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Top 3 tablets in India below Rs10,000 for September 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 05:09:00 +0000

Apple started it and the others perfected it. What we are talking about here is the tablet arena in the country. But amidst the iPads and the Galaxy Note 8.0’s, there has been a class of tablets that has been gaining popularity constantly. The sub Rs 10,000 price bracket accounts for a big share of the tablet market in the country and we take a look at top 3 tablets below Rs 10,000 on sale in India.

Lenovo Idea Tab 1000

The Lenovo offering is on sale for around Rs 8,400-8,600 which makes it quite a value for money. Seeing the fact that it has a strong backing from Lenovo, the product is expected to sell like hot cakes. It can be bought from the major offline and online retail outlets and here’s a list of its specifications:

· 7 inch screen with a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels, supports multi touch upto 5 fingers.

· Android 4.1 Jelly Bean

· 1.2 GHz MTK8317 Dual Core processor

· 1 GB RAM

· 4GB internal storage capacity, 32GB expandable storage capacity

· VGA front camera, no rear camera

· Wi-Fi support, USB on the go and 3G Data Card facility for connectivity

· Voice calling ability on offer

· 3,500 mAh battery with a standby time of 336 hours

· Price: Rs 8,400-8,600

Simmtronics Xpad Mini Tablet

Simmtronics is a relatively unknown name in the Indian tablet arena but if you look at the price of the device and its specifications, it simply makes you fall in love with it. It has just been launched for Rs 9,999 and has a quad core processor as its heart. And yes, it looks a bit like the iPad Mini. Here’s a look at its specifications:

· 7.85 inch screen with a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels

· Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean

· 1 GHz quad core processor

· 1GB RAM

· 8GB internal memory, 32GB expandable memory

· 5MP rear camera, 2MP front camera

· Wi-Fi, 3G, Bluetooth and HDMI-out on offer for connectivity

· 4,000 mAh battery

· Price: Rs 9,999

iBall Performance Series 3G 7334i

One of the few dual SIM tablets in the Rs 10,000 category, the iBall offering is on sale for Rs 10,000 exactly. It comes with decent specifications for the price it asks you for. Here’s a list of its specifications:

· 7 inch screen with a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels

· Android 4.1 Jelly Bean

· 1 GHz dual core processor

· 1GB RAM

· 16GB internal storage, 32GB expandable storage capacity

· 2MP rear camera, VGA front camera

· 3G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to take care of the connectivity

· Dual SIM (GSM+GSM connectivity)

· 3,000 mAh battery

· Price: Rs 10,000

Micromax to Pre-install Opera Mini on upcoming Android devices

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 20 Sep 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Micromax upcoming Android devices will now be shipped with pre installed version of Opera Mini which includes Micromax’s Canvas series: Canvas 4, Canvas Doodle 2 and Canvas Fun Android smartphones.

Designed for speed and usability, Opera Mini provides remarkably fast browsing on nearly any mobile phone. Opera Mini delivers a smarter, more social web experience at high speeds, with low costs and with the best usability. With the new data-savings page, users can take back control of their data usage, saving them time and money.

Of all the Indian OEMs offering Android devices, Micromax devices are the most popular – used by 13% of Indian Opera Mini users on Android. Micromax Canvas 2 leads the pack of most used Indian Android handsets among Opera Mini users

BMW Sport

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 09:05:00 +0000

EX-SHOWROOM PRICE

Rs. 18,90,000 - Rs. 20,02,000

VEHICLE SUMMARY
Name:	K1300S
Type:	Sports
Top Speed:	200kph
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Displacement:	1293cc
Engine:	1293cc, 4-stroke
Maximum Power:	175 Bhp @ 9250 rpm
Maximum Torque:	140 Nm @ 8250 rpm
Gears:	6 Manual
Clutch:	Multiple-disc clutch in oil bath, hydraulically op
Bore:	80
Stroke:	64.3
No. of Cylinders:	4
Cylinder Configuration:	In-Line
Valve Per Cylinder:	4
Chassis Type:	Bridge-type frame, cast aluminium
Cooling Type:	Liquid Cooling
DIMENSIONS
Length:	2182.00 mm
Width:	905.00 mm
Height:	1221.00 mm
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
Weight:	254.00 kg
Fuel Tank:	19.00 ltrs
Electrical System:	Three-phase alternator 580 W
Battery Type:	Maintenance Free
Battery Voltage:	12 V
Battery Capacity:	14 Ah
Wheel Type:	Alloys
Wheel Size:	120/70 ZR 17 - 190/55 ZR 17 mm
Tubeless:
Colors:	Lava Orange, Light Grey & Black

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
Suspension(Front):	BMW Motorrad Duolever; central spring strut
Suspension(Rear):	Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central spring strut with lever system
Brakes:	Twin disc, floating brake discs, diameter 320 mm,
Brakes(Rear):	Single disc brake, diameter 265 mm, double-piston
Stand Alarm:
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Fuel Guage:	Digital
Self Start:
Tacho Meter:	Analogue
Trip Meter:	Digital-2
Alloys:
Speedometer:	Digital
Passenger Footrest:
Passenger Backrest:
Step-up Seat:
Pass-light:
Low Fuel Indicator:
Low Oil Indicator:
Low Battery Indicator:
High Oil Temp. Indicator:
Choked Air Filter Indicator:

BMW High Performance

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 09:02:00 +0000

EX-SHOWROOM PRICE

Rs. 25,70,000 - Rs. 25,70,000

VEHICLE SUMMARY
Name:	HP2 Sport
Type:	Sports
Top Speed:	200kph
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Displacement:	1170cc
Engine:	1170cc, 4-sroke
Maximum Power:	133 Bhp @ 8750 rpm
Maximum Torque:	115 Nm @ 6000 rpm
Gears:	6 Manual
Bore:	101
Stroke:	73
No. of Cylinders:	2
Chassis Type:	Tubular steel space frame
Cooling Type:	Liquid Cooling
DIMENSIONS
Length:	N/A
Width:	N/A
Height:	N/A
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
Wheelbase:	1485.00 mm
Battery Type:	Maintenance Free
Wheel Type:	Alloys
Wheel Size:	120/70 ZR17 - 190/55 ZR17 mm
Tubeless:
Colors:	White

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
Suspension(Front):	Telelever
Suspension(Rear):	EVO Paralever
Brakes:	320mm Twin Disc
Brakes(Rear):	265mm Disc
Stand Alarm:
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Fuel Guage:	Digital
Self Start:
Tacho Meter:	Digital
Trip Meter:	Digital-2
Alloys:
Speedometer:	Digital
Passenger Footrest:
Passenger Backrest:
Step-up Seat:
Pass-light:
Low Fuel Indicator:
Low Oil Indicator:
Low Battery Indicator:
High Oil Temp. Indicator:
Choked Air Filter Indicator:

