The new breed of mobile phone is thriving at the moment and the market is starting to flourish with models being introduced from all angles. Previously the iPhone dominated this sector but since everyone’s familiar with the smooth touch screen and slick cover flow it’s just so last year.

Now consumers expect more from their multimedia devices and the Finnish king of mobile phones is adding to the competition. Nokia has just released the 5800 XpressMusic, the touch screen handset that’s an answer to the challenges fronted by Apples iPhone which has hogged much of the market attention since its release last year. In addition Google recently launched its G1 device running on its new Android platform which had stirred up a lot of interest in the tech community. The Blackberry is well established as the smartphone for business for those who don’t want to leave the office, and Research in Motion have announced that a touch screen is in production with the title of the Blackberry Storm.

So Nokia, after concerns were raised about its slipping grip over the mobile market, has got its foot in the smartphone door with a mobile capable of all the usual; web browsing, push emails, digital camera and video playback facilities. But the real crux of the 5800 XpressMusic launch is the Comes With Music part of the promotion where users get unlimited access for a year to the 5million strong database of tracks Nokia has managed to amass with the major labels of the music industry. Amid the fears and hysteria surrounding illegal downloads and file sharing via the web Nokia are hoping this package offers a viable and affordable alternative for children and parents over the Christmas period.

This is a positive step for consumers. Not only is the new smartphone offering a fresh and alternative business model for downloading music rather than just from iTunes, but also with an influx of portable media devices there will be more choice for consumers therefore prompting makers and service providers to be more competitive with their rates. In addition the new Archos 5 media tablet has been released. It’s an excellent digital content device letting you watch video in formats MP4, AVI and WMV as well music formats MP3, WMA and AAC. You can play Flash based games that look striking on the clear as crystal 5-inch screen. You can browse the web and check your emails as well as listen to digital radio. Of course it’s not technically a phone but it is an impressive piece of equipment nonetheless.

With Microsoft penned to enter the fray as well the smartphone market may soon be saturated with quality mobile kit all at competitive prices, good news for the electronics consumers.

John McE writes articles on a number of subjects including business technology and VoIP services. For more about these services see G3 Communications.

Computer Simulation of the Human Brain
By Robert Webb

 Researchers have recently constructed a new computer model of the cortex of the human brain. This model is similar in principle to the more well known Blue Brain computer model, but it simulates a much larger area of the brain. It actually less detailed at the neuron level when compared to Blue Brain. The Blue Brain project has already simulated a section of the rat’s brain that is named the neocortex. The Blue Brain computer simulation has successfully modeled approximately 10,000 neurons including near 30 million synapses.

This other computer simulation, however, has successfully modeled about a trillion neurons and almost a quadrillion synapses. This specific computer model is able to model the entire thalamo-cortical system of a mammillian brain. Apparently, the researchers have made of simulation of this brain region because is is involved in creating concious awareness.

An interesting thing that the scientsts have noted from this computer model is that they witnessed the recreation of larger-scale oscillatory activity (i.e. brain waves). They merely emerged as a function of the computer model and were not programmed into it. This basically means that this computer simulation actually was ble to replicate the way a regular brain would look like on an EEG readout. This is an indication that this method of simulating the brain is actually working as it should.

This computer simulation of the human brain will allow scientists to carry out a variety of different experiments that are not currently possible to do. It will enable researchers to gain a much better insight into the workings of the brain. Things that are normally very hard to do on brain wetware may easily be done on the computer model. Researchers will have much more leeway in carrying out different experiments on this virtual brain. The computer model will allow scientists to carry out experiments that are impossible from a physical or ethical standpoint.

This computer model will enable the simulation of almost any type of brain disorder. This is a very exciting possiblity that could help a tremendous amount of people. Researchers intend to investigate disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and other psychiatric disorders. The scientists also intend to investigate the effects of pharmaceutical drugs on this computer brain model. This may lead to faster FDA approval for brain drugs.

The researchers also want to learn more about consciousness and how it is constructed. I have serious doubts as to whether the computer model will actually be able to model consciousness. However, this new computer model will likely give scientists a much greater understanding of how the human brain functions. Overall, the research is extremely interesting and it has quite a few potential benefits in advancing our knowledge of the brain.

Read my blog that covers several topics about neurotechnology brain injury attorney Florida and also

Florida injury attorney and next

Florida brain injury attorneys.

 Audi can trace a long and illustrious history through their various company guises in the world of motor sport. This is something Audi dealerships are extremely proud of, and given the chance will talk about for hours. Originally however Audi was a conglomeration of different brands. It was in 1906 that the company’s founder August Horch drove an Audi to victory in the Herkomer Run. These successes were followed up by victories in 1912, 1913 and 1914 in the Austrian Alpine Rallies. Naturally these accomplishments were touted by Audi dealerships across Europe, who felt their brand to be a leader in the motor sport sphere.

The four Auto Union brands competed in a variety of competitions across Europe. These entrants took the form of both company racers and private entrants, both experienced success in Auto Union cars. In the thirties Audi, then Auto Union cars approached the starting line of Berlin’s Avis circuit, in their inaugural race they finished third, in a car designed by Ferdinand Porsche; a man who later started his own car manufacturing company. It was in 1934 that Auto Union recorded their first Grand Prix victory; fittingly enough at the German GP, held at the world famous Nurburg Ring.

Another member of the Audi family DKW experienced great levels of success in rallying throughout the fifties and sixties. The success of DKW was touted in dealerships across the land as during this period the company’s cars were able to record more than one hundred championship titles, a staggering one hundred an fifty overall wins and thirty five team successes. The ability of DKW to record rally wins was astounding for the time and showed a special dispensation for Audi group cars in the rallying sphere.

NSU, another derivative of Audi took the mantle of rally successes with two models, the Prinz TT and the Type TTS. Combined these cars won nearly thirty national championships from the late sixties to the early seventies; the most famous drivers of the period being Gunter Imschev, Manfred Kilian and of course Siegfried Spiess. This rallying heritage carried on at Audi in later years, the company constantly learning from their triumphs to produce evermore impressive and adept vehicles.

