Friday, June 26, 2009

GM's HydroGen Minivan


The GM Hydrogen4 minivan is the next generation fuel cell vehicle from General Motors that one-ups the Hydrogen3 minivan. The GM Hydrogen4 was rolled out in Germany as part of the company's Project Driveway program.

The GM Hydrogen4 uses a 440-cell fuel cell stack, 73 Kw electric motor and has three carbon fiber hydrogen tanks that help propel the vehicle to a range of around 200 miles. The GM Hydrogen4 has a top speed of around 100 mph. The GM Hydrogen4 is also based upon the Opel Zafira like the Hydrogen3 vehicle.

General Motor's HydroGen3 vehicle is the last general fuel cell vehicle that marked yet another milestone for GM in regards to pursuing a lineup of greener vehicles. The GM HydroGen3 is an environmentally friendly fuel cell minivan that has been used by FedEx as a delivery vehicle for real world testing trials. 

According to Raymond Grigg Chairman and CEO of the Japan division of General Motors, "To really prove that fuel cell vehicles are equal to or better than conventional, internal combustion vehicles, you need to operate them under tough, every-day conditions. Our fuel cell technology has advanced to the point where it's important to involve a real heavy-duty commercial user in our research and development activities. We expect to learn a lot by having FedEx Express put our HydroGen3 to the test on their daily delivery runs on the streets of Tokyo. This is how you truly prove durability and dependability."

The HydroGen3 is designed based on the Opel Zafira MPV. Packed with more power then HydroGen1, and the latest of the HydroGen series, GM HygroGen3 has a simpler start up procedure and a more compact fuel cell stack. Not exactly a racecar (though it did participate in the Monte Carlo Rally), the HydroGen 3 accelerates from 0 - 60 mph in approximately 16 seconds. It has a top speed of 100 mph, which is respectable enough. The GM HydroGen 3 is powered by a 60 kW / 82 PS three-phase asynchronous motor. GM is testing both liquid hydrogen and compressed hydrogen storage systems with the HydroGen3.

The GM Hydrogen 3 has the same 5-seating capacity as the Opel Zafira and has participated in various demonstration projects around the world including Berlin, Germany. Two of the breakthroughs for the HydroGen3 has been the elimination of a buffer battery found in early versions to deal with peak electrical usage and a method for humidifying the fuel cell stack. 

Here are some facts about the HydroGen3:

# Five seat, front wheel drive
# Fuel cell propulsion system packed       as a single unit

The fuel cell propulsion system has:
# 200 individual fuel cells wired in a series
# Self humidifying stack
# Continuous output : 94 kilowatts

The liquid hydrogen storage system of the GM HydroGen3 is equipped with:
# Vacuum insulated stainless steel  tank
# Capacity: 4.6 kilograms of liquefied hydrogen (temperatures of minus 253 degrees C )
# Driving range : 250 miles

Compressed 700 hydrogen tanks have the following features:
# Two carbon composite tanks
# Service pressure: 10,000 psi
# Capacity: 3.1 kilograms of compressed hydrogen
# Driving range: 270km (170 miles)

The GM HydrogeGen3 was the first hydrogen fuel cell vehicle certified by the Japanese government for operation on regular roads. Another joint venture GM has for the GM HydroGen3 is with Shell. It's two year program is being conducted in Washington DC giving the Members of Congress the chance to test drive the fuel cell vehicles. The US Postal Service also is using the GM HygroGen3 mini-van to deliver mail in and around the Washington DC area.

Nine Tips to conserve your Gasoline/Fuel Consumption (Increase your fuel economy)

1. Slow Down
One of the best ways to save on gas is to reduce your speed. According to the DOE, every 5 mph you drive over 60 mph represents a 7 percent decrease in fuel economy.

2. Check Your Tire Pressure
Under-inflated tires have more rolling resistance, which causes you to burn more fuel to keep the car moving. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (if equipped), or the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) label on or near the driver’s side door. Properly inflated tires may improve your fuel economy by up to 3.3 percent.

3. Accelerate With Care
Fast acceleration wastes fuel. Accelerate modestly so the transmission can shift up into the higher gears more efficiently. Rapid acceleration and braking can lower your gas mileage by up to 33 percent on the highway and up to 5 percent during city driving.

