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Microsoft back in the Smart Phone Industry

Microsoft proclaimed Monday that it was back in the smartphone business, unveiling snazzy new handsets from HTC, LG, and Samsung that boast jumbo touch displays, speedy processors, HD video recording — and, most important, Redmond's completely revamped mobile OS, the touch-friendly Windows Phone 7. But will its rebooted platform be enough to get Microsoft back into the game against the likes of Android and the iPhone? That's the question of the hour.

The clean, uncluttered look of Windows Phone 7 takes the new platform in a startlingly different (and welcome) direction from the old Windows Mobile, but there are also some key missing features. There’s no launch "cut-and-paste" support, for example — surprising, given that the new OS comes from the cradle of Microsoft Office — although Microsoft now says an update adding copy-and-paste is on tap for early next year. There’s also no Flash or even Silverlight video support in the Windows Phone browser, nor will any WP7 handsets support 3G tethering, at least for now.

Then there’s the matter of apps — or the relative lack thereof — a given for what’s essentially a brand-new mobile platform. Microsoft has already announced that some key Windows Phone 7 apps from the likes of Netflix, Twitter, Slacker, OpenTable, eBay, IMDB and Flixster (no Angry Birds, though) will be available at launch or shortly thereafter. And AT&T's de la Vega announced Monday that Windows Phone handsets on the carrier will get an app for U-verse mobile TV streaming sometime in November. (Oh, and by the way: The Xbox 360 will at last be able to hook into the U-verse TV service, as well. Can't wait.)

Still, Redmond clearly has a long row to hoe before its Windows Phone app store can even begin to compete with the Android Market or Apple’s gigantic iPhone App Store — and then there's the overall battle for the smartphone market in general, which has seen Microsoft slip far behind RIM, Apple and Google.

The new iPod Touch

Been salivating over this device from Apple!!! Hope to get one soon :)

iPod Touch 4th Generation Launched, New iPod Nano 2010, Apple TV. Apple has made a number of announcements at their annual September Apple event. Normally, the announcements that are made during the event are well known to the general public ahead of time, but this year’s presentation featured a number of surprises.

Steve Jobs also announced that Apple was planning to add a number of social networking features to their iTunes software. The service, which will be called “Ping,” will allow you to see what your friends are listening to a downloading via iTunes. The technology was acquired by Apple last year when they purchased Lala.com. The Ping section of the service will work like any other social network, and will allow users to follow friends in a similar way to the structure of Facebook and Twitter.



Jobs also announced that Apple was planning on releasing a smaller version of their Apple TV device that will stream movies and television shows over the Internet, on your television screen. The device will reportedly cost $99, down from $229.

The product is already available, and will allow users to stream high definition content. Netflix is already on board with the program, and will have streaming content available over the device via their instant queue.

The new line of iPods will feature a built in FM tuner that can also display photos. The iPod will also now be completely touch screen, and will not have any buttons on the device itself. It will cost a total of $149 for the 8 GB version of the iPod and $179 for the 16 GB version.

Blackberry releases Playbook

Looks like the all rumors are true... BlackBerry maker Research in Motion coming out with its own tablet were true — well, everything except for the name.

Instead of the "BlackPad" (ugh), RIM is calling its 7-inch, camera-packing tablet the BlackBerry PlayBook. CEO Mike Lazaridis showed off the long-rumored device during the keynote of RIM’s BlackBerry developer conference in San Francisco on Monday.

RIM says its new tablet will arrive in the U.S. in early 2011, and in overseas markets in the second quarter of next year. No pricing details yet.

Expect a 0.9-pound tablet that’s 9.7mm (or 0.4 inch) thick, complete with (as rumored) a pair of cameras: a 5-megapixel camera in the back, and a 3MP lens in front, both capable of recording HD video — nice.

The 7-inch display — the same size as that on the just-announced Samsung Galaxy Tab — will boast a resolution of 1024 by 600, and yes, it’s a capacitive multitouch display, good for such multi-finger gestures as punching and zooming.

