LG Electronics today joined the ranks of mobile phone makers putting Google's Android mobile operating system into smartphones, unveiling the LG-GW620. The launch follows the debut of Motorola's first Android-based smartphone, Cliq, which was announced last week. LG's South Korean rival Samsung Electronics has already launched an Android smartphone, as has High Tech Computer (HTC) of Taiwan. The new mobile phone OS is aimed at making Internet services such as social networking sites, e-mail, online maps and particularly Google services more easily accessible on smartphones. The LG-GW620 sports a 3-inch touch screen and slide-out QWERTY keypad. Few other details about the smartphone were immediately available. The device will hit some markets in Europe in the fourth quarter of this year, LG said in a statement. The new smartphone is LG's first with the Android OS installed. The company said the new OS gives it the flexibility to offer more choices to users. LG has traditionally used Microsoft Windows Mobile in smartphones. LG "will be introducing a minimum of 13 new smartphones over the next 16 months that utilize Microsoft's Windows Mobile," the company said in the release. The latest version of Windows Mobile, 6.5, will be widely available in new smartphones launching Oct. 6, Microsoft said early this month. The new version of the OS takes over from Windows Mobile 6.1.
Invite-only test available to 'thousands;' public beta to follow later this year
Microsoft today launched a limited beta test of its Office Web Apps, the company's first public unveiling of its rival for Google's Web applications.
Dubbed a "technical preview" by Microsoft to denote that it's by invitation only, Office Web Apps will be available on the company's Windows Live site via a special "Documents" tab, a company spokeswoman said. "Tens of thousands have been invited to participate in the Technical Preview," said the spokeswoman in a reply to questions.
"This is earlier than I expected," said Rob Helm, an analyst with Directions on Microsoft, a Kirkland, Wash.-based research company that specializes in tracking Microsoft's moves. "I thought we wouldn't see this until the SharePoint conference at the end of October. Maybe the recent Google moves had some bearing on Microsoft's timing."
Helm's reference was to Google's announcement Tuesday that the search giant will offer online services next year, including Google Web Apps, that are specially designed for U.S. government agencies.
Office Web Apps includes lightweight, online versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint, the desktop Office suite's word processor, spreadsheet and presentation maker, respectively. In July, Microsoft announced that the online applications would be available free-of-charge on Windows Live and to workers at companies with an Office Software Assurance plan. The online editions will also be available as a paid subscription service for firms that don't buy into Software Assurance.
Microsoft gave the three applications available in the preview their official titles today: Word Web App, Excel Web App and PowerPoint Web App.
Nick Simons, a Microsoft program manager for Office Web Apps, called the functionality of the online software "modest" today on a company blog. Initially, testers won't be able to edit Word documents online, only view them, although they can create, view and edit Excel worksheets and PowerPoint presentations.
OneNote Web App, a scaled-down version of Office's note taker, will be added later, Simons said.
Michael Schultz, Microsoft's director of marketing for Office, echoed Simons. "They aren't feature-complete yet," he acknowledged in a Q&A Microsoft created, and then posted, to its press site. "The OneNote Web App and additional Office Web App features, including further integration with Microsoft Office 2010, will be available at a later date."
Microsoft plans to open Office Web Apps to testing by the general public, but it has not set a date for that beta other than to that it will be available before the end of this year. Nor has the company slated a launch date for the online suite. It's expected, however, that Microsoft will unveil the final versions of the Web applications when it ships Office 2010 sometime in the first half of 2010.
Office Web Apps support Internet Explorer (IE) 7 and IE8; Firefox 3.5 on Windows, Mac and Linux; and Safari 4.0 on the Mac.
Microsoft's entry into the Web application space has been long in coming, and faces competition from the likes of Google and Zoho. Google, in fact, has made several recent moves to preempt Office Web Apps, including a sync service between its online software and Office's e-mail client, Outlook, as well as the promise Tuesday that it will tailor its Google Web Apps to fit the needs of federal government agencies.
"But Microsoft and Google see Web applications differently," argued Helm. "Google is trying to catch up with Microsoft's desktop applications, maybe cover 80% of their functionality. But they've got a long ways to go.
"Microsoft is instead trying to promote an adjunct to Office to use when you're collaborating with people, and to handle some commenting and formatting, and maybe entering a little text," Helm continued. "Microsoft has a much narrower view of what Web apps are supposed to do. They're very carefully limiting the Web apps, so they really aren't a substitute for the desktop."
The technical preview is available only in English and Japanese; other language-specific versions will be rolled out this fall.
Users can add their name to a list for notification when the public beta is available on Microsoft's Office 2010 site.
In 10 Word annoyances (and how to turn them off), we looked at how to shut down a number of Word’s automatic changes. Turning off certain options relieves you of some of the unexpected and often unwelcome replacements and insertions that Word is likely to impose on you. But even though you may not want Word to, say, always convert a pair of hyphens into an em dash, you might sometimes want to insert an em dash yourself. Here are 15 useful shortcuts that let you quickly insert special characters in a document--on your terms.
