TechnoStuff

New year's mission at NASA: repair new cracks on Discovery fuel tank

2011-01-03T00:22:00.000+05:30

Newly discovered cracks in the space shuttle Discovery's external fuel tank will keep repair crews busy into the New Year's weekend as NASA eyes a Feb. 3 launch for the orbiter and its six-member crew.
The small cracks, uncovered Thursday as technicians used X-ray devices to inspect the external tank, represent the latest bump along the road to launch. The cracks were found following a chain of inspections, repairs, and more inspections dating back to Discovery's scrubbed Nov. 5 liftoff.

That liftoff was canceled after unacceptably high levels of explosive hydrogen were detected outside a crucial fixture on the side of the tank. The fixture transfers excess gas that accumulates as the tank fills to a line that carries the hydrogen to a flare stack, where the excess gas is burned.

IN PICTURES: NASA's Space Shuttle

When technicians returned to the launching pad after the liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen tanks had been emptied, they noticed cracks in the external tank's foam insulation at one of 108 "stringers" – long U-shaped aluminum ribs that reinforce a section of the tank's outer shell. This section, toward the top of the tank, spans a gap between the hydrogen and oxygen tanks inside.

Once technicians removed the cracked segment foam in anticipation of repairing it, they found that the stringer beneath the foam had cracked, too – shifting enough to fracture the foam. Subsequent inspections showed that a second, adjacent stringer hosted a small crack as well.

Although these cracks have appeared in past tanks and were successfully repaired, this incident was unusual because in the past, the cracks were caught far earlier in the shuttle program's inspection process, mission managers say.

As a result, they wanted to take the time needed to review the inspections on this tank to make sure the process hadn't broken down. And if it hadn't, they wanted to get a clear grasp of the causes that would trigger cracks at the last minute.

The problem appeared on the side of the tank facing the underside of the orbiter, where the shuttle's heat-shedding tiles and carbon-composite edged to the wings could be vulnerable to damage if a piece of foam broke loose and struck them.

In 2003, the shuttle Columbia broke up on reentry, killing its seven-member crew – an accident traced to chunks of foam striking the orbiter's thermal-protection system during ascent.

In this case, technicians were able to repair the stringers on the pad. On Dec. 15, controllers refilled the external tank to see if the repairs held up to the expansion and contraction the tank experiences as it undergoes the extreme temperature changes presented by ultra-cold liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen.

But managers were uncertain if the problem extended to additional stringers on sides of the tank workers can't reach while the shuttle is on the pad. So on Dec. 21, Discovery headed back to the towering Vehicle Assembly Building for additional inspections.

The cracks technicians uncovered Thursday appeared to vindicate the decision to send Discovery back to the barn for an additional look. Officials say they could decide on Jan. 3 whether to return the orbiter to the pad after weekend repairs or keep Discovery in the Vehicle Assembly Building for additional modifications to the tank.

Wikipedia's Happy New Year: $16 million in support

2011-01-03T00:21:00.000+05:30

Wikipedia is ringing in the New Year with $16 million in donations collected this holiday season.

Founder Jimmy Wales said in a post today that the fundraiser was the most successful in the history of the nonprofit Wikimedia Foundation, parent of Wikipedia.

"This year is a little more incredible than most because this year we celebrate Wikipedia's tenth anniversary," Wales wrote. "It's so important that we kick the year off just like this: by fully funding the Wikimedia Foundation's budget to support Wikipedia and all the sister projects as we head into the next decade of our work together."

Wales also offered up some other numbers, saying the foundation and its ad-free sites had enjoyed more than 500,000 donations, nearly 130,000 donations to local Wikimedia chapters worldwide, two of the largest fundraising days in Wikipedia history, and an average donation size of about $22.

"This fundraiser had all the ingredients of what we love about Wikimedia projects: people come together, contribute what they have, and together we do something amazing," Wales wrote. He also pointed out that it's not too late to pitch in.

Games hardware: Nintendo 3DS

2011-01-03T00:20:00.000+05:30

With a press conference expected this month on the 3D version of Nintendo's handheld DS series, it seems we'll soon find out when the company plans to launch its portable console here (end of February in Japan). But regardless of when it arrives, it is likely to be 2011's must-have gadget.

The 3DS has vastly superior graphics to its predecessor, even before you take into consideration the glasses-free 3D effect which can be adjusted at any time via a slider next to the top screen. An analogue nub – similar to that of the PSP, though markedly superior – and the inbuilt accelerometer and gyroscope for tilt-based play offer a range of control options no other handheld can match.

