictures and videos, with dedicated media keys and a 3.5 mm stereo headset jack, plus BlackBerry Media Sync, which makes it easy to quickly sync music from iTunes or Windows Media Player with the smartphone
  • Access to BlackBerry App World, featuring a broad and growing catalog of third-party mobile applications developed specifically for BlackBerry smartphones. Categories include games, entertainment, social networking and sharing, news and weather, productivity and much more
  • BlackBerry Internet Service support for access to up to 10 supported email accounts, including most popular ISP email accounts such as Yahoo!, Windows Live Hotmail, AOL and Gmail; and BlackBerry Enterprise Server support, which provides advanced security and IT administration features for corporate deployments
  • Expandable memory via hot swappable microSD/SDHC memory card slot, supporting cards of up to 16 GB today and expected to support next generation 32GB cards when available; a 1GB card is included
  • Built-in Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g) with support for T-Mobile Unlimited Hotspot Calling service
  • Quad-band world phone: EGDE/GPRS/GSM (850/900/1800/1900 MHz)

For more information related to the yet not released BlackBerry Curve 8520 smartphone, you can visit the official website at this address.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

The new VAIO® P Series Lifestyle PC

VAIO P series Lifestyle PCThe world’s lightest 8" notebook, the 1.4-pound VAIO® P Series Lifestyle PC does more than you could imagine–with impeccable style. Email at the airport, IM from the park, or just show it off when you want some attention. Traveling to a new city? Turn-by-turn GPS navigation will get you there faster. Best of all, it fits right in your purse or jacket pocket.


Keep moving and stop waiting. The instant-on, ultra-bright 8-inch LED-backlit screen of the Lifestyle PC means you never have to wait for it to warm up. Plus, its extra-wide 1600 x 768 resolution easily displays the width of an entire page, putting an end to side-to-side scrolling that can slow you down.


Looking for a place to eat? Type the word "restaurant" and let the Lifestyle PC be your guide. Using built-in GPS technology and featuring Microsoft® Streets & Trips software, your current location is found and real-time, on-screen directions lead the way. And you don’t even need an internet connection. Just step outside and type in where you want to go. You’ll get turn-by-turn directions displayed right on the map. It’s that simple.


Connect and go. Featuring built-in wireless access, the Lifestyle PC puts the internet in your pocket. And this is no stripped down version of the web, either. Everything is there, displayed just like it is on your home PC. Video chat with your friends, download music or do some online shopping—from virtually anywhere. The Lifestyle PC lets you browse the web in more places with Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband Built-In.


Here are a few specifications of the Vaio P Series Lifestyle PC:

  • Intel® (1.86GHz) processor
  • Up to 256GB Solid State Drive available
  • 2GB DDR2 SDRAM
  • Estimated Battery Life: Up to 4 hours (standard capacity battery)
  • Up to 8 hours (large capacity battery)
  • Power Requirements: 68W + 10%
  • Memory Stick PRO™(Standard/Duo) media slot with MagicGate® functionality
  • SD memory card slot
  • Wireless LAN: Atheros 802.11 b/g/n
  • Integrated Stereo A2DP Bluetooth® technology
  • Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband Built-In
  • QWERTY keyboard, 82 keys with 1.2mm stroke and 16.5mm pitch
  • Built-in MOTION EYE® camera and microphone
  • Pointing Stick
  • 8.0" Screen
  • 1600 x 768 Resolution
  • LED backlight
  • XBRITE-ECO Technology
  • Intel® High Definition Audio Sound System


More information about the new VAIO P Series Lifestyle PC can be found on the official SonyStyle.com website here.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Samsung TL100 - 12MP digital camera

Samsung TL100 12MP digital cameraBack again, with yet another product from Samsung, the TL100 digital camera, there haven't been too many around here on Tresh IT News. In fact, I believe this is the very best.


One of the most characteristics of this digital camera is of course the 12 MP (mega pixel). If you ask me, that's a little too much for a hobby camera and judging from the looks of it, it's more like a tourist's accessory. It's great if you want to take some pictures of you and the family on the holidays, but a 6 MP or 8 MP camera should work just fine for that. In my opinion, cameras above 8 MP should only be seen as professional, with all the options they should have. Let's face it, this doesn't have nearly as many options a professional photographer or even a quasi-professional photographer would want. But let's see what else it offers.


