E-Paper To Be As Disposable As Normal Paper?

University researchers have found a way to turn paper into e-paper—that is, the same electronic screen in a Kindle. Professor Andrew Steckl, from the University of Cincinnati, successfully showed how electrowetting paper works in a similar manner to electrowetting glass. While e-paper is good for a few years at least, Steckl says this paper e-paper "is very cheap, very fast, full-color and at the end of the day or the end of the week, you could pitch it into the trash." This paper e-paper would contain as much information as a computer monitor, according to Steckl, but can be thrown out easily, with few environmental repercussions.

Using Technology in Physical Education Newsletter

Posted the December 2010 newsletter at http://www.pesoftware.com/technews/news.html -------enjoy

Google Adds Call Recording to Gmail

Gmail recently added the ability to make phone calls from your inbox, and they've recently (silently) rolled out the ability to record incoming calls as well.

While Gizmodo mentioned call recording as a cool way to take advantage of Gmail calling, Google adding in this feature means you don't need any extra software to get the job done—just hit the record button to record the call with Google Voice. Note that it only works for incoming calls—you won't be able to record calls you initiate from your Gmail inbox.

Another iPod solution for Windows Users

Splashtop has just unleashed its Remote Desktop app for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, enabling users to funnel Windows PC content onto their handheld. The catch is an obvious one -- you'll need a WiFi connection to make the magic happen, though we're assuming you wouldn't even want to imagine how sluggish the process would be over 3G. The company claims that this app will let users "watch movies, listen to music, or access any other Windows files and programs, including full web browsers with Flash," and you'll need a WiFi-connected Win7, Vista or WinXP machine nearby to take advantage. We've got a feeling this won't work nearly as well as advertised (sorry, it's just the nature of tunneling / emulation), but those willing to take the plunge can tap into the App Store as we speak.

Take a look: http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/19/splashtop-remote-desktop-brings-windows-pc-access-to-your-iphone/

Holographic TV coming your way in 2017

Step aside, fancy 3D HDTVs with your expensive “shutter glasses”—new breakthroughs in holographic 3D technology mean that we could see real, glasses-free 3D TVs in the next seven to 10 years.

Previously, the only thing (okay, one of the only things) that was stopping us from sending Princess Leia-type messages across the universe in an R2D2 was the fact that we couldn’t make holograms with refresh rates quick enough to convey movement. Well, that’s changed—a research team at the University of Arizona has developed a system that can render an image in near real-time and update the image every two seconds, which is pretty darn close to real-time.

In 2008, the same team presented an updateable holographic 3D display that was capable of recording and displaying images every few minutes. The display could then last for several hours without needing to be refreshed, but was sensitive to ambient noise (vibration and air turbulance), as well as thermal expansion, and so needed to be fully enclosed on an air damped optical table.

Read more

National Ed Tech Plan Puts Technology at the Heart of Education Reform

United States Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on November 9 released the final version of the Obama administration's National Educational Technology Plan (NETP), a federal policy statement that puts technology at the heart of proposed changes to the way education is delivered in this country.

Click on the link or read more here.

Microsoft Security Release

Microsoft released a beta refresh version of Security Essentials 2 this past week. According to Microsoft, the new version includes "performance enhancements as well as some user interface modifications. In particular, the team decided to remove the protection against web threats feature in the Security Essentials Beta as it was causing PC performance issues."

Dynamic 3D holograms

Perhaps the biggest challenge in making holograms usable on a daily basis -- aside from having to film your subject with a million trillion cameras -- is in getting their refresh rates up to the levels we're used to with "normal" two-dimensional video. We're still a fair way away from those magical 30 fps, but the University of Arizona is touting a heretofore unheard of redraw rate of once every two seconds. The current prototype is built on a 10-inch photorefractive polymer screen, with lasers beaming information onto it, though 17-inch versions are also being tested. Another present limitation is that the hologram displayed can only be of one color, but that is also subject to the continuing labors of the UA researchers, who foresee no major hurdles preventing them from eventually cobbling together full-color, fast-refreshing, and fully realized 3D holograms.

Take a look.

Xbox Kinect Review: It's a Brand New Console

Microsoft's motion gaming peripheral is, if executed correctly, quite possibly the future of gaming. It might even be the future of WIndows 8 and computers everywhere. But how much fun is playing with Kinect right now?

Take a look.

Science, Wearables Affectiva's Q Sensor wristband monitors and logs stress levels

The Q was to give a voice to those who may not have one, and in theory, it can provide vital information to caregivers long before a breakdown takes place. Particularly with autistic children, who often cannot communicate their stress levels effectively, the Q Sensor is able to "detect and record physiological signs of stress and excitement by measuring slight electrical changes in the skin." From there, it can send signals to doctors, parents or caregivers, and those folks can react accordingly to information that they would otherwise not be privy to. Put simply, the band works by detecting subtle moisture changes under the skin when the "flight or fight" mode is initiated, and while even the creators admit that such a response isn't absolutely indicative of stress, it's generally a signal worth paying attention to for one reason or another. Purportedly, a beta version is set to go on sale to researchers and educators later this month for $2,000.

Take a look:

Android edges Apple iPad as second-most-popular mobile development platform

Google's Android platform has narrowly overtaken the Apple iPad in terms of total developer support for mobile devices, though the iPhone remains the most popular software destination, according to a new report.

The new study by cross-platform mobile ad network Millennial Media and DigiDay, found that 30 percent of developers are currently creating content for the iPhone. In second is Android, with 23 percent, followed in third by the iPad with 21 percent.

Read more

Apple's Thinking About Making Your Gadgets Extra Scratch-Resistant And Durable

Based on an Apple patent application, it seems that the company is contemplating ways to make gadgets more scratch-resistant and durable with cheap nitride coatings on top of stainless steel exteriors.

The nitride coatings would not only be low-cost, but they would also leave your gadgets looking great.

Take a look: click here.

Garmin GPS for Golfers

Garmin's new Approach S1 watch is loaded with every hole from over 14,000 golf courses and, from anywhere on the course, will give you precise yardage to the front, back, and middle of the next green -- meaning it won't help your lay-up but could be just the ticket for nailing that approach. Its integrated odometer will even track how many miles you covered through the course of the day and, we're presuming, not tell your significant other whether you spent those drinking in the cart or walking at a brisk pace. The Approach S1 is available now for $249 and is subtle enough that your buddies might not even notice your new wrist-borne advantage.

Take a look - click here.

Energizing Qi Wireless Charging Station

It's taken quite awhile to go from discussion to shipping, but Qi looks just about ready to make its mark on the public. And on Powermat's bottom line. We've known all along that Energizer was a huge proponent of the protocol, and now we're finding that review units are making their way out to the media.

Take a look: click here

Walgreens Now Selling $100 Android

Kmart may have been the first department store to get into the cheap Android tablet business, but it looks like Walgreens isn't about to stay out of this race to the bottom -- it's now offering the Maylong M-150 Android tablet for a mere $100. As you can see above, it's pretty much the tablet of your dreams. Not only does it run Android, but it boasts a familiar iPad design and interface, plus Internet Explorer for a web browser (icon), and access to the always useful "App Market." As for specs, it looks like you'll get a 7-inch resistive touchscreen with an 800 x 480 resolution, a 400MHz VIA VM8505+ processor, built-in WiFi, an unspecified amount of built-in flash memory, and a microSD card slot or expansion. Head on past the break for a video, and hit up the source link below if you're ready to place your order.

Take a look - click here

Microsoft Office for 2011 Review

A review of the new version of Microsoft Office for the Mac:

Office on the Mac desperately needs an overhaul. The last release took a decades old Carbon code base, applied a comically foolish looking layer of user interface glitz, and then stripped away core features that its target audience of corporate users found essential, including Visual Basic for Applications (used in many companies to create automated template documents).

The Good

The new Office 2011 makes major improvements in adding back the VBA support removed in the previous version, and in dialing back some of the more ridiculous aspects of the previous day-glow user interface.

It also strives to integrate Mac users into corporate settings much better, with improved support for Office document interchange with its Windows counterpart, as well as other Microsoft server technologies, including multiuser document co-authoring when used with SharePoint Foundation or Windows Live SkyDrive.


Read the rest by clicking here.

Verizon Wireless iPad Now on Sale

On October 28th, Verizon Wireless began selling Wi-Fi versions of the iPad, with MiFi mobile hotspot dongle packages on offer, starting at $630 for the 16GB model.

Prices go up to $730 for the 32GB model, and $830 for the 64GB-er. Monthly payments beginning at $20 for 1GB of data will have to be paid to make those MiFi dongles work.