Apart from its qualities as a gaming device, it's the first truly mass-market piece of 3D technology, and so it should be no surprise that film companies are lining up to make their movies available on 3DS. The console will be backwards compatible, meaning that all existing DS titles are supported, while Nintendo's Virtual Console service will offer the best retro games from the Game Boy era.

Plenty of publishers have confirmed their support for the 3DS, and Nintendo has reiterated its desire to appeal to the core gamer as well as more casual players, with franchises like Resident Evil and Metal Gear Solid joining Mario and Nintendogs to offer a wider variety of software. Early pre-ordering would be prudent: even with a rumoured price tag of £250, the 3DS won't stay on the shelves for long.

Hotmail e-mails 'missing' from accounts

2011-01-03T00:18:00.000+05:30

A number of people with Hotmail accounts have posted complaints on Microsoft forums complaining that their e-mails have been deleted.

Users around the world say e-mails are missing from their inbox and from other folders within their Hotmail accounts.

A spokeswoman for Microsoft said that the issue of missing e-mails was not a widespread problem.

The company said it is working to rectify the problem and apologised to customers for any inconvenience.

Apple iPad 2 Cases Rumour Quashed after Removal Request?

2011-01-03T00:17:00.002+05:30

Around a month ago several cases emerged claiming to be tailor made for the up and coming Apple iPad 2. The silicone skins have been on Alibaba for several weeks with many people questioning their authenticity, people accepted that the cases were probably faked and at most saw them as an unofficial rumour that possibly revealed the iPad 2 would include a rear facing camera and extra rear port.

However, a removal request by an unidentified third party has added extra fuel to the fire. John Spelich, of Alibaba said: “We do not know whether these products are what they say they are, but we have received a legitimate takedown request and are removing the listings”.

The request to remove the cases could be to protect iPad 2 specs or it could simply be an act to remove inaccurate use of the iPad’s name.

Alibaba did not confirm who requested the removal but the hot favourite has to be Apple or at least one of their subsidiaries, we can’t say for certain but whoever it was must have been a little rattled by the rumours circulating around the cases.

Interestingly there are still countless examples of the cases on Alibaba, they will apparently be removed on a case-by-case basis, no pun intended but it does show each example needs to be investigated individually.

At least we know that the iPad 2 is definitely on the way with an announcement expected before the end of the month and a release date touted for April 2011.

Games preview for the New Year

2011-01-03T00:16:00.002+05:30

Star Wars: The Old Republic PC, LucasArts

The great New Hope? Certainly if pre-release lightsaber-rattling is anything to go by. An MMO that looks as exciting as it is immersive. Factions based on Republic and Sith, space combat and scores of different planets are promised, with the focus on a "cinematic" feel, while maintaining a colossal range of options, storylines and interactions – love interests included. Gemma Clarke
Batman: Arkham City Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Warner Bros

No room in the madhouse? Why not relocate the criminally insane downtown? This is the ominous backdrop to Arkham City, the bigger, badder and even darker follow-up to Batman: Arkham Asylum, last year's Bafta Game of the Year. Still not convinced? It will have lashings of extra Catwoman. Serge Pennings
Little Big Planet 2 PS3, Sony

To deliver more tools, more tricks, and more levels designed by more absurdly talented … Well, everybody. Sackboy returns in the New Year to taunt non-PS3 owners with his exclusive sociability. It is unusual for something so cute to be so cool, or so praiseworthy to be so playable. Perfect. SP
Portal 2 Xbox 360, PS3, PC, EA

Sequel to the most inventive, disarmingly involving title of recent times sees both player and artificial intelligence GLaDOS reawakened in an Aperture Science facility that has fallen into disrepair. Including two-player co-op, this mixture of puzzles and plot cannot come soon enough. Developers claim there will be no cake. Which may be a lie. Giles Richards
Deus Ex: Human Revolution Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Square Enix

The third outing for RPG-shooter Deus Ex is set 25 years before the original, where biomechanical augmentations precede the nanotech central to the original. Branching plot lines based on player choice mix with cyberpunk and renaissance themes underscored by a sense of ambiguity and conspiracy that will be maintained until the final moments, insists game director Jean-Francois Dugas. GR
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Wii, Nintendo

