Google Chat Can Do File Transfers From Browser

Now you can send and receive files directly through a web browser that supports Google Chat.

Avid Gmail users will know that the webmail service from Google has grown into much more than just simple email. Now users can view status updates from Buzz, chat with their friends as well as see each other over webcam. The next step appears to be file transfers.

Google updated in one of its blogs today that it has introduced file transfer functionality in iGoogle and orkut chat, which allows transferring files without needing an installed client. Those running the Google Talk client, however, will be able to communicate and transfer files between the web and the installed software.

Google said that it is working on bringing the file transfer functionality into Gmail, which seems to be shaping up to be a full communications portal. Google will announce further details as file transfers come to Gmail.

Manage Your Zong Prepaid Numbers with E-Care

Here Zong comes with another exciting portal for their users who have access to the internet.

It is something like Telenor’s Web self service but with more options and feature than of Telenor’s web self service.

Named as Zong’s E-Care web portal, which was previously available for only postpaid customers is now accessible for Zong prepaid users too – to manage their Zong Numbers and various related setting .

Located at http://ecare.zong.com.pk:8080/aiecare/index.jsp

How to Register:

All you need is your Zong Number and CNIC – that’s it. And when you login Zong will use your registered name against your Zong connection.

Once logged in, you can perform plenty of tweaking with your Zong number. You will have full control over whatever you want to play with your Zong Number.

Monthly bill details is only for postpaid customers, however, for prepaid customers there is account recharge history with full details of recharging.

Click on payment history, choose month and click submit: Remember that Zong E-care service will use popup window to show your account recharge history, so allow your browser to let Zong E care site to launch popups.

Students Develop Pong You Control With Eyeball

Keep your eyeball on the ball!

Video gaming is a wonderful pastime that relies heavily on both sight and motor skills, which is a shame that those with disabilities aren't able to enjoy it. Engineering students from Imperial College London have constructed a video game and interface that's controllable using eye movements, which could upon up new opportunities for gamers of many more types.

The students have used an open source version of Pong and adapted it to be playable using a pair of special glasses containing an infrared light and a webcam that records the movement of one eye.

Although video games are a great application of any new technology, the equipment could be adapted to more sophisticated applications such as controlling wheelchairs and computer cursors.

Perhaps the most remarkable about the effort is that the technology built in this experiment costs just £25 (US$37). Current eye and brain tracking setups cost more than 1,000 times that much, though we'd hope they're more elaborate.

Dr Aldo Faisal, the team’s supervisor from the Department of Computing and the Department of Bioengineering at Imperial College London, noted of their successes: "Remarkably, our undergraduates have created this piece of neurotechnology using bits of kit that you can buy in a shop, such as webcams. The game that they’ve developed is quite simple, but we think it has enormous potential, particularly because it doesn’t need lots of expensive equipment.

"We hope to eventually make the technology available online so anyone can have a go at creating new applications and games with it and we’re optimistic about where this might lead. We hope it could ultimately provide entertainment options for people who have very little movement. In the future, people might be able to blink to turn pages in an electronic book, or switch on their favourite song, with the roll of an eye."

Shoaib Malik Sits High at Google Trends

The crowd over internet rushed towards Google as soon as Shoaib Malik’s engagement news with Sania Mirza broke, this evening.

Currently Shoaib Malik is 48^th most search term on Google, in last one hour. He was 43^rdmost searched Term just minutes ago.

Just to mention, Shoaib Malik is reportedly marrying Sania Mirza on 16-17th of Next Month. Sania will be settling in Pakistan after the marriage.

On lighter note, I was just wondering if Sania Mirza will play for Pakistan after relocating to Pakistan. If yes, then that’s a plus for Malik

Blizzard Announces BlizzCon Dates for 2010

Mark your calendars, it's BlizzCon!

Blizzard has announced that dates for this year's BlizzCon, which promises to be bigger than ever with a fresh new game in StarCraft II in stores and the ever-present World of Warcraft contingent.

The fifth BlizzCon gaming convention will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California on Friday, October 22 and Saturday, October 23, 2010.

"BlizzCon offers us a great opportunity to meet with our players and share our enthusiasm for gaming with one of the most passionate communities in the world," said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. "We're looking forward to providing another great show filled with entertainment, competition, and the latest information about Blizzard Entertainment games."

