tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51827797038525810312024-03-13T20:21:42.667+08:00AUTASPACE!Just another journal of an ex-Comms/PR/Creative-content-guy-who-went-back-to-tech-journalism (well sort of...
Dedicated to all stuff needed to be said...Whether they're 'auta' or not, but might be related to 'auta.' 'Auta' means something really unbelievable, poppycock or bull-crap-like...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182779703852581031.post-7212584525248232772013-04-08T14:39:00.001+08:002013-04-08T14:39:22.387+08:00English expat invents electronic chopsticks - Biz | The Star Online<a href="http://biz.thestar.com.my/20130401/english-expat-invents-electronic-chopsticks.asp#.UWJl34yKnqc.blogger">English expat invents electronic chopsticks - Biz | The Star Online</a><br />
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Really. What would they think of next... Obviously April 1st material.<br />
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Almost had me at the headline.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182779703852581031.post-14762954430560452582013-04-08T14:37:00.001+08:002013-04-08T14:37:15.408+08:00Peeping tom sues neighbours | The Star Online<a href="http://thestar.com.my/20130401/news/peeping-tom-sues-neighbours.asp#.UWJkb2peGgY.blogger">Peeping tom sues neighbours | The Star Online</a><br />
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Was this a real case? Seemed like a parody of the times - aptly enough it does say something about society. It made me remember reading as a child about the graffiti found from ancient Rome - some were whimsical and some were scandalous. But they were telling a story nonetheless about the days gone past.<br />
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In this piece, which I took in good humour, seemed as a critique by someone who in the United States might have claimed his right of expression - or something fangled like that.<br />
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Interesting times. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182779703852581031.post-50209724304375150802011-05-05T17:21:00.002+08:002011-05-05T17:32:49.311+08:00MIMOS Celebrates 25th Year in Research & Development - Tun Dr. M awarded recognition<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Today MIMOS celebrated it's 25th year in research and development for Malaysia. Starting from a pioneer team of less than ten people and RM5 million, MIMOS has certainly grown to great proportions.</div><br />
The video is of Tun Dr. Mahathir's congratulatory speech to MIMOS, the recipients of recognition for IP contributions and for the pioneering management team.<br />
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The speech starts with Tun mentioning that MIMOS started with RM5 million, a small sum in comparison for today. Note: video has some cuts in between; not the full length. It doesn't have the part that Tun says "my job actually here is to congratulate them..."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz-It8bX4_JFb7vPynl66gna-QCbTrBQ0mbtruQH_WloMdRR7bnALaMW9Ufxdany6NlWBIaM4y4vhnOPrt4qg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Second video starts with Tun talking about getting funds for Proton to research on developing electric powered cars and comparing the minuscule budget to General Motors with a budget of $3 Billion. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object class="BLOGGER-picasa-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fE9ZnLtUw6Y/TcJragu_-MI/AAAAAAAAAXM/yhaDtn9I9Ac/s1600/MIMOS_Mahathir_05052011-2.flv" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fv2.nonxt4.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3Dc127c29872212602%26itag%3D18%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1304608714%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3D156260274CEDD202FDD1FC68925DBC248BBC659.3211AAFA8CED472098ABA403C6F363D9490C33B0%26key%3Dlh1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?videoUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fv2.nonxt4.googlevideo.com%2Fvideoplayback%3Fid%3Dc127c29872212602%26itag%3D18%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1304608714%26sparams%3Did%2Citag%2Cip%2Cipbits%2Cexpire%26signature%3D156260274CEDD202FDD1FC68925DBC248BBC659.3211AAFA8CED472098ABA403C6F363D9490C33B0%26key%3Dlh1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Third and final video starts with Tun talking about how family owned Italian companies can produce very professional prototypes at a very high price. It ends with a book signing,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy_uEj3gFwxFoWGFaseUcp8QCvljwzTzE1L3OQYYDOX97mxoeOXR7qHTdqMlGLUSgqHp1O-A5OimH0ytdaMwQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182779703852581031.post-21795111345081562692011-04-20T10:56:00.000+08:002011-04-20T10:56:42.699+08:00Apple guy: great artists steal...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Now this is awkward. The saying goes that imitation is a form of flattery - or something to that effect and most certainly there isn't anything that hasn't been done yet. Sadly enough, that's the limitation of human existence. However there are some concepts and precepts which protect a creator or inventor - albeit in some countries for a limited time.<br />
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Recently, Apple sued Samsung for copying: 1. the iPhone and 2. the iPad. In the US sales statistics by ComScore show that Samsung by the way of Android made it's way as the smartphone of choice. Well no surprise there - the legal battles of the IT industry is rife with such claims and patent infringements.<br />
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Here's the Apple Guy:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CW0DUg63lqU" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182779703852581031.post-21123107786227521522011-04-05T16:05:00.000+08:002011-04-05T16:05:26.059+08:00Motorola Defy Dipped Served In A Glass Of Water For Your Viewing Pleasure!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FZxhnT227i8/TZrIeY73NiI/AAAAAAAAAXE/NEgvVQk_VF4/s1600/21022011494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FZxhnT227i8/TZrIeY73NiI/AAAAAAAAAXE/NEgvVQk_VF4/s320/21022011494.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What's that you have in your mug? That isn't a giant roach is it?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
A few reviews past I did for a magazine, I had the pleasure of reviewing the rugged Motorola Defy! A nice piece of kit in terms of engineering and design department when it comes to hostile environments! Needless to say, this was one of the favourite Android devices I've reviewed in recent memory. Granted however it still runs Android 2.1 (upgrade to 2.2 promised by Motorola soon, but dunno when) and it stutters a bit in some departments but the Defy nevertheless delivers what I expected it too while running on just an 800MHz processor.<br />
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Now the serving in a mug of water part, isn't actually covered under warranty - It's supposed to be just WATER RESISTANT and NOT water proof! But hey! If you make sure all the seals are shut tight and the backplate cover is fastened correctly, the Defy most certainly can take a dive, a splash and a fair bit of mud slinging!<br />
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One reviewer on another site actually had his review unit submerged in water and made the mistake of not checking the locks and seals. The result? The battery shorted out. The Defy? Well it got dried off and kept on running on another battery! Shows you how well made this baby is from Motorola.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gXSWygfoTHI/TZrIkZSEtlI/AAAAAAAAAXI/1sfxRN7TS6w/s1600/21022011495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gXSWygfoTHI/TZrIkZSEtlI/AAAAAAAAAXI/1sfxRN7TS6w/s320/21022011495.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lights on: Fancy A Motorola Defy in your mug?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Besides being dipped in water and having water run over it from the faucet, the Defy sure can take some abuse: in the guise of several drops. A 3 foot drop onto a concrete floor didn't faze it save some scruff marks- they look cute and give it character...Just like the dinks on my Panasonic Toughbook.<div><br />
