The battery life estimates keep on growing as Apple squeezes better power management out of its machines, but the biggie for buyers of the $1,000 MacBook is the new graphics chip, which is made by NVIDIA exclusively for Apple and also found in the 13-inch MacBook Pro. The 320M shares system memory and uses PureVideo HD to decode hi-def video within the GPU, helping to keep the fans from spinning up when watching video with compatible apps.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
MacBook Updated with Faster Graphics, Ten-Hour Batter
As promised by yesterday’s leak from Vietnam, Apple has updated the plastic unibody MacBook. The new model, which appears on Apple’s traditional new hardware day - Tuesday - gets the NVIDIA GeForce 320M graphics processor and the new aluminum MagSafe power-cord. It also gets another feature not revealed in the inexplicably leaked Vietnamese MacBook: a claimed ten-hour battery-life.
The battery life estimates keep on growing as Apple squeezes better power management out of its machines, but the biggie for buyers of the $1,000 MacBook is the new graphics chip, which is made by NVIDIA exclusively for Apple and also found in the 13-inch MacBook Pro. The 320M shares system memory and uses PureVideo HD to decode hi-def video within the GPU, helping to keep the fans from spinning up when watching video with compatible apps.
The battery life estimates keep on growing as Apple squeezes better power management out of its machines, but the biggie for buyers of the $1,000 MacBook is the new graphics chip, which is made by NVIDIA exclusively for Apple and also found in the 13-inch MacBook Pro. The 320M shares system memory and uses PureVideo HD to decode hi-def video within the GPU, helping to keep the fans from spinning up when watching video with compatible apps.
Adobe: Apple killing competition
Adobe Systems Inc criticized Apple Inc in newspaper advertisements and on its website, saying the exclusion of its video software from the computer maker’s iPad and iPhone stifles competition.
Adobe is advertising its public missive in 24 newspapers and websites, including the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times, in response to criticisms of Adobe’s software by Apple Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs. The Adobe letter, signed by founders Chuck Geschke and John Warnock, says that Apple’s actions could “undermine” the future of the Internet.
“In the end, we believe the question is really this: Who controls the World Wide Web?” the founders say. “And we believe the answer is: nobody -- and everybody, but certainly not a single company.”
Today’s letter is part of a widening rift between Apple and Adobe. Beyond refusing to support Adobe’s Flash software for the iPhone and the iPad, Apple last month said app developers must use programming tools that rely on open standards, rather than software using proprietary technologies, such as Flash.
Jobs followed that two weeks ago with a 29-paragraph public letter outlining six reasons why Apple chose not to use Flash on its mobile devices. He wrote that Flash has “major technical drawbacks” and said his company has “few joint interests” with Adobe.
HTML5, the open-standard format Apple uses, lets developers create online videos and animation without relying on third- party plug-ins, such as Flash, said Jobs, 55.
Adobe is advertising its public missive in 24 newspapers and websites, including the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times, in response to criticisms of Adobe’s software by Apple Chief Executive Officer Steve Jobs. The Adobe letter, signed by founders Chuck Geschke and John Warnock, says that Apple’s actions could “undermine” the future of the Internet.
“In the end, we believe the question is really this: Who controls the World Wide Web?” the founders say. “And we believe the answer is: nobody -- and everybody, but certainly not a single company.”
Today’s letter is part of a widening rift between Apple and Adobe. Beyond refusing to support Adobe’s Flash software for the iPhone and the iPad, Apple last month said app developers must use programming tools that rely on open standards, rather than software using proprietary technologies, such as Flash.
Jobs followed that two weeks ago with a 29-paragraph public letter outlining six reasons why Apple chose not to use Flash on its mobile devices. He wrote that Flash has “major technical drawbacks” and said his company has “few joint interests” with Adobe.
HTML5, the open-standard format Apple uses, lets developers create online videos and animation without relying on third- party plug-ins, such as Flash, said Jobs, 55.
MTNL plans to outsource 3G
The telecom company MTNL has cancelled its plan to handover the management, marketing and running of its 3G networks to Virgin Mobile and Spice Group. In late 2009, MTNL had shortlisted these two firms after inviting bids from international telcos to run its fledgling third-generation (3G) mobile services in Delhi and Mumbai for 10 years on a revenue-share basis.