The "no-compromises" PlayBook will run on a new tablet OS designed by QNX Software Systems, which RIM acquired back in April, and it’ll be powered by a 1GHz dual-core processor, complete with a whopping 1GB of onboard RAM (compared with just 256MB for the iPad). The PlayBook will also support multitasking and Flash (think Flash Player 10.1), by the way, as well as multimedia-friendly HTML5 Web standards.

As far as data: The PlayBook will arrive with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, with both 3G and 4G (yep, 4G) versions coming "in the future," according to RIM. The PlayBook will also connect to a nearby BlackBerry via Bluetooth for viewing e-mail, calendar, to-do items or contacts — meaning, presumably, that you’ll be able to tap out messages on the PlayBook and fire them off from your handheld BlackBerry.

We can also expect "nonproprietary" microUSB and micro-HDMI ports, with the PlayBook capable of outputting full-on 1080p video via HDMI, RIM says.

A slick promo video for the PlayBook shows features such as tabbed browsing, an app task bar, threaded messaging, on-the-Web YouTube video, and tablet-sized e-mail and event interfaces — all very iPad-like, with the added twist of the PlayBook acting as a BlackBerry companion (or the BlackBerry "amplified," as RIM puts it) in addition to a stand-alone slate:

Source: Yahoo News

Google's answer to the iPhone

The Nexus One is a smartphone from Google, which uses the Android open source mobile operating system. The device is manufactured by Taiwan's HTC Corporation, and became available on January 5, 2010. Features of the phone include the ability to transcribe voice to text, noise canceling dual microphones, and voice directions while driving.

The phone comes unlocked and is not restricted to any particular mobile network provider. Google currently offers it for use on the T-Mobile network in the United States; a version for use on the Verizon (US) and Vodafone (European) networks is expected in the second calendar quarter of 2010. When it was released, reviewers found it to be the best smartphone that ships with the Android OS.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org

Friendster vs Facebook

FRIENDSTER

VS

FACEBOOK

It's been a while now since FB took over the place of FS when it comes to the number 1 Social Networking site. I can still remember back when I was in highschool when everyone got so addicted to Friendster. Everyone I know has one or at least 99% of my close friends. It was the "IN" thing back then. Not until last year when I first had a chance to use Facebook and since then I rarely check my Friendster account.

Today everyone was shocked... FS is back? Is this an attempt to regain it's reputation as the best Networking Site? What would people from Multiply and Myspace say about this? Multiply who's members are majority in Asia and Myspace with majority of their member are the young crowd in the US.

Windows 7

Have you tried Windows 7?

I have heard a lot of good reviews regarding this new OS from Microsoft... some even said that it's a worthy successor to XP which Vista never was.

Working in a technical account gave me an idea that it is indeed a better OS than Vista. I remember before when we had numerous complaints from customer's who first had their chance to use Vista and I was expecting that it would be the same with 7 but I was wrong. It's been more than a month now since Windows 7 was launched and I'm surprised that our site haven't had the same experience as with Vista. So I guess it is a better OS.

What do you think?

Sony Ericson's Satio Launched

Satio which is the first Ericsson phone to offer ninth High Definition (nHD), a mobile High Definition TV experience directly to your phone. It has a 3.5-inch wide touchscreen that could play your 16:9 format HD videos while on the go.

It also has a built-in document reader and editor to handle your Office and PDF documents.

Here are some of its specs:

• 16,777,216 color TFT touchscreen (360×640 pixel)
• 12.1 MP camera with autofocus, face detection and xenon flash
• VGA @ 30fps video recording with video flash
• Accelerometer
• FM Radio
• 128 MB storage; 256 MB RAM with microSD support (up to 32GB)
• Data connection: WiFi, 3G, Bluetooth, DLNA, USB
• Comes in Black, Silver and Bordeaux

Retail price of the Sony Ericsson Satio is P32,500

Salivating on iPhone 3GS

Speed The "S" stands for "SPEED!" And according to Apple, it is faster launching applications or rendering Web pages.Camera
This is one of the strong points of the iPhone 3GS, according to Apple. They increased the resolution to 3 megapixels, which—judging from the shots they showed-seems much better quality under all conditions.

