April 11, 2008
Create Your Own QR Code With an Army of Little Robots
A company called Cross Borders created a fun little program that lets you generate your own QR codes—a 3-dimensional bar code common that can be read by cell phone camera.
All you have to do is enter a URL, and the service dispatches an army of little robots that start off standing at random but quickly start hopping into position until they make sense together and can be scanned by IR.
[via Tokyomango]
April 10, 2008
The WiFi umbrella
Spotted on Popgadget, a WiFi camera umbrella.
The high-tech brolly allows you to take pictures with a built-in camera. These can be uploaded to Flickr (a photo-sharing website) via a wireless internet connection and within two minutes you can watch downloaded photo-streams on your umbrella screen with a simple wrist-snapping movement.Invented in Tokyo (where else?) the Pileus umbrella also has GPS and a digital compass, which uses Google Earth to help you navigate yourself around the world. They are working on incorparating a video camera as well.
April 9, 2008
Web firm to offer TV streaming to iPhone
According to The Guardian, two leading UK broadcasters are exploring a service that would allow live streaming of their programmes to Apple's iPhone.
"London-based web TV technology specialist Best Before has developed server-based technology called Millicent that allows a broadcaster or other content producer to provide an edited video feed to be watched on the iPhone without needing to hack into the handset.
iPhone users would be able to view live TV on their handset through Safari, the Apple device's web browser, using a local wireless network. The iPhone's data connection through the Edge network would also work but would be less reliable."
Blu-ray movies to play nicely with iPhone
NetBlender, a company that specialises in network-connected convergent media, will announce a new technology this week that allows Blu-ray content to run seamlessly on Apple handhelds.
Dubbed the BD Touch, the company's solution uses Blu-ray's networking capabilities to allow users to interact with movies by using their iPhone and iPod Touch as remote controls.
[via Tech.co.uk]
April 8, 2008
Video glasses anyone?
Vuzix has teamed up with UK wireless operator 3, to offer video glasses. TrustedReviews reports.
"Beginning this week, Vuzix's flagship model of 'iWear video glasses' will touch down in selected 3 stores around the country (to both try and buy) and will also be available from the threeaccessories online site.
The 'AV920' creates a viewing area the equivalent size of a 62in TV when worn and can connect virtually any device from iPods, DVD players, mobile phones, games consoles and camcorders.
It's designed for train and plane journeys and comes with its own built in headphones (though they are detachable should an owner wish to use their own)."
Mobile barcodes now speak to us – quite literally…
A consortium of three companies has decided to improve on the usual URL-carrying QR Codes by tweaking the data in each black and white square to contain a brief snatch of audio and a simple image. Digitalworld Toyko reports.
"The Voice QR, as it’s called, simply needs to be scanned with the camera on a mobile phone for it to give up its hidden treasure without the need to connect to a website.
That might be a squeaky voice saying “Hello,” “Well done on getting into college,” or “Thanks for your hard work.”
The consortium sees Voice QR Codes delivering multi-media jingles from posters, books and product packaging. For that to happen, it will have to persuade mobile phone makers to install software that understands the new kind of QR code – currently, only seven handsets are capable of doing so."
April 7, 2008
France Telecom signs movie deals
France Telecom has signed contracts with a number of film companies, including HBO, Warner and Gaumont, as it seeks to become a major player in the movie distribution market, France Telecom's CEO said in an interview published in Les Echos newspaper.
France Telecom's Didier Lombard told Les Echos the company wants to offer more than 1 000 movies per year to viewers via cable television, Internet and mobile phone.
The films will be offered via six channels, and the client will build its own package of channels and pay a monthly subscription, Lombard told Les Echos.
France Telecom's offering will be a direct competitor to Vivendi's Canal Plus.
[via ITWeb]
April 6, 2008
Win $1000 in the Hunt for Bin Laden
A scavanger hunt for camera phones is launching in five cities on Monday, to promote Morgan Spurlock's new movie Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden?, premiering April 18. JustPressPlay reports.
Street-teams will create and locally distribute multiple branded reward flyers featuring contest information and unique stills from the upcoming film.With help from local radio stations, contest participants will search around their towns and cities to snap a photo of any of these images in the two week contest period from their camera phones and email it to a pre-determined email address that will be clearly marked on the flyers between 4/7 and 4/18.
Utilizing the image recognition based mobile marketing technology from SnapTell, each picture will then be verified and the participants will receive a message back confirming their entry into the contest and a link to exclusive content from the film.
Fans will also be able to enter by following clues in promotional ads in local newspapers.
Watch Apple trailer.
