Sony PS3: EU Store Update - WipEout HD, CoD and more

Its update time once again for the European Playstation Store and we have full details on what you can expect to see when the update goes live within the next few hours. Read more

Pumpkin Carving: Doctors encourage Halloween alternatives

Halloween 2009 will not be any different to Halloweens of the past, each year emergency rooms at local hospitals will be filled with people who have cut themselves while carving pumpkins. These include finger lacerations, which can often change a person’s life forever. Read more

8000 computer viruses caught by NHS

According to a report shown on www.publicservice.co.uk more than 8000 computer viruses have potentially caused disruption to the NHS within the last year, although exactly how much disruption has been caused is hard to calculate an independent review state that it was “entirely avoidable”. Read more

Tesla Motors 500th Roadster

There is no denying the success that Telsa Motors has had with its Roadster, and they have now delivered their 500th vehicle. The popularity of the Tesla Motors Roadster is increasing and is a trend that is not likely to stop any time soon. Read more

WoW Wrath of the Lich King: Must Read News

Wrath of the Lich King is now fully underway, with gamers all over the world taking part in the online multiplayer adventure. WoW Insider has been keeping update with events that are happening in the game, and have provided a useful blog with help and information about the game. Read more

Navigon 7200T GPS with landmarks and 3D signs

Navigon have just released its latest satellite navigation system, the 7200T. This device looks very stylish and has a rather sleek design. It is said to be on sale as from October 2008, and will be around $449.

There are many impressive features with this unit. For a start, it has Reality View Pro which means that the signs are all in photo realistic 3D. So you never really need to miss your exit again. It also offers free real-time traffic updates for life, therefore allowing the user to avoid congestion on the roads and provides an alternative route. One of the features that caught my eye is the voice destination entry. It uses advanced voice recognition to allow the driver to speak the address, which is a lot safer.

It features a frameless, 4.3inch touch screen display. The device comes with 64MB of RAM, 2GB flash storage, an SiRF GRF3i+ GPS chip and microSD card support.

The 7200T comes with Bluetooth for hands free communication while on the move. It also has Directhelp, giving the user instant directions and contact information to nearby pharmacies, roadside assistance, police stations and hospitals, so help is always at hand.

For more on other Satnavs visit Here.
Source Engadget.

Microsoft Surface at Sheraton Hotels & Resorts: Location List

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts and Microsoft Corp. today introduced an entirely new hotel guest experience with its debut of Microsoft Surface, Microsoft’s first commercially available surface computer. Featuring easy-to-use technology and a natural way of accessing information, Surface units will be placed in the lobbies of select Sheraton hotels in Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco and Seattle. Microsoft Surface breaks down the traditional barriers between people and technology, providing simple and instant access to information and entertainment. Sheraton will be the first hotel to offer Microsoft Surface, creating a new Sheraton brand experience that will bring interaction, connectivity and a social setting to the lobby, providing guests with an entirely new way to explore local tourist highlights and enhance their hotel stay.

Microsoft Surface is a 30-inch display in a tablelike form factor that several guests can use simultaneously. The intuitive user interface works without a traditional mouse or keyboard, allowing people to interact with content and information in a more natural and familiar way, by using their hands and gestures. Sheraton will unveil Surface today at five hotels: Sheraton Boston Hotel, Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers, Sheraton Gateway San Francisco Airport Hotel and Sheraton Seattle Hotel.

With each unit, Sheraton is offering a customized version of the Microsoft Surface developed suite of applications to provide entertainment and information about local attractions. Surface, and these unique applications, are designed to serve the needs of the brand’s core guests who are social individuals seeking to share the travel experience with one another. The placement of the Surface units in Sheraton lobbies enables guests to leverage and experience the offerings in a social way. Three highlighted applications are the following:

CityTips®. At the guests’ fingertips are the Surface 360-degree satellite maps and tools to search for local restaurants and bars, entertainment, recreation, shopping, transportation and services, such as banks and pharmacies. Guests can discover all a city has to offer by simply moving their hands across Surface.

Sounds of Sheraton. Microsoft Surface also serves as a lobby-based digital jukebox, enabling guests to create personal music playlists by choosing selections from Sheraton’s exclusive offering of Sony BMG artists, including John Legend, Kenny Chesney and Lauryn Hill.

Sheraton Snapshots. Guests can explore Sheraton hotels and resorts throughout the world by simply browsing the Surface photo library of Sheraton resorts and hotel properties to help them plan for future business or leisure travel.

“Sheraton is redefining the hospitality experience by offering our guests technology that will allow them to interact with each other and our hotel in a revolutionary way,” said Hoyt H. Harper II, senior vice president for Sheraton. “We are proud to partner with Microsoft to offer the groundbreaking Microsoft Surface product, which will enable our guests to stay informed, connected and entertained while traveling.”

