In a world where being entertained wherever you are, on the move or at your neighbourhood coffee shop, is not considered an unreasonable demand, a paradox exists. Video and audio content certainly isn’t getting any lighter, and high-definition is making a big dent in storage capacities across the world. And, even if almost all the latest smartphones and tablets feature expandable memory (excepting of course, the Apple family), you’d still fill things up pretty fast, and struggle with remembering which memory card has what on it, forget about the bother of carrying them around everywhere you go. Fortunately for us all, while content size is increasing, so is the speed and reach of mobile connectivity. Considering all this, the answer to your portable storage problems is exceedingly obvious – cloud storage.
To truly utilize the potentials of cloud storage however, some very efficient cloud-syncing is in order, apart from of course, good streaming between servers, computers, and your portable devices. Reports are in, that iTunes is on its way to becoming a cloud service, aiming to excel at wireless streaming and syncing of content between Apple’s servers, your computer and devices.
iTunes is the acknowledged (U.S.) market leader for audio content, and millions of users will be glad of when it shifts to the cloud, giving them the new ability to enjoy their content across a range of their devices, content that will not be limited (or at least as severely) to their device’s storage capacity, and accessible from anywhere.
You might be wondering by now that if we are talking about the cloud, how come there has been no mention of Google yet, the undisputed cloud service provider. Well, that’s because while Google does provide a wide variety of professional and personal cloud services, it still lacks any real offering from the entertainment sector, most especially music. YouTube, is the noticeable exception to this lack of Google entertainment content, but then again, that doesn’t allow you the same freedom of playlist generation as iTunes would, or, let you carry you DRM music around.
However, Google is certainly not going to let the cloud entertainment space go that easily, and apart from Google TV, mentioned the launch of a music service (which might turn out to be called Google Music) for this American Fall, which will offer over the air downloads for Android platform, and remote access of the media.
Be that as it may, Apple will still manage to retain its massive iTunes userbase, simply because so many users have DRM content that’s tied to the platform, and they will be loathe to leave it all behind them if they migrate to a newer service. The iPhone/iPad will continue to be popular entertainment devices, becoming simply content viewers (and a phone too, in the case of the iPhone) in the Apple cloud ecosystem.
Of course, to leave it just at audio and video content would be rather short-sighted of Apple, when they have a whole world of content out their, in the form of applications for the iOS platform. Apple TV looks it will play a major part in the ecosystem, and will also almost definitely be on the common iOS platform. So, while the battle between iTunes and Google Music might have an obvious result, the real wild card out there is how applications can be leveraged on the cloud, and this is the space that Google has been flourishing in for some time now, with no-one else having the same level of cloud experience. Cross-browser applications, Chrome-specific applications, Android applications, Google has a whole range, cumulatively rivalling the variety of entertainment apps on the iOS platform, and on the productivity side, goes one large step ahead.
Just like Google’s, Apple’s syncing is going extend to more than just apps or audio/video content, but, also update your “calendar, notes, or contacts”. This service is already provided by Apple’s MobileMe, so the odds are, the new syncing will probably be a free version of the same…
The same reports that partially detail Apple’s cloud initiatives, say that the services (iTunes, Apple TV, and more) will be launched around the American Fall, which is the same time that Google Music and Google TV are expected. This is also around the same time that another phase of competition between Apple and Google will begin, mobile advertising, when iAds will battle AdSense for supremacy.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Windows 8 plans leaked, sound awesome; Windows Store to be Microsoft's App Store
In the last few months, leaked pictures and documents become have become a daily affair for us.
However, this one made us sit straight and notice - leaked footprints for Windows 8. Seriously, we haven’t yet poured even half our love over the awesome Windows 7, before this thing hit us square this morning. Like all leaks, only time shall confirm the authenticity of these numerous leaked slides. But the detail and the obvious directions they point to, give them a lot of weight.
These slides, each labelled confidential, probably were used for some behind-the-doors presentation and contain tremendous detail and some very mouth-watering prospects. For the eager eyes, here lies the list and our views.
