TechnoBuddy - Start here your technoday everyday!

ProgrammerFish - My new blog

2008-08-03T13:12:00.000-07:00

I have started a new blog named "ProgrammerFish", so I will be writing posts there instead of Technobuddy.

Visit now: www.programmerfish.com

SQL Server 2008, Arriving in July 31 2008?

2008-07-28T14:03:00.001-07:00

Microsoft SQL Server (a relational database management system that uses Transact-SQL as its primary query language) with the latest version Microsoft SQL Server 2005 SP2 is rumored to release its new version MS SQL Server 2008 Code Name Katmai at July 31, 2008.

read more | digg story

Blog temporarily discontinued!

2007-12-31T08:25:00.001-08:00

I am sorry to announce that this blog is temporarily discontinued due to start of a new project. Being busy with that project I will not be able to continue it for some time. Also there are possibilities it is merged with sister companies for better prospective.

This blog will be re-started INSHAHALLAH in mid of February 2008 with a new look and better SEO with WordPress blog management tools and more attractive content.

I am thankful to all regular readers that spend their precious time visiting this blog. I request you to stay tuned and do visit this URL in mid of February 2008.

You are also requested to comment on this post to express your ideas that you want to share for the new version that will be available in February 2008. Express your likes and dislikes of this blog so that we can make it better in the next version

Thank you

nVIDIA GeForce 9 Series comes in March

2007-12-17T10:51:00.001-08:00

According to current plans, Nvidia plans to introduce its Geforce 9 series high end part codenamed G100 around march 2008.
We don’t know many details, but we do know that the chip should end up faster than two G92 D8E dual PCB card which is scheduled for launch in late January.
It will be on time to launch with G96 which is a mainstream part.

Source:
Fudzilla

Wateen Telecom Launches its Wi-Max Services For Home Users: Confusions and Cool things!

2007-12-17T10:45:00.001-08:00

Wateen finally launched its WI-FI broadband for home users on 16 December 2007.

This service was awaited so much with a lot of expectations. But the question is: is this what we waited for?

Wateen's web site has enough ajax to impress Pakistanis but still its pretty unclear about the services it provides. Most of stuff there is confusing! CEO is taking about about 'tadaaaa!' and 'wow' of his own company and a cluster of mixture of packages enough to confuse an average Pakistani reader. Plus there is written at end "All prices are exclusive of all taxes!". Come on Wateen guys, where are you standing? Why you want all people to call you? or visit you office? Why you have a website? is to display CEOs enthusiasm about its own company? ...Few pages are still under construction even after 4 months of delay.

Ok enough criticism. Coolest thing is "yeayyy we have WI-MAX in Pakistan!" and now we have one of the largest hotspot in the world-Thanks to Wateen :) ...And its as affordable as other Broadband Services

Vista's Security & Architecture Compromised & Busted?

2007-12-12T06:09:00.001-08:00

Govind Singh demonstrates a very scary thing he did with vista! If its true then Vista's Security & Architecture can be easily busted!

He says in his blog
"Though VISTA claims to be the most secure operating system amongst the Microsoft OS family, still there are serious flaws which Compromise, Collapse & Bust down the Microsoft VISTA Security and Architecture."

Watch the Video yourself and decide

First Moonlight port of Silverlight to Linux due in six months

2007-12-07T04:56:00.001-08:00

Miguel de Icaza, Vice President of Developer Platforms at Novell, said this week the first release of "Moonlight" -- Novell's port of Microsoft's Flash-competitor Silverlight to Linux -- should be done in another six months. De Icaza provided an update on that status of Moonlight during this week's XML 2007 conference. Moonlight 1.0 (which will not include support for Mono, Novell's port of .Net to Linux -- not surprising given that Silverlight 1.0 doesn't support .Net, either) is due in six months. Moonlight 1.1, which does include Mono support, is application-programming-interface (API) complete now, and will be ready shortly thereafter. Moonlight 2.0, which will be based on Silverlight 2.0 (the product formerly known as Silverlight 1.1) will be out six...

