By Compiled from Times wires
Published June 23, 2003
Hewlett-Packard Co. will pre-install antispam software on its consumer desktop computers, though the free program will block only certain types of unsolicited e-mail.
The software that will come with H-P Pavilion and Compaq Presario computers, both made by H-P, blocks pornographic and other "offensive" junk e-mail messages, said Carol Ozaki, a H-P senior product manager.
Customers who want more protection can upgrade to the "pro" version of the SpamSubtract software from interMute Inc., which costs $29.95.
Ozaki said the software package works with Outlook, Outlook Express and other e-mail programs that use the POP3 standard, which covers most personal e-mail accounts that are not Web-based or America Online.
She said she knew of no other PC manufacturer bundling antispam software. H-P, of Palo Alto, Calif., is the No. 2 computermaker.
The leading computer manufacturer, Dell Computer Corp., has considered pre-installing such software but found many customers already get those functions from their Internet service providers or from software they download themselves, spokesman Lionel Menchaca said.
Verizon tests hybrid cordless phone-cell phone
Phone companies still are struggling to figure out how to embrace the wireless revolution, but at least they're trying.
Verizon Communications Inc., the nation's biggest phone company, said it is test-marketing a hybrid device that works as a standard cordless phone in the house and a cell phone when its owner leaves home.
The phone is designed to reflect the increased flexibility people want in their calling services, Verizon spokeswoman Briana Gowing said. The phone will be sold along with flat-rate "buckets" of minutes that can be used either on the wireless network or on the more reliable home network.
The phone is expected to cost less than $200 and would be available first to people in certain apartment complexes served by Verizon's Avenue unit.
The phone, made by Axesstel Inc. of San Diego, includes several common features such as caller ID, call waiting and a 99-number contact book.
Gadgets let hearing-impaired use phones
With a flip of a switch on his hearing aid, lawyer Sam Cheris can use a telephone much as he did before he experienced hearing loss.
Able Planet's newly launched technology is being offered in two products, a telephone and a hands-free set for a cell phone.
The technology works by communicating wirelessly with a telecoil in hearing aids and is designed to eliminate interference.
In tests conducted at Colorado State University, people using Able Planet phones had scores of 81.6 percent when it came to discriminating words, compared with 52.6 percent using traditional handsets that are compatible with hearing aids, inventor Jo Waldron said.
Waldron, who is deaf and uses Able Planet to talk on the phone, doesn't promise to help everyone, but says it is another choice for the estimated 34-million Americans with mild to profound hearing loss.
Able Planet's hands-free product for cell phones costs $34.95. The landline phone runs $65.95.
Software lets amateurs dabble in musicmaking
If you have karaoked to your heart's content and are ready to make some music on your own, Music Maker 2004 Deluxe from Magix can help you take that next step. The program is a music workstation that includes all the tools needed to make audio recordings and music videos on your computer.
Well, maybe not all the tools. At a suggested price of $59.99 available at retailers or at www.magix.com) Music Maker is a lot less expensive and offers fewer features than programs such as Sonic Foundry's Vegas 4.0, which costs $500. But Music Maker 2004 Deluxe includes various synthesizers for such instruments as drums, bass, piano and guitar. And you can tailor your sound by adjusting reverb, pitch and compression on a pop-up master effects console that is designed to look like recording studio hardware.
The software is easy to use. Instant audio or video effects can be created by dragging an icon onto a recorded track, so you can record your voice and quickly add an echo, increase the bass level or make it sound as if you are under water. There are video effects, including fisheye and kaleidoscope, that can be added to your digital video.
Music Maker is not a product for serious audio recording. Magix would be the first to admit that, since it also sells Samplitude Professional 7.0 for $1,099. But for the beginner who would not know what to do with powerful audio software and just wants to play, Music Maker might fit the bill.
Sharp's new twist on a portable TV
With all the accoutrements tethered to the TV these days - DVD players, VCRs, cable boxes - most people would never think of toting the set from room to room. But a new flat-panel TV from Sharp brings portability to channel surfing.
The Aquos Mobile LC-15L1 has three parts. A control module resembling a personal computer tower connects to all the usual players and boxes using standard cables. It uses an 802.11b, or Wi-Fi, wireless transmitter to carry pictures and sound to a stand-alone 15-inch LCD screen powered by batteries.
When not in use, the screen sits in a cradle to recharge its batteries.
"The areas of the house where you want to relax are not necessarily where you always want to have a television," said Robert Scaglione, the vice president of Sharp's consumer electronics group. "With this, you're going to be able to take your television to the deck or even down by the pool." The screen includes built-in speakers and has a range of about 100 yards, the company says.
What if you need to pause the DVD or tape to take a swim? The TV has an infrared port that accepts signals from standard remote controls and converts them for transmission back to the control module. Infrared transmitters in the control module then relay the remote commands to the DVD player or other component.
The set will be available in the United States later this year; the company has not determined a final price but says it will cost less than $2,000.
The set could find a market among parents who want to limit their children's TV viewing. The battery runs for only two hours when the TV is used at normal brightness.
Microsoft previews MSN Messenger 6.0
Microsoft Corp. is releasing a preview version of its newest instant messaging service, which can now support video and allows users to send photos or play games against one another.
The beta of MSN Messenger 6.0 also lets users personalize messages and screen backgrounds more by adding animated smileys and other "emoticons," creating their own images and sending photos to friends.
The new service, which is free to download, will offer additional features for a fee, said Blake Irving, an MSN vice president.
The features help Microsoft target the prime users of instant messaging, 13-to-25-year-olds, said Matt Rosoff, an analyst with Directions on Microsoft, an independent research company in Kirkland, Wash.
