www.hightechaid.com

September 2003

From the editor's desk!

Welcome to the latest issue of the HighTechAIDCourier. 

Welcome to another issue of the newsletter. As always we are trying to keep you up-to-date about all the things that are happening in the world of AIDC. This month we have added some extra sources to our research and will soon be able to add even more items. Our goal is to make this newsletter the most comprehensive source of information about the AIDC industry available.

This month has been busy with standards meetings and the big industry show, Supply Chain Week (which was Frontline Solutions, which was Scan Tech).  The show was held side by side with the EPC™ Symposium and they were a great success.  I spent the Monday as the moderator for the Third Annual RFID Summit and we had a full house. Over 500 people in the room with about 60% users has got to be one of the best attended RFID conferences ever.  Even an early morning session the next day on Standards got a crowd. I guess people want information, and that is why we are here.

Providing this newsletter is just a part of what we have to offer here at High Tech Aid. When your problem needs have you overwhelmed, then you need to get help and that is why we are here. We specialize in education, but the spectrum of services is much greater than that. Call or email us for more information. Visit the web site www.hightechaid.com for more information on basic technology details. There you will find descriptions of the basic technologies. 

E-mail me at news@hightechaid.com and tell us what you think. Don’t forget to send this issue to your friends so that they can sign up for their own issue of the free newsletter at www.hightechaid.com. If you have news to share or info you need, let me know at steve@hightechaid.com.

Technology News Briefs

Radio Frequency Identification

EPC™ finally launched

After much discussion and coverage in the press, the EPC™ symposium finally happened, heralding several announcements and a mass of visitors. http://www.infoworld.com/article/03/09/15/HNchicagoshow_1.html
http://stacks.msnbc.com/news/959090.asp

EPC™ Symposium gets protests

Consumers Against Supermarket Privacy Invasion and Numbering (CASPIAN) has announced that it will stage a formal protest at the opening sessions of the EPC™ Symposium. http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=141-09122003

ACLU asks court for ruling

The organization, Consumers Against Supermarket Privacy Invasion and Numbering (CASPIAN), have been denied the possibility of demonstrating against the use of RFID inside McCormick Place during the EPC™ Symposium and it has asked the ACLU to help. http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=141-09122003

Protesters do their thing

The protest was only outside the building as permission to demonstrate inside was refused. A small crowd of poorly prepared (hand lettered t-shirts and hand written signs) people demonstrated against the use of RFID at the EPC™ Symposium in Chicago. http://stoprfid.textamerica.com/

Chicago show has the goods

Many vendors showed their products at the Supply Chain Week and EPC™ Symposium shows in Chicago this week. http://www.computerweekly.com/articles/article.asp?liArticleID=
124937&liFlavourID=1&sp=1

IBM comes back with RFID Integration tools

After being an RFID hardware vendor, and then falling back to doing consulting, IBM has now stepped back into the ring with a set of tools that help companies track goods. http://www.internetnews.com/wireless/print.php/3077091
http://news.com.com/2102-1011_3-5076368.html?tag=ni_print

Is RFID the first sign of "big brother"

In the U.K. there is certainly a feeling that RFID will be the link that allows the government to spy on the motorist. By putting a tag in every vehicle and placing readers on the side of the road, every driving infraction would be recorded. http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2003391098,00.html 

Status of RFID

Computer World presents a multi-part status of the technology - RFID. http://www.computerworld.com/softwaretopics/erp/story/
0,10801,84002,00.html
http://computerworld.com/softwaretopics/erp/story/
0,10801,84004,00.html
http://computerworld.com/softwaretopics/erp/story/
0,10801,84003,00.html
http://computerworld.com/softwaretopics/erp/story/
0,10801,84005,00.html
http://www.computerworld.com/softwaretopics/erp/story/
0,10801,84104,00.html

Maybe this RFID stuff can really do it!

RFID everywhere was the vision. Put an electronic number on every- thing in the world. Maybe that vision is becoming real. http://www.time.com/time/globalbusiness/article/
0,9171,1101030922-485764,00.html

Got concerns about RFID and Privacy?

Legislators and privacy advocates are asking questions. Do they understand the full implications or are they reacting to an unlikely situation? http://news.com.com/2100-1039_3-5062009.html
http://computerworld.com/newsletter/
0,4902,84490,00.html?nlid=AM

Does RFID invade privacy?

Triggering a camera to record the picture of someone who is behaving suspiciously, a pilot test in the U.K. has triggered comments from privacy advocates. http://news.com.com/2100-1039_3-5063990.html
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1103_2-5067253.html
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1105_2-5065388.html

Gillette clears the air

After privacy groups campaigned outside a Tesco store in the U.K., Gillette announces that it never intended to do item level tagging and that smart shelves may be ten years away! http://news.com.com/2100-1039_3-5063990.html?part=rss
&tag=feed&subj=news
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?
ARTICLE_ID=34100

But Tesco go ahead with RFID

Looking to the back room, Tesco has extended its trial of RFID to cover transportation cases. http://www.computerweekly.com/articles/article.asp?liArticleID=
124956&liFlavourID=1&sp=1

Electronic Container Seals

In an effort to increase the security of our ports, electronic container seals may help fight the battle against terrorism. http://www.technologyreview.com/forums/forum.asp?
forumid=341

Hitachi mu-chip grows antenna

Hitachi Ltd. announced that it has developed a means to equip the chip with an antenna and hence reduce the need for external components. http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=news&cat=4&id=271324
http://australianit.news.com.au/articles/0,7204,7205652%5E153
50%5E%5Enbv%5E15306-15320,00.html
http://www.line56.com/articles/default.asp?ArticleID=4956

Hitachi denies TFID chip in banknotes

Reports earlier this year had stated that Hitachi was talking to the European Central Bank about including its RFID chip in European currency. The company now denies this. http://computerworld.com/newsletter/
0,4902,84543,00.html?nlid=AM

Metro shows that stores need RFID

Wireless lans and RFID make Metro the store of the future and show technology really can play a part in our lives. http://www.computerweekly.com/articles/article.asp?
liArticleID=124242&liFlavourID=1&sp=1
http://www.nwfusion.com/news/2003/0825store.html

