New Bluetooth Consumer-Friendly Standard Approved
The 8,000 members of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group unanimously approved its new standard, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), expecting it to be more secure and easier to use while demanding less power than the previous standard. The use of Near Field Communication, an ultra short range technology allowed by the new standard, should improve security and help increase the speed of connecting Bluetooth devices. Representing an installed base of more than one billion devices, the SIG also linked the new standard to a marked increase in the battery life of Bluetooth devices like mice and keyboards. Broadcom, CSR, Infineon, and Texas Instruments are expected to produce new Bluetooth chips immediately, with the first new products reaching stores by late 2007. Read more
Call for Papers: Wireless Communication Conference
The IEEE Wireless Communication & Networking Conference (WCNC 2008) is seeking papers in all areas of wireless communications, networks, services, and applications. The conference, which is being held 31 March – 3 April 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, is the leading conference for wireless communications researchers, industry professionals, and academics interested in the latest development and design of wireless systems and networks. Conference attendees will receive free admission to the co-located CTIA Wireless 2008 (the world’s largest wireless exhibit show) as well one complementary tutorial registration. For a list of potential topics, paper submission instructions, and submission deadlines, please visit the conference website.
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New IEEE Xplore® Toolbar Introduced
IEEE is pleased to announce the release of the IEEE Xplore Toolbar. The new toolbar, easily downloaded, provides users with instant access to the IEEE Xplore digital library of premier technical literature in electrical engineering, computer science, and electronics. With the IEEE Xplore Toolbar, members can enjoy constant access to IEEE Xplore content; browse and search IEEE journals, magazines, conference proceedings, standards, and books directly from the toolbar; and quickly link to the latest content updates, usage statistics, and IEEE support. Download toolbar
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Uncovering the Good and Bad of Biometrics
According to a recent study by the Ponemon Institute, a majority of U.S. consumers want financial institutions and the government to do more to protect them against identity fraud and security threats. They would also like to see a rise in the use of biometric technologies to help with that protection. There are, however, fears that biometrics will be misused, leading to a growing concern over personal privacy. An article from EE Times Online gives examples as to why that concern might be valid. For example, the article asks what could happen if technology currently being developed by the U.S. Defense Department to provide the military with the near real-time capture and release of identification data, including finger, facial, iris and palm prints, falls into the wrong hands. Read more
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Smart Retail System Debuts in Hong Kong
Schmidt RFID has deployed a Smart Retail System in two Hong Kong stores showcasing the popular Italian-style fashion brand “mi-tu.” The technology provides customers with real-time mix-and-match style advice – either in front of a special Smart Dressing Mirror in the store, or while trying on clothes inside an interactive fitting room. When clothing is brought in front of the mirror, it automatically detects the item’s RFID tag, displays the image of a model wearing it, and suggests matching items that are also shown on the model. The Smart Fitting Room adds a touch-screen LCD, which displays the same mix-and-match suggestions but with more options. An intercom allows customers to request store staff bring them the new items suggested by the system. Mi-tu credits this intelligent system with increased sales and improved customer satisfaction. According to Schmidt RFID, the use of RFID tags can also inform supply chain management and logistics control. Elements of the Smart Retail System were co-developed with the Institute of Textiles & Clothing of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Learn more
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Tests Show 802.11n Outperforming 802.11g
In a recent test of draft-compliant IEEE 802.11n chipsets, results showed products utilizing the new IEEE standard significantly outperformed older 802.11g-based systems. The testing focused on authenticating the throughput versus range performance of draft 802.11n equipment. Measurements were performed in office and home environments on equipment from Netgear, D-Link, Belkin, and Linksys incorporating chipsets from Atheros, Broadcom, and Marvel. The main objectives of the test were to measure and compare the throughput of the AP/client pairs in the home and office environments, measure and compare video prioritization performance of the AP/routers, measure throughput performance of the Gigabit Ethernet AP/routers between the WAN and the LAN ports, analyze the competitive performance of the products from different vendors, and analyze differences in performance among the 2-2, 2-3, and 3-3 MIMO configurations. Learn more
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Software Makes Hacking Wireless Networks Easier
A new computer program that can automatically hack into vulnerable wireless networks was demonstrated by software developer Aaron Peterson at the DEFCON computer security conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. The program, called WiCrawl, searches for wireless local area networks within range and calls up tools needed to exploit any vulnerabilities detected, gaining access to protected networks. It combines several existing wireless hacking tools and an easy-to-use front end, requiring less expertise than earlier tools. WiCrawl can also help administrators or penetration testers confirm that their network is secure. Read more
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IEEE-USA Seeks Award Nominations
The IEEE-USA Awards and Recognition Committee is seeking nominations for its 2007 awards in professionalism, technical achievement, and literary contributions to public awareness and understanding of the engineering profession. The deadline for nominations has been extended to 14 September 2007. Examples of activities that would qualify individuals for nomination include promoting science and math education in pre-college education, promoting professional awareness with college students, educating members on non-technical skills to advance and maintain their careers, and educating the public on the positive impact of the professions served by the IEEE.
