Key Replicator Here, let me unlock your car for youAlternative Product Solutions
Locksmiths and car thieves can both get excited over a new handheld device that electronically maps the inside of car locks and then provides the key code within seconds via USB cable connection to a computer. The key code, matched to the make of the car, allows key-cutting machines to churn out a replacement key. Popular Mechanics reports that the key replication only works for Ford vehicles so far -- news that may leave bemused expressions on the faces of Ford owners.
The Electronic Key Impressioner (EKI) comes with common vehicle keyway inserts, a USB cable, and lock mapping software. That software connects to a database full of updated key codes, which also allows the system to remotely "brick" devices that have fallen into the wrong hands. But car manufacturers may not accept that reassurance, even as the EKI creators hope to expand their device's ability to work with a wider range of cars. Unhappy automakers could render it useless by changing their lock technology completely.
Another caveat is that the system mainly works for old-fashioned keys, as opposed to newer car keys that contain transponders. But tools already exist for locksmiths or less savory characters to crack the transponder codes.
Either way, look for this magical key replacement (or Grand Theft Auto) device to come your way late this year.
We're hearing reports of an explosion of a gas line by the Kleen Energy plant on River Road that has left two dead and 100 injured. All of Middletown's fire departments are working at the scene, and Durham, Middlefield, Portland and Cromwell fire departments have been called in to assist.
There are reports of numerous casualties.
Four ambulances and a Life Star helicopter have been called to the scene. Most of River Road has been blocked off. Flames were shooting out of a pipeline at one point, but the gas line has now been shut off.
The incident, which happened around 11:30 a.m., shook most homes in Middletown and as far as Portland.
According to Middletown Fire Department Deputy Fire Marshall Al Santostefano, there were causalities, but he said he didn’t have the number. There were 50 construction workers on the site at the time of the explosion, he said. There were a number of buildings that were part of the Kleen Energy plant that were on a natural gas pipe line, and the explosion occurred at one of the larger.
According to the Hartford Courant, at least 100 were injured, according to medical personnel. Two were dead and four were critically injured.
Reporters have been sent away by emergency officials.
Search and rescue efforts are ongoing.
Fatalities and dozens of injuries are reported at a power plant explosion in Middletown Sunday morning and emergency crews said they are operating a search and rescue operation through the rubble.
Officials tell NBC Connecticut News there have been fatalities, but they aren't sure how many people were killed.
The explosion happened around 11:30 a.m. at the Kleen Energy Plant on River Road, a 620 megawatt gas-fired power plant. The main building was levelled in the blast.
Gordon Holk, general manager of the plant, said he was enroute to the plant and did want to speculate on the number of injured.
Explosion Creates Search and Rescue at Middletown Power Plant
Explosion Creates Search and Rescue at Middletown Power Plant
People Durham, Wallingford, Middlefield, East Hampton and as far away as Madison and Old Saybrook reported feeling the explosion.
51 people were working at the plant when the blast happened. Rescue crews are now searching through the rubble to locate the injured.
Black smoke was seen billowing the plant along the banks of the Connecticut River.
Mutual aid was called in from the surrounding towns Durham, Haddam, Middlefield, Cromwell and Berlin. Lifestar has been called to the scene to transport the injured.
ISuppli knows what's going on with Apple and AT&T. Based upon its analysis of wireless technology deployments, the market research firm predicted today that Apple will keep its exclusive iPhone deal with AT&T when re-negotiation time comes around next June.
"The main reason Apple is likely to stick with AT&T beyond 2010 is the relatively wide usage and growth expected for the HSPA air standard used by the carrier for 3G data," Francis Sideco, principal analyst for wireless communications at iSuppli said. "FCC investigation notwithstanding, Apple has no reason to move away from its highly successful exclusive deal with AT&T, which has already generated strong growth in iPhone sales and is expected to fuel a continued expansion in the coming years."
Indeed, the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) which represents international GSM/EDGE/WCDMA/HSPA/LTE operators and suppliers says that as of March 31 of this year, there were more than 140 million HSPA subscribers worldwide. The group counts 274 commercial HSPA networks in 115 countries worldwide. An estimated 77% of these have HSDPA speeds of 3.6 Mbps or higher, and 49% have speeds of 7.2 Mbps or higher. These numbers mark a growth of 174% over last year.
But despite the growing popularity of HSPA worldwide, iSuppli has reservations about whether AT&T can still benefit from the iPhone as it gets faster and even more data hungry.
"IPhone users are overloading AT&T's network with data traffic generated by the download and usage of apps," Jagdish Rebello, director and principal analyst for iSuppli said. "However, the real problem is that AT&T has not found a way to monetize data traffic generated by the iPhone. With its voice service revenue on the wane, and the company unable to cash in on the increase in data traffic outside of the base data access fee, AT&T is finding it difficult to make the required investments in upgrading its network to support greater bandwidth."
While AT&T gains a significant amount of new subscribers every quarter, these same subscribers overtax the network and face service interruptions. This has resulted in a subscriber base increasingly vocal in its dissatisfaction.
To fix this situation, AT&T must take back its reputation by showing that the amazing stuff that happens on an iPhone isn't only Apple's doing, and that the bad stuff that happens isn't only AT&T's doing.
"Wireless carriers will have to develop and implement carefully thought-out business models that also allow them to own the customer experience," Rebello continued. "Carriers must seek to promote their networks, content, features, and services directly to consumers, rather than try to lure customers solely by touting the devices that are available in their portfolio. Their mantra going forward must be to emphasize services, capabilities and features of their networks."
Though the device has been leakier than a rowboat made of Swiss cheese, Microsoft has at last given the final word on the Zune HD's availability, and It's up for pre-order today.
Microsoft's multi-touch, HD radio packing MP3 player can be pre-ordered today on Amazon.com, Best Buy.com, Walmart.com, and the Microsoft store, (though as of 3:30am EST, only Best Buy had an active page.)
It will come to retail stores on September 15 --not the eighth, as we had previously stated-- in 16 GB ($219.99) and 32 GB ($289.99) capacities and five color variations. ZuneOriginals.net will also offer 10 custom engravings by guest artists on the Zune HD's launch date.
If the numerous recent hands-on videos of the Zune HD in action haven't been enough to sell you on the device, select stores in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, DC will have demonstrations on August 22 and 23.
Organize large amounts of information in easy to navigate tabbed panes and reduce the clutter and space needed to display your content. By default, User 7-11 module positions appear in the bottom tabbed module pane. You can also add more module positions if needed.
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Test 2
Easy Color Customisation
All of Dimensions accent colours are CSS based, allowing you to change the colour scheme with just a few quick modifications to the CSS. Use any background image you want, and the top and bottom fades will automatically be applied for a seamless look.
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Time of Day Style Changing
Styles 1 and 2 have four different time of day stylesets which dynamically change throughout the day based on your users' time. Customize the existing styles, or create your own automatically changing background and color mods.
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Organize large amounts of information in easy to navigate tabbed panes and reduce the clutter and space needed to display your content. By default, User 7-11 module positions appear in the bottom tabbed module pane. You can also add more module positions if needed.
Learn more... 
All of Dimensions accent colours are CSS based, allowing you to change the colour scheme with just a few quick modifications to the CSS. Use any background image you want, and the top and bottom fades will automatically be applied for a seamless look.
Learn more... 
Styles 1 and 2 have four different time of day stylesets which dynamically change throughout the day based on your users' time. Customize the existing styles, or create your own automatically changing background and color mods.
Learn more...