RFID and privacy gets a hearing

California legislators heard depositions from a variety of interested parties. http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1105_2-5065388.html
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/cnet/stories/
5065388.htm
http://www.silicon.com/news/500013/1/5656.html
http://rss.com.com/2100-1020_3-5065388.html?
part=rss&tag=feed&subj=news

RFID tags drugs

Cutting costs and eliminating fraud, RFID tags that identify drugs may be a part of the solution to a lower- cost healthcare solution. http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2003/0915/126.html

DNS registrar offers ONS registration

Verisign, the company that provides internet domain name registration is now moving into the EPC™ arena. www.internetnews.com/ec-news/article.php/3073421

RFID gets a new input

In a move away from the simplicity of an EPC™ number, RFID tags with sensors attached will aid everything from food quality monitoring to terrorism. http://www.wired.com/news/privacy/0,1848,60156,00.html

RFID gives us data!

And are the applications ready to receive data? IT departments must take a very serious look at the requirements of a system that will be data- rich. http://www.infoworld.com/article/03/09/12/36OPreality_1.html

Malaysia set to take over RFID

The Malaysian government announced that it is working on a very small RFID chip that can be used to identify everything from money to humans.  http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=42180

Location tracking assists NYK Logistics

Using Real Time Locating Systems (RTLS) has helped this logistics company to track more than 50,000 ocean freight containers and 30,000 outbound trailers at its 70-acre facility in Long Beach, Calif. http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?
articleID=14704836

New system helps secure containers

Using an RFID tag to detect and record the input from sensors, a system from Powers International, Inc. will be demonstrated in Texas in October. http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030912/laf015_1.html

Building evacuation made better

By using RFID tags to monitor peoples access and egress from a building may make the problems of building evacuation less prone to mistakes. http://abcnews.go.com/sections/scitech/FutureTech/
smartbadges030910.html

Wal*Mart starts the process

Announcing that the top 100 suppliers would have to be RFID compliant by Jan 2005 has started the rush to get RFID in pallets and cases everywhere. http://news.com.com/2010-1071_3-
5072343.html
http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,4149,1270351,00.asp

Is everyone happy with Wal*Mart?

Now that the flag has actually dropped, some say that there is a rush to get things done before they are ready. Did someone mention global standards? http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/
0,1413,200~20950~1634164,00.html

Ozpost wants RFID

In an announcement that Australian Post is going to overhaul its supply chain management systems, it said that RFID will play a large part in what will happen. http://australianit.news.com.au/articles/0,7204,7150663%5E1
5350%5E%5Enbv%5E15306-15320,00.html

RFID and the auto industry together

According to Allied Business Intelligence (ABI) the auto industry currently accounts for 46% of the total RFID market and is poised to spend $600 million. http://www.frontlinetoday.com/frontline/article/
articleDetail.jsp?id=68964 http://www.techweb.com/wire/story/TWB20030821S0010

Tires are monitored using RFID

Goodyear and Siemens VDO Automotive have created an RFID tag that monitors the tire in a vehicle for more than just pressure and temperature. http://www.autofieldguide.com/articles/090303.html

The ever-full beer glass

Mitsubishi Electric Research Labs have created a glass that measures how full it is and sends that information through an RFID tag to make sure your waiter keeps you topped up. But will anyone pay for it? http://australianit.news.com.au/articles/0,7204,7136621%5E
15321%5E%5Enbv%5E15306,00.html

RFID Standards

Standards work is always slow over the summer, but it has started up again with a bang. The next big ISO standards meeting is at the end of September, but the U.S. work on a Multi-Standard Reader continues with great progress.

If you are interested in buying readers that can read more then one type of RFID tag then this is the work to watch. The committee is looking to have mathematical models of all the protocols in ISO 18000, INCITS 256, and version 1 EPC™ as well as version 2 EPC™ when it is available. Watch this space for news of the progress in this standardization effort.

If you want more information on ISO standardization or on any issue of RFID standardization, then email steve@hightechaid.com. 

Identification & Security

Bahrain ID card uses smart card technology

The government of Bahrain issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a smart card ID card that will include biometrics. http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=528&ncid=
528&e=3&u=/ap/20030826/ap_on_hi_te/bahrain_smart_ids

Why identity theft is so easy

The article explains how a stolen wallet is worth a lot more than your cash and credit cards. http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/aug2003/
tc20030814_9611_tc073.htm

U.K. consumers like high-tech

Mastercard announced that a survey in the U.K. showed that consumers like the Chip and PIN secure cards in test curently. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/3169741.stm

U.S. has a problem with driver's licenses

The current driver's license is too easy to counterfeit and the processes used to review them are inadequate. http://publicbroadcasting.net/wnyc/news.newsmain?action=article
&ARTICLE_ID=543263

U.K. puts ID cards on hold

After failing to win support of the U.K. cabinet, Home Secretary David Blunkett is moving ahead with ID cards anyway. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/6/32815.html

Identity theft - a growing problem

Costing nearly $48 billion, identity theft was a problem for nearly 10 million people in the United States last year. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/55/32688.html

Biometrics

Is iris scanning all it is cracked up to be?