Kinect-style sensing: When Microsoft put so much effort behind the creation of the wonder that is Kinect (earlier known as ‘Project Natal’), we expected (and wished in our dreams!) that the technology would be ported to the Windows too. There is ‘no’ sign of motion gestures for operating Windows, or any mention of motion-based gaming, but the slides show the plans of motion-detection to put Windows to ‘sleep’ or ‘wake’ it up. Yes, as the slides above indicate, plans are that user’s entry or exit would be used to log-in or put the computer to sleep. This would also mark the introduction of sensor support, like proximity sensors, to Windows. Neat, but we want more of Kinect!
Quick on/off: Booting times are irritating, we know! They may soon, however, be a thing of the past as Microsoft plans to introduce a feature, dubbed as ‘Log off+Hibernate’, that would enable quick powering up from 0 watts consumption. This also is in line with the “Big stuff” that ‘ This is an absolute necessity, considering that Windows 8 is as much for handhelds (which needs always-on operating system) as it is for desktops. More on ‘Windows 8 and handhelds’, read on.
Windows Store: It’s a trend Apple started and now everyone wants to have an App store. But we suppose that Windows is a platform which needs this the most. Here’s our view: Rivals have always thrown dirt on Microsoft for the vulnerability and the security loopholes in its operating system. App store not only give Microsoft a huge source of revenue but also a point of centralised vigilance. As one of the slides suggests, developers would be able to upload the app to be available in only certain geographical areas, and also decide the type of devices it would be available for. The concept pictures show an all-encompassing vision, especially the 'developer's dashboard' above, which would be additional lure for them, if billions of users of Windows aren't. We just can’t seem to stress enough how much difference this would make. Instead of unreliable software from around the net, finally, we can have reliable, checked Apps. The largest of platforms might be the last to get its App store, but take our word, it would dwarf all others around.
Read on to know more great features of Windows 8....
However, this one made us sit straight and notice - leaked footprints for Windows 8. Seriously, we haven’t yet poured even half our love over the awesome Windows 7, before this thing hit us square this morning. Like all leaks, only time shall confirm the authenticity of these numerous leaked slides. But the detail and the obvious directions they point to, give them a lot of weight.
These slides, each labelled confidential, probably were used for some behind-the-doors presentation and contain tremendous detail and some very mouth-watering prospects. For the eager eyes, here lies the list and our views.
Kinect-style sensing: When Microsoft put so much effort behind the creation of the wonder that is Kinect (earlier known as ‘Project Natal’), we expected (and wished in our dreams!) that the technology would be ported to the Windows too. There is ‘no’ sign of motion gestures for operating Windows, or any mention of motion-based gaming, but the slides show the plans of motion-detection to put Windows to ‘sleep’ or ‘wake’ it up. Yes, as the slides above indicate, plans are that user’s entry or exit would be used to log-in or put the computer to sleep. This would also mark the introduction of sensor support, like proximity sensors, to Windows. Neat, but we want more of Kinect!
Quick on/off: Booting times are irritating, we know! They may soon, however, be a thing of the past as Microsoft plans to introduce a feature, dubbed as ‘Log off+Hibernate’, that would enable quick powering up from 0 watts consumption. This also is in line with the “Big stuff” that ‘ This is an absolute necessity, considering that Windows 8 is as much for handhelds (which needs always-on operating system) as it is for desktops. More on ‘Windows 8 and handhelds’, read on.
Windows Store: It’s a trend Apple started and now everyone wants to have an App store. But we suppose that Windows is a platform which needs this the most. Here’s our view: Rivals have always thrown dirt on Microsoft for the vulnerability and the security loopholes in its operating system. App store not only give Microsoft a huge source of revenue but also a point of centralised vigilance. As one of the slides suggests, developers would be able to upload the app to be available in only certain geographical areas, and also decide the type of devices it would be available for. The concept pictures show an all-encompassing vision, especially the 'developer's dashboard' above, which would be additional lure for them, if billions of users of Windows aren't. We just can’t seem to stress enough how much difference this would make. Instead of unreliable software from around the net, finally, we can have reliable, checked Apps. The largest of platforms might be the last to get its App store, but take our word, it would dwarf all others around.
Read on to know more great features of Windows 8....
Dell hid the fact that it deliberately shipped 11.8 million potentially faulty computers between 2003 and 2005
Possibly the biggest news of the month, Dell has admitted to some very shady behavior. A company not known for its squeaky clean record, Dell’s troubles this time around is centered on recently unsealed court papers, which contained a mighty revelation within them: Dell knowingly shipped 11.8 million Optiplex PCs that were potentially defective due to a faulty capacitor, between May 2003 and June 2005.
The capacitors, mostly manufactured by Nichicon, showed a 97% failure rate in a study conducted soon after the first problems started showing up. So what did Dell do? They didn’t recall the series, but instead, told their representatives to hide the problem, and then went on to continue shipping the PCs, and tell customers that the problem was caused by them overworking the system! A way to enjoy service fees? Possibly. More likely a way to get away from the bad publicity. However, the very same unsealed court papers also reveal that in 2005, Dell apparently paid out a $300 million fine to various companies, including Advanced Internet Technologies, who was the main plaintiff in the matter.]
The capacitors, mostly manufactured by Nichicon, showed a 97% failure rate in a study conducted soon after the first problems started showing up. So what did Dell do? They didn’t recall the series, but instead, told their representatives to hide the problem, and then went on to continue shipping the PCs, and tell customers that the problem was caused by them overworking the system! A way to enjoy service fees? Possibly. More likely a way to get away from the bad publicity. However, the very same unsealed court papers also reveal that in 2005, Dell apparently paid out a $300 million fine to various companies, including Advanced Internet Technologies, who was the main plaintiff in the matter.]
Mobile version of Google Docs now available; no editing yet!
The users of Google's cloud-based office suite, Google Docs, have a reason to rejoice as the mobile version of the service is now available. With the growing popularity of the service, this update was expected soon. The service is supported by all Android phones, as well as by iOS devices, such as the iPhone and iPad. The service opened neatly, even on our little Xperia X10 Mini. iPhones and iPads will also support pinch to zoom. Honestly though, the service is still not very usable as editing the documents through your mobile device is still not possible. But we wonder how long would it take for that feature to appear too.
Microsoft kills its own Kin, just 6 weeks after the launch!
Against all expectations, Microsoft has reportedly announced the death of its own Kin, just 6 weeks after its release into the market. Much to the dismay of Windows Phone 7 & social networking phone lovers, it has brought down an appalling gloom of darkness shrouded in mystery. It has been learnt from sources (Andy Lees) within Microsoft, that the project Kin would be terminated with immediate effect and the entire Kin core team would be moved into Windows Phone 7 project. So, this would enable Microsoft to concentrate one big group on this promising project.
It has been revealed that Microsoft encountered several constraints & severe financial setbacks running the Kin project, including an unexpectedly feeble response in Kin's opening sales, amounting to just 500 Kins. Another major blow that Microsoft could not sustain, came in the form of Verizon's exorbitant service charges on the monthly plan mirroring its luxury smartphone service plans. Also, Microsoft's marketing gimmick in calling 'Kin' as “Windows Phone 7 Phone” has apparently backfired by confusing the brand-name for prospective consumers!
Although, Microsoft has promised to continue providing support to existing Kin consumers, there is still no word of confirmation regarding the prospects of regular software updates & bug-fixes for the Kin in the future. All this sums up to convey the dead end of Kin in one way or the other! We could only hope for some breather, in the form of Kin Studio & other such apps making their way into Windows Phone 7 and help relive the legacy of Kin for a long time into the future. It is really sad and disappointing to note that Microsoft in its last stand, had even tried slashing the prices of Kin drastically to alleviate Verizon's expensive monthly plan.
This is what Microsoft has reportedly stated in its press release: "We have made the decision to focus on our Windows Phone 7 launch and we will not ship KIN in Europe this fall as planned. Additionally, we are integrating our KIN team with the Windows Phone 7 team, incorporating valuable ideas and technologies from KIN into future Windows Phone releases. We will continue to work with Verizon in the U.S. to sell current KIN phones."
