Windows Phone 7 Mango update

Well, Windows Phone 7 Mango update promises a lot especially since Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer mentioned that there will be 500 new features with the Mango update.



Well, the Mango update will make the smartphone smarter and easier for usage. (This is exactly the same direction as the iPhone and if I may say, Microsoft is definitely heading the right direction although they might be a little too late)

THE BIG QUESTION MARK...CAN MANGO SAVE MICROSOFT??


Anyway even though Microsoft claimed that there will be 500 additional features, the company only highlight 3 of the new areas of improvement:

• Easier to Connect and Share
• A Smarter Approach to Apps
• Web that Goes Beyond the Browser

Easier to Connect and Share
First of all, as we all know, Windows Phone 7 is deeply integrated with the social network such as Facebook and Windows Live. Now, LinkedIn has also joined in the fray as part of the social network integrated on the phone. So, now you can buzz with your mates as well as your work buddies, in the People Hub. As it is one of the Windows Phone 7 key points that differentiate from its' competitor, Microsoft focus on it in such a way that you could connect in Threads now...this is where FB chat, Windows Live Messenger and sms comes together. You could choose to either chat using text messages, Facebook, or Messenger. Besides that, you could also create groups where you could easily put in your favourites, your enemies, and etc. Updates of status and photos could also be seen easily in the People Hub. The integration of this has been the strength of Windows Phone 7 even from the launch and now with FB chat, it becomes even more interesting.

Then, there is a Smarter Approach to Apps...(something that I quite agree with Microsoft). First of all, the ability to multitask...(finally...this should be in from the first day of launching for WP7...anyway at least they are on the right track). Now, Microsoft even make sure that the ability to switch between apps are faster than iPhone. In iPhone, you'll need to double tap and switch between apps...as for the Windows Phone 7, all you need to do is press and hold the back button and you could switch between apps.
Microsoft also focus on improving the LiveTiles. This is definitely at the right direction since LiveTiles have also been the WindowsPhone 7 strength. However, the LiveTiles have a lot of improvement where you could see live updates on the apps that you put on your home screen.

Last but not least, it is the Web Browsing experience. Microsoft boast of the web browsing as one that is blazing fast. The Internet Explorer 9 is integrated onto the Windows Phone 7 as the default web browsing and as shown in the video below, the speed reading for Windows Phone 7 is at 30fps(frame per second). Obviously, this is the ideal phone for speed readers...the Torch is only at 5fps, Android at about 10 and it seems the iPhone could not even catch up with it.
The Local Scout is also one hell of a cool stuff. It provides a hyper local search results and recommend nearby restaurants, activities, and others. Not only that, when you use the BingMap, it is even better than the Google Map....BingMap has the capability of viewing the indoor maps as well.

Another cool feature is the Bing Vision...it is something similar to the Google Goggles but it works even more effective. Bing Vision could only search for text and barcodes. However, it is also because of this that the search result is blazing fast and from there, you could easily purchase books and find information using apps. The ability to integrate apps with search is also something that makes it stands above the iOS, Android and RIM.

I guess that's all for now. There are definitely more from Mango update...they have the Office that is extremely useful for the business user, the SkyDrive, XBox for gamers and maybe even more...Honestly, I'm excited about it and all the more so given that the Mango update is probably going to be the OS for the upcoming Nokia smartphone. Let's hope that Microsoft pull a great one this time and impress us once again after so long...

MeeGo - Alternative to iOS and Android?

For those tablets and smartphones fans, they might have heard of MeeGo, but nevertheless not many of us are aware that there is an alternative to iOS or Android or even the Windows Phone 7 in near future (or even now).

MeeGo is an open source, Linux project which brings together the Moblin project, headed up by Intel, and Maemo, by Nokia, into a single open source activity. However, due to the slow progress of MeeGo, Nokia defects to Windows Phone operating system in its future smartphone devices.


But despite Nokia's defection, MeeGo continues with its development and the latest version of MeeGo, MeeGo 1.2 is released on 20th of May. MeeGo currently targets platforms such as netbooks/entry-level desktops, handheld computing and communications devices, in-vehicle infotainment devices, connected TVs, and media phones. All of these platforms have common user requirements in communications, application, and internet services in a portable or small form factor. The MeeGo project will continue to expand platform support as new features are incorporated and new form factors emerge in the market.

The latest version of MeeGo features the QML application framework and extended Qt mobility APIs, including those for location, system, connectivity, and sensor (including haptic) capabilities aimed at rapid development. The telephony and wireless networking capabilities have also been enhanced with GSM, GPRS, and HSPA+ support, a SIM application toolkit, more Bluetooth profiles, expanded VPN and wireless authentication, data tethering capabilities and better multimedia support. MeeGO 1.2 supports netbook, vehicle and tablet UXs (user experiences) and has Linux kernel 2.6.37 at its core.

Rumour is that Nokia is preparing to launch its first MeeGo handset in the N9 smartphone soon. Get more of MeeGo project online at https://meego.com/.


With the emergence of MeeGo, we can expect a fierce competition in all smartphone and tablet devices, each operating system hopeful to become the standard in the smartphone and tablet realm.

Skype purchased is probably one of the best move by Microsoft

For those of you who wonder why on Earth Microsoft splash $8.5billion to buy Skype, the reason is probably simple...it was an encouragement by Bill Gates. 
There have been a lot who suspect that Steve Ballmer ochestrated the purchase of Skype but according to news from BBC, Microsoft founder, Bill Gates actually encouraged the company to purchase Skype.

Gates said: "I think it's a great, great deal for Skype. I think it's a great deal for Microsoft. The idea of video conferencing is going to get so much better than it is today. Skype actually does get a fair bit of revenue. It'll be fascinating to see how the brilliant ideas out of Microsoft research, coming together with Skype, what they can make of that."

Well, video conferencing and most people are going to look at this as a boost for the Windows Phone 7, all the more after the collaboration with Nokia.
One thing that is quite certain is this, that Bill Gates has make almost all the right decisions for Microsoft and it is quite likely that history will repeat itself. Although many might argued that $8.5 billion is a huge amount, one might probably need to think again because if it's what Gates think of, it's probably going to rake in more profit than the $8.5billion.

Windows Phone 7 "Mango" update

Well, there has been a lot of negative feedbacks on the updates to the new Windows Phone 7 device. This is probably due to the first time experience for Microsoft to develop and provide update for multiple different devices. I believe we should give some time to the company to adapt to the situation, since Apple first few updates have their own struggles as well. (remind us of the first few updates during the early days of Apple iPhone) 

Anyway, news of the "Mango" update for Windows Phone 7 is positive and from some of the leaked screenshots, it is quite certain that the "Mango" update is coming with support for Facebook chat (we can see the strong integration between Facebook and the Windows Phone 7 from the start and with this, it is quite clear that the WP7 is indeed the phone for social networking), Office 365 (comes along with SkyDrive and SharePoint...this will definitely help to attract business user) as well as a revamped hub for Games.
There are some new features as well, such as Automatic sync options, some nice lock screen that shows the album playing on your device, and also some new features for group messaging. 

Now, it is clear that Microsoft is aiming not only for business users but also targetting young people and young adults who are hooked on Facebook...and they are also aiming at gamers with Xbox Live integration. The question remains on the ability to challenge Apple's iPhone...

Hopefully, we will see more improvement on this device...it's definitely looking cool with the new interface and we are hoping that it comes out good!!
 

Blackberry Playbook....more bad news...

Initially I was really impressed by the Blackberry Playbook capability of multitasking and reviews suggest that this is a much better device than the iPad2...but just when the expectation is high, the Playbook seems to carry more bad news!!

At least 900 Playbook was found to be faulty and need to be recalled. You could find the serial number of the devices affected on the Engadget website....surely this is not a good start for the tablet that intend to challenge iPad2.

Well, I had consider getting myself the Blackberry Playbook before but if the news are not improving, I might just ignore the need for a tablet for now...not that the iPad2 is not good but it's just that a 10 inch tablet seems too big for me...but I'm sure many of the Apple fanboy will not mind splashing their cash on the new toy from Apple...

So if you are indeed going to buy a tablet, would it be the Apple iPad2, Motorola Xoom, Blackberry Playbook, the Samsung Galaxy Tab2 or what?? Well, it seems iPad2 still have the edge given the latest bad news from Blackberry...let's hope for a better competition

Some Basic Shortcuts For Your Computer!

Keyboard Shortcuts

Alt + F
File menu options in
current program.

Alt + E
Edit options in current program

F1 Key
Universal Help in almost
e very Windows program.

Ctrl + A
Select all text.

Ctrl + X
Cut selected item.

Shift + Delete
Delete The iteam Permanently

Ctrl + C
Copy selected item.

Ctrl + V
To Paste Copied content

Ctrl + Left arrow
Moves one word to the
left at a time.

Ctrl + Right arrow
Moves one word to the
right at a time.

Alt + Ctrl + Delete
To open Task Manager