Impressions on Windows 8 Developer Preview

I used to think there was some kind of conspiracy between Intel and Microsoft. Intel would create faster processors, and Microsoft would release new operating systems and updates which needed more and more resources. I am sure that someone uses all the new features that they have placed in the new operating systems, but I never really appreciated all the new features. All things considered, I would be perfectly happy reverting to Windows XP. In the end, all I really want is an operating system that boots fast, resumes from sleep quickly, shutdowns in an instant and launches applications quickly and get out of the way as quickly as possible. On laptops and desktops, the operating system is really just a platform to launch apps. It is the apps that we really use to be productive.

With the failure of Windows Vista, Microsoft realized that it cannot continue to expect customers to continue buying and upgrading hardware just to runs Windows. With the need to get into the tablet space, I think Microsoft has realized the need for a lighter operating system. After a few days on the Windows 8 Developers Preview release, it think Windows 8 is shaping up to be a worthy successor to Windows 7. Lets forget about the Metro Interface for a bit, you really should not spend to much of your time staring at your operating system.

This early Windows 8 release boots 3-4 times faster than Windows 7 and uses less RAM. In other tasks it does not really feel all that much faster than Windows 7. But if Microsoft is able to cut down application launch times, that would be enough of an improvement I think. I also have not encountered stability problems running Windows 8 on a laptop natively. 

Going back to Metro. Some will like it, some won't. All-in-all I think Metro is a good next generation interface for Windows. Replacing the start menu with what is effectively a full screen start menu, is beneficial to laptops with smaller screens. 

I think the biggest challenge to Windows 8 is how it will handle the ecosystem of Metro apps and traditional desktop apps. It seems to make a lot of sense to give users the option to actually use it without Metro and revert to the traditional Windows Start Menu, as an option

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AT&T (USA) I997UCKI4 Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread ROM leaks for Samsung Infuse 4G SGH-I997

The Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread ROM for Samsung Infuse 4G SGH-I997  AT&T US carrier is now available on stock ROM. This firmware build number is I997UCKI4 with default ATT CSC file and a build date of September 2011. This is the first Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread update that is finally hits only for AT&T Infuse. The ROM was first release by samfirmware along side-by-side with T-Mobile's Samsung Galaxy S 4G SGH-T959v which also got the first 2.3.5 T959VUVKI1 update.

You can grab the stock rom here: I997UCKI4 via samfirmware.com links.
Model = Samsung Infuse 4G SGH-I997
Provider = AT&T USA
K = 2011
I = September
4 = Version

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Odin Guide: Install T959VUVKI1 Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread for T- Mobile Samsung Galaxy S 4G

Here's a  step by step guide on how to upgrade the Samsung Galaxy S 4G to Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread T959VUVKI1 firmware update. This guide covers for manual flashing by way of using ODIN since this firmware is a stock ROM, a leaked and not a final Gingerbread version so far. Anyone does not any knowledge about firmware flashing can wait for the T-Mobile official push out via OTA/KIES update.

Disclaimer: Proceed at your own risk, we are not responsible if any problems may happen to your device.

What you'll need:
- Desktop/Laptop Computer Running 32bit Versions Of Either Microsoft Windows 7, Vista, or XP
- Anti-Virus Programs Should Be Disabled- Administrative Privileges Required To Download & Install Software Including Drivers
- An Available USB Port On The PC S That Support 2.0 USB
- Fully Charged Battery
- USB Data Cable

- Back up all important files, SMS,Contacts etc. Use a back up tool like Titanium back up.

Samsung Galaxy S 4G ODIN flashing procedure:
1) Download the Galaxy S 4G T959VUVKI1 Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread Stock ROM and extract it.

2) Run ODIN v1.7 or v1.85 on your desktop.

3) On ODIN click on the PDA button and then select and load the: 
T959VUVKI1-REV00-home-low-CL579207.tar.md5 file in the PDA field.

Ensure that the RE-partition is not checked, Only the Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time are checked on each checkboxes.
DO NOT USE a pit file and CSC file on it. Leave it empty.

4) Turn your Galaxy S 4G off. Press and hold the VOLUME DOWN and POWER Button
- then plug the USB to your PC. This will reboot the phone into Download Mode. You should see a BIG yellow triangle on the phone said Download mode, and the ID:COM box on ODIN will indicate that the phone is already connected or detected.

5) Once all set, hit the "Start" to begin the firmware flashing.


Wait.... until the firmware flashing process finishes. You will then see a word "PASS" when it completes and then the phone will then reboot. It only takes around 2-5 minutes max depends on your PC speed. Once finish, unplug your device from PC. That's it!

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Is Windows 8 a modern day Janus?

In ancient Roman religion and mythology, Janus is the god of beginnings and transitions. He is depicted as having two faces on his head, facing opposite directions. Symbolically Janus looks simultaneously into the future and the past. Windows 8 represents the most major transition in Windows since Windows 95. Part of it hold on to its past and rich store of applications. Part of its looks to the future, giving a nod to modern touchscreen devices.

