 |
The WAVE Report on Digital Media 3D --- Media Creation --- Shared Space ---Published by 4th Wave, Inc.--- Issue #0610------------------3/10/06 |
The WAVE Report is Searchable on
http://www.3dlinks.com
http://www.wave-report.com
--------------------------------------
0610.2 Private Aviation
NetJets Introduces New Guides Covering the Entire Private Aviation Purchase Cycle
0610.3 Cell Phone Expansion
Samsung Unveils the World's First 8GB Hard Disk Embedded Phone - the i310
0610.4 Transit Security
0610.5 In-Home Networking
HomePlug Powerline Alliance Members Announce HomePlug AV Products
0610.6 USB Certification
Companion Specification Enables First-Time Device Association
0610.7 Storage Standards
0610.8 Computer-less Scanner
0610.9 MEMS Drivers Lag
Device Drivers a Major Hurdle to Growth of MEMS Sensors in Cell Phones
0610.10 IT Reference Materials
--------------------------------------
0610.1 Mobile Emergency Data
***ICE First for Mobile Phones Available Now; Emergency Medical Info at the Touch of a Button
DARIEN, Conn.
March 6, 2006
What is one of the most important things people carry around every day: a purse, wallet or money? No, it's their mobile phone. And more than 75 percent of mobile phone users carry the phone for a sense of security. Because of that, the mobile phone has taken on some new responsibilities - namely providing an invaluable resource for storing emergency and other vital information - potentially becoming a life-saving tool.
ICE First, a new software application for mobile phones, harnesses and capitalizes on mobile technology to allow users to easily store medical, insurance and emergency data about themselves and dependents on their mobile phones, and to display that information whenever they need it. ICE First has taken a simple idea - loading In Case of Emergency or "ICE" contact information on a mobile phone - and developed a robust version for today's technology rich mobile devices.
ICE First provides a central storage area for medical information and emergency contacts that the mobile phone user can have with them at all times. Through ICEfirst.com, a password protected Web site, users can easily update personal information on a full-sized keyboard vs. inputting the data on their mobile device. The application provides an over-the-air updating system that synchronizes the handset application with a Web database allowing subscribers to securely upload information from their computers to their mobile devices. By using ICE First, emergency contact, medical and insurance information, as well as a list of prescriptions, allergies and preferred care givers will be readily available at the touch of a button on most mobile phones.
ICE First believes that the most important benefit to the subscriber is when first responders have the patient's emergency medical information easily available on a mobile phone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, close to 900,000 emergency victims in the U.S. were unable to provide even simple contact information to emergency room personnel in 2003.
ICE First, which has patents pending, is available now and can only be purchased through its Web site. ICE First is a subscription service. ICE First works on almost any current generation mobile phone, BlackBerry and smartphone with wireless services from Sprint, Cingular, T-Mobile, Verizon and others.
***NetJets Introduces New Guides Covering the Entire Private Aviation
Purchase Cycle
WOODBRIDGE, N.J.
March 6, 2006
NetJets has introduced two new guides, Private Aviation 101 and How to pay for Your NetJets Share, to form a complete series of guides covering the private aviation purchase cycle. The new guides supplement and enhance the newly revised The Buyer's Guide to Fractional Aircraft Ownership and The Aircraft Selection Guide, which have helped thousands of NetJets Owners make well informed decisions about fractional aircraft ownership.
The complete series consists of the following guides:
-- Private Aviation 101 (new) - Provides the basics – answers questions like how a plane flies and what goes on behind the scenes in private aviation.
-- The Buyer's Guide to Fractional Aircraft (revised) – Educates and helps potential owners determine if fractional ownership can fulfill their business and personal air travel needs. Provides a comprehensive review of the critical elements in the fractional ownership decision process including experience, safety, security, training, customer service, insurance coverage and financial options.
-- The Aircraft Selection Guide (revised) - Helps compare the different aircraft types in the NetJets fleet based on passenger capacity, range and cabin amenities.
-- How to pay for Your NetJets Share (new) - Explains a variety of popular financing and leasing options.
NetJets Inc. provides private aviation solutions in the world. NetJets fractional aircraft ownership allows individuals and companies to buy a piece of a private business jet at a fraction of the cost of whole aircraft ownership, and guarantees availability 365 days a year with just a few hours' notice. The NetJets programs worldwide offer the largest and most diversified fleet in private aviation, which includes 14 of the most popular business jets in the world. Access to the NetJets fleet is also available in the form of a short-term lease, sold on an all-inclusive, pre-paid basis in 25-hour increments, through an exclusive alliance with Marquis Jet Partners. NetJets Inc. also offers aircraft management, charter management, and on-demand charter services through its subsidiary, Executive Jet Management.
