Optimum Technology

Need for Speed Underground 2 - Uncover the tuner underground in a massive, free-roaming metropolis - PC Game Download Free

2009-05-24T01:35:00.000-07:00

Uncover the tuner underground in a massive, free-roaming metropolis.
Get behind the wheel in one of 30 of the hottest cars and own the streets from dusk 'til dawn. Explore the city, encountering underground races, hidden hideouts, secret shops, and unexpected challengers With comprehensive performance tuning options, all-new game modes, and the most sought-after cars on the circuit, Need for Speed Underground 2 delivers the most authentic tuner experience ever.

This is the official demo of the driving game Need for Speed Underground 2. This demo includes a sneak peek of the variety of different game modes you can play, as well as a few online options.

Download Need for Speed Underground 2 Now
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WebcamMax - Add videos, pictures and effects to virtual/real webcam and broadcast on messengers

2009-05-24T01:29:00.000-07:00

Add videos, pictures and effects to virtual/real webcam and broadcast on messengers.
Work for all webcam programs.
Add a variety of effects over webcam.
Download thousands of online effects. Record video with effects and broadcast on YouTube or your Blog.
Share your screen with friends. Play movie for friends or trick them with a fake video. Select Webcam, Screen, Movie or Picture as the PinP Source.
Paint on the video box directly.

Download WebcamMax Now
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Camfrog - Free webcam chat rooms. See and hear people live! - Communication Software Downloads

2009-05-24T01:21:00.000-07:00

Camfrog Video Chat allows you to join real streaming video chat rooms where you can hear, see, and chat with many people at a time. Instant message a user to get to know them before you Webcam chat, and add them to your contact list. This videoconferencing software also works behind most firewalls and routers.

Camfrog Video Chat allows multi-user videoconferencing where you can join a room with up to 1000 users and just click a user name to begin seeing someone. Press the 'talk' button to talk to the entire room with audio.

The video chat rooms are hosted by broadband users who are running the Camfrog Video Chat Room Server software so any user can set up their own multi-user video conference for other users to join.

No Webcam is required to see people, but some rooms might not allow users without Webcams. Camfrog Video Chat is optimized for broadband users so it has fast video.

Version 5.3.206 adds virtual gifts for rooms, new video controls on video windows, birthday notifications, improved file transfer, security upgrades, and now IM history is on by default.

Download Camfrog - Free webcam chat rooms Now
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Kingston 4GB miniSDHC (Class 2) High Capacity Secure Digital Card

2009-05-23T23:13:00.000-07:00

4GB miniSDHC (Class 2) High Capacity Secure Digital Card SDM2/4GB

Kingston 4GB miniSDHC (Class 2) High Capacity Secure Digital Card Multimedia content storage needs the high capacity and optimum performance of Kingston's mini Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) cards, available in 4GB capacity in three classes. Compatible with mini SDHC and SDHC host devices, the cards come with an adapter that turns them into full-size SDHC cards.

Specifications of Kingston 4GB miniSDHC (Class 2) High Capacity Secure Digital Card

Memory
Internal memory - 4096 MB
Read speed - 2 MB/s
Flash card type - Secure Digital High-Capacity (SDHC)

Technical details
Source - ICEcat.biz

Energy management
Input voltage - 3.3 V

Environmental conditions
Operating temperature range (T-T) -25 - 85 °C
Storage temperature range (T-T)-40 - 85 °C

Weight & dimensions
Dimensions W x D x H - 21.5 x 20.0 x 1.4 mm
Width - 21.5 mm
Depth - 20.0 mm
Height - 1.4 mm
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Nokia recently unveiled a new phone called the 6600i slide

2009-05-22T22:01:00.000-07:00

Nokia recently unveiled a new phone called the 6600i slide dedicated for imaging and sharing. Claimed to be Nokia’s smallest 5 megapixel slider, the phone should appeal quality-conscious users with its compact and elegant design.

The 5 megapixel slide has a camera that features 8x zoom, double flash and auto focus. With dual LED flash, the camera allows users to bring stories alive with high-quality snapshots. The user can click and share images using various Internet services such as XHTML browser, Java MIDP2.0, OMA DRM 1.0 and 2.0. It offers video capturing support of VGA at 15 fps and QVGA at 30 fps. It also helps users to find ways with Nokia Maps.

The Nokia 6600i Slide sports a brushed steel cover and chrome centre key. It has a bright 2.2” 240×320 TFT 16 million colour display. It includes 2.0 Bluetooth and can be connected anywhere with Micro USB. The device comes with a stereo music player supporting MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+ and WMA along with FM Radio in stereo headset.

In addition to this, there is an accelerometer for tap commands helping in simple management of calls and alerts. The phone is supported by 3G connectivity. It offers 20 MB free user memory and a micro SD memory card slot with support for up to 16 GB expandable memory.

The handset uses the BL-4U, 1000 mAh, Li-Ion battery that can offer up to 4 hours of talk time for GSM and up to 3 hours for UMTS or up to 14.5 days of standby time. It measures 93 mm x 45 mm x 14 mm and weighs 110 g. The cell phone also includes WCDMA 850/2100, GSM/EGSM quad-band 850/900/1800/1900 support. It is based on the series 40 platform.

The accessories of the phone include a 1 GB micro SD card, the Nokia WH-203 stereo headset with FM radio and a travel charger. Users will also get a USB Data cable.

