New Android devices from LG, Moto, Samsung, and SE To have 18 months software update guarantee

It seems google has finally realized the root problem with Android, and has worked with its hardware partners to announce that all the new devices from manufacturers like Sony Ericsson, HTC, Samsung, Motorola and LG will receive the latest Android platform upgrades for 18 months after the device is first released. There is another clause too, which might be a little problematic – ‘as long as the hardware allows’.

Hardware manufacturers might use it for their benefit, but we hope they don’t.
Google is also hoping that other hardware will join the ride as well. Currently they are working on guidelines on how fast the software updates will reach consumers, which is surely one major area of concern considering the Samsung Galaxy S update debacle in United States.

Founding Partners of this faster updates group:
Verizon, HTC, Samsung, Sprint, Sony Ericsson, LG, T-Mobile, Vodafone, Motorola and AT&T

Google has finally announced the first netbooks based on Chrome OS from Samsung and Acer.
These so-called Chromebooks will be available online starting June 15 in U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy and Spain. Don’t live in these countries, don’t worry, Google has said the launch will follow soon in other countries too.

The Samsung Chromebook will cost USD 429 for the Wi-Fi only version and USD 499 for the 3G version. Acer’s Wi-Fi only Chromebook will cost USD 349.
So, this was for normal consumers, Google is also releasing these for Education and Enterprise markets as well.

Samsung Chromebook Specs:

• 12.1″ (1280×800) 300 nit Display
• 3.26 lbs / 1.48 kg
• 8.5 hours of continuous usage 1
• Intel® AtomTM Dual-Core Processor
• Built in dual-band Wi-Fi and World-mode 3G (optional)
• HD Webcam with noise cancelling microphone
• 2 USB 2.0 ports
• 4-in-1 memory card slot
• Mini-VGA port
• Fullsize Chrome keyboard
• Oversize fully-clickable trackpad

Acer Chromebook Specs:

• 11.6″ HD Widescreen CineCrystalTM LED-backlit LCD
• 2.95 lbs. | 1.34 kg.
• 6 hours of continuous usage 1
• Intel® AtomTM Dual-Core Processor
• Built in dual-band Wi-Fi and World-mode 3G (optional)
• HD Webcam with noise cancelling microphone
• High-Definition Audio Support
• 2 USB 2.0 ports
• 4-in-1 memory card slot
• HDMI port
• Fullsize Chrome keyboard
• Oversize fully-clickable trackpad

Powered by Android 2.3 and 1.2 GHz Dual Core Exynos processor, SGS2 is generating a lot of interest in the consumers. Samsung has planned to release the smartphone in 120 countries and get 10 million units shipped this year.

Amazon UK today started taking preorders for HTC’s Chacha and Salsa Android phones, which come with dedicated Facebook Button. Seller has listed a June 26 delivery date for both the devices.
Made for Facebook junkies, these smartphones were announced at Mobile World Congress earlier this year. While Chacha sports a portrait QWERTY keyboard, Salsa will have full touchscreen display.
Amazon UK has priced HTC Salsa at GBP 320 [INR 23,385], while Chacha is being sold for GBP 250 [INR 18,270].

HTC Chacha Features:

• Physical QWERTY keyboard
• Dual cameras including a 5-megapixel color camera with auto focus and LED flash and a VGA front-facing camera
• 2.6-inch display with 480 x 320 resolution
• Android 2.3 with HTC Sense

HTC Salsa Features:

• 5-megapixel rear camera with VGA forward-facing camera
• 3.4-inch display with 480 x 320 resolution
• Android 2.3 with HTC Sense

Good news for job seekers & professionals, popular Job site Monster.com has launched its official Android app in the market. With almost every services/classified website coming up with the native Android solution, the launch is no surprise.
Monster.com Android App Features:

• Provides access to search for jobs
• View and apply Jobs
• Manage your Monster account, including accessing previously saved job searches
• Alerts on new job posts
• Shows Job location on Google Maps
• Edit cover letters
• Email jobs to friends

Android Market Link

Via: androidos

The Wall Street Journal and Gigaom have both confirmed that Microsoft purchased Skype yesterday, in an all-cash deal of $8.5 billion. The two companies will be making an official announcement tomorrow.

