Technology

Microsoft has announced a Word plug-in to make it easier for visually impaired users to use its program. The plug-in will read Word 2003 and 2007 files out loud, and will also convert files from Open XML (the standard format used to save Word 2007 ... files) into DAISY, a format which is easier to use for producing digital audio files. DAISY (Digital Accessible Information Service) is a not-for-profit group based in Zurich, Switzerland. Formed by "talking books libraries," DAISY promotes open standards to make it easier to produce digital files. (Source: Guardian.co.uk ) Reed Shaffner, ... (view more)

On Friday, Microsoft announced a new program to help put more second-hand computers pre-loaded with Windows in the hands of consumers. Building on the success of its 'Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher' program, which helps deliver used PCs ... with authorized copies of Windows to charities, educational institutions, and nonprofits, the software giant announced a similar program for commercial businesses that resell computers. Prior to this announcement most PCs that entered the 'used' market were shipped without an operating system, because Microsoft required the units to have both their ... (view more)

Computers can now recognise the work of different artists and even tell the differences between genuine paintings and fakes. Scientists at Israel's University of Haifa have developed a mathematical program that analyses paintings geometrically. The ... computer breaks down the picture into its component sections, then calculates the sines and cosines. (If you've forgotten your high school trigonometry, that means the relative size and shapes of triangles.) Once the computer learns the pattern of a particular artist, it can identify whether another painting is legitimately that person's work. ... (view more)

The Interpretype has turned one auto repair shop into a haven for deaf customers, helping to triple sales figures compared with the previous period. Ken Gan owns a garage in Rochester, New York. His shop seems to look like any other standard North ... American auto repair station, except for one major difference: the shop has an above-average number of deaf customers. Gan admitted that he had searched for more accommodating equipment for quite some time, but nothing has been available on the market to facilitate face-to-face communication in a situation such as a shop or office. So when all else ... (view more)

For those of us who follow the tech and specifically gadget industry closely, Time's recent announcement that the iPhone represents 2007's invention of the year comes as little surprise. Although the device may not have some of the long-term ... benefits associated with its competition, its commercial success is hard to deny. Released during the last days of June, demand for the iPhone led to many sweaty retail lineups. The only thing different between the iPhone launch and last winter's Wii lines was the total absence of toques. With that in mind, the iPhone has had its fair share of controversy ... (view more)

Verizon Communications has introduced an unusual plan for its fiber-optic Internet service: one that uploads as fast as it downloads. With the new plan, users can experience download and upload speeds of 20 megabits per second. The plan costs $65 ... per month for those with a current Verizon phone plan, or $70 per month for those without a Verizon phone plan. (Source: usatoday.com ) The downside for Verizon fans is that the company will only launch the new plan in parts of New York and Connecticut. In these areas, Verizon can expect stiff competition from one of the most sophisticated cable ... (view more)

While the mobile phone industry continues to fawn over the incredible features found in the iPhone, it is important to remember that several other devices currently exist that provides equal (or in some cases) better options than Apple's device. ... Meet the latest competitor in the mobile phone market: The Sony W580i Walkman. The W580i Walkman is currently available through Rogers via Sony Ericsson and immediately distinguishes itself from the Apple iPhone with the tag line, it "doesn't shuffle...it shakes!" (Source: technology.canoe.ca ) The W580i possesses the sleekest-looking frame out of any ... (view more)

Once upon a time, all those who designed and manufactured sporting equipment gathered around to share a common complaint: the technological movement was becoming a direct threat to their industry! The rationale made sense. These companies, who were ... once selling high volumes of equipment and merchandise, were now set to lose big business because their consumers would rather stay inside and surf the web. That was 1999. Today, the same companies who once regarded the age of technology as a sign of the physical education apocalypse are now doubling and tripling their annual income with the help ... (view more)

When you're constantly on the move, it can be a challenge to get online with your laptop. It isn't always easy to find a good WiFi hotspot (a designated area that allows you connect to the Internet wirelessly when you're away from home). Pretty ... soon, all you'll have to do is look down at your t-shirt to find out if you're in a WiFi area. It sounds like science fiction, but a company called ThinkGeek has made it reality. Is this high tech concept five years down the road? Ten years? Try later this month. Yes, by the end of October, one of these shirts could be hanging in your closet. What's ... (view more)

Microsoft is in the process of finalizing a new online buddy for their popular Office programs. The service allows users to store, share and comment on documents. Ironically, the only thing missing is the ability to create new files. While the ... resource is called Microsoft Office Live Workspace, the website is not exactly "live" at all. Users hoping to get an early start on the program will be required to sign up to become part of an early beta test. A select number of those tested will be allowed to start using the service at some point this year. (Source: usatoday.com ) Office Live Workspace ... (view more)