The Nokia 6600i will available in silver and black colors. It is expected to be available in stores in the third quarter of this year at a price of € 200 excluding extra charges.

Three new computer courses - Aptech

2009-05-21T04:15:00.000-07:00

For the children in the age group of 6-18, Aptech Computer is offering three new computer courses during this summer vacation. Under the Vidya Junior umbrella, the three variants for children include ‘Whiz kids’ for children aged 6-12 years, ‘Wonder Teens’ for 13 to 15 age group and ‘Web Wizard’ for those between 15 and 18 years.

“Vidya Junior is aimed at teaching children exactly what they need to learn for their age and interest, forming a link in the IT literacy and basic education of children,” said Anuj Kacker, global head-retail education (international and domestic) Aptech Limited. ‘Whiz kids’ includes the basics of computers. The course is of approximately 40-hour duration and also covers painting, using computers and basic animation. The course blends in interaction, making learning fun for children.

‘Wonder Teens’ focuses on MS Office and fundamentals of the Internet, along with animation. This 40-hour course is aimed at encouraging teenagers to explore the various avenues in computers through an interactive learning atmosphere.

Strontium's DDR3 Modules Now in India - New Launches

2009-05-21T03:55:00.000-07:00

Strontium has introduced its DDR3 memory modules for desktop and notebooks in India. Targeted at enthusiasts and gamers, these high speed DDR3 modules promise higher performance at efficient power consumption parameters.

The new DDR3 modules are available in 1333MHz and 1066 MHz frequency speeds in 1GB and 2GB capacities. Strontium would be offering these DDR3 modules for notebooks and desktops at street price of Rs. 1,289 for 1GB and Rs. 2,349 for 2GB with life time warranty through their regular channel partners.

DDR3 memory module at 1.5 Volts consumes 30 percent less power and ensures longer battery life when compared to DDR2 modules running at 1.8 Volts. The 8-bit deep pre-fetch buffer width employed in DDR3 offers higher bandwidth of up to 1600MHz.
Strontium's modules are made from "dual gate" transistors that reduce leakage of current. These DDR3 modules for desktops and notebooks come with self refresh and auto refresh features, better latencies and enhanced low power features - helpful in notebooks.

However, it should be noted that DDR3 modules are not backward compatible. Any attempt of inserting them in DDR2 sockets will damage the socket as well as the motherboard.

Asus Launches EAH4770 Series graphics cards - Latest Launches

2009-05-21T03:45:00.000-07:00

Asus has rolled out EAH4770 Series graphic cards that are targeted at high performance gamers with a budget. The graphic cards feature a 40nm manufacturing process, DirectX 10.1 graphics capabilities, and support for HDMI 1.3, CrossFireX, and Stream technology.

The graphic cards also come with SmartDoctor, that is a over clocking utility that works in tandem with Voltage Tweak technology to enable users to manually adjust the GPU voltage on the card.

The graphic cards also incorporate ATI Stream technology, which utilizes the parallel processing power of AMD graphics processors to deliver capabilities that go beyond the traditional usage scenarios of graphics rendering and video processing. This enables balanced platforms capable of running demanding computing tasks faster.
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Kobian Intros Introduces Mercury Mice with Optical Sensor

2009-05-20T01:16:00.000-07:00

Kobian, a Singapore-based manufacturer of Mercury motherboards, chassis, speakers and a host of other PC components, has announced the availability of its latest Mercury Mice Series with 1600DPI optical engine.

The Mercury RF760, RF730 & RF710 are the wireless mice powered with a G5 micro receiver offer a robust wireless connection with advanced 2.4 GHz cordless technology, the company said.

"The G5-receiver is so small that one can plug it in the notebook and forget about it. And your mouse is always ready to use. This micro-receiver can also be stored in the mouse in its defined compartment. It's all about comfort and getting a high performance. Equipped with frictionless scroll wheel the mice allows a fully 360 degree operation. The Sleep Mode function helps in saving power consumption," said Sushmita Das, Country Manager, Kobian

Further, this new range of Mercury mice will be available from Kobian's authorised distributors and be priced in between Rs. 185 to Rs. 600.

Maruti Suzuki launches Ritz

2009-05-19T23:19:00.000-07:00

India's number one carmaker Maruti Suzuki India Limited unveiled the much-awaited Ritz here today. The car is available in both, petrol and diesel engine options.

With the Ritz - a Superior stance hatchback positioned at the premium-end of the compact car market - Maruti Suzuki consolidates its leadership in the highly competitive compact car segment. The Ritz comes with the BS-IV and OBD-I compliance much ahead of the regulation being enforced in the country.

The company commands the largest market share of 58 per cent in the compact car (A2) segment.

The Ritz has been specifically designed for India. Maruti Suzuki engineers worked with the Suzuki design team in Japan to co-design the car and carry out India-specific changes.

Unveiling the Ritz, Shinzo Nakanishi, Managing Director and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited said, "The Ritz combines modern European design, the sportiness of the Swift, the latest in engine technology and Suzuki's globally acclaimed expertise in compact cars. The Ritz further reiterates parent Suzuki Motor Corporation's commitment to bring global car models with contemporary design, style and next generation fuel efficient, environment friendly engine technology for its customers in India. The Ritz is one more step by Indian engineers towards capability development in automobile research and design."