Windows Mobile 7

Windows Mobile 7 is coming out ----- and I want to keep you up-to-date on some of the reviews. Here is the first one:

http://gizmodo.com/5673838/10-ways-windows-phone-is-broken

What is 4G and Do I Need It?

There's a lot of talk about 4G wireless right now. Sprint has 4G. Verizon's getting 4G. And T-Mobile may or may not be running 4G.

Here is what you need to know: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2371304,00.asp?kc=PCRSS03129TX1K0000625&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ziffdavis%2FPCMagazineTips+%28PCMag.com+Tips+and+Solutions%29

Wii Vitality Sensor detailed in patent application, fires righteous beams of light

How does Nintendo's oft-delayed Wii Vitality Sensor work? According to a new patent filing, it's actually quite simple -- the unit fires infrared light right at your fingertip and reports how much passes through, just like the pulse oximeters the pros use. Games then translate the result to the unfortunately-named "relax fluid" number, which is the Vitality Sensor's equivalent of your Brain Age -- the more fluid you've got, the calmer you are. It's also allegedly sensitive enough to detect when you're breathing just by measuring the changes in your fingertip, as evidenced by a concept game where you have to closely adjust your inhaling and exhaling to get an avatar safely through a tunnel without hitting the presumably deadly walls. And now you know.

Take a look: http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/11/wii-vitality-sensor-detailed-in-patent-application-fires-righte/

Wireless body area network allows your body to send status updates to your cellphone

Dutch researchers recently demonstrated a new type of wireless body area network, or BAN for short. A BAN essentially gives the human body its own IP address, and the new techniques demonstrated at IMEC based in Eindhoven incorporate a dongle that plugs into the SD card slot of a cellphone, enabling the streaming of data from the sensors to the cellphone in real time. The demonstrated software, which runs Android OS and uses the nRF24L01+ radio wireless standard rather than Bluetooth. So what does this mean for the future of medicine? Well, with just a few EKG-like sensors, people with medical conditions such as heart problems, or athletes in training, will be able to monitor their own body on their cellphones. The technology is still in the demo phase, but it's one we look forward to seeing in practice.

Take a look: http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/10/wireless-body-area-network-allows-your-body-to-send-status-updat/

Shinobii's table tennis bat for Wii hitting shelves soon for $70

Remember that prototype Wii tablet tennis controller that was reviewed (and adored) recently? You know -- the one that had no official maker and no official release date? Turns out that very device is made by Shinobii Technologies, and the outfit is finally coming clean with a bona fide version that's suitable for public release. The TT Champion Bat is said to be a true 1:1 replica of an actual table tennis paddle in both size and weight, and the electronics required to interact with the Wii console are all integrated; in other words, this is your Wiimote when playing a tennis or ping pong title. There's also a rechargeable battery within to keep things humming along, and best of all, it'll soon be available online and at traditional video game retailers throughout the EU and North America for $69.99. Hello, stocking stuffer.

Take a look: http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/17/shinobiis-table-tennis-bat-for-wii-hitting-shelves-soon-for-70/

Podcast

Uploaded our latest Using Technology in Physical Podcast at http://www.pesoftware.com/podcast/index.html

The New Xbox.com Is More Than Just A Pretty Face

Tomorrow morning at 5AM Eastern Xbox.com will be going down. When it comes back, it'll have a fresh new look and some extra-added functionality. Let's take a look!

Major Nelson uploaded a set of pictures of the new Xbox.com website redesign this morning, giving users a look at how they'll be interfacing with Xbox Live via the web tomorrow morning. Xbox.com and the forums will go down at 5AM Eastern time, and when they come back up, this is what we'll be seeing.

New features introduced in the redesign include the ability to edit avatars via the website; a combined view for messages, friend requests, and game invites; improved account notification; family reports so you can keep tabs on your household; and the ability to play web games with friends via the website or Windows Phone 7. The Xbox.com Marketplace is also scoring a robust new search system, making it easier than ever to find the games you're looking for.

Check out the screens at http://gizmodo.com/5667776/the-new-xboxcom-is-more-than-just-a-pretty-face/gallery/ to see what we'll be seeing once Xbox.com is reborn tomorrow morning.

Nintendo announces Wii Remote Plus with built-in MotionPlus tracking

We have confirmation from Nintendo that they are indeed building the Wii Remote Plus, which combines a Wii Remote with its Wii MotionPlus gyro add-on into one Wii Remote-sized package. We spotted the controller in a FlingSmash bundle, the telltale "smile" text below the Wii logo, and now all we really need is a price and a launch date.

More Good News from Target Stores

Starting October 17, holders of Target store credit cards will be eligible for a 5 percent discount on an iPad purchase—taking $25 off the purchase of the basic 16-GB Wi-Fi-only model of the device. Target will sell the 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models of both the Wi-Fi and 3G versions of the iPad.

How to Pick an Android Smartphone

Check out reviews of the Droid X and Epic 4G and Evo at http://gizmodo.com/5651182/how-to-pick-an-android-smartphone

Pay special attention to the flow chart for selecting an Android phone.

How To Use Your iPhone As a Bike Computer

The LiveRider iPhone app and bike kit is meant to be the equivalent of the dashboard of your car, but on your bike.

The app lets you keep track of how far you have gone, how fast you are currently going and even lets you keep Google Maps handy in case you get lost. You might be able to do some of these features with just using Google Maps GPS, but you couldn't track your ride to the extent that LiveRider could. You can even put it in ghost mode, which is you chasing your previous rides and times, kinda like a racing game.

The kit costs $100, which includes the mount, the magnets and the adapter. The app is free, but doesn't work without the kit.

Take a look: http://gizmodo.com/5646063/how-to-use-your-iphone-as-a-bike-computer?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+gizmodo%2Ffull+%28Gizmodo%29

Digital Golf Glove Tells You Exactly How Hard To Grip It

The SensoGlove, a $89 golf glove, is the first digital glove that'll offer you tips on your grip. Its embedded sensors can read how well you're holding your club to ensure you apply the exact grip pressure for the perfect swing. There's a sweatproof 1.2 inch LED screen that tells you which finger needs a fixin' and the glove can even deliver audio commands to get your grip in line.

We have requested a review device so that we can provide our podcast listeners with additional information.

Tablet PCs BlackBerry PlayBook vs. iPad vs. Galaxy Tab vs. Streak

Check out the point by point comparison: http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/28/blackberry-playbook-vs-ipad-vs-galaxy-tab-vs-streak-the-tale/

EVO 4G and Droid Incredible vie for title of best Android hotspot in informal test

Wireless tethering is rapidly becoming a desirable option in top-tier smartphones, but which device delivers the best? Laptop Magazine swore to find out, pitting six Android favorites (two HTC, two Motorola and two Samsung) against one another. Unsurprisingly, the HTC EVO 4G came out on top, averaging 5.09 Mbit / sec downloads and a 3.65 second page load time when 4G connectivity was present, but intriguingly enough it's the freshly-upgraded Droid Incredible that pulled the best speeds on 3G. Lest you think Motorola was trounced in this little competition, the Droid 2 actually delivered websites the fastest at 4.425 seconds on average -- besting the Samsung Epic 4G on 4G -- and Droid X owners can find consolation in the fact their handset is really good at loading ESPN for some reason.

iPad comes to Target on October 3

iPads will soon be popping up among the groceries and housewares—Target announced on Friday that it will sell Apple’s tablet device at its 1743 stores across the country.

Until now, Apple sold the iPad directly from its Website and stores, and through electronics retailers like Best Buy and MicroCenter. Some smaller retailers also sold the device through Amazon.com’s online store. Like the iPod and iPhone before it, however, the iPad is escaping into general retail stores.

First working Social Bicycles GPS-enabled bike lock pictured

It's been a little over a month since we last saw the Social Bicycles (or SoBi) bike lock concept, a simple thing that could revolutionize bicycle loaning worldwide. Now, here's the first working prototype, a GPS-enabled device that affixes to the rear wheel of a bike set to be offered up to others. Those others can call up a mobile app to locate available rides and retrieve the password necessary to unlock them. Once done pedaling they can just lock the thing up again and it's immediately added to the queue of available human-powered chariots. This version is currently being tested and, while we're still waiting for a formal release date, we're also hoping the devices get a dose of miniaturization before then -- they currently look more like briefcases than bike locks.

