Google updates Chrome for desktop and Android

Google has released updates for Chrome across the board with a new version for Windows, OS X and Android respectively. On the desktop, Chrome, now updated to v22, gains the Mouse Lock API, which lets you play games inside the browser window without having to worry about the mouse pointer escaping the window or bumping into the sides. Basically the pointer will be locked to the window of the browser. You can try it out with this demo.

Other changes include additional enhancements for the upcoming Windows 8 and improvements for HiDPI or Retina display users on the new MacBook Pro.

On the Android side, Chrome, now updated to v18, adds support for devices running on Intel’s x86 architecture. Right now there are only a handful of those, with the Motorola RAZR i probably being the only one running Ice Cream Sandwich right now (and thus can support Chrome).

Although not a particularly fresh piece of news, Google also updated the iOS version of Chrome a few days ago and added support for iOS 6 and the new iPhone 5.

Download Chrome for : Desktop | Android | IOS

iPhone 5: What it means for business professionals

Here’s  list of the most important new stuff in the iPhone 5 for those of you who use the iPhone for business tasks or carry an iPhone as your company phone.

The iPhone 5 is taller and thinner than previous models. Photo credit: Apple

1. Larger screen - The most significant change from the iPhone 4S (and all previous iPhones) is that the new iPhone screen has stretched from 3.5 inches to 4 inches. The aspect ratio has also changed from 4×3 to 16×9. That gives you more real estate for reading and viewing things on screen, but it also means developers are going to have to change their apps (existing apps will auto-fill the space with black bars). Apple’s Jony Ive explained the change when he said, ”By making the screen taller but not wider, you can see more of your content but still comfortably use it with one hand.”

2. 4G LTE capability - Apple has finally added 4G LTE capability to the iPhone. This is a feature that many Android devices have had for 18 months. Nevertheless, its inclusion is a welcome addition for business professionals who are heavy data users and want to be able to quickly download documents, spreadsheets, presentations, images, etc. The bad news is that 4G LTE runs on different wireless frequencies in different countries and the iPhone does not contain a universal LTE chip, so LTE roaming is going to be inconsistent depending on which LTE-enabled version of the iPhone 5 you get in your home country.

3. Faster A6 processor - With the iPhone 5, Apple is introducing the new A6 processor, which the company says is “up to twice as fast compared with the A5 chip” and “also offers graphics performance that’s up to twice as fast as the A5.” In general, the new chip should enable apps to launch faster, web pages to load sooner, and photos and graphics to show up and refresh more quickly.

4. Improved battery life (claimed) - Apple says that the iPhone 5 offers battery life improvements over the iPhone 4S, but didn’t get into the details. Interestingly enough, back when Apple unveiled the 4S and claimed that it offered battery improvements over the iPhone 4, the company said that the iPhone 4S would get 8 hours of talk time, 10 hours of video playback time, and 6 hours of web browsing time. On Wednesday, Apple claimed that the new iPhone 5 will get 8 hours of talk time, 10 hours of video playback time, and 8 hours of web browsing time over LTE. So, the only battery life improvement is in web browsing.

5. Metal backplate - The iPhone 5 switches from the glass backplate on the iPhone 4/iPhone 4S to a metal backplate. This is the first metal backplate since the original iPhone in 2007 (the iPhone 3G/iPhone 3GS both had plastic backplates). The most significant thing about that from an IT and business standpoint is that it is likely going to be a lot more sturdy and result in fewer replacements when the phone gets dropped.

6. Updated camera - The camera specs in the iPhone 5 are virtually identical to the iPhone 4S–which already had an excellent camera–but Apple had to fit it into a thinner package. There are also a few key feature improvements. The software now includes a new panorama mode. Apple says that the iPhone 5 takes photos 40%  faster and takes better low-light shots. CNET’s Josh Lowensohn reported that the new camera “combines pixels in the dark, which gives you up to two f-stops better performance in low light. That’s an impressive claim.” Since lots of different types of professionals–from real estate agents to health care workers to construction contractors–use the iPhone camera as their primary business camera, any improvements can have a positive impact. Apple also upgraded the front-facing camera on the iPhone 5 to 720p, which should bring notable improvements in video calling.