Windows 8 adopts the new Metro interface, from Microsoft's own Windows Phone 7 devices. But it is more than that. It is like having two different desktops with their own apps running on one operating system. One example is Internet Explorer. You have Internet Explorer for Metro and the desktop version of Internet explorer. Here is how the two look like displaying the same information.

Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer for Metro

I really do not have a problem going from the desktop apps to the Metro apps, but I spend so much time going from one operating system to another, I am pretty much OS agnostic. With the desktop apps you have your menus, minimize, maximize and close controls on the right side and the familiar task bar at the bottom for multitasking. With Internet Explorer for Metro all the control are hidden and are revealed (on a non-touchscreen device) via a right mouse click. You get fewer options than on the desktop version but get nice big finger friendly buttons.

A user could use Windows 8 with the traditional desktop apps or in the future rely fully on Metro apps. But I think many will use both not realizing which are Metro apps and which ones use the traditional interface. Does Microsoft have a firm eye on its past and its future, or do you think this will just cause confusion among Windows users?

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The iPhone 5 Buzz

It is expected that Apple is going to release its fifth-generation handset iPhone 5 by the end of October this year 2011. It seems as if Apple intentionally delayed the introduction of iPhone 5 for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the holiday season is around the corner and the masses have been hearing a lot of rumors regarding iPhone 5. People would love to have this new handset as gifts of Christmas and other events. Market has been greatly occupied by Apple due to this delay. Secondly, Droid Bionic is a recent entry in the market with much improved camera results. Apple had to figure out some way depending upon this market response with something even better. Also, there had been issues of reduced sales due to antenna problems with iPhone 4.

Specifications of the Apple iPhone 5

Though Apple has not disclosed any information about their upcoming product, yet the market is stuffed with a lot of matter on iPhone 5. Apple has been in the lead in the smart phone business and hopes to strengthen this lead with release of iPhone 5. The bright line of this entire buzz around is that it is going to ignite competitiveness in the smart phone business arena. Some of the specifications of iPhone 5 are mentioned.

1.       New design

2.       Smarter

3.       NFC support/Bluetooth 4

4.       Hybrid GSM/CDMA

5.       Voice Controls

6.       Better speaker and camera

7.       iOS 5

8.       Miscellaneous

1-New design: It is expected that this handset will be put in the market with a teardrop case design, i.e. the new iPhone 5 will be thicker at one end as compared to the other.

2-Smarter: It has been reported the Thunderbolt connector has been used in the design of this handset. So, iPhone 5 is supposed to be about 10% thinner than the previous models.

3-NFC support/ Bluetooth 4: iPhone 5 may come up with Bluetooth 4 implementation or with NFC support as Apple has been working on this for quite some time now.

 4-Hybrid GSM/CDMA: It is expected to come up with hybrid GSM/CDMA facility which is most likely to offer advanced integrated artificial intelligence and reality support employing Siri Technology. In other words, user will be able to connect to most of the available networks using a single device. AT&T and Verizon are expected to be hit by iPhone 5 simultaneously along with reaching CDMA networks.

5-Voice Controls: An application known as Assistant is employed in new iPhone which will improve the voice controls. One will be able to send texts, make Face-time calls as well as speak music requests. 

6-Better Speakers and Camera: Speakers being placed inside the new mobile device are very much improved. This handset is supposed to carry 8-megapixel camera from the Omnivision with camera modules being about 20% thinner than the previous models along with much improved LED flash light system and front camera.

7-iOS 5: Another feature is the iOS 5 on which Apple has been working quite hard. It I going to integrate with iCloud for access of computing services from anywhere.

8-Miscellaneous: Of course, enhanced processing and storage are necessary in new models. iPhone 5 comes with 1Ghz Dual-core A5 processor, 512MB RAM, up to 64 GB of storage, full HD support and above all approximately same price as existing models.

Crystal J. Briscoe is from Exams Expert. Looking for 250-370 exam help? Let’s take advantage of Exams Expert self paced  250-365 training and pass your IT exams on first try. Prepare yourself for world Top IT Certification with Exams Expert, outstanding exam practice software provide you everything that you you require for Exams practice.

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T- Mobile (USA) Samsung Galaxy S 4G T959VUVKI1 Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread Update

The first Android 2.3.5 Gingerbread for Galaxy S 4G updates finally  here, the firmware build number is T959VUVKI1 with a default CSC file of TMB and build date September 15, 2011. Folks using a carrier branded T-Mobile Galaxy S 4G SGH-T959V that runs on Android version 2.3.3 or 2.3.4 T959VUVKF1, T959VUVKG4 and T959VUVKH2 can now upgrade to T959VUVKI1 which is now packed on Android 2.3.5. Other fixes and improvements- This update version will improved network performance for the Galaxy S 4G, fixed bluetooth bug, improved Gmail application .

