Ready to jump to Windows 8 ? Microsoft is following in Apple’s footsteps by making the upgrade to Win 8 more pocket friendly. If you have an existing installation of Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 will able to download a Windows 8 Pro upgrade for just $39.99 (IN Rs. 2200/-).
That’s a big drop from the company’s earlier upgrade prices, which were as high as US $ 99 (In Rs. 5500-7500) . If you want the DVD you can purchase it for a price of US $ 69.99. According to Microsoft the prices will increase when the promotion ends on January 31st 2013.
Each OS will have a different upgrade option, some bringing only personal files and some only files and settings to Windows 8. In most cases legacy apps will not be ported.
HCL Infosystems revealed their 2012 road-map at an event here in New Delhi today. Mr Princi Bhatnagar, VP and Head Consumer Computing, HCL started out by telling us about what the future consumer scenario would look like. The next generation consumers would be made up largely by youth who’d want value-for-money products with a style quotient and functionality. Affordable IT would become a necessity.
He was followed by Mr Gautam, Head of mobility division, HCL who gave a few numbers regarding HCL’s position in the tablet market. Currently, they have an overall market share of 18%.
Pariniti Chopra with Mr. Princy Bhatnagar and Mr. Gautam
Princy Bhatnagar at the event
HCL also revealed 2 new products, the Beanstalk AIO PC and the Smart Series1044 Laptop.
[quote]HCL Infosystems has a strong tradition in consumer computing products and today with the unveiling of the first set of Consumer Computing 2012 products we are taking another significant step as a manufacturer of computing devices. The all new range is a perfect balance of technology and lifestyle backed with innovative and sleek features. The next gen HCL devices are loaded with premium features, but at the same time offer absolute value-for-money to our customers, Mr Princy Bhatnagar said. [/quote]
The Beanstalk AIO PC
2 models of the Beanstalk range have been launched, the Beanstalk AD1V0027 (MRP Rs 33696/-) and the Beanstalk AD1V0028 (MRP Rs 37908/-). Both sport features like a 47 cm LED Backlit, anti-glare display and 2GB DDR memory models. Both are powered by 2nd generation Intel core processors. They will come with an “Edutainment” pack which includes several free DVD’s ranging from games to learning to movies.
The Smart Series Laptop
Also launched was the HCL Smart Series 1044 Laptop, at a starting point of Rs 20990/-, weighing just 2 kilograms. It’s powered by the Intel Processor B815, the device adorns a stylish look with a sturdy Maze texture finish to enhance durability. It comes with a 14.o” HD (LED Backlit) screen and 1.3 MP camera to support video chat.
All the three computers would be available from purchase starting today itself.
It was also announced that a new Ultra Book and a Tiny Top PC would be launched later this year.
The ultra-book which will be launched later this year.
[toggle_box title=”Press Release” width=”Width of toggle box”]
HCL Infosystems unveils Consumer Computing 2012
Charts robust road map for computing consumer products
First set of Next Gen Computing Products launched – Beanstalk series AIO PC and Smart Series 1044 Laptop
Showcases the soon to be launched HCL Ultrabook and the Ultra Small PC – HCL Tiny Top
Computing Devices with unique combination of Play, Learn and Entertainment
Sleek, innovative and premium features yet absolute value for money
New Delhi, 19th June, 2012: HCL Infosystems Ltd., India’s Premier Hardware, Services and ICT Systems Integration and Distribution Company launched Next Gen devices at a press conference in the capital city today and reiterated its presence in the consumer computing space. Building on their success of over three decades, HCL Infosystems launched the new Beanstalk range of AIO (All in One) PC and the Smart Series Laptop and also showcased its range of lifestyle technology products including tablets and the soon to be launched HCL Ultrabook and the Ultra Small PC – HCL Tiny Top. The new products encompass the elements of Play, Learn and Entertainment for its users. These products are packed with unique features and innovations, designed to suit diverse technology requirements of modern times.
At the launch Mr. Princy Bhatnagar, VP and Head Consumer Computing, HCL Infosystems Ltd. said, “HCL Infosystems has a strong tradition in consumer computing products and today with the unveiling of the first set of Consumer Computing 2012 products we are taking another significant step as a manufacturer of computing devices. The all new range is a perfect balance of technology and lifestyle backed with innovative and sleek features. The next gen HCL devices are loaded with premium features but at the same time offers absolute value for money to our customers. With this launch, HCL Infosystems fortifies its space in the consumer computing space by redefining consumer experience and we are now poised for more growth in this segment.”