7. Audio improvements - Apple introduced several features to improve the audio quality of the iPhone 5. It increased the number of microphones from two to three. There are now microphones on the bottom, front, and back of the device and the front and back mics work together as an array to do beamforming. The iPhone 5 now features wideband audio (also sometimes called HD Voice), which Apple said will be supported by over 20 cellular carriers at launch. All of this is aimed at improving call quality so that you can make calls when you’re in noisy rooms and have a better experience when you’re doing things like dialing into conference calls from your iPhone.

8. New connector - In order to make the device thinner and potentially do faster data transfers, Apple replaced the old 30-pin connector that has been on its devices since 2003. The iPhone 5 features the new “Lightning” connector, which is all-digital and is 80% smaller. This will be a major pain for people who already have extra cables and dock connectors for their iPhone. There is an adapter, but Apple is charging an unconscionable $30 for it. The best thing you can say about this new connector is that it is reversible, so there’s no way to plug it in upside down. But, if you’re an existing iPhone user who will be upgrading to the iPhone 5 then you’re going to need to be prepared to buy adapters for your docks and/or buy some extras cables for your laptop bag, your night stand, etc.

Hardware that Armed for battle

Razer and EA continue their partnership for licensed high performance gaming peripherals with the exclusive Battlefield 3 line of PC and console products. We tested some of the customized PC gaming gear, and here's our verdict.

Razer Blackwidow Ultimate

Pros : Full mechanical keys, 5-level key backlighting,

on-the-fly macros & profiles

Cons : Noisy keys, BF3 artwork could be better

Razer Imperator

Pros : Good precision, adjustable side buttons
Cons : Too light, unimpressive BF3 artwork

Razer Scarab

Pros : Awesome BF3 protective case, sturdy rubber base.
Cons : Not foldable.

Samsung Shows Off Dual Screen Windows 8 Laptop Prototype

Samsung has been showing off some interesting new laptop designs for Windows 8-based PCs this week as part of the IFA trade show in Berlin. One of them was a Series 9 laptop with a screen that supported a resolution of 2560×1440.

That’s not all Samsung had to show IFA attendees this week. Engadget reports that the company had another laptop concept that has a dual screen and running on Windows 8 operating system

 

The prototype sported a slick design which would give the Macbook Air and the other Ultrabooks from the competitors in the market, it sports a  brushed metal,  palm rest to go with it a chiclet-style keys,there is a camera on the bezel above the screen.

When you close the laptop , it turns on the display on the hood. So on the inner screen you get to use a full fledged laptop,while on the outside screen you get the tablet interface to go with a proprietary stylus(S-Pen)and a rear facing camera.But due to the fact that it has  a dual screen it weighs comparatively heavier than the other ultrabooks in the market.

Since the device is still in rhe prototype stage,there is no confirmation about the pricing and the availability of this device  from Samsung,if they are planning to release such  a device in near future.

Dell XPS Duo 12: a Windows 8 Ultrabook That Can Swivel into a Tablet

Over the next few weeks, you’re going to hear a lot of noise from manufacturers about how one hybrid product or another gives you all of the benefits of a laptop and a tablet, with no compromises on design. The Dell XPS Duo 12 is one of the few that actually seems to back that up.

The XPS duo 12 is built using Aluminum and Carbon Fiber, and sports a 12.5-inch full HD multi-touch display, which is covered from edge to edge by Gorilla glass. The XPS duo will be a premium device, and processor options will go all the way up to Ivy Bridge based Intel Core i7.

Unlike others, the XPS doesn’t have a detachable display unit. Instead, you can flip the display unit over to use it in a tablet like form factor. The distinctive disadvantage of this is that even when you are using the XPS duo 12 as a tablet, you will have to put up with the additional weight of the keyboard.