Microsoft seems to have clinched itself a deal that had potential suitors in Facebook and Google. Skype is likely to become an integral part of Windows Mobile, competing against Google Talk and FaceTime on Android and iOS. Skype is primarily used for video conferencing and voice calls, and is available practically all mobile and PC platforms including Nokia phones.
Competitors to Skype include Fring, Jajah, Tango Videocalling, and hordes of other small time VoIP services that have a fraction of Skype's 650 million user base. Skype, made by the creators of File-sharing app Kazaa, uses a peer to peer system to reduce bandwidth overheads. Facebook, an eventual beneficiary of this buyout could use this technology to enable voice and video calling among its 600 million user base. At present, Skype 5 enables users to call mobile phone listed on Facebook profiles using SkypeOut.

Note: Microsoft's plans post acquisition outlined in this press release that makes things official:

Microsoft to Acquire Skype
Combined companies will benefit consumers, businesses and increase market opportunity. REDMOND, Wash., and LUXEMBOURG – May 10, 2011 – Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: "MSFT") and Skype Global S.à r.l today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Microsoft will acquire Skype, the leading Internet communications company, for $8.5 billion in cash from the investor group led by Silver Lake. The agreement has been approved by the boards of directors of both Microsoft and Skype.
The acquisition will increase the accessibility of real-time video and voice communications, bringing benefits to both consumers and enterprise users and generating significant new business and revenue opportunities. The combination will extend Skype's world-class brand and the reach of its networked platform, while enhancing Microsoft's existing portfolio of real-time communications products and services.
With 170 million connected users and over 207 billion minutes of voice and video conversations in 2010, Skype has been a pioneer in creating rich, meaningful connections among friends, families and business colleagues globally. Microsoft has a long-standing focus and investment in real-time communications across its various platforms, including Lync (which saw 30 percent revenue growth in Q3), Outlook, Messenger, Hotmail and Xbox LIVE.
Skype will support Microsoft devices like Xbox and Kinect, Windows Phone and a wide array of Windows devices, and Microsoft will connect Skype users with Lync, Outlook, Xbox Live and other communities. Microsoft will continue to invest in and support Skype clients on non-Microsoft platforms.
"Skype is a phenomenal service that is loved by millions of people around the world," said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. "Together we will create the future of real-time communications so people can easily stay connected to family, friends, clients and colleagues anywhere in the world."
Skype will become a new business division within Microsoft, and Skype CEO Tony Bates will assume the title of president of the Microsoft Skype Division, reporting directly to Ballmer.
"Microsoft and Skype share the vision of bringing software innovation and products to our customers," said Tony Bates. "Together, we will be able to accelerate Skype's plans to extend our global community and introduce new ways for everyone to communicate and collaborate," Bates said.
"Tony Bates has a great track record as a leader and will strengthen the Microsoft management team. I'm looking forward to Skype's talented global workforce bringing its insights, ideas and experience to Microsoft," Ballmer said.
Speaking on behalf of the investor group that sold Skype to Microsoft, Egon Durban, managing director of Silver Lake, said: "We are thrilled with Skype's transformation during the period of our ownership and grateful for the extraordinary commitment of its management team and employees. We are excited about Skype's long-term future with Microsoft, as it is poised to become one of the world's most dynamic and comprehensive communications platforms."
Founded in 2003, Skype was acquired by eBay in September 2005, and then acquired by an investment group led by Silver Lake in November 2009. Skype has made impressive progress over the past 18 months under Silver Lake's leadership, increasing monthly calling minutes by 150 percent, developing new revenue streams and strategic partnerships, acquiring the intellectual property powering its peer-to-peer network, and recruiting an outstanding senior management team.
Other members of the selling investor group led by Silver Lake include eBay International AG, CPP Investment Board, Joltid Limited in partnership with Europlay Capital Advisors; and Andreessen Horowitz.
The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The parties hope to obtain all required regulatory clearances during the course of this calendar year.
 