Panasonic Sells its 100 Millionth Cell Phone in Japan
Panasonic has become the first cell-phone manufacturer to ship 100 million units in the Japanese market, reports PC World.
"... Its popularity has led Panasonic to put some of the know-how from its flat-panel TV business into its latest phones. The newest models carry the same Viera brand-name as its big-screen TVs. "
April 4, 2008
Projectors to magnify cell-phone cinema
Recognizing that it's not much fun to watch movies on a tiny cell phone, a number of companies are racing to develop gadgets that project what's playing on the small screen onto walls, table cloths and other handy surfaces. [via the Associated press]
"Pico projectors" that are small enough to carry around in a shirt pocket are expected on the market later this year. Eventually, the technology will be tiny enough to be built into phones and portable media players, the companies say.
Image left: Russell Hannigan, of Microvision Inc., demonstrates a handheld projector hooked up to an iPod during the CTIA wireless show at the Las Vegas Convention Center in this Tuesday.
Related articles linked to cell phone projectors.
April 3, 2008
Panasonic To Put Plasma Video Displays in Cell Phones
Panasonic revealed plans to incorporate newly developed, miniature plasma displays in telephone products.
For nearly a decade, Panasonic's engineers have been secretly working on a thin, lightweight low-voltage compact plasma display.
..."We will be able to incorporate miniature plasma displays into both consumer and business telephone products starting this fall.
They will rival OLED displays for brightness, contrast and thinness, and can be manufactured for much less money," said Mark Balsama of Panasonic.
April 2, 2008
Fox Business Channel debuts on MobiTV
Mobile entertainment services provider MobiTV announced a content licensing deal to offer Fox Business Network as a live, linear channel identical in programming scope to the version broadcast on cable and satellite.
Fox Business on MobiTV features live, full-length linear programming including Fox Business, Money for Breakfast, The Opening Bell, Happy Hour, Cavuto and America's Nightly Scoreboard.
[via FierceMobile Content. More in press release]
Nearly Half of U.S. Consumers Don’t Know if they have Mobile TV
A QuickPlay Media survey found that 47% of consumers don’t know whether or not their carrier offers mobile TV and video content. It seems as though service providers aren’t getting the word out about the wonders of mobile TV and video. [via MobileCrunch]
“Mobile operators have done an excellent job addressing the cost concerns of consumers with the launch of ‘all you can eat’ data plans. Now, with the growing availability of advanced mobile devices, higher speed networks and high-quality mobile TV andsnack.jpg services, carriers have a further opportunity to drive service adoption by increasing marketing promotion of mobile media services,” said Wayne Purboo, president and CEO of QuickPlay Media.
'Sopranos' on Canadian cell phones
Bell Canada on Tuesday began delivering full episodes of "The Sopranos" to its mobile phone subscribers as part of an agreement with HBO.
The Canadian phone giant's customers can also now watch on-demand episodes of "Entourage," "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Tell Me You Love Me" and "Sex and the City" as well as stand-up comedy shows for CAN$10 ($9.75) a month plus browser usage fees.
The product is initially available in English-speaking Canada, with a dubbed French-language version set for launch in May.
LOLcats goes mobile
Since our cat Virgule became a full fledged member of our family last September, I finally understand why cats are such a popular topic on photo and video sharing sites.
Now, thanks to ICanHasCheezBurger, starting Wednesday, fans of LOLcats will be able to get updates of the funny, iconic felines on their cell phones.
To get started, text 'LOL' to 44566 and follow the link the the poster kitten of the day. Or, visit http://frengo.com/ichc/ from your mobile browser.
[via News.com]
Mobile Video News Out of CTIA
NewTeeVee has a round up of the related mobile video news out of the CTIA.
Some highlights:
-- NBC will create live video in support of the upcoming Olympics; it has inked a multicarrier deal to give AT&T;, Verizon Wireless and Research in Motion subscribers access to more than 60 WAP sites including NBC, USA and Bravo; and may be interested in.
-- Fox Mobile Entertainment launched the aptly-named Fox Entertainment Mobile Network, which will feature content from hit shows like The Simpsons, Family Guy, Nip/Tuck and The Dog Whisperer. More...
April 1, 2008
"No cell phones when you vote," Italians told
Italians were told on Tuesday that they will have to leave their beloved cell phones outside the ballot box when they vote in a national election this month. Reuters reports.
"A statement from the Interior Ministry said cell phones "or any other device that can take still pictures or video clips" will have to be checked outside the polling station during the April 13-14 election.