Read More

Source: ZDNet Blogs

Apple filing details multitasking touch-screen for mobile gaming

2007-12-07T04:49:00.001-08:00

Apple is always had less-than-enthusiastic stance towards gaming, so the company's latest patent filing seems a bit out of character, seeing as it details a multitasking touchscreen that would allow games to be played while still controlling other applications like media players. The system works be categorizing touch inputs and routing the data to the appropriate application -- a simple tap might go to the game, while a longer press might be sent to the media player. According to Apple, "the invention allows various applications to be integrated and used on devices that are not readily suitable for supporting multiple applications at the same time." Of course, there's no word on when we might see this make its way into an actual product, but if this means we might see games on the iPod touch and iPhone, bring it on.

Via Engadget

"Here comes another bubble"- my favorite video

2007-12-06T04:42:00.001-08:00

No comments! watch the video...it may change your life

Windows Live Messenger 9 Beta New Features

2007-12-04T12:06:00.001-08:00

These are the new features in WLM 9 (currently in pre-beta stage) that are posted around the web.

New features:

Sign-in and messaging in multiple locations up to four at once.
Signature sounds.
Per contact sounds.
SPAM Reporting.
Animated Display Pictures - supports animated .gif files as display pictures.
Link in Personal Status Message
URLs in Personal Status Messages are hot and clickable in the Messenger contact list.

General improvements:

Behind the Scenes Changes
Architectural changes that modified how things work but shouldn’t have changed how things look.
Changes to sign-in, connectivity, presence, sending text IM’s, voice & video features.
Windows Live Contacts Server
wlcomm.exe runs in the background to keep your contacts’ information up-to-date and helps Messenger sign you in faster.

Microsoft to make Vista harder to crack with SP1

2007-12-04T11:48:00.001-08:00

Microsoft will change the user experience of its automatic anti-piracy checks in Windows Vista and also make it harder for hackers to bypass the system in the first service pack for the OS due out early next year. Once Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) is installed on a PC, that computer will no longer go into limited functionality mode if a user or administrator fails to activate Vista on that system in 30 days, or if the system fails Microsoft's Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) validation, which checks to see if a version of Vista is pirated or counterfeit. In Vista, WGA is called the Software Protection Program feature.

In limited functionality mode, a computer will shut down after 60 minutes and then allow only browser use. Now, instead of going into that mode, a version of Vista that has not been activated in 30 days will start up with a black screen and a dialogue box that gives users the choice of activating Vista now or later, said Alex Kochis, a group product manager at Microsoft.

Via Neowin
Read More

Nokia's "Comes with Music" free subscription service

2007-12-04T11:35:00.001-08:00

So here's the deal. Nokia just launched a "Comes with Music" program. No, not software, but a deal which allows you to buy a Nokia device with a year of unlimited, subscription access to "millions of tracks." Once the year is complete however, customers can keep all their downloaded music -- it doesn't disappear just because the subscription is over. What's the catch? Don't know yet. We know it's limited to Universal Music Group tracks for the time being but there's no mention of any fees, DRM, advertising, or other restrictions.
It's free for one year! All the Universal Music tracks you can download for 12 months can be yours. The offer doesn't begin until mid 2008, just as long as the deal doesn't fall apart by then.

Source: Engadget

Windows Mobile 6.1 gets pictured, detailed

2007-12-04T11:32:00.001-08:00

The Boygeniusreport has revealed 100 detailed pictures of Windows Mobile 6.1 running on Motorola Q9 with Wi-Fi. check out full Windows Mobile 6.1 gallery, and the new things we found!

Copy / Paste (finally!)

Domain Enroll in Settings (Enrolling in a domain will connect your device with company resources.)

New home screen (pan left and right to check out missed calls, notifications like email, sms, etc.)

