Technotronical Matrix

Top Tech Trends in 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Vikram) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:56:00 +0000

While winding back the year 2011, it is obvious to have a look what changed the IT scenario & online part of our life this year. Here are the IT Trends & Important events of 2011 which I feel, will definitely guide the future.

01. Geolocation - For non-technical users it can be just reference of user location tracking like Facebook did. This trend is observed as a major phenomenon. Let it be apps, social networks, search or maps, Geolocation features added the ease of operations, on the other hand a bit restriction on privacy front. Indeed we can call it a buzzword of the 2011. More of Open API's are hitting the market than the earlier trend of OpenSource. Geolocation can be easily integrated to the native apps, websites, softwares, products or contents, thanks to APIs.

02. End of flash for mobiles - The era that wasn't everywhere on the mobile. Adobe confirmed on 9th Nov 2011, that they are no longer be developing mobile flash, saying that HTML5 is the best solution for mobile dynamic contents and videos. (Ref. - Business week). A bold move indeed, but it was call of the time. Apple devices which carry considerable number in the market, has no support for Flash and its parallel apps ecosystem. But instead of making this a point, there were more dynamic contents optimized to serve iOS devices. Fragmentation of android, less response to QNX (Blackberry Playbook) & really necent stage of BADA, nothing is favouring the allocation of pool of resources for mobile flash. There was an era of common standard for dynamic contents, dominated by flash. For mobiles, Flash is heavy, consuming battery, resources, space & time. Now it will be replaced by more flexible standards like HTML5. But dear Flash, you will be missed. Another major reason for mobile OS makers not choosing flash is the parallel ecosystem of apps, and UX, which flash allows. Players like Apple, Microsoft want to offer seamless and unified User Experience, can control the individual market (iTunes & Apple Marketplace as well as Zune Market), but will open a backdoor by allowing flash on the devices. This will lead to another popular situation of Fragmentation, which is often referred for the rival, Android. Reasons are many, outcome is, mobile flash will become history over the time.

03. Google buying Motorola - an attempt to secure Android. This year was year of lawsuites. Intellactual property rights, features and User Interface were the weapons leading ITCOES used against each other. In this warfare, Google extended the arms to build competancy in the mobile hardware market, acquiring Motorola Mobility. Android is still lagging on few fronts than its closest competitor iOS. One of them is dedicated hardware for the OS. Android is often modified by OEMs, to differentiate, to make it suitable with the specified hardware and to make it attractive. As the legend Steve Jobs once said, "Every android is different, but all iPhones are same." Somewhere there is a need to standardize hardware config for android. But this is not the major reason. Patent pool in possation with Motorola which will add another layer of defence for Google & associated android vendors, which is surrounded by IP violation cases. The problem here is innovating & patenting are appears to be two different things. Like Face unlock techonogy which is introduced to market by Android IceCream Sandwich on Samsung Google Galaxy Nexus, but is registered for patent by Apple. (Source)

04. Siri - better voice control on phone - Apple products always grab the attaintion because of its well planned marketing campaign. Same thing happened for iPhone 4S. Again was best kept secret under the heading of Lets talk iPhone on 4th Oct 2011. Speculations were for iPhone 5, with better camera, better features to leap ahead in mobiles. It happened to be modified and upgraded iPhone 4 named iPhone 4S. When I thought that Apple is listening to market, bringing dual-core process, better camera, which is already present in the other brands. But there was an innovation, SIRI. A smart voice control, in the form of humble personal assistant. A cleaver blend of Geolocation, User preferences record and Interactive Voice recognition, it was truly innovation. Though Android devices were enjoying Google Voice search right from FROYO days, the interactiveness of SIRI makes is one amazing feature. There are siri clones like IRIS being ported to android, but its not that unified experience. Credit surely goes to Apple.

05. New breed of Touch optimized Windows & Mango - It was early 2010, when Microsoft announced Window Phone 7, a unique UI based highly reworked breed of mobile OS. But it was Mid 2011, when they came up with MANGO (Windows Phone 7.5), which can be said a truly mainstream mobile OS. In late August 2011, announcement of Windows 8 Developer Preview, again grabbed the stardum for Microsoft. After XP, Windows 7 was widely accepted than the predecessor VISTA. Windows Phone Platform is catering to GenNext smartphone, Desktops becoming obsolate, world is moving towards Tablet, so as Microsoft. Porting METRO tile UI to touch optimized Next Generation of Windows, Microsoft integrated the classic feel of Windows with ease & connectivity of current internet & social network era. Windows 8 is really in its early phases, but it surely point towards the future, which can be TOUCHED.

06. End of WebOS - WebOS was a dream by Palm, which is now part of HP. This linux based OS, targeted for mobiles devices, was officially abandoned by HP. Additionally there were roumers that HP is spinning off its personal computers business. Officially HP announced, "It plans to announce that it will discontinue operations for webOS devices, specifically the TouchPad and webOS phones. HP will continue to explore options to optimize the value of webOS software going forward." On 9 Dec 2011, HP announced, "HP plans to continue to be active in the development and support of webOS. By combining the innovative webOS platform with the development power of the open source community, there is the opportunity to significantly improve applications and web services for the next generation of devices." Looks like one more Open contender in the mobile red ocean is up for 2012.

07. Group Buying - More of consumer interest trend observed worldwide. (like Groupon, living social worldwide or dealandyou, snapdeals, flipkart etc. in Indian scenario) Groupbuying sites shown remarkable growth. More important is people are adapting this whole new business model, and ease of it as well as focus on economical service delivery. Will expect some more innovative approaches to bulkbuying in 2012.

