Saturday, May 5, 2012

Sony Launched Vaio T Ultrabooks:Coming in May

IDG News Service-Sony is joining Intel's Ultrabook push with the new Vaio T family,which includes models with 11.6 inch and 13.3 inch screens ,the company said Wednesday.

The Vaio ultrabooks will start shipping in May,Sony said,without elaborating on what they will cost or where they will ship.As with many other ultrabooks,Sony has taken some inspiration from Apple's MacBook Air when it comes to choice of materials.The Vaio ultrabooks are made of magnesium and aluminum,Sony said.

The 13-inch models measures approximately 226 millimeters by 17.8 mm by 323mm and weighs about 1.6 kilograms with a standard battery,heavier than the MacBook Air's 13 inch,which is 1.35 kilogram.

A configuration of the 13 inch model made by Sony is powered by an Intel Core i3-2367M processor.

The company didn't announce any configurations powered by Intel's new Ivy Bridge processors.The first Ultrabooks with Ivy Bridge processors are expected to arrive in June.

The detailed 13-inch model also has a 4GB of DDR3 RAM and a 320 GB hard disk.

There will also be configurations that will use SSD flash drives and hybrid configurations that combines hard disks and SSD memory using Intel's Smart Response Technology,according to Sony.

Sony also promises a battery power which lasts a full working day-up to 9 hours when using SSD storage -and a deep sleep mode can be used for up to 90 days without running out of power.

Send news tips and comments to mikael_ricknas@idg.com

New Malware Targeting Apple Computers:Microsoft

IDG News Service-Microsoft has detected a new piece of malware targeting Apple OS X computers that exploits a vulnerability in the Office productivity suite patched nearly three years ago.

The malware is not widespread-wrote Jeong Wook Oh of Microsoft's Malware Protection Center.But it does show that hackers pay attention if it's found people do not find patches as those fixes are released,putting their computers at a higher risk of getting affected.

''Exploiting Mac OS X operating systems is not much differ form other operating systems'',Oh wrote.''Even though Mac OS has introduced many mitigation technologies to reduce risk,your protection against security vulnerabilities has a direct correlation with updating installed applications.''

The Security update which Microsoft released in June 2009,MS09-027,addressed two vulnerabilities that could be used by an attacker to gain remote control over a machine and run other code.But vulnerabilities could be exploited with a specially crafted Word Document.

The Exploit discovered by Microsoft doesn't work with Snow Leopard and prior versions.Oh wrote that it is likely attackers have knowledge about computers they are attacking ,such as victim's operating system version and patch levels.

The malware delivered by the exploit is written specifically for OS X and is basically a 'backdoor',or a  tool that allows for remote control of a computer.

Microsoft advised those who use Microsoft Word 2004 or 2008 for Mac or the Open XML File Format Converter for Mac to ensure those products have applied the patch.

"In conclusion we can see that Mac OS is not safe from malware'',Oh wrote.''Statistically speaking,as this Operating System gains in consumer usage,attacks on the platform will increase''.

Send news tips and comments to jeremy_kirk@idg.com

Maingear to launch budget Potenza Gaming Desktop and Pulse 11.6''' Gaming Laptop

The boutique PC builder is shrinking it's footprint of it's two newest systems ,one a mighty mite desktop,the other a notebook which has got a 11.6'' screen display.The Potenza is a mini-ITX based tower that Maingear has built with similar hardcore performance features it's larger computer possess,such as the company's vertical heat dissipation technology.That means you can choose from options like an Intel Ivy Bridge Core i7-3770k or AMD Radeon HD 7870 or Nvidia GeForce GTX 680 graphics card.You also have two drive slots for SSD's or hard drives,and you can get up to 16 GB of DDR3 RAM.

Of course they are higher end specs.For $899,you get an AND A8-3500 CPU,4 GB of RAM,500 GB Hard drive,DVD burner and AMD Radeon HD 6550D graphics.For $69 extra,you can upgrade to Maingear Epic 120 liquid cooling,and for an additional $79,you can swap in a Radeon HD 6630D2 Hybrid CrossFire video card,which works in tandem with the A8-3500's integrated graphics capabilities.Not too shabby for a system that measures a mere 7.5 inches high.

