Surface 2.0 only a couple of years away

Surface is a multi-touch computer by Microsoft Corporation which has a flat screen that is capable of reading more than one gesture of the hand. The device comes in the shape of a table and will be launched in the UK next week. This multi-touch solution is similar to the one the new generation of notebooks have in their touchpad. However, Microsoft’s Surface can even read content from a printed material that is placed on the big screen thanks to its five cameras hiding inside the machine. 

During a festival called South by Southwest Festival there were rumours that the second generation of the MS device would be launched in 2-3 years’ time. A company called Phenomblue that makes applications for the Surface was told that the second generation was still in the development stage. So it seems these were not rumours, after all. 

Current development codename for Surface 2.0 is Second Light, which is to have a second projector inside in order to project images just above the surface of the screen. Also they plan to install infrared sensors so that the device can interpret gestures even before one’s hand touches the screen. The director of Clarity Consulting, another company producing applications for Surface, expects Second Light to have High-Definition cameras installed, as well. 

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7945154.stm

Report on CEBIT 2009

I always like writing about technology-related stuff as I am also a geek who is really into new technological achievements. For this piece of news I used David Reid’s report on this year’s CEBIT show which the BBC journalist attended, of course. This year’s CEBIT, held again in Hannover, was a bit different as some of the major hardware and software manufacturers, e.g. Samsung, were missing. The recession seems to show no mercy to everybody. 

As David says, normally there are almost half a million attendees at CEBIT, and even though some of the big players were missing this time, at least the small fish in the pool dared to come out and show what they had up in their sleeves. Amongst the noticeable small companies was David Vision Systems, a firm that introduced a pocket-sized laser scanner. As Sven Molkenstruck from the company said at the conference: „Others are expensive because they require complicated and precise mechanics; our scanning systems consist of standard components that are available at a low price. You take the laser in your hand and sweep it over the object with your hand… this can be used to calculate 3D data. For example for computer games you can include your own 3D models, your own face in a computer game or another virtual environment.” Cool! One can have his or her own laser scanner and have fun at home for an affordable, hopefully inexpensive price. 

Blaupunkt and miRoamer came up with a way to create a device that they named the world’s first internet car radio. Imagine a radio in your car with which you can tune into at least 35,000 radio stations across the globe! Isn't it something the Brits would call "Cool beans on toast!"? As Mr Demian of miRoamer explained the way the device works: “You pair your mobile telephone to the actual head unit, and then the head unit uses the mobile phone as the gateway to access the internet. The beauty about internet radio is that it is global. Anyone who has a mobile telephone can use the product. It is a global product, global content and a global audience.” 

To find out more of the products of CEBIT, including a voice encryption device that can be connected to your mobile or a remotely-towed, driverless tractor, check out the source below to find the full article. 

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/click_online/7926555.stm

Expensive technical support calls

The consumer group called “Which? Computing” has recently carried out a survey involving 45 firms in order to find out what kind of telephone numbers the internet service providers use for giving technical support nowadays. It turned out that many of them used premium rate numbers for tech support. 

Some possess free phone numbers whereas others only use numbers with high tariff. “Which? Computing” spokeswoman told BBC: “The cost of calls to Tesco broadband technical support is something we've been looking at and listening to customer feedback on. As a result we'll continue to provide a very high quality of technical expertise to all our broadband customers but calls will now be charged at a local rate. We'll be contacting all our customers as soon as possible to let them know about the change in price.” Sarah Kidner, the group’s editor told BBC that: „Some companies are using higher-cost numbers at their customers' expense.” and asked the question: „ If other companies can offer a free phone number, why can't they all?” 

The reason for the premium rate number was that these companies would like to cover the costs of the technical support service; they had no intention of profiting from them; the revenues only served cost-covering purposes. The survey could also look into the matter of holding the line until one is connected. It seems this has improved recently as only 12% of the callers were dissatisfied. 