***Samsung Unveils the World's First 8GB Hard Disk Embedded Phone -
the i310
SEOUL, South Korea
March 6, 2006
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, is unveiling the world's first 8GB Hard Disk embedded smartphone. Samsung breaks the storage limit in mobile phones by introducing the world's first mobile phone equipped with a 8GB hard disk drive (model: SGH-i310). With the large storage of 8GB, Samsung believes that the SGH-i310 will change the way people manage and use mobile phones.
Samsung is the first to adopt a hard disk drive into mobile phones and has launched three models equipped with a hard disk drive; the world's first 1.5GB HDD embedded phone (model: SPH-V5400), the world's first 3GB HDD embedded phone (model: SCH-V7900) and the world's first 3GB HDD Music smartphone (model: SGH-i300).
The i310 works as a perfect platform for users by combining a phone, a digital camera, and an MP3 player with its immense storage capacity. It enables users to carry around 2,000 songs (4MB/song) wherever they go.
The i310 comes with the latest version of Windows Mobile 5.0 for Smartphones, which allows users to view files and easily carry their music library with them. Windows Mobile 5.0 enables users to sync playlists, songs, and videos from their personal PCs so that the experience with the i310 is identical to the user's personal computer. It also offers a USB 2.0 and Plug & Play feature which allows the phone to be utilized as a removable hard disk. Businessmen and students can easily store and transfer files to/from their computers in any format.
The i310 has all the latest features, including a 2 megapixel camera with flash, microSD slot, document viewer and TV output. Users can record video with the 2 megapixel camera in high quality resolution.
It also supports enhanced music function with Bluetooth(R) stereo (A2DP), digital power amp and dual speakers. Users can download music conveniently using an online music store from their personal computer or directly via air.
The i310 will be shown to the public this week at CeBIT in Hannover, Germany. It will be introduced in the European market during the second half of this year.
SGH-i310 Specifications
Standard GSM / GPRS (900/1800/1900MHz)
+ EDGE
+----------------------------------------------------------------
OS Windows
Mobile 5.0 for Smartphone
+----------------------------------------------------------------
Camera 2 Megapixel Camera with Flash
+----------------------------------------------------------------
Display 2.0" 240x320 65K Color TFT
+----------------------------------------------------------------
Features 8 GB HDD
Video
Recording & Messaging (MPEG4 / H.263)
MP3
/ AAC / ACC+ / ACC+(e) / WMA / WAV / OGG
Dual
Speaker / Digital Power Amp / External Music
Key
/ BT Stereo
Bluetooth
Technology / USB 2.0 / Voice Recognition
Document
Viewer / TV-out / BT Printing
+----------------------------------------------------------------
Memory 8GB HDD embedded, External
memory (microSD)
+----------------------------------------------------------------
Size 111.9 x 48.5 x 19.8
mm
+----------------------------------------------------------------
Weight 120 g
+----------------------------------------------------------------
* Specifications are subject to change without notice.
***Cubic and GE Security Introduce First Integration of Explosives Detection
Capability into Public Transit Infrastructure; Innovative Ticket Vendor
Result of Joint Development Agreement Focus on Comprehensive Vision for
Safer Public Transit
WASHINGTON
March 7, 2006
Cubic Corporation and GE Security this week introduced the world's first automatic public transit ticket vending machine with integrated early warning explosives detection capability -- the first element in the companies' joint vision for the future of public transit security. The new system represents the first component of the companies' joint vision for the integration of real world, technology-enabled security solutions into a wide range of automatic fare collection 'touch points.'
Shown publicly for the first time at the American Public Transit Association's annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., the ticketing machine incorporates GE's innovative fingertip trace detection analyzer, the Itemiser FX, into Cubic's advanced automatic fare collection (AFC) system.
The ticket vending machine is a result of a development agreement between GE Security and Cubic Corp. announced last year that is intended to create and introduce new security solutions to help make public transit operations, facilities and passengers safer.
Cubic and GE are working with the Department of Homeland Security and transit agencies to expand the use of technology-based security solutions as part of their overall vision. Additionally, the ticket vending machine has been selected for a transit pilot program to be announced in the coming weeks.
The first operational explosives-detection-capable ticket-vending machine was demonstrated for industry and government attendees at APTA's Legislative Conference in Washington.
***HomePlug Powerline Alliance Members Announce HomePlug AV Products; Alliance Reports Accelerated Market Traction and Product Shipments
SAN RAMON, Calif.
