FutureBoston IdeaJAM Online Competition
Do you have a unique solution to a real-world, technology challenge that will make the Boston area a better place to live and work? Post your ideas for the whole world to see, receive feedback, collaborate with others, and connect with venture capitalists in an IdeaJAM online competition now through 15 October 2007 that will help shape a more affordable, liveable, sustainable, and competitive future for Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Visitors to the IdeaJAM decide on the best ideas. The top picks will be shared and discussed in a three-day Interactive Symposia 16-18 October in Boston. For full details and rules, visit the FutureBoston website.
New Wireless Sensor Network Development Kit Introduced
Earlier this month, Nordic Semiconductor ASA released a wireless sensor network development kit that allows engineers to build a 2.4GHz wireless sensor network within minutes and avoid the complexities traditionally associated with testing specific applications. The new development kit, called ANTDKT3, allows users to evaluate ANT as the practical solution for wireless sensor networks; design wireless network control and sensor nodes based on ANT chips, chip sets and modules; and develop PC applications connecting to ANT products. An integral feature of the program is the inclusion of several modules, interface boards, and software applications specifically designed for wireless sensor networking. The ANTDKT3 Development Kit comes with a complete range of example applications, including a relay device, auto-shared channel (slave), LED control, and frequency hopping (master and slave). Technical support is also available to registered customers. Learn more
 BACK TO TOP
Region, Section and Chapter IEEE Members Can Earn Free Continuing Education Units
IEEE Expert Now courses are available for use by IEEE Regions, Sections, and Chapters interested in participating in the IEEE Expert Now Section-Chapter Program. The program, which began as a pilot in 2006, helps local IEEE volunteers organize an event where attendees can view one or more IEEE Expert Now course(s) and discuss the materials with a local expert on that topic. There is no charge for participating in this program in 2007. IEEE Regions, Sections and Chapters who do participate this year will have the ability to award Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to event participants free of charge.
IEEE Educational Activities (EA) Staff will help to organize the event. IEEE EA Staff provides access to the selected course(s), can make recommendations or provide "best practices" for organizing the event, can provide surveys for attendees’ feedback and reward CEUs to attendees who return completed surveys. For more information visit the IEEE Expert Now Section-Chapter Program site
BACK TO TOP
Call for Papers – WMUTE 2008
The International Conference on Wireless, Mobile, and Ubiquitous Technologies in Education (WMUTE2008), is a prestigious international conference that establishes a forum for a scholarly exchange and interaction in employing the use of wireless, mobile, and ubiquitous technologies in education. The conference will be held in Beijing, China, 23-26 March 2008. Papers are requested in a variety of areas, including the innovative and practical use of wireless, mobile, and ubiquitous technologies for education, learning, and training; adaptive and adaptable learning environments using mobile and ubiquitous devices; game-based learning in mobile and ubiquitous learning environments; and virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technologies for mobile and ubiquitous learning. The submission deadline for final papers is 5 October 2007. For a complete list of acceptable paper topics please visit the conference website.