Mobile phones are ubiquitous in Italy. Last year Eurostat said that by 2005 there were more mobile phones than people Italy -- 122 phones per 100 residents.
The ruling, the first of its kind, was apparently issued to head off corruption".
March 31, 2008
Sony Films headed to Mobile Phones
Sony Pictures Television is looking to launch the first movie network on mobile phones in the United States.
"The studio has signed a deal with AT&T; and MediaFlo USA to launch the linear channel as one of two exclusive channels coming to the newly announced AT&T; Mobile TV with FLO service in May.
The channel, to be known as PIX, will be stocked with such titles as "Ghostbusters," "Philadelphia" and "Stand by Me."
March 30, 2008
Coming Soon, to Any Flat Surface Near You
Tired of hearing other people’s cellphone conversations? It may become worse. Soon you may have to watch their favorite television shows and YouTube videos, too, as they project them onto nearby walls or commuter-train seatbacks. The NY Times reports.
"Pint-size digital projectors are in the works. These devices, when plugged into cellphones and portable media players, will let consumers beam video content from their hand-held devices to the closest smooth surface — entertaining themselves, annoying their neighbors and possibly contributing to a new warning sign: No Projectors in This Area".
March 29, 2008
Paparazzi for the rest of us
Being photographed by the paparazzi was once an (often dubious) honour bestowed only on the rich and famous, but today a new service is bringing the possibility to every consumer.
Upon request, New York City-based Methodizaz will send an anonymous photographer to surreptitiously capture select moments in a consumer's life and immortalize them with a portfolio of professionally produced photos.
To arrange the service, the consumer provides a self photograph ahead of time along with details of their schedule and any specific emotion, mood or theme they hope to capture. MethodIzaz's photographer will then show up at some undisclosed point during the day and photograph the subject walking through the streets or going about their daily business, without posing or artifice.
For customers, the final result is a new perspective on how they appear to others as well as tangible documentation of how they lived their lives at that point in time—in short, the ultimate in gravanity-stroking.
Pricing is based on MethodIzaz's time to travel, photograph, edit and produce the photographs, ranging from USD 300 to USD 400 per hour.
Founded late last year, MethodIzaz already accepts assignments worldwide, but it also hopes to expand its presence accordingly.
[via Springwise]
Japan's QR Codes Being Tested in SF
In the first large test in the United States, online guides Citysearch and Antenna Audio are rolling out QR technology in San Francisco.
More than 500 restaurants, shops and businesses reviewed by Citysearch are placing printed bar codes in their windows.
People who have special software from Scanbuy Inc. loaded on their cell phones can simply take a picture of the code and their phone's Internet browser will immediately take them to the restaurant's corresponding Citysearch page.
Users will be able to decide, based on the Citysearch reviews and other information, whether to step inside for dinner or keep walking down the street.
Once you snap a picture of the code, your phone will bring up the Citysearch's review page, letting you know whether you should go in.
[New Launches via SF Gate and Gizmodo ]
March 28, 2008
China to launch trial service of homegrown 3G mobile phones next week
China will launch trial service of its homegrown next-generation mobile phone standard next week, news reports said Friday, possibly moving its giant market closer to the long-anticipated rollout of new services, reports The Sydney Morning Herald.
"Companies expect a multibillion-dollar wave of spending on equipment once China awards licenses for third-generation, or 3G, service. But Beijing has delayed a decision while it tries to develop its own system to compete with global standards.
China Mobile will test the standard, known as TD-SCDMA, by issuing 20,000 phones and 5,000 data cards on Tuesday in Beijing and seven other cities, state television and other media said.
The reports gave no indication how long the test would last, whether it would be expanded to other areas or when licenses might be awarded."
TMZ Creating Mobile Site
Gossip Web site and syndicated TV show TMZ is creating a stand-alone mobile Web site.
The new site will feature all of the photos, videos and snark that make the normal site such a hit with gossip hounds, generating 11 million unique visitors per month.
[via Broadcasting & Cable]
AT&T; Set to Offer Live Video to Cellphones
AT&T; in May plans to begin offering a long-awaited mobile-TV service, using a Qualcomm Inc. network called MediaFlo that broadcasts live video to cellphones. The WSJ reports
MediaFlo's networ sends TV programming to cellphones, using frequencies associated with a conventional TV channel that broadcasters must vacate as they shift to digital TV transmission.
Until a federal deadline for the shift -- now set for February 2009 -- MediaFlo has largely been setting up in cities where the channel was vacant, or in some cases has persuaded broadcasters to move early."