With both the British and the Americans expressing doubt about the technology, where does this leave the users? http://www.europemedia.net/shownews.asp?ArticleID=16264

In the space of one month we see:

1. Biometrics looms large

If you want to travel to the U.S. after October 2004, you will need to have either a biometric marked visa or a biometric marked passport. But will everything be ready? http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/24/national/24IDEN.html?
pagewanted=print&position=
http://www.canoe.com/CNEWS/TechNews/2003/08/23/
167410-ap.html

2. Push for biometrics passport slows down

Citing the fact that many foreign passports do not yet have biometric support, the U.S. government delays the deadline. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0908/
web-state-09-09-03.asp
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/09/politics/09PASS.html?ex=
1063684800&en=4c7c2b475fe8d1aa&ei=5062&partner=GOOGLE

3. U.S. requirement for biometric passports gets delayed

With the October 2003 deadline looming, the U.S. has decided to back down from the requirement for biometric passports this year and give an extra year to the countries trying to comply. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0915/
news-state-09-15-03.asp

Travel industry breathes sigh of relief

The U.S. government's decision to put of requiring biometric passports until 2004 has been received by the Travel Industry Association of America with delight., saying that this will remove a barrier to inbound international travel. http://pacific.bizjournals.com/pacific/stories/2003/09/08/
daily42.html

Sweden tests biometric technology at airports

In an effort to improve security at airports, SAS frequent flyers will participate in two tests of fingerprint and iris scanning technology. http://www.heraldnet.com/Stories/03/9/14/17467258.cfm

Definition of Biometrics

At last the Oxford dictionary includes a definition for Biometrics in the same way we use it; as an identification technology. http://www.idg.com.sg/idgwww.nsf/unidlookup/48226EE9F58E7
E8648256D8D003789AD?OpenDocument

New biometric system

Using vein patterns in fingers, a new system from Hitachi Ltd. claims high speed and low error rate. http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=news&cat=4&id=271252

Europe adds biometrics to passports

New proposals from the European Community will require that a fingerprint or iris scan is included in all new passports. http://www.EUobserver.com/index.phtml?aid=11837

Japan joins the biometric passport race

Announcing that it will expedite the creation of biometric enhanced passports to be in conformance with U.S. laws the Japanese government has said it will start issuing biometric passports by fiscal 2005. http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=news&cat=4&id=271789

U.S. Defense Department to use biometrics

A memorandum from Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz says that biometrics is a key component in the defense of the United States. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0901/
web-biom-09-02-03.asp

Safe guns with biometrics

The National Rifle Association of America (NRA) announced that it will offer fingerprint protected guns to its members. http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/cb_headline.cgi?&story_file
=bw.081203/232245754&directory=/google&header_file=
header.htm&footer_file=

Fingerprint chip may speed adoption

Atmel announced a new chip which uses a new heat- based scan technique which solves some of the problems previously associated with fingerprint capture. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/
2003/0818/tec-review-08-18-03.asp

Police in Tampa Florida scrap biometrics

A facial recognition system that has been in use in Tampa for the past two years has been scrapped as it has yielded no positive identifications. http://www.ajc.com/news/content/news/0803/21tampacams.html

Airport face recognition fails

Two separate systems installed at Boston airport failed to recognize volunteers playing the part of terrorists. http://www.usatoday.com/usatonline/20030902/5460651s.htm

Australian professor says biometrics doesn't work

Roger Clarke, a University of NSW visiting professor told a conference that biometrics should be banned until software error rates are published and improved. http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/
0,4057,7197861%255E15306,00.html

Biometric drug dispensing

St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney, Australia is testing a system that uses iris recognition for dispensing controlled drugs. http://afr.com/articles/2003/08/25/1061663732690.html

Fingerprint controls school lunch

Schools use fingerprints to dispense lunch and track library books. http://www.wired.com/news/privacy/0,1848,60342,00.html

NIST engages in biometrics

Announcing a conference on biometrics to help showcase recent advances, The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) hopes to awaken more interest. 
http://www.industryclick.com/magnewsarticle.asp?newsarticleid=
2695187&magazineid=119&SiteID=12

U.S. government to "hear" about biometrics

The Chairman of the House Government Reform subcommittee on Information Technology, Information Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and the Census, Rep. Adam Putnam (R-Fla.) will hold a series of hearing that will include information about biometrics and smart card technology. http://gcn.com/vol1_no1/daily-updates/23442-1.html

Biometrics are improving

But is that improvement enough to gain support and move the technology to the forefront of the users minds? Results of various tests are available to help build the case.  http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/techpolicy/2003-08-24-
biometrics-work_x.htm
http://www.ecommercetimes.com/perl/story/
31547.html

Wireless Computing

Mobile Wi-Fi on the grow

Trains, planes, boats, and limousines all look at adding Wi-Fi service to their transportation as a means to attract more passengers. http://computerworld.com/newsletter/0,4902,84069,00.html?
nlid=AM
http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/69/32375.html
http://www.computerworld.com/mobiletopics/mobile/story/
0,10801,84160,00.html?f=x10
http://computerworld.com/newsletter/0,4902,84069,00.html?
nlid=AM

Faster Wi-Fi?

Airgo Networks announced a faster version of Wi-Fi, doubling the speed and extending the range. But will it be able to convince people to buy the non-standard product? 
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/18/technology/18WIFI.html?
ex=1376539200&en=f99d74b96af293d4&ei=5007
http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/69/32380.html

Find those networks!

Fed up with getting your laptop out just to find there is no Wi-Fi signal present? Now several companies have announced a pocket sniffing device that is relatively inexpensive. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/68/32374.html

How can hot spots be made to work?

One company's solution is to have a physical presence. Broadreach technologies is opening net cafés to get the message across. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/69/32446.html

Wi-Fi with your burger?

McDonald's Corp continues to increase its Wi-Fi offerings, adding San Francisco and Singapore to the existing New York and Chicago stores. http://www.computerworld.com/mobiletopics/mobile/story/
0,10801,82839,00.html?f=x10

Is Wi-Fi a success?

Although Gartner predicts there will be 9.3 million users by the end of 2003, and other researchers agree with the large growth figures, is it really a success? It seems that home users love it, but business users are not so enthusiastic. http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?
release_id=56565
http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/news/article.php/3067711
http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/59/32771.html
http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/69/32756.html

Using Wi-Fi to keep track of visitor location

Pittsburgh- based PanGo Networks have created a system that allows visitors at London’s Tate gallery to use a Wi-Fi enabled PDA and have content that is always relevant to their location. http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/columns/article.php/3079041

UPS adds Wi-Fi to its stores

A test of public- access Wi-Fi in UPS stores in Chicago will add a new level of service. If the interest is there then UPS will roll it out to all its locations. http://www.computerworld.com/mobiletopics/mobile/story/
0,10801,84833,00.html?f=x10

Faster Centrino chip delayed

Intel has announced that the new Centrino 802.11 a/b chip that will enable faster communication has been delayed and will not ship before the fourth quarter. http://www.computerworld.com/mobiletopics/mobile/story/
0,10801,84870,00.html?f=x68

U.K. to get wireless libraries

In a move to increase the availability of broadband communications in the U.K.. Stephen Timms, U.K. E-Commerce minister, outlined his vision to make the internet available to everyone. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/3099612.stm

Chip makers merge Wi-Fi and phones

With a new chip for mobile phones that gives low power Wi-Fi capability, Texas Instruments, Philips, and Broadcom are gambling on the move to add Wi-Fi to phones. http://www.wi-fiplanet.com/news/article.php/3079071
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1103_2-5073056.html

Smart Card

Smart card adoption - yes or no?

