Showing posts with label Computers. Show all posts
The latest version of the Internet Explorer browser (IE 11) is now available for its older Windows 7 OS. The update is for free of charge & it can be downloaded from here.Windows 7 users who have auto-update turned on should receive the option of installing it as an automatic upgrade. The latest version of IE runs faster, includes new developer tools and supports more web standards. On the other hand, users of older OSes like XP or Vista cannot upgrade past IE9.
IE11 has been made available globally for Windows 7 users. The headline improvements over the previous version of Internet Explorer include the “performance, privacy, security and reliability that consumers enjoy on Windows 8.1,” and it is also optimised for touch. Internet Explorer 11 (IE11) is available worldwide in 95 languages.
Microsoft says, "With IE11, we continue to deliver the best performance for real world Web sites on your Windows device. IE11 on Windows 7 improves performance across the board with faster page loading, faster interactivity, and faster JavaScript performance, while reducing the CPU usage and improving battery life on mobiles & PCs."
IE11 advances JavaScript performance, while ensuring compatibility, security and interoperability. On Windows 7, IE11 is 9% faster than IE10, which is nearly 30% faster than the nearest competitive browser. It also enables better 3-D graphics rendering in websites, which allows the users to manipulate 3-D objects on-screen.
Lenovo has launched the IdeaPad Flex 2 notebook in Indian market at Rs.42,250. The company claims that this device is the world's first dual-mode notebook with 10-point multitouch and it can switch between laptop (for standard usage) and stand (for touchscreen) modes.
Let us have a look at the specifications of this device :
Display : 4-inch display which offers 1366x768pixels of resolution and can flip 360-degrees.
OS : Windows 8.1
CPU : Fourth-generation Intel Core i3 processor
RAM : 4GB DDR3
Graphics Card : 2GB Nvidia GeForce GT 740M graphics card
Connectivity Options : Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, one each of USB 3.0, USB 2.0 and HDMI ports, card reader and RJ45 Ethernet port.
Front Camera : 720p
Battery : 48Wh
The company claims that the battery is enough to play full HD videos for six hours. Moreover, the battery is capable of providing 9 hours for Windows 8 Idle at 150 nits or 6 hours for FHD playback at 150 nits.
The notebook also comes with other features such as integrated stereo speakers which is Dolby Advanced Audio certified and it is able to provide a rich surround sound. Other features of the notebook include OneKey Recovery, Lenovo Cloud Storage, Lenovo Voice Control.
In terms of dimensions the laptop is 13.51×9.87×0.23 inches and weighs in at 2kg.
Price :
Let us have a look at the specifications of this device :
Display : 4-inch display which offers 1366x768pixels of resolution and can flip 360-degrees.
OS : Windows 8.1
CPU : Fourth-generation Intel Core i3 processor
RAM : 4GB DDR3
Graphics Card : 2GB Nvidia GeForce GT 740M graphics card
Connectivity Options : Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, one each of USB 3.0, USB 2.0 and HDMI ports, card reader and RJ45 Ethernet port.
Front Camera : 720p
Battery : 48Wh
The company claims that the battery is enough to play full HD videos for six hours. Moreover, the battery is capable of providing 9 hours for Windows 8 Idle at 150 nits or 6 hours for FHD playback at 150 nits.
The notebook also comes with other features such as integrated stereo speakers which is Dolby Advanced Audio certified and it is able to provide a rich surround sound. Other features of the notebook include OneKey Recovery, Lenovo Cloud Storage, Lenovo Voice Control.
In terms of dimensions the laptop is 13.51×9.87×0.23 inches and weighs in at 2kg.
The device is available in black colour with a silver grey edge.
Price :
The device is priced at INR 42,250.
Data storage specialist company HGST, part of Western Digital, has announced a new range of hermetically sealed, helium-filled HDDs. On Monday the firm began its first shipments of 6TB Ultrastar He6 hard disk drives (HDDs). These are the most capacious standard sized 3.5-inch HDDs around, packing 6TB of storage into seven platters within the standard Z-height of the 3.5-inch form factor.
