Monday, January 16, 2012

First Android Powered Car LUXGEN5 Launched in Partnership with HTC


LUXGEN, Taiwan based automaker partnered with hTC to develop the unique THINK+ system for their latest car LUXGEN5 . The system provided consumers with a new level of convenience in onboard computers.
LUXGEN will become the first car maker to adopt the Android system for the onboard platform. When an hTC mobile phone is connected to the THINK+ Touch system, all of the mobile phone calls will then be controlled directly through the 9″ smart touch screen on the central console. In other words, the user can access Facebook, send and receive e-mails or look up local sights through the touch screen. There is simply no end to the possibilities of the onboard multimedia system, thanks to the unique hTC mode, which will meet the demand for fast information access from the new generation of users.
The LUXGEN THINK+ Touch system’s five key functions include Multimedia, Phone, Safety, Information and hTC mode. Apart from using the touch screen itself, shortcut buttons are provided below the screen for convenience. The most innovative feature is to access the NAVI GPS navigation function using the hTC mode. The usercan therefore check the map and set routes in thecar or on the road. The hands-free Bluetooth system means users can also make calls using thecar’s convenient hands-free interface.

Vlingo Virtual Assistant for Smarter TV Announced


Vlingo announced its Virtual Assistant solution for TV manufacturers, set-top box makers and service providers . Adding Virtual Assistant capabilities to the television will allow consumers to easily locate the right show, movie or program among thousands of choices on TV at any given time, eliminating frustration and improving the entertainment experience.
With advanced technology and services covering speech, intent engines, natural language processing, dialogue management, monetization and user experience design, Vlingo ignites differentiation, stickiness, and user satisfaction.
Vlingo’s Virtual Assistant for Smarter TV will allowusers to perform the following tasks with their voice:
Browse and find : Users can search and discover content by actor, genre or director using Vlingo’s newly developed dialogue manager which engages users with interactive browsing
Watch shows : “Watch the Price is Right” or “Find western movies starring Clint Eastwood”
Record programs : “Record Modern Family tonightat 8pm” or “Record the game on ESPN next Monday night at 9pm”
Rent and buy movies : “Rent The Fighter on Netflix” or “Play Rocky Four on-demand”
Basic controls : “Switch to on-demand”, “Put on ESPN”, “Go to Netflix” or “Turn up the volume”
Social media communication : “Facebook update: Joe is watching Lost on Hulu”
Chris Barnett, EVP Markets at Vlingo said:
“Households worldwide have access to thousands of TV channels and dozens of service provider choices. Vlingo aims to simplify TV chaos by providing a simple, intuitive method for discovering the right content from among all those choices, making the experience enjoyable for users and avoiding the frustration of limited, hard to use remote controls. The Vlingo Virtual Assistant for TV is designed to modernize that thing your grandfather once called a ‘remote control’. Everyone deserves their own assistant and Vlingo’s new TV product offering will make this a reality on TVs this year.”

Samsung’s Bada OS to Merge with Intel’s Tizen

Samsung to merge its “ bada ” smartphone operating system with Tizen , an open source operating system project the company is conducting with Intel .
“We have an effort that will merge bada and Tizen,” said Tae-Jin Kang, Senior Vice President ofSamsung’s Contents Planning Team in an interview at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES).Kang said he didn’t know when the work would be complete but that it was already underway.
When the integration is finished, Tizen will support mobile applications written with bada’s SDK. That support will include backwards compatibility for previously published bada apps.
Post-integration, bada and Tizen developers will be given the same software tools (SDKs and APIs). The idea is that if developers know how to program in bada, they will understand how to make Tizen apps, too.
Samsung supports at least four mobile operating systems and has at least two different TV operating systems. Samsung uses Google‘s Android platform for its highest-end smartphonesand tablets. Samsung also produces several phones that run on Microsoft‘s Window Phone OS.
The Tizen project, which incorporates some technology from Intel’s former MeeGo project with Nokia, kicked off in Sept. 2011.

