eComTechnology News

Greener plastic

Thursday, 11 March 2010 19:19 administrator

Greener plastics? It could be coming, thanks to a breakthrough by IBM and Stanford University scientists that could lead to the development of new types of biodegradable, biocompatible plastics. The discovery could also lead to a new recycling process that has the potential to significantly increase the ability to reuse and recycle common PET and plant-based plastics.

Disposable plastic bottles are among the most vexing environmental challenges. More than 13 billion plastic bottles are disposed of each year. While plastics are recyclable, the resulting materials are limited to "second generation reuse" only. This means the materials made from recycled plastic bottles are disposed in landfills. The IBM-Stanford breakthrough in green chemistry could lead to a new recycling process that reverses the polymerization process to regenerate monomers in their original state, reducing waste and pollution significantly.

Foldable Keyboard for Tablets Doubles as Phone Handset

Thursday, 11 March 2010 07:20 administrator

Foldable Keyboard for Tablets Doubles as Phone Handset

This may be a concept, but I want someone to actually make it for any present or future tablet out there: An optional foldable keyboard that acts as phone handset. This is how the it works:

The keyboard is physically independent from the tablet itself, just a peripheral device that you can carry around folded in your pocket. However, it doesn't have any independent functionality. It can only work while connected wirelessly to the tablet. And that's the beauty of it: I can imagine myself carrying the iPad 3G on my backpack, ready to receive calls, and then this cellphone-keyboard in my pocket. In fact, if you add a full screen to its outer shell, it could even act as a secondary display for the tablet. Ah well, maybe in 2012.

Apple's Sexy App Purge Was Just the Beginning

Monday, 08 March 2010 08:23 administrator

Apple's Sexy App Purge Was Just the Beginning

The Great App Store Purge of 2010 continues. They came for the sexy apps, and other apps said nothing. Now, according to some developers, they're coming for pre-fabbed apps—like RSS apps built using ready-set-go templates from app-building services.

Specifically, they're blocking new submissions of apps that are basically just re-packaged RSS feeds or business cards. What makes this purge not-at-all outrageous is that they're not clearing out apps they've already approved, and they're at least telling app-building services like AppMakr what they need to change in order to make themselves worthy of the App Store: adding features like push notifications, offline access and in-app purchases.

Nexus Scooter Carry-On:

Tuesday, 09 March 2010 19:28 administrator

Nexus Scooter Carry-On: The Most Fun Way to Get Arrested In an Airport

For every time you've brought a scooter to the airport and wished it fit into the overhead compartment, I give you the Nexus: a battery-powered scooter that folds into a luggage-sized case. The TSA will love this.

Microsoft Office 2010 kickoff

Friday, 05 March 2010 11:23 administrator

Office 2010

Microsoft kicked off its "Technology Guarantee" program for Office 2010 on Friday, meaning that anyone who buys and activates Office 2007 between now and Sept. 30 will get to upgrade to Office 2010 for free when it's available.

Microsoft also confirmed Friday that Office 2010, SharePoint 2010, Visio 2010, and Project 2010 are "on schedule and will release to manufacturing (RTM) next month."

The business launch for the 2010 set of products is May 12. Consumers will see it hit shelves in June. For now, the beta is available at www.office.com/beta.

To be eligible for the Office 2010 Tech Guarantee program, users must purchase a standalone version of Office 2007 or a new PC with the software between March 5 and Sept. 30. They must also have or create a Windows Live ID and redeem the Tech Guarantee before Oct. 31 by visiting www.office.com/techg.

The upgrade will be distributed through an online download.

More Articles...