Vodafone handset never forgets a face Vodafone last week launched its first handset with a face-recognition security system aimed at preventing strangers from gaining access to private data or running up a huge phone bill if the handset is lost or stolen. The Sharp 904SH handset also boasts a world-first VGA screen with 480 pixels by 640 pixels, about four times the resolution of other similar high-end phones. The security system uses a small camera positioned under the main display to verify - in a second - the identity of the user, based on stored data of the owner's eyebrows, mouth and nose. The phone also has a built-in 3D motion sensor which measures the handset's position and directional acceleration for more responsive game-playing.
Bouncers may go biometric Going for a pint? First look into the camera. Facial recognition systems - long the scourge of privacy activists - may become a mainstay at bars and clubs in the US, according to a report last week in Wired News. Jeff Dussich, founder of JAD Communications and Security, is marketing a BioBouncer biometric solution complete with a Las Vegas-style database of known troublemakers. BioBouncer costs US$7,500 for the hardware, software and set-up, and US$6,000 a year for support - including access to a networked 'rogues' gallery'. 'The goal is to have an extra set of eyes for club security (and) club management to help them keep out the perpetual troublemakers,' Mr Dussich said.
Bullet train even faster East Japan Railway has conducted the first real-track test of its new flagship Fastech Shinkansen, which is designed to be the world's fastest bullet train. First announced last year, the Fastech logged 366 km/h on a test run between Sendai station, Miyagi prefecture and Kitakami station in Iwate prefecture. JR East plans to run the train at 360 km/h from 2011 when the Tohoku Shinkansen Line linking Tokyo to Hachinohe is extended to Shin-Aomori station. The Fastech previously recorded a top speed of 398 km/h at JR's test track in Miyazaki. The company reported the car shook when the train exceeded 300 km/h but said the planned top speed remained a 'solid' prospect.
Boots help players keep their cool Adidas unveiled its hi-tech +F50 TUNIT football boot in Hong Kong last week, following similar fanfare in other markets last month. The sports apparel company said the football boot's concept was based on letting players customise, adapt and tune their boots to all weather and pitch conditions, and their own style. The boot is constructed from three interchangeable components: the upper, the chassis and the studs. Of most interest to players in Hong Kong's sweaty climes is arguably the ClimaCool material, which the company claims provides a 360-degree cooling effect for the entire foot through its adiHex/mesh upper construction and ventilation cut-outs in the outsole.
CPCNet HK expands services on mainland
Data communications provider CPCNet Hong Kong has moved to expand its virtual private networking (VPN) service on the mainland, backed by key equipment from technology supplier Juniper Networks. CPCNet, a wholly owned subsidiary of Citic Pacific, has deployed Juniper Networks' M-series multiservice edge routers to broaden the coverage of its multiprotocol label switching (MPLS), internet protocol (IP) VPN service in Ningbo, Chengdu and Zhongshan. 'MPLS-based IP virtual private networking is a crucial business enabler for Greater China,' said Stephen Ho Wai-chung, chief executive at CPCNet. 'By leveraging the cost efficiencies of a managed VPN service, such as that offered by CPCNet, many large Asian enterprises and multinational corporations can enjoy high network performance, availability and security across Greater China.' The CPCNet expansion makes it one of the most extensive providers of MPLS-based IP VPN service in the mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan. It was also the first network operator to launch this service across China. Research firm Ovum has estimated the global MPLS VPN service market segment to grow to US$1.12 billion in 2009 from US$127 million in 2004. MPLS technology is used to boost the speed of network traffic by managing packet data based on priority and service plan.