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7923636.stm

Growing concerns of intrusion in Brits’ lives

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) means the use of video cameras for surveillance in specific areas that may need extra attention. Such areas are banks, airports, casinos etc. However, in Britain the number of CCTV cameras is believed to be among the world’s highest which raises concerns as many of these can be found in public places. Increasing surveillance in public places can violate the privacy of the citizens. 

Recently, there has been a gathering at the Convention on Modern Liberty where more than 1,000 people appeared to listen to former home affairs minister David Davis. Other gatherings are expected to be held in other major towns in the UK to discuss topics such as press-freedom, counter-terrorist laws. Mr Davis called Brits “casual” and “careless” as even though they are aware of the issue of privacy they tend not to do something about it. 

Nowadays, people can be easily taken away to detention centres without a trial if under the suspicion of terrorist act. Because of the fear of terrorism human rights are often violated or simply completely neglected. At the London event former detainee Binyam Mohamed was also present, who was talking about the imprisonment of his fellow detainee Mr Begg in Guantanamo. Mr Begg was released after being detained for many years. He said that he had been tortured while he had been in custody and everything had happened with the knowledge of the UK government. He added that Mr Begg had said that he had been willing to pursue justice as Britain’s mistreat of terrorist suspects had not been right. Even the Lords constitution committee admitted that the level of using electronic surveillance and the collection of personal date were pervasive and were not in favour of democracy. Note that Gordon Brown himself defended the excessive use of CCTV cameras as he thought this was something that could only help give people the possibility to live a life without crime. 

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/7915479.stm

Quake III playable through our web browsers

One of the most extraordinary games that defined multiplayer games was re-released on Tuesday. Quake Live is an action-packed game that can be played through our web browsers. The game is a new, but relatively similar edition to the acclaimed first person shooter called Quake III, released by id Software back in 1999. Although I understand this piece of news is closer to the Entertainment section than Science and Tech, however, I think by launching Quake Live id Software contributed to the already fast development of web games. And besides, in my opinion never before did a web game have such amazing graphics. 

The only thing a user needs to do is to install the plug-in for his or her browser after loading the site. No fees need to be paid; everything is for free of charge. Detailed explanation is given on how to play the game; all of our questions will be answered if we take a tour on the site. The three main characteristics that id Software uses to highlight Quake Live’s advantages are: safety, an easy way to join the community and the short time it takes to start playing the game. However, as the site enjoys an extremely high popularity the last advantage does not really exist anymore: especially late in the afternoon one has to wait for at least an hour to be able to start shooting some enemies or looking for the flag that needs to be captured. 

Id Software, the company that created the first person shooter a.k.a. FPS genre back in 1994 by publishing Doom, certainly did not expect that Quake Live would be this successful and would attract so many players or as the fans of genre are often referred to, shooters. You only need a valid e-mail address to validate your signing-up and after logging in you can start looking for the opponents suitable to your needs. Note that only Internet Explorer and Firefox browsers are supported, the support for other alternative browsers are in progress as we speak. The same applies for the operation systems: Mac and Linux users have to wait for a while until they can relive memories created 10 years ago. 

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7907530.stm

Ferry for sale on eBay

When the company called the Governors Island Corporation made a deal to buy a shuttle boat for half a million dollars they thought they could not have got any better offer with the product in question. However, Martha’s Vineyard, which could be the name of the boat, however, it is the company from which the shuttle is from, is in need of repair. 

The only problem is that in order to cover the costs of these repairs the company needs millions of dollars. Selling the ferry to somebody else would be unwise as the price of steel decreased greatly as a result of the recession. What should they do then? Well, according to director Jon Meyers the repair is definitely out of the question as altogether fixing the hull and the main deck would cost them at least 6 million dollars. 

So they have come up with a solution which is selling the ferry on eBay. The minimum bid for the boat was 10 dollars, and now the highest bid eBay users made was 23,112 dollars, according to the information gathered last weekend. So far 55 people have shown their interests in the ship – i.e. 55 users have been willing to increase the bid. Martha’s description says: “You must take entire vessel and all its belongings.” As the director of Governors Island Corporation claimed: “At this point, we're being prudent with public resources in not making further investment with this vessel.” 

