As many of you have heard by now Windows has been working on their new operating system “Windows 8”. While I still do not feel this is going to be a very business friendly operating system due to drastic changes in the layout/design, I do think Microsoft is coming up with some good ideas to build off of.

As the title states, once of the new technologies Microsoft is testing for possible release with the new operating system is the use of picture passwords. These “Passwords” can be personalized using your own pictures rather than a predefined group of pictures. Being able to use your own personal pictures, such as a family portrait, allows users to make unique and hard to guess picture passwords.

The way the password is designed to work at this point is by allowing a user to draw three separate images (either tapping on the screen, drawing a line, or drawing a circle) on the picture with their finger for touchscreen devices or with the mouse for computers to allow access to the computer. Users can use this alongside a normal password to make their computer more secure. This not only records what you have drawn on the image but the order you did it in as well as the direction of your drawing strokes.

One thing is for sure, Microsoft is developing some great technology that will improve overall security (though I still have my doubts about the operating system as a whole).

If you’re interested in reading more click here.

Samsung just released a concept video of their new “Flexible Display Technology” that though it isn’t expected to be out until 2012 (which is actually pretty soon…) is very impressive and may become the new standard for mobile devices according to many different articles I’ve read over the last few months.

Even though Samsung has not officially released this technology it is very impressive and the possible uses are endless. If you have a spare moment check out the video released by them that is designed to portray the devices possibilities. This device being flexible is very durable. Those of you that always drop devices, such as phones, tablets, etc. don’t need to worry about dropping one of these. One of the cool possibilities this device will offer is augmented reality which allows the user to basically see an image in 3D off of the tablet itself.

Pretty interesting technology that could also have benefits in many different fields when it comes to training with the use of augmented reality. Surgeons could learn about various surgeries via the augmented reality and would be able to see what should happen in a surgery without actually having to be present in a surgery.

If you want to read more click here or check out the video from Samsung below!

You may or may not have heard all the buzz about the wireless spectrums “running out of space”. If not then let’s play catch up, there are a number of companies stating that they need the government to step in an auction of some of the currently unused spectrum that other companies currently own or have rights to. That’s about it…

Anyhow, many of the large wireless carriers have high utilization on the spectrum ranges they are allotted but want to be able to purchase more of the spectrum (to the tune of billions of dollars) to increase their ability to provide newer services. Right now the largest carriers primarily use their spectrums for older wireless networks ranging from 2G to 3.5G and because of this do not have the available spectrum to expand to 4G and further on a large scale.

Several companies have a lot of spectrum available to them but do not have the financial capabilities or the business plan to expand on to these networks further. These are the types of companies the large wireless providers are pushing to sell of their unutilized spectrum.

For more on this story click here.

Mobile phones have come a long way in the past few years. I can still remember the “mobile” phones that were the size of a small back pack. Anyhow, phone companies have been coming out with many very interesting app’s ever since smart phones have come out from being able to mark your cars location to find it in a parking lot later to using GPS to find a destination half way across the world. What will they think of Next!

Well, a company named “Pet Tracker” has developed a new use for your mobile phone. Pet Tracker has developed a tracking system that includes the tracking device (Attaches to a dog collar) and docking station to charge the collar back up. This system runs on Verizon’s network and currently costs $199.99 for the initial package which includes the first years’ service. Yes, it is a service based application. That’s a cost that some pet owners may be willing to pay since the reward to possibly find your lost dog may be much more than that…

If you’re interested in reading more click here.

If you would like to see Pet Trackers website click here.

Apple update’s their Operating Systems to for their mobile devices (iPhone, iPad, etc…) to version 5.  With much added improvements and several bug fixes.  One thing that was improved upon is the way Apple’s iOS handles notifications.  Previously users received a pop-up message displaying they had a new text message or a missed call, but now with iOS 5 Apple has implemented a notification system similar to that of Android.  Users can now swipe from the top of the devices display and quickly see everything from missed calls to text messages.  Users of iOS 5 can now also decide what they want to synchronize with iCloud.  Everything from email messages to calendar appointments and even contacts!  This feature happens instantaneously allowing users to access content anywhere with no delay.
iOS 5 is set for release this Fall 2011 and looks to bring with it a lot of great new functionality.  Keep up-to-date with Apple and iOS here.

Spotify will change the way people will listen and share music.  Currently you must be invited to join but you can sign up here if you are interested.