“We’re excited to be working with Sheraton in its efforts to feature innovation and redefine the guest experience in its hotel properties,” said Pete Thompson, general manager, Microsoft Surface. “Surface takes a common activity, such as looking up information about a local city, and transforms it into an intuitive and social way for hotel guests to plan their visit. We believe this is just the beginning of how Surface will completely change the hotel guest experience.”

Sheraton Locations Featuring Microsoft Surface

• Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers – 811 7th Ave. 53rd St., New York
• Sheraton Boston Hotel – 39 Dalton St., Boston
• Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers – 301 East North Water St., Chicago
• Sheraton Seattle Hotel – 1400 6th Ave., Seattle
• Sheraton Gateway San Francisco Airport Hotel – 600 Airport Blvd., Burlingame

Source - Press release

Other Microsoft Surface News

Philips CX50 CompactXtreme handheld ultrasound system

Philips introduces the CX50 CompactXtreme – the first handheld ultrasound system to combine the image quality of traditional scanning equipment with portability, saving both clinicians’ time and improving patient care.

Clinicians have previously relied on a portable ultrasound to help investigate potential problems for very ill patients who cannot be moved. However, frequently the quality of the image may not be as reliable as those from static machines, so doctors have had to re-examine patients in order to confirm a diagnosis Read more

Sphere on Display: Cousin of Microsoft Surface computer

Here we have a video that shows the Sphere in action, it is being demonstrated by Hrvoje Benko of Microsoft Research. For those of you who are not familiar with Sphere, it is the cousin of the Microsoft Surface tabletop computer. Surface is already being used in retail and hospitality settings.

When it comes to displays it seems that the only choices we now have are flat panel displays, but Microsoft wish to change this. Microsoft thinks that the Sphere is the answer.

The prototype of the Sphere in the video uses an internal projection and vision system; this is what brings the spherical computer display to life. You as the user are able to touch the Sphere with multiple fingers and hands

You are also able to manipulate photos as well as play games, spin a virtual globe or even watch a 360-degree video.

The Sphere is expected to go on show today at Microsoft’s Faculty Summit in Redmond.

Check out the video

Philips Electronics Launch The HD15 ultrasound system

Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) today announced the latest addition to its HD ultrasound family of products. The Philips HD15 ultrasound system provides physicians with superb imaging and workflow performance in a cost-effective system.

The HD15 is a new platform designed to deliver an advanced level of image clarity and broad application support for everyday use in small hospitals, clinics and private practices Read more

IBM helps doctors care for premature babies with technology

IBM (NYSE: IBM) and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) announced today a first-of-a-kind research project to help doctors detect subtle changes in the condition of critically ill premature babies.

The project will see a group of internationally recognized researchers, led by Dr. Carolyn McGregor, a UOIT associate professor and Canada Research Chair in Health Informatics, use advanced stream computing software developed by IBM Research to work toward greatly enhancing the decision-making capabilities of doctors Read more

Canon expands DR systems with CXDI-60G Portable Flat Panel Detector

Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging technologies, today announced the expansion of its line of digital radiography (DR) systems with the introduction of the Canon CXDI-60G Portable Flat Panel Detector. Canon’s ninth-generation flat panel detector extends DR beyond traditional applications to include room-to-room installations, mobile X-ray systems and more.

The Canon CXDI-60G Portable Flat Panel Detector succeeds the Company’s popular CXDI-31, the world’s first portable cassette-type DR system, introduced in September 2001 Read more

Hands-on with Navigon 2100 max GPS

This is the Navigon 2100 max GPS system that should not be confused with the entry-level version that has been selling at really cheap prices; this new version is a little more impressive.

Geek has given the Navigon 2100 max a hands-on review and road test; they found that Navigon made some noticeable improvements with the new version.

These included the screen increasing to a 4.3″ widescreen instead of the 3.5″ on the original and the 2100 max is also very thin.

DirectHelp is another new feature on the MAX version, this could save someone’s life literally by showing you the exact position you are at on the map and also immediately telling you the route to the nearest hospital, pharmacy, police station and more.

Other improvements found on the 2100 max was an upgrade to software, POI improvements and a new feature called Lane Assistant.

If we want to get picky, then they should of included Bluetooth connectivity so you could make calls hands-free and even add better functions to the DirectHelp feature.

Read the hands-on review and see more photos on Geek.

48 years since the invention of the first laser: we salute Theodore Maiman

Back on May 16 in 1960 Theodore Maiman did something special by inventing the world’s first laser, so today we celebrate its 48th birthday. When the laser was first invented it was described as a solution looking for a problem, however before long it was looked at as a harness for medicine as well as science and technology. Today it does not matter where you turn lasers are all around us, I even have one in my mouse as I tap away writing this article.

