Samsung Debuts Galaxy S 4 Smartphone

With hundreds waiting in line and hundreds of thousands watching online, Samsung unveiled the flagship smartphone in its lineup, the Galaxy S4, at what seemed to be the center of the universe ,Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

If Apple has long been renowned for throwing spectacular events, Samsung proved itself equal to the task. Where Apple relied on the sheer charisma and magnetic personality of Steve Jobs in a black turtleneck, Samsung went for pizzazz, enlisting the talent of a myriad of dancers, a full orchestra and extravagant sets, at one point, a car was suspended sideways in midair , during the highly choreographed event. 

Radio City was packed with not just the media but also fans of the new kid on the block.

Samsung wasted little time before revealing its new flagship phone, accompanied with the tagline, “life companion.” More than just a smartphone, Samsung pushed the idea that the new Galaxy S4 is a constant friend, a willing companion and able assistant.

"For each of us, life is a journey. What you want is a device that can help us on the journey,” Samsung's CEO JK Shin said on stage later adding that “We will make life richer, simpler, and fuller.” (Shin proved himself a showman as well, though perhaps no Jobs; he appeared as several different characters throughout the hour-long, staged unveiling event.)

The smartphone will be available at the end of April in 155 countries, although Samsung did not reveal the price yet. Sprint immediately announced plans to carry the device, though it did not say when. 

“Sprint is excited to bring the benefit of Truly Unlimited 4G LTE data to the U.S. variant of Galaxy S 4 in the second quarter of this year,” Fared Adib, senior vice president of product development, said in a statement.

As expected, the phone is best in class against most quantifiable measures.

“It’s slimmer, yet stronger,” Shin said, who at one point appeared on stage dressed in full costume. The new phone is visually almost identical to its predecessor, the SIII, but slightly larger with a 5-inch 1080p AMOLED screen and a 13-megapixel camera, all of which is enclosed in a polycarbonate case that comes in white and black. It feels thin yet solid in the hand, and the screens transitioned smoothly and looked sharp.

The S4 is powered by a 1.9-Ghz processor, 2GB of RAM, and 4G LTE, running on a 2,600-mAh removable battery.

Samsung emphasized more “human” modes of interaction through eight sensors, including infrared “air” gesture and eye-tracking, enabling users to manipulate the device without actually touching it. 

An advanced touchscreen accepts input even with gloves on. The phone can also detect the temperature, humidity and your heartbeat.

More than impressive specs, Samsung showed off a plethora of new software features that includes instant translation, pictures with sound, and numerous TouchWiz updates. Samsung wants the Galaxy S4 to be central to your interconnected life, allowing seamless interaction with the cloud and also the ability to control your television or car. S-Health can then tell you how many calories you’ve burned and detect your sleeping patterns.

In the end, however, the S4 appears to be a continued evolution more than revolution. While every category appears to have been improved, there’s nothing that resoundingly screams “breakthrough,” despite the energy of the event, which was at once enthusiastic but sometimes also awkward. It also remains to be seen whether users embrace the mountain of new features.

But what is clear is that Samsung has once again raised the bar, leaving no stone unturned for the next generation of the world’s most popular Android phone, and will put further pressure on Apple with a new flagship that more or less lives up to expectations.

Updates To Angry Birds 365 Adds To Angry Birds 365

Star War fevers are grabbing the gamers all over the world and the fever is riding high now with the latest updates to Angry Birds 365, “Escape from Hoth”.

The latest update is now available for PC, Mac, iOS, as well as the Android Google play as well. 

According to sources, the game will be available to more platforms in the coming days.

What makes the update special is that it introduces final 20 levels of Hoth. 

The game play does not actually take place in the Hoth but on an asteroid field nearby.

“Our walkthroughs are live and can be found on the Hoth page”, comments one of the designer experts who is a member of the team that developed the new update.

 “Two new bonus levels are Star Level 8 that requires 480 stars and Droid 7 that is hidden somewhere within the 20 levels”, the designer went on to elaborate further about the updates.

Gaming enthusiasts however may consider having a copy of the guide for bonus levels that has been recently updated to include the new updates introduced in Angry Birds 365.

In the process, several new features have been added to the already popular game. 

An example is the six new character icons that now finds place in the gaming zones. Providers have declared already that they would be updating their posts and guides regarding the characters shortly. 

This would be necessary because players may be in a fix to know things like whether the great power boost received by Chewie would be retroactive.

Providers of  Angry Birds star wars are however not content at providing these updates alone as they plan to come up very soon with the “Teaser Planet”. Yet the updates already made are no mean achievement with 20-level boost as well as a new boss.

In their own words the updates have been described as follows. 

“After the epic Battle of Hoth, the Rebel Birds have barely escaped the ice planet with the Pigtroopers in close pursuit! 

There’s an asteroid field close by that could provide some cover… but watch out, there’s more to it than meets the eye!”

All said and done; many experts feel that the Angry Birds 365 are worth download especially for those who have not tried their hands on it as yet. Interesting part of the game is that it combines all the best features of angry bird games together giving it a comprehensive up front.  

Add to this the fact that the update costs almost nothing and is a very nice addition to boost an already enjoyable game and the new form of the game will become even more desirable.

Another feature that many gamers of  Angry Birds 365 may find interesting is the introduction of new enemies called the Mynock Pigs meant to be cut into pieces with the light saber and rest birds. 

The game has been now made compatible to Windows 8 phone as well.

Additional Features of Google Chrome Making It More User Friendly

Google Chrome is perhaps the best internet browser, in comparison to those of Mozilla or Microsoft. 

Performance of JavaScript and browsing speed are certainly higher in Chrome than any of its counterpart. 

However, Google Chrome has the ability to perform even faster provided the user makes certain favorable adjustments.

