Showing posts with label Technology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Technology. Show all posts
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
TVS Apache RTR 160 - the hot new bike in town
The new n hot TVS Apache RTR 160 is here finally. Check the video, but before that let me pour out my excitement in words
The bikes already been displayed at few showrooms. It comes after a long wait. Delayed by couple months I guess. Been reading about it. Hope I soon get my hands on it for a test ride.
If this ones in (well it is almost), it clearly displaces the current 150cc category leader the CBZ Xtreme. Yes, it kind-of looks more like the existing simpleton Apache150cc but I wouldn’t be misled, the performance specs, looks and goodies indicate a wild animal approaching
The real story however is when we get the first hand reviews. Hope the bikes lives up to the silent hype. So far it’s been all praises from magazine scribes, the bike groups watching it and the ads of course
160cc, 15.2bhp, 0-60kms in 4.8 seconds, 120kmph top sped (company specs).
The new, well styled digital speedo console beats the one Karizma and Pulsars have.
The split handle bars, with 2 adjustable positions, look awesome.
Rear LED lights and split grab rail… Look mean!
The footpegs and brake+clutch levers look great.
A cool dash of body work at the bottom, the tiny bottom faring.
New Petal discs for the front disc brakes… as big as the ones on Karizma, but crafted differently like petals (than a circular disc). Helps in cooling the disc better.
Check the median strip painted along the center of the bike. You would have seen it on those drag-race cars. It looks cool here too.
And hey the RTR in the name stands for Racing Throttle Response. I hope the growl we hear in the video is real too :) not just a extra bass
What more a very cool ad-video with loads of attitude, am sure the bike too will match up. The price claimed to be around 66K is a decent deal compared to what it offers. Mileage... I don't think its built to give great mileage but 40kmpl should work, no indications as of now.
One small concern… wish it was a 250cc level. 150s are getting way to common here.
Waiting on the Hondas, Karizmas, Pulsars to ‘grow’. Ok am talking so much in the Indian context. No super-bikes discussed here, not as yet
Let’s wait till I return to Bangalore and get some pics myself. Till then Google around and see this video below. I could have cross posted the ones I have seen, but did not want to, plus I am in a hurry, going out of town tomorrow.
THE VIDEO
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBq7AfP8iHk
The bikes already been displayed at few showrooms. It comes after a long wait. Delayed by couple months I guess. Been reading about it. Hope I soon get my hands on it for a test ride.
If this ones in (well it is almost), it clearly displaces the current 150cc category leader the CBZ Xtreme. Yes, it kind-of looks more like the existing simpleton Apache150cc but I wouldn’t be misled, the performance specs, looks and goodies indicate a wild animal approaching
The real story however is when we get the first hand reviews. Hope the bikes lives up to the silent hype. So far it’s been all praises from magazine scribes, the bike groups watching it and the ads of course
160cc, 15.2bhp, 0-60kms in 4.8 seconds, 120kmph top sped (company specs).
The new, well styled digital speedo console beats the one Karizma and Pulsars have.
The split handle bars, with 2 adjustable positions, look awesome.
Rear LED lights and split grab rail… Look mean!
The footpegs and brake+clutch levers look great.
A cool dash of body work at the bottom, the tiny bottom faring.
New Petal discs for the front disc brakes… as big as the ones on Karizma, but crafted differently like petals (than a circular disc). Helps in cooling the disc better.
Check the median strip painted along the center of the bike. You would have seen it on those drag-race cars. It looks cool here too.
And hey the RTR in the name stands for Racing Throttle Response. I hope the growl we hear in the video is real too :) not just a extra bass
What more a very cool ad-video with loads of attitude, am sure the bike too will match up. The price claimed to be around 66K is a decent deal compared to what it offers. Mileage... I don't think its built to give great mileage but 40kmpl should work, no indications as of now.
One small concern… wish it was a 250cc level. 150s are getting way to common here.
Waiting on the Hondas, Karizmas, Pulsars to ‘grow’. Ok am talking so much in the Indian context. No super-bikes discussed here, not as yet
Let’s wait till I return to Bangalore and get some pics myself. Till then Google around and see this video below. I could have cross posted the ones I have seen, but did not want to, plus I am in a hurry, going out of town tomorrow.