Change Master Security Code

Added text input settings

Recent Programs when pressing Start menu

Threaded SMS!

When you compose an email, or SMS, and start typing the name of the contact in the "To:" field, the contact names finally pop up like Windows Mobile Professional!

Internet Explorer now lets you define a homepage, and also zoom in and out using a nice and clean interface

Click on over to our Windows Mobile 6.1 gallery!

Trojan Remover 6.6.5

2007-11-29T09:02:00.001-08:00

Trojan Remover was written to aid in the removal of Trojan Horses and Internet Worms when standard anti-virus software has either failed to detect the problem or is unable to effectively eliminate it. The majority of Virus and Trojan Scanners are well able to detect malicious Trojan Horses and Internet Worms but are not always very efficient in removing them once they have been triggered.Trojan Remover was written specifically to carry out such a removal without the user having to manually edit system files, including the Registry. The program also removes the additional system modifications some Trojans carry out which are ignored by other Virus and Trojan Scanners. You can download a free fully-working evaluation copy of Trojan Remover by clicking on the download link below. The program will work for a full 30 days, after which it will expire - registration costs $29.00.

Recent Changes/Improvements:

*Added new heuristic detection routine for Adware.NaviPromo files.

*Improved detection of usermode rootkitted files.

*Added routines to remove hidden registry keys/values during PC restart if they cannot be removed normally.

*Added information on whether UAC is enabled/disabled in Windows Vista/Server 2008.

Source:Neowin

Wii fit

2007-11-28T07:06:00.001-08:00

Well this is about Nintendo's home fitness thing named Wii fit, the only gaming console that keeps you healthy...Have a look at it

Wii fit trailer:

Wii Fit (known as Wii Fitness in EU territories) is an upcoming video game for the Wii console, currently in development by Nintendo. Previously revealed under the code name Wii Health Pack, it was announced under its current title at Nintendo's E3 press conference on July 11, 2007 by famed video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto. At Nintendo's media briefing, it was demonstrated by Miyamoto himself, Reggie Fils-Aime and other participants. Like the rest of the Wii Series, Wii Fit will integrate Miis into its presentation and gameplay. The game is designed to function with the Wii Balance Board peripheral and is an example of exergaming. Wii Fit is set for release in Japan on December 1, 2007 for a price of 8,800 yen (roughly US$81). It will arrive in the United States and Europe sometime in early 2008.

Wii Fit will use a unique platform peripheral called the Wii Balance Board that can measure a user's body mass index and their center of gravity. The game will have about 40 different activities, including yoga poses, press ups, and other exercises. Furthermore, Wii Fit will allow its players to compare their fitness by using Wii Fit's own channel on the Wii Menu.

In a similar manner to the "Brain Age" calculated within Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day!, Wii Fit will also track a user's "Wii Fitness Age".

Video Demonstration of Wii Fit at E3 Gamer conference:

Wii Fit was first revealed as Wii Health Pack, by Shigeru Miyamoto, during a conference in mid-September of 2006. Then described as a "way to help get families exercising together", the game idea had first been included in Miyamoto's original design document for the whole Wii Series, the entirety of which was scribbled down on a single sheet of paper.

Text Courtesy: Wikipedia

ooVoo 1.1.0.6

2007-11-27T08:59:00.001-08:00

ooVoo™ is a free application which uses state-of-the-art audio and video technology enabling you to meet over the Internet using live video. It's the closest thing to being there with your family, friends and people you meet with. You can participate in a video conversation one-on-one or with up to 6 participants using a standard computer (Pentium 4 1 GHz or higher) with just a web camera and headset (or microphone and speakers). The video and audio is of superb quality and only requires a standard broadband Internet connection (such as DSL or cable). You can see which contacts are online and easily call them for a live video conversation. The application is easy to use and also enables you to record and send video messages, chat with friends, and share files. Does it contain spyware? Absolutely not. What you see is what you get. No cookies. No spam. No spyware.