The smart card has been with us for many years and adoption has been slow, especially in the U.S. and yet a new analysis by Frost & Sullivan has stated that the 2002 revenues were $1.17 billion. http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/030903/35640_1.html

Government smart card problems

The lack of management agreement and the cultural issues are what is preventing a universal government smart card. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0908/
web-smart-09-09-03.asp

GSA awards contract for smart cards

The General Services Administration has awarded BearingPoint Inc. a contract to provide 14,000 smart cards for its employees. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0908/
web-gsa-09-09-03.asp

Smart cards move on

The DOD, DHS and TSA all have smart card programs that they are implementing. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0825/
cov-smart1-08-25-03.asp
http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0825/cov-smar
t-08-25-03.asp

Smart cards in Japan

Smart card use in Japan is expected to grow by 91% in fiscal 2003 compared to 2002. http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=news&cat=4&id=269999

Are dual interface smart cards the way of the future?

Using dual interface - contacts and contactless may solve the problems of smart cards. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0825/cov-smart
5-08-25-03.asp

Can the U.S. adopt smart cards?

Maybe the use of smart cards in the U.S. is about to take off as security and identification become a key part of life. http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/techinnovations/
2003-09-11-smart-card-use_x.htm

Loyalty cards boost smart card use

A new market analysis from Frost & Sullivan shows that the market for multi-application smart cards is set to reach $1.66 billion by 2009. http://www.thewisemarketer.com/news/
read.asp?lc=x15211ix734zk

Ultra Wide Band

Ultrawideband looks for standard

In an effort to gain the much- needed agreement on the technology, the standards committee will meet again to try to get a decision. http://rss.com.com/2100-1039_3-5075866.html?part=rss&tag=
feed&subj=news

Ultrawideband solution for containers

CACI International Inc. has announced a method for determining if a container has been tampered with using ultra-wideband. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0908/cov-securing
2-09-08-03.asp

Homeland Security

US-VISIT program hits a bump in the road

As part of the U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) program, foreign visitors would be screened with fingerprints. However, with only four months to the deadline, the airports still have no idea of what is needed. http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/news/nation/6791994.htm

Critics continue to condemn CAPPS II

The much discussed CAPPS II program for screening 
http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0825/web-capps-08-25-03.asp
But the Department of Homeland Security says that CAPPS II will not infringe on a passenger's privacy rights. http://www.fcw.com/fcw/articles/2003/0825/
web-capp-08-26-03.asp

The real TIA?

A piece by Admiral John Poindexter about the Total Information Awareness program and its intent. http://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/10/opinion/10POIN.html

U.K. follows U.S. lead

Similar to the upcoming regulations in the U.S. the U.K. government's Home Secretary, David Blunkett, said biometrics could help clamp down on bogus claims for asylum and that visas should include the technology. http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&cid=581&u=/nm/
20030827/tc_nm/britain_immigration_dc&printer=1
And now a trial in the U.K. leads the way. http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/55/32516.html

Homeland Security to get boost from French technology

The decision to use smart cards for new electronic passports will make the U.S. one of the largest users of this technology. http://www.forbes.com/home_europe/newswire/2003/09/11/
rtr1078849.html

Interested in Port Security?

Here is some basic reading that will get you up to speed on the issues. http://www.baselinemag.com/article2/0,3959,1259043,00.asp?
kc=BARSS02129TX1K0000533

Ubiquitous Computing

Micromotes connect the trees

Replacing thousands of dollars of equipment with a $250 device to monitor the redwood tree, scientists have a new way to track the health of the forest. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2003/08/18/
MN299322.DTL

Spray on that computer

Creating computers the size of a grain of sand is the job of scientists at Edinburgh University in Scotland. http://www.edinburghnews.com/index.cfm?id=891382003

MEMs

MEMs standard possible?

The Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) is trying to get support for a global standards setting process for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). http://www.eetasia.com/article_content.php3?article_id=
8800317758

Privacy

It's a major issue all round

With the recent concentration of effort on RFID as a potential privacy issue, biometrics has got a break in the attention. However, there are many issues. http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/09/09/1062902026178.html

Privacy report is available

What may be the most comprehensive privacy report is now available from The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) and Privacy International. The document can be obtained on-line at  http://www.privacyinternational.org/survey/phr2003/

New group targets RFID

The civil rights group Liberty has now started a campaign against the use of RFID tags to spread information. http://www.crmdaily.com/perl/story/22223.html

RFID and privacy continues to be an issue

A hearing in front of the California State legislature produced arguments both for and against the use of RFID. http://www.computerworld.com/securitytopics/security/privacy/
story/0,10801,84490,00.html

Tesco stops item level tests

Using RFID to trigger a camera to record images of potential shop lifters has caused a public outcry and Tesco have withdrawn the test. http://news.com.com/2100-1008_3-5067253.html

RSA stops RFID!

Researchers at RSA Security Inc.'s lab have announced that they have a method of fooling RFID readers into believing all tags are present all the time and so can allay users concerns about privacy. http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,3959,1229567,00.asp
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/hardware/emergingtech/
0,39020357,39115965,00.htm

General Technology

Optical cards - better than smart cards?

