Tag: windows

AppGyaan [Must have apps!]

[tabgroup][tab title=”Android Apps”]

Theme Sense 4 CM9/AOKP (Rs 64)

For all those android users using a CyanogenMod 9 or AOKP ROM (Oh yes, we know), who want their phones to run HTC’s beautiful Sense 4.0 UI, here comes the app that you’d been waiting for! This theme from BlackDub imitates the new streamlined and functional interface to perfection. A must have for spicing up your phone.

The HTC Sense UI 4.0

JetAudio Basic (Free)

This is an app worthy of replacing the default music player on your Android Smartphones.

It comes with 32 equalizer presets that will provide a wide array of listening experience.
For those who would like to customize their own sound experience, it also allows 10 bands graphic equalizer and other advanced playback functions including playback speed control, crossfading, AGC and much more. It’s available for free on the Play Store.

There are multiple Presets and equalizer options.

[/tab]

[tab title=”iOS”]

SkyDrive (Free)

It comes as a shock, but Microsoft online storage service has been available for iOS users. The latest release adds a couple of new features such as support for Retina displays on the new share of apple devices. Features such as the option to upload multiple pictures and videos, sharing of these files via e-mail or web link help it to be the app of the week. The SkyDrive app also lets the user open files uploaded to SkyDrive using other iOS apps. So, if you fancy additional-based cloud storage, head to the iTunes store for the latest version.

Music Unlimited (Free Trial + subscription)

Yet another music streaming service, but this time, from Sony. It’s biggest advantage is that it is offered across a ton of Sony hardware-Android, PlayStation 3, PS Vita, and Sony TVs and Blu-ray players. It also boasts music from all the major labels, not just Sony’s own music division. If you’re interested, you can get a free 30-day trial.

The interface is smooth and flowing.

[/tab][tab title=”Windows Phone”]

WizTiles

This app makes it into the list because it brings the much needed option of customizing your home screen. You can choose from images and other themes to make your home screen more lively. It is available for download in the Windows Market Place.

Just the app many of us were waiting for!

[/tab][/tabgroup]

June 5, 2012
Dropbox adds automatic photo uploads for Windows and Mac : free 500 MB for using it each time

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.

[Dropbox]

April 28, 2012
Windows 8 Consumer preview hits one million Downloads in one Day

The Microsoft Windows 8 Consumer Preview went up just a day ago and has already hit the million download mark. Microsoft’s next major software update is built around the Windows 7 platform merged with the Live Tile – Metro UI of Windows Phone 7.

Although the downloads are 1 Million, it may not mean that 1 million people downloaded the software. Get yours in the link below.

Windows 8 Consumer Preview

March 2, 2012
Leaked : Nokia Lumia 610, priced at around Rs 11,000 in India.

Looks like information on the, due to be released today, Nokia Windows Phone Lumia 610 has been outed. The phones has a substantially lower end spec lineup but the price seems to be the attractive aspect of the device. Priced at a mere Rs. 11,000, the device is expected to change Nokia’s bad outlook in recent times and may also give a heavy boost to Windows Phone as an OS. The Lumia 610 will feature a 3.2-inch display and a 3 MP camera. It will also run Windows Phone Tango, running on just 256MB RAM.

The Phone is expected to be officially launched within the next 24 hours along with the global edition of Lumia 900 flagship smartphone from Nokia.

February 27, 2012
Nokia will bring two new Lumia devices at MWC 2012

Nokia is ready to step up to the Windows Phone Plate and is now readying a series of devices to announce at MWC in the coming days. Nokia is expected to launch two new Lumia phones with impressive specs during the conference. The first of the lot is expected to be a global version of the Lumia 900, the other is expected to be a budget friendly Nokia 610. More details when we get them.

[Reuters]

February 24, 2012
VLC Player gets to RC1 stage – Download links

Possible the most popular open-source video player that works cross platforms. VLC Player, has attained the much desired upgrade to version 2. Although still in its prime stage with the RC1 both Windows and Mac users will be greeted with a fresh new UI. Mac users will especially identify to the new Lion look styling. There’s also a new subtitle manager and support for multiple videos inside RAR files.