Download: ooVoo
View: Features
Link: Home Page

Source: Neowin

A light-powered toothbrush?

2007-11-27T08:11:00.001-08:00

Would you like to use a light-powered toothbrush which needs no toothpaste and no batteries? It’s already available in Japan and North America and it costs about $30. Its rod contains titanium dioxide that generates a plaque-removing electrochemical reaction. This ’solar’ toothbrush of the future ‘works by releasing electrons that then react with the saliva in the mouth and help to breakdown plaque.’ It just needs some light — so you’ll be able to wash your teeth in your garden or on your balcony. And as it has no batteries, this is a very eco-friendly device. It is currently tested today by 120 students at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, but it’s already available online.

You can see above how the light-powered Soladey toothbrush works. (Credit: Soladey-USA, on this page Here is a link to an ebven better graphical explanation from the New York Times. And you also might want to look at this short TV Commercial about this toothbrush.

Here are some more details provided by the Cosmetics Design Europe article. “The toothbrush is powered by light. When light hits the solar panel in the handle of the toothbrush electrons are released and delivered to the semiconductor head (titanium dioxide), explains the manufacturer. In addition, when light strikes the wet titanium dioxide head more electrons are released, which form a negatively charged fluid inside the mouth that can remove hydrogen ions from the plaque making it easier to break down, says the manufacturer. The toothbrush, therefore, cannot work in the dark. However, it takes the same amount of light as a solar-powered calculator, so that if the user can see their reflection in the mirror there is enough light to operate the brush.”

In “New brush could make toothpaste obsolete“, Janet French from CanWest News Service added that “University of Saskatchewan dentistry professor emeritus Dr. Kunio Komiyama and his colleague Dr. Gerry Uswak are recruiting 120 teens willing to brush with a prototype light-powered toothbrush and sit in a dentist’s chair for a few extra inspections.” So far Komiyama saw a complete destruction of bacterial cells.

And in “Brushing Innovations, Built on Titanium,” Joyce Cohen, from the New York Times, provides additional technical details. “The brush, available at soladey-usa.com, relies on a property of titanium dioxide. It is photocatalytic, meaning that it causes chemical reactions in the presence of light. Light shining on the titanium dioxide rod in the brush’s handle generates negatively charged electrons, which steal positively charged ions from dental plaque, causing oxidation. Brushing creates a slurry of negatively charged saliva, which attracts and decomposes plaque.”

According to the New york Times, Donald C. Selmarten, a senior scientist at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado, thinks that the concept makes sense, but “has questions about the details — whether the wavelength of visible light is high enough to drive the reaction inside a dark mouth, and whether the resulting positive charge will actually remove plaque.”

This toothbrush is manufactured by Shiken Corporation of Osaka, Japan (page in Japanese) and available in North America from Soladey USA. And here are two questions you might ask about this toothbrush which are already answered in the Soladey FAQ section.Here is one: “Can Soladey be used with or without toothpaste? Yes, the ionic power of Soladey works with or without toothpaste. If you do want to use toothpaste, just make sure it doesn’t go all down the handle, blocking the light from getting to the light-sensitive rod. A strong light source is what makes Soladey most effective. If you wish to freshen your mouth we recommend using a natural mint rinse after brushing.”

But here is my preferred one. “Will any light source do? I’m not going to have to go outside to clean my teeth, am I? No, any light source will work, a fluorescent bathroom light, or a plain light bulb will do fine. Any natural or artificial light is all that’s needed. However, the better the light source is, and the more the titanium rod is in the light, the more effective Soladey is. Perfect your brushing habits by keeping the Titanium Rod in bright light as much as possible.’

Sources: Katie Bird, Cosmetics Design Europe, November 23, 2007; and various websites
Extracted from ZDnet blog

Windows Live Messenger ads!