BMW K1300R

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 09:00:00 +0000

EX-SHOWROOM PRICE

Rs. 18,21,000

VEHICLE SUMMARY
Name:	K1300R
Type:	Naked
Top Speed:	200kph
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Displacement:	1293cc
Engine:	1293cc, 4-stroke
Maximum Power:	175 Bhp @ 9250 rpm
Maximum Torque:	140 Nm @ 8250 rpm
Gears:	6 Manual
Clutch:	Multiple-disc
Bore:	80
Stroke:	64.3
Valve Per Cylinder:	4
Chassis Type:	Bridge-type frame
Cooling Type:	Liquid Cooling
DIMENSIONS
Length:	2182.00 mm
Width:	905.00 mm
Height:	1221.00 mm
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
Weight:	228.00 kg
Fuel Tank:	19.00 ltrs
Wheelbase:	1585.00 mm
Headlamp:	Halogen
Battery Type:	Maintenance Free
Battery Voltage:	12 V
Battery Capacity:	12 Ah
Wheel Type:	Alloys
Wheel Size:	120/70 ZR 17 - 190/55 ZR 17 mm
Tubeless:
Colors:	Golden, Black, White

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
Suspension(Front):	BMW Motorrad Telelever
Suspension(Rear):	Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm
Brakes:	320mm Twin Disc
Brakes(Rear):	Single Disc 265mm
Stand Alarm:
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Fuel Guage:	Digital
Self Start:
Tacho Meter:	Analogue
Trip Meter:	Digital-2
Alloys:
Speedometer:	Digital
Passenger Footrest:
Passenger Backrest:
Step-up Seat:
Pass-light:
Low Fuel Indicator:
Low Oil Indicator:
Low Battery Indicator:
High Oil Temp. Indicator:
Choked Air Filter Indicator:

BMW R1200R

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 08:59:00 +0000

EX-SHOWROOM PRICE

Rs. 15,81,000

VEHICLE SUMMARY
Name:	R1200R
Type:	Naked
Top Speed:	200kph
Fuel Consumption: City	20.00
Fuel Consumption: Highway	25.00
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Displacement:	1170cc
Engine:	1170cc, 4-stroke
Maximum Power:	109 Bhp @ 7500 rpm
Maximum Torque:	115 Nm @ 6000 rpm
Gears:	6 Manual
Clutch:	Single dry plate clutch
Bore:	101
Stroke:	73
Valve Per Cylinder:	4
Chassis Type:	Two Section Frame
Cooling Type:	Liquid Cooling
DIMENSIONS
Length:	2145.00 mm
Width:	872.00 mm
Height:	1285.00 mm
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
Weight:	198.00 kg
Fuel Tank:	18.00 ltrs
Wheelbase:	1495.00 mm
Electrical System:	Three-phase alternator 600 W
Battery Type:	Maintenance Free
Battery Voltage:	12 V
Battery Capacity:	14 Ah
Wheel Type:	Alloys
Wheel Size:	120/70 ZR 17 - 180/55 ZR 17 mm
Tubeless:
Colors:	Night Black, Midnight Black, Granite Gray, Biarritz Blue Metallic, Alpine White

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
Suspension(Front):	BMW Motorrad Telelever
Suspension(Rear):	Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm
Brakes:	320mm Twin Disc
Brakes(Rear):	Single Disc 265mm
Stand Alarm:
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Fuel Guage:	Digital
Self Start:
Tacho Meter:	Analogue
Trip Meter:	Digital-2
Alloys:
Speedometer:	Digital
Passenger Footrest:
Passenger Backrest:
Step-up Seat:
Pass-light:
Low Fuel Indicator:
Low Oil Indicator:
Low Battery Indicator:
High Oil Temp. Indicator:
Choked Air Filter Indicator:

BMW K1600GT

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 08:57:00 +0000

EX-SHOWROOM PRICE

Rs. 25,60,000

VEHICLE SUMMARY
Name:	K1600GT
Type:	Cruiser
Fuel Consumption: City	13.00
Fuel Consumption: Highway	18.00
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Displacement:	1649cc
Engine:	1649cc, 4-sroke
Maximum Power:	160 Bhp @ 7500 rpm
Maximum Torque:	174 Nm @ 5000 rpm
Gears:	6 Manual
Clutch:	Multiple-disc clutch in oil bath, hydraulically op
Bore:	67.5
Stroke:	72
No. of Cylinders:	6
Cylinder Configuration:	In-Line
Valve Per Cylinder:	4
Cooling Type:	Liquid Cooling
DIMENSIONS
Length:	N/A
Width:	N/A
Height:	N/A
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
Weight:	319.00 kg
Battery Type:	Maintenance Free
Wheel Type:	Alloys
Tubeless:
Colors:	Red, White Dark Grey

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
Suspension(Front):	BMW Motorrad Duolever
Suspension(Rear):	Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm
Brakes:	Twin disc, floating brake discs, diameter 320 mm,
Brakes(Rear):	Single disc brake, diameter 294 mm, double-piston
Stand Alarm:
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Fuel Guage:	Digital
Self Start:
Tacho Meter:	Analogue
Trip Meter:	Digital-2
Alloys:
Speedometer:	Analogue
Passenger Footrest:
Passenger Backrest:
Step-up Seat:
Pass-light:
Low Fuel Indicator:
Low Oil Indicator:
Low Battery Indicator:
High Oil Temp. Indicator:
Choked Air Filter Indicator:

BMW R1200RT

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 08:55:00 +0000

EX-SHOWROOM PRICE

Rs. 22,75,000

VEHICLE SUMMARY
Name:	R1200RT
Type:	Cruiser
Top Speed:	200kph
Fuel Consumption: City	20.00
Fuel Consumption: Highway	25.00
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Displacement:	1170cc
Engine:	1170cc, 4-sroke
Maximum Power:	110 Bhp @ 7750 rpm
Maximum Torque:	120 Nm @ 6000 rpm
Gears:	6 Manual
Clutch:	Single dry plate clutch
Bore:	101
Stroke:	73
Valve Per Cylinder:	4
Chassis Type:	Two Section Frame
Cooling Type:	Liquid Cooling
DIMENSIONS
Length:	2230.00 mm
Width:	930.00 mm
Height:	1430.00 mm
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
Weight:	229.00 kg
Fuel Tank:	25.00 ltrs
Wheelbase:	1485.00 mm
Electrical System:	Three-phase alternator 720 W
Battery Type:	Maintenance Free
Battery Voltage:	12 V
Battery Capacity:	19 Ah
Wheel Type:	Alloys
Wheel Size:	120/70 ZR 17 - 180/55 ZR 17 mm
Tubeless:
Colors:	Polar Metallic, Ostra Grey Metallic Matte, Thunder Grey Metallic Matte, Grey/Silver/Granite Metallic

