The Ultimate iPhone Accessory You May Never See

iPhone accessories are what makes Apple so great. The iPhone has a natural after-market accessory market, and on this blog we cover all of the best, latest, iPhone accessories. So we recently saw that the OLO Computers team may be coming out with a companion to your iPhone. Now we have a desktop version of the same concept that brings additional connectivity to your iPhone or dumbphone.

Yanko Design has brought us yet another amazing concept-deisign that highlights what the world would be like if designers ruled the world, and I wish they did.

The iPhone dock would allow you to bring the extended functionality of the phone onto a larger browsing surface, so you can interact the same way you would with your desktop.

Ultimate iPhone Desktop Experience

iPhone Accessories

The iPhone has some of the best accessories on the market. People blog about the latest and greatest, unlike the Microsoft Zune. The Zune has no such market, and that’s really what makes the Apple products so great and why the iPhone is such a huge success, especially in the aftermarket accessories world.

Gadget: Unlocked iPhone 16GB versus Blackberry 8700g

So I’m a bit of a nut when it comes to cell phones, just ask my girlfriend, co-workers, or parents… and that means I jump from unlocked iPhones to Blackberry 8700Gs in a heartbeat. But this past week, it wasn’t my decision to make the jump.

You see, I was traveling on the bus to Miami to check up on Grooveshark’s asian connections, and my iPhone suddenly LOCKED itself, ie it stopped working on T-mobile. After struggling with it for 30 minutes, I somehow managed to bugger it up so badly that the WiFi stopped working, yay !

So what would happen?

Apple releases a 16GB iPhone — perfect timing !

When my 16GB iPhone arrives, I find out that there isn’t yet an unlock for the brand new phone, but patiently waiting 2 days, an unlock arrives, I spend the next 24 straight hours unlocking, and I’m back in my comfort zone.

Now I can say I didn’t mind the experience of the Blackberry, but there were a number of issues I didn’t like:

Pros

PUSH email is amazing, and it really makes you feel like you’re keeping on top of things
The scroll wheel is amazing, I hate the new balls they have in the Pearls/Curves
The keyboard is plush, responsive, and physical
Battery life is seemingly endless, and there’s a USB port for charging

Cons

HTML rendering in emails is HORRIBLE, all my emails look look like ascii art
The browser is worthless, it’s like browsing the web in the 90s
There’s no dedicated headset like the iPhone headphones
The phone is a BRICK, it tilted my body 5 degrees when I sat down
Pictures, movies, music? Nah
No polish for applications — weather is hard to do, stocks, notes, just an uncomfortable experience

It’s really amazing that the few features the iPhone has that the Blackberry doesn’t make such a BIG difference. The keyboard on the iPhone might actually be a little faster than the blackberry for me, given you trust it to figure out what words you’re trying to spell and also you have enough time training with it.

The one really big factor that pisses me off is the fact that you can’t EASILY unlock the device. The blackberry just works, any carrier, no matter what, and they WANT you to unlock it. The iPhone obviously is a closed device because Apple has too much revenue on the line, but come on– it’s ridiculous to force people into a certain software when they’re purchased the hardware free and clear.

Why NGN??

The NGN concept takes into consideration new realities in the telecommunication industry characterised by factors such as: the need to converge and optimise the operating networks and the extraordinary expansion of digital traffic (i.e., increasing demand for new multimedia services, increasing demand for mobility, etc.).

Background: ITU-T’s NGN Work

In 2003 a Joint Rapporteur Group bringing together experts from across all Questions of Study Group 13 was formed. The main subjects studied by the Joint Rapporteur Group on NGN (JRG-NGN) were: NGN requirements, the general reference model, functional requirements and architecture of the NGN, and evolution to NGN. The JRG-NGN produced two fundamental Recommendations, viz. Y.2001, General overview of NGN and Y. 2011, General principles and general reference model for next generation networks.

In order to continue and accelerate NGN activities initiated by the JRG-NGN, ITU-T established a Focus Group on NGN (FGNGN) in May 2004. Focus Groups provide an effective and rapid response mechanism for progressing the work of the ITU-T. The FGNGN addressed the urgent need for an initial suite of global standards for NGN. The FGNGN’s mandate was extended through November 2005 as it was clearly attracting significant participation and input from the membership.