The nineteen eighties was truly a revelation for Audi as they designed and developed the Quattro; a car that dominated rallying for more than half a decade. The Quattro utilised a newly developed all wheel drive system and set the standard in the rally world at a time where the rest of the paddock criticised the benefits of four wheel drive. Critics were soon silenced however, once the Quattro had won two championships back to back. The pack soon caught up but this did not stop dealerships bragging to their respective counterparts of their company’s forward thinking attitude and advances in technology.

Audi have always had a strong rallying tradition, unfortunately today they have pulled out of the world rally championships and are instead focussing their development efforts on road cars. That is not to say that the development of racing cars has been wasted; the Quattro technology is still being used by the company with many cars on the forecourts of dealerships bearing the prestigious badge. One thing is certain, the company motto of advancement through technology is more than just a motto; it is an ethos as well as a mandate for design.

Motor industry expert Thomas Pretty studies how the range of cars in Audi dealerships can trace a rich and illustrious rallying heritage.

 Researchers have recently constructed a new computer model of the cortex of the human brain. This model is similar in principle to the more well known Blue Brain computer model, but it simulates a much larger area of the brain. It actually less detailed at the neuron level when compared to Blue Brain. The Blue Brain project has already simulated a section of the rat’s brain that is named the neocortex. The Blue Brain computer simulation has successfully modeled approximately 10,000 neurons including near 30 million synapses.

This other computer simulation, however, has successfully modeled about a trillion neurons and almost a quadrillion synapses. This specific computer model is able to model the entire thalamo-cortical system of a mammillian brain. Apparently, the researchers have made of simulation of this brain region because is is involved in creating concious awareness.

An interesting thing that the scientsts have noted from this computer model is that they witnessed the recreation of larger-scale oscillatory activity (i.e. brain waves). They merely emerged as a function of the computer model and were not programmed into it. This basically means that this computer simulation actually was ble to replicate the way a regular brain would look like on an EEG readout. This is an indication that this method of simulating the brain is actually working as it should.

This computer simulation of the human brain will allow scientists to carry out a variety of different experiments that are not currently possible to do. It will enable researchers to gain a much better insight into the workings of the brain. Things that are normally very hard to do on brain wetware may easily be done on the computer model. Researchers will have much more leeway in carrying out different experiments on this virtual brain. The computer model will allow scientists to carry out experiments that are impossible from a physical or ethical standpoint.

This computer model will enable the simulation of almost any type of brain disorder. This is a very exciting possiblity that could help a tremendous amount of people. Researchers intend to investigate disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and other psychiatric disorders. The scientists also intend to investigate the effects of pharmaceutical drugs on this computer brain model. This may lead to faster FDA approval for brain drugs.

The researchers also want to learn more about consciousness and how it is constructed. I have serious doubts as to whether the computer model will actually be able to model consciousness. However, this new computer model will likely give scientists a much greater understanding of how the human brain functions. Overall, the research is extremely interesting and it has quite a few potential benefits in advancing our knowledge of the brain.

Read my blog that covers several topics about neurotechnology brain injury attorney Florida and also

Florida injury attorney and next

Florida brain injury attorneys.

 The tape measure has evolved into a much modern process of getting measurements. It developed from the ribbon type to the most modern digital and laser technology capable of measuring in the most accurate method.

Tape measures are similar to rulers but, the difference is that it can be folded or rolled. They are commonly used for dressmaking and tailoring. They are made up of ribbon, cloth, plastic, or metal. Tape measures consist of linear measure marking in metric and imperial units. Carpenters or construction workers also make use of tape measures made up of thin metallic ribbon that remains straight. The metallic ribbon retracts into a small convenient storage. Surveyors also utilize tape measures with a hectometer as its measuring unit.

A unique feature prevalent to most tape measures is a small diamond which is embedded every 19.2 inches. It is called black truss marking. Measuring tapes are ideal measuring tools because of its flexibility which can be used to measure even tight corners and curves. It can also be carried in a pocket because of its small size.

This measuring tool comes in different types:

Body Measuring Tape

This type of measuring tape can be used to measure circumference of the head, waist, legs and arms of the body. One of the models of this type is the Quick Medical QM2000 Measure Mate Body. It features accurate and quick measurements. Another good feature of this tool is that it can measure up to 60 inches and has automatic retracting system. In addition, measurement readings are shown on both sides of the tape. For a more accurate measurement, a 0.1 cm increment is used with this tool.

Measuring with the Measure Mate is simple. Just wrap the retracting tape around the area which you want to measure and then put the end into position. Afterwards, just push on the button and it automatically locks into position.

Adhesive Measuring Tape

This type of tape measure comes with an adhesive that allows it to be removed and positioned on almost any surface. The tape can be written with marking pens or pencil. It is 1 inch wide and 100 inches long and is colored white with black numeral markings. This is mostly used by police investigators or Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO). It is ideal in measuring blood splatter on any surface, bullet holes, or any pieces of evidence for crime scenes.

Magnetic Measuring Tape

The magnetic measuring tape is ideal for measuring metal surfaces. It is made up of vinyl material with a UV resistant red and blue ink. It is one meter long and uses standard and metric measurement system.

Laser Measuring Tape

This type of measuring device is one of the latest advancements in measuring technology. This device can be manipulated to accurately measure length, width, distance, area, and volume. Basically, it is used by interior designers, architects, and craftsmen. The great feature of this device is that it is able to measure hard to reach objects such as buildings and billboards if it is 300 feet in distance.

The TLM100 is one of the models of this kind of measuring tool. With its point and shoot technology, it can measure quickly and precisely without having a need for an assistant. Plus, it lessens the burden of having to calculate a lot of measurements. Some of the latest models include LCD display and Bluetooth technology for fast and easy data transfer.

Digital Measuring Tape

It features an LCD that displays the measurement made. Measurements can be made in inches, feet, and even fraction measurements. The measuring device automatically switches on when the tape is extended. It will turn off when the tape is retracted into its case. The measuring tape operates with the use of two LR44 batteries.

