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The NYRIUS Global Talking Translator offers 8400 programmed phrases in 12 languages.  The unit has a speaker so that it can say the phrases for you in the language you choose.  In emergencies, this could be quite helpful since you wouldn’t need to worry about miscommunication due to mispronunciation.

The form factor is small—small enough to fit in a shirt or pant pocket.  However, the sacrifice for such a convenient size is the lack of a keyboard to type in phrases, leaving you tied to the unit’s less than convenient menu tree of phrases.  Access to the menus is via dedicated buttons on the unit, such as Emergency, Transportation, and Restaurants.  The unit does come with a paper reference guide that maps the phrases by the menus.  Finding a phrase this way is a bit quicker than doing it through the unit, but it means you’ve got one more thing to bring with you.  More after the break.

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Just Wednesday, Microsoft announced a site set up exclusively for tech startups.  No, working with startups isn’t a new concept for Microsoft.  But often, the programs weren’t very well known, and the scope was rather narrow.  This latest launch, BizSpark, is a different story. 

First off, when joining, you get the what you might expect—Microsoft products.  Of course, there are the obvious Office, Visual Studio, Sharepoint, as well as both Windows and SQL Server.  But that isn’t all.  BizSpark works with over 300 Network Partners who can offer the program right to startups.  The really big bonus?  There is absolutely no upfront cost to join.  You do however, have to pay $100 when you leave the program.

Learn more about what you can do with Microsoft’s help after the break.

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Sections: Computers, Desktops, Laptops, Networking, Security, Software / Applications, Wireless, Web, Web 2.0, Web Apps, Web Browsers, Websites

The latest data released by Microsoft has revealed some interesting truths regarding Vista, XP and security.  Nearly every possible aspect of Vista has been attacked, and it’s been labeled as a failure by many who continue to use XP and campaign for continued support.  However, data released in the Microsoft Security Intelligence Report shows that Vista is in fact less vulnerable to exploits than XP.

The data, which was collected from January to June this year, shows a decline of vulnerabilities from 116 to 77 in a downward trend that mirrors the industry, which, in turn, has a 19% decrease.  Regarding XP and Vista Microsoft found that in computers running XP, Microsoft’s own software contained 42% of the vulnerabilities attacked with third party software making up the other 58%.  However in Vista PCs, only 6% of vulnerabilities were in Microsoft software, and this is due to (according to Vinny Gullotto general manager of Microsoft’s malware protection center) new security technologies.  More after the break.

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While the leaked image in this case is nothing more than a diagram, its still nice to see the details that have come along with it. The Samsung SGH-i770 appears to be both a follow up and global version of the current i760. The i770 will offer dual-band 850/1900 GSM and dual-band 850/1900 CDMA radios in addition to having both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The i770 is also expected to offer HSDPA support, however no proof of that was found, we do know there will be EV-DO support.

While the i770 is rumored to be headed to Verizon, the FCC docs were not able to confirm that. Although an official announcement is still needed from Verizon, it is expected to be announced a little sooner than later.

Via [IntoMobile]

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The web mail scene has been dominated by either Gmail, Yahoo! Mail or Windows Hotmail for quite some time now. Although there have been many other web-based email systems who have tried to enter the fray, none has been successful as of yet. So it would seem that GMX Global Mail Exchange may be up to a tough task of getting into the web mail niche.

GMX Global Mail Exchange aims to provide an alternative web mail solution for home users as well as small and medium sized enterprises. It’s your typical web based email that supports POP3, IMAP and SMTP protocols and mobile devices. GMX also allows you to create up to 10 additional emails that all forward and can be checked from your main account, which is a nice way to keep your main email address a little more private. If you notice too much junk or spam from one of your alternates simply delete it and start with a new one.

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Sections: Communications, Email / IM, Web

Sprint has announced the availability of the Samsung ACE SPH-i325 global smartphone. The ACE features EV-DO, a 1.3-megapixel camera, stereo Bluetooth, microSD storage, GPS, Sprint TV and access to the Sprint Music Store.

The Samsung ACE is set to ship with Windows Mobile 6, no mention on whether or not it will be upgraded to Windows Mobile 6.1. The Samsung ACE is currently available and retails for $199.99 with a two-year agreement or $449.99 with no agreement.

Read [Sprint] Via [Phone News]

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Maria Sharapova bears the distinction of having become Sony Ericsson’s very first global brand ambassador. She will retain the title exclusively for four years, and the soon-to-be 21 year old will be working closely with the company’s design team on a range of products and accessories. She will also undertake consumer brand campaigns designed to attract core target audiences.

The out-of-court agreement complements Sony Ericsson’s 6-year $88 million global title sponsorship of the Women’s Tennis Association Tour which was signed in January 2005.  According to Dee Dutta, Corporate Vice President and Head of Marketing at Sony Ericsson:

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