</div><div>So fancy having a cuppa with a Defy in it? Read on.</div><div><br />
</div><div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>A pretty faced rugged Android phone</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Motorola Defy unexpectedly surprises us where least expected and mostly delivers what it promises to.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">By Zeeman</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><br />
</u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Rugged Expectations<o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">First impressions would say that the Motorola Defy is quite an ordinary looking mid-range priced Android smartphone; one with a black and glossy outlook. Judging by the size and you would never suspect that the Defy is meant for seriously hardy conditions. In other words it doesn’t look like it’s been popping in steroids. Looks however can be deceiving: folks this isn’t just an ordinary smartphone!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Motorola is however notorious when it comes to staying current with Android: the Defy runs Android 2.1 Éclair; but we’re willing to make some concessions here. Even if Éclair doesn’t support the off loading of apps to external microSD storage, the Defy has 2 GB (1.2 GB available) internal shared memory. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">To top that off, Motorola actually made some very good enhancements and tweaks to the Android 2.1 flavour the Defy runs. Motorola will of course eventually offer an upgrade to Android 2.2 in due time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>First looks:<o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoNormal">What surprises most people when they see the Defy is how unremarkably ordinary it looks like; not that it’s ugly. It’s actually quite elegantly designed or even dainty at just 118 grams to be a rugged device. What surprises them more would be the old dunk test where the Defy is served (with screen on) in a glass of water! Even if the Defy is only ‘water resistant’ and not totally water proof, it lives up to its name in this regard pretty well. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A closer look will tell you that the chassis was meant to take on the brunt of hard use, or even extreme conditions: the black metallic banding around the bezel complete with 9 torx screws, snug water resistant covers for both the 3.5 mm audio jack (rubber-like) and the microUSB port (harder plastic like), the rubber lined gasket in the battery compartment and the latch secured back rubberized plastic back plate. One note about the audio jack: when connected to an earphone, the connector doesn’t go in all the way in.</div><div class="MsoNormal">The display is<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a 3.7 inch WVGA, 480 x 854 pixel screen which is fine for reading small text as long as on a direct angle. One thing you won’t notice is that the glass is Gorilla Glass from Corning which is supposed to be pretty scratch resistant and tough. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">You don’t see too many physical buttons on the Defy: there are Android standard touch buttons at the bottom of the screen (menu, home, back and search). On the top is the power button and on the right side is the volume rocker switch. On the back: top-left are the 5 MP and LED, what seems like a tiny microphone hole, a slide lock mechanism and what seems to be a cleverly designed speaker hole.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Screen time!<o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Defy’s 3.7 inch WVGA, 480 x 854 pixels screen is actually quite decent for most purposes. Legibility is good except at odd 30 degree angles from the sides. When put to maximum brightness, the screen is quite readable outdoors compared to some other brighter and superior screens. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The touchscreen actually works very well. It’s however not responsive when submerged (not recommended, remember it’s only supposed to be water resistant, not waterproof). In fact, after fishing the Defy out, the capacitive multi-point screen is a bit unresponsive until you wipe it dry. So you can’t use it as a camera while underwater, although switching on video record before plunging it into water might work! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><br />
</u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>The innards<o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoNormal">The processor doesn’t look impressive at first: a Texas Instruments’ 800MHz OMAP3610 processor, but playing around with the Defy proves that it’s serves well. There are however some episodes of lagging when switching between apps, but that’s quite occasionally. Overall, the processor seems to be able to handle scrolling very smoothly. Pinch zooming works well too.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Perhaps what helps in the hardware department is the built-in 2 GB internal shared memory (1.2 GB available), the 512MB of RAM which improves performance and the extra 2 GB SD card (which sits behind the battery).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Lithium-polymer battery rated at 1,540 mAh seems to be quite well suited for the Defy that is if you don’t stretch it too much with streaming media. It has enough juice to last the entire day for normal geek usage (music, some YouTube, Tweeter and Facebook usage). You can also turn on the data saver function to limit not only the data usage; it also saves some power as it turns of photo downloads for social media. Tweaking on the frequency of your Gmail, Tweeter and Facebook updates will also save a lot on data and power usage.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><br />
</u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>User Experience<o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoNormal">The user experience on the Defy is actually good with a few minor niggles. How can you complain about a phone that takes punishment and abuse and keeps on ticking? Test dropped (at a height of 3 feet) several times on the office floor and bare concrete plus several dips into glasses of water did not phase the Defy one bit. Some scuff marks aside; this is a phone you don’t have to worry about!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">One issue that propped out would be the touchscreen’s quirk when playing Angry Birds. When zooming in and out a lot, it tends to become unresponsive; i.e. you can scroll and all, just that you can’t launch your birds. The Twitter app works fine but Tweetdeck seems to stutter a bit and then closes by itself. Granted however that these could just be game incompatibility issues (this is after all Android 2.1), but it’s annoying.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Unlike the earlier announced versions of the Defy, this one for Malaysia, besides missing some apps it also doesn’t have the word MotoBlur etched on its back cover plate. MotoBlur streams social network conversations, friends and favorites into your Motorola phone. Some argue that Blur isn’t really necessary given the better and newer social networking apps available. This isn’t a big issue.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Very surprisingly, one of the strongest features is the Connected Music Player. It plays your music, internet radio, music videos (library, YouTube, GoTV), connects to the TuneWiki Community and has Sound Hound sound identification. The music player is way better than the default Android version and besides playing your tracks, it also retrieves the cover art, lyrics (some songs have a karaoke-like lyric support), allows you to share on Twitter, search for related Music Videos and even view a Google Music Map to see what other tracks are being listened to in your nearby area! Besides that you can stream your media to DLNA supported devices if you happen to have any. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Browsing even in multiple tabs works fine and thanks to Adobe Flash Lite 3, you can play Flash video like from YouTube within the browser itself. You also get the option to open the YouTube app as well. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For user input, Swype is already the preset. It’s quite dandy to use once you get the hang of it. Altrnatively there are the Moto input method (includes handwriting recognition for English and Chinese) and Multi-touch keyboard.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Besides giving their own version of the Android soft keyboard (which is quite accurate), Samsung also gives you the option to use the Swype input method. Swype is supposed to make it easier by allowing to type without raising your fingers off from the screen. It traces the path and gives some educated guesses. In landscape mode however, this can mean a lot of distance in between letters. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Defy can also be used as a mobile 3G hotspot. To connect to your Windows PC or Mac, you can use the USB or WiFi Motorola Phone Portal function which allows access to the Defy’s contents via a Web browser.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><br />
</u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Snapshots and video<o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoNormal">The 5 MP camera is not a strong point for the Defy. It isn’t really bad but using a soft-button on the screen tends to make it harder to take fast paced pictures; even if the ‘sport’ mode is selected. Try taking a picture of a toddler in action and all you get are blurred images. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Among the features are geo-tagging, scene modes (portrait, landscape, sport, night portrait, sunset, macro, steady shot, and auto) and some effects. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Pictures can be pretty decent with adequate lighting as seen in outdoor daylight shots. Indoor shots are similar, which is where having the LED flash helps.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For video recording it can get up to 30 FPS at a VGA resolution. For pictures and video there’s an instant sharing capability via Bluetooth, Email, Gmail, MMS or YouTube.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>The verdict?<o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoNormal">Although Éclair is getting pretty long in the tooth, the Motorola has a few trump cards of its own added to the Defy’s Éclair Operating System. Motorola promises eventual Firmware-Over-The-Air (FOTA) upgrades and a step up to Android 2.2. Otherwise the Defy performs reasonably well in spite of the mentioned quirks.</div><div class="MsoNormal">If you’re into rough and tumble activities and don’t want to be worried about the kit you’re carrying in your pocket, the Defy should definitely be on your list. ‘Peace of mind’ for this price, is well worth it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Price: RM1,599</div><div class="MsoNormal">Standard Package: Motorola Defy,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>USB cable-cum-charger adapter, stereo hands-free.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Specifications:</div><div class="MsoNormal">Size/Weight: 107 x 59 x 13.4 mm, 118g</div><div class="MsoNormal">Connectivity: microUSB connector, WiFi (b/g/n),A- GPS, e-Compass, Bluetooth A2DP, 3.5mm audio jack</div><div class="MsoNormal">CPU: TI OMAP 3610 800MHz Cortex-A8 processor</div><div class="MsoNormal">Battery life: 1,540mAh<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Network: EDGE/GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, HSDPA /WCDMA 900/2100 MHz</div><div class="MsoNormal">Camera: 5 MP, autofocus, LED Flash</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182779703852581031.post-78658494900472040532011-03-22T16:10:00.000+08:002011-03-22T16:10:08.136+08:00"That Crazy Bitch Stole My _____!"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">This actually made me really LOL at the office! I don't want to spoil the ending as some of you guys might not have watched it yet.<br />
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<object height="390" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GO5VJz4q66I&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GO5VJz4q66I&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></embed></object></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182779703852581031.post-89645695582697754062011-03-17T16:23:00.000+08:002011-03-17T16:23:23.324+08:00Ubuntu 10.10 GUI Updated<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><iframe frameborder="0" height="248" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/20570173" width="400"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/20570173">Overlay Scrollbars in Unity - implementation</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/canonicaldesign">Canonical Design</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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Ubuntu has just gotten a nice tweak - yep it's just some scroll bars but still a nice tweak nevertheless. One must also see if the graphic adapters are supported by Ubuntu 10.10. Your's truly has been having issues with the Panasonic CF-29 Toughbook since it has an embarrassingly mundane graphic adapter - one of those older Intel Graphics ones.<br />
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I still love my Toughbook anyway! </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182779703852581031.post-78069819542202737442011-03-17T12:19:00.000+08:002011-03-17T12:19:09.516+08:00David Letterman gives you 10 reasons why you should get the iPad 2<div><a href="http://www.soyacincau.com/2011/03/16/david-letterman-gives-you-10-reasons-why-you-should-get-the-ipad-2/">David Letterman gives you 10 reasons why you should get the iPad 2</a></div><div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.soyacincau.com/2011/03/16/david-letterman-gives-you-10-reasons-why-you-should-get-the-ipad-2/"></a><object style="height: 390px; width: 640px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ueGl0qL-oLo?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ueGl0qL-oLo?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="640" height="390"></embed></object><br /><div><br /></div><div>This was really cute! And actually very apt seeing how the way the world is caught in a downward spiral. I like David Letterman than whatshisname guy with the big chin. He's actually funny just being himself - he is the funny - in person!</div><div><br /></div><div>So have you decided to get an iPad 2 yet? We'll be coming back with some stuff you should consider before deciding on that purchase!</div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182779703852581031.post-74531827823753883092011-03-17T11:47:00.001+08:002011-03-17T14:35:18.931+08:00CIA Contractor in Pakistan Saved by Syariah Law!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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<div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Subtitled: CIA Kisses The Camel For Contractor Boo-boo in Pakistan</b></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Link for story: <a href="http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2011/03/cia_contractor_in_pakistan_app.html">CIA Contractor in Pakistan Apparently Saved by Sharia</a></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1226/527370952_567cc3cecf.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /><br />