About Skype 
Skype is communications software whose purpose is to break down barriers to communication. With an Internet-connected device, families, friends and colleagues can get together for free with messaging, voice and video. At low cost, they can also call landlines or mobiles virtually anywhere in the world. Skype has recently introduced group video, allowing groups of more than two people to do things together whenever they're apart.
Founded in 2003 and based in Luxembourg. Skype can be downloaded onto computers, mobile phones and other connected devices for free.

Via: technoholik,WSJ

With the launch of the 3g services in India, more and more people seem interested in this revolutionary service.
Right now most of the 3g handsets are priced generally high.

But, there are people who wish to have a 3g phone without making a hole into their wallets.so, we bring you best 5 3g phones that money can buy right now below Rs.5000

Best 3G phones in India – [May 2011 Edition]

 

1. Lemon W100 : Rs.2,715

Lemon W100 is still the cheapest 3G mobile with dual camera (below under Rs. 3000) in India as of now. Despite of being a low priced phone, it comes with the complete package. Be it social networking apps, live tv, video calling or running internet on computer, W100 is capable of performing all these tasks with ease. However the 3G is powered by WCDMA.

• 3G : WCDMA
• 2.0 inches QVGA TFT Display Screen
• Dual camera – 1.3 MP Primary Camera, 0.3 MP Front Camera
• Internal Memory : 60 MB, Extendable Up to 16 GB
• Lemon Twist Social Networking (Includes Twitter, Facebook, Nimbuzz, Yahoo)
• Live TV, Voice Recording, Work as Modem
• Official Webpage
• Best Buy

2. Samsung Hero E3213 : Rs. 3,390

Unlike Lemon W100 Samsung Hero E3213 3G is powered by the HSDPA technology, which is anytime better. In addition to a portfolio full of multimedia features, it corporates some basic but useful utilities like DNSe sound enhancement, mobile tracker etc.

• 3G : HSDPA 3.6 Mbps
• 2.0 Inches QVGA, TFT 262K Colors, 128X160 pixels screen
• SMS, MMS, Email
• Primary : 0.3 MP, VGA Camera (640×480 Pixels)
• Secondary Camera : Front Camera For Video calling
• MP3-FM player with DNSe, FM with recording
• Mobile tracker
• Java
• Official webpage
• Best buy

3. Sony Ericsson Cedar – Rs. 4,852

Sony Ericsson Cedar is a charming simple phone and a member of the eco friendly green series of Sony Ericsson. The widget supported user interface gives you access to various applications right from the home screen and like all other Sony phones, it has a nice music player too.

• 3G : HSDPA, 7.2 Mbps, HSUPA, 2 Mbps
• 2.2 inches, TFT 262K Colours
• 2.0 Mega Pixels Camera
• MP3, eAAC+, WAV with 3.5 mm Audio Jack
• Social Networking Services
• Internal Memory : 280 MB
• External Memory Up to 16 GB
• Official webpage
• Best Buy

4. Spice QT95 : Rs. 5,500



Spice QT95 is the most economic 3G Dual Sim (3G+2G) Mobile in India. The features offered are quite impressive considering the price. In addition to a 3.2 Mega Pixel camera, it offers a secondary camera for video calling. Other features like optical trackpad, SNS, FM recording etc makes it a great buy. The only thing we did not like about this phone is its comparatively small screen.

• 2-inch TFT Display Screen
• 3.2 MP Camera, Secondary VGA Camera
• Web browser, Java, Preloaded apps
• Up to 8GB+8GB (Dual Expandable Memory)
• Official webpage
• Best buy

5. Samsung Metro 3G S5350 : Rs. 4,250

Samsung Metro 3G Seems like a big bro to the Samsung Guru 3G. By paying a few bucks extra, you get a bigger and better screen, better camera and allover a better phone. I was a bit surprised to see the integration of Google maps in the feature list, it’s a nice feature and can be used like a GPS.