Take a look: http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/27/first-working-social-bicycles-gps-enabled-bike-lock-pictured-lo/

Apple granted patent for handheld that recognizes your hands

You could probably fill a book with Apple patent applications that never amounted to anything, but here's one that's at least been granted -- a "handheld device" that uses capacitive sensors to recognize your identity just by the way you hold it, and subsequently personalize the device's buttons and settings to your hand based on your user profile. That's all that's actually been patented here, but the general idea is a little more grand -- you could theoretically grip a handheld with either hand, and it would automatically generate "button zones" under each finger using sensors baked right into the chassis.

Take a look: http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/25/apple-granted-patent-for-handheld-that-recognizes-your-hands/

You Tube Channel

Bonnie's Fitware Inc now has a channel on YouTube - check it out at http://www.youtube.com/user/bmohnsen

There are already 21 instructional videos!

FileMaker Go update adds PDF creation tools

Just two months after launching mobile versions of its flagship database program, FileMaker has rolled out a significant upgrade to the iPhone and iPad versions of FileMaker Go. The 1.1 update to FileMaker Go brings greater parity between the mobile and desktop versions of the database application.

Read more http://www.macworld.com/article/154264/2010/09/filemakergo.html?lsrc=nl_mwiphone_h_cbstories

* 16 Comments * + 6 Recommendations * digg * ShareThis iWork for iPad adds file transfer, better Office support

Apple on Wednesday released updates to its three iWork apps for the iPad. Version 1.2 of Numbers, Keynote, and Pages feature improvements to file-format support and file transferring, adding the ability to transfer files to and from remote servers and enhancing support for exporting files in Microsoft Office-compatible file formats.

Read more: http://www.macworld.com/article/154285/2010/09/iwork_12.html?lsrc=nl_mwiphone_h_cbstories

Apple updates iOS Remote app to add iPad

With Apple's new Remote application (iTunes link), users will be able to control their Apple TV, as well as iTunes, from anywhere in their home. It also allows users with an iOS device to send music to AirPlay-compatible speakers.

The new Remote application allows control of the new iOS-based Apple TV with simple finger gestures. Users can also enter text with the onscreen keyboard.

"Choose playlists, songs, and albums as if you were right in front of your computer or Apple TV," the official description reads. "From anywhere in your home change a song, pick a playlist or browse through your entire library.

"With a flick of your finger, you can even control every aspect of the Apple TV user interface. Use your device’s QWERTY keyboard to quickly tap out the title instead of clicking letters on the Apple TV screen. Then keep tapping to play, fast forward, rewind, and pause to your finger’s content."

The full list of new features in version 2.0, according to Apple, include:

• Designed for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad
  
• Optimized for Retina displays and large screen real estate on iPad
  
• Support for Shared Libraries on iTunes and new Apple TV
  
• Bug fixes and compatibility with iTunes 10 and the new Apple TV

USB 3.0 Hard Drives So Fast and Small

The Worlds Smallest Mobile and Desktop USB 3.0 Hard Drives

September 8, 2010 - LaCie debuts today sleek USB 3.0 hard drives for your desktop or pocket – the LaCie Minimus and LaCie Rikiki USB 3.0. Proving size does matter, LaCie delivers the industry's fastest transfer speeds at 5Gb/s* in its ultra–small Rikiki form factor – perfect for users that refuse to sacrifice performance for mobility; and the LaCie Minimus – for users that enjoy their terabytes as much as desk space.

Complementing their remarkably small sizes, the Rikiki and Minimus hard drives are encased in sturdy brushed aluminum for an elegant aesthetic appeal. The aluminum offers resilience from blunders, improved heat dissipation, and is fully recyclable.

Designed to be simple from the inside out, the Rikiki and Minimus come with LaCie's Software Suite to ensure seamless setup and backup support for Mac or PC. Additionally, each product comes with 10GB of Wuala online storage so you can securely store and share files online.

Read more

Self-repairing solar cells could also fix our energy dependency

It doesn't take much for a photovoltaic cell to not work quite as well as it used to. Sure, a big hail storm or the like will do a number on your megabucks rooftop installation, but the sun itself, the very thing those cells are designed to capture, gradually damages their internals, reducing efficiency. The fix, according to a team at MIT, is self-assembling (and therefore self-repairing) solar cells made up of a synthetic molecular soup containing phospholipids that, when mixed with a solution, attach themselves to a series of carbon nanotubes for alignment. Other molecules that react with light then attach to the phospholipids and, with a little illumination, start firing out electrons like mad. After a few hours of solar pummeling the whole thing can be broken down and automatically re-created, returning efficiency to maximum. Overall efficiency of the system is extremely low currently, thanks to a low concentration of those photon-catching structures, but individually they capture about 40 percent of the light's energy, meaning a higher concentration could make for very hearty soup indeed.

Take a look: http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/07/self-repairing-solar-cells-could-also-fix-our-energy-dependency/

iPod Touch Review

At Apple's last event, Steve Jobs called the iPod touch the company's "most popular iPod," and it's easy to understand why. In just a few short years, the iPhone-with-no-phone has kept in lockstep with Cupertino's halo device, benefitting from the same kind of constant hardware and software updating that has helped turned the iPhone into an iconic gadget. The touch has been right alongside the iPhone's meteoric rise in popularity, becoming the go-to second-pocket slab for millions. There are good reasons, too. Apple boasts about gaming on the device -- claiming it beats out both Nintendo's and Sony's offerings in sales... combined. While we can't concede that the device is a dedicated game console, it most definitely games. And it's still an iPod, an internet device, and a thousand other things thanks to Apple's vastly populous App Store. Now the player has once again reaped the rewards of iPhone updates, boasting a new Retina Display, the A4 CPU, two cameras which allow for FaceTime calling and 720p video recording, and all the new features of the company's latest mobile operating system, iOS 4.1. But despite all of the plusses, we still have to ask: is the little do-everything box still worth the premium price tag? We took a deep dive on the latest model and have the verdict, so read on to find out.

Read more

7th Podcast Posted

Check it out at: http://www.pesoftware.com/Podcast/index.html

Qualcomm demos augmented reality app for digital photo frames (video)

Want a glimpse of the future? How about one from Qualcomm CEO Paul Jacobs? What he demoed in London just now was a groovy concept that combines his company's two service technologies: augmented reality and peer-to-peer. The idea is that you want to upload an image from your phone to one of your many wireless photo frames (actually WiFi-connected PCs in disguise here), but rather than having to pick your desired frame from an eye-dazzling list of WiFi SSIDs, you can just use this augmented reality app -- developed using Qualcomm's very own AR SDK, naturally -- to point at the frame and shoot the file over. Pretty rad, huh? But we picked out one flaw: currently, the app identifies each frame by remembering its previously uploaded image, so if two or more of these frames display the same image, the app would get confused. This can of course be fixed by simply adding a QR code onto the actual frame. Anyhow, you can see this demo in action after the break.

See more

Nike+ GPS App

Nike's dalliances with technology should be familiar to our readers by now, with the crowning jewel of course being the Nike+ run-tracking software that pairs a shoe-mounted sensor with your iPhone or iPod. Well, it was. The gargantuan sportswear company is moving with the times and throwing the hardware away with the introduction of its all-new Nike+ GPS application. No longer restricting our running shoe choice is groovy, but the app itself has the even loftier aim of simultaneously acting as your fitness guru, motivator and record keeper. And all it asks in return is access to the accelerometer and GPS modules in your iOS 4-equipped iPhone or iPod touch.

Take a look:
http://www.engadget.com/photos/nike-gps-app-screenshots/

Students Use New Stand-Up Desks at Iowa School

Take a look: http://www.edweek.org/login.html?source=http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2010/09/04/373870iexchangestandupdesks_ap.html&destination=http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2010/09/04/373870iexchangestandupdesks_ap.html&levelId=1000

Microsoft Office for Mac 2011 sent to manufacturing

Microsoft announced Friday that Office for Mac 2011 is now classified as "Release to Manufacturing." The software should be on track for release by the end of October as previously announced.

The Mac Business Unit team at Microsoft published a celebratory post on their blog Friday announcing that they had "signed off on final testing" and sent the product to production. This latest release was two and a half years in the making, with team members in Redmond, Silicon Valley, Beijing, Dublin Tokyo.

Office for Mac 2011 should be Microsoft's "best release yet," according to Product Unit Manager Geoff Price, who authored the post.

Read more

Toshiba fulfills need for Speed

When the first batch of lightning-quick UHS-I cards ship in November, Toshiba's chips will be faster and larger on day one. The company's fielding full-size SDHC UHS-I cards at up to 32GB that promise maximum read and write times of 95MB/s and 80MB/s respectively, not to mention tiny microSDHC units that still manage a very respectable 40MB/s and 20MB/s. As per usual, these numbers are fast and loose, so don't be surprised if you get a good bit less in practice, but we imagine you should be able to rely on at least the quoted minimum transfer rate of 10MB/s.