Source: http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/18766427/detail.html

Microsoft offers reward for catching malware creator

Virus, worm, spyware, adware. What is the common in them? They all infect our personal computers, making it malfunction or stealing vital data that are needed to manage the everyday life of our businesses. These malicious softwares are all referred to as malware nowadays, and they are the greatest enemies of the major companies of our time. 

Since last October a worm called Downadup or Conficker started circulating in the networks looking for potential computers to infect. It is said that so far more than ten million computers have been affected by this dangerous entity. 

Software giant Microsoft offered a reward of 250,000 dollars for those who find the creator of this worm. They believe that this time it is serious and the creator of such thing must be brought to justice. A reward as enormous as Microsoft's offer can only indicate that the creation of the worm is regarded as a criminal act. 

As George Stathakopulos from Microsoft's Trustworthy Computing Group told BBC "People who write this malware have to be held accountable. Our message is very clear - whoever wrote this caused significant pain to our customers and we are sending a message that we will do everything we can to help with your arrest." 

As far as I know Microsoft publishes new updates that are downloadable via their Microsoft Update Service on the first Tuesday of every month. However, recently my computer has downloaded an update for the operation system's so-called malicious tools component. Now we know that those computers that are up-to-date have nothing to fear. 

It turns out that Conficker spreads not only through networks but even on single USB memory drives. The worm struggles to find out any account name and a password along with it so as to infiltrate a network. It either steals important data or lets its creators to further infect the computers in question with their botnets. An infected machine can also be used to attack another PC or to simply start sending hundreds or even thousands of spams. Fighting such a malware can really cause a headache to various network administrators out there. 

Not only did Microsoft offer a reward but they decided to cooperate with other security companies, internet companies, domain name providers and many other institutions in order to fight Downadup. According to BBC even the US Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security are involved in the pursuit. 

Note that this is not the first reward Microsoft offers. The same amount was already put up to find the creators of such threats as Blaster, MyDoom, Sobig and Sasser. So far only the creator of Sasser has been found and arrested. 

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7887577.stm

Microsoft Flight Simulator series to end

Microsoft's Flight Simulator is one of the longest running game in the history of computer games. Unfortunately, Microsoft made the entire development team redundant by shutting down the Aces studio. By cutting almost 5,000 jobs the software giant made it questionable whether the series would live to have another episode or not. 

The very first episode of Flight Simulator dates back to the early '80s. As Nels Anderson, founder of the site FlightSim.com told BBC, "Microsoft have apparently cancelled a 27 year franchise. Flight sims were one of the few things about Microsoft people actually liked. It made them money and had an enormous following. To cancel something like that is an amazing thing to do." 

According to Dermot Stapleton, who is the director of a company that published third party add-ons for Microsoft's simulator games, "it's the end of the line for their in-house development studio, but that doesn't mean it's the end of the line for the game. All Microsoft did was name a group of developers working on the game Aces Studio and now, as they've laid them and a load of other developers off, they have been somewhat hoisted on their own petard. My guess is that Microsoft will now licence the code to a third party developer and then cross that "cash bridge" when they come to it." 

But will that do good to the series? Could they preserve the values for which it had been successful if the franchise is given to a third-party developer team? Nels Anderson did not seem to be as optimistic as Dermot Stapleton was, as he said that MS had already canceled one of its long-life series, MS Train Simulator, which had been buried in 2003. Even though announcements were given of sequels, these did not make it and the project were canceled, eventually. As Mr Anderson says shutting down Aces studio also means the shutting down of Flight Simulator once and for all. 

Other sources say that it is the kind of game that requires more time to "age". Some still use Flight Simulator 2004 instead of the latest release, Flight Simulator X. 

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7874937.stm

Facebook soon starts elementary school

World leader social network Facebook, with approximately 150 million users, celebrates its 5th birthday. If you are registered on Facebook (it is likely that you are), expect to receive a virtual gift so that you can celebrate together with the creators wishing the network many happy returns. 