Optimized web browsing experience can be achieved through utilizing various experimental options provided in the browser – Chrome. 

They even use the GPU and CPU to provide faster web browsing experience.

In order to prove its worth, some of the features of Chrome have been described, along with the nature of adjustments to be made, in order to experience real power of the exquisite browser. 

Experts are also of the opinion that with such changes made in Chrome browser on the desktop users would certainly have an added edge.

Several crucial options are usually buried under the menu of Chrome for security reasons. 

They prevent browsers from accidentally mismanaging the browser. 

However, the functional prospective of such controls are described here.

Hidden experimental zone of Chrome

Any user can access the hidden options of the browser and experiment with various activities. 

The browser should be launched in order to check out the vitalities of such experimentation.

A user would be able to jump into a page that contains a series of options that can directly affect browsing quality and performance. Any user can access the page by launching Chrome and typing chrome://flags/ in the designated address field.

Extension of power

Installing the latest version of Chrome would provide an array of applications for the browser. 

Such extensions are certainly designed to make Chrome more efficient, leaner and even meaner than before.

In addition to these, FastestChrome also helps in adding time saving tools to the browser. 

Display feature by a pop-up bubble with option to search for a keyword in four different search engines is definitely an added advantage over any other contemporary browser.

Installing Chrome Toolbox helps in accessing multiple bookmarks through a single click. It even helps in avoiding re-typing, provides advantage of image magnifying and even accessing videos directly from the browser.

Extension of Google Quick Scroll would help users to snoop down into search items over the internet. The extension would definitely help to get a highlighted preview of searched text. 

Clicking on the box would take the user directly to the searchable item over the internet.

Flip switches

Google’s Chrome browser even presents flags menu with a list of options where experiments can be made. 

A few of the listed options interfere with performance of the browser.

The option of ‘override software rendering list Windows, Mac, Chrome, Linux OS’ helps to override the in-built software of Chrome and permits acceleration of GPU on unsupported configurations of various systems. 

Running GPU drivers would help to minimize loading period of videos and games.

Managing the option of ‘GPU accelerated SVG Filters Windows, Chrome, Linux, Mac OS’ can even lead to speeding up the process of loading any webpage. 

Successful loading of heavy webpages using effects of visual filter and heavier drop shadows at a quicker rate can be managed through this option.

In addition to these, even several other options would definitely help in experiencing better and faster service of Chrome that would eventually help it to become the most user-friendly browser of the world.

Microsoft Gearing for Better Marketing of Surface

Microsoft is heading for a fresh re-start and re-define its strategies for marketing Surface tablets and come up with new models and series of products under the head. 

With this move, they are hoping to be able to woo consumers and push the market towards the new Windows 8 powered touch-screen devices. 

Surface will be lined-up in various fronts including wider range of availability, increased number of model variation, revamped and broader range of production.

However, with a view towards acceptability of the product by the consumers all over the world, as noticed with official launch of the device last year, experts are giving a second thought to the plan made so far by Microsoft. 

Lower sales of Surface just after launch fueled the rumors that Microsoft had slashed production of the device.

A transcript revealed by Seeking Alpha provides information that Peter Klein, chief financial officer of the company, has quoted on Microsoft’s Q2 earnings. Accordingly, he had said that the company is going to expand its boundaries, launching new Surface line-up. 

They are planning a better product line-up and even taking extensive steps for expanding capacity and retail distribution of Surface. With these up gradations in the line-up of the product and strategic marketing policy, Microsoft is eying to hit the tablet market with a bang.

The chief financial officer also mentioned many times that sales of Surface devices contributed a major share in getting Microsoft’s revenue growth to eleven percent. 

This shows the nature of the demand of such gadgets in the market.

Highlighting Microsoft’s failure

In response to slashing of production of the new range by Microsoft, Klein retorted that they were unable to deliver the product at many such instances. 

This clearly shows Microsoft’s intent to distance itself from any information regarding slashing the production rate of Surface tablets.

Another important factor that might have led to constraints faced by Microsoft points towards the rules of accounting related to promotion of the up graded version of Windows 8 operating software. 

They have even acknowledged the fact regarding their inability to meet the demands of consumers and have missed out an important opportunity to prove themselves as a better manufacturer of tablets and notebooks with touch-screen facility.

According to the viewpoint of Microsoft, OEMs has so far been able to utilize the high-priced spectrum. 

This might be the real cause resulting to failure of building touch-based quality devices in a large quantity. 

Past failure to utilize better price of spectrum and low-priced touch-based advanced systems are posing threat to OEM, in their highly cherished mission of re-furbishing a favorable market of the said devices with an affordable price.

Analysts’ depiction and Microsoft’s strategies

Analysts have made estimation that sales record of Surface RT by Microsoft had been around one million, in the first quarter of its launch period. 

They are also expecting sales to get nudged up in the coming quarter in case they take initiatives to expand distribution of the Surface series to thirteen more countries in Europe. 

Microsoft’s effort to come up with its tablet range showcases only one aspect that the company is using to slice out Windows 8 OEMs. 

It is even argued that they are planning to something bigger than that and are way ahead to come up with varieties of touch-screen gadgets of various price range.

Peter Klein has also claimed that they have noticed great demand of Surface and other touch-screened gadgets in the market of recent times. 

This has compelled them to bounce back into this sphere, with total control this time. 

However, he even added that due to high demand they are not always able to fulfill customers’ wishes.

Klein further added that Microsoft is working in close ties with OEMs for ensuring that they would be able to produce great touch-screen oriented gadgets in affordable prices, without compromising with their quality. 

They are even trying to come up with devices with special features that would suite a variety of requirements of individuals in an unique manner.

