Security
'Herds' of wary cars could keep an eye out for thieves
A new approach to car alarms gets vehicles to watch each others' backs like a herd of animals under threat from predators. The security system relies on networks of cars constantly gossiping with their neighbours using concealed wireless transmitters. The cars raise the alarm when a thief tries to make a getaway with any of their number. "Multiple sensors hidden within the car would make it difficult, if not impossible, for a car thief to disable the system in a short period of time," says Hui Song from Frostburg State University, Arizona, US, who designed the system – called SVATS (Sensor-network-based Vehicle Anti-theft System) – with colleagues at Pennsylvania State University.
Jun 6, 2008, 14:47

Technology
Special Forces Smart Noise Cancellation Ear Buds with built-In GPS
Most of the functionality does not translate readily to non-combat environments, but what it can do is simply amazing. Silynx specializes in the design, development and manufacturing of of miniature, software-defined tactical hearing protection communication headsets and is the developer of the QuietOps™ headset system widely used by US, NATO and Israeli Special Forces and part of the Future Force Warrior program. Accordingly, the next generation of its headsets is worthy of closer inspection.
Jun 5, 2008, 14:49

Mergers & Acquisition
Zoran buys image enhancement co Let It Wave
Zoran Corp. has acquired French fabless semiconductor company Let It Wave for up to $27.6 million in cash. The acquisition is due to be closed next week. Let It Wave has patent-pending technology for video frame rate conversion and image enhancement capabilities for flat panel televisions and other consumer electronics products.
Jun 5, 2008, 14:45

Finance : Israel
CallSource picks NICE solution
NICE Systems Ltd. has sold its Interaction Analytics solution to CallSource Inc., a US-based provider of call tracking, performance evaluation, and training services. The company did not disclose the size of the contract.
Jun 4, 2008, 14:43

Mergers & Acquisition : Generic Pharmaceuticals
L Capital firm bought by Novartis
US-Israeli venture capital fund L Capital Partners, founded by managing partner Jonathan Leitersdorf, has sold portfolio company Protez Pharmaceuticals Inc. to Swiss giant Novartis AG for up to $400 million. $100 million will be paid immediately and an additional $300 million will be paid upon reaching milestones and in royalties on successful products.
Jun 4, 2008, 14:40