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This is rather ironic. Where the people against Syariah laws are generally speaking from the Western stance school of thought. This is a situation where Qisas and Diyat; portions under Islamic law have actually benefited a party which in the majority has been at best a vested opponent. I say vested since it depends on the current interests involved - alliances change all the time. Machiavellian as it seems, that's the way and rule of the jungle. Wars after all have for the longest time been fought on proxy.</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The Islamic law on murder or Diyat, which has been invoked in this situation bears semblance to ancient laws of Arabia where the warring tribes were always squabbling and wresting for power an influence in between the many clans and families. It was to resolve a potential much bigger war between tribes; which things can easily escalate towards and can span over centuries in terms of family or clan feuds.</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Excuse me for my limited knowledge on the matter, it wasn't a very complete course back in law school (in comparison for double degree courses for Islamic law practice). But what I can remember is that it isn't actually easy for people to make such payments - even in practice today it's not so commonly heard. Which gives rise to some thoughts:</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1. That this is only happening because the contractor is worthy enough for the CIA to take responsibility off; probably to avoid potentially bigger embarrassment or risks to security.</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">2. CIA has the budget. Well that's just too obvious I suppose.</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">3. CIA is a name that a lot of people would fear if they had to deal with it. Duress might be a factor here.</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Why in the world has this grabbed the worlds attention? Probably because the CIA is involved but its also because Diyat has been rarely been invoked to relieve such situations. Why you ask? In most cases, in today's context, you don't see to many settlements done this one since people will lack the bucks to compensate for the murder act.</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The equation after all, has to do with the value of say (if memory serves) 20 camels for a life; of course it has to be mutually agreed by both families or clans so they don't go out to full scale war over the death.</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">That's a LOT of camels and camels, trust me, don't come cheap even by today's standards they are actually more expensive! The compensationary system in Diyat has rates right down to the broken tooth. It's of course a tooth for a tooth - as the Qisas portion of Islamic law would perpetuate, the recourse however would be a suitable amount of gold Dinars. I mean who wants to get a broken tooth anyway? It doesn't keep well and it isn't worth much and you can't use it to replace the one you just lost.</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">So all things considered, the CIA contractor is one very, very, lucky guy to get off a murder rap thanks to a rather obscurely used piece of Islamic legislation in Pakistan. Good for you and whomever that gets the money though. In honesty however, since taking into consideration no one would want to risk a feud with the CIA, the families involved probably did not have much choice. It's actually pretty nice that the CIA actually stepped up to plate instead of denying knowledge or something else equalling to that shit.</div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182779703852581031.post-29222159967911440732011-03-03T15:35:00.000+08:002011-03-03T15:35:55.830+08:00Angry Birds on Wood!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eTl3smEunV8/TW9DnAOJXbI/AAAAAAAAAW0/Wy1CTaXvCaw/s1600/angry-birds-board-game-mattel-0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eTl3smEunV8/TW9DnAOJXbI/AAAAAAAAAW0/Wy1CTaXvCaw/s1600/angry-birds-board-game-mattel-0.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://m.pocket-lint.com/news/news.phtml/37782">Read it at Pocket Lint news</a><br />
<br />
WOW! Why in the world did this happen? Or more importantly why didn't I think of doing this? This is just too screwyly and funnily kewl - to have Angry Birds in a board game genre.<br />
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Maybe if we ever get one here we can do a review! The novelty factor is evidently there and I can just think of other spin-offs like a Lego version with catapults and an educational one to teach physics in school; muahahaha!<br />
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You get 3 birds, 5 pigs, a catapult and blocks for the level settings. I expect that there should be an expansion pack somewhere in the works.<br />
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To be made by Mattel, the game will be out in about 2 to 3 months time.<br />
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Read more - click the link up thar'<br />
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This is really good Auta-stuff!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182779703852581031.post-56021215570899856932011-03-03T14:53:00.000+08:002011-03-03T14:53:57.222+08:00iPad 2 Launch - All the juicy details | t-break: Tech @ Its Fastest<a href="http://tbreak.com/tech/2011/03/ipad-2-launch-event-all-the-juicy-details/">iPad 2 Launch - All the juicy details | t-break: Tech @ Its Fastest</a><div><br /></div><div>It's finally here! The iPad 2. But is it too little to be bothered with? Starting with the dual-cored A5 processor is an expected step up for tablet evolution. I have to say that I was prepared to be disappointed with minimal improvements over the last iPad. However Mr. Steve Jobs has managed to dazzle us once more on the stage after a 6 week hiatus from his Apple related duties.</div><div><br /></div><div>The specs in short: dual cameras for snapping pictures and video calls, dual-core processor, a one-third the thickness, lighter and a newer version of the OS. But wait what's this? Still no card slot??? Hmm, the way Apple wants to have control over things. This could be a good thing though in the long term considering the 55 malware apps found on the Android Market - which subsequently have been removed by Google.</div><div><br /></div><div>The USD$100 price slash which seems to have been made official in Malaysia as well for the iPad 1 is welcomed of course; lest the Apple stores want to be stuck with the inventory after the newer version arrives. But is that enough? At about RM400 cheaper, would one opt for the newer and faster version instead? Of course the wait will be agonizing for some people.</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh how the fruit makes the world run wild: Apple stocks went up 2 points when Jobs got on stage and then it fell 2 points after he made the announcement for the iPad 2. Strange? Not really. He has this effect on most people - some sort of dis-illusionary spectrum field thingy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Whatever it is, click on the link to read on the specs up thar' and contemplate whether there's an iPad 2 in your future. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182779703852581031.post-68837080623493723752011-03-02T16:05:00.000+08:002011-03-02T16:05:39.646+08:00Eminem surpasses Lady Gaga as the most like living artist on Facebook | Pinoy Ambisyoso<a href="http://pinoyambisyoso.com/entertainment/eminem-surpasses-lady-gaga-as-the-most-like-living-artist-on-facebook">Eminem surpasses Lady Gaga as the most like living artist on Facebook</a><div><br /></div><div>Wow. I didn't know that Justin Bieber has over 1.3 billion views on YouTube! Lady Gaga comes in second with Eminem just crossing over the 1 billionth mark. This is seriously ridiculously silly that it makes one wonder; what is the world coming to? What do we want to watch?</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course there are some things to consider:</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Justin Bieber probably gets a lot of eyeballs watching over and over again - screaming female teenagers with the Bieber fever. Maybe that's why the bandwidth has been a bit unstable these days. The influx of views upsetting the balance of the Internet microcosm kinda thing.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. Lady Gaga? People get curious the first time but I doubt that people would watch the second or third time. So the views can be relied upon a bit more as being more reliable.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. Eminem has gone up steadily surpassing Michael Jackson. Steady growth could make for better staying power on the YouTube chart so to speak; but on the Internet nothing's really that lasting is it? </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182779703852581031.post-5557044561857209052011-02-25T11:01:00.000+08:002011-02-25T11:01:41.518+08:00Class Of 99; Wear Sunscreen<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bwVVpwBKUp0?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" width="425" frameborder="0" height="344"></iframe><br /><br />I really like this one. I listen to it when I feel kinda down or slowing down. Nostalgic? Maybe. But very poignant actually.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182779703852581031.post-45245447332901665142011-02-18T13:02:00.000+08:002011-02-18T13:02:52.976+08:00Hairy Balls Government Center?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">What's the problem? I know it sounds funny and lewd to some at the same time, but Baals is spelled differently than Balls; although Hairy is well, spelled the way it sounds (so it seems).<br />