Meanwhile 'Engadget' has discovered that Maingear is also prepping the Pulse Laptop ,which is based around an 11.6 inch 1366 x  768 LED back lit screen.Other specs are an Intel Core i5 Ivy Bridge processor,8 GB of RAM (with an option to double the amount),320 GB hard drive,and Nvidia GeForce GT650M graphics card.The Pulse will start at $1,099 when it ships on June 3.

At the same time,Origin PC is offering a similarly sized and spec'd gaming notebook dubbed the Eon-11s.Starting at $999,the tiny portable comes with a less capable processor,the Intel B960 Pentium,but the same specs as the Pulse.You can upgrade to an Intel Core i5-2520 for $135 more,or even the Quad-Core i7 3612QM for an additional $295.

ESET Releases Mobile Security App for Android-Price $10

ESET yesterday released a Mobile Security app for android phones and tablets.The app will cost you $10,although there is a free 30 day trial version of this.

So,what are the security you get from this app.The following are the features of the ESET Mobile Security app for Android.

 Unique behavior based detection-warns of about any suspicious activity on your mobile.All apps,files,folders, and SD memory cards are continually scanned for Trojan,virus,spyware ,worms,spam and other tracks.

 Anti-Theft security system-multiple layers of security allows you to maintain perfect control over your phone-stored data if you device is lost or stolen.This includes:

 *GPS Location-locates lost or stolen mobile by remote command.Also helps parents locate exact location of their child when the phone is in her/his possession.

 *Remote Lock-Lock the phone remotely to prevent unauthorized access to the smartphone/tablets data.

*Remote Wipe-command which deletes all the devices stored data remotely using a simple SMS command.

*SIM Matching-creates a lost of trusted SIM cards for your smartphone or tablet.In case of an unauthorized SIM card insertion,the user is automatically notified by a text message sent to an alternate phone number (GSM based phones).

*Uninstall Protection-Secures the smartphone against unauthorized uninstallation of ESET Mobile Security.

SMS/MMS Anti Spam-Allows the user to define trustworthy contacts via customizable black or whitelist or to simply block messages from unknown numbers.

Trusted friend-a contact or a telephone number that can receive an Alert SMS if an unknown SIM card is inserted into the phone.

Call Blocking -block unwanted calls in both directions-incoming and outgoing.This powerful tools enables parents to protect their child from unwanted calls and text messages.Parents can define a trusted list of contacts for their child while blocking unknown numbers and toll calls for complete security.

Security Audit with built-in Task Manager-provides information about all vital phone functions ,including battery life,free disk space,running processes,Bluetooth and device visibility.

Fresh new user Interface-tailor-made graphics and layout for enhanced Android experience and integrated with Google Play market.

Microsoft to launch Windows 8 on October 2012-Bloomberg report

According to the report from Bloomberg,Microsoft will launch it's new Windows 8 in the coming October 2012.
Computer and tablet makers,known as OEM's for ''original equipment manufacturers'' will have Windows 8 powered PC's ans tablets ready to sell in October,Bloomberg said.

The Windows 8 OS will come in two flavors-the one for the traditional PC's and business grade slates and tablets,and Windows on ARM (WOA) for consumer tablets.

Microsoft declined to comment on Bloomberg's report,which cited what the news organization called ''people with knowledge of the schedule'' ,who asked for anonymity.

Neither a summer wrap-up or October sales launch would be a surprise.Microsoft finished Windows 7 three years ago this July and launched that OS on October 22,2009.New PC's went on sale at the same time,just as the holiday shopping season was getting into gear.

Analysts have expected that Microsoft is shooting for a similar fall release of Windows 8,possibly in October,to follow in Windows 7's successful footsteps and avoid a repeat of the timing of Windows Vista,which missed 2006's holiday season when it fell behind schedule and didn't ship until January 2007.

Microsoft has not disclosed a release date for Windows 8 but recently hinted that it would be later this year.

The release of Windows 8 consumer preview before two months was a clue that a fall 2012 debut was in the cards.

Microsoft released the first Windows 7 developer-oriented build at the end of September 2008,offered a public beta in January 2009,and pushed the final version into shelves the third week of October 2009.

