Tiny new chip could pit protection of property against right of privacy
Article Abstract:
Veridicom's forthcoming OpenTouch fingerprint chip is expected to make a significant impact on computers, but its development also raises privacy questions. The chip, which Veridicom plans to debut at the Nov 1998 Comdex trade show, approximates a postage stamp in size and measures no thicker than a nickel. It is believed that all US computer hardware manufacturers are testing the chip for embedding in numerous areas that verify identification as well as provide access to places and money. Consumers can expect to see these chips in everyday uses such as door and car locks, banks cards, drivers' licenses and cellular telephones by early 1999. Problems could arise if companies deploy the chip to scrutinize users' activities, but it also can reduce computer theft and tampering. A potentially more serious drawback could occur if the new chips add personal information to Internet cookies. Experts believe Veridicom will charge less than $10 per chip within 18 months of its introduction, then will lower the price.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
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More about WebTV: ambitious new card
Article Abstract:
ATI Technologies's $300 All-in-Wonder Pro card is a PC-TV hybrid that promises to revolutionize its application. All-in-Wonder Pro combines television, video and graphics in all Pentium computers through a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) slot. It contains twice as much memory as the $150 All-in-Wonder version. Other distinguishing characteristics of the All-in-Wonder Pro include a 3-D Triangle setup engine and DBX brand television audio, which enhance complex 3-D animations and sound respectively. The card's soft, flicker-free image over a Comcast cable easily surpasses that of standard television. Among its myriad software features is closed-captioning, which allows users to search for keywords. All-in-Wonder Pro also can save complete transcripts of programs in several 'TV magazine' formats as well as provide a thumbnail image grid of current programming. One installation problem removes sound from the on-board television until original audio settings are restored.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
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I.B.M. uses existing hardware to sharpen flat-panel image
Article Abstract:
The International Business Machines Corporation is planning to announce that it has achieved a breakthrough in computer moniter technology. The flat-panel screen produces four times the resolution of typical desktop monitors and is driven by off the shelf hardware and software components. The quad-resolution display screen produces images as discernible as those printed on paper and in some cases clearer. The Roentgen prototype employs more than 15.7 million transistors to pack 40,000 pixels into every square inch of screen area. IBM said that the product will initially be marketed to industries with special needs for high resolution displays.
Comment:
IBM is planning to announce that it has achieved a breakthrough in computer moniter technology
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1998
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Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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