The Third Blog

New Symbian^3 homescreen leaked by Nokia Germany

2011-05-10T20:01:00.001+05:30

New Symbian^3 homescreen leaked by Nokia Germany

Some images posted on the Nokia Germany website just lifted the curtain on one of the features to come in the next Symbian^3 update. What we are seeing is the free-form widgets that were initially rumored to come with the PR 2.0 Anna update, but apparently didn’t make it.

The new Symbian^3 homescreen with free-form widgets

Until now the Symbian^3 widgets had a fixed size and you could only fit a preset number of them on the screen. However when free-form widgets become available you'll be able to reduce those you need less often in size to make room for the more important ones.

Now there’s an outside chance that someone in the Nokia Germany PR department just went too creative on those images, but we really doubt that this is the case. After all, what would be the point in simulating such a minor feature if you don’t plan on ever releasing. It won’t attract any new customers and it might earn you some bad publicity.

So it’s a pretty safe bet that Symbian users will be able to resize their widgets once the next update becomes available. Dubbed PR 3.0 Belle, this upcoming update is expected to hit in the fall, but given that we’re still waiting for the mass availability of the Anna, we wouldn’t bet our salaries on that.

Galaxy S II breaks all Samsung records, scores 3M pre-orders

2011-05-09T17:40:00.002+05:30

Samsung already said that their Galaxy S II has been enjoying a very warm reception in Korea and now they published the global pre-order numbers to confirm that the smartphone is on high-demand everywhere.

The global pre-orders for the Samsung I9100 Galaxy S II have just surpassed 3 million units, breaking the company all-time record along the way.

In fact that number is already a third of the Galaxy S II sales target the company set for itself for the full 2011. And it’s hardly any wonder either – the smartphone’s specs sheet has probably been haunting every tech-freak’s dreams since its official announcement in February.

And we can bet the wideer availability will do wonders for the Galaxy S II popularity too. The device is only on sale in UK and Korea for now, but the company plans on bringing the total to at least 120 countries. Also there will be over 140 carriers to offer it on (hopefully) attractive subsidized prices.

Custom ROM Now Available For Xperia X10

2010-11-17T18:45:00.000+05:30

The most frustrating thing about being an Xperia X10 owner is that you are constantly defending your phone in front of your buddies who are using Samsung Galaxy or HTC mobiles. Slow and very old updates compared to current market versions of Android OS has killed the phone for many of Android users and most have already sold off the phone on eBay.

Sony Ericsson have released the Android 2.1 version upgrade earlier this month but this update has also been slow to arrive to different countries and still has not resolved most of the complaints the users have with this phone.

Sony Ericsson have never come out with plan for upgrading to 2.2 version and considering the delays they faced in updating to 2.1 version, its safe to say that Xperia range of mobiles will never see official 2.2 update.

Now the guys at XDA forum have managed to release custom ROM for Xperia X10 and if all goes well then we can expect a stable version of Custom 2.2 ROM for Xperia range of mobiles. Following issues are still being faced by users who have taken brave decision to load this on their mobiles:
-video playback
-3G data conection
-phoone dial out loop
-BW camera

More information can be found here: X10 Custom ROM AOSP

Have Some Fun With Microsoft and Google

2010-10-26T12:27:00.000+05:30

1. Nobody can create a FOLDER anywhere on Windows computer which can be named as "CON".

2. Open Microsoft Word and type =rand (200, 99) and then press ENTER

3. Did you know that a flight number from one of the planes that hit one of the two WTC towers on 9/11 was Q33N. In Notepad / WordPad or MS Word, type that flight number i.e Q33N. Increase the font size to 72. Change the font to Wingdings. You will be amazed by the findings.

4. Try searching in Google "answer to life the universe and everything" "number of horns on a unicorn" or "once in a blue moon" for unexpected computations.

0.facebook.com Released

2010-05-20T14:24:00.002+05:30

Facebook, together with over 50 mobile operators in 45 countries around the globe, have just launched the new website 0.facebook.com. Using this webiste mobile users would be able to update their status, view the news feed, comment on posts or "like" them, reply to messages or write new ones, leave messages on the walls of thier friends.

It will bring all the key features of Facebook to mobile phones free of cost. But to browse 0.facebook.com site for free, user need to be a customer of one of the 45 partner operators. the zero surf charges offer is valid only as long as user does not open images and don't click links to other websites. Doing any of that is still a paid thing.

In India the partner operators are Reliance and Videocon.

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Spice S - 1200 Will Be Game Changer

2010-05-03T19:28:00.001+05:30

Spice mobiles has recently launched new S - 1200 camera mobile which will boast 12.2 MP camera with 3x optical zoom. There are lot of high MP camera phones already flooding the market so how will this phone make a space for itself.