Most of the modern spring tape measures are design based on the patent by Alvin J. Fellows on July 14, 1868. The spring tape measure has existed ever since Fellows patent. It was not widely used during that time. But in 1940, it slowly emerged and supplemented in the form of the folding ruler.

Having a proper tool for measuring jobs requiring the most exact measurement is important. The slightest inaccuracy in measurements can cause a big difference and may lead to waste of time and material. This is especially true in woodworking, tailoring, and architecture. To achieve the best results, accuracy is necessary.

For more information on Tape Measures please visit our website.

 The car rental industry has rarely been renowned for its forward thinking attitude and embracement of new technology. However in the UK this is rapidly changing with the improvements in biometric technology. The reason car rental companies are so inclined to take advantage of biometric advances is because they can help to secure their assets and hence improve profitability. Biometric technology however does raise fundamental issues with privacy and data protection; hence it is understandable that many people have concerns with human rights and the protection of their own personal data. This issue goes beyond the car rental sphere, and instead enters a large number of other industries and business sectors.

Fingerprints form an important part of biometric recording and are especially important in the rental sphere. Companies now record customer’s fingerprints in order to create a biometric ID. One of the pilot schemes for this technology took place in Essex’s Stansted Airport. The scheme made it compulsory to submit an electronic thumbprint for any person who wished to hire a car. The forced nature of the scheme however led to many customers feeling besmirched and critical of why they should have to submit personal data.

Companies are quick to assert that this biometric data will only ever be used if the car is stolen; this will take the form of handing it over to the law enforcement bodies so that they can crosscheck their own files with the fingerprints taken at the hire desk. Police were quick to highlight the plaudits of the scheme, claiming that it was a response to the large numbers of thefts carried out by organised criminals.

This situation is becoming prevalent all across the United Kingdom; with many businesses stating that the data recorded is purely a fall back should a vehicle be stolen. These firms argue that the data will not be used for any other purpose, or passed to a third party. The ‘invasion of big brother’ claims are quickly discounted, instead the argument that the recording of biometric data will in fact act towards protecting identities is presented.

Naturally the reaction of customers was mixed. One startled customer at Stansted Airport felt that the staff members of the rental company were joking when they asked for a thumbprint. On finding out that they were serious this particular customer was dumfounded. The rather articulate response was that companies had no right to employ such an arbitrary and disproportionate tactic to fight car crime. However, the companies have such a right, after all it is their assets they are protecting.

One of the issues causing the encroachment of biometric recording has been the increasing numbers of false passports. This touted reason however did not hold sway with many customers; their argument being that if it is possible to board a plane with a passport, then why should an additional form of identity be needed to hire a car? In addition customers were understandably worried about how this data would be stored, seemingly if the government cannot hold personal data securely, then what chance do a car rental company have?

Whatever the arguments surrounding the implementation of biometric technologies it is certain that in the car rental industry they are here to stay. It is a case of put up or shut up for customers. These schemes however have not yet been rolled out all over the country; the success of these trials will undoubtedly give an indication not only of how biometrics will affect the rental industry, but will given an insight into how these technologies are likely to encroach on everyday life.

Travel expert Thomas Pretty looks into new technologies being utilised in the car rental industry.

How Barcode Scanner Technology Has Made A Difference
By Rick Hendershot

 The use of barcode technology has revolutionized the process of inventory control. Barcodes are used virtually everywhere to keep track of product information and inventory levels. These days barcodes are even used to add products to gift registries. No one gives a second thought any more to the use of barcode technology.

They’re so common that barcodes and scanners rarely get a second thought as to how or why they work. It’s rare that one thinks about how dragging items across the checkout scanner suddenly makes it register a price and a name which are identical to the label. We simply take barcode scanners and barcode readers for granted.

So how exactly does a barcode scanner operate? To grasp how barcode technology works one first has to understand how bar codes themselves are generated and how they work to identify products. The barcode contains information about the item that has been “barcoded”. This information is coded using a special type of barcode language. The barcode scanner then translates the language of bar codes into information that humans can understand and decipher.

The barcode language is actually quite simple. All barcodes contain specific symbols which equal a series of bars. These bars are made up of short and long bars, along with varying spacing between the bars. Every part of the series denotes a number of characters, depending upon the date originally entered into the barcode software.

In other words, barcode software is the beginning point for all barcodes and barcode scanning systems. It is what makes the system work. Programmer are able to use barcode software to inventory their products by inputting the product’s name and assigning it a barcode generated by the computer. This is all accomplished by using a sophisticated database system, where data from each product is stored. This makes keeping track of the inventory easy and it also helps to speed up the updating of pricing. New information about products is entered into the database. Then whenever the barcode scanner reads a barcode that identifies a specific product it is connected directly to the database where it finds the most current information about the product.

The barcode scanner itself uses technology that “reads” the barcode label. It does this with photo sensors located within the barcode scanner that have the ability to read and decipher each barcode as it is scanned. All of these photo sensors work together to recognize spacing, length, and alignment of different bars, then match them with corresponding product information found in the database. This ingenious technology is really quite simple when you understand how it works.

Barcode scanning technology has made a huge difference in offices, factories, warehouses, hospitals, restaurants, government facilities - anywhere where it is necessary to keep track of inventoried items. Of course the most visible place where this technology has made a big difference is at the checkout line of your friendly neighborhood variety or grocery store. The next time you are there in one of those lines, think about how barcode technology gets you out of the door just that much faster.

Learn how Wasp barcode scanners can benefit your firm. Take charge of business assets with the most productive stock control systems designed especially for small to medium-sized businesses - Article marketing services.

Smartphones and Internet Tablets the New Wave of Me Media
By john mce

 The new breed of mobile phone is thriving at the moment and the market is starting to flourish with models being introduced from all angles. Previously the iPhone dominated this sector but since everyone’s familiar with the smooth touch screen and slick cover flow it’s just so last year.