The iOS version is all set to be returned with a bang, whereas Android app gets a development update. The new VLC 2.0 RC1 is currently not available for Windows 64bit platform.

[VideoLAN]

February 14, 2012
Alienware launches X51 gaming mini PC , Dell to bring it to India
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.

[Dell]
January 18, 2012
Windows 8 Reset and Refresh options shown off!

Windows 8 is becoming more and more like the mobile counterpart. Windows 8 will offer a pair of similar features; ‘Reset your PC’ will allow you to remove all personal data, apps, and settings from the PC, and reinstall Windows, while ‘Refresh your PC’ enables your to keep all personal data, Metro style apps, and important settings from the PC, and reinstall Windows. This seems very convenient, especially for those who have often been bugged by crowded and laggy machines.

[MSDN]

January 6, 2012
Nokia Lumia arrives, boosts Windows Phone sales throughout the board.

Since the massive AD campaign by Nokia for the Lumia series and limited availability, Windows Phone 7.5 based devices have seen a massive boost across the board of HTC and grey market Samsung devices. ConsumerReports states that there has been a 40 % boost in sales of HTC Radar since the announcement of Nokia Lumia devices.

A major cause of this is the high price and almost no stock of the units, Nokia has pushed devices to Nokia priority dealers and are selling the Lumia phones at MRP. With still a few days till stock arrives at major retailers, Samsung is all set to announce the Omnia W today. Lets see if Nokia is actually able to turn around the Windows Phone OS in the Indian market.

December 19, 2011
Windows Phone 7.5 SMS bug found, requires a Hard Reset to fix

A new SMS bug has been found in the Windows Phone 7.5 devices, WP devices that receive a text containing a certain string of characters will reboot and return with a non-functional messaging client which can only be restored via a hard reset. The bug does not affect any particular device, but the OS. The funny bit is that the same bug message could be received via Facebook messenger or MSN messenger.

Android and iOS have had their fair list of SMS bugs, But never one that disables the messaging interface all-together.

December 16, 2011
HP is dubious about the past, Releases the new Slate 2 (PR)

Remember the HP Slate 500? Well we don’t either. Thats possibly because it never made it to consumers let alone India. But, HP plans to change that with the new HP Slate 2, the next version of the unpopular HP Slate 500.The device still remains mostly targeted at the enterprise level users, but will be available to the general public as well. The device still looks and feels the same with the same outer shell and an 8.9 ” display. The price however has been lowered to US $ 699 ( approx. INR 35,000/-) . The interior however is a bit changed, it packs Windows 7 with a HP UI on top, a Z670 Intel Atom processor and a smaller 32GB SSD. The added layer of security includes TPM circuitry and Computrace Pro for tracking lost or stolen laptops and then deleting the data remotely. The device goes on sale worldwide by the end of this month.

[toggle title_open=”HP Slate 2 Press Release” title_closed=”HP Slate 2 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”]HP Introduces Multitouch Slate Tablet PC for Business
PALO ALTO, Calif., Nov. 3, 2011 – HP today announced the HP Slate 2 Tablet PC with expanded touch capabilities, enhanced multitasking performance and embedded security, providing added flexibility to mobile business users.

The company also announced a new notebook PC targeting business, education and government customers.

The HP Slate 2 Tablet PC provides instant deployment for business and vertical markets such as education, healthcare, government and retail, where jobs frequently take users away from a traditional desk. With a full-featured Microsoft Windows® environment, the 1.5 pound HP
Slate 2 Tablet PC provides professionals with the flexibility to create, edit and review content on one highly mobile and lightweight device.

“HP is dedicated to the tablet PC category and continues to listen to customers and improve the product in ways that best address their business needs,” said Dan Forlenza, vice president and general manager, Commercial Managed IT Segment, HP. “The HP Slate includes the right mix of rich features, support for custom-built applications, and the security and connectivity needed for today’s highly mobile and rigorous day-to-day professional environment.”