BlizzCon will offer attendees a chance to enjoy:

    * Hands-on play time with upcoming Blizzard Entertainment games

    * Discussion panels with Blizzard Entertainment developers

    * Competitive and casual tournaments for players to showcase their talents

    * Community contests with great prizes

    * Commemorative merchandise based on Blizzard Entertainment's game universes

Get Free Minutes With Every Zong Recharge

Zong is offering this new incentive for its customers, through which they can win reward (in shape of free air-time) with each recharge till May 15^th, 2010. Customers can use this air-time for on-net calls.

Reward Levels:

• Rs 50-99 (Rewards 10% Validity 5 Days)
• Rs 100-299 (Rewards 20% Validity 5 Days)
• Rs. 300-499 (Rewards 30% Validity 7 Days)
• Rs. 500-999 (Rewards 50% Validity 7 Days)
• Rs. Rs. 1000 (Rewards 100% Validity 10 Days)

Example:

For instance you recharged Rs. 350 into your Zong number, in this case you qualify for 30 percent air-time, meaning that air time of Rs. 105 will be added into your account.

You can use this air-time for on-net calls with-in 7 days

How to get Rewards:

If you have qualified for rewards, simply type ‘sub’ & SMS on 313 (charges Rs. 0.01+tax) & enjoy free min.

USB Storage Coming to Xbox 360 April 6

Microsoft's Major Nelson has confirmed reports that USB storage is coming to the Xbox 360.

We've been hearing rumors about the possibility of USB storage for the Xbox 360 for a while now.  On Friday, Microsoft's Major Nelson confirmed the reports and said a system update to allow USB storage would land April 6.

"On April 6th, we will be releasing a system update over Xbox LIVE for your Xbox 360 that will allow USB flash drives to be used for storing profiles, game saves, demos and more.  I’ve been testing this feature out for a few weeks, and I have to say it’s really great. Once you take the system update on April 6th, you’ll be able to connect your USB flash drives to your console and head over to the memory section to configure your new storage device."

Nelson writes that when you connect your drive to your Xbox, the will conduct a one time performance and integrity check to confirm the drive is working properly. With that out of the way, you're free to configure how much storage to use on the device, with the option to go up to 16GB. Though USB hard drives "might work," you'll still get the same 16GB limit that's present with the flash drives. Users can connect two devices at once for a limit of 32GB.

You can use any 1GB+ flash drive you like but Microsoft is partnering with SanDisk to bring out pre-configured Xbox-branded flash drive. Expect to see these in May.

In related news, a hacker claims to have gained access to Major Nelson's online account, and Microsoft is now investigating.

Toshiba: 2,5”-HDDs mit 750GB und 1TB

Hohe Speicherkapazitäten in Notebooks jenseits der aktuellen Kapazitätsgrenze von 500GB sind ab heute keine Zukunftsmusik mehr. Denn Toshiba hat heute die erste 2,5“ Festplatte mit einer Speicherkapazität von 750GB bei einer für Notebooks geeigneten Bauhöhe von 9,5 mm angekündigt.

Um diese hohe Speicherkapazität in Verbindung mit einer niedrigen Bauhöhe realisieren zu können, verfügt das  neue Modell mit der Produktbezeichnung MK7559GSXP über lediglich zwei Platter. Hieraus ergibt sich eine Datendichte von 541,4 Gbit pro Quadratzoll, die laut Hersteller marktführend ist. Die Platter rotieren mit einer Umdrehungsgeschwindigkeit von 5.400 U/Min. und die mittlere Zugriffszeit bei Seek-Operationen soll Angaben von Toshiba zufolge bei 12 ms liegen. Das MK7559GSXP verfügt weiterhin über 8MB Cache und eine SATA 3Gb/s Schnittstelle.

Um im wachsenden Markt mit mobilen und portablen Festplatten gut aufgestellt zu sein, hat Toshiba neben der MK7559GSXP auch die neue Produktlinie MKxx59GSM angekündigt. Letztere Laufwerke verfügen über drei Platter und bieten mit einer Bauhöhe von 12,5 mm Speicherkapazitäten von 750GB (MK7559GSM) beziehungsweise 1TB (MK1059GSM). Die weiteren technischen Daten wie mittlere Suchzeit und Rotationsgeschwindigkeit sowie Cache und Schnittstelle sind mit dem 2-Platter-Modell identisch.

Ein weiteres Leistungsmerkmal der neuen Festplatten ist die Advanced Sector Format Technologie, die eine Sektorengröße von 4KB und damit einhergehend bessere Funktionen bei der Fehlererkennung und –korrektur bieten soll.

Die neuen Festplattenmodelle MK7559GSXP und MKxx59GSM sollen voraussichtlich noch im Frühjahr 2010 an Distributoren und Systemintegratoren ausgeliefert werden. Angaben zur Verfügbarkeit im Einzelhandel sowie zu Endkundenpreise sind noch nicht bekannt.

Modell	MK7559GSXP	MKxx59GSM
Maximale Kapazität (formatiert)	750 GB	1 TB / 750 GB
Anzahl Platter	2	3 / 3
Mittlere Suchzeit	12 ms
Rotationsgeschwindigkeit	5.400 U/Min
Cache	8 MB
Schnittstelle	SATA 3Gb/s
Abmessungen	B: 69,85 mm T: 100,0 mm H: 9,5 mm	B: 69,85 mm T: 100,0 mm H: 12,5 mm
Gewicht	102 g	148 g
Schocktoleranz	in Betrieb: 400 G, 2 ms außer Betrieb: 900 G, 1 ms
Geräuschentwicklung	25 dB

JooJoo Tablet to Beat Apple's iPad to Market

The tablet formerly known as the CrunchPad is now shipping and orders are expected to arrive on March 29.

Fusion Garage's JooJoo tablet has started shipping to the United States and a press release from the company promises that orders will start arriving this coming Monday, March 29.

The JooJoo has been at the center of an awful lot of controversy over the last few months. It was TechCrunch's Michael Arrington who had the idea for the tablet and brought Fusion Garage on as a partner. After months of working together on the project, Arrington announced his departure from the team, claiming the whole thing had been ruined by jealousy and greed. Arrington claimed Chandra Rathakrishnan, the CEO of Fusion Garage, had given him the boot, preferring to go ahead with the tablet alone.

Around the same time, Fusion Garage CEO Chandra Rathakrishnan announced that the company would press on with the project as planned and the JooJoo was born. Gone were TechCrunch's plans for a $200 Web surfing tablet and instead, consumers were offered a $499 tablet from Fusion Garage. Not too long after the JooJoo debuted, Arrington filed an IP theft lawsuit against Chandra and his company. However, this didn't stop the JooJoo from going on pre-sale on December 11.

Today those who pre-ordered the tablet more than three months ago should have their new toy by Monday. Specs-wise, you're looking at 12.1 inch capacitive touchscreen (1366 x 768), WiFi, Bluetooth 2.1, an integrated Web cam for video chat, 1 X USB, support for Flash and Java, a 4GB SSD, built in speakers, a mic, a 3.5mm headphone jack and a Web-centric OS with a boot time of 9 seconds.

DNS Problem Brings Great Firewall of China Global

Security experts around the globe are currently trying to unravel a mysterious networking error that saw Web traffic to sites like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube rerouted to Chinese servers.

CNet reports that on Wednesday, a Chilean DNS admin sent out an email to his counterparts in the rest of the world asking them about a strange problem a local ISP had noticed. The ISP said one of the main DNS root servers, called the I Root Server and operated in Sweden, was directing visitors endeavoring to access up to 30 different sites, including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, to servers in China. Because people were being redirected to China, they ended up behind the Great Firewall of China.

It's no secret that China has changed DNS routing information to redirect users of censored services to government-run servers instead of sites such as Facebook and Twitter, however, ComputerWorld reports that this is the first public disclosure that those route have leaked outside of China. Citing Danny McPherson, a chief security officer with Arbor Networks, CW reports that the rerouting was probably an accident. McPherson says the ISP that used the bad routes probably misconfigured its BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) system.

"I don't think it was done intentionally," he told ComputerWorld. "This is an example of how easy it is for this information to be contaminated or corrupted or leaked out beyond the boundaries of what it was supposed to be."

Calculate Data Usage Before Signing for ISP

These days we find ISPs offering different packages with some speed and quota limits. But most of the time, we remain in a fix that which package will be best suitable for us.

When i opted for Wateen for the first time, i was kinda in a fix at that time too. So, i opted for maximum quota package. But now, you can actually calculate your usage before signing any contract with ISPs. Thanks to wi-tribe Philippines.

They have a usage calculator where you can actually calculate that how much quota you would be needing before signing for ISP. You just need to slide the bar a little left & a little right to get to your desired quota.

Their queries are genuine and most the time we do all the stuff that has been asked. Activities like “Hours watching YouTube and other web streaming sites per week” & “TV episodes downloaded per week” make most of our web browsing experience in general.

I opted for 10GB package. See how can accurate can it be. When checked, Aamir consumes around 50 GB data a month, that’s huge (too many movies i assume).

Catalyst 10.3/GeForce 197.13 Now WHQL Certified

Waiting for WHQL drivers for your graphics card? Wait no longer; they are here!

On the eve of Nvidia's major GPU launch of the year, owners of current video cards are being treated to new, more optimized software drivers.

Today both Nvidia and ATI released new WHQL drivers for their GPU families. These drivers have been available in non-certified form a short while, but now they've been given the stamp of approval.

For those who haven't yet grabbed the Catalyst 10.3 from the preview released last week, visit AMD to get the official download.

Relationship Found Between Facebook and Syphilis

Researcher finds correlation between Facebook use and syphilis infections.

Yesterday the Telegraph published a news story that linked Facebook usage with the rise in syphilis. The report cited Professor Peter Kelly, director of public health in Teesside, UK as finding that syphilis infections, especially in young women, have risen fourfold in the areas of Britain where Facebook is most popular.

The theory is that Facebook is giving a new avenue for promiscuous people to set up encounters. Kelly explained, "Social networking sites are making it easier for people to meet up for casual sex."

Much of the internet public lambasted such reports linking Facebook usage and syphilis for not making a clearer distinction between causation and correlation.

Today the Telegraph has published another piece with statements from Facebook, which believes that Professor Kelly's findings may have been misrepresented by the media.

"Today’s reports exaggerate the comments made by the professor, and ignore the difference between correlation and causation," said a spokesman. "Facebook is no more responsible for STD transmission than newspapers are responsible for bad vision."

Toshiba Introduces 750GB and 1TB Laptop HDDs

A lot of people find their laptops don't meet their storage needs and so, have a couple of externals lying around to fulfill their storage needs. Soon, storage fiends can get their hands on a twin-platter 750GB HDD from Toshiba.

Toshiba yesterday announced the world's highest capacity laptop HDD, the MK7559GSXP. The two-platter drive holds 750GB and reaches the same 9.5mm (0.37in) height as most notebook HDDs.

Toshiba also announced the MKxx59GSM line, which offers users the same 750GB HDD, as well as 1TB option, but both are three-platter, 12.5mm (0.49in) drives.

All of the drives operate at 5,400 RPM and Electronista reports they're due to start sampling for system builders in April. They should enter mass production soon afterwords.

iSentry: IP Based Surveillance Solution by PTCL

PTCL is offering this IP based security surveillance solution, with remote recording to its customers.

Called iSentry, package comes with a Camera, 1 MB DSL, static IP, remote recording for Rs. 6,000 per month per camera – no upfront cost at all.

One may term this cost little high, because of its recurring nature, however let’s not forget that this solution is for corporate customers, who may find it handy by replacing this solution with workforce and ultimately cutting the cost.

How iSentry works?

What’s included?

• Wireless IP camera
• 1 MB DSL
• Static IP
• Remote Recording

Let’s preview features of iSentry

• Watch live feeds on PC or Mobile phone, using internet while being anywhere in the world
• You can re-call recordings, that never get lost or stolen, because they are stored remotely on PTCL servers
• Get alarms via SMS or email in case of any intrusion/movement or if cam goes offline
• You get 1 MB DSL, which you can use for browsing or any other internet activity (however, make sure that you leave some bandwidth free that is necessary for security cam to broadcast feed)
• iSentry comes with surveillance alarm, to call in-vicinity backup guards

Pricing:

Ready2Go: If you need one cam per Telephone line, than this Rs. 6,000 per month subscription is good for you

iSentry Personalized: If you need three or more cameras per site, go for this package. Pricing may depend on number of cameras plus distance from each other

iSentry Customized: Need anything that doesn’t fit above two categories? Such as you want your already available wired cameras infrastructure to be integrated with iSentry etc, check PTCL for what they have to offer you.

How Does the 3DS Work Without 3D Glasses?

Nintendo is keeping quiet about how its goggle-less 3D displays work but luckily for us, the rumor mill is churning out information regardless.

Late on Monday night, Nintendo announced that it would unveil a new version of its handheld DS console at E3 in June. Dubbed the 3DS, Nintendo said the device would allow users to enjoy 3D games without the need for glasses. 48 hours later, and we've already got some rumors about the specifics of the device.

Engadget cites Asahi in Japan, which claims the 3DS achieves its glasses-free 3D effect by using a parallax barrier LCD from Sharp. These displays have been around for a few years but they're very dependent on what angle you look at the screen from. Though this shouldn't be a problem with a small LCD, like the ones you'd find on the DS, it's not too practical for the telly in your sitting room.

So how does a parallax LCD work? Most people know that when you're watching a 3D movie and wearing those dorky glasses, a different image is being sent to each eye; your brain mashes these two images together to create a composite 3D image. You may not know that a 3D display incorporates an overlay that is placed in front of the LCD. This is called a parallax barrier and it polarizes the glasses.

Sharp's parallax barrier is a little different for it is actually a 'switching LCD' that allows for both 2D and 3D imaging without the need for special glasses or goggles. When this switching LCD is switched off, the TFT-LCD displays 2D imaging as normal, but when the parallax barrier is switched on, it controls the way light leaves the display, meaning different patterns of light reach the left and right eye.

Other rumors suggest the device will pack a DualShock-esque vibration-feedback system and something called 3D control sticks, whatever they are.

Cricket Companion: Pakistan’s 1st Application Hits Ovi Store

The First ever Pakistani designed, unique mobile application has been uploaded on Nokia Ovi Store and is available for downloading. The one of its kind application hits 10,000 downloads in initial 3 weeks of the launch.

‘Cricket Companion’ is designed by a Pakistani developer who is associated with Tricastmedia – subsidiary of Tech Access Media Solutions (TAMS); company is specialized in development of Mobile, Web and Wap based applications.

Cricket Companion is a GPRS based application which can be installed on the handset; this would enable user to view complete live coverage of all International ODI, Test and T20 Matches. This application will also display the detailed live statistics of any player in the bowling teams. The application also includes Bowling and Batting graphs and charts as well as update alerts.

With Cricket Companion, now you are able to enjoy the live cricket matches anywhere on your mobile phone with the similar thrilling match experience as that of television. This application is now available on Ovi Store for both Nokia S40 & S60 devices.

Cricket Companion has also qualified for Nokia’s Program for mobile application developers, particularly those in Pakistan. Through this program, called Calling All Innovators, developers produce mobile content and applications and win prizes. These applications, if selected, are then offered for download at OVI store to worldwide Nokia users.

This year, Calling All Innovators contest has a special prize for Pakistani developers who submit locally relevant applications and content for use on Nokia devices.

Developer based in Pakistan can win prize of 1,000,000/- PKR in cash. Additionally, two runners-up will get 500,000/- PKR in cash and 300,000/- PKR in cash respectively. And remember, this is an additional incentive – you could still be a global winner in one of the four categories.

Telenor Secures 1 Million MNP Customers

Telenor Pakistan has attracted one million customers through Mobile Number Portability (MNP), since the MNP service started back in March 2007, confirmed us sources at the company.

Having said this, Telenor has become the first operator in the country to achieve the landmark. Looks Telenor’s plan for relying on MNP went successful.

As per un-confirmed stats, from Pakistan MNP Database, a total of 2.4 million customers have availed the service till February 2010.

For last one year, as the tariffs had hit the bottom line, cellular companies heavily invested in MNP offerings. For this they are giving away huge incentives for customers of other networks to port-in. The war is still on – and may continue for another couple of quarters.

We were unable to get MNP subscriber stats for other companies.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpTCS3g-cBY

Opera Shows Apple a Better iPhone Web Browser

This could be available for the iPhone soon as long as Apple lets it through the App Store gates.

When the iPhone originally launched in 2007, the Safari browser was a revelation in web browsing on a smartphone. Nowadays, competing browsers also based off of the Webkit source from Google's Android and Palm's WebOS have caught up.

iPhone Safari is still plenty usable, especially for those on Wi-Fi or a strong 3G connection, but Opera can do better through its Opera Mini browser and some clever server-side compression tricks.
Opera says that due to server-side rendering, Opera Mini compresses data by up to 90 percent before sending it to the phone, resulting in rapid page loading with less data transferred. This could be hugely useful for those on capped data plans, especially when roaming.

Check out the video below for a demonstration on how much faster Opera Mini is over Safari when on a meager 2G EDGE connection.

Opera announced that its Mini browser for iPhone was officially submitted to the Apple iPhone App store today. Of course, given Apple's tight control over what can and cannot be on the iPhone, it's anyone's guess as to whether or not Opera Mini will be approved.