wave

A new tool from Google Labs promises to help users quickly collaborate with other people through the same online calendars, maps, games, and other virtual work spaces that they create.

Google's new Shared Spaces tool, rolled out yesterday, offers a collection of 50 different gadgets formerly developed for the late Google Wave. By generating a work space using one of the gadgets, a user can create lists, design polls, brainstorm ideas, and even play Sudoku when in need of a break. A user can then share and collaborate in each work space with another person.

To create a work … Read more

Scottish wave power company Aquamarine Power today said it raised funds to commercialize its wave power machine, including an investment from Swiss industrial giant ABB.

Edinburgh-based Aquamarine secured $17.36 million, with $12.6 million coming from ABB, which has a large portfolio of products in the power utility sector.

The investment from ABB is a significant endorsement for wave power, which is being pursued actively in the U.K. There is a European marine energy test site at the Orkney Islands off the coast of Scotland along with several other research efforts.

"Wave energy is primed to become … Read more

The BoxWave Keyboard Buddy is the latest physical keypad case for the iPhone 4. Like the ThinkGeek version featured before it, this accessory is physically connected to the smartphone but still requires a Bluetooth connection to work. However, unlike ThinkGeek's TK-421, the keypad slides rather than swivels out. This makes it look a little like the Motorola Milestone.

At $70, it's pricier than the TK-421. The good news for the international crowd is that BoxWave ships to a lot more countries than ThinkGeek, so you may actually be able to get your hands on one without using complicated … Read more

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--When it comes to harvesting energy from oceans and rivers, the "sink or swim" approach doesn't really work.

Getting wave and tidal power machines to actually deliver power into the grid requires multiple stages of testing, with each one a step closer toward deploying devices in open waters, according to experts at a marine energy conference here earlier this week.

Dropping these expensive and often bulky machines, be they underwater turbines or buoys, into harsh ocean conditions without a phased approach and long-range game plan is a recipe for disappointment, they said.

"We need … Read more

One of the lead engineers behind Google Maps and Google Wave has left the Web powerhouse to get into the thick of the "compelling" action at Facebook.

Last Friday, Lars Rasmussen said goodbye to his six-year career at Google; he'll start his new job at Facebook in December following a vacation. The noted Sydney, Australia-based software developer explained why he jumped ship in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald.

"It feels to me that Facebook may be a sort of once-in-a-decade type of company," Rasmussen told the Herald. "Obviously they've already changed … Read more

Samsung is continuing to roll out the Bada-powered mobile phones in Europe with the announcement of the new Wave II.

Following up the Wave S8500 that launched earlier this year, the Wave II continues many of the traditions seen on the first handset. That would include a 1GHz processor, 5-megapixel camera, HSDPA support, and most other specs. The only big news seems to be the slightly larger 3.7-inch Super Clear LCD touch screen, up from the previous 3.3-inch version, plus a Trace virtual QWERTY keyboard.

The Samsung Wave II will make its way to at least Germany this … Read more

Jabra recently released the Jabra Wave, an over-the-ear headset that promises to be comfortable and easy to wear. Though it might look a little Borg-like, Jabra claims it's lightweight. As for features, it boasts three-layer wind noise reduction, multipoint technology, and a Voice Guidance system.

Jabra also says it supports Jabra's World of Apps portal, which lets you find voice-enabled apps to use with the headset. The Wave will be available in red, black, and there'll also be a corded version. Verizon Wireless stores will get them first in November, though we don't know pricing yet. … Read more

For all of you who don't like the messy wiring and setup of surround-sound speakers--or even to see them out in the open--Bose has the ideal solution: the VideoWave, a new home-theater product that has a special surround-system integrated into a 46-inch LCD TV. It comes with a minimalist RF "click pad" universal remote that's easy to program and use, as well as an iPod dock. The VideoWave ships October 14 and costs $5,349.

We got a demo of the VideoWave and were generally very impressed with the product, though it is rather expensive (its price does include "white-glove" delivery and installation). Ten years in the making, the VideoWave sounds really good for a virtual surround speaker. Since all the audio parts are integrated into the back of the TV, upon first seeing and hearing the VideoWave many people will be surprised to learn that the sound is coming from the TV, and not from speakers placed around the room.

In keeping with the minimalist theme, Bose has designed an AV box that essentially acts as a hub for the unit. It connects to the TV with a single proprietary cable (a 3-meter cord comes with the system, but longer cords can be purchased depending on your specific installation). You get three HDMI inputs on the back of the hub and one on the front for camcorders and other video devices you might attach. There's also a component-video connection on the back along with other basic AV inputs. … Read more

Germany will soon be able to say hello to the Samsung Wave 723, the newest model of the smartphone built on Samsung's open Bada platform. Samsung will release the Wave 723, also known as GT-S7230E, in Germany in September, and then it will gradually release it to other countries in Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

The Wave 723's specs include a 3.2-inch WQVGA TFT-LCD screen, a 5.0 megapixel camera, 3G and 802.11 Wi-Fi support, and QVGA video recording and playback that includes support for H.264 HD video.

Of course, the phone … Read more