In a press release HGST explains the benefits of using a sealed helium filled environment for the spinning disks in its Ultrastar He6 HDDs. We are told that helium is just one seventh the density of air which creates less friction with the high speed spinning disks. The new Ultrastar He6 thus brings to the industry the lowest power consumption with the best watts-per-TB performance.
Key benefits of the Ultrastar He6 HDD when compared to a 3.5-inch, five-platter, air-filled 4TB drive include:
1.) 23 percent lower idle power per drive
2.) 49 percent better watts-per-TB
3.) Operates at 4-5°C cooler
4.) 50 percent higher capacity in a standard 3.5-inch form factor
5.) 50g lighter even with two more disks, offering 50 percent more capacity
6.) 38 percent lower weight-per-TB
In the future HGST will be making more use of the helium platform for new technologies like shingled magnetic recording (SMR) and heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) where HGST will continue to push the HDD areal density envelope. “Not only is our new Ultrastar helium hard drive helping customers solve data centre challenges today, our mainstream helium platform will serve as the future building block for new products and technologies moving forward. This is a huge feat, and we are gratified by the support of our customers in the development of this platform,” explained Brendan Collins, vice president of product marketing, HGST
These Ultrastar He6 HDDs are aimed at big enterprise customers and HGST have several ‘big data’ customers lined up for these new drives including big names such as HP, Netflix and CERN. To such large operations the TCO advantages of deploying Ultrastar He6 HDDs will be significant.
HGST guarantees its hermetic helium seal for a period of five years.
Mozilla and Opera have followed Google's lead in pledging to pump life into Windows XP's dying corpse after Microsoft stops supporting the 12-year-old platform next year.
In an emailed statement to TRPro, Johnathan Nightingale, VP of Firefox, said that the company has "no plans to discontinue support" for XP after the April 8 deadline, while Opera Software told PCPro that it will support XP while the OS remains popular among its users.
Unlike Google, which has already pledged to release "regular updates and security patches" for Windows XP until April 2015, neither company said how (or how long) it will support the platform.
Microsoft has sounded multiple warnings that remaining on XP could leave businesses wide open to security and compliance risks in the absence of regular patches and updates. Despite this, the platform still remains relatively popular among both business users and consumers.
According to web analytics firm NetMarketShare, 31.4% of the PC users it tracked in September were running Windows XP - the second most-used operating system tracked that month - behind leader Windows 7 (46.39%).
Businesses are similarly dragging their feet. A recent study by IDC found that 28% of 750 executives and IT professionals are yet to migrate half of their application estates to Windows 7, and 3.7% haven't even started the process. The reason for that? They're too tied up with BYOD projects, apparently.
Asus has launched the Transformer Book T100 laptop in India for Rs. 34,099. The convertible laptop, which features a detachable tablet display, was first unveiled at the Intel Developer Forum 2013, in San Francisco.
Features :
Display : 10.1-inch HD (1366x768) IPS multi-touch display which can be detached from the laptop and used as a tablet.
OS : Windows 8.1 (32-Bit)
CPU : 1.33GHz Intel Atom Bay Trail-T Z3740 quad-core processor
RAM : 2GB
Memory : 32GB Internal (Expandable via MicroSD)
Front Camera : 1.2MP
The company claims that the Transformer Book T100 can deliver up to eleven hours of battery life. Connectivity options on the tablet include USB 3.0, Micro-HDMI, and Wi-Fi.
It also comes with stereo speakers powered by ASUS SonicMaster audio technology. In laptop mode, the Transformer Boook T100 weighs 1.07Kg and in tablet mode it weighs 55grams.
The device will be available starting November across select Asus retail outlets. Despite its ultraportable frame and convertible nature, we are surprised Asus did not include more built-in storage, giving the Transformer Book T100 a disadvantage compared other hybrid laptops, albeit most of which are not as inexpensive.
Computer maker Hewlett-Packard has introduced its hybrid PC HP Pavilion in personal computer segment and HP Elitebook Revolve 810, Probook 430 and Elitebook 800 series in the commercial segment here.
The HP Pavilion x2 is a hybrid device that can be used as a notebook and as a tablet. Powered by dual battery, the device can be used for 17 hours at a stretch, Hewlett-Packard India, commercial PC category, head, Sunish Raghavan said.
"HP is happy to bring to market the next generation of PCs that help people connect, share and create in ways they never imagined. People today demand extreme mobility and performance for their computing devices...," he said in a statement.
The HP SlateBook x2 and HP Split x2 offer full functionality of a notebook with a removable screen. HP SlateBook is priced at Rs 39,990, while HP Split x2 is priced at Rs 64,990, he said.
The HP Envy Rove, priced at Rs 69,999, is an all in one PC which allows users to share multimedia content. It is powered by LED backlit display, HD graphics and 10-point touch, HP Envy Rove offers advanced multi-touch technology features.
Targeted at commercial segments the company introduced HP Elitebook 800 series priced at Rs 90,000. HP ProBook 430 and Elitebook Series laptops are business laptops suitable for everyday use and are priced at Rs 39,000 onwards, the release added.
Apple's MacBook Pro line has now gotten an entirely expected upgrade to current-generation Intel CPUs, just in time for the holiday shopping season. In our hands-on initial testing, these new 13-inch and 15-inch models look and feel just like the previous generation, but the promise of longer battery life, somewhat improved performance, faster Wi-Fi, and lower starting prices is enough to make this a significant overall update.
The first Mac systems to get Haswell were the 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Air back in June 2013. The iMac all-in-one desktop followed. That left the more expensive MacBook Pro a generation behind its less expensive Air counterpart in CPU power and battery life. That's important because our Labs testing has shown that Haswell offers significant improvements to battery life in PC and Mac systems. Apple promises 9 hours from the 13-inch model, and 8 hours from the 15-inch, and we'll offer updated battery life scores as we test the new Pro models.
Note, however, that this update applies only to the thinner MacBook Pro models with Retina Displays. Currently only the 13-inch version of the "classic" MacBook Pro appears to be available for sale. The 15-inch version is presumably relegated to the same lonely afterlife as its 17-inch relative. For the sake of expediency, we'll now refer to the current 13-inch and 15-inch Retina Display models simply as the MacBook Pro.
New & Updated Features At Low Price :
Retina Display retains its very high screen resolution.
Higher-resolution screens.
11ac Wi-Fi, faster PCIe solid-state drive (SSD) storage, and Thunderbolt 2 ports for data and video output.
Fourth-gen Intel CPU (Core i5 in the 13-inch, Core i7 in the
15-Inch)
Intel's latest onboard Iris and Iris Pro integrated graphics
The 15-inch model has optional Nvidia GeForce 750M graphics.
The 13-inch MacBook Pro starts with 4GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD, while the 15-inch version defaults to 8GB RAM and a 256GB SSD
The 15-inch MacBook will have faster 2.3GHZ
Price :
We were pleasantly surprised when the 13-inch MacBook Air saw its starting price cut to $1,099 earlier this year. The MacBook Pro follows, with its prices going from $1,499 for the 13-inch version down to $1,299; and from $2,199 down to $1,999 for the 15-inch version. That's a break from traditional Apple pricing, where prices would remain the same generation over generation, with updated components adding value.
Lenovo launches A10, its first Android-based convertible laptop. It is a dual-mode laptop and is claimed to be the company's first to run on Android 4.2 OS. The Lenovo A10 weighs less than 1kg and measures 17.3mm at its thickest point.
Features :
Display : 10.1-inch HD display with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. The screen can be flipped around 300 degrees in stand mode.
OS : Android 4.2 Jelly Bean
CPU : 1.6Ghz Quad-Core Cortex-A9 Processor
quad-core Cortex-A9 processor
Read more at: http://ibnlive.in.com/news/lenovo-launches-a10-its-first-androidbased-convertible-laptop/429386-11.html?utm_source=ref_article
Read more at: http://ibnlive.in.com/news/lenovo-launches-a10-its-first-androidbased-convertible-laptop/429386-11.html?utm_source=ref_article
Front Camera : 0.3MP
The Lenovo A10 is said to be optimised for touch-enabled apps. The stable hinge and fold-back design keeps the device steady and prevents shaking and bouncing while using the 10-point multi-touch screen.
The A10's battery is claimed to support up to nine hours of continuous video playback.
Price & Availability :
There is no word on pricing and availability yet.
It is a dual-mode
laptop and is claimed to be the company's first to run on Android 4.2
OS. The Lenovo A10 weighs less than 1kg and measures 17.3mm at its
thickest point.
Read more at: http://ibnlive.in.com/news/lenovo-launches-a10-its-first-androidbased-convertible-laptop/429386-11.html?utm_source=ref_article
Read more at: http://ibnlive.in.com/news/lenovo-launches-a10-its-first-androidbased-convertible-laptop/429386-11.html?utm_source=ref_article
It is a dual-mode
laptop and is claimed to be the company's first to run on Android 4.2
OS. The Lenovo A10 weighs less than 1kg and measures 17.3mm at its
thickest point.
Read more at: http://ibnlive.in.com/news/lenovo-launches-a10-its-first-androidbased-convertible-laptop/429386-11.html?utm_source=ref_article
Read more at: http://ibnlive.in.com/news/lenovo-launches-a10-its-first-androidbased-convertible-laptop/429386-11.html?utm_source=ref_article
Microsoft has released the Windows 8.1 update for its flagship operating system.
The download seeks to address some of the criticisms levelled at the original version of Windows 8. In particular, the update restores the start button and allows a computer to boot up with a traditional desktop interface.
The launch comes at a critical time for Microsoft as it seeks a new boss, with PC sales experiencing a long decline.
Windows 8 sought to bridge the gap between touchscreen devices, such as tablets and smartphones, and more traditional form laptops and desktop machines. As such it had an interface built of tiles that could be tapped or swiped to open applications.
However, many people found the tiled interface did not work well for some of the things they were used to doing with a computer.
The changes in 8.1 include :
Start button - Tapping once on this brings up the tiled interface and a long press opens up system controls
Desktop mode - Lets people avoid the tiled interface entirely
Gesture control - Some applications, such as those for cooking, can now be paged through without touching a screen
Tile sizing - The blocks on the touchscreen interface can be in one of four sizes
Web browsing - Windows 8 machines will now display separate web pages side by side
A host of other changes, including better support for multi-tasking and improved links to Microsoft's Xbox game console, are also in the update.
If you've been on the fence about trying out Google's Chrome OS, the HP Chromebook 11 is available for $279.99 at Amazon, it might be just what you need to reach the tipping point. The slim design
and refined looks are matched with a handful of generous freebies—like
free Google Drive storage space, a trial of unlimited music, and free
inflight Wi-Fi—but it's the small improvements and innovations that help
set it apart. Considering this isn't HP's first crack at the
Chromebook, it's a definite step up, putting the budget-friendly laptop
on the same level as past favorites.
DESIGN :
The Chromebook 11 has a sleek new design, with a
clean white exterior and rounded corners that call to mind the old
white Apple MacBook, but with a splash of color. On the bottom of the
laptop are two large rubbery feet, brightly colored in Google's familiar
hues (Red, Blue, Yellow, and Green). The first models were available
only in the white and blue color scheme, but the other colors will be
available soon, and an unadorned black version is also available.
The charger is also unique, as the HP Chromebook
11 is the first laptop to use a micro USB charger, like the ones you
see on your tablet or phone. As a result, you can now share the charger
between multiple devices, and if it ever gets lost—forgotten at home,
left in a library study carrel, or misplaced during travel—you can use
any other standard micro USB charger instead of having to special order a
unique cable online.
The construction of the Chromebook 11 is a
combination of high- and low-end, with a lightweight magnesium frame
providing rock solid support for the chassis, and a white glossy
exterior, which looks nice, but feels like the plastic it is. It's an
odd juxtaposition, but the result is a design with a more premium feel
than you might expect from a $279 device. There is no flexing at all
when lifting the laptop by one corner, and despite weighing a light 2.3
pounds, it doesn't feel flimsy or low quality.
On the lid of the Chromebook 11 is a glowing multi-colored stripe, similar to that seen on the Google Chromebook Pixel (64GB, LTE)$1,599.00 at Amazon.
Though the size and price clearly put the HP Chromebook 11 alongside
the Samsung and Acer models, this is the also the first inexpensive
Chromebook to draw design elements from the premium-priced Pixel. In
addition to the illuminated stripe, there's also the magnesium interior
frame.
The keyboard also functions as a hidden speaker grill, with sound playing from beneath the keys. The sound quality isn't terrible, and while the sound gets a little reedy at high volume, there's none of the buzzing that is so common in low priced systems. The bass is, as expected, rather weak, but the placement of the speakers directly beneath the keyboard means that you feel it far more than you would with any other configuration. All things considered, the HP Chromebook sounds better than any other sub-$300 laptop I've tested.
FEATURES :
The Chromebook 11's few ports are all found
on the left-hand side of the system. There's the micro USB charging port
mentioned above, along with two USB 2.0 ports and a combination
headphone and microphone jack. While the port selection on other
Chromebooks has always been scanty, it's a bit more sparse on the
Chromebook 11.
A few features you won't see on the HP Chromebook 11, include a USB
3.0 port, full-size HDMI, or an SD card slot. These features were
offered on the Samsung Series 3, the Acer C7 and the HP Pavilion
Chromebook. The loss of USB 3.0 isn't a huge loss, though it does mean
you'll be slowed down when using an external hard drive or high-capacity
flash drive. The loss of an SD card slot, however, will be felt by
anyone who might want to upload photos or videos from a camera or
camcorder. For SD Card use, you'll want to pick up a USB connected card
reader.
In regards to HDMI, however, the HP Chromebook 11 does have two
distinct alternatives. The first is streaming via Chromecast, which
plugs into a TV via HDMI and streams video content over Wi-Fi. If you
absolutely must have an HDMI connection, the micro USB port—the same one
used for charging the laptop—also supports SlimPort, which can output
video to HDMI through a SlimPort adapter.
The Chrome operating system is a lightweight OS designed around Google's Chrome browser. Google has built out the Chrome concept to provide many (if not quite all) of the same tools and functions you would use with a tradition Windows or Mac laptop, but uses Chrome Apps and Extensions to provide those same capabilities in a cheaper, web-connected system. With apps like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides replacing most functions of Microsoft Office (it's compatible with Office files, too), photo editing via apps like Google+ Photos and Pixlr, video editing with apps like WeVideo, and offline modes providing Gmail and Google Docs even when away from the web, the Chromebook is a cheap way to get a lot of things done. Plenty of the Chrome faithful have embraced the always online paradigm, and constant development continues to improve Chrome to fill the gaps pointed out by naysayers.
To entice new users of Chrome OS, Google offers a few free extras. To encourage the switch to cloud storage, the Chromebook 11 comes with 100GB of additional storage space on Google Drive. To highlight the entertainment and multimedia options of the Google ecosystem, Google also throws in a 60-day trial of Google Play Music All Access, which gives you unlimited ad-free listening to the entire Google Play music library, create custom radio, and unlimited skipping. For those who expect to take to the air, the Chromebook 11 also comes with 12 free sessions of GoGo Inflight Internet, for use when travelling by air.
PERFORMANCE :
The HP Chromebook 11 is equipped with a Samsung Exynos 5250—the same 1.7GHz dual-core ARM processor found in the Samsung Series 3 Chromebook. Paired with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of local flash storage, the processor is well suited to the lightweight Chrome OS, but it's actually a little bit slower than other Chromebooks we've seen that opt for Intel Celeron processors; when tested in BrowserMark 2.0, it was slower than both the Acer C7 or HP's own Pavilion Chromebook 14. Despite this, the HP Chromebook 11 is largely on par with the well-received Samsung Series 3, and offers snappy boot times (under 8 seconds), reasonably nimble browsing, and doesn't require any cooling fans—you can thank the Exynos processor for the sleek, vent-free design.
While past Chromebooks, like the HP Chromebook 14 and the Acer C7, have opted for removable batteries, the Chromebook 11 uses an internal battery that can't be removed. This allows for a slimmer, seamless design, and thankfully, the battery life is pretty good. In our battery rundown test, the HP Chromebook 11 lasted 5 hours 13 minutes, easily beating out the Editors' Choice Acer C7 (4:12) and falling only minutes behind the long-lasting Samsung Series 3 (5:25).
CONCLUSION :
The HP Chromebook 11 isn't perfect, with all of the limitations of any other Chrome OS device (though those limitations are likely fewer than you might imagine). The inexpensive laptop does, however, manage to bring some new and improved elements to the inexpensive Chromebook category, boasting a bright IPS display, a unique micro USB charger, and a magnesium-reinforced design. It's definitely a good value, but it doesn't replace the Editors' Choice Acer C7, which offers a larger port selection and larger local storage for those not yet fully migrated to the cloud.
Over two years after introducing them in the US, Google on Thursday announced that Chromebooks would be available in India from October 17. Chromebooks are light and portable laptops that are powered by Google's Chrome OS instead of Microsoft Windows.
Google said that initially HP and Acer would start selling their Chromebooks in the Indian market but in future more manufacturers like Samsung and Asus might join the fray.
The company said that from October 17 consumers would be able to buy Acer C720 or HP Chromebook 14. The Acer C720 is priced at Rs 22,999. The HP Chromebook 14 would cost Rs 26,990.
Chrome OS works differently compared to Windows. It is more suitable for light and web-based tasks and works best when the Chromebook is connected to the internet. Though with the recent updates Google has added more offline functionality to the OS.
Chromebooks cannot run programs that are available for Windows computers.
"Chromebooks are a new type of computer from Google designed to help you get things done faster and easier. They run Chrome OS, an operating system that has multiple layers of security, cloud storage, and the most popular Google products built-in... if you love using Chrome on your PC, you'll get going on a Chromebook in seconds," said a Google spokesperson.
Google said that Chromebook buyers will get 100GB free storage on Drive, the company's cloud storage service, for two years.
Rockstar Games' highly-anticipated multiplayer Grand Theft Auto 5 (GTA 5), has been released for only current generation gaming consoles such as Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation, dissapointing some fans who are craving for the PC version of GTA 5.
However, e-retailer Game Seek has stated that GTA 5 PC version will be released on 22 November 2013 and can be pre-ordered for $39.86. The website did mention that the dates is subjected to change by the manufacturer.
Since Rockstar has not yet mentioned anything about the game title's release date, one would have to wait until its official release.
The next update to Windows Phone 8 - known commonly as GDR3 - will incorporate a host of new features, including the ability to close apps within the multi-tasking view, it has been revealed.
The word comes from a WPCentral message board user who claims to have purchased a device from Craigslist running the as-yet-unreleased update that's scheduled to land later this year.
The heavily-requested multitasking boost will make it easier for Windows Phone users to manage open apps on their device.
Also part of the update, there'll also be a new Driving Mode, which will mute calls and texts when paired with a bluetooth headset, either automatically, or manually through the phone's options.
More tidbits from GDR3 (General Distribution Release 3) include the option to control screen orientation, as well as create custom alerts for emails, messages, social networking notifications etc.
The update will also enable backups to be restored to phones over Wi-Fi, rather than USB, during the phone's initial set-up.
The software bump is likely to arrive alongside the rumoured Nokia 1520 (codenamed 'Bandit') 6-inch phablet, which is set to arrive before 2013 is out.
Computer maker Hewlett-Packard today expanded its commercial PC portfolio in the Indian market with the introduction of a touch-enabled hybrid laptop and a business notebook - HP EliteBook Revolve 810 and HP ProBook 430 - priced at Rs 90,000 and Rs 39,000 respectively.
HP EliteBook Revolve 810 :
The EliteBook is a touch-enabled laptop that allows users to share their work and can be used as a tablet. Driven by third-generation Intel core processors, the EliteBook is optimised for Windows 8 and offers the performance and visuals of a full-power notebook with the flexibility of switching to a tablet with a touch-enabled high-definition display.
HP ProBook 430 :
The HP ProBook 430 is a business notebook suitable for everyday use. The ProBook has built-in security safeguards against viruses, detects possible corruption and alerts users about unauthorised changes. It sports the HP Client Security software suite to encrypt the hard drive, permanently delete unwanted or discarded data and restrict unauthorised access.
The HP EliteBook Revolve 810 and HP ProBook 430 will be available across the country, the company said in a release today.
Apple could unveil new Haswell-powered MacBook Pro notebooks as soon as September 10, if a new rumour is to be believed.
According to Hong Kong-based supply chain monitor EMSOne (via Apple Insider), Taiwan-based manufacturers have already started shipping components for new MacBook Pros powered by Intel's fourth-generation Haswell processors to production facilities. However, it's not clear as to which specific MacBook Pro models would receive the upgrade.
Previously, a result on an online benchmark test (Geekbench) had revealed a machine that appeared to be a 15-inch MacBook Pro powered by a 2.4GHz quad-core Haswell processor. It had 16GB of RAM and was running a build of OS X Mavericks, the next iteration of Apple's desktop operating system which is expected to release in fall. Previously a 13-inch MacBook Pro also surfaced online in a similar benchmark test.
The 11-inch Haswell powered
MacBook Air models are capable of up to 9 hours backup, while the
13-inch MacBook Airs boast of an incredible 12 hours of battery life.
With Intel HD Graphics 5000 onboard Apple had claimed that the new
MacBook Airs would offer up to 40 percent faster graphics performance.
The new MacBook Air models come with support for 802.11ac Wi-Fi, that
supports speeds up to 1.3Gbps, three times the speeds of 802.11n Wi-Fi.
The notes from a recent Mozilla meeting reveal that a touch-friendly, Metro-style version of Firefox for Windows 8 will arrive alongside Firefox 26 in December.
The notes, published online by Mozilla, called the special Windows 8-friendly version of the Firefox browser the "Metro Preview Release build" and promise that it will "'ride the trains' for Firefox 26."
Firefox 26 for Windows 8 is penciled for a Dec. 10 release, and it sounds like the "Modern UI" version will arrive at the same time.
Mozilla plans to continue working on the Modern/Metro Firefox, killing bugs and streamlining the browser, right up until its release.
Long time coming
A Metro-friendly version of Firefox has been in the works at Mozilla for a while, with previews appearing as far back as last year.Clearly it's taken longer than anticipated to get the Windows 8-specific version of Firefox working, however - PC World claimed that it was originally scheduled to be released as early as January 2013.
The physical Windows landscape hasn't changed too dramatically since Windows 8 was released, though Windows RT is looking less and less relevant and we'll have Windows 8.1 to contend with in mid-October.
Nevertheless, a version of Firefox designed with touch in mind will benefit plenty of Windows 8 users.
"It's very exciting to be delivering Windows 8.1 to consumers just before Windows 8 celebrates its 1-year anniversary," Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc wrote in a blog post this morning. Microsoft released Windows 8, a radical redesign and vision for Windows, on Oct. 26, 2012.
However, since that release users have pointed out some shortcomings of the operating system, which was designed for tablets, laptops and desktops. Microsoft has said it has directly addressed that feedback in Windows 8.1 with the revival of the Start Button and a host of other new features and improvements.
Microsoft has added the Start Button back to the software, which was removed in Windows 8. Now in the left-hand corner of the traditional Desktop screen there will be a Start tip, as Microsoft calls it. When tapped it will bring you to the Start Screen -- the main home of the software, which is full of Microsoft's live tiles and apps. Microsoft has also made it easier to rearrange those tiles on that screen in the updated software.
8 of the New Features Coming to Windows 8.1
"We've learned a lot from customers in how they are using the product and have received a lot of feedback," Antoine Leblond, corporate vice president of Windows Program Management, said in a blog post earlier this year. "We've been watching, we've been listening."
Convergence - or combining two products into one - has always been a strong trend in technology. Logitech announced the expansion of its keyboard lineup with the Logitech(R) Wireless All-in-One Keyboard TK820, a wireless keyboard with a built-in touchpad that lets you type and swipe comfortably together.
"We created the Logitech Wireless All-in-One Keyboard TK820 to combine everything you need to control and navigate your computer in one sleek keyboard," said Charlotte Johs, Logitech global vice president of brand development and portfolio for PC accessories. "This keyboard offers an innovative way to navigate, letting you type, touch and swipe with a single device."
The Logitech Wireless All-in-One Keyboard TK820 has an ultra-slim design that takes up less space on your desk because it connects wirelessly to your computer and streamlines navigation with a built-in touchpad. The touch area is significantly larger than a built-in laptop touchpad, so you can point, zoom and swipe smoothly and comfortably.
In addition to its attractive design, this keyboard delivers superior typing comfort. The Logitech PerfectStroke(TM) key system distributes typing pressure evenly across the key surfaces, so every keystroke is whisper quiet and feels smooth, even if you strike the edge of a key. The Incurve(TM) keys have softly rounded edges to help your fingers glide across the keyboard, so typing feels fluid and comfortable, hour after hour.
The slim keyboard features a sleek design with a two-toned color scheme, dark grey with blue accents along the edges. The keyboard design combines a full-size chiclet keyboard with a 4.17-inch square touchpad built in on the right-hand side of the keyboard, where a 10-key numeric pad would normally reside. Putting the two functions into one device reduces desktop clutter, saves space, and lets you type and enjoy the benefits of touch without having to invest in a touch screen or additional device.
The Logitech Wireless All-in-One Keyboard TK820 also comes with a tiny Logitech Unifying receiver, which uses Advanced 2.4 GHz connectivity to give you the reliability of a cord with the convenience of wireless. The wireless connection is robust and reliable, so you can place the keyboard in the most convenient position for you and still enjoy fast data transmission with virtually no delays or dropouts.
Pricing & Availability :
The Logitech Wireless All-in-One Keyboard TK820 is expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe in August 2013, for a suggested retail price of $99.99.
Microsoft launched its Office 365 for full time and part time university students in India on Tuesday with a subscription offer.
It includes complete set of Office applications and can be installed on two PCs or Macs.
It also sports Office on Demand and an additional 20 GB premium SkyDrive storage.
Microsoft has priced it at Rs 4,199 for a 4-year subscription and is available for students studying in accredited colleges and universities in the country.
"The special pricing for students will help provide them with opportunities and empower them to develop the necessary skills to be successful in the fast-paced campus environment," Microsoft India GM (Microsoft Office Division) R Pichai said.
Why choose Office 365 ?
- Work from virtually anywhere using the Office applications you trust across your favorite devices—PCs, Macs, and select mobile devices.
- Market your business with a website that's easy to set up and update—with no hosting fees.
- Stay safe with built-in anti-malware and anti-spam protection.
- Your data is yours. Microsoft does not scan emails or documents for advertising purposes. It is a leader in industry privacy, transparency, security, and compliance.
- Create, store, edit, and share Office docs online, so they're available wherever you and your teammates are working.
Analysts say for once, Microsoft might just have a better strategy than its competitor Google. “From an advantage point of view, Microsoft gives you constant user experience across platforms. On the flip side, I think the user base it is targeting is not high. If Microsoft can come out with such an offering for consumers, it would clearly have a better usage of paid consumers,” said Vishal Tripathi, principal analyst, Gartner.
Firefox OS ? Yes you have heard it right ! It may not be as popular as iOS or Android but a few low-end smartphone manufacturers started working on Mozilla’s Firefox OS for their devices.
Mozilla announced the first two smartphones based on its operating system, Firefox OS on Monday: the ZTE Open and Alcatel One Touch Fire. They were released in collaboration with Spanish Mobile Operator Telefonica
The same devices – Alcatel One Touch Fire and ZTE Open – have made their way to Latin America and will be launching in Columbia and Venezuela through Movistar. The devices are also expected to hit the market in Brazil in the fourth quarter on Telefonica.
The Firefox OS is based on HTML5 which focuses on low-cost international markets. They are more like entry-level handsets that will be available for sale for less than $100. Currently, there is no word about the availability of the devices in US and our guess is that it’s not even going to debut anytime soon. The market is already too competitive in the US, which is dominated by low-cost android handsets.