March 27, 2008
RFID LadyBag Tells You What's Missing
Project Lady Bag uses RFID tags to keep a track of the items you stuff into your bag. Should you miss out on your elusive keys; a related icon will appear on the LED screen.
The LadyBag also displays how you are feeling, fidgety hands is read as nervousness and so a nervous looking emoticon appears. If you're hugging the bag close, a happy face appears.
Queen mentiones the cameraphone in speech at banquet
In her speech at a banquet at Windsor Castle, in honor of the Sarkozy's visit, the Queen describes the many ways France and Britain enjoy cooperation and exchanges - including through the Internet and the cameraphone. [BBC video]
I have a sense that our two countries are working increasingly closer together. The Internet, the Eurostar and even the camera phone have helped transform the way our respective populations interact. Images are sent from a blink of an eye...
March 26, 2008
NSW Police ask public to be cameraphone cops
NSW Police Minister, David Campbell, has revealed details of a new project encouraging citizens to capture video and photographic evidence of crimes on their phones and upload it securely over the Web to law enforcement agencies.
"The initiative -- expected to cost around AU$8 million -- is currently being developed under the working title of Project View (Video Image Evidence on the Web), and was conceived in the wake of the 2005 Cronulla riots and London bombings, after cameraphone footage capturing the events was used extensively in the investigations of both incidents.
... "The community is one of our greatest resources when it comes to solving crime. This role has increased with the development of mobile phone cameras and sites such as YouTube," said Police Minister Campbell.
"Footage of a bashing, a sexual assault or car hoon activities might be found online or captured on a video phone… if the location, offender or victim in these alleged crimes can be identified police will be able to follow up on the matter."
Murderer nailed by 'deleted' camera phone pictures of him with victim's body
Forensics experts rebuilt a smashed camera phone and nailed the killer who posed for photos next to his butchered victim. Glasgow Daily Record reports.
"Grinning monster Stephen Price, 19, hammed it up for the camera with the corpse of innocent Scott Burgess after stabbing the quiet young man more than eighty times in his own home.
The gruesome pictures were deleted after the crime and the phone was smashed and buried.
But the images remained in the handset's memory. And technicians atForensic Telecommunications Services (FTS), the world leaders in recovering evidence from phones, were able to piece the device back together and retrieve them."
Left, pictures of some the phones in bad shape FTS has been able to recover data from.
March 25, 2008
Rumor: Digg founder claims 3G iPhone to do video chat
Digg founder Kevin Rose, whose first-generation iPhone rumors fell short of their mark last Spring, is citing different sources this year in predicting that the 3G version of the handset will boast video chat capabilities.
[via Apple Insider]
Last call: Japanese tombs link up with cell phones
According to Reuters, bereaved Japanese will be able to keep in touch with their loved ones beyond the grave by using mobile phones to scan bar-coded tombstones and view photos and other information about the deceased.
"Ishinokoe, a Japanese tombstone maker, will place the codes behind lockable stone doors on the tomb so only relatives with a key can scan them.
The idea was to create a tomb that would not just be a site for storing the remains of a person, but a place to honor the deceased, the company said in a press release.
Using their mobile phone displays, relatives can post and view different items that reflect on the life of their departed loved one, such as holiday snapshots.
A sample Web site displayed one photo showing a man posing with his family on a boat, and another showing the same man and a woman in front of a cluster of skyscrapers.
The stones will go on sale next month and cost around 1 million yen ($10,010).
But those who neglect their filial obligations should be warned -- the code will also allow other relatives to see a list of people who have recently visited the grave."
March 23, 2008
Street photographers fear for their art amid climate of suspicion
With public concern rising over paedophilia and terrorism, street photographers face new difficulties. The TimesOnline reports.
"... In the past year, the photography blogs have buzzed with tales of harassment, even violence. There's the war photographer who dodged bullets abroad only to be beaten up in his own South London backyard by a paranoid parent who (wrongly) thought his child was being photographed. There's the amateur photographer punched prostrate in the London Tube after refusing to give up his film to a stranger; the case of the man in Hull, swooped on by police after taking photographs in a shopping centre. “Any person who appears to be taking photos in a covert manner should expect to be stopped and spoken to by police ...” ran the Humberside force's statement.
Now, a new poster campaign by the Metropolitan Police is inviting Londoners to call a hotline if they don't like the look of a photographer. “Thousands of people take photos every day,” runs the text. “What if one of them seems odd?” The poster states that terrorists use cameras for surveillance.
... Street photography doesn't just document what our environment used to look like; it shows us how it really looks now, freezing the moment to reveal the weirdness and magic of the split second ..."
[via
del.icio.us/regine]