08. Rise of new brands - Xiomi, Meizu, Micromax and others, are now ringing some serious tones in front of giants like Samsung, Apple & Nokia. Mobile market has been typically dominated by large players throwing series of models with competitive prices, performance workhorse at lifestyle consumers and created a closed market situation, is now opening up with some serious entries late this year. Is this thing will change the worldwide scenario of the consumer electronics market? Time can tell.

As said by Kingsley Joseph (Founder, Petal Flames) on Twitter - The most interesting companies in the mobile market are not Apple and Google - they are Meizu & Xiaoi. Growing brands in a huge, growing mkt.

09. Android ICS & iOS5 - The year was marked for mobile computing, and mobile computing was marked by two words three letters each ICS & IOS. The battle started with announcement of iOS5, with improved multi-tasking, cloud integration, own messaging service, and many more features. Now reaction was expected from relatively more open, Android, for its upcoming IceCream Sandwich version (Android 4.0). ICS brought bunch of new standards, features and advancement, with a good attempt to streamline the tablet, mobile, medium sized devices & TV's together in one single solution. Finally its the consumer who will get benefited the most, the competition is heating up & ground is open. 2012 will give the turn.

According to a renowed IT expert in India (source Twitter), Till Dec 2012, more than half of the Android OEM will leave Android, looking for other platform.

Problem in this case is, where to go. Windows Phone is the only viable option rightnow. Unless, some names like GridOS or WebOS (yeah, the dead one) or someone like MeeGo will rise the bar.

10. Reach of social media its impact, Censorships & Content filtering - Later half of 2011 was filled with political unrest, revolutions, and spontaneous public reactions on the rulers. Osama Bin Laden, the worlds most wanted terrorist is killed, Gaddaffi the dictetor is punished, many countries underwent revolutions, this time with technology assisting them. Egypt was the first, where social networking & mobile communication fueled the anti-government sentiments, resulted into revolution. London riots are also called Blackberry riots, because of open use of communication technology to co-ordinate the activities. This is the same year, when Government of India, suggested measure to filter the contents, in a manner which is kind of Censorship. In USA, S.O.P.A. proposal stirred the tech world. Movements like India Against Curruption, Occupy Wallstreet etc. was powered based of efficient, easy and effective information sharing. The technology is truly becoming part of life now.

In 2011, We lost many notable people, Apple founder Steve Jobs, Father of C Dennis Ritchie, Legandary Singers like Jagjit Singh, Bhupen Hajarika and many more. Their contributions to our better life will always be acknowledged and remembered.

Year 2012, looks like, we will meet better computers, smarter phones, more efficient machines as a result more dumb people.

Wish you all a very happy & happening new year 2012!!
Be Smart, Use Smarter, Spend Smartly

Lessons from Hiroshima

noreply@blogger.com (Vikram) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 06:14:00 +0000

Today is Hiroshima DAY, observed in many parts of the world with special vigils and peace marches. It is held to commemorate the dropping of the first atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. Three days later a second bomb fell on the city of Nagasaki. The occasion is marked on August 6.

Image from Wikipedia

This flared up display of outrageous power, shook the world. It wasn't indeed the cure for war-minded individuals, but it changed the world. The shift of importance from more manpower is now ballasted by nuclear capable missiles, aircrafts and technologies. The fear of Nuclear war, passively controlled offensive incidences.

Japan, the victim nation, emerged again from the ashes, now using controlled version of same power which destroyed them. America who invented and used this weapon, is now biggest stockist of such things, and trying to eliminate it from the world.

What can be learned from Hiroshima day?

1. Human nature cannot be controlled. One warminded can risk thousands of lives, just for his opinion.

2. One can rise again from the deadliest strike, if he/she is willing to.

3. Atomic energy is not at all SAFE, Companies and Governments just makeup the face of a Devil to look it attractive.

4. We are helpless in the matter, maximum we can take a peace march. Because international politics is beyond common man's control now.

My tribute to all the victims of Atomic disaster. Let's all pray that this will be the last such thing humanity faced.

Firefox 5.0 coming soon

noreply@blogger.com (Vikram) — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 15:40:00 +0000

We got some unofficial news about Firefox 5, coming on June 21, 2011.
This will be the quickest release after Firefox 4.0.1

According to mozilla page, Firefox 5.0 project update is

But I have got a link after reworking on Mozilla.org website structure, The FF5.0 can be download from ftp://ftp.mozilla.org/pub/mozilla.org/firefox/releases/5.0/win32/en-US/Firefox Setup 5.0.exe

Better wait for the full-finished version, its just one and half days away.

Intezaar ka fal mitha hota hai

Motorola Milestone Droid

noreply@blogger.com (Vikram) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 10:58:00 +0000

Hello and welcome back after half of the year!

I am back with yet another handon review on a once upon a time revolutionary handset, Motorola Milestone, which was launched in US as Moto DROID. The phone, which stood against much hyped iPhone, in US, and which offered a chance to restore Motorola to its place in US market.

Finally I bought the GSM varient of Moto DROID named Milstone, in late Dec 2010.

It feels rock solid, with all metal body, faced with gorilla glass LCD display, which is not AMOLED still its certeinly eye-candy. Slider is smooth, which reveals the compactly placed QWERTY and 5 way DPad key. Sidewise, volume keys are placed in rocker mechanism, and camera key on the other side. Above side, its screen unlock key, which is slightly soft, and my doubt was right. I broke it within first 4 months.

