Microsoft raises bet on motion-sensing tech

Microsoft has acquired Canesta, which designs microchips that it says enable computers to see images in three dimensions, according to the privately-held Sunnyvale, California-based company.

The purchase comes as Microsoft prepares to launch its Kinect motion-controller next month, hoping to spark sales of its xBox video game consoles. Buying Canesta, whose technology focuses mainly on consumer applications, suggests Microsoft is already eyeing more and better movement-recognition products down the line for its video game system as well as other applications. Kinect’s camera-based system, built into cameras, lets players control games with body and hand gestures, letting gamers ditch the hand-held controllers they have been tied to for decades.

Honda has invested $5 million in Canesta to develop 3-D technology to help drivers park their cars and avoid collisions.Hitachi is using Canesta’s technology to create a television controlled by hand gestures instead of a remote control.

For the complete article, please click here.

Microsoft Unveils Windows Phone 7 Series

At Mobile World Congress 2010, Microsoft Corp. unveiled the next generation of Windows Phones, Windows Phone 7 Series.

With this new platform and the for the first time ever, Microsoft will bring together Xbox LIVE games and the Zune music and video experience on a mobile phone.

Every Windows Phone 7 Series phone will come with a dedicated hardware button for Bing, providing one-click access to search from anywhere on the phone, while a special implementation of Bing search provides intent-specific results, delivering the most relevant Web or local results, depending on the type of query.

Windows Phone 7 Series includes six hubs built on specific themes reflecting activities that matter most to people:

People. This hub delivers an engaging social experience by bringing together relevant content based on the person, including his or her live feeds from social networks and photos.

Pictures. This hub makes it easy to share pictures and video to a social network in one step.

Games. This hub delivers the first and only official Xbox LIVE experience on a phone.

Music + Video. This hub creates an incredible media experience that brings the best of Zune, including content from a user’s PC, online music services and even a built-in FM radio into one simple place that is all about music and video.

Marketplace. This hub allows the user to easily discover and load the phone with certified applications and games.

Office. This hub brings the familiar experience of the world’s leading productivity software to the Windows Phone. With access to Office, OneNote and SharePoint Workspace all in one place, users can easily read, edit and share documents.

Partners from around the world have committed to include Windows Phone 7 Series in their portfolio plans. They include mobile operators AT&T, Deutsche Telekom AG, Orange, SFR, Sprint, Telecom Italia, Telefónica, Telstra, T-Mobile USA, Verizon Wireless and Vodafone, and manufacturers Dell, Garmin-Asus, HTC Corp., HP, LG, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Toshiba and Qualcomm Inc. The first phones will be available by holiday 2010.

RedMere, New CONNECTIONS Sponsor

CONNECTIONS welcomes RedMere as a new CONNECTIONS Europe Advisory Sponsor and the first 2010 CONNECTIONS US Sponsor.

RedMere is the leading provider of chip and cable technology solutions for the next generation of compact, lightweight cables for Synchronization, Camera, Home Theater, Game and Enterprise applications. Whether on the move, at home or at work these new cable systems deliver the ultimate in compact digital connectivity over HDMI, DisplayPort and USB for Video and Still Cameras, Smartphones, HDTV, Blu-Ray DVD, PS3 and Xbox, as well as enterprise solutions using Infiniband and PCI Express. RedMere provides cable-embedded semiconductors and advanced cable reference design to cable industry leaders and manufacturing partners.

Visit www.redmere.com for more information.

Blockbuster tests new store in Nev.

Blockbuser has made the Reno area the first major test market for its new look and expanded offerings. To reach the rentals, you’ll have to get past the game center with an array of Wii and Xbox accessories, high-definition TVs and mobile media devices, interactive games ready for play in leather chairs, and expanded snack racks with a cafe kiosk offering eats and drinks.

The key is convenience, selling not just the movie or video game but the means to watch it, Blockbuster CEO Jim Keyes said last week at a store in Reno.

And especially with the economic downturn, he said, the more his stores can offer, the better chance it has of getting an edge on the competition.

“We’re selling convenience,” Keyes said after giving Reno Mayor Bob Cashell and other business leaders a tour of the store.

“Why send someone to Wal-Mart when you can bring it in here where they’re already getting the movies,” Keyes said. “There’s so much talk now about ‘community’ in business. This is community here, the ultimate community.”

More info