2007-11-26T08:50:00.000-08:00

Three cool WLM advertisements :)

Wateen's WI-Max: delayed

2007-11-25T01:53:00.001-08:00

Wateen is still not able to launch its WI-max service that was promised this month.

According Wateen's costumer support, main reason behind this delay is not laziness of the company but some legal issues that are pending to be resolved by the Govt. of Pakistan. As country is under state of emergency, many major issues are hanging in between and waiting to get resolved.

So there is no expected date for the launch of this service and no details of the tariff.

A Windows Vista launch show from History

2007-11-24T01:53:00.000-08:00

I just saw this video on youtube...its recodring from a famous Indian channel Star Plus. Its Windows Vista and Office 2007 launch...and its really wow!
I wish this happens in Pakistan too

New iPod Nano Clone PMP With Integrated Camera And Touch Screen

2007-11-23T11:29:00.000-08:00

The China-based manufacturer, ECNokia has recently released its new PMP (Portable Media Player) which designed like latest third-generation iPod Nano, just as what you see in the photo.

The Chinese iPod Nano clone features a large 2.4-inch TFT touch screen display, FM radio tuner, voice recording capability and an integrated 1.3 megapixel camera, sounds like better deal than Apple’s iPod Nano. The new ECNokia iPod Nano-like MP4 player which measures 90 x 60 x 3.5mm also includes a SD/MMC card slot (up to 2GB) to store your musics/videos. No words on its price and availability yet.

Source:
My Digital Life

MTV's new music game set to rock music industry

2007-11-23T10:44:00.000-08:00

FrMTV's Rock Band video game took the stage on Tuesday, a new entrant in the fast-growing genre of musical games that could boost the fortunes of the flagging music industry.

More a rock band simulator than a game, the title takes on the hit Guitar Hero series that has sold millions and become a cash cow for publisher Activision.

Many retailers opened their doors at midnight so gamers could plunk down $170 for a Rock Band bundle that includes the game software and controllers shaped like a guitar, drum set and microphone.

Rock Band is the headline act in Viacom unit MTV's plan to spend more than $500 million on games over the next two years as it expands beyond its traditional TV base.
Rock Band is the crowning achievement of Harmonix, a Boston-based game studio started by Massachusetts Institute of Technology students seeking to make the experience of playing music accessible to the masses.

A partnership with accessory maker Red Octane resulted in the hit formula of Guitar Hero, but the teams parted ways as Activision bought Red Octane while MTV picked up Harmonix.
"For the first time ever, we had the resources to really go for it," Harmonix head Alex Rigopulos said. "For us, it's a dream game. It's really sort of everything we've ever dreamed of doing."
It's a dream many gamers apparently share. The "band in a box" won an average rating of 95 on CNET Networks' Metacritic.com, which compiles reviews from different game sites and publications.

In Rock Band, four people can play together on guitar, bass, drums, and vocals. Players hit buttons on the guitar or tap drums in sync with notes on-screen. Players can also sing along, karaoke-style. If notes are hit accurately, the song plays properly, and the band earns points.
Much as MTV's music videos transformed the industry in the early 1980s, industry executives and analysts said Rock Band may change the way people enjoy music. New songs will be available for download every week, with players able to tailor their game to their favorite genres or bands.

Just as musicians tested the novelty of downloads a few years ago by releasing songs online at the same time as on CD, MTV is working with labels to release playable versions of new tunes alongside their debuts in established formats.

"In 10 years, people are going to look at idly listening to music the same way as we look at watching a TV show in black and white," said Geoff Keighley, co-chair of the Game Critics Awards that named Rock Band the best game of the industry's annual trade show in July.
Game downloads are attractive to game makers and the music business because they are priced at about $2--double the cost of a song from an online store.

"I don't really expect it to be a huge source of income for the industry, but it is a positive story when they need one," said Billy Pidgeon, an analyst at market research firm IDC.