However, Klein stressed on the price factor and features of the gadgets that drives customer-interest in any consumable product of the market. 

On the other hand, taking cue from the previous disaster made by Microsoft Corp., experts are not assured whether the company would be able to re-launch its next venture with Surface tablets and regain the market.

Google Sees Strong Growth In Chromebook Sales

With a majority of mobile devices being sold in the market powered by its Android Operating system, Google could have never been this happy. 

But its quest for dominating the PC market with its Chrome OS is even stronger.

Acer’s announcement that Chromebooks account for 8 per cent of their U.S shipments, slightly more than its Windows based laptops is good news for Google. 

Its long and hard push towards making Chrome from just a browser based to a stand alone OS is reaping rewards.

The war of words had started between Acer and Microsoft regarding the Surface RT device with Acer’s CEO JT Wang insisting that “it would create a negative impact for the ecosystem, causing considerable damage to other brands”. 

This has gone a step further with Acer’s President Jim Wong declaring that its only Chromebook model Acer C7, priced at $199  is more successful than its Windows 8 based Aspire One. 

This was in just two months after the launch of Acer’s Chromebooks. This reach is seen as encouraging for Google as the promotions for Chromebook have not been as broad as the ones featuring Windows 8 devices.

Support from Vendors

Others vendors like Samsung, Lenovo are also coming up with their own versions of Chromebooks. These include Samsung Series 5 Chromebook, Lenovo ThinkPad Chromebook, HP Pavilion Chromebook etc. In just two weeks since launch, Samsung Chromebook is the best selling laptop on Amazon’s online store followed only by Apple Macbook and Windows 8 based Toshiba Satellite Laptops.Adding to this is the news from Asus. The Taiwanese vendor reported strong Q3 profits based on brisk sales of Google Nexus 7 tablet. The profit rose by 43 percent to $230 million due to this.

Move towards Google Chrome

While Google has constantly and steadily improved on its Chrome and Android offerings, the move by PC makers to turn towards Chrome is not only due to this.

Microsoft has got no one to blame except itself for driving PC makers towards Google Chrome. 

This started after it caused anger among vendors by deciding to build its own Windows 8 tablets, and also pinning the blame on them for disappointing sales of Windows 8.

Another reason causing discontent among vendors is the fact that Microsoft and its partner Intel have made Windows 8, a costly affair. 

The hardware requirements are turning out to be unreasonably expensive for consumers.

The Cost Factor

Though Chrome based laptops have long been considered niche

“only for specific audience” since launch in 2011, the favourable factor has been the price point. Google has positioned Chromebook laptops as an alternative to expensive laptops powered by Windows.

Since Chromebooks are Linux based and more web friendly, it has been widely accepted both in schools and business enterprises as an alternative. 

The cost of owning a Chrome based device is much lower than Windows powered devices. 

Microsoft cannot be competing with Chromebooks on the price factor as the licensing cost for Windows Operating System, both Windows 8 and Windows RT has been one of the main reasons for driving up the costs.

Wider Acceptability

Google has started to air Ads on Chromebook to raise awareness among consumers. T

his is a positive step towards making Chromebook acceptable for a wider audience than earlier. With more time being spent on the Internet, Chromebook would definitely find more takers.

It remains to be seen how Google reaches out to people who prefer Mac and Windows powered devices for all their needs. 

This has been mainly due to the fact that Chrome is still not preferred by those who need computing power, and those who need software installed for their daily business needs.

Once the awareness about Chrome and its computing capabilities increase, Google can look forward to giving a tough competition to Microsoft Windows and gain a strong foothold in the PC market. 

The support from the hardware vendors for this cause will only increase in the days to come.

As Acer’s Wong puts it, “Windows 8 itself is still not successful. 

The whole market didn’t come back to growth after the Windows 8 launch. That’s a simple way to judge if it is successful or not”.

Microsoft released Office 2013

Microsoft has opened the New Year with a bang. 

It has launched a new Office suite and this is great news for all those who have been teased enough by the Time To365 campaign on Twitter, the past few days.

Gotham City – Launch Pad

As Microsoft launched, Office 2013 in New York City’s Bryant Park on January 29, it was initially available as a RTM version in October 2012, with a downloadable preview version also present.

The re-designed and improved Office suite is said to contain features suited for supporting cloud computing and services, touchscreens and the buzzing, social networking space. 

The best part is, it can run on Windows RT based devices even though it was designed primarily for the Windows 8 platform.

Subscribing to Office

Microsoft has also used Office 2013 to introduce a new subscription-based Office 365 Home Premium version. 

This version is easily downloadable and can be installed locally. 

Users will be paying about $100 a year for the Home Premium version of Office 365 and $150 for the Small Business Premium version. 

This also signals the chance of policy from the earlier pay once for installing in one machine concept.

The $100 subscription is being offered as a bundle. 

This involves running Office 2013 in five computers, including Macs and 60 minutes of free calls on Microsoft Skype and up to 20 GB of extra cloud space on SkyDrive.

The Home Premium tag will ensure access to Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, OneNote, Access and Publisher and their installation on up to five computers. 

The Small Business Premium edition would include access to InfoPath and Lync, in addition to the Home Premium privileges.

The boxed version for retail sale is to cost $140 for the Home and Student edition, $220 for Office Home & Business and $400 for the Office Professional edition.

Improved Office Suite

The new Office 2013 is loaded with more cloud based features than the older versions. 

This includes an option to save files directly to its SkyDrive cloud service.

Microsoft has been working real hard to equip Office with various features to keep its 1 billion users happy. 

These include a plan to constantly update Office periodically with newer features. 

This means that Office 2013 will be constantly updated with features instead of waiting for the next updated version of Office, as was the case earlier.