Although the Windows 8 Consumer Preview appeared about seven weeks later in the calender than the Windows 7 beta-at the end of February compared to later years January-Windows 8 developer preview launched a month earlier than Windows 7's :in mid-September 2011 compared with October 2008.Those differences might make the two schedules a wash.



Friday, May 4, 2012

Google Drive-Cloud Storage-Review and Guide for Starter

The long awaited Google Drive is simple ,useful,straightforward cloud storage and syncing services that offers a full 5 GB of online storage for free,with no surprises along the way.Utilitarian rather than flashy,it makes storing files to the cloud and syncing them among multiple devices as simple as saving a file to a local hard drive.

If that's all you have expecting from Google Drive you will be pleased.But if you had been expecting for a Google Drive/Google Docs combination that would make it easy to edit files in the cloud that you created on your PC or Mac,you will be disappointed.It may be that Google will get that straight at some point in the future,but for now it's a non-starter.

Easy to Install and use

Google Drive currently installs as an app for Windows,Mac OX and Android.A version for iOS is not yet available but Google says it will be out soon,although the company hasn't given the release date yet.

After you installs the Google Drive in your Mac or PC,it shows up as another drive in Windows Explorer or Mac's Finder app.Like rival service DropBox,You can use it just like a physical drive-so you can copy or move files to it,and create new files and sub folders inside it.The files and sub folders are uploaded to your Google Drive on the web and are accessible there.They are also synced to any other devices onto which you have installed Google Drive.So if you edit the files on any device on which you have a Google Drive installed,they are synced to the cloud and all your other Google Cloud -enabled devices.

Using the Drive is simple as using like an ordinary drive.If you edit or move a file,then it is automatically synced to other devices:;you do not have to do anything extra.

Gigabit's first WiFi Router to launch soon-Netgear R6300

Netgear on April 26 announced it's first 802.11 ac-compatible WiFi router capable of delivering gigabit speeds up to 3-times faster than current 802.11 n routers.Topping out at 1300 Mbps in 5 GHz mode and 450 Mbps in 2.4 GHz,Netgear's R6300 router will launch this month at a price of $199.99.

Netgear's announcement is notable for Apple's observers,as it appear that it will represent the first shipping product based on 802.11ac technology and Apple has been rumored to be introducing support for the faster technology in it's AirPort products sometime this year.
Netgear R6300 802.11ac WiFi router

Broadcom has already launched it's first set of 802.11ac 5G WiFi chips,even though the standard will likely not be finalized until later this year.It is,however,routine for WiFi product manufacturers ,including Apple,to embrace upcoming technologies even before the are finalized.Several other companies are set to closely follow Netgear's launch with their own products,with Buffalo having announced a June launch for it's 802.11ac router.

Apple last updated it's AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule WiFi base station products in June 2011,while the smaller AirPort Express has not been updated since March 2008.Curiously Apple was reported last September to be preparing to launch an updated AirPort Express ,with a reference to the device appearing in developer seed notes for AirPort Utility at the time.Apple has not,however,launched such a device.

Support for 802.11ac would obviously also have to be incorporated into Mac and iOS hardware in order for them to take advantage of the new speeds.

Apple was one of the leaders in early adoption of 802.11 WiFi technology,with the original iBook being the first mainstream computer to ship with the technology as an option in 1999,coming in the form of the original AirPort card running the 802.11 b standard. 

Samsung Galaxy S3-4.8'' SUPER AMOLED,Siri like Voice command Feature-Review

Samsung has definitely became the only competitor for Apple and both are the two main best smartphone producers in the world now. Consequently it pays for Apple and it's fans to take note on Samsung's advances with it's own hardware,and today's launch of the new flagship Galaxy S3 smartphone is no exception.

The Android based Samsung Galaxy S3 features a huge 4.8'' SUPER AMOLED display with a resolution of 1280x720.The large screen means that the Galaxy S3 measures nearly 20%  taller and wider than the iPhone 4S,but is slightly thinner and lighter than the iPhone 4S.The device also include an 8 MP rear camera and a 1.9 MP front camera that can be used for face recognition and tracking features.
Samsung Galaxy S3 and Apple iPhone 4S  (Source;Android Central)

Samsung is placing a distinct emphasis on ''natural interaction'' for the Galaxy S3,touting it's facial,voice and motion recognition capabilities,including a Siri-like ''S Voice'' feature.