• 3G : HSDPA 3.6Mbps
• 2.2 inches, TFT, 256K colors
• 3.2 Mega Pixels Camera with autofocus and Smile detection
• Front Camera
• Internal Memory : 100 MB, Extendable Up to 16 GB
• Social networking integration with live updates, Google Maps
• Official Webpage
• Best Buy

So, Which one do you plan to buy, do write in the comments below and even tell us if you have any suggestions for a different phone

Dr. Vertegaal of Queen's University’s Human Media Lab is expected to present a flexible cell-phone that is built upon E-Ink technology. The phone is a result of a joint development effort between the academia and commercial interests. The prototype has been christened PaperPhone and it is capable of handling most of the basic tasks that are expected of a contemporary handset.


The display portion of the phone measures 9.5 cm diagonally and the built-in software is capable of displaying e-books, playing music; in addition to placing calls. One thing it still cannot do is play videos, due to E-ink based displays’ low refresh rate. The user interacts with the phone by bending certain areas of the phone; something that can best be described as bend-gestures. This interaction is possible because of the resistive bend sensors across the length of the display. It is still capable of monochromatic display; however, it does not seem to have the ink-bleeding problem that was common with some of the early application of the technology. Research paper on this technology will be presented during the Computer Human Interaction conference that is scheduled to take place in Vancouver, Canada on May 10. Also expected at the conference is a strap-on computer called ‘snaplet’ that can be tied around the wrist.

Via: Technoholik

Here are 112 selections in popular categories such as PC customization, security, and productivity, as well as photo and system utilities, lifestyle enhancers, timesavers, and more.
enjoy these great utilities without making a hole in the wallet [Note: All in our list are free but that status can change over time.]

All-Time Greats

• Ad-Aware Free: Stops spyware
• Audacity: Records and edits sound
• BitTorrent: Easy online file sharing
• Dropbox: Online file syncing
• Evite: Fast party planning
• FreeConference.com: Unlimited conference calls
• IMDb: Movie facts and trivia
• OpenOffice.org: Microsoft Office alternative
• The GIMP: Tool-rich image editor
• Trillian Basic: Chat with friends on many instant messaging services

Antivirus Utilities

• Alwil Avast Home Edition: Capable and thorought malware detection
• AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 8.5: Excellent detection and disinfection
• Avira AntiVir Personal: Good PC disinfection
• Microsoft Security Essentials (beta): Nearly perfect in disabling infections

Audio Apps and Services

• AudioTag: Easily ID songs you can't name
• Buddha Machine Wall: Calming music source
• Grooveshark: Great place to listen to music
• Mp3Tag: Universal tag editor for audio
• Myna: Advanced audio editing
• Speakershare: Share your best PC speakers with your other computers
• TunesBag: Access songs from any browser

Backup Utilities

• Backupify: 1GB of storage, weekly backups; download backups to your PC
• Comodo Time Machine: Backup utility protects files, folders, and programs
• Macrium Reflect Free Edition: Images your hard drive for PC restoration
• SDExplorer: Access 25GB of online storage from Windows Explorer
• SpiderOak: Gives you 2GB of online backup; saves selected files when changes detected
• SyncToy: Easy home-network syncing
• Todo Backup: Images your drive or a partition

Browser Add-Ons, Apps, and Utilities

• CeeVee: Online résumés with custom sharing
• Lazarus: Recover info typed into Firefox
• MailBrowser: Manage Gmail contacts, attachments, and more
• MyBrainshark: Add narration to a presentation by speaking over the phone
• PDF to Word: Turns PDFs into edit-ready docs

Collaboration Services

• LogMeIn Express: Secure screen sharing (great for troubleshooting your dad's PC)
• MiNeeds: Connect with and receive bids online from local contractors
• Tinychat: Disposable chatrooms
• Yammer: Facebook-like communications features for businesses
• Zoho Discussions: Add a feature-rich discussion forum to any online destination