The HP Slate 2 Tablet PC features an 8.9-inch diagonal capacitive multitouch display for touch and pen input plus includes a new Swype keyboard. The Swype applet enhances the touch experience with comfortable and efficient data entry via one continuous finger or stylus motion across the screen keyboard.

The HP Slate 2 Tablet PC comes with an Intel® Atom Z670 processor with mSATA SSM technology to deliver faster boot times, improved battery life of up to six hours and increased performance for business customers.

“The Slate Tablet PC’s combination of an Intel Atom processor and flash memory deliver excellent performance,” said Dr. Rick LeMoine of Sharp HealthCare in San Diego. ?I don’t know how they do it, but sometimes it seems to me that the Slate runs these applications faster than my desktop PC does.”

Additional hardware and software enhancements to the HP Slate 2 Tablet PC’s security and experience include:
– A TPM Embedded Security Chip protects data – from email to information on the hard drive.
– Embedded Security for HP ProtectTools provides user control and management of the TPM chip to increase secure user authentication, improved personal secure drive integrity, secure email and support protected digital certificate applications.
– BIOS support for Computrace Pro helps protect against data theft by allowing customers to remotely delete data at the file, directory or operating system level and keep confidential information more secure.
– Through a single user interface, HP Connection Manager offers easy control over wireless connections, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth® and optional integrated 3G Mobile Broadband for convenient internet and intranet access from more places around the world.

For remote workers, a front-facing VGA webcam enables videoconferencing, and a 3-megapixel camera on the back allows for still image and video capture. SRS Premium Sound provides optimized audio settings for voice and multimedia applications and an SD card slot allows for expanded storage and sharing capabilities. The HP Slate Dock provides device connection via two USB 2.0 ports and an HDMI port.

Flexible HP Slate solutions for business
The HP Slate 2 Tablet PC comes with optional additional accessories and business solutions including the HP Retail Mobile Point of Sale (POS) Case, which features an integrated magnetic stripe reader and barcode scanner for retailers. The case attaches to the HP Slate 2 and creates a secure portable POS solution that personalizes transactions, boosts productivity and sales, and integrates into existing application and hardware infrastructure. In addition, the HP Slate 2 helps retailers combine online and enterprise access to applications and services including task management workflows, inventory data and custom orders. The optional HP Slate Bluetooth® Keyboard and Case accessory is a new sleek, stylish executive-class carrying solution that bundles the HP Slate 2, a rechargeable Bluetooth keyboard, HP Slate Digital Pen, and ID, business, or credit cards inside a single case.

Lightweight business notebooks
Designed for mobile professionals, the HP 3115m offers up to 11.5 hours of battery life, flexible wireless capabilities, an 11.6-inch diagonal LED-backlit HD display, Beats Audio™ and a high-definition webcam for collaboration with peers. The new AMD E450 dualcore Fusion APU with AMD Radeon HD 6320 graphics provides greater performance than a netbook without weighing professionals down.

Pricing and availability
– The HP Slate 2 Tablet PC starts at $699 and is expected to be available worldwide later this month.
– The HP 3115m starts at $429 and is expected to be available Nov. 11 in the Americas only. More information about the products, including product specifications and images, is available at www.hp.com/personal.[/toggle]

November 3, 2011
Dropbox for multiple Users/Teams start at US$795 a year

Dropbox has just announced its plans for Dropbox for Team users. Starting at US$ 795 / Year for up to 5 users sharing a mere 1 TB of data (200GB x 5). We would rather off get our own server, But hey not everyone is capable of maintaining their own server. The price seems quite reasonable for enterprise applications, where there is more bulk to spend than required.T he business offering also includes special tools for administrators to add or delete users and dedicated phone support Check out the Full PR

[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”]Dropbox Now Open for Business

Dropbox Launches “Dropbox for Teams” With Administrative Controls and Plenty of Space

People Are Using Dropbox in Over One Million Businesses Globally

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – October 27, 2011 – Dropbox, a free service that lets people bring their documents, photos and videos everywhere and share them easily, today introduced Dropbox for Teams. More than 45 million people already depend on Dropbox, and with Dropbox for Teams, businesses can now experience the same ease-of-use along with new administrative controls, centralized billing, phone support, and plenty of space for everyone on the team.