Running on Android 2.1 initially. Initially this handset was also victim of motofail, but I got Moto Froyo update (2.2.1) in March end, which was I should say, a pathatic piece of software. It drains off the battery before 24 hours and makes my handset feel like a furnace. I tried a custom ROM on it, and it works super smooth. After update to Froyo, this handset support tethering, flash player and apps installation to SDCARD (apps2SD).

This handset runs on Cortex A8 processor, of capacity 650mhz, but Motorola underclocked it to 550mhz, along with dedicated GPU onboard. This handset is composed very well, at the time, when it was launched. Now its slightly outdated in config, but there are forums on internet which reported, the blazing fast performance on Android Gingerbread (2.3), also the support for overclocking upto 1.2 Ghz. I personally do not recommend to try it as it will void the warranty and you might loose some official google features on handset, but this handset support it all very well.

Test snap taken with Motorola milestone

5MP camera is super decent. Sample SNAP is here. 720p video is also great, lack of front camera for video calling, makes it slightly less attractive. Volume is fairly good and loud, 3D sound effects are cool and 3.5cm audio jack makes it a great device. Videoplayer is satisfactory, but sometimes laggs in Android 2.1, after update it runs smooth.

Overall, this handset can get rating of 4.5 out of 5. Though this is out of out a great handset, but features are now slightly outdated. Firefox mobile version doesn't support this handset, also the slider can be the weekest point of this handset apart from volume rocker key.

I am satisfied with the performance, but looks like next version Milestone 2, looks more opt, decent and awesome. Great work MOTO.

Introduction to Android

noreply@blogger.com (Vikram) — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 18:34:00 +0000

When we take a look at history of smartphones or PDA phones earlier, We find RIM's Blackberry & Microsoft PocketPC

Initially Microsoft was at lead at the time of PocketPC and IPAQ launching, WindowsMobile till version 5, because there were only two rival, enjoying happily in their respective segments i.e. Blackberry is working for corporates and BrewOS (TexasInstruments) was largely headstratched by developers.

iPhone turned everything upside down. That was a huge shock for WindowsMobile to add salt on it, WindowsMobile 6.5 was terrible, Unstable and had hardly any improvement over WinMo6.

After the death of iPAQ series hardwares, there was one more player working silently with opensource model. That was Open Handset Alliance. This group of worlds top-notch hardware and software gaints, is dedicated for making an OS, which will be open source and flexible enough to be adopted on all makes of handset. With initial experiments of launching knoppix kernel on devices like HP IPAQ, finally they cameup with a green robot, which emerged as ANDROID. Google acquired Android Inc. and that was the rise of new era in truly smartphones apart from Apple.

In a return, I was expecting something extraordinary from Microsoft, as like they did in Windows7 desktop OS. In reality, Microsoft is busy in offering poor excuses like users do not use CUT-COPY-PASTE in smartphones, instead of adding that feature. It looks like they are trying to make it eye-candy, rather a good OS.

(Photo courtesy - Moneycontrol.com)

I am using Motorola Milestone, and after switching from Windows Mobile 6, it is way simpler to do my daily business tasks. Tough Milestone is running on slightly older version of Android (2.1 aka Eclair), will get update soon as per Motorola Facebook Announcement. (will write my review on Milestone soon)

Android 2.3 Gingerbread is now in the market with one of the classic hardware bundle called Nexus S, hardwares like Notionink Adam are waiting for Android 3.0 aka HONEYCOMB which is targeted for Tablet PC's, Even Motorola's rumored DroidTAB project is delayed for the same.

ANDROID rocks....

Does SANTA uses CRM???

noreply@blogger.com (Vikram) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:31:00 +0000

I found this post on SugarCRM linkedin group as an advertisement. This is a really an innovative type of advertisement perfectly suitable for the occasion.

Sharing it for all my readers

Does Santa use SugarCRM??

Santa shows all the signs of being a businessman with an excellent CRM and marketing system.

Every year, without fail, he knows which leads to follow up, based on a selection criteria of naughty or nice.

His scheduling calendar ensures that he meets ALL his appointments on time and can plan the most efficient route based on those appointments.

His marketing schedule is bang on, meaning he doesn't needlessly waste money out of season promoting services and products that won't be taken up.

He has built up such a loyal customer base that THEY actually contact HIM well ahead of their deadlines to let him know what they want, to ensure he can get it rolled out on time.

Although he is meeting tight deadlines, his marketing methods are such that he can still find time to go out canvassing for new customers in shopping centres and other target areas.

With its search and reporting functions, scheduling and campaign facilities, SugarCRM can fulfil all Santa's requirements and much more and with Hosted solutions available from SugarUK, he doesn't have to worry about stocking up his workplace with computer equipment that needs valuable time maintaining.

Isn't it time you gave YOUR business the Santa treatment??

With special Christmas discounts presently available and long-term savings to be made before January 1st 2011, we can get your CRM solution off to a flying start (magic reindeer not required). But be quick, we can't Ho Ho Hold this offer for long!

Vikcon also offers SugarCRM solutions for SANTA like timely treatment to your BUSINESS, at really affordable rates, and yes, those are not Christmas offers. Connect to us on contact@vikcon.in or 8805525650

Joomla front page problem with Internet Explorer - Solved

noreply@blogger.com (Vikram) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 17:52:00 +0000

As I have started webdesign as my full-time profession, today I am posting a solution related to one of the popular Content Management System 'Joomla'.

I was working on a tourist website, and suddenly realized that the front page of this site is loading incompletely when I was trying to view in Internet Explorer 8, one of the notorious browsers for web-designers and developers.

As like any other web-developer, I headed myself to Joomla Template, for checking the flaws. I should have that confidence in my skill, that there wasn't any. Then I checked with the plugins compatibility, there was hardly any problem in that as well.