Build info.

  # autogenerated by buildinfo.sh
    ro.build.id=GINGERBREAD
    ro.build.display.id=GINGERBREAD.VUVKI1
    ro.build.version.incremental=VUVKI1
    ro.build.version.sdk=10
    ro.build.version.codename=REL
    ro.build.version.release=2.3.5
    ro.build.date=Thu Sep 15 18:20:37 KST 2011
    ro.build.date.utc=1316078437
    ro.build.type=user
    ro.build.user=se.infra
    ro.build.host=SEP-77
    ro.build.tags=release-keys
    ro.product.model=SGH-T959V
    ro.product.brand=samsung
    ro.product.name=SGH-T959V
    ro.product.device=SGH-T959V
    ro.product.board=SGH-T959V
    ro.product.cpu.abi=armeabi-v7a
    ro.product.cpu.abi2=armeabi
    ro.product.manufacturer=samsung
    ro.product.locale.language=en
    ro.product.locale.region=US
    ro.wifi.channels=
    ro.board.platform=s5pc110
    # ro.build.product is obsolete; use ro.product.device
    ro.build.product=SGH-T959V
    # Do not try to parse ro.build.description or .fingerprint
    ro.build.description=SGH-T959V-user 2.3.5 GINGERBREAD VUVKI1 release-keys
    ro.build.fingerprint=samsung/SGH-T959V/SGH-T959V:2.3.5/GINGERBREAD/VUVKI1:user/release-keys
    # Samsung Specific Properties
    ro.build.PDA=T959VUVKI1
    ro.build.hidden_ver=T959VUVKI1
    ro.build.changelist=579207
    ro.flash.resolution=1080
    # end build properties

This firmware was released by samfirmware.
Download the rom here: T959VUVKI1 passcode: samfirmware.com
Model = SGH-T959V Samsung Galaxy S 4G
Provider UV =  T-Mobile (USA)
K = 2011
I = September
1 = Version

How to update Samsung Galaxy S 4G using the T959VUVKI1 via Odin.
This is for advance users only, everyone can still upgrade for the official OTA update release.


1) Download the stock ROM  .tar file.
2) Extract  the .tar file you just downloaded, the password is samfirmware.com. It will become .tar.md5 file extension then.
3) Start Odin downloader
4) Click "PDA" and load the .tar.md5 file you just extracted into it.

DO NOT SET ANY OPTIONS IN ODIN

5) Turn off the Galaxy S 4G then set the device into download mode - Hold Vol+Up & Vol+Down button,  then plug it in to the PC and Odin will recognize it.
6) Once detected in Odin, hit Start and wait for your phone to flash, reboot, and load to a lockscreen
7)  Turn your phone off and disconnect it from USB.

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Acer Travelmate TimelineX 8372-484G50Mnkk

Acer has released a very nicely priced thin-and-light laptop in the Philippine market, the 13.3-inch Acer Travelmate TimelineX 8372-484G50Mnkk. The laptop has the following specifications:

• Linux O.S.
• Intel Core-i5 480M, 2.66GHZ, 3MB Cache, 1066FSB (35W)
• Mobile Intel® HM55 Express Chipset
• 4GB DDR3 1066MHz Memory, with two memory slots up to 4GB max
• 13.3"  HD 1366 x 768 pixel resolution, high-brightness LED-backlit TFT LCD
• Intel® HD Graphics with 128 MB of dedicated system memory
• Integrated High-definition Audio support with two built-in stereo speakers
• 500GB SATA HDD
• 8x DVD SuperMulti Double Layer Drive
• Built-in  Fingerprint Solutions
• 2.1kg (4.63 lbs.) with 8-cell battery pack
• 87W 6000 mAh 8-cell Li-ion Standard Battery pack
• Up to 6 hours battery life
• Integrated Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000, Wake-on-LAN ready
• Integrated Wireless 802.11a/b/g/Draft-N Wi-Fi CERTIFIED® Network
• Multi-in-1 card reader (SD™, MMC, MS, MS PRO, xD)
• Acer Crystal Eye high-def webcam, 1280 x 1024 resolution
• With Bluetooth® 2.1+EDR
• Three USB 2.0 ports
• HDMI™ port with HDCP support
• External display (VGA) port; Ethernet (RJ-45) port; DC-in jack for AC Adapter
• Headphone/speaker/line-out jack; Microphone-in jack
• 13.5 x 9.6 x 1.03 to 1.31 inches
• 4.6 pounds
• Multi-gesture touchpad, supporting two-finger scroll, pinch, rotate, flip
• Acer Carrying Bag

At a retail price of Php29,999 it is very reasonable priced even if the pre-isntalled operating system is Linux. Notable are the 4GB of RAM and the 8-cell 6000mAH capacity battery. This is a 2010 model or early 2011 model, and is not a Sandy Bridge laptop. Still at 30K, it is a very good deal.

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