THE VIDEO
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBq7AfP8iHk
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Yahoo! Photos is closing!
Yahoo! Photos is closing on September 20, 2007.
Fear not! you can still transfer all photos from those accounts to a different service (from the options given by Yahoo).
However, I thought since Flickr was now a Yahoo company this should have happend automatically. I am not sure I saw Yahoo photos in the form that used to be before. I've been on Flickr whenever I logged into Yahoo. So not quite sure how that works and why do they still want us to validate a migration... anyways, there are few other options than Flickr. The message goes-
" Move your photos to Flickr, Yahoo!'s award-winning photo sharing site that Time Magazine calls "completely addictive." And since Flickr is a Yahoo! company, moving is easy - just sign in with the same Yahoo! ID and password you use on Yahoo! Photos.Or if Flickr's not for you, you can also move your photos to services such as Kodak Gallery, Shutterfly, Snapfish or Photobucket. Select from the options below!
Dear (User),
Thank you so much for using Yahoo! Photos. Before we go, we can help you move your photos to a new home.
You must decide what to do by September 20, 2007, because any photos still here after that date will be deleted. Learn more.
Please choose from one of three options below: "
The options are-
1) Migrate to Flickr , Kodak Gallery , Photobucket , Shutterfly , Snapfish with help from Yahoo.[alrite! Thank you so much for this Yahoo]
2) Download all your pics by Sep2007 [Good Luck on that!]
3) Order DVDs of the back-ups [Gee, now we talk business :)]
Anyways... thanks I have some on Google's Picassa. Won't have to move them. And Photobucket too was a favorite :).
Log-in to you Yahoo photos accounts today! and get updated. You will see all the migration info proactively displayed. Get going save all those 'memory pichs'
Fear not! you can still transfer all photos from those accounts to a different service (from the options given by Yahoo).
However, I thought since Flickr was now a Yahoo company this should have happend automatically. I am not sure I saw Yahoo photos in the form that used to be before. I've been on Flickr whenever I logged into Yahoo. So not quite sure how that works and why do they still want us to validate a migration... anyways, there are few other options than Flickr. The message goes-
" Move your photos to Flickr, Yahoo!'s award-winning photo sharing site that Time Magazine calls "completely addictive." And since Flickr is a Yahoo! company, moving is easy - just sign in with the same Yahoo! ID and password you use on Yahoo! Photos.Or if Flickr's not for you, you can also move your photos to services such as Kodak Gallery, Shutterfly, Snapfish or Photobucket. Select from the options below!
Dear (User),
Thank you so much for using Yahoo! Photos. Before we go, we can help you move your photos to a new home.
You must decide what to do by September 20, 2007, because any photos still here after that date will be deleted. Learn more.
Please choose from one of three options below: "
The options are-
1) Migrate to Flickr , Kodak Gallery , Photobucket , Shutterfly , Snapfish with help from Yahoo.[alrite! Thank you so much for this Yahoo]
2) Download all your pics by Sep2007 [Good Luck on that!]
3) Order DVDs of the back-ups [Gee, now we talk business :)]
Anyways... thanks I have some on Google's Picassa. Won't have to move them. And Photobucket too was a favorite :).
Log-in to you Yahoo photos accounts today! and get updated. You will see all the migration info proactively displayed. Get going save all those 'memory pichs'
Monday, March 26, 2007
PowerShot - Back to power
Finally, I have my digicam back. My Canon Powershot A95 that gave a whole new dimension to my creativity. Ah! yes and also an alternative pastime too.
So where did it go and why the big deal?
Well... it just got back from the second repair.
The first time... moisture some how got into the cam and just when I thought the cam was dry enough. I switched it on only to put it back to sleep... and a strange burning smell. Obviously something went kaput inside. INR 7K for that kaput thingy.
Now after a long gap. The CCD gave a problem, though the camera was functioning normally but the display was corrupted, more worse it affected the resultant picture too. Initially it would set right after a while, much like how freshly poured water settles down after a while. But the problem got bigger and pictures got worse.