Now consumers expect more from their multimedia devices and the Finnish king of mobile phones is adding to the competition. Nokia has just released the 5800 XpressMusic, the touch screen handset that’s an answer to the challenges fronted by Apples iPhone which has hogged much of the market attention since its release last year. In addition Google recently launched its G1 device running on its new Android platform which had stirred up a lot of interest in the tech community. The Blackberry is well established as the smartphone for business for those who don’t want to leave the office, and Research in Motion have announced that a touch screen is in production with the title of the Blackberry Storm.

So Nokia, after concerns were raised about its slipping grip over the mobile market, has got its foot in the smartphone door with a mobile capable of all the usual; web browsing, push emails, digital camera and video playback facilities. But the real crux of the 5800 XpressMusic launch is the Comes With Music part of the promotion where users get unlimited access for a year to the 5million strong database of tracks Nokia has managed to amass with the major labels of the music industry. Amid the fears and hysteria surrounding illegal downloads and file sharing via the web Nokia are hoping this package offers a viable and affordable alternative for children and parents over the Christmas period.

This is a positive step for consumers. Not only is the new smartphone offering a fresh and alternative business model for downloading music rather than just from iTunes, but also with an influx of portable media devices there will be more choice for consumers therefore prompting makers and service providers to be more competitive with their rates. In addition the new Archos 5 media tablet has been released. It’s an excellent digital content device letting you watch video in formats MP4, AVI and WMV as well music formats MP3, WMA and AAC. You can play Flash based games that look striking on the clear as crystal 5-inch screen. You can browse the web and check your emails as well as listen to digital radio. Of course it’s not technically a phone but it is an impressive piece of equipment nonetheless.

With Microsoft penned to enter the fray as well the smartphone market may soon be saturated with quality mobile kit all at competitive prices, good news for the electronics consumers.

Article Source : Article King Pro - Free Reprints and Distribution

John McE writes articles on a number of subjects including business technology and VoIP services. For more about these services see G3 Communications.

 The car rental industry has rarely been renowned for its forward thinking attitude and embracement of new technology. However in the UK this is rapidly changing with the improvements in biometric technology. The reason car rental companies are so inclined to take advantage of biometric advances is because they can help to secure their assets and hence improve profitability. Biometric technology however does raise fundamental issues with privacy and data protection; hence it is understandable that many people have concerns with human rights and the protection of their own personal data. This issue goes beyond the car rental sphere, and instead enters a large number of other industries and business sectors.

Fingerprints form an important part of biometric recording and are especially important in the rental sphere. Companies now record customer’s fingerprints in order to create a biometric ID. One of the pilot schemes for this technology took place in Essex’s Stansted Airport. The scheme made it compulsory to submit an electronic thumbprint for any person who wished to hire a car. The forced nature of the scheme however led to many customers feeling besmirched and critical of why they should have to submit personal data.

Companies are quick to assert that this biometric data will only ever be used if the car is stolen; this will take the form of handing it over to the law enforcement bodies so that they can crosscheck their own files with the fingerprints taken at the hire desk. Police were quick to highlight the plaudits of the scheme, claiming that it was a response to the large numbers of thefts carried out by organised criminals.

This situation is becoming prevalent all across the United Kingdom; with many businesses stating that the data recorded is purely a fall back should a vehicle be stolen. These firms argue that the data will not be used for any other purpose, or passed to a third party. The ‘invasion of big brother’ claims are quickly discounted, instead the argument that the recording of biometric data will in fact act towards protecting identities is presented.

Naturally the reaction of customers was mixed. One startled customer at Stansted Airport felt that the staff members of the rental company were joking when they asked for a thumbprint. On finding out that they were serious this particular customer was dumfounded. The rather articulate response was that companies had no right to employ such an arbitrary and disproportionate tactic to fight car crime. However, the companies have such a right, after all it is their assets they are protecting.

One of the issues causing the encroachment of biometric recording has been the increasing numbers of false passports. This touted reason however did not hold sway with many customers; their argument being that if it is possible to board a plane with a passport, then why should an additional form of identity be needed to hire a car? In addition customers were understandably worried about how this data would be stored, seemingly if the government cannot hold personal data securely, then what chance do a car rental company have?

Whatever the arguments surrounding the implementation of biometric technologies it is certain that in the car rental industry they are here to stay. It is a case of put up or shut up for customers. These schemes however have not yet been rolled out all over the country; the success of these trials will undoubtedly give an indication not only of how biometrics will affect the rental industry, but will given an insight into how these technologies are likely to encroach on everyday life.

Travel expert Thomas Pretty looks into new technologies being utilised in the car rental industry.

Your Online Source For The Goddess Of Technology

The Complete Makeover of the Internet
By Fred Jones

 Compared to ten years ago the internet has gone through a completely overhaul of the use and functionality from when it was first managed. Since its first introduction the internet was first used as a way for the military and universities to share data with each other respectively.

When I first got the internet at my house it was through a phone line and a 56k modem. My very first internet service provider or ISP was American Online or more commonly known as AOL. AOL was the very first internet provider I used at home and it was also very convenient because everyone that I knew also had AOL as their ISP.

However because the internet was provided through a modem by a 56k modem it was very annoying to have your connection dropped every time someone else called you or someone in your household tried using the phone. Because of this my parents got a second phone line to prevent this but even so there were the spam phone calls we would get from telemarketers.

Back in the day when AOL was extremely popular I remember a lot of things that kids all over the world would participate in. The most popular online activity that I remember kids would participate in were the online chat rooms where people would play text games and all sorts of other activities.

Other games that were extremely popular were War Craft II, Star Craft and Diablo II. I remember I would spend hours on ends with friends and random people playing these 3 games whenever I had free time. But since the major way to get internet back then was through a phone line it was a complete breakthrough for me when we got our first broadband ISP.

Compared to the very unreliable service you would normally get through a normal phone line, broadband was completely different. It would rarely disconnect you from the internet and also the amount of data was a lot faster compared to the predecessor. With the internet becoming more and more stable and reliable a new world of opportunities opens up for the everyday person. They can now create their own websites to whatever topic or theme they want. They can create communities of people with like minds to share their ideas and converse with each other.