Private School Hands out 105 iPads to Pupils

Scotland's Cedars School of Excellence is running a bold tech experiment at the moment, teaching all of its 105 pupils using nothing but Apple's iPad for taking notes and conducting lessons.

The school's IT man has his own blog, where he informs parents and the rest of the world about the progress of the project—including notes on the very first iPad lesson where he had to teach the kids how to cut & paste, before "we all read the Acceptable Use Policy together and in detail".

Create the Ultimate Exercise Playlist

tudies show that the rhythmic speed of your music influences your athletic performance. Here's how to use that information to create the ultimate playlist for your workout:

http://lifehacker.com/5625779/creating-the-ultimate-exercise-playlist?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+gizmodo%2Ffull+%28Gizmodo%29

State-Funded Online School to Open in Montana

Somewhere in Montana today a rural student will fire up a computer and start learning Chinese from a teacher he or she has never met.

Today is the day that the Montana Digital Academy launches for the 500 students and 64 teachers who have signed on to meet in virtual classrooms.

Apple TV

Apple TV's streaming seems to be speedy and extremely clear, and the overall speed of the interface seems solid. The box is 720p. Apple says that they felt that using 720p allowed them to strike a balance between quality and bandwidth.

Take a look: http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/01/apple-tv-2010-hands-on/

Motorola Defy: Android 2.1 goes rugged with water, dust and scratch resistance

Remeber the Motorola i1? Moto has just added its second rugged(ish) Android handset in the 3.7-inch Gorilla Glass-fronted Defy. It's dust-, scratch-, impact-, and water-resistant. Matching up to the IP67 durability spec means it's expected to resist being submersed in up to a meter of water for up to half an hour -- making it a pretty awesome option for taking your Android to the beach, 854 x 480 is your screen resolution, backed up by an OMAP 3610 chip running at 800MHz (there had to be some tradeoffs, right?). Android 2.1 is another slight disappointment, we're not clear on why Froyo had to be left off the table, but at least Motorola has bundled Swype as the default input mechanism. Should be a boon for some, we suppose. The Defy is expected to launch across Europe in Q4 2010.

Take a look: http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/01/motorola-defy-android-2-1-goes-rugged-with-water-dust-and-scra/

Nike Shoes Get Outfitted with Wii Balance Controls

Nike recently challenged 78 artists to remix and adapt the function of Nike shoes. Nick Marsh, one of the contestants, took a pair of Air Maxes and imported the internals of a Wii Balance Board to turn his shoes into controllers.

He placed the Balance Board sensors in the soles of the shoes and re-jiggered some wires to turn Air Maxes into a working Balance Board. According to Nick, the shoes work like this:

The user simply puts on the shoes, turns on the balance board/shoes (nike-wiis) and then plays as normal, except it's not a normal way to play. As you are now physically attached the to the board, the actions have changed, you can no longer simply step off, so you must lift your foot and stand on one leg or sit down when no pressure is required, making for an altogether interestingly different experience.

In action, having shoes as a controller is actually sorta intense:

Take a look: http://gizmodo.com/5624861/nike-shoes-get-outfitted-with-wii-balance-board-controls

New IPod Touch

A new Apple iPod Touch in three sizes starting at $229 - this is the best answer for teachers looking for a non-phone device that carries their music, videos, takes pictures, takes movies, and yes ---- all of our software works on it.

The new Apple iPod Touches will be available next week ----- or for pre-order today (got to go order mine now!).

Best Apps

Take a look - they update the list every week.
http://gizmodo.com/5618213/this-weeks-best-apps

Apple May Use Heartbeat, Voice, Face, and Behavior Analysis to Detect Unauthorized iPhone Users

Apple new patent application describes methods that may enable the iPhone and iPad to "sense" the user, detecting voice prints, faces, activity patterns and even heartbeats. If unauthorized use is detected, many security measures could be activated.

If the iOS device detects that the user is not authorized, it can start taking photos and sending them to an email account, along with GPS coordinates, keystroke logs, phone calls, and other activity. The owner would also be able to save any data remotely, and wipe out the device after that.

The patent application seems like a supercharged version of the Find My iPhone feature now available in MobileMe, coupled with new hardware and software features. While these patents may never get their way into real products, it makes sense for Apple to increase the security, especially for their increasing number of corporate clients.

Timex Ironman Global Trainer

Running has changed quite a bit as an activity over the last decade or so. Moisture-wicking (or "technical") clothing has become commonplace, portable media players are small and light enough to not be a hinderance, and GPS watches and other gadgets have emerged on the scene and rapidly come down in price. While some may think those devices are reserved for only the most serious runners, they can actually be a great tool for those just starting out as well.

One of the latest such gadgets is Timex's Ironman Global Trainer, the company's first true GPS sports watch (previous models relied on a separate GPS module), and one of the few rivals to Garmin's well-established Forerunner line. How does it stack up? Timex kindly let us put the watch through its paces so we could find out. Read on for our review.

Read more

Cyber school builds new initiative

Traditional schools have been responding to the cyber school challenge by becoming more and more digital, offering their students online classes and sometimes teaching via the Web.

Now PA Cyber Charter School, which helped create that challenge, is edging into the "bricks and mortar" world by offering hands-on learning to children in its 4-year-old and 5-year-old kindergarten programs.

"They're going from bricks to clicks; we're going from clicks to bricks," PA Cyber director Andrew Oberg said.

Called Building Blocks, the program will start the 2010-11 academic year in the former Mount Gallitzin Academy in Baden. Parents of PA Cyber children will be able to select from a menu of daily activities, choosing any or all, while still having all the regular online activities for their children at home.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10217/1077723-57.stm#ixzz0vsBhvhV9

Pleased to announce

We are pleased to announce that the follow instructional software programs from Bonnie's Fitware Inc have met the CLRN (California Learning Resource Network) review criteria, approved for social content, and have been placed on the CLRN web site:

Health Related Fitness Complete - also adopted by the Department of Defense

SimAthlete - also adopted by the Department of Defense

Elementary Muscle Flash - also adopted by the Department of Defense

Middle Muscle Flash - also adopted by the Department of Defense

Senior Muscle Flash - also adopted by the Department of Defense

Problem Solving Complete

Softball Complete

Technology is the base of Miami's new iPrep Academy

Each student at a new magnet high school in Miami will receive a laptop to use at school and at home. The computers are just one component of the technology-based curriculum offered at iPrep Academy, where online learning will be combined with classroom lessons to provide students with individualized instruction, and the entire campus will have wireless Internet service.

pple Bicycle Computer Patent Application Features GPS And Inter-Biker Communication

Apple's newly published patent application reveals plans for a bicycle computer system similar to Nike+, which uses your iPhone or iPod as the interface. The system would include GPS routing, weather recording, and communication between a group of bike riders.

The GPS and mapping capabilities offer cyclists a chance to rate and give feedback on specific routes, or view directions and topography for an anticipated path. Apple's system would also include other elements common to current bike computers such as information on the rider's distance, speed, and cadence. Additionally, it would allow for integration with devices like heart rate monitors and the ability to compare yourself with others' riding characteristics, which is great for forming a group or determining if a route is right for your level.

Learn more

Kinect Will Read Sign Language, Paving Way For New Input Methods

It's not just your clumsy leg-kicks that Kinect will understand, with a newly-discovered patent showing that it's actually capable of understanding American Sign Language, or ASL. Is this another way to input text to the game? It could be, if you actually know ASL—it's estimated that anywhere up to 2 million people in the US know sign language. At the very least, leaning how to sign could help save you from forking out for a keyboard peripheral.

Learn more

PSFK presents the Future Of Health Report for UNICEF

Shared By The Many: Advances in technology are allowing for the provision of affordable, decentralized healthcare for the masses and are lowering the barriers to entry in less developed markets.

The analysis in PSFK’s Future of Health Report has yielded a number of insights, the most evident of which is mobile technology as a catalyst for change. The mobile phone and connected tablet computer are allowing for the distribution of a broad range of medical and support services. This is especially important in countries with little or no healthcare infrastructure and areas in which there are few trained healthcare professionals. These technologies also allow trained professionals to perform quality control remotely.

Read more

Adidas Releases Free MiCoach App for GPS-Enabled Training Help

Adidas' MiCoach app can help you plan and track a cardio regimen. MiCoach uses your phone's GPS to monitor your speed keep up with a targeted pace.

