iPhone 4.0

Gizmodo thinks its trapped the next iPhone for a preview.
Also called iPhone 4, this could be the real deal!

http://gizmodo.com/5520164/this-is-apples-next-iphone

Pictures courtesy of Gizmodo.com

Finally Apple seems to have gotten its industrial design team to give the iPhone a much need make over. Its definitely in line with how nice the iPad looks. The aluminum trim and glass/ceramic back seem very worthy of Apple's design heritage. Finally no more plastic, at least not a lot of it.

I really hope this is the real deal, Apple seems to have gone on record reporting a lost iPhone 4 prototype and its been said that they are hunting it down. Weather or not this is the release candidate for the iPhone 4 is unclear at this point, people seem to suggest that it is.

Specs:
16% larger battery
Slightly smaller screen than the current 3GS
Probably a faster processor
Front facing camera, higher megapixel rear camera with flash
Dual mic for noise cancellation
MicroSIM slot

Can Windows Phone 7 help Microsoft ?

Can Windows Phone 7 series really pull Microsoft back into the game after a 2 year long steady decline.

The fact that one needs to consider is that there are only so many smart phone users out there, and the market share that Microsoft lost has already been picked up by RIM and Apple, so is there any space for Microsoft to move back into.

Is WP7 going to be a strong enough contender to motivate people to switch back from Apple, RIM, etc.

Another consideration would be the multiple paid apps that one might have bought for their current device, moving to a different platform would mean that these apps would be wasted. To add to that by the time WP7 comes out the iPad would have been in the market for a solid 3 months at least, by which time more people could adopt the iPhone because of inter portability of apps between the iPhone and the iPad. One of the reasons that I will probably buy an iPad is because I already own a lot of paid apps for the platform.

Media is already suggesting that with the news of no reverse compatibility with current gen WM 6.5 devices for WP7 there could be a further accelerated decline in smartphone MS marketshare.

So no matter how good WP7 is, its going to be an uphill battle. So did Microsoft come too late to the party, with not enough to do battle against the mighty Apple, RIM, Android, etc.

The new Sony NX800 TV that other TVs aspire to look like!!!!

SONY BRAVIA NX800 Series HDTV with the Bravia 3 Engine.

A new Sony TV that could actually knock your socks off. This thing is super sexy, its hotter than hot can be, industrial lines, sleek looks, and every feature imaginable.

It comes in 3 sizes at some pocket burning prices:
60" - $3499.99
52" - $2799.99
46" - $2299.99
The metallic base comes in at $279.99, I do have to admit thats something Sony could have totally thrown in for free.
These prices do seem expensive to say the least, but if there ever was a TV that was worthy of these prices this could easily be it.

Link to Sony's page.

Features & Specs: From Sony's website
"Featuring built-in Wi-Fi, the NX800 HDTV makes it easy to enjoy free, premium on-demand entertainment directly. Using your in-home broadband connection and BRAVIA HDTV remote control, you can access online content from an ever-growing list of leading providers including Netflix®, Slacker® Radio, YouTube™, Sony Pictures, Sony Music, Epicurious.com and more."
Audio Features

• 5.1 Channel Audio Out : Yes
• 5.1ch Through Out (Handycam) : Yes
• Alternate Audio (Digital) : Yes
• Audio Out : Variable/Fixed
• Auto Mute (on no signal) : Yes
• Auto SAP : Yes
• Clear Voice : Yes
• Dolby® : Dolby® Digital
• Invisible Speaker (w/Sound Elevation) : Yes
• S-Master : Yes
• Sony Original Surround : Yes
• Sound Enhancer : Yes
• Sound Mode : Dynamic, Standard, Clear Voice, Custom
• SteadySound® Automatic Volume Control : Yes
• Stereo System : MTS
• Surround Effect : Cinema, Music, Live Sports, Game

Video Features

• 24p True Cinema™ Technology : Yes
• 3D Comb Filter : Yes
• 4:3 Default : Yes
• Advanced Contrast Enhancer (ACE) : Yes
• Auto Wide : Yes
• CineMotion® Reverse 3:2 Pulldown Technology : Yes
• Cinema Mode : Yes
• Deep Color : Yes
• Live Color™ Technology : Yes
• MPEG Noise Reduction : Yes
• Motionflow™ Technology : 240Hz
• PhotoTV HD : Yes
• Picture Mode : Vivid, Standard, Custom, Cinema, Game-Standard, Game-Original, Sports, Graphics, Photo-Vivid, Photo-Standard, Photo-Original, Photo-Custom
• Video Processing : BRAVIA Engine 3™ Technology
• Wide Mode : Normal, Zoom, Wide Zoom, Full (Full1-2 for PC), H Stretch

