Notebook Camera - Panasonic recently designed a new camera, smaller than a business card, that clips onto the side of notebook computers, letting users send email and talk online using both video and audio and hold simple videoconferences on the Internet or a local network. The camera, a product of Panasonic Computer Peripheral Company, includes a headset with microphone and plugs into its own adapter card.

Adjustable Acoustics - Engineers at France's Scientific and Technical Building Center have developed a new flexible sound system that modifies a room according to its use. Called CARMEN, the system uses electronic devices that are placed on the walls and ceilings of a room to reflect sound according to settings on a central control panel for "conference," "theater," "symphony," etc. The system actually changes reverberation, as opposed to simply amplifying sound. (The Futurist, March 98)

Retailers Ready Shelves for New Modems - Retailers this week are clearing their shelves of the old 56Kbps modems in anticipation of the arrival of new V.90-standard-compatible 56Kbps devices. The shipments are expected to arrive sometime this week. Modem makers warn that Internet service providers will require up to six months to put the new standard in place. AT&T WorldNet, which was the only top 10 ISP not to opt for either of the interim 56K technologies, is now positioned to move quickly to accommodate 56K customers. (Computer Reseller News 25 Feb 98)