Technology

A new invention threatens to completely redefine the modern traffic commute. Terrafugia, the Massachusetts producer of the flying car, says it has plans to launch its contraption -- dubbed the 'Transition' -- by the end of 2011. A recent thumbs-up ... from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) means the idea of an air commute might not be so sci-fi after all. The Next 'Wow' Vehicle "It's the next 'wow' vehicle," said Richard Gersh, Terrafugia's vice president. "Anybody can buy a Ferrari, but as we say, Ferraris don't fly." (Source: google.com) The Transition works by activating wings that ... (view more)

On the same day Apple released its much-anticipated iPhone 4G, Canadian tech firm Research in Motion (RIM) has announced an impressive 20 per cent increase in its fiscal first quarter net income. Given the hype surrounding the new iPhone, it may be ... the last good news for RIM for a while. Waterloo, Ontario-based Research in Motion produces the popular BlackBerry smartphone, a rather ubiquitous device within most modern business environments. For some time analysts have predicted that the BlackBerry could face a serious threat from the iPhone -- which is seen more as a pleasure than business- ... (view more)

Network neutrality (also known as "Net neutrality") is a principle that advocates no restrictions by Internet Service Providers and governments on content, sites, platforms, on the kinds of equipment that may be attached, and no restrictions on the ... modes of communication allowed. The principle states that if a given user pays for a certain level of Internet access, and another user pays for the same level of access, that the two users should be able to connect to each other at the subscribed level of access. Net Neutrality and Service Providers Neutrality proponents claim that telecom ... (view more)

After multiple delays , the first handsets running the next Windows mobile operating system are said to emerge next month. But they won't be on sale: instead, they'll go to software developers to make it easier for them to produce high-quality apps. ... App Developers to get Real Deal So far developers have had to rely on emulators to try out their new apps for Windows Phone 7. That does the job, but doesn't really recreate how an app looks and feels when it is on a phone in your hand. It is theoretically possible for developers to run beta editions of Windows Phone 7 on existing handsets through ... (view more)

Centralized computing is computing done at a central location, using terminals that are attached to a central computer. The computer itself may control all the peripherals directly (if they are physically connected to the central computer), or they ... may be attached via a terminal server. Alternatively, if the terminals have the capability, they may be able to connect to the central computer over the network. The terminals may be text terminals or thin clients, for example. A modern day form of centralized computing is the cloud computing model . Centralized computing offers greater security ... (view more)

Just in time for the launch of a new iPhone model, AT&T Inc. is reportedly reigning in data usage by its customers using smart phones and iPads. A recent AT&T press release introduced new wireless plans, which says will make it much "more ... affordable" to enjoy the benefits of mobile Internet. AT&T customers will now be able to pick a plan that best meets their needs: a $15/month entry level plan or a $25/month plan that allows 10 times more data. Current customers will not be required to switch to the new plans, but can choose to do so without a contract extension. ( ... (view more)

Microsoft chief Steve Ballmer spoke at a news conference in New Delhi on Thursday and has guaranteed the much delayed Windows Phone 7 system will be released before the end of the year. Critics suggest, however, that beating the holiday shopping ... deadline will not provide much financial gain, but is more of a deadline to save face. (Source: informationweek.com ) Microsoft Management Shake-Up The comments do clear up some concerns over Microsoft's recent management shake-ups. As noted last week , Robbie Balch, who headed the entertainment and devices division, is leaving the company. Instead of ... (view more)

Sprint has dropped plans to carry the Nexus One, Google's flagship cellphone. The news has somewhat undermined the revelation that Google's Android system is -- technically, at least -- outselling the iPhone. The news comes just weeks after Google ... cancelled plans to offer Nexus One with carrier Verizon. (Source: eweek.com ) The release of Nexus One, produced by HTC, marked the first time Google itself had directly marketed a phone based around its own open-source system, Android. The original plan was to have it available for all the major networks, but to engage in minimal advertising and to ... (view more)

The Ford Motor Co. is hoping to make it an easy choice for North American social networking fans when deciding on a new vehicle. Thanks to a feature called "Sync AppLinks", those who buy or lease the forthcoming 2011 Ford Fiesta will be able to use ... applications on their smartphones simply by verbalizing commands and using buttons on their steering wheel. Ford is pitching Sync AppLinks as a safety feature that makes it easier for car owners to use mobile phones while operating their motor vehicle. In large pockets throughout North America, non-hands-free mobile phones are illegal when in use ... (view more)

Sean Koehl, a man known throughout Intel Labs as a technology guru, has raised a few eyebrows with his recent Nostradamus-like prediction that the Internet will "go three-dimensional" within the next 5 to 10 years. Of all the forthcoming technology ... projects underway at Intel Labs, Koehl said that he is most excited about the work being done on 3D technology and how it will change the way people interact with online information. According to Koehl, the only reason it is taking so long for this technology to evolve (if being 5 years away from a three-dimensional Internet can even be considered ... (view more)