IEEE discusses world-changing tech

To celebrate its 125th anniversary, the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers) recently assembled a panel of technology experts to discuss emerging research technologies that the group believes has the potential to change the world, reports EE Times.

Among them are multimode biometrics, intelligent computing, and wireless power.

"For 125 years, IEEE and its members have influenced the creation of nearly all the technologies we now cannot imagine life without," said 2008 IEEE President Lewis Terman at an event. Terman, IBM Research Emeritus, predicted that development of emerging technologies will be "for the betterment of humanity".

The global desalinated water supply will grow at a CAGR of 9.5% over the next decade, reaching 54 billion m3/year (cubic metres per year) in 2020 - 54 trillion litres/year - or triple what it had been in 2008, according to a new report from Lux Research: "Desalination's Future Champions", writes MarketWire.

According to Lux's report, the demand for desalinated water will foster a rising wave of new water treatment technologies, all aiming to challenge the incumbent reverse osmosis (RO) in desalination's three market segments - seawater desalination, inland brackish water, and water recycling.

RO dominated the desalination equipment market with a 54% revenue share as of 2008, and the relative success of its challengers will vary by market segment.

Sony Electronics and Comcast have partnered to open a unique retail experience in Philadelphia, states CNet.

The store is named Sony Style Comcast Labs and will serve as a place where consumers could learn about emerging technologies and experience new digital devices.

The co-branded retail store and technology lab, which opened to the public on Monday, 16 March, showcases the latest innovative products and services from both companies and previews future Comcast technology, products, and services.