Activision Chief Executive Bobby Kotick said new songs for Guitar Hero will boost profit margins. Activision has sold more than half a million Guitar Hero song packs. That's only $3 million in revenue, but it's a highly profitable drop at a time when the overall music bucket is shrinking.

MTV, for its part, aspires to build an iTunes for games.
"We've moved from initial rounds of discussions with the labels to talking about how we can harness this platform to break new artists and to introduce new music from established artists," Paul DeGooyer, vice president of MTV Games, said in an interview.

The music business badly needs growth drivers. Downloads are expected to more than double over the next five years to $3.4 billion--more than a third of all music revenue--but that's partly because the industry is contracting, according to a report released Tuesday by JupiterResearch.

For all its grand plans, Rock Band is still playing the role of an upstart new act that must meet several challenges.

This year, the game is only available in $170 bundles that are nearly twice as expensive as "Guitar Hero." Individual instruments won't be offered until next year.
There is also the issue of availability. MTV said it would ship more than a million units this year, but Guitar Hero 3 sold 1.4 million units in its first six days on the market and is enjoying wider brand recognition.

Other game makers aren't expected to sit still, either.
Electronic Arts, which is distributing Rock Band under a three-year deal, may jump in with its own music game at some point. While EA books the revenue from each Rock Band sale, its share of profits is much lower than if it was publishing its own game.

Asked whether EA was working on its own game, EA Partners general manager David DeMartini praised Harmonix before telling Reuters, "That's not to say that we wouldn't, at some point, be involved in the genre, as this is a huge genre that hasn't reached full potential. We wouldn't rule anything out."

Source:
News.com

23andme introduces the first Personal Genome Service

2007-11-18T12:27:00.000-08:00

Anne Wojcicki, the wife of Google co-founder Sergey Brin, hasto launched 23andme today— it appears they are already taking orders before though. The service, partially funded by Google, has set out to revolutionize how we look at ourselves in reference to the past, present and future. For $999 you will receive a complete DNA scan that reveals your ancestry, what your risk factor for developing certain diseases is, and will keep you up-to-date with the latest medical advancements that directly affect you.

If I had $999 to spend, I’m not sure I would do it yet though. I have no problems morally, or otherwise, sending my cheek swab to 23andme for analysis. I’m not even overly concerned with the price point. It’s the fear of what they are going to tell me about myself that scares the bejesus out of me. What they are offering isn’t too extreme, but it’s almost like knowing the exact date and time of your death — cool, but not for me.
It would be interesting to know how many people take the plunge on Monday — it’s a lot of money, but the information you get is potentially invaluable. What do you think? Would you be willing to send your DNA to a private company for analysis? If so, would you pay $999 for it?

Source:
based on article by Garett Rogers on ZDnet Blogs

The 20 (Mostly Free) Downloads You Can't Do Without

2007-11-18T11:58:00.000-08:00

You likely have plenty of software on your PC. But do you have the right software?
Any well-equipped system needs a basic software suite, a collection of tools that can keep your machine in working order and help it take care of everyday tasks--as well as some not-so-ordinary tasks. Since such software doesn't ship with your PC, for the most part, you'll have to accumulate it over time.

Which programs should you get? We've put together a suite of 20 must-have applications--the tools that will allow you to get the most out of your PC. We've included a wide variety of software, from security utilities to system cleaners to graphics tools. We've mixed some all-time favorites with some apps that you've probably never heard of. They all have one thing in common: You need them. Now. So read on and start downloading... [PC World suggests some very cool freeware that u cant resist to download]...click here for full article

Youtube To Launch HD Videos Soon

2007-11-18T11:55:00.000-08:00

The leading online video-sharing company, Youtube which has developed into a global phenomenon is currently testing HD video capabilities which aimed to enhance your Internet video-sharing experience, according to Youtube co-founder Steve Chen.

The new Youtube HD is expected to be available to everyone within 3 months.