Google launches Google Sky
Google, Inc. has launched its latest free tool, Google Sky, which allows users to view the sky from their computers using a satellite imagery-based mapping software. The tool educates users about various celestial bodies such as stars and planets and includes images from sources like the Hubble Space Telescope. The new software also helps users view planets in motion and witness a supernova phenomenon. The other programs provide information and pictures of the universe. Google Sky was developed at the leading search engine's Pittsburgh engineering office.
IBM acquires web-conferencing vendor
IBM Corp. has purchased WebDialogs, Inc., a web-conferencing service provider, which will become part of its Lotus division and add its services to the Sametime family of products. This acquisition will provide customers with a software-as-a-service (SAAS) option for web conferencing. WebDialogs will also be incorporated into Lotus Sametime software and Lotus Notes. IBM also announced that Sametime, its instant-messaging software, has plans to expand its family of products. The company will add unified communications capabilities to the Sametime family by licensing parts of Siemens AG's OpenScape software. WebDialogs, based in Billerica, MA, provides interfaces for web-conferencing services from Sprint Canada; AT&T, Inc.; and other service providers.
Sony launches TV tuner and recorder for PS3
Sony Corp. will try to attract more customers to its high-end PlayStation3 by offering a device that will let users record live television, which can then be stored on the game console or transferred to the PlayStation Portable for later viewing. The new equipment, dubbed PlayTV, will have a combined television tuner and personal video recorder. Using a technology known as Digital Video Broadcasting-Terrestrial, PlayTV will be integrated into the PlayStation 3 console, and individual episodes or entire series can be recorded on its hard drive. PlayTV will be for sale in Britain, Spain, Germany, France, and Italy in early 2008.