The heart of the Ritz are the brand new 1.2 Litre K12M Petrol engine and the 1.3 DDiS Diesel power-plant, each offering optimum performance and fuel efficiency. Alongside this, the transmission system has been optimized for the Ritz to match Indian driving habits. With this the Ritz offers the best-in-class combination of fuel efficiency and drivability.

A car for everyone

With its overall length of 3.7 metres height of 1.6 metres and a width of 1.7 metres, the Ritz offers a comfortable roomy cabin with ample legroom for 5 adults. Despite its large frame, the Ritz has a tight turning radius of 4.7 meters.

The suspension of the vehicle with a high ground clearance of 170 mm has been tuned for Indian road conditions, and provides excellent handling and ride comfort. The rear wheel housing has been modified to accommodate the bigger and wider tyres used only in Ritz.

The customer will find a fine balance between Emotion and Functionality in the Ritz. Being a car meant for the family, the rear seat has been designed for comfortable seating of three passengers. The seat profile has been modified for better comfort and to add to overall interior synergy.

As a first in the industry, two sets of dual-tone instrument panels that blend with the body colours are offered in the ZXi version.

Maruti Suzuki Ritz: Superior Technology all the way
In Ritz, Maruti Suzuki brings innovative technologies for benefit of customers and the society.

* Ritz is the first passenger car in India to be tested and verified for EMC (Electro Magnetic Compatibility) compliance. EMC standards are prevalent in European countries and Maruti Suzuki as the market leader has adopted them proactively.
* The Ritz is ELV compliant (no use of ecologically harmful substances such as chromium, cadmium, mercury, etc). ELV (End of Life Vehicle) norms are prevalent in Europe for ensuring recyclability of material but are yet to be enforced in India.
* In line with the Government of India's intention to introduce ethanol blended fuel, Maruti Suzuki has made design modifications to make Ritz E10 compliant.
* The Ritz comes with Drive-by-wire technology in both petrol and diesel variants. This alongwith the 32-bit Engine Management system provides faster signal processing and quick response..

The Heart of the Ritz

The Ritz will be available with two different power-train options:

* a 1.2-litre, four-cylinder, 16-valve unit with maximum power of 85PS petrol engine (Superb fuel efficiency of 17.7 kmpl: Certified as per CMVR rule 115)
* the successful 1.3-litre, Common Rail 16-valve diesel (DDiS) unit that delivers a maximum power of 75PS. (Excellent fuel efficiency of 21.1 kmpl: Certified as per CMVR rule 115)

The all-new K12M engine on the Ritz Petrol has been specifically designed for Indian applications. The BS-IV and OBD-1 compliant engine promises to be best in class fuel efficient, high performance, low emission, light weight, with lower NVH (Noise, Vibration & Harshness).

To make the all-aluminium engine lighter and more fuel efficient, high grade plastic parts have been extensively used. The skirt area of the piston has been shortened to reduce weight, which helps in lowering friction and enhance fuel efficiency.

Maruti Suzuki engineers worked as part of Suzuki's engine teams for design, calibration and testing of the engine in Japan and in India. This is a step further in enhancing the engine development capability.

Some other salient features of the all-new K12M are:

* Innovative rocker-less DOHC cam shaft, plastic intake manifold and offset crank shaft with low tension rings to reduce losses and improve fuel efficiency
* Smart Distributor Less Ignition (SDLI) system with dedicated plug top coils, High pressure fuel system & advanced injectors for superior atomization to provide uniform and optimized combustion for better performance.
* Optimized cylinder block, light piston and nut-less con rod for light weight configuration
* Improved engine stiffness and use of advanced technology like silent timing chain to improve NVH characteristics
* First engine oil change after 10,000 kms as against conventional 1,000 kms
* Spark plugs first change at 40,000 kms as against conventional 20,000 kms

The Ritz Diesel is powered by the super successful 1.3L DDIS powerhouse, which propels the Swift and Swift Dzire. The engine configuration has been modified to meet the forthcoming BS-IV and OBD-1 norms and the improved calibration and tuning provides excellent combination of driveability and mileage

Exterior delight

The exterior design of the Ritz embodies energy, youthfulness, and delight. Sharp lines, bold contours and flowing roofline give an appealing look and youthful sporty stance.

The strong V-identity of Suzuki design language in the front is well supported by expressive headlamps. The pronounced fender flairs add solidness and sporty character.

The side view is characterized by dynamic shoulder and sculpted character supporting it above the sill.

The stylish boomerang-shaped, rear combination lamps are placed at the rear corners so as to maximize the visual width. The stylish rear bumper incorporates reflex reflectors and RR fog lamp, adding to its character and overall styling of the vehicle to suit Indian requirements.

Youthful and useful Interiors

The design theme for interior is youthful and useful. The interior is focused on enjoyment and "ease of use" concept.

The wrap-around character of the instrument panel brings in a feeling of freshness. The console mounted gear shift lever - another first in Maruti Suzuki cars - is an ergonomic delight for the driver and sets the interiors apart, visually.

Streamlined center console accentuated by the easy flowing silver garnish adds uniqueness. The repeating oval motif forms rhythm in the interiors.

The cabin features a contemporary look defined by gentle curves and blue-toned colour scheme. A high panoramic roof gives passengers a sense of openness.

The Ritz comes with 'steering integrated audio control' that is a hallmark for contemporary cars.

