A two-legged robot being developed by Japanese scientists could one day carry the elderly and handicapped up stairs or inclines. Standing 4 feet, the robot is essentially a seat that walks on two mechanical legs. A person hops on the seat and controls its movements using two joysticks. The researchers say it could take another five years before the robot can be used by the elderly. At present, the device is slow and needs modifications to carry heavy loads.

Anti-virus powerhouse Symantec has released patches for three “moderately critical” security vulnerabilities that could put users at risk of security bypass and information exposure attacks. In an alert posted online, the vendor urged users to upgrade to Symantec Scan Engine 5.1 to protect against the threat of improper authentication for Web-based user logins. Symantec claims there are no known publicly available exploits. However, security researchers warn that proof-of-concept exploit code showing how a remote attacker can change the administrator password has already been published, raising the likelihood of targeted attacks.

iambic unveiled Version 4 of Agendus for Windows, Outlook Edition and Palm Desktop Edition. These desktop versions of Agendus for Palm OS handhelds contain breakthrough features that make schedule management effortless. With the new “Capture to Agendus” feature, you no longer have to type as much. Instead, you can populate contacts, meetings, tasks, calls and email with text that you capture from anywhere. Inputting information isn’t limited to typing. With Agendus for Windows, Version 4, you can also capture voice recordings and sketches. Agendus for Windows “connects” seamlessly with the back-end (data repository) and the front-end (user interface) of Outlook and Palm Desktop. No plug-ins are required. It also has the capability to synchronize with Agendus for Palm OS on your handheld, allowing you to take your valuable information with you when you leave your desk.

Oxygen Software, developer of software for mobile phones, announced the release of an update to Oxygen Phone Manager II for Smartphones. The program known for skillful backup and management of contents in Symbian smartphones has now extended its capabilities to connectivity registries, calendar entries and other phone areas. Oxygen Phone Manager II supports all the smartphones by major producers, including the most recent models. Besides the ability to send messages, it is now possible to dial a number directly from the computer. The new version features automated control over calendar entries and deletion of the outdated ones.

Chapura announced that its Outlook synchronization software, PocketMirror Professional for Microsoft Windows Mobile, now supports the Pocket PC and Pocket PC Phone Editions of Windows Mobile 5.0. This updated version of PocketMirror Professional offers owners of Windows Mobile 5.0-based devices, such as the Palm Treo 700w smartphone, a way to transfer more information between Outlook on the desktop and Outlook Mobile on the handheld than allowed with ActiveSync alone. PocketMirror Professional for Windows Mobile also offers owners of these mobile devices a near desktop-like toolset for organizing personal information on the go.

The Palm Treo 650 smartphone is now available to businesses and consumers on the Vivo network in Brazil. The Treo 650 smartphone joins Vivo’s portfolio for its Smart Mail corporate service, which allows real-time access to email, calendar, contacts and tasks. The service is compatible with corporate servers, such as Microsoft Outlook and Lotus Notes, as well as with private IMAP and POP accounts, such as Terra, UOL, BOL, iG and Gmail. Vivo Smart Mail uses the CDMA 1xRTT network available in 19 Brazilian states and the Federal District, allowing data transfer and Internet access speed at 144kbps.

Palm and invivodata are helping clinical-trial sponsors capture more reliable Patient Reported Outcomes data and reduce drug-development costs by giving patients better tools for sharing information about their experiences during clinical trials. invivodata has standardized on the Palm TX handheld, coupled with invivodata’s wireless modem cradle, for use in clinical trials. The global wireless ePRO solution, available only from invivodata, already is being used by more than 600 patients in two clinical trials across Europe and North America.

Not computing related at all, perhaps the coolest dog we’ve ever seen. You may need to download the Google video player to watch, but worth it.

The new laptop from Matsushita Electric is unlikely to break even if water is spilled onto its keyboard. The new Let’s Note CF-Y5 features a waterproof sheet and special drainage system that protects the hard drive and circuit board from light water damage, Matsushita said in a statement. The CF-Y5 can withstand a force equivalent to a maximum 220 pounds–offering extra protection in packed commuter trains–the Osaka-based maker said. The laptop is expected to hit Japanese stores on May 19 with a price tag of around 265,000 yen (US$2,300; euro1,860.09).

Unlike an infrared remote, the Keyspan RF remote for Front Row does not require line of sight. It even works through walls and furniture. This provides more flexibility in controlling the Macintosh that is running Front Row, and the RF signal works up to 60 ft or more. The remote features a 9 button design that allows you to control Front Row, adjust volume, eject a DVD/CD, put the Mac to sleep and wake it up.