The main content portion was not loading, thus I decided to check the article code, in HTML view.... OMG

There was a huge piece of code, which I have never written within, which calls around something 'XML configured office file format'. On that moment I realized that MS-OFFICE 2007, also exports its text format along with text, when it is copied into Joomla! article.

After removing that code, Joomla is running perfect and all the pages are looking as they are coded for.

Moral of the story is, Notepad++, OpenOffice.org or even notepad, is the best text composing tool. MS-Office can be better for office works, but definitely not for web-design (unless you are using Frontpage).

This is my first real-trouble shooting in Joomla!

Another news to share is, I have been asked to write technical stuff for www.abhaydaga.in.Will update here as that site goes live.

Clarification from DELL

noreply@blogger.com (Vikram) — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 02:58:00 +0000

Regarding my previous post on DELL Studio 15, I got a clarification comment from Mr. Siddharth Kapoor Online Marketing Manager at DELL Bangalore. I am posting the clarification here.

The first page about brief on DELL Studio 15 laptops (shown in screenshot no. 1), we have to scroll down to find the Core i3 and Core i5 models, which can be upgradable to Core i7 on request. The reason they haven’t offered Core i3/i5 on the Core2Duo place is the difference in technology and these two series cannot be interchangeable.

I did a quick check, found that the Core i3/i5/i7 models are available, Posting a screenshot here.

It’s because of page layout confusion; I was missing out on the other variant. But the page design looks so obvious that there is no hint about other models posted below. Page can be viewed here

Anyways that was a quick reaction from Online marketing team at DELL. Kudos to Mr. Siddharth and team.

Mr.DELL something is running wrong on your India site

noreply@blogger.com (Vikram) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 06:04:00 +0000

Today I was comparing the Lenovo and DELL laptops and suddenly found a good piece of fooling on DELL India site. Dell Studio 15 laptop is one of best seller model in India, which was previously used run on Intel Core2Duo processors, as compare to Lenovo Ideapad Y550P series which now runs on Core i3/i5 processors.

Today I was stunned to see DELL Studio 15 laptop specification on the product information page of DELL India site, which claims that Studio 15, now features Intel®CoreTM i3, Intel®CoreTM i5 and Intel®CoreTM i7 processors, and there is a seperate link on the top to Core i3 details.

Check the screen shot attached.

But when I clicked on the Customize, there is whole different story.

There is no option for Intel Core i3/ i5/ i7 processors but just the choice between Core2Duo T6600 and Core2Duo T8700 processors.

Check the screenshot

(taken between 11.00 am to 11.20 am on 24/06/2010)

Was all that Core i3 and series announcement on the first page is just to grab more traffic? or to fool the not-so-techie customers?

DELL should think serious business on new Core i series processors instead of playing around the kiddish things like this. Any reader from DELL? Please inform this to your company.

Personally I am fan of DELL, esp. the Alienware products are my dream gadgets and eagerly waiting for Dell lightening smartphone in India. but such type of goof-ups are not expected from one of the most respected brand in computers.

Mobile handsets, made in India!

noreply@blogger.com (Vikram) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:41:00 +0000

Indian budget 2010, provided one year exception for Mobile phones, its accessories and spare parts, if they are from Indigenous origin. Initially I took this very lightly, as just another attempt to encourage the kiddy players in this highly crowded market dominated by giants like Nokia, moto, LG and cheap level Chinese products, sold without warranty.

On one of my friends request, I reviewed the Indian made mobile handset providers, that was a combo shock of surprise and disenchant feel.

Surprise is for the span, variety, features and costing labels offered by them. Most of them offer Dual SIM and some special models feature Three SIMs, two GSM + one CDMA. The first touch of Indian-ness in the manufacturing process. Some more additional features include, UV currency checker, Torch, FM recording and Bass enhancer. These are the particular demands of Indian Customer, which were seen to be neglected by all MNC mobile makers. The another approach is cost. Some of the really lucrative features packed around or less than 5k Rs. What else a middle class person will ask for...perfect.

This is resulting into something really great. Dual SIM handsets are growing more than 100% per year. Growth mostly driven by need of maintaining more mobile numbers together and solutions offered at cheaper price. For Example, Intex, launched first first 3 SIM handset at Rs. 4700/- and Karbann mobiles costing at 5200/-. Sudhir Kumar, national sales manager - telecom, Intex Tech. said,, "Even smaller towns and cities are gearing up for dual and triple-SIM handsets because they are very practical."

But...

There is another side as well. These manufacturers are not doing charity, neither they got any subsidy. These handset are compromising somewhere or the other. Most of them carries Plastic casing, less rigid build quality (not for all models but observed mostly), average camera performance and lack of dedicated applications for the medium/high range handsets, are all the pointed edges to crown.

I compared Videocon V1675 with Nokia E73 together, and the result is disappointing. V1675 is good copy of Blackberry design, UI, QWERTY and all other. Keys are hard, noisy, response is not upto the mark, Social Networking Applications are disappointing and overall, I will prefer China-made E73 copy handset which is almost 1k less in cost, performs equally.

Finally one can hire any other resources, but capital is available on hire for anyone. Cost is the ultimate truth, in mobile, in electronics and in LIFE...

Things to know about AntiVirus

noreply@blogger.com (Vikram) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:32:00 +0000

Virus is always been a problem for computers powered by Windows. Even if that system is not directly connected to Internet, Virus visits often through removable media or mobiles. This post is dedicated for these naughty creatures and ways to control them, ANTI-VIRUS.