Indian Government to Launch Spoken Web Service for Farmers

The Indian government is planning to launch a spoken web service that will provide an interactive medium for the farming community inIndia. With the introduction of this service, Indianfarmers will get their agriculture and weather-related queries answered quickly .
Spoken web service will be very useful in a country like India where 60 percent of its population still depends on agriculture for living.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences has approached IBM to design a dedicated agromet (agriculture meteorological) service for farmers. IBM has recently launched a similar service for farmers to connect them to Amul Dairy.
The ministry already provides SMS and an Integrated Voice Response System (IVRS) service to farmers, giving them farming information, weather and climatic details to help them meet agricultural targets. The need for the spoken webservice was felt to provide information in an interactive mode.
Spoken web is a project where people can speak and interact with web information through voice.Farmers can dial a toll-free number and ask questions and get them answered . Specific questions would be recorded and later answered by experts.
Shailesh Nayak, secretary in the ministry, told:
“Through SMS and IVRS service, farmers only get updates but through spoken web service they can ask questions and get answers for their queries related to agriculture. Spoken web service will be of great use to illiterate farmers who are not technologically equipped.”
The SMS and IVRS mode were launched in 2009 covering 5,000 farmers. It now covers 2.8 million growers and by 2017 the method would cover 20 million. The SMSs are being sent to farmers in their regional language on their mobile phones. The IVRS was developed keeping in mind illiterate people as they can listen to an automated message and get farming information.
The short and timely alerts to farmers about the weather have led to economic benefits worth a whopping Rs.50,000 crore annually. According to a National Council of Applied Economic Research ( NCAER ) report, roughly 24 percent of farmers in over 550 districts are either aware or using the Agromet services, while two million farmers are availing themselves of the mobile SMS service which started over a year ago. The report says the Rs.50,000 crore figure could rise to Rs.211,000crore if the entire farming community in the country was to judiciously use the Agromet information and apply it to agricultural activities.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 620 Android 3.2 Tablet – Price Rs.26499 in India