Adobe, one of the business world’s biggest software companies, has just purchased a company named “EchoSign”. EchoSign is a company that specializes in bringing electronic signature services to various company’s in house applications. These services allow companies to have clients sign documents electronically without the need take what used to be very expensive actions to get a signature quickly.

Now that Adobe has purchased EchoSign they will be further expanding their software to offer these services as well. This move by Adobe further imbeds them into today’s business world. When businesses eventually move over to this as a solution, since it will cost far less to send an electronic document and have the client sign it, (Without the need to even print it first) Adobe will have once again stepped out ahead of the competition.

If you are interested in reading more about Adobes purchase click here.

While digital copies of books have become very popular for casual readers via the plethora of eReaders today, they have not hit their full potential just yet. There are many places that could be using the eReaders to cut back on paper consumption such as businesses and primarily, schools. Some of the eReader creators have even made larger version so that they could be used in the place of school text books. 

South Korea however is taking a step in that direction. The South Korean government announced this week that it is planning on implementing these digital text books to all of the students in its country. This green move has other benefits as well, one of which is the ability for homebound students to be able to do work from home, or wherever they may be since there is no need to carry a back pack full of books. South Korea is planning on having an eReader in each of its student’s hands by 2015. 

If you would like to read more into this topic click here.

Retail giant Best Buy is offering the T-Mobile G2 Smartphone powered by Froyo (Android OS 2.2) and even better it will have full access to the blazing speed of the 4G mobile network.  The phone's price is set at a surprisingly low $199.99 and will start shipping phones to pre-ordered customers by the end of October.  Powered by the Google platform, G2 will have the abilities and functionality of a full blown smartphone with access to all your favorite apps via the marketplace, send/receive email, photos, navigation, GPS, access to YouTube and online media streaming, all on the blazing 4G network. 

    Intel Corporation, known for their world leading silicon innovations and processor technologies, has yet again set what should be a pretty significant milestone for the new generation of "netbooks."  The mobile processor Intel Atom is now a dual core CPU!  They are available with several OEMs, including Lenovo, LG, MIS, Toshiba, and Acer, and Asus.  With the newly added horsepower, users' can now enjoy a fuller, and faster computer experience without sparing performance on the compact systems.  Quad core next?!

Samsung has just introduced a portable Blu-Ray player capable of rendering 1080p HD video and very smooth 3D playback. This $500 DVD player features a 10.1-inch screen, integrated Wi-fi, and 2 HDMI outputs. Perfect for the traveling person or for the kids.

Recuva is a file recovery tool that allows you to recover deleted files from hard drives, flash drives, MP3 players, and much more. What is even better is they have a full install version and a portable version. This program is free to download and works on most Windows Operating Systems.

If you’re already an owner or potential future owner of one of Apple’s popular products like the iPhone, iTouch, or newly released iPad then pay attention!  From experience, I know how frustrating it was before when you downloaded an app and it turned out to be a totally dud, especially when you’re purchasing them. 

Well now Apple is launching a “buy before you try” campaign which allows you to download the app and use it BEFORE you buy it.  With some limitations on apps, and less functionality between the “preview” app and the full version, this should be a great addition for Apples marketplace. 

Research in Motion (RIM) is getting ready to launch codename “BlackPad” this November.  RIM which is most popularly known for their line of smartphones, the Blackberry, will be squaring off with Apple’s IPad.   The tablet style devices have seemed to be really booming in the electronics world this summer, so be on the lookout for what should be a great addition to the market! { http://www.tgdaily.com/mobility-features/50889 }

Whether you want to launch an application when your computer goes idle or you just simply want to mute your speakers that way when you leave the office your email notifications do not annoy your fellow coworkers, System Silencer can help. System Silencer has a set of stock toggles such as turning off your monitor, muting your sound, and locking your workstation, all of which can be activated by your computer sitting idle for a specified number of minutes. This is a really nice program and works on most Windows based Operating Systems. 