The U.S. General Accounting Office is suggesting that the greater data carrying capacity of optical cards may be the solution to the government's needs. http://gcn.com/vol1_no1/daily-updates/23522-1.html

A clock for bar coders

Love those bars and spaces but want a clock, try this. http://www.barcodeart.com/art/clock/clock.html

Press Releases

A regular feature of HighTechAIDCourier will be a review of interesting press releases from around the world. Please send your press releases to news@hightechaid.com, but do not forget to include a URL to the full release on your web site. Here are this month’s selections:

SIRIT Inc. Announces Internal Restructuring 

RFID leader implements organizational changes positioning the company to capitalize on the rapidly evolving Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) market.  

Vancouver, BC and Toronto, ON – August 22, 2003 – SIRIT Inc. (“SIRIT”) (TSX: SI), a leader in RFID technology solutions announces a corporate restructuring program designed to reduce operating expenses thereby focusing additional resources on strategic product and market development. This restructuring program will result in a reduction of overhead costs achieved through a flatter corporate structure and consolidation of the finance, engineering and manufacturing departments, thereby aligning its cost structure with its current operations. This will enable SIRIT to take advantage of market opportunities as they arise. The Company anticipates it will take a one-time, pre-tax restructuring charge of approximately $1 million in the third quarter 2003. The resultant reduction in overhead costs is anticipated to be approximately $2 million per annum, assuming the current level of operations. http://www.sirit.com/downloads/
NR%2003-13.pdf

WJ Communications Enters the RFID Market in a Strategic Partnership with Alien Technology  

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA September 03, 2003 - WJ Communications, Inc (NASDAQ-WJCI), a leading designer and supplier of RF semiconductors and multi-chip modules, today announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with Alien Technology Corporation (Alien), a leading provider of reliable, high-volume, low-cost, Electronic Product Code ( EPC™) compliant Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) products. WJ is applying both its radio expertise and RF semiconductor integration intellectual property to address the need for low-cost RFID readers capable of working in real-world environments. WJ's reader design and technology offer a breakthrough reduction in reader cost and size. RFID technology allows companies to locate, identify and monitor their inventory remotely. WJ's reader hardware will be part of Alien's hardware demonstration at the inaugural EPC™ Symposium, Sept. 15-17 at McCormick Place in Chicago. http://www.alientechnology.com/
mambo_alien/index.php?option=
news&task=viewarticle&sid=24

Zebra Technologies Unveils Industry's First RFID Printing Solutions To Support UCC'S EPC™ Initiatives

Zebra previews first smart label 'print-and-apply' engine supporting Uniform Code Council's (UCC) Electronic Product Code ( EPC™) initiatives and engineered to deliver unmatched cost efficiencies for radio frequency identification (RFID) implementation in the supply chain

VERNON HILLS, Ill., Sept. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Zebra Technologies (Nasdaq: ZBRA), a global leader in delivering printing solutions for business improvement and security, today announces three innovative printer/encoder products for RFID smart labels designed to support suppliers and manufacturers worldwide in the adoption of " EPC™-compliant" RFID to enable enhanced logistics and inventory management initiatives throughout the retail supply chain. Zebra is previewing its new R110Alchemy smart label "print-and-apply" engine, as well as introducing two versions of its R4Mplus UHF (900 MHz) smart label printer/encoders at the EPC™ Symposium, September 16-18, in Chicago. http://ir.thomsonfn.com/Investor
Relations/PubNewsStory.aspx?
partner=46000&storyId=94136

Identix Expands Mobile, Real-Time Identification Network to the Northwest  

Portland, Oregon Police Bureau To Begin Initial Deployment of Identix IBIS Backend System and Handheld Remote Data Terminals  

MINNETONKA, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 18, 2003-- Identix Incorporated (Nasdaq:IDNX), the world's leading multi-biometrics security technology company, announced today that the Portland, Oregon Police Bureau has awarded Identix a contract valued in excess of $200,000 for the initial deployment of Identix IBIS system to enable each of its five precincts to capture forensic-quality fingerprint images and photographs in the field for real-time, on-the-spot identification. Portland's deployment adds the Northwest United States to the existing IBIS network hubs already established in the Southwest in Ontario, CA and in the Midwest in Hennepin County, MN. http://www.businesswire.com/
cgi-bin/cb_headline.cgi?&story_file
=bw.081803/232305091&directory
=/google&header_file=header.htm
&footer_file=

Viisage Raises $13.3 Million in Private Placement

09-11-2003 LITTLETON - Viisage , a leading provider of advanced technology identity verification solutions, announced today that it has sold approximately 3,500,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock, at a purchase price of $3.775 per share, in a private placement with certain institutional investors, providing gross proceeds to the Company of approximately $13.3 million. J. & W. Seligman & Co. Incorporated, a premier technology investor, led the financing. Needham & Company, Inc. and Adams, Harkness & Hill, Inc. served as placement agents for the transaction. http://www.dbusinessnews.com/
cgi-bin/csNews/csNews.cgi?data
base=bostonheadlines.db&comm
and=viewone&id=923&op=t

Cubic and LaserCard Systems' New "Hybrid" Contactless Optical Smart Card Could Improve U.S. Border Security

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 3, 2003--San Diego-based Cubic Corporation (AMEX:CUB) and LaserCard Systems Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Drexler Technology Corporation (Nasdaq:DRXR), announced they have developed a new type of smart card that combines contactless and optical memory technologies to support biometric identification.
The next step is to offer this new product to the United States Government for evaluation as an enhanced product candidate for the U.S. VISIT market. The new "hybrid" card was developed with this market in mind, as it could both improve the identity verification process and shorten wait times at U.S. borders.
http://www.businesswire.com/
cgi-bin/cb_headline.cgi?&story_file
=bw.090303/232465467&directory
=/google&header_file=header.htm
&footer_file=

More Effective Applications to Improve Smart Card Adoption

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 3, 2003--The quest for a killer application is stymieing investment in smart cards, slowing down their adoption. Efforts by governments such as using smart cards as authentication devices in National ID programs is expected to bring significant revenues and also expand the market for multi-application cards.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (www.smartcards.frost.com), "World Card Reader Markets," reveals that this industry generated revenues totaling $1.17 billion in 2002. Total market revenues are expected to reach $1.66 billion in 2009.
http://www.businesswire.com/
cgi-bin/cb_headline.cgi?&story_file
=bw.090303/232465640&directory
=/google&header_file=header.htm
&footer_file=