4. Drive A Consistent Speed
Follow the lead of trucks and keep a consistent speed. Constant slowing down and speeding up reduces fuel economy. Consider using cruise control when appropriate.

5. Avoid Excessive Idling
Idling your vehicle gets 0 miles per gallon.

6. Stick With Stock
New wheels and tires may look cool, but if they’re not the same as the OEM specifications, they could create more resistance, thereby reducing fuel economy.

7. Clean Out Your Car
Carrying around extra baggage — or anything that you don’t need for that trip — only adds extra weight to your car and impacts fuel economy. For example, depending on your vehicle’s weight, an extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could decrease your MPG by up to two percent.

8. Plan Your Trips Better

Consider grouping your trips instead of making several trips to accomplish your daily tasks. Several short trips may use twice as much fuel as a single, longer trip that covers the same distance.

9. Use The Proper Maintenance Fluids and Replacement Parts
Always use the engine oil, replacement parts and any other fluids that the manufacturer recommends. Change your oil at the recommended intervals and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for all routine maintenance.

Chrysler's Hydrogen Concept - ecoVoyager


The Chrysler ecoVoyager fuel cell concept vehicle was unveiled at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show on January 14. The four-passenger, four-door hydrogen concept Chrysler ecoVoyager embodies bold design coupled with the latest advances in fuel cell and hybrid technologies.

The ecology-minded zero emissions ecoVoyager uses a 45 kw fuel cell stack and 268 hp (200 kw) electric motor plus "Range-extended Electric Vehicle technology" to deliver the vehicle 300 miles before refueling. According to Chrysler, the ecoVoyager is able to travel the first 40 miles on the 16 kw lithium-ion battery pack alone before needing an assist from the fuel cell stack and 10,000 psi hydrogen tanks.

The Chrysler ecoVoyager also uses regenerative braking to recharge the battery pack that is situated, along with the fuel cell powertrain, below in the skateboard chassis design. This design leaves a roomy interior for driver and passengers alike.

The Chrysler ecoVoyager is no wuss, either as it can motivate from 0 - 60 mph less than 8 seconds with a top speed of 115 mph. Chrysler is also boasting that the ecoVoyager can run the quarter mile in just 12.9 seconds, but seeing is believing on this statistic, so we'll just have to wait and see if the automaker can put its money where its mouth is at.

The Chrysler ecoVoyager features panoramic glass for increased visibility and includes a twin sunroof. The engineers of the Chrysler ecoVoyager moved the front wheels forward in the concept car to increase the passenger legroom.

The interior features gauges the driver can see over the steering wheel rather than through it, three camera images of the world outside the vehicle, and the rear seat passengers can enjoy a movie without disturbing the driver because of direct sound technology. Each of the four bucket seats in the ecoVoyager is contoured for personalized comfort.

The Chrysler ecoVoyager is just as the name sounds. It's a glimpse of an ecologically-minded car for family road trips and other adventures in the future.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Windows 7 Release Date Announced

Microsoft plans on releasing Windows 7 (apparently in the next few months), and this new version will replace their previous operating system: Windows Vista. 
The developers promise Windows 7 will be simpler to use, and more functional, with less of what you don't need and more of what you do. 

Microsoft announced that it will make available an upgrade option in order for partners to be able to offer their customers the ability to buy a Windows Vista-based PC, and then just install Windows 7 when it’s ready. 

The release date for Windows 7 has been confirmed as October 22, 2009. In addition, Windows Server 2008 R2 will also be available at around the same time. 

Microsoft says it has been working closely with partners to ensure their mutual customers can enjoy all the benefits of Windows 7 once it is released. 

On June 3, 2009, Microsoft’s OEM Division Corporate Vice President Steve Guggenheimer, expresed the company's confidence in their new Windows 7 version. He announced this at a keynote address at Computex 2009 in Taipei. 

“What we’re doing with Windows will continue to improve people’s lives so that that technology enables them to communicate better, make tasks simpler and new things possible,” he says. “Our partners in the hardware space, our competitors in software — the entire industry is doing incredible things.” said Mr. Guggenheimer. 