Character Shortcut A line break Shift+Enter A page break Ctrl+Enter A column break Ctrl+Shift+Enter An optional hyphen Ctrl+- (hyphen) A nonbreaking hyphen Ctrl+Shift+- (hyphen) A nonbreaking space Ctrl+Shift+Spacebar A copyright symbol Alt+Ctrl+C A registered trademark symbol Alt+Ctrl+R A trademark symbol Alt+Ctrl+T An ellipsis Alt+Ctrl+. (period) An em dash Ctrl+Shift+\ An en dash Ctrl+- (on numeric keypad) The page number Alt+Shift+P The current date Alt+Shift+D The current time Alt+Shift+T
At VMworld on Monday IBM announced what it called the industry’s first public desktop cloud. It will be available in the Americas and Europe starting in October.
IBM describes it as its biggest cloud computing endorsement to date enabling anywhere/anytime access for everything from distance learning to business computing.
The new IBM Smart Business Desktop on the IBM Cloud is a subscription service for virtualizing desktop computing resources, providing a logical, rather than physical, method of accessing data, computing power, storage capacity and other resources.
Any Java-enabled device including desktop PCs, thin clients, netbooks, home PCs and kiosks/public PCs can access its platform-independent, hosted applications and full client image anytime through a browser.
IBM says it will work with almost any traditional desktop application.
IBM has partnered with Citrix, Desktone and Wyse as well as VMware in the venture.
Desktone claims the first and only virtual desktop hosting platform designed specifically for the cloud, providing multi-tenancy and seamless multi-data center support, called key elements in designing and building a scalable, cost-effective global desktop cloud offering.
Like other public clouds there’s no upfront capital outlay or one-time expense and IBM is promising the “highest levels” of security, resiliency, reliability and quality for the virtual desktops.
It says it will minimize the risk of data theft and loss, centralize data protection and eliminate unauthorized access.
There will be three standard cloud-based offerings, dedicated infrastructure and customer premise solutions.
IBM’s web site described the Smart Business Desktop Cloud as coming in two implementation strategies: so-called project-based services for organizations interested in client virtualization that want help with strategy, planning, design and implementation and managed services for organizations that want IBM to design and implement a solution, as well as manage the virtual desktop solution.
IBM says the service will be available in an implementation/cost model that suits each customer’s need, including highly regulated industries like financial services as well as the “more with less” demands of public sector or service organizations.
Supported by the government’s stimulus spending, the Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network is partnering with IBM on a grass roots project called CBO Connect to provide desktop computing to over 200 sites nationwide.
The CBO Connect is a coalition of community based organizations consisting of non-profits, schools and libraries where visitors have access to 21st century classrooms that offer desktop cloud computing, interactive video conferencing for distance learning, video distribution system with digital signage, and other classroom and administrative services.
HITN was founded in 1983 to advance the educational, cultural and socio-economic aspirations of Hispanics in the US and Puerto Rico and reportedly reaches more than 30 million households in key Hispanic markets across the country.
So far, Nokia N900 was seen only in spy shots and leaked official pictures. So, a week before the Nokia World event, the N900 is finally official! It is the first Maemo 5 based Internet tablet and the successor to the Nokia N810 Internet tablet. The device has an impressive hardware spec sheet that begins right from the processor - an ARM Cortex A8 that provides 1GB of application memory and Open GL ES 2.0 Graphics acceleration support.The OS is Linux-based Maemo 5 that provides the device comprehensive multitasking ability. All these combined with the powerful processor gives the Maemo 5 the oomph to compete with the likes of the iPhone and trump it comprehensively. This time even matching iPhone on the UI front, where it was the traditional laggard, thanks to Nokia's dependence on S60.
The Nokia N900 is based on Nokia’s previous generation of Internet Tablets and offers more capabilities which allows multitasking and browsing the Internet like in a desktop computer, said company sources.
The Nokia 900 runs on the new Maemo 5 software and it allows users to keep several application windows open at the same time and running simultaneously. The device also offers all cellular features, touch screen and QWERTY keyboard.
“With Linux software, Mozilla-based browser technology and now also with cellular connectivity, the Nokia N900 delivers a powerful mobile experience,” said Anssi Vanjoki, Executive Vice President, Markets, Nokia.
“The Nokia N900 shows where we are going with Maemo and we’ll continue to work with the community to push the software forward. What we have with Maemo is something that is fusing the power of the computer, the internet and the mobile phone, and it is great to see that it is evolving in exciting ways,” added Vanjoki.
