News Briefs – Thursday, March 30, 2006
Qualcomm forms China-based mobile software company
Qualcomm and China TechFaith Wireless Communication Technology formed a new mobile software company: TechFaith Software China. The new company will be based in Beijing and Hangzhou, China, and initially will focus on third-generation CDMA mobile handsets. The venture will receive cash and contributions worth up to $35 million from both parties, subject to performance milestones and other conditions, according to a company statement.
Portable satellite phone recognizes hotspots
Eagle Broadband’s SatMAX Alpha Emergency Communications System (Alpha ECS) is a portable, Iridium-based, satellite-phone system designed for disaster recovery, crisis management and emergency preparedness. The Alpha ECS recognizes satellite communications hotspots so users can access networks without line-of-sight considerations. It is designed for use by public-safety, homeland security, and federal, state and local government agencies, as well as corporations and enterprises, according to a company statement.
The portable Alpha ECS system contains a SatMAX unit, a high-capacity battery, three Iridium phone kits, A/C charger with international plug adapters, car charger, leather holster, antenna adapter and portable auxiliary antenna.
Web-based GIS lets first responders view interactive maps
Prepared Response added a geographic information system (GIS) application to the Web version of its Rapid Responder crisis management system, which is designed to work on wireless networks. The GIS lets police, fire and other first responders view streets, pipelines, railroads or political subdivisions as layers on an interactive map.
Wrist-watch PC offers GPS and wireless capabilities
Eurotech’s wrist-worn personal computer (WWPC) is equipped with a GPS receiver and a wireless infrastructure. The product features a 16-channel GPS receiver with an active helix antenna. The PC’s display is 72×55 mm with a touch-screen, direct-access keypad and joystick. The battery lasts six hours.
According to Eurotech, the WWPC supports connection to high-speed (480 Mb/s) devices, and can be connected to external host networks via Bluetooth and wireless LAN interfaces. It also can be configured and managed remotely via wired or wireless connections.
Traffic-monitoring system provides real-time data
The London-based National Traffic Control Center (NTCC)—a division of England’s Department for Transport (DOT)—spent £160 million ($278.3 million USD) to monitor the city’s street and highway network in real-time. The NTCC collects information on road and traffic conditions across 4500 miles of England’s roadways. Data is wirelessly transmitted to the center via 3750 road sensors and 700 CCTV cameras, as well as reports from traffic officers, police officers, local highway authorities and weather centers, according to a DOT press release. The NTCC is operated by private contractor TiS Ltd.
Wireless camera captures incident video
View Systems introduced the Visual First Responder M2, a wireless video camera system used by first responders to capture secure video of incident scenes. The VFRM2 allows for hands-free operation and multiple video sources through which users can capture video and transmit it in real-time, according to the company.
RFID tags track patient transport equipment
VeriChip’s AssetracSystem will be deployed by Stanford Hospital and Clinics to locate and track patient transport equipment within its 613-bed facility. The product provides real-time, zone-based location of approximately 800 pieces of hospital equipment affixed with active RFID tags.
Broadband gateway converges multiple applications
Axesstel unveiled a line of 3G wireless broadband gateways. The new gateways converge data, voice, analog fax and a Wi-Fi router in one desktop networking device.