As an example, he reffered to the evolution of the small notebook PC's (also known as Netbooks) that are mainly designed to offer customers the ability for simplified internet connectivity. He went on to say: “A year ago when these smaller PCs first came onto the scene, many in the space were saying consumers wouldn’t want or need these devices to be full-featured,” he says. “In fact, the exact opposite turned out to be true. 
Consumers really do want small notebook PCs to work like their laptops and desktops. Windows provides a familiar and easy-to-use experience that consumers want and demand from these devices.” He also went on to say that Laptop pc sales are expected to rise and even surpass Desktop pc sales in the near future, with consumers increasingly demanding connectivity on the go.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Bluetooth 3.0 + HR now up to 7 times faster

For the past 11 years, Bluetooth technology has played a very significant role in the way we transfer data between our electronic devices, and now Bluetooth technology will be getting an even faster version.

The new Bluetooth 3.0 + HS is said to have transfer speeds of approximately 24Mbps. That is up from the current 3Mbps for the 2.0 + EDR version, which means the new version will be approximately 7 times faster than the current version. 

This is likely to open up a whole new range of applications for the nifty little device. As might be assumed, computer and mobile manufacturers are already showing interest, but that's not all: The device is also attracting attention from television manufacturers.

Bluetooth 3.0 + HS will not only boast an increased transfer rate, but it will also run on a more energy efficient system, thus saving mobile devices power that have the device installed. One could call this an evolution of sorts. Imagine your mobile device, whether it be a laptop or a mobile phone transferring data files like photos and music up to 7 times faster, yet using less power. That's efficiency.

It is estimated that Bluetooth 3.0 + HR should be available within about a year, so we should see the device making its way onto the market during, or just after, the 1st quarter of 2010.

It seems that Bluetooth technology is one of those technologies that are likely here to stay, given its worldwide use.

Bluetooth is widely used in electronic and mobile devices such as mobile phones and laptops, and gives the user the ability to wirelessly transfer large files such as music or media between two compatable devices without the need to connect the devices with a cable or connecting wire. 

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Honda Civic to achieve 50 MPG with Hybrid Technology



At four or more bucks a gallon at the pump, 50 mpg fuel economy looks pretty good, indeed. This was reinforced recently during an extended road test of a 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid, which illustrated that high fuel economy is worth changing a few habits. In the past, Green Car editors have managed in excess of 50 mpg in the Honda Civic Hybrid by practicing conservative driving. That magic mileage number is achieved if you're willing to really pay attention to your driving style and maintain highway driving speeds in the 60-65 mph range. Push speeds higher or drive more aggressively and your mileage will vary.

In 2007, the Civic Hybrid had an EPA fuel economy rating of 49 mpg in the city and 51 mpg on the highway using EPA's old testing procedure. For 2008, the more aggressive federal tests lowered the EPA mileage rating to 40 mpg city and 45 mpg highway. The new tests are designed to reflect "real-world" mileage, but tend to dumb down obtainable fuel economy for those willing to practice high-mileage driving habits. Our experience bears this out as more aggressive driving in the Civic Hybrid dropped our mileage down in the low 40 mpg range. That was running 75+ mph on the highway to keep with the flow of traffic over the rolling terrain of California's Central Coast.

Introduced to the North American market in 1973, the Honda Civic has grown from a diminutive $2,200 economy car weighing just 1,500 pounds to a comfortable five passenger vehicle that's a true jack-of-all-trades. Over the past 35 years, the Civic has become the commuter car by which all others are judged. The current eighth generation Civic is comfortable, confident, and capable.

The 2008 model is a very refined package that's great for around-town errands and comfortable for extended trips. The Civic Hybrid is a right-sized sedan that is equally at home in the city as it is on a scenic country two lane road. Ride and handling quality are pleasant enough, too, with Honda striking a balance that meets expectations for this class of vehicle. Just don't expect luxury car plushness or sports car level road feel.

The Civic Hybrid is powered by Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) parallel full gas-electric hybrid powertrain. The gasoline engine is a 1.3-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder producing 110 horsepower and 123 lbs-ft of torque. Electric assist is provided by a 20 hp, permanent magnet electric motor powering through Honda's continuously variable automatic transmission. The combination is enough to propel the Civic Hybrid from 0-60 mph in 11.3 seconds when you're in a hurry. Auto stop-start shuts the gas engine down when the car is at rest out on the road, but unlike other full-hybrids, IMA doesn't deliver a noticeable electric-only driving mode. The Civic Hybrid is one of the cleanest cars on the road and achieves an Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) rating from the EPA.