Stance & Space

The Ritz while being based on the Swift platform has a superior stance. The seating in Ritz has been moved upward by 54mm in the front and 47mm in the rear, providing a comfortable seating and panoramic driving position.

With an overall vehicle height of 1620 mm enabling higher head room (+24mm in front and +31mm in rear), it allows for ample occupant space in the Ritz. This ergonomic layout provides the best in class leg room and head room along with ease of entry and exit to passengers.

Safety & Security

Ritz comes with a rigid and light weight body structure with crumple zones. The safety equipments of the Ritz includes an energy-absorbing structure, Airbags, ABS with EBD, a collapsible steering column, front seat-belt pre-tensioners and force limiters (Specifications vary according to variants).

All variants of Ritz are equipped with Maruti's iCATS Immobiliser system to provide much required security to the customers.

Groovy Variants

The car will be available in five variants, three variants with petrol engine - LXi, VXi and ZXi and two variants with Diesel engine - LDi and VDi. While Airbags and ABS are standard on ZXi, the Vxi and VDi variants have ABS as an optional feature.

Hip Colours

The Ritz comes in an array of eight vibrant colours including 5 new ones:

Glistening Grey * Racing Green * Bakers Chocolate * Firebrick Red *
Blue Blaze * Silky Silver Midnight Black Superior White
* New colours

Price: Introductory Prices of Maruti Suzuki RITZ in DELHI are:

Petrol Variants Diesel Variants
Model City Ex-Showroom (Rs) Model City Ex-Showroom (Rs)
Ritz Lxi Delhi 3.90 lakh Ritz Ldi Delhi 4.65 lakh
Ritz Lxi Delhi 4.20 lakh Ritz Ldi Delhi 4.99 lakh
Ritz Lxi Delhi 4.80 lakh

Presentations with Genius Media Pointer

2009-05-19T23:01:00.000-07:00

Genius, a brand from KYE Systems,has rolled out its latest presenter, the Genius Media Pointer.

The new Genius Media Pointer features 2.4GHz wireless technology, time management, as well as media mode functions. It works within a 15-meter range and the anti-interference function lets the user move around while presenting.

A built-in LCD timer with a beep alerts user when 30 seconds are left and also when the time is up. In addition, the LCD also shows the pointer's battery life. It has the following presentation and media modes -- Laser Pointer, Volume up/down, Next/Previous track, Fast Backward / forward, Play/Pause, Page up/down, ESC, and F5 -- all in the hand to control.

Genius Media Pointer is available in India through the company's authorized partners at Rs. 2,475 with a one year warranty.

Sony introduces world’s slimmest LCD in India

2009-05-19T22:18:00.000-07:00

Electronic giant Sony has launched a new range of Bravia LCD TVs in India, endowed with powerful technologies and superior outlooks. Out of the 14 new models launched in S, V, W and Z series, Sony Bravia ZX1 is the world’s slimmest LCD TV measuring only 9.9mm. With a weight of only 15 kg, ZX1 comes with a full HD display resolution of 1920 X 1080 pixels.
The new LCD TV from Sony includes other features like Live Colour Creation, 24p Cinema, Xross media bar and Bravia Theatre Sync. The small yet powerful TV offers outstanding audio enhancement features like digital amplifier, S-Force Surround, voice zoom, dolby digital plus, etc.

The new Sony’s Bravia Z4500 LCD TV comes with world’s first image processing technology called Motionflow 200Hz. The inclusion of the new technology in Z4500 will help the users to get crispier video quality. The new series of Sony Bravia LCD TVs were launched by Sarah Jane Dias, Miss India World 2007 in presence of Masaru Tamagawa, managing director of Sony India. Speaking on the occasion, Tamagawa stated that the new LCD products will deliver unprecedented level of realism and stunning clarity.

Sony India has also decided to phase out the cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions. Commenting on that, Tamagawa said that the company wants to focus on LCD TVs hence, it will completely exit the CRT segment.
According to the report Sony has allocated nearly Rs. 60 crore for promotional activities as it aims to lead the LCD market in India.

HP India launches printer for SMBs

2009-05-19T21:05:00.000-07:00

As a part of its Cost Savings Platform, Hewlett-Packard, the market leader in imaging and printing solutions, has announced the launch of its LaserJet P2055 printer series that will help growing businesses to boost their workgroup productivity. Designed to empower small and medium businesses (SMBs) scale up during today's challenging economic climate, the new printing solutions offer fast and compact black-and-white printing for small work teams in enterprises.

The HP LaserJet P2055 Printer series enables high productivity through supplies and device manageability, networking and security features, and standard two-sided printing,(1) and it produces superior quality at an affordable price. As teams or companies grow, additional networking, paper-handling, memory accessories and high-capacity cartridges are available to support increased volumes of printing.

3G services launched by MTNL in Mumbai; tariffs lower than in Delhi

2009-05-19T20:58:00.000-07:00

MTNL announced the launch of its 3G services in Mumbai with the PSU banking on price factor to attract subscribers for the service.

It has come up with a Jadoo trial pack for Rs 99 for those subscribers wanting to have a fell of the service before actually subscribing to it on long term basis. Valid for 15 days, it offers 50 MB data transfer with Rs 3 per MB for any data transfer beyond the limit.

