Google's $199 Tablet vs Amazon's Kindle Fire

Search engine giant Google recently announced its newest mobile operating system (OS), Android 4.1 "Jelly Bean along with the Nexus 7, new 7-inch tablet at the I/O 2012. This tablet that is priced at $199 seems to be intended to take on the same priced Amazon’s Kindle Fire.

Nexus 7 will be available directly through Google Play.

When it comes to a comparison, Google’s Nexus 7 is the superior tablet in nearly every way.

* Price of both the devices is same. i.e. $199

* Screen size of both the devices is also equal  that is 7inches

* While Nexus 7 has the screen resolution of 1280/800, Kindle Fire has 1024/600

* While ppi (pixel per inch) of Nexus 7 is 216, the same for Kindle Fire is 169

* Nexus 7 is 0.4 inch slimmer than Kindle Fire. While thickness of the former is 0.41 inch the later is 0.45 inch thick.

* Even Nexus 7 is 2.6 ounces lighter than the Kindle Fire. While weight of Nexus 7 is 12 ounces, the Kindle Fire weights 14.6 ounces

* Google Nexus 7 uses the new OS called Android 4.1 ‘Jelly Bean’ the Amazon Kindle fire uses the Android 2.3.4 ‘Gingerbread’

* The Nexus 7 has the Nvidia's quad-core Tegra 3 processor processor  while the Kindle Fire has The dual-core, 1-GHz TI OMAP4 processor

* Nexus 7 has the battery capacity of 9 hrs while the Kindle power can run for 5 hrs.

* Nexus 7 has a 1.2 front facing camera. This camera is not at all present in a kindle Fire.

Dell launches XPS 14 Laptop at Rs 82,990

Dell has launched the XPS 14 laptops in India in a bid to expand its XPS laptop presence in the country. The system has been priced at Rs. 82,990 for the base configuration.

"The XPS 14 laptop offers powerful performance, thoughtful design and a superb user experience along with enterprise friendly features so you can use them for work and for play," said Mahesh Bhalla, Executive Director and General Manager, Consumer and SB, Dell India.

The device has been specially designed for the mobile users. It is powered by Intel's third generatioCore i5 processor with optional upgrade available up to Core i7.

The XPS 14 sports a 14-inch durable machined aluminum chassis with silicone base in a thin 0.07cdesign, 400 nit HD+ displays with 1600x900p resolution and Corning Gorilla Glass, a backlit keyboard along with optional performance graphics.

The device is equipped with connectivity options such as USB 3.0, mini Display Port, HDMI, Wi-Fi a/g/ and Bluetooth 4.0. and provides a battery life up to 10 hours.

Features of the Dell XPS 14 Laptops:

3rd Generation Intel Core i5 and i7 processor options

14-inch HD+ WLED display

Optional NVIDIA GeForce GT 630M 1GB GDDR5 graphics with NVIDIA Optimums technology

4GB (standard) or 8GB dual channel memory DDR3 1333MHz; (1xSoDIMM)

500GB 5400rpm hard drive + 32GB mSATA SSD option with Intel Rapid Start Technology and

Intel Smart Response Technology

Standard, full size, backlit chiclet keyboard; spill-resistant

8-Cell Li-Polymer, 69WHr battery

USB 3.0 (2) 1 with PowerShare; mini DisplayPort (1); HDMI (1); RJ-45 (1); 3-in-1 card reader;

headset jack (1); mini Kensington lock

Built-in 1.3MP webcam with dual array digital microphones

Samsung Galaxy Tab to be banned in US

Apple Inc.’s appeal to stop Samsung Electronics from selling its Galaxy tab 10.1 has been allowed. As per the verdict of an US Court on Tuesday, Samsung is restricted to sell its 10.1 Galaxy tabs in the US.