At the aforementioned $4.00 a gallon gasoline, the difference between 40 mpg and 50 mpg is worth the effort. Topping off the Civic Hybrid's 12.3 gallon tank can now cost upwards of 40 bucks. At 40 mpg you can travel 492 miles before running out of gas; at 50 mpg that no-reserve range increases to 615 miles, covering an additional 123 miles on the same gas and saving $9.84. Our personal best in the mileage department with the Honda Civic Hybrid is a 51.4 mpg tank under nearly ideal conditions. Seasoned Civic Hybrid drivers passionate about high fuel economy assert better mileage yet.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Toyota Unveils Third-Generation Prius; 50 MPG and much More



Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), USA, unveiled the third-generation Prius hybrid vehicle at the 2009 North American International Auto show. The new version of the world’s top-selling hybrid vehicle (more than one million sold in 44 countries) offers better mileage ratings and enhanced performance, as well as new design features.

The first-generation Prius, which was EPA rated at 41 mpg US combined city/highway, was replaced by the current model, which is EPA rated at 46 mpg US, combined. Using a combination of technologies, fuel efficiency was increased to an estimated 50 mpg US combined for the new Prius.

Hybrid components like the inverter, motor, and generator are now smaller and lighter. An exhaust heat recovery system, exhaust gas recirculation, and an electric water pump contribute to a more efficient hybrid system with a net horsepower rating of 134.


The battery module carries over from the tried-and-true technology from the current Prius. Engineers applied enhancements throughout the entire vehicle to achieve 50 miles-per-gallon, more consistent efficiency in real-world driving, and further reductions in COemissions.

Electric power consumption has been reduced through the use of a more efficient air conditioning system and new, optional LED head lamps. Internal tests show that Prius’ zero-to-sixty acceleration time has dropped from the previous generation’s mid 10-second range to 9.8 seconds, making it comparable to that of an average mid-size sedan with a 2.4-liter engine. This is in response to customer expectations for better every-day performance. In short, the entire Prius package has been made more efficient from overall power consumption to output.

—Bob Carter, Toyota Division Group Vice President and General Manager

The new Prius also features what Toyota is calling a “Solar Moonroof”. A small array of photovoltaic cells automatically powers a ventilation system on hot days. The system allows fresh air to circulate into the vehicle, cooling down the cabin so that the air conditioning doesn’t have to work as hard, thereby conserving power.

A larger and more powerful 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine powers the new Prius. The larger engine helps improve highway mileage. By making more torque, the new engine can run at lower average rpm on the highway. When operating at lower rpm, the new engine uses less fuel. Mileage is especially improved in cold-start conditions and at higher speeds.

Use of an electric water pump and a new exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system also contribute to the engine’s efficiency. The 1.8-liter Prius engine is the first Toyota power plant that requires no belts under the hood for better fuel economy and less potential maintenance.

The patented Hybrid Synergy Drive system in the 2010 Prius is 90% newly-developed with significant improvements over previous models:

  • The transaxle is lighter in weight and reduces torque losses by as much as 20% compared to the previous model.

  • The inverter, which converts direct current to alternating current, has a new direct cooling system to reduce size and weight.

  • Taken together, the inverter, motor and transaxle are smaller and 20% lighter.

  • A newly developed electronically controlled regenerative braking system has been adopted, with control logic optimized to enhance regeneration.

    Preliminary 2010 Prius Powertrain Specs
    Engine1.8L I-4 with VVT-i
    Engine power [hp (kW)]98 (73)
    Torque [lb-ft (Nm)]105 (142)
    Motor power [hp (kW)]80 (60)
    Motor torque [lb-ft (Nm)]153 (207)
    Net power [hp (kW)]134 (100)
    Emission ratingSULEV (w/ AT-PZEV)
    Battery packNiMH
    Est. combined fuel economy50 mpg US


The new Prius will offer three alternative driving modes. EV-Drive Mode allows driving on battery power alone at low speeds for about a mile, if conditions permit. There is also a Power Mode, which increases sensitivity to throttle input for a sportier feel, and an Eco Mode, which helps the driver achieve the best mileage.