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
Suspension(Front):	BMW Motorrad Telelever
Suspension(Rear):	Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm
Brakes:	320mm Twin Disc
Brakes(Rear):	Single Disc 265mm
Stand Alarm:
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Fuel Guage:	Digital
Self Start:
Tacho Meter:	Analogue
Trip Meter:	Digital-2
Alloys:
Speedometer:	Digital
Passenger Footrest:
Passenger Backrest:
Step-up Seat:
Pass-light:
Low Fuel Indicator:
Low Oil Indicator:
Low Battery Indicator:
High Oil Temp. Indicator:
Choked Air Filter Indicator:

BMW S1000RR

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 05:46:00 +0000

EX-SHOWROOM PRICE

Rs. 18,90,000

VEHICLE SUMMARY
Name:	S1000RR
Type:	Sports
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Displacement:	999cc
Engine:	999cc, 4-stroke
Maximum Power:	193 Bhp @ 13000 rpm
Maximum Torque:	112 Nm at 9750 rpm
Gears:	6 Manual
Clutch:	Multiple-disc clutch in oil bath
Bore:	80
Stroke:	49.7
No. of Cylinders:	4
Cylinder Configuration:	In-Line
Valve Per Cylinder:	4
Chassis Type:	Bridge-type frame, cast aluminium
Cooling Type:	Liquid Cooling
DIMENSIONS
Length:	2056.00 mm
Width:	826.00 mm
Height:	1138.00 mm
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
Weight:	183.00 kg
Fuel Tank:	17.50 ltrs
Wheelbase:	1432.00 mm
Electrical System:	Three-phase alternator 350 W
Battery Type:	Maintenance Free
Battery Voltage:	14 V
Battery Capacity:	10 Ah
Wheel Type:	Alloys
Wheel Size:	120/70 ZR17 - 190/55 ZR17 mm
Tubeless:
Colors:	Acid Green Metallic, Mineral Silver Metallic & Thunder Grey Metallic

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
Suspension(Front):	46 mm Upside-down fork
Suspension(Rear):	Cast aluminium swing arm
Brakes:	Twin disc, floating brake discs, diameter 320 mm
Brakes(Rear):	Single disc brake, diameter 265 mm, double-piston
Stand Alarm:
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Fuel Guage:	Digital
Self Start:
Tacho Meter:	Analogue
Trip Meter:	Digital-2
Alloys:
Speedometer:	Digital
Passenger Footrest:
Passenger Backrest:
Step-up Seat:
Pass-light:
Low Fuel Indicator:
Low Oil Indicator:
Low Battery Indicator:
High Oil Temp. Indicator:
Choked Air Filter Indicator:

BMW K1300S

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 05:42:00 +0000

EX-SHOWROOM PRICE

Rs. 20,02,000

VEHICLE SUMMARY
Name:	K1300S
Type:	Sports
Top Speed:	200kph
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Displacement:	1293cc
Engine:	1293cc, 4-stroke
Maximum Power:	175 Bhp @ 9250 rpm
Maximum Torque:	140 Nm @ 8250 rpm
Gears:	6 Manual
Clutch:	Multiple-disc clutch in oil bath, hydraulically op
Bore:	80
Stroke:	64.3
No. of Cylinders:	4
Cylinder Configuration:	In-Line
Valve Per Cylinder:	4
Chassis Type:	Bridge-type frame, cast aluminium
Cooling Type:	Liquid Cooling
DIMENSIONS
Length:	2182.00 mm
Width:	905.00 mm
Height:	1221.00 mm
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
Weight:	254.00 kg
Fuel Tank:	19.00 ltrs
Electrical System:	Three-phase alternator 580 W
Battery Type:	Maintenance Free
Battery Voltage:	12 V
Battery Capacity:	14 Ah
Wheel Type:	Alloys
Wheel Size:	120/70 ZR 17 - 190/55 ZR 17 mm
Tubeless:
Colors:	Lava Orange, Light Grey & Black

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
Suspension(Front):	BMW Motorrad Duolever; central spring strut
Suspension(Rear):	Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever; central spring strut with lever system
Brakes:	Twin disc, floating brake discs, diameter 320 mm,
Brakes(Rear):	Single disc brake, diameter 265 mm, double-piston
Stand Alarm:
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Fuel Guage:	Digital
Self Start:
Tacho Meter:	Analogue
Trip Meter:	Digital-2
Alloys:
Speedometer:	Digital
Passenger Footrest:
Passenger Backrest:
Step-up Seat:
Pass-light:
Low Fuel Indicator:
Low Oil Indicator:
Low Battery Indicator:
High Oil Temp. Indicator:
Choked Air Filter Indicator:

BMW HP2 Sport

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 05:39:00 +0000

EX-SHOWROOM PRICE

Rs. 25,70,000

VEHICLE SUMMARY
Name:	HP2 Sport
Type:	Sports
Top Speed:	200kph
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Displacement:	1170cc
Engine:	1170cc, 4-sroke
Maximum Power:	133 Bhp @ 8750 rpm
Maximum Torque:	115 Nm @ 6000 rpm
Gears:	6 Manual
Bore:	101
Stroke:	73
No. of Cylinders:	2
Chassis Type:	Tubular steel space frame
Cooling Type:	Liquid Cooling
DIMENSIONS
Length:	N/A
Width:	N/A
Height:	N/A
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
Wheelbase:	1485.00 mm
Battery Type:	Maintenance Free
Wheel Type:	Alloys
Wheel Size:	120/70 ZR17 - 190/55 ZR17 mm
Tubeless:
Colors:	White

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
Suspension(Front):	Telelever
Suspension(Rear):	EVO Paralever
Brakes:	320mm Twin Disc
Brakes(Rear):	265mm Disc
Stand Alarm:
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Fuel Guage:	Digital
Self Start:
Tacho Meter:	Digital
Trip Meter:	Digital-2
Alloys:
Speedometer:	Digital
Passenger Footrest:
Passenger Backrest:
Step-up Seat:
Pass-light:
Low Fuel Indicator:
Low Oil Indicator:
Low Battery Indicator:
High Oil Temp. Indicator:
Choked Air Filter Indicator:

