Techubbub : April 2012

Sunday 22 April 2012

The pen that could replace whiteboards

Electronic company Interphase unveiled Penveu at the DEMO 2012 event held this week in Santa Clara, California. It is a electronic pen that converts just any flat surface into an interactive display by using a technology known as "embedded computer vision," which was originally designed for spacecraft and military navigation systems.

Yoram Solomon, vice president and general manager of Penveu, said in a statement to VentureBeat “The incumbent interactive whiteboard manufacturers have been using the same technology for almost 20 years. They don’t want to see change, we had no vested interest in the existing technology, but we had all the incentives in the world to bring new technology and disrupt this market with a much better product for a fraction of the cost of existing products in this market.”

After connecting to any standard analog computer screen (an old projector, TV or monitor), Penveu is able to draw, write and highlight in nine bright colors, without staining the surface. It works like a portable electronic wand and the "ink" can be erased with the push of a button, content such as a class lesson or a slide show can be saved for future reference. The device will cost around $499 for educational use, compared to the price of interactive whiteboards that can cost over $ 2,000.

This electronic pen could revolutionise the traditional idea of a classroom as it is easier to assemble and use. Basically it becomes an interactive screen that students and teachers can use from anywhere in the classroom.

Monday 9 April 2012

The world’s first flying car shown in New York

A car capable of flying landed today at this year's New York International Motor Show where it will be shown until 15 April.

"We are here to prove as many people as possible that this is a dream that will become reality this year," said the Terrafugia spokesman Steve Moscaritolo, who claimed they have received one hundred orders for this vehicle of $279000 and expect to start delivering at the end of this year.

This four-wheeled vehicle called the “Transition” can travel on any highway at speeds of up to 65 mph, and in less than a minute it is able to unfold two wings located on the side doors and become a plane which can fly at 1,400 feet and can cruise at a speed of 115 mph for up to 500 miles. It can take off or land at any public use general aviation airport with at least 2,500 feet of runway.

Since it will be certified as a Light Sport Aircraft, the Transition will require at least a Sport Pilot license to fly, which requires a minimum of 20 hours of flight time and passing a simple practical test in the aircraft.

Sunday 8 April 2012

Anonymous launches attack on British Home Office website

The Home Office said that its website was temporarily unavailable during Saturday night; a group of hackers who claims ties to Anonymous claimed responsibility for the attack and warned that there would be further attacks every Saturday against the British government websites.

The hackers said on Twitter that they launched the distributed denial-of-service attack to protest against the "proposed draconian surveillance measures," which allow the police to access people e-mails as a measure against terrorism, and also against “Britain’s extradition policies and "derogation of civil liberties."

A Home Office spokesperson said "We are aware of some reports that the Home Office website may be the subject of an online protest. We have put all potential measures in place and will be monitoring the situation very closely.”

“If a successful denial of service attempt does occur tonight, we will liaise with the technical team and update as necessary."

Anonymous is known for its denial of service attacks which take down websites due to a high volume of traffic.

Thursday 5 April 2012

Google unveils Project Glass

Google is working on Augmented Reality Glasses that provide the wearer all kind of information about their environment. Google has released a video demonstration of how these futuristic glasses work, they will allow people to check the time, the weather and even read messages from their contacts through a small built-in screen.

On a Google+ page they have posted pictures of this prototype and the team appointed by Google has said that the project is in full swing and has explained it has been made public with the hope they will get input from users and stakeholders to help improve the future technology.

According to the New York Times, the glasses will be subject to a trial before being marketed this or next year.

Tuesday 3 April 2012

Nokia announces Windows phone for China

Nokia Corp. on Wednesday announced its first CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) Windows phone in China, the Lumia 800C, supported by China Telecom Ltd., one of the three largest state-owned companies in the industry.

“We’re excited to introduce our first Lumia smartphone, the Nokia 800C, to this important market with our exclusive launch partner, China Telecom. Working closely together, we’ve created a compelling, locally relevant experience on the Nokia 800C especially tailored for people in China,” said Stephen Elop, CEO of Nokia.

“This grand launch for China’s first CDMA Windows Phone represents our optimism and excitement for the future of Windows Phone and Nokia Lumia in China.” Claimed Wang Xiaochu, Chairman of China Telecom.

China is the world's largest mobile phone market with about 900 million users, and it is the largest market for Nokia although its participation has declined due to intense competition from the iPhone and Android phones. Chinese people are passionate about electronic technology and last year bought 70 million Smartphones and according to the Analysys International firm based in Beijing, sales will increase 45% this year.