Dimensionally, the new Prius has the same wheelbase as the current generation. Overall length is slightly increased by 0.6 inches, in part by moving the front cowl forward. Designers preserved the triangle form of the current model, but made alterations to the overall profile, pillar position and angle. The overall height of the Prius is the same, but the roof profile is altered by moving the top of the roof 3.9 inches to the rear. This emphasizes the wedge shape, and also allows for enhanced rear headroom and improved aerodynamics.

The new Prius received more wind tunnel hours of testing than any other Toyota vehicle yet. By focusing on the shape of the body, underfloor, wheelhouse liner and shape of the wheels, the designers of the new Prius were able to reduce the coefficient of drag (Cd) value to 0.25, compared to 0.26 for the previous model. The airflow under the car was studied extensively. Engineers made changes to the shape of the fender liner, front surface of the underfloor, and added a fin at the rear floor cover to increase linear stability.

The next-generation Prius is built on a new platform, which enables improved handling stability, quieter operation, and collision safety. The suspension consists of front struts and a rear intermediate beam design, as before, but handling stability is advanced by improving the stabilizer layout, higher caster angle and tuning the bushing characteristics. Disc brakes are now used on all four corners, replacing the front disc/rear drum brakes in the current model.

Weight was saved through use of aluminum in the hood, rear hatch, front suspension axle and brake caliper and super high-tensile steel in the rocker inner, center pillar, and roof reinforcement. To meet customer expectations for everyday performance, zero-to-60 acceleration has been improved to 9.8 seconds, more than a second faster, in internal testing.

Better-performing sound insulation, working with improved vibration damping, has been installed in various locations to reduce road noise.

Toyota will use plant-derived, carbon-neutral plastics in the 2010 Prius. The newly-developed plastics, known as “ecological plastic,” will be used in the seat cushion foam, cowl side trim, inner and outer scuff plates, and deck trim cover. Ecological plastic emits less CO2 during a product lifecycle (from manufacturing to disposal) than plastic made solely from petroleum; it also helps reduce petroleum use.

Sales of the 2010 Prius will start simultaneously in both the US and Japan in late spring, followed shortly by Canada and other countries. Toyota forecasts first full calendar year sales in the US will be around 180,000 units.

We expect a large portion of this volume to come from current Prius owners. That’s because more than 90 percent say they will buy another Prius.

               —Bob Carter, Toyota Division Group Vice President and General Manager


More links

http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/minisite/newprius/#/3rd-generation-improvements/

http://www.toyota.com/prius-hybrid/demos.html

http://www.greencarcongress.com/

Monday, June 8, 2009

SE W995 Released : Ready, Set, Play



Convergence is the buzzword and the Cyber-shot Walkman affair-turned-marriage is busy producing offspring. And hey, the young Sony Ericsson W995 sure makes the first-born W902 look like a helpless orphan.

Easily the best equipped feature phone of the house, Sony Ericsson W995, still more popular as Hikaru, packs in all there is to find at the top of the company portfolio. The full set of connectivity options, the biggest screen on a Sony Ericsson feature phone to date, GPS, Wi-Fi and the great user interface make a sweet enough package on their own.

But in the case of W995 they're just the perfect background for the unprecedented blend of music and imaging. The Cyber-shot line is graciously lending its 8 megapixel triumph, while the music dowry includes the latest Walkman 4.0 player, with all the bare Walkman necessities such as Shake control and SensMe. And there's more to make it even sweeter. We called it a marriage and Sony Ericsson have taken due care of the wedding presents. We don't know what else to call the kickstand and the on-board 3.5 mm audio jack.

So Sony Ericsson W995 has it all, doesn't it? Now let's see if it gives it all.




Saturday, May 30, 2009

First Branded Dual SIM Phone : LG launchesKS660 : But No 3G/Wi-Fi :(



It designed very nice,touchsreen .I preffer to buy it , but after check specifications .. Oh God.!!!
No 3G OR HSPA , No Wi-Fi ; 3G of HSDPA is very important for explore the internet.
LG can't you come out these draw backs.... :(

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Samsung i8910 Omnia HD








Await More....

Sunday, May 17, 2009

LG KC910 Renoir - My Review

Design

Named, we assume, after the French impressionist, this latest touchscreen from LG is slick and sturdy,  to be called a work of art. Its body is formed mostly from plastic with curved reflective metal edges. The centre piece is a 3-inch 240x400-pixel resolution touchscreen display, which we've found sharp and colourful and extremely easy to use.

