Fiber Optic Speeds Over A Copper Line

A recent article published by MIT revealed that fiber optic speeds couldbe achieved over the copper line. The technique is to combine 3existing techniques - bonding, vectoring, and DSL phantom mode.

With this combination, speeds of 300megabits per second can be achieved at a distance of 400 meters from a communicationshub, and 100 megabits per second at a one kilometer.

Alcatel-Lucent is the first company to publicly announce such technology however, it is not the first to deploy them in trials.

The "deterrence" factor ? Cost.

Check out their article and find out how it is possible and the scenarios that could make it happen.

Desktop Sharing now available for Skype users on Mac OS X

Are you an OS X users who happens to have Skype installed on your Mac? Well, if you answer to that question is a "yes", you might want to start hitting Skypes download pages and getting yourself a copy of the latest client available for download. This is because Skype has announced the availability of version 5.2 of its popular Internet telephony client for Apples operating system, which reportedly comes bundled with a couple of new features.

The first feature which Mac users can expect to take advantage of in Skype 5.2 for Mac is the introduction of desktop sharing for group video calls. According to Skype, this feature willenhance "communication and collaboration on group calls" by giving users the ability to share the contents that are currently displayed on their computer screen, such as "presentations, photos and documents", among video call participants. Skype has also added that this feature puts the sharer in total control on the content that is being shared, while citing an example of how participants will not be able to advance through the slides of a PowerPoint presentation until the presenter does so, simply because they have no control over the other partys computer.

In addition to the screen sharing feature, Skype has also announced that the new client will feature improved multi-tasking support, and in comes in the form of a small notification window which allows Mac users to not only see the participants of their video conferencing, but also exercise control over the conversation by allowing them to hang up or mute the call via its control panel. And according to Skype, this was one of the most requested features that has been made by its user base.

Sounds interesting? Well, this is also where we have the classic "good news bad news" situation going, for Skype has revealed that the screen sharing feature in Skype 5.2 is only available to members who have paid for a Premium subscription. However, if that is not about to deter you, Skype 5.2 for Mac is already available for download, so all you have to do is to simply hit up the download link over at Skypes homepage to get started on some video conferencing goodness.

Source: Skype blog via The Inquirer

Dell Streak tablet Is it coming

Seems like Dell has teased its consumerswith too much information about their new Streak tablet device thata mistake on their web site led many to believe it is going to be outthis week. Unfortunately, the launch date of the device has to be postponed till later dates, according to various web sources.

A Dell spokesperson clarifiedthat the 5-inch tablet will retail this summer though. But its definitely not going to be the month of July.

The Dell Streak will be running the older Android 1.6 operating system,however,the manufacturer promises their customers an update to the new 2.2 version (Froyo)by end 2010. No news as to whether Dell will bring the Streak here.

Source: InformationWeek, PC Magazine

Far Cry 3 trailer and release date surfaces

Following a leaked trailer a number of hours ago along with a slightly differing "official" trailer a short time later, we now know with certainty that Far Cry 3 is well into development and has a slated release date of September 7th.

This is the ‘official’ version of the Far Cry 3 trailer, which is almost exactly the same as the one that leaked earlier on today. I actually felt bad about linking to that one, but we’re all about disclosure here at RPS: whether you’re Ubisoft or John Walker, we’ll get to the heart of the story, no matter what. So, tell us Ubisoft: why did the leaked trailer have a Sept 6 release date when this one says Sept the 7th?

Source: Rock, Paper SHOTGUN

Apple Holding Press Conference On iPhone 4 This Friday

Appleis holding a press conference this Friday, with regards to the iPhone 4. Ever since the launch of the phone in June, it has gotten criticism over its reception problems due to the phone's antenna design. And despite having a software update that helps to correct the signal strength indicator, it still doesn't fix the problem.

Many speculate that the company may have found a solution to the reception problem, thus the holding of press conference. Consumer Reports,a product review magazine, has said that enclosing the iPhone 4 in a "bumper" case would eliminate reception problems. Probably Apple is offering such free case to consumers?

Orperhaps the company intends to do a recall of the phones which seems very unlikely, as the phone is selling very well in stores.

Well, we can only wait and see when Friday comes (or Saturday morning for us here in Singapore).

Source: Wall Street Journal