MTNL executives said the contract was cancelled because the government did not approve it, while industry sources familiar with the subject said it was shelved due to internal politics in the PSU. They also added that the new management in the telco wanted to PSU to run its 3G networks rather than outsource it to a private entity.
Contacted on the issue, MTNL’s chairman and managing director Kuldeep Singh said the proposed tender to outsource management and running of its 3G networks has been cancelled. “We may issue a fresh tender after we get government approval. We are still open to the concept of outsourcing our 3G networks,” he added.
Another executive aware of the development said that MTNL had issued the tender as it was able to sign up only about 1,000 customers on its technology platform in the first six months of launching services on this platform, raising concerns of poor marketing and execution. But since then, its 3G services have picked up and the telco now has over 3,50,000 users availing this facility , already matching targets mentioned in the outsourcing tender, the executive added.
For instance, MTNL has said it would ensure that its networks have a minimum capacity to support 1,00,000 3G customers each in Delhi and Mumbai within the first 12 months of signing the deal with the franchisee partner. The terms and conditions of the deal added that it would increase its network capacity to support 3,00,000 and 5,00,000 3G customers in each of the two metros cities in the second and third years, respectively, while the franchisee partner on its part will have to ensure that it brings in revenues of Rs 30 crore in the first year, Rs 120 crore in the second year and Rs 240 crore in the third year.
“MTNL is in line to meet these targets. So, the new management decided that contract terms and conditions will have to be revised upwards steeply. But considering that selected bidders were unlikely to accept new terms, the telco had no option but cancel the contract,” the executive quoted above added.
Virgin Mobile India’s Madhusudan Mandyam said that his company had received no information from MTNL on the contract. “We understand they have put it in cold storage. We have written to them saying our earnest deposit money should be returned if they don’t plan to go ahead with the tender , but have received no response,” he added.
MTNL executives said the contract was cancelled because the government did not approve it, while industry sources familiar with the subject said it was shelved due to internal politics in the PSU. They also added that the new management in the telco wanted to PSU to run its 3G networks rather than outsource it to a private entity.
Contacted on the issue, MTNL’s chairman and managing director Kuldeep Singh said the proposed tender to outsource management and running of its 3G networks has been cancelled. “We may issue a fresh tender after we get government approval. We are still open to the concept of outsourcing our 3G networks,” he added.
Another executive aware of the development said that MTNL had issued the tender as it was able to sign up only about 1,000 customers on its technology platform in the first six months of launching services on this platform, raising concerns of poor marketing and execution. But since then, its 3G services have picked up and the telco now has over 3,50,000 users availing this facility , already matching targets mentioned in the outsourcing tender, the executive added.
For instance, MTNL has said it would ensure that its networks have a minimum capacity to support 1,00,000 3G customers each in Delhi and Mumbai within the first 12 months of signing the deal with the franchisee partner. The terms and conditions of the deal added that it would increase its network capacity to support 3,00,000 and 5,00,000 3G customers in each of the two metros cities in the second and third years, respectively, while the franchisee partner on its part will have to ensure that it brings in revenues of Rs 30 crore in the first year, Rs 120 crore in the second year and Rs 240 crore in the third year.
“MTNL is in line to meet these targets. So, the new management decided that contract terms and conditions will have to be revised upwards steeply. But considering that selected bidders were unlikely to accept new terms, the telco had no option but cancel the contract,” the executive quoted above added.
Virgin Mobile India’s Madhusudan Mandyam said that his company had received no information from MTNL on the contract. “We understand they have put it in cold storage. We have written to them saying our earnest deposit money should be returned if they don’t plan to go ahead with the tender , but have received no response,” he added.
Capgemini to hire 4,000 in India
Europe's largest computer consultancy company Capgemini is all set to expand its India workforce. The France-based company reportedly plans to hire 4,000 in India by June end.
In a report in Business Standard, company's executive chairman Salil Parekh said that India continues to develop in local and international business and is core to Capgemini's Rightshore approach. The company plans to see accelerating momentum in its headcount growth throughout the year.
Capgemini recently added 2,500 jobs in India, taking its total headcount in the country to 23,353. Presently, India is the largest services delivery location for the company worldwide. It is also reported to be planning to expand its presence in the IT hub Bangalore, having taken up 2.5 lakh sqft office space in the city.
