Archives for April 2007
Singapore to get 3D digital map
Damian Koh | Apr 10, 2007
Two-dimensional maps are passé. Singapore users can expect full three-dimensional maps complete with realistic 3D rendering for their GPS devices in the second half of 2007. Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok to follow in 2008.
Tele Atlas, a global provider of digital maps and dynamic content, today gave a preview to the media how 3D GPS navigation will look like in the near future. Besides turn-by-turn instructions, these three-dimensional maps will display realistic 3D rendering of architecture and points of interests, right down to individual store fronts on the streets.
Mark Steel, APAC chief operating officer, and David Sym-Smith, chief marketing officer, both for Tele Atlas, also talked about the possible developments to the Global Positioning System (GPS) this afternoon. The press briefing also coincides with the opening of the company's regional headquarters in Singapore.
Here's a glimpse of what could happen. Running low on fuel? Voice prompts on the location of nearby petrol kiosks and which one offers a cheaper rate could help you save time and money. Looking for a parking lot? The map will show you the nearest carpark, how many empty lots it has, and where. Finally, when you step into a shopping mall, GPS signals will work seamlessly with GSM networks to provide continual coverage. With location-based services, it can also tell you which stores have the best bargains.
Mobile devices that are currently using Tele Atlas maps include the Nokia N95, E90 Communicator, 6110 Navigator and the BlackBerry 8800. The company also announced its partnership with BMW, which will see selected beemers sporting GPS maps provided by Tele Atlas in 2008.
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Tilting security cams for the paranoid
Mike Yamamoto, CNET.com | Apr 10, 2007
One of the most vexing things about being chronically paranoid is the limitations of our equipment (technologically speaking). No matter how many security cameras you've installed, for example, there will always be blind spots--and we know that's exactly where our enemies are sure to be lying in wait.
We may be getting some much-needed help, however, from a new remote-controlled tilting camera on the market. This neat little device can pan the landscape at will, controlled from up to 1km away with a handheld monitor that includes at 2.5-inch LCD screen to watch your target's every move. Built-in infrared LEDs even give the camera up to 4.8m of night vision.
These devices don't come cheap, at US$250 apiece, but it's still cheaper than hiring a 24-hour security guard. And it doesn't take coffee breaks.
Read more gizmos here | Via CNET Crave
USBCell Fashion Batteries
Juniper Foo | Apr 10, 2007
Even boring old batteries have gone stylo-mylo. Remember the USBCells we featured earlier? Well, maker Moxia Energy's going pastel soon with its USB rechargeable batteries, aimed at the fashion-conscious consumer. Fortunately for the alpha males, sweet pink and baby blue aren't the only shades the company's focused on. Word is it's working out Tartan designs for Scottish clients and camouflage versions for the military, with designers invited to create other exclusive designs. More power to them. Too bad Moxia has no plans to bring its USBCells to Asia anytime soon.
Get larger image here
Via popgadget.net
Price: N.A.
Availability: In the pipeline
Device: USB rechargeable batteries
Specs: N.A.
Save lives, yours included, with a mobile phone
Damian Koh | Apr 09, 2007
The next time anyone has a seizure, whip out your handheld for life-saving instructions.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) has today launched its Ready Mobile service which provides a total of 15 emergency advisories in the form of .3gp video clips or text files.
Spanning a broad range of situations from chemical to biological and bomb threats, right down to cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) procedures, the SCDF aims to transform mobile phones into a portable reference tool for emergencies.
If you're on any of the three telcos (SingTel, M1 and StarHub), you can also stream the video clips to your 3G handheld.
One small step for technology, one giant leap in life saving?
SCDF Ready MobileColorPath: Making out rainbows in the dark
Mark Rutherford, CNET.com | Apr 07, 2007
Blood may be thicker than water, but unfortunately they're both the same color if you're wearing night vision goggles.
The world of night vision has come a long way since the clunky, Vietnam-era starlight scopes, but it's still a monochromatic green. Tenebraex Corp. aims to fix that with a night vision filter that tricks your brain into seeing objects in different colors, The Boston Globe reported.
The ColorPath (Color Capable Night Vision Device) is mechanical, not computer based, which makes it more temperature resistant, light weight and power frugal, according to the manufacturer.
The ability to see in color after dark would allow a soldier to tell the difference between green grass and brown mud, orange smoke and green, or whether that's a white UN jeep or a bad guy's tan technical, according to Tenebraex.
It could also help medics tell the difference between red blood and wet water under "battlefield obscurant conditions"; a selling point Tenebraex hopes will get it in the front door of military procurement.
Note to cheaters: Call Tenebraex. We're tired of watching fat, green people getting it on.
Read more gizmos here | Via CNET Crave
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