People can either pay for web service or get free web service through one of the popular free mediums such as personal sites such as MySpace and FaceBook, to community sites such as a Forum, Bulletin Board System or Wiki page. With such methods available for anyone with access to the internet people can connect with each other no matter where they are around the world.

However this might come to an end in the US with the introduction of mediated online services that major ISPs are trying to pass through as a law within congress. The major ISPs will control the internet and will charge users fees to what they are able to see as well as the basic service of even accessing the internet.

Fred Jones

wikis

The Future Of The Car Rental Industry
By Thomas Pretty

 The car rental industry has been rarely viewed as a world leader in the sense of technological development. In the past, even the quality of the cars being used was called into question, some customers claiming that the cars they hired had been so damaged by previous customers that they were just as likely to breakdown at the roadside as get you to your destination. This situation has definitely changed however; the car rental industry now embraces technological change, providing customers with an efficient and reliable service.

One of the largest influences on the car rental industry has been the impact of global warming and more widely the environmental concerns of customers. It is hoped by many car rental companies that by introducing more efficient cars into the fleet, fuel efficiency will be increased and customers will receive a better deal. This is not all of the car rental companies, but some have noticed the niche in the market for customers with an environmental conscience; revealing a wider trend not only in car hire but in society more generally.

The most obvious way that car rental companies can reduce their environmental impact is by introducing highly efficient cars into their fleets. An example would be the hybrid cars that are becoming extremely popular at the moment; they bring the benefits of a smaller environmental footprint and cheaper fuel rates for customers. Not all have embraced the introduction of hybrid cars however, some view their introduction as purely a temporary measure that in no way tackles the root causes of emissions. Additionally, the use of bio-fuel cars has been growing, while this fuel is cheap and produces less harmful emissions critics have been quick to realise that if all of the arable land in the world was turned over for the production of bio-fuel plants, then foodstuffs would be extremely short. It is all rather Malthusian but it is a good point nonetheless.

Some of the more future conscious car rental companies have been studying the ways in which to change the application of rates to customers. In the past companies would charge for the hire of a vehicle on a daily basis, meaning that if you returned the car just half an hour late, another day’s charge would be added to the bill. Many companies have noticed that this is not great customer service and have subsequently introduced an hourly pay structure into their operations. While some profits may be surrendered following this strategy, customer service will be increased whilst a bi-product is that fewer cars will be on the road at any one time.

Many car rental companies have been quick to realise the benefits of GPS technology and the ways in which it can aide their operations. GPS tracking devices give the rental company the option to track their fleet vehicles, allowing them to record the way in which cars are being driven and their location. While for many this may be seen as an invasion of privacy, it is not; it is simply a reaction to the large amount of organised crime that focuses on the theft of rental cars. With GPS technology the chances of a company recovering the stolen vehicle are increased considerably, showing that this strategy is simply a way for companies to protect their assets.

The introduction of high technology to the car rental industry has been a long time in coming. Whether this is due to a reluctance to change or simply because the technology has not been effective enough is hard to ascertain. One thing is certain however, with the introduction of GPS, biometric data recorders, environmentally friendly cars and revolutionary pay structures; the future of the car rental industry is bright.

Cultural affairs expert Thomas Pretty looks at technological and environmental strategies being implemented by the car rental industry.

 For those of us who can’t leave the office behind, the new range of smart phones for business are making it increasingly easy to be a workaholic.

For telecommunications the three models are fairly evenly matched, you can make and receive calls but with these multimedia devices you’ll want to be doing a lot more than that. All are capable of email, web browsing and of course text messaging. However the Blackberry’s original support of push email gets one up on the early iPhone, which didn’t employ an LED to notify the user he or she has a new message and requires that the owner actively check themselves. This is obviously time consuming and transpires into wasted battery life. However with the 3G version Jobs has rectified this issue. And of course Google’s G1 recently released in New York pushes emails for the owner.

The iPhone is probably more fashionable than its Blackberry competitor but in a corporate sense which is the superior piece of kit? The touch screen capabilities of Apples multimedia phone does indeed make it a joy to use but it has been agued that Blackberry’s physical keyboard is more user friendly regarding typing text messages and email, compared to the iPhone’s virtual on screen keyboard. The G1, under the working title of Android has stirred up a lot of interest in online with devlopers exctied about its opensource platform and Google fans are bound to support the new smartphone through loyalty if nothing else.

It has been regularly reported that the Internet loading time on the Blackberry can be slow and frustrating but once it’s connected to a wireless network online navigation is pretty smooth.

Due to the touch screen interface of the iPhone browsing the internet is a more enjoyable and profitable experience. Dragging your finger down the screen to scroll through a page is more intuitive than the buttons on the Blackberry, as is the pinch and reverse pinch motion to zoom in and out. For these reasons extracting information from web pages is often easier on the iPhone. With the new Blackberry Bold which boasts a 624MHz processor you can now download email attachments faster than before which is a significant improvement. But in early July Apple’s reaction to this was to announce the iPhone on the 3G network advancing the smart phone’s connectivity and it also includes satellite navigation. Similarly the Blackberry Bold incorporates GPS as standard. The G1 also has touch screen capabilities as well as a flip down Qwerty keyboard, providing a promising equilibrium.

With the iPhone you obviously get 8G or 16G (depending on which model you choose) worth of memory on which to download music from iTunes, but that’s not going to help you get those reports done by Monday morning. It is going to lighten the load in your pockets though as you won’t need to carry your iPod around with you as well. Since Steve Jobs has released the SDK (iPhone software developer kit) and Microsoft Exchange support for the iPhone he has covered two major areas that required development and therefore as a corporate utility the iPhone is vastly improved.

At the end of the fruit salad, Apple users are a loyal folk and will probably continue to invest in the Apple family. Equally, those that are now familiar with the Blackberry will most likely stick by Research In Motion. It is very much down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user, but now that the new G1 has just been launched the tables have again been turned.

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John McE writes articles on a number of subjects including technology. For more about telecommunications see G3 Telecom.