Last week I tasted 5 antivirus solution on both of systems (specifications given below)

Desktop - AMD 64X2 7720+, ASUS 68AM motherboard, 2GB RAM, 320 GB Samsung HD, GeForce 7025, powered by Windows 7 Ultimate Edition. and Laptop - HP Compaq nx 7300, Core Duo 1.6 Ghz, 1 GB RAM, 80 GB HD running Windows XP SP3.

These systems represent both, budget level as well as performing system. The comparison is as follows

1. AVG Antivirus - http://www.avg.com/in-en/homepage

- Good - Its Free to use. Definition Updates can be downloaded and later installed on antivirus, thus no need of direct internet connection. Popular.

- Bad - Virus scanning/detection is not upto the mark, Haven't detected few threats in the compressed setup files. More CPU usage is another bad habit.

-Opinion- BAD- not recommended unless there is no other option.

2. AVAST Antivirus home edition - http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download

- Good - Again a free antivirus solution, updates are small and fast. Simple interface. Virus detection is good.

-Bad - Not too good in repairing the files, Most of the time deletes the file for the reason "Disinfection Failed"

-Opinion - OK OK type. Can be used by those, running on slow (dial up/ GPRS) networks or slow systems.

3. Quick heal - trial version http://www.quickheal.co.in/downloads.asp

- Good - Major Indian player in Antivirus market, implements unique technique to control the virus spread (claim by CAT computers, the brain behind QuickHeal), Light on system resources, Website blocking feature is available in antivirus itself.

-Bad - Weak registry shield, some virus can remove its startup entries (/runonce) thus halting its work. Fails to identify few common threats like dx.dll/scr.ini or autorun.inf.

-Opinion - Its good on performance but one should use some good anti-malware software.

4. Kaspersky Internet Security 2010 - http://www.kaspersky.com

-Good - Awesome antivirus offers almost complete protection. Whole interface changes the color as a warning. Good thing to work with.

-Bad - Interface settings are quite complicated. It blocks some applications like Media Player Classic. This is a paid solution.

-Opinion - Good Antivirus, broadband is recommended with it.

5. Norton Internet Security 2010 - http://www.symantec.com/downloads/index.jsp

- Good - One of the best antivirus solutions around. Downloadable update file, thus no need of internet connection for update.

-Bad - Costly, Resource hungry, slows down the system, larger update size.

-Opinion - Excellent, but recommended for performing systems and heavy pockets.

There are few more antivirus solutions available like McAffee, eScan, NOD32, CA, NetProtector etc., which I haven't tested yet. I'll put the review here after testing.

Few more softwares to use with Antivirus -

1. RemoveIT Pro - This is anti-malware solution available free for home use. Can be downloaded here.

2. Anti-Trojan - Trojans are like spy within the computer, which checks for important information, which is used for illegal purpose. So many anti-trojan softwares available, check for suitable one.

3. RRT - Remove Restrictions Tool - Virus often blocks the access to Taskmanager, Folder Option or Registry editor. This tool is used to overcome the restrictions. Can be downloaded for free here.

Few points to remember

1. No one is perfect, so as antivirus. This provides security, but are not flawless.

2. Read the Antivirus reports carefully, do not go on clicking OK without reading it.

3. Antivirus is precautionary measure, it hardly helps when used after virus infection.

4. Its not always the antivirus which secures the system. Timely updates and Full System Scan at regular intervals are necessary.

5. Do not use pirated softwares or antivirus, Its not only the offence, but often fails to perform at-par.

6. Its not always good which comes free. Check the comparison posted above.

7. Always scan the removable media before using.

8. Try the DEMO version available at manufacturers site, before making final purchase decision.

For any further details or suggestions put a mail to me: vkrmkulkarni@gmail.com

I-PAD is finally there

noreply@blogger.com (Vikram) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:36:00 +0000

After years of speculation and waiting finally Apple revealed its "LATEST CREATION" - iPad.

But for me, this is not something great one should wait for these many years; rather I would say, its a great joke, planned so long and still not effective!

Reciting the review "LAME" by slashdot.com, the same gadget later grabbed the buzz with the name iPOD, I want to reserve my comments. Just want to have a look at some engadget.com findings.

1. It is big sized iPhone.

2. Its super-thin but not lightweight at all. 1024 resolutions is just awesome.

3. Apple's custom built A4 cpu, is superfast. Runs all the applications comfortability. But there is not real multi-tasking, time-sharing works better for playing music while working.

4. Reading E-Book is like never before beauty. There is a tough way ahead for Kindle.

5. Accelerometer is ok, less than expected performance.

But on the negative side

1. This is oversized iPhone, without calling or SMS. There is 3G but used only for data sharing, no video conferencing, no cam. Disgusting!

2. According to Engadget.com's video, key-board response is slow. Atleast not as fluent as it was claimed in video.

3. No separate OS, this whole thing runs of iPhoneOS 3.2 (currently powering iPhone 3GS)

4. No Flash support still. I don't think things are cooking between Apple and Adobe. We might expect Silverlight on it.

According to me, This is not the gadget which will revolutionize the notebook or laptops, I will never replace my Compaq nx7300 for iPAD and I can't replace iPAQ with it; this is not cellphone.

In Indian conditions, netbooks are yet to get a proper respect in the community. This thing will hardly get attentional benefit other than flaunt value and APPLE tag.

Developers will have tough time to design games or resource intensive applications, as being single tasking stuff.

I Wish a Great Life ahead for iPAD...

Let's see APPLE's new creation!

noreply@blogger.com (Vikram) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:34:00 +0000

First of all, I want to wish every Indian, a very HAPPY REPUBLIC DAY...