March 6, 2006
The HomePlug Powerline Alliance hasannounced HomePlug AV products, membership growth and ramp up in product shipments year over year. Two member companies, Aztech Systems Ltd and devolo AG, recently announced devices that support the HomePlug AV specification. The HomePlug Powerline Alliance anticipates that dozens of end-user HomePlug AV products will be available by the end of 2006.
HomePlug AV Products Announced
HomePlug AV (200Mbps) is a high-speed, cost effective method of distributing audio, video (including multiple streams of HDTV) and data in the home without new wires. Multiple silicon vendors, including Arkados Inc., Conexant Systems, Inc., Intellon Corporation and SPiDCOM Technologies are expected to ship HomePlug AV chips.
Recent HomePlug member news:
-- devolo AG, a worldwide market leader for HomePlug-based home-networking solutions, announced that it will be demonstrating its professional solutions for HDTV video-streaming over ADSL2+ and in-house powerline communications with transfer rates of up to 200 Mbps with the new HomePlug AV standard at CeBIT. devolo will demonstrate how triple play services can be transmitted over in-house powerlines in its own TV and entertainment area.
New HomePlug member announcements:
-- Aztech Systems Ltd, a global leader in data communication, voice communication, multimedia, contract manufacturing and retail distribution, will introduce its Ethernet HomePlug Audio Video 200Mbps solution at CeBIT 2006. The high-speed powerline solution provides an ideal platform for High Definition TV and Video on Demand.
-- Intellon Corporation, a leader in HomePlug standards-based powerline communications (PLC) integrated circuits, has announced that devolo AG of Aachen, Germany are bringing HomePlug AV powerline communications products to European markets. New products based on the global 200Mbps HomePlug AV standard support triple-play and high definition multi-media home entertainment applications.
Since August 2005, Alliance membership has grown more than 30 percent, totaling 65 member companies. Further, more than 4.5 million HomePlug 1.0 chipsets have been shipped to date, with volume deployment at an all time high of more than 20 service providers worldwide. The volume of new HomePlug products available is increasing at a rate of 1 million units per quarter.
HomePlug Technology Update
In 2006, the HomePlug Alliance has made significant progress with its HomePlug Command & Control (HPCC) and HomePlug Broadband over Powerline (BPL) specifications:
-- HPCC: The Alliance is expected to ratify its HPCC specification in Q3 2006, which is designed to enable advanced, whole-house control of lighting, appliances, climate control, security and other devices. The Alliance selected Yitran Communications Ltd., a leading supplier of PLC technology, as the baseline technology for the HPCC specification in February 2006.
-- BPL: A to-the-home broadband access technology, HomePlug BPL is expected to be ratified by the fourth quarter of 2006.
Compliance and Interoperability Program
The HomePlug Powerline Alliance recently announced a robust compliance, interoperability and coexistence program. To set the framework for an excellent consumer experience, this strategy includes a certification process, a Plugfest event and proactive efforts to maintain coexistence and interoperability with existing products and other powerline standards.
***Companion Specification Enables First-Time Device Association; Certified Wireless USB Certification Program Ensures Security and Interoperability
SAN FRANCISCO
March 6, 2006
The USB Implementers Forum, Inc. (USB-IF) has announced the completion of the Certified Wireless USB Association Models Specification 1.0, an integrated companion specification to Wireless USB 1.0 that will help developers more securely connect hosts and devices.
Association, security and interoperability will be enforced through the USB-IF certification program, which will allow companies to test compliance to all Certified Wireless USB specifications. Companies must pass compliance testing and execute a logo license in order to use the Certified Wireless USB logo. Through this process, the Certified Wireless USB logo will continue to communicate the brand promise to the consumer.
The association model specification includes two options: numeric and cable association models. In the numeric association model, a device will show a short number on its display, which the user will then verify with the host. On limited hosts that do not have input capabilities, the host simply displays the number and the user clicks "OK," if it matches. Alternately, hosts can require the user to enter the number, a method familiar to users of many existing wireless technologies today. The cable association model allows the user to associate a host to a device by using a USB cable during the first use -- after this initial association, the device and host will communicate wirelessly without the cable. Both options will deliver more secure association and ease-of-use to consumers. Device manufacturers can choose the model that best suits the needs of their products and customers.
Product development based on the Certified Wireless USB Specification is currently underway, with the first products expected to be available in Q3 2006. The first implementations will be in the form of discrete silicon that is being introduced in a number of form factors such as add-in cards, external adapters, as well as embedded silicon modules for integrated solutions.