Theodore Maiman managed to get the worlds first laser working while he was at the Hughes Research Laboratory in California, on that day back in 1960 he used a high-power flash lamp which he then shinned on a ruby rod that was covered with a silver coating. The funny thing is he submitted his report of his findings to the Physical Review Letters but that editors turned the report down. Many believe the reason why they turned the laser finding down was that they were receiving too many papers on the maser, which used a longer-wavelength than that of the laser.

You have to wonder where we would now be without the invention of the laser; it is one of those things that we take for granted. If you were to go back 20 years and you asked someone what they thought about the laser, they would mention something about Ronald Regan’s Star Wars Project. Today though a laser is not though of as a weapon, it is a piece of technology that gives us precision like the one in my mouse, as well as the ones in our supermarkets, hospitals, building sites, hey the list is endless but you get what I mean.

Happy Birthday too the laser.

IBM today announced first-of-a-kind self-checkout technology

IBM today announced first-of-a-kind self-checkout technology that allows consumers to shop for and check out purchases practically anywhere in a store. This new self checkout solution raises the bar for consumer self service options, giving retailers built-in flexibility, improved customer service and a new tool for building customer advocacy for their brands.
IBM also announced a new release of software to help speed the self checkout process, a new state-of-the-art entry-level kiosk, and an extension of its global self service alliance program to reach new markets and industries.

Designed for small businesses and large enterprise departments, the IBM AnyPlace Checkout system is the next major step in self checkout innovation. It combines the ultra-compact footprint of the market-leading IBM AnyPlace Kiosk with the robust capabilities of IBM self checkout software, giving clients the best of both worlds.

According to a recent customer purchasing survey*, 10 percent of shoppers who left a store without making a purchase cited the wait to check out as a factor in their decision not to buy. More importantly, when forced to wait in line for more than four minutes, customer satisfaction levels fall below 80 percent.

Small to midsized retailers can now offer a fast, convenient checkout system for small orders, including those in specialty, drug and convenience store environments. Large retail operations can complement front-end self checkout with stand-alone placement of these units within grocery areas such as deli, floral or prepared foods, as well as departments of large stores and hospitality retailers.

“Today’s market environment is tough and competitive, and there is huge pressure on retailers to transform and innovate, all driven by a need to change the shopping experience for consumers,” said Steve Ladwig, General Manager, Retail Store Solutions, IBM System & Technology Group. “The IBM AnyPlace Checkout allows us to help our clients serve their customers in totally new ways, answering consumer demand for easy-to-use self service in more places than ever before.”

According to an IHL Group 2007 market study on self checkout**, 98 percent of respondents have used self checkout, almost 50 percent have used it more than five times in the previous years, and 72 percent have readily accepted the technology in the marketplace. This study also reported that for 2008, consumers will spend more than US $230.7 billion on self checkout transactions at retail stores, up 28 percent over 2007.

“Self checkout not only continues to gain widespread acceptance with consumers, but we are also seeing that self-service solutions are paying off for retailers,” said Greg Buzek, President, IHL Consulting Group. “Our research shows that retailers that have embraced self-service technologies are redeploying labor to key profit areas, improving customer service with more lanes and improving profitability by increasing the number of profitable transactions.”

The IBM AnyPlace Checkout system expands the proven and successful IBM Self-Checkout family by extending the capability of when and where retailers can offer self-service transactions. This first-of-its-kind unit is the second major offering in an aggressive IBM consumer services campaign, and joins a growing portfolio of IBM and Business Partner self service offerings that span multiple industries, including retail, hospitality, travel and transportation.

IBM also announced today a new release of IBM Checkout Environment for Consumer-Service (CHEC), self checkout software that delivers a robust environment through a rich user experience, simple manageability and reliable Point-of-Sale integration. The modular software platform also allows for IBM Business Partners to tailor to a retailer’s specific needs.

A completely new self checkout design, the IBM AnyPlace Checkout system offers retailers new features and enhanced flexibility, making it easy for consumers to scan and pay for their items quickly. This new self-checkout unit offers a variety of hardware and software enhancements that include:

• Small Footprint: Designed with the IBM AnyPlace Kiosk at its core, this unit offers one of the smallest self-checkout footprints available, making it attractive for grocers and other businesses that have limited floor space.

• Customized Enclosures: Offers flexibility to utilize a variety of enclosures including customized designs by IBM Global Technology Services or third party vendors that match a retailer’s “look and feel.”

• Cashless: These units offer credit/debit payment options only, which speeds transactions by eliminating the time it takes to accept and dispense bills and coins, as well as lowers the chance of shoppers forgetting their change.