BMW F650GS

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 05:37:00 +0000

VEHICLE SUMMARY
Name:	F650GS
Type:	Naked
Top Speed:	185kph
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Displacement:	1170cc
Engine:	798cc, 4-stroke
Maximum Power:	71 Bhp @ 7000 rpm
Maximum Torque:	75 Nm @ 4500 rpm
Gears:	6 Manual
Bore:	82
Stroke:	75.6
No. of Cylinders:	2
Valve Per Cylinder:	4
Chassis Type:	Tubular steel space frame
Cooling Type:	Liquid Cooling
DIMENSIONS
Length:	2280.00 mm
Width:	890.00 mm
Height:	1240.00 mm
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
Weight:	199.00 kg
Fuel Tank:	20.00 ltrs
Wheelbase:	1575.00 mm
Headlamp:	Halogen
Battery Type:	Maintenance Free
Wheel Type:	Alloys
Wheel Size:	110/80 - 19 59H - 140/80 - 17 69H mm
Tubeless:
Colors:	Magma Red, Ostra Grey, Alpine White, Sapphire Black, Triple Black

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
Brakes:	300mm Single Disc
Brakes(Rear):	Single Disc 265mm
Stand Alarm:
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Fuel Guage:	Digital
Self Start:
Tacho Meter:	Analogue
Trip Meter:	Digital-2
Alloys:
Speedometer:	Analogue
Passenger Footrest:
Passenger Backrest:
Step-up Seat:
Pass-light:
Low Fuel Indicator:
Low Oil Indicator:
Low Battery Indicator:
High Oil Temp. Indicator:
Choked Air Filter Indicator:

BMW R1200GS

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 05:34:00 +0000

EX-SHOWROOM PRICE

Rs. 18,00,000

VEHICLE SUMMARY
Name:	R1200GS
Type:	Naked
Top Speed:	200kph
Fuel Consumption: City	20.00
Fuel Consumption: Highway	25.00
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Displacement:	1170cc
Engine:	1170cc, 4-stroke
Maximum Power:	110 Bhp @ 7750 rpm
Maximum Torque:	120Nm @ 6000 rpm
Gears:	6 Manual
Clutch:	Single dry plate clutch
Bore:	101
Stroke:	73
Valve Per Cylinder:	4
Chassis Type:	Two Section Frame
Cooling Type:	Liquid Cooling
DIMENSIONS
Length:	2210.00 mm
Width:	915.00 mm
Height:	1450.00 mm
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
Weight:	203.00 kg
Fuel Tank:	20.00 ltrs
Wheelbase:	1495.00 mm
Electrical System:	Three-phase alternator 720 W
Headlamp:	Halogen
Battery Type:	Maintenance Free
Battery Voltage:	12 V
Battery Capacity:	14 Ah
Wheel Type:	Alloys
Wheel Size:	110/80 R 19 - 150/70 R 17 mm
Tubeless:
Colors:	Magma Red, Ostra Grey, Alpine White, Sapphire Black, Triple Black

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
Suspension(Front):	BMW Motorrad Telelever
Suspension(Rear):	Cast aluminium single-sided swing arm
Brakes:	305mm Twin Disc
Brakes(Rear):	Single Disc 265mm
Stand Alarm:
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Fuel Guage:	Digital
Self Start:
Tacho Meter:	Analogue
Trip Meter:	Digital-2
Alloys:
Speedometer:	Digital
Passenger Footrest:
Passenger Backrest:
Step-up Seat:
Pass-light:
Low Fuel Indicator:
Low Oil Indicator:
Low Battery Indicator:
High Oil Temp. Indicator:
Choked Air Filter Indicator:

Bajaj Avenger

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 05:28:00 +0000

EX-SHOWROOM PRICE

Rs. 77,500 - Rs. 95,000

VEHICLE SUMMARY
Name:	Avenger 220
Type:	Cruiser
Top Speed:	120kph
Fuel Consumption: City	30.00
Fuel Consumption: Highway	43.00
VERDICT
FOR	Most powerful and affordable cruiser in its class
AGAINST	-
OUR RATINGS
Appearance:
Comfort:
Features:
Performance:
Value for money:
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Displacement:	219.8cc
Engine:	219.8cc, 4-Stroke
Maximum Power:	19 Bhp @ 8100 rpm
Maximum Torque:	17.5 Nm @ 7000 rpm
Gears:	5 Speed
Bore:	0
Stroke:	0
Cooling Type:	Air Cooling
0 to 60:	5.90 sec.
DIMENSIONS
Length:	N/A
Width:	N/A
Height:	N/A
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
Weight:	154.00 kg
Ground Clearance:	169.00 mm
Fuel Tank:	14.00 ltrs
Wheelbase:	1475.00 mm
Headlamp:	60 / 55W (Halogen)
Horn:	12 V AC
Wheel Type:	Spoke Wheels
Wheel Size:	90/90x17 - 130/90x15 mm
Tubeless:
Colors:	Blue, Silver, Grey, Black

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
Suspension(Front):	Telescopic
Suspension(Rear):	Hydraulic Shock Absorbers
Brakes:	260 mm Disc
Brakes(Rear):	130mm Drum
Stand Alarm:
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Fuel Guage:	Analogue
Self Start:
Tacho Meter:	Analogue
Trip Meter:	Analogue-1
Alloys:
Speedometer:	Analogue
Passenger Footrest:
Passenger Backrest:
Step-up Seat:
Pass-light:
Low Fuel Indicator:
Low Oil Indicator:
Low Battery Indicator:
High Oil Temp. Indicator:
Choked Air Filter Indicator:

Bajaj Pulsar 180

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 05:25:00 +0000

EX-SHOWROOM PRICE

Rs. 70,300

VEHICLE SUMMARY
Name:	Pulsar 180
Type:	Commuter
VERDICT
FOR	Style DTS-i Technology
AGAINST	NA
OUR RATINGS
Appearance:
Comfort:
Features:
Performance:
Value for money:
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Displacement:	178.6cc
Engine:	178.6cc, DTSi
Maximum Power:	16.8 Bhp @ 8500 rpm
Maximum Torque:	14.2 Nm @ 6500 rpm
Gears:	5 Speed
Clutch:	Wet Multiplate Clutch
Bore:	63.5
Stroke:	56.4
No. of Cylinders:	1
Valve Per Cylinder:	2
Engine Block Material:	Aluminum Alloy
Chassis Type:	Double Cradle
Cooling Type:	Air Cooling
DIMENSIONS
Length:	2035.00 mm
Width:	765.00 mm
Height:	1115.00 mm
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
Weight:	147.00 kg
Ground Clearance:	165.00 mm
Fuel Tank:	15.00 ltrs
Wheelbase:	1345.00 mm
Electrical System:	NA
Headlamp:	35W/35W Halogen
Battery Type:	Maintenance Free
Battery Voltage:	12V
Battery Capacity:	9 Ah
Wheel Type:	17" - 6 Spoke Alloys
Wheel Size:	90/90 x 17″ - 120/80 × 17″ mm
Tubeless:
Colors:	Cocktail Wine Red, Midnight Black, Plasma Blue

