iPad Mini in hot demand in China
Apple's iPad Mini is creating a frenzy among Chinese tablet buyers, according to Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White.
Checks of retailers in China and Hong Kong show "an insatiable appetite" for the Mini, leading to a supply shortage, White said in an investors note out today. Stores in China are out of stock, while those in Hong Kong are sold out of nearly all flavors of the 7-inch tablet.
The iPad Mini is proving much more popular in China and Hong Kong than its bigger 4th-generation brother, which remains in stock.
"Prior to the China launch, we indicated that the iPad Mini would be the 'next big thing in China' and we believe this phenomenon is starting to develop," White said in his note. "In our view, the smaller form factor and lower price point will allow Apple to sell the iPad Mini in more meaningful volumes versus the regular-size iPad."
The Mini and the 4th-gen iPad debuted in Hong Kong on November 2 and in China on December 7.
Apple recently opened new retail stores in Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Beijing, and now has eight stores in China, compared with five a year ago. Hong Kong now is home to three Apple stores from just one a year ago.
The iPhone 5 is also seeing strong demand across China, according to White. Unlike the iPad Mini, Apple's latest phone is available for walk-in customers as its supply has improved. But the new iPhone seems to be outshining the competition.
Checks of retailers in China and Hong Kong show "an insatiable appetite" for the Mini, leading to a supply shortage, White said in an investors note out today. Stores in China are out of stock, while those in Hong Kong are sold out of nearly all flavors of the 7-inch tablet.
The iPad Mini is proving much more popular in China and Hong Kong than its bigger 4th-generation brother, which remains in stock.
"Prior to the China launch, we indicated that the iPad Mini would be the 'next big thing in China' and we believe this phenomenon is starting to develop," White said in his note. "In our view, the smaller form factor and lower price point will allow Apple to sell the iPad Mini in more meaningful volumes versus the regular-size iPad."
The Mini and the 4th-gen iPad debuted in Hong Kong on November 2 and in China on December 7.
Apple recently opened new retail stores in Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Beijing, and now has eight stores in China, compared with five a year ago. Hong Kong now is home to three Apple stores from just one a year ago.
The iPhone 5 is also seeing strong demand across China, according to White. Unlike the iPad Mini, Apple's latest phone is available for walk-in customers as its supply has improved. But the new iPhone seems to be outshining the competition.
Intex launches iBuddy Connect tablet
Intex Technologies on Monday announced the launch of its 7 inch SIM based tablet, the Intex iBuddy Connect for Rs. 7990.
As part of an introductory offer, Intex has also bundled it with an exclusive leather cover that has a keyboard attached. The accessory is worth Rs 1,500 and is given to customers for free.
The tablet is powered with a 1 GHz processor and has 512MB RAM. It has an ultra slim design and supports 5 point touch capabilities. It runs on Android version 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system and sports 4 GB internal memory that is expandable up to 32 GB through a microSD slot.
Commenting on the launch, Sanjay Kumar, General Manager, Mobile Business, Intex Technologies, said, “Intex iBUDDY connect is an interesting blend of latest technologies and smart look. Today, youth segment both in urban and semi urban cities and towns are looking for a computing gadget which comes with calling facilities as well. Addressing to the evolved needs, we have introduced this compact tablet. It is company’s one of the most technologically advanced models in the tablets category.”
The tablet is capable of making video calls thanks to the dual camera support a 2 megapixel camera at the back along with a VGA camera on the front. To keep the device up and running, it is endowed with 3000 mAh lithium Ion battery.
The device comes pre-loaded with popular social networking and informative applications such as Nimbuzz, Skype, Facebook, India Today and Aaj Tak. To access Internet on the device, one can choose from an array of options 3G dongles, GSM SIM support, Wi-Fi or LAN.
The device also offers HDMI support that allows it to connect with any high definition TV. Moreover, built-in Bluetooth ensures smooth data transfer among various Bluetooth enabled devices. It works with the popular operating systems available, including Windows 2000, XP, Vista and Windows 7.
Available in two colours white and chocolate the tablet can be bought through 15,000 plus distributors and reseller outlets and is available at more than 50 Intex Squares and several hypermarkets across the country.
As part of an introductory offer, Intex has also bundled it with an exclusive leather cover that has a keyboard attached. The accessory is worth Rs 1,500 and is given to customers for free.
The tablet is powered with a 1 GHz processor and has 512MB RAM. It has an ultra slim design and supports 5 point touch capabilities. It runs on Android version 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system and sports 4 GB internal memory that is expandable up to 32 GB through a microSD slot.
Commenting on the launch, Sanjay Kumar, General Manager, Mobile Business, Intex Technologies, said, “Intex iBUDDY connect is an interesting blend of latest technologies and smart look. Today, youth segment both in urban and semi urban cities and towns are looking for a computing gadget which comes with calling facilities as well. Addressing to the evolved needs, we have introduced this compact tablet. It is company’s one of the most technologically advanced models in the tablets category.”
The tablet is capable of making video calls thanks to the dual camera support a 2 megapixel camera at the back along with a VGA camera on the front. To keep the device up and running, it is endowed with 3000 mAh lithium Ion battery.
The device comes pre-loaded with popular social networking and informative applications such as Nimbuzz, Skype, Facebook, India Today and Aaj Tak. To access Internet on the device, one can choose from an array of options 3G dongles, GSM SIM support, Wi-Fi or LAN.
The device also offers HDMI support that allows it to connect with any high definition TV. Moreover, built-in Bluetooth ensures smooth data transfer among various Bluetooth enabled devices. It works with the popular operating systems available, including Windows 2000, XP, Vista and Windows 7.
Available in two colours white and chocolate the tablet can be bought through 15,000 plus distributors and reseller outlets and is available at more than 50 Intex Squares and several hypermarkets across the country.
Nokia Lumia 920 Hands On
Nokia finally unveiled their flagship smartphone, the Lumia 920, in India. Although the phone is still not out on shelves, the launch event allowed us to spend some quality time with the handset and especially the new PureView camera with optical image stabilization. Here are some of our initial
impressions of the Lumia 920.
Visually, the Lumia 920 looks almost identical to the Lumia 800 and the Lumia 900. Although Nokia has been recycling this design for some time now, it still looks beautiful. Nokia has once again used polycarbonate plastic for the unibody design, which has a glossy finish that looks and feels great.
Much has been said about the weight of the Lumia 920. There is no doubt that the phone is heavier than many of the current high-end smartphones out there on the market today. But is that really a bad thing? Not really. It takes a while to adjust to the weight if you're moving from a lighter device but after a couple of hours you hardly notice it. It's also not that big an issue when it comes to carrying it around in your pocket. The solid polycarbonate body and the heft also means the phone feels built to last like few devices out there.
Moving on, the Lumia 920 uses a 4.5-inch, 1280 x 768 resolution, PureMotion HD+ LCD with ClearBlack technology. That sounds like a lot of jargon but what's important is that the display looks fantastic. The colors are vivid yet natural and Nokia's PureMotion tech ensures no motion blur while scrolling. The sunlight visibility is also excellent, thanks to the ClearBlack technology. Compared side by side to a Galaxy S III directly under the sun, the Lumia 920's display was a lot clearer and less washed out. Also, you can use the touchscreen on the Lumia 920 even through gloves.
Now coming to the camera, this was the main feature that Nokia invited us to test. We especially had a good opportunity to test the optical image stabilization used in the camera, a first for a mobile phone.
First impressions were quite positive. The images, on the phone's display at least, looked absolutely amazing. This is partly due to the images themselves being pretty good and also because of the amazing display. Viewing the same images on a computer monitor revealed that quality was far from perfect, with chrominance noise being a major detraction. We were told the devices were pre-production units, so quality could improve with the retail units, which we look forward to reviewing in future.
As for the images stabilization, it didn't make itself felt while shooting stills since the images were mostly taken in bright sunlight that significantly increases shutter speed. However, during videos, it did help smoothen some of the jerks associated with minor movements of the hands, compared to other smartphones. The videos obtained, as a result, were easily some of the best we have seen from a smartphone.
In terms of software, the Lumia 920 is running Microsoft's Windows Phone 8 operating system. Compared to other devices on the market, Nokia's Lumia series gets the benefit of Nokia's superior apps and services (Maps, Music, etc.) and also some exclusive games and apps from third party developers that you won't find on devices from, say, HTC.
impressions of the Lumia 920.
Visually, the Lumia 920 looks almost identical to the Lumia 800 and the Lumia 900. Although Nokia has been recycling this design for some time now, it still looks beautiful. Nokia has once again used polycarbonate plastic for the unibody design, which has a glossy finish that looks and feels great.
Much has been said about the weight of the Lumia 920. There is no doubt that the phone is heavier than many of the current high-end smartphones out there on the market today. But is that really a bad thing? Not really. It takes a while to adjust to the weight if you're moving from a lighter device but after a couple of hours you hardly notice it. It's also not that big an issue when it comes to carrying it around in your pocket. The solid polycarbonate body and the heft also means the phone feels built to last like few devices out there.
Moving on, the Lumia 920 uses a 4.5-inch, 1280 x 768 resolution, PureMotion HD+ LCD with ClearBlack technology. That sounds like a lot of jargon but what's important is that the display looks fantastic. The colors are vivid yet natural and Nokia's PureMotion tech ensures no motion blur while scrolling. The sunlight visibility is also excellent, thanks to the ClearBlack technology. Compared side by side to a Galaxy S III directly under the sun, the Lumia 920's display was a lot clearer and less washed out. Also, you can use the touchscreen on the Lumia 920 even through gloves.
Now coming to the camera, this was the main feature that Nokia invited us to test. We especially had a good opportunity to test the optical image stabilization used in the camera, a first for a mobile phone.
First impressions were quite positive. The images, on the phone's display at least, looked absolutely amazing. This is partly due to the images themselves being pretty good and also because of the amazing display. Viewing the same images on a computer monitor revealed that quality was far from perfect, with chrominance noise being a major detraction. We were told the devices were pre-production units, so quality could improve with the retail units, which we look forward to reviewing in future.
As for the images stabilization, it didn't make itself felt while shooting stills since the images were mostly taken in bright sunlight that significantly increases shutter speed. However, during videos, it did help smoothen some of the jerks associated with minor movements of the hands, compared to other smartphones. The videos obtained, as a result, were easily some of the best we have seen from a smartphone.
In terms of software, the Lumia 920 is running Microsoft's Windows Phone 8 operating system. Compared to other devices on the market, Nokia's Lumia series gets the benefit of Nokia's superior apps and services (Maps, Music, etc.) and also some exclusive games and apps from third party developers that you won't find on devices from, say, HTC.
Soon, unlock your car with your NFC-enabled smartphone
Keep misplacing your car keys? Just wave your smartphone to unlock the door!
Engineers at South Korean automobile major Hyundai have invented a new system that will allow your smartphone to double as your car keys, and the technology will be made available to buyers within two years.
Rather than using Bluetooth, the system by Hyundai uses wireless Near Field Communication ( NFC), allowing you to lock and unlock the car by waving your phone over a small tag on the car window.
Inside the car, you place the phone on a pad in the centre console that wirelessly charges it while the content is synced and streamed to the car's infotainment system and touchscreen.
The system can also store in-car preferences, including radio stations, seating positions and even mirror adjustment - with multiple profiles able to be saved for different drivers.
The system was demonstrated on a concept version of Hyundai's popular i30 in Germany.
Hyundai said developing the system was part of the carmaker's aim of producing technology for the mainstream consumer, website carsguide.com.au reported.
"The Connectivity Concept showcases Hyundai's philosophy of making tomorrow's technology accessible to a wide range of customers," Hyundai Motor Europe chief operating officer Allan Rushforth said.
"With this technology, Hyundai is able to harness the all-in-one functionality of existing smartphone technology and integrating it into everyday driving in a seamless fashion," Rushforth said.
Engineers at South Korean automobile major Hyundai have invented a new system that will allow your smartphone to double as your car keys, and the technology will be made available to buyers within two years.
Rather than using Bluetooth, the system by Hyundai uses wireless Near Field Communication ( NFC), allowing you to lock and unlock the car by waving your phone over a small tag on the car window.
Inside the car, you place the phone on a pad in the centre console that wirelessly charges it while the content is synced and streamed to the car's infotainment system and touchscreen.
The system can also store in-car preferences, including radio stations, seating positions and even mirror adjustment - with multiple profiles able to be saved for different drivers.
The system was demonstrated on a concept version of Hyundai's popular i30 in Germany.
Hyundai said developing the system was part of the carmaker's aim of producing technology for the mainstream consumer, website carsguide.com.au reported.
"The Connectivity Concept showcases Hyundai's philosophy of making tomorrow's technology accessible to a wide range of customers," Hyundai Motor Europe chief operating officer Allan Rushforth said.
"With this technology, Hyundai is able to harness the all-in-one functionality of existing smartphone technology and integrating it into everyday driving in a seamless fashion," Rushforth said.
Internet grows to more than 246 million domain names
More than five million domain names were added to the Internet in the third quarter of 2012, bringing the total number of registered domain names as of September 30, 2012 to more than 246 million worldwide across all Top-Level Domains (TLDs), a report said Monday.
According to Domain Name Industry Brief, published by VeriSign Inc, a provider of Internet infrastructure services for the networked world, the increase of 5.7 million domain names globally equates to a growth rate of 2.4 percent over the second quarter of 2012, and marks the seventh straight quarter with greater than two percent growth.
"Worldwide registrations have grown by 26.4 million, or 12 percent, since the third quarter of 2011", a VeriSign statement said.
The .com and .net TLDs experienced aggregate growth in the third quarter of 2012, reaching a combined total of 119.9 million domain names in the adjusted zone for .com and .net.
This represents 1 percent increase in the base over the second quarter of 2012 and a 7.1 percent increase over the third quarter of 2011.
According to Domain Name Industry Brief, published by VeriSign Inc, a provider of Internet infrastructure services for the networked world, the increase of 5.7 million domain names globally equates to a growth rate of 2.4 percent over the second quarter of 2012, and marks the seventh straight quarter with greater than two percent growth.
"Worldwide registrations have grown by 26.4 million, or 12 percent, since the third quarter of 2011", a VeriSign statement said.
The .com and .net TLDs experienced aggregate growth in the third quarter of 2012, reaching a combined total of 119.9 million domain names in the adjusted zone for .com and .net.
This represents 1 percent increase in the base over the second quarter of 2012 and a 7.1 percent increase over the third quarter of 2011.
iPad is left behind as rival tablets get multiuser support
Want to loan your tablet to a child or friend but don't want to provide access to all your data? Windows, Android, and even Amazon tablets make it easy. Apple's iPad has some catching up to do.
When I got my Microsoft Surface two months ago, my 11-year-old asked if he could try it. "Sure," I said, and I was able to hand it over without worry that he'd be getting into my work e-mail or accidentally tweeting on my behalf. The Surface has what the iPad lacks: multiuser support.
It's not just the Surface, either. Any Windows tablet allows different users to have their own accounts. The latest version of Android, such as on the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10, also offers this. Even Amazon's Kindle Fire HD has a form of multiuser support.
It was already long overdue for the iPad to have multiuser support, and now it's feeling even worse. Apple has some serious catching up to do. Here's a look at how it works with other platforms.
When I got my Microsoft Surface two months ago, my 11-year-old asked if he could try it. "Sure," I said, and I was able to hand it over without worry that he'd be getting into my work e-mail or accidentally tweeting on my behalf. The Surface has what the iPad lacks: multiuser support.
It's not just the Surface, either. Any Windows tablet allows different users to have their own accounts. The latest version of Android, such as on the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10, also offers this. Even Amazon's Kindle Fire HD has a form of multiuser support.
It was already long overdue for the iPad to have multiuser support, and now it's feeling even worse. Apple has some serious catching up to do. Here's a look at how it works with other platforms.
Google to launch Motorola X-phone, tablet
Google is working with recently acquired Motorola on a handset codenamed " X-phone", aimed at grabbing market share from Apple and Samsung Electronics, the Wall Street Journal said, citing people familiar with the matter.
Google acquired Motorola in May for $12.5 billion to bolster its patent portfolio as its Android mobile operating system competes with rivals such as Apple and Samsung.
The Journal quoted the people saying that Motorola is working on two fronts: devices that will be sold by carrier partner Verizon Wireless, and on the X phone.
Motorola plans to enhance the X Phone with its recent acquisition of Viewdle, an imaging and gesture-recognition software developer. The new handset is due out sometime next year, the business daily said, citing a person familiar with the plans.
Motorola is also expected to work on an "X" tablet after the phone. Google chief executive Larry Page is said to have promised a significant marketing budget for the unit, the newspaper said quoting the persons.
Google was not immediately reachable for comments outside regular US business hours.
Google acquired Motorola in May for $12.5 billion to bolster its patent portfolio as its Android mobile operating system competes with rivals such as Apple and Samsung.
The Journal quoted the people saying that Motorola is working on two fronts: devices that will be sold by carrier partner Verizon Wireless, and on the X phone.
Motorola plans to enhance the X Phone with its recent acquisition of Viewdle, an imaging and gesture-recognition software developer. The new handset is due out sometime next year, the business daily said, citing a person familiar with the plans.
Motorola is also expected to work on an "X" tablet after the phone. Google chief executive Larry Page is said to have promised a significant marketing budget for the unit, the newspaper said quoting the persons.
Google was not immediately reachable for comments outside regular US business hours.
Soon, charge your smartphone wirelessly in car
Charging your smartphone while driving could become a simple process within a year by using a special wireless mat without any need for cables or adaptors.
Japanese auto giant Toyota plans to introduce the system for mobile devices in 2013 in its new car, using a charging standard known as Qi.
According to analysts the feature was likely to become mainstream in the months to come, 'BBC News' reported.
The wireless charging option will be a part of the caompany's USD 1,950 "technology package", said to be available from next spring.
A person will simply have to place the cellphone on the mat, though the handset has to have an integrated Qi protocol in order to be charged.
Qi wireless charging is currently supported by 34 mobile phone models and there are also add-on systems for other smartphones.
"Pioneering the ability to charge with no wires or connectors by simply putting devices in the car console is an intuitive innovation which reflects Toyota's continuing commitment to improve the consumer experience," said Randy Stephens, chief engineer of Toyota Avalon, in a statement.
Qi works via magnetic induction that involves transmitting energy over a magnetic field.
Inductive charging plates have been around for several years, and have been integrated in some mobile phones, such as the Palm Pre.
However, in 2008, the Wireless Power Consortium, which has more than 100 phone brands as members signed an agreement for an open standard for wireless power, called Qi, which means that any Qi-enabled handset is compatible with a Qi charger, regardless of the brand.
General Motors has announced its plans to introduce a pad using magnetic induction, but so far it has not happened.
Japanese auto giant Toyota plans to introduce the system for mobile devices in 2013 in its new car, using a charging standard known as Qi.
According to analysts the feature was likely to become mainstream in the months to come, 'BBC News' reported.
The wireless charging option will be a part of the caompany's USD 1,950 "technology package", said to be available from next spring.
A person will simply have to place the cellphone on the mat, though the handset has to have an integrated Qi protocol in order to be charged.
Qi wireless charging is currently supported by 34 mobile phone models and there are also add-on systems for other smartphones.
"Pioneering the ability to charge with no wires or connectors by simply putting devices in the car console is an intuitive innovation which reflects Toyota's continuing commitment to improve the consumer experience," said Randy Stephens, chief engineer of Toyota Avalon, in a statement.
Qi works via magnetic induction that involves transmitting energy over a magnetic field.
Inductive charging plates have been around for several years, and have been integrated in some mobile phones, such as the Palm Pre.
However, in 2008, the Wireless Power Consortium, which has more than 100 phone brands as members signed an agreement for an open standard for wireless power, called Qi, which means that any Qi-enabled handset is compatible with a Qi charger, regardless of the brand.
General Motors has announced its plans to introduce a pad using magnetic induction, but so far it has not happened.
Simmtronics launches XPAD X-720
Simmtronics semiconductors Ltd. introduced the new brand for tablets “XPAD” X-720, a complete mobile computer along appealing design and applications. After the successful launch in Middle East and GCC countries like Saudi, Qatar, UAE, now Simmtronics have decided to introduce the BRAND XPAD in India.
Speaking on the occasion Indrajit Sabharwal, Managing Director, Simmtronics said, “In our strategy to reach out to our audience with most innovative products, we have launched XPAD X-720 which features Ice Cream Sandwich Android 4.0 with capacitive multi touch screen. This tablet PC is packed with exciting applications to appeal the youth and deliver best gaming and computing experience to the users.”
The tablet offers great connectivity over Wi-Fi and comes with 3G USB dongle port for connectivity on the go. It works on A13, Cortex A8, 1.0 GHz processor which gives faster computing experience. It has gravity and accelerator sensors which support Android Gravity games and support thousands of applications to download.
Taking into account the various needs of the Indian consumers, XPAD X-720 has been made in Simmtronics’ factory in India itself. The company will be launching a series of XPAD tablets and Smart Phones for the India Market
The XPAD X-720 will soon be available in all leading stores along with e-commerce websites at price point of Rs.4600.
Speaking on the occasion Indrajit Sabharwal, Managing Director, Simmtronics said, “In our strategy to reach out to our audience with most innovative products, we have launched XPAD X-720 which features Ice Cream Sandwich Android 4.0 with capacitive multi touch screen. This tablet PC is packed with exciting applications to appeal the youth and deliver best gaming and computing experience to the users.”
The tablet offers great connectivity over Wi-Fi and comes with 3G USB dongle port for connectivity on the go. It works on A13, Cortex A8, 1.0 GHz processor which gives faster computing experience. It has gravity and accelerator sensors which support Android Gravity games and support thousands of applications to download.
Taking into account the various needs of the Indian consumers, XPAD X-720 has been made in Simmtronics’ factory in India itself. The company will be launching a series of XPAD tablets and Smart Phones for the India Market
The XPAD X-720 will soon be available in all leading stores along with e-commerce websites at price point of Rs.4600.
Cognizant acquires 6 German companies
Nasdaq-listed Cognizant has announced the acquisition of six companies of Germany’s C1 group, an independent consulting and IT services company, for an undisclosed sum.
The transaction is expected to close next quarter.
It will help Cognizant increase presence in Europe where C1 is one of the largest independent consulting, systems integration, enterprise application and testing service providers.
“Cognizant is one of the largest companies, but has the smallest of presence in Europe. A large part of the company’s revenues come from North America. With this acquisition, Cognizant is trying to get more competitive in Europe,” said an analyst with a domestic brokerage who didn’t want to be named.
The six companies focus on three segments – manufacturing and logistics, energy and utilities and financial services.
C1 also provides enterprise application services (specifically SAP), specialised software development and advanced, high-end testing services.
“The entities bring highly experienced domain, process, and technology experts with deep knowledge of delivering complex systems integration projects in the German and Swiss markets. With their strong client relationships and entrepreneurial ecosystem, these entities are a perfect cultural fit for Cognizant,” said Allen Shaheen, senior vice-president, Cognizant.
Under the terms of the agreement, about 500 professionals across multiple locations in Germany and Switzerland will join Cognizant.
“This strategic acquisition underscores our commitment to the German and the larger European markets. NowCognizant is even better positioned to help European clients,” Francisco D’Souza, chief executive officer of Cognizant, said in a statement.
Incidentally, Cognizant has cut its guidance for this fiscal and sees a poor second half, unlike many of its peers. It has not handed out the second round of promotions this year in view of the underperformance.
The transaction is expected to close next quarter.
It will help Cognizant increase presence in Europe where C1 is one of the largest independent consulting, systems integration, enterprise application and testing service providers.
“Cognizant is one of the largest companies, but has the smallest of presence in Europe. A large part of the company’s revenues come from North America. With this acquisition, Cognizant is trying to get more competitive in Europe,” said an analyst with a domestic brokerage who didn’t want to be named.
The six companies focus on three segments – manufacturing and logistics, energy and utilities and financial services.
C1 also provides enterprise application services (specifically SAP), specialised software development and advanced, high-end testing services.
“The entities bring highly experienced domain, process, and technology experts with deep knowledge of delivering complex systems integration projects in the German and Swiss markets. With their strong client relationships and entrepreneurial ecosystem, these entities are a perfect cultural fit for Cognizant,” said Allen Shaheen, senior vice-president, Cognizant.
Under the terms of the agreement, about 500 professionals across multiple locations in Germany and Switzerland will join Cognizant.
“This strategic acquisition underscores our commitment to the German and the larger European markets. NowCognizant is even better positioned to help European clients,” Francisco D’Souza, chief executive officer of Cognizant, said in a statement.
Incidentally, Cognizant has cut its guidance for this fiscal and sees a poor second half, unlike many of its peers. It has not handed out the second round of promotions this year in view of the underperformance.
Twitter lets users claim their personal history
Twitter's 200 million active users can soon savour or cringe over every single statement they've tweeted when the social media company begins sending users their entire archive of 140-character messages.
Only English-language users have this service for now, but Twitter will eventually send a download link containing the full personal archives in one file to any user who asks, the company said on Wednesday.
"Maybe you wanted to recall your reaction to the 2008 election, reminisce on what you said to your partner on your 10th anniversary, or just see your first few Tweets. We know lots of you would like to explore your Twitter past," Mollie Vandor, a Twitter engineer, wrote in an official blog post Wednesday.
Since Twitter launched the service in 2006, tweets have evolved from a tool for youngsters to chat about frivolous things into a force for social change.
It has served as an alternative to government-controlled media, for example, in the Middle East. And during Superstorm Sandy this year, news organizations and emergency response officials turned to Twitter as an essential source of real-time information.
In 2010, the Library of Congress pledged to preserve every public tweet as a matter of record - a significant undertaking, given that some 400 million tweets are dispatched worldwide everyday.
Bookending that archive will be one noted dispatch by Twitter Executive Chairman Jack Dorsey, who is widely recognized as its inventor. Dorsey, ignoring punctuation, brought the service to life shortly after 1:00 p.m. on March 21, 2006 with a supremely pedestrian update about his experimental social network.
Only English-language users have this service for now, but Twitter will eventually send a download link containing the full personal archives in one file to any user who asks, the company said on Wednesday.
"Maybe you wanted to recall your reaction to the 2008 election, reminisce on what you said to your partner on your 10th anniversary, or just see your first few Tweets. We know lots of you would like to explore your Twitter past," Mollie Vandor, a Twitter engineer, wrote in an official blog post Wednesday.
Since Twitter launched the service in 2006, tweets have evolved from a tool for youngsters to chat about frivolous things into a force for social change.
It has served as an alternative to government-controlled media, for example, in the Middle East. And during Superstorm Sandy this year, news organizations and emergency response officials turned to Twitter as an essential source of real-time information.
In 2010, the Library of Congress pledged to preserve every public tweet as a matter of record - a significant undertaking, given that some 400 million tweets are dispatched worldwide everyday.
Bookending that archive will be one noted dispatch by Twitter Executive Chairman Jack Dorsey, who is widely recognized as its inventor. Dorsey, ignoring punctuation, brought the service to life shortly after 1:00 p.m. on March 21, 2006 with a supremely pedestrian update about his experimental social network.
iPhone 5, iPad mini users report iOS 6.0.2 is a big drain on battery life.
Apple’s (AAPL) recent iOS 6.0.2 release had one major purpose: to fix Wi-Fi connection issues. But according to TidBITs and many other iPhone 5 and iPad mini users on Apple’s discussion forums, the update is draining battery life quicker than usual. According to TidBIT’s Michael Cohen and Adam C. Engst, the issue may be related to the updated devices now working harder to scan for Wi-Fi access points. It’s unclear how widespread the battery drain issue is. BGR didn’t notice any unusual battery drainage on one of our iPhone 5s running iOS 6.0.2. This also isn’t the first time Apple’s iOS devices have suffered from battery issues after a software update, and likely won’t be the last.
Microsoft unveils new email service.
Microsoft on Tuesday introduced the preview version of Outlook.com, a new free web-
based personal email service with cleaner user interface and integration with social networks like
Facebook and Twitter.
"We think the time is right to reimagine email. So today, we're introducing a preview of Outlook.com,"
Chris Jones, a Microsoft corporate vice president, wrote in a blog post, Xinhua reported.
Microsoft said that with Outlook.com, there are 30 percent more messages visible in the inbox than
similar web-based email services most users now are used to.
The new email service also enables users to connect to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other on-line
social networks, and chat and video call their friends.
Microsoft noted that the Outlook.com service will not scan users' email content or attachments and sell
the information to advertisers, therefore will not show advertisements in users' personal conversations.
The new Outlook.com service is expected to eventually replace Hotmail, the web-based email service
brought by Microsoft in 1997.
According to internet analytics company comScore, Hotmail had more than 324 million unique visitors
in June, compared with about 290 million for Yahoo's mail service and 278 million for Google's Gmail.
based personal email service with cleaner user interface and integration with social networks like
Facebook and Twitter.
"We think the time is right to reimagine email. So today, we're introducing a preview of Outlook.com,"
Chris Jones, a Microsoft corporate vice president, wrote in a blog post, Xinhua reported.
Microsoft said that with Outlook.com, there are 30 percent more messages visible in the inbox than
similar web-based email services most users now are used to.
The new email service also enables users to connect to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other on-line
social networks, and chat and video call their friends.
Microsoft noted that the Outlook.com service will not scan users' email content or attachments and sell
the information to advertisers, therefore will not show advertisements in users' personal conversations.
The new Outlook.com service is expected to eventually replace Hotmail, the web-based email service
brought by Microsoft in 1997.
According to internet analytics company comScore, Hotmail had more than 324 million unique visitors
in June, compared with about 290 million for Yahoo's mail service and 278 million for Google's Gmail.
New 'super stretchable' conduction wires for cellphones.
New conduction wires that can be stretched up to eight times their original length and used in headphones and phone chargers have been developed.
Scientists from North Carolina State University started with a thin tube made of an extremely elastic polymer and then filled the tube with a liquid metal alloy of gallium and indium, which is an efficient conductor of electricity.
"Previous efforts to create stretchable wires focus on embedding metals or other electrical conductors in elastic polymers, but that creates a trade-off," said Dr Michael Dickey, assistant professor and co-author of the study.
"Increasing the amount of metal improves the conductivity of the composite, but diminishes its elasticity," Dickey said.
"Our approach keeps the materials separate, so you have maximum conductivity without impairing elasticity. In short, our wires are orders of magnitude more stretchable than the most conductive wires, and at least an order of magnitude more conductive than the most stretchable wires currently in the literature," said Dickey in a statement.
While the manufacturing of the new wires is relatively straightforward, Dickey notes that one challenge needs to be addressed before the wires can be considered for popular products: how to minimise leakage of the metal if the wires are severed.
The study was published in Advanced Functional Materials.
Scientists from North Carolina State University started with a thin tube made of an extremely elastic polymer and then filled the tube with a liquid metal alloy of gallium and indium, which is an efficient conductor of electricity.
"Previous efforts to create stretchable wires focus on embedding metals or other electrical conductors in elastic polymers, but that creates a trade-off," said Dr Michael Dickey, assistant professor and co-author of the study.
"Increasing the amount of metal improves the conductivity of the composite, but diminishes its elasticity," Dickey said.
"Our approach keeps the materials separate, so you have maximum conductivity without impairing elasticity. In short, our wires are orders of magnitude more stretchable than the most conductive wires, and at least an order of magnitude more conductive than the most stretchable wires currently in the literature," said Dickey in a statement.
While the manufacturing of the new wires is relatively straightforward, Dickey notes that one challenge needs to be addressed before the wires can be considered for popular products: how to minimise leakage of the metal if the wires are severed.
The study was published in Advanced Functional Materials.
Lenovo launches ‘IdeaPad Yoga’
While the 13 inch IdeaPad costs Rs. 84,290, the 11 inch convertible is Rs. 61,790.
Lenovo has launched its latest hybrid notebook/tablet, 'IdeaPad Yoga', for the Indian market. Though the product was demoed at the launch event here on Thursday, the products—devices with 13 and 11 inch screens that can flip and fold effortlessly—will be on the shelves sometime next week.
The IdeaPad Yoga series created quite a buzz at the Consumer Electronics Show 2012, where its ability to swiftly switch modes between an ultrabook and a tablet was showcased. While the 13 inch IdeaPad costs Rs. 84,290, the 11 inch convertible is Rs. 61,790. The 'convertible' experience, of course, has to do with the fact that at the flip of a “special patented double hinge”, the keyboard flips 360 degrees beneath the screen making it into a tablet. Both devices come preloaded with Windows 8.
The 13 inch screen is the heavier device (1.54 kg) and promises eight hours of battery life – a critical parameter for devices these days – while the lighter IdeaPad Yoga11 weighs 1.25 kgs and promises an additional two hours of battery life.
Lenovo has launched its latest hybrid notebook/tablet, 'IdeaPad Yoga', for the Indian market. Though the product was demoed at the launch event here on Thursday, the products—devices with 13 and 11 inch screens that can flip and fold effortlessly—will be on the shelves sometime next week.
The IdeaPad Yoga series created quite a buzz at the Consumer Electronics Show 2012, where its ability to swiftly switch modes between an ultrabook and a tablet was showcased. While the 13 inch IdeaPad costs Rs. 84,290, the 11 inch convertible is Rs. 61,790. The 'convertible' experience, of course, has to do with the fact that at the flip of a “special patented double hinge”, the keyboard flips 360 degrees beneath the screen making it into a tablet. Both devices come preloaded with Windows 8.
The 13 inch screen is the heavier device (1.54 kg) and promises eight hours of battery life – a critical parameter for devices these days – while the lighter IdeaPad Yoga11 weighs 1.25 kgs and promises an additional two hours of battery life.
Facebook to charge for delivery of some messages
Facebook on Thursday began testing the feasibility of charging to guarantee that messages from strangers make it into inboxes of intended recipients at the social network.
The Facebook Messages test, limited to the United States, lets a sender pay a dollar to make sure an electronic missive is routed to someone's "inbox" even when the person isn't in their circle of friends.
Facebook messaging system was billed as being designed to deflect seemingly unwanted correspondence into an "other" folder that can be ignored.
Facebook said that it wanted to determine whether adding a "financial signal" improves its formula for delivering "relevant and useful" messages to members' inboxes.
Facebook already uses social cues, such as connections between friends, and algorithms that identify spam messages.
"This test is designed to address situations where neither social nor algorithmic signals are sufficient," Facebook said in a blog post.
"For example, if you want to send a message to someone you heard speak at an event but are not friends with, or if you want to message someone about a job opportunity, you can use this feature to reach their inbox."
The Menlo Park, California-based social network in 2011 introduced "other" folders as repositories for messages of dubious interest to recipients.
The test was introduced along with updates that included "basic" or "strict" filtering settings for inboxes.
The strict setting limits inboxes to little more than messages from friends at the social network, while the basic setting opens the door to friends of friends.
The Facebook Messages test, limited to the United States, lets a sender pay a dollar to make sure an electronic missive is routed to someone's "inbox" even when the person isn't in their circle of friends.
Facebook messaging system was billed as being designed to deflect seemingly unwanted correspondence into an "other" folder that can be ignored.
Facebook said that it wanted to determine whether adding a "financial signal" improves its formula for delivering "relevant and useful" messages to members' inboxes.
Facebook already uses social cues, such as connections between friends, and algorithms that identify spam messages.