Service and Warranty Information

• Limited Warranty Term : 1 Year Labor / 1 Year Parts
• Online Instruction Manual (Reference Book) : Yes

Regulation and Standard Compliance

• VESA® Hole Pitch : 300x300 M6
• VESA® Hole Spacing Compatible : Yes

Inputs and Outputs

• AC Power Input : 1 (Rear)
• Analog Audio Input(s) (Total) : 3 (2 Side/1 Rear)
• Audio Out : 1 (Rear)
• Component Video (Y/Pb/Pr) Input(s) : 1(1 Side) (Composite input common use))
• Composite Video Input(s) : 2 ( 1 Side (Component input common use)/ 1 Rear)
• Digital Audio Output(s) : Optical Digital Output - 1 (Rear)
• Ethernet Connection(s) : 1 (Rear)
• HDMI™ Connection(s) (Total) : 4(2 Side/2 Rear)
• HDMI™ PC Input : Yes (see owner's manual for supported timings)
• PC In (D-Sub) + Audio In (Stereo Mini) : 1 (Side)
• RF Connection Input(s) : 1 (Rear)
• USB 2.0 : 1 (Side)

Video

• Video Signal : 1080/60p (HDMI™ / COMPONENT), 1080/60i, 1080/24p (HDMI™ ONLY), 720/60p, 480/60p, 480/60i

Network Features

• BRAVIA® Internet Video : Yes
• BRAVIA® Internet Widgets : Yes
• DLNA : Yes
• Photo MAP : Yes

Energy Saving & Efficiency

• Backlight Off Mode : Yes
• Dynamic Backlight Control : Yes
• Eco Settings : Yes
• Energy Saving Switch : Yes
• Estimated Annual Energy Consumption (kWh) : 209.2kWh/year
• Idle TV Standby : Yes
• LightSensor™ Technology : Yes
• Power Saving Modes : Yes

Recycled & Recyclable Materials

• Product Materials : Recycled Plastic

Display

• Aspect Ratio : 16:9
• Display Resolution : Full HD 1080(1920x1080)
• Screen Size (cm) : 132.2cm
• Screen Size (measured diagonally) : 52"
• Viewing Angle (Right/Left) : 178(89/89)
• Viewing Angle (Up/Down) : 178(89/89)

General Features

• Audio Return Channel : Yes
• Closed Captions (CC) : Analog, Digital
• Finish (Surface Color) : Black
• HDMI™ InstaPort : Yes
• Illuminated Sony Logo : Yes
• Touch Sensor : Blind Touch Key
• XMB : Yes

Weights and Measurements

• Dimensions (Approx.) : 49 3/4 x 32 1/4 x 15 3/4 in (1261 x 819 x 400mm) with pedestal; 49 3/4 x 31 x 2 5/8 in (1261 x 787 x 64mm) without pedestal
• Weight (Approx.) : 79.6 lbs. (36.1kg) with pedestal; 66.3 lbs. (30.1kg) without pedestal

Power

• Power Consumption (in Download Acquisition Mode) : Less than 16 W
• Power Consumption (in Operation) max. : 169W
• Power Consumption (in Standby) : 0.17W
• Power Requirements (frequency) : 60Hz
• Power Requirements (voltage) : AC 120V

Convenience Features

• Auto Photo Mode : via HDMI, via DLNA, via USB
• Auto Picture Setting w/ HDMI™ : Cinema, Sport, Music, Photo, Graphics, Game
• Auto Shut-off : Yes
• BRAVIA® Sync™ : Yes
• BRAVIA® Sync™ Menu Button : Yes (on Remote Control)
• Channel Block (with password) : Yes
• Channel Jump : Yes
• Channel Labels : Yes
• Channel Surf : Yes
• Edit Channel Labels : Yes
• Favorites : Yes
• Info Banner : TV Guide on Screen, PSIP, XDS
• Input Skip : Automatic
• Internet Radio : Yes
• Label Inputs : Yes
• Multiple Language Display : English, French, Spanish
• On-Screen Clock : Yes
• On-Screen Display for External Input : Yes
• On-Screen Operating Instructions : Yes
• On/Off Timer : Yes
• PIP (Picture in Picture) : PC Input(HDMI)/TV Channel&CVBS
• Parental Control : Yes
• Picture Adjustments Lock : Yes
• Picture Frame Mode : Yes
• Quick Start : Yes
• Scene Select : Auto, Cinema, Sports, Photo, Music, Game, Graphics, OFF
• Show/Hide Channels : Yes
• Sleep Timer : Yes
• Stand Swivel : Yes
• Stand Swivel Range : Left 20°/Right 20°
• Stand Tilt : Yes
• Stand Tilt Range : 2position 0°/ Back 6°"
• Start Up Sony Logo Display : Yes
• TV Guide On-Screen : Yes
• Theatre Mode (Theatre Button) : Yes
• Theatre Mode with Cinema Surround : Yes
• USB Application(s) : Photo Viewer (jpeg), Photo Viewer (RAW), Music Player (mp3), Video Player (AVCHD), Video Player (AVC), Video Player (MPEG4)
• USB Player : Yes
• Upward Style : Yes
• White Balance : RGB Gain/Bias
• Wireless LAN : Integrated

Display Features

• Backlight Type : LED
• Deep Black Panel : Yes
• Display Device : LCD

Another iPad blurb! That the competition looks like.

What the competiton looks like!

Right now I think the greatest threat the iPad has are the HP slate and the JooJoo (formerly the CrunchPad). That said they are not an Apple device, so they have that going against them.

The HP offering is by far the best implementation of a tablet, since it run Windows 7 which supports multi-touch, this could be a great alternative to having a netbook or even a notebook, and at around $500 its at a great price point. And the fact that neither one of these devices is an Apple device means that it wont be locked down and hampered with all the limitations Apple usually puts on its devices. The only thing that I see that the iPad has an edge on is the App support by the AppStore.

This a great comparison chart put out by Gizmodo.

iPad Updates, USB and video out after all

TV and video
Support for 1024 by 768 pixels with Dock Connector to VGA Adapter; 576p and 480p with Apple Component AV Cable; 576i and 480i with Apple Composite Cable

H.264 video up to 720p, 30 frames per second, Main Profile level 3.1 with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; MPEG-4 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats

iPad Camera Connection Kit
Its finally a little more clear on how Apple plans to allow USB and SD card connections to the iPAd.

The Camera Connection Kit gives you two ways to import photos and videos from a digital camera. The Camera Connector lets you import your photos and videos to iPad using the camera’s USB cable. Or you can use the SD Card Reader to import photos and videos directly from the camera’s SD card.

Other Accessories!

iPad Dock

The iPad Dock lets you dock and charge iPad. The rear 30-pin connector lets you connect the iPad Dock to an electrical outlet using the USB Power Adapter, sync to your computer, and use accessories like the Camera Connection Kit. An audio jack lets you connect to a stereo or powered speakers.

iPad 10W USB Power Adapter

The 10W USB Power Adapter lets you charge your iPad directly through an electrical outlet. And the 6-foot-long power cable allows you to charge it from an even greater distance.

http://www.apple.com/ipad/specs/

A web enabled bathroom scale.... how far we've come!

A WiFi enabled bathroom scale, this thing rocks. It even has an iphone app, how cool?

One of those rare and great implementations of technology, so seamless and effective that it almost seems magical. I love technology thats so advanced that it integrates so well into your daily life.

Check this out

iPad accessories onslaught starts!

A great flip out stand. I really don't like clothing my electronics, I think a few scuff marks is a good indication of the use you get out of your dear gadgets. That said it would be nice to fix some of the issues that Apple has left the iPad with and left me wanting more.

The first flip stand

Fastest Selling OS in History ---- Wait for it....... Windows 7

Supposedly Microsoft Windows 7 is the fastest selling OS in history. Thats kick ass.... I'd say thats a great come back for Microsoft after the Vista fiasco. But seriously 60 million copies so far, thats a lot, considering not to many companies have adopted it yet, for instance the company I work for still is dragging with XP Prof.

Check this article for the more details.

iPad Possibilities

Some cool uses for the iPad, beyond what Apple is pushing it for.

Kitchputer
Could work as a great kitchputer (kitchen computer).... would need some combination of a few apps from the App store. But with the optional camera add on one could use one of the many barcode scanning apps to read barcodes on household items and groceries to save a list for grocery/supplies shopping. With the power of the App store this could really take off.