BACK TO TOP
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
BACK TO TOP
Researcher to Improve Speed of Underwater WiFi Communication
A researcher at the University of Missouri-Rolla plans to improve the speed of wireless underwater communication through the use of multi-input, multi-output technology. The method weighs multiple paths and antennas to boost the data transfer rate and allows for the transmission of signals at the same time, using the same frequency band. According to Dr. Rosa Zhend, the assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering leading the project, the process utilizes the same acoustic waves dolphins and whales use to communicate. Research on this initiative is ongoing, with a three-year grant awarded by the Office of Naval Research to fund the project. Read more
BACK TO TOP
Bluetooth Enables Pocket-Sized, Powerful RFID Reader
Canada’s Cathexis introduced IDBlue, its Bluetooth-enabled mobile RFID reader, at the GITEX Technology Week in Dubai. Working with platforms from industry leading vendors, the pen-sized IDBlue has enough data storage capacity to read thousands of RFID tags without linking to a computer. The IDBlue framework integrates with Microsoft BizTalk RFID, automating and managing business processes for fast results. Designed for applications that track specific items typically requiring human interaction, such as those used in health care, pharma, maintenance, and event management industries, IDBlue currently is being tested and used by WaveMark and Halspan. Read more
BACK TO TOP
Biotechnology Council Healthcare Conference
The Biotechnology Council (IEEE is a founding member of the Council) and the U.S. Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology are hosting a healthcare conference on the NIST Gaithersburg Campus in Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA, 24-25 September 2007. The conference, titled Economic Strategy for Health Care through Bio and Information Standards and Technologies, will bring together key government, industry, academic and research leaders, along with patient advocates, to discuss the economic benefits and opportunities of biomedical and information technologies, standards in the life sciences and healthcare delivery, and their role in bridging healthcare system gaps. Attendees should gain an appreciation and understanding of key factors that drive the development and implementation of technologies in the life sciences and healthcare markets. The main charges of the conference are to identify the economic realities and gaps in current investment priorities for biomeasurement (biochemical and imaging), bioinformatics, and biologically-based and health information technologies, and to develop a long-term strategic investment plan to address the identified gaps. Learn more
BACK TO TOP
Radio Frequencies Used to Transfer Large Data Files
A professor and several scientists at the Georgia Electronic Design Center have demonstrated a way to use high radio frequencies to transfer massive data files over brief distances. Researchers hope that in the future, the high frequencies, which operate on the 60 gigahertz band and have a range of less than 33 feet, can become the conventional method for transmitting data over short distances. The center transformed costly, larger radios that are normally used to send and receive high frequency signals into small chips that can be embedded into phones and computers. While several prototypes were created by the researchers to demonstrate the technology, a standard is still needed for the spectrum. Read more
BACK TO TOP
WiMax Technology to be Included on 3G Networks
India’s department of telecommunications approved use of WiMax as one of the interfaces in the third-generation telecommunications standard. Although the decision is not final until certified by the International Telecommunications Union, experts say the decision marks a turning point for the nation, allowing for enough wireless capacity to assist Internet telephony or VOIP. In October, the plan for inclusion of WiMax in IMT2000 will be put to vote at the ITU Radiocommunication Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. Read more
BACK TO TOP
First Tuner IC to Meet All Global TV Standards Unveiled
MaxLinear, Inc. unveiled a TV tuner IC that adheres to all global digital and analog cable and terrestrial TV standards. Through the use of CMOS technology, MaxLinear’s MxL5007 integrates essential CMOS circuit design and radio architecture technology advancements which allow for tuner equivalent performance in digital/analog televisions, and a host of portable TV applications. One significant element of the technology is the ability to receive an input signal covering a continuous frequency band from 44 MHz to 1002 MHz from a 75-ohm antenna or cable. Read more
BACK TO TOP
First 802.11 Wireless Access Point Moved to Market
Cisco Systems, Inc. is launching Aironet 1250, its first 802.11n-based Ethernet access point (AP), supporting the Draft 2 standard which is still a year or more away from being adopted as final. It is the first wireless product to be certified for the 802.11n standard by the WiFi Alliance, which reviews and compiles the standards. The new AP offers higher speeds and greater reliability for a wide range of enterprise-ready wireless devices. Ethernet connections allow for easier deployment, since access points are often placed in ceilings and other remote locations where an electrical outlet is not available. Analysts see Cisco’s move as an endorsement of the emerging 802.11n standard, and a signal to other vendors to release products based on the Draft 2 standard. Read more
BACK TO TOP
IEEE Spectrum Online Offers More Features
The Spectrum Online website has been revamped to offer more features, including dialogues between its editors and readers, new weblogs, and updated podcasts. The "Tech Talk" blog continues to cover technology news, while new blogs deal with gaming and gadgets, robotics, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and the ins and outs of soliciting money from venture capitalists. Spectrum Online is also offering new web-based seminars, or Webinars, on topics such as switching careers and the benefits of getting an advanced degree. Learn more
BACK TO TOP
Read Past What's
New @ IEEE Newsletters 
Search
Issues Prior to May 2007
|