Specifications

  • Image sensor Type: 1/2.33″ CCD
  • Effective Pixel: approx. 12.2 megapixel
  • Total Pixel: approx. 12.4 megapixel
  • Focusing Type: TTL auto focus (Multi AF, center AF, Face Detection AF, Tracking AF)
  • Shutter Speed: auto: 1 ~ 1/1,500 s; manual: 8 ~ 1/1,500 s; AEB, continuous: 1/4 ~ 1/1,500 s
  • Exposure Compensation: ±2EV (1/3EV steps)
  • ISO Equivalent: auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 (at 3 M size)
  • Flash Recharging Time: approx. 4 s
  • Flash Modes: auto, auto & red-eye reduction, fill-in flash, slow sync, flash off, red eye fix
  • Storage Media: internal memory: about 40 MB; external memory (optional): MMC plus (up to 2 GB guaranteed 4 bit 20 MHz); SD (up to 4 GB guaranteed); SDHC (up to 8 GB guaranteed)
  • File Format: still image: JPEG (DCF), EXIF 2.21, DPOF 1.1, PictBridge 1.0; movie clip: AVI (MPEG-4); audio: WAV
  • Dimensions (WxHxD): 3.7" x 2.19" x .65"
  • Weight: 0.27 lbs.

Another down side to this camera is the small 3x optical zoom. The digital zoom just doesn't do it unless you hold the camera perfectly still, even with the DIS (Digital Image Stabilization). And that's a little troublesome. But anyway, it's small, compact, great for holidays and it also comes in red. Full specifications can be found here.

Friday, April 25, 2008

Secret Unveiled: LG Launches the Third Black Label Series Handset LG Secret

Read the original press release here

LG-KF750 Secret - Black Label SeriesLG Electronics, a worldwide technology and design leader in mobile communications, launched the third LG Black Label Series handset LG Secret (Model: LG-KF750) worldwide on April 24th, 2008 in London, U.K.

Following the success of its predecessors, LG Chocolate and LG Shine, the third model from the LG Black Label Series resonates a highly stylish design and enriched technological features including the slimmest 5 megapixel camera and innovative materials. The phone was developed to satisfy the refined tastes of trendsetters who desire a sophisticated design with an enduring elegance.

"The huge success of the previous models of the Black Label Series validated our approach to provide the ultimate mobile experience for today’s discerning consumers, who seek to embody personal style with their handsets," says Skott Ahn, President & CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. "These are the enriched features that will diversify the way users interact with their handsets but most of all, the LG Secret was designed to be a style that lasts."

From the top we can see a predominant keyword in the LG press release: timeless. And in my opinion, in this high-speed modern age of ours, it's one of the most necessary things to keep us all on track. Of course, saying that, LG defines the terms on which this word applies:
  • Timeless style - LG Secret will always look new thanks to the materials incorporated into the phone
  • Timeless memories - Equipped with an advanced 5.0 megapixel camera built into the slimmest profile of any camera handset on the market (at 11.8mm), LG Secret boasts 120 fps video and DivX® certified playback
  • Timeless entertainment - Entertainment features include Touch Media that takes advantage of the touch screen to directly access five multimedia functions in a single button – music, photos, games, documents, and FM radio
  • Timeless convenience - LG Secret makes life easier with Bluetooth auto-sync that automatically synchronizes with the PC and users do not have to be hassled by tangled USB cables. The Auto Rotating Display shifts the image on the screen for viewing in any position

These and many other features, which are described in more detail in the original press release, make this phone proud to be one of the Black Label Series. LG Secret begins its launch in Europe followed by launch events in Asia, South America, and on to the rest of the world. Please also visit LG Secret Global Microsite at http://secret.lgmobile.com.

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Panasonic's Stingray Workstation - the power to change

Full article (press release) here

Panasolic Stingray JS-950Panasonic Information Systems, a division of Panasonic System Solutions Company and a world leader in point of sale and drive-thru communication solutions, will be showing their revolutionary Stingray Workstation (model JS-950) at FS/TEC 2008. With its flexible open architecture and versatile modular construction that provides lower total cost of ownership, this unique workstation is transforming the POS market with “the power to change."

Stingray is so innovative in its approach to providing users what they need, it has changed the way POS workstations are selected and sold in the quick service and hospitality industries,” said Doyle Ledford, Director, Panasonic Information Systems. “The open platform design of our new Stingray applies both to software and hardware, as this workstation will run virtually any operating system, and software and can be configured with the selection of components and capabilities that best meet users’ specific needs. Most importantly, Stingray allows for change – both in terms of software upgrades and hardware changes – both easily and cost-efficiently. It’s the POS solution that offers lower total cost of ownership by evolving as your business needs change and by offering user replaceable components such as the LCD display and hard drive.”

Stingray’s open architecture runs virtually any operating system and software, allowing users to implement most off-the-shelf or custom POS applications to meet their specific needs. With a high speed processor and up to 2 GB of on-board RAM, Stingray is ideal for stand-alone applications and can also be integrated into a LAN network to run the most demanding back office operations. It can also run multiple software applications to further extend its functionality and overall efficiency. In addition, it's backwards compatible, allowing operators to replace one workstation at a time for maximum cost-efficiency.

