Sunday, May 30, 2010

VIDEO: Cool tablet keyboard innovation!

btkeyboard
Well Tabletex Computex starts next week and we were lucky to get a chance to have yet another quick peak at yet another new tablet, this time from Taiji Electronics. It’s an x86 based tablet running Windows 7 but it’s standout feature is a very innovative implementation of a removable Bluetooth keyboard.

Watch the video below to check out this keyboard innovation. Sadly we weren’t able to have any real play around time with the device itself which looks to be an early prototype. I did run my fingers over the keyboard and imagine myself cranking out this article... and I have to say it was a very very usable keyboard. Much more so than any onboard software version... including the iPad.

While a Bluetooth keyoard in itself isn't anything revolutionary, the tucking into the backside of the device itself so that it does'nt have to be carried separately is definitely a handy idea. than 9.0.115!


Considering the x86 based device is only slightly thicker than an iPad you could easily imagine ARM processor based tablet makers copying being inspired to add this into their designs too!

OpenWays Presents its iPhone Application to Bypass Front Desks and Open Room Locks



24 February 2010

OpenWays Presents its iPhone Application to Bypass Front Desks and Open Room Locks

Mobile solution provider that developed the world's first crypto acoustic solution for check-in/out and room access via any guest's mobile phone announces new services to further enhance operations and guest services.
OpenWays Presents  its iPhone Application
Mobile solution provider that developed the world's first crypto acoustic solution for check-in/out and room access via any guest's mobile phone announces new services to further enhance operations and guest services.

OpenWays, the global provider of mobile-based access-management solutions for the security and hospitality industries, announces an application for smartphones (embedded or mobile web-based) that allows travelers to check-in remotely, bypass the front desk and open the door to their room by simply pressing a “key” icon on their mobile device. Those traveling with an iPhone, BlackBerry, NOKIA, Android-based or other Windows-based mobile cell phone can securely obtain an encrypted room key in "full data mode" -- as long as they are staying at a hotel that enables the OpenWays mobile key service.

The OpenWays solution was introduced in November as a way to enable any of the 4 billion cell phones in the world to receive a dematerialized key via an encrypted acoustic tone to bypass the front desk and access door locks. This ubiquitous solution uses the principle of Crypto Acoustic Credential (CAC™) and text messaging (SMS) to very securely deliver a key to the right user anywhere in the world. The solution is compatible with the major electronic-locking systems and access-control systems. The acoustic key produced is unique, and thanks to OpenWays patents-pending solutions, a fraudulent recording of the key will be made inefficient to open a door.

"This smartphone application is designed to leverage the power of mobile device technology and provide enhanced convenience to hotel guests," said Pascal Metivier, OpenWays Founder and CEO. "It can operate either as a standalone application or embedded within other cell-phone-based travel and hotel applications provided by the various hotel chains."

He said providers of property-management and central-reservation systems also are embedding the OpenWays solution within their own apps. MICROS-Fidelio, for example, has incorporated the OpenWays application into MICROS OPERA’s property-management system and MyStayManager [Video link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5ZcaWcdgKE]. According to Jos Schaap, MICROS VP of Research & Development, the app will be showcased next month at the ITB Berlin Convention, the World's Leading Travel Trade Show, to be held March 10-14 on the fairgrounds of Messe Berlin.

"By operating the OpenWays smartphone application in full data mode, hotel staff can also take full advantage of mobile technologies," Metivier said. "Using an iPhone or iPod Touch combined with the OpenWays on-line master key feature gives staff members peace of mind if a master keycard gets lost or compromised. In that situation, the OpenWays application allows management to neutralize the lost credential in real time without having to walk to any single lock. [Video link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFNxk5DDpEg]

In addition, the on-line key management of the OpenWays solutions enables staff to remotely extend a guest stay or change a guest from room to room without having to go back to the front desk.

Mobile Tool Kit for Integrating Partners
As part of its offering, OpenWays provides a powerful Mobile Tool Kit for its integrating partners, such as the leading electronic-locking system vendors and specialized channel providers, such as PMS, CRS and Kiosk companies.