Carputer
There are already quite a few useful apps in the app store that compliment the iPhone/iPod Touch to work great as a carputer substitute, but with the large screen of the iPad and horsepower it comes with this could be a very viable option.

Digital Photo Frame
Steve already suggested that when its not being used it could double as a great photo frame in the house while is sits in the dock. The slideshow app has some cool transition effects which could really push this use.

Whole House Controller
Moving beyond your traditional universal smart remotes the iPad could really be great at this because of the large screen, and the app store backing. It would still need a device that receives the bluetooth or WiFi signals from the iPad and convert it to both RF and IR signals.

Multiroom Music System
I can already see the days of the Sonos and other such devices dieing off. This article details how to do this with a iPhone or iPod Touch, but the iPad could easily do the duties of its smaller siblings. Read this excellent article at Lifehacker that details this.
You would need the following:
iPad
A router
One or more Apple Airport Express units
Headphone-to-RCA Cables for each Airport Express
Active speakers
This would make one really powerful system when compared to the limited and locked down Sonos. There are multiple other companies competing this arena like Sony, RocketFish, Cisco/Linksys, Logitech, and Dlink to name a few. So this is a highly competivite market, where Apple could easily have the upper hand with the iTunes/iPad combo.

Something that could save the iPad!! AirStash

Now that the iPad is a reality and the specs have been released a lot of people I know are left wanting more than whats being offered. One thing that a lot of people want is a storage expansion option and a file management option.

This little device could help out! http://www.airstash.com/
What it does is:
"AirStash stores your movies, music, photos, and documents and wirelessly shares them with your phone, media player, netbook, tablet, computer, and more. Use AirStash like a USB flash drive to drag & drop the files you want to your SD card while charging the built-in lithium polymer battery, then unplug & play on all of your browser-enabled WiFi devices" (Airstash.com)

Things I really want to see in 2010

The unofficial Microsoft Courier Concept.
I think this could be the killer device that could accompany my phone when I leave home, and still have value in being carried around. I see so much potential in this device because its something that's truly more than just a media playback device. That said the ergonomic could end up killing it, its modeled after a hard bound book, which you would need two hands to hold, then you would need an non existent third hand for touch input. Only viable option seems to be to lay it down on a table.
http://gizmodo.com/5365299/courier-first-details-of-microsofts-secret-tablet

The Rundown on the Apple iPad !!

The Apple iPad...... its finally here.

What you get!
1GHz Apple A4 chip, made by Apple owned PA Semi, one had to see this coming.
Full capacitive multi-touch screen.
802.11n.
16GB to 64GB.
Bluetooth 2.1.
Bi-directional.
0.5 inches thin.
1.5 pounds.
10 hour battery life.
Keyboard Dock.
Confirmed bluetooth Keyboard support
Possibly some sort of a video out, probably on a dock.
App store, itunes...
Mention of a "camera connection kit" to support webcam and SD card reader over USB.
30-pin dock connector.
Speaker and mic.
Can run iPhone/iPod Touch apps unmodified, that truly rocks regardless of how strange the large non-pixelated font might look.

Great price point!
So $499 for 16GB, 32GB is $599, 64GB is $799. 3G models cost an extra $130. $629, 729, and 829 with 3G.
$30 unlimited data plan via AT&T, or $15 for 250MB
All 3G versions come unlocked

What you don't get!
No push notification announced.
No mention of phone capabilities.
No handwriting recognition.
No file management app or options, this could have easily made a difference.
No native networked file access app.
No webcam for iChat in the front, and a camera in the back could have made a lot of sense for augmented reality apps.
No multitasking.... really? Come on Apple.
No built in flip out stand... Only Apple.
No removable battery, this would have been a great opportunity to do this.
No included case to protect that shinny screen.
No integrated SD or any memory expansion options.
No integrated memory card reader of any sort.
No carrier subsidizing for 3G models (due to no contract for 3G service).
No Adobe Flash support, again apple needs to allow Adobe to get this done.
No widescreen, what on Earth.... its freakin 2010 for heaven sake.
No widespread codec support of various video/audio formats, limited to what itunes supports.
No advanced profile video support, limited to 720p H.264 Main Profile.
No on device HDMI or even a mini HDMI or display port.
No wireless sync with itunes. The freakin Zune, windows mobile and other devices can do this.


