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!

Are you eager to try out the newest installment of Windows?  Well now you can try out a preview of Windows 8.  Microsoft has released a “Developers Preview” of their new OS to help developers create new apps, and updating current applications.  With over 500,000 downloads since yesterday’s release, it looks like a lot of people are interested in trying it out.  Some of the new features of Windows 8 include a new start menu called “Metro” that runs on-top of the Desktop that will load up by default.  Metro is where you will find all of your apps; it will handle your social media needs including Facebook and Twitter.  You can also visit the Windows Store (Microsoft’s take on an app-store)and download Metro-style applications build for the new OS, including apps for productivity, photos, entertainment, and of course, games.

This is only a preliminary release and by no means is it available for use on your primary everyday machine.  If you want to give Windows 8 a try, you might want to consider dual-booting the OS alongside your current Operating System because if you upgrade your current OS, there is no way to uninstall Windows 8 if you do not like it.  You will have to format your hard drive and start over with a clean installation of your previous OS.

For more information click here.

Since the recent drastic price cut/liquidation of HP’s WebOS TouchPad, many users have wished they were quick enough to snag one as well. After the weekend it was announced to be sold for $99 for the 16 GB Version and $149 for the 32 GB version it was sold out pretty much everywhere anyone looked. 

Some consumers thought they got lucky purchasing one at Barnes and Noble only to be disappointed when they received emails that their orders had been cancelled. Now in a Blog post release by HP Representative Mark Mudgell, consumers may have new hope. Mark states that he didn’t know if or when more will be available but also stated that he would have more information in the next few days.

Those of you hoping to get your hands on one of these deeply discounted Tablets may get your chance, and hey, if you don’t want to stick with WebOS, the device has already been ported to Android by the makers of Cyanogenmod (Even though many people said this would likely not be able to be done).

To read more about the blog post release by HP's Represenativie  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.

You can now watch live TV instantly on your iPad with Time Warner’s TV app.  The app is free for Time Warner’s subscribers only and you have to have their cable video package, and a Time Warner username and password to sign in.  But if you are already a subscriber to Time Warner Cable why not give it a try!  Rumors are they will support Remote DVR Management to allow you to set your DVR to record whenever you are on the go.  Also will be allowed to be used as a remote tuner to use your iPad as a remote control for Video on Demand!

App Features

• Tap to stream some of your favorite live Digital TV programs instantly to your iPad™ anywhere in your home.

• Scroll through the easy-to-use Channel Guide to see “What’s On Now”, and “What’s On Next”.

• Use your home’s existing WiFi connection - so there are no extra hookups.

For more info visit:  http://www.timewarnercable.com/nynj/learn/cable/TWCableTV/TWCableTV_iPad.html

A few weeks ago we talked about the Android OS taking over the tablet market.  Well Motorola has announced their new product featured at CES 2011 (Consumers Electronic Show)

Pronounced ZOOM, Motorola will be releasing the first ever tablet to run Google’s tablet-optimized Android 3.0 Honeycomb operating system.  The tablet will have a rich 10.1” capacitive screen with a very high resolution of 1280x800.  The Motorola XOOM does allow for 1080p video playback so you can watch your movies in HD!  Also featured is a back AND front camera useful for taking pictures, or great for video chatting on Skype!  The Motorola XOOM, like all android devices (2.0 and up) will support Adobe Flash 10.1 player so you can view the web with no limitations.  The tablet will also have custom Apps designed for the tablet.  App’s like Gmail, and Maps user interface have been redesigned to have a more “tablet” feel to them.  But don’t worry all of the previous smartphone apps will run just fine on this bigger screen the Motorola XOOM has to offer!

    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?!

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 }