The free app will help you get into shape with personalized daily running or jogging workouts of varying speeds. The "virtual coach" will let you know when to speed up or slow down to stay on pace.

After each workout you'll received an analysis of your run, including distance and calories burned, and your data will be stored on the MiCoach site so you can track your progress. The app is free, though it does say it "tracks your shoe usage with wear alerts," in the hopes that you will burn through your soles and right into your local Adidas distributor.

CTA's $20 Baby: Ultimate Boxing Gloves for PS Move

Well, it was only a matter of time before CTA started churning out accessories for the PS Move. Not unlike a similar offering for the Wii, the Ultimate Boxing Gloves are meant to add "realism and excitement to boxing and street-fighting games" by providing "fist-clenching ability" and compatibility "with all PS Move boxing game launches, including The Fight: Lights Out." Also on tap for the company are the Triple Port Charging Station (for simultaneously charging your PS Move Controller, Navigation Controller and Sixaxis controller), Dual Port (charging one PS Move Controller / Navigation Controller set) and Quadruple Port Charging Stations (for two sets of controllers). Sounds great, guys -- but we're still holding out for something incorporating wings or a rowing machine. Charging Stations due out in September, while the gloves should be available October 1 for $20. PR after the break.

Take a look.

CEA 3-D TV study finds interest up, but education and content needed

Interest is heating up, and many consumer-electronics sales associates are excited for 3-D technologies, according to a study from CEA. The 3-D Retail Experience -- Opinions of Sales Associates survey of more than 250 retail sales associates selling 3-D TVs also found that many consumers are still confused about 3-D technology. Sales associates interviewed report that roughly 50% of shoppers have an overall positive response to 3-D technologies while only 2% respond negatively. Additionally, 80% of sales associates report seeing an increase in interest and traffic over the past several months. To help retailers answer many of the frequently asked questions, CEA has developed a 3-D TV primer at DigitalTips.org. CEA is also organizing National 3-D Demo Days (Sept. 10 to 12) and will provide retailers the tips and tools needed to offer the consumer the best possible 3-D retail experience.

iPod Touch 4G Specs, Ship Date Leaked?

A UK tech blog claims to have acquired some highly specific details about Apple's fourth-generation iPod Touch.

Bloggers at Electric Pig said their information comes from an internal slide presentation designed to help staffers at British retailer John Lewis tout the new product.

The presentation is titled, "Apple iPod Refresh in September"—an indication that the device may be on store shelves in time for the crucial back-to-school shopping season.

According to the slides, the new iPod Touch will feature a 5 megapixel camera that can shoot HD-quality video.

Read more

OLPC to Add Multitouch Screen to Future XO-1.75 Laptop

Nonprofit organization One Laptop Per Child on Thursday said it is adding a multitouch screen to the upcoming XO-1.75 laptop and is modifying software to take advantage of the new hardware.

The XO-1.75 with a touch-sensitive 8.9-inch screen will start shipping next year. The laptop will run on an Arm processor and is the successor to the current XO-1.5 laptop, which runs on a Via x86 processor. OLPC will also add a multitouch screen on the next-generation XO-3 tablet, which is due to ship in 2012.

Read more

New Xbox 360 250GB review

See it at: http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/02/new-xbox-360-slim-250gb-review/

Grant Brings iPod Into Utah High School Classrooms

A $1 million federal stimulus grant will put iPods into the hands of some Utah high schools students as a learning tool.

About 1,600 students at Kearns High School will get iPod Touches next school year thanks to the Enhancing Education Through Technology grants . Students will use the devices in class to download applications, take notes, do Internet research and read English textbooks.

Students will be allowed to take the iPods home and keep them after graduation.

Timex Global Trainer GPS Watch

Timex said that REI would get its Global Trainer GPS watch first when it announced it way back in January, and it looks like it's now finally available both in REI stores and at REI.com -- albeit a bit later than the originally promised May launch date. That includes both the standalone watch and the bundle with a heart rate monitor, which will set you back $275 and $325, respectively. As for the watch itself, it seems to stack up pretty well against the likes of Garmin's Forerunner GPS watches -- complete with SIRFstar III GPS, water resistance to 50m, ANT+ compatibility, and training software for both PC and Mac -- and it does so while looking considerably more watch-like. Look for it to launch at other retailers globally this September.

Read more

Liquavista Displays Go Out in the Sun

We've seen Liquavista displays plenty of times at various trade shows, but so far they've always been locked up indoors. Now they've gone outside to enjoy the weather, and ARMdevices.net was there to capture the results. The low-power color and monochrome screens are shown looking at least as good in the wild as they do in captivity, and when placed next to a traditional LCD (in the laptop on the right) the difference is clear. Granted, the colors are a bit washed out, but the refresh rate is certainly far higher than anything we've seen from E Ink. While there's still no firm word on how much this technology will cost manufacturers, converting from standard LCD production to Liquavista production is said to be relatively painless. How painless? We'll rather disappointingly have to wait for at least another year before we find out, as these aren't slated to go into production until the second half of 2011.

Read more/See More

SD Cards Branded with an Upper-Case "I"

These SD cards are faster. They are theoretically capable of 300 megabyte per second transfer rates. Consider selecting these cards when purchasing cards for recording HD video.

Apple investigating multi-haptic feedback for multi-touch devices

Future multi-touch devices like the iPhone and iPad could offer a number of physical feedback responses to a user's touch, resulting in a more interactive and efficient input method through haptic feedback.

The details of a haptic feedback system are detailed in a new patent application filed by Apple, and revealed this week by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Entitled "Multi Touch with Multi Haptics," it describes a system that would detect multi-touch gestures, and provide "an appropriate multi-haptic response."

"Research has shown that providing the multi-touch surface with the ability to provide physical (haptic) feedback makes the multi-touch experience even more efficient and realistic to the user," the application reads. "For example, physical keyboards provide a physical indication (a bump, for example) indicative of the home key. This physical sensation can not be provided by a conventional multi-touch system thereby forcing the user to visually locate the home key thereby making keyboard use less efficient and fatiguing."

Read more

Google Docs viewer on Mobile Browsers

Last week, Google announced that the Google Docs viewer supports .doc and .docx attachments. Now, they are also releasing a mobile version of the Google Docs viewer for Android, iPhone and iPad to help you view PDFs, .ppt, .doc and .docx files you’ve uploaded to your documents list, without needing to download the file.

You can try it out by going to docs.google.com on your Android-powered device, iPad or iPhone and select any document in these formats that you've previously uploaded.

Apple releases iMovie for iPhone 4 in App Store

Coinciding with the official debut of the new iPhone 4, Apple released its new mobile iMovie application, exclusively for its new handset, onto the App Store.

The $4.99 application weighs in at 30.6MB and requires a new iPhone 4 running iOS 4. Early reviews have been positive, with most purchasers giving the application five stars.

"Make beautiful HD movies anywhere with iMovie, the fun, feature-rich video editing application for iPhone 4," Apple said. "Create a video postcard of your day at the beach and publish it to the web -- without ever leaving your spot in the sand. Or make a movie if your child's birthday party and send it to your parents -- while the party is in full swing. With iMovie for iPhone, you can start several projects and finish them whenever you want and wherever you want."

Read more

PlayStation Move

Will arrive September 19 and will be bundled for $99.

The bundle will inlcude an EyeToy camera and Sports Champion Game.

Check it out: http://gizmodo.com/5564322/playstation-move-arriving-september-19-bundle-for-99

PlayStation 3 Goes 3D

Check it out: http://gizmodo.com/5564266/every-playstation-3-goes-3d-with-glasses

PEP Grant

PEP Grant has been released at http://www2.ed.gov/programs/whitephysed/applicant.html
----- very short time line

More on Microsoft Kinect

Check out this information:

What is Kinect: http://gizmodo.com/5563047/what-is-xbox-360-kinect

Pricing: $149.99/$399 Elite Bundle

Video chat and stream sharing: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/14/video-kinect-video-calls-and-stream-sharing-over-xbox-live-and/

Dance Central: http://www.engadget.com/photos/e3-2010-dance-central-hands-on/

Preview Guide: http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/17/kinect-guide-a-preview-and-explanation-of-microsofts-new-full/

Project Natal Renamed

Project Natal has been renamed Microsoft Kinect and is due out in November!
Take a look at these images:

http://gizmodo.com/5562534/microsft-kinect-up-close-so-shiny

Using Technology in Physical Education Vodcast

Our first vodcast has been posted at http://www.pesoftware.com/Podcast/index.html

Project Natal game titles outed ahead of E3, 'about a dozen' available at launch

Looking for some last-minute Project Natal scoopage before we head into E3 2010? You've got it -- the LA Times has dished out details on the first four gesticulariffic games for the Xbox 360's new camera attachment this weekend, and says nearly a dozen other Natal titles will be available at launch. First up are "River Rush" and "Obstacle Course," the titles that inspired Parade Magazine to haphazardly flail appendages about last week, but there's also info on "Living Statue," which lets the social butterflies on Xbox 360 send video messages using singing, dancing avatars as a go-between. No video of this last quite yet, but on the off-chance you're not tired of watching humans slap dust mites silly (we kid) you'll find an unrelated Natal demo after the break.