Hugely anticipated prequel to Ocarina of Time, which sees Link living among the clouds of Skyloft before the titular Skyward Sword leads him to adventure on the land below. Utilising the MotionPlus controller for precise attacks, and complex object-and-character interactions in puzzles, we're also promised a new Beetle gizmo for scouting areas by air and collecting items. Felix Atkin
Duke Nukem Forever Xbox 360, PS3, PC, 2K

Fingers crossed, after 13 years in development hell, 2011 should finally see the return of the dook – ready to rip off alien heads and "shit down their necks". A standard but terrific fun shooter of its day, these bons mots and the mix of cartoonish ultra-violence and dark humour are long overdue a comeback. Toby Moses
Total War: Shogun 2 PC, Sega

Total War has rightly become a dominant force in the strategy genre, with jaw-dropping visuals backed by absorbingly in-depth gameplay, and Shogun 2 offers a return to the series' roots in feudal 16th-century Japan. Promising up to 56,000 troops in a single battle, and a choice of nine factions, armchair warlords should flex their mouse fingers now. TM
Journey PS3, thatgamecompany

Santa Monica's thatgamecompany approaches games very differently from other developers, and its latest venture is no exception, promising a new kind of online experience. The focus is on gesture-based communication rather than conflict between players as they explore a vast and ethereally beautiful desert landscape. Chris Schilling
LA Noire Xbox 360, PS3, Rockstar

From the publishing house responsible for the mighty Grand Theft Auto, LA Noire is a crime thriller set in the underworld of 1940s Los Angeles. Unsurprisingly drawing on postwar film noir for inspiration in both content and style, this murder-mystery adventure promises much. If Rockstar delivers it will be an absolute standout. Will Freeman
Deathsmiles Xbox 360, Rising Star

A port of an obscure Japanese arcade release, Deathsmiles is the first full boxed game from cult developer Cave to make it to the UK, delivering a frenzied dose of 2D shoot 'em up action that fell out of favour in the west too long ago. Its eerie setting will delight fans of Tim Burton films. WF

Apple vs. Android: The view from Google

2011-01-03T00:13:00.002+05:30

Two Android 'developer advocates' weigh in on the year's most closely watched horse race

Image: androidguys.com

A pair of veteran high-tech luminaries, both hired by Google (GOOG) within the past 14 months, chose this week to write on their private blogs about how they see the Apple (AAPL) vs. Android competition shaping up in 2011.

What's interesting is that they disagree.

Former Microsoft (MSFT) start-up evangelist Don Dodge, who posted his predictions Monday, neatly summarizes the conventional wisdom. In the horse race between Android and iPhone, he writes, "Both will win because they are playing different games. Android will win the market share battle, but Apple will generate bigger profits."

"Apple develops and controls the hardware and software on all their devices," he writes in The Next Big Thing. "The Mac has never had more than 10% market share, but has been extremely profitable for Apple. Apple goes for the high end of the market where they can charge high prices and enjoy great profit margins. Apple has been successful with this strategy multiple times, and will do it again with iPhone.

"Google has a very different strategy with Android. Google provides software (Android) for free, and makes Google search, Google Voice, Gmail, Contacts, Maps, Places, and other services work seamlessly with Android. Mobile search and advertising are the revenue streams for Google. The advertising revenues are certainly lower versus selling hardware, but the profit margins are very good."

Tim Bray, who left Sun Microsystems (JAVAD) in February and joined Google in March, sees it differently. "I'm less convinced," he writes in a piece posted Thursday on his Ongoing blog.

"The iOS ecosystem is something like the Apple ecosystem of yore, but the App Store bouncer at the door is a huge, qualitative difference. And the Android ecosystem, at least in its hardware-agnosticism, recalls Windows, but Google's business goals are so different that trying for historical analogies seems really risky to me.

"Anyhow, what do I think? I think Apple will sell a ton of devices because they're good, and superbly marketed. I think a bunch of people will sell a ton of Android devices because they're good and there are so many options for different needs and networks and price-points.

"I wouldn't be surprised if Apple shipped a cheap iPhone. And there's nothing fundamental in Android that would get in the way of a industrial-design and user-experience rock-star team, whether at Google or one of the handset makers, testing the hypothesis that these things are central to Apple's success.

"Which is to say, it would be sort of surprising, but not that much, if this time next year, dirt-cheap iPhones were competing against Androids that push the user-experience lever farther than Apple or anyone else ever has. In that scenario, where are the prognosticators' towers of sand?"