The Truth About Free Flight
By Peter Salmonford

The FAA says its national route program is free flight, but I don’t think that is really accurate. FAA’s national route program lets some aircraft fly their preferred routes sometimes, but they Eire still too controlled by air traffic management, and some argue that such extensive control is no longer necessary with the new technologies that we have available.

Today, some of the witnesses will argue that FAA, attempting to improve air traffic, is guaranteed failure if it relies on building upon the current air traffic control system. In their opinion, it is the current system that is the problem. It is so outdated that even if new technology is fully applied, it could only produce marginal benefits. They argue that with new technology and modem aircraft’s capabiUties, the current air traffic control system should be radically restructured.

Our present system of air traffic control dates back to the late 1950’s and early 1960’s when air travel was very different than it is today. We had pistoned-powered aircraft, not jets; only a few people were flying; and only a small number of aircraft were flying at any one time. Moreover, at that time airports didn’t have any capacity problems, hubs didn’t exist, and airport parking was easy. But that is all history.

The FAA did well by us then. The system it crafted essentially still serves us today, providing undeniably safe air transportation, as it always has. But now it is argued that the FAA, by building on that system and not considering any other method, limits the improvements that are possible in safety, capacity and efficiency.

Peter Salmonford is a keen fan of all forms of transport, and likes to write about antique and modern vehcles. Take a look at his other articles on hydrogen conversion, the benefits of an electric car kit and using browns gas in your own car.

Your Online Source For The Goddess Of Technology

 Most webmasters use RSS and a lot of people would like to know what it actually means, well this is a friend’s explanation about RSS:

“I think, the basic idea of RSS is used (in this instance) for a website to provide a link that I can use by a cute-looking little chicklet that will feed my blogs. I believe that (whatevah) technology is taking updates on a certain website, formatting info as RSS or Atom or something like that, to be consumed by collective software”

This poor fellow is not alone. A large number of people are still baffled by the many wonders of the Internet. For those who want to start blogging, the usefulness of the RSS concept must be fully understood.

The general idea of the RSS feeds is very simple indeed. It is tool that you use to help the spread and the exposure of your blogs to all corners of the Internet. Through RSS, anyone who subscribed to your blogs will be regularly informed about the new blogs you published and other updates. You can put the different websites you visit every day in one place using RSS.

Without RSS, people will waste a lot of time pursuing their daily dose of fresh news and updated information. Websites are impractically constrained on their publishing activities because they have to wait for availability of new content.

RSS (a.ka. Really Simple Syndication or Rich Site Summary) is the process of spreading content from a website to another website using a feed reader program; thus, the nickname RSS feeds.

Atom is a type of feed reader and it is another form of RSS. Both are children of XML technology. Simply put, XML technology is a form of language used to build blocks that create website pages.

RSS feeds are often viewed on websites. The programs that can be used to read feeds are called Readers or Aggregators. These programs are often found in browsers, on websites, or on email software. Feed readers also indicate what feed you have and have not read.

The Firefox browser from Mozilla was the first to include a blog feed (a box-shaped symbol with color orange), which is often found at the right side end of the address bar.

Feed Demon, Feedburner, Technorati, Google Homepage, and Bloglines are just a few popular online readers. These feed websites create your feeds for free. Some websites, like Blogger, come with automatic feed reader. Some have charges for feed reading service because it comes with advanced features regarding visitor traffic, statistics and even IP addresses.

Through RSS feeds, web syndication is now possible where Internet browsers to link together as many websites as they want.

Providers of Web Based Project Management Software and Intranet Software Solutions

Interesting Facts About Tape Measures
By Dave Southern

 The tape measure has evolved into a much modern process of getting measurements. It developed from the ribbon type to the most modern digital and laser technology capable of measuring in the most accurate method.

Tape measures are similar to rulers but, the difference is that it can be folded or rolled. They are commonly used for dressmaking and tailoring. They are made up of ribbon, cloth, plastic, or metal. Tape measures consist of linear measure marking in metric and imperial units. Carpenters or construction workers also make use of tape measures made up of thin metallic ribbon that remains straight. The metallic ribbon retracts into a small convenient storage. Surveyors also utilize tape measures with a hectometer as its measuring unit.

A unique feature prevalent to most tape measures is a small diamond which is embedded every 19.2 inches. It is called black truss marking. Measuring tapes are ideal measuring tools because of its flexibility which can be used to measure even tight corners and curves. It can also be carried in a pocket because of its small size.

This measuring tool comes in different types:

Body Measuring Tape

This type of measuring tape can be used to measure circumference of the head, waist, legs and arms of the body. One of the models of this type is the Quick Medical QM2000 Measure Mate Body. It features accurate and quick measurements. Another good feature of this tool is that it can measure up to 60 inches and has automatic retracting system. In addition, measurement readings are shown on both sides of the tape. For a more accurate measurement, a 0.1 cm increment is used with this tool.

Measuring with the Measure Mate is simple. Just wrap the retracting tape around the area which you want to measure and then put the end into position. Afterwards, just push on the button and it automatically locks into position.

Adhesive Measuring Tape

This type of tape measure comes with an adhesive that allows it to be removed and positioned on almost any surface. The tape can be written with marking pens or pencil. It is 1 inch wide and 100 inches long and is colored white with black numeral markings. This is mostly used by police investigators or Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO). It is ideal in measuring blood splatter on any surface, bullet holes, or any pieces of evidence for crime scenes.

Magnetic Measuring Tape

The magnetic measuring tape is ideal for measuring metal surfaces. It is made up of vinyl material with a UV resistant red and blue ink. It is one meter long and uses standard and metric measurement system.

Laser Measuring Tape

This type of measuring device is one of the latest advancements in measuring technology. This device can be manipulated to accurately measure length, width, distance, area, and volume. Basically, it is used by interior designers, architects, and craftsmen. The great feature of this device is that it is able to measure hard to reach objects such as buildings and billboards if it is 300 feet in distance.