About Certified Wireless USB
Certified Wireless USB is the first high-speed wireless personal interconnect technology combining the speed and security of wired Hi-Speed USB with the ease-of-use of wireless technology. It is backward compatible with wired USB, allows users to connect up to 127 devices and delivers a bandwidth of up to 480Mb/s at 3 meters and 110Mb/s at 10 meters. Certified Wireless USB is based on the WiMedia Alliance Ultra-wideband Common Radio Platform.
The Wireless USB Promoter Group, consisting of seven companies -- Agere Systems, Hewlett Packard, Intel, Microsoft, NEC, Philips Semiconductors and Samsung -- defined the core Certified Wireless USB specification with the support of more than 100 contributor members. The group has now transitioned the specification's management to the USB-IF, the supporting governing body of USB specifications. If a company intends to build and ship a product based on the Certified Wireless USB specification and wants to obtain a license, it should become an adopter member of the specification.
***Industry Members to Drive External Storage Standardization, Accelerate Delivery of Emerging Technology; New Storage Bridge Bay Working Group Targets Benefits for Customers, IHVs and System Vendors
REDWOOD CITY, Calif.
March 6, 2006
Dell, EMC, Intel and LSI Logic have announced the Storage Bridge Bay Working Group (SBB), a cooperative, non-profit effort created to drive standardization in entry-level external storage. The SBB expects to speed the delivery of emerging storage technologies, such as iSCSI (Internet small computer systems interface), SAS (serial attached SCSI), archiving and virtual tape libraries.
Several other key storage industry players have joined the founding members including Adaptec, AMCC, Aristos Logic, Astute Networks, Dot Hill Systems Corp., Neterion, RASILIENT Systems, Seagate and Xyratex.
Initially, the SBB will focus on developing and distributing specifications for standardizing external disk subsystem technologies.
The new working group will define mechanical and electrical interface requirements between storage arrays and the controller card that give the array its identity -- identities such as JBOD (just a bunch of disks) , RAID (redundant array of independent disks), iSCSI, Fibre Channel SAN and NAS (networked attached storage). As a result, a storage controller card based on the SBB specification will be able to fit, connect and electrically operate within a SBB-compliant storage array.
This process is expected to simplify the engineering and design process for independent hardware vendors (IHVs) and system vendors, yielding significant improvements for customers by decreasing costs and providing quicker access to new storage technology. With standardized SBB technology, IHVs can create a single controller design that is compatible with a number of disk enclosures, lowering development costs. With shortened development cycles enabled by the SBB specification, system vendors can devote more of their efforts on innovation and driving simplicity.
SBB working group representatives discussed the SBB specification at the Intel Developer Forum (IDF).
About SBB
Established by Dell, EMC, Intel and LSI Logic, the SBB Working Group is a cooperative, non-profit organization comprised of a range of IT leaders representing the storage industry. The SBB working group is focused on expanding membership and invites other companies to participate.
***New Desktop Device from Kodak Simplifies Document Sharing; KODAK Scan Station 100 is designed to increase office Productivity--Without a Computer
ROCHESTER, N.Y.
March 6, 2006
Quickly turning paper documents into digital files once required both patience and a computer. But an innovative solution from Eastman Kodak Company now lets users simultaneously scan, store, and share documents on an office network, and send them anywhere-without a computer.
Kodak has announced the KODAK Scan Station 100. Designed to increase office productivity, the desktop Scan Station 100 enables users to convert paper documents-color, black-and-white and grayscale-into digital images for:
-- Sharing via e-mail
-- Routing to network folders
-- Sending to networked printers or copiers
-- Saving on portable USB flash drives
In addition, a portable USB drive allows users to personalize and enable one-touch operation from the Scan Station 100's color touch screen. The touch screen also allows users to preview documents scanned prior to sending.
A 2005 study, by worldwide information technology industry consultant Gartner, cites that while the total cost of ownership in document management expenses in office environments can be hard to quantify, they are very real in terms of user time, fax phone line charges, floor space, training, help desk inquiries, external software, service, and, of course, purchasing equipment, paper and supplies. What today can take several frustrating minutes to do either using a number of office products or costly multi-functional devices - which require PC communications, third-party software and training - can now be done directly and quickly on the KODAK Scan Station 100. For example, the Scan Station 100 can transmit documents six times faster than a fax sent via a multi-functional device.
Cutting costs, improving image quality
Unlike other products on the market today, the Scan Station 100 does not require a dedicated computer, additional software or training to operate because it connects to existing network infrastructure and features intuitive and interactive operation from the touch screen. It can scan a wide variety of paper documents of up to 34 inches in length - as well as smaller and thicker items including plastic insurance cards or driver's licenses. Once scanned, the Scan Station 100 can save these images in a variety of file formats, including Searchable PDF, and uses Kodak's Perfect Page technologies to produce high-quality scanned images.