Present: NGN Global Standards Initiative (NGN-GSI)

The results of the FGNGN (Release 1) provided the building blocks on which the world’s systems vendors and service providers can start to make the shift to NGN. Since the creation of FGNGN there has been an intensive schedule of meetings, about every two months, but more importantly there has been growing momentum in the work, and growth in participation and the number of contributions. Now this work is carried forward by ITU-T’s NGN-Global Standards Initiative (NGN-GSI), which encompasses all NGN work across ITU-T Study Groups. It has been implemented by co-located meetings of concerned Study Groups and Rapporteur Groups from the various study groups to jointly progress the work under the auspices NGN-GSI.

NGN-GSI Objectives and Goals:

• to address the market needs for NGN standards
• to produce global standards for NGN
• to further strengthen the ITU-T’s leading role amongst the groups in NGN standard work
• to keep visibility of the work spread between different technical groups in ITU-T

Next Steps

Over the few years the market drive for NGN standards has firmed up and a number of operators have announced implementation plans for the transition to IP-based networks.

An implicit part of the agreement to close the NGN Focus Group was that steps would be taken to maintain the momentum that had been built up by the Focus Group in order to provide the global standards to underpin these plans. This has been implemented by co-located meetings of the concerned study groups and their Rapporteur groups to jointly progress the work under the auspices of the NGN-GSI

NGN Study Topics

ITU-T activities are related to the establishment of architectures, interface specifications, and implementation guidelines in the form of ITU-T standards (Recommendations) for the realisation of NGN.

Evolution of Networks to NGN
The evolution of networks to NGNs must allow for the continuation of, and interoperability with, existing networks while in parallel enabling the implementation of new capabilities. Since the realisation and deployment of the NGN will be an evolutionary process, and not all networks will start from the same point, it is necessary to describe a variety of approaches.

The high capital investment in the PSTN (public switched telephone network) means it must be one of the main work areas for studying evolution to the NGN. The resulting outputs describe possible ways of evolving the PSTN to become an NGN. These outputs provide steps for evolution of transport, management, signalling and control parts of the PSTN to the NGN. Other starting points, notably existing public land mobile networks (PLMNs), and associated transition scenarios are also under study.

QoS (Quality of Service)
The basic criterion for QoS evolution is ‘subjective user satisfaction’, e.g. speed, accuracy, reliability, and security. This involves identification of parameters that can be directly observed and measured at the point at which the service is accessed by users and network providers. Flexibility within the global end-to-end NGN architecture is essential to allow for each recognised operating agency’s different regulatory environment, service offerings, geographic span, and network infrastructure. These factors need to be taken into account when agreeing on parameters for, and levels of, QoS for NGN.

Interoperability
Considering that the NGN will involve a broad series of protocols (including various profiles) at both service and network levels, it is essential to ensure interoperability between different systems and networks.

Security
Security is as crucial to the NGN as it is in today’s network environment. The very wide scope of this topic, combined with the number of SDOs (standards development organisations) already involved, underlines the strategic importance of this subject. Within the NGN, security issues interrelate with architecture, QoS, network management, mobility, charging and payment.

Security studies in NGN are addressing:

• a comprehensive security architecture for NGNs
• the preparation of NGN operational security policy and guidelines
• NGN security protocols and APIs (application programming interface)

Generalized Mobility
NGN will give users and devices the ability to communicate and to access services irrespective of change of location or technical environment. The degree of service availability may depend on several factors, including access network capabilities, service level agreements between the user's home network and visited networks, etc. It includes the ability to communicate from various locations using a variety of terminal equipment, with or without service continuity while in transit or while changing access means. This includes recognition of the need to converge the previously distinct worlds of fixed and mobile telecommunications into a coherent whole.

Service Capabilities and Architecture
Work in this area will continue to:

• address the telecommunication service capabilities that the NGN should provide, maintaining separation between services and the networks they run on; and
• develop a suitable service architecture focused on the interfaces to support different business models and seamless communication in different environments.