Samsung Galaxy Tab 620 runs on Android 3.2 (Honeycomb) OS and is powered by 1.2GHz dual core processor. It has 17.78cm colour PLS TFT LCD display with resolution 1024 x 600 and it has battery capacity of 4,000mAh . Its talking time is up to 40 hours and stand by time is up to 1,000 hours . It has a built-in 3M / 2M megapixel camera and 32 GB of external memory. Galaxy Tab 620 is available at a price of Rs.26499 in India.
Features:
Portable Design: The GALAXY Tab 620 Plus boasts an enviably small form factor – it†s the size of a paperback book but possesses the computing power of a laptop. The 345g lightweight and compact tablet can be operated with a single hand – ideal when you†re on the go.
Samsung Live panel: A customisable home screen experience, so content can be instantly accessed from the home screen including e-mail, image galleries, favourite Web sites and social network feeds. The beauty of Live Panel is that real-time data updates, arranged as you like, are constantly refreshed to be accessed by you at anytime.
Powerful Performance: Powered by a mighty 1.2GHz Dual Core Processor, the GALAXY Tab 620 Plus allows seamless multitasking, faster webpage loading, smoother UI transitions and ultra-fast power-up.
Advanced Connectivity: The GALAXY Tab 620 Plus offers the best connectivity options available, from lightning-fast HSPA+ 21Mps to Wi-Fi Channel Bonding. Wi-Fi Channel bonding technology will let you receive data-rates approximately twice as fast as existing Wi-Fi.
Full HD Player: Enjoy Full HD video from anywhere at any time, Multi codec supported, thetablet can play various video formats for full compatibility. Keep your favourite movies on hand by easily storing them on the ample microSD.
Social Hub: Allows you to easily integrate and have real-time access to multiple email, instant messaging, and social networking accounts through one portal.
Android 3.2 Honeycomb Platform: The Honeycomb platform has been refined and optimised to offer the ultimate user experience on a wider range of tablet devices including 17.78 cm tablet. The new compatibility zoom mode optimises application that is not designed to run on larger screen sizes, so they fit on the entire screen without distortion. Also, media files can be loaded directly from the MicroSD card.
Mini Apps: Allows you to easily access commonly-used features such as voice call, calendar, PenMemo, World Clock, Calculator and Task Manager. They always remain close at hand – ready to be launched as a pop up over full screen applications. It saves the time and effort of needlessly scrolling through a full menu and gives you the chance to experience a new dimension in tablet-based multitasking
Google Mobile Services: Familiar applications including Google Talk , Gmail, Google Calendar, YouTube, Google Maps, Google Latitude, Google Places, and Google Maps Navigation work seamlessly on the GALAXY Tab 620 Plus.
Voice Call Receiver: The GALAXY Tab 620 Plus calling function has been upgraded to let you make and receive voice calls privately by using Receiver Mode in public places. You no longer need a headset or Bluetooth for voice calls.
Rich Browsing (Adobe Flash Player): Browse without limitations. Thousands of top websites use rich Flash applications, so whether you’re browsing the web or viewing online multimedia content, you’ll be able to see it all with Adobe Flash Player support.
Music Hub: Access an extensive catalog of popularand classic songs along with artist information, album art, critics’ reviews and more.[ source ]
Platform Band GSM&EDGE Band 850 / 900 / 1,800 / 1,900MHz
3G Band 900 / 1,900 / 2,100MHz
Network&Data GPRS 850 / 900 / 1,800 / 1,900MHz
EDGE 850 / 900 / 1,800 / 1,900MHz
3G 900 / 1,900 / 2,100MHz
Operation System Android 3.2 (Honeycomb)
Browser Android Browser
SAR Value 0.707mW/g
Design Form Factor Tablet
Physical Specification Dimension (HxWxD) 193.65 x 122.37 x 9.96mm
Weight 345g
Display Internal Technology PLS TFT LCD
Resolution 1024 x 600 (WSVGA)
Size 17.78cms
Battery Standard Capacity 4,000mAh
Talk Time Up to 40 hours (2G)
Up to 20 hours (3G)
Stand-by Time Up to 1,000 hours
Camera Camera Resolution 3M / 2M
Flash LED Flash
Auto Focus Yes
Shot Mode Capture only / Smile / Panorama / Action / Timer shot
Photo Effects None / Negative / Greyscale / Sepia
White Balance Auto / Daylight / Incandescent / Fluorescent / Cloudy
Video Video Player 3GPP / H.263 / H.264 / MPEG4 / WMV / DivX
Video Recording VGA / 720p
Video Messaging H.264+AAC
Video Streaming Yes
Input Device Touch Screen
Music&Sound Music Player MP3, OGG, AAC-LC / AAC / AAC+ / eAAC+, AMR-NB / WB, WMA, WAV, MID, IMY, FLAC
Poly Ringtone 64 Poly
MP3 Ringtone MPEG-4, AAC Ringtone
DRM OMA DRM 1.0 Full (FL, CD, SD), WMDRM, PlayReady
3D Sound Technology 3D: Earphone / Speaker both
Music Library Sound Alive solution powered by Samsung
Fun&Entertainment Embedded Wallpaper Not fixed (upto available memory)
Business&Office Document Viewer Yes
Mobile Printing Wifi / USB Printing
Offline Mode Flight Mode
Messaging SMS/EMS/MMS SMS / – / MMS
Predictive Text Input T9 MMS 1.2
Email Email (POP3, IMAP4, SMTP, SSL)
Cell Broadcast 2G only
vCard/vCalendar Yes
Instant Messaging G-talk
Connectivity Bluetooth BT 3.0
USB 2.0 High Speed (USB 2.0 Host)
Internet HTML Browser Yes
SyncML (DS) Support OMA DATA SYNC 1.2
SyncML (DM) Support DM 1.2, FOTA
WiFi 802.11 b/g/a/n and HT40, WiFi Direct, WiFi Ch. Bonding
AGPS Yes
TV-Output HDMI
PC Sync Application Samsung Kies
Memory SMS 100 + SIM msg
Phone Book Entries Not fixed (upto available memory)
External Memory Up to 32GB
Personal Information Management Calendar Month / Week / Day
Scheduler Per day, Total up to memory
Clock Yes
Worldtime Yes
Alarm Yes
Calculator Yes
Memo Book Yes
Call Function Call Time Last Call, Dialed Call, Received Call, All Call.
Caller ID Yes
Dialed/Missed/Received Calls Dialed + Missed + Received = 500
Multiparty Max 5
Speaker Phone Yes
Voice Recongnition Yes
Further Information Touch Screen C-Type

Synchronize Local Files / Folders with GoogleDocuments Using KumoSync

KumoSync is a Windows application used to synchronize local windows and files/folders with Google Documents. You can sync any document/file format.
KumoSync will automatically track your changes in Google Documents and your local Windows filesystem. It will synchronize these changes automatically on a regular interval allowing you to access your files on your computer, the Google Documents “Cloud” and other devices that can also access Google Documents.

Download KumoSync
http://www.fieldstonsoftware.com/software/kumosync/updates.shtml