Connectivity The other part of the "S" is the support for the faster 7.2 Mbps 3G standard, which in theory will deliver data faster to your iPhone.

Graphics • The new iPhone 3GS includes new 3D graphics support in hardware. This means faster and more complicated 3D games.

Battery life • One of the more important new features is the increased battery life.

Design• Same design as before, including the glossy finish of the back.

'Ondoy' now threatens cyberspace

After devastating several parts of the country, tropical storm "Ondoy" (Ketsana) is now threatening to wreak havoc on cyberspace as well.
ONDOY 'VIRUS.' Screen shot of the malicious search result courtesy of Trend Micro's blog.

Computer security firm Trend Micro said cyber-criminals are exploiting worldwide attention on "Ondoy" by sending trojan programs disguised as news updates.

“Cybercriminals heartlessly exploited the calamity that unfolded in the Philippines. They rigged multiple URLs related to this news to point unknowing users to FAKEAV. Such SEO poisoning campaigns attract users all over the Web especially those who are trying to get information about their loved ones and fellow countrymen in the Philippines," senior threat analyst Joseph Pacamarra said in Trend Micro's blog site.

Users who click the links in the supposed news sites will be redirected to several landing pages where they are asked to download an EXE file, soft_207.exe.

The file, TROJ_FAKEAV.BND, does GeoIP checks that target specific regions or locations.

But Trend Micro said the new development is that the cyber-criminals use search engine optimization, such that their sites come out on top of search results.

"Although riding on tragic events is not exactly new, what is notable is it employed once again blackhat SEO to lead users to a FAKEAV as we had previously discussed here," Trend Micro said.

It advised users to be wary in clicking any URLs.
- GMANews.TV

Microsoft to release free antivirus PC software

REDMOND, Washington — Microsoft Corp. says its new computer security program can be downloaded starting on Tuesday.

Microsoft Security Essentials, as the free antivirus software is called, has been available in a beta test version since June.

The software updates daily to stay current with the latest malicious programs, which can steal passwords or turn PCs into spam servers. Microsoft says it won't make computers run slower.

Microsoft has said it isn't out to steal business from companies like McAfee Inc. and Symantec Corp., which make popular antivirus programs with more features. Microsoft says it hopes the free program will appeal to people who don't already run antivirus software. - AP

Source: www.gmanews.tv

Switch to Classic or Category view Disabled

Is the option to switch to Classic or Category View disabled or not available in control panel?

1. Go to Regedit by typing regedit in run
2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER> Software> Microsoft> Windows> CurrentVersion> Policies> Explorer
3. Look for an entry that says "ForceClassicControlPanel" and delete it.

There you go... the option to switch will be enabled again!

Microsoft Surface computers hit Las Vegas

Agence France-Presse

SAN FRANCISCO - Microsoft's touch-screen Surface computers debuted in a Las Vegas casino bar on Wednesday, giving Sin City partiers high-tech tools for flirting and concocting cocktails.

Harrah's Entertainment Inc. became the second business, behind telecom giant AT&T, to deploy Microsoft's computer technology which essentially turns table tops into touch-controlled computer displays.
Harrah's said it put six customized Surface computers in a bar at its Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino.

Harrah's crafted its own software for the machines and equipped them with cameras so people can send pick-lines, drinks or both to bar-goers they are interested in connecting with in real life.

"People continue to be excited about the endless possibilities of Surface technology and how it can transform everyday scenarios, including the social and entertainment space," said Microsoft Surface
general manager Pete Thompson.

"We're now bringing some of those possibilities to life."

A "Flirt" feature in the Surface computers lets people exchange original messages or choose from suggested come-on lines.

Patrons can create drink recipes and then have the cocktails delivered to themselves or others.

People can use the computers to play games, watch online videos, or take a virtual stroll along the renowned Las Vegas strip without leaving their seat at the "iBar," according to Harrah's.

This is the first time Surface computers, which Microsoft sells for approximately $10,000 each, have been put to use in an entertainment venue. AT&T uses Surface in some of its retail stores.