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
Suspension(Front):	Telescopic 130mm stroke
Suspension(Rear):	Triple rated spring, 5 way adjustable with 101mm travel nitrox shock absorber
Brakes:	260mm Disc
Brakes(Rear):	130mm Drum
Stand Alarm:
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Fuel Guage:	Digital
Self Start:
Tacho Meter:	Analogue
Trip Meter:	None
Alloys:
Speedometer:	Digital
Passenger Footrest:
Passenger Backrest:
Step-up Seat:
Pass-light:
Low Fuel Indicator:
Low Oil Indicator:
Low Battery Indicator:
High Oil Temp. Indicator:
Choked Air Filter Indicator:

Bajaj Pulsar 220F

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 05:23:00 +0000

EX-SHOWROOM PRICE

Rs. 82,000

VEHICLE SUMMARY
Name:	Pulsar 220F
Type:	Sports
Top Speed:	144kph
VERDICT
FOR	Style Price Top speed of 144 kph
AGAINST	NA
OUR RATINGS
Appearance:
Comfort:
Features:
Performance:
Value for money:
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Displacement:	220cc
Engine:	220cc, DTS-i
Maximum Power:	20.8 Bhp @ 8500 rpm
Maximum Torque:	19.12 Nm @ 7000 rpm
Gears:	5 Speed
Clutch:	Wet Multiplate Type
Bore:	67
Stroke:	62.4
No. of Cylinders:	1
Valve Per Cylinder:	2
Chassis Type:	Double Cradle Down Tube
Cooling Type:	Air Cooling
0 to 60:	4.10 sec.
DIMENSIONS
Length:	2035.00 mm
Width:	750.00 mm
Height:	1165.00 mm
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
Weight:	150.00 kg
Ground Clearance:	165.00 mm
Fuel Tank:	15.00 ltrs
Wheelbase:	1350.00 mm
Turn Circle:	2.73 mtrs
Electrical System:	DC
Headlamp:	55W, Ellipsoidal
Battery Type:	Maintenance Free
Battery Voltage:	12V
Battery Capacity:	9Ah
Horn:	DC, 2
Wheel Type:	6 Spoke Black Mag Alloys
Wheel Size:	90/90-17" tubeless, 120/80-17" tubeless mm
Tubeless:
Colors:	Cocktail Wine Red, Midnight Black, Plasma Blue

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
Suspension(Front):	37mm Telescopic Front Fork
Suspension(Rear):	Nitrox, with 90mm travel
Brakes:	260mm Disc, Twin Calipers
Brakes(Rear):	230mm Disc, Single Caliper
Stand Alarm:
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Fuel Guage:	Digital
Self Start:
Tacho Meter:	Analogue
Trip Meter:	Digital-2
Alloys:
Speedometer:	Digital
Passenger Footrest:
Passenger Backrest:
Step-up Seat:
Pass-light:
Low Fuel Indicator:
Low Oil Indicator:
Low Battery Indicator:
High Oil Temp. Indicator:
Choked Air Filter Indicator:

Bajaj Pulsar 200NS

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 05:19:00 +0000

EX-SHOWROOM PRICE

Rs. 85,700

VEHICLE SUMMARY
Name:	Pulsar 200NS
Type:	Naked
Top Speed:	136kph
Fuel Consumption: City	35.00
Fuel Consumption: Highway	58.00
VERDICT
FOR	Design and Style Powerful Liquid-cooled Engine 6-speed Transmission Triple Spark Technology
AGAINST	Resembles Pulsar 135 No ABS (Optional)
OUR RATINGS
Appearance:
Comfort:
Features:
Performance:
Value for money:
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Displacement:	199.5cc
Engine:	Triple Spark, SOHC, 4-valve
Maximum Power:	23.17 Bhp @ 9500 rpm
Maximum Torque:	18.3 Nm @ 8000 rpm
Gears:	6 Speed
Bore:	72
Stroke:	49
No. of Cylinders:	1
Cylinder Configuration:	SOHC layout
Valve Per Cylinder:	4
Chassis Type:	Pressed steel perimeter beam section frame
Cooling Type:	Liquid Cooling
Carburetor:	Carburettor, UCD 33
0 to 60:	3.61 sec.
DIMENSIONS
Length:	2017.00 mm
Width:	804.00 mm
Height:	1195.00 mm
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
Weight:	145.00 kg
Ground Clearance:	167.00 mm
Fuel Tank:	12.00 ltrs
Wheelbase:	1363.00 mm
Electrical System:	DC Ignition
Headlamp:	H4 bulb 12V 55/60W
Battery Type:	Maintenance Free
Battery Voltage:	12V
Battery Capacity:	8AH
Wheel Type:	10 Spoke Alloys
Wheel Size:	100/80 - 17, 52 P, 130/70 - 17, 61 P mm
Tubeless:
Colors:	Red, Blue, Black & Yellow

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
Suspension(Front):	37mm Telescopic Front Fork with Antifriction Bush
Suspension(Rear):	Nitrox Mono Shock Absorber with piggy back gas canister
Brakes:	280mm Disc
Brakes(Rear):	230mm Disc
Stand Alarm:
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Fuel Guage:	Digital
Self Start:
Tacho Meter:	Analogue
Trip Meter:	Digital-2
Alloys:
Speedometer:	Digital
Passenger Footrest:
Passenger Backrest:
Step-up Seat:
Pass-light:
Low Fuel Indicator:
Low Oil Indicator:
Low Battery Indicator:
High Oil Temp. Indicator:
Choked Air Filter Indicator:

