There are nearly 30,000 public wireless “hot spots” in the United States at places such as parks and cafes, but there’s more to consider than just where to log on. Many people don’t realize they could have all their personal data stolen while checking out their checking account. Anybody with some tech know-how and the right tools can break into the basic level of wireless security that’s commonly used. People need to understand that nothing is truly private at a wireless hot spot.

Notebook PC makers are beginning to make room for MIMO. Companies such as Dell and Gateway are eager to add MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) wireless networking technology to their systems. The technology, which is used by the forthcoming 802.11n wireless networking specification, promises to boost the bandwidth of local-area wireless networks using multiple antennas.

PalmOne and Sprint have released software update for the Treo 650# smartphone that enables Bluetooth Dial-Up Networking, so that users can use their smart phone as a modem with a Bluetooth-enabled laptop. The update also includes a fix to reduce the delay between when a user dials and a call is connected, new SMS sending options, and an upgraded VersaMail client.

Sprint and Research In Motion (RIM) announced the availability of the Sprint PCS Smart Device–BlackBerry 7250 on the Sprint Nationwide PCS Network. The Sprint PCS Smart Device–BlackBerry 7250 is now available in Sprint business sales channels and can be used in conjunction with BlackBerry Enterprise Server or BlackBerry Internet Service.

A bevy of new game machines and software are on the way–and they promise to provide an eye-popping experience. Advancements in graphics chips are helping fuel this next generation of games. They help computers render complex visuals faster than ever before. And the chips are moving beyond personal computers and video game consoles. Soon they’ll be jazzing up graphics on cell phones and other devices.

Hoping to build upon the power of its Internet leading search engine, Google is believed to be developing an online payment system that would pose a stiff challenge to online auctioneer eBay’s industry-dominating PayPal service. Industry analysts, merchants and investors were digesting reports Monday that the Mountain View-based company is testing a payment system–codenamed “Google Wallet”–in hopes of rolling out the service later this year.

If you haven’t had a chance to visit our sister magazine, Connected Photographer, this might be a good time. Buried deep within the brittle, crumbling pages of the Codex Sinaiticus may well be hidden answers to questions that have haunted historians and religious scholars for centuries. Digital imaging may be the tool that helps researchers find a real-life Bible Code. We’re running a fascinating feature article called “A real-life Bible Code: the amazing story of the Codex Sinaiticus”, that tells the full story.

The credit files of about 600 Canadian consumers were accessed without authorization, credit reporting agency Equifax Canada said Thursday. The breach resulted from what appears to be improper use of the access codes and passwords of one of Equifax’s customers. Most of the affected people are in British Columbia, and all have been contacted and offered a one-year subscription to a credit monitoring service, Equifax said.

nSignia Cases released their latest range of exotic leather PDA cases. Available for selected models of HP, Dell and PalmOne PDAs comes such exotic looks as Stingray, Eagle ray, Tilapia, Ostrich, Kangaroo and Crocodile.

MobiMate, provider of travel services for mobile devices, announced that WorldMate 2005 Professional Edition for Symbian UIQ was released. This business travel service will now include real-time flight status updates, provided by OAG. WorldMate is an all-in-one package for the frequent business traveler, featuring essential services including world time, global weather forecasts, comprehensive flight schedules and flight status updates, currency and measurement converters and more.