Harrah's vice president of innovation, gaming and technology Tim Stanley said investment in the technology is aimed at giving "a new genre of guests" chances to discover "uninhibited excitement."

Source: www.newsinfo.inquirer.net

No Sound in Startup?

Had problems with my Windows XP not playing the usual startup sound when I boot to Windows as well as the shutdown sound when I logoff or shutdown.

Found an article online decribing how to enable system sounds... here are the steps.

1. Go to Control Panel
2. Click on Sounds and Audio Devices
3. Go to Sounds Tab
4. Choose a Scheme

If this doesn't work... Try downloading TweakUI

1. Install the application and run it.
2. Under General click Beep on errors

This is just one of the softwares that you can download to tweak Windows XP. :)

Windows XP PowerToys

PowerToys add fun and functionality to the Windows experience. What are they? PowerToys are additional programs that developers work on after a product has been released.

Do check it out here...

Going Mobile

Filipinos nowadays have been moving around too much... that's why budget airlines are such a big thing nowadays. Like our Asian neighbors, Filipino are starting to enjoy traveling. Thanks to technology we still can stay connected with our friends and love ones even when we're away.

This is also the same at home or at the office. Before, we stay connected with our friends and family through the ordinary telephone. Now, we can get in touch with anybody just by going online or buy sending an SMS. It ain't surprising that the Philippines now is considered the SMS capital of the world. What's the first thing you do when you get to the office? Check your email ofcourse!

In the past decade or so, we've seen an explosion of gadgets that allow allow their users to do what they have to do without being fixed in any one place. The two most basic examples of these gadgets would have to be the mobile phone and the laptop computer. Mobile phones basically allow people to take calls no matter where they are, and as laptop computers have caught up to their desktop counterparts in terms of value and power they've become a legitimate alternative for many people to stay in productive while in a greater variety of places.

In just the past 3 or 5 years, mobile technology here in the Philippines has changed alot. Before we only use our mobile phones to text and call. Now, we use our phones to check emails, surf the web, send pictures, taking pictures just to name a few. Now subscribers make sure their phones have MMS, 3G, WIFI, etc.

Of course a variety of newer gadgets make the palm top computer obsolete by incorporating its capabilities into mobile phones. The result is called a smart phone and there are a bunch of gadgets that qualify as smart phones on the market right now. Many of these gadgets outdo palm top computers in terms of functionality with the use of built in keyboards for thumb typing and web access for browsing and email. (To be fair, many palm top computers have these features as well, but they're fair from standard.)

For the first time in human history, it's possible to watch TV, talk on the phone, listen to music, and write a novel all on the same gadget. That's progress.

Source: http://www.newtechnologytv.com/

Free Internet with WIGO?

There's a new way to go wireless without paying for anything. If you have a laptop and is around Makati area chances are you have already heard of WIGO. But what is WIGO?

All you have to do is to connect to WIGO and get about 5 minutes of free internet time. You are
then, redirected to the WiGo website and will be asked to signup for an
account as well as download and install the ad toolbar.

You will then be given 10 more minutes to surf so you can access
your email and activate your account. Once activated, just launched the
toolbar and start surfing.

Ofcourse since this is free you'll have to deal with the fact that sponsors will be flashing at the bottom of the screen but that's ok right? Some internet cafes have the same thing on their computer when you go online and yet you pay for it. :)

Got invited!

Guess what? I got the invite today to join uMobile! I hope I get the confirmation soon! I'm so excited!

If you guys want an invite just leave your FULL NAME and your EMAIL ADDRESS and will try to request for you. I will just make the request and it will still be up to uMobile if they will approve your request.

XPERIA

Some details have been revealed about SE's next new phone, the Xperia X1. It's a windows mobile device combined with a nice UI and iPhone style touch features, check it out here.

uMobile

I want a uMobile Code! Anyone here who's a member of uMobile?

What is uMobile? It's basically a Telecom Provider... the first in Asia to provide free SIM card and Php100 load every month for 6 months. You also get freebies and other promos. What's the catch? You get advertisements thru your phone.

Check it out here.