Posts by: Stephen Tong
Total 2 pages : [1] 2
Put your face in that game or video
Stephen Tong | Jun 21, 2007
XiD Technologies has come up with a way to spice up your games and videos. You can replace a character's face with your own.
From a single photo, users can customize their face to a large degree. Think in terms of animation of expressions and the addition of hair and glasses. Once done, just fit the face within a Web-based environment or mobile phone. Then sit back and go "woah".
In terms of applications, XiD sees that usage can extend to E-greetings, MMS, video personalization and gaming customization. Taking videos as an example, you can see from the picture on the left that the player's face with the captain's armband is actually not Thierry Henry's but Roberto's and, what's more, Roberto's face is able to move in the same fluid way as Henry's did in the original video footage.
The Singapore-based company comes with a European management team that looks set for big things. While XiD has come up with the technology, it is talking to several businesses for a commercial launch that is targeted either at the end 2007 or early 2008 in various parts of Asia.
More CommunicAsia coverage here
A multi-purpose silicone band
Stephen Tong | Jun 21, 2007
While the Livestrong wristbands were all the rage a couple of years back, Crosswintech has reinvented it by adding loads of features onboard while keeping it equally fashionable.
What we have is an innovative device that allows users to do away with Metro cards and door keys, and actually keeps you healthy. Surprised? The silicon band is supposed to emit anions which apparently provide ache relief and increase the brain's alpha waves, hence allowing better concentration for sports people or examinees. The band also gives out far-infrared rays which generate invisible heat and promote blood circulation.
As you may have guessed, the X-passing band also integrates RFID technology to good effect. In Dae Jeon, South Korea, the device is already being used to store money value inside and is used in a similar way as a CashCard. Simply put, you just need to use the band to settle your payments on the bus/subway, at the convenience store and at vending machines. You can even use it to open doors that support the band.
X-passing is currently selling in Dae Jeon for 19,500 won and usage on trains has been ongoing since September 2006. New areas of application are being explored in different parts of Asia so you may just be seeing more of this sometime soon.
More CommunicAsia coverage here
Funky Bluetooth speakers
Stephen Tong | Jun 21, 2007
If you think speakers with the Sony Ericsson label are the only ones decent enough to own for your phone, think again. The Pivot Bluetooth Speaker SR 204BT is one speaker that looks as good as the A2DP phones and MP3 players that can sync with it.
The SR 204BT has a pleasant and simple design flanked with several buttons on the top such as volume controls and Bluetooth sync. It uses Bluetooth 2.0 Class 2 technology so it has a wireless range of up to 10m. Users can also activate bass enhancement and surround sound effects, but we were unable to test out its capability as Pivot could not seem to synchronize the Sony Ericsson K610i we had on hand.
The speakers are powered by four AA batteries, but strangely enough the power adapter will not included with the set.
The speakers are expected to launch within the next two months at US$230 (S$354) in selected locations around Asia.
More CommunicAsia 2007 coverage here.
Digital Concierge for you?
Stephen Tong | Jun 20, 2007
CommunicAsia 2007 saw the pilot launch of the Digital Concierge service that is a joint project of Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) and Singapore Tourism Board (STB). In a nutshell, detailed information on Singapore landmarks such as hotels, shops and places of worship can be conveniently made available through a mobile phone.
To summarize the information that Digital Concierge provides, users can have access to on-the-go directory searching, location maps, daily news, currency conversion and weather reports. Other options that are expected in the near future will include assisted taxi/event booking, traveler recommendations on items such as food, and location-based services such as shopping offers. This service clearly targets tourists who may be clueless as to where to roam around, although locals might find this useful to sussing out parts of Singapore they have not visited.
The platform, which is developed by a group led by Frontline and The Cell City, currently supports only selected mobile devices such as the Sony Ericsson K800i and Nokia N73, but more models are expected to added to the list. Data is transmitted via 3G, GPRS or Wireless@SG networks which basically provides 512kbps Wi-Fi Internet access in selected areas within Singapore.
The event kicks off Digital Concierge's pilot run where users can register and test the platform. It is expected to launch islandwide by 2008. Registration is free and charges will apply upon 3G and GPRS usage. Should people use Wireless@SG, then the service will essentially be free of charge. But, of course, don't forget to get a phone with Wi-Fi support.
More CommunicAsia 2007 coverage here.
One feature-packed rearview mirror coming up
Stephen Tong | Jun 20, 2007
Sonor has come up with a feature-packed rearview mirror that's simply called the Bluetooth Hands Free Carkit With Parking Video. While you have probably seen products like these that sport caller information on the display, this goes one up by including both a camera to place in any angle you want and a earpiece.
For starters, this multifeatured model makes use of various technologies such as Bluetooth and FM transmission to good effect. Bluetooth sets up the link with your mobile phone, while the inbuilt speakers and microphone allow everyone in the car to teleconference with the person on the opposite end. Privacy is sometimes need. As such, the user needs to remove the earpiece that receives FM transmissions from the mirror. Oh, and to make it really convenient, it's magnetically attached to the right side of the console.
A 12-digit caller ID indicator, at a glance, will show who is calling you. In addition, the "With Parking Video" portion of the model name actually refers to a camera that is linked to the mirror which can be placed anywhere in the car. Ideally, the cam is to pointed toward your rear bumper to ensure that the driver doesn't hit the car behind. This is great for those who can't parallel park very well. Of course, the image that is reflected on your display can be toggled on/off to avoid any form of distraction when you are driving.
The rearview mirror is a relatively new technology, though the folks we talked to, WE Business Technology, mentioned that China, Thailand and South Korea have seen the likes of it since the start of 2007. It may very well hit Singapore shores as we're told the company is seeking local distributors.
More CommunicAsia 2007 coverage here.
Total 2 pages : [1] 2
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