This worse pics scenario costed me INR 4K to set that right.
Well all ok now but, felt like making a chronological analysis to scare people into being careful. Here we go :)
Before I start 'the end; of this post. PLEASE DO TAKE GOOD CARE of your gadgets (SERIOUSLY). Sometimes we tend to get a bit rough with them due to over use... which is ok but try to be a little more careful.
Canon Powershot A95
Purchased in 14Feb2005, NO! it wasn't a Valentine Day gift.
(2 years old now)
Phase 1 - 14 Feb 2005 - 03 Sep 2005
Approx 5000 snaps
Short Circuit due to moisture
Repair Exp - INR 7000
Phase 2 - 19 Dec 2005 - 12 Feb 2007
Approx 12000 snaps
Replaced the damaged CCD
Repair Exp - INR 4000
Phase 3 - 25 Mar 2007 - (not so soon I hope)
147 snaps so far. Actually in just a day
TOTAL: Till date approximately 17,000 snaps
So where did it go and why the big deal?
Well... it just got back from the second repair.
The first time... moisture some how got into the cam and just when I thought the cam was dry enough. I switched it on only to put it back to sleep... and a strange burning smell. Obviously something went kaput inside. INR 7K for that kaput thingy.
Now after a long gap. The CCD gave a problem, though the camera was functioning normally but the display was corrupted, more worse it affected the resultant picture too. Initially it would set right after a while, much like how freshly poured water settles down after a while. But the problem got bigger and pictures got worse.
This worse pics scenario costed me INR 4K to set that right.
Well all ok now but, felt like making a chronological analysis to scare people into being careful. Here we go :)
Before I start 'the end; of this post. PLEASE DO TAKE GOOD CARE of your gadgets (SERIOUSLY). Sometimes we tend to get a bit rough with them due to over use... which is ok but try to be a little more careful.
Canon Powershot A95
Purchased in 14Feb2005, NO! it wasn't a Valentine Day gift.
(2 years old now)
Phase 1 - 14 Feb 2005 - 03 Sep 2005
Approx 5000 snaps
Short Circuit due to moisture
Repair Exp - INR 7000
Phase 2 - 19 Dec 2005 - 12 Feb 2007
Approx 12000 snaps
Replaced the damaged CCD
Repair Exp - INR 4000
Phase 3 - 25 Mar 2007 - (not so soon I hope)
147 snaps so far. Actually in just a day
TOTAL: Till date approximately 17,000 snaps
Monday, March 19, 2007
iPhone – Apple reinvents the phone
Technological revolutions are always on… there are some things which entirely change the way we have been doing things. The computer as compared to a mere calculator or a simple typewriter as compared to a top-end printer with x many other built in features. Recently came across one such device that is headed [or rather already is] in that way. Maybe most of the tech savvy among us already know.
It’s the Apple iPhone- the revolutionary phone by Apple. Happen to see the keynote by Steve jobs on the internet. Thanks to a friend who forwarded me that link and ever since I’ve been in love with the device and dream [like always] of owning one. I liked this so much that I am at risk of sounding like a Apple spokesperson :)
Here’s how Jobs introduces the device :) …excerpts from the presentation [not verbatim]. He talks of how Apple created a revolution by introducing the Macintosh in early 1984 and then the iPod in 2001 which entirely changed the way music business worked and then…
“… Today we are introducing three revolutionary products-
- Wide Screen iPod with touch controls
- Revolutionary Mobile Phone and
- Breakthrough Internet communications device.”
Blah Blah! and goes on to mention that these are not 3 separate devices... but just one…called the iPhone [audience cheers and continues] Apple has re-invented the phone… and shows a digitally morphed iPod with a analog phone dial [audience laughs :))]... and later goes on to reveal the actual iPhone :)
So let’s leave you to take a look at the actual presentation video. The link is at the end of this blog
So the top level things I noticed about the iPhone... er!! well here are couple of pictures… and then let me go ahead with my comments.
Ok, so going ahead the top level things I feel I should share are..