Backward compatibility with and the evolution from existing services and systems will be studied in order to meet the needs of end users and service providers.

NGN Work Planning and Coordination

Study Group 13 is developed a Release plan for ITU-T NGN Recommendations indicating where the work is being, or to be done and by when. NGN Focus Group deliverables were passed to Study Group 13 for processing as draft Recommendations (where appropriate) by Study Group 13 or by other study groups depending on the subject.

In addition a web-based NGN Project Management Tool, developed with the support of a voluntary contribution from Siemens, aims to provide an overview of the NGN work going on across the standardization world. Essentially, it acts as a repository of NGN information from ITU and other SDOs. A key feature of the tool is the ability to track work progress and see the latest versions of documents.

Ongoing involvement of other SDOs and regional standards organisations in the NGN planning and standards development activities is essential.

What is NGN (Next Generation Network)???

A Next Generation Networks (NGN) is a packet-based network able to provide Telecommunication Services to users and able to make use of multiple broadband, QoS-enabled transport technologies and in which service-related functions are independent of the underlying transport-related technologies. It enables unfettered access for users to networks and to competing service providers and services of their choice. It supports generalised mobility which will allow consistent and ubiquitous provision of services to users. [ITU-T Recommendation Y.2001 (12/2004) - General overview of NGN]

The NGN is characterised by the following fundamental aspects:

• Packet-based transfer
• Separation of control functions among bearer capabilities, call/session, and application/service
• Decoupling of service provision from transport, and provision of open interfaces
• Support for a wide range of services, applications and mechanisms based on service building blocks (including real time/streaming/non-real time services and multi-media)
• Broadband capabilities with end-to-end QoS and transparency
• Interworking with legacy networks via open interfaces
• Generalised mobility
• Unfettered access by users to different service providers
• A variety of identification schemes which can be resolved to IP addresses for the purposes of routing in IP networks
• Unified service characteristics for the same service as perceived by the user
• Converged services between Fixed and Mobile networks
• Independence of service-related functions from underlying transport technologies
• Support of multiple last mile technologies
• Compliant with all Regulatory requirements, for example concerning emergency communications and security/privacy, etc.

Honda FC Future Sports Car with V Flow Fuel Cell Technology

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 19, 2008 – Honda today revealed the Honda FC Sport design study model, a hydrogen-powered, three-seat sports car concept, at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.

The FC Sport emphasizes the design flexibility and potential of Honda’s V Flow fuel cell technology – already deployed in the Honda FCX Clarity sedan – and reconfigures it into a lightweight sports car design with an ultra-low center of gravity, powerful electric motor performance and zero-emissions. The design study concept is inspired by supercar levels of performance through low weight and a high-performance, electrically driven fuel cell powertrain.

“The Honda FC Sport explores how to satisfy automotive performance enthusiasts in a world beyond petroleum,” said Dan Bonawitz, vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “People who love sports cars will still have a reason to love in a hydrogen-powered future.”

The high-output Honda fuel cell powertrain and a sleek, aerodynamic body contribute to the vehicle’s performance potential. A modular approach to fuel cell component packaging and the electric drivetrain contribute to the FC Sport’s low center of gravity with the majority of vehicle mass distributed between the axles, creating the balanced weight distribution sought after in sports cars.

The ideal placement of the Honda V-Flow fuel cell stack and related components demonstrates the benefits of a platform-specific, hydrogen-powered fuel cell powertrain. The FC Sport is configured to accommodate a custom-formed high-power fuel cell stack, located between the rear seats, and a battery pack placed low in the middle of the vehicle. The electric motor resides just forward of the rear axle. Two fuel storage tanks, visible from above, are located above the rear axle.

The optimal placement of fuel cell components for performance also allows for a relatively large passenger cabin by conventional supercar standards with enough space for three seating positions. The interior layout focuses primarily on the driver with a racecar-like center driving position. The enclosed canopy opens upward from the rear to allow for entry and exit. Two rear passenger seats flank the driver’s left and right side.