Read more/See Pictures

Heart Rate Monitor For Nike+ To Track Your Ticker

Nike has teamed up with Polar for a wearable heart-rate monitor that works with the Nike+ SportBand and iPod Sport Kit.

Worn around the chest, the Polar WearLink+ sends the heart-rate to the Nike+ kit, which is then transferred to the NikePlus.com service for tracking against all the other stats. So now you'll know just how hard your little heart is working when you're jogging those 15kms.

Project Natal Could Cost Around $200

So much for that sub-$100 price we were all expecting. If some early prices from Swedish retailers are anything to go by, we're all going to be scrimping on the luxury eggnog this Christmas.

While Scandinavian countries are notoriously expensive, 1,499 SEK ($191) for Project Natal is just far too much, even if you factor in conversion charges, taxes or inflation. Kotaku points out that games that cost $60 in the States cost the equivalent of $80 in Sweden, but that's not an excuse for pricing Natal at $200. Our worst fears may just have come true. Let's hope the flaxen-haired blue-eyed Nords are having a laugh at our expense, with some nasty placeholder figures. [Webhallen via Game.se via Kotaku]

Wii Rowing Machine: Like a Regular Rowing Machine, but More Gimmicky

Check out the video

http://gizmodo.com/5541718/wii-rowing-machine-like-a-regular-rowing-machine-but-more-gimmicky?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+gizmodo%2Ffull+%28Gizmodo%29

Nike+ heart rate monitor for Apple iPod coming June 1

First revealed last year following the release of Apple's fifth-generation iPod nano, the Nike + iPod Compatible Heart Rate Monitor is finally set for a U.S. release of June 1.

The news comes from a "Nike+ Pro" on the shoemaker's official forums. While the person did not reveal why the hardware has taken so long to arrive, they did announce the U.S. release, which will be followed by other international releases this summer.

"It will officially launch (in the U.S.) on June 1, 2010, although it may reach some retail outlets slightly sooner," the Nike official, named Clover, wrote. "It will reach Canadian markets in June and will launch internationally in summer 2010, exact date to be determined."

The person said they were not able to reveal the product's price, color, or device compatibility. However, an update to the Nike + iPod user guide last September stated that only the fifth-generation iPod nano was compatible with the new heart rate monitor.

Last year, people familiar with the matter told AppleInsider that the accessory was initially expected to launch alongside the new

Read more

Tablet PC shocker! Fujitsu LifeBook T730 official, smaller version of T900

It's good to have options, right? And, bam! Just like that, Fujitsu announces a little something called the LifeBook T730. Sporting the same Intel Core i5-520M, i5-540M, or i7-620M CPU available on the LifeBook T900, this bad boy packs up to 8GB RAM, 320GB HDD (or 128GBSSD with encryption), Bluetooth, HDMI output, pen input (with optional capacitive multitouch), and a Super-Multi DVD writer into a comparatively svelte, 12.1-inch LED backlit package. Prices start at a Rockefeller-esque $1,869 and move skyward ever-so-quickly depending on your needs and budget.

Walking to Recharge your Devices

Walking Could Recharge Your Smartphone or MP3 Player

Agam Shah, IDG News

May 19, 2010 10:40 am

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology are harvesting energy through activities like walking or running that could power or recharge smartphones and portable music players in the future.

Consumer electronics are quickly getting smaller, but the batteries cannot keep up, said Zhong Lin Wang, professor and director of the Center for Nanostructure Characterization at Georgia Institute of Technology. Smaller devices tend to consume less power, and the lab is trying to come up with ways in which motions like tapping, bending or walking could generate energy to keep the devices running.

The researchers have developed tiny nanowires made of zinc oxide that are capable of generating an electric field through force or motion. Zinc oxide has piezoelectric potential, which provides the ability for nanowires to convert mechanical energy into electric energy.

Read more

Apple's Patent for Holographic, Multitouch 3D Interfaces

Apple is evolving. First, they wanted us to wear 3D iPod glasses. Now, they don't want us to wear any glasses, in a 3D holographic environment with a multitouch interface.

The way it works, generally speaking, is that the screen deflects images into your left and right eyes, as the camera syncs with the project system to make sure the proper images arrive at the proper eyeballs.

From a feature standpoint, what's cool about the system—which is similar to other patents, with respect to the 3D desktop interface—is that it customizes the imagery to each individual in a group, so people can do stuff together. Like Project Natal, on 3D steroids.

Best $200 Blu-ray Players

Check out this review: http://gizmodo.com/5537666/the-best-200-blu+ray-players-reviewed

Aerobic Step for Wii Fit

The Multi Function Aerobic Step is designed to raise your Balance Board by an extra three, four, or six inches so that you can get more out of your Wii Fit exercise routine. It's simple, but does the trick. More »


See it in action - click here

LEAK: Blackberry Tablet Due This Year

Been wondering about that BlackBerry tablet device you have been hearing about lately? We have some exclusive information to share with you. We have confirmed with multiple sources that the 8.9″ BlackBerry tablet will be strictly a "companion" device.

If you are wondering what it is all about, take a good hard look at the Palm Foleo. Yes, the BlackBerry tablet will not have any cellular networking built in, and will rely on either a Bluetooth connection to your BlackBerry or the built-in Wi-Fi radio. Additionally, we are hearing that the launch of the tablet is slated for December, but the team working on the project is trying to get it out to the marketplace sooner than that. Lastly, the focus of the device is said to be multimedia - think e-books, emailing, web browsing, photo viewing. To be honest, as a complementary device that is coming from RIM, we are not sure why they are even trying here. Especially since RIM employees have privately voiced their frustration to us regarding this initiative.

See more

Microsoft confirms Natal launch in October

We've heard it before, now Microsoft's Syed Bilal Tariq is repeating the October launch date for Natal. Speaking to GamerTagRadio, Microsoft's marketing manager for Saudi Arabia says that the Natal launch,

"is going to be somewhere in October and we will be in a position to confirm the date at E3, which is in June, but definitely it is going to be October 2010."


Read more

Xbox 360 3D gaming a reality with LG partnership

Gaming, Displays, HD Displays, HD Players, HD Content

Xbox 360 3D gaming a reality with LG partnership

By Thomas Ricker posted May 11th 2010 1:55AM

The image above is unmistakable: 3D gaming on an Xbox 360 with the help of an LG 3D television. From the looks of the Korean press release, LG and Microsoft have entered into a memorandum of understanding to jointly market LG's new 3D televisions along side 3D-capable Xbox 360 games in South Korea, then later expand the partnership throughout the Asia Pacific region. If we're reading this correctly then it appears set to begin by bundling Xbox 360 3D games with LG 55/47LX9500 LED televisions sometime at the end of June. In other words, we're not seeing anything specific claiming new Xbox 360 hardware, just like we've seen on the PS3.


Read more

CDC Document on Physical Activity and Academics

Check this out:

http://www.cdc.gov/healthyYouth/health_and_academics/pdf/pa-pe_paper.pdf

Apple's Seamlessly Embedded Heart Monitor

Nike is making millions from its Apple-friendly wares, designed to turned technophiles into fitness freaks. Imagine the possibilities if the iPhone could not only track your running stride but also monitor your heart rate while doing it. That's one of a suite of potential uses for this patent app from Apple, a Seamlessly Embedded Heart Rate Monitor. The design is for a series of electrodes that are, well, seamlessly embedded into the shell of a given device in such a way that they are "not visibly or haptically distinguishable on the device." The device could then, with a touch, measure heart-rate, uniquely identify a user, and even "determine the user's mood from the cardiac signals." Just imagine the new flood of EKG-related apps: iPalpitate, Murmur Maker, Cardiac Arrest... the possibilities are endless.

Take a look - click here

HP buys Palm

PALO ALTO, Calif. & SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HP (NYSE: HPQ - News) and Palm, Inc. (NASDAQ: PALM - News) today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which HP will purchase Palm, a provider of smartphones powered by the Palm webOS mobile operating system, at a price of $5.70 per share of Palm common stock in cash or an enterprise value of approximately $1.2 billion. The transaction has been approved by the HP and Palm boards of directors.