The step has provided the leading iPhone maker a significant win in the global Smartphone and tablet patent wars. Particularly this win can be proved much beneficial to Apple as Samsung's Galaxy tablets, powered by Google's Android OS are considered as the main competitor to the iPad of Apple. This would also strengthen Apple's hand in negotiating cross-licensing deals, where companies agree to let each other use their patented technologies.

Earlier an appeal for injunction on the tablet by Apple had been rejected by the US District Judge Lucy Koh in San Jose, California. However, a federal appeals court instructed Koh to reconsider Apple's application on the tablet.

The verdict said "Although Samsung has a right to compete, it does not have a right to compete unfairly, by flooding the market with infringing products."

Note that since 2010 Apple is trying to curb the growth of its competitor brands (especially Google's Android system, world’s best selling OS) through an international patent war.

Volkswagen's Jetta launched in India at Rs 13.60 lakh

Volkswagen launched the petrol variants of its sedan Jetta on Thursday in India priced at Rs 13.60 lakh. The vehicle is claimed to be exceptionally efficient and powerful in its petrol version in view of its 1.4 TSI engine. The car is going on sale from July 1st.

The Trendline variety of the of the Jetta is available at a price tag of Rs. 13.60 lakh and the higher version, the Comfortline variety has been priced at Rs. 15.07 lakh.

"We strongly feel the need to provide the customer with a choice to opt for a value for money petrol car. The Jetta TSI is the perfect answer, a powerful car with an extremely efficient engine consuming less fuel." said Volkswagen Passenger Cars Director Neeraj Garg during the launch.

The Volkswagen Jetta petrol sports a 1.4L 4-cylinder TSI engine that is capable of producing a peak power of 90 kW at 5000 RPM and a peak torque of 200 Nm at 1500-4000 RPM. Powered with manual transmission this engine ensures high performance along with the 6 speed gearbox.

The company claims that the TSI technology used by the engine is a revolutionary innovation that makes the engine compact, extremely fuel efficient and highly powerful. Further, this technology delivers maximum torque from very low engine speed like 1500rpm. where direct petrol injection along with the intake of highly compressed air is done with the help of a turbocharger which ultimately delivers high fuel economy as well as driving experience.

Rupee crosses 57 Mark against US Dollar

 Indian rupee continued to decline and crossed 57-mark on Friday against US dollar. The local currency hit an all-time low of 57.16 in morning, which may put the country at risk in global trade. 

Earlier on Friday, the rupee was at 56.90. It had opened at 56.80 against dollar from its previous close of 56.30 on Thursday. However, it further declined to 57.16. 

Indian currency has been falling continuously in past few months as demand for dollar increased from banks and importers. Even Reserve Bank of India's decision to keep repo rates unchanged has also put pressure on the rupee.

Stop Ignoring Growth Opportunities

Chances are that someone inside your organization has a great idea for how to grow your company. Chances are that leadership is ignoring that idea. Kodak long ignored an engineer's idea for a filmless camera (aka a digital camera) because it was in the business of selling film. The largest growth opportunities are often the market changing ideas that represent not only growth but a threat to your business as well. Figure out what those threats are before someone else does. Ask your people: what could put us out of business? In the answer to that question may be your biggest source of innovation.

Makhdoom Shahabuddin nominated as new Pakistan PM

The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has nominated senior leader Makhdoom Shahabuddin for the post of Prime Minister after the Supreme Court disqualified Yousuf Raza Gilani in a contempt case. 

The decision was made early this morning at a meeting chaired by President Asif Ali Zardari. A special session of the National Assembly will be convened on Thursday to formally elect the new Leader of the House.

The new PM is believed to be just a stop-gap arrangement. Fresh polls are likely in Pakistan so that Gilani returns to power. New laws are also expected to be formulated to snub the Supreme Court and Judiciary so that a Prime Minister cannot be disqualified in contempt cases.

Will Microsoft’s new Tablet compete with Apple’s iPad?