<br />
Ba'al if I'm not mistakened, based on my shallow historical knowledge related to Hannibal the great general of old that shook the Roman empire. The Roman's feared him so very much and made sure that Carthage (Hannibal's hometown) would never rise again as a threat - they wiped out the nation out from the face of the Earth and made well sure that nothing would grow on its soil for generations to come.<br />
<br />
Well; I digress. Catch the informative and entertaining news coverage on the Hairy Baals issue:<br />
<br />
<object data="http://www.todaysbigthing.com/betamax/betamax.swf?clip_id=4588&schedule_id=2&date=2011-02-11&fullscreen=1" height="360" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="movie" quality="best" value="http://www.todaysbigthing.com/betamax/betamax.swf?clip_id=4588&schedule_id=2&date=2011-02-11&fullscreen=1"/><embed src="http://www.todaysbigthing.com/betamax/betamax.swf?clip_id=4588&schedule_id=2&date=2011-02-11&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="640" height="360" allowScriptAccess="always"></embed></object><br />
<div style="padding: 5px 0; text-align: center;">See more <a href="http://www.todaysbigthing.com/">funny videos</a> and <a href="http://www.todaysbigthing.com/">TBT</a> at <a href="http://www.todaysbigthing.com/">Todays Big Thing</a>.</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182779703852581031.post-64765294481609692011-02-17T02:27:00.000+08:002011-02-17T02:27:21.703+08:00How the Nokia-Microsoft Deal Could Boost Linux<a href="http://www.pcworldme.net/2011/02/16/how-the-nokia-microsoft-deal-could-boost-linux/">How the Nokia-Microsoft Deal Could Boost Linux</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182779703852581031.post-59620088846271644092011-01-10T01:20:00.001+08:002011-01-10T01:49:22.262+08:00Android revelation: Roughly 3 years ago<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wzJiDF3zJR8/TSnzLBGA_VI/AAAAAAAAAWk/lBfVwgNhNM8/s1600/starting+point.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yahoo Go!</td></tr>
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<span class="tjtitle" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><br />
<span class="tjtitle">Roughly about 3 years ago, I wrote this following piece in a daily. It concerned about some announcements by two giant search engine super powers: Yahoo and Google.</span><br />
<span class="tjtitle"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="tjtitle">I guess it's pretty clear now, who has the upper hand in certain areas. Yahoo obviously didn't expect Android to be as big as it is now - they were treating it just as another Operating System and that they would land support to the OS.</span><br />
<span class="tjtitle"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="tjtitle">As it turned out, Google wasn't goofing off - they now have a very significant chunk of the mobile OS market on tablets and smartphones. </span><br />
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</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wzJiDF3zJR8/TSny-Lt7ZVI/AAAAAAAAAWY/JNQ1ha0k2yI/s1600/EPSN0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wzJiDF3zJR8/TSny-Lt7ZVI/AAAAAAAAAWY/JNQ1ha0k2yI/s320/EPSN0007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First and last time to CES...</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="tjtitle">My guess is that after showing off how unfazed or rather how they were still retaining 'status quo,' Yahoo was actually distracted by a lot of things. Admittedly Jerry Yang made a very good impression when I was there among hundred of others at CES - he talked about how Yahoo was banking on its Yahoo Go! on mobilephones and such. He showcased cool location based services - well more like how it would work and look like, but not really ready yet at the time for the rest of us.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wzJiDF3zJR8/TSnzYbnRIRI/AAAAAAAAAWo/r8xHvgp5DoY/s1600/08012008137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wzJiDF3zJR8/TSnzYbnRIRI/AAAAAAAAAWo/r8xHvgp5DoY/s320/08012008137.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two chief Yahoos: Jerry is on the far right, Boerries in the Middle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span class="tjtitle"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wzJiDF3zJR8/TSnzDbTKzqI/AAAAAAAAAWc/fzYCLlLI5QI/s1600/EPSN0132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wzJiDF3zJR8/TSnzDbTKzqI/AAAAAAAAAWc/fzYCLlLI5QI/s320/EPSN0132.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cafeteria even had halal food meats served on certain days!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wzJiDF3zJR8/TSnzJDrhBSI/AAAAAAAAAWg/8ibSMIEvueU/s1600/EPSN0137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wzJiDF3zJR8/TSnzJDrhBSI/AAAAAAAAAWg/8ibSMIEvueU/s320/EPSN0137.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the rooms they had their employees name</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="tjtitle">A week later, back in Malaysia we heard on the wires how Yahoo was laying off thousands of people! Yikes! And I actually liked the Yahoo headquarters that we visited in Sunnyvale; especially the cafeteria. The surroundings there made you feel that they cared for making their staff happy and that they listened to their people for ideas. They even have rooms named by employees and have hack days where anyone with an idea can and will be heard.</span><br />
<span class="tjtitle"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="tjtitle">Now looking back in retrospect; thinking of what went wrong, I guess if there was anyone that should have seen it coming, Yahoo should have. If Yahoo didn't then I guess we can't blame ourselves for not seeing it coming.</span><br />
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</span><br />
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<br />
<span class="tjtitle">But come it did...</span><br />
<span class="tjtitle" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span></span><span class="tjtitle">Original URL was: http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/techNu/Monday/Notebook/20080218152854/Article/index_html</span><span class="tjtitle" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
Widget versus Android</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span id="bcrumbs"> </span> </div>IT might sound like a cult sci-fi movie title from the 50s, but it’s not. It does, however, concern two superpowers in the Internet realm – Yahoo and Google. The year 2008 certainly has proven to be a fast-moving one. It was just earlier in the year when Yahoo unveiled its plans at CES 2008, Nevada, and gave us glimpses into what the company’s future looks like. <br />
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A few weeks later, it was reported that Yahoo was suddenly laying off 14,000 staff. And just two weeks ago, the news came that Microsoft wants to buy Yahoo yet again after similar attempts in the past.<br />
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Last week came the news that the main Internet search engine, Google, has just released its much-awaited Android operating system at the World Mobile Congress in Barcelona.<br />
