Tuesday, September 13, 2005

TheStar.com - 2-year wait for transferable phone numbers

TheStar.com - 2-year wait for transferable phone numbers:
Canada's wireless industry association says it will be two years before mobile phone users are able to keep their phone number when switching service providers, a timeline some industry critics say is unacceptably long.

The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association said yesterday that the country's major wireless carriers — Bell Mobility, Rogers Wireless and Telus Mobility — plan to jointly introduce so-called wireless number portability on a national basis in September 2007, following a short service trial.

"This is a reasonable and frankly aggressive schedule," said Peter Barnes, president and chief executive officer of the Ottawa-based wireless association, which is basing the timeline on recommendations from a commissioned PricewaterhouseCoopers report.

But John Lawford, a research analyst at the Ottawa-based Public Interest Advocacy Centre in Ottawa, which has accused the wireless industry of settling into a comfortable oligopoly, said there's no reason it should take two years to bring number portability to wireless consumers.

"I was expecting six months," said Lawford. "What's the problem? We only have three companies, so this shouldn't be so difficult."

Number portability means businesses that switch service providers don't have to go through the disruption and cost of changing business cards, their letterhead and advertising. It also means individuals don't have to go through the inconvenience of notifying friends and family of their new phone number.

Without it, wireless customers often feel captive to their mobile phone providers. Virgin Mobile Canada said a recent survey it conducted showed that as many as 30 per cent of consumers would switch service providers if the option were available to keep their phone number.

Barnes defended the two-year delay by pointing to a number of regulatory and technical hurdles that need to be worked out, including changes to billing systems and business processes.

He said the system being considered is highly complex. Known as an "intermodal" system, it will also allow consumers to keep their phone number when switching from a landline local phone service to a wireless service — and vice versa.

"When this is launched, Canada is going to be one of three countries in the world to have full intermodal (number portability)," said Barnes.

Andrew Black, president of Virgin Mobile Canada, which resells pre-paid mobile phone services over Bell Mobility's network, said the move is a clear-cut delay tactic for a long overdue service.

"There's no excuse to take this into 2007," said Black, who says he was shut out of the industry's decision-making process.

"Canadians are losing out, and it's not fair. They (the carriers) want to spend the next two years locking customers into long-term contracts so they won't be able to switch."

Richard Branson, the billionaire founder of the Virgin Group of companies, said in a release that the big carriers are "dragging their heels." He plans to run an open letter in major newspapers tomorrow urging consumers to protest the delay.

The Canadian industry has resisted number portability, arguing there is low consumer demand and warning of higher handset prices and service fees.

But when Industry Canada urged the federal telephone regulator in February to "move expeditiously" on the issue, the major wireless carriers immediately announced plans to voluntarily introduce the service, resulting in the hiring of PricewaterhouseCoopers to prepare a detailed project plan.

"The fact that the U.S. has done it means the technical problems are resolved and the method of doing it is known," said Ian Angus, president of telecom consultancy Angus TeleManagement Group.

The Six Dumbest Ideas in Computer Security

The Six Dumbest Ideas in Computer Security:

The Six Dumbest Ideas in Computer Security

There's lots of innovation going on in security - we're inundated with a steady stream of new stuff and it all sounds like it works just great. Every couple of months I'm invited to a new computer security conference, or I'm asked to write a foreword for a new computer security book. And, thanks to the fact that it's a topic of public concern and a 'safe issue' for politicians, we can expect a flood of computer security-related legislation from lawmakers. So: computer security is definitely still a 'hot topic.' But why are we spending all this time and money and still having problems?

Let me introduce you to the six dumbest ideas in computer security. What are they? They're the anti-good ideas. They're the braindamage that makes your $100,000 ASIC-based turbo-stateful packet-mulching firewall transparent to hackers. Where do anti-good ideas come from? They come from misguided attempts to do the impossible - which is another way of saying 'trying to ignore reality.' Frequently those misguided attempts are sincere efforts by well-meaning people or companies who just don't fully understand the situation, but other times it's just a bunch of savvy entrepreneurs with a well-marketed piece of junk they're selling to make a fast buck. In either case, these dumb ideas are the fundamental reason(s) why all that money you spend on information security is going to be wasted, unless you somehow manage to avoid them.