FCC Grants Authorization for New Wireless RFID 

PORTLAND, Maine, Aug. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Parco Wireless has received notification of an equipment authorization awarded by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for the company's RFID UWB Precision Asset Location system (FCC IDENTIFIER: QCJPAL650). The Parco system utilizes ultra-wideband pulses to provide sub-foot precision for the two-dimensional and three-dimensional location of RFID tagged objects. Scott Cohen, (CEO) views the FCC's approval of the company's transmitting and tracking devices as a major cost savings victory for the organizations that stand ready to benefit from RFID (Radio Frequency Identification.) "The FCC's approval of our RFID tags opens the doors for hospital savings, potentially reducing the cost of doing business by hundreds of thousands of dollars each year for every facility that takes advantage of these systems."
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin
/stories.pl?ACCT=SVBIZINK3.story
&STORY=/www/story/08-22-2003/
0002005297&EDATE=FRI%20Aug%
2022%202003,%2003:47%20PM

Sequiam Corporation Acquires Fingerprint Detection Technologies, Inc.

ORLANDO, Fla. & AIKEN, S.C. & PLANT CITY, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 11, 2003--Sequiam Corporation ("SEQUIAM") (OTCBB:SQUM), a provider of innovative secure technology solutions, Westinghouse Savannah River Company ("WSRC") and UTEK Corporation ("UTEK") (AMEX:UTK), an innovative technology transfer company, announced today that SEQUIAM has acquired Fingerprint Detection Technologies, Inc. (FDTI), a UTEK subsidiary, in a stock transaction. FDTI holds a worldwide exclusive license to the WSRC developed BritePrint(TM) fingerprint detection technology.  http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/google/index.jsp?epi-c
ontent=GENERIC&newsId=200309
11005489&headlineSearchConfigB
O=1062673200000%20106332036
5000%20%20groupByDate%20%
201%207%201062673200000%20
%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%
201000151%20true%20true%20&
newsLang=en&beanID=20552237
94&viewID=news_view

Little Rock National Airport to Use Bioscrypt's Fingerprint and HID's iCLASS Technology for Enhanced Facility Security

Deployment Encompasses over Five Thousand Users

TORONTO, ON and VAN NUYS, CA, Sept. 11 /CNW/ - (TSX:BYT) Bioscrypt Inc., a leading provider of advanced fingerprint technology, announced today that Little Rock National Airport has installed a state-of-the-art security system featuring Bioscrypt fingerprint readers and HID's new iCLASS contactless smart card technology to enhance security throughout the airport for approximately 5,000 users. http://www.newswire.ca/releases
/September2003/11/c9605.html

Biometric ID Cards to use FCC Approved Wireless Technology

PORTLAND, Maine, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Parco Wireless and Akoura Biometrics announce the market debut of the Spectral Biometrics Card, the first product to combine the recently FCC approved PAL650 ultra-wideband radio tag and biometric authentication. Parco will supply the ultra-wideband PAL650 radio and Akoura will provide the biometric authentication. Together, the technology provides a security solution previously unobtainable. The Akoura component is embedded in a card, about the size of a common credit card. A user is biometrically authenticated, and then information is transmitted in a secure sequence via Parco ultra-wideband. http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin
/stories.pl?ACCT=SVBIZINK3.story
&STORY=/www/story/09-08-2003/
0002013051&EDATE=MON+Sep+08
+2003,+12:59+PM

Will RFID Automate the Point of Sale? 

NCR Provides Systems to Test Wireless Tags at Checkout Research at Auto-ID Center Facility Will Include ``Kill'' Options to Address Consumer Privacy Concerns 

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. & ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 12, 2003-- NCR Corporation (NYSE:NCR) and the Auto-ID Center today announced a test program designed to learn more about the potential for store checkout solutions based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, including options for protecting consumer privacy. 
http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/google/index.jsp?epi-
content=GENERIC&newsId=20030
912005302&headlineSearchConfig
BO=1062759600000%2010634115
78000%20%20groupByDate%20%
201%207%201062759600000%20
%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%
201000151%20true%20true%20&
newsLang=en&beanID=20552237
94&viewID=news_view

Advanced ID's Livestock Tag Scores 100% In Packing Plant Test

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 12, 2003--Advanced ID Corporation (OTCBB: AIDO), a pioneer in the radio frequency identification (RFID) market, today announced that it has completed a successful field test of its new RFID tags and readers at one of Canada's largest beef processing plants. http://home.businesswire.com/
portal/site/google/index.jsp?epi-
content=GENERIC&newsId=2003
0912005126&headlineSearch
ConfigBO=1062759600000%20106
3398965000%20%20groupByDate
%20%201%207%20106275960000
0%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%
20%201000151%20true%20true%
20&newsLang=en&beanID=205522
3794&viewID=news_view

SAMSys Technologies Unveils New UHF RFID Reader at EPC™ Symposium / Frontline's International Supply Chain Week Conference & Expo

MP 9320 EPC™ Reader offers integrators a high value, robust, multi-protocol solution

EPC™ Symposium, CHICAGO, IL, Sept. 11 /CNW/ - SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SMY:TSX-VEN) ("SAMSys"), a world leading provider of radio frequency identification (RFID) hardware solutions and RFID integration consulting services, today announced the introduction of their new UHF EPC™ reader, the MP 9320 Version 2.0. SAMSys will be demonstrating the new MP 9320 reader at the EPC™ Symposium (Booth E205) in Chicago at the McCormick Center, September 15-17. http://www.canadait.com/
cfm/index.cfm?It=106&Id=17979
&Se=0&Lo=2

Fujitsu Microelectronics America Announces New FRAM ICs for Security, Microcontroller, Radio Frequency ID Applications

Company Extends Leadership in Advanced Memory Technology With Embedded and Standalone FRAM Devices

