The future is now: MultiTouch reveals touch-interactive LCDs

MultiTouch announced on Tuesday that the Philip K. Dick future seen in Minority Report is here. Actually, that's not true at all, but the style of computer interaction in that movie was the first thing I thought of when watching the demo of the MultiTouch Cell.

This is a large LCD touch-screen display which, according to MultiTouch, is the world's first modular multitouch LCD screen. The screen is available in 32-inch and 46-inch versions in 1080p, and an "HD-ready" (1,366 x 768) version at 32 inches. Two or more screens (according MultiTouch, the amount is only limited by imagination and budget) can be combined to form a larger display and be used as a wall, floor, or table display.

The screens (cells) can be positioned in landscape or portrait modes and are compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux. The screens can be used by multiple users simultaneously, with each person using both hands.
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Sony recalls VAIO TZ laptops

According to a report by CNET News.com, Sony has initiated a recall of some VAIO TZ laptops due to the possibility of overheating. This is due to some wiring and screw issues at the hinge of the notebook which may result in short circuits.

This recall affects VAIO with model numbers VGN-TZ1x, VGN-TZ2x and VGN-TZ3x. A Sony representative has commented that this is a precautionary measure to prevent the possibility of burns due to overheating. As such, owners are advised to contact their regional Sony support centers or check the online Web support for more information. Even if the units are out of warranty, affected VAIOs will be diagnosed and repaired without charge.

Sony's wireless VAIO photo frame

Sony's clearly dipped its brush into its VAIO design palette for this CP1 Wi-Fi photo frame. It looks, feels and smells like a VAIO, which should go matchingly well with the rest of your VAIO collection in the house. And like all VAIOs, there's a certain expectation that you'll get what you pay for.

Besides the patently handsome aesthetics, there're wireless connectivity for streaming Internet radio and news (there's an RSS reeder), onboard stereo speakers and a mini remote to exploit the wireless option. The 7-inch LCD display itself runs into 16 million colors in 800 x 480 resolution. There's also a digital/analog clock and the ability to save energy by dimming the screen automatically when a room's lights are turned off.
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Self-adapting F1 tyre

Tire maker Bridgestone is currently developing a new F1 wet tyre that can replace the two existing models used in standard and extreme wet weather conditions. Adapted from the Grand Prix 2 racing, the new tire design features a sloping thread profile which wears down as the track dries up. This, in turn, changes its grab characteristics from one scenario to another.

The Japanese company also mentioned that the prototypes will be fielded during the next F1 test in wet conditions, though current official regulations still require teams to have two different types of wet tires, this prototype dual-purpose rubber will not be hitting the pits anytime soon.

Via formula1.com | Photo credit: Bridgestone Motorsport

10 things we'd like to see in Chrome

So far we're pretty smitten with Google's Chrome. It's certainly not without its faults, but for version 1.0 of a browser it's pretty sharp. We've compiled a list of 10 things we'd really like to see added or tweaked. Some come from other browsers, and some are just improvements on some of the existing features. Google, we hope you're listening.

1. Profile roaming between multiple browsers. This may be a pipe dream, but if Foxmarks for Firefox has proved anything, syncing up your bookmarks between multiple machines is awesome. Doing the same with passwords, settings, and history would be even better. Considering Google already has a way for your browser to send data back to the mothership, and a hosted Web history service of its own, a little sync using my Google account doesn't seem that hard does it?

2. Better bookmark management. Speaking of bookmarks, the bookmarking system in Chrome is about as basic as it gets. "Stripped-down" might be a better way to describe it. On the outset, it seems as robust as Firefox 3's with a really simple one-click way to save links. Where the system falls apart is the lack of tools for organization, and a complete lack of a back-up tool to save your short (or long) list of favorite sites. Of course, a bookmarks plug-in like Delicious would help sort this out, which brings us to the next yearning...
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