"Mobile web-based applications are often a challenge," Metivier said. "What you see and what you get can vary quite a bit depending on the cell phone used. With more than 10,000 different models of cell phones operating worldwide, it is really difficult for developers to keep up with application standards. The OpenWays Mobile Tool Kit provides an automatic hardware detection feature that allows for our rendering platform to automatically adapt the content to the piece of mobile hardware used by the guest making it clear, readable and easy to use."

OpenWays is a solution provider focused on securely delivering access credential to all mobile phone in a fully interoperable way, he added.

A Green, Cost-Efficient, ROI-Rich Solution
"The OpenWays multi-technology platform has one goal: To empower hoteliers to offer a mobile-key service to 100% of their guests who are traveling with a smartphone or any other mobile device," Metivier said. Near Field Communication handsets (NFC) are not expected to be in commercial release prior to 2014, and distributing plastic RFID-based loyalty cards to program members is clearly cost prohibitive, difficult to deploy and capital intensive on the door lock investment side. Therefore, the OpenWays multi technology offering continues to be the best approach to paving the road to NFC and to cost efficient / ROI rich front desk bypass solutions."

Global chain announcements
Announcements will be made soon. Some major hotel chains and casinos (in North America and Europe) are currently preparing for the introduction of their first mobile key service with OpenWays.

For more information on OpenWays contact Pascal Metivier at ++ 33 6 85 622 306 or pmetivier@openways.com.

About OpenWays | OpenWays is a global solution provider of mobile-based access-management and security solutions. With offices in Chicago, Las Vegas, Seoul and Paris, OpenWays provides technology solutions allowing for the secure issuance and delivery of access rights and keys process via any cell phone operating on any network. The OpenWays solution is truly unique as it built on the concept of credential dematerialization. The OpenWays mobile room key solution works on ALL the 4 billion cell phones in service in the world today. For more information, please contact Pascal Metivier at ++ 33 6 85 622 306 or email pmetivier@openways.com or Barb Worcester at +1 440 930 5770 or email barbw@prproconsulting.com.

MSI 3D Station Theater The World's First Multi-Touch 24" Full HD 3D All-in-One PC

[Taipei] MSI, the global leading brand in All-in-One PC, a constant innovator and identifier of emerging fashion trends, will be on hand at Computex TAIPEI beginning June 1, 2010. Investing heavily to create the MSI 3D Station™ Theater, MSI will be demonstrating the Wind Top AE2420 3D, the world's first Full HD 3D All-in-One PC that is primed to dazzle the senses with powerful functionality and multi-touch capability. The 3D All-in-One PC comes with high performance specifications; all-new Intel® Core™ i series powerful CPU built-in, and an ATI® Mobility Radeon HD series discrete GPU. In addition, a 24" Full HD multi-touch display and a 120 Hz high scan frequency LED panel and exclusive Shutter Glasses—3D glasses that display high detail 3D images flawlessly—will give you a full-on 3D movie theater experience from the comfort of your home.


MSI 3D StationTM Technology Recreates 3D Images
MSI's All-in-One PC product line is a global pacesetter and is the first to introduce the a 3D All-in-One PC with touch screen functionality, the Wind Top AE2420 3D. MSI's 3D Station™ technology integrates the most advanced 3D imaging technologies. Featuring MSI's exclusively developed 3D Station™ technology combined with a 120Hz high resolution panel that transmits high density, 3D digital content to Shutter Glasses. Through precise image processing technology, 3D visual effects then simulate how the human eye views actual images. The Wind Top AE2420 3D features a 120Hz high scanning frequency LED panel, twice the speed of average displays, to provide users with a comfortable viewing experience when looking at 3D images, rather than the uncomfortable sensation felt when watching on 60Hz 3D panels. In addition, the Wind Top AE2420 3D comes with MSI's exclusive 3D Infinity (Shutter Glasses) that solve the problem of blurred 3D images caused by visual angle deviation. With a large 24" display, several people can view 3D images at the same time, making it even more suitable for use in family entertainment. MSI's 3D Station also integrates 2D to 3D transfer technology, addressing the current shortage of 3D movies. Even DVD rentals or home videos can be instantly transferred and viewed as 3D images. The Wind Top AE2420 3D is the world's first multi-touch 3D All-in-One capable of running 3D games, so you can experience the exquisite feeling of touching 3D images that actually seem real. Users need only wear 3D glasses and use fingertip controls to immerse themselves in a realistic 3D experience.