Looking for a nice tool to install to manage other applications and tools on a flash drive? LiberKey is software that installs on a flash drive and allows you to have many portable applications that can be taken to any computer and used without installing them. Basic version has only 12 Apps, standard has 90 Apps, Ultimate has 168 Apps and then is also a Platinum version for people who would like to customize which apps are installed. http://www.liberkey.com/ 

Software GIANT Microsoft(R) is reportedly going to be making hundreds of job cuts to its workforce in efforts towards the industry moving towards cloud computing, according to various reports.  A very “insignificant” amount of jobs are going to be diminished when compared to Microsoft’s 88,000+ workforce.  I sense similar trends in the IT industry as more and more solution providers begin to embrace and implement what seems to be the inevitable; cloud computing.

Samson, Tedd. "Microsoft Cuts Jobs as Part of Core Shift to Cloud ". InfoWorld.

http://www.hpcinthecloud.com/news/Microsoft-Cuts-Jobs-as-Part-of-Core-Shift-to-Cloud-98030954.html.

Best Buy is now in the broadband market with its new service called Best Buy Connect.  This service gives its users access to mobile 3G data which come in a variation of data plans ranging from 250MB all the way up to 5GB.  Best Buy Connect will offer both a traditional monthly contact, and a non-contract plan which has become heavily popular with consumers.  No official word has been released by the consumer giant but their website has information on their new service.

Eric Kintz, VP of Logitech, spoke on a lineup of webcams for the ultimate experience for video calls with "crystal-clear" stereo audio.  The HD Pro C910 records with a two mic system, and allows you to record a video in full HD 1080p.  Feeling like pictures?  The HD Pro snaps them with an impressive 10-megapixel camera designed for clarity and high resolution shots.  Good news is the HD Pro C910 is fairly priced at $99.  These are the perfect addition for those who use the popular VOIP services slike Skype to video chat with your friends and family.  Logitech will also be releasing three other models starting at $40 for the C270 (3 megapixel - 720p video calling - 1080p video recording), the C310 or $50 (5 megapixel camera - 720p video calling - 1080p video recording), and the C510 for $60 (Portable HD video calling and recording - 1080p). (www.logitech.com)

Airline giant Delta’s mainline fleet, which includes more than 430 aircrafts, are now equipped and offer passengers a Wi-Fi service while well up above 10,000 feet.   

More than 100 million users have connected here in the digital mile high club thanks to Aircell, the company who launched “Gogo”, which is the in-flight Internet application behind the whole operation.  This service doesn’t come free though, and will range from about $10 – 13 to purchase Wi-Fi access during flight, all depending on the duration of your flight of course. 

In efforts to catch up to with its arch enemy Intel, AMD has officially released their Phenom II chips for laptops.  The chips are running between 1.6GHz and 2.3GHz and drawing between 25 and 45 watts of power.  They will be used for AMD's first ever triple and quad-core laptop processors as part of a major overhaul the company is undergoing.  The new chips will support DDR3 memory, HyperTransport 3 (Intel's HyperThreading), support for Direct X 11, and an improved battery life with less power consumption by the CPU.  You can expect to start seeing these chips in over 100 products from vendors such as Lenovo, IBM, HP, and Dell which are expected to be available by the end of this month. 

USB Safe Guard is a free portable program that will encrypt all of the files on your flash drive very easily, anyone can do it. You can also set this tool up to shred your files in case you lose your flash drive.

To get the program installed onto your flash drive you simply download it from the following website http://usbsafeguard.altervista.org/download.html, then you drag the program onto your flash drive. From here all you do is launch the software from your flash drive, then you should be prompted to create a password. Once you do you are then able to encrypt the entire flash drive or specific files or folders, in which all you do is drag into the interface. This program also gives you options on what to do when someone tries to access your data and does not know the password. You can set it to shred all of the data, leave it alone, plus a few more options.

 You can also enter in your phone number or email in case your lose your memory stick. Most other programs like this do not have this option, which is very nice to have when you leave your flash drive at a clients site. This program will work on Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7.

Most of us have experienced grazing the touchpad on our laptop as we are typing up a long story, then looking up at your screen and realize that the cursor has jumped around several times. Yes it is very frustrating and there is a easy fix for it. Touchfreeze is a free open-source utility that disables your touchpad as soon as you start typing, and then it will re-enable it as soon as you stop typing. Yes you can go into your Control Panel and disable your touchpad, but when you want to use it next time you have to go back in there and re-enable it. This tool saves you alot of time and no longer will you have to worry about that cursor moving around on you when you are typing.

 Touchfreeze sits in the system tray and you can have it auto start when your system boots up. Touchfreeze works with Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2003/2008, and Windows 7.