"This test is designed to address situations where neither social nor algorithmic signals are sufficient," Facebook said in a blog post.
"For example, if you want to send a message to someone you heard speak at an event but are not friends with, or if you want to message someone about a job opportunity, you can use this feature to reach their inbox."
The Menlo Park, California-based social network in 2011 introduced "other" folders as repositories for messages of dubious interest to recipients.
The test was introduced along with updates that included "basic" or "strict" filtering settings for inboxes.
The strict setting limits inboxes to little more than messages from friends at the social network, while the basic setting opens the door to friends of friends.
Indigenous OS for computers from DRDO soon
With cyber security becoming an area of concern, the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is developing an indigenous operating system for computers.
"It will be called the Indian Operating System and should be ready in three years," DRDO director-general V K Saraswat told reporters here on Thursday.
Saraswat was in city to participate in the pearl jubilee international conference on Navigation and Communication (Navcom-2012) organised by the Research and Training Unit for Navigational Electronics ( Nertu), Osmania University and DRDO.
Saraswat said 150 engineers were working on the new operating system for the last one-and-a-half years. "To secure our cyber network, our own OS for computers is highly essential," Saraswat said adding that funds were no constraint for the programme. The DRDO chief said cyber criminals with malicious intent were also on the prowl on the internet and one has to keep tabs on them.
Saraswat who is also secretary, department of defence, research and development and scientific adviser to defence ministry said the industry in the country should also manufacture good hardware.
"We are still importing transmitters and receivers. For the country to equip itself well for electronic warfare, hardware manufacturing also should improve," he said. A S Ganesan, project director, Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) GPS-aided Geo Augmented Navigation (Gagan) said the project would have a lot of applications, especially for the aviation sector.
As part of the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) seven satellites would be launched and one has already been launched in September. Another launch is due in February next.
"It will be called the Indian Operating System and should be ready in three years," DRDO director-general V K Saraswat told reporters here on Thursday.
Saraswat was in city to participate in the pearl jubilee international conference on Navigation and Communication (Navcom-2012) organised by the Research and Training Unit for Navigational Electronics ( Nertu), Osmania University and DRDO.
Saraswat said 150 engineers were working on the new operating system for the last one-and-a-half years. "To secure our cyber network, our own OS for computers is highly essential," Saraswat said adding that funds were no constraint for the programme. The DRDO chief said cyber criminals with malicious intent were also on the prowl on the internet and one has to keep tabs on them.
Saraswat who is also secretary, department of defence, research and development and scientific adviser to defence ministry said the industry in the country should also manufacture good hardware.
"We are still importing transmitters and receivers. For the country to equip itself well for electronic warfare, hardware manufacturing also should improve," he said. A S Ganesan, project director, Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) GPS-aided Geo Augmented Navigation (Gagan) said the project would have a lot of applications, especially for the aviation sector.
As part of the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) seven satellites would be launched and one has already been launched in September. Another launch is due in February next.
Google Prepping $99 Nexus 7 Tablet
With Christmas just days away, the tablet wars are still in full swing as shoppers snag devices like the iPad, Kindle Fire, Nexus 7, or Microsoft Surface. While all of these devices offer rich user experiences, final decisions often boil down to price sensitivity. A report out of Taiwan indicates that Google is planning to further disrupt the tablet market by introducing a $99 version of its Android tablet next year.
The Nexus 7 has been widely praised as the best tablet next to the iPad, thanks to its $199-$299 price tag. However, according to Taiwan's Digitimes, Google is hoping to open the flood gates to higher user adoption by releasing a cheaper Nexus 7 tablet that will be priced between $99 to $149 some time next year. The report claims that Google and Asus are working with touch-screen maker Shenzhen O-Film Tech to introduce the cheaper Nexus 7 using glass-film-film (GFF) technology that will also help to make the device thinner.
A significantly cheaper, high-quality tablet like the Nexus 7 $269.99 at Amazon could be the next frontier for capturing tablet consumers if recent reviews of the competition are any indication. The iPad mini is popular, but consumers aren't too enthused by its non-Retina display and heftier, $329 starting price.
The report claims that Google's cheaper Nexus 7 will first target emerging markets, with initial shipments in the range of 500,000-600,000 units. The new model is reportedly scheduled to ship some time in the first or second quarter of 2013.
The Nexus 7 has been widely praised as the best tablet next to the iPad, thanks to its $199-$299 price tag. However, according to Taiwan's Digitimes, Google is hoping to open the flood gates to higher user adoption by releasing a cheaper Nexus 7 tablet that will be priced between $99 to $149 some time next year. The report claims that Google and Asus are working with touch-screen maker Shenzhen O-Film Tech to introduce the cheaper Nexus 7 using glass-film-film (GFF) technology that will also help to make the device thinner.
A significantly cheaper, high-quality tablet like the Nexus 7 $269.99 at Amazon could be the next frontier for capturing tablet consumers if recent reviews of the competition are any indication. The iPad mini is popular, but consumers aren't too enthused by its non-Retina display and heftier, $329 starting price.
The report claims that Google's cheaper Nexus 7 will first target emerging markets, with initial shipments in the range of 500,000-600,000 units. The new model is reportedly scheduled to ship some time in the first or second quarter of 2013.