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Fujitsu Microelectronics America, Inc. (FMA) today introduced to the North American markets two new ferroelectric RAM (FRAM) products developed for security, computing and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) applications. http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin
/stories.pl?ACCT=SVBIZINK5.story
&STORY=/www/story/09-09-2003/
0002014090&EDATE=TUE+Sep+09
+2003,+04:00+PM

EAN International and Uniform Code Council Introduce New Joint Venture and Identity

New Name, EPCglobal, Signals Launch of Worldwide Effort to Drive Adoption of Electronic Product Code (EPC) Technology 

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM/LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ, September 16, 2003  EAN International and the Uniform Code Council, Inc. (UCC), leaders in facilitating efficient international business, today announced the launch of a joint venture to be named EPCglobal, Inc. The introduction of the joint venture’s new identity signals the launch of the not-for-profit organizations’ effort to drive global, multi-industry adoption of the EPC Network, based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, that will enable companies to have true visibility of their supply chains in real time, in any industry, anywhere in the world. http://usnet03.uc-council.org/press
room/pr_detail.cfm?release_id=52

SAMSys Technologies and Site Log Systems Bring RFID Down to Earth 

TORONTO, ON - August 21, 2003 RFID technology stakes its claim on geographic surface locations with a patented new Data Stake product enabling asset location and identification 

SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SMY:TSX-VEN) (“SAMSys”), a world leading provider of radio frequency identification (RFID) hardware solutions and RFID integration consulting services, today announced that it has signed an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) agreement with Site Log Systems, a leading developer of patented new products which provide the geographic location and description of boundaries, buried utilities, and other resources. 
http://www.samsys.com/default.p
hp?alpha=company&beta=news&
action=read&section=pr&release
=1061471281

Texas Instruments RFid Systems Signs Distribution Agreement With Digi-Key Corporation

DALLAS, TX (August 27, 2003) - Texas Instruments Radio Frequency Identification (TI-RFid(TM)) Systems, a worldwide leader in radio frequency identification (RFID) systems, today announced it has named Digi-Key Corporation of Thief River Falls, Minnesota, an authorized distributor of TI-RFid products for the Americas. A top-rated distributor of electronic components worldwide, Digi-Key has added Texas Instruments RFid Systems' full line of low-frequency and high-frequency transponders and readers, integrated circuits, reader ASICs and RFID Evaluation Kits to its extensive line of product offerings.
http://www.ti.com/tiris/docs/news/
news_releases/2003/
rel8-27a-03.shtml

Colchester Library Goes Live with RFID Solution

Colchester Library select Intellident for Major RFID Implementation

When Colchester Library were reviewing their requirements to update their library system, they looked at a number of presentations from leading RFID U.K. and European companies. http://www.intellident.co.uk/Press/
PressReleases/ColchesterLibrary
GoesLivewithRFIDSolution

Pima County Jail Upgrades Security With Texas Instruments 13.56 MHz RFID Tags, Cards and Readers

Innovative Facility Applies New Inmate Identification and Officer Access Control System

NEW ORLEANS, LA (September 15, 2003) ­ The Pima County Jail in Tucson, Arizona today announced it has adopted 13.56 MHz tags, cards and readers from Texas Instruments Radio Frequency Identification (TI-RFid™) Systems for prisoner identification and officer access as part of a comprehensive security upgrade and the addition of 147,000 square-feet of new building space. Up to 1,600 prisoners will be identified and monitored daily via wristbands embedded with a TI-RFid smart label, and more than 300 prison officers will use TI-RFid-based cards to gain access to restricted areas in the facility. http://www.ti.com/tiris/docs/news/
news_releases/2003/
rel9-15-03b.shtml

Matrics Teams With Apriso To Provide Turnkey Rfid Solutions

Significant Partnership Marries Best-in-breed Production Automation, Inventory and Asset Management Software and RFID Hardware

LONG BEACH, CA and COLUMBIA, MD - September 15, 2003 - Apriso Corporation, the leader in "bottom-out" enterprise software, and Matrics, a pioneer in low cost, high-performance Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) smart label technology, announced today that they are partnering to deliver high-value-added, turnkey production automation, inventory management, and asset management solutions to enterprises based upon Matrics' leading-edge RFID technology and Apriso's respected suite of real-time, collaborative supply and manufacturing applications. The two companies recently teamed with a Fortune 100 company to deploy a high profile RFID system. http://www.matrics.com/pdf/press
/press_9.15.03_Matrics_AP.pdf

SAMSys Technologies and Direct Data Corporation offer RFID Business Solution

TORONTO, ON - August 28, 2003 SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SMY:TSX-VEN) (“SAMSys”), a world leading provider of radio frequency identification (RFID) hardware solutions and RFID integration consulting services, today announced that it has signed a value added reseller (VAR) agreement with Direct Data Corporation, a leading provider of best of breed hardware, software, and technical support solutions for ebusiness clients. 
http://www.samsys.com/default.p
hp?alpha=company&beta=news&
action=read&section=pr&release=
1062075444

EM is THE world number ONE supplier of RFID transponder ICs according to a recent study from VDC, with more than 600Mu shipped

Over 600 million units deployed in security/access control, animal identification, automobile immobilization and supply chain management applications

MARIN, Switzerland - Sept. 9, 2003 - In a recent report released by Venture Development Corporation (VDC), (Natick, MA), EM Microelectronic is the leading (#1) supplier of RFID transponder ICs in 2002. In its study, VDC estimates that total unit shipments for 2002 for all suppliers were 295.4 million units for global revenues reaching $75.9 million. In total, EM Microelectronic has deployed more than three times as many RFID ICs units worldwide as its closest competitor. http://www.emmicroelectronic.com
/DetailNews.asp?IdNews=52

Intellident put Bite into Mobile Scanning

Intellident are pleased to announce the launch of a mobile barcode pen scanner compatible with their Assetrak family of data-capture products and powered by the wireless technology, Bluetooth.