Support for Third Party Apps

Microsoft is also trying to improve the apps available for Office, by creating an app store for enabling developers to share their innovations. 
The ability of apps to incorporate real time data could come in handy and can eventually be shared with all Office users and improve overall usability.

Next-Gen Connectivity

The most promising aspect of the Office 2013 has to be the connectivity part. 

The new office suite enables constant connection to the cloud through the SkyDrive service of Microsoft. 

This eases sharing and collaborating with others to a great extent. It even will indicate if the shared document is being edited and the person can be reached via Microsoft Skype or IM, all this without leaving the application!

Office 2013 will also enable Excel tables with real time live data, constantly updated PowerPoint slide templates, and of course, Word Docs containing videos from You Tube.

Lack of Support

Given the fact that consumers are constantly looking at diverse products, the chances of Microsoft losing market share to rivals is bright. The Google Apps suite is one such example.

With competitors closely following up with innovative and low cost business software offerings, it is high time Microsoft chose to think about extending Office applications across platforms. 

This should start with work towards making Office suite of applications available for Apple iOS and Google Android powered devices. Integrating support in Office for its recent acquisitions, Yammer and Skype, could also augur well for the Windows maker by providing a constant source of revenue.

The ever increasing popularity of Android and Apple iOS powered devices, should make Microsoft rethink its strategy towards enabling Office for other platforms. Its Numero Uno position, courtesy Windows OS, is always under threat.

Microsoft Takes Steps to Upgrade Tools For IE

Microsoft has finally taken steps to upgrade its internet browser after facing stiff competition from counterparts like Mozilla and Google.

However, it will still be wrong to say that Microsoft was unperturbed with introduction of advanced browsers over the past few years.

The company went on to test several versions of Internet Explorer, but was unable to overcome the dominance of its competitors in the market. 

With its ambitious project of Windows 8 coming to the surface, Microsoft is leaving no stone unturned in order to revive its fading glory.

The company has even undertaken a campaign under ‘Browser You Love to Hate’, in order to provide important information regarding special features of their latest version of Internet Explorer.

It is becoming quite a challenge for Internet Explorer to stand up to its competitors and prove itself as a leading browse in the market.

Many websites are simply not supported by it. Lack of upgrading by Microsoft has a major role to play for this purpose.

In recent times, users are switching to counterparts like Chrome by Google and Mozilla for better experience in internet surfing.

Even Opera has launched an advanced browser and has even announced to come up with other upgraded features in coming days.

This has led Microsoft to look for alternative avenues to either provide compatible and advanced browser of IE or launch several tools for helping web-developers in their quest.

There are even older versions of IE browser by Microsoft that is even not compatible with Windows 7 OS also.

Apathy towards quick up gradation of IE has cost the company a lot, losing a loyal customer base who has switched to other browsers that are doing the needful.

On their mission to regain market, Microsoft has finally taken up the task to introduce newer tools that would prove to be beneficial for various companies in testing out compatibility of their website with the latest browser.

These tools of latest Internet Explorer, is said to entice modern web developers, and even help in making compatible websites.

According to General Manager of IE, Ryan Gavin, Microsoft is on its mission to help the web surge forward and allow web developers to spend crucial time in undertaking innovations regarding the process, rather than only testing.

The tools are an essential armory for developers that would help in this process.

He even added that Microsoft has found out that their customers are finding it difficult to continue their association with the older versions of their browser, since many advanced and faster browsers have entered into the arena.

Utility of the tools

In order to promote the latest internet browser, Microsoft launched a website ‘modern.IE’.

As a promotional strategy, Microsoft even collaborated with a service of browser testing with BrowserStack.

It is an arrangement made for assisting website developers and helps them in testing websites on any browser, supported by Windows.

Microsoft has released an official declaration citing that the advanced tools featured in their new site will prove to be beneficial for web-developers in ensuring that their sites would work effectively over Internet Explorer and any other browser of modern age.

The tools provided also include one for scanning purpose.

It is said that developers would find it useful in determining compatibility factor of any webpage on Internet Explorer, by simply entering the page’s URL.

They will also be able to access virtual testing tools supported by Firefox, Chrome and even Max operating systems and test the website from them, directly and consider compatibility with IE.

Future plans

According to recent information, Microsoft has still not been able to deliver an RTW version of IE10 compatible to Windows 7.

They have declared that crucial tests of IE10 for Windows 7 are going on for over a year.

Microsoft has even provided certain blocker toolkits compatible with other updated versions of their internet browsers.

In case these tools are not installed, the browser would be able to upgrade itself automatically whenever an advanced version is launched.

Microsoft is trying their best to bring out an updated IE10 compatible to Windows 7.

A late yet an effective movement taken by Microsoft was highly essential for the company, which is turning out to lose its crucial market in various respect.

Perhaps it is time that Microsoft adopts timely and faster measures in future to look into such crucial details for maintaining a sovereign position in global market.

Ferris Comes As a Boon to Developers of Google App Engine

Development of custom application in Google App Engine is reported to be simplified with release of Python framework, an open source.

The company, Cloud Sherpas, which plays a major role in business implementing services related to cloud computing, released the open source framework on Thursday.

The Director of development of application at Cloud Sherpas, Tim Lockyear, confirmed the report over a telephone interview.

He informed that the team was working to develop software that would make creation of custom app engine projects easier, in addition to help interacting with Google Apps. 

Advanced software, Ferris, described to be a Python framework, would be useful to accelerate development process of Google App Engine.

The new software is named after an honorable character of work-avoiding protagonist from the film ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Since 2007, Cloud Sherpas has boosted over three thousand customers.

They have even projected to incur revenue worth $100 million in this current year.

They deal in businesses that help various companies in deploying services related to cloud computing like those of Saleforce.com and Google Apps.