Although the statement itself is a bit shrouded in mystery, it definitely sounds compelling and directed towards a major milestone. Quite surprisingly Verizon has sounded positive by reportedly stating, “The phone is still an important part of our portfolio." Amongst a few notable E& D projects dumped down the drain by Microsoft in recent months, this one is a major project that actually made some buzz in the market before digging its own grave!!
It has been revealed that Microsoft encountered several constraints & severe financial setbacks running the Kin project, including an unexpectedly feeble response in Kin's opening sales, amounting to just 500 Kins. Another major blow that Microsoft could not sustain, came in the form of Verizon's exorbitant service charges on the monthly plan mirroring its luxury smartphone service plans. Also, Microsoft's marketing gimmick in calling 'Kin' as “Windows Phone 7 Phone” has apparently backfired by confusing the brand-name for prospective consumers!
Although, Microsoft has promised to continue providing support to existing Kin consumers, there is still no word of confirmation regarding the prospects of regular software updates & bug-fixes for the Kin in the future. All this sums up to convey the dead end of Kin in one way or the other! We could only hope for some breather, in the form of Kin Studio & other such apps making their way into Windows Phone 7 and help relive the legacy of Kin for a long time into the future. It is really sad and disappointing to note that Microsoft in its last stand, had even tried slashing the prices of Kin drastically to alleviate Verizon's expensive monthly plan.
This is what Microsoft has reportedly stated in its press release: "We have made the decision to focus on our Windows Phone 7 launch and we will not ship KIN in Europe this fall as planned. Additionally, we are integrating our KIN team with the Windows Phone 7 team, incorporating valuable ideas and technologies from KIN into future Windows Phone releases. We will continue to work with Verizon in the U.S. to sell current KIN phones."
Although the statement itself is a bit shrouded in mystery, it definitely sounds compelling and directed towards a major milestone. Quite surprisingly Verizon has sounded positive by reportedly stating, “The phone is still an important part of our portfolio." Amongst a few notable E& D projects dumped down the drain by Microsoft in recent months, this one is a major project that actually made some buzz in the market before digging its own grave!!
Amazon launches Kindle DX, a cheaper & improved version of its popular e-reader, for $379
While Amazon is exploring new avenues following the launch of the Apple iPad, such as a Kindle app for Android phones, it has decided to update its trusty old e-reader, the Kindle, by improving its display and reducing the price. Way to go! While a $110 price cut from $479 to $379 is huge, customers will not see a drop in quality, in fact, the very opposite.
Now encased in a slim (0.33-inch) graphite body, the Kindle DX makes an impact with a much improved display that features 50% better contrast for the sharpest possible images and text. It also has an accelerometer for auto-rotation, text-to-speech reading, integrated PDF reader and Facebook/Twitter widgets, apart from a new and impressive battery life of 1 week with wireless on, and 2 weeks with it off.
The 3G capable e-reader can store up to 3,500 books, and the e-books bought on the Kindle store can be read on various other platforms, from iPhone to PC to BlackBerry and Android, while synching personal libraries with Amazon's 'Whispersync'. It is available for pre-order now, and will start shipping on July 7th. It will release with free 3G wireless in America, without monthly contracts.
Now encased in a slim (0.33-inch) graphite body, the Kindle DX makes an impact with a much improved display that features 50% better contrast for the sharpest possible images and text. It also has an accelerometer for auto-rotation, text-to-speech reading, integrated PDF reader and Facebook/Twitter widgets, apart from a new and impressive battery life of 1 week with wireless on, and 2 weeks with it off.
The 3G capable e-reader can store up to 3,500 books, and the e-books bought on the Kindle store can be read on various other platforms, from iPhone to PC to BlackBerry and Android, while synching personal libraries with Amazon's 'Whispersync'. It is available for pre-order now, and will start shipping on July 7th. It will release with free 3G wireless in America, without monthly contracts.
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