HCL Infosystems has launched the AIO (All-in-One) PC under its Beanstalk range. Packed with edutainment features, presently two models under this series has been introduced – HCL Beanstalk AD1V0027 (MRP: Rs. 33696/-) and the HCL Beanstalk AD1V0028 (MRP: Rs. 37908/). Both the models sports features like a 47 cm (18.5”) LED backlit, Anti glare display and 2GB DDR memorymodels. Powered by 2nd generation Intel core processors, the Beanstalk AIO’s has elegant looks and has a sleek, unique space saving design. The machines also have unique acrylic at the stands to give a crystal finish. The Beanstalk AIO’s has Crystal Clear Audio as it has integrated bottom speakers with perforated louvers for excellent audio quality. The AIO’s are also eco-friendly as itminimizes power consumption and is ROHS (Restriction of Use of Hazardous Substances) compliant. Additionally, the AIO’s also will provide customers with the “edutainment” advantage by offering aPlay, Learn & Entertainment Kit. For play, the pack will have an activity zone with DVDs worth Rs. 2000/- consisting of 20 original games. Again for Learning, education content worth Rs. 10,000 powered by Britannica Student Library and for Entertainment, a Hungama coupon worth Rs. 2000 with free song & video download will be respectively provided in the pack.
With the launch of the HCL Smart Series 1044 Laptop, HCL Infosystems has aimed to offer a premium laptop at an attractive price point starting from an MRP of Rs. 20990/-. With power packed features and latest technology, the Smart Series 1044 laptop offers exceptional on-the-go experience with unmatched connectivity and portability. Weighing just over 2 kilograms and offering access to high speed internet through in-built gigabit LAN & HDMI ports, the HCL ME 1044 is all set to redefine mobility. Powered by Intel Processor B815, the device provides for improved graphics, smarter performance, longer battery hours and ensures an unmatched cinematic experience. The laptop adorns a super stylish look with its sturdy Maze texture finish to enhance durability and also has a high strength surface to prevent scratches.
The Smart Series Laptop comes with a 14.0″ HD (LED backlit) screen and a 1.3 Mega Pixel camera to support video chat. The laptop provides for a great user experience with a chocolate keyboard (which enhances typing speed as there is less of sagging of the keys) and a touch pad supporting multi gesture functions. The in-built advanced Dolby audio system enhances sound clarity and overall multimedia experience. The Smart Series 1044 also comes with “BuzzTop” by Hungama (powered by Intel) that provides an immersive and engaging media experience to the user . The laptop also provides for superb thermals, which is ideal for Indian conditions. The Smart Series 1044 laptop is ideal for families who needs to upgrade from a desktop to a laptop to match today’s lifestyle and their children’s modern computing needs as well as for students who are looking a smart laptop with premium features.
The Beanstalk AIO PC and the Smart Series 1044 laptop will be available in stores in Delhi and across India from today onwards.
Earlier this year in April, HCL Infosystems had also launched the powerful and stylish ME U1 Tablet and a path breaking education tablet – the MyEduTab that makes learning easy and fun.
About HCL Infosystems:
HCL Infosystems Ltd, with revenue (LTM) of US$ 2.4 billion (Rs.10,754 crores) is India’s premier hardware, services and ICT systems integration company offering a wide spectrum of ICT products that includes Computing, Storage, Networking, Security, Telecom, Imaging and Retail. HCL is a one-stop-shop for all the ICT requirements of an organization. India’s leading System Integration and Infrastructure Management Services Organization, HCL has specialized expertise across verticals including Telecom, BFSI, eGovernance & Power. HCL has India’s largest distribution and retail network, taking to market a range of Digital Lifestyle products in partnership with leading global ICT brands, including Apple, Cisco, Ericsson, Kingston, Kodak, Konica Minolta, Microsoft, Nokia, Toshiba, and many more. HCL today has India’s largest vertically integrated computer manufacturing facility with over three decades of electronic manufacturing experience & HCL desktops is the largest selling brand into the enterprise space. With India’s largest ICT services network that reaches to every corner of India, HCL’s award winning Support Services makes it the preferred choice of enterprise and consumers, alike.