During 2012, Cloud Sherpas was loosing many opportunities to develop custom applications that were being presented through enterprise clients, since there were fewer tools for accelerating the projects related to Google App Engine.

The service was hit due to non-availability of advanced tools that are highly necessary to develop custom applications for App Engine.

Such a situation resulted in longer duration and increase in cost of production of such applications that various clients were able to offer. 

Characteristics of Ferris, the software to simplify app development According to the Director, Tim Lockyear, Ferris helps to provide a platform preventing developers to engage in redundant job related to wiring of application components.

He even stated that Google Apps help to provide content and collaborative creation tools but does not incorporate flow of work or process of business applications.

Furthermore, the director even stressed on the fact that Ferris, of Cloud Sherpa would come in handy for Quality Distribution Inc., (QDI).

The software would help the logistics company regarding delivery and ticketing system, and even updating its pick up through an application of Android tablet.

According to the vice president of IT at QDI, Cliff Dixon, the resultant application has proved to be useful for providing real-time package tracking to the customers, that too through a paper-less process.

He even mentioned the importance of such application software in providing timely delivery.

Accordingly, Ferris has played a vital role to help the company achieve an acclaimed position in the business regarding app development, over the last year.

Even Lockyear has rubbished the idea of letting away such an impressive application away, in the coming days.

The application framework would turn out to be of great value for the general market.

Experts are keeping their fingers crossed regarding total usage of its utilities by most of the big players in the market of application development.

Ferris would trigger momentum in the process of programming App Engine more swiftly and would even contribute in its development in the new future.

Obama Administration Moving to Amend Provisions for ‘Unlocking’ Mobile Phones

The administration under President Obama is planning for reversal of a new prohibition related to unlocking mobile phones.

The move was taken after a protest movement over the internet that drew over 1-lakh signatures.

Legal banning to unlock new phones is a federal crime.

Consumers cannot unlock their mobile phones for using a different wireless network without taking the permission to do so from their present carrier.

Various groups, protecting public interest, have come forward to oppose the ban on unlocking.

Such a legal provision would leave a consumer to buy new phones whenever he or she would need to switch wireless carriers.

On the other hand, unlocking phones also increases resalable quality of second hand devices, after completion of the contract with original service provider.

The ban imposes legal fine and imprisonment in case any one is found to tamper with the phone devices for making them compatible to access various service networks.

Former staff or House Republican Study Committee, Derek Khanna, has put forward several factors in support of ban reversal.

He argued that the ban violets rights of property by an owner.

After completion of the contract with the service provider, customers can do whatever they want with the gadgets, since they are the sole owners of the devices.

Imposing banning on unlocking by the state means infringement upon constitutional freedom and right of consumers.

The ban on unlocking mobile gadgets has its roots in Section 1201 of Digital Millennium Copyright Act, stating that no one should be allowed to circumvent technological measures that prove effective to control access to any protective work.

Response from Obama administration

The administration under President Obama has announced that they believe unlocking of phones should be made legal. According to a senior Advisor for Internet, Innovation and Privacy, R. David Edelman, no law can challenge a consumer for switching phone networks after the contract expires. Edelman further added that the administration under Obama would certainly support various approaches to address the issue. This would even include several narrow legislative fixes over the space of telecommunication. Response to the move Various groups have welcomed such a move that hints towards protecting consumers’ rights. Vice President of Legal Affairs at Public Knowledge, Sherwin Siy, stated that the administration has finally recognized important problems that tend to tread upon rights of a consumer, while using their own products. Congress Librarian, James H. Billington has even decided to place e three-month-window to allow consumers unlock new gadgets. However, expiration of the window two months back had made the process of unlocking illegal. However, a senior Vice President General Counsel of wireless industry group CTIA, Michael Altschul mentioned that reversal of the legal ban is unnecessary since customers can choose over innumerable options provided to them. They can choose their favorite carrier network supported phones or even purchase an unlocked version of mobile gadgets at lower prices. They can even enter into a contract with their favorite service provider before accessing the service. In spite of various sections hailing this ban reversal, the move by the government will have a tremendous impact on the market since the state s divided in the matter.

Apple Expected To Launch iOS Supported iWatch

Apple is said to be gearing to launch its much - anticipated iWatch this year.

However, sources are of the view that the device would aim to possess certain health indicators, like health-related sensors and pedometer.

According to Bloomberg Jony Ive, designer of Apple, has tremendous fascination for watches.

The Verge has also reported that Apple is planning to launch a full version iOS device, but added that they are yet to overcome certain problems with the battery.

 According to various trusted sources, Apple was really in its venture to come up with a revolutionary iWatch with various advantages.

Ever since the report rolled out last month, experts have certainly looking towards revelation of the device by the company.

In fact, Bloomberg has even reported that the suggested iWatch is merely one of the upcoming wearable gadgets that Apple is planning to present this world.

Reports of Bloomberg also suggest that Apple is presently trying to rework the entire iOS system for the watch, rather than merely incorporating the functions of newly released touch-feature oriented iPod nano.

Nilay Patel of Verge has also reported that Apple might be experimenting to come up with a cross product line associated with the patented operating system of iOS.

Information of such features to be included in the upcoming gadget of Apple has really turned huge expectation among various experts and consumers throughout the world.

Experts also believe that Apple is going to present a utility gadget, rather than merely producing an iOS operated watch.

 Features of upcoming iWatch, according to various sources

Bloomberg has revealed that the highly anticipated device would not be just running on iOS, but have extensive useful and utility features.

Apple is designing the gadget, making it worthy to compete with certain existing products like fitbit and Nike FuelBand.

Rumors are also doing rounds that the device would feature a pedometer, like that of iPod nano and additional sensors to detect human health.