For postpaid subscribers the Jadoo services come at SIM charges of Rs 300 with STD video calls being charged at 3.75 per minute and ISD video calls at Rs 30 per minute. Local video calls will be charged at Rs 1.80 per minute. Voice and SMS will be charged as per the 2G plan of the subscriber.

Prepaid subscribers will be offered choice from June 01 but the company says it will be on the lines of the plans announced for postpaid subscribers. Some of the prepaid data packages on offer include plans of Rs 250 (200MB), Rs 450 (500MB), Rs 750 (1GB) Rs 2500 (Unlimited)

Apple iPhone 3G - Features

2009-05-19T11:08:00.000-07:00

Phone, iPod, Internet and more.

Introducing iPhone 3G. With fast 3G wireless technology, Maps with GPS, support for enterprise features like Microsoft Exchange and the new App Store, iPhone 3G puts even more amazing features in your hands. And just like the original iPhone, it combines three products in one — a revolutionary phone, a widescreen iPod and a breakthrough Internet device with rich HTML email and full web browsing. iPhone 3G. It redefines what a mobile phone can do. Again.

Make a call by tapping a name or send a text with the intelligent keyboard.

With iPhone, making a call is as simple as tapping a name or number. All your contacts appear in a list you scroll through with a flick of your finger. And Visual Voicemail plays your messages in any order you want, just like email.

Tap into calls.

Tap any phone number in Contacts, Favourites, an email, an SMS text message — or almost any other application — to make a call. If you have a lot of contacts, use the search feature to quickly find specific names. iPhone also makes it easy to talk to more than one person at the same time. With a tap, you can switch between calls or create a conference call.
Make contact.

iPhone sync icon

Building your iPhone address book is simple. Contacts sync via iTunes each time you connect iPhone to your computer. You can even add contact information directly from Maps and SMS messages with just a few taps.

Answer in a pinch.

The stereo headset that comes with iPhone features a high-performance microphone — fitted with a windscreen for added clarity — that also serves as a Send/End button you pinch to answer or end calls.

See your voicemail.

Listen to your fourth voicemail message without listening to the three before it. Visual Voicemail shows you a list of all your messages — and who they’re from — so you can play them in any order you please.

Push contacts for enterprise.

With support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync, iPhone gives you push contacts and lets you access your company’s Global Address List. Learn More

iPod

Enjoy music and video on a widescreen display and shop for music with a tap.

With its beautiful 3.5-inch widescreen display and Multi-Touch controls, iPhone is also one amazing iPod. Browse your music in Cover Flow and watch widescreen video with the touch of a finger.

Touch your music.

Scroll through songs, artists, albums and playlists with a flick. Browse your music library by album artwork using Cover Flow. Even view song lyrics that you’ve added to your library in iTunes. Get a call while listening to music? A pinch of the microphone on your iPhone headset pauses the tune and answers the call.

Watch in widescreen.

iPhone brings you a video experience unlike any other portable device. Watch TV shows and movies on the 3.5-inch widescreen display. Just tap to bring up video controls whenever you need them.

Sync it all.

Audio and video from your iTunes library sync to your iPhone when you connect it to your computer. Choose what you want to sync and iTunes does the rest. Learn more

iPhone features Safari — the most advanced web browser ever on a portable device. And with 3G and Wi-Fi, you can browse the real Internet really fast. iPhone also syncs your bookmarks from your PC or Mac and has Google and Yahoo! search built in.

Safari

iPhone features Safari — the most advanced web browser ever on a portable device. And with 3G and Wi-Fi, you can browse the real Internet really fast. iPhone also syncs your bookmarks from your PC or Mac and has Google and Yahoo! search built in.

Browse anywhere.

Access the web with Safari whether you’re connecting via EDGE, faster 3G or even faster
Wi-Fi. iPhone automatically connects you to the fastest network available.

Zoom with a view.

Get a closer look at any web page by zooming in and out with a tap or a pinch. View websites in portrait or landscape mode: Rotate iPhone 90 degrees and the website rotates, too.

Clip it.

If you check a website frequently — a favourite newspaper, blog or sports site — why not create a Home screen icon for it? Make a Web Clip with Safari and your favourite sites are always just a tap away.

User's guide to Windows 7 - Technology Update

2009-05-17T21:47:00.000-07:00

By Indiatimes Infotech

Microsoft Corp recently released a near-final version of its next operating system Windows 7. The company also confirmed that the new operating system will be released by Christmas (the software giant had previously announced that the new software would not be ready until 2010).

See Latest Video On Window 7

Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC) adds a few new features that didn't exist in the January beta, including something called Windows XP Mode. The RC also adds a way for people to access music and other media files stored on their home PC over the Internet from other Windows 7 machines. Windows 7 RC is available for free download for next 13 months (starting May 5).

Here's answering all key questions that you as a user need to know about the Windows 7 RC: where to download it from, any risks involved, key features, system requirements and more.

Read More on User's guide to Windows 7

3G, WiMAX spectrum auctions in two months - Indian Technology News

2009-05-17T21:41:00.000-07:00

One big-ticket exercise of the new government in the next two months could be auctions of spectrum for 3G and broadband wireless access (BWA). The exercise could fetch the government at least Rs 30,000 crore and help it narrow the widening fiscal deficit.

