Nokia's first Meego device has an ARM chip

DESPITE MEEGO being a Linux based operating system created in a collaboration between Nokia and Intel, the Finnish phone company does not expect its first device powered by the software to use an Intel processor.

Speaking to The INQUIRER at the Open Mobile Summit in London Nokia's Meego computing vice president Alberto Torres expects his company to have its first device ready for the market later this year. Torres emphasised "rich multimedia" as a key feature for the device. µ

Note: We apologise for the sightly dark video picture.

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 465 Debut: EVGA, Zotac

It has been about two months since NVIDIA officially unveiled their first pair of DirectX 11 graphics cards based on the highly anticipated Fermi architecture, the flagship GeForce GTX 480 and the GeForce GTX 470. As is typically the case, when NVIDIA--or ATI for that matter-- releases a new high-end GPU, lower-end, more affordable derivatives are eventually introduced to maximize yield of the chips. Today's launch of the new GeForce GTX 465 is just such a move. The GeForce GTX 465 features the same GF100 GPU as its higher-end cousins, the GTX 480 and GTX 470, but a few of its functional units have been disabled. The result is a somewhat less powerful, but also less expensive, Fermi-based graphics card. Take a look at the GeForce GTX 465's specifications alongside the GeForce GTX 470 and 480 below, and then read on for the full scoop...

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 465 Specifications and Features

---

As the specifications show, the GeForce GTX 465 is essentially a pared down GeForce GTX 470. And to see the cards side-by-side, they look nearly identical. The GeForce GTX 465, however, features fewer active Graphics Processing Clusters, fewer Streaming Multiprocessors, and hence CUDA cores. The GeForce GTX 465 also sports a narrower 256-bit memory interface, a smaller 1GB frame buffer, and fewer Texture and ROP units. The GeForce GTX 465's GPU clocks are right in-line with the 470, but it's memory clock is slightly decreased.

Amazon job postings ask for display and wireless experts, hint at Kindle things to come?

So, we already assume Amazon's thinking touch for the Kindle, what with that recent Touchco acquisition and word of similar behind-the-screen touch tech being on PVI's roadmap. PVI owns E Ink, and is naturally bullish about its upcoming products, but what about E Ink in the new Kindle? If you're into reading the tea leaves of job postings, Amazon might be telegraphing its intentions. It's looking for a "Hardware Display Manager" who, among many other things, is supposed to have "Significant exposure to high volume manufacturing environments; you will know the LCD business and key players in the market." That might have you thinking the next Kindle will go LCD, but the requirements also mention a "deep knowledge of current display technology and potential future technologies," and nothing about the role seems exactly prescriptive of an LCD expertise -- more of a general focus on displays and product design, whatever tech might come. Pixel Qi or Mirasol, anybody? Amazon's also looking for all sorts of software expertise, including a "Software Design Engineer" who will be responsible for radio stacks "including but not limited to" 3G and WiFi. Again, these are requirements (among many) for a role, not necessarily implications of a Kindle 3 spec sheet, but there's one thing clear: Amazon's gearing up for something.

Microsoft Research’s Pinch-the-Sky Dome takes multi-touch interactivity to 3D space

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHdr4bWrsBc&feature=player_embedded

Minority Report and Iron Man 2 may have set the benchmark for multi-touch interaction for years to come but Microsoft Research is never far behind. At the CHI (Computer-Human Interaction) 2010 conference last month, MSR publically showed off a technology it’s been working on for at least a year now, conservatively dubbed the “Pinch-the-Sky Dome”.

Unlike mainstream 2D multi-touch systems or even Microsoft’s Spherical Surface, this system projects omni-directional imagery spanning 360 degrees onto the dome immersing the user. It allows them to navigate the virtual space using multi-touch gestures anywhere in 3D space. Since the system utilizes infrared camera that see wherever the image is projected, the user does not have to wear gloves, use special tracking devices and is not limited to gestures on a flat (physical or virtual) surface.

As the name might suggest, an obvious use for this technology is viewing astronomical imagery from WorldWide Telescope. In addition, naturally omni-directional imagery including 3D panoramic photos and 3D visualizations also work very well. Could you imagine this with Natal for a first person shooter?

Although in the demos the controller conducts his gestures fairly close to the projector/camera casting a fairly large shadow, it is explained they are looking to enable much more natural gestures like pointing to something in the virtual space to navigate there.

If you find the official video demo above a little too slow-paced, the following CNN video report gives a better overview of the system.

Apple Sells Two Million iPads in Less Than 60 Days

CUPERTINO, California-May 31, 2010-Apple® today announced that iPad™ sales have topped two million in less than 60 days since its launch on April 3. Apple began shipping iPad in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK this past weekend. iPad will be available in nine more countries in July and additional countries later this year.

“Customers around the world are experiencing the magic of iPad, and seem to be loving it as much as we do,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “We appreciate their patience, and are working hard to build enough iPads for everyone.”

iPad allows users to connect with their apps, content and the Internet in a more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before. Users can browse the web, read and send email, enjoy and share photos, watch HD videos, listen to music, play games, read ebooks and much more, all using iPad’s revolutionary Multi-Touch™ user interface. iPad is 0.5 inches thin and weighs just 1.5 pounds-thinner and lighter than any laptop or netbook-and delivers up to 10 hours of battery life.*

Developers have created over 5,000 exciting new apps for iPad that take advantage of its Multi-Touch user interface, large screen and high-quality graphics. iPad will run almost all of the more than 200,000 apps on the App Store, including apps already purchased for your iPhone® or iPod touch®.

*Battery life depends on device settings, usage and other factors. Actual results vary.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution with the Apple II, then reinvented the personal computer with the Macintosh. Apple continues to lead the industry with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system, and iLife, iWork and professional applications. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store, has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced its magical iPad which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices

VIDEO: Cool tablet keyboard innovation!

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!

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. 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.