Cellphones become scanners

Next-generation users will be able to download concert tickets directly to their mobile phones as Telstra plans to turn millions of handsets into bar code scanners, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

The specialised bar codes can be printed on any surface - from billboards and computer screens to bottles and t-shirts - opening up a range of possibilities for both users and advertisers. It will enable advertisers to have a "two-way dialogue with consumers".

Developed by Israeli company 3GVision, the technology is called i-nigma and it`s compatible with Java, Symbian, BREW and Windows Mobile devices. Already popular in Japan, where it`s installed on more than 60 million phones, i-nigma has been trialled in Australia since March, by Melbourne mobile application developer QMCODES.

RFID technology is continuing its steady march into the workplace, with Intensecomp announcing the release of its new online document management solution, DocuTrack3000, according to IDM.

The system ties together the management of electronic and hard copies of files by combining the two in a single, Web-browser-based electronic document management system.

RFID technology is used to monitor the movement and location of documents in and outside of the office, while electronic documents can be managed, secured and collaborated on by workers both locally and abroad.

After months of delay, the US Transportation Security Administration has finally taken the first steps towards issuing new smart card identity credentials to transportation workers around the country, according to PC World.

Earlier this week, the agency began enrolling about 6 000 port workers, longshoremen, truckers and other employees at the Texas port of Corpus Christi into its Transportation Worker Identity Credential (TWIC) programme.

TWIC was put in place by the US Department of Homeland Security to boost security at 4 000 transportation facilities around the country, after the terrorist attacks of September 11.