Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Microsoft Research teases next generation UI's





Microsoft Research releases a teaser demonstrating advanced User Interfaces, which will be implemented in both computers as well as mobile phones by Windows in near future. In a promotional video, Craig Mundie, Microsoft Chief Research and Strategy Officer, said that this is going to be one of the biggest shifts in the evolution of computing where computers are just not about computing, but will be induced with different levels of sensing capability. He talks about shifting the graphical interface to the next level of UI, known as Natural user interface, where people interact with the computer. The main purpose of these UI's is to ease the usability of computers, so that everyone can get access to technology. With these advancements, powerful computers are expected in future, making them capable enough to present the complicated connected world, in an orderly way to the users.  Microsoft is developing state-of-art technology, and has been doing research since 20 yrs at Microsoft Research.
Microsoft Research also released a presentation video, which shows the next-gen Windows Mobile user interfaces.


So is this the beginning of a completely new era of computing?

Friday, February 25, 2011

Microsoft Office Labs vision 2019




When Microsoft decides to imagine the future, it never fails to impress. Not only do you have some of the smartest people envisioning what’s possible, but they also invest so much into communicating these ideas through sights and sounds which the production value can be compared to most blockbuster sci-fi films.
Microsoft’s Business Division president Stephen Elop unveiled the latest production from Microsoft Office Labs called “2019″, starring stock photo men, women and children playing with the next-generation of communication, collaboration and production technologies.
Those with a keen eye and a good memory might recognize a few familiar concepts in this video already shown in earlier videos of the “envisioning” series, for example the future of personal health, having said that, I believe there’s still a couple of new never-before-seen concepts sliced between.
And the most interesting thing about the video is that, it has a flavour of India. 

Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback



Chevrolet has revealed the production version of its Cruze five-door hatchback ahead of its appearance at the Geneva Motor Show early next week. Creating a hatchback version of the already well-established Cruze sedan was a natural move and one that's mainly targeted at the European market. The Cruze turned the fortunes for the then bankrupt GM like no other car. 





If you have seen the concept version of the Cruze hatchback that was unveiled at the Paris Motor show, then you will be very disappointed. All the cool features such as LED strips on the front bumper, the blue-tinted headlamps and the clear crystal tail lights are not present on the production ready model.


The hatchback will be offered in 1.6-liter and 1.8-liter petrol engines producing 124HP and 141HP respectively. There is also a 163 horsepower 2.0-liter turbo diesel. It would be real good news for India if Chevrolet plans to launch this hatchback in India.



Thursday, February 24, 2011

New MacBook Pros Revealed



Apple has finally revealed the much awaited MacBook Pro family with lots of new updates. The Three main features are- state-of-art processors, powerful graphics and breakthrough high speed interfaces. The new Macbook Pro models don't seem to be have been altered all that much -- they're still the aluminum unibody machines we know and love. The addition of the new Thunderbolt connector, which promises up to 10Gbps data transfer speeds, is based on Intel's long awaited Light Peak technology.
  • 13-inch MacBook Pro -  13.3-inch models are now available with Core i5 and i7 processors. The lower end model starts at $1,199, and features a 2.4GHz dual-core Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 320GB hard drive. Going up to the 2.7GHz dual-core Core i7 CPU and 500GB hard drive will set you back $1,499. These feature Intel's new HD 3000 integrated graphics which are considered to be more powerful than ever.
  • 15-inch MacBook Pro - The $1,799 model packs a 2.0GHz quad-core Core i7 processor, AMD Radeon HD6490M graphics with 1GB of VRAM, and a 500GB hard drive. On the higher end, there's a $2,199 model which buys you a faster 2.2GHz Core i7 chip, AMD Radeon 6750M graphics, and 750GB hard drive. There are also 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB SSD options. 
  • 17-inch MacBook Pro - The 17-incher, which basically has the same specs as that high-end 15-incher, for $2,499 come with the same 2.2GHz Core i7 processor, AMD Radeon 6750M graphics, and a 750GB hard drive. This also features the SSD options, same as the 15-incher. 

The new MacBook Pro models are up for order on Apple's store today. So do grab MacBook Pro and let us know your comments and reviews.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Y no Indian Zuckerberg?