For your convenience, I've listed the dumb ideas in descending order from the most-frequently-seen. If you can avoid falling into the the trap of the first three, you're among the few true computer security elite

eBay to nab Skype for $2.6 billion | CNET News.com

eBay to nab Skype for $2.6 billion | CNET News.com:

update eBay plans to buy Net telephone provider Skype in a move aimed at boosting its sales volumes and supplying seamless voice communications to its consumers.

Company executives said Monday that eBay plans to pay $1.3 billion in cash and $1.3 billion in stock to the global communications company. It has agreed to hand over up to an extra $1.5 billion, for a total payout of more than $4 billion, if Skype meets certain financial targets by 2008, according to a presentation to investors on Monday morning.

The move, expected to be complete by the end of the fourth quarter, marks the biggest acquisition in eBay's 10-year history. In another big-time merger, eBay acquired online payments company PayPal in 2002 for about $1.5 billion. It more recently picked up Shopping.com for $620 million in cash.

iPod Nano dissected

iPod Nano dissected

nano30

It became sale simultaneously with the announcement September 8th, the " iPod nano ".

If as for feature on that hardware, the so far actualizing the 4GB which is the territory of the HDD with flash memory, the on that, the super thin-shaped body and low price of unexpected extent has been actualized. Apple Store price of 4GB edition is 27,800 Yen.

Flash memory of the same NAND type is used, if the CF card of the 4GB, thinks of that it is sold for usually 5 ten thousand Yen or more, you can call exceptional price.

In order to actualize this price, is done either measure such as large quantity purchase with says, some reason is is not different even in the hardware surface.

With being the case that it is said, 1 unit it came to the point of with purchasing with the Ginza apple store.

Wednesday, September 07, 2005

Nokia Says No Deal with Apple on New Music Phone

National, World and Business News | Reuters.com:

HELSINKI (Reuters) - Finnish mobile phone giant Nokia (NOK1V.HE: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Thursday it had no agreement with Apple Computer Inc. (AAPL.O: Quote, Profile, Research) for the iTunes music service to be included on its upcoming N91 multimedia phone.

But Nokia said that because of the design of the new N-series phones, software developers could readily produce programs to allow the gadgets to use services like iTunes.

'There is no commercial agreement between Nokia and Apple to integrate iTunes into the N-series devices,' said Kari Tuutti, spokesman for Nokia's multimedia division.

'But since this is based on a computer platform, anybody -- including Apple if they so wish -- can very easily develop this kind of application and offer it to consumers, via the Internet for example.'

Vonage: Wi-Fi

Vonage: Wi-Fi:

Vonage and UTStarcom have partnered to offer Wi-Fi handsets to Vonage customers! We are currently completing a Beta trial of the new Wi-Fi phone and expect to launch service to all customers before the end of the year. Click here to receive e-mail updates and launch information about the Vonage Wi-Fi phone.

The Wi-Fi phone will be an additional handset option to be used with your current Vonage service. It’s an inexpensive wireless phone to use at Wi-Fi hotspots. The new Vonage Wi-Fi phone makes it easy to take your phone service from home to office and points in between. Because the new handset is portable, Vonage not only reduces your home phone costs, but your cell phone costs as well. The phone will cost less than $100.

The Vonage Wi-Fi phone will include 3-Way Calling, Call Waiting and Call Transfer. You will be able to program up to 4 different network settings on your phone, making it easier to logon to different wireless networks.

The Vonage Wi-Fi phone will only be available to Vonage customers, so sign up now for Vonage and be ready for the Wi-Fi phone launch.

Mint: A Fresh Look at Your Site

Mint: A Fresh Look at Your Site

The web is listening to what you have to say. Admiring your design. Talking about your product. Mint helps you identify where the most interest is being generated and over what.

Mint provides a fresh look at your site. It is concise, flexible and timely. And to sweeten the deal, this delicious little bundle of PHP, MySQL, and JavaScript joy is referrer-spam-proof.

Tuesday, September 06, 2005

+ The Jimi™ Wallet + (compact plastic wallet)

+ The Jimi™ Wallet +

jimi_home

EDITTED: I thought this was really cool until a friend told me about this video clip where they hold one up. I sketched out the actual size, 4 1/2" x 2 5/8 x 9/16". That's way taller than a credit card, the width and the depth is okay but the height is just too much.