Microsoft plans new Windows system for mobile devices

2011-01-02T11:51:00.001+05:30

Microsoft is working on a new Windows system for mobile devices like tablet computers, according to reports. The system would focus on devices using energy-saving chips designed by the British company

ARM. Many of ARM's chips are currently used in both the iPad and iPhone from Apple. Now
Windows will
reportedly offer versions of its Windows CE and Windows Phone 7 systems that run on ARM chips. Its standard Desktop Windows system will be designed for x-86 architecture chips from Intel and AMD.

Microsoft head Steve Ballmer is expected to present the new systems in January at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The new systems should support chips from both ARM, Intel and AMD. Quallcomm, Texas Instruments and Samsung all produce chips with ARM designs.

Microsoft competitor Apple currently dominates the tablet computer market, selling 7.5 million of its iPads between its debut in April and the end of September.

Market researcher Strategy Analytics estimates that Apple currently holds 95 per cent of the tablet computer market.

However, tablet computers running Google's Android operating system are expected to eat into that lead in the near future.

An alliance with ARM could help Microsoft catch up in the mobile devices market.

Microsoft official Achim Berg has noted that, since the introduction of its smartphone software, Windows Phone 7, 1.5 million Windows mobiles have been sold, meeting expectations.

Motorola Droid 2 Global Android Smartphone launched

2011-01-01T21:18:00.001+05:30

Motorola is all set to grab the indian android mobile market, Motorola Droid 2 Global is another addition to the Motorola’s very popular DROID series, Powered with Android 2.2 froyo, Droid 2 has a TI OMAP 1.2 GHz processor and 3D graphics accelerator. It’s a Slider Mobile with Qwerty Keypads.

3.7″ capacitive touchscreen with a maximum resolution of 480 x 854 pixels. It also has features like Swype input, Multi touch and touch sensitive controls. The internal memory is 8GB and is also expandable with micro SD cards up to 32GB. It has a good 5MP camera with auto focus and can also record videos of 720p.

* TI OMAP 1.2 GHz processor
* Android v2.2 Froyo
* 3D Graphics accelerator
* 3.7? Capacitive touchscreen, resolution 480 x 854
* QWERTY keyboard, swype Input, Multi touch
* 5MP camera with auto focus, Geo tagging, image stabilization
* Internal memory 8GB, Expandable upto 32GB MicroSD card
* Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3G and Micro USB 2.0
* GPS with A-GPS and Google Maps
* 3.5mm audio jack
* Active noise cancellation with dedicated mic
* Adobe Flash 10.1
* Google Search, Maps, Gmail, YouTube, Google Talk
* SNS integration, Digital Compass

Motorola Droid 2 Global is available in India at Rs : 15000

NTT DoCoMo launching Tablet PC soon

2011-01-01T21:17:00.000+05:30

After getting recognized in Mobile world, NTT DoCoMo is preparing to launch a new tablet PC.

It is reported that Japan’s popular Mobile Company NTT DoCoMo is getting ready to compete Tablet PC’s, Laptops giants and soon will be releasing its new Tablet PC.

DoCoMo’s officials told that LG electronics will be producing Tablet PC’s which will be having 9-inch screen.Tablet will run on Google software.

NTT DoCoMo will release its Tablet PC by the end of March 2011. It will be first released in Japan.

CES 2011 to Feature new Samsung AMOLED Display

2011-01-01T21:16:00.000+05:30

Samsung in an official statement noted that the company will be demonstrating the next-generation AMOLED displays at the Consumer Electronics Show 2011. This year's CES was all about 3D Displays, while CES 2011 will have Samsung showcasing its next generation flexible AMOLED displays. These displays will feature on Samsung products like mobile phones, tablets and televisions.

Samsung Mobile Display will show a prototype of an advanced flexible AMOLED display that is only 0.2mm thick! This display will be 4.5-inch long and would support WVGA 800x480 pixel resolution. This AMOLED display is so flexible that it can be rolled down to one centimeter radius. These flexible AMOLED displays are made from plastic substrates that are not prone to breakage during manufacturing process.

These advanced flexible AMOLED displays are designed for smartphone and tablet PCs. An update about this display hints that the Galaxy S successor, which was rumored last month, may sport it. The Galaxy S successor was said to come with super AMOLED 2 and it seems like Samsung is going to show a similar AMOLED display technology.

Apart from that Samsung Mobile Display will also show a 14-inch and 19-inch quad-Full High Definition Transparent AMOLED displays for TV and monitors. Samsung boasts that it will be the world's largest transparent AMOLED display prototype that maintains up to 30 percent transparency whether it's on or off. These transparent AMOLED display prototypes support quad full high definition (3840x2160) video resolution with 16:9 aspect ratio.

The Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode display offers vivid color reproduction with high contrast, wider angle, low power consumption and faster response time. On mobile devices they look gorgeous; remember the Galaxy S and Wave S5800. The new flexible AMOLED and transparent AMOLED display prototypes would become actual products that might be available by the second half of next year.

Facebook topples Google as the most visited website in US in 2010

2011-01-01T21:15:00.000+05:30

Facebook has claimed the Internet's top spot from Google as the most visited website in the United States in 2010, according to a new study from online measurement service Experian Hitwise. The social

networking site, which was the subject of a Hollywood film in 2010, was the top-visited website
for the first
time and accounted for 8.9 % of all US visits between January and November 2010, reports the Daily Mail.

The world's Internet search leader Google ranked second with about 7.2 % of all visits.

However, taking into account all of Google's websites, such as YouTube and Gmail, it still reigns as the most visited site at 9.9 % of the visits, ahead of Facebook's 8.9 % and 8.1 % gained by Yahoo! sites.

Facebook, a site launched only six short years ago by Mark Zuckerberg, has quickly ascended to number one position with over 500 millon users.

Its success points to a social change that profoundly alters how people get news and interact with one another - and even redefines the word 'friend'.

According to Experian Hitwise, Facebook jumped to the top spot after spending last year in third place and ranking ninth the year before.

Its rise suggested that Internet users are moving away from cold search engines and relying more on the knowledge and recommendations of their friends and family.

"This is the most transformational shift in the history of the Internet.

We're moving from a Google-centric web to a people-centric Web," said Lou Kerner, a social-media analyst with Wedbush Securities - and former chief executive of Bolt.com, an early networking site.

On Christmas Day, Facebook overtook Google as the most visited site in the UK.F

Windows Phone 7 Marketplace Prone to App Piracy

2011-01-01T21:13:00.000+05:30

Microsoft needs to start beefing up the security of its Windows Phone 7 App Marketplace. An ethical hacker provided WPCentral, a Windows Phone centric site, with a video showing proof-of-concept program that could grab any App from Marketplace and be installed for free sans any DRM security.

This proof-of-concept program, dubbed FreeMarketplace, raises an alarm against a severe security issue with the Windows Marketplace that might lead to App Piracy. Recently Microsoft's Windows Marketplace started teething with 5000 Apps as reported two days ago.

WPCentral clarified that the methodology of the FreeMarketplace and the proof-of-concept program itself will NOT be released to the public. Of course it did spark a discussion about the potential piracy going en masse if this methodology is leaked to the public.

Tobias is said to be the developer of the proof-of-concept FreeMarketplace program. In the video, the proof-of-concept FreeMarketplace program pulls app from the Windows Marketplace, removes the XAP Security Layer and deploys it on a WP7 device with a single button press. Basically this program was one of the efforts to highlight that the Digital Rights Management layer for security of Apps used isn't good enough

XDA-Developers forum member Valen had posted a security whitepaper on the state of App Piracy in the Windows Phone Marketplace but that post was pulled down due to obvious reasons. Tobias, the developer of FreeMarketplace program, told WPCentral:

"The code and the guides I gave you here will not stop piracy. Anyone with the corresponding skills can still startup reflector, go through your code, remove any checks, remove DRM and install it on a device. YES, but it got a lot more difficult to do it in an automated fashion. So, there might be one or two who can still break your security measures by hand but the masses won't be able as there is no generic tool available."

This means that Microsoft's XAP Security DRM is the same for every app and hence an automated DRM removal fix could be enabled to crack Windows Marketplace easy process. In order to avoid the security breach, Microsoft need to employ robust DRM security for the WP platform apps.

X10 Mini Successor Runs Gingebread on 1GHz CPU

2011-01-01T21:12:00.000+05:30

The official word is that Sony Ericsson will unveil the new Xperia series smartphones on February 13. Chinese Sony Ericsson Fans Forum IT368 member leaked images of a compact Xperia smartphone running Android 2.3 Gingerbread. This phone is said to be an Xperia X10 Mini & Mini Pro successor with 3-inch display and the hardware buttons in reverse order.