An invitation to the journalists to an event in Los Angeles on Monday evening sent out by Microsoft on Thursday sparked the expectation that the Steve Ballmer's company is preparing to launch an own-brand tablet running a new version of Windows in a bid to compete with Apple's iPad.

The above probability may be sniffed from a report by Ina Fried of ‘All Things D’ where she presents Microsoft’s statement that developing both hardware and software is the best possible way to take on Apple, citing anonymous sources.

Normally Microsoft develops the software and licenses that to hardware makers to ensure the broadest possible market. But in this new tech era Microsoft has fallen behind Apple and Google in the tablet market.

In 2010 Microsoft had attempted to whip up buzz for Windows-powered when CEO Steve Ballmer unveiled the HP Slate at the Consumer Electronics Show. 

But the HP Slate was a complete failure, with a total of just 9,000 units sold by the end of 2010.

The new expected own-brand device of Microsoft may have access to an eBook store using Barnes & Noble's technology, following a $300m deal made at the end of April.

Microsoft's plight into own-branded products have had mixed success earlier.

Microsoft Users not happy with Windows Redesign

Microsoft’s Windows redesign basically includes the introduction of the latest version of Windows, the Windows 8 and the company has already showed the trial version ahead of its actual introduction in coming autumn.

Microsoft claims the redesign to be fit for the next generation of high-powered tablets. But, initial review of the new operating system on the existing hardware does not seem satisfactory.

As per the company, millions of people are already using a downloaded pre-release version of Windows 8 on their PCs, laptops and touchscreen-devices.

Although the look and feel of the Metro style of the version has been praised most of the reviews fears regarding how the people, who are deliberately oriented on a PC, that are used to a mouse feel will get accustomed to it because they will have to struggle a lot for the same.

Again, the new Metro interface runs only on programs written for it. So, users have to go back to the traditional desktop to avail facilities like listening to music on Apple's iTunes. 

Forrester Research analyst David Johnson is worried as he finds Metro apps and apps running in the normal desktop don't have any knowledge of each other, but there is no easy way to navigate between them. It is also expected that Microsoft might introduce a tablet under its own brand name most probably with the redesign.

Lenovo's Two New Ultrabooks launched in India

World’s second-largest PC vendor Lenovo has launched two new Ultrabooks, the IdeaPad U310 and IdeaPad U410. The ultrabooks attribute powerful processing performance, bulky storage capacity and affluent audio.

The U310 Ultrabook reportedly features Rapid Boot technology and Lenovo Smart Update, which downloads emails even while the device is in sleep mode. The device is equipped with a 13.3-inch HD display and offers up to 4GB DD3 memory, up to 500GB storage and 32GB SSD cache.

The 18 mm thick U410 Ultrabook comes with BootShield and OneKey Rescue. The device sports a metal exterior and a 13.3-inch display. The U410 offers up to 8GB DDR3 memory, up to 1TB HDD storage and 32GB SSD1 cache.

Both the products have a battery life of up to 9 hours and both are powered by 3rd generation Intel Core processors. They are equipped with smooth aesthetics, fast boot up aptitude and instant resume. The potent battery provides the Ultrabook adequate power to run throughout the day.

While the U310 Ultrabook has a price that begins from Rs 49,990 the U410 Ultrabook comes with a price that starts from Rs 52,990.

Apple to launch new iPhone Software and Macs

Apple Inc. is expected to launch its new iPhone software, the updated Mac computers during the company's annual conference for software developers on Monday.

At the earlier instances also Apple has used its Worldwide Developers Conference as an occasion to announce new iPhone software in the past few years.

But at this point of time no details of the iOS 6, the new software is available. Even we don’t have any information regarding when it will be released for the consumers. However it is estimated to hit the market within one year.

Normally the new software becomes available for download with the launch of a new device.

Apple watchers are speculating many new features in the new software. As last time Apple had provided some Twitter functions in its software, this time Apple watchers expect some Facebook features through which they could easily post their Facebook status updates from within Apple's apps.