Features
Simple : Easy to use and configure.
Multiple Accounts : Synchronize one or more Google accounts with yout loca Windows directory structure.
Sub-Folders/Collections : Configure which local folders you want to sync and control if you want to sync sub-folders.
Automatic : Automatically synchronizes changes in the background.
Drive Letters (G Drive): Configure a Windows driveletter to access your local Google documents folder.
Optional manual delete confirmation to track when items are deleted.
Requirements
Google Account Account
Microsoft .Net Framework 3.5
Microsoft Windows XP / Vista (32 & 64 Bit) / Windows 7 (32 & 64 Bit)
Before You Get Started
First : Make a backup of your local files you plan to sync with Google Documents. You can additionally export your data from Google documents as well. This way as you work throughhow you want KumoSync to sync your local folders with Google documents you will not lose any files.
Second : Many may notice that in Google Documents there are groupings called “collections” which appear to function like a typical folder. These “collections” not like local file folders are more like tags or categories used as a way to group or classify your documents.
For example, a single Google document can exist in multiple collections whereas on the local file system this is not possible; the same file would need to exist as a _copy_ in each of the local folders.
Configuring the Sync Process
Once KumoSync is installed you’ll find a KumoSync icon in the windows system tray that allows you to control the overall sync process including manually performing the sync, editing your settings, and quick access to your local folders configured for synchronization.
To start configuring KumoSync select the “Settings” option which will then display the main KumoSync settings dialog. From here you can configure the sync ‘mappings’ that link your folders with Google document accounts, set you general sync preferences, adjust any settings related to using a proxy server, review your registration information and find out about the current product.
For the moment select “Sync Mappings” and then click the [NEW] button to create a new document sync mapping.
A new dialog will appear allowing you to configure the sync mapping. The basic idea is thatyou will map a local folder to the Google documents “All Items” list or to a specific collection.
To get started enter your Google username/password, select the appropriate Google Document list you want to sync with, select the local directory you want to sync with and then optionally configure a drive letter that you want to map the local folder that will containyour local/Google documents.
Following this you can then adjust any additional settings on the sync options, permissions, and other tab as needed. In most cases these options can remain as defaults. On only option that may be of interest is the ability to control the sync direction. On the sync options tab you an set either one or two-way synchronization.
At this point you are basically done and ready for syncing. You can either click sync from the KumoSync system tray or use the Sync Options panel on the KumoSync settings dialog to configure automatic synchronization.

Convert Smartphone into Laptop and Projector Using LightPad

QP Optoelectronics announced its novel LightPad product at the CES 2012 exhibitionin Las Vegas.
The patent pending LightPad technology is an ideal companion device to extend the functionality and user interface of smartphones, providing the user with expanded utility via built-in 11” high contrast rear projection screen , up to 60” screen in front projection mode, and a full-size keyboard.
Connected with a smartphone, The LightPad provides virtually all functions of a notebook computer for an individual. This is mainly thanks to a rebirth of rear projection using a pico-projector . The high gain and high contrast rear projection screen provides for a high quality display. Advantages of using a pico-projector for the display is power efficiency (over 500 nits for under 2.5 Watts), thin form factor and light weight – key factors for a portable accessory device.
Notebook sized displays are not sufficient for many applications including small group meetings where PowerPoint presentations are common. LightPad can produce up to 60 inch display in front projection mode with its super short focal length projection lens. It can be used as a big screen display/projector for meeting presentations, video/TV viewing, and big screen gaming.
Connectivity to all smartphone platforms with HDMI or MHL output (iOS, Android, Win, Blackberry) are supported.
Specification G1 (2012) G2 (2013)
Brightness in Rear Projection mode, 11 inch 540 nits@ 2.5W 540 nits@ 1.5W
Rear Projection Screen gain 3.5 3.5
Brightness in front Projection mode 18 lumens 50 lumens
Resolution 854X480 1280X720
Battery Life 5 hours 7 hours
Interface HDMI, MHL HDMI, MHL
Mechanical dimensions (closed) 257×207.5×12.0mm 257×207.5×6.0mm
Weight 550g 350g
Color Gamut 100% of NTSC 100% of NTSC
Supported smartphone All smartphone with HDMI/MHL output

NAVTEQ Launches Real-Time Traffic Information Service for Delhi and Mumbai


Delhi and Mumbai to get real-time traffic information. NAVTEQ, a maps, traffic and location data provider, has launched its real-time traffic information service for Delhi and Mumbai metro cities.
The NAVTEQ Traffic Pro service will provide detailed information about traffic speeds on motorways, as well as main and secondary roads,to NAVTEQ clients. This real-time traffic information service is only available in 24 countries, where it powers various devices including in-car navigation systems, personal navigation devices, mobile phones and smart pads.
NAVTEQ indicates that research in India shows drivers who use traffic-enabled navigation on a regular basis can spend 9 per cent less time sitting in congestion over those that don’t — the equivalent to almost three days saved on the road each year. Additionally, the findings show that drivers with real-time traffic experience reductions in distance travelled as well as increase fuel efficiency which could lead to a decrease in CO2 emissions per driver of 628 kilograms, or 23 per cent less than a driver without a navigation system.
NAVTEQ aggregates and analyses traffic data from a vast wealth of sources, including the world’s largest compilation of both commercial and consumer probe data, the world’s largest fixed proprietary sensor network, event-based data collected from government sources, and billions of historical traffic records.