The leaked unnamed Sony Ericsson Xperia phone has about 3-inch 320x480 screen. This device was running Google's recently announced Android 2.3 Gingerbread update. Under the hood this phone is said to have 1GHz Scorpion Core based Qualcomm Snapdragon QSD8255 chipset along with an Adreno 205 GPU. The Quadrant score (1533) of this device showed that it outperformed even the Nexus One running Android 2.2 Froyo update and left Galaxy S far behind.

This might be the third Xperia series phone along with X12 ANZU and the recently spotted mysterious Xperia device to be unveiled at MWC 2011.

Sony Ericsson's Xperia X10 Mini and Mini Pro are good Android devices, but they are found lacking when it comes to the latest update. Both phones come with stock Android 1.6 update, while the Android 2.1 Eclair update for them was released just last month.

The HTC Desire Z Coming to India @ Rs.25799

2011-01-01T21:10:00.000+05:30

HTC Desire z to india within a week. HTC Desire Z has a 3.7-inches touchscreen supporting 480×800 pixel resolution. Under the hood it runs the 800MHz Qualcomm MSM7230 microprocessor along with 512MB RAM to power the Android 2.2 Froyo. The 5 megapixel camera comes with flash, auto-focus and face recognition. It’s capable of recording 720p HD video as well.

The Desire Z promises 14.4Mbps download speed with HSPA+ network support and WiFi 802.11 b/g/n. This Android phone has HTC Sense UI layered and can be used with the HTCsense.com web service. The phone also offers Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, FM Radio, A-GPS, Digital compass, accelerometer, proximity sensor, and has 3.5mm audio port.

Flipkart started pre orders of this mobile, it’s priced @ Rs. 25799

Nagarjuna ‘Dhamarukham’ Regular Shooting from February 12th

2010-12-31T17:29:00.001+05:30

Yuvasamrat Nagarjuna’s next film titled as ‘Dhamarukham’ is gearing up to hit floors from February 12th, 2011. The film will be directed by Srinivas Reddy, who earlier made a socio-fantasy flick ‘Yamagola Malli Modalaindi’. The film is being produced by Venkat under ‘R.R.Movie Makers’ banner. The film is said to be a socio-fantasy film with comedy mixed. Anushka is pairing up with Nagarjuna in the film.

Nagachaitanya ‘I Love You’ Planning to Release in March

2010-12-31T17:28:00.000+05:30

Akkineni Young Hero Nagachaitanya is doing his next film under Sukumar Direction and pairing up with Tamannah. Buzz is that film has been tentatively titled as ‘I Love You’ and is getting ready to hit screens in March. Talking about the release date Naga Chaitanya says, “The film was initially supposed to release in December. But, due to some date issues and technical problems, it got postponed. Now, we are planning to release it in March.” Bunny Vasu is producing the Love entertainer under ‘Geetha Arts’ banner.

Ramcharan Training from Australian Coach in Football @Merupu

2010-12-31T17:27:00.000+05:30

Mega Powerstar Ramcharan Teja is playing the role of a Foot Ball Player in his upcoming film titled as Maerupu ”. It is heard that Charan is undergoing training in Foot Ball under the guidance of an Australian coach, especially to do justice for this role.’Maerupu’ has completed its first schedule and soon the second schedule begins. Earlier, Kajal was supposed to pair up with Charan but now Actress was replaced by Ileana. ‘Maerupu’ is being directed by Dharani(‘Bangaram’ fame) and produced by NV Prasad and Paras Jain under the banner ‘Mega Super Good Films’. RB Choudary is presenting the film and Devi Sri Prasad is scoring the music.

‘Paramaveera Chakra’ Audio Released Grandly

2010-12-31T17:25:00.001+05:30

Bala Krishna, Dasari Narayana Rao combo Parama Veera Chakra music was launched on a grand scale at Shilpa Kala Vedika in Hyderabad. Veteran Tamil director K Balachander was invited as a chief guest to the event.

Apart from the cast and crew of Parama Veera Chakra, NTR Jr, Kalyan Ram, Tarakaratna, Directors K.Raghavendra Rao, K.Viswanath, Rajamouli, Srinu Vytla, Vinyak and comedians Brahmanandam, Ali, AVS attended the event.

Director Raghavendra Rao unveiled the first audio CD and presented to Jr.NTR on the event.

Mani Sharma has scored the music for the film and the entire unit along with the guests opined that the movie would become a grand success.

