Lip-reading computers on the way

Intel has developed Audio Visual Speech recognition software that enables computers to read users` lips. The open source software uses facial detection algorithms to help computers to track a speaker`s mouth movements, SACM reports. It then synchronises video data with speech identification to enable more accurate speech recognition.

IBM has used microscopic carbon molecules to emit light, a breakthrough some scientists say might one day make faster and smaller computers. Reuters reports that researchers at IBM have been studying tiny carbon nanotubes, molecules resembling rolls of chicken wire that are 50 000 times narrower than a human hair. By engineering the carbon nanotube, IBM says it is able to not only conduct current, but to create light that could someday be used to transfer data.

Dell Computer remains intent on making itself a feared rival in the networking equipment sector, Reuters reports. Dell networking chief Kim Goodman has this week affirmed the company`s commitment to this market. The PC maker has a history of rolling into markets with big profit margins, building products at low enough costs to undercut rivals on price while still eking out a profit. However, it has not set forth any specific targets for the networking segment.