''With the innovative 'Smart Stay' feature,the Galaxy S3 recognizes how you are using your phone-reading an e-book or browsing the web for instance-by having the front camera identifies your eyes;the maintains a bright display for continuing viewing pleasure.


The Galaxy S3 features the 'S Voice',the advanced natural language user interface,to listen and respond to your words.In addition to allow information search and basic device user communication S Voice presents powerful functions in regard to device controls and commandments.When your phone alarm goes off but you need a little extra rest just tell your S3 'snooze'.You can also use S Voice to play your favorite songs,turn the volume up and down,send text messages and e-mails,organize your schedules,or automatically launch the camera and capture a photo.


In addition to recognizing your face and voice,the Galaxy S3 understands your your motion to offer maximized usability.If you are messaging someone but decided to call them instead,simply lift your phone to your ear and 'Direct Call' will dial their number and calls."

Other feature include 'Pop Up Play',which allows users to play videos anywhere on their screen while still using other apps,camera improvements including zero-lag shutter and burst shot mode,and NFC capabilities.Samsung has also partnered with DropBox (cloud service) to offer Galaxy S3 users 50GB of free storage for two years,a deal that will extend to all Samsung phones and tablets later this year and see the DropBox app comes pre-installed in all these devices.

In other bid to take on Apple,Samsung is also rolling out a new Music Hub service that integrates both a streaming service and an iTunes Match-like-scan-and-match service to provide users with access to their own music from anywhere.As noted by The Verge,Music Hub will cost $9.99 per month for one device or $12.99 for up to 4 devices plus web access.

The Samsung Galaxy S3 will launch in Europe on May 29 before extending to the United States in June and other markets around the world going forward.

Buy Samsung Galaxy Note TODAY! Get Many FREE gifts!

The ever successful Samsung's hybrid phone-tablet comes with a limited offer.With the new offer,you will get many freebies while buying the Note.With every Galaxy Note consumers in India will get access to free games and music downloads;a flip cover and headphone absolutely free!

If you are planning to buy the Samsung Galaxy Note,this is the right time as you get so many freebies.This offer is valid from April 15th to may 31st.In all you get free stuffs worth Rs.8,288(Flip cover-Rs.1799,Music/Games download-Rs.2,999 (including Angry Birds Space game) and Sennheiser Headphone worth Rs.3,490.

You may get the complimentary accessories either from the dealer /shop you made the purchase.make sure you ask the dealer about it,or you will need to enter your Note's IMEI number on the Samsung Promo website.On successful redemption,the free accessories will be shipped to your address within two weeks.

To get the IMEI number on your Galaxy Note,just type *#06# .You can also find the same on the box pack underneath your battery.This offer is valid only for purchases made from April 15th -May 30th.It is sure that this free offer will boost up the sale of Galaxy Note and in future we may not get like this good offer.So HURRY! Offer ends soon.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

New Xbox Bundle to come with $99 price tag-Rumor?


Microsoft rumored new Xbox bundle cost a bit more overall than it's current subscription offering,but the barrier to entry is lower.Getting an Xbox and Kinect for initial outlay of $99 could be an inducement for lots of consumers to try it out."It is giving (Microsoft) a way into living rooms where you might not see video games ," said tech analyst Scot Steinberg."The system offers much beyond games,as it a way to stream movies and TV Shows.

Microsoft (Nasadq:MSFT) is reportedly planning to release its Xbox 360 bundle beginning next week for US$99.If rumors are to be believed,it could rival a TV infomercial's promise-but wait,there is more-by including the kinect control sensor with 4 GB versioin of the game console.However,as with the infomercials,there is fine print,which in this case details a monthly subscription fee of $15.


That two year subscription will offer access to the Xbox Live Gold service along with the possibility of some additional streamed content that could include sports or cable TV offerings.

Is this really a deal?Not exactly.