“People in over a million businesses around the world trust Dropbox for its simplicity and reliability,” said Sujay Jaswa, vice president of business development and sales at Dropbox. “Now, Dropbox for Teams will give businesses the control and freedom to rethink how they work.”

How Dropbox for Teams Works

Dropbox for Teams delivers the same user experience as the free Dropbox service. Adding and updating files is as easy as saving any document, photo or video to the Dropbox folder. Changes sync immediately across all devices which have Dropbox installed. Dropbox is compatible with nearly every computer and smartphone operating system, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and BlackBerry.

With Dropbox for Teams, administrators get new features including centralized billing, phone support, and controls allowing them to add or delete users. Dropbox for Teams is priced at $795 annually for five
users, with additional seats available for $125 each. The base plan includes 1,000 GB of storage, and each additional seat comes with 200 GB.

Like Dropbox, Dropbox for Teams is a secure solution. Files are stored encrypted on Amazon S3 in secure data centers and also remain on users’ Dropbox-synced computers for added backup.

Visit www.dropbox.com/teams for more information.

About Dropbox

The mission of Dropbox is to simplify life for people around the world. Dropbox lets people bring their documents, photos and videos everywhere and share them easily. The service has more than 45 million
users in 175 countries saving one billion files every three days. Dropbox was founded in San Francisco in 2007 by Drew Houston and Arash Ferdowsi and has received a total of $257.2 million in funding.[/toggle]

October 31, 2011
OWC launches Mercury Extreme Pro 3G SSD, starting just $68 (PR)

OWC has announced its new budget 3G SSD lineup, latest 2.5-inch SSD, the 30GB variant of its Mercury Extreme Pro 3G series which has a 3GB/s transfer rate. The company claims that the drive is complaint with all OSs and will give sustained data rates throughout. The drives are on sale now, and the prices start at just US$ 68 or about INR 3000.

[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”]

OWC Announces Mercury EXTREME Pro 3G As Lowest Cost Of Entry In Award-Winning, Solid-State Drive Line

$67.99 MSRP SSD Ideal for ‘Supercharging’ Macs and PCs with Faster App and OS

Operation

September 27, 2011 Woodstock, IL — Other World Computing (OWC®) http://www.macsales.com, a leading zero emissions Mac® and PC technology company, announced today the addition of its lowest-cost- of-entry Solid-State Drive to its award-winning SSD line. The new OWC Mercury EXTREME™ Pro 3G SSD combines award-winning SandForce® technologies and Tier 1/Grade A NAND to deliver data rates over 275MB/s in a noiseless, more reliable form factor over conventional magnetic hard disk drives. Designed and manufactured in the U.S. with imported parts, the new OWC Mercury EXTREME Pro 3G 30GB SSD’s $67.99 MSRP makes it one of the lowest-priced, high-performance SSDs on the market.

Maximizes Any Computer’s 3G Data Bus

Consumers using a Mac or PC equipped with the Serial ATA data bus will find the OWC Mercury EXTREME Pro 3G 30GB is able to deliver near bus saturating speed. Independent tests have confirmed the OWC Mercury EXTREME 3G SSDs delivers sustained data rates over 275MB/s and provides significant benefits in overall system responsiveness and sustained workflow.

No Slow Down With Repeated Use

While ordinary SSDs initially offer fast read/write performance; they experience significant write speed degradation over repeated usage. Independent simulation tests conducted by leading drive performance experts like MacPerformanceGuide confirm OWC Mercury SSD’s ultra-efficient Block Management & Wear Leveling technologies are able to eliminate virtually any reduction in data transfer speeds over heavy, long-term usage without dependency on less-than-effective OS TRIM management.

