Honeywell, Inmarsat sign deal

Honeywell, Inmarsat sign deal

Honeywell International Inc. has agreed to work with satellite communications company Inmarsat PLC on providing in-flight Internet connection for airline passengers.

The demand for in-flight connectivity has grown as people have become more reliant on their phones and computers to conduct business and support social ties.

Under the terms of the agreement, Honeywell will make the onboard hardware that will enable users to connect to Inmarsat’s network. This agreement is expected to generate $2.8 billion for Honeywell in sales of hardware,SFlbcustomer service and maintenance to airlines, government entities and other customers over the next two decades.

Inmarsat’s network, known as Global Xpress, is scheduled to launch in 2013 and be available for widespread use the following year.

Honeywell is based in Morris Township, N.J., and its aerospace unit is based in Phoenix.

NYC taxis to get technology to help blind passengers

NEW YORK

Some New York City taxis are getting technology to help visually impaired riders make sure they’re not being cheated.

Former Gov. David Paterson was present for the announcement last week in front of city hall.

Paterson is legally blind. He says he has often suspected that cabbies asked him for a higher fare than was on the meter, but he had no way to prove it.

The new technology will eventually be installed in about half the city’s yellow cabs.

Visually impaired passengers can use a card to activate the technology. It will give an audio readout of the fare and help riders pay by credit card if they choose.

The company that created the software is planning to install it in taxis in Chicago, Boston, San Francisco and other cities.

IOC creates social-media space for Olympics fans, athletes

LAUSANNE, Switzerland

The IOC is offering Olympics fans closer contact with athletes through social networking during the London Games.

The International Olympic Committee has launched a section on its official website for users to “view in real time what the athletes competing at the games are saying on social- media sites.”

The IOC says more than 1,000 Olympians have joined the Athletes’ Hub, which will streamSFlbposts from their Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Hub users can sign up at www.olympic.org/hub to search a directory of athletes by country or sport.

The IOC says athletes will take part in real-time live chats from the Olympic village during the July 27-Aug. 12 games.

Associated Press