1) It has a revolutionary User Interface –
The controls are not physically set… permanent into the single device that you would have, it enables adding new controls/features in future just by upgrading the operating system, it’s their Desktop class application the OS X [read OS Ten] . Instead we have a giant screen… with a great pointing device. Like we had the mouse… er no… the Stylus? No just your finger, the device is intelligently configured to understand you finger pressure etc. to kind off read any unintentional touch [hmm this could be a little dicey though, hope not!]
2) More detailed integration with you computer. Has lot of inbuilt stuff, for example Google Maps is one.
3) Has BIG memory space
4) Has a inbuilt iPod [as mentioned earlier]
5) Easy email access [just stating, haven’t used it for real]
Here are the iPhone specifications:
Screen size: 3.5 inches
Screen resolution: 320 by 480 at 160 ppi
Input method: Multi-touch
Operating system: OS XStorage: 4GB or 8GB
GSM: Quad-band (MHz: 850, 900, 1800, 1900)
Wireless data: Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) + EDGE + Bluetooth 2.0
Camera: 2.0 megapixels
Battery: Up to 5 hours Talk / Video / Browsing
As promised the detailed keynote and introduction video by Steve Jobs on the Apple website. http://events.apple.com.edgesuite.net/j47d52oo/event/
Over here watch the iPhone Introduction (the second button)
More details on the features and their demo movies can be found on http://www.apple.com/iphone/
Hope you like it as much as I do :). Let’s see how fun this can be. I am very optimistic
PHOTOS
From the Apple website
It’s the Apple iPhone- the revolutionary phone by Apple. Happen to see the keynote by Steve jobs on the internet. Thanks to a friend who forwarded me that link and ever since I’ve been in love with the device and dream [like always] of owning one. I liked this so much that I am at risk of sounding like a Apple spokesperson :)
Here’s how Jobs introduces the device :) …excerpts from the presentation [not verbatim]. He talks of how Apple created a revolution by introducing the Macintosh in early 1984 and then the iPod in 2001 which entirely changed the way music business worked and then…
“… Today we are introducing three revolutionary products-
- Wide Screen iPod with touch controls
- Revolutionary Mobile Phone and
- Breakthrough Internet communications device.”
Blah Blah! and goes on to mention that these are not 3 separate devices... but just one…called the iPhone [audience cheers and continues] Apple has re-invented the phone… and shows a digitally morphed iPod with a analog phone dial [audience laughs :))]... and later goes on to reveal the actual iPhone :)
So let’s leave you to take a look at the actual presentation video. The link is at the end of this blog
So the top level things I noticed about the iPhone... er!! well here are couple of pictures… and then let me go ahead with my comments.
Ok, so going ahead the top level things I feel I should share are..
1) It has a revolutionary User Interface –
The controls are not physically set… permanent into the single device that you would have, it enables adding new controls/features in future just by upgrading the operating system, it’s their Desktop class application the OS X [read OS Ten] . Instead we have a giant screen… with a great pointing device. Like we had the mouse… er no… the Stylus? No just your finger, the device is intelligently configured to understand you finger pressure etc. to kind off read any unintentional touch [hmm this could be a little dicey though, hope not!]
2) More detailed integration with you computer. Has lot of inbuilt stuff, for example Google Maps is one.
3) Has BIG memory space
4) Has a inbuilt iPod [as mentioned earlier]
5) Easy email access [just stating, haven’t used it for real]
Here are the iPhone specifications:
Screen size: 3.5 inches
Screen resolution: 320 by 480 at 160 ppi
Input method: Multi-touch
Operating system: OS XStorage: 4GB or 8GB
GSM: Quad-band (MHz: 850, 900, 1800, 1900)
Wireless data: Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) + EDGE + Bluetooth 2.0
Camera: 2.0 megapixels
Battery: Up to 5 hours Talk / Video / Browsing
As promised the detailed keynote and introduction video by Steve Jobs on the Apple website. http://events.apple.com.edgesuite.net/j47d52oo/event/
Over here watch the iPhone Introduction (the second button)
More details on the features and their demo movies can be found on http://www.apple.com/iphone/
Hope you like it as much as I do :). Let’s see how fun this can be. I am very optimistic
PHOTOS
From the Apple website
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