A slim and I think plastic wallet that holds 5 credit cards plus cash. It flips open and is setup to hold 4 cards on one side and has a moneyclip to hold cash and a single card on the other side. They are selling it in assorted colours:
  • Aqua
  • Clear
  • Magenta
  • Safety [orange]
  • Sea Glass [seafoam ;-D ]
  • Smoke
for U$14.95 + U$3.05 USPS shipping. I might just have to pick one up to check it out. I'm torn between smoke and my seafoam namesake.

Compact, splash-proof, and colorful, Jimi™ is the wallet re-born. Jimi™ is a real pocket wallet - as in one that fits in your pocket. Is it a travel wallet? A take-out-at-night wallet? Cycling wallet? Snowboard wallet? Eco wallet? Sure. All of the above, but it's also been called the anti-wallet, so go figure. What we know is that with Jimi™ you carry less crap, are more successful at work and have more fulfilling relationships. Actually we have no evidence for the second two; it's just a feeling.

So if you've ever said my wallet sucks or are simply curious, hit the demo button. Jimi™ could be just what you're looking for.

Saturday, September 03, 2005

New Battery Power Pack for Usb Devices - RETAIL

New Battery Power Pack for Usb Devices - RETAIL:

With all the cool USB gadgets and gizmos (from reading lights to cooling fans) coming out these days, there just doesn't seem to be enough ports to keep them all running. And who wants to lug around a laptop to make that USB reading light work anyway? Wouldn't it be great to make that USB gadget truly portable? This cool battery pack comes to your rescue. Most items that use a USB port for power, but are not computer dependent (like fans and lights) will benefit from this cool device! This USB battery pack features one (1) USB connector and has a protective circuit for keeping output voltage at 5V to protect the devices connected! The On/Off power switch can save battery life! So, for a quick, easy solution for powering that USB gadget, take a look at this USB battery pack!!!

Friday, September 02, 2005

ComponentArt Web.UI 3.0

Crazy web components

Ananova - Hamster-powered phone charger

Ananova - Hamster-powered phone charger:

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A 16-year-old boy invented a hamster-powered mobile phone charger as part of his GCSE science project.

Peter Ash, 16 with his hamster powered mobile phone cat his home in Lawford, Somerset /Empics

Peter Ash, of Lawford, Somerset, attached a generator to his hamster's exercise wheel and connected it to his phone charger.

Elvis does the legwork while Peter charges his phone in an economically and environmentally friendly way.

He came up with the idea after his sister Sarah complained that Elvis was keeping her awake at night by playing for hours on his exercise wheel.

'I thought the wheel could be made to do something useful so I connected a system of gears and a turbine,' he said.

'Every two minutes Elvis spends on his wheel gives me about thirty minutes talk time on my phone.'

The teenage inventor was given a C for his project and has been awarded a D overall for the course.

Thursday, September 01, 2005

HDBlog.net » Blog Archive » DVD 720p/1080i Out Over Analog?

HDBlog.net » Blog Archive » DVD 720p/1080i Out Over Analog?:

Philips has another DVD player that upconverts the signal to 720p or 1080i. We’ve seen this before, and it’s a technology that’s starting to become pervasive. Reading the press release, though, one little line grabbed my attention.

Philips is promising high definition standard picture and sound quality with the launch of its most advanced DVD/SACD player to date – the DVP9000S. By utilising sophisticated video processing technology, the DVP9000S will let you enjoy DVDs in 720p or 1080i high definition via HDMI or YPbPr connection, while incorporating sophisticated internal circuitry and DSD upsampling to guarantee excellent audio performance.

Did that just say “720p or 1080i high definition via HDMI or YPbPr connection“? Unfortunately, I’ve only got a second-hand source for this press release, as I couldn’t find it on the Philips website. But still, if this is true, it is a truly liberating thing for those many people out there with older HDTVs. Previously, all upconverting DVD players that I know of only allowed upconverted 720p and 1080i signals to go out on the DVI or HDMI output. Only 480i or 480p signals were allowed on the analog connection.

HDBlog.net

HDBlog.net:

I mentioned Philips’ DVD player that can output high-res video on its component outs the other day. I was surprised that a mainstream company like Philips wasn’t constrained to just put out HD on the HDMI/DVI output. Most players do just that, and Sound & Vision has a review of three of them: the Toshiba SD-5980, Samsung DVD-HD950, and the Panasonic DVD-S77. Looks like they thought the Panasonic had the best picture quality.

