New touch Generation involves the Visually impaired
With all the success that touchscreens have, they are still essentially useless unless you are looking at the device while using it. Despite its multi-touch goodiness, you’ll still need to take you iPod Touch out if you want to change the song. This is also a distinct disadvantage to the visually impaired, since they are not able to feel the ‘features’ on the screen.
Jussi Rantala of the University of Tampere in Finland along with colleagues have come up with a way to simulate a braille on the screen of a device, using vibrations. They simulated a braille character by representing a raised dot as an intense vibration, and the absence of a dot as longer but weaker pulsed vibrations. Braille encodes characters as a 2×3 grid of dots, where characters are represented based on which dots are raised. People trained to read braille can read the patterns using their finger and hence can read texts even without sight. This innovation promises to bring this marvelous.
To enable this they developed software for the Nokia 770 Internet Tablet, which has piezoelectric1 material built into the touchscreen. They tested two modes of operation for this virtual braille, one in which the reader places his finger on the left side of the screen and sweeps horizontally to read the rest of the dots, and the other in which the reader keeps the finger fixed on one location, and the dots vibrate in and out sequentially in that spot. The first one seemed to be quite difficult to read however. Much like many screen reading software read out the text displayed on the screen, they hope to present the screen content in braille form.
This is a wonderful innovation for touchscreens, as they can finally become more accessible to the visually impaired. This technology can have pretty interesting applications otherwise too. Using vibrations they can also indicate the presence of buttons and controls on the screen, allowing people to control their devices without looking at them.
Source : Digit
Popularity: 6% [?]
Virtualization 101 : webcast series in August
Microsoft has Scheduled a webcast series in august on Virtualization. The webcast is intended for those IT pros and other users who are dealing with or want to deal with Virtualization. Virtualization is a self pacing and rapidly developing scenario, Register for these webcasts and Learn more about the same.
| Virtualization 101 – Desktop Virtualization | August 17, 2009 | 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM | http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032421203&Culture=en-IN | Speaker : Shantanu Kaushik |
| Virtualization 101 – Server Virtualization | August 20, 2009 | 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM | http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032421208&Culture=en-IN | Speaker: Shantanu Kaushik |
| Virtualization 101 – Application Virtualization | August 24, 2009 | 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM | http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032421211&Culture=en-IN | Speaker: Shantanu Kaushik |
| Virtualization 101 – Virtualization Management | August 27, 2009 | 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM | http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032421214&Culture=en-IN | Speaker: Shantanu Kaushik |
I hope to see many of you people there..
Popularity: 5% [?]
Samsung R470 : What else you need !
Recently Samsung launched a new range of notebook & netbook computers here in india, the basic series are the R & N series.. i had a word this time that samsung is coming up with something new, something to flash your eyse with.. so i thought to try one myself.. As i gave a trip to the dealer here in my city, i was pretty much sure that i am going to find a perfect lappy for myself.
The two models i saw there were the N110 & the R470. As i first saw the N110 i was amazed to see the build quality and the interface which samsung has provided with the basic notebook series.
So, N110 being a netbook comes with 93% of original keyboard, 10.1 inches screen & 160GB harddisk& a GB of RAM .. the best feature was the 10 hour battery backup which drew my attention to it..the another great feature i liked was the SRS sound with 2.1 speaker system, the other models in the league were N120 and N310..
http://netbookboards.com/tag/samsung-r470/
After the netbooks i went on for the R470.. it was love at first sight for me.. what a finish, the Gloosy 16:9 screen pattern with 14 inches widescreen display. looking at the configuration i found that it comes up with 2 Gb ram, the Core2 Duo T6400 Processor which runs at 2.0 Ghz Ghz & 250 GB of HDD. This amazing notebook comes with the latest in mobile innovation the Nvidia Geforce 105 chip with 256mb DDr3 ram.. what else would you want for gaming ? This laptop came a 6cell battery pack , which was nicely utilized and gave me approximately 2.5 hrs battery backup on normal usage.. which was pretty nice for me as i move a lot..
With all other basic features incuded like a webcam, a ODD, bluetooth, LAN, wLAN, this laptop gives you something more.. when it comes to connectivity & usability this one has a HDMI port, 3 USB, a SD-mmc card slot & the best is that i comes with HD sound( SRS 3d technology) with 3W stereo speakers as 1.5W x 2 . At last it comes up with Microsoft windows Vista home premium which completes the combo & gives you a 100% of what you want..
So if any of you are planning to buy this laptop or already has, Come and share your experience here. and lets discuss the oppurtunities. Comments are most welcome.
If you want the perfect combo as i did you should take a look at this one..
Popularity: 75% [?]
MVP Certification Hero Campaign Hurry !!!
From now till March 31, 2009, Our Community and network can use this Promotion Code to obtain a Microsoft Certification Exam Voucher Code at a 10% discount and free retake offer. The Exam Voucher Code is valid for exams taken by May 31, 2009 in India. Note that the limited time offer is valid for Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS), Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) and Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD) exams only. More information on how to obtain the vouchers and the Terms & Conditions of Usage are available to your community at www.learnandcertify.com.
Please Email me : info@thecomputernext.com to get your certification Code, to redeem the discount.
Popularity: 43% [?]
Windows 7 Wins on Netbook PCs
Q&A: Brad Brooks, corporate vice president for Windows Consumer Product Marketing, discusses Microsoft’s take on netbook PCs and how Microsoft’s newest operating system, Windows 7, will support these small computers
REDMOND, Wash., — Feb. 3, 2009 – Small, mobile and affordable PCs, often referred to as “netbooks” or “mini-notebooks,” were one of 2008’s hottest technology trends. Virtually unknown a year ago, these PCs pushed the design innovation envelope by enabling easy Web surfing, instant messaging, general-purpose computing (e.g., e-mail, social networking and photo sharing) and media playback in one small, ultra-portable device. This convenience, coupled with an affordable price tag, makes these PCs a great option for many consumers.
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Brad Brooks, Microsoft’s corporate vice president for Windows Consumer Product Marketing, sat down with PressPass to discuss the company’s take on small-notebook PCs.
PressPass: Almost everyone seems to have an opinion on how netbook PCs will evolve in 2009. What is Microsoft’s view on small-notebook PC prospects in the coming year?
Brooks: The term “netbook” was coined by Intel to define notebook PCs that run on their Atom processor. They’re also sometimes referred to as “mini-notebooks” and “sub-notebooks.” But at the end of the day they are just small, portable PCs, and we’re committed to delivering the same exceptional Windows experience on these machines as any on other notebook or desktop PC.
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Over the last 10 months we’ve seen pretty strong demand for these PCs and we expect that to continue in 2009. In fact, research firm IDC recently increased its initial mini-notebook sales forecast for 2008 to 11.4 million, and predicted that number would climb to 42.2 million by 2012.*
PressPass: Most small-notebook PCs today run Windows XP, and this has raised many questions about the impact strong sales of these machines have on Microsoft’s bottom line. What can you tell us about that?
Brooks: We’ve seen spectacular Windows growth on small-notebook PCs as folks opt for the familiarity, compatibility, and ease of use of Windows over Linux. We value every Windows customer, and we’re excited that the vast majority of small-notebook PC users want Windows.
To share some numbers: since February 2008, Windows OS share has gone from 10 percent to over 80 percent on these machines, and our research shows that these are overwhelmingly new PCs and/or PC users. To put it another way, we think most small-notebook PC buyers are either purchasing a secondary machine or buying a PC for the first time. And we think purchasers are drawn to these PCs by their small size and affordability, particularly given the current environment.
So, looking at trends, we’re incredibly optimistic about the coming year.
PressPass: Over the last 10-12 months, what has fueled the popularity of small-notebook PCs?
Brooks: In two words: hardware improvements. When these PCs first hit the shelves, they were designed for people who wanted an inexpensive, mobile computer to browse the Web, do e-mail, instant message and perform other general computing tasks. Computer-makers responded by designing PCs built with lower performing — but also very inexpensive — hardware.
But Moore’s Law, which states that performance at a given price point will double about every 18 months, has worked in the customers’ favor. Today, we see small-notebook PCs with enhanced capabilities and improved quality at the same price points — and sometimes even cheaper — than earlier models.