The announcement of the new software for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch has been confirmed by banners that appeared at the Moscone conference center in San Francisco on Friday.

Audi launches Compact Luxury SUV Q3 in India

German luxury car manufacturer Audi announced the launch of its compact luxury SUV Q3 in India. This youngest member of the Audi Q family was the most awaited vehicle in India after it was unveiled at the Auto Expo in January.

The Audi Q3 is priced at Rs. 26, 21,000 onwards for the base grade and Rs. 31, 49,000 onwards for the high grade. This luxury vehicle is mostly meant for the urban customers.

The vehicle will be available at all 19 Audi dealerships in India. But for now only 500 Audi Q3’s will be available for initial booking due to production limitations at the European plant despite its large demand.

“We are confident that Audi Q3 will repeat the success of Audi Q5 and Audi Q7 and further consolidate our leadership position in the luxury SUV segment“, said Michael Perschke, Head, Audi India during the launch on Wednesday.

The Q3 is equipped with a powerful and efficient 2.0 TDI Quattro engine. The vehicle includes Audi technology in the body, drive train, chassis, assistance and multimedia systems of the Q3 and many of these elements come directly from the luxury class.

The Audi Q3 is out and out an urban vehicle with its sporty features. The device is claimed to be the only compact Sports Utility Vehicle in its segment that offers ‘Quattro’ which makes it a pertinent choice for the younger customer.

Keeping in view on its increasing sale graph Audi India plans to extend its network to 25 dealerships by the end of 2012 from its existing 19 centers. The company marked up a sale of 450 cars in May 2012 which is an increase of 10 percent over the same period last year.

Put Constraint on Innovation

Google has long been the envy of blue sky thinkers and innovators who admire its world-class and nonbureaucratic approach to innovation. But even Google needs limits. 

The company has announced it would begin using formal processes to ensure that senior leaders give resources and attention to the right ideas. Don't assume that processes and constraints will inhibit innovation; they often accelerate it by focusing creativity and ensuring that funding finds projects with the highest returns. Create a process to structure and guide innovation. just be sure that the process doesn't become a burden and squash innovative ideas with unnecessary bureaucracy.

Be Smarter at Cost Cutting

Almost all companies have or will need to cut costs to survive in the current environment. Unfortunately, not all do cost cutting smartly. Consider these three pieces of advice before marking cuts:

Put strategy first: Cuts across the board rarely, if ever, lead to effective results. Laying out strategy first helps you decide where to cut and also helps employees accept the cuts as a step towards a goal.

Focus on good customers: Rather than cutting valued services to valuable customers, 'fire' high-maintenance customers who create unnecessary complexity. Focus on serving your more cost-effective customers who are happy with your products and services as they are.

Keep your business simple: In a healthy economy, it's easy to overlook processes and activities that are redundant or overly involved. Simplifying them can save you money, with the added bonus of increasing both customer and employee satisfaction.

Acer has announced two new all-in-one PCs, the Acer Aspire 5600U and the Acer Aspire 7600 U on Monday, ahead of the Computex in Taipei, the world's second-largest tech trade show which will take place from June 5 to 9. 

Both the devices are equipped with Microsoft’s Windows 8.

While the Aspire 7600 features a 27 inch, 64-point capacitive multitouch tilt and swivel display touchscreen with a full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and is only 3.5cm thick, the Aspire 5600U features a HD 23 inch touchscreen display. The later has also been tagged as "the thinnest AIO available". Both the system feature Dolby Home Theater Surround sound.

The 7600U can be tilted up to 90 degrees and turn round from landscape to portrait mode. At present it is undoubtedly the world's biggest e-book reader. 

There are two USB ports and a DC power connector in the back, two USB ports, audio in / out and an SD-card slot on the left side plus a slot-load drive on the right border.

Acer Inc. Chairman and CEO J.T. Wang said the Windows 8 operating system will boost buying in the slow personal computer industry thanks to the system's integration of cross-platform user experience