Above the screen we find a front-facing camera for video calls and below the display are three soft-keys for calling and accessing application shortcuts. Along the right-side edge of the Renoir are four keys, a volume rocker, a dedicated camera key and a handset lock.

The underside of the phone houses the Schneider-Kreuznach camera lens and LED flash. We were glad to see the camera has a lens cover, activated by a switch where you might expect to find a focus ring around the lens.

The Renoir uses a proprietary LG platform, very similar to the interface we saw on the Viewty last year. The Renoir is extremely touch-friendly, the whole interface is designed with fingers in mind.

Features
You're going to need to be sitting for this one: the Renoir features an 8-megapixel (MP) camera. By this time next year 8MP shooters may be eye-rollingly passè, but considering this is the first we've had the opportunity to review we've been tremendously eager to put it to the test.
 

The camera software for the Renoir features an extensive range of settings and modes, similar to the Viewty and what you'd expect to find on stand-alone point-and-shoot cameras. There's the obligatory auto-focus, but this is matched with face and blink detection, macro shooting mode, digital image stabilisation and adjustable image sensitivity.

The Renoir is also capable of shooting video at 120 frames per second, effectively creating videos which play back at four-times slow motion. While this looks great written on a spec sheet, this is a feature we are still struggling to find a place for in our lives — YouTube quality videos of our friends are arduous to watch at a normal speed, let alone in extreme slow motion.

The Renoir also makes quite a handy portable media player supporting MP3 and AAC music formats and MP4, DivX and XviD video formats.  With all this fantastic media capability  the Renoir  have sizeable internal memory.

Performance
LG has taken a significant step forward with the Renoir. The Schneider-Kreuznach optics have improved since the Viewty to a point where we have managed to take some rather exciting photos. As with most mobile phone cameras, the Renoir works best under optimal conditions: bright, natural sunlight. We did have success taking pictures with the Xenon flash in dark rooms with less than perfect lighting.

Testing the macro focus feature, we took photos that replicated a depth-of-field quite well, which is often difficult to achieve with a fixed focus camera phone lens. When reviewing our images we saw good, natural colour reproduction when the flash didn't fire and very little artefacting. 

In line with our experience with the camera, operating the Renoir has been a pleasure. Similar to our experience with the iPhone 3G, the Renoir is a phone we can't leave sitting on the desk for long without wanting to pick it up and play with it again. The menus and all major interfaces, like contacts lists and the photo gallery, are excellently designed for use with your fingers; all the buttons are large enough to make it almost impossible to miss your target.

Messaging is similarly easy, the Renoir features a T9-style numeric input in portrait mode, and a full-size QWERTY keyboard in landscape mode, with a built-in accelerometer rotating the screen depending on how you choose to hold the handset. Using the numeric pad, we found the "send" key to be too close to the space bar, meaning we sent a few text messages to friends by mistake before we had completed the message.

We also liked the Renoir's web browser (WIFI b/g). Web pages rendered quickly and looked fantastic; the browser word-wraps the content to fit the screen, and pictures looked sharp and clear. The browser's incremental zoom function isn't top notch, the controls are a bit finicky to use, but we found that most of the time the browser displayed pages exactly as we'd want them without us having to adjust the size. The GPS functioned excellent.


Overall
There is loads to love about the LG Renoir. The 8-megapixel camera is a winner and the touch screen interface is one of the best. The Renoir does exactly what it sets out to do and stands out as one of our favorite camera phones of the year.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

LG KC910 Renoir vs LG KU990 Viewty

LG's KU990 handset was the hit of 2007, but now the KC910 Renoir has come along to rock the boat. The spec certainly looks better, with GPS, an accelerometer, higher resolution camera, better connectivity and improved media playback, but really, what's all the hype about?



Accelerometer


Although the LG KU990 Viewty featured a seamless interface and responsive screen, the KC910 takes this to a whole new level. The device features an accelerometer so the screen rotates automatically when you turn the device around. This comes in handy when browsing the Internet, watching films or using the camera.
Another great use of the accelerometer is the new M-Toy games suite. As on the LG KF750 Secret, you can use the accelerometer to play motion games.
However, a completely new selection of games are available including Snakes and Ladders, a baseball game and wheel-based games where you have to flick the handset to activate a wheel of fortune-style spinner. Like on the Secret, the games become a little addictive after a while.

