Article Abstract:
The Sony AirBoard is a complex and tantalizing device allowing the consumer to link the Internet, stereo and television set via a portable monitor, selling only in Japan now for $1,200. The AirBoard has only one cable to its docking station and the light display features Wi-Fi (or 802.11b) technology so a tap on the touchscreen can wireless-ly check e-mail, change a TV station and/or play a CD. This is the start of having access to all media, channeled to the appliance such media is best suited: Movies on TV, downloaded music on the stereo. There are glitches in security, within Wired Equivalent Privacy and the AirBoard still uses a modem; no high-speed Web connection.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
Knowledge Adventure Worlds Inc will introduce Worlds Chat, an online chat environment that provides colorful background graphics and a variety of characters to represent participants. Internet users who participate in discussion groups currently must contend with bland text-only environments. The Worlds Chat environment will offer participants hang-outs that offer different graphical backgrounds. Background choices include representations of a textbook diagram of a water molecule, outdoor plazas and rooms from the Starship Enterprise from 'Star Trek.' The service also allows participants to chose from a variety of 3D characters such as blowfish or chess pieces to represent them during discussions. Knowledge Adventure Worlds is giving the software for the service away on the Internet for free, hoping to build a large consumer base. Eventually it will charge fees for time spent in the Worlds Chat environment.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
Narrative Software introduces Enliven, a software package that allows for the transmission of CD-ROM-based digitized information across the Internet via traditional telephone lines. Enliven optimizes data files for transmission by eliminating redundancies, thus enhancing the utility of resource-sharing and multimedia applications immeasurably. Acceptance of the software is expected to be bolstered by the computer industry's desire to provide the Web with a technological backbone that can support the transmission of data-heavy files. Analysts suggest that the technology behind Enliven may eventually lead to a new distribution model for CD-ROM software. The immediate transmission capabilities inherent to the technology will allow users to rent software titles by the day or hour before purchasing.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic: