Thursday, January 28, 2010

Apple Launches Its Own CPU, the 1GHz A4




Today's unveiling of what seemed to be a dull product, also introduced something else even more significant from Apple--its first real CPU, the 1GHz Apple A4 processor.
Apple's purchase of PA Semiconductor not too long ago, yielded its first product today, but it's not the fact that it was used in the iPad that makes it special. What's special is that Apple now has a real processor on its hands. And in case you're wondering whether or not Apple's own CPU can compete with the likes of ARM's Cortex or Qualcomm's Snapdragon CPUs, the A4 has potential to kick the living shnizzles out of those CPUs.
First, the A4 runs at a 1GHz frequency, which by mobile CPU standards, is quite high. Considering that Qualcomm's 1GHz Snapdragon powers Google's Nexus One, the Apple A4 could power the next wave of super-smartphones. In fact, at its current spec and frequency, the Apple A4 can play back HD video for 10 hours before requiring a full battery charge.
As of currently, other specs about Apple's A4 CPU are scant, but we're sure things will be more clear in the next coming weeks. We can see from the iPad's capabilities that the A4 is potent, but things are still fresh and we'll have to wait and see what software developers can come up with.
What the iPad showcases today and what it's an indication of, is a lot more interesting than the iPad itself.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Samsung's new 3D HDTVs--both LEd and LCD--boasts True 240 Hz technology.



Tuesday in Korea Samsung announced that it will mass produce 3D HDTVs for both LED and LCD formats. The company claims that the products will be an industry first, encompassing 40-inch, 46-inch, and 55-inch models that support True 240 Hz technology and 3D Active Glasses.

According to The Samsung Hub, the company said that the 240 Hz technology will not only enhance 3D content to appear more natural, but will also give 2D images a visual boost during fast moving sequences. All three panels will also see a 20-percent increase in response time, providing less than 4ms between the left and right to reduce visual interference.

Samsung originally revealed its 2010 lineup of HDTVs weeks ago at CES 2010 in Las Vegas, including the tasty 9000 series (which has that cool touchscreen remote) that will bring 3D goodness to the den or living room. Currently there's no word on when these HDTVs will hit store shelves, however it's highly possible consumers will see them within the quarter.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

New Chrome Browser Released with APIs, Apps


New Chrome Browser Released with APIs, Apps

The new Google browser offers a few APIs and app-like extensions.

The official Google Chrome Blog announces that a new “stable” version of the browser is now available to download. According to the announcement, this new version adds HTML and JavaScript APIs (application programming interface) and browser extensions that adds “over 1,500 new features.”  In a nutshell, the browser now supports “apps” where users can download little programs to make surfing somewhat easier. For instance, web surfers who use Google Mail can install an extension that places a button next to the address bar—clicking the button takes you straight to your inbox in a new tab while the button itself shows how many messages wait unread. The IE Tab extension, when installed, will place a button in the same area, allowing users to load Internet Explorer into a new tab to view websites that only support IE. As for the JavaScript and HTML APIs, Google Chrome product manager Ian Fette said that the Web SQL Database API enables structured data storage on a user's computer. "If you're looking for a simpler client-side storage mechanism for relatively small amounts of data, check out the localStorage portion of the Web Storage API," he added. "We're already working on making these new APIs more useful and you should see a couple of improvements on the developer channel soon." Two other APIs--Application Cache and SessionStorage--is also in the works.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Old Laptops Become Usable Again With SSDs


Breathe some new life into your notebook with an SSD.
While we continue to covet the latest and greatest CPU and GPU at the top of computer parts most valuable for upgrades, SSDs could actually be the part that most significant in real world gains – especially for one currently sitting with older hard disk drive technology.
SSD maker RunCore had a CES booth with an interesting concept, where older laptops were outfitted with SSDs that transformed them to once-again usable machines. Included in the demonstration were a Dell Inspiron laptop with Intel Centrino, which includes a Pentium M CPU and an Asus Eee PC 900.
Both machines scored fairly low overall Windows Experience Indexes, with the Dell pulling in a 1.0 and the Asus a 2.1, but both scored outstanding hard disk scores of at least 6.8 thanks to the SSD.
Ars Technica described the SSD-equipped old-timers as "running Windows 7 like champions." But of course, such an upgrade would only make sense if the cost of the SSD weren't expensive to the point where buying an entirely new machine would make better sense.
A 16GB RunCore SSD costs $99 while a 32GB is $159. Would you upgrade your older laptop with one of these to give it new life, or would you prefer to put that money towards a new entry-level replacement?

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Windows 7 SP1 Screenshots Leaked


Windows 7 SP1 is actually happening!
Earlier this week, we reported that testers can expect to get hands on the first service pack for Windows 7this summer, with the final release happening in fall.

Such reports came from word that the big SP1 is already undergoing preliminary testing, and it seems that someone's already taken and posted screenshots of the install process.

Spanish Windows site Muy Windows (translated) has the screenshots of the Windows 7 SP1 install process.

There haven't been much word on what major changes, if any, to expect other than the inclusion of all patches and fixes released to date and the likely inclusion of USB 3.0 support.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Microsoft Patches IE Flaw Used in Google Hacking


Microsoft has known about Internet Explorer bug from Google Hack since September 2009.



A critical security flaw in Internet Explorer 6 played a role in the hacking of many top tech firms, including Google, which lead to the current drama between the U.S. search giant and China.

Microsoft yesterday released the update that should patch the hole in Internet Explorer 5.01, Internet Explorer 6, Internet Explorer 6 Service Pack 1, Internet Explorer 7, and Internet Explorer 8. Those who have Automatic Updates enabled should be able to find the update through that means, otherwise it can be downloaded here.

Interestingly, Kaspersky Labs Threatpost reports that Microsoft learned of this security hole back in September 2009 and planned for a patch in February 2010, but the company had to accelerate its plans in light of the recent hacking of Google.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Firefox 3.6 is Officially Ready for Download



Get ready for a newer, fresher Firefox.
After a number of beta and release candidates, Mozilla has finally let loose the latest version of Firefox, bringing the free browser up to version 3.6.

For Firefox users, the latest version has one obvious reason to upgrade – speed. Mozilla says that its newest browser is more than 20 percent faster than Firefox 3.5.

Other new things in Firefox 3.6 include:

  • Personas: Personalize the look of your Firefox by selecting new themes called Personas in a single click and without a restart
  • Plugin Updater: To keep you safe from potential security vulnerabilities, Firefox will now detect out of date plugins
  • Stability improvements: Firefox 3.6 significantly decreased crashes caused by third party software – all without sacrificing our extensibility in any way
  • Form Complete: When filling out an online form, Firefox suggests information for fields based on your common answers in similar field
  • Performance: Improved JavaScript performance, overall browser responsiveness, and startup time
  • Open Video and Audio: With the world’s best implementation of HTML 5 audio and video support, now video can be displayed full screen and supports poster frame

A router orbiting in space could lead to military and commercial Internet based in the heavens.


Internet in space moved one step closer to reality after a successful in-orbit test of Cisco Systems' radiation-proof router mounted on a commercial satellite. The test was part of Cisco's overall Internet Routing in Space (IRIS) project that will eventually route IP voice, video, and data traffic between satellites rather than through terrestrial networks.

"There is a very strong potential for IRIS to revolutionize communications satellite architecture," said Don Brown of Intelsat General. "IP changes everything." The company's Intelsat 14 communications satellite--which escorted the piggybacking router into space--launched on November 23, 2009.

Cisco's IRIS project manager Greg Pelton says that a space-based router can prioritize more important traffic by intelligently allocating bandwidth. This means that bandwidth no longer in use by one company can be switched over to another customer. Space-based routers will also allow telecommunications companies to offer high-bandwidth, on-demand services.

Now that the first router is active, Cisco will hand over the technology to the Department of Defense for its evaluation--this will be used for military purposes for around three months. Once that is completed, Cisco plans to work with the technology for the next year to determine its use in the private sector.

Rumor has it mini projectors will soon show up in HP notebooks




Digitimes cites Monty Wong, vice president and manager of personal computing systems group at HP Taiwan, who says the company has plans to launch both tablets and notebooks PCs with integrated mini projectors.
Miniature projectors placed prominently at CES in 2009 and in 2010 and it seems HP has finally figured out a way to market them to consumers. HP is said to be considering placing the projector on top of the notebook screen, where the webcam is normally located. While integrating a mini projector into a notebook might seem like the perfect way to sneak them into consumer's homes, Wong said the company first plans to launch several stand-alone mini-projector products as an introduction to the notebook-integrated designs.
According to Digitimes, the projector notebooks will be produced mainly by Quanta Computer.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

17-year-old Windows Flaw Affects All Since NT


Windows Virtual DOS Machine bug from 17 years ago affects Windows 7 users today.

We often hear of Windows security bugs that plague a recent version of the operating system that many are still using today, but rarely do we hear of a bug that reaches all the way back – 17 years – to Windows NT.

Tavis Ormandy, a security researcher at Google, discovered a security flaw in the Virtual DOS Machine that can allow a nefarious user to inject code into the kernal and possibly install malware.

Given that all modern versions of Windows still feature the Virtual DOS Machine, this is a vulnerability that still exists today.


"All 32bit x86 versions of Windows NT released since 27-Jul-1993 are believed to be affected, including but not limited to the following actively supported versions:

    - Windows 2000

    - Windows XP

    - Windows Server 2003

    - Windows Vista

    - Windows Server 2008

    - Windows 7"

Microsoft has yet to respond to the flaw, and until it does with a patch, Ormandy recommends the following as a way to mitigate the hole:

"Temporarily disabling the MSDOS and WOWEXEC subsystems will prevent the attack from functioning, as without a process with VdmAllowed, it is not possible to access NtVdmControl() (without SeTcbPrivilege, of course).

"The policy template "Windows Components\Application Compatibility\Prevent  access to 16-bit applications" may be used within the group policy editor to prevent unprivileged users from executing 16-bit applications. I'm informed this is an officially supported machine configuration."

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Hacking The Unsecure GSM Network


Do you believe your phone line is secure? Do you believe that no one is listening in on your calls? Do you think that your phone’s data, all of your contacts, messages, and photos are safe and that your internet browsing is secure? If you do, may be you should think again.  Sometimes its ridiculous how the most common and important technology in our daily-life is vulnerable to kinds of attacks that could bring nightmares. Still, no one is aware, no one is doing anything. Such is the Case of Today’s GSM-The most popular Cellphone Technology.
The BIG Impact:
Today, there are billions of people using GSM phone technology. So, cracking GSM encryption has BIG concerns underneath.
What’s at stake if GSM-encrypted traffic is no longer secure?
  • Loss of Privacy over Voice Calls – Any damn GSM call can be intercepted. This means everything.
  • Jamming calls – Today, Jammer’s do exist but new kind of jamming technology can be introduced that can take down communications in larger areas.
  • Financial institutions that use text messages as authentication tokens would be in trouble.
  • Business – Almost all Business end-customers will be impacted, the potential loss to the business could touch billions.
  • PDA and Smart-phone IP Traffic – Users that surf web, use internet over their phones for Business EMail will no longer be secure.
Cell phone usage is evolving at an astonishing rate. We are no longer relying on our cell phones for the sole purpose of making calls, but also to send emails, to access the internet, and to store a variety of data, making our cell phones a repository of personal and business information. Unfortunately, the more dependent we become on personal electronics, the more complex they become, and the more susceptible they become to security defects.
People regularly trading in confidential information, such as Government officials and executives, would be the most likely eavesdropping targets but virtually anyone with enough skills and determination could harness the research for nefarious means, security experts warn.
A group of German scientists claim to have cracked the security code that protects around 80 per cent of the world’s mobiles phones. Karsten Nohl, working with others online and around the world, created a code book showing how to get past the GSM encryption used to keep conversations on more than 3 billion mobile phones safe from prying ears.
Nohl said the purpose was to push companies to improve security. Even with Nohl’s exploit, expensive and sophisticated radio equipment placed close to the target is required to pull the calls off the air.
He shared his exploits with participants at a Berlin hackers conference this week.

Intel Q4 Numbers, Net Income Up 875 Percent


Despite a few minor antitrust-related hiccups along the way, Intel did well last quarter. Really well. The chip giant this week released its fourth quarter results for 2009, announcing an 875 percent jump in net revenue from the same period last year.
Intel posted revenue of $10.6 billion, up $2.3 billion and 28 percent year-over-year. Operating income was $1.5 billion, up $958 million and 62 percent year-over-year. All this amounted to a net income of $2.3 billion, an 875 percent or $2 billion increase year-over-year.


That $2.3 billion from Q4 actually accounted for a large chunk of Intel's overall net income for 2009. The company posted a 2009 net income of $4.4 billion.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Kingston Coming With 30 GB 'Boot' SSD for $80


Boot faster!

Massive (or at least decently sized) SSDs are still priced too far into the stratosphere to be practical replacements for traditional magnetic storage-based hard disk drives – but the performance advantages of SSDs are just far to compelling to ignore.

SSD makers are now hoping to attack that angle by offering more affordably priced solutions that can sit in a happy middle ground, but proposing small SSDs that are large enough to function as boot drives that hold the operating system and system files.

Kingston will ship next month the SSDNow V Series 30GB Boot Drive which will be promotionally priced at $79.99 after rebates (U.S. only). Performance is rated up to 180MB/sec. read, 50MB/sec. write. The SSD will offer Windows 7 TRIM support, which helps the SSD maintain high performance through the life of the drive.

"In our quest to bring SSDs into mainstream use, we're aiming to deliver a lower price point while boosting performance. The new SSDNow V Series 30GB Boot Drive accomplishes those goals," said Ariel Perez, SSD business manager, Kingston. "Desktop users can extend the life cycle of their systems with this drive and IT managers in the enterprise space like it as there is less data for them to backup to the network. In addition, we will also release a 30GB SSD twin-pack for prosumers and enthusiasts who want to take performance to the next level."

Last week, Intel's 40GB X25-V drive for $130 finally arrived at retail, giving those who need a fast boot drive a solution available today.

Even though capacity may be limited, RunCore demonstrated at CES that even the most modest of computers can be given new life and become usable again with an SSD upgrade.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

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PTCL Confrence Call



PTCL is the largest Telecom Services Provider in Pakistan and always strive to create value for its valued customers. Keeping this objective in mind, PTCL has introduced another interesting and handy service branded as PTCL Conference Call (3 Party Call) service. This unique service is a good opportunity to bring families and friends closer especially on festive occasions. PTCL Conference Call is designed to enable PTCL customers to make more than one call at one time in conference mode to talk to their relatives, beloved ones and office colleagues.

How to use the service?

To initiate the conference call, the subscriber will dial the first person with whom he wants to talk and wants to be a part of conversation in three way conference. To add the third person in conversation hook flash button is pressed (subscriber hears dial tone) and phone number of the third person is dialed. Once third person picks up the call, hook flash is pressed again followed by digit three and then conference calls starts. (If there is no hook flash button then hook up key on cradle will be used)

Monday, January 11, 2010

Warid Introduces ‘Youth Blog Zone’


Warid Telecom (Pvt.) Ltd., has brought the concept of traditional blog websites to mobile phones. Now Warid subscribers can register to “Youth Blog Zone” and express their views on a common forum. Warid ‘Youth Blog Zone’ enables the members to post questions of their interest and can also leave comments on blogs, thus providing a chance to interact with other members and vice versa.

How to Register?

To enjoy this existing facility, Warid subscribers can simply send “Youth” in an SMS to 1166 & get registered. Once they have registered to the service, they are eligible to initiate discussions and receive blog messages from other members of the blog zone.

Charges:

Rs. 10+tax/registration.

Sending a Blog:

After getting registered for this service, you can initiate discussions & express yourself by submitting your blog via SMS to 1177.

The blog should be submitted within 138 character spaces. After submitting your blog, you will receive your blog ID from 1177.

The blog you submitted will be sent to all “Youth Blog Zone” members.


Example:

“Hey guys, did you attend “glow concert” at royal palm, awesome performance by strings & call. I just loved it!”

Block Unwanted Blogs:

If you wish to block an unwanted blog, send “block ” via SMS to 1177. You will no longer receive opinions posted on this blog.

If you wish to unblock a blog, send “unblock ” via SMS to 1177. You will start receiving comments on the blog as soon as you unblock.

Offline Mode:

If at any time you wish to get offline/ would like to stop sending/receiving blog messages, just send “offline” in SMS to 1177@ Rs. 2 +tax.

Staying offline for more than 30 days, will result in the termination of your registration.

Online Mode:

If you wish to get back online in order to send & receive blog messages,send “online” in SMS to 1177. A charge of Rs. 2+tax will be applied.
 

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Ufone Solid Offer – Free Call After 3 Mins


This time Ufone striked the cellular market with a very Solid offer, and the Offer is named Solid too.

With this offer, you will be flooded with free talk time! i.e. Talk for just 3 minutes and get the rest of your call free afterwards – moreover this offer is valid 24 hours a day.

Apparently this offer is unbeatable – one can wonder what other cellular companies have got in their pockets to offer any better than this low on-net rate.
How to avail this?

The offer is valid for UWon, Tension Free, Public Demand and Josh1 and Josh2 packages, to activate this offer just write a new sms “32” without quotes and send it to 444. Opt-in charges are Rs. 10!

Note:
This offer is only valid for Ufone to Ufone This offer is valid for UWon, Tension Free, Public Demand and Josh packages
Terms and conditions apply
This offer is not valid on bundle offers
This is a limited time offer 19.5% FED on usage and 10% withholding tax at recharge or bill applies.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Lenovo Launches New AMD-powered ThinkPads

CES 2010 is just around the corner and although most companies are preparing themselves for big reveals in Las Vegas, some have accidentally let the cat out of the bag a bit early.

Over the weekend, the folks at Lenovo inadvertently published product pages detailing many of the company's new releases due to be unveiled at CES. Soon after, Lenovo revealed more details on the leaked products. Enter the ThinkPad Edge series along with Lenovo's first entry-level ultraportable, the X100e, which starts at under $500, and the T410s, T410, T510 and W510.

The Edge

The Edge is probably causing the biggest splash of the lot. Specs-wise you're looking at a $549 base model packing either AMD's Turion (1.6GHz) or Althon (1.5 GHz) dual core processor, 4GB of DDR2 and a 160GB HDD. From there, the choices for configurations are aplenty, with options for Intel's Core 2 Duo SU7300 ULV CPU and GS45 chipset; DDR3 RAM and up to 500GB of storage. These changes will, of course, drag that super-sweet $549 base price up around the $800 to $900 mark.

When it comes to design, Lenovo has ditched its traditional keyboard in favor of the increasingly popular chiclet keys. While the company has held on to the famous TrackPoint nub and it remains slap-bang in the middle of the keypad, the new, curved keys offer a spill resistant keyboard that looks just as sleek and professional as the older ThinkPad models.

The Edge will be available in 13.3-inch, 14-inch ad 15-inch models. It also comes in red if you're into looking fly. The 13.3-inch model is shipping now but the versions with larger displays aren't out 'til spring.

X100e

While the Edge is creating a lot of hype, the one I'm most interested in is the X100e. Ear-marked as Lenovo's first entry-level ultra-portable, the X100e's starting price is $449; a price not too many Lenovo fans are used to seeing. You're looking at an 11.6-inch HD display, AMD's Athlon Neo or Turion, Wifi, optional Bluetooth and 3G, 3xUSB, 4-in-1 card reader, a full-size keyboard, HD audio and Windows 7 Professional.

The T410s, T410, T510 and W510

Enough of small and affordable, these four are yet more additions to Lenovo's classic ThinkPad line up. According to the leaked product pages, the T410s ad W510 will boast Core i5 while the T410 and T510 will pack Core i7.