As usual Jr NTR steals the show with his terrific oratory skills. Jr NTR recalling Balayya’s dialogue in Simha mesmerized Nandamuri fans

‘Mirapakay’ Vs ‘Parama Veera Chakra’ on January12th

2010-12-31T17:24:00.001+05:30

sources are to be believed then it said that the Legend Dasari Narayana Rao, who is said to be the big man of Tollywood currently is troubling Ramesh Puppala, ‘Mirapakay’ Producer. The reason is Ramesh Puppala has announced that his film will hit screens on 12th January exactly on the day ‘Parama Veera Chakra’ hit screens. Sources added that Dasari is doubtful on his film and hence worried about the competition from ‘Mirapakay’ it seems. Raviteja is also concerned that Balakrishna may get anger on him with his film releasing opposite to him. So still suspense on ‘Mirapakay’ is not unveiled.

Top Flops of 2010 Tollywood Movies

2010-12-31T17:23:00.000+05:30

The success percentage of Telugu cinema is very less this year. First half of the year was satisfactory but the second half turned out to be disastrous. Most of the star studded films that were released in the latter half of this year bombed big time.

Here is the list of Top flops of 2010:

Khaleja – Disaster (More than fifty percent of the investment was lost)

Puli - Disaster (More than forty percent of the invest was lost)

Orange - Disaster (More than half of the investment was lost)

Varudu - Disaster (More than sixty percent of the investment was lost)

Kedi - Disaster (More than eighty percent of the investment was lost)

There are few medium budget films that were total washout at the box office. Bava, Maro Charitra and Manasara are among the list of biggest duds of this year. Producers of Happy Happyga film lost eighty percent of their investment. Subhapradam was another biggest loser. Sadly, critically acclaimed films like Prasthanam and Vedam too turned out to be loss ventures.

Yahoo Web Messenger

2010-12-31T17:19:00.000+05:30

Yahoo Web Messenger is a free web-based interface to Yahoo Messenger.

Yahoo Messenger is a free instant messaging system provided by Yahoo Corporation.

Yahoo Messenger is similar to AIM (AOL Instant Messenger), ICQ, MSN Messenger, and Google Talk.

Yahoo Web Messenger can be very useful if you want to chat with your Yahoo friends without installing Yahoo Messenger.
How to Launch Yahoo Web Messenger
Point your web browser at Yahoo Web Messenger
Select either “Let my friends see me online” (recommended) or “Keep me invisible.”
Click the <Sign In> button.

How Does Skype Work ?????

2010-12-31T17:17:00.000+05:30

What Is Skype ?????
Skype is an instant messaging service that also allows users to have audio and video conversations with both other Skype users as well as the general public. Initial Skype services are completely free while minutes and other services can be purchased at a low rate. Skype is designed to be the ultimate communication medium for users all around the world and proves itself time and time again in over forty different countries. While there are many programs available that rival Skype, the software is, without a doubt, one of the best solutions in low cost communication.

Instant Messenger
The Skype Instant Messenger is known worldwide for its versatile nature and ease of use. The Skype Instant Messenger organizes Skype contacts into both premade and customized categories, includes over two dozen emoticons, can be upgraded through the use of plug-ins, and includes several notification types that alert users when they have a message. The Skype Instant Messenger is completely free and features automatic saved messages so that users can see a log of every conversation that they have ever had using Skype.

Skype Calling
Skype Calling is a multi-functional feature of Skype that allows users to call either another computer or a mobile phone. Skype Calling to other Skype users is completely free and is simply an audio feature of the Skype Instant Messenger. Skype Calling to mobile phones, however, requires the user to purchase minutes at an affordable rate of 2 cents per minute or $1.09 per month. Users of Skype Calling are able to purchase and setup their own online phone number to be used with their Skype calls to allow them to both send and receive phone calls, including voicemails.

Skype Video
Skype Video is an extension of the Skype Instant Messenger and allows users to have video conversations with their friends, family, and coworkers. Skype Video requires that one or both users have a webcam but does not charge any type of fee for this service. In fact, users can find a webcam from the Accessories menu on the Skype website. With a Skype videophone, users can even have Skype Video conversations without a computer. Skype Video features high quality as well as fast and reliable connections and now that Skype has been re-engineered specifically for Windows, Skype Video is even faster and sturdier than ever before.

Screen Sharing
Skype features a service called Screen Sharing that allows users to share their monitor screen with whoever they are communicating with. Screen Sharing can be useful in situations where a user needs to share something with another user but does not have the ability to describe it or share it in any other way. For example, one user may need to show another user how to access a specific function in a software. Instead of trying to describe how to do this, the user can simply share his/her screen with the other user. Screen Sharing is similar to Window's Remote Assistance feature but does not allow users to control each other's computers.

