Microsoft patents method for secure pairing of devices wirelessly and a 3D rangefinder camera

IBM may be the king of patents, and Apple's patent applications grace these pages rather frequently, but Microsoft's not one to rest on its IP laurels, either. A couple of newly published patents out of Redmond have made their way to the web: one for securely pairing wireless devices and one for 3D rangefinder camera technology. The pairing tech works via a direct connection between devices using Bluetooth or WiFi and an automated, two-step authentication process. First, a request is sent by an initiating handset and is authenticated by its target using an address book of recognized devices. Next, the two devices exchange encrypted security keys to cement their digital friendship, leaving you free to exchange your favorite episodes of Mystery Science Theater 3000 or latest LOLcat pictures with the greatest of ease.

Microsoft's other patent of interest is for "a 3D camera for determining distances to regions in a scene." That's not a new concept by any means, but this new bit of IP integrates all the functions of such an imager on a single chip. Essentially, it claims an image sensor, a light source to illuminate the scene being shot and a controller to gate the pixels on the sensor on and off and correct for inaccuracies caused by other light sources. It works by projecting the light source and determining the distance to various points based upon the time it takes for the light to bounce off the target and reach the camera sensor. Want to know more? You can haz all the patent particulars at the source links below.

Microsoft patents method for secure pairing of devices wirelessly and a 3D rangefinder camera originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC: Fewer device models in 2012, looking for 'something special'

HTC Phones

Last year HTC released a huge amount of Android devices -- something like 387,000, if our math is right. (We kid.) Looks like that'll change in 2012. HTC UK chief Phil Roberson has told Mobile Magazine that this year the Taiwanese manufacturer plans to focus on a smaller number of device models instead of sheer quantity.

"We (HTC) have to get back to focusing on what made us great - amazing hardware and a great customer experience. We ended 2011 with far more products than we started out with. We tried to do too much. So 2012 is about giving our customers something special. We need to make sure we do not go so far down the line that we segment our products by launching lots of different SKUs."

In addition to slowing down on their device launches, HTC has said that it will not focus on tablets so that they can continue their focus on device quality. HTC has not played a large role in the tablet market so far with only a few released such as the HTC Flyer and the HTC EVO View 4G and the wildly overpriced (though that was AT&T's fault) Jetstream.

The quality over quantity is an approach that we can definitely appreciate, and Motorola's said it's going down this path as well. While we are still unsure as to how many devices HTC plans to announce and release this year -- we'll see more in a few week at Mobile World Congress -- but we like the idea of knowing that the device will not find itself obsolete in just a month or two when an upgraded model is released.

Source: MobileToday; via: The Unwired

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/androidcentral/~3/LM4H5cNjNEM/story01.htm

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Google Maps Now Also Shows Where You Don't Want to Be [Google]

Nothing ruins a road trip like having to ford flooded rivers and dodge oncoming tornadoes. Thankfully, Google Map's new Public Alerts system should help keep you out of the path of Mother Nature's rage. More »


Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/us2IvQano5k/google-maps-now-also-show-where-you-dont-want-to-be

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Using a Cell Phone in North Korea Is Now a War Crime [North Korea]

How could living in North Korea be worse? Hmm. Maybe if your dinner caught on fire every night, or clothes were made out of a cactus, or if using a phone potentially earned you the death penalty. Sounds about right! More »


Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/rBJul55WQ-k/using-a-cell-phone-in-north-korea-is-now-a-war-crime

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Motorola to continue pushing 'smart actions', wants to make you look cleverer

Motorola to continue pushing 'smart actions', wants to make you look cleverer

Motorola's automated smartphone rule system first appeared on its Droid Razr; a way of sidestepping laborious menu hopping for everyday tweaks and extra functionality -- with some location-based awareness thrown in. Motorola's senior VP, Alain Mutricy, recently announced that the company plans to continue the roll-out of this smart actions system, presumably on its Razr series, which will also see further expansion this year. The VP added that Motorola will focus on its high-end hands in the US, continuing to roll-out LTE capable handsets. Moto's earnings report will arrive soon and should set the stage for whatever else its new owners are plotting for 2012.

Motorola to continue pushing 'smart actions', wants to make you look cleverer originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://feeds.engadget.com/~r/weblogsinc/engadget/~3/N8xpFWO6MIQ/

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Show Your Love With These New iPad/Kindle Fire Cases From DODOcase

LoveMe_Both_DODOHQ_smJust in time for Valentine's Day, DODOcase released new special edition iPad and Kindle Fire cases. They cost slightly more than the standard versions with the Kindle Fire models costing $69 and then $79 for the iPad 2 versions. But nothing says love quite like a unique case.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/K5a0pWmUgsA/

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Are the Next Great Windows Phones Landing March 18th? [Rumors]

Two of the phones we're looking forward to more than anything else in this wide world are the Nokia 900 and the Mechagodzilla Titan II. BGR says it's got the word on the phones' due dates (and prices). Gulp. More »


Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/pE6Fld_vEKQ/the-next-great-windows-phones-landing-march-18th

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iPad Case Keyboard – Your Best Bet

When it comes to making sure that you are getting the most out of your tablet, specifically the Apple iPad, you are going to have to look into getting a keyboard. That’s right, you need to make sure that you are getting a full iPad case keyboard so that you not only have a full work studio with your portable device, but you are also accurate in your dealings. For those that are looking to have a full work suite [...]

Source: http://tabletbuzzblog.com/ipad-case-keyboard-your-best-bet/

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Panasonic intros a pair of 12.1-inch Let's Note Laptops

Panasonic intros a pair of 12.1-inch Let's Note Laptops
Panasonic Japan's quirky range of chunky Let's Note laptops has swelled by a factor of two, thanks to a pair of 12.1-inch units ousted today. The stock models come with a 1280 x 800 display (extra cash will get you a 16:9 1600 x 900 screen with a built-in 720p webcam). By default, you'll get an Intel Core i5 2450M chip, USB 3.0, WiFi (and WiMax!), Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, HDMI-out and on the SX edition, an optical drive. Build-to-order options include swapping in an SSD and a battery pack that promises an unbelievable (i.e. we don't) twelve hours of life on the road. There's no mention of when they'll be available beyond "Spring," nor any indication of the cost, so instead let's think about that crazy circular track-pad, eh?

Panasonic intros a pair of 12.1-inch Let's Note Laptops originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/25/panasonic-intros-a-pair-of-12-1-inch-let-s-note-laptops/

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Quirky Converge Charges Most any USB-Chargeable Device

Just as the title says, you can charge tablets, phones, MP3 players, cameras – most anything USB-chargeable – with the Converge Rest and Recharge from Quirky.  The pictures even show it charging an iPad 2, which uses 2.1A.  The Converge has four powered USB ports hidden in the back and a slot through which you [...]

Source: http://the-gadgeteer.com/2012/01/20/quirky-converge-charges-most-any-usb-chargeable-device/

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