As 27th January is approaching the world is eager to see what apple wants to show with the teaser like this

Like every other tech-KIDA person, even I expect this "NEW CREATION" will be the apples much awaited TABLET PC, to be unveiled after long history of postponed release dates.

There was an apple, with which Sir NEWTON discovered the idea of Gravity, after so many years, Again a new apple is about to create the history...

Apple was in process to develop something like this, as I posted almost 6 months before, CHECK HERE

WAITing for it...

Is LG BL40 is reincarnated as GW990?

noreply@blogger.com (Vikram) — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 17:11:00 +0000

PC MAG recently shown the details of LG's intel powered GW990. Surprisingly it looks quite similar to Once upon a time sensation BL40 (Available in UK).

Check both the pics and put put your conclusion.

LG GW990 - a recent offering powered by Intel

Much Awaited LG BL40 (Chocolate Touch)

So many things are common except the rounded corner, lets see...

CES-2010 - eyecatching things..

noreply@blogger.com (Vikram) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 15:16:00 +0000

After a hectic day I just had a look at CES report by Engadget. Got few really eye-catching things, just briefing here.

1. Superspeed USB - SSUSB, is real lightening fast interface. Imagine something like 130MBPS from a simple platter based hard-drive and 200+ MBPS from SSD, as tested by Engadget.

I can just imagine the aftereffects of this, some really ground cracking bandwidth for 1080p60 HD videos or crystal clear (may be even better than nvidia-purevideo) displays powered by SSUSB, or something like loading your mp3 player within few seconds. (check photo -thanks to Engadget.com)

2. OLED Laptop - DELL presented its StudioXPS 16 OLED concept laptop, sporting ultrathin 2mm screen, wide viewing angle and ofcourse superb clearity. I will wait for its price tag before making further comments.

3. VIZIO LCD and iPhone remote application - New LCD by VIZIO is 22inch VIA and enabled with WiFi. This gorgeous 72inch thing is powered by 3D picture set and new surroundbar with HDMI1.4 and Audio returnchannel function, its worth working with.

4. BIOS update for Alienware M15x laptop, details awaited...

5. TouchRevolution's microwave powered by Android 1.5 - A real replacement for traditional phones, Microwave provides VOIP functionality, along with its keyboard-less features thanks to Android 1.5. OS might be a bit older but runs smooth according to Engadget

Top 10 smartphone improvements in 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Vikram) — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 13:06:00 +0000

Just got an informative article from Informationweek.com, which shortlisted 10 most important improvements in mobile world.

I am giving the list here,

1. Turnaround by Motorola in Smartphone Business - MOTO was considered as the weakest player in the market till 2008. This year Motorola returned with a bang, providing Android powered smartphones, the cliq started the revolution and DROID is going to be the opening door for future MOTOs. Expecting Linux powered handsets in 2010.

2. Blackberry is for everyone - Blackberry offered total-touch enabled Storm, Storm 2. Claiming the position in the GAP of Blackberry and Touch-enabled Smartphones. Lightly priced Blackberry Curve also catered the enthusiast segment of intermediate range of smartphone, converting the image of BLACKBERRY from corporates to non-enterprise users.

3. Revamped iphone 3GS - After facing serious criticism about lack of basic functionalities, revamped iPhone 3GS was a total bundle of surprises. This initially considered "evolutionary upgrade" turned into "revolutionary improvement" for Apple. Improved encryption, ActiveSync support and GPS, made it a grade device. Coming year is bringing challenge to its exclusive availability as deal with AT&T will get over in 2010.

4. Android - rise and Conquest - 2009 was more known for mobile software front than the hardware. Google's open source ANDROID OS claimed the clearcut upper-hand in mobile OS segment, putting some more nails on WinMobile's coffin. Largely awaited version 2.0 of Android is reportedly supporting Flash mobile 10.1 and many more lucrative features. For Google, growing Android community, gathering the support for Google philosophy of open and neutralized internet.

5. Mobile Apps Store -This year also rocked by a claim from Apple about availability of 10,000 applications in iPhone Store. The usability and popularity of few applications in the store is a question, still apple touched the magical number of 10k. Android, the highest grown OS in the year also sports 13,000 applications. The concept of Application store is spreading the roots in 2009.

6. WinMobile on slow track - In all this happening market, MS looks to have lost the way in between. Winmobile 6.5 was claimed to be revolutionary, but hardly kept its word. This OS update added increased support for touchscreen interfaces, a refined user interface, and multiple features, but felt short on the technical front. Microsoft expects more than 30 devices to have shipped by the end of the year from manufacturers like HTC, Samsung, LG Electronics, Toshiba, and others. Windows Mobile 6.5 also puts the platform on par with its competitors by adding Windows Marketplace for Mobile, which provides end users with an over-the-air way to buy, download, and install apps.

7. Palm webOS - Palm left the hand from PocketPC OS, developing their own WebOS, which is a real promising move from this smartphone makers. PalmPre was the great offering in upper end. Palm Pixi offered the budget level things to the market, which is an entry in middle and lower level mobile users. Now Palm is for everyone.

8. iDont give GoogleVOICE - Google submitted it application GoogleVOICE to iPhone store in June, but it never appeared on the store, instead a third party application with similar functionality offered by Apple iStore. Many suspected about AT&T to be hidden force behind this, as this could cause loss of revenue for them.

"Apple's representatives informed Google that the Google Voice application was rejected because Apple believed the application duplicated the core dialer functionality of the iPhone," Google said in a letter to the FCC. "The Apple representatives indicated that the company did not want applications that could potentially replace such functionality."