Well for starter it has 3x optical zoom which gives its camera the real power. Having high mega pixel is not essential for best quality pictures. The camera mobile will not put digital cameras out of action until they have enough optical zoom. This phone achieves that. Whats more great about this product is its price.

Priced at half the price of its competition, this will definitely create ripples in its segment. Any downers, well the phone has a small screen and menu is bit boring. The overall look of the phone is not appealing but in that price, no one will complain and if they can give it a face lift then we definitely have a winner on hand.

Million iPads Sold In Record 28 Days

2010-05-03T19:12:00.000+05:30

iPad was supposed to generate huge interest in the market but even Apple would not have imagined the kind of response it will get within a month of its launch. If reports from Apple are believed to be true then Apple has already sold Millionth iPad in just 28 days of the launch of the product. This is even better than the sales for iPhone which saw Million mark being touched at 74th day.

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BlackBerry And BMW Partnership

2010-05-03T14:36:00.000+05:30

BlackBerry have partnered with BMW to allow the Emails on your BlackBerry to be played through the text-to-speech function available in the iDrive feature of BMW.

This feature will be part of the new Pearl 3Ga and this functionality will come as a part of BlackBerry OS 6.

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3D Comes To PS3

2010-04-29T18:16:00.000+05:30

3D is coming to PS3 via mandatory PS3 system software update version 3.30. This update preps the PS3 system for some upcoming new features, including 3D stereoscopic gaming, which is coming soon to PS3, in time for the launch of Sony’s 3D BRAVIA TVs. Sony has confirmed that 3D titles will also work with any rival 3D TV.

Features of this update include:

Trophy enhancements – Now you can more easily sort trophies in the [Trophy Collection] and [Comparing Trophy] sections. Sorting can be done with [Trophy Collection] in the [Game Category] and also when comparing trophies with your friends in the [Friend Category]
Trophy Folder (Title List) can be sorted by game name/ by title according to the date in which you earned your last trophy (ascending/descending)
Add-on list (Group list) can be sorted by original/the date in which you earned your last trophy (ascending/descending)
Trophy list can be sorted by original/trophy name/grade/date of obtaining the trophy (ascending/descending)

Nokia N8 Unveiled

2010-04-28T14:26:00.000+05:30

Nokia is all set to become a champ in the mobile phone market with the unveiling of its new mobile Nokia N8 which has 12MP camera and 720p video recording.

The 28mm wide angle camera on the Nokia N8 is equipped with Carl Zeiss optics and a xenon flash. Nokia says that the image sensor "rivals those found in compact digital cameras". The camera can also capture 720p HD video at 25 frames per second and offers built-in video editing tools.

The Nokia N8 will be first to support Symbian 3 OS and is expected to become available in the third quarter with an estimated retail price 500 USD. It will be available in Dark Grey, Silver White, Green, Blue, Orange.

Here's a video of Nokia N8 in action:

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The New BlackBerry OS 6.0

2010-04-28T14:14:00.000+05:30

RIM has confirmed that the new BlackBerry OS will be out by the end of third quarter this year and will support features like new web browser, multi touch support and new user interface with enhanced skins.

Here is the official video ad:

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iPhone 4G

2010-04-19T17:36:00.001+05:30

There have been rumors doing the rounds on Internet about Apple soon coming up with announcement for iPhone 4G or iPhone HD. The leaked photographs of black phone which is turned off for some reason have been hit on Internet.

There have been suggestion on GSM Arena that the phone was actually photographed along with leaked iPad images just a night before iPad's release. One thing that is sure is that the rumors invariably turn out to be true when it comes to Apple.

Though this baby might pinch the users pocket but we surely would love to see if Apple can beat its own hot seller with new expensive version.

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PSN Is Up

2010-03-02T20:15:00.000+05:30

Well the wait is finally over for million of old PS3 owners. The error which led to users not being able to sign in to PSN and even play games offline has been resolved.

It turned out that internal clock functionality in the PS3 units other than the slim model, recognized the year 2010 as a leap year. Having the internal clock date change from February 29 to March 1 (both GMT), the issue has been resolved and that users are able to use their PS3 normally.

PS3 Users Experiencing 8001050F Error

2010-03-01T15:15:00.002+05:30

If you are owner of Fat PS3 then chances are that you are unable to view your trophy collection and sign in to play station network. Many pre-Slim PlayStation 3 owners are experiencing error 8001050F on their consoles and it's preventing players from logging into the PlayStation Network plus improperly displaying or corrupting trophy data.

Sony has posted on their Twitter page stating that 120GB and 250GB Slim models are working correctly and they are looking into the situation. Users who have converged at the NeoGAF forums theorize the error is due to the PS3's internal clock having a leap year-related bug and are advising everyone to not use the console for at least 24 hours in the hope that the problem fixes itself.

The internet browser is working and I have tried everything from restoring to re seting to default setting and setting up my system again. Still same error. Sony better fix this as early as possible. Compared to XBox users I considered myself lucky for using error free console.

Twitter Source

Microsoft Windows Phone 7 Announced

2010-02-16T13:11:00.000+05:30

Microsoft unveiled Windows Phone 7 Series at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on 15th February. As rumored, its a complete revamp of Windows Mobile. Gone are the days of PC like pull down menus, it is the start of fresh sleek, touchscreen UI modeled closely on Zune HD.

Microsoft says that phone manufacturers ranging from LG and Samsung to HTC and Sony Ericsson have jumped on the WM7 bandwagon. The first phones should start selling by this year’s holiday season.

Windows Phone 7 Series creates an unrivaled set of integrated experiences on a phone through Windows Phone hubs. Hubs bring together related content from the Web, applications and services into a single view to simplify common tasks. Windows Phone 7 Series includes six hubs built on specific themes reflecting activities that matter most to people:

People. This hub delivers an engaging social experience by bringing together relevant content based on the person, including his or her live feeds from social networks and photos. It also provides a central place from which to post updates to Facebook and Windows Live in one step.

Pictures. This hub makes it easy to share pictures and video to a social network in one step. Windows Phone 7 Series also brings together a user’s photos by integrating with the Web and PC, making the phone the ideal place to view a person’s entire picture and video collection.

Games. This hub delivers the first and only official Xbox LIVE experience on a phone, including Xbox LIVE games, Spotlight feed and the ability to see a gamer’s avatar, Achievements and gamer profile. With more than 23 million active members around the world, Xbox LIVE unlocks a world of friends, games and entertainment on Xbox 360, and now also on Windows Phone 7 Series.

Music + Video. This hub creates an incredible media experience that brings the best of Zune, including content from a user’s PC, online music services and even a built-in FM radio into one simple place that is all about music and video. Users can turn their media experience into a social one with Zune Social on a PC and share their media recommendations with like-minded music lovers. The playback experience is rich and easy to navigate, and immerses the listener in the content.

Marketplace. This hub allows the user to easily discover and load the phone with certified applications and games.

Office. This hub brings the familiar experience of the world’s leading productivity software to the Windows Phone. With access to Office, OneNote and SharePoint Workspace all in one place, users can easily read, edit and share documents. With the additional power of Outlook Mobile, users stay productive and up to date while on the go.

Microsoft Press Release

2009 Was Warmest Year Since 1901

2010-02-06T23:19:00.000+05:30

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), 2009 was the warmest year since 1901. The temperature was about 0.913 degrees Celsius higher than the average for 1961-1990. The annual average temperature for India is 24.64 degrees Celsius. The IMD in its statement does not attribute this to climate change, but has only provided the evidence for this increase in temperature.

PayPal Stops Personal Transaction To And From India

2010-02-06T18:42:00.000+05:30

Personal payments to and from India have been suspended by PayPal. Commercial payments are still working though. Following is the email users are receiving from PayPal

Hello XXXX,

Your payment of xx has been sent back to the sender of the payment.

We reversed this payment because we have stopped allowing personal payments to be sent to or from India.

If this was a payment for a purchase of goods or services, and not a personal payment, then you may contact the buyer and have him or her resend the payment as follows: (a) click the Send Money tab, (b) select “Goods,” and (c) provide a shipping address.

If this payment was a personal payment such as a gift, then we have requested that the sender find another payment method until we restore personal payments to and from India.

We are trying to resolve this issue as quickly as possible and we’re sorry for any inconvenience.

Thank you,
PayPal

Ford Figo To Be Out By March End

2010-02-06T17:11:00.000+05:30

Before the end of March, Ford Motor Company’s ‘Figo’ — the sub-B category car — will hit the Indian roads, triggering further competition in the compact car segment that currently generates over 70% of the country’s total new car sales. Figo, the sixth new Ford model to be introduced by the US automaker, was flagged off by Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi on Friday at the Maraimalainagar facilty near Chennai.

Remaining non-committal about the price of Figo, Ford India president and MD Michael Boneham said, “it will be very competitive. We will compete with i10 and Swift and others as we are targeting the segment, which accounts for 70% of all new vehicles sold in India.” The definition of small car in India is a “bit different,” he said.

3G Patch For Nexus One Arrives

2010-02-06T16:59:00.000+05:30

Google has announced firmware update for Nexus One and it will solve the 3G woes related to this phone. Also as a surprise element, they have added additional goodies which include multi touch feature and still in beta search the web tool based on pictures you click with your mobile camera.

Following is whats posted on Nexus Ones official blog about new updates:

Google Goggles: this mobile application will now be available directly on your device by launching it from your All Apps menu. Just use your Nexus One camera to start searching the web

Google Maps: the Maps application with be updated to a new version, Google Maps 3.4, which will include:

Starred items synchronized with maps.google.com - access your favorite places from your phone or computer
Search suggestions from your personal maps.google.com history - makes it easy to search for places you've searched for before
Night mode in Google Maps Navigation - automatically changes your screen at night for easier viewing and driving
Pinch-to-zoom functionality: devices will now include a new pinch-to-zoom mechanism in the phone's Browser, Gallery and Maps applications

3G connectivity: we will provide a general fix to help improve 3G connectivity on some Nexus One phones

Support For Original Xbox Games Cut Off XBox Live

2010-02-06T16:37:00.002+05:30

Xbox Live general manager Marc Whitten announced early Friday that Microsoft will end Xbox Live support for all original Xbox titles—including those that are compatible with the Xbox 360—on April 15. You'll still be able to play your old Xbox games in single-player mode or in a LAN party, but after April 15, online Xbox Live multiplayer matches for "Halo 2," "Crimson Skies," "Street Fighter 3," and many other original Xbox games will go dark.

The decision to end Xbox Live support for older Xbox titles will make way for new features that will "evolve the service with features and experiences that harness the full power of the Xbox 360," such as the upcoming Project Natal motion-sensing camera, Whitten wrote in his blog post.

Free Upgrade To WiZiQ Premium Membership For Lifetime

2010-02-03T21:31:00.001+05:30

WiZiQ is offering free lifetime premium membership to the teachers who are associated with any of these:
An academic institution
A government organization
Non-Profit organization

So if you are teacher associated with any of the above then you should not miss this opportunity.

WiZiQ is a web based platform which brings teachers and students close to each other.

To know more about the offer visit: http://www.wiziq.com/premium/academic.aspx

Teachers can request for demo on how to use WiZiQ here: http://www.wiziq.com/how/

Following video shows the WiZiQ virtual classroom in action:

Conduct an Online Class using WiZiQ''s Virtual Classroom by Nidhi Sehgal

Get your own Virtual Classroom

What is Pakistan Air Chief Doing in Indian Government Ad

2010-01-24T14:58:00.000+05:30

Embarrassed by the inclusion of former Pakistan Air Force chief's photograph in a government advertisement in a leading daily along with Indian leaders and icons, the Prime Minister's Office has apologised to the nation and ordered an inquiry into the lapse.

The photograph of former Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Tanwir Mahmood Ahmed in uniform appeared along with those of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia
Gandhi in a full-page newspaper advertisement given by Ministry of Women and Child Development to mark the National Girl Child Day.

In a damage control exercise, the PMO issued a statement saying, "The Prime Minister's Office has noted with regret the inclusion of a foreign national's photograph in a Government of India advertisement. While an internal enquiry has been instituted, the PMO apologises to the public for this lapse."

Read Full Story Here

Thanks For Nothing

2010-01-24T14:40:00.000+05:30

India Can Become 3rd Largest Economy By 2012: PwC

2010-01-24T13:54:00.000+05:30

The US financial crisis may have expedited a shift in global economic power. According to a report by global consultancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), India could become the world’s third largest economy by purchasing power parity (PPP), overtaking Japan in 2012.

This would be almost 20 years ahead of Goldman Sachs’ projection of 2032 in its BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) report.

India is also expected to grow faster than China after 2020. China, which was projected to become the world’s largest economy by 2041, now looks set to achieve the distinction sometime around 2020, the PwC report said.

‘‘While the exact date is open to doubt, it seems highly likely that, by 2030, China will clearly be the largest economy in the world on PPP,” writes PwC head of macroeconomics John Hawksworth in the report.

Source: Economic Times

Now Tweet From Space Too :)

2010-01-24T13:48:00.000+05:30

Tweeting is no more for earthlings alone! Now you can tweet even from space.

An American astronaut has for the first time sent "tweet" from space after getting a personal Web connection on the International Space Station.

"Hello Twitterverse! We r now LIVE tweeting from the International Space Station -- the 1st live tweet from Space! :) More soon, send your ?s," Creamer wrote.

Tweets previously had to be sent to ground personnel who posted them to the astronaut's account.

NASA said a software upgrade this week now allows its station crew personal Internet access and the ability to surf the Web through a wireless connection.