Vocal Controlled Mouse

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.

It turns out the vocally controlled mouse has a very simple setup. It is software connected to a microphone that can recognize the vowel sounds needed for motion. The UW developers are also working on using this voice recognition technology on robotic arms.

No word if this technology will be developed for the casual computer user, whether handicapped or non-handicapped, but you can’t deny that this could change a lot of things.

Source

Golden Gamer

A gaming PC must be extremely powerful, so when Voodoo launched the Elemental Omen PC, I was a bit sceptical.While the gold case qualifies as perhaps the dorkiest piece of bling ever, it’s what’s inside that counts. Powered by two 512 MB ATI Radeon X1900XTX graphics cards, 4 gigs of RAM and 2 terabytes of harddrive space, this thing screams overkill. There’s also a 46″ Samsung LCD but, at 46″, it isn’t a monitor but a giant TV screen! A pretty impressive package, and you needn’t worry about its shipping charges as the folks at Voodoo pick the tab for that!

ECO-SAVVY PC

However cool laptops might be, for some things you need a desktop. But with the space and energy it consumes, it can turn you off. Which is why HP has launched the sleek and extremely energy-efficient DC7800 Ultra-Slim Desktop PC. With an array of environmental features, it meets the most stringent requirements of the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool Gold Registry. It has a solid-state hard drive (no moving parts), which provides near-instantaneous access to data and eliminates electro-mechanical wear out. Go green!

MagicJacks are Economical, Easy and Fun to Use

Unlimited, free, local and long distance in the U.S., crisp clear voice communication, caller ID, call waiting, voicemail and more for only $39.95 for the entire year?! And it’s totally legal? All I can say is wow!!

I was not in need of an extra phone when I looked into the MagicJack. I actually have enough phones lines, including my cell. I had not yet seen the infomercials either. I do have a fascination with technology and gadgets that are useful, economical and easy for anyone to install.

The MagicJack only required me to plug it into my USB port of my computer (I have Windows Vista). A telephone (or headset) plugs in to the phone jack on other end of the MagicJack and the software is automatically downloaded. You get a free phone number and can choose the state you want your number to be in, as well as the area code (if available) and the prefix. It provides the remaining four numbers. Very easy.

Also, I’ve used it on a different computer (a Mac) just to see what would happen. It worked very well also, appearing on the screen with my information and I was able to make all kinds of phone calls in the U.S. So now I know I can carry it with me if I know I’m going to be around a computer. A handset telephone or headset is also needed in order to speak to someone. Just make sure the computer you use has a high speed Internet connection.

There is a special 911 feature with MagicJack, good to set up at the beginning. Since this device is connected to your computer, it’s always a good idea to have a backup telephone in case of an emergency.

One of the many features I appreciate is being able to check my voicemail from any phone, just as professionally as any other telephone service with this feature. One needs to create a password first, as expected, and I can listen to my messages from any phone, or save, delete or forward the messages or change folders. Yes, one can create separate folders for work, family and friends (and more),

I noticed after creating the voice mail, MagicJack creates a .WAV file which is sent as an attachment to your email address. I downloaded one to listen to a message I received through my computer speaker. There can be some useful applications for this feature…

Since I’ve had my MagicJack for only a few days, I haven’t explored everything about this new, fun device yet. For example, there is always the international call feature one can add at any tine, which provides very low cost, international service. More features can be found on their website So far, my experience has been exciting. If I want to renew this for another year, the cost is only $19.95. What a unique gift this would make!

LCD EZ-Canvas

A flat screen LCD monitor is a hot item on it’s own but now there is a special canvas that can be attached to your monitor.

Once attached you can now use it as a tablet to write and draw with the pen or your fingers.

This canvas was created by a Japanese company called NAVIsis.

Source

Another Windows Vista Delay?

Microsoft is adamantly saying that the new Windows Vista release is on track for January ‘07 but Gartner is saying it looks like it won’t make it. They say it’s much too complex to have it done on time.

The way I see it I believe that it probably won’t be out on time. I am anxiously waiting just like other consumers and computer makers who are hoping that a new windows installed on new pc’s will bring up floundering computer sales.

Windows Parental Controls

Microsoft announced Monday that the first version of its free parental control software for Windows XP, Windows Live Family Safety Settings, will be available for download in June. The initial software will allow parents to block websites they think are inappropriate for children and also to log what sites are visited from the computer.

Later versions of the software will include monitoring and approval of contacts on Windows Live Mail and Windows Live Messenger. Parents will also be able to control who accesses their kids’ blogs when they are set up on Microsoft’s Spaces service.

Parental controls will also be built into Vista, the new operating system expected by the end of the year. A Pew Internet and American Life study found that half of all parents use some kind of monitoring or content blocking software.

For more about Windows Vista and the Family Safety Settings, visit Microsoft. It is currently in private beta testing, according to Microsoft.

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