My Views and Reviews

Google apps marketplace

Google Apps Marketplace Integrates Third-Party Cloud Apps with Google Apps Google just launched a new Google Apps Marketplace where users can discover and deploy third-party cloud applications that integrate with their existing Google Apps accounts.Give the video above a watch for a full overview of how Google Apps Marketplace apps work, or, summed up from the Google Apps Marketplace homepage:

The Google Apps Marketplace offers products and services designed for Google users, including installable apps that integrate directly with Google Apps. Installable apps are easy to use because they include single sign-on, Google’s universal navigation, and some even include features that integrate with your domain’s data.

 We’ve detailed how to trick out Google Apps in the past, but the Apps Marketplace brings an entirely new set of potentially useful tools to your Google Apps account—everything from accounting and finance apps to project and customer management. And while the current set of offerings might seem like overkill unless you’re a business running on Google Apps, the integration that these tools provide with Google tools like Mail, Calendar, Docs, and Contacts might be well worth it for the right app, and in time, Apps Marketplace sets the stage for all kinds of awesome third-party integration that could potentially take place with any outside application and the Google applications you use every day. (Time will tell on that front.)

 We’ve been paging through the offerings since the site went up, but if you stumble onto a particularly snazzy looking Marketplace app, share a link in the comments. Right now most of the apps look like they come with a recurring subscription fee, but we’ve found a few interesting looking options (some free), like:Aviary, the web-based creative suite.

Shared contacts, which, as one might expect, lets you share contacts with your colleagues (something that’s always been a little difficult in Google Apps). [Has a free trial]

Gbridge, a “free, instant VPN for everyone” that can sync folders, share files, and share screens remotely between computers—and it’s free.

CISCO Announcement

Earlier on today we posted an article which looked into what Cisco’s big Internet changing announcement could be, we have now heard that they have announced a new carrier routing system which is called CRS-3.CRS-3 will act as the foundation for the next-generation of the Internet usage, it will apparently offer more than 12 times the traffic capacity which its closest competitor’s complete system offers.

CRS-3 will feature a capacity of up to 322 Terabits per second, this bandwidth would allow every man, woman and child in China to make simultaneous video calls, also this has the bandwidth to stream every motion picture ever made in just four minutes.

MSI Wind U160 Available for Pre-order

MSI’s latest Wind, the U160, is now available for pre-order in the US starting at $379.99. The Wind U160 is powered by Intel’s Atom N450 1.66GHz processor, 1GB of RAM and the onboard Intel GMA 3150 graphics.

MSI’s new netbook has a 250GB hard drive and a multi-in-one card reader. It comes with a 10-inch 1024×600 LCD display, a 1.3 Megapixel webcam, and support for Bluetooth and WiFi. Two colors are available, Brown (model U160-007US) and Black (U160-006US).

Verizon 4G Trials Clock 40Mbps to 50Mbps Download Speed

Verizon today expanded on some of the actual results for its expected 4G network. After testing in the Boston and Seattle areas, the provider estimates that a real connection on a populated network should average between 5Mbps to 12Mbps in download rates and between 2Mbps to 5Mbps for uploads. Actual, achievable peak speeds in these areas float between 40-50Mbps downstream and 20-25Mbps upstream….Some recent tests on the Verizon Wireless 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network have clocked some amazing download speeds, easily surpassing the current 3G networks.

According to a press release from Verizon, they have been testing the 4G LTE network in Boston and Seattle since August 2009 and have seen peak download speeds of 40 to 50 megabits per second with upload speeds ranging between 20 to 25 Mbps.The tests included data calls, VoIP calls, streaming videos and file uploads and downloads along with regular web browsing. This is definitely good news since such speeds have rarely been see on mobile networks and it would definitely make mobile web browsing and downloads better than what they are right now.For example, you could easily download and watch a 650 MB movie over the air in 10 minutes or lesser, which would currently take you around 30 minutes or more.Verizon Wireless plans to make the 4G LTE network available in 25 to 30 US markets by the end of 2010

Newegg shipping dummy Intel Core i7 920?