As with the other players, the Panasonic’s HDMI and progressive-scan outputs yielded identical-looking images from my front projector. Yet both produced better-looking video than the Toshiba or the Samsung players. The DVD-S77’s video prowess came through vividly in the Monsters, Inc. DVD. Sulley’s fuzzy hair had the kind of lifelike detail (both horizontally and vertically) that’s supposed to be the hallmark of progressive-scan reproduction, but is all too rare.

Top 10 Web fads - CNET.com

Top 10 Web fads - CNET.com:

Internet phenomena. Memes. Grist for the e-mail forwarding mill. Whatever you call them, Web fads are entertaining, unintended consequences of life on the World Wide Web. Once the masses could put anything online easily, they turned up weird fetishes, hilarious parody, jaw-dropping narcissism, and moments of brilliance. And over the past 10 years, some of these ideas broke through to the mainstream. Whether it was dancing hamsters, a kid enjoying his day as a Jedi Knight, or the sudden ability to publish your thoughts online with just a few simple clicks, the following 10 Web fads still make us laugh, make us wonder, or make us feel guilty enough to update our blogs.

Mike Davidson -- sIFR 2.0: Rich Accessible Typography for the Masses

Mike Davidson -- sIFR 2.0: Rich Accessible Typography for the Masses:

Over the last several months, a small group of web developers and designers have been hard at work perfecting a method to insert rich typography into web pages without sacrificing accessibility, search engine friendliness, or markup semantics. The method, dubbed sIFR (or Scalable Inman Flash Replacement), is the result of many hundreds of hours of designing, scripting, testing, and debugging by Mike Davidson (umm, that's me) and Mark Wubben. Through this extensive work, we, along with a invaluable stable of beta testers, supporters, and educators like Stephanie Sullivan and Danilo Celic of Community MX, have completely rebuilt a DOM replacement method originally conceived by Shaun Inman into a typography solution for the masses. It is this technology which provides the nice looking custom type headlines you see on sites like this one, Nike, ABCNews, Aston Martin, and others. We've released sIFR to the world as open source, under the CC-GNU LGPL license, so anyone can use it free of charge.

Built-in Wireless LAN Support Nikon brings the advantages of built-in wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) support to compact digital cameras for the first time.

Built-in Wireless LAN Support Nikon brings the advantages of built-in wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) support to compact digital cameras for the first time.:

TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce an exciting new technology that realizes new picture-taking potential. Providing versatility beyond any previous compact camera, the new COOLPIX P1 and COOLPIX P2 can boast all the advantages of built-in Wi-Fi LAN support (IEEE802.11b/g).

With the advantages of built-in Wi-Fi LAN support (IEEE802.11b/g), the new COOLPIX P1 and COOLPIX P2 realize new picture-taking potential by doing away with the need for wires and cables. In addition to USB connectivity that makes it easy to hook the cameras up to a computer or other peripherals, wireless transfer allows the photographer to send pictures from a memory card or his or her camera's internal memory (32MB for the COOLPIX P1; 16MB for the COOLPIX P2) direct to a selected computer on command. Wireless shooting automatically transfers each picture to a selected computer as soon as it is shot. Pictures can then be viewed with Nikon's powerful yet fun-to-use and easy PictureProject software. And wireless printing delivers the convenience of cable-free direct printing to PictBridge-compatible printers. All these functions are easy to implement, too. Just set them up with the Wizard utility to enjoy easy wireless capabilities that add outstanding flexibility to the digital photography experience.

Making much of digital camera's connectivity to the network, Nikon released compact digital cameras with easy and quick data transfer functions and developed image transfer technologies in collaboration with FotoNation Inc. and Microsoft. Then, in 2003, Nikon introduced the Wireless Transmitter WT-1, which, attached to the digital SLR D2H, enables wireless image transfer. This was followed in 2004 with the Wireless Transmitter WT-2, which was designed for D2X and realized enhanced security and compatibility with new protocol PTP/IP. With these products, Nikon has been leading wireless image transfer technology, earning the plaudits of the press and of other industries. And now, in order to introduce the wireless transfer function to even more customers, Nikon has released compact digital cameras with built-in Wireless LAN support, offering a new level of excitement in digital photography.