Join Apple News, Software
Matrox PowerDesk for Mac announced
Matrox Graphics Inc. has made available its PowerDesk for Mac desktop management software for Graphics eXpansion Modules (GXMs) used with Apple Mac systems. What makes the PowerDesk for Mac stand out is by improving how and where windows are arranged, making it much easier for users to run multiple applications on a Matrox DualHead2Go or TripleHead2Go multi-monitor set up.
The PowerDesk software-which comes with an easy-to-use interface for setting supported GXM multi-display modes-offers time-saving features that eliminate the need to manually position applications on a multi-monitor configuration. With a keyboard shortcut you can move windows between monitors while maximizing a window to fit a single display. In addition, the Dock can be dedicated to the bottom left, center, or right hand side of your preferred external display.
You will be able to download the PowerDesk for Mac software here.
Apple News, Mobile Phones, Software
Microsoft rolls out first iPhone app
How is this possible, you ask? Well, stranger things have happened, so it is no surprise to hear about Microsoft releasing its first iPhone application. Could this mean that Microsoft is more interested in a rival platform compared to its own Windows Mobile? You can’t tell for sure, but the Seadragon application for the iPhone is a “free image-browsing app that allows users to quickly “deep zoom” images while online”, showing off to users the possibilities of a mobile platform. A little bit of history class first – Seadragon is known as the backbone for Microsoft’s Photosynth, where the latter enables users to take a group of photographs while stitching them together later on into a faux 3D environment. Word on the street also has it that Seadragon won’t be the first or last iPhone app by Microsoft, as they might be working on a voice-activated search engine as well.
Source: CNET
Bluetooth, Coolest Mobile News, Software, Tech News
Ditech improves Bluetooth Headsets with VQABlue Solution
I’m sure there are many Coolest Gadget readers who can’t live unless there is a Bluetooth headset attached to your ear. I’m sure that you have noticed a few problems that come attached to them, like mild discomfort and bad reception.
Fortunately, Ditech is on the job and worked to improve Bluetooth headsets with VQABlue solution. VQABlue is software available to headsets, and the user does not have to increase the memory of his or her headset for it.
VQABlue also improves the dual-microphone design, and now users can wear headsets in a way that is most comfortable to them. That means no more fiddling around with the headset until the caller actually has to be uncomfortable to hear his or her calls.
Ditech has also created “bi-directional algorithms” which can actually improve voice quality on both ends of the call. Many of the audio improvements on headsets today can improve the quality on the other end of the call, but not the sound for the caller.
Conceptual Gadgets, PC Gadgets, Software
Augmented Reality Pop-Up Books
Do you remember back in the early nineties when the phrase Virtual Reality got used far too much? Now it appears Augmented Reality is the choice catchphrase of this decade.
Augmented reality has now come out in book form. You might not be able to see this from the photo, but the boy is holding a normal book, but what he is seeing on a live-feed webcam video are the three-dimensional representations of planets and UFOs. Is that cool or what? That sounds like it will delight children of all ages.
These Augmented Reality Pop-Up Books work using a normal webcam and custom piece of camera recognition software that can superimpose images in real-time. This new and impressive piece of tech was first shown at the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany, but it is something that I would definitely want to see on many a book.
Software, iPod gadgets
Sonos releases Sonos Controller for iPhone
The name Sonos is famous for releasing wireless multi-room music systems for the home, and this time round they have included their expertise by releasing the Sonos Controller for iPhone. Unlike other Sonos products, this is available as a free download over the iPhone App Store. What does this mean for millions of iPod/iPhone users around the country? Well, as long as you are in possession of an iPhone 3G, iPhone or iPod touch, you will be able to have total control over the award-winning Sonos Multi-Room Music System straight from the aforementioned portable device – no questions asked whatsoever.
Software
Free nags to shape up that body
There is nothing quite like a woman’s scorn to whip you into submission and back to reality for us men, and it is exactly that which this free nagging service is based on in Japan. Those who have been trying stupendously hard to lose weight can now have the assistance of a virtual nagging wife. Good thing you don’t have to listen to her voice, since she nags you via four different emails each day, depending on the progress you’ve made as well as her personality. Speaking of personality, you are able to choose from a giggly maid, a ruthless businesswoman, a tender nurse or a fashionista nail artist. Once you’ve entered all the relevant personal information inside and agree to a particular diet and health plan, she’ll start to keep tabs on you. No sleeping on the floor for missing out on a diet with her!
Source: Dvice
PC Gadgets, Software
Fennec comes to mobile devices
Mozilla is famous for their Firefox browser which has over the years steadily eroded Microsoft’s Internet Explorer share in the browser market, and this time round the company will be launching an attack on the mobile platform as well with a mobile version of Firefox, better known as Fennec. It isn’t ready for commercial consumption just yet, but has already reached the alpha 1 milestone that functions only on the Nokia N800/N810 Internet tablet at this point in time. Rest assured it will hit the Windows Mobile operating system as well in the near future, although no definite release date has been stated. iPhone owners will lose out on Fennec though since Mozilla claims Apple’s software requirements for the iPhone are way too restrictive for them to make any headway.
Source: Webmonkey
Conceptual Gadgets, PC Gadgets, Robot Gadgets, Software
Vocal Controlled Mouse: Now you have a good reason to talk to your computer
I don’t know about you, but I can’t stand using the touch pad on my laptop. One time I forgot my mouse, and I had to use it. I almost went crazy that day. The problem with using a traditional mouse is that we’ve been told that continued use will lead to repeated wrist syndrome.
Fortunately, people at the University of Washington (Go Huskies!) are developing a vocally controlled mouse, or a vocal joystick. It is designed for people with disabilities, and I’ve included a You Tube video demonstrating it for a patient with a spinal disorder, available after the jump.
So how does one operate the vocally controlled mouse? Saying “ahh” will cause the cursor to zip to the northeast corner of the computer screen, and saying “ohh” sends it to the southeast corner. For specific directions, other vowel sounds are needed.
