Georgia Tech researchers have built a prototype app for touch-screen mobile devices that is vying to be a complete solution for texting without the need to look at a screen. The free open-source app, BrailleTouch, incorporates the Braille writing system used by the visually impaired. The key feature of the BrailleTouch technology is the use of a six-key configuration so that the keyboard fits on the screen and users keep their fingers in a relatively fixed position while texting. This design allows users to hold their device with the screen facing away from them — cradling the device with their palms or pinkies and thumbs — and to type with the majority of their fingers, identical to typing on a standard Braille keyboard. Studies with visually impaired participants proficient in Braille typing found that with the prototype app for the iPhone, up to 32 words could be entered per minute at 92 percent accuracy.
Designed to quickly and easily allow consumers to share movies, streaming video, pictures or presentations, the Velocity Micro Shine projector utilizes DLP technology, LED illumination and a patent pending optical engine to create big picture quality from a tiny package. The pocket-sized Velocity Micro Shine Projector produces crisp, bright, and clear images on screens, walls or ceilings for under $400. Its ultra-bright 300 lumen display is several times brighter than competing pico projectors. The Micro Shine has a throw ratio of 1.4:1, meaning that a larger than life image can "shine" even in a small room. The projector connects to any media device via HDMI including smartphones and tablets. It uses just 23 watts of power in full mode, making it the greenest projector on the planet.
Trimble has introduced a new generation of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) devices for geographic information system (GIS) field applications. Called the Trimble Juno 3B and 3D handhelds, mobile workers in organizations from public utilities to insurance companies can be empowered with these rugged handhelds that are optimized for field work such as asset management, data collection and inspections. Field workers can collect GPS data, capture and link photos to features and send and receive data from the field using a single device. The Juno 3B has an integrated GPS, a 5 MP autofocus camera and Windows Mobile software. The Juno 3D includes all of the features of the Juno 3B plus 3G wireless technology, which allows users to transfer data faster and stay connected to the office with an integrated mobile phone. The devices are pocket-sized and are resistant to dust, water and shock. The Juno series has an improved sunlight-optimized screen for clarity in outdoor conditions, including direct sunlight. Battery life is typically over ten hours.
Tiffany has opened a new photo gallery at whatmakeslovetrue.com, the jeweler’s website dedicated to the art of romance. The gallery, True Love In Pictures, features portraits of couples that are uploaded to the site from a computer or via an iPhone App. There are special filters available for photo enhancements and contributors may also add a photo caption.
The Beam Brush is a Bluetooth enabled toothbrush that comes with a tracking app and a goal to monitor and improve dental hygiene. Via Bluetooth, the toothbrush transmits brushing data to the app creating a chart of which areas of the mouth have been cleaned and the time of each brushing session. A sensor in the brush is activated when the brushing activity begins. It seems rather simple but it's an excellent way for parents to track if children are maintaining good dental hygiene. The Beam Brush becomes available in March, in blue or pink, priced at about $50. If paying $50 is a budget breaker, use a regular toothbrush and download the brushing app from http://beamtoothbrush.com.
