May 2 - 4:50pm EDT   Bridger Maxwell – a 17-year old from Orem, Utah – is currently developing a home-built multi-touch surface for Mac OS X, using a Frustrated Total Internal Reflection (FTIR) imaging method for a high school science project. Already creating a second incarnation, Maxwell improves on his previous design by using brighter LEDs mounted in a wooden frame. He uses an infrared camera to capture finger input, which appears to light up fingertips, when observed. [full story]

April 25 - 1:55pm EDT   The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is launching the "Digital Backpack," which will allow visitors at the Freedom Center to utilize social networking technology, digital media production, and wireless computing in ways that empower them to create, "distribute and access a shared vision for freedom." The company has chosen Apple products to power the project: each pack contains an Apple MacBook Pro notebook computer, iPod classic with voice recorder, digital camera, HD digital camcorder and tripod. These perspectives are then captured as a digital movie, archived at the Freedom Center, and published to an iTunes channel that the Center is launching in May. [full story]

February 21 - 11:45am EST   Ilexsoft today unveiled HighDesign 1.8, a major update to its professional CAD application, featuring over 50 new features and improvements. HighDesign Professional supports the AutoCAD DWG and DXB file formats, from v9.x to 2008, while both Standard and Professional versions support DXF from v12.x to 2006. The Professional version can export projects as high-quality TIFF images. HighDesign 1.8 Standard sells for $150, while the Professional version is available for $350. [full story]

February 14 - 8:50pm EST   Aquafadas today unveiled PulpMotion 1.5, an update to its utility designed to make and share video montages, adding a few new features. PulpMotion 1.5 enhances the quality of exported video, and also includes anti-aliasing techniques to remedy the appearance of "jaggies" in video footage. Aquafadas also implemented a new Museum theme called RainbowMuseum, allowing users to change various colors and textures in the design. New users can purchase PulpMotion 1.5 for $45, with a free upgrade available for registered users. [full story]