This might not be a major blockage for iPhone users, but this is not a great practice to continue in 2010. Hope so.

9. Opensource Symbian - A bit neglected within the glorious warriors, Symbian still powers majority of smartphones. The Symbian Foundation was created as an independent entity to turn the OS open source, and it has spent the last year looking to address some of the platform's perceived weaknesses. This OS after purchased by Nokia, walking on the Open-Source road, and getting the success in powering Nokia's latest touchscreen. Some developers have also complained that it's too difficult to create apps for Symbian, particularly compared to Android or the iPhone. Symbian foundation has launched a developer program called Symbian Horizon that aims to lower the barrier of entry and help content creators get their apps in as many virtual stores as possible.

10. Computer makers into Mobile smartphone - After HP IPAQ, now ACER is offering a plunge into smartphone market, offering fastest smartphone with 1GHz processor, reportedly DELL is also revamping their once upon wrapped down smartphones.

Now ocean is turning red.

Refer the main article here

Gphone is no longer a rumor

noreply@blogger.com (Vikram) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 06:09:00 +0000

According to articles for DailyTech and BoyGeniusReport, Google taking a turnaround from the Mobile Operating System to a full-fledge mobile phone the G-phone aka Nexus-one.

Reportedly Google employees are testing the handset, based on Android 2.0, GSM and 3G.

More details awaited...

Samsung Corby - a good attempt

noreply@blogger.com (Vikram) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 05:31:00 +0000

After a big break, today I got my hands on Samsung CORBY. I know this time, I am not as fast on catching new gadgets, as I used to be, still, putting my review here.

First Impression
As a design point of view, the shape of CORBY, is not that impressive to me, rounded corner rectangle and variable thickness, it can be a style-statement for some, but I will choose to be a step away from that. Second thing is color of back-cover, Yellow is not at all makes it a trendy gadget. Instead gives it a bit cheaper feel. Three buttons, featured on the front side are call receive, call disconnect and a multi-use master button. Keypad lock and camera buttons are situated on side-panel, volume controls on the other side, pretty comfortable in operating.

UI was a real surprise to me. Touch is very sensitive, smooth in scrolling (better scrolling than WinMobile 6.0) but a bit irritating as there is no close button, everytime I minimized the things using Call Reject button. Good support for social networking, Youtube and other online facilities Office document viewer and inbuilt dictionary makes this handset good companion in daily life of general usage. smart keypad lock is promoted as promising feature but similar features are already available in existing touch-enabled phones. One-touch Zoom is a great feature offered with this handset.

Technically, its a device sporting 2.8 inch display, 265k colors and touch enabled, with 240 x 320 resolution. 50 MB of internal storage is quite adequate but Samsung promises 1000 contacts storage, may be restriction by the OS. Memory is expandable to 8GB through Trans-Flash card, 1GB card is bundled with the phone.

Connectivity is taken care by Bluetooth 2.1 (A2DP) GPRS, EDGE, WAP and USB 2.0. Signal reception is quite good, as compare to the entry level touch phones. USB cable is bundled with the phone, but the port is not the standard miniUSB port. This proprietary port might be problem for frequent travelers.

The CONS
The shape and color of back panel was a big disappointment for me, some metallic colors or shining dark combination would have catchy impact.
No 3G support is another disadvantage, though there are 3G enabled variants of this phone are on the way to market.
2 megapixel camera with fixed focus, is a main problematic thing with the phone, even similar priced nokia non-touch phone sports auto-focus camera. Samsung might have chopped off the cost on this front.
No onscreen Qwerty keyboard, No accelerometer for auto screen rotation and No smart-dial.
MicroSD slot is situated under battery cover, one can say it is an additional protection offered, but for me, its a bit complicated place to insert a small sized memory card.

Overall
Priced at mid8k Rs. its a great gadget for entry level, touch-screen fans. Looks are eye catching being quite different from the crowd. FM radio and music playback is good, connectivity for standard audio jack is great addition for audiophiles. Java and xHTML browser is with standards. 9 hours of talktime is something above average with standby time 700+ hours. All these things are packed in 103 x 56 x 12 mm case weighing 90 grams .

Samsung Corby is good gadget for touchscreen fans, who wants just a phone, with music and social networking. I will rate this as 3.8/5

Image taken from http://corby.samsungmobile.com/

What Google knows about you

noreply@blogger.com (Vikram) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:13:00 +0000

Google recently launched a new feature with the name DASHBOARD.

It displays all the data associated with your login account and used by all the Google Services

This video can give a better view

Motorola Droid detailed leaked on motowebsite

noreply@blogger.com (Vikram) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:14:00 +0000

Motorola is planning something very coool gadget for the MOTOlovers in 2010, The motorola website leaked few details of much awaited Droid powered by Andriod 2.0 and HTML 5.0 browser with Flashplayer mobile, as per sources from Engadget.com. The phone specification were 'accidentally' released on Motorola's US website, and screenshots of the same were captured by BoyGeniusReport.

These specifications are just awesome

Sliderphone with full QWERTY keypad
3.7" touchscreen (480x854 resolution)
550Mhz processor
Android 2.0 OS (Yet to release)
5MP camera with dual-LED Flash
Video capture upto DVD resolution (720x480) at 24fps
The whole range of sensors: Proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, accelerometer
WiFi
GPS
16GB storage (via pre-installed microSD card, expandable to 32GB)
Over 6hrs of talk-time
And.. an HTML5 browser with Flash 10 support coming in 2010!

