Eveready unveils gadget batteries

Light and battery major Eveready Industries unveiled Ultima batteries for high-end power gadgets like digital cameras and MP3 players, says The Hindu.

According to Eveready Industries vice-president, Ravi Grover, these batteries are based on alkaline technology and suited to high-end power-hungry gadgets like digital cameras, MP3 players and high-end toys.

"These batteries come in AA, AAA and 9-volt sizes and are priced at 30 rupees for a set of two pieces," he said.

Security experts and government officials gathering at the Global Security Asia 2009 conference at the Singapore Expo this week get a sneak peek at a gadget that could very well be from a James Bond movie, reports Today Online.

Developed by American company Motorola, the TCR1000 is touted as the world's smallest covert radio for use by security forces.

Weighing less than 180g, the device can easily be concealed, even in light clothing. It comes with a wireless earpiece and concealed microphone and boasts a whisper mode.

Santa Clara-based National Semiconductor is one the oldest and best-established technology companies in Silicon Valley. But it's going through a big change under the leadership of its outspoken chairman and chief executive, Brian Halla, states MercuryNews.

The company, which makes integrated circuits that are used in everything from cars to cellphones, says its products help provide electronic gadgets with more vivid images, cleaner sound and longer battery life, among other benefits.

But Halla believes that National needs to focus more heavily on what he calls "emerging quality-of-life megatrends”, such as improved solar panels, innovative medical diagnostics and sensors that can spot terrorists trying to sneak into the US or smuggle in weapons of mass destruction.