June 23, 2008
Communications goes green? Not yet.
By Carolyn Mathas

At NXTComm last week, I met with Edna Conway, Sr. Director of Advanced

The fact is that I'm used to companies touting a low-power product, or saying that they exceed the requirements on whatever hoop they need to jump through today. This is the first time, however, I was in discussion with someone who was willing to say what Cisco is doing, is trying to do, and in a few cases, honestly and upfront say what they just can't achieve yet. I have just one word for Cisco's effort, and Edna herself--refreshing.

It is not a new effort at Cisco, but one in the works for the past two years. The goal is to have green products, green sourcing and green production--and build a sustainable supply chain. How? Achieve gains by influence.

Cisco states, and challenges at the same time, that "Unless companies are willing to take a hard look at the sustainability practices of their entire supply chains, the true impact of their 'green' practices will be limited." Edna's group works within the company from the legal department through design engineers, as well as with suppliers to truly continue on a definable path towards green. Check this site for more in-depth information as my interests are definitely piqued.

The truth is that, as an industry, we're obviously not ready to hear the message yet. How do I know? The entire NXTComm iHollywood Forum: Communications Goes Green was cancelled due to lack of interest. Telling.
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June 12, 2008
Which cellular headset should I buy, and why?
By Carolyn Mathas

On July 1 this year, a California law goes into effect that says we have to use a hands-free device if we want to talk on the phone while driving. Although I've used a device (purposely left here unnamed) in the past, I really didn't like it. However, I will need to invest in another one--and quickly.

So my question to you is, which headset device are you using and why? What do you like about it? What are its shortcomings? Rate it, dissect it, and help me (and scores of others) make a more informed decision.

See the comment box below? Please respond. Who better to help me but you?
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June 05, 2008
Indicted
By Carolyn Mathas

Cocaine, ecstasy, and stock option backdating don't mix, decided the U.S. Attorney's office as they pulled the rug out from under the playboy former chief executive of Broadcom. Charges against Henry Nicholas also include hiring prostitutes for himself and others and covering up the actions with threats of violence and payoffs.

Nicholas surrendered to the FBI and is expected to appear in court on the charges. Seems prosecutors want to keep him behind bars without bail given the potential for intimidating witnesses, as well as having the wealth to easily skip town.

As a result of backdating, Broadcom took more than $2.2 billion in charges.
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June 05, 2008
Brain Control: This is great, but potentially scary
By Carolyn Mathas

No, it isn't someone controlling your brain, it's giving your brain the ability to control a machine--directly.

Two news articles recently hit. First, Monkey sheds light on thought-control interface, and then, Thought-control headset to ship late 2008. In the first case, a monkey fed itself by using a robotic arm controlled by its own brain. Think of the value of this understanding of brain-machine interface technology to society. In the second article, using the same brain-computer interface concepts, there's an application, which allows players to control game play with their thoughts.

Wow, you may say, and certainly you'd be right, but what's next? What other machines or devices can be or shouldn't be set in motion by some brilliant or demented mind? For now this is fun, but will it remain in that category? I sure hope it does.
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