Sources have also revealed that experts at Apple are facing certain difficulty regarding the battery operation of the fully iOS supported iWatch.

Accordingly, the battery is currently delivering service for a couple of days, while Apple is working on the matter to increase its power for a few more days.

They are on a mission to upgrade the quality of battery and expecting it to work for at least 4 or 5 days.

According to Verge, Apple has deployed a team of more than a hundred engineers to come up with a solution regarding the challenges related to life expectancy of battery of the upcoming product.

According to rumor mills, Apple is planning to inculcate a technology of supercapacitor for the battery of the upcoming wonder device.

This would certainly not increase the life expectancy of the batteries, but would empower it to get fully charged within a few seconds.

Apart from this, it is also possible that the device would feature radio.

However, it is very unlikely that it would support 3G or 4G network just like the iPhones.

The iWatch is even said to feature an attractive LED screen with red or blue backlit facility.

Samsung Releases Android Powered Refrigerator

Samsung is revamping its strategy to become world’s leading company, releasing products of technical marvel.

Its latest gift to the consumer this year is pioneered with an innovative refrigerator that claims to run on advanced Android Jelly Bean.

The refrigerator is even equipped with a Wi-Fi enabled ten-inch touchscreen, on its door.

 World’s first Android enabled refrigerator is reportedly to be available at a price of $3,999.

For now, all Android supported applications cannot be installed in the product.

Yet, refrigerator T9000, from Samsung electronics, is said to run a number of applications that helps its user to browse variety of recipes, manage the duration of expiration of different perishable food items such as, milk, yogurt etc., and even make list for shopping.

For people who find it hard to keep track of their food’s expiration date, an application of Android refrigerator will help them in following the expiration date of such perishable products.

Apart from these advantages, the user can also use applications like that of Epicurious and Evernote.

These dedicated applications, enabled in the said Android installed refrigerator to search for innumerable recipes and even note them down on the screen and memory of the revolutionary device.

The multi-purpose display screen even provides the user with information such as weather reports, current news updates and even inputs from Twitter accounts.

It even displays integrated Google calendars, by replacing hand-written ones.

The advanced system is even programmed to display photo slides according to user’s preference.

Vice President of Samsung, dealing with division of home appliance at Canada, Warner Doell, is right when he attributes the technical marvel as a hub of kitchen and family.

Since refrigerators constitute an essential part of a kitchen, upgrading its operating nature for betterment of kitchen-management is absolutely necessary.

With such an innovative refrigerator, users now-a-day need not to carry their tablet or other internet-facilitated gadgets into their kitchen for screening through new recipes.

In addition to these facilities, Android applications of Evernote and Epicurious will surely provide their useful contribution.

According to vice president, Doell, the Android powered refrigerator will definitely help the users in a leading manner.

They can enter the ingredients that they have in the refrigerator into the application which would thereby search over the internet and show some of the tastiest recipes that can be produced with them.

Another important characteristic that the refrigerator provides is the shopping list created on the screen of the device can be easily transferred to the smartphones and tablets for carrying them to the grocery stores.

The vice president of Samsung home appliance division of Canada even mentioned that the modern era would evolve as a period of converging technology across every category of product, binding them into a single platform of operating software.

Samsung is making its way into this genre and taking measures to lead the world in this arena of technical revolution.

How can the Android powered refrigerator helpful in the present world of smartphones and tablets?

There are such so many advanced technical gadgets of smartphones, tablets and other upcoming devices for accessing internet in order to get innumerable recipes and other ingredients for making tasty dishes.

Yet, the advent of such Android powered and internet accessing application oriented refrigerator has resulted in questioning their relevance by many experts.

Warner Doell has countered this argument with his visionary structure of future world.

He may be right when he urged that the device might look as an unrealistic hi-end product at this age; however, it would surely be regarded as a necessary product in the coming years.

Technical advancement and human being’s dependence on technology was never the same in recent past, as it is of now.

Android refrigerator will certainly be useful in easing setting’s management of several features regarding temperature and other preferences of user.

The vice president even stressed on the fact that this Android featured refrigerator is a path-breaking equipment that would eventually lead to encroachment of such advanced operating software into other home appliances like air conditioners, lighting etc., in the near future.

In such a case, it is rightly concluded that refrigerator T9000 (android powered) is a vital invention that would become a delight for the modern generation who loves to use technology for their convenience.

Apple Should Upgrade iPhone5 for Greater Customer Satisfaction

After leading the market of smartphones for a long period Apple seems to be lagging behind in customer satisfaction, with launching of Google’s Android.

Market research has clearly found out customers dissatisfaction regarding iPhone 5 in comparison to Samsung Galaxy Note II.

Although the hardware quality has improved drastically, but it is unable to match qualities regarding software when Android is taken into account.

According to reports, unavailability of timely updates of software involved is a major cause for Android, although it has ensured greater customizability.

Experts have pointed out revision on several sections of iOS that might help a lot in improving customer satisfaction and provide it an edge over Android systems.

Multitasking

iPhone does not come as a better option when multitasking comes in question.

Windows powered gadgets are running steadily in this regard.

Apple’s devices require tapping on home button for accessing various applications.

On the other hand, swiping function on the screen provided at Windows gadgets, come as highly innovative step.

Apart from this, Google’s Android system has also integrated excellent services of web into the operating system.

Google maps and the voice application of Siri are way ahead of Apple’s map and voice service.

These areas need to be refurbished if Apple wants to lead the markets again.

Experts suggest that Apple should readily update its App Store, which is perhaps the most appreciated factor among customers throughout the world.

Notifications

When notifications come to the forefront, iOS suffers a huge blow in comparison to Android.

Limited options in this regard have certainly blocked Apple’s chances to fair better than Android.

An Android user is able to access almost every options of connectivity, including GPS, Wi-Fi and even Bluetooth.

However, experts have suggested use of a jailbreak for the latest iOS version.

According to reports, this sort of jailbreak provides greater freedom to users for tweaking iOS.

Reports also suggest that over 7 million customers have found its advantage until date.

A jailbroken iPhone would support installation of a popular application, NCSettings.

This application would make notification section of Apple’s iOS more user-friendly.

Third-party applications restrictions

While committing to secure operating system, Apple has taken an extreme step by restricting the process of sharing between any third-party applications.

iOS does not provide easy sharing of all favorite applications, other than a few through Twitter and Facebook.

Android, on the other hand, provides the option of sharing URLs from all browsers.

Android programs help users to select various keyboard applications like, Swiftkey or Swype.

However, if an iOS is concerned, users would have to set them manually on every occasion.

Many experts believe that Apple had not laid stress to intrinsic improvements lately, leading Android to lead current market with innovative features.

However, they also believe that Apple’s iOS certainly possess exceptional qualities that cannot be discarded at all.

Certain adjustments and innovations, including lifting some restrictions currently imposed by Apple, would lead to greater freedom by users to explore new technological horizons.

Such measures would also help Apple to stay way ahead of Google’s invasion.

Dell Unveils Advanced Server Prototype

Dell has reportedly unveiled a prototype of hyperscale server with 64-bit ARM and x86 processors.

The advanced prototype server is said to be equipped with management software that will help in controlling chips from single console from remote area.

Iron, as the server prototype has been code-named, is Dell’s latest innovation that allowed them to explore functional capabilities of server based on ARM. The company is targeting a market of hyperscale centre of data management with their latest prototype.

The company unveiled the prototype server last week, at the Open Compute Summit that took place at Santa Clara.

The latest prototype of server has been developed in a manner that allows installation of both ARM processors of 64-bit on a single motherboard.

It even follows the technology of earlier x86 chips installation method.

Dell even provided a demonstration of their prototype server software at the Summit to make other participants believe in their latest technology for remotely controlling the processors from a particular console.

According to the general manager and vice-President of Data Center Solutions group of Dell, Tracy Davis, introducing a 64-bit processing unit would help in striking a balance between I/O and power that would eventually help in overall growth.

The GM even added that Del had been in to this sphere from a long time and had been working on its appliances for coming up with such an advanced server.

Although Iron is still not ready to be marketed at the moment, yet Davy assured that the company is surely to progress on the innovation in the coming years.

The earlier server by Dell, Copper, had 32-bit processing support including four ARM servers for each board.

Latest Iron has undergone improvements in innumerable terms with introduction of x-Gene chip from AppliedMicro.

This up gradation has powered the server to achieve computational power up to 64-bit, including increased six nodes per board.

Demonstration of the latest technical marvel has tickled the interest of many and Dell is said to be gearing up on a mission to build its potential as a great player in this particular genre.

If the project turns out to be a success, Dell will certainly lead its way and prove to have gained potential for offering an efficient energy-processing unit that can handle huge volume of web requests.

The said server prototype shall play an important element in future that would help in the process of searching through web search engines or social networking applications. 

Advantages going in favor of Dell

Jim Pike, technologist and Chief Architect of Data Center Solutions of Dell, mentioned in a blog that any interference or difference in numberings, messages, commands, payloads or even conventions on remote management might lead to a tragic disaster in case any administrator scales innumerable multisource devices.

This open source management software will help staffs of IT in this process by providing a common response from the chips involved.

Global Marketing Director for Data Center Solutions of Dell, Drew Schulke further explained the advantage of such an advanced and powerful server.

According to him, ability of a single chassis for running x86 chips and ARM will prove to be beneficial for several companies.

The technology will allow running of large data firms into nimble-scaling operation.

According to him, ARM powered lightweight servers suit presentation of layer in a typical Web 2.0 architecture in a rather easier way, saving massive chunk of memory.

While adding to his explanation, Schulke even added that the cache layer of memory and other related parts would be supported by x86 chips.

However, he stressed that ARM has a lot of potential rather than just perform the function to deliver Web Content.

The Global Marketing Director has even vowed that the latest technology will serve its purpose as a cost saving unit. 

It is even argued that intentions of Dell to open guess for buying out plans continues to fill the biz-world. Tracy Davis has even rightly pointed out the business of server by Dell has continued to increase even at a time when the stock of the company was facing major value during last year.

It is even argued that trend of the market has eventually pointed towards the fact that Dell’s truce with investors leads to a competitive hyperscale market.

Looking Forward to Second Generation of Apple iPad Mini

As the sales of Apple iPad Mini (NASDAQ:AAPL) reaching new heights and consumers responding to it so well, many have started visualizing the second generation of the Apple iPad Mini.

Most of the experts also feel that it is not only giving a hard time to its larger tablet counterparts but is also likely to continue in the driver’s seat for long, a trend not often found in the gadget market.

Official Speculation

In fact, the official speculation about the launching of the second generation iPad Mini has already commenced and many are getting mentally prepared for such a device in the near future.

A recent report floated on CNET confirms this trend in the electronic gazette market. 

What Analysts Say

According to one of the leading analysts, Doug Freedman of the RBC Capital Markets, who had been on a tour to China going round the chip companies there, the Apple generation 2 iPad Mini is already in the offing and it will hit the market through many new buyers and the TXN is likely to take the lead in this regard.

The Mystery Continues

Despite all such rumors and predictions, no one is sure exactly when the second generation of iPad Mini is going to hit the market.

Some believe that the words “pulled in” found in the statement of Freedman refer to substantially bumping up release of the second generation iPad Mini.

Yet the mystery continues since the pioneer in the entire scenario, the Apple itself, is still more or less silent about coming up with a second generation of the device.

First Generation Still Rolling

At the same time, one cannot overlook the fact that first generation iPad Mini is still rolling and Apple is marketing them world over including the large markets like China, Russia, and India. With the first generation mini so popular, the company might not have thought it the opportune time to come up with the announcements about a second generation mini.

Recently Introduced

Moreover, the present model of iPad Mini which is cellular enabled has been introduced only recently in China besides the fourth generation of the iPad.

As the device is faring well in the market it may not be commercially prudent to come up with a substitute that could have better features and could outsmart the earlier one.

In such case the investments already made in the first generation iPad mini could turn out giving negative returns which no company, and that includes Apple, will like to experience.

It Does Not Make Sense

So all said and done, it really does not make sense talking about the second generation of iPad Mini and its introduction in the market by Apple when the first generation is very much alive and rolling till now. 

Everything in the gadget world is transitory and it is obvious that the first generation Apple iPad Mini will outlive its utility in days to come, especially in view of competitions from other tech giants in the market.

But just at the moment talking about second generation iPad Mini seems a bit premature.

Google+ Sign In Service Changes

Following the footsteps of the popular social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, Google has changed its sign in process of Google plus.

There is no blind following however and the changes have the stamps of Google twists on them.

Making the Platform Social

Google has now made its Plus platform more social in nature and they seem to be following the pattern hitherto hallmarks of popular social media sites.

Websites can now be accessed using the Google accounts as such changes have been affected in Google+ platform.

The process is something like the ones followed by Android and iOS applications.

Challenge for Social Media Sites

Basically it is a challenge for the social media networking sites like Facebook and Twitter as Google now allows the Google account of users to sign into different websites and applications.

It was so far the exclusive domain of these social media sites and viewers may not be surprised to find the captions like “log in with your facebook/twitter/youtube/linkedin/Google accounts” where Google is a new entrant.

It will also substantially enhance the Google’s web presence.

Easy for Mobile and Web Developers

Now the mobile as well as the web developers will also be able to accept the Google sign-ins though it will be largely dependent on the permission requested by apps and as authorized by the user.

Till now Google+ did not allow full access to developers but now onwards it will allow full access to developers just like the Google Drive and Google Calendar.

According to the engineer director of Google, David Glazer, the development is most spectacular and significant among all the developments made in recent times by Google.

Companies Allowing Sign In

Some companies like Fitbit that previously allowed sign in with Facebook only will also allow sign in with Google now.

In doing this they will also follow the customary process of two step authentication. Just like they did on Facebook, the viewers can now share information on the web through Google+ with their friends and associates.

Fitbit is not the only company that has allowed such sign in facilities and there are many others like the Fancy.com, UK Guardian, USA Today, and Flixter.com. Some of them even opine that singing in with Google is a better way of approaching them simply because of the reason that the viewer does not have to create an entire set of new username and password.

Making Up for Lost Time

In fact, Google is trying to make up for the lost time.

Though they have been around for over two years now, Google has not yet matched up with the other social media sites in offering third party sign ins.

Flexibilities now offered by them aims at countermanding the shortfall and to match the Facebook connect, Twitter, and Linkedin sign in; all of which are there for around 4 years or more.

It will also open up the way for third party developers to enable their users to post updates and comments to Google+.

Google Glass Connect with Android and iPhones Via Bluetooth

In the world of smart phones, question of compatibility has always been a major issue and there are few that would be compatible with both Android and iPhones.

For such people a couple of good news is that Google Reality Headgear at the average cost of around $1,500 and Google Glass with compatibility for both Android and iPhone is going to be available by the end of 2013.

While the Glass would be able to collect data from Wi-Fi and also use 3G/4G feed, it will not have its own cellular radio.

Stepping Down From Platform Wars

It seems that Google is not keen on escalating the platform compatibility war now prevalent in the world of smart phones. In the process they have not locked iOS out of ecosystem used in the Glass.

Instead they have tried to enhance the flow of information for the new invention in every possible manner. 

Enhancing the Information Flow

Also, as with the rumored iWatch, squeezing a cellular radio (and another data plan) into the device doesn’t make much sense, especially since the entire target audience already has a smart phone.

In fact, Google clearly appreciates that locking out the flow of information by not introducing platform independence may not make much sense in view of the buyers’ interests.

Managing Huge Potential

Google Glass has real huge potential for collecting and using data and the real challenge for the buyer would be the appropriate use of the data so collected.

According to Joshua Topolsky of the Verge; it is not at all difficult managing the information so collected.

Instead, according to him the challenge for Google is to pursue the users to wear something that is as alien as well as unfashionable as the Google Glass.

Fashion Not An Issue If the device is efficient and can work well for the users, fashion may not make much difference in its popularity.

It is just like the Android phones many of whom are highly popular despite not being very fashionable like the Google Nexus 4.

According to the product director Steve Lee,

Google is still trying to understand how its clients are going to use the device.

They are looking forward to the feedback they will get from the uses.

Unique Camera Device

One of the questions raised by Topolsky is about the unique camera device added to Google Glass that do not need to point and shoot and can even work without the knowledge of the owner.

Major question is whether the users and others would be much too comfortable with such devices and how Google is going to develop the Glass etiquette?

Most Radical Feature

Most radical feature of Google Glass is its ability to record things that stands right in front in the most unobtrusive manner.

While this could be great achievement from the perspective of data flow and also remarkable in term of social sciences and marketing, there are also the potential dangers related to such unobtrusive performance of the device that is radical to say the least.

To sum up, the greatest experiment that is currently a challenge before Google Glass is to determine the cut off line of such automatic use of the technologies.