Several reports on the web have surfaced about a possible issue with Core i7 920 orders at NewEgg – this is one of Intel’s most popular processors (about $270). Apparently, a small number of them are stand-in/demo boxes with a dummy CPU and fan inside. From the couple of YouTube videos (if they are authentic), it looks like dummy boxes that could have been used to validate a design or on the shelves of a store (for illustration purposes). HotHardware says that both Newegg and Intel have been notified, and that the problem would be limited to 300 boxes on a shipment of 2000. I’m not sure how such a percentage of dummies could make it into a shipment, but I guess that it’s technically possible for someone to sneak those in. You would think that barcodes and other controls would prevent that. Anyway, Newegg is reportedly issuing RMAs (return authorizations) to those who have received a dummy, so it should end happily. Again, note that this has not been confirmed officially by Intel or Newegg, so take this with caution.

Apple runs iPad commercial during the OscarsTechnology

Apple chief executive Steve Jobs attended the Oscars tonight and his company ran a commercial during the show that touted the iPad for the first time.Jobs was spotted (next to the woman in the white dress in the photo) walking the red carpet and he took a photo with a guest who promptly posted it.During the Grammy’s Apple got comedian Stephen Colbert to show off an iPad, the tablet computer that ships for the first time on April 3, live on stage. But this time, to get in front of an audience of tens of millions, Apple presumably shelled out some megabucks. The big spend here probably means that Apple is quite serious about getting the iPad in front of mass market audiences. It isn’t just targeting geeks.

During the Academy Awards, Apple’s commercial touted all of the cool things you can do with an iPad, though with hyper-accelerated timing. You have to hand it to Jobs. He was smart enough to bankroll Pixar, sell it to Disney, and then keep the team churning out movies like Up — all so that he can get an invitation to walk the red carpet and get into the biggest show on earth. Take that Bill Gates and Paul Otellini.

BSNL Evdo,BSNL Evdo Data Card

If you are looking for high speed internet in India then go for the BSNL EVDO data card. BSNL is one of the largest tele-communication companies in India. BSNL is one of the oldest and largest telecom companies in India with a very good network infrastructure around the country. The company recently launched 3G network in India. This makes BSNL the first Indian company to provide this service. The EVDO was unofficially launched in back in 2007. Currently, it is available in selected cities. ihackintosh.com reports:

Theoretically EVDO Offers 2.4 Mbps with Rev 0 and 3.1 Mbps on Rev A. But it varies on depending on few parameters. The BSNL EVDO modem is USB based, making it easy for Desktop computers as well as Laptops.

BSNL EVDO data card would cost Rs.3,500 one time charges. You can also buy it on rental basis paying Rs. 200 per month. Subscribers would have to pay Rs.550 per month for speeds up to 2.4 Mbps in most of the cities in India. However, BSNL official website reported that the pricing is subject to change according to cities and would range between Rs.400 and Rs.500 per month. The speed may vary according to your location.

Other details:

Activation charges for unlimited EVDO……Rs. 500 Internet connect card sale price……………Rs. 3500Fixed monthly charges for card……………..Rs. 200Fixed monthly charges for internet…………Rs. 550Security charges (refundable)……………….Rs. 1000 Free internet usage…………………………..UnlimitedAdditional usage charges……………………Not applicable Minimum hire period………………………….Three months

All the taxes shall be charged extra as applicableThe above mentioned tariff will be applicable up to 31.12.2008 All other terms and conditions shall remain unchanged This word stands for Evolution-Data or Evolution-Data Optimized is a internet service standard for Wireless internet connections with speeds ranging upto 2.4Mbps.

 BSNL EVDO Data Card Review BSNL EDVO Tariff Plans and Network Quality on the BSNL EVDO Internet Data Card on the network quality and internet speed. The Tariff of this service is around Rs.550/month for speeds upto 2.4Mbps in most cities in India. Though there are reports that the pricing differs based on cities and starts at Rs.400/month to Rs.550/month.