The auctions were slated for January-end, but then a finance ministry suggestion to double the reserve prices had led to the creation of a group of ministers to decide on the issue. Sources in the cabinet secretariat told FE that the reserve price for 3G may be doubled but for WiMAX it would be left untouched, and auctions would be held in the next two months.

Gmail adds import functionality - Google Technology News

2009-05-17T21:29:00.000-07:00

Gmail adds import functionality

The new "Accounts and Import" tab on Gmail makes it as easy as possible to migrate from an existing webmail account.
It's not just the search engine team who are busy over at Google: the Gmail staffers are putting in the hours to add some snazzy new features as well.

As spotted by CNet yesterday, Gmail now supports – finally – the ability to easily import message and contacts from your existing webmail service, making it as easy as possible to give Google access to every e-mail you ever send or receive.

Users of the popular free web-based e-mail service may have spotted a change to the Settings function, which has changed the “Accounts[i]” tab to read “[i]Accounts and Import.” By filling in the relevant details in the new tab, users are able to import both messages and address book entries from a fairly impressive selection of mail providers.

The supported providers list reads like a roll-call of webmail services including Microsoft's Hotmail, MSN, and Live.com services along with a selection of ISPs including Orange, Freeserve, and Tiscali. If your particular service isn't included, Google will be adding to the list over the coming months as the service rolls out across all Gmail users.

The importation technology – which is powered by TrueSwitch from Esaya – even allows for a soft crossover period, whereby messages sent to the old account for the next thirty days will be automatically forwarded to your Gmail account. Google does mention, however, a 24-48 hour delay both for the initial import and any subsequent messages received – so you may want to ensure that the more important contacts change your e-mail address sooner rather than later.

The new functionality, which Google describes as “currently available to only a small subset of Gmail users” comes as the company starts to feel the competition from rival webmail services including Microsoft's Hotmail. With other webmail services matching Gmail's impressive storage offering byte-for-byte, it's clear that Google needs to make life as easy as possible if they're going to convince people it's worth making the switch.

Will the new functionality convince you to make the move and join the Gmail masses, or do you think that there's something still missing from Google's offering? Share your thoughts over in the forums.

BSNL targets 7.5 million broadband customers in 2009-10 n

2009-05-17T21:18:00.000-07:00

Public sector BSNL is targeting 7.5 million broadband subscribers in the current fiscal, up from the 3.7 million that it has, in a bid to expand its market.

It expects the growth drivers to be the the demand from the small towns and cities, the areas where it already has a prersence as it operates all over the country barring the metros of Delhi and Mumbai, which is covered by athe other public sector telco, MTNL.

Anil Jain, general manager, broadband, BSNL, said though the growth would be driven mainly by class A cities, B and C cities were moving in towards boadband usage.

Jain said the telco was already offering broadband services in the rural areas at subsidised rates.
To expand its coverage, BSNL plans to use vendors for offering bundled subscription.

Its private telecom rivals like Bharti and Reliance are targeting high as well as mass market broadband subscribers.

Samsung new notebooks – Samsung R470, Samsung R518, and Samsung R522

2009-05-17T21:14:00.000-07:00

Samsung has recently released its three new R series notebook computers – Samsung R470, Samsung R518, and Samsung R522 – in the Indian market. Here are the specifications of the three Samsung notebooks.

Samsung R470 is 2.23 kg notebook. The R470 features 14.0” HD (1366x768) SuperBright Gloss LED Backlit, 1.3 Megapixel Digital Motion Camera, and Spill proof keyboard. The notebook comes equipped with Intel Core 2 Duo Processor (T6400, 2.0GHz, 800MHz, 2MB), 2GB (DDR2 RAM / 1x2GB), 250GB (5400rpm SATA), nVIDIA GeForce G105M, 256MB GDDR3 (Ext. Graphics), SuperMulti Dual Layer (SATA) ODD, and eSATA. The R470 runs Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium. It supports Bluetooth 2.0+ EDR and HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface). The Samsung R470 is priced at Rs.48,364, backed by 1 Year International Warranty.

Samsung R518 is 2.55 kg notebook. The R518 features 15.6” HD (1366x768, 16:9) Gloss LED Backlit, 1.3 Megapixel Digital Motion Camera, and Spill proof keyboard. Samsung R518 is available in two configurations. The R518 runs DOS. The notebook supports Bluetooth 2.0+ EDR and HDMI. One configuration of the R518 comes equipped with Intel Pentinum Processor (T3400, 2.0GHz, 667MHz, 1MB), 2GB (DDR2 RAM / 1x2GB), 160GB (5400rpm SATA), Intel GMA 4500MHD, Shared Memory (Int. Graphics), SuperMulti Dual Layer (SATA) ODD, and eSATA. It is priced at Rs.33,637 (1 Year International Warranty). The second configuration of the R518 has the same features, but uses Intel Core 2 Duo Processor (T6400, 2.0GHz, 800MHz, 2MB). It is priced at Rs.38,689 (1 Year International Warranty).