The XPS duo 12 is an interesting device, but it seems to be a notebook first and a tablet second. The large form factor and bulk might make it a bit too bulky to be used regularly as a tablet. However, it will be among the most powerful hybrid devices around.

Dell will be releasing the XPS duo 12 when Windows 8 becomes available on October 26.

Samsung launches new Series 9 Notebook for Rs 1.02 lakh

The Ultraboook/Notebook fever continues with Samsung launching the second generation of its Series 9 Notebook in India. According to Tech2.com,  the new Series 9 casing has a thickness of a mere 12.9mm, which makes it a strong contender in the fast expanding slim ultrabook market.

The Series 9 Notebook is priced sharply at Rs 1.02 lakh, but boasts impressive specs: It is powered by Intel’s latest  i7 processor 3517U CPU running at 1.9GHz with 4GB of DDR3 RAM.

First look by Cnet


The 13-inch screen PC  weighs 1.16 kg and has a screen resolution of 600 x 900 pixels along with an Intel HD Graphics 4000 if you plan to do some heavy graphics related work. The device also only comprises a 256GB Solid State Drive (SSD) or Flash Drive thus ensuring that the Notebook runs much faster.

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Halo 4, Release confirmed officially

Halo 4 will be released on Tuesday, 6th November, according to The Verge.

It claims that Microsoft and the game's developer, 343 Industries, will announce the launch date before midday (EST time), so sometime before 5pm UK time.

The report also suggests that Microsoft will once again be showing off its wares on late-night American TV – Epic Games' Cliff Bleszinski appeared on the show to promote Gears of War 3 last year – but this time Halo 4 is being linked with an appearance on Conan O'Brien.

Halo 4's official website view

These rumours seem to be backed up by some recent Twitter activity. Alison Stroll, a senior producer at 343 Industries, tweeted, "A little birdy (or was it Andy?) told us @TeamCoco will have some big Halo 4 news tomorrow. Stay tuned! #incoming #wakeupjon". Meanwhile, Major Nelson said, "Look for #Halo4 news on the way in the next 24 hours. Hint: @TeamCoco plays a part!"

Samsung launches the Galaxy Note 800 in India for a hefty price

Samsung has launched its latest Android based tablet, the Galaxy Note 10.1, in India. As usual for Samsung, they have changed the name of the tablet to Galaxy Note 800 for the Indian market.

Other than the name, the Galaxy Note 800 is identical to the model sold internationally. 

However, it does come with a very hefty price tag. Samsung is selling the Note 800 in India for ₹39,900, which is approximately $720, an enormous $221 more than the international model that sells for $499.

In comparison, the new iPad starts at ₹30,500 ($548) for the base 16GB Wi-Fi only model and ₹38,900 ($699) for the base 16GB 3G model. Having said that, Samsung does enjoy tremendous presence and brand value in Asian markets such as India compared to Apple, so it may help offset the high price tag to some extent.

LG launches world’s first 84-inch, 4K 3D TV in Korea

LG has launched the world’s first 84-inch ‘Ultra Definition’ 4K 3D TV in Korea, with plans to release in international markets soon. This gigantic panel has a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160, which is basically four times the resolution of a 1080p display.




The TV, which is named 84LM9600, comes with LG’s Cinema 3D and a whole bunch of other features with 3D in the name. You also get a pair of passive 3D glasses for viewing the 3D content.

While on paper, this display sounds fantastic, but the reality is that there is very little 4K resolution content available at the moment, which means most of the time you’ll be looking at 1080p content quadrupled to its original size, on an 84-inch panel. This, along with the 25 million won (US$22,105) price tag, makes the whole thing hard to swallow. But if you’re someone who has loads of money to spend and want the absolute best TV to watch all the videos you shot using your RED Scarlet camera then this should make a great buy.

The LG 84LM9600 is out in South Korea right now and will be available in North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America starting in September.

Is Annualization killing Creativity in Games?