IEEE-USA awards include:
Robert S. Walleigh Distinguished Contributions to Engineering Professionalism Award
Award for Distinguished Public Service
Citation of Honor
Pre-college Education Committee Teacher-Engineer Partnership Award
Regional/Divisional Professional Leadership Award
Professional Achievement Award for Individuals
Professional Achievement Award for Organizations
Harry Diamond Memorial Award
Electrotechnology Transfer Award
Award for Distinguished Literary Contributions Furthering Public Understanding of the Profession
Award for Distinguished Literary Contributions Furthering Engineering Professionalism
For a detailed description of each award and nomination forms, click here.
For more information about the IEEE-USA Awards and Recognition Committee, please visit the IEEE-USA Awards website or contact Sandra Kim via email at s.kim@ieee.org or phone at (202) 530-8330.
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Appian Picks Quantum3D Solution for ANPR Technology
A well-known leader in ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) technology, Appian, has chosen to partner with Quantum 3D to take advantage of its Embedded Visual Computing Subsystem (EVCS) for the company’s Stinger Intelligent ANPR camera. The camera, capable of recognizing vehicle license plates in traffic and reporting the results to police via integrated wireless and wired communication technologies including GPRS/GSM, 3G, IEEE 802.11 and IEEE 802.3, will be paired with Quantum’s superior capability in video capture processing and deployed visual computing. Read more
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Ultra-Wideband Approved for UK Home Use
The United Kingdom’s media regulator, Ofcom, has recently approved the use of ultra-wideband (UWB) equipment without a license, enabling users to connect PCs, MP3 players, and digital cameras without cables when UWB devices reach retail outlets in the future. Ofcom’s deregulation of UWB, under its Wireless Telegraphy Regulations 2007, was based on the determination that low-power, short-distance use of UWB would not interfere with use of the radio spectrum by radio stations or emergency services. The decision on the wireless technology is seen as a response to European negotiations for a common set of UWB technical standards and other EU members are expected to introduce similar legislation in the future. Read more
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U.S. Army National Guard Chooses Datapath Wireless Technology
Working to design a robust new communications system, the Army’s Communications-Electric Command in Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey, USA awarded a $16.7M contract to DataPath for the necessary wireless technology. Phone service and other basic communications are critical to rapid disaster response efforts by the U.S. Army National Guard, especially in remote areas. DataPath offers a complete communications suite transportable to emergency sites by military C-130 aircraft and other means of rapid deployment. Based on DataPath’s SATCOM terminal, the 32 systems required for deployment across the U.S. are customized to meet National Guard specifications. Read more
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IEEE Foundation Grants Awarded for 2007
Thanks to the generosity of donors, and in keeping with the mission of the IEEE Foundation to further the scientific and educational purposes of the IEEE, the IEEE Foundation was able to award grants to a variety of initiatives in 2007. Highlights include the creation of a new exhibit at the Women at Work Museum in Attleboro, Massachusetts, USA, to showcase the achievements of women engineers throughout history; the production of the pilot episode of “Nerd Girls”, a television documentary aimed at encouraging a young female audience to consider entering engineering related fields; the creation of the “Museum of the Future”, a non-profit organization that aims to promote science and engineering among the public, especially those that are victims of the digital divide in Portuguese-speaking countries around the world; and providing resources to launch a Turkey-wide Pre-College website contest in which pre-college students will compete to design and develop the best school website. In total, nearly $250,000 was presented to support initiatives from IEEE branches around the world. Read more
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