Apple iPhone Even More In A League Of Its Own (AAPL)

Apple iPhone Even More In A League Of Its Own (AAPL)

Apple's (AAPL) new iPhone 3G S, announced today, doesn't look much different than the iPhone 3G that Apple announced a year ago. But it doesn't need to. It's what's inside that counts, and what puts it further ahead of competitors, including Palm's recently released Pre.
For instance, many phones offer video recording. But how many phones have incredible, free, simple, built-in editing tools? And yes, many of Apple's rivals have offered voice dialing for years. But do other phones let you ask what song is playing -- or tell it to switch to a different album?
This isn't about a list of features or specs. It's about getting people to do things with their phones that they've never done before. (And millions of people -- not just nerdy early adopters like us.)

The first iPhone got people to use the Web, music, and video much more on their iPhones than any other phone. The iPhone 3G did that for mobile apps and location-based features. Now Apple is making video and voice controls something that normal people can get behind. (And we can only imagine what kind of neat accessories are going to start rolling out now that third-party devices can talk to the iPhone.)

The competition is nowhere in sight.

Apple Unveils $199 iPhone 3G S, Cuts iPhone 3G To $99 (AAPL)

As expected, Apple (AAPL) unveiled a faster iPhone today and cut the current iPhone's price.

The new iPhone 3G S will go on sale next Friday, June 19 and will be available for pre-order today. It will cost $199 for a 16 GB unit and $299 for a 32 GB device. The iPhone 3G will go down to $99 today.

No surprises on the iPhone 3G S's features:

* Faster processor.
* More storage capacity.
* Faster Internet speeds.
* Video recording and very neat video editing.
* Better camera.
* Digital compass.
* More battery life.

It'll also support the Nike+ system and nifty voice controls. More to come..
http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-unveils-199-iphone-3gs-cuts-iphone-3g-to-99-2009-6

Driverless cars on the horizon

Driverless cars on the horizon
(02:22) Rough Cut Reuters Video

May 26 - Driverless cars -- using technology similar to that used for cruise missiles, but more advanced -- are showing firsthand what public transportation could look like in the near future, through the European Union's vehicle program CyberCar.

The emphasis is on navigation, programming and communication which can make anything with an engine and wheels move safely down a desired route.

The cars are automatic but a manual overdrive is also possible by entering a special code into the system. The cars can also be navigated from a mobile phone.

The current CyberCar prototypes, on show at the recent Future Mobility Solutions Conference in Helsinki, look like golf carts and have no suspension but under the hood hides high-tech lasers and Global Positioning System (GPS) units.

The car follows a path programmed by the GPS using a touchscreen and laser is used to avoid crashes. There are some similarities with the technology involved in constructing cruise missiles although the companies developing the cars have had no access to military technology.

The touch-screen operated computer system is responsible for the requested journey, while an automated voice is giving information to the passengers.

Driverless CyberCars are already in operation at London's Heathrow airport, but it will take several years before the cars will be seen driving around towns.

But the current economical downturn could speed-up projects like this as in the long run they offer lower costs and an environmental friendly solution to urban transport problems.

Vantaa, just outside the Finnish capital Helsinki, is currently building up a new eco-friendly district for 30,000 people. The plan is to implement the latest technology wherever possible and the CyberCar idea fits perfectly.

Cities and companies willing to participate in the EU CyberCar program need to finance a certain amount of the total costs.

Gilbert Koskela who is the CyberCar project manager in Vantaa City said that apart from the environmental benefits, the driver-less car would make the streets safer as there would be less human factors involved.

(SOUNDBITE)(English) RESEARCHER LAURENT BOURAOUI: