Tag: new

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
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
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
Acer launches TravelMate P243 notebook for Rs. 35,000

Acer has announced the launch of a new laptop in its TravelMate seriesThursday . Dubbed as TM P243, it has been priced starting Rs. 35,000.

The Acer TravelMate P243 features a 3rd generation Intel Core i5 processor (Ivy Bridge) with the choice of dedicated Nvidia GeForce GT 630M GPU. It has a 14-inch LED-backlit display with a 16:9 aspect, which reportedly uses 30% less energy. Storage and memory options extend up to a 750 GB HDD, and 8GB of RAM.

The laptop also offers data protection through its Acer ProShield Security, Acer Office Manager (AOM) and eRecovery Manager.

[quote]Mr. S. Rajendran, Chief Marketing Officer, Acer India, spoke on the launch of the Acer TM P243: “Machine specs, astounding visual graphics with multimedia capabilities, modern software solutions etc are a given in this era. We have consciously made an effort to redesign the entire range of Acer products keeping in mind the key aspects that are important for the SMB segments such as Security and Durability. The TravelMate P243 boasts of Acer’s own dynamic security technology solution that takes care of Data Protection. At the same time, we also believe that the TM P243 is one of the sturdiest notebooks in the market.[/quote]

July 16, 2012
Micromax launches X44 Bling, priced at INR 3000

Indian handset manufacturer Micromax has announced the launch of yet another Bling phone today in the form of X44. Featuring Swarovski ‘Zirconia’ diamonds, Micromax X55 Bling has been priced at Rs. 3,000.

It is the third phone in the Bling series that includes a feature phone while the second one was an Android based smartphone.

Like the previously launched Bling phones, the new entrant in the Bling family is also studded with Swarovski ‘Zirconia’ diamonds along the navigational D-pad of the phone.

It is a dual-SIM phone with support for two GSM SIM cards, has a 2MP camera, FM Radio, Bluetooth, and access to company app and content stores M! Zone and M! Store. It also sports a 2.2-inch QVGA display.

It is powered by 256MB of RAM and 512 MB of internal storage, which is further expendable to 8GB via microSD card.

July 16, 2012
ViewSonic Unveils Ultraportable LED Projectors PLED-W200, PLED-W500

ViewSonic Corp., launched two ultraportable and energy-efficient LED projectors. Featuring diminutive form factors and 30,000-hour, long-life LED lamps, the PLED-W500 and PLED-W200 support 3D technology with 120Hz frame rates for 3D visuals, and can project 33-40″ screens from a 1 m distance. They also feature versatile USB connectivity, while the built-in Microsoft Office/PDF viewer and SD/SDHC card reader can display documents and play multimedia files without needing a PC. The projectors of PLED-W500 and PLED-W200 are priced at Rs 61,000 and Rs44,000

[quote]”The ultraportable LED projector transforms the projector from a cumbersome gadget to an incredibly lightweight, compact device that can be carried anywhere to meet all your projection needs,” said Mr. Kuldeep Ramaiya, Country Manager, India. “With their high-brightness, long-life lamps, the ultraportable LED projectors are superior to others in the same class” he added[/quote]

Check out the Press Release below :

[toggle_box title=”Press Release” width=”Width of toggle box”]

ViewSonic® Corp., a leading global provider of computing, consumer electronics and communications solutions, today launched the ultraportable and energy-efficient LED projectors. Featuring diminutive form factors and 30,000-hour, long-life LED lamps, the PLED-W500 and PLED-W200 usher in a new category of ViewSonic projectors. They support 3D technology with 120Hz frame rates for exciting 3D visuals, and can project 33-40″ screens from a 1 m distance. They also feature versatile USB connectivity, while the built-in Microsoft Office/PDF viewer and SD/SDHC card reader can display documents and play multimedia files without needing a PC. The projectors of PLED-W500 and PLED-W200 are priced at Rs 61,000 and Rs44,000

“The ultraportable LED projector transforms the projector from a cumbersome gadget to an incredibly lightweight, compact device that can be carried anywhere to meet all your projection needs,” said Mr. Kuldeep Ramaiya, Country Manager, India. “With their high-brightness, long-life lamps, the ultraportable LED projectors are superior to others in the same class” he added.

PLED-W500

The PLED-W500 shines with its innovative, stylish new look. The piano-black mirrored surface and geometric inset buttons make the projector modern, sleek and elegant, ideal for business presentations and multimedia entertainment. With dimensions of 214 x 164 x 42 mm, the PLED-W500 is compact and weighs only 1.18 kg. 500 ANSI lumens, superior in the LED pocket projector category, provide 20,000 hours of brightness for energy and cost savings. The 1.4:1 short throw ratio projects a 33″ screen from a 1 m distance with high native WXGA resolution. 2GB of onboard memory allows you to store documents and multimedia files, enhancing presentation efficiency. With HDMI 1.3 support, simply connect the PLED-W500 with a PC, tablet or other device to enjoy a widescreen gaming or home theater experience. You can also view smooth 3D video with a 120Hz refresh rate using active shutter glasses. PLED-W500 has versatile USB connectivity, built-in Microsoft Office/PDF viewer and SD/SDHC card reader which can display documents and play multimedia files without needing a PC.

PLED-W200

The pocket-sized PLED-W200 offers ultimate mobility. Measuring 130 x 126 x 32 mm and weighing only 420 g, the PLED-W200 is ultrathin and easily carried in a briefcase. Its LED light source with 250 ANSI lumens lasts 30,000 hours while producing brilliant color. With a built-in 32 GB SD/SDHC card reader, Microsoft Office/PDF viewer and dual integrated 2W speakers, display Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF and other multimedia files without needing a PC. The PLED-W200 also features 1.16:1 short throw ratio that can project a 40″ screen from a 1 m distance with high native WXGA resolution.

ViewSonic’s ultraportable LED projectors are thin, compact and lightweight for easy mobility between meeting rooms and on the go. Innovative new look & energy-efficient LED lamps with 20000 hours ( PLED-W500) 30,000-hour lifespan (PLED-W200) makes PLED series the best choice for the professional usage. 0-second power-on and power-off makes presentation immediately, and no need to wait for the projector to cool down. The PLED-W500 and PLED-W200 provide 500 and 250 lumens of brightness, respectively – superior to others in the pocket projector category.

Developed with Texas Instruments’ high performance DPP6401 image processing chip, the projectors support 3D graphics with 120Hz frame rates for exciting 3D gaming and movies using active shutter glasses. With the built-in 32 GB SD/SDHC card reader and Microsoft Office/PDF viewer, the projectors can play Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF and other multimedia files directly.

Notes to Editor

About ViewSonic

ViewSonic® Corporation, headquartered in Walnut, California, is a leading global provider of computing, consumer electronics, and communications solutions. Founded in 1987, ViewSonic’s mission is to be the preferred global brand of visual solutions as we continue to focus on display-centric product offerings including LED monitors, tablets, projectors, digital signage displays, and cloud computing solutions. ViewSonic continues to pioneer in visual technology innovation to build a connected and ever-reaching digital future. For further information, please visit http://ap.viewsonic.com/in.

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July 14, 2012
HTC changing its geometry with the new Vertex Tablet!

We have a new report that sheds more light on this HTC product. Apparently HTC has forgotten all about its past in the tablet market and is planning the HTC Vertex HD, a tablet that has already shown up in benchmark tests.

According to Slashgear, the new tablet will sport a 10.1-inch display with 1280 x 800 resolution, 1.3GHz NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor, a 2-megapixel rear-facing camera and a front-facing 1.3-megapixel shooter, Bluetooth 4.0 and Beats Audio support. The device is running Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich right now, although that may change by the time it hits stores.

Speaking about availability details, we don’t have any launch dates or pricing for this new Android device, so we’ll have to wait for HTC and its carrier partners to officially unveil it, or leak more details about it. What’s clear so far is that the device doesn’t appear to be necessarily an iPad contender, but it’s neither an affordable 7-inch device meant to take on the Google Nexus 7.

Could the Vertex be a budget 10-inch tablet? Anyone interested in a new HTC tablet?

July 14, 2012
Google Maps adds walking directions for 44 African nations

Google has just announced an update for its popular Maps service, extending support for walking directions to 44 African countries. Following the mandatory safety warnings that come with the beta tag (routes may be missing pedestrian crossings etc.), Google is encouraging residents to try out the service, available today on both web and mobile. A separate update will no doubt be appreciated by cyclists in Europe and Australia.

As the African continent develops, there should be no shortage of users for the mobile version of the service. Telecoms & Media reported last year that Africa is now the second most connected region in the world in terms of its mobile subscription count. There are currently more than 500 million mobile users on the continent, and by 2015, there are expected to be 265 million mobile broadband subscriptions in Africa, a significant increase from the current estimate of 12 million.

Support for cycling directions has also been improved. Previously only available in the US and Canada, the service has now been extended to both Australia and Europe, just in time for the yearly post-Tour de France cycling enthusiasm. Routes devised for biking are designed to make use of dedicated bike lanes and avoid significant hills whenever possible.

July 13, 2012
Yet another iPhone 5 image leaked

KitGuru has leaked what it claims is a “test sample” with the glass front panel roughly intact. We’ve seen the darker steel sides, aluminum back and new dock connector before, but the front gives us a much better sense of how the finished product will turn out. Sitting next to an iPhone 4S, it’s suggested that the new model would stuff in that bigger screen more through a better use of the available area — there’s much less blank space than on the iPhones we’ve known since 2007. Now as we’re getting closer to the official launch of the next iPhone, be prepared for an avalanche of leaked images!

July 13, 2012
Micromax launches X259, powered by Solar Energy

Micromax has announced the launch of X259 handset, which comes with a built-in solar panel. Priced at Rs. 2,499, it is the first solar phone from the company.

The built-in solar panel allows the phone to get automatically charged when exposed to sunlight. It is targeted to rural consumers, who constantly grapple with power cuts over long durations. According to the company, three hours of solar charge provides 1.5 hours of talk time on the phone.

It features a 2.4-inch QVGA screen with a resolution of 240x320p, a VGA camera, a 1000mAh Li-ion battery and dual-SIM dual-standby feature. The handset also supports Bluetooth and GPRS connectivity.

[quote]”We have been at the forefront of innovation. We have introduced many categories into this competitive Industry be it long battery life phones or dual SIM phones. With the introduction of this our intent is to get rid of the mobile phone charger by including a solar panel on the device itself,” stated Rahul Sharma, co-founder, Micromax.[/quote]

[toggle_box title=”Press Release” width=”Width of toggle box”]

Go Green with the Micromax X259 SOLAR PHONE

? Micromax X259 comes with solar cells which can be charged through solar energy

? 3 hours of solar charge provides 1.5 hours of talk time

New Delhi, July 12^th, 2012: Micromax Informatics Limited (“Micromax”), the 12th largest handset manufacturer in the World (According to Global Handset Vendor Market share report from Strategy Analytics) today announced the launch of X259, with a built-in solar panel.

Micromax has always been recognized for its innovation in its device portfolio and has created categories such as marathon battery life phones, dual SIM Phones, Life Style phone and many more. Micromax adds yet another category to its offering of unique devices. The Micromax X259 Solar Phone priced at Rs. 2499/-, it is the company’s first solar phone which enables the users to charge their phone using solar energy.

Micromax X259 comes with a solar panel technology through which the phone automatically gets charged through solar power on exposure to sunlight. With unpredictable power cuts specifically in the rural areas this handset will be the perfect solution to address the issue of recharging the phone through electricity.

Commenting on the device launch, Mr. Rahul Sharma, Co – Founder, Micromax said, “We have been at the forefront of innovation. We have introduced many categories into this competitive Industry be it long battery life phones or dual SIM phones. With the introduction of this our intent is to get rid of the mobile phone charger by including a solar panel on the device itself”.

Micromax X259 features a 2.4” QVGA screen with a resolution of 240X320. The phone is powered with a 1000mAh Li-ion battery and facilitates dual SIM dual standby feature. The users can share images, videos, music with friends through the phone’s Bluetooth connectivity.

Micromax X259 is available at Rs. 2499/- This model will be available across all leading retail outlets across India.

For more information, please visit www.micromaxinfo.com

About Micromax:

Micromax is the 12th largest handset manufacturer in the World (According to Global Handset Vendor Market share report from Strategy Analytics). The Indian brand is reaching out to the global frontier with innovative products that challenge the status quo that Innovation comes with a price. Micromax has sales presence across India and global presence in Hong Kong, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri-Lanka, Maldives, UAE, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Afghanistan and Brazil.

* Micromax holds the 3^rd position amongst the handset manufacturers in India as pre revenue with a market share of 6.9% for the FY 2011. (Source: V&D report)

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July 13, 2012
Digg sold for a mere $500,000

Digg, the “social news” site which was once the poster child for Web 2.0 and valued at up to $175m, has been sold to San Francisco incubator Betaworks for just $500,000 (£324,000) in cash plus equity.

The sale of the seven-year-old site marks a colossal loss for its former venture capital backers, who put in a total of $45m during its life as an independent.

Digg reportedly still gets more than 16 million monthly unique visitors – but it has lost its ability to drive the direction of the net’s interest as it once did.

Having once looked as though it could be the biggest driver of such social news, the site stumbled multiple times in trying to remake the way that users could vote stories up or down its front page – and lost its advantage over rivals sites such as Slashdot and Reddit.

[quote]

In a statement on its site, Betaworks said: “Digg is one of the great internet brands, and it has meant a great deal to millions of users over the years. It was a pioneer in community-driven news.

“We are turning Digg back into a startup. Low budget, small team, fast cycles. How? We have spent the last 18 months building News.me as a mobile-first social news experience. The News.me team will take Digg back to its essence: the best place to find, read and share the stories the internet is talking about. Right now.”

[/quote]

None of Digg’s remaining employees will join Betaworks as part of the acquisition. Chief Executive Matt Williams will join venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz as an entrepreneur-in-residence.

Betaworks CEO John Borthwick will become Digg’s new chief.

July 13, 2012