The TLM100 is one of the models of this kind of measuring tool. With its point and shoot technology, it can measure quickly and precisely without having a need for an assistant. Plus, it lessens the burden of having to calculate a lot of measurements. Some of the latest models include LCD display and Bluetooth technology for fast and easy data transfer.

Digital Measuring Tape

It features an LCD that displays the measurement made. Measurements can be made in inches, feet, and even fraction measurements. The measuring device automatically switches on when the tape is extended. It will turn off when the tape is retracted into its case. The measuring tape operates with the use of two LR44 batteries.

Most of the modern spring tape measures are design based on the patent by Alvin J. Fellows on July 14, 1868. The spring tape measure has existed ever since Fellows patent. It was not widely used during that time. But in 1940, it slowly emerged and supplemented in the form of the folding ruler.

Having a proper tool for measuring jobs requiring the most exact measurement is important. The slightest inaccuracy in measurements can cause a big difference and may lead to waste of time and material. This is especially true in woodworking, tailoring, and architecture. To achieve the best results, accuracy is necessary.

For more information on Tape Measures please visit our website.

What I Think of the FAA
By Peter Salmonford

I want to commend the FAA for breaking free from its institutional chains and showing that once in a wlule it can be flexible. For example, the FAA has, in my opinion, pushed the envelope on the Global Positioning System, moving faster and more efficiently than ever before and to the surprise of a lot of people, and I want to commend them for that. It has already issued several GPS approaches which I have taken a look at and more are expected soon.

And they are doing testing on category two and three landings which I am convinced are going to happen. I am convinced it can be done. It is just a matter of us proving it.

So I am very pleased with the work they have done in that area.

I am also pleased with the FAA’s announced plans to revitalize general aviation. There are a number of things that are under consideration, and I would like the FAA to keep us all informed on the progress of those initiatives. I hope FAA does act promptly because I really think we have some tremendous opportunities in general aviation and much needs to be accomplished.

This new FAA approach, such as we have seen with GPS, one that is more responsive to users’ needs, should be a model for future FAA efforts, and I hope that it will be.

We have so many opportunities today with new technology to really change the system to the benefit of the users. The FAA now has a chance to develop an effective strategy to reap all these potential benefits, and we hope that they will do that.

Peter Salmonford is a keen fan of all forms of transport, and likes to write about antique and modern vehcles. Take a look at his other articles on hydrogen conversion, the benefits of an electric car kit and using browns gas in your own car.

Free flight is a very intriguing technology because it could potentially revolutionize the way in which we manage air traffic.

Instead of flying very set flight paths under the direction of FAA air traffic controllers, free flight technology will permit aircraft to fly the most direct and most efficient route between destinations. This new technology has the potential to increase airspace capacity, boost airport capacity through more efficient use of runways, lattice delays, and provide billions in savings to air carriers.

Of course, air safety must always be our primary consideration, and I am aware that reservations exist about moving too quickly with this technology. Our efforts to improve air space capacity and efficiency should not in any way come at the expense f safety.

And with regard to efficiency, FAA has managed this task well, although recent developments in navigation and communications technologies and changes in the manner in which air carriers deploy and schedule aircraft have led many in the industry to question the current regime of positive control and continued reliance on the defined system of airways.

Under positive control, the air traffic controller directs all aircraft movements on the ground and in the air. The pilot flying an instrument flight LAN cannot deviate from an assigned altitude or heading unless first receiving permission. And, as indicated here, under free flight, a pilot would not necessarily rely on an air traffic controller for direction except to the extent the controller seeks to resolve potential conflicts.

Free flight is just one of the topics that Peter likes to write about. Check out his other articles about Fuel Cell Cars, HHO Gas and DUI charges.

The Future Of The Car Rental Industry
By Thomas Pretty

 The car rental industry has been rarely viewed as a world leader in the sense of technological development. In the past, even the quality of the cars being used was called into question, some customers claiming that the cars they hired had been so damaged by previous customers that they were just as likely to breakdown at the roadside as get you to your destination. This situation has definitely changed however; the car rental industry now embraces technological change, providing customers with an efficient and reliable service.

One of the largest influences on the car rental industry has been the impact of global warming and more widely the environmental concerns of customers. It is hoped by many car rental companies that by introducing more efficient cars into the fleet, fuel efficiency will be increased and customers will receive a better deal. This is not all of the car rental companies, but some have noticed the niche in the market for customers with an environmental conscience; revealing a wider trend not only in car hire but in society more generally.

The most obvious way that car rental companies can reduce their environmental impact is by introducing highly efficient cars into their fleets. An example would be the hybrid cars that are becoming extremely popular at the moment; they bring the benefits of a smaller environmental footprint and cheaper fuel rates for customers. Not all have embraced the introduction of hybrid cars however, some view their introduction as purely a temporary measure that in no way tackles the root causes of emissions. Additionally, the use of bio-fuel cars has been growing, while this fuel is cheap and produces less harmful emissions critics have been quick to realise that if all of the arable land in the world was turned over for the production of bio-fuel plants, then foodstuffs would be extremely short. It is all rather Malthusian but it is a good point nonetheless.

Some of the more future conscious car rental companies have been studying the ways in which to change the application of rates to customers. In the past companies would charge for the hire of a vehicle on a daily basis, meaning that if you returned the car just half an hour late, another day’s charge would be added to the bill. Many companies have noticed that this is not great customer service and have subsequently introduced an hourly pay structure into their operations. While some profits may be surrendered following this strategy, customer service will be increased whilst a bi-product is that fewer cars will be on the road at any one time.

Many car rental companies have been quick to realise the benefits of GPS technology and the ways in which it can aide their operations. GPS tracking devices give the rental company the option to track their fleet vehicles, allowing them to record the way in which cars are being driven and their location. While for many this may be seen as an invasion of privacy, it is not; it is simply a reaction to the large amount of organised crime that focuses on the theft of rental cars. With GPS technology the chances of a company recovering the stolen vehicle are increased considerably, showing that this strategy is simply a way for companies to protect their assets.

