Author: Shivaank Rana

Facebook acquires Mac, iOS app developer Acrylic

Facebook has acquired Acrylic Software, a Vancouver-based developer of Mac and iOS apps.

The small firm is known for the RSS app Pulp (a personalized newspaper) and the secure database app Wallet (for securely storing passwords, credit-card numbers, etc.).

The company has decided to cease development of the two apps, which Facebook itself has not acquired. This means that the apps will continue to be available for download and purchase, but will no longer be updated.

Acrylic has two employees and both are moving to work on the social-networking giant’s design team in San Francisco. Additional details of the acquisition were not disclosed, but this appears to be mainly a talent acquisition; Facebook will not be getting the technology behind the service, or its user data.

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Facebook is an invaluable service that we all use daily, and a company I believe is one of the most innovative and important around today. After visiting late last year, I discovered that we shared many of the same core product design goals and principles, and it soon became obvious that it was a natural fit. Simply put, there’s an opportunity at Facebook to have a big impact in many people’s lives. More importantly, Facebook is full of extremely talented people who will be able to help realize its full potential in the years to come.

Our products and services have not been acquired by Facebook, and while there are no plans for further development on them, Wallet and Pulp will continue to remain available for download and purchase in their current form. We’ll certainly be the first to let you know of any updates or changes here in the future.

A special thanks to all of our customers and supporters who have helped us grow and build the best products possible throughout the last four years. We wouldn’t have been able to do it without you.

Dustin MacDonald
Acrylic Software

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July 23, 2012
Aircel offers Apple iPhone 3GS at Rs 9,999

Aircel has slashed the prices of the Apple iPhone 3GS 8GB model and it is now available for Rs. 9,999. This deal is for now available only for Aircel postpaid customers.

In order to attract customers, Aircel is also offering unlimited 3G data for a full one year with the purchase of iPhone 3GS by paying an additional Rs. 3,000 upfront at the time of purchase.

However, this option is available only in 3G circles and there is a fair usage cap of 2GB per month, post which users can continue to download unlimited data at the speed of 128kbps.

In 2G-only areas, buyers would have unlimited 2,500 local and national SMS, 100 minutes of local and STD calls and unlimited 2G data for a period of 6 months.

However, if an Aircel subscribers opts for the company’s ‘money saver plan,’ then they would have to pay Rs.20,990 for this very iPhone.

Airtel is currently selling the same device for Rs. 20,908, which is double the price of Aircel’s version.

July 21, 2012
Samsung Launches GALAXY Beam Projector Phone For Rs 30,000

Samsung Electronics today announced the launch of Samsung Galaxy Beam projector smartphone in India, priced at INR 30,000. The smartphone will enable the users to display and share multimedia content anywhere on a large luminous projector screen or on a clear wall or surface.

The Beam is said to house a 15 lumen bright lamp that is capable of projecting a high definition 50″ wide image at a distance of 2 meters. It comes with a 4″ WVGA multi-touch capacitive LCD screen, and is powered by a 1 GHz dual-core CPU. Weighing in at 145 grammes, this phone is just 12.5 mm (0.5″) thick, with the rest of the dimensions being 123.9 mm (l) x 64.2 mm (w).

Other specs include a 5 MP snapper capable of 720p video capture, a front 1.3 mp camera for video chat, and 8 GB of internal storage that’s expandable up to 32 GB via microSD. According to the spec sheet, a pair of 2000 mAh battery packs offer up to 20 hours of talktime. However, it’s wise to take this claim with a pinch of salt, as the figure seems a little too far-fetched to be true. In addition to a wide range of apps available through Google Play, the smartphone comes bundled with a drawing tool for presentations, which is touted to aid in drawing viewers’ attention without the need for a laser pointer.

However, we feel that the phone might not be able to outshine its competitors based on its Projector feature alone.

July 19, 2012
YouTube offers face-blurring tool

YouTube has launched a feature which blurs the faces of people in videos uploaded to the site.

According to a Wednesday blog post by the video sharing site, this application is its first step toward providing visual anonymity for YouTube videos, enabling the sharing of “sensitive protest footage” without showing the faces of activists involved, or protecting the identities of people in the videos.

[quote]“Whether you want to share sensitive protest footage without exposing the faces of the activists involved, or share the winning point in your 8-year-old’s basketball game without broadcasting the children’s faces to the world, our face blurring technology is a first step towards providing visual anonymity for video on YouTube,” wrote Amanda Conway, a YouTube policy associate, on the company blog post.[/quote]

The technology is similar to the one deployed by Google across several of its services such as StreetView and Google goggles.

People can check if the blurring has worked frame by frame through a preview function.

[quote]Conway added: “This is emerging technology, which means it sometimes has difficulty detecting faces depending on the angle, lighting, obstructions and video quality. It’s possible that certain faces or frames will not be blurred. If you are not satisfied with the accuracy of the blurring as you see it in the preview, you may wish to keep your video private.[/quote]

July 19, 2012
Reliance Launches New Android-Based 3G Tablet

Reliance Communications Ltd. has launched its new fully-loaded 3G Tablet on Android platform. Reliance said the new 3G Tablet is set to further enhance the user experience with incredible affordability and bundled offerings.

The Reliance 3G Tab comes with a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen with Android 2.3 OS and a 1.4 GHz processor. This latest 3G Tablet from Reliance comes with a better screen resolution of 1024 x 600, loaded with 512 MB RAM, and a better 5 point touch experience. The new light weight (402g) tablet comes with a better 3.0 MP rear camera and a front camera, enables video calling, among other key features, catering to both business users as well as the youth segment.

The Reliance 3G Tab is supported by Reliance’s IP-based 3G network across 13 circles across 333 towns in the country. To further enhance its value proposition, Reliance is offering free benefits worth Rs. 6250/- to its 3G customers where in they can enjoy free 3 GB of 3G data for 3 months, 3 months free video calling for Local and STD to Reliance 3G, free voice rental for 12 months (Postpaid) along with free global calling worth Rs. 250/-, 1 year free subscription on McAfee Mobile Security, 2 months free subscription of BigFlix, a free 4 GB micro SD card.

[quote]”Having redefined the Tab market in the country with an overwhelming response from our existing customers and in line with our endeavor to develop the device eco system, the new 3G TAB is sure to enhance customer experience on our seamless IP enabled superior 3G network bundled with exciting offers at an affordable price point,” said Sanjay Behl, Group Head – Brand & Marketing, Reliance Communications Limited.[/quote]

July 19, 2012
Windows 8 to be launched on 26 October

Microsoft on Wednesday announced that its next-generation operating system tailored for a world shifting from personal computers to smartphones and tablets will be available on 26 October.

Windows unit boss Steven Sinofsky revealed the Windows 8 debut date at a sales meeting, Microsoft communications manager Brandon LeBlanc said in a blog post.

Windows 8 will be available in 109 languages across 231 markets worldwide, according to LeBlanc.

Microsoft has promised to make the new operating system available in August for computer, tablet or smartphone makers to build into hardware.

The Redmond, Washington-based firm has gone on record stating that Surface tablets would hit the market when the Windows 8 operating system became publicly available.

July 19, 2012
Apple ordered to publish Notice that Samsung didn’t copy iPad In U.K.

Apple Inc. was ordered by a judge to publish a notice on its U.K. website and in British newspapers alerting people to a ruling that Samsung Electronics Co. didn’t copy designs for the iPad.

The notice should outline the July 9 London court decision that Samsung’s Galaxy tablets don’t infringe Apple’s registered designs, Judge Colin Birss said yesterday. It should be posted on Apple’s U.K. home page for six months and published in several newspapers and magazines to correct any impression the South Korea-based company was copying Apple’s product, Birss said.

This order means that Apple will, in a way, advertise Samsung’s tablets, that too on its own website. However, Judge Briss shot down Samsung’s request to bar Apple from further claiming that its tablet copied the iPad’s design. On this, he said, “They are entitled to their opinion.”

As well as Apple’s website, the company must pay for notices in the Financial Times, the Daily Mail, Guardian Mobile magazine, and T3, according to a draft copy of the order provided by Samsung’s lawyers.

Apple’s lawyer said the company would appeal the July 9 decision and Judge Birss granted the company permission to take its case to the court of appeal.

July 19, 2012
New Lara Croft game launched exclusively for Xperia devices

Lara Croft and The Guardian of Light today launches exclusive to Xperia devices (including flagships: Xperia S, Xperia ion, Sony tablets and Xperia PLAY), with 30 days Android exclusivity.

Today, the ultimate gaming heroine, Lara Croft, leaps onto Xperia smartphones as an Android exclusive treat.

Featuring an arcade style fixed camera view, the game has already been a console success and is now available across our Xperia smartphone devices, including Xperia S, Xperia Ion and Xperia PLAY!

Available for the first time on Android devices as part of a limited period exclusivity deal with Sony, the critically acclaimed LARA CROFT AND THE GUARDIAN OF LIGHT™ launches today for flagship devices, Xperia S and Xperia ion, as well as gaming smartphone, Xperia PLAY.

This play-anywhere adventure sees Lara immersed in a world of fast-paced action that’s loaded with evil enemies, terrifying traps and perplexing puzzles. Guardian of Light follows Lara’s adventures through Mayan ruins as she joins an ancient tribesman named Totec to take down an evil threat – Lara and Totec must use their own set of unique skills to work together and fight through each level. LARA CROFT AND THE GUARDIAN OF LIGHT TM features unlockable weapons, upgrades and an isometric camera giving gamers greater detail.

Join Lara as she ventures deep into the jungles of Central America in search of the Mirror of Smoke,a powerful artifact from a lost age. Whoever wields this relic holds the future of mankind in their hands, with the power to rid the world of light. With the Mirror now in the clutches of Xolotl, the God of Darkness, Lara and Totec, the Guardian of the Mirror, have until sunrise to defeat him or risk plunging the world into an age of darkness once again. Take-on Xolotl and his armies of creatures with an all-new intuitive and accessible touch-screen control system – along with specially optimized controls on XperiaTM PLAY’s unique gamepad – letting you explore the world and solve puzzles at your own pace.

LARA CROFT AND THE GUARDIAN OF LIGHT is available from today from the Google Play Store at a special launch-week only price of £0.99p/$1.29/1.19€, before returning to the usual price of £1.99/ $2.99/2.39€ from 23rd July 2012.

July 18, 2012
G’Five launches five new Android smartphones starting Rs.6,999

G’Five has launched five new dual-SIM Android smartphones under its ‘G-Cloud’ range. These devices are G’Five A79, A86, i88+, G95 and G3D. Another interesting addition is that all these devices come with company’s self-developed G-Cloud technology and will offer users 5.5 GB of free cloud space.

The A86 shows off a 4-inch WVGA display with a 480 × 800p resolution. Adding considerable weight to the specs sheet is the inclusion of an 8MP rear snapper and a 0.3MP front facing sensor. Running on 3G and supporting wireless connectivity too, the device is fueled by a 1GHz processor. The G’Five I88+ also comes across as feature-packed with ICS, an 8MP snapper, a 4.3-inch display, 512 MB RAM and more.

The G95 arrives with a noticeably large display spanning 5.3 inches. It brings forth a bite of ICS and is affixed with an 8MP snapper. The G3D tows along a 1GHz chipset, an HDMI output and 512MB RAM. Its front panel is graced with a 4.3-inch 3D qHD screen proffering images in a resolution of 540 × 960p. An 8MP camera stays in place for photography, while the complete show is run by ICS.

The G’Five A79, A86, I88+, G95 and G3D Price details read at Rs. 6,999, Rs. 7,999, Rs. 8,899, Rs. 9,499 and Rs. 11,799, respectively.

July 18, 2012
New iPhone to have thinnest screen ever made – with sensors built into the glass

Apple Inc.’s next iPhone, currently being manufactured by Asian component makers, will use a new technology that makes the smartphone’s screen thinner, people familiar with the matter said, as the U.S. technology giant strives to improve technological features amid intensifying competition from Samsung Electronics Co. and other rivals.

Apple’s next iPhone, currently being manufactured by the company’s Asian component makers, will boast a thinner screen of the likes used by its rival Samsung. Above, the Apple store in Hong Kong.

Japanese liquid-crystal-display makers Sharp Corp. and Japan Display Inc.—a new company that combined three Japanese electronics makers’ display units—as well as South Korea’s LG Display Co. are currently mass producing panels for the next iPhone using so-called in-cell technology, the people said.

The technology integrates touch sensors into the LCD, making it unnecessary to have a separate touch-screen layer. The absence of the layer, usually about half-a-millimeter thick, not only makes the whole screen thinner, but improves the quality of displayed images, said DisplaySearch analyst Hiroshi Hayase.

The current iPhone 4S is 9.3 millimeters thick, according to Apple’s official website.

For Apple, the new technology would also simplify the supply chain and help cut costs as it would no longer need to buy touch panels and LCD panels from separate suppliers.

It was previously reported that the new iPhone will likely come with a screen larger than the current iPhone’s 3.5-inch display. A thinner screen could help offset an increase in weight due to the larger size.

Technological progress at LCD makers such as Sharp, Japan Display and LG Display is crucial for Apple, given that Samsung has been pushing its organic light-emitting displays as one of the unique features of its Galaxy phones. Samsung’s flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S III, comes with a 4.8-inch OLED screen and is thinner than the current iPhone.

The vast majority of OLED screens used in mobile devices today are supplied by Samsung. OLED screens, which don’t require backlighting, tend to be thinner than conventional LCD panels.

While Apple and Samsung together dominate the lucrative market for high-end smartphones, the companies are under constant pressure to meet high expectations for more-powerful, capable devices that are easier to carry.

A thinner screen in the next iPhone could make the whole device slimmer, or make extra room available for other components such as batteries. But in-cell touch screens are harder to manufacture than conventional LCD screens.

The people familiar with the situation said that LCD makers are finding the manufacturing process challenging and time-consuming as they scramble to achieve high yield rates.

Analysts have said that the new iPhone is expected sometime in the fall.

In May, people familiar with the matter said that the new iPhone will likely come with a screen larger than the current iPhone’s 3.5-inch display. A thinner screen could help offset an increase in weight due to the larger size.

The LCD industry has been working on the in-cell touch technology for several years. For LCD panel makers like Sharp, Japan Display and LG Display, Apple’s iPhone provides the environment where they can demonstrate their latest technological progress to show that LCD screens can continue to evolve and stay competitive against OLED displays. In the meantime, Sharp, Japan Display and LG Display have also been developing OLED displays.

At the same time, the adoption of in-cell technology is bad news for makers of conventional touch panels used in many smartphone screens now. Taiwan’s Wintek Corp. and TPK Holding Co., which supplied the touch-panel layer of the iPhone 4S screen, didn’t get orders for the next iPhone, people familiar with the situation said.

Source : Wall Street Journal

July 18, 2012
Nokia launches Asha 305 dual-SIM phone for Rs. 4,688

Nokia has launched its first full touch Series 40 feature phone, the Asha 305, in India. The phone, which was announced globally in June, is now available from Nokia’s online store for Rs 4,688. The handset is powered by Series 40 platform, which is world’s most widely used mobile platform

The Asha 305 sports a 3-inch resistive touchscreen with a resolution of 240×320 pixels and offers a new Swipe UI elements, which were supposed to be part of its abandoned Meltemi platform. Other features include a 2-megapixel camera, Dual-SIM capabilities and a microSD card support for up to 32GB.

Nokia sweetens the deal even more by offering 40 EA games for free including classics like Tetris, Need for Speed and Fifa 2012, which can be downloaded from the Nokia Store.

July 18, 2012
Microsoft Touts Office 2013 Integration With Skype, Yammer, Cloud

At a press event in San Francisco, Microsoft has unveiled the new Office suite, sporting a new look in line with Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8.

One of the key features of the new Office is cloud integration using SkyDrive. Users will be able to sync key settings across multiple devices after logging in to SkyDrive. You can continue working on the same document using a different device, as well as share it with others.

Microsoft also showed off how users can collaborate on Office through social network integration. For example, you can see if your Skype contacts are available from any application in the new Office suite and make Skype calls directly from within Outlook. There’s also the ability to collaborate on documents through Microsoft’s Lync application.

Good news for tablet users: A Microsoft RT version of Office for ARM-based tablets will be included for free on RT devices, including the Surface.

The new Office will have touchscreen capabilities, where users can use taps, swipes, and other gestures to create presentations. You can also draw on your presentations using a stylus.

Meanwhile, the subscription-based Office 365 will now come with three tiers–Office 365 Home Premium, Office 365 Small Business Premium and Office 365 ProPlus–with pricing information to be announced later.

Microsoft also unveiled a new version of its notetaking app, OneNote, which will have touch, pen and keyboard input.

Although Office is currently being used by more than one billion people, it faces stiff competition from cheaper alternatives, such as Google’s suite of Web-based office applications.

July 17, 2012
Aircel to launch its 4G LTE services by December

Aircel is gearing up to launch 4G services between October and December. The launch is expected to revive the otherwise gloomy telecom market.

Aircel, which is looking for a strategic partnership with companies such as MTS India, will invest $500 million to launch TD-LTE services in Chennai.

Aircel will not only launch 4G dongles, but will also provide super fast broadband connections on the basis of 4G technology and would also provide services for education, video on demand and health care. It is creating and leasing its own fiber-optic infrastructure and is more less adapting a model similar to Reliance whose subsidiary InfoTel has obtained 4G licenses in multiple circles.

Notably, Aircel is not looking to be an all India 4G player but it would rather prefer to play a major role in particular circles. In the case of Aircel, that happens to be south India. Aircel has license to operate its 4G services in eight circles.

July 17, 2012
Sony launches 3D Blu-ray Home Theatre System: BDV-N990W
Sony India today introduced the BDV-N990W 3D Blu-ray Home Theatre System.

BDV-N990W features Sony’s S-Master Full Digital Amplifier. It is also capable of reproducing a wide dynamic range and frequency response, the S-Master efficiently delivers higher quality sound. With Sony’s unique ‘3D Surround‘ technology, this system delivers an ever-realistic 3D sound experience with incredible depth and presence for Blu-ray or broadcast content by creating an optimized virtual sound field.

With Wi-Fi built into BDV-N990W, users can easily access, enjoy and share a wider range of online entertainment.

The new Home Theatre System is DLNA certified, allowing convenient content transfer with compatible devices. Users can enjoy music and photos stored on their Smartphone or Tablet on a grander scale, by simply using the throw function to transfer content to the Home Theatre Systems quickly and easily. The same applies for music or photos stored on PC, where users can simply access them via home network and play them back on the big screen. For more convenience; users can set up their mobile devices as remote control for the entertainment system. With Media Remote and Remote Keyboard application, Sony Tablet or Smartphone can be used to adjust the settings or can be used as a keyboard for typing. Users can also dock their compatible iPhone® or iPod® and charge it via USB while listening to playback music.

BDV-N990W is priced at Rs. 39,990 and is available at all Sony Center and major electronic stores across India.

Check out the Press Release below :

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Sony launches 3D Blu-ray Home Theatre System: BDV-N990W

Powerful audio and sharper picture combined with Wi-Fi connectivity
- High Definition Audio and Video
- Wireless surround amplifiers make positioning equipment hassle-free
- Wi-Fi connectivity for convenient access to Internet and online content
- Stylish design and feather touch buttons
- Multiple format playability (MKV,MP4 and AVC)
New Delhi, 12^th July, 2012: Sony India introduced BDV-N990W, the latest 3D Blu-ray Home Theatre System. It defines the next generation of home entertainment with richer & powerful sound, sharper & clearer picture and wireless connectivity to a wide range of online entertainment content. BDV-N990W enhances video content immensely, thereby creating an ultimate 3D viewing experience in Full HD.

Setting new standards in sound with 3D Blu-ray Home Theatre System

BDV-N990W features Sony’s S-Master Full Digital Amplifier. It is also capable of reproducing a wide dynamic range and frequency response, the S-Master efficiently delivers higher quality sound. With Sony’s unique ‘3D Surround‘ technology, this system delivers an ever-realistic 3D sound experience with incredible depth and presence for Blu-ray or broadcast content by creating an optimized virtual sound field.

The newly launched 3D Blu-ray Home Theatre System has curved lines and slender satellite speakers, inspired by Sony’s distinctive Monolithic design concept. The speakers’ two-way setting layout provides the flexibility needed for various home-décor arrangements by allowing users to position the speakers vertically or horizontally.

BDV-N990W is equipped with innovative, compact and energy-efficient Magnetic Fluid Speakers that use ferrofluid (ferromagnetic fluid) instead of dampers to delivers virtually flawless, distortion-free sound. BDV-N990W features four streamlined and elegant floor stand speakers that deliver powerful total output of 1,000W.

Convenient connectivity

With Wi-Fi built into BDV-N990W, users can easily access, enjoy and share a wider range of online entertainment.

The new Home Theatre System is DLNA certified, allowing convenient content transfer with compatible devices. Users can enjoy music and photos stored on their Smartphone or Tablet on a grander scale, by simply using the throw function to transfer content to the Home Theatre Systems quickly and easily. The same applies for music or photos stored on PC, where users can simply access them via home network and play them back on the big screen. For more convenience; users can set up their mobile devices as remote control for the entertainment system. With Media Remote and Remote Keyboard application, Sony Tablet or Smartphone can be used to adjust the settings or can be used as a keyboard for typing. Users can also dock their compatible iPhone® or iPod® and charge it via USB while listening to playback music.

Streamlined design with a touch of elegance

BDV-N990W feature a stylishly slim, sculptural design inherited from Sony’s Monolithic Design concept that fits well into the modern home décor. The black piano-finish surface is fingerprint-proof and the slot-in disc drive gracefully integrates into the streamlined player. BDV-N990W features a flexible layout where 2-way setting is made possible as the player can be placed flat or 30 degrees tilted. Thanks to the specially designed dot pattern, the control board surface remains clean and free of fingerprints even after repeated usage.

BDV-N990W is priced at Rs. 39,990 and is available at all Sony Center and major electronic stores across India.

About Sony India Pvt. Ltd.

Sony India is one of the most recognized consumer electronics brand in the country, with a reputation for new age technology, digital concepts and excellent after sales service. In India, Sony has its footprint across all major towns and cities in the country through a distribution network comprising of over 10,400 dealers and distributors, 270 exclusive Sony outlets and 23 direct branch locations. Sony India also has a strong service presence across the country with 255 service outlets. Manned by customer friendly and informed sales persons, Sony’s exclusive stores ‘Sony Center’ are fast becoming the most visible face of the company in India. A distinctive feature of Sony’s service is their highly motivated and well-trained staff that provides the kind of attentive and sensitive service that is rare today.

For more details, please visit: www.sony.co.in

Follow us on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sonyIndia

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/sonyindia

Twitter: http://twitter.com/sony_india

For further Information, please contact:

Pooja Chaudhary/ Charu Pandit                                                           Reegal Jayani/Pallavi Chandra/Sonia Gupta

Sony India                                                                                                        Perfect Relations

Ph: +91 66006600                                                                                         Ph: 9999976533/ 9999906645/ 9953096245

Email: [email protected]                                                     Email: [email protected]

          [email protected]                                                                [email protected]

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July 16, 2012
A gigantic 160″ curved screen to address all of your gaming needs!

Taking the F1 simulator racing experience to an altogether different level, a Sweden-based manufacturer of large curved screen solutions for front and rear projection, called Norman Design has come up with portable and gigantic 160” curved screen solution for customers who use screen for F1 training.

This exclusively new 160” screen solution is the latest from the house of Norman Design, and has been especially built for customers who use screen for Formula 1 training. It comes complete with F1 body which is also movable in all directions to 1.5 G with the F1 game. The company provides the complete F1 simulator solution at a cost price of about $114,285. However, 160” screen solution for enjoying the seamless image quality can also be purchased without a simulator with Intel 17-PC and software.

Weighing only 50 kg, the 160” screen solution takes only about 1 hour to assemble. And, PC with special software is also required for reproducing the image from the seamless multi projector which is mounted behind.

Also, the company provides a complete simulator with velved 63” monitor with PC and software at a reasonable price of about $14,300. And, for the simulator with inclined 50” screen solution, the company only charges $5,430.

July 16, 2012