Capgemini's worldwide manpower stood at 91,792 employees at the end of the first quarter.
In a report in Business Standard, company's executive chairman Salil Parekh said that India continues to develop in local and international business and is core to Capgemini's Rightshore approach. The company plans to see accelerating momentum in its headcount growth throughout the year.
Capgemini recently added 2,500 jobs in India, taking its total headcount in the country to 23,353. Presently, India is the largest services delivery location for the company worldwide. It is also reported to be planning to expand its presence in the IT hub Bangalore, having taken up 2.5 lakh sqft office space in the city.
Capgemini's worldwide manpower stood at 91,792 employees at the end of the first quarter.
Microsoft to pay $200 mn in patent case
Microsoft will pay VirnetX Holding Corp $200 million to settle patent infringement cases brought against the US software giant, the companies announced.
The settlement comes two months after a Texas jury awarded $105.75 million to VirnetX after finding Microsoft guilty of infringing two patents held by the Scotts Valley, California-based company.
A joint statement said that as part of the settlement, Microsoft will obtain a license to the VirnetX patents for Microsoft's products and the pending lawsuits will be dismissed.
VirnetX describes itself as a "secure real-time communications and collaboration technology company" with a patent portfolio "derived from a Central Intelligence Agency security project."
Its products include software that provides a secure environment for real-time communications such as instant messaging.
"This successful resolution of our litigation with Microsoft will allow us to focus on the upcoming pilot system that will showcase VirnetX's automatic Virtual Private Network technology," VirnetX chief executive Kendall Larsen said.
The settlement comes two months after a Texas jury awarded $105.75 million to VirnetX after finding Microsoft guilty of infringing two patents held by the Scotts Valley, California-based company.
A joint statement said that as part of the settlement, Microsoft will obtain a license to the VirnetX patents for Microsoft's products and the pending lawsuits will be dismissed.
VirnetX describes itself as a "secure real-time communications and collaboration technology company" with a patent portfolio "derived from a Central Intelligence Agency security project."
Its products include software that provides a secure environment for real-time communications such as instant messaging.
"This successful resolution of our litigation with Microsoft will allow us to focus on the upcoming pilot system that will showcase VirnetX's automatic Virtual Private Network technology," VirnetX chief executive Kendall Larsen said.
Security Case for iPad
While we have looked at other solutions that make sure your iPad remains in pristine condition when traveling and carrying it around, how about a case for the iPad that makes sure no one is able to access its contents? Enter the Security Case for iPad, where this form fitting case will literally lock your iPad to prevent access by anyone else. Coming in a sleek and stylish black leather case, it features a three digit combination lock to make sure you (or anyone else who knows the combination) will be the only one able to use the device. At least all the relevant ports are still available when locked, so you can juice it up in that way when required. The Security
Case for iPad is going for $44.95 each.
Case for iPad is going for $44.95 each.
Microsoft upgrading Hotmail
SAN FRANCISCO: Microsoft Corp is trying to make Hotmail cool again.
The free Web mail service soon will be switching to a new approach that Microsoft hopes will give Hotmail an edge over rival offerings from Yahoo Inc and Google Inc
The upgrade is expected to be available by July or August and it will automatically sort incoming messages into different categories devoted to users’ key contacts and Internet social networks. It will also provide previews of incoming photos, videos and other material without having to open an attachment or click on a link.
Other tools are being added to make it less cumbersome to send photos, videos, documents and other attachments to e-mail recipients. Another tweak is supposed to make is easier to sync Hotmail on mobile phones.
It's all part of the most extensive overhaul to Hotmail since Microsoft bought the service 12 years ago, said Chris Jones, a Microsoft executive who is overseeing the renovations.
"Our service wasn't doing the best job that it could," Jones said during a Monday preview of the makeover.
The new features are supposed to enable people to spend less time managing their inboxes and more time enjoying and digesting what's in the messages.
Microsoft is hoping the added convenience will help the users overcome the perception that Hotmail was growing stale as Google and Yahoo added more bells and whistles to their free Web mail services.
Even as it made relatively few changes, Hotmail remained the world's most used service with 360 million users, according to statistics complied by comScore Inc, Yahoo ranks second globally with about 284 million users followed by Google's Gmail at 173 million users.