• Manageability: A component of IBM Store Integration Framework, the Remote Management Agent (RMA) enables retailers to achieve end-to-end store systems management of retail devices and applications along side traditional IT deployment. Across the enterprise, retailers can configure and monitor the system remotely, distribute software, track assets and determine and diagnose problems.

New Entry-Level IBM AnyPlace Kiosk
IBM also introduced an entry-level AnyPlace Kiosk that can be used for a variety of kiosk applications or as a compact point-of-sale. This newest AnyPlace Kiosk 15” model allows small independent businesses to use advanced kiosk technology previously only available to large enterprises at a price they can afford. Additionally, the kiosk can be used by larger businesses for a variety of kiosk applications including product locators, price checkers and more. This entry-level kiosk unit comes with an energy-efficient processor and built-in power management capabilities that allow clients to reduce power consumption and run essential applications quickly and reliably. It is geared toward specialty, food service, gas and convenience retail businesses and is also tailored for use across multiple industries such as travel and transportation, hospitality and healthcare.

IBM Business Partner Alliance Program Momentum
IBM also announced that approximately 100 Business Partners have joined its Self Service Alliance Program. Since its introduction last September in conjunction with the IBM Consumer Services Initiative, Business Partners representing 11 industries, 18 solution areas and 17 countries have signed up to help develop, market and distribute IBM self-service solutions worldwide, helping extend IBM leadership in self service across multiple industries. In just eight months, the IBM Self-Service Alliance program has grown into one of the largest business partner ecosystem focused on self-service for multiple industries, including pharmacy, banking, government and manufacturing. The program represents nine new countries, including Israel, Malaysia, Romania and Guatemala.

Pricing and Availability
The IBM AnyPlace Checkout will be available May 23 and is approximately half the price of a traditional self checkout system.

Recall Update: Salmonella in Malt O Meal cereal sickened at least 23 people

This is an update on the voluntary recall of Malt O Meal cereal that we reported to you yesterday, we are now hearing that at least 23 people in 14 states have fell sick thanks to the cereal tainted with Salmonella.

From the reported cases, three people have been treated in hospital and U.S. officials have confirmed the numbers. You can read more details from the post yesterday (Unsweetened Wheat Cereal and Puffed Rice recall).

How do you feel knowing that Salmonella could of entered your home from food you buy in stores?

Source: Read

Kerry Katona and Mark Croft welcome Baby Maxwell

Yesterday afternoon Kerry Katona and Mark Croft welcomed the arrival of their new baby boy they have called Maxwell.

It’s said that Kerry had a natural birth and after just three pushes Baby Maxwell was born at 5.42pm on Friday afternoon and weighed 5lbs 4oz.

Kerry said that “We’re absolutely delighted and can’t wait to get him home. It’s a beautiful little boy to go with our three girls.”

Kerry’s publicist Max Clifford said that “Mum and baby are doing really well. It was a natural birth and the family are really happy. I am very proud Max was named after me. Everyone knows how I feel about Kerry. I think the world of her. She’s almost like another daughter to me. I am absolutely delighted that everything was fine. It’s been a real rollercoaster but everything is great.”

Well done Kerry on the birth of your first son.

source

Kerry Katona has gone into labour three weeks early

It has just been reported that Kerry Katona has gone into labour three weeks early. Kerry was admitted to hospital this morning and is to give birth soon.

Max Clifford said that “Her water broke this morning and she’s on steroids. It’ll be three weeks early but she’s doing fine, I spoke to her an hour ago and she’s just relieved that it’s all coming to end. It’s been a very tough couple of weeks, she’s the size of a house and her legs have been swollen.”

We will keep you updated as the news comes in.

We hope that mother and baby are doing well

source

Trisha Goddard Is recovering well after surgery

It’s been reported that Trisha Goddard is recovering well in hospital after undergoing surgery to remove lymph nodes.

Trisha has just had her second operation as part of her treatment for breast cancer which she was diagnosed with three weeks ago.

Trisha’s Husband Peter Gianfrancesco said that “Trisha had a second operation to remove the lymph nodes under her left arm yesterday. She is recovering well and is very appreciative of all the support she has received. We all remain optimistic about the next phase of her recovery but are taking things one step at a time.”

We wish her well in her recovery.

source

Toni Braxton hospitalised with chest pains

Toni Braxton was rushed to St. Rose Dominican Hospital in Las Vegas on Monday with chest pains. Toni suffers from heart condition pericarditis which is an inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart

Toni has to cancel a scheduled performance at the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino last night after doctors kept her in for further tests.

Toni said that “I have heart disease. I found out about four or five years ago. I’ve also been diagnosed with hypertension. When I found out I was disappointed. I didn’t get it. But I soon learnt I had to make lifestyle changes. I always ate relatively well, but sometimes I would have pizzas and burgers late at night - I had to change that.”

Let’s hope that she starts to feel better soon

source

Next Page »