Bajaj Discover 125 ST

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 05:16:00 +0000

EX-SHOWROOM PRICE

Rs. 56,100

VEHICLE SUMMARY
Name:	Discover 125 ST
Type:	Commuter
Top Speed:	105kph
Fuel Consumption: City	50.00
Fuel Consumption: Highway	65.00
VERDICT
FOR	NA
AGAINST	NA
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Displacement:	124.6cc
Engine:	124.6cc, 4-stroke
Maximum Power:	12.8 Bhp @ 9000 rpm
Maximum Torque:	11 Nm @ 7000 rpm
Gears:	5 Speed
Clutch:	Wet Multi Plate Type
No. of Cylinders:	1
Valve Per Cylinder:	4
Chassis Type:	Semi Double Cradle Frame
Cooling Type:	Air Cooling
0 to 60:	5.94 sec.
DIMENSIONS
Length:	2035.00 mm
Width:	714.00 mm
Height:	1070.00 mm
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
Weight:	121.00 kg
Ground Clearance:	170.00 mm
Fuel Tank:	10.00 ltrs
Wheelbase:	1305.00 mm
Electrical System:	DC Ignition, Digital CDI
Headlamp:	35/35W
Battery Type:	Maintenance Free
Battery Voltage:	12V
Battery Capacity:	5Ah
Wheel Type:	5-spoke Alloys
Wheel Size:	2.75x17" - 3.00x17" mm
Tubeless:
Colors:	Blue, Black, Grey, Red

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
Suspension(Front):	Telescopic (130 mm)
Suspension(Rear):	Nitrox Twin (110 mm)
Brakes:	200mm Petal Disc
Brakes(Rear):	130mm Drum
Stand Alarm:
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Fuel Guage:	Analogue
Self Start:
Tacho Meter:	None
Trip Meter:	None
Alloys:
Speedometer:	Analogue
Passenger Footrest:
Passenger Backrest:
Step-up Seat:
Pass-light:
Low Fuel Indicator:
Low Oil Indicator:
Low Battery Indicator:
High Oil Temp. Indicator:
Choked Air Filter Indicator:

Bajaj Discover 150

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 05:08:00 +0000

Price : Rs.53000/-

VEHICLE SUMMARY
Name:	Discover 150
Type:	Commuter
Top Speed:	102kph
Fuel Consumption: City	55.00
Fuel Consumption: Highway	65.00
VERDICT
FOR	Reasoble price High Mileage
AGAINST	Looks
OUR RATINGS
Appearance:
Comfort:
Features:
Performance:
Value for money:
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Displacement:	144.8cc
Engine:	144.8cc, DTS-i
Maximum Power:	12.8 Bhp @ 7500 rpm
Maximum Torque:	12.7 Nm @ 5500 rpm
Gears:	5 Manual
Clutch:	Wet, Multi Plate Type
Chassis Type:	Double Cradle Type
Cooling Type:	Air Cooling
0 to 60:	5.30 sec.
DIMENSIONS
Length:	2030.00 mm
Width:	760.00 mm
Height:	1065.00 mm
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
Weight:	121.00 kg
Ground Clearance:	165.00 mm
Fuel Tank:	8.00 ltrs
Wheelbase:	1305.00 mm
Turn Circle:	3.28 mtrs
Electrical System:	12V
Headlamp:	35/35W
Battery Type:	Maintenance Free
Horn:	12V DC
Wheel Type:	Alloys
Wheel Size:	2.75x17 - 100/90x17 mm
Tubeless:
Colors:	Black with blue, Black with green, Black with magnepa and Flame red

Bajaj Discover 125

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 05:05:00 +0000

EX-SHOWROOM PRICE

Rs. 49,000

VEHICLE SUMMARY
Name:	Discover 125
Type:	Commuter
Top Speed:	100kph
Fuel Consumption: City	55.00
Fuel Consumption: Highway	82.00
VERDICT
FOR	High Mileage
AGAINST	Looks
OUR RATINGS
Appearance:
Comfort:
Features:
Performance:
Value for money:
ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS
Displacement:	124.52cc
Engine:	124.52cc, 4-stroke
Maximum Power:	11 Bhp @ 8000 rpm
Maximum Torque:	10.80 Nm @ 5500rpm
Gears:	5 Speed
Clutch:	Wet Multi Plate Type
Bore:	57
Stroke:	48.8
No. of Cylinders:	1
Valve Per Cylinder:	2
Cooling Type:	Air Cooling
DIMENSIONS
Length:	2030.00 mm
Width:	760.00 mm
Height:	1065.00 mm
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
Weight:	125.00 kg
Ground Clearance:	165.00 mm
Fuel Tank:	8.00 ltrs
Wheelbase:	1305.00 mm
Electrical System:	12volts ac+dc
Headlamp:	35/35W
Battery Type:	Maintenance Free
Horn:	12V DC
Wheel Type:	Alloys
Wheel Size:	100/90 x 17 mm
Tubeless:
Colors:	Golden Green, Red Voilet

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY
Suspension(Front):	Telescopic
Suspension(Rear):	Nitrox Gas Charged
Brakes:	130mm Drum
Brakes(Rear):	130mm Drum
Stand Alarm:
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Fuel Guage:	Analogue
Self Start:
Tacho Meter:	None
Trip Meter:	None
Alloys:
Speedometer:	Analogue
Passenger Footrest:
Passenger Backrest:
Step-up Seat:
Pass-light:
Low Fuel Indicator:
Low Oil Indicator:
Low Battery Indicator:
High Oil Temp. Indicator:
Choked Air Filter Indicator:

Phonebloks concept imagines a modular smartphone

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 18 Sep 2013 04:59:00 +0000

We live in a throwaway society, where products often aren't made to last long, and generally aren't easily fixable. Smartphones are a case in point, with the average handset being replaced by its owner within two years. And when that happens, the whole thing is trashed intact and replaced with another, slightly better, model. With the Phonebloks concept, Dave Hakkens plans to change this short-term way of thinking about gadgets.

Dutch designer Hakkens has proposed the Phonebloks concept, which is designed to run counter to the current business model from smartphone manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung. Currently, the average consumer buys a phone, and uses it until it either breaks or is supplanted by a newer model. Then, they either sell it, trade it in, or trash it in favor of buying a brand new handset. Phonebloks tears this notion apart with a simple alternative.

Phonebloks is (or is at least imagined to be) a smartphone made up of modular elements. So, your Phonebloks handset would comprise a display panel of your choosing, a battery pack of your choosing, a memory module of your choosing, and other components selected by you. These would be called bloks, and they would be connected to a universal base which ties all of the separate components together. Each blok would be attached to the base via pins, with two screws holding everything in place.

This all means that if one individual component breaks it can be replaced without the need to throw away the whole unit and start again from scratch. Likewise, if you want to upgrade an individual component – your camera or your RAM, for example – then you simply buy the relevant blok and embed it in your handset. To achieve this, Hakkens proposes the Blokstore, a kind of app store for hardware on which you can buy and sell bloks made by your favorite brand.

The overriding factor behind Phonebloks is electronic waste, which is a rapidly growing problem. While Phonebloks wouldn't solve the issue outright (as people would still be disposing of some components) it would certainly help ease the situation. A similar proposal for a recyclable laptop was made a few years ago, but people seem to be resistant to change – or perhaps manufacturers are responsible for the lack of enthusiasm.

