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