There was this guy- son of a dentist, a Jew, who was taught his first programming language ‘Aatri Basic’ during his middle school by his tutor who declared him  ‘a prodigy’ since it was tough to stay ahead of him. He created a program at that age to ping his dad at his dental practice from his home- supposed to be a “primitive” version of AOL’s Messenger, which came out in the following year. He created a Media player which uses artificial intelligence to learn user’s listening habits during his high school. Microsoft and AOL tried to purchase this player and recruit him, but he chose to enrol at the Harvard University. He  was  then adjudged  “a programming prodigy” in his College. On February 4, 2004 he launched a Social Networking website, with Blue being the dominant colour, since he suffered a red-green colour-blindness. Till date, it has 350 million active users, with 35 million status updates each day, 2.5 billion pictures uploaded each month, ultimately making the website worth $1.5 billion, making him the youngest billionaire in the world at the age of 25. He is – Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook.
Now comes my  big question-  in  a country with  a burgeoning  population of 1.2 billion, widely known to have produced some of  the best brains in the world, how many more Zuckerbergs should we have given to the world at large ....  at least ten  or perhaps  even more. But the sad ground reality is that we have managed none.  What do you think is the reason? Who  is to be blamed for this? The answer is ,ironically,  a simple one -  Ourselves.  Today, most nerds and geeks passing out of the multitudinous colleges are complacent in the comforts of cushiony jobs they grabbed in their campuses. All are into this race of  getting  into an MNC that promises to dole out  ‘healthy’ pay  package.  Thus go all the young , creative brains down the drain. Not one pauses to ponder – “ Is this ‘the’ dream job I always wanted to take up? Is this going to be my permanent domain?”  You end up in a situation where you really don’t care as to what you actually studied and the kind of work you end up doing. Days and nights speed away while you slog to meet deadlines and targets set by the company.  You remain just a face in the crowd, unsung and inadequately recompensed by the hands that run or ruin  your life.  A smug nonchalance settles on you ..... you actually continue to work not because it is a ‘labor of love’ but because it improves your so called ‘ brand’ or ‘market’ value.
But there will come a day, when the truth will dawn upon you... to listen to your heart rather than your head. You will regret for having continued in lack lustre jobs and not following your passion. So,  all those future CEO s, arise, awake, realise your calling,  create your own path and let the world follow you. One never can say....may be you are the next  Zuckerberg,!!



Audi India’s line-up 2011-12

Audi has released their line-up for the period 2011-12. The start of the year saw the launch of the iconic Ironman’s car- Audi R8 in its V10 avatar. Audi-India already seen around 14 bookings for the mighty beast and now plans to bring the Spyder version as well. 


Then came February and Audi dropped another bombshell from its portfolio by bringing in the flagship saloon – Audi A8. Coupled with gorgeous looks and gadgetry, this luxury car is sure to give a tough fight to Mercedes S Class. 


The next to come is the Audi Q5, a 2.0 TDI diesel mill in March, which will be priced at Rs 42 lakh, ex-showroom, Mumbai. 


In June,  the Audi A7 sportsback will hit the Indian streets. This will create a whole new segment for itself. It is expected in both the 3.0 TFSI as well as 3.0 TDI engine options and will be priced at round about Rs 65 to 70 lakhs. 


In Diwali, you will see another major launch– The  Audi A6 Saloon. Audi has designed  it with a very eye catching new A6 with oodles of street presence. The company will offer three engine options starting from 2.8 TSI petrol and then moving to the 3.0 TFSI petrol and finally the 3.0 TDI quattro. The prices will be in the range of Rs 37-48 lakhs. 


Early 2012 will see the launch of the baby SUV- Audi Q3. Audi’s Q3 will be the first challenger for BMW’s X1 because rival Mercedes’s GLC is still in a very nascent stage of its development and will only be ready by 2013. 


Audi is also planning the Audi RS5 coupe for India. Audi India MD Michael Perschke says that he hopes to sell 30 to 50 units of this grand tourer in India in its very first year. However, the company has not finalised its plans and is looking for some feedback from the market. 


So thats the new from Audi India. Do watch this space for more updates.