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Well, it seems that the battle has just escalated to mobile devices. This is of course, not surprising, given that Yahoo’s projection said that the mobile market segment will reach four billion phones by 2010.<br />
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From the likes of it, Yahoo will have to be on its toes in order to survive all these external pressures. It is doing so with the power of widgets/widgetry if you please.<br />
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Ironically, the way that both Yahoo and Google are going about laying their stake on this new territory are one and the same. This involves making it easy for a lot of people such as developers, advertisers and publishers to get on board and be profitable.<br />
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In Yahoo’s case, the company wants to make it extremely easy for mini-applications called widgets to be made by anyone who is familiar with .XML coding. Yahoo has been widget crazy and driven for some time.<br />
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This is proven by its purchase of Pixoria, the company behind Konfabulator years ago. Pixoria used to make widgets for the Mac OS.<br />
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Similarly, in Android’s case, Google wants to make it easy for developers to quickly and cheaply write applications for mobile phones, minus the licensing fees.<br />
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Both ideas are the same as they are different: one wants you to invade your mobile/smartphone via a client called Yahoo Go (which is needed to run the widgets), and another wants to have its operating system on your phone.<br />
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The Yahoo Go 2.0 is supposed to be already available for over 300 devices. Such a “soft-invasion” might have better acceptance by various manufacturers, and it also means that widgets can be written once and used in many devices, regardless of manufacturers or platforms. Hence, the beauty of widgets.<br />
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In the case of Andriod, Google intends to provide what seems to be another platform altogether. However, just like open source OS such as Linux, this might pose some problems. Granted this can only be qualified in due time when we actually get to see, use and feel Android.<br />
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OSes also tend to require more time to mature into a stable platform. Take Windows Mobile, for example, it only started to reach a degree of reliability and stability after Windows CE 3.0 (Microsoft Windows Pocket PC).<br />
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Needless to say, the lesser Windows CE (or WinCE for short) 1.0 to 2.0 made a lot of people WinCE. In those days, Palm OS reigned supreme. But it serves to show that diligence and financial stability does make the OS better.<br />
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It all boils down to how long can an OS developer sustain itself to get better. Is Google game enough to do this? Only time will tell.<br />
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Teething problems and a rocky road will definitely be abound for Android. Google will have to toughen its resolve, especially since the company is not just aiming for the mobile phones market.<br />
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Google’s chairman and CEO Eric Schmidt believes that Android would start an entire new wave of innovation unseen before in the industry. He is confident that this platform will amaze users by the amazing things it will be able to do on their mobile devices.<br />
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What does Yahoo think about the invasion of the Android? Will it disrupt the Yahoo widget invasion plan for the mobile phone space in 2010?<br />
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Marco Boerries, executive vice president of Yahoo Connected Life, cited at the recent CES that “Android is just another operating system. We’ll support it by giving its users a great user experience with Yahoo Go.”<br />
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Well, Yahoo Go on the Android? Now who’s invading who? Let’s see how it goes.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182779703852581031.post-7053390579443760892011-01-04T12:52:00.002+08:002011-01-04T13:02:17.987+08:00Run OS X, Linux or Windows on Chrome Notebook<a href="http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Chrome-OS-Chrome-Laptop-Windows-OSX-Linux,11871.html?sms_ss=blogger&at_xt=4d22a3d46ad35512%2C0">Link to Google Chrome OS Cr-48 running OS X & Win 7 videos</a><br />
<br />
In doing some follow-up research with my attempts of running Android Live (for the PC), I'm also looking at other OSes such as Jolicloud, MeeGo and Chrome OS plus Chromium OS. Granted at least two will not run on my old test machines, since they're specifically made for the Netbook platform (which I don't really like, but they're cute and easy to take along).<br />
<br />
I came across one article at Tom's Hardware (ok, so not everyone likes Tom, but this is still relevant) - it had some lucky guy who has two (count 'em) two Google Chrome OS test machines! And he even installed OS X & Windows 7 - whatever for? No idea. Maybe just to see if it can be done - to check out the hardware compatibility I suppose...<br />
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What do I have in my arsenal? An old Fujitsu P2120 Lifebook running on a now extinct 800Mhz Crusoe chip, a Compaq 1.5Ghz Centrino machine (forgot the exact model) which the power supply just got busted, an NEC Pentium 4 2Ghz machine and my favourite Panasonic Toughbook CF-29 1.3Ghz Centrino machine. All of these, were hand-me-downs, in exception of the CF-29, which I bought 2nd hand and fixed it up a little...The CF-29 has an advantage over the other machines though- it has a touchscreen, which makes sense installing an OS like Android which is built around the technology. It might not support multipoint - but it somewhat works.<br />
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The problem is that I have not been 100% successful in running Android Live on the CF-29. Oh, yes it runs, just that I haven't been able to get the OS to find stuff out of the box, i.e. the networking/WiFi, sound and some stuff are missing. Alternatively, the other route besides booting from the live CD, is to use the .iso image with Oracle's VM Virtualbox with the free Daemon Tools Lite (you can get these off the Net for free for non-commercial use).<br />
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You can imagine how my hopes were dashed when the touchscreen seemed to work in Android Live but you're all dressed up but you can't go anywhere :-(<br />
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I'll post up the progress when I make some headway on these teeny OSes on the PC. Does anyone have a Netbook to spare for testing?<br />
<br />