Now Microsoft thinks it might have shot of supplanting Yahoo as the top Web mail service in the US (Yahoo's e-mail service has 95 million US users compared to 47 million for Hotmail and 43 million for Gmail, according to comScore).
Hotmail's most significant changes will provide new ways to look at photos and videos sent through e-mail. Microsoft expects this feature to be particularly popular because it says 55 percent of Hotmail's storage is consumed by photos sent as attachments.
The new technology will detect when an e-mail contains a photo attachment and automatically display a thumbnail of the image (or images) at the top of the message. Hotmail will provide similar previews when it detects links to photo-sharing sites Flickr and SmugMug or to video-sharing sites YouTube and Hulu.
Other changes are designed to make it easier to send photos, video and other Web content. A new insert bar will allow users to send up to 10 gigabytes — about 200 photos each containing 50 megabytes — by uploading them to Microsoft's free online storage service Skydrive, where they can only be viewed by the recipients of the e-mail.
Videos and other Internet material can be found through a new panel that will connect Hotmail to Microsoft's Internet search engine, Bing. The videos and other Bing-generated content can then be inserted into an e-mail with a mouse click. The e-mail recipient will then be able to see the video or other material without having to click through a Web link.
As it spruces up Hotmail, Microsoft also will try to make it more secure. Embracing a change recently made by Gmail, Microsoft is adding a so-called "secure sockets layer" (denoted by "https" before a Web address) that encrypts e-mail to make it less vulnerable to computer hackers.
The free Web mail service soon will be switching to a new approach that Microsoft hopes will give Hotmail an edge over rival offerings from Yahoo Inc and Google Inc
The upgrade is expected to be available by July or August and it will automatically sort incoming messages into different categories devoted to users’ key contacts and Internet social networks. It will also provide previews of incoming photos, videos and other material without having to open an attachment or click on a link.
Other tools are being added to make it less cumbersome to send photos, videos, documents and other attachments to e-mail recipients. Another tweak is supposed to make is easier to sync Hotmail on mobile phones.
It's all part of the most extensive overhaul to Hotmail since Microsoft bought the service 12 years ago, said Chris Jones, a Microsoft executive who is overseeing the renovations.
"Our service wasn't doing the best job that it could," Jones said during a Monday preview of the makeover.
The new features are supposed to enable people to spend less time managing their inboxes and more time enjoying and digesting what's in the messages.
Microsoft is hoping the added convenience will help the users overcome the perception that Hotmail was growing stale as Google and Yahoo added more bells and whistles to their free Web mail services.
Even as it made relatively few changes, Hotmail remained the world's most used service with 360 million users, according to statistics complied by comScore Inc, Yahoo ranks second globally with about 284 million users followed by Google's Gmail at 173 million users.
Now Microsoft thinks it might have shot of supplanting Yahoo as the top Web mail service in the US (Yahoo's e-mail service has 95 million US users compared to 47 million for Hotmail and 43 million for Gmail, according to comScore).
Hotmail's most significant changes will provide new ways to look at photos and videos sent through e-mail. Microsoft expects this feature to be particularly popular because it says 55 percent of Hotmail's storage is consumed by photos sent as attachments.
The new technology will detect when an e-mail contains a photo attachment and automatically display a thumbnail of the image (or images) at the top of the message. Hotmail will provide similar previews when it detects links to photo-sharing sites Flickr and SmugMug or to video-sharing sites YouTube and Hulu.
Other changes are designed to make it easier to send photos, video and other Web content. A new insert bar will allow users to send up to 10 gigabytes — about 200 photos each containing 50 megabytes — by uploading them to Microsoft's free online storage service Skydrive, where they can only be viewed by the recipients of the e-mail.
Videos and other Internet material can be found through a new panel that will connect Hotmail to Microsoft's Internet search engine, Bing. The videos and other Bing-generated content can then be inserted into an e-mail with a mouse click. The e-mail recipient will then be able to see the video or other material without having to click through a Web link.
As it spruces up Hotmail, Microsoft also will try to make it more secure. Embracing a change recently made by Gmail, Microsoft is adding a so-called "secure sockets layer" (denoted by "https" before a Web address) that encrypts e-mail to make it less vulnerable to computer hackers.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)