Samsung R522 is 2.55 kg notebook. The R522 features 15.6” HD (1366x768, 16:9) Gloss LED Backlit, 1.3 Megapixel Digital Motion Camera, and Spill proof keyboard. Samsung R522 is available in two configurations. The R522 runs Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic. The notebook supports Bluetooth 2.0+ EDR and HDMI. One configuration of the Samsung R522 comes equipped with Intel Pentinum Processor (T3400, 2.0GHz, 667MHz, 1MB), 2GB (DDR2 RAM / 1x2GB), 160 GB (5400rpm SATA), Intel GMA 4500MHD Shared Memory (Int. Graphics), SuperMulti Dual Layer (SATA) ODD, and eSATA. It is priced at Rs.37399 (1 Year International Warranty). The second configuration of the Samsung R522 has same features, but uses Intel Core 2 Duo Processor (T6400, 2.0GHz, 800MHz, 2MB) and 250GB (5400rpm SATA). The second configuration is available for Rs.41,914, backed by 1 Year International Warranty.

Ad-Aware Anniversary Edition 8.0 - Free Antivirus Softwares

2009-05-17T04:49:00.000-07:00

Publisher's description of Ad-Aware Anniversary Edition

From Lavasoft:

With behavior-based threat detection and integrated real-time monitoring, Ad-Aware Anniversary Edition focuses on core consumer security needs. Instead of adding layers of bells and whistles--thereby slowing your computer and scans down--we have decided to focus on what really matters. Anniversary Edition provides advanced threat protection, and is significantly lighter and faster than our previous versions.

Numerous changes in Ad-Aware Anniversary Edition include: Behavior-based heuristical detection; Ad-Watch Live! integrated real-time protection; Customizable Profile Scans and full integration with Windows Security Center.

Download Ad-Aware Anniversary Edition 8.0 - Free Antivirus Softwares

Other Free Anti Virus

Avast Home Edition 4.8.1335.90414 - Free Antivirus Softwares

2009-05-17T04:31:00.000-07:00

Publisher's description of Avast Home Edition

Avast Home Edition is a complete ICSA & Checkmark certified antivirus, Checkmark certified anti-spyware & anti-rootkit package. Avast includes the following components: On demand scanner with skinnable simple interface, just select what do you want to scan in which way and press the Play button; On access scanner, special providers to protect the most of available e-mail clients; Instant messaging--ICQ, Miranda; Network traffic--intrusion detection, lightweight firewall; P2P protection for Kazaa, BitTorrent; Web shield--monitors and filters all HTTP traffic; NNTP scanner--scans all Usenet Newsgroup traffic and all operations with files on PC; Boot time scanner--scans disks in the same way and in the same time as Windows CHKDSK does.

Version 4.8.1335.90414 brings improvements in the malware and rootkit scanners and an enhanced setup experience.

Download Avast Home Edition 4.8.1335.90414 - Free Antivirus Softwares (download.com)

Download Avast Home Edition 4.8.1335.90414 - Free Antivirus Softwares (avast.com)

Advanced SystemCare Free 3.3.1 - Free Antivirus Softwares

2009-05-17T04:23:00.000-07:00

Publisher's description of Advanced SystemCare Free

From IObit:

Slow down, freeze, crash, and security threats are over. Advanced SystemCare Free is a comprehensive PC care utility that takes a one-click approach to help protect, repair, and optimize your computer. It provides an all-in-one and super convenient solution for PC maintenance and protection. All work will be done with 1 click and 1 minute. Compared with its nearest competitor, Advanced SystemCare Free provides the more essential and practical formula for Windows: Removing Spyware and Adware, Preventing Security Threats, Privacy Protection, Fixing Registry Errors, Temporary Files Cleanup, Startup Cleanup, Repairing Windows, Speeding up System and 1-click Mechanism.

Version 3.3.1 is a maintenance release.

See Video

Download Advanced SystemCare Free 3.3.1 - Free Antivirus Softwares

Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus 9.0.0.394 - Free Antivirus Softwares

2009-05-17T04:15:00.000-07:00

Publisher's description of Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus

From Avira:

Avira AntiVir Personal Free Antivirus is a comprehensive, easy to use antivirus program, designed to offer reliable free of charge virus protection to home-users only.

Avira offers: Extensive Malware Recognition of viruses, Trojans, backdoor programs, worms; Automatic incremental updates of antivirus signatures, engine and entire software; Permanent virus protection, with Virus Guard real time monitoring; Install and configuration in just a couple of steps, setup to protect your PC in minutes; Virus protection against known and unknown threats, using an advanced heuristic system; Scheduler where you can set the scanner to make automatic virus scans or updates on your system; Forum and phone support; Knowledge Base with virus descriptions available on web site; Rootkit Detection and Removal; A modularized AV-search engine for improved scan performance.

Version 9 introduces a quick-removal button for eliminating viruses with a single click, enhanced anti-spyware and anti-adware engines, and support for low resolution netbook screens.

Editor's review of Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus

* Reviewed by: Seth Rosenblatt
* Reviewed on: March 17, 2009
* Version reviewed: Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus 9.0.0.394

Consistently at or near the top of independent efficacy testers, Avira's AntiVir remains one of the best freeware security solutions around. Its scans are flexible, allowing the user to fully scan both internal and external hard drives, run a preloaded scan--for rootkits, for example--or customize a scan. The latest version introduces antispyware protections, scanning tech that can crack open "locked" files, improved internal security to prevent AntiVir's files from being maliciously altered, and one-click threat removal--no more baby-sitting.

There are few interface changes in version 9, and older users are not likely notice anything different in the interface besides a refreshed banner logo. The main window offers a left side navigation with drop-down menus and a central pane for more detailed information. AntiVir opens to the Status menu, informing you of your last scan, your last definition file update, whether the real-time guard is active, and premium upgrade link. Events logs changes to the program and the Reports tab keeps a history of threats. Both are exportable.

