Scare your neighbors with a spooky Halloween network name

Earlier today, Ars IT editor Sean Gallagher was doing some scary things with wireless when he discovered someone probing for a Wi-Fi network with a name that appeared to be something un-parseable. I theorized that it was actually something in Unicode that Wireshark wasn’t parsing properly. “So someone has a Unicode SSID?” Gallagher asked, incredulous.

I was inspired. I wanted a Unicode SSID—one that could match the season and give my network name a seasonal gothic flare. So I set out to see if I could do it with my own Wi-Fi network. While I was successful, the effect may be lost on Windows users and others on devices that can’t handle Unicode characters in their wireless network name. And as Gallagher determined, it doesn’t work on all Wi-Fi networking hardware.

The tools

Unicode has some fun characters that can be used to generate a spooky SSID, but it can be difficult to type these characters using a traditional keyboard. After some digging around, I found the excellent Unicode Text Converter. This page allows you to enter a simple string and get back a variety of clever representations.

Sony Present the Worlds first 16.4 Mega pixel Camera for Mobiles

Sony Corporation announced the commercialization of two new "Exmor R" back-illuminated CMOS image sensors with dramatically improved photographic performance including significantly high sensitivity and low noise. Sony will launch two new lens modules equipped with these image sensors, which also include the smallest and thinnest model for mobile phones. This is also the first time that "Exmor R" is commercialized for the use in mobile phones. One of which has 16.4MP resolution and the other one is a "budget" unit, capable of 8.1MP resolution. Both can shoot Full HD video. 

The two sensors - IMX081PQ (16.4MP) and IMX105PQ (8.1MP) - use Sony's Exmor R technology, which so far has been used in still and video cameras. The 16.4MP module has a 1/2.8 back-illuminated CMOS image sensor with the smallest pixel size - 1.12 microns. The second module has a 1/3.2 sensor with pixels 1.4 microns in size.

Sony is aware of the common problem - smaller pixels, worse photo quality - but they say their proprietary technology and unique photo diode formation compensate for the small size - they even provided a couple of shots to prove it. Of course, we'll believe it when we see it. 

Both camera modules can shoot 720p and 1080p at 30 frames per second, while the 16.4MP sensor can do 720p@60fps too. Sony has developed a couple of lens modules too, which have been downsized enough to fit in a mobile phone.
The 16.4MP sensor will begin shipping in January next year for about 22 euro (30 USD) and its accompanying module will come out in March and cost a whopping 104 euro (144 USD) at first (bulk quantities should be less). The 8.1MP and lens should both be out by April for 13 euro and 69 euro respectively.


At the end of 2010, Sony plans to start the mass production of "Exmor R," including those for mobile phones announced today, at Sony Semiconductor Kyushu Corporation's Kumamoto Technology Center, on cutting-edge wafer lines (with diameter of 300mm). 

Charge Your Mobile Phone Wirelessly with New Japanese Technology

Japanese scientists have developed a system that would allow you recharge your mobile phones and laptops wirelessly. Developed by Japanese technology firm Fujitsu, the system is capable of simultaneously charging multiple portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras and laptop computers without the need for cable connections. 

The company unveiled a prototype system at an Institute of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineers conference at Osaka Prefecture University and it claimed that it was first of its kind in the world.  It works on the transmission of electricity using magnetic fields between the charger and the electronic device. The technology allows wireless charging at distances of up to several metres. Scientists at Fujitsu Laboratories plan to commercially sell products having wireless charging system by 2012.

According to company, "This technology paves the way to integrating compact wireless charging functions into mobile phones and enabling multiple portable devices to be charged simultaneously without any restrictions on their position with respect to the charger. We are also looking at applying the results of this work to fields other than portable electronics, including power transmission between circuit boards or computer chips, and providing mobile charging systems for electric cars." 

 

Samsung Releases Samsung Infuse 4G Smartphone at CES 2011

Samsung has unveiled the thinnest Samsung Infuse 4G Android 2.2 smartphone at CES 2011. Infuse 4G features the largest 4.5 inch next-generation Super AMOLED Plus display technology. The new Super AMOLED Plus technology from Samsung featured on the 4.5 inches display of Infuse 4G sports “50 percent more sub-pixels for better contrast and outdoor readability.

The Samsung Infuse 4G comes with a 1.2 GHz applications processor and is powered by Google's Android 2.2 operating system. It includes a 1.2 mega-pixel front-facing camera for video calls, complemented by an 8-megapixel rear-facing photo snapper with LED flash and HD video recording capabilities.

Samsung Infuse 4G is expected to be available soon in the AT&T's smartphone lineup. Samsung Infuse 4G, which is set to make an official appearance on AT&T's airwaves in the near future. 
AT&T and Samsung did not offer too many details on the upcoming mobile phone, nor on the exact date when it might arrive on shelves, or the price tag it would feature.