| Tech Watch: GM Developing Lithium-Ion Battery for Chevrolet Volt
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — General Motors has joined with battery specialist A123Systems to develop a new lithium-ion battery for use in the Chevrolet Volt and other future GM plug-in hybrid and fuel-cell vehicles. Meanwhile, Toyota reportedly has delayed by one to two years the planned introduction of lithium-ion batteries in the next-generation Prius and other hybrid models because of safety concerns, according to a story in The Wall Street Journal. GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz, in announcing the alliance with Massachusetts-based A123Systems, said, "Breakthrough battery technology will drive future automotive propulsion, and the company that aligns with the best strategic partners will win." A123Systems says its nanophosphate-based cell technology provides higher power output, longer life and safer operations over the life of the battery than other lithium-ion battery chemistries.
Office 2004 11.3.7 ships; Adobe office apps?
Microsoft's Mac Business Unit has released Office 2004 11.3.7, the latest version of its productivity suite for Mac OS X. The new version includes fixes for a vulnerability that an attacker can use to overwrite the contents of your computer's memory with malicious code. Specifically, this vulnerability could allow remote code execution if a user viewed a specially crafted Web page. The vulnerability could be exploited through attacks on Object Linking and Embedding (OLE). Users whose accounts are configured to have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than users who operate with administrative user rights. The Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac 11.3.6 Update must be installed on the computer before you install the Office 2004 for Mac 11.3.7 Update. Meanwhile, Wired is speculating that Adobe may be planning a move into the office productivity suite market in a bid to dip into Microsoft's lucrative business.
SouthWing voice-cue headset reaches AT&T
Accessory maker SouthWing this afternoon marked the US launch of the SH440 Bluetooth headset with an introduction for AT&T. The hands-free earpiece overcomes the limited interface of most headsets by providing one of the first complete voice prompt systems for the device class. Wearers are not only guided through pairing the phone by voice commands but are given quick access to battery life and other details while the phone is in use. Those on AT&T's network can issue voice commands to cue audio news and weather info or check voicemail without ever reaching for the actual phone, SouthWing says. Users can also choose from any one of twelve different ringtones, store four favourite numbers for autodialing, and lasts for either 10 hours of continuous use or two complete weeks in standby mode.
Liberty from Wires? Lenovo, Dell Jump on Wireless USB Wave
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. - Tired of all those cables running from your PC or laptop to various accessories ranging from printers to your digital camera?The days of wireless liberty are coming.Laptop models from Lenovo and Dell are among the first six products that have been certified to work with wireless USB (universal service bus) technology.The news certainly was welcomed by Paul Gilster, longtime technology columnist and author of multiple books about Internet technology."Although I haven't seen what Lenovo is doing with wireless USB, I'm completely in favor of finding ways of eliminating the tangle of cords that afflict our desks," Gilster said. "We've made so many strides in terms of processor speed and storage, but still have a long way to go in user ergonomics. Let me connect peripherals without cords and I'm starting to breathe easier already."The Lenovo ThinkPad T61 and T61p 15.4-inch widescreen laptops and the Dell Inspiron 1720 include chip technology designed to free them from the need for wired links to USB peripherals such as printers.Certification came from the USB Implementers Forum, which is based in Beaverton, Ore.
Co. Shows How To Maximize Cell Battery
While replacing cell phone batteries can get to be expensive, one company offers advice on how to get the most out of each battery. "I've had a lot of problems with the cell phone battery," said cell phone owner Ann Kurland. "I decided at one point that I would replace the phone because it was so unreliable." Brenda Maughan, owner of Cellpower.com, said that many cell phone users still adhere to the old rule of letting the phone's battery completely deplete before recharging. .
Nokia warns of faulty battery
NOKIA has warned that up to 46 million batteries used in some of the company's handsets could be faulty and pose a risk of overheating. The advisory applies to batteries manufactured by Matsushita Battery Industrial Co Ltd between December 2005 and November 2006, the world's largest mobile phone maker said. Japan's Matsushita is one of several suppliers that have together made some 300 million BL-5C batteries. The lithium-ion battery is one of 14 different types of battery used in Nokia phones. Nokia said 100 incidents of overheating of the Matsushita-made BL-5C batteries had been reported worldwide, but added that "no serious injuries or property damage have been reported". All the cases of overheating have occurred during charging of phones, the Finnish company said.
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