The type of this present remains unknown, however, according to Mark Zuckerberg, founder and creator of Facebook, the gift should be used by users to express their gratitude to those they have been connected with. 

Mr Zuckerberg told BBC that the work is not finished as Facebook still has to improve; beating rival MySpace only means that the Facebook racing car started its 2nd lap during the virtual social network Grand Prix. 

Why is Facebook different than its competitors? What made it become the leader on this market? What is the secret of Mark Zuckerberg? Jeremiah Jowyang of Forrester Research does not simply call Facebook a social network, he considers it a "global communications platform." He added: "Facebook is about people you really know and trust and it has great crossover appeal to your real life, family and work." 

Professor Fogg of Stanford University claims that "Facebook has changed how people view the world. Today, a friend from any country is just a few clicks away. Facebook brings the world together - one trusted place." 

One of the main characteristics of Facebook is the fact that registered users share their real identities. Facebook struggles to eliminate fake users; other networks make you enable to create accounts for your favourite celebrities or even for fictional characters. 

The story of Facebook started the same way as the story of other successful companies, projects. It was launched from one of the dormitories of Harvard with the purpose of "helping students get in touch over the Internet"; the following day of the launch the community had already had more than a thousand members. 

Where are we now? Facebook is contantly being developed: it is available in 35 languages for its 150 million users and translations into another 60 languages are in progress. 

What can an average Facebook user do? They can upload photos and videos, chat with their friends, update their status, form and join groups and causes, complete quizzes to test their talent and even play games to kill time. Others use its interface to write applications to try to extend its vast set of tools. 

To summarise the reasons for Facebook's achivements in the past 5 years, let's quote Professor Fogg: "The genius of Facebook isn't the technology or the interface. Facebook is winning because it puts friends first. Our relationships shape our online experience. No technology is better than our friendships." 

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7868403.stm

As part of this piece of news I would like to mention the Hungarian social network called iWiW (the abbreviation for Internet Who Is Who), whose story is not really a successful one. 

The Hungarian social networking web service started almost 2 years before Facebook and in half a year it had more than 2 million registered users with real names. 

Originally it was given the name WiW, but for some reason it was rebuilt from the very basics 3 years after its launch, which did not do good to the system. iWiW very often crashed and was unavailable for a short periods of time. The idea was to translate it and make it available in more than 20 languages and even though the modificatioins for these changes were carried out, later iWiW was only available in Hungarian, again. 

When T-Online, one of the branches of Magyar Telekom purchased the entire service in 2006 for 1 billion HUF, users started afraiding of being abused by telemarketers. iWiW started losing its users and now it's members are around 1,5 million. Those turning away from iWiW joined the many competitors available on the Hungarian market. 

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IWiW

Google Earth 5.0 features deep blue sea

The newest version of Google's global mapping software, Google Earth, has been published recently. 

For those of you who haven't encountered this magnificent software yet, the following brief text gives an explanation of the capabilities and the purpose of Google Earth: 

"Google Earth lets you fly anywhere on Earth to view satellite imagery, maps, terrain, 3D buildings, from galaxies in outer space to the canyons of the ocean. You can explore rich geographical content, save your toured places, and share with others." 

Version 5.0 includes a brand-new feature which enables users (or shall we say explorers of our globe?) to go underwater and examine the vast sea floors that stretch between our continents. 

Layers found beneath the sea include information obtained from the leading researchers and scientists of our time. 

The new feature brought Google one step closer towards the total coverage of our planet. At the launch event, held in San Francisco, Al Gore himself said that the new feature would make Google Earth a "magical experience". 

It is indeed magical if we realise that water covers approximately 70% of the surface of our world, though less than 5% of these vast territories has been explored so far. 

And what can we find under the water? Volcanoes, information on famous diving and surfing spots and long lost shipwrecks (I personally am very curious whether Titanic can be found or not). 

Google Earth 5.0 is available for download here: 

http://earth.google.com/

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7865407.stm