Applications include finance, accounting, insurance, healthcare, transportation, law offices, and government administration. Here are examples of a few ways in which the Scan Station 100 can help improve office productivity:
-- Office staff in a physician's practice can quickly scan a new patient's information sheet, privacy forms, insurance cards, medical charts, test results and all related paperwork to the same patient file on the practice's private network.
-- A law firm's administrative assistant scans vital client documents that are simultaneously routed to a network file available to its legal team and e-mailed to co-counsel at another firm across the state.
-- A delivery service driver scans daily package tracking documents, which are quickly and easily transferred to the delivery company's internal billing system and subsequently to each customer's respective account.
The KODAK Scan Station 100 does not generate additional and often much costlier expenses for consumables, such as toner or ink cartridges. It works with existing networked printers with lower per-page costs, making it a smarter purchase for an office or purchasing manager.
Further, easy installation and quick set-up helps users save time and effort, requires little training, and dramatically limits IT staff's involvement to get up and running.
The Scan Station 100 will be available through Kodak's channel partners, serving business-to-business customers in the middle of May.
http://www.kodak.com/go/scanstation
***Device Drivers a Major Hurdle to Growth of MEMS Sensors in Cell Phones
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.
March 6, 2006
Cell phones have long been targeted as a major end-use application for MEMS (MicroElectroMechanical Systems) sensors, and accelerometers in particular, but widespread integration hinges on the development of device drivers, not the sensors themselves, according to Bourne Research. The market research firm reports that MEMS suppliers have had it relatively easy selling sensors into markets such as automotive (the mainstay of the industry to date), since those customers typically write their own code for device drivers. However, consumer electronics is turning out to be an entirely different ballgame.
According to Bourne Research, it appears that handset manufacturers are still not convinced that MEMS sensors are worth spending the money necessary to create the device drivers needed, mostly because there's uncertainty about whether consumers will like MEMS-enabled features enough to pay more for them. As a result, these manufactures currently expect a total solution, one which MEMS sensor suppliers are unable to provide, nor can they do so on their own. Partnerships will be required, but those have their own issues.
Bourne Research reports that the need for device drivers provides an opportunity for those who specialize in embedded software development; however, partnerships with MEMS suppliers may be difficult to put into place -- for both start-ups and large semiconductor players alike. Given the potential system-wide impact of MEMS sensors, and the number of device drivers required to accommodate all of the possible functions, it's a tough challenge; and there's a lot at stake for MEMS suppliers -- integrating sensors into just ten percent of all mobile phones shipped annually would be a major coup for the industry. Bourne Research has identified two approaches that may very well be the best solution for all parties involved.
0610.10 IT Reference Materials
***Keithley Publishes New Edition of Switching Handbook
CLEVELAND
March 3, 2006
Keithley Instruments, Inc., a provider of solutions for emerging measurement needs, has published the fifth edition of its Switching Handbook. The 190-page handbook covers the fundamentals of the switching function in test and measurement applications and is available for no charge at their website.
The handbook is divided into seven sections and discusses topics such as:
-- Switching components
-- Issues in switch system design
-- Hardware implementation
-- Applications
It also includes three appendices, including a glossary of commonly used switching terms, switch card and switch module selector guides, and a discussion of safety considerations. Signal switching and routing techniques are a frequent source of measurement error and inaccuracy. In fact, Keithley's applications engineers report that questions about proper switching configuration represent one of the most frequently requested topics of assistance. The handbook reviews some of the more common switching mistakes, as well as the basics of switching set-up, to ensure the most accurate reading possible.
For a free copy of the Switching Handbook, visit
For High Resolution Image:
http://www.ggcomm.com/KEI_Images/5thSwitching_Handbook.jpg
--------------------------------------
Copyright 2006 4th WAVE, Inc.
To subscribe to WAVE go to
To unsubscribe also use the Wave Report Home page or send the preformatted UNSUBSCRIBE message:
Previous issues of WAVE, as well as other info can be found at
http://www.wave-report.com
http://www.3dlinks.com
Comments on or questions about the WAVE may be sent to:
or the below individuals below:
John N. Latta - Editor-In-Chief
Michael Robertson - Web Editor
The WAVE Report may be redistributed in full for individual readership and posted to newsgroups, Web, and FTP sites. This publication may not be reprinted or redistributed for profit. Short quotes are permitted but must be attributed to the WAVE Report. 4th Wave retains the copyright to the WAVE Report.