At the same time, our customers told us that they want mobile, small-notebook PCs to go beyond basic Internet activities and deliver premium capabilities such as increased graphics functionality, which lets people play games, view pictures and watch videos with richer, eye-popping quality.
With Windows, customers get these premium capabilities in a familiar OS that is compatible with the applications and devices they already own and use.
PressPass: How are these small-notebook PCs different from other notebooks and desktops?
Brooks: Small-notebook PCs run the same Windows that people know and love, but there are certain trade-offs customers make when they buy these devices.
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For example, they typically have much smaller keyboards and screen sizes and lack a DVD or CD drive, and the small size can make tasks like creating presentations, typing documents, or editing photos and video difficult. Typing over a long period of time can also be a little challenging. Finally, the screen size isn’t optimized for the Web, so plan on doing plenty of panning and scrolling.
It’s important to remember that these small-notebook PCs weren’t designed to replace a full-featured notebook or desktop.
PressPass: Customers who do decide to purchase one of these small-notebooks PCs are also often faced with another decision — Linux or Windows. What do buyers need to consider when comparing the two operating systems?
Brooks: Customers choose Windows because they want the best possible user experience. While many initial small-notebook PCs in the market were Linux-based, they didn’t live up to customers’ expectations. Customers expected a Linux-based PC to look and function like their Windows-based desktop PC and they were disappointed.
Windows provides a level of application and device compatibility you simply don’t get with Linux. Windows works with everyday programs like Microsoft Office and popular applications like Apple’s iTunes and Microsoft’s Zune, PC games like “World of Warcraft,” and a host of others. It also works with the largest set of printers, digital cameras and other devices. Linux doesn’t come close to doing any of these things.
That may be why return rates of Linux-based netbooks are so high. Partners MSI and Canonical have mentioned to press that return rates on their Linux-based small-notebook PCs are about four times those of Windows-based small-notebook PCs.
PressPass: Microsoft has invested heavily in its Windows Live suite. How does Microsoft see these cloud-based tools enhancing the small-notebook PC experience?
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Brooks: We’re really excited about what we’re offering with Windows Live Essentials. This suite includes free downloads of Windows Live Mail, Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live Toolbar, Windows Live Writer, Windows Live Photo Gallery, Windows Live Movie Maker beta and Windows Live Family Safety. All these applications help people connect with their family and friends, and they light up the Windows experience. In addition, Windows Live Hotmail and Windows Live SkyDrive, which provides 25 GB of free online storage, deliver on-demand access to e-mail and online file storage.
And unlike an OS, which can take two to three years to develop, Windows Live is on a much shorter development cycle. And we’re always looking at new ways to deliver enhanced functionality and strong integration with additional Web services.
PressPass: How is Microsoft supporting small-notebook PCs with Windows 7?
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Brooks: Microsoft is offering a clear path for Windows 7 across the board, so as we demonstrated at PDC, WinHEC and CES, Windows 7 provides a great user experience on small-notebook PCs.
With Windows 7, we’ve matched hardware improvements with some investments of our own. With Windows 7 we are on track to have a smaller OS footprint; an improved user interface that should allow for faster boot-up and shut-down times; improved power management for enhanced battery life; enhanced media capabilities; and increased reliability, stability and security.
These engineering investments allow small notebook PCs to run any version of Windows 7, and allow customers complete flexibility to purchase a system which meets their needs. For OEMs that build lower-cost small notebook PCs, Windows 7 Starter will now be available in developed markets. For the most enhanced, full-functioning Windows experience on small notebook PCs, however, consumers will want to go with Windows 7 Home Premium, which lets you get the most out of your digital media and easily connect with other PCs.
You can find more information on all our Windows 7 SKUs here.
PressPass: What’s the one piece of advice you would give to someone thinking about buying one of these PCs?
Brooks: I tell people to spend some time thinking carefully about what types of activities they want to do with their computer. There are many full-size notebook options out there that are also very affordable and portable. Ask yourself what you want your computer to do, balancing those needs with how mobile you want it to be. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all option.
* IDC, Worldwide Mininotebook PC 2008-2012 Forecast Update and 3Q08 Vendor Shares, Doc # 215072, November 2008
Popularity: 38% [?]
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