American consumers won't have to settle for a mere 65-inch plasma TV now that LG has introduced a 71-inch model to the U.S. market. Released last year in Korea, the MW-71PY10 has 1080p resolution, a 1,200:1 contrast ratio, and a 160° viewing angle. Although the list price is $70,000, Engadget reports at least on online retailer is taking pre-orders at $28,000.… IBM is working to beef up data security on portable devices including computers and cell phones by building encryption capabilities directly into a device's microchips. The company today announced "SecureBlue," a set of encryption circuitry that can be integrated into any processor.… Mobile handsets may soon be able to automatically switch from Wi-Fi wireless hotspots to regular cell networks as the cell-phone industry steps closer to VoIP. Available for years in offices, Wi-Fi phones and walkie-talkie-like communicators are finally starting to link cellular networks and Wi-Fi hotspots together through a technology called Unlicensed Mobile Access, which promises to expand coverage and reduce costs for the users. UMA could also enable users to wirelessly download content at broadband speeds at home, then take the downloads with them on their handsets.
— Peter Suciu