| George Entwistle announced as next Director General at the BBC, prepares for world service Jul 4th 2012, 22:58  The good-ship BBC won't steer itself, and it's just been announced that George Entwistle is the next to take the wheel. Currently director of BBC Vision (the Beeb's fancy name for TV,) Entwistle will take over from Mark Thompson, who announced back in March that he'd be leaving Auntie's warm embrace. Appointment to the £450,000-a-year (about $287,000) role is always keenly observed, with much of the future direction of the broadcasting stalwart considered to rest on its shoulders. Entwistle cut his teeth on such programs as Tomorrow's World, Panorama and Newsnight, before working his way into more executive roles. Thompson will hold the fort until after the Olympics, before handing the (figurative) baton over to Entwistle. [Image courtesy: BBC] Continue reading George Entwistle announced as next Director General at the BBC, prepares for world service George Entwistle announced as next Director General at the BBC, prepares for world service originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Jul 2012 18:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink  The Register | | Email this | Comments | | Sony patents vein reading system for accessible computers, toilets Jul 4th 2012, 21:29  In a sign of just how backed up our patent system is, Sony was finally awarded a series of claims for a vein-reading mouse it filed back in January of 2009. The idea is to use an image of the blood vessels in your index finger as an authentication system. But, instead of unlocking a PC, the identity would be associated with a set of preferences -- automatically boosting contrast and text size on a screen for the elderly. While the patented claims apply exclusively to computer mice, Sony envisions vein readers everywhere, personalizing and simplifying life for the aging... even in the bathroom. Another embodiment of the system involves scanning a persons finger as they turn the doorknob to the lavatory. Once authenticated, data is sent to the toilet which automatically lifts the seat, then adjusts the force and angle of the bidet based on your preferences. Once again, Japan proves why its winning the race in toilet technology. Sony patents vein reading system for accessible computers, toilets originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Jul 2012 17:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink |  USPTO | Email this | Comments | |
