Computersight -

Forget OnStar, real live Web surfing is coming to vehicles soon. Most systems are using cellular networks to provide decent data access in moving cars and trucks. They are expensive; aimed at the lux consumer.

But prices are dropping, and for road oriented travelers, who drive and not fly, these data systems make sense.

KVH Industries said Tuesday that it KVH 100 data system is available nationwide. KVH uses Verizon’s fast cellular network to provide service. Systems are about on par with better laptops. The hard ware runs about $2,000 with monthly access charges for Verizon.

http://www.kvh.com/Products/product.asp?id=123

WAAV systems is shipping a cellular router that turns broadband data service into an-in car network.

http://www.omniwav.com/CM3.html

From a national perspective, the interesting angle here is that in-car entertainment and multi-media is a rare bright spot in the development of consumer electronics. In-car screens, music and game sell well. In some casese better then their cellular or in-home equivalents. It is only a matter of time before data comes to cars.

More locally, there is almost certainly someone in your audience who is using data in their cars now. We bet with a bit of digging, you’ll find some interesting uses. Don’t forget truckers. Large tractor trailers are high-tech media hubs now. Some are better equipped than some homes.

Performance will probably be pretty good.

2) Scan smart: Remote finger print identification creeps to market.

Here’s a scary security angle: remote detection of finger prints, retinas and other biometric data.

New technologies are allowing machines to detect and differentiate between differing fingerprint, eye constructions and other factors like face size and features. The is right out of the movies: Stand up and be recognized.

Most of remote biometrics  in the government and military development phase, with third party vendor catering to government development deals. MachineTalker, Inc., and Theseus Logic, said Monday that demonstrating NASA-sponsored sensor system.

http://www.wirelessiq.com/content/topstories/1500.html

Most of these sponsored deals die on the vine, but already there are commercial applications. The market already has portable fobs that have print scanners built in.

http://www.secureidnews.com/news/2006/06/29/privaris-launches-personal-biometric-device-for-secure-access-to-multiple-facilities-computers-and-networks/

3) We are losing lead in telecommunications

It’s one thing when we bitch and moan about the sad state of American manufacturing. It’s another when American manufacturers complain on their own.

Here is a report from Manufacturing News. This is the industry organ for what is left of the American manufacturing industry.

http://www.manufacturingnews.com/news/06/0817/art1.html

It’s grim reading. And a sober reminder of the sad state of what passes for manufacturing here in the United States.

It’s a decent story on its own. But we really want to know how did once monstrously powerful political organizations like the steel and car industry let their behinds get handed to them by regulators and financial services interests?

What was the political and social process that allowed to us as a nation to give away our ability to create real wealth? 

That’s what we want to know.

4) Cool stuff worth tracking.

Sony ships news entertainment PC.

http://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/consumer/computer_peripheral/desktops/release/24184.html

Voice over internet adapters for wireless phones.

http://www.unicoi.com/press_center/pr_embedded_sip_raytheon.htm

Toshiba launches pocket disc based projector.

http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/news.php?newsId=4424

Pioneer pro DJ sells beats from Beatport.

https://www.beatport.com/

Make your own ringtones.

http://www.shop.avanquest.com/usa/prod.php?pid=832

Idiot-proof streaming media.

http://www.rawflow.com/

5) And finally … the bandito machine.

http://www.nontzeflash.com/2006/imag/filmak/swf/benditonontze.swf

<<Image link>>

http://www.inflash.com/items/342.jpg