The combination of HP's global scale and financial strength with Palm's unparalleled webOS platform will enhance HP's ability to participate more aggressively in the fast-growing, highly profitable smartphone and connected mobile device markets. Palm's unique webOS will allow HP to take advantage of features such as true multitasking and always up-to-date information sharing across applications.

"Palm's innovative operating system provides an ideal platform to expand HP's mobility strategy and create a unique HP experience spanning multiple mobile connected devices," said Todd Bradley, executive vice president, Personal Systems Group, HP. "And, Palm possesses significant IP assets and has a highly skilled team. The smartphone market is large, profitable and rapidly growing, and companies that can provide an integrated device and experience command a higher share. Advances in mobility are offering significant opportunities, and HP intends to be a leader in this market."

"We're thrilled by HP's vote of confidence in Palm's technological leadership, which delivered Palm webOS and iconic products such as the Palm Pre. HP's longstanding culture of innovation, scale and global operating resources make it the perfect partner to rapidly accelerate the growth of webOS," said Jon Rubinstein, chairman and chief executive officer, Palm. "We look forward to working with HP to continue to deliver industry-leading mobile experiences to our customers and business partners."

Under the terms of the merger agreement, Palm stockholders will receive $5.70 in cash for each share of Palm common stock that they hold at the closing of the merger. The merger consideration takes into account the updated guidance and other financial information being released by Palm this afternoon. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of domestic and foreign regulatory approvals and the approval of Palm's stockholders. The transaction is expected to close during HP's third fiscal quarter ending July 31, 2010.

RIM shows off BlackBerry 6 on video

While RIM's WES 2010 keynote is still ongoing, the company's YouTube channel has kindly released the first teaser video for the incoming BlackBerry 6 operating system. There's a lot of movement on screen -- so much, in fact, that it's almost like RIM really doesn't want you to see the OS at all. We did catch sight of a Cover Flow-aping music organizer, an onscreen keyboard engaging in some threaded messaging, Facebook and Twitter clients, and even the briefest of glimpses at that infamous WebKit-based browser. Interaction in the video is done via touch, but you'll naturally be able to utilize the new interface on more conventional, touch-less devices as well. Skip past the break for the visual goodies.

Read More

Cell Phones & Wiffiti

Wiffiti (http://wiffiti.com) allows students to submit a text message to an online bulletin board. Messages can also be submitted to Poll Everywhere, but the Wiffiti board is large and animated and students love the fake names it assigns to their posts. This easy-to-use tool enables your students to use the same technology that is viewed by thousands at large-scale events such as concerts, gallery openings, fundraisers, inauguration events, and political conventions. It is also used extensively in digital signage networks ranging from huge jumbotrons in places like Times Square to thousands of screens in cafes, entertainment centers and even churches.

Wiffiti allows you to bring this exciting technology to any student with access to text messaging for free. In short Wiffiti publishes real time messages to screens anywhere on any screen and this can be a tremendously powerful educational tool.



Read more.

Inquiry, Assessment, and Technology in Physical Education

One of our Physical Educadtion teachers (Tammy Berry) is delivering a presentation this weekend at the Annual Conference for the Health and Physical Education Council of Alberta.

Tammy is delivering a one-hour session on her grade 4-6 football unit, in which she strives to incorporate both inquiry-based learning and technology.

Read more

Project Nata Raising Its Head

This (see http://gizmodo.com/5520799/project-natal-appears-in-the-wild?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+gizmodo%2Ffull+%28Gizmodo%29) appears to be Microsoft's upcoming Project Natal, complete with instructions, as seen by someone hired to test its speech recognition. There's not a lot of new info to be found here, although it appears that the Natal unit will need to be plugged in to the wall rather than drawing power from the Xbox. And there's a tilt mechanism of some kind that it warns you away from messing with and breaking. But other than that, yep, looks like Natal.

The new MacBook Pros are here, and as expected, the 15 and 17-inch models are loaded with Intel's Core i5 and i7 processors and new display options, but the 13-inch model stays behind with a Core2Duo and an unchanged price - check them out at http://www.apple.com

Podcast 3

Posted our lastest podcast at http://www.pesoftware.com/Podcast/index.html

Apple exploring head-mounted display in form of glasses

A new patent application from Apple revealed this week shows a wireless display users would wear on their head in the form of glasses or goggles.

The application, entitled "Head-Mounted Display Apparatus for Retaining a Portable Electronic Device with Display," shows a pair of goggles with an integrated screen and headphones. The device could wirelessly communicate with another device, like an iPhone, to share content or control the headset.

Apple notes that current head-mounted devices often are unwieldy and too complex. The proposed invention would simplify the system and eliminate "redundant features."

"There is a need for an improved head-mounted display system, particularly a system that temporarily integrates or merges both mechanically and electronically a head-mounted device with a portable electronic device," the application reads.

Read more

Using Technology in Physical Education Newsletter

April edition posted at http://www.pesoftware.com/Technews/news.html

Online Physical Education

Had a great session at AAHPERD on Online Physical Education - you can download the presentation at http://www.pesoftware.com/Present/Presentations/aahperd10.html

More on PlayStation Move

Sony's calling the PlayStation Move the "next generation" of motion gaming and planning to market it as heavily as an entirely new console.

Check it out: http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/10/playstation-move-first-hands-on/

PlayStation Move Motion

Sony has officially announced the PlayStation Move motion controller at GDC 2010, calling it the "next generation of motion gaming" because it's so precise -- latency is about the same as the DualShock 3. As expected, it uses the PlayStation Eye camera to track the controller, and Sony says it becomes an "extension of your body." The plan is not only to engage casual gamers, but to use the precision of the controller to create "new experiences for core gamers" -- many of the demo videos we saw involved using a controller video in each hand, and there were quote a few demos of action / RPG games. We also saw a demo of Move Party, which uses the camera to do augmented reality gaming and video chat. The demos are pretty impressive -- Sony's not kidding when it says the Move is incredibly precise. There's also going to be a secondary "subcontroller" with an analog stick for shooters -- you can play all the way through SOCOM4 with just the Move and the sub-controller. (Yes, it's just like the Wii Nunchuk, only wireless.)

Read more here:http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/10/playstation-move-motion-controller-launched-at-gdc/

iPhone 4 to Include Multitasking

Apple this summer will go a long way towards silencing critics and catering to one of the most prevalent demands of its iPhone user base, when it introduces a multitasking solution through the handset's 4.0 software update that will finally allow several third party apps to run concurrently and in the background.

People with a proven track record in predicting Apple's technological advances tell AppleInsider that the Cupertino-based company has developed a "full-on solution" to multitasking on the iPhone OS but offered no specifics on how the technology would optimize resource conservation and battery life -- two of the most critical issues surrounding the matter, alongside security.

Read more: http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/10/03/11/apples_iphone_4_0_software_to_deliver_multitasking_support.html

Google Maps add Bike Routes

Google added bike lanes and bicycle directions to Google Maps today, allowing you to find routes that aren't too hilly or congested. It's pretty awesome!

Bike functionality is available for over 150 American cities at the moment, but it's safe to assume that, like everything Google does, it will eventually expand to cover most of the planet.

Podcast 2

The Using Technology in Physical Education Podcast (number 2) has been posted - check it out:

http://www.pesoftware.com/Podcast/index.html

PrimeSense talks full-body motion control at GDC

PrimeSense was formed in 2005, and has produced a microchip that, when paired with off-the-shelf optics, can create a 3D grid that a computer can understand. The purpose here is to enable PlayStation Eye-like interactions, or as the company suggests, a "more natural" way to interface with devices you use every day. Rather than grabbing the remote to switch channels or snapping up that HTPC keyboard in order to flip through your stored DVD library, PrimeSense would rather you gently flick your hands in order to turn to change your television station.

Read more ----http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/primesense-talks-full-body-motion-control-at-gdc-the-possibilit/

Apple looking to improve exercise routines ...

A new patent application from Apple describes an exercise motivation feature that presents a "virtual competitor," providing an "interactive and engaging experience" for fitness enthusiasts.

The application revealed this week, entitled "Real-Time Interaction with a Virtual Competitor While Performing an Exercise Routine," notes that while there are currently a variety of methods designed to push athletes farther, some people want something even more engaging.

Fitness enthusiasts sometimes need new sources of motivation, such as when training indoors during inclement weather," the application reads. "Modern health clubs partly serve this need by providing television monitors and music to entertain members using treadmills, stationary bicycles, elliptical trainers, and other fitness equipment. Products like the Nike+iPod Sports Kit provide workout-based voice feedback, motivational media, and the ability to share workouts among Nike+community members."