Maemo complements other software platforms like Symbian (News - Alert) which powers other Nokia smartphones. It is designed for computer-grade performance in a compact size. Jonathan Arber, Senior Research Analyst in Consumer Mobile at IDC (News - Alert) said that along with continued growth in Symbian as a smartphone platform, Maemo enables Nokia to deliver new mobile computing experiences based on open-source technology that has strong ties with desktop platforms.
The Nokia N900 includes a powerful ARM (News - Alert) Cortex-A8 processor, up to 1GB of application memory and OpenGL ES 2.0 graphics acceleration. This allows PC-like multitasking, allowing many applications to run simultaneously. Users can switch between applications as content is constantly available through the dashboard. Also users can personalize the homescreen with favorite shortcuts, widgets and applications.
The device features a high-resolution WVGA touch screen and high speed Internet connectivity with 10/2 HSPA and WLAN. The browser is powered by Mozilla technology and online videos and interactive applications are supported by Adobe Flash 9.4. Nokia sources revealed that Maemo software will be updated automatically over the Internet.
The Nokia N900 features 32GB of storage, expandable up to 48GB via a microSD card. The Maemo software and the N900 come with a newtag ( News - Alert) cloud user interface that will enhance the photographic experiences with the 5MP camera and Carl Zeiss optics.
Sony has announced new S series and E series Walkman MP3 players. The new Walkman S series packs stereo speakers, and sports a 2.4-inch QVGA LCD display supporting 30fps video playback. The E series Walkman players are the entry level portable music players with smaller 2-inch display. Sony will ship both new series of Walkman music players in U.S. next month. The Walkman S series 8GB and 16GB models are priced at $110 (Rs. 5,300 approx.) and $130 (Rs. 6,240 approx.) respectively. On the other hand, the entry-level Walkman E series 8GB and 16GB models cost $80 (Rs. 3,840 approx.) and $100 (Rs. 4,800 approx.) respectively
Google has introduced a new feature for Google Docs to make of multi-lingual sharing easier - you can now automatically translate documents into 42 different languages. So, how does this work? You type out your text in Google Docs and then click "Translate document" from the "Tools" menu. Google Docs will translate the whole text into the selected language using Google Translate's technology .
You can replace the original document with the translation or make a new translated version. All the formatting and layout is preserved no matter what language it's in - translations aren't perfect, but Google says it is continuously working on improving translation quality over time.
Apple has finally passed on an email confirming 'Rock and Roll event' for media on Sept 9 at the Yerba Buena Center for Arts, San Francisco. Apple's keynote will take place on an interesting date - 09/09/09 (Sept. 9, 2009). Speculation is rife that Apple may introduce the new iPod Touch with camera family after the purported images were leaked recently. Apple's email invite has a silhouette of girl dancing over tunes on iPod Touch. The image carries a tagline - "It's only rock and roll, but we like it". Apple may announce Project Cocktail, a special bundle of Interactive music content. Same day The Beatles: Rock Band game for PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii is expected to be launched along with re-mastered original music.
Rockstar Games, the developers behind the Grand Theft Auto series, announced on Monday that Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars will be coming to Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch this fall.
The developer also announced that Beaterator, an app that allows users to create "world-class beats and songs," will also be made available on the App Store. Like the Chinatown Wars title, Beaterater is slated for availability this fall for an undisclosed price.
Chinatown Wars gives gamers control over Huang Lee, a member of the Triad crime syndicate, who travels to Liberty City to investigate his father's death. iPhone and iPod Touch owners will be able to control Lee as he travels through the streets of Liberty City.
Chinatown Wars is currently available on the Nintendo DS. It's coming to the Sony PlayStation Portable in October. According to Rockstar, it made perfect sense for the handheld title to make its way to Apple's mobile devices.
But since it has been ported from traditional handheld game devices, I asked Rockstar if iPhone owners will see much of a difference between the Nintendo DS or Sony PSP versions and the iPhone version.
Rockstar said there will be some textures that will look low-res, compared to the PSP version, but other than that, the game is exactly the same.
That comes as a surprise, considering that the typical content featured in a Grand Theft Auto game has clashed with Apple's policies against adult-theme material finding its way to into the App Store. Apple denied access to Eucalyptus, an e-book reader application, because it allowed users to find and read the Kama Sutra. Apple even denied access to Ninjawords, a dictionary app, because it contained vulgar words.
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars promises a typical GTA experience, complete with the sexual content and vulgar words that have made it such a controversial franchise. Rockstar told me that it had no trouble with Apple's App Store policies and that the game will be made available as is.
Rockstar also said that controlling the on-screen character will be slightly different than what gamers are used to with other handhelds. According to the company, the game will display an on-screen analog stick that users will be able to control with their thumb. The developer wouldn't reveal any more information about the game.
The new IBM Smart Business Desktop on the IBM Cloud is a subscription service for virtualizing desktop computing resources, providing a logical, rather than physical, method of accessing data, computing power, storage capacity and other resources.