Phonebloks is just a concept at present, but it's one that has been met with considerable interest from consumers around the world. Hakkens is currently asking people to support the notion of Phonebloks with a campaign on Thunderclap, and the short video embedded below details the effort.

Unfortunately, consumer demand will not be enough to make Phonebloks a reality, with hardware partners an absolute necessity if this is ever going to move from the drawing board to the real world. Still, it's a great idea that deserves some attention.

How to Change the Start Screen Background in Windows 8

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 17:10:00 +0000

Windows 8’s new Start screen has been hotly debated since the operating system launched in preview mode earlier this year. Acknowledged by some as a bold step into the tablet market, and criticized by many others who prefer the familiar desktop experience, the new 'Modern UI Style' home is here to stay. But beyond not offering a way to bypass this screen (not without the help of third-party utilities), surprisingly Microsoft is also limiting your options when it comes to customizing the Start screen's appearance. You can choose from a couple color schemes and 10 stock background images, but that's about it.

We've seen some workarounds before but they require firing up the HEX editor to modify system files, and you are still limited to 256-color background images in a handful of specific sizes. That’s more work than most people are probably willing to bother with and as you can imagine the results are not quite optimal.

Enter Decor8. Stardock’s latest Windows 8 customization app removes this limitation by giving users the ability to pick any picture they want, regardless of size or color range, as the Start screen background.

The program is pretty straightforward to use. Upon launching Decor8, you’ll be presented with a set of background images to choose from, including the start screen and desktop background images that Windows 8 ships with and also a set of wallpapers that Stardock ships with the app. You get the usual fill, fit, tile and center options available in the classic desktop, and the program will automatically create a color scheme to match each of your background images -- or you can manually customize the color scheme if you’re so inclined.

You can add folders to the program to use your own photos and images as background. There’s also the option to select multiple background images by holding down the Ctrl key, and have them rotate on a set time interval, as well as the option to fade background images against the start screen color for a subtle effect.

Fix Windows folder unresponsive/slow behavior, green loading bar

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 17:05:00 +0000

An old Windows fix for an equally ancient Windows issue. This Windows Explorer "bug" goes back to the days of Windows Vista, yet unfortunately remains a glaring annoyance in Windows 7 and Windows 8.

This unresponsive/slowdown behavior is typically seen when browsing the "Downloads" folder, so it's very likely it's happened to you as well. Windows tries to be smart about the files you store in your folders and thus optimizes the view and sorting options for pictures or videos. On either of those settings it will try to generate thumbnails for all your files (even when they are not pictures or videos) and take away precious seconds of your time, every - single - time.

Needless to say it's a very frustrating behavior, but thankfully something that can be easily fixed.

In Windows Explorer,

right click the Downloads folder (or any folder you are having issues with), then select Properties.

Select the Customize tab

From the drop-down menu, Optimize this folder for: "General Items"

That should do the trick.

Eight Things That Still Haven’t Killed PC Gaming

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 16:58:00 +0000

Consoles

We’ve been hearing this since what, the PlayStation with its cheap-to-manufacture CD-ROM games with high storage capacities? Despite PC-deficient console gamers’ decades-long insistence that consoles do everything a PC can only without the bugs and the tough-to-navigate system requirements, PC gaming has consistently stayed one step ahead of its prophesied doom. The platform has always had something unique at each point in its history: high-def adventure games like Myst, real-time strategy games like StarCraft, massively multiplayer online games like EverQuest, unbelievably creative indie games like The Binding of Isaac, and much more. Creative game developers are continually finding new ways to use the PC’s unique features to experiment and innovate in brand-new directions, and that’s unlikely to change as long as consoles are fixed, closed platforms.

Piracy

Widespread availability of broadband changed the game from the days of swapping floppies at school. Readily available torrent seeds kicked piracy into yet another level from the days of Kazaa and LimeWire. Piracy rates skyrocketed in the early 2000s as college kids downloaded everything they found on shady sites to the massive hard drives that were becoming increasingly affordable. Despite this, companies like Valve discovered that gamers would pay money for added value in the form of free updates and multiplayer services that were easier to cut pirates off from than the game code itself. That didn’t stop other publishers from jumping off of the cliffs of DRM insanity, though.

DRM

Facing increasingly dire levels of illegitimate consumers, companies fought back by escalating their digital-rights management in an ill-fated arms race with hackers. Far from the endearing code wheels and tech tree trivia of the ‘80s, DRM efforts began actively hurting game sales. DVD drives were wrecked by driver-level shenanigans. Hidden, difficult-to-remove software degraded overall PC performance. In at least one memorable case, Titan Quest suffered from awful word-of-mouth reports because of a DRM solution that corrupted the experience with increasingly nasty bug-like phenomena if it thought the copy was pirated. Not all was lost, however, as other companies like CDProjekt bucked the trend and reaped big sales (though putting out excellent games certainly didn’t hurt their cause). The well-documented struggles of Assassin’s Creed II on PC thanks to Ubisoft’s draconian DRM appear to mark the nadir of this chapter of PC gaming history, as Ubisoft recanted its original stance of putting that level of control in every one of its games shortly after announcing it thanks to bad press and consumer backlash.

Microsoft

Perhaps the worst idea to try to stem the tide of piracy was Microsoft’s Games for Windows Live service. In theory, sharing a unified login with your Xbox Live account was a win-win for gamers: You get all the chat, friends list, matchmaking, and achievements on PC as well as Xbox now, hooray! In practice, the entire service was a disaster from the very beginning. Microsoft canned cross-platform play before it even came out with that awful Shadowrun shooter in 2007 (though it was re-added in 2009), and the GFWL client suffered from hardware incompatibilities and network problems from launch on. Authentication server failures were a regular occurrence, locking players out of the games they bought at random times. Matchmaking worked poorly at best. Worst of all, your kids couldn’t watch Netflix in the other room on your 360 if you were signed into your account on the PC. With all of the disadvantages of a connected online service and none of the positives for consumers or publishers (the DRM layer was easily cracked), the few publishers who initially supported GFWL abandoned the service after only a few games. Microsoft has since all but killed the GFWL initiative, instead hoping that its unified Windows store and Live account paradigm with Windows 8 will achieve its goals. (Spoilers: It won’t.)

Microtransactions

Other markets, particularly China with its lax intellectual property rights, were ahead of the curve in dealing with widespread piracy. The solution, microtransactions, was heralded as the scourge of gaming that would prevent any interesting development from taking place ever again as studios chased metrics-driven cash cows. The jury is still somewhat out on this one as developers and publishers struggle to find the right balance between real money, in-game rewards, subscription fees, and box cost. However, avoiding too much doom and gloom is easy when looking at the success of titles from Guild Wars 2 to League of Legends and witnessing one disastrous quarterly report after another from Zynga.