''What is up with the $15 a month,currently the same service is available for $5 per month'' said Billy Pidgeon,principal analyst for M2 research."Unless they are going to add a layer of service,it isn't worth it.''

Currently a hardware package is available for $299,with two years of Gold service priced around $120.That adds up to $420,whereas the same package at $99 with the $15 a month subscription raises the price to $459 for two years-Clever!

"Anyone who picks up a calculator,does the math,and still goes with it deserves it to pay more," Pidgeon told the E-Commerce Times."Microsoft proves that no one went broke understanding the intelligence of most people".


Airtel 4G LTE Indoor WIFI Gateways B593 Features and Tariff.

With the new 4G launched in Kolkatta,consumers can now make use of the 4G LTE networks using the Airtel 4G LTE USB modem or the Airtel 4G LTS indoor wireless gateways (B593).The tariff plans are quite affordable and with 4G you can experience lightning speeds up to 40 Mbps!

Airtel 4G LTE Indoor Wireless Gateway features

The indoor wireless gateway comes with built it NAT and DHCP server.You can connect multiple WiFi devices with this WiFi gateway.

This device comes with robust security features with instant protection against potential intrusion attempts and security risks.If you are using multiple devices at your home,then this is the best choice.Sine this operates in the WiFi frequency,you should not have a problem of getting it to work it with any WiFi enabled devices including tablet PC's.

As for now,the Airtel 4G services are available only in Kolkatta and will slowly be launched in other major cities in India.The price of Airtel 4G LTE wireless gateway device is not yet known,but you can take a look at the tariff plans listed below.

You can use the 4G networks for video streaming (HD videos),play multiplayer online HD games,watch YouTube with full 1080p resolution,download movies,music,files etc with incredible speed. 

Real-Time train location to implement in Indian Railways-Support from ISRO

Indian Railways,in association with ISRO,will soon launch real-time tracking of the trains using GPS devices.The information will be used for avoiding collisions,train scheduling and also for helping passengers to know the exact location for their travel planning.

The Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) in association with ISRO has developed a GPS-based solution which can provide exact location of a train with an accuracy of 10 meters,and latency of two minutes,on a real-time basis.ISRO's INSAT-3C satellite  will aid in location of moving trains.The GPS system will be fitted in about 100 trains,enabling the train to know each others location and thus avoiding collision.The GPS application is also expected to aid in better planning of train schedules ,especially in bad weather.

CRIS has integrated the GPS with Google Maps,making the real time location available to passengers as well on their mobile or computer.

The facility to track train movements will soon be available on the Indian Railway website at indianrailways.gov.in

Google Street View to offer in India soon-Google got permission from Bangalore Police

After the long wait,at last Google has planned to offer it's one of the most incredible programs ever made,the Google Street View in India.This is an ambitious plan to collect visual data on the vast sub continent.Google said that the project has started in Bangalore-the IT capital of the country-and it will move though the country,the way it has done with 25 other countries since 2007.

Google will also try to avoid problems that have plagued Street View data collection in other countries,such as alleged privacy violations stemming from WiFi Hotspot mapping and identifying individuals.

There is yet no word on how denizens of India feel for being passed on getting Street View in favor of Antarctica.Expect for the travel,the logistics for mapping the ground of India is probably a lot harder than Antarctica.There are more than a billion people in India with cities that range from metropolitan to shantytowns and slums.There are certainly one billion people in Antarctica (or penguins,for that matter),much less shantytowns.

"We have got permission from Bangalore Police,and are in touch with State and Central Governments",a Google spokeswomen told international news wire AFP."We want to map all of the city,but anyone can complain if they are unhappy about the coverage".

If India is anything like it's European counterparts,there may be a couple mishaps.The United challenged Street View,Germany had some problems but ultimately ruled it legal and France imposed a 100,00 euro fine on Google for collecting personal information.

New technology allows robots to move in changing environment-by MIT researchers .

Up until now,one of the biggest hurdles standing in the way of having robots in the home is the constantly changing environment.A book dropped on a table or someone pushing back a chair to stretch their legs make it possible for robots to move around in such an environment without either getting lost or avoiding running into,and perhaps wrecking things.Now researches at MIT appear to have found a way around this problem.In a paper they have published on the MIT NEWS site,the team describes how they have build a system that allows a robot to create a virtual map of the environment in which they are living that can be updated on the fly,freeing them to wander about without fear of getting lost or creating other problems due to encountering unfamiliar surroundings.The researches say the system could also be used by blind people.

In traditional robotic systems,programmers create a map of the environment in which a robot is to exist ,the robot uses the map to find it's way around.The problem comes of course when something in the environment changes.Up till now,only multi-million dollar robots being developed by companies with grant money from the government have been built that can adjust to virtually any terrain.This is why a new inexpensive way to accomplish a same thing for the fraction of the cost is so exciting.

The new technology is based on something called Simultaneous Localization and mapping (SLAM),which is based on artificial intelligence technology.In such system,new elements are added to a tree of knowledge as they are encountered in a real world.That way,the robot is able to make a real sense of the environment each time it moves around.

What perhaps interesting is that rather than use an expensive laser system to allow that robots to notice change in the environment,the engineers used a Microsoft Kinect instead.because of that the new technology behind it could actually wind up in real robots  sold to consumers in next year or so.The Kinect actually allows the robot to built a continuous changing 3D map of it's own little view of the world.

In practice ,the robot simply uses the Kinect to view a room it has entered,then compares what it's found with what it saw the last time it was there.Any changes are duly noted and added to the 3D Map.The the robot can proceed with whatever it has been asked to do.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Google to launch it's own cloud-storage service-the Drive,soon!

Google is preparing to launch it's cloud storage service called Drive soon,according to one report.Drive will allow users to store files online and retrieve them from multiple devices-just as they might with existing services,such as DropBox.

According to a report by the Wall Street journal's Amir Efrati,''people familiar with the matter'' explained that Drive should launch in the coming weeks or months'' and is expected to be free (though it may charge a fee if someone wants to store a large amount of file).

Based on the way,the service Efrati describes drive,the folks at the DropBox-a popular cloud storage provider-have a good reason to get nervous.After all Google is about to become a clear rival.

 Drive allows peoples to store photos ,documents and videos on Google's servers so that they could be accessible from any Web-connected devices and allow them to easily share files with others,these people said.If a person want to e-mail a video shot from a smartphone,for instance,he can upload it to the Web through the Drive mobile app and email people a link to the video rather than a bulky file.


Of course DropBox isn't the only one who is about to gain another competitor.Apple's iCloud cloud service is almost similar to what Google reportedly intends to offer.We'll see how all tjose rivalries will play out once Drive is official,but one thing is for certain:all the added competition is bound to lead to better-and cheaper-cloud-storage options for consumers.

Anyway we are waiting to hear more about Drive from Google's side.   

How to get a free website online to make your small business successful-Get a free website!

Have you ever thought of getting a free website so that you can increase the publicity and make your business a successful one.Many of us have searched the web for a free website with unlimited storage and all.But none of the companies or persons can offer us a free website.Because hosting a website is not as easy as you think.It need money.But that's all are old stories.Now it is possible to make a free website online for free.This free program has been developed by Google with support form Hostgator hosting company and it is specially for the Indian business persons.But also Google has rolled out this initiative in 18 other countries.What ever your business may be,big or small,go to www.indiagetonline.in and make your free website with complete features and free web hosting for 1 year.

It is easy to create and publish website in this program.All you need is an e-mail address and your PAN card address.The PAN card is very important as it will prevent the person from creating other websites.Google only allow a person to create one and only website.Before creating your website,you can visit the 'How to create a website?' free guide on how to make use of the program more effectively.After making the website you can easily add pictures,support icons etc and your website looks like a professional one! All these services are free for one year.But don't worry,after one year you only have to pay a minimal amount to keep on hosting your website.It is very low compared to other web hosting services.

IndiaGetOnline is a very good and useful program implemented by Google in India.This is specially targeted to small growing businesses,as they can easily give a free publicity to their businesses.Within one year maybe Google expect their business to grow and therefore the can now afford a paid hosting...don't worry,it is cheap.

So,if you have a small business and a PAN card,why wait! log on to www.indiagetonline.in and create your free website today.Let the world see your business!

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