The buzz this week was that of OpenID, where Kevin Rose announced at The Future Of Web Apps conference in London that Digg would adopt OpenID. This comes after Microsoft and AOL’s announcements.

So what exactly is OpenID? Think of it as a mechanism that allows you to use one login for multiple websites.

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If you want to try out the TouchStone software we reviewed last week, let us know. We have 5 TouchStone Beta invites to give out. Testing is by invite only so don’t miss your chance! Just leave your name and email address in the comments so we’ll know where to send it to.

* Tip: to make sure that your email address is not displayed to the world, put it in the “email address” field of the comments form.

Update: Touchstone is now Particls

Being a Clear Registered Traveler may have some perks while traveling in the USA i.e. you can zip through airport security checkpoints in under three minutes.

Costing $99.95 a year, a Clear membership tells the airport security screener that you have passed a governmental background check and not on the most wanted list.

Clear is currently operating in 5 US airports i.e. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky (CVG), Indianapolis (IND),New York JFK Terminal 7 (JFK), Orlando (MCO) and San José (SJC).

You can get ahead of the line by going to the assigned Clear lane, a Clear attendant will check your boarding pass, clear card and an approved photo ID. You’ll then be directed to a Clear verification kiosk where it’ll read your card, prompt for a biometric iris scan and scan your shoes for explosives without removing your footwear. Once you are verified, you’ll receive a stamp or receipt to proof your are a Clear member but will still be subjected to metal detectors or x-ray machines operated and regulated by the TSA.

This could be an advantage if you travel out of those airports. Continental OnePass Frequent Flyer members could do the same sort of thing for free (with enough airline miles). However, at the moment, I really don’t see the point if you still need to go through the standard security checks and if it still doesn’t assure you that you won’t be randomly searched or inspected. Clear has said that they will eventually offer full body scanners (in addition to what is currently available now) but unless that would have me bypass further security checks, I still believe it is a program that has little benefit and value.

Nevertheless, Clear currently claims to have over 35,000 customers. Kiosks are currently being in New York JFK T1, New York JFK T4, Newark Terminal B, Toronto Airport (YYZ) with over 20 more airports considering them.

Booq has released their newest MacBook Pro bag range. Called Vyper exo, the new bags are designed to fit the 15 and 17 inch Mac laptop versions.

These trendy and sturdy bags are made of semi rigid ballistic nylon with two layered foam, non-scratch fabric, oversized zippers and a tough seatbelt shoulder strap. The Vyper exo comes in black (with red, orange, and beige accent color stitching) and has a big enough interior for your power adapter, phone, cables, iPod and more.

Two features that make it stand out:

• its ability to open 180 degree so that you can use your laptop while it is still in the laptop compartment.
• an electronic identification number service called TerraLinq. This is a unique id that corresponds to you bag and linked to you when you register it. If your bag is stolen, booq can help you locate it.

Specifications:

Vyper exo M
Fits: 15″ MacBook Pro, PowerBook, PC
Laptop Compartment: 14.2″x10.9″x1.5″ (361×277x38mm)
Exterior Dimensions: 15.75″x12.5″x4.25″ (400×318x108mm)
Weight: 3.6 lb (1.64 kg)

Vyper exo XL
Fits: 17″ MacBook Pro, PowerBook, PC
Laptop Compartment: 15.75″x11″x1.8″ (400×279x46mm)
Exterior Dimensions: 17.25″x15″x4.25″ (438×381x108mm)
Weight: 4 lb (1.82 kg)

They are both retailed at $175 and $195 respectively, a small price to pay for style and rugged refinement.

The battle over Cisco vs. Apple over the iPhone name is finally over (for now). The deadline for the law suit ended today with an official statement that both parties have reached an agreement. Within the terms of agreement, both companies will have the right to use the name.

Here is the Press Release from Cisco’s website:

Cisco® and Apple today announced that they have resolved their dispute involving the “iPhone” trademark. Under the agreement, both companies are free to use the “iPhone” trademark on their products throughout the world. Both companies acknowledge the trademark ownership rights that have been granted, and each side will dismiss any pending actions regarding the trademark. In addition, Cisco and Apple will explore opportunities for interoperability in the areas of security, and consumer and enterprise communications. Other terms of the agreement are confidential.

It seems like a vague statement without any financial settlement being discussed. It is a good assumption to think that Cisco has negotiated an agreement to get royalties of some sort from all proceeds of the Apple’s iPhone sales. However, it is hard to determine without further confirmation. Not sure what “Cisco and Apple will explore opportunities for interoperability” means… does that mean that we’ll see some sort of Cisco Apple collaboration or will the Apple iPhone have Cisco’s VoIP technology in the future?