Google's Android invades homes

In a sign that Google's Android mobile platform has a future far beyond cellphones, San Francisco-based start-up Touch Revolution says a string of well-known companies will introduce a range of Android-powered household gadgets before the end of the year, reports Forbes.

The devices will fall into three basic categories: home control devices, media control devices and home phones, says Bill Brown, Touch Revolution's vice-president of marketing.

All the gadgets will feature touch-screens in sizes ranging from 4.3 to 10 inches, support Android as an operating system, and connect to the Web through WiFi or wired Ethernet.

The Financial Times is reporting that Apple is working very closely with the four major labels on a project code named 'Cocktail', says Gadget Review.

Despite the fact that Apple has long had a tumultuous relationship with the record labels, it would appear they're now working together to stimulate digital music sales by bundling music with a new interactive booklet that includes liner notes, music videos, album art and other media.

Project 'Cocktail' would purportedly launch this September, which might coincide with the launch of Apple's long-rumoured tablet computer, an eight to 13-inch touch-screen only device.

Tiny video cameras that can secretly record members of the public are being used by Victorian (Australia) police, reports the Herald Sun.

Digital voice recorders have also been tested at an eastern suburbs police division. Use could be expanded in what senior police say is a move to protect officers. The Herald Sun believes they have become popular with members of traffic management units in other areas.

Distributors of the Vidmic, which films and records people, say it can shield officers from false allegations and deter aggressive people.