Are these OSes going to have a niche on the PC? I reserve my opinions until I can say with confidence whether this is auta or not!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182779703852581031.post-73847264587388630532010-12-30T14:50:00.005+08:002010-12-30T15:23:12.398+08:00Motorola Defy Yowza! I wannit!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wzJiDF3zJR8/TRwsKbTe_XI/AAAAAAAAAWI/u_6ALc9llGg/s1600/MOTOROLA%2BDEFY%2BImage%2B%25282%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 202px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wzJiDF3zJR8/TRwsKbTe_XI/AAAAAAAAAWI/u_6ALc9llGg/s400/MOTOROLA%2BDEFY%2BImage%2B%25282%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556364597908143474" border="0" /></a>Here's the sorta phone that I would really like to have - I'm a tough/rugged gadget enthusiast (due to all those SAS, Andy McNab books and such), a outdoorsman wannabe and a unrepentant tech geek. And the Defy would definitely go well next to my Panasonic CF-29 Toughbook.<br /><br />It runs on Android! OK, so it's not like your garden variety Linux distro*... But it's a really geek-centric mobile OS. Plus its got tonnes of apps up for free at the Marketplace.<br /><br />The Defy is a tough Android 2.1 phone and features elemental resistance to dust, water, impact and scratches of the harsh outdoors. <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Great bod!</p><p class="MsoNormal">It has that familiar 'touch-tablet' form but with some great ruggerised features such as impact and scratch resistant Corning Gorilla Glass and built to withstand spills and dusty environments. It is also light at 118 grams.</p><p class="MsoNormal">I just love the fact they've tried to build it tough. I wish I'd have a review unit to try out to see whether it's all up to hype. I've seen some reviewer blogs plopping the Defy into a glass of water.</p><p class="MsoNormal">If I ever get one for review (my day job requires me to test out and review some models), let's see if the claims are auta or not shall we?<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Display</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>The Defy comes with a 3.7 inch FWVGA (480 x 854 pixels) which is nothing much to shout about these days, but some concessions are necessary to allow the Defy to be made more ruggerised thanks to Gorilla Glass and overall body construction.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Processor</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>Defy has a 800Mhz OMAP3610 processor which is more than enough to run the Android 2.1 Eclair Operating System.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Memory</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>Defy has 512MB of RAM and 2GB of ROM and 1.2GB of user available memory. Adding to the memory is possible using the SD Card Slot.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Connectivity</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>Besides the regular phone stuff, the Defy supports HSUPA 2.0 Mbps, Corporate Sync, Bluetooth, Firmware Over the Air and USB.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Battery</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>The battery has been rated at 1,540 mAh, which Motorola rates up to 6 hours of talk time and 9.9 days of standby. I'd take this with a pinch of salt...<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Camera</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>Defy has a 5MP camera with LED flash and video supports H.264 (VGA video playback at 30 frames per second) and MPEG4.</p><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Price?</span><br />RM1,599! Which is not bad all things considered. Of course, there are others out there which can be had for less. There are Android 2.1 phones like from Alcatel and Samsung which cost between RM680 to RM860. But these are entry level ones. The Alcatel OT-980 has a cheap TFT 2.8 inch screen, which doesn't really duke it out these days...<br /><br />What you pay, just like in the case of the Toughbook, is (no its not the macho, tough guy image) the premium grade materials and well thought of design to give you a bit more assurance that your gadget will survive harsh environments and rough usage...<br /><br />Unlike the Toughbook though, the Defy doesn't look like that it can take a bullet. A <a href="http://www.imjosh.com/2007/02/15/toughbook-takes-a-bullet-for-a-soldier/">toughbook actually stopped a 7.62mm round </a>(the type used in the notorious AK-47). But alltogether this would be a phone that I wouldn't worry about much about for the bump and grind of daily life.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br />*Some folks would know that I'm a Ubuntu pusher - it's a sado-macho relationship. It stresses me out but it makes me really happy when I figure out how to fix or tweak things in Ubuntu. I like the challenge. Oh, I also have OLD hardware to up the difficulty level.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182779703852581031.post-27684184173027067682010-12-30T13:01:00.002+08:002010-12-30T13:21:31.238+08:00Fixed up my Toughbook<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wzJiDF3zJR8/TRwSS-QdiNI/AAAAAAAAAWA/uitCPJbYHdA/s1600/ZTB01.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 344px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wzJiDF3zJR8/TRwSS-QdiNI/AAAAAAAAAWA/uitCPJbYHdA/s400/ZTB01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556336157427337426" border="0" /></a>I've fixed up my Toughbook. OK. It's not really brand new. In fact it's considered to be a bit long in the tooth: Centrino 1.3Ghz, 1.2GB RAM, 160GB hard disk drive and a bit banged up in the beginning. If you're one of my pals who've seen in before I did this paint job thing, you'd know there was a huge dent and flaked off paint, right above the centre hinge part of the magnesium alloy cover...<br /><br />So I've plugged the hole up with some metallic-epoxy resin putty, sanded the CF-29 (that's the Toughbook model) and painted it errrr several times. I've done some customising jobs before on some older laptops and PCs sometime ago but those weren't very good jobs....<br /><br />First I took the 'repainting the original' path and attempted to spray the beast silver after (sufficient masking to prevent paint going onto the screen, keyboard and other parts). Take my advice, the silver spray paint in the can makes your custom job look cheap - it made the anondized magnesium alloy cover look like plastic painted silver...<br /><br />So what did I try next? Green & black - the 'x' crevice motif on the cover filled with black. Then I realised that: great now it looks too much like Ben 10! This was confirmed by a 6 year old too.<br /><br />So Army Green from Samurai paints was the last colour I tried and my wife thinks the colour suits the Toughbook - or it could be that the family can't bear breathing in the fumes for so many days.<br /><br />If you count all the layers of paint, after re-sanding the rough parts and respraying - I think I've got over 10 layers of paint on this thing.<br /><br />Well. It's a project. Sometimes fixing up stuff and doing this sorta thing is somewhat therapeutic for yours truly...<br /><br />My guess by now would be you asking & saying: Why in hell would you want to get a Toughbook? The one you've got is old and a Netbook would have sufficed! - That will be answered in the next post.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182779703852581031.post-70640722202679908722009-01-08T12:04:00.005+08:002009-01-09T12:42:52.787+08:00Not passing the Buck: A Golden Virtue?"That's what I like about you. You don't try to run away after you've done something," said Mr. Larsen, our Technology Class teacher at Dewitt Middle School, Ithaca, N. York. He said this to me in the presence of the other Grade 6 kids.<br /><br />I was totally unprepared for the reaction - I really thought that I would 'get it' this time. The crime? Well those hack-saws with the flimsy blade break off very easily. Tech 101 is one of those classes where they teach you woodwork, metal sheet bending, how to do copper tooling, make cookie cutters, solder, drill stuff, make rockets (yep model rockets that actually fly) and even how to handle a blow-torch! It was a really cool class - I savoured the third or fourth periods when I had the classes twice a week.<br /><br />Back to the saw- well the blade snapped off after trying to negotiate a curve while cutting a block of wood for a fish-shaped cutting board, if memory serves me. I left the saw in the tool box. When Mr. Larsen came in he asked: "who broke this?"<br /><br />Every kid was looking at me, all quiet. Maybe they were afraid that one of them would take the fall. No one needed to. I raised my hand. Mr. Larsen smiled and said those words that I still remember today. Instantly, I knew I had done the right thing.<br /><br />"These snap off quite easily - if you're not careful," Mr. Larsen said while he took out a brand new blade and replaced the blade. No fuss about it. This is where I learnt a lesson; a noble one which no school or university for that matter could teach you: fess up to your doing- don't pass the buck.<br /><br />It was quite sometime ago; back in 1985-86 to be exact when my parents were in the States. My dad was finishing up his PhD. in Communications and Liberal Arts (whatever that is) in record time at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.