BLUETOOTH
Bluetooth is a new technology that you will be hearing a lot more about in the future. Developed by Telefon AB L.M. Ericsson of Sweden, this new short-range wireless communication connection allows messages to be sent between your computer and other household appliances. Your oven could send a message to your computer when the casserole is done or your computer could send a message to your phone when you receive an email. Who knows what messages your toaster is waiting to send out to you! Bluetooth was a 10th century king who united the Vikings after he converted to Christianity. (Source: Wall Street Journal, 5/13/1999).

TRACKING SEMI-TRUCK TRAILERS
In 1988, Schneider National was the first to have satellite communications with its trucks. It is now ordering devices that will allow it to track the location of its 40,000 trailers via satellites. In addition to location, the devices will be able to report if the trailer is attached to the truck, the trailer doors or open or closed and if the trailer is empty or not. Schneider expects the system will improve its profitability by being able to find lost or stolen trailers and recover those trailers that customers have had too long. The device costs approximately US$650 per trailer. One trucking industry consultant predicts that the industry could save US$6 billion if all trucking firms adopted this technology. (Source: Wall Street Journal, 5/7/1999).

VISUALPHONE
Kyocera Corporation unveiled the world's first cellular phone that is able to simultaneously send the caller's picture and voice. The cell phone has a 2-inch active-matrix display and a camera located at the top of the cell phone. For the video to work, users will hold the VisualPhone about 16 inches away from their face. The phone is 2.1 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches and has a battery life of about one hour.

The VisualPhone will be available in Japan beginning in July and will cost 40,000 yen (US$322). Kyocera expects to sell 50,000 in the first year. Don't look for the VisualPhone to be in the U.S. anytime soon as it uses a cellular technology found only in Japan. (Source: Computerworld Online News, 5/20/1999).

WEB SITE OF THE MONTH Walter S. Mossberg's "Personal Technology Column" and the "Mossberg's Mailbox" are featured each Thursday in the print and on-line subscription editions of the Wall Street Journal. The Wall Street Journal has created a free web site http://ptech.wsj.com from which you can read Mr. Mossberg's bio, columns, mailbox and transcriptions from his voice events for the past 90 days. (Source: Wall Street Journal).
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Technology Tidbits is published monthly by Jerry Price, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
© 1999 Jerry W. Price

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