Stingray’s unique all-in-one modular design allows convenient, cost-effective customization to meet specific application needs. Users can design it to fit their operations with the confidence of knowing they have the power to change the unit’s configuration at any time. Stingray allows users to easily increase RAM, swap or change hard drives, remove/replace the LCD display, switch the 15” LCD display from landscape to portrait, add a card reader in the position they want, or add security devices – all with no need for a technician. Stingray’s dual back lit LCD adjustable displays deliver high-resolution, high-contrast images and are available with resistive or capacitive touch screen technology for faster, more accurate order taking.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Nokia plans to make Silverlight available on Symbian OS

Microsoft SilverlightFor those that still don't know what Silverlight is, here's the short version. It's "a cross-browser, cross-platform plug-in for delivering the next generation of .NET based media experiences and rich interactive applications for the Web. Silverlight offers a flexible programming model that supports AJAX, VB, C#, Python, and Ruby, and integrates with existing Web applications. Silverlight supports fast, cost-effective delivery of high-quality video to all major browsers running on the Mac OS or Windows". This is taken from the official web site. Still not clear what it is? Well it's basically Microsoft's response to Abobe's Flash technology and their attempt to take over their market. And it's a pretty good attempt if you ask me. The Silverlight plug-in brings a lot of great features that allow programmers to incorporate more and more ideas into their applications. Although it's still relatively young technology, it has set a decent foundation and has gathered quite a lot of admirers. But enough about that.

Nokia announced in in a press release on March 04, 2008 their "plans to make Microsoft Silverlight available for S60 on Symbian OS, the world's leading smartphone software, as well as for Series 40 devices and Nokia Internet tablets. That sound pretty good, considering the fact that everyone loves rich media applications and eye-candy effects. If you can have them on your mobile phone or other portable device and they can run smoothly then it's perfect. I personally am a great supporter of JAVA applications on mobile devices, but from a graphics point of view, it just doesn't have what it takes. Another solution would be Adobe's Flash, but even Steve Jobs, CEO at Apple stated, talking about the iPhone: "don't expect support for Adobe's Flash technology anytime soon". That's because it doesn't have the speed required to work on devices limited to such a low processing power.

But apart from that, even if I'm not a huge fan of anything that Microsoft launches, it looks like their Silverlight technology is heading in the right direction. We'll just have to wait how everything works out. Microsoft will demonstrate Silverlight on S60 during the opening keyote at Microsoft's MIX08 conference on March 5 in Las Vegas, so if there will be anything else that needs to be added, I'll get back to you.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Blu-Ray wins over HD-DVD

Blu-Ray HD-DVDToshiba has fought hard to promote their HD-DVD products and the war with Blu-Ray has been one with a highly awaited result. As with the previous battles between media formats, like the one between the VHS and Betamax format, this too has been one that had a real impact on the consumers. Whenever two large companies clash, they tend to create better and cheaper products and we can only rejoice at that though.

What really happened?


On February 19, 2008, after major content manufacturers and key retailers began to withdraw their support of the format, Toshiba made an official announcement to no longer develop, manufacture and market HD-DVD players and recorders, effectively ending the high definition optical disc format war.

This move leaves the high-definition market to its main rival: Sony's Blu-ray format. The two formats had been fighting for dominance in the high-definition home video market. But in recent weeks, HD-DVD had been abandoned on both the retail and content sides.

Toshiba's announcement is going to be a relief to consumers who have had a tough time over the past couple of years choosing between the two formats. If someone needed to upgrade from the now old DVD format, the decition between Blu-Ray and HD-DVD would have been a tough one.

There are also good news. If you made the bad call and chose HD-DVD, don't worry. There are methods for you to keep your videos in the markets leading high-definition format. One good "How To" can be found on Wired.com but I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot of them popping up all over the Internet now.

Mind controlled games are almost here

Emotiv EPOC neuro headsetIt's not the first time we see things that we thought impossible to achieve become reality over night. Some of them have even become obsolete. I remember those old movies in which the characters in spandex would connect to a huge computer and perform different activities within the "cyberspace". For a while, those looked like stupid ideas to many people. But as technology advances, new things become available to the masses and this is just the next big thing.

According to Engadget, Emotiv Systems is planning to launch the first mind-controlled gaming platform by this Christmas. The Emotiv EPOC uses a set of sensors to tune into electric signals naturally produced by the brain to detect player thoughts, feelings and expression. It connects wirelessly with all game platforms from consoles to PCs. The Emotiv neuroheadset makes it possible for games to be controlled and influenced by the player's mind. Based on the latest developments in neuro-technology, Emotiv has developed a new personal interface for human-computer interaction.

Now let's just wait and see what will happen. The first games available for this headset might not be leading edge and they will have a lot to improve on it. But we have to take into account that this is the creation of new technology. Or at least the application of it in gaming entertainment.