<br /><br />Similarly when I was in Standard 3 or 4, back in Serdang, Selangor I had another prior episode- but it didn't sink into me why I actually did it. We were told to keep quiet in class one day. I had to speak to my best buddy in class. We got into trouble and were told to stand on the desk. What did I do? I said that my buddy didn't talk to me - it was me that disturbed him. It was me that talked to him. Probably surprised, the female teacher (can't remember her name) took a few seconds to digest and told my buddy to sit down. They must have all thought I was weird. But I guess it's an ingrained feature seared into my fibres. I knew to let someone else suffer from my wrongdoing was morally wrong - karma and spiritually aside.<br /><br />The point? Well if I can figure something like this out when I was still a kid, why do people that I see today, can't seem to figure this out? I see people and bosses that wash their hands completely and passing the blame, monkey, buck or whatever name you want to call it, to an underling. This is how they survive and progress in their career.<br /><br />IT IS SICKENING. Especially when certain people profess to be of strong religious or moral character/fibre. A senior management person I know does this 'tai-chi' stunt often enough to bolster his position by not taking the blame and passing the buck. This management style, is no style at all- it is a cancerous growth that starts with a malingering git and destroys an organisation from within. Auta-betul!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182779703852581031.post-59363184290094950202008-11-23T18:29:00.001+08:002008-11-23T18:29:59.120+08:00Casino 01<div style="text-align: left; padding: 3px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/zeeman01/3052605066/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3193/3052605066_6f970ae437.jpg" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.8em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/zeeman01/3052605066/">Casino 01</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/zeeman01/">zeeman01</a>.</span></div><p>I have some shots of my trip last year to the Mobile GSMA Congress 2007 in Macau - was staying at The Venetian.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182779703852581031.post-11424205495755935762008-11-21T17:09:00.002+08:002008-11-21T17:16:59.567+08:00On the Road - Perlis MOSTI RoadshowI was up north in Perlis last week for another exhilarating round of the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation's nationwide roadshow - It was a good affair it seems with busloads of schoolkids ready to fertilize their minds with the endless possibilities that science can offer to them...<br /><br />Second angkasawan Mejar. Dr. Faaez was there. Nice chap. I must say the popular public opinio that I gathered on the fair grounds was that he's the better liked amicable person. But that's a matter of opinion of course.<br /><br />Now the reason why I'm writing this: remember the last blog entry about the National Science Centre? Well they did a good show in Perlis. A lot of people, schoolkids and teachers included made a beeline to their area...They took along some of their permanent exhibits and made up some new ones as well.<br /><br />And guess what? Some of the exhibits which I wrote earlier, i.e. not working etc. , were in fact working fine at Dewan 2020 in Perlis! They apparently fixed them for this show! Well I hope they'll fix the others back in KL as well...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182779703852581031.post-10909019948875874212008-10-22T16:19:00.002+08:002008-10-22T16:34:15.153+08:00Pusat Sains Negara Visit<div style="padding: 3px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/zeeman01/2960620317/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3192/2960620317_9c1ffc28ef.jpg" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/zeeman01/2960620317/">Pusat Sains Negara Visit</a>, originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/zeeman01/">zeeman01</a>.</span></div><p>I visited two weekends ago the Pusat Sains Negara - after not coming over for about 2 years or so.<br /><br />What can I say? Just coming in, I was able to impress the kids of what cool and great things they could see and learn. It was a promising start with the fish, aquarium, the animatronic animals (the sea turtles were a favourite).<br /></p><p>There was one exhibit which was a hit with my son- the one which demonstrated centripetal force via a perpetual motion-like machine. It involved cranking up balls up the different segments of the exhibit, which then fall into rails to demonstrate what perpetual motion can do...Some segments required another ball to be cranked up to set in motion stuff like King Kong climbing up a skyscraper and to trigger a boot to kick the other ball. When we got the third part of it, the ball skipped the rain and fell into the centre of the display with a thud! That's off bounds so we couldn't do anything about it. Seems like the machine hasn't been fine tuned for awhile...<br /></p><p>In the end however, I couldn't help feeling a bit peeved and cheated since a lot of the exhibits were not working well and some were even broken...It was a weekend and I guess some of the science shows were not on.<br /></p><p>Felt a bit hungry and peckish and the only place to eat was the souvenir shop which had a makeshift kind of eatery with toasted bread, instant noodles and sandwiches. Wished there was more so I can encourage the family to come more often though...<br /><br />How are we supposed to cultivate science in the young then? We sent a man to space but we can't even maintain some permanent science exhibits, even when people pay to get in...*sigh*</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182779703852581031.post-42303427382325892142008-10-12T00:50:00.002+08:002008-10-12T01:00:53.360+08:00Words of wisdom to adhere to...I've got some words of wisdom that got me as far as winning that job interview that I was aiming for. Some of these, can be used and when applied with skill, will be impressive I tell you!<br /><br />1. That Starbuck's guy was right when he said "You got to challenge yourself every few years even when you're hitting home runs."<br /><br />2. He also said "Don't be afraid to learn from people smarter than you."<br /><br />3. He also said "Compromise on everything except you core values and everything matter (in terms of the little things that customers appreciate)"<br /><br />4. "Live by the Golden Rule," - this is to be applied not said. Treat them as they you would like them to treat you.<br /><br />5. My favourite, after it's all over and if the occasion arises and if they seem friendly enough: "I think it was the former CEO of AMD, Hector Ruiz who summed it up best when he said: You can get far in life, without being an asshole!" - mind you, I only use this to give a nice warm fuzzy feeling lasting impression when it seems that all seems well and friendly like. You don't want to seem cocky - friendly and sincere is what you're aiming for...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182779703852581031.post-51555831896813421652008-10-04T12:18:00.003+08:002008-10-04T12:23:49.195+08:00It's been awhile...Hello folks.<br /><br />Yep. It's been awhile and after leaving the fraternity of IT journalists for awhile, it gives you some perspective how life is on the other side: corporate communications take note, is somewhat not for the faint of heart.<br /><br />You see, although I'm still writing to some degree about IT and technology - and a lot more scientific related stuff- I've actually jumped from the purely IT journalism bandwagon since mid-June 2008.<br /><br />I've got stuff to share if there are people around thinking of making that big shift from journalism to corporate communications. Right now, I'm doing this magazine which I'm beginning to feel is a farce of sorts- with no inkling about how a publication should be run. Too many cooks after all, spoil the broth- and I'm already sick of how my broth is being spoilt.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1