The amazing new Leap controller has gone up for pre order, and it ships to India for a price of US $ 82.99 (Rs 4690) including the US $12.99 shipping charge.
The Leap is a small iPod sized USB peripheral that creates a 3D interaction space of 8 cubic feet to precisely interact with and control software on your laptop or desktop computer. The Leap senses your individual hand and finger movements independently, as well as items like a pen.
The Device supports both Mac and Windows 8 environments, so there will be no discrimination. Check out the amazing video demo above.
Although the product has gone up for Pre-Order we won’t expect it to ship before January 2013, as the company itself states a date of December 2012.
While Google launched Drive Cloud with free 5 GB Data storage, Dropbox does not want to feel left out at the party. Adding new features for existing users, the company today announced a new app to allow automatic photo uploads from your Windows or Mac computer.
Thats not all, Dropbox will also offer upto 3GB free store for using the service, actually 500MB each time you use it to a maximum of 3 GB free.
Alienware has just announced the X51 small factor gaming PC at a price of US $ 699 (or about Rs. 37000). The vertical or horizontal switchable Gaming mini, comes with a rotating Alienware logo and has decent specs. Core i3 and i5 options, a slot-loading optical drive optional Blu-ray. Up to 8GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. GPU options include a NVIDIA GeForce GT 545 graphics card or optional GTX 555. Power supplies however are outside the box and come in 240W or 330W.
The accent led can be changed from the control panel included with the Alienware Dashboard.
Alienware X51 Product Specifications:
Intel Core i3 Dual Core (standard) and Intel Core i5 and i7 Quad Core Processor Options
Intel H61 Express Chipset Architecture
Mini-ITX Motherboard
Powerful NVIDIA Graphics Card Options
1GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GT 545 (Standard)
1GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 555
Configure with up to 8GB of DDR3 Memory (4GB Standard); 2x 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM Slots
Fast 7,200RPM 1TB Hard Drive
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium
Slot-Loading Dual Layer DVD Burner (Standard) or optional Blu-ray Disc Reader
Internal High-Definition 7.1 Performance Audio with Waves MAXX Audio Software
Integrated 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet NIC and Integrated 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi Wireless LAN (standard)
USB 2.0 (6x); USB 3.0 (2x); Microphone In; Headphone/Speaker Out; HDMI 1.4 Output; RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet; Front, Rear and Center Speaker Ports; SPDIF Digital Output (TOSLINK); SPDIF Digital Output (Coax)
Alienware 240 Watt Power Supply (Standard) or optional 330 Watt Power Supply
Dual-orientation tower system dimensions: h: 13.5″ (343mm) x w: 3.74″ (95mm) x d: 12.52″ (318mm)
Starting Weight: 12.1 lbs. (5.49 Kg.)
We have confirmed word from DELL INDIA that the product will be available in India in the coming months, specific dates or pricing is being worked out.
Google’s chrome browser will soon get plug and play support for gamepads running on any PC/Mac. A simple plug in of the gamepad/ joystick will allow control of the highly popular browser. Alongside gamepads, webcams and microphones will have similar plug-and-play support, allowing users to interact with HTML5 games and apps.
Google’s Paul Kinlan said that the update will arrive next year and will be available on all platforms simultaneously.
Qualcomm has confirmed that it will launch Snapdragon chips to support the Windows 8 architecture. CEO Paul Jacobs confirmed that his company is working with Microsoft in an effort to deploy Windows 8-powered computers that run on Qualcomm’s ARM-based Snapdragon processors.
We’re going to see some interesting stuff going on,Windows 8 on ARM is a big opportunity
-CEO Paul Jacobs, Qualcomm
The task is not going to be easy since all apps and the whole windows architecture is designed to run on x86 processors. The applications will need to be rewritten to work on ARM processors.
SteelSeries has started pre-order of the Sensei mouse. This gaming specific mouse tracks up to 150-inches per second with its 10.8 megapixel sensor, and uses a 32-bit ARM processor to calculate it all , so that your PC does not have to share its gaming juice with high end peripherals such as this.