The application describes a networked system that could download a workout file associated with the virtual competitor. The system could also determine the performance of the athlete using the iPod or iPhone, and compare their performance with that of the virtual competitor.

Such a system could track the "performance metrics" of the user in both physiological terms, such s heart rate, blood oxygen content and temperature, and non-physiological performance indicators, like speed and distance.

As for the competitor, the system could display visual cues, such as location, via GPS, on Google Maps, demonstrating the user's position relative to the virtual opponent. The system could also be done audibly, allowing a runner to focus on their performance.

"For example, as user… passes the 2-mile mark, an audible cue played through the headset… may announce a 2-mile split of 10:27," the application reads. "If user… has a lead… cues may be played if the lead is less than a predetermined distance. For example, if the lead is less than 100 feet, an audible cue may be played, such as 'He's right behind you.' For smaller leads, an audile cue may be the sound of footsteps thumping."

If a user were running indoors on a treadmill, cycle, or elliptical machine, the virtual competitor system could be turned into a game, where the runner can conduct "tactical maneuvers," tracked with a camera, that can be use to complete certain actions. The competitor, represented by a virtual avatar, could potentially be crowded out by the user with a hands-free mouse, and such actions in the game could earn the runner points.

For more information - check out: http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/10/03/11/apple_looking_to_improve_exercise_routines_with_virtual_competitor.html

Using Technology in Physical Education Newsletter

The March edition of the Using Technology in Physical Education Newsletter has been posted at http://www.pesoftware.com/Technews/news.html

PS3

The PlayStation Network issue that struck late last night has officially ballooned into a full-on PlayStation disaster: Sony is now saying you shouldn't use "fat" PS3 models at all, since a clock-related bug might cause data loss. The PS3 slim isn't affected. Sony says they're working to get this fixed in the next 24 hours.

Sony's Advice: Don't turn on your PS3 until PSN bug is fixed

New Postings

Podcast_1 at http://www.pesoftware.com/Podcast/index.html

February Newsletter at http://www.pesoftware.com/Technews/news.html

Using Virtual Reality in Sports

While baseball fans still rank "The Catch" by Willie Mays in the 1954 World Series as one of the greatest baseball moments of all times, scientists see the feat as more of a puzzle: How does an outfielder get to the right place at the right time to catch a fly ball?

Thousands of fans (and hundreds of thousands of YouTube viewers) saw Mays turn his back on a fly ball, race to the center field fence and catch the ball over his shoulder, seemingly a precise prediction of a fly ball's path that led his team to victory. According to a recent article in the Journal of Vision ("Catching Flyballs in Virtual Reality: A Critical Test of the Outfielder Problem"), the "outfielder problem" represents the definitive question of visual-motor control. How does the brain use visual information to guide action?

To test three theories that might explain an outfielder's ability to catch a fly ball, researcher Philip Fink, PhD, from Massey University in New Zealand and Patrick Foo, PhD, from the University of North Carolina at Ashville programmed Brown University's virtual reality lab, the VENLab, to produce realistic balls and simulate catches. The team then lobbed virtual fly balls to a dozen experienced ball players (see also Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology).

"The three existing theories all predict the same thing: successful catches with very similar behavior," said Brown researcher William Warren, PhD. "We realized that we could pull them apart by using virtual reality to create physically impossible fly ball trajectories."

Warren said their results support the idea that the ball players do not necessarily predict a ball's landing point based on the first part of its flight, a theory described as trajectory prediction. "Rather than predicting the landing point, the fielder might continuously track the visual motion of the ball, letting it lead him to the right place at the right time," Warren said.

Because the researchers were able to use the virtual reality lab to perturb the balls' vertical motion in ways that would not happen in reality, they were able to isolate different characteristics of each theory. The subjects tended to adjust their forward-backward movements depending on the perceived elevation angle of the incoming ball, and separately move from side to side to keep the ball at a constant bearing, consistent with the theory of optical acceleration cancellation (OAC). The third theory, linear optical trajectory (LOT), predicted that the outfielder will run in a direction that makes the visual image of the ball appear to travel in a straight line, adjusting both forward-backward and side-to-side movements together.

Fink said these results focus on the visual information a ball player receives, and that future studies could bring in other variables, such as the effect of the batter's movements or sound.

"As a first step we chose to concentrate on what seemed likely to be the most important factor," Fink said. "Fielders might also use information such as the batter's swing or the sound of the bat hitting the ball to help guide their movements."

From Biotech Week editors.

Olympic Village on Tech

Home to one of the most environmentally conscious places in the world, Vancouver has also gone to great lengths to make a "green" village, with low-flow toilets, compostable dinnerware and ubiquitous recycling.

Green, however, does not mean that 2010 Winter Games athletes will be deprived of luxury. Quite the contrary.

Sheets are 240-thread count, beds are plush and bathroom fixtures are worthy of a boutique hotel. The buildings are sleek metal and glass construction, in keeping with contemporary architecture popular in the Pacific Northwest.

Ah, and then there are the great views of Vancouver and its snow-capped Canadian mountains in the distance.

"It's awesome," chimed simultaneously Monique and Jocelyne Lamoureux, 20-year-old twin sisters on the U.S. Women's hockey team, blessed with views from their bright, seventh-floor apartment.

"There are two girls on our team who are in their fourth Olympics and they say this is the best set-up, by far," said Monique. "So, we are in for a treat."

The treat, however, comes at a cost to Vancouverites.

The village, which will mostly be sold as high-end housing, was one of the biggest controversies in the preparations for the Games.

The city was forced take over financing of the C$1 billion project in 2008 when lenders froze funding to the private developer in the economic downturn.

A second athletes village up in the high-mountain Whistler resort, which will be turned into mostly affordable housing, suffered no financial setbacks.

Read more

Clickers, Smart Board enhance learning at Gililland Middle School

The blue plastic clickers with oval buttons that sit on the edge of students' desks at Gililland Middle School look like remote controls or older cellphones, but their purpose is education, not entertainment.

Students use the handheld devices

to click in their answers for quizzes and tests. Within minutes, images projected onto a Smart Board let students compare their anonymous results to their classmates. A bar graph shows how the class did overall and how it did on specific questions.

Read more

PEP Grant Update from NASPE

Obama Administration Proposes Changes to PEP Program for FY 2011

In an effort to streamline the Department of Education (USDE)'s programs and increase effectiveness, the President's FY 2011 budget contains major changes to the PEP grant program. According to the USDE Website, the President's budget proposes to eliminate six programs and consolidate 38 others into 11 new authorities. The PEP program, along with five other programs, would be consolidated into a new authority called "Successful, Safe and Healthy Students."

This new authority comes with a budget request of $410 million, more than all six of the individual program budgets combined in FY 2010. The Department plans to direct funding "to proven or promising practices while providing greater support and technical assistance to grantees."

Congressional Approval Required: Ultimately, Congress will determine the framework and funding levels for all USDE programs. The President's proposal is, in essence, a first draft of the USDE budget. Furthermore, the Administration has not yet provided detailed language as to how the new "Successful, Safe and Healthy Students" authority will function.

NASPE will work tirelessly to ensure that the PEP grant program receives funding as a vital component of the Successful, Safe and Healthy Students authority. During the coming weeks and months, we will communicate with you about how you can advocate to your federal legislators. It will take all of our voices to keep the PEP program going strong.

FAQs
Q. Is PEP being eliminated?
A. No. The program is being consolidated, along with five other national programs, into a new USDE authority, called "Successful, Safe and Healthy Students."

Q. Will there be money for PEP in FY 2011?
A. The President has proposed funding the new Successful, Safe and Healthy Students authority at an amount greater than all its components were funded in FY 2010.

Q. How does this affect the spring 2010 PEP grant application process?
A. It does not. The funding for new grants to be awarded in 2010 ($30 million) was already appropriated by Congress in the FY 2010 budget. USDE will open the requests for proposals for 2010 grants sometime this spring.

Q. What can I do to support the PEP program?
A. Contact your federal legislators asking for their support for the PEP program as part of the new Successful, Safe and Healthy Students authority within USDE. NASPE and its PEP advocacy partners are asking Congress to fund PEP at $100 million for FY 2011.

Join NASPE in supporting physical education and physical activity K-12 on Capitol Hill on April 14-15, 2010. Register here

Paula Keyes Kun
Director of Communications
National Association for Sport and Physical Education
1900 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191
Phone: 703-476-3461 Fax: 703-476-8316