By Michael Santo
Executive Editor, RealTechNews

This falls into the category of … huh, I never thought of that, but I probably should have. It’s not even just the particles often found left over inside large multifunction printers … it’s particles just cast into the air when using the printer.

Some popular brand printers release so much toner into the air that the amount of fine particles in office air increases five-fold during work hours, and new toner cartridges and graphic-heavy printing projects further boost the amount of ultra-fine powder in the air.

Lead researcher Lidia Morawska said inhaling the particles could lead to respiratory irritation, and even more severe illnesses like cardiovascular problems and cancer. Source: Globe and Mail

We Say: Even better … what else … one of the printers considered to be a “high emitter” … I own. The HP Laserjet 1320n. I know if my wife reads this it’ll be outta the house by tomorrow … and that’s too bad, because it’s been reliable since I’ve owned it and it was a relatively inexpensive network printer.

Update: The SF Chronicle has this story also, and they have a full list of test results …

By Jimmy Daniels
Contributing Writer, RealTechNews

Now who would’ve thought this could happen, other than, anyone who was ever infected with a Zango product. Known spyware hunter Ben Edelman has released his findings in how well Zango is sticking to the FTC settlement, how did it go for Zango? Not too Good! In fact, some of the problems he saw are remarkably widespread, including installations syndicated across the web via top ad networks.

In my hands-on testing, Zango continues numerous practices likely to confuse, deceive, or otherwise harm typical users as well as practices specifically contrary to Zango’s obligations under its November 2006 settlement with the FTC.

Among these practices are widespread, ongoing Zango-designed installation sequences which install Zango pop-up ad software without any on-screen disclosure of material terms. Instead, these installations mention Zango’s effects only in a lengthy EULA – exactly contrary to the FTC settlement’s requirements.

Zango’s ongoing practices also include prominent pop-up ads promoting sites that attempt to defraud users (e.g. by charging for software that is actually free), as well as widespread in-toolbar ads without the labeling and hyperlinks specifically required under the FTC settlement.

This article summarizes selected incidents I have recently observed. In particular:

• Widespread Zango “ActiveX” Installations without Unavoidable, Prominent Disclosure of Material Terms (XP SP1 and Earlier).
• Widespread Zango Banner-Based Installations without Unavoidable, Prominent Disclosure of Material Terms (XP SP2).
• Ongoing Zango Installations with No Disclosure Whatsoever.
• Unlabeled Zango Ads - Toolbars, Desktop Icons, and Pop-Ups.
• Zango Ads for Bogus Sites that Attempt to Defraud Users.

These practices call into question the integrity of Zango’s business, as well as the status of Zango’s compliance with its obligations under its recent settlement with the FTC. Source: Ben Edelman

We Say: As Ben said in his write-up, I await a tough and effective response from the FTC. Wrapping some posts together for it here, Zango and the FTC.

By Michael Santo
Executive Editor, RealTechNews

Apple (AAPL, yes, I know the symbol ) shareholders rejoice. The iTunes store has sold its 3 billionth (that’s billion with a B) song. In doing so, it’s also passed both Amazon.com and Target in music sales, trailing only Wal-Mart (who else) and Best Buy.

Apple® today announced that more than three billion songs have been purchased and downloaded from the iTunes® Store (www.itunes.com). iTunes is the world’s most popular online music, TV and movie store featuring a catalog of over five million songs, 550 television shows and 500 movies. Source: Apple Press Release

We Say: It took years to reach the first billion, eleven months for the second, and about seven for the third. I see a trend.

By Michael Santo
Executive Editor, RealTechNews

Well, yeah, in surgery. If you have a power outage, and the generators don’t kick in … you improvise. A power outage in Argentina during an appendectomy, but the generator didn’t start. What do you do? Gather up a bunch of cell phones and use the light from them, that’s what.

“The generator, which should have been working correctly, didn’t work,” a hospital spokesman, whose name was not given, told TN television news station.

“The surgeons and anesthetists were in the dark… A family member got some cell phones together from people in the hallway and took them in to provide light,” he said. Source: Reuters

We Say: I’ll admit that I’ve used my cell phone before instead of a flashlight for something simple like finding my keys, but surgery? That’s pretty gutsy.

By Chief Gadgeteer, Gizmos for Geeks

Contributing Writer, RealTechNews.

The Web has revolutionized the way that people do research, and now it’s in the process of doing the same for learning. There are already numerous websites that cover how things work, how ‘to do things’, give tutorials, and provide detailed academic info. Video is starting to intrude on the predominently text-based industry as well. We can also look forward to more freely available interactive learning environments as sites learn how to monetize their sites without charging for their content.

Read the entire article featuring over a dozen of these learning/howto sites over at Gizmos for Geeks.

Source: Gizmos for Geeks.

By Michael Santo
Executive Editor, RealTechNews

First of all, what’s DCM, right? Digital Charger Management, new term, coined not by me, so don’t give me the credit … Apple has filed a patent application that will essentially prevent anyone from using an unauthorized charger with a device. Meaning, steal a device, and once it runs out of power, it’s a brick.

The idea is use a ‘guardian’ circuit to spot when someone is trying to use a cellphone with an unauthorized charger or cable.

We Say: Good idea on the surface. I mean, it will hopefully deter theft. But think about it for a while. While Apple might license this tech to other manufacturers, it will still increase the cost of chargers. Lose your synch cable on a trip? You can’t just use any old cheap 3rd-party cable any longer … at least not to charge, and I suppose you could use this circuit to prevent synching as well.

This smacks a lot of chips embedded in printer cartridges that prevent you from using knock-offs … which work perfectly well, but since consumables are the heart of profit in the printer industry, are discouraged. To me, it just sounds like another way for manufacturers to make sure you use their expensive accessories, instead of cheaper 3rd-party ones.

Additionally, my guess is thieves will still steal devices, then find out about the problem after the fact … meaning the device’ll end up in the trash and eventually a landfill. And, any bets on how long it takes for someone to hack this?

Finally, how would this stop someone from using a stand-alone charger? One that you just put the battery in, no device required (of course, that doesn’t apply to Apple’s non-swappable batteries, but that’s a whole ‘nother argument ).

By Michael Santo
Executive Editor, RealTechNews

Hybrid cars not good enough for you? Japan is set to launch a hybrid diesel-electric train, which begins regular runs on Tuesday.

Following its runaway success with hybrid cars, Japan is bringing the world hybrid trains. Regular passenger runs are set to begin Tuesday on a short mountain route, the first time a diesel-electric hybrid train will be put into commercial service. It has a diesel engine, two electric motors under each car and lithium ion batteries on the roof.

The diesel engine only kicks in with a rumble when needed to climb a hill or if the batteries run low. Source: Business Week

We Say: Much as with a hybrid car, this is more expensive than a normal train … though in this case it’s about 2x the price of a normal train. Fuel efficiency is increased by about 20 percent and emissions reduced by up to 60 percent. The batteries, once again much like a hybrid car, are recharged when the train slows.

By Chief Gadgeteer, Gizmos for Geeks

Contributing Writer, RealTechNews.

Here is a quick recap of the gadgets we featured this week at GfG. The biggest item was the announcement of the smaller TiVo HD DVR. Coming in at a more affordable $300, this new HD recorder holds 180 hours of standard def and 20 of HD. In the computer department was the very cool and very light Toshiba Portege R500-S5003. It starts at 1.72lbs. Think about that for a second! Read on for still more gizmos.

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