Specs include:
– Programmable macro buttons – Ambidextrous shape – Driverless plug-and-play – User defined bitmaps for the onmouse LCD – SteelSeries ExactSens – SteelSeries FreeMove – Menu system on the mouse – SteelSeries ExactAim – 7programmable buttons – SteelSeries ExactLift – Gold-plated USB connector – 16 million colors of illumination – Three zone lighting – Scroll Wheel, CPI Indicator, and Logo
People in India can purchase the Special gaming mouse for a MSRP of $89.99 / €89.99, or like we did from http://steelseries.com for– €89.99 +€20.88 shipping. The devices go out 1st week of October.
So you can book yours now if you cant wait for the company to officially bring it India – Side, wont happen till Q2 2012 anyway.
[toggle title_open=”Press Release” title_closed=”Press Release” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]THE STEELSERIES SENSEI IS AVAILABLE ONLINE NOW
Consumers Can Order the New Mouse Directly on the SteelSeries Web Shop
CHICAGO – Sept. 20, 2011 – The most customizable mouse to ever hit the competitive gaming industry, the SteelSeries Sensei, is now available online for consumers directly from the SteelSeries’ Web Shop. With an MSRP of $89.99 / €89.99, and a list of original features that have been perfected alongside some of the world’s most recognized competitive gamers, the Sensei is setting a new standard in mouse customization and capabilities; some of these features include:
· A 32 bit ARM processor, that powers sophisticated calculations to be done directly on the mouse – without the need for software drivers and without having to rely on the user’s computer.
· Complete customization, from the buttons, macros and multiple profiles to the colors, and technology settings.
· Illumination with 16.8 million colors choices to be programmed in 3 different zones on the mouse.
· Sensitivity settings that can be changed in increments of one from 1 to 5,700 CPI, and an “overclocked” Double CPI feature that allows the user to go all the way up to 11,400 DCPI.
· A 10.8 megapixel image correlation laser sensor at up to 12,000 frames per second and the ability to handle tracking movements of up to 150 inches per second.
· An ambidextrous design with a metal, non-slip grip coating and is connected with a double braided nylon cord with a USB connector.
· Simple plug and play; for the PC Gamers* who want advanced customization options, the Sensei is supported by SteelSeries Engine technology – save multiple profiles, create long and advanced macros with layers, keystrokes and precise timing. The Sensei Mouse is compatible with both Mac and PC; *SteelSeries Engine for Mac will be coming in 2012; for PC it is available now.
The SteelSeries Sensei can be pre-ordered from the SteelSeries Web Shop directly at http://steelseries.com or by clicking the ‘Buy Now’ button, at http://steelseries.com/sensei.[/toggle]
To ensure that their invited developers show up at the conference Microsoft gave away Windows 8 based PCs to all the attending devs. The company announced during its keynote that it’s giving away 5,000 Samsung-built developer “PCs” to attendees, and that will also include AT&T sponsored year of 3G service (2GB per month). Microsoft is calling every Windows 8 device a “PC,” even tablets.
Specs of this freebie include
Intel Core i5 processor
11.6-inch 1,366 x 768 Samsung Super PLS display
64GB SSD
4GB of RAM
Dock with a USB, HDMI and Ethernet ports.
Its one of those moments where you wish you were an App developer.
Are you a technology whiz? Is there a hidden geek inside you? Well we’ve found an excellent way for you to keep your pants up while looking smart too. Introducing the mouse belt. It’s a belt which has an old-school Compaq mouse attached to it in place of a regular buckle. Unfortunately, you cant unbuckle the belt with a simple left or right click (or even a double-click). They also come in a Mac flavour and cost from $15 to $22 a piece. Just don’t expect anyone but you to be unbuckling this belt…
IBM is one of the largest IT companies in the world. Yesterday it turned 100 years old. It has grown from a pre-World War I conglomeration of companies making tabulating machines and time-keeping devices into a globe-spanning technology behemoth that pioneered the development of electronic computers and dominated the mainframe era. The company holds a vast array of patents in a vast number of technologies.
It has crossed many milestones in the last century. Here are a few of them:
1889 – The Bundy Manufacturing Co., a time recording equipment maker is founded.
1896 – The Tabulating Machine Co., a punched-card, electric tabulating equipment maker is founded
1911 – The Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company is founded which merges the Bundy Manufacturing Co., The Tabulating Machine Co., The Computing Scale Company and the International Time Recording Co. It has a total of 1300 employees.
1914 – Thomas J. Watson, Sr., joins the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company and ends up as President in 11 months. The company more than doubles its revenues to $9 million in his first four years.
1924 – The Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company is formally renamed International Business Machines.