Desktop Customization

• BumpTop: 3D desktop that allows you to pin up notes and photos
• DeskHedron: Create up to nine 3D desktops that you can flip through
• Fences: Organize desktop icons and make them disappear when you want them to
• InterfaceLift: PC wallpaper library
• Krento: Rotating 3D circle for app launching
• Rainmeter: Attractive, seamlessly embedded desktop overhaul
• StandaloneStack 2: Animated shortcuts for easy access to folder contents
• T3Desk: Minimizes programs to the PC desktop

Mobile Apps and Services

• BlueRetriever: Helps recover lost gadgets
• Connectify: Turn your laptop into a Wi-Fi hotspot
• Instapaper: Bookmark Web pages; strip them to text-only for easy mobile reading
• OverMyMinutes: Helps you stay within your cell-phone plan allotment
• Xpenser: Track expenses via the Web

Photo Utilities

• Easy Poster Printer: Print small to giant posters from your digital images
• The Golden Hour Calculator: Find the best light to shoot photos
• Paint.Net: Lightweight Photoshop alternative
• Phoenix: Web-based image editor
• Shrink Pic: Autoresizing of digital images

Productivity Tools

• DoPDF Free PDF Converter: Fast and simple PDF conversion
• Drop.io for Outlook: Share large files in Outlook
• Ecofont: Special design allows this font to consume less ink
• Everything: Thorough indexing and fast search of your desktop
• FlockDraw: A Web-based "cocktail napkin" for shared ideas
• Fonolo: Gives you access to phone menus for customer service numbers
• iCurrent: Free news site with personalization
• Liaise: Outlook add-in keeps tabs on all of your important action items
• MakeSomeTime: Keeps tabs on invoices, projects, and billable hours
• ScreenToaster: Create and e-mail or upload a video of a screen that explains something
• Tom's Planner: Easy Gantt charts

Security Utilities

• KeePass: Organizes and protects all of your important passwords with just one password
• OpenDNS: Protects kids from online violence, pornography, and other unsavory Web material
• SuperAntiSpyware: A robust malware fighter
• Web of Trust: Vets the links you click in your browers for security issues

Self-Improvement Assistants

• BudgetSketch: Track where your money will go before you spend it
• DailyBurn: Presents charts and graphs to track your fitness program
• Habitforge: Train yourself in new habits with the help of daily reminders
• Learn10: Ten new foreign-language words daily
• RunKeeper Free: Use your iPhone to keep track of your jogging sessions
• YouTube EDU: Videos of Ivy League lecturers

Social Networking Tools

• Brizzly: Performs a makeover of the Facebook and Twitter interfaces
• FacePAD: Download photo albums from Facebook, via Firefox
• FriendShopper: Shop online with friends
• Microsoft Silverlight 4 Beta Client for Facebook: Better photo-upload tool for Facebook
• OutSync: Copy friends' Facebook photos into your Outlook contacts records
• PhotoGrabber: Download photos of you found in other users' albums
• Splitweet: Tweet to single or multiple accounts at the same time
• TwInbox: Outlook add-on brings Twitter tweets to your inbox, and more

System Utilities

• Better Paste: Autostrip formatting from text with a keyboard command
• FixWin: Easy repairs for common PC annoyances
• Ketarin: Keeps your third-party apps up-to-date
• Portable Ubuntu Remix: Runs Linux applications on your Windows machine
• Teracopy: Fast file copying on the PC
• Ultimate Windows Tweaker: Optimizes all areas of Windows 7 or Vista
• Win7 Library Tool: Add the contents of networked folders to libraries, and more
• Wizmouse: Makes your mouse's scrollwheel work with any window it hovers over

Timesavers

• Belvedere: Automated file manager works with the rules you set
• Cache My Work: Autoreloads the apps running when you restart your PC
• Ninite: Installs your all favorite free apps in the background, after a Windows reinstall or anytime
• PhraseExpress: Monitors your typing for shorthand text and expands it to larger snippets
• Read It Later: Mark material for later enjoyment in Firefox or on your smartphone
• Rescue Time: Monitors your apps and sites and provides graphs on how you spent your day

