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Microsoft patent filing: Control a computer by flexing a muscle

December 31st, 2009

“According to a newly surfaced filing, the company is seeking patents on a method of controlling computers using Electromyography, or EMG — a system that translates electrical activity from muscles into instructions for the computer. One of the filings suggests doing this by attaching sensors to a user’s forearm, but another goes further by proposing a completely wearable system of sensors on the head, chest, arm and leg”

Orange to launch mobile HD Voice in 2010 – a new standard for the UK telecoms industry

December 31st, 2009

“HD Voice uses the WB-AMR (Wideband Adaptive Multi-Rate) speech codec. This provides excellent audio quality due to a wider speech bandwidth of 50–7000 Hz compared to the current narrowband speech codec of 300–3400 Hz. The WB-AMR (Wideband Adaptive Multi-Rate) delivers significantly enhanced sound quality whilst utilising the same network resources.”

AT&T: The end of the wireline telephone is in sight

December 31st, 2009

“In its filing dated December 21 and released Tuesday, AT&T called upon the Federal Communications Commission to begin consideration of a formal deadline for the transition of all wireline customers to a wireless system comprising broadband and IP-based connectivity — refraining from referring to 3G or 4G services in a cellular context. AT&T’s reasoning: Carriers can no longer afford to maintain the old network while simultaneously building out the new one.”

The future of brain-controlled devices

December 31st, 2009

“Researchers are already using brain-computer interfaces to aid the disabled, treat diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, and provide therapy for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Work is under way on devices that may eventually let you communicate with friends telepathically, give you superhuman hearing and vision or even let you download data directly into your brain, a la “The Matrix.”"

Tivit streams Mobile DTV to your iPhone, BlackBerry, and PC

December 31st, 2009

“Made by a company called Valups, the Tivit is just a tiny gadget that doubles as a Mobile DTV receiver and a Wi-Fi access point–think of it as a MiFi for TV. Download the viewing software to your device and log into the Tivit, and you can enjoy the Mobile DTV channels in your area. Compatible devices include the iPhone 3G and 3GS, third-generation iPod Touch, BlackBerry phones with Wi-Fi, and Windows PCs.”

Paradigm Shift intros 5- and 7-inch readers with color (LCD) displays

December 31st, 2009

“The outfit’s 5-inch EER-051 and 7-inch EER-071WF are both e-readers with color, but neither boast e-ink displays.”

Microsoft and Kia formalize partnership, Uvo is born

December 31st, 2009

“It’s another implementation of Microsoft’s Windows Embedded Technologies, the guts behind Sync, and so while we expect that’ll mean the two systems will be inherently very similar, we’re also expecting a fresh new skin and some funky new functionality.”

New Form of Touchscreen Displays Pioneered, Extremely Multi-Touch

December 31st, 2009

“A bunch of scientists at New York University’s Media Research Lab have grouped together to form Touchco, which is working on Interpolating Force-Sensitive Resistance, or I.F.S.R touchscreen technology. Apparently these touchscreens can be produced very cheaply, with Touchco hoping to sell them for $10 a square foot. These touchscreens are very flexible, and don’t require much power—making them ideal for ereaders, laptops and netbooks.”

Light-Emitting Wallpaper Using OLED Technology Could Light Our Homes By 2012

December 31st, 2009

“Inspired by OLED TVs which use low voltage, Lomox hopes to use some of the same technology for wallpaper that lights up rooms and outdoor areas, believing they can get an affordable product to market by 2012.”

HDMI Adoption Climbs, while DVI Slides into Retreat

December 31st, 2009

“Within the PC segment, HDMI made significant strides in 2008, doubling its penetration from 6.1% in 2007 to 12.3% in 2008. Mobile PC penetration increased 76% over the same period.”