The Joint Tactical Radio System (see graphic, p. 100), which also involves General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin and Boeing, faces enormous technical hurdles, including how to develop software that allows ground troops, ships and planes from different countries, using 32 previously incompatible signal formats, to communicate.

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The AAMA's argument is that the ordinance violates the First Amendment, which is probably true, and that besides, it already has a rating system with which it designates especially graphic games.

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Kay wants to take computing forward with his next great invention, an operating system that puts the user in a three-dimensional graphic world with scores of other users, all computing collaboratively and communicating through audio and visual messaging.

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This advanced avionics system, which rivals that on any airliner, uses multiple large iPad-like displays that provide graphic images of the terrain below, complete navigation information, charts, systems status and a wide range of other details that enhance pilot safety and situational awareness.

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