Video Tools and Services

• Boxee Beta: Plays back PC and Web-based media on your HDTV
• Classic Cinema Online: Watch classic films
• Clicker: Aggregates Internet videos
• DoubleTwist: A great iTunes alternative for media
• Hulu Desktop: Desktop app for Hulu's video
• Jinni: Select movies and videos to watch based on keywords such as plot or mood
• Libox: Private network to share large media files
• ShowMeWhatsWrong: Lets people record and share screencasts of what's ailing their PC

Windows 7-Style Features for Older PCs

• AeroSnap: Let Windows XP and Vista utilize the Aero Snap features of Win 7
• Seven Remix XP: Gives XP's icons, box, buttons the look of Win 7 graphics
• Taskbar Shuffle: Reorder XP and Vista taskbar items with a simple drag and drop
• Windows 7 Shortcuts: Add Win 7 time-saving keyboard shortcuts to XP and Vista
• WinShake: Brings Win 7's Aero Peek and Aero Shake features to earlier versions of Windows

2011 is shaping up to be a really good year for PC games with Bulletstorm and Dead Space 2 taking charge; we have other great titles like Crysis 2, R.A.G.E, NFS Shift 2 to look forward to. While these games won't be too difficult to run even on modest systems since all the games are multi-platform, choosing the right card will make all the difference in the overall gaming experience. Looking at the market, we've noticed some companies have really aggressive pricing compared to others, for instance for AMD cards, Sapphire and MSI offer you the lowest rates and for Nvidia, we have ZOTAC and MSI again. It's sad to see other companies like Asus and XFX come up with absurd pricing which makes you wonder how they manage to make any profit in India. Even though their cards are of good quality and all, at times, the premium is just too high which makes no sense in investing that kind of money.

Today, we'll be taking a look at some great deals that we've managed to find under Rs. 10,000. While we all want fancy expensive cards, the reality is we don't really need them especially if you game on anything lower than a full HD resolution. We all saw that Crysis 2 is easily playable on a 9600GT on "Gamer" settings up to 1920x1080 so going by that alone, the cards we've picked today will easily handle all the upcoming games unless of course we get some shitty console port, then it's hardly our fault. One more thing before we get started, the list is made based on Mumbai prices so if you find a better deal elsewhere, post in the comments below. 


Under Rs.3,000 - Stick to Onboard
 
If you're on a budget that's anything under 3K then it's advisable you don't buy anything. I'd say work a bit harder and jump straight to our second category. The problem is that there isn't any worthy card at all under this price bracket that would give you playable frame rates. The cards under 3K are designed for HTPC use which means they are slightly better than onboard graphics, enough to offload 1080p videos and provide a wide array of multichannel audio options via HDMI.


Under Rs.5000 - Sapphire HD 5670 512MB/1GB
 
Our under 5K still remains the HD 5670. Sapphires offering come with a nice cooler and a larger fan for better and more silent cooling. Here you can buy either the 512MB or the 1GB version as the price difference is a couple of hundred bucks. The extra video RAM is nice to have although it's not needed much. The 1GB version is available for Rs.4,700 while the 512MB can be bought for a little less for Rs.4,400. 

Under Rs. 6000 - MSI N250GTS-2D512 512MB
 
Yes, the G92 chip is still going strong and for a smidge under 6K, it's currently the best buy. MSI has shed the reference cooler and gone for something bolder using their own custom heatsink. The GTS 250 is built using 55nm fabrication and is the second coming of the 9800GTX+. It has the full 128 shaders of the G92 core and comes with faster clock speeds. The 9800GT is also selling for around the same price and we strongly advise you to stay away from it as it has the crippled G92 core same as the 8800GT. There's also the HD 4850 for those who are interested in an AMD solution but we'd stick to the GTS 250.


Under Rs. 8000 - ZOTAC GTS 450 1GB
 
In the 7-8K price bracket, we have two very interesting cards to choose from, AMD's HD 5770 and Nvidia's GTS 450. Out of the two, we once again go with Nvidia here, the ZOTAC GTS 450 1GB to be precise. Not only is it cheaper than the HD 5770, it's performs slightly better as well. For the most part, it performs neck to neck with AMD's offering the power consumption on idle is a lot lower compared to the HD 5770.