The Local Protection and Administration navigation options reveal the Scanner, Guard, Quarantine, and Scheduler features. Combined with the Configuration button located at the top of the central pane, users can customize their scans as necessary. Quarantined file information is on display, with options to scan it again, restore, delete, and e-mail the file to Avira. The rebuilt heuristic engine retains the same choices from the previous version's, and can be turned on or off in part or in full and offers three intensity levels. The scheduler offers much that other free antivirus programs don't, and the help features are excellent, with mouse-over information on each feature.

Savvy users will notice the removal of the on-demand e-mail scan, and AntiVir is still challenging to fully uninstall. Despite these hang-ups and the nag screen that follows definition file updates, AntiVir offers such effective protection and a well-rounded set of features that as long as the updates keep coming, it'll be our first line of defense.

Download Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus 9.0.0.394 - Free Antivirus Softwares (download.com)

Download Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus 9.0.0.394 - Free Antivirus Softwares (free-av.com)

AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 8.5.336 - Free Antivirus

2009-05-17T04:01:00.000-07:00

Publisher's description of AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition

AVG Free Edition is the well-known antivirus protection tool. AVG Free is available free of charge to home users for the life of the product. Rapid virus database updates are available for the lifetime of the product, thereby providing the high level of detection capability that millions of users around the world trust to protect their computers.

AVG Free is easy to use and will not slow your system down (low system resource requirements. Highlights include automatic update functionality, the AVG Resident Shield, which provides real-time protection as files are opened and programs are run, free Virus Database Updates for the lifetime of the product, and AVG Virus Vault for safe handling of infected files.

Version 8.5.336 is a bug fixing release.

Editor's review of AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition

* Reviewed by: Seth Rosenblatt
* Reviewed on: November 9, 2008
* Version reviewed: AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 8.5.336

This antivirus program offers rock-solid protection. AVG Free provides the bare necessities, including a real-time shield to prevent infections, anti-virus and anti-malware wrapped up in one engine, and a link scanner for Web surfing with care.

By default, the application is set to search for new virus definitions daily, but you always can use the scheduling tool to change this.

Should a virus create serious system problems, AVG creates a rescue disk to scan your computer in MS-DOS mode. The program doesn't tax your system when scanning or when running in the background and always proved effective in our tests.

The new interface is much easier to navigate than in previous version, with tabbed navigation on the left assisting users in drilling down to the tools they need.

Though the free version of this program will suffice for average folks, those who demand more control should certainly consider AVG Anti-Virus Professional.

Get AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 8.5.336 - Free Antivirus Now ! (download.com)

Get AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition 8.5.336 - Free Antivirus (free.avg.com)

Bharti Airtel launches two DTH entry packs

2009-05-13T20:14:00.000-07:00

Leading telecom operator Bharti Airtel on Monday announced the launch of two new entry packages for Digital TV, its direct-to-home
(DTH) service.

The packages, priced at Rs.1,850 and Rs.2,000, offer a three-month free subscription to various bouquets of channels and interactive services.

While the Rs.1,850 package gives three months free subscription for ESPN sports channel and a new value pack of 77 channels and five interactive services.

The Rs.2,000 pack allows subscribers to view 121 channels and nine interactive services.

Customers who opt for either offer have the option of changing their pack choices after the free preview period of three months. Both offers are valid from May 1, and are available across the country.

Samsung Launches three Touchscreen Phones in India

2009-05-13T20:01:00.000-07:00

Korean electronics giant Samsung has unleashed three new touch screen handsets in the Indian market with the announcement of the Samsung Star S5233, Star S5603 and the Samsung Beat DJ.

The new launches come weeks after Samsung introduced its premium touchscreen handset, the S8300 UltraTouch, in the country. Additionally, this also takes Samsung's touchscreen handset tally to a respectable figure of seven.

Samsung star S5233

Lets talk bout each phones individually now. The S5233 is quite slim at just 11.9mm. This one features a 3.0-inch WQVGA full-touch screen and Samsung TouchWiz User Interface with Mobile Widgets and an accelerometer sensor.

It sports a 3.2 megapixel camera with smile recognition, multi-format playback and Samsung's DNSe sound engine along with recognition using Shazam's "Find Music". There is 50MB of Internal memory, which is expandable up to 8GB via microSD cards. The phone also comes bundled with Google applications like Google Search, Gmail, Google maps. The S5233 will retail for Rs. 11,100.

Samsung star S5603

As for the Samsung Star S5603, it has a similar 3.2 megapixel camera as seen on the S5233 and is capable of video recording in QVGA resolution at 15 fps. This one too has a 50MB internal memory chip, which can of course be expanded to 8GB. Rest of the features are similar to the S5233. And yes, this one gets you 3G connectivity as its name suggests. It is priced at Rs. 14,499.

Samsung star BeatDJ

Lastly, we have the Beat DJ, which runs Samsung's DISC User Interface incorporates Bang & Olufsen audio technology. The Beat DJ has 50MB of on-board memory - expandable to 8GB with micro SD cards. On the imaging front, this one sports a decent 3.0 megapixel camera. The speakers too are B&O branded and and are powered by their ICEpower amplifier.

The Beat DJ will retail at around the Rs. 18,990 mark.