File Sharing
Another feature that Skype has is File Sharing. File Sharing allows users to transfer files from one computer to another without emailing them. File Sharing does not have any file size limits which means that users can send virtually any file through Skype. Users should be aware, however, that larger files take longer to transfer.

How to Split a Direct TV Satellite Signal ?????

2010-12-31T17:15:00.000+05:30

How to Split a Direct TV Satellite Signal ?????

There are multiple ways to split a DirecTV Satellite signal. The one problem that people will face is not being able to see a separate channel on each television that the signal is split to. If this is not an issue for the setup with the split signal then the following options are available for those who wish to continue:

Method One – Using Optional Receiver Outputs

If the televisions are not too far apart, the simplest option is to use the available outputs on the receiver to split the connection. Most modern day DirecTV receivers will have the following common outputs available with them:
HDMI -For use with HD Televisions using the HDMI cable interface.
Coaxial Cable (Output to TV) -The coaxial cables can come in a screw on or push on format.
AV Cable – The 3 wire configuration (Red, White, Yellow).
Component Cable Output – The 5 wire configuration (Red "Video", Blue, Green, Red "Audio", White).
SVideo – For use with SVideo capable devices.

A DirecTV receiver will be able to process video through each and every output available on the hardware. The most common setup for optional receiver output is by using the HDMI connection for the most immediate television (since HDMI cables come in short lengths), a component cable connection or AV cable connection for the next closest television and the coaxial cable for the furthest televisions. Any combination can be used as long as the lengths of the cables are adequate enough for splitting the signal this way.

Of course the quality of the signal will be different for each output due to the nature of the technology that is being used and the quality of the signal being routed from the receiver. A large number of households can accommodate the splitting of the signal this way. To shorten distances that cables must travel, the need to drill holes in walls and floors in inconspicuous locations may be necessary, as long length cables will considerably lower the quality of the signal that is received on the television.

Note: many options will use the Red and White audio outputs on the receiver and using more than one would require an additional splitter for the sound output. The HDMI and coaxial output carries their own sound while the others will more than likely compete with the Red and White outputs unless the receiver comes with multiples that are meant for additional stereo speakers to be connected.

Method Two – Using a Coaxial Splitter

A coaxial splitter is the other option that most DirecTV owners can use to split the signal without having to purchase another receiver and adding an additional line to the system. The coaxial splitter can be used in two ways:

Splitter close to the Receiver- A short coaxial cable is connected to the receiver. This is then connected to the closest television (within a few feet) by the first split line. The second split line must run the length to reach the next television which can be several yard away.

Note: The television that is closest will more than likely be the one to control the channels on the receiver that transmits to both televisions.

Receiver at a mid point – The receiver will be placed at a location where both televisions are more or less an equal distance from each other. The cable that will be splitting the line will head out of the receiver and travel to the location where a split can be most effective at a mid distance. The two split lines are then passed through the length that is necessary to reach both televisions.

Note: Changing the channels for the receiver may require having someone come within distance to the receiver in order to change it manually or via remote.

Remember that televisions will display the same channel when using a coaxial cable. The television that is furthest away may also have a weaker signal that is denoted by the fuzzy/snowy artifacts that appear from the signal.

Getting Separate Channels

It is not impossible to get separate channels on another television but the process is somewhat different. First off, the DirecTV customer will need to have another receiver for each television they will want to extend the service to. Second, they will need a Multi-Switch that is designed to be used with their satellite equipment. Third, they will need to have enough coaxial cable length to run from the Multi-Switch to each receiver and television.

Getting receivers is possible online or through electronics retailers. It is recommended that you get the exact model that you are using for your normal access.

Note: Additional access cards will be required and are available from DirecTV. Use of unauthorized "hacked" or modified cards or receivers that are designed to decrypt satellite signals are illegal to sell or use.

A Multi-Switch can come in many designs and using a DirecTV approved option is the best towards getting the best compatibility with a single satellite dish. Multi-Switches can have two or more satellite inputs and have four or more outputs to the receivers. Depending on the brand and amount of connections needed to split the DirecTV signal throughout the household, Multi-Switch costs can be higher.

Note: A single satellite dish may only be able to support two receivers depending on the type of dish it is. If the service is designed for a DVR receiver, additional equipment and lines may be required.

2010-12-31T17:13:00.001+05:30