 For More Information BSNL Evdo Visit :

 http://www.bsnldatacard.com/bsnl-evdo-modem-details.html

Apple iPad to hit the US this April 3

It seems that in recent years, anything that Apple comes up with seems to generate a whole lot of publicity. We can’t really blame them for making good on their range of devices though, delivering quality as well as the most important of them all – a fantastic user experience which appeals to the broadest user base. Well, the iPad which was unveiled a couple of months ago certainly raised quite a furore amongst the general population, but there are also the fair share of detractors. Well, fans of the

iPad will be pleased to know that the magical and revolutionary device is tipped to hit the US market on April 3rd, although this is limited to just its Wi-Fi models while others who want the high end Wi-Fi + 3G models will have to wait until the end of April. As for people living in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the UK, they will be able to get their hands on the iPad in late April as well.

Too lazy to queue up at an Apple Store and fight with the crowd? You can always place your pre-order for both Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + 3G models from Apple’s online store from March 12th onwards. With prices starting from $499 upwards, we do wonder whether the iPad will do well based on its merits alone and not because of all the hype generated over the past few months. To recap, the iPad is capable of letting users browse the web, read and send email, enjoy and share photos, watch videos, listen to music, play games and read ebooks among others. It measures all of 0.5? thin which makes it a snap to slide it into a MacBook Air case without any trouble, while the 1.5 pounds weight makes it the thinnest and lightest device out there when compared to any netbook (of course, this is comparing apples and oranges – pun intended), since it can do many things the netbook already does.

sun direct

MUMBAI: Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific has announced the launch of Discovery HD, the 24-hour high-definition channel, in India. The English language channel is available at Rs 25 per month and will remain ad-free. Discovery HD will be available on Sun Direct channel No 965. The HD channel features content from across Discovery Networks’ channels, as well as select exclusive content. Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific EVP and MD Tom Keaveny says, “I am delighted to announce the launch of Discovery HD in India. Today’s launch underscores Discovery’s enduring commitment to offering high-quality content and services that serve the needs of both affiliates and advertisers while enhancing the consumer viewing experience.” Adds Discovery Networks Asia Pacific SVP and GM India Rahul Johri, “The emergence and growth of digitisation in India is critically dependent on the broadcasters’ competence to offer differentiated, credible and entertaining content. Discovery HD brings the network’s thrilling factual content to life sound effects are more realistic, images larger than life and situations more gripping than ever before.” Discovery HD aims to bring audiences closer to their world with imagery and detail, featuring programming on the wonders of the world ranging from culture, science, and natural history to travel and lifestyle themes. The HD programming will be offered in 1080i, along with 5.1 surround sound. Sun Direct COO Tony D’Silva comments, “Sun Direct is proud to be the first DTH provider in India to showcase high definition content to its viewers. Discovery HD’s worldwide reputation, global programming repertoire and production quality will surely add value to our HD product offering.” The programming lineup on Discovery HD will have shows like Green Paradise, Postcards Australia, Nature’s Keepers and Our Planet, Space Station HD, Sunrise Earth, Moments in Time, Monumental Vision and Destination Wilderness.

Verizon Outage

All customers of using the Verizon wireless package are experiencing a Verizon outage throughout the nation today. The users who may be connected to the wireless network that Verizon provides will not be able to con tinue with their work as normal as the Verizon outage debilitates the entire countries Verizon users of their routine tasks.

The phones which are most popular with the Verizon network are the smart phones which include iPhones, Blackberries and Droids. The news from the company about the Verizon outage is that they cannot confirm a fixed time of proper network functionality but are currently in the process of working the problem out.

The Verizon outage comes just a few days after the Playstation network suffered a ‘glitch’ just a few days ago on Sunday and arouses the curiosity of its nature as it couldn’t be a mere coincidence that the networks are being disrupted so close together.

The advice from the company is that people should revert to the use of corded phones as it may help reduce the burden of a lack of connection. The Verizon outage though considered to effect the greater part of the country has left some spots in the nation untouched. Though that is the case, if you’re a Verizon user I wouldn’t recommend you relying too much on the network for a day or two.

Verizon is one of the largest wireless networks in the United States of America and if their coverage map were to be seen it would show a very few white spots in the country where Verizon wireless connections are not available. I can imagine many a businessmen loosing hair over this predicament.