Retail

Another knock-on effect of the piracy problem was a sharp decline in retail presence for PC gaming, particularly at specialty retailers like GameStop [full disclosure: Game Informer’s parent company]. Without being in stores, how would anyone buy PC games at all? In stepped digital distribution, most notably Valve’s Steam service. Just as Apple found with iTunes, game publishers discovered that consumers would still pay money for their digital goods if the process of buying a game through the Internet didn’t suck so much. Once digitally distributed games stopped being wrapped in layer after layer of DRM, pushed through horrendously slow download speeds, and had decent online documentation to replace paper manuals, the money started pouring in. Who would have thought that treating customers like clients instead of thieves would be a winning business strategy?

XBLA/PSN

Console digital distribution lagged behind its PC relatives, but the rise of Microsoft’s Xbox Live Arcade and (later, once it stopped sucking so badly) Sony’s PlayStation Network were heralded as (another) death knell for PC gaming. “Look at all these indie games,” the haters said, “being sold for $10-20 and with all the conveniences of console gaming. Surely developers will abandon the PC entirely now that they can be on Xbox!” Well, it turns out to not be that simple. While XBLA and PSN have been very good to a small number of heavily promoted titles, far more have failed to gain traction thanks to poor discoverability on those services. Some tiny indie studios simply don’t have the cash to buy development kits or pass through certification with Microsoft or Sony, which run into the tens of thousands of dollars. Sony (and later) Microsoft have announced plans to mitigate these issues on their next-gen consoles, but literally anyone can put out a PC game with no approval or submitting to any company at all. That will remain a strength for the platform no matter what.

Smartphones

Reading too many tech pundits over the last few years can give the impression that Apple (and later Google) has burned down traditional genres, platforms, products, and markets like the Golden Horde pillaging its way across Asia. As the iOS and Android markets reach maturity, though, the reality is that their gaming segments don’t seem to have made any real difference in the PC space at all. If anything, you can see more interesting and creative projects coming out for both PC and mobile platforms as getting a game up and running on PC is orders of magnitude easier once you have an iOS or Android build, and hitting more platforms lets studios take riskier gambles in the hopes of striking it big.

Amnesia: A Machine For Pigs

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 16:55:00 +0000

Two years ago, Frictional Games delivered a first-person horror game called Amnesia: The Dark Descent. The moody corridor crawler tasked players with lighting the way via a lantern and scattered lamps while evading terrible creatures lurking in the shadows. The Dark Descent ignored combat altogether, instead asking players to run and hide when discovered by a monster. The tense and unforgettable game has given rise to a new wave of combat free, first-person horror games. The Chinese Room (Dear Esther) is up to bat for this sequel to the trend-setting original. The Dark Descent’s flight over fight formula was effective, but A Machine for Pigs doesn’t throw in enough threats to keep players on the edge of their seat throughout.

A Machine for Pigs’ story is told as much through the environment as the scattered files and voiceover work. Set during the industrial revolution, players plod through the depths of a terrible factory that exploits humanity in disturbing ways. I enjoyed exploring the dim hallways of a mansion all the way down to the rattling, steaming bowels of the underground factory. Bold players are destined to discover the horrendous business practices afoot in this processing plant. I saw the main twist coming a mile away, but The Chinese Room unravels the story with its unique flair. Opaque, stylishly written journal entries add deeper meaning to the blood-splattered hallways and creaking processing lines. A disembodied voice frequently speaks to the amnesiac protagonist, peppering clues to his sordid past. I like the story A Machine for Pigs tells, but it feels like The Chinese Room is more concerned with controlling the narrative than letting players get lost in the dark.

Horror is at its best when the audience’s minds fill in the gaps between scares. The original game was conservative with dispersing its monsters, but A Machine for Pigs feels too much so. The Chinese Room shows you plenty of monsters from behind the safety of artificial barriers, but legitimately dangerous encounters are scant. Amnesia: The Dark Descent shined brightest when throwing in an enemy that prompted players to flee into the shadows and hide behind a pile of boxes. Those moments are woefully rare in A Machine for Pigs. A few open sections require players to evade stalking ghouls, but most of the encounters feel too straightforward. For example, one enemy gives chase when walking down a linear path through city streets, which obviously provokes players to keep running forward. I felt like the scares were prodding me down the scripted path of the story rather than leaving the survival strategy up to me. The predictable monster design is also a step back from the gruesome abominations of The Dark Descent. It’s hard to remain frightened while exploring the factory when you feel like the game is pulling punches.

Using your lantern to navigate the darkness is necessary, and it escalates the tension. The original game required players to collect oil for the lantern and tinder boxes to light lamps along the way. These resources have been axed for a lantern with an infinite supply of oil. This more-reliable lantern enables players to explore the environments freely, but reduces motivation for exploring every nook and cranny. Lighting a breadcrumb trail of lamps was a key layer of tension in the original that is sorely missed in this sequel. A Machine For Pigs attempts to compensate by causing the lantern to flicker unreliably when enemies are near, but this only further dampens the scares. I began using the light source like the radio from Silent Hill, removing some surprise from enemy ambushes.

It feels like a trek through an understaffed haunted house crafted by artists with something to say about the ugly past of industrial progress. The winding, linear path is interrupted with simple crank-turning puzzles with the goal of repairing or sabotaging intimidating machinery. But these tasks just feel like distractions without the omnipresent threat of running out of light. One memorable moment interrupts a backtracking fetch quest with a sudden enemy appearance, but like many of the other frights this is just a false start.

The Chinese Room proves once again that it has wonderful, affecting stories to tell and can create environments that ooze atmosphere. The same could be said of some of the horror film genre’s best directors. However, A Machine for Pigs guides players along the bloody processing line too strictly, removing the impact of interactivity. I had trouble giving into the scares when I knew each one was carefully prepared and mostly benign dressing or loud noises. It will still rattle of the faint of heart, but survivors of the original will feel like they’ve endured worse.

Home | Gadgetz | Technology

Top 3 tablets in India below Rs10,000 for September 2013

Micromax to Pre-install Opera Mini on upcoming Android devices

BMW Sport

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OTHER SPECIFICATIONS

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

BMW F650GS

VEHICLE SUMMARY

ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS

DIMENSIONS

OTHER SPECIFICATIONS

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

BMW R1200GS

VEHICLE SUMMARY

ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS

DIMENSIONS

OTHER SPECIFICATIONS

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY

COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE