Alicia’s Keys is a software instrument from Native Instruments that recreates performer Alicia Keys’ personal grand piano. Developed in close collaboration with the Grammy-winning artist, the software allows musicians of all experience levels to use Keys’ signature sound in their own music productions and live performances.

“I love this software so much that I used it on my entire new album. Not once did I record a live piano because there was just no need,” said Alicia Keys. “I plan to tour with this sound and use it all around the world. I love how it gives those who may not be able to buy an acoustic piano a true piano experience.”

The software is a comprehensive digital emulation of Alicia Keys’ Yamaha “C3 Neo” concert grand. Its user interface gives intuitive control over the sound to further adjust it to the specific musical context and personal playing style. Alicia’s Keys may be used with either Windows or Macintosh computers in combination with a conventional MIDI electronic keyboard device. Watch Alicia Keys explain the software creation process at
 

Dr. Charles Gerba at the University of Arizona has done extensive research about germs in the workplace. His studies have found that cell phones are the highest carriers of bacteria with 25,000 germs per square inch, or 500 times more bacteria than the average toilet.

Especially in medical or education settings, a filthy phone could be a transmitter of nasty diseases. The Seal Shield Seal Cell waterproof cell phone is the world’s first cell phone designed to be washable and antimicrobial. The Seal Cell can be scrubbed in the sink or popped into the dishwasher for through disinfection. Additionally, the outside of the handset is created with Silver Seal antimicrobial technology as a first line of defense against germs. The Seal Cell is a Dual SIM, Quad Band handset featuring a 2.0 megapixel camera with video and torch light, MMS, background noise elimination, walkie-talkie function, Bluetooth 2.0, GPS and a ruggedized touch screen. Check it out at
 

April is Autism Awareness Month. For unknown reasons, Autism Spectrum Disorders are increasing worldwide. When a child is diagnosed with autism, parents often feel overwhelmed and helpless. To help them cope, Autism Speaks () has created a “100 Day Kit” which aids families in moving forward in the early months after a child is diagnosed with the disorder. The kit is a comprehensive resource, offering everything from an understanding of the condition to an action and safety plan for dealing with an autistic child. The kit may be shared with extended family members and friends so they will become supporters of treatment and education efforts. Download the kit free from:
 
 

Consumers have become familiar with netbooks or mini notebooks. Now there is a trend toward nettops — or mini desktops. A nettop is an inexpensive, low-power desktop computer designed for basic tasks such as surfing the Internet, accessing web-based applications, document processing and audio/video playback.

Lenovo’s newest nettop is the C200 which sports an 18.5 inch HD 16:9 widescreen display and offers an optional NVIDIA ION 256MB graphics processor for high definition video support. The C200 is being promoted as an affordable and fun family PC with a sleek, compact design suitable for a living room setting. Its Intel Atom processor reduces the C200’s energy requirements and an integrated DVD reader/writer, stereo speakers and the Lenovo High-Sense Webcam complete the package — which starts at $399.