IDB, CANTO JOIN TO ENCOURAGE BROADBAND DEVELOPMENT—11/12/11
The CANTO-IDB Broadband Forum, which was held in Miami, Florida, on November 7, 2011, hosted 75 ICT experts and decision makers from around the Caribbean region. The purpose of the discussion was to devise ways to accelerate the development of broadband in the Caribbean are and making broadband acceleration the center of economic development efforts. A major outcome of the forum discussion is identification of initiatives that will drive broadband acceleration, which include policies and goals, usage of the technology by small and midsized enterprises, and creating solutions to address cyber security.
DIGICEL INTRODUCES NEW SMARTPHONE IN CARIBBEAN REGION—11/13/11
Digicel has introduced the new BlackBerry Curve 9360 smartphone throughout the Caribbean. The phone uses the new BlackBerry 7 operating system and features a stylish form factor. The smartphone is also affordable, simple to use, and socially connected. It offers the same real-time communications and collaboration opportunities enjoyed by BlackBerry users around the globe.
EXCELLENT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES SEEN IN JAMAICAN TECH SECTOR—11/15/11
Marc Canter, the founder of Macromedia, has decided to invest in a local start-up firm. Canter, who founded the American software firm that introduced Flash technology, believes that opportunities are “ripe” for tech start-ups in Jamaica and says the island may even have a better investment environment than the U.S. at present. Canter says the tourism and cultural sectors in Jamaica, in addition to the technology sector, also provide major investment opportunities.
ST.KITTS YOUTH TO EXPLORE DEVELOPMENT OF MOBILE APPLICATIONS—11/17/11
St. Kitts and Nevis has a very high penetration of broadband, compared to other countries in the Caribbean region, and the local government is designing projects that will position the nation’s youth to capitalize on the technology. Christopher Herbert, director of Technology, says his department has partnered with Congress WBN of Trinidad and Tobago through the BrightPath Foundation to launch the iCAN Mobile App Development program. The program is designed to educate individuals so they can create application software for smartphones and tablet computer. The program focuses on marginalized youth and addresses the needs of their neighborhoods as well.
AUTONOMY ADDS VIRTUAL LIFE TO STILL IMAGES—11/14/11
Mike Lynch, the chief executive officers of Autonomy, introduced a new technology developed by his computer that will allow phones and table cameras to add “life” and movement to still images. Autonomy, recently acquired by Hewlett-Packard, is a leader in what it calls “meaning-based computer.” The new technology involves a device that picks up patterns in an image and transforms them into virtual life. Ultimately, the device will provide a new way to deal with information, since it will make every object interactive, said Lynch. The technology will eliminate the need for semantic tagging as well.
FASTER, LONGER CHARGES AVAILABLE WITH REDESIGNED LITHIUM ION BATTERY—11/16/11
Smartphone users may soon have longer-lasting battery power thanks to researchers at Northwestern University’s McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science. These scientists have developed new technology that could lead to longer battery life within the next few years. They have found a way to redesign current lithium ion cells, which are often used in consumer electronic devices, to address energy capacity and charging time. The new method extends battery life by 10 times, said Harold H. Kung, professor of chemical and biological engineering and lead author of the research document. The improved performance of the battery results from changes to the material used in its construction and the way ions move within a cell.
