Will that be cash or cell phone? Wireless payment systems might mean dialing into your own wallet

Article Abstract:

Wireless technology companies are beginning to experiment with payment systems that use a phone or handheld organizer. The system is being tested with vending machines, gas pumps, ticket machines, laundromats and similar devices. Developing nations may be the first to adopt m-commerce, since their communications infrastructure is more broadly wireless, as that is presently the fastest way to implement nationwide telecom service. Two such systems under development are PayPal.com, a venture of Nokia, Finland, with Visa and MeritaNordbanken, and TeleVend, an Israeli company targeting the U.S. market.

Finland, Communications Equipment, Telecommunications Equipment, Communications Equipment Manufacturing, World, Vending Machines, Automatic Vending Machine Manufacturing, Automatic vending machines, Electronic Funds Transfer Systems, Automatic banking equipment industry, Telecommunications equipment industry, Telecommunications systems, Nokia Corp., NOK, Vending industry, Electronic banking, Vending machines industry, Online banking, TeleVend

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The return of a desktop cult classic (no, not the Mac)

Article Abstract:

Bill McEwen has resurrected the Amiga Inc. computer and computer software company in Snoqualmie, Washington. The original Amiga computer, known for its graphics capabilities and easy-to-boot up operating system, has enjoyed cult status ever since its introduction in 1987. McEwen purchased the company's assets from Gateway in 1999 when the direct computer seller decided not to re-introduce the machine. Gateway acquired Amiga's assets and patents from Escom AG in 1997, which, in turn, had acquired Amiga from Commodore International in 1995. McEwen hopes to link up with a third-party manufacturer to build an updated Amiga desktop, and armed with license agreements from Gateway, has contracted with a software company in England to overhaul the operating system. However, the former truck driver says the new machines and software will remain true to the originals.

Prepackaged software, Software Publishers, Analog & Hybrid Computers, Systems Software Pkgs (Micro), Management, Evaluation, Computer software industry, Software industry, Computers, Microcomputers, Microcomputer industry, Digital computers, Operating system, Operating systems (Software), Operating systems, History, Amiga Inc.

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Still a long way from checkmate; appliances like coffeepots may be getting smarter, but artificial intelligence hasn't peaked (yet)

Article Abstract:

Artificial intelligence research has shifted emphasis from developing machines that replace humans to enhancing human productivity. The advances in the 'intelligence' of home electronic appliances have more to do with an increase in processing power and a decrease in cost. Faster, cheaper chips allow designers to factor in more variables, but the devices are limited to specific activities. Microsoft and others are developing programs to summarize and prioritize email. Researchers are still struggling with speech recognition systems that function with the subtlety of a human listener. Most researchers in the field concede human intelligence is still exponentially more complex than machine systems developed so far.

Science & research, Artificial Intelligence Systems, Research, Artificial intelligence

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