1928 – IBM introduces the 80 column punch card which doubles previous capacity and remains a standard for the next 50 years.
1933 – IBM enters the typewriter business by acquiring Electromatic Typewriters
1944 – IBM introduces the Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator or the Mark I, which is the first large scale computer to accomplish operations automatically.
1946 – IBM introduces the first commercially availabe machine with electronic arithmatic circuits, the 603 Electronic Multiplier.
1952 – Thomas J. Watson, Jr. becomes President of IBM.
1957 – IBM introduces FORTRAN, which is used to this day.
1964 – IBM bets $5 billion on future trends by introducing the IBM System/360 which used Solid Logic Technology microelectronics.
1969 – The first manned mission to the moon included an onboard computer designed at IBM
1971 – Frank Cary becomes CEO of IBM and the Floppy disk is also introduced. It becomes a PC data storage standard.
1981 – IBM introduces the worlds cheapest and smallest Personal Computer at $1565. It partners with Microsoft to supply the Operating System and allows competitors to buy it for IBM-Compatible clones which paves the way for competitors like Dell and Compaq.
1984 – IBM introduces its second generation PC with a 6Mhz Intet 80286
1991 – IBM shocks the industry by announcing its first annual loss of $2.82 billion
1995 – IBM acquires Lotus Development Corp. and its Notes software making it the worlds largest software company. It also launches the IBM Thinkpad running on an Intel Pentium 133Mhz processor. It is an instant success.
1997 – The IBM Deep Blue supercomputer, capable of calculating 200 million chess moves per second, defeats chess Grand Master Garry Kasporov.
2005 – IBM sells its PC business to Lenovo to focus on software development.
2011 – Watson, the IBM AI, which comprises of 90 IBM 750 servers defeats two Jepordy game show champions in a two match game.
Our present need for internet connectivity is so profound that secondary devices like the Nextep Computer are bound to happen. Developed to be worn as a bracelet, this computer concept is constructed out of a flexible OLED touchscreen. Earmarked for the year 2020, features like a holographic projector (for screen), pull-out extra keyboard panels and social networking compatibility, make the concept plausible. Nine years from now is not too far away, so how many of you think we’d be buying such gadgets?
The 13-inch concept tablet features a dedicated dock for mobile phones and other devices. When inserted, a visualization of the phone onscreen works in the same manner as would the device itself, permitting dialing, calling, texting, and other use. the loading of disk media or flash drives offers a similar intuitive functionality. Integrated charging eliminates the need for AC or outlet-specific adapters for these kinds of devices.
This device has been created by Japanese Born, Italy Based designer Sono Mocci. He defines the device as a combination tablet and data visualization interface with automatic battery charging and data syncing. Phones, memory cards, CDs, USB ports, and I/O cables can be plugged directly into the device, where they will show up as images on the touchscreen for easy manipulation and access.
Twitter has finalized its purchase of TweetDeck in a $40 million cash and stock deal. Although both Twitter and TweetDeck Refuse to comment on the same. Twitter has been known to either downplay third-party apps or acquire them. In the past, Twitter has scooped up popular Twitter iPhone app Tweetie, and partnered with photo add-on TwitPic as it launched its new interface.
In February, reports surfaced that UberMedia, the leading developer of apps and Web-based services for Twitter users and other social media platforms, was in talks to purchase Tweetdeck.
Intel announced on Wednesday that it has made a major breakthrough in advancing chip design. Up till today, all transistors on chips have been flat and 2 dimensional. The new technology has allowed Intel to build transistors upward, which has allowed them to squeeze more transistors into a chip, allowing them to keep up with Moore’s law.
The new technology, which is expected to make PC’s, Smartphones and Tablets faster will make its appearance next year when Intel shifts to 22 nanometer chips. The new chips using the 3D transistors will use less than half the power of traditional 2D chips, and will be as much as 37% faster than their current 32 nm chips. What this means is that Intel may now have an opportunity to work its way into the lucrative Smartphone and Tablet market, which has so far been the monopoly of ARM.
So you could have an Intel smartphone in your pocket in the next few years.
The company announced during its keynote that it’s giving away 5,000 Samsung-built developer “PCs” to attendees, and that will also include AT&T sponsored year of 3G service (2GB per month). Microsoft is calling every Windows 8 device a “PC,” even tablets.
