Thursday, May 1, 2008    Text size: 

This week's tech watch includes a sneak preview of the upcoming second-generation Apple iPhone and a look at Adobe's new Flash-development initiative, Open Screen Project. There'll also be a trip around the world of gadgets that all discerning adult professionals should consider adding to their collections – whether for work or play.

• Enterprising tech enthusiasts over at Engadget uncovered some details about Apple's revamped iPhone. First, here's what won't change: The size. The iPhone will retain its basic shape and size, but it will be a little bit thicker. The screen will remain the same size. It will look different, though, with a sleek, glossy black casing and chrome buttons. The new iPhone will also come with GPS capability.

• Adobe has launched an aggressive new initiative to make Flash the default viewing environment for everything from TVs to mobile phones and anything else with a screen: the Open Screen Project, which will invite development for the Flash platform from just about everybody — and that means some major changes. Adobe will:

1. Open up the basic programming code to its Flash player for development by anyone.

2. Discontinue the charging of licensing fees for Flash on mobile devices.

3. Facilitate the porting of Flash to other devices.

4. Work with wireless carriers to make it possible for programmers to update software on mobile devices.

It's possible that Adobe has launched this ambitious plan in response to the fallout from a failed plan to develop Flash for the Apple iPhone.

• For Facebook addicts who want to integrate the social-networking giant's new chat service into a single IM program, there's another option: Digsby.com.

• When you need to get free Wi-Fi access at a Starbucks or a Barnes & Noble, try this.

• TiVo and an iPhone are standard toys for many adult webmasters. Now, here's a way to turn an iPhone into a TiVo remote control.

• Any serious adult webmaster should be concerned with security. The Hard Disk Crusher will give webmasters a powerful new way to destroy old (and possibly sensitive) data.

• Believe it or not, someone filed a patent for scented text messages.

• For all you “Grand Theft Auto” maniacs out there, Google shares your passion. They've added a full Google map for Liberty City. Also, Gawker has a look at the clever world of media within the “GTA4” world.