Up To 100x Greater Data Protection

By utilizing SandForce DuraClass™ technology along with no moving parts, the OWC Mercury EXTREME Pro 3G provides an increase of up to 100x in data protection, compared to ordinary SSDs and leading enterprise-class hard disk drives. By combining the highest level of Error Correction Code (ECC) and SandForce RAISE™ (Redundant Array of Independent Silicon Elements) technology, along with 7 percent over provisioning, the OWC Mercury EXTREME Pro 3G provides RAID-like data protection and reliability without loss of transfer speed due to parity.

Risk-Free 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee

To ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction and confidence, the OWC Mercury EXTREME Pro 3G SSD comes backed by a 30-Day Money Back Guarantee. If consumers are not completely satisfied with their OWC SSD for any reason, they simply need to contact OWC’s award-winning Customer Service department – which offers 24/7 Live Chat support – to request a full, hassle-free refund.

“While small in capacity, this new 30GB model offers a huge performance boost in application and OS operation,” said Larry O’Connor, Founder and CEO, Other World Computing. “At its price point, you can’t beat its use as a boot and app load drive while offloading storage and backup duties to platter based drives.”

Includes Only Mac-Friendly Updater

While the OWC Mercury EXTREME 3G 30GB SSD comes with the latest SandForce firmware revision, it also includes the industry’s first and only Apple/Mac-compatible firmware updater should the firmware need to be updated in thefuture. The firmware updater eliminates the need for a PC, ownership of Windows or other operating system, or the creation of a specially designated drive partition that other brand SSD updaters have required. For more information onOWC’s proprietary firmware updater, visit:http://eshop.macsales.com/tech_center/OWC/SSD

Adapters From $3 Offer Easy Install In 3.5″ Drive Bays

Desktop users wanting to experience the performance benefits of an OWC Mercury SSD can choose from one of five adapters OWC offers starting at $3 for utilizing 2.5″ drives in 3.5″ bays. For an overview of these to determine which adapter can meet particular needs, visit http://blog.macsales.com/11999-drive-adapters-galore%E2%80%94which-is-the-right-one-2

Pricing, Availability

Compatible with Macs, PCs and external enclosures that utilize 2.5″ drives, the OWC Mercury EXTREME 3G 30GB SSD is available now from Other World Computing as well as through select retailers. The $67.99 MSRP drive features 7% over provisioning, Tier 1/Grade A NAND, and a three-year warranty. For more information on the OWC

Mercury EXTREME 3G 30GB SSD, including reseller inquires, visit: http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/SSDMX030/

Industry’s Most Comprehensive SSD Line for Macs and PCs

The new OWC Mercury EXTREME 3G 30GB model joins OWC’s existing line of performance-leading, world record-breaking ‘3G’ (3Gb/s) and ‘6G’ (6Gb/s) Mercury SSDs available for nearly every Mac and PC produced over the past decade in capacities from 30GB to 480GB starting from $67.99. For more information on the complete OWC Mercury

SSD line, including expert benchmark reviews, visit: http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/SSD/OWC/. For more information on the OWC catalog of over 2,900 performance upgrades and accessories, or for reseller inquires, visit: http://eshop.macsales.com/

[/toggle]

[Other World Computing]

September 29, 2011
ALL Existing Windows Phone 7 Devices to get the official Mango Update within 2 weeks

According to Microsoft’s official Windows Phone Blog, the Windows Phone 7 Mango Update should be available to all existing WP7 devices within another week or two. The Windows Team indicates it won’t be pushed to your phone OTA when the time comes, so you’ll need updated versions of the Zune for PC or Windows Phone 7 Connector for Mac installed on your computer.

Looks like this time around the Update may come out the same day, unlike with No-Do when it was over several weeks.

September 22, 2011
iTwin’s filesharing USB officially allows Mac OS and Windows to share files.

The new iTwin USB dongles allow users to share files via USB between Mac and PC, now with Apple’s blessings. iTwin is a double-sided splittable USB plug that allows you to remotely access files over the web under AES encryption with 256-bit secure coding. it will work between all combinations of 2 PC, 1 Mac 1 PC and 2 Macs.

Price is INR 5000 or US $ 99.

Check out official video below!

September 21, 2011