This article is taken from Thinkdigit.com

Welcome Win7

noreply@blogger.com (Vikram) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:15:00 +0000

Tonight Microsoft will unveil the latest edition of much awaited Operating System Windows7. After months of speculations, three BETA editions (two official and one unofficial) and so many compatibility issues for Antivirus and other softwares, finally this version is ready to hit the market.

Challenge is already waiting as Mac OS Snow Leopard, but this time, I think Windows is ready this time. The eye-candy superbar can be touted as inspired from the Mac OS doc, but overall everything is perfect.

There are two more news about this.

One is about Windows8 the socalled next version is under the development stage with spectacular 128 bit architecture, the unconfirmed source disclosed to arstechnica.com.

Another news is about the reaction to Win7, leading open-source supporter IBM and Canonical ("The same company behind Ubuntu) jointly working on Windows7 alternative, in the form of IBM Smart-work suite running on Canonicals Ubuntu Linux, to offer cost effective and less hardware consuming option.

"IBM is looking to create something better—focused on usability, openness, and security with a path to cloud computing—in market segments that make sense," said Bob Sutor, IBM vice president of Linux and Open Source. "Linux as the basis of the desktop is a pragmatic choice and gives a nod to the likely future of the desktop as being open and often virtualized."

Hardware is that expensive for Windows7?

According to recent study by Softchoice 80% of corporate PC's are already comfortable in running Windows7, this scene is promising as compare to 50% score for Windows Vista before launching.

In this situation, the cost-effectiveness alternative by IBM will hardly attract the target of upgrading required corporate users.

The war is on...

Time will decide the winner...

ALL THE BEST Window7

Now fox gets the color

noreply@blogger.com (Vikram) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:48:00 +0000

Soon after Google Chrome 3.0 added the colors and themes, now Firefox also got the colors.

Mozilla labs added a new addon 'Personas', which enables cool graphics on the Firefox body, exactly making it matching with the glassy look of Windows7.

The addon can be downloaded from

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/10900

Have a colorful FOX this DIWALI....

Gmail is down

noreply@blogger.com (Vikram) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:59:00 +0000

Suddenly when I turned to gmail this evening... there was a surprise, GMAIL was not loading in my Firefox.

I tried "Disable the LAB mode" option, it opened but with warning.... "Contacts are disabled...." chat is not working, even on Gtalk.

Google admitted this with the name "Service disruption" at their Application Status page. (see snapshot)

Lets see how much time Googlers need to work on it.

All the best GOOGLE..

There is one small problem, if GMail paid service is also affected and if it is down then, this can be a big trouble for its corporate customers.

Even there are unconfirmed news that iphone gmail server is also offline. Over-reliance on Google services was addiction for me, now I think I will create some backup

Now Plam will not use WinMobile

noreply@blogger.com (Vikram) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:11:00 +0000

According to the lastest information from Smartphone maker Plam, the upcoming Palm handsets will run on its webOS, instead of Windows Mobile, from Microsoft.

"We've made the decision to dedicate all future development resources to the evolution of webOS," said Palm CEO Jon Rubenstein, in a conference call with investors, according to numerous industry blogs. "Going forward, our roadmap will include only Palm webOS-based devices," Rubinstein reportedly said.

PalmOS will be the core of upcoming Palm Pre, which is positioned against, the RIM's Blackberry, a majority player in business-smartphone sector. Currently popular Palm offering, Treo, runs Windows Mobile. The reason for this shift is not yet disclosed, but may be the licensing fee and the reported losses from last quarter for Palm can be the drive behind this.

In focus of increasing popularity to Google's androidOS, Motorola's decision to switch over to android for its future mobile line, and Nokia's adaptation of MAEMO OS for its netbook, this can be a bottleneck for Microsoft Windows Mobile, which shares less than 10% of mobile OS market. Currently this desktop OS giant is hedging its mobileOS business by developing Non-Windows softwares for mobile. The recent agreement with cellphone superbrand Nokia, to provide MSOffice-Mobile on its open-source Symbian system, which shares almost half of the worldwide mobile market, can offer some visibility to Microsoft in handheld and mobile segment.

Currently the rivals like, Apple iPhone and Google are way ahead of Microsoft in mobile segment.

Image taken from http://blogs.fayobserver.com, thanks for it...

N900 - Nokia running on Maemo5

noreply@blogger.com (Vikram) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:28:00 +0000

After the months of speculation, finally nokia announced that, N900 the latest Nokia TouchScreen PDA will be running on Maemo5, an open source operating system designed by maemo.org

This phone can be considered as a potential I-phone killer product, except the thickness of device reportedly 18mm, against I-phone 12.5mm. This thickness is due to QWERTY keyboard, which makes this device a step more towards PDA, rather than entertainment smart phone. The size of N900 is 110 x 59mm, which accommodates 3.5 inches screen, supported by 800 x 480 pixel of resolution.

Other specifications are

OS: Maemo 5

Camera: 5-megapixel, Carl Zeiss optics, autofocus, Dual LED flash, video light, geo-tagging; WVGA (848x480 pixels) at 25fps

Storage: 32GB, expandable up to 48GB via microSD

CPU: ARM Cortex A8 600 MHz, PowerVR SGX graphics; 256MB RAM

Connectivity: 3G, Wi-Fi, EDGE, Bluetooth v2.1 with A2DP, microUSB

GPS: GPS with A-GPS support, Ovi Maps

Others: Physical Qwerty keyboard, 3.5mm audio jack, Stereo FM radio, document viewer, multimedia player, digital compass

Officially Nokia will likely unveil this gadget at coming Maemo summit in Amsterdam.

Cost is still the unknown factor, but its indeed a premium level gadget.