“It almost seems like this games are being manufactured a product line”

A lot has been said and written about how the gaming industry is so reliant on the success of established franchises. We’re being served sequel after sequel by the big publishers as the number of few IPs dwindles,  reduced to  the domain of the indie developers plying their trade via digital distribution platforms. However, my recent trip to the annual Xbox spring showcase made me realize that there’s some more serious problem within the sequel culture that’s starting to become a trend in the industry. Microsoft flagship racing series – Forza Motorsport, which seemed to have settled into a pattern of releasing a game every two years, will now seemingly, do so every year.

Talking a page out of the Call of Duty book, the Forza franchise is now set to developing by to  different studios i.e. Turn 10, the original developers of the Forza Motorsport sim racers, who released Forza Motorsport last year; and the playground Games, who will release ForzaHorizon – a more arcade-like approach to  the series,  this year. A near identical scenario is playing out at Codmasters, who released the rally focused Dirt 3 last year, and is set to release the more action-oriented Dirt Showdown this year.
Now, you may argue that annualization isn’t exactly new to the gaming industry; the likes of Need for speed and several sport franchises have been doing it for well over a decade now and with much success. Well, yes and no. Sports franchises like FIFA and NBA 2k are sort of the exception to the rule. Such is the following for these sports that simply new rosters and incremental gameplay changes are enough to prompt annual interest. Things haven’t worked about quite so well Need for Speed though. Only once in two years does EA manage to put a solid NFS game, with garbage like Pro street, undercover, and The Run shoved in between.

                           That said, you could still make a case for racing franchises being annualized, since they’re fairly technology driven and don’t really follow a set premise, allowing developers to put out something different each year. You could even make a case for annualization of Call of Duty, since the games made by two studios have no connection to one another. But what happens when a franchise with a rich backstory and a reputation for delivering great characters and memorable locations goes down the annual route?

              This is where Assassin’s creed finds itself. Ever since the phenomenal success of Assassin’s creed II, Ubisoft has trying to hold tight and replicate that success every year. And grated they’ve succeeded to an extend because the games that followed it weren’t bad by any means, but they didn’t really moved the franchise forward either. There are reports over, 1000 people working on Assassin’s  Creed alone, and it almost seems like that these games are now manufactured on factory production line rather than being the result of creative process.

             I hope Assassin’s Creed III proves me wrong that it reinvigorates the series the way Assassin’s Creed II did, because you can only be satisfied with the same formula year after year so long before it starts to get old and franchise fatigue starts to set in. Just ask Activision; they made that mistake with Guitar Hero.

Samsung has sold 10 million Galaxy Notes worldwide

During the US announcement of Samsung’s latest Galaxy Note 10.1, we found out that the Korean giant has sold 10 million Galaxy Note devices worldwide. The news was brought by Younghee Lee – Samsung’s SVP and head of global marketing.

The impressive number includes sales of both the international Samsung Galaxy Note N7000 and its US sibling, the AT&T flavored, LTE sporting I717. Given that the T-Mobile version of the phoneblet has been on sale for only a week now, we don’t believe that it has contributed heavily to the above sales number.

While 10 million units in a little less than a year might not appear like much by Apple iPhone or Samsung Galaxy S family standards, it is nevertheless an impressive feat for a device, which many branded as unnecessary when launched. The truth is that Samsung put the use of stylus as an input device back in fashion with its Galaxy Note family.

And now that everyone has noticed, we can reasonably expect the upcoming sequel to do even better than the original. What do you think?

Google Maps gets traffic info for over 130 new cities

Yesterday, Google added live traffic to a host of new locations including some 130 smaller US cities and several South American capitals.

Besides the capitals of Colombia, Costa Rica, and Panama, live traffic has been improved and expanded in a host of countries in Europe and America.

The new updates are, of course, available across both mobile and browser-based Google Maps platforms, and Google has implemented a feature which allows you to check typical traffic trends for a given location. This is great if you’re going to a new city, and want to see what kind of traffic you can expect while you’re there.

Check out the feature in action here:

Here’s to hoping we’ll see Google Maps with traffic in even more areas soon!