Jail broken options possibilities!
I would be cool if this thing could run Wins 7, but that will probably never happen.
Other non apple keyboard support, that could happen.
Some of the nonexistent software features could show up, like multitasking, remote file access, a wide codec support.


Media Center Possibilities!
(This is what I'm most excited about)

This could be on hell of a media center remote, you could preview music and video's before playing them on a larger screen, you could flick them towards a large screen to play it there.

It could be a great whole home automation device, it could seriously give the higher end Logitech Harmony devices a true run for its money.

The iTunes Remote app could be stellar if it could go beyond what the iPhone version can do, preview videos/music could be a great feature here.

Wireless HD video transfer through Wifi 802.11 n to a networked computer, now that would be cool.


Where Apple really dropped the ball and are deal breakers for me!
The fact that they dont have a more robust means of file management, a file locker app would have been so great at this point.
No on-board USB ports, this really really sucks, they should have had at least 2 of them.
No HDMI !!!!!!!!!
No front facing camera, this could have made for a great Skype video-chatting device.
No wireless sync sucks, but could be overlooked.

If they had delivered on all these I could have lined up to get the $829 model, now I'll just get the $499 to test the waters, and for niche device to surf the web on the couch or bed.

I was hoping for a 1Gen home run, but I'm left with already hoping that they fast track a 2Gen device to market.

Intro

The following info on this page is very brief, if you don't know
anything about torrents and are interested, go directly to http://www.desitorrents.com/forums/faq.php?faq=bt_faq#faq_what_client_to_use
this page has an extensive set of info.

Torrents are files that you download (usually vary in size between
10KB to 40KB) from the internet and then use them to download data
that they are meant to download.
Remember, downloading software, songs and movies even through
torrents is illegal. Torrent downloading can be legal when
downloading or trading public domain works. The MPAA is in the right
when they sue these downloaders. if you can’t stand the heat stay
out of the kitchen. I’m providing these links for everyone expecting
that each of you will do whatever you please but take responsibility
for what you do.
Just remember if you DO download things such as software,
PURCHASE software you like, support those software makers that
way they will continue to make good software. I am also a big
advocate for the “movie experience” if you download movies don’t
let it be the only way you experience it. Support movie watching in
theaters and buy DVDs. I am a supporter of works I like, you should to.

Torrent Clients:
BitTorrent Official Client
http://www.bitconjurer.org/BitTorrent/download.html
http://www.bittornado.com (very good)
http://azureus.sourceforge.net (my favorite and its java client, you'll
need the latest version of JAVA virtual machine)
http://sourceforge.net/projects/pingpong-abc/ (very good)http://aaron2003.myftp.org/upnpclient.html
http://www.torrentstorm.com

Links to Torrent Files:
www.torrentsearch.us
www.elitetorrents.org
www.torrentspy.com
www.filelist.org

Torrents for Tamil and Hindi stuff:
www.tamiltorrents.com
www.desitorrents.com

For problems with downloading torrents and for more
info check these sites
Desitorrents.com faq - how to open ports
Brian's BitTorrent FAQ and Guide - Best faq on Bit torrent
More information how to open ports in routers

CES 2005, life will never be the same again

Saying it was eventful would be an understatement. Technology from all walks of life was displayed and some really ingenious ones won worthy praise.Some stuff that I particularly liked and look forward too, and are worthy of mention:
HD DVD Discs
1st HD DVD Player
Worlds Largest Plasma - 102"
Pioneer AVIC-N2
Microsoft PlaysForSure
DAVE.TVHD TiVo unit with cable card support
TiVoToGo
Yamaha YSP-1M:Robe 100

From CNet (which of course as most of you know is one of the best tech review sites out there)Pioneer AVIC-N2
M:Robe 100
Intel Sonoma/Alviso next-gen mobile technology
Alienware DHS 2 series
Toshiba introduces new tablet PC
Sony launches stylish, ultracompact MiniDV camcoder
Sony’s new smaller sized DVD camcorder
Pioneer's portable XM Satellite Radio player
Philips RC9800i universal remote
Yamaha YSP-1
Philips WACS700 Wireless Audio System
Slingbox puts TV content on your notebook
GizmondoArchos Portable Media Assistant PMA430
CES Video Gallery on CNet This link takes you to a list of all the video coverage that CNet has from CES 2005For more info from CES 2005 visit Best of CES