Google launches TV search prototype

Google yesterday introduced a prototype of its TV search program, in a move to broaden its search franchise for broadcast, News.com reports.

Google Video is an engine that allows users to search the text of TV shows. The service will scour programming from PBS, Fox News, C-SPAN, ABC and others, making broadcasts searchable the same day.

However, people will not yet be able to watch the video clip, nor will the Web pages contain the company`s signature text advertising. Google says it plans to add video playback at a later stage, after working out broadcasting rights issues and business models with various content owners.

Yahoo has already responded to the move, saying it will begin promoting the video search engine it introduced in December by adding a tab from its home page.

Security experts have identified a new worm that piggybacks on the MSN Messenger network, CIO-Today reports.

Once activated, the Bropia.A worm sends a copy of itself to all contacts in MSN Messenger and Windows Messenger instant messaging client applications, and then downloads the Rbot Trojan horse program, which opens a back door into Windows systems.

The Trojan can collect system information and spread spim - instant messaging spam. It also disables the right mouse button of the infected machine in order to block access to context-sensitive menus and makes changes to Windows volume settings.

A Hong Kong-based company has begun manufacturing a virtual keyboard that connects to a personal digital assistant (PDA), smart phone or notebook.

According to Tom`s Hardware, several companies worked on the development of the technology - similar projects have been under way at a number of other companies, including Nokia. However, Hutchison Harbour Ring appears to have cleared all hurdles to be able to offer a stable commercial product.

The Virtual Laser Keyboard is about half the size of a typical cellphone and uses a red diode laser to illuminate the space. Infrared technology is used to track the user`s finger movements and interpret which virtual key was intended to be activated.

According to 2P, the company that markets and distributes the Virtual Laser Keyboard in the US, the device works on any surface, and is "absolutely reliable" and as efficient as a regular keyboard.

The virtual keyboard supports 17 different PDAs and cellphones in addition to any notebook. The projector connects to PDAs and cellphones via Bluetooth or cables, while notebooks can be connected via serial cable or Bluetooth.

The Virtual Laser Keyboard can be purchased for $200 from 2P`s Web site.

PetsMobility has unveiled the latest accessory for pet owners with money to burn - a cellphone for their pooch.

According to Gizmodo, PetCell is a simple, albeit costly, concept. It is a cellphone and GPS unit on a collar, with its own private number.

Using caller ID, it automatically picks up when an approved number calls, allowing the owner to speak to their dog or cat from wherever they are. The GPS service will also enable paranoid owners to trace their pet`s every move.

PetsMobility says the phone is still in the concept phase.