The introduction of high technology to the car rental industry has been a long time in coming. Whether this is due to a reluctance to change or simply because the technology has not been effective enough is hard to ascertain. One thing is certain however, with the introduction of GPS, biometric data recorders, environmentally friendly cars and revolutionary pay structures; the future of the car rental industry is bright.

Cultural affairs expert Thomas Pretty looks at technological and environmental strategies being implemented by the car rental industry.

The Complete Makeover of the Internet
By Fred Jones

 Compared to ten years ago the internet has gone through a completely overhaul of the use and functionality from when it was first managed. Since its first introduction the internet was first used as a way for the military and universities to share data with each other respectively.

When I first got the internet at my house it was through a phone line and a 56k modem. My very first internet service provider or ISP was American Online or more commonly known as AOL. AOL was the very first internet provider I used at home and it was also very convenient because everyone that I knew also had AOL as their ISP.

However because the internet was provided through a modem by a 56k modem it was very annoying to have your connection dropped every time someone else called you or someone in your household tried using the phone. Because of this my parents got a second phone line to prevent this but even so there were the spam phone calls we would get from telemarketers.

Back in the day when AOL was extremely popular I remember a lot of things that kids all over the world would participate in. The most popular online activity that I remember kids would participate in were the online chat rooms where people would play text games and all sorts of other activities.

Other games that were extremely popular were War Craft II, Star Craft and Diablo II. I remember I would spend hours on ends with friends and random people playing these 3 games whenever I had free time. But since the major way to get internet back then was through a phone line it was a complete breakthrough for me when we got our first broadband ISP.

Compared to the very unreliable service you would normally get through a normal phone line, broadband was completely different. It would rarely disconnect you from the internet and also the amount of data was a lot faster compared to the predecessor. With the internet becoming more and more stable and reliable a new world of opportunities opens up for the everyday person. They can now create their own websites to whatever topic or theme they want. They can create communities of people with like minds to share their ideas and converse with each other.

People can either pay for web service or get free web service through one of the popular free mediums such as personal sites such as MySpace and FaceBook, to community sites such as a Forum, Bulletin Board System or Wiki page. With such methods available for anyone with access to the internet people can connect with each other no matter where they are around the world.

However this might come to an end in the US with the introduction of mediated online services that major ISPs are trying to pass through as a law within congress. The major ISPs will control the internet and will charge users fees to what they are able to see as well as the basic service of even accessing the internet.

Fred Jones

wikis

 Compared to ten years ago the internet has gone through a completely overhaul of the use and functionality from when it was first managed. Since its first introduction the internet was first used as a way for the military and universities to share data with each other respectively.

When I first got the internet at my house it was through a phone line and a 56k modem. My very first internet service provider or ISP was American Online or more commonly known as AOL. AOL was the very first internet provider I used at home and it was also very convenient because everyone that I knew also had AOL as their ISP.

However because the internet was provided through a modem by a 56k modem it was very annoying to have your connection dropped every time someone else called you or someone in your household tried using the phone. Because of this my parents got a second phone line to prevent this but even so there were the spam phone calls we would get from telemarketers.

Back in the day when AOL was extremely popular I remember a lot of things that kids all over the world would participate in. The most popular online activity that I remember kids would participate in were the online chat rooms where people would play text games and all sorts of other activities.

Other games that were extremely popular were War Craft II, Star Craft and Diablo II. I remember I would spend hours on ends with friends and random people playing these 3 games whenever I had free time. But since the major way to get internet back then was through a phone line it was a complete breakthrough for me when we got our first broadband ISP.

Compared to the very unreliable service you would normally get through a normal phone line, broadband was completely different. It would rarely disconnect you from the internet and also the amount of data was a lot faster compared to the predecessor. With the internet becoming more and more stable and reliable a new world of opportunities opens up for the everyday person. They can now create their own websites to whatever topic or theme they want. They can create communities of people with like minds to share their ideas and converse with each other.

People can either pay for web service or get free web service through one of the popular free mediums such as personal sites such as MySpace and FaceBook, to community sites such as a Forum, Bulletin Board System or Wiki page. With such methods available for anyone with access to the internet people can connect with each other no matter where they are around the world.

However this might come to an end in the US with the introduction of mediated online services that major ISPs are trying to pass through as a law within congress. The major ISPs will control the internet and will charge users fees to what they are able to see as well as the basic service of even accessing the internet.

Fred Jones

wikis

New Technology and The Performance of The Aerospace Industry
By Peter Salmonford

New technology has the potential to increase airspace capacity, boost airport capacity through more efficient use of runways, reduce delays and provides billions of dollars in savings to air carriers. Obviously, consumers would benefit tremendously from lower air fares and increased availability of flights.

The Air Transport Association estimates that the major air carriers are losing about $3.5 billion every year because we do not fully utilize new air traffic management technologies such as free flight. Given the uncertain financial condition of the industry, this is a situation that we simply cannot allow to continue indefinitely.

Of course, air safety must always be our primary consideration, and I am aware that reservations do exist about moving too quickly with this technology. Our efforts to improve airspace capacity and efficiency should not in any way come at the expense of safety.

I hope the FAA can be honest with us on how they are progressing with the new air traffic control system. Our capacity to see the benefits of a free flight routing system is dependent largely on modernization of the air traffic control system. I find it disturbing that we continue to hear about long delays, cost overruns and cancellation of systems, and this simply cannot continue.

In my capacity as researcher and writer, I had the pleasure of visiting the Boston Center, air traffic control facility located in Nashua, New Hampshire, last year. The center controls all air traffic in New England, down in New York and for 150 miles out in the Atlantic ocean, and I talked with people who managed the flow of air traffic on a day to day basis, and I was impressed by the professionalism and the dedication.

I also saw firsthand the equipment that they use, which by anyone’s standards is sadly out of date and in desperate need of modernization. It became readily apparent to me that the FAA must do everything possible to see that the modernization process is completed.

Peter Salmonford is a keen fan of all forms of transport, and likes to write about antique and modern vehcles. Take a look at his other articles on hydrogen conversion, the benefits of an electric car kit and using browns gas in your own car.