The sleek, low-profile body is designed to convey a high-technology appearance with sculpting that combines angular shapes in the front of the vehicle that taper into geometric, hex forms in the rear. The rear hex forms house cooling radiators for the fuel cell. Formula 1-style barge boards behind the front wheels enhance high speed aerodynamics and convey the vehicle’s racing pedigree. The hydrogen storage tanks, visible from the rear deck, showcase the FC Sports fuel cell technology in much the same way that a “naked bike” motorcycle showcases its engineering technology.

The glacier white body color conveys the FC Sport’s clean environmental aspirations while the dark wheels and deeply tinted glass provide a symbolic contrast befitting of the vehicle’s unique combination of clean power and high performance. Green construction techniques further contribute to a reduced carbon footprint. An organic, bio-structure theme is carried through to the body construction where exterior panels are intended to use plant-derived bio-plastics.

The Advanced Design Studio of Honda R&D Americas, in Pasadena, California, developed the FC Sport design study with the primary objective of using existing fuel cell technology as the basis for an ultimate Honda sports car. Designer Jason Wilbur led the design efforts.

Honda R&D Americas, Inc. began its operations in California in 1975 with local market research activities and has steadily grown its capabilities over the past 33 years to include all aspects of new vehicle design and development. Recent development efforts include trend-setting products such as the Honda Pilot, Ridgeline, Element, Civic Coupe and Civic Si.

In 2008, the company opened two new design centers in Southern California: the Acura Design Studio (Torrance), for the research and design of new Acura products; and the Advanced Design Studio (Pasadena), for the exploration and development of advanced design themes for both Honda and Acura.

The company operates 11 major R&D facilities in North America, including a full vehicle development center in Raymond, Ohio, and three design studios in Southern California. Honda R&D designers, engineers and support personnel are engaged in the development of Honda and Acura automobiles, powersports products, and power equipment for North America and global markets. The company’s main centers of operation include the Los Angeles Center (Torrance, California), responsible for market research, concept development and styling design; the Ohio Center (Raymond, Ohio), responsible for complete product development, testing, and support of North American supplier and manufacturing operations; and a dynamic test facility in Cantil, California.

Siafu PC Design with Full Spread Braill Layouts

One of Next-Gen PC Design finalists is Siafu PC Design. The idea behind Siafu was to give people with vision loss an intuitive computer experience. It provides a digitally tactile interface that completely revolutionizes the way that blind people interact with a computer. Siafu lays flat like a tablet and allows the user to fully interact with it by way of touch. The surface of Siafu utilizes a conceptual material called magneclay. This material has the ability to morph upward into any shape. This means that Siafu can generate infinitely refreshable braille and then display it in a book format instead of just one line at a time like current braille displays. Siafu also has the ability to display images as a 3-dimensional relief, allowing blind computer users to experience digital images, and graphic layouts for the first time.

This product is to be used by people who have experienced a loss of sight. Siafu allows users to read text by generating full page braille displays.

The onscreen relief feature also allows users to explore the internet and navigate through websites by physically touching, clicking, and dragging the graphic elements, links, and arrows of the web page. Siafu is also capable of converting all onscreen text to braille relief, so that the user can read whatever is on the screen first hand.

Redesign Eiffel Tower Proposal

Updated : News of Paris-based Serero Architects’ installation at the top of the tower has been declared a hoax by La Societe d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE). Apparently, some blogs claimed that this proposal is actually going to happen. But there is one problem, the tower management company has never planned to change the appearance of one of the most instantly recognizable buildings in the world.

By redesigning Eiffel Tower based on Serero Architects proposal, I believe this tower will make more bold statement as iconic symbol of French. Serero Architects have claimed victory in the open competition to redesign Eiffel Tower’s public reception and access areas. Serero’s project will extend the top floor plate of the tower by grafting a high performance carbon Kevlar structure on it. The structure will be temporarily bolted to the slab without requiring any modification of the existing structure. Imagine of having the experienced to see fantastic 360 degrees sight of Paris, priceless. It will be very exciting if this proposal gets approved and built.