The barcode pen scanner is able to operate in both batch (storing up to 1500 separate barcode scans before download to a PC/hand-held) and real-time (utilising the built-in Bluetooth technology to provide live uploading of data to compatible applications). http://www.intellident.co.uk/Press/
PressReleases/Intellidentput
BiteintoMobileScanning

Enterprise Charter School Applies Texas Instruments’ RFID Contactless Technology for Multiple Applications

13.56 MHz Smart Labels Used for Access Control, Attendance, Asset Management and Cashless Purchases

NEW ORLEANS, LA (September 15, 2003) ­ The Enterprise Charter School in Buffalo, New York, founded in 2002 with an innovative interdisciplinary approach to learning, is applying that same philosophy to managing their human resources and physical assets. The public school’s more than 450 staff and students in grades K-8 are using a new identification card for access control and time and attendance that incorporates 13.56 MHz contactless radio frequency identification (RFID) technology from Texas Instruments Radio Frequency Identification (TI-RFid™) Systems. The school will use TI-RFid 13.56 MHz smart labels to identify and secure assets such as library books, laptop computers and other items. Students will also be able to make selected purchases in the cafeteria using their identification cards. http://www.ti.com/tiris/docs/news/n
ews_releases/2003/rel9-15-03.shtml

Matrics Introduces World’s Most Economical RFID Tag Assembly System

New PICA Tag Assembly System Scalable to 70 Billion Tags Annually

Chicago, IL – September 16, 2003 - Matrics Inc., a pioneer in the advanced development and standardization of low-cost, high-performance, EPC-compliant RFID technology, today announced PICA, the company’s new, high-speed RFID tag assembly system enabling the RFID transformation of the consumer goods supply chain. 

PICA, which stands for Parallel Integrated Chip Assembly, dwarfs all existing RFID tag producing processes available today. As supply chain visibility becomes a crucial part of business, the need to identify billions of cartons becomes a reality. Current technology will not be able to keep pace with this need. Unlike existing web-based flip-chip assemblers that have a maximum capacity of attaching chips at speeds of 8,000 units per hour, one PICA machine will be able to produce tags up to 1500 times faster. Analogous to a printing press for RFID tags, an entire “page” of RFID tags will be produced at once. http://www.matrics.com/pdf/press/
9.16.03_PICA.pdf

Texas Instruments RFid Systems Announces Development of UHF Tags and Intent to Join EPCglobal

CHICAGO, IL (September 16, 2003) - Texas Instruments Radio Frequency Identification (TI-RFid(TM)) Systems, a worldwide leader of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, today announced it is developing ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID tags for supply chain and logistics applications that will meet the requirements of the Electronic Product Code(TM) (EPC) Network currently being developed by EPCglobal. TI-RFid Systems also announced its plans to join EPCglobal, the non-profit organization formed as a joint venture of the Uniform Code Council Inc. and EAN International. http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-b
in/stories.pl?ACCT=SVBIZINK6.s
tory&STORY=/www/story/09-16-
2003/0002017933&EDATE=TUE+
Sep+16+2003,+09:03+AM

SAMSys Technologies Secures US Patent for Multi-Standard RFID Tag Systems

TORONTO, ON - September 9, 2003 SAMSys Technologies Inc. (SMY:TSX-VEN) (“SAMSys”), a world leading provider of radio frequency identification (RFID) hardware solutions and RFID integration consulting services, today announced that the U.S. Patent Office has granted SAMSys patent number 6,617,962, titled “A System for Multi Standard RFID Tags”. This patent was filed in 2000 as one in a series of patent applications for SAMSys, all of which relate to the company’s RFID innovations. 
http://www.samsys.com/default.p
hp?alpha=company&beta=news&
action=read&section=pr&release
=1063117055

Pan-American Maccabi Games Chooses Texas Instruments RFID Technology for Event Security

NEW ORLEANS, LA (September 15, 2003) ­ Amid the fun and games at the 10th Annual Pan-American Maccabi Games taking place this December in Santiago, Chile, comes the importance of securing the event and ensuring participant safety. This year’s games, a competitive athletic event for Jewish athletes, will use new 13.56 MHz contactless smart card technology from Texas Instruments Radio Frequency Identification (TI-RFid™) Systems to identify several thousand athletes, spectators, and staff expected to attend the games from December 24, 2003 - January 5, 2004. http://www.ti.com/tiris/docs/news/
news_releases/2003/
rel9-15-03a.shtml

The Final Comment

We always try to find something to keep away those boring evenings while you wait to get back to work. This month is no exception, try these:

Do you need the real story about something, then try this site. For example, a link from Beethoven will take you to the story about lead poisoning. http://www.awesomestories.com/
index2.htm

Or how about some addictive games, try these two - Tower of Hanoi http://illuminations.nctm.org/
mathlets/hanoi/index.html
and Robot Sketcher http://illuminations.nctm.org/math
lets/robots/index.html

Now here's something we all want (or do we?) http://www.extremeglow.com/
toilet_seat.htm

Need more entertainment then try this game, how many levels can you reach? http://www.playitcybersafe.com/
kids/games/deepfreeze

Ever wondered about all those star ships on the TV. Or maybe you need to know how big to make your own. Here's the answer for you http://mirror.wolffelaar.nl/
zardalu.sytes.net/

Another game that just won't stop. http://kmb.com.hk/chi/wonder/
finaleasy0110.swf

And finally, I know you were looking for this. We all need an aircraft carrier, and this one is cheap! http://www.frenchcreekboatsales.c
om/details.asp?File_Number=BOP12

The Fine Print

Links on web sites frequently change. Any link to articles outside of the Hightechaid.com  web site are not within our control. If you end up with an error message, try a search of the site in the link to find the topic. Magazines and newspapers often move content on their sites, but you can usually find it with a little work. Back issues of the newsletter are available at
http://www.hightechaid.com/
newsletter/aidcourier_archive.htm

Please tell us what extra you want from the newsletter and don’t forget to tell your friends to subscribe. You can forward your ideas to news@hightechaid.com. No part of the newsletter may be reproduced without written permission. No liability is accepted for any action arising from the contents of the newsletter; readers are advised to seek professional opinion on the use of any products described. Opinions expressed in any article by an outside contributor are not necessarily endorsed by the publishers of the newsletter.