Flawless Integration of Ultra-High Performance CPU & GPU
The Wind Top AE2420 3D comes with the newest, fastest Intel® Core™ i5/i7 powerful core processor for enhanced performance. And with multi-tasking functionality and automatic adjustment of processing frequency, it completely meets the demands of running 3D images and 3D games while being a functionally superior computer well-suited to everyday use. In GPU performance, it features the ATI® Mobility Radeon HD5730 discrete graphics chip that supports DireX 11 and provides ultimate 3D graphics performance. Watching a 3D movie or playing a 3D game can both be accomplished with ease. The large, Full HD 1080p display and high performance discrete GPU allows 3D images to display even more smoothly, with a more clearer picture and more color layers.

Extreme Audio & Video for Enhanced Entertainment
The Wind Top AE2420 3D is a heavyweight 3D audio/video entertainment. In audio and video specifications, the AE2420 3D features MSI Premium Sound Technology, full range 5W left and right channel hi-fi speakers, and a 10W subwoofer that creates authentic 2.1 channel sound. And through Hollywood grade THX TruStudio Pro™ surround sound technology, sound performance is enhanced to 7.1 surround sound for pure, clear tone quality, extreme sound layering, and powerful vibrations. While users will be shocked at the amazing Full HD 3D images, your ears will experience rich, layers of sound effects. What's more, the Wind Top AE2420 3D comes with a variety of built-in Wind Top series multi-touch software featuring user-friendly operating interfaces and ingenious innovations that make life more convenient and much more interesting.

All New Exterior Design Reveals Fashionable Elegance
The Wind Top AE2420 3D is housed in an all-new stylish exterior design. Its transparent exterior frame softens the presence of the large screen display while producing a transparent visual effect. Below the display, the rippling water design works in concert with the rear support stand's rippling water pattern to generate a relaxed presence. Whether placed in a living room or a study, it will add an artistic ambience to any space. And with MSI's exclusive 3D Infinity glasses, you get both style and technology.

At this year's Computex booth, MSI has invested heavily to create a 3D Station Theater that will play a selection of 3D movies from Hollywood Studios, the latest 3D touch control games, smaller 3D games, 3D image browsing, and a live display for on-site media to experience the imaginary become real—all made possible by the 3D multi-touch All-in-One.

For detailed product specifications, please visit us at the exhibition or visit MSI's official website: www.msi.com/

[SID] Samsung Develops USB-powered LCD PC Monitor

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd developed a 18.5-inch LCD display whose power consumption is as low as 6.3W and exhibited it at SID 2010.

At the company's booth, the display was connected to a PC via a USB2.0 cable and powered only by the PC.

"We are planning to start volume production of the LCD display for desktop PCs in 2011," Samsung said.

The low power consumption was realized by improving the transmittance of the panel and the luminance efficiency of the backlight. The transmittance of the panel, which is a TN-mode panel, is about 7%. But the company declined to comment on the specific technologies used to improve the transmittance.

The display is equipped with an edge-lit type backlight unit that uses LEDs as its light source. The LEDs have a higher efficiency than those used for existing LCD monitors. However, their lifetime is 30,000 hours, which is 20,000 hours shorter than that of the existing LCD monitors' LEDs.

The pixel count, luminance and contrast ratio of the new LCD display are 1,366 x 768, 250cd/m2 and 1,000:1, respectively.