GPS


Location Based Services are most certainly the most exciting feature to appear on mobiles in the last year or so, which means it's no surprise that LG has integrated GPS and A-GPS into the KC910 Renoir. Sure, you can download Google Maps onto the Viewty, but there aren't turn-by-turn directions or an accurate way to find out where you are like there is on the KC910 Renoir.
GPS also comes in handy for geo-tagging photos if you really want to know exactly where you were when you took a particular photo.


Eight-megapixel camera


Although Samsung got there first with the eight-megapixel camera phone, LG appeared pretty soon after with the launch of the KC910 Renoir. 

The LG Viewty may have been one of the first five-megapixel phones on the market, but its features were nowhere near as exciting as the camera on the KC910 Renoir. For starters, the sensor is a full eight-megapixel one, unlike on other handsets where photos are super-compressed. Instead of the strobe flash as on the KU990 Viewty, the KC910 Renoir features a xenon flash that is perfect for taking photos in dark conditions.
Extra features on the Renoir include a lens cover so you don't get dust all over your snaps, and an 8x digital zoom. To make the subject of your photos look better, there are a huge array of settings including beauty shot that softens blemishes on skin, smile shot to capture the best happy face and blink detection.


Connectivity


The lack of Wi-Fi was quite irritating on the LG KU990 Viewty. Although it was described as an iPhone killer (like any touchscreen handset released after the iPhone), it couldn't really compete without Wi-Fi.
Now with the addition of both 802.11b and 802.11g profiles, you can connect to any Wi-Fi network. Bluetooth has also been upgraded to v.2 and HSDPA runs up to speeds of 7.2Mbps if your network allows.
Video playback 
Although the screen on the KU990 Viewty was tip-top for watching video content, especially with DivX support, the KC910 Renoir supports Xvid too in an attempt to improve video playback even more.
To make you feel as if you're at a cinema (well, as much as you can when watching a film on a phone), there's Dolby surround sound to boost sound whether you're listening using the earphones or built-in speakers. When you activate Dolby Mobile using the speakers, you're quite likely to clear the place.


Thursday, May 14, 2009

iPhone finally gets copy and paste with iPhone OS 3.0


No surprises here: Apple just announced that iPhone OS 3.0 will support copy and paste. A double-tap auto-selects the text you want with movable "grab points," and a pop-up edit bar display buttons for cut, copy, and paste. Finally! It works in every major app, including SMS and Safari, and what's more, there's also "shake to undo," which is exactly what it sounds like: a quick shake brings up a box that allows you to undo and redo c/p actions. It's a pretty nifty implementation, sure, but it's a little silly we've had to wait this long for it, don't you think?

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Why a Tablet PC is better than a Laptop?





Tablet PCs are smart computers and are portable in nature too. Even though they are very small in size, they can do almost all the functions of a laptop or a personal computer. Tablet PCs do not have a mouse or keyboard like other kinds of PCs. But then, they can be operated using a special kind of a digital pen as the Tablet PCs have the touch screen facility. The digital pen acts as an input device just like the keyboard or the mouse but the difference is that the inputs are not keyed in but the handwriting of the user is used to type the words. All the information is provided to the Tablet PCs through the special pens. The technology also enables the user to input data using his finger tips as the device’s touch screen is very sensitive to the touch of the finger tip too.

This tablet PC looks and feels just like a real notebook and also enables the user to take notes too in the old fashion manner. The Tablet PCs are also capable of performing many fascinating functions such as power point presentations, personalizing emails, designing and making illustrations using the user’s own drawings and handwritten markings. It can even transform an illegible handwriting into a more organized, professional and coherent digital text. This is because of the in-built handwriting recognition function. Tablet PCs are available in three models such as the convertible model, rugged model and slate model. The convertible model looks like the traditional laptop possessing a keyboard which is attached to it. It is capable of rotating up to 180 degrees. The slate model is ultra light which is slim and does not possess any keyboard attached to it.

While purchasing a tablet PC, the user should consider the security and functionality aspect of it. There are more chances that the user can be tricked by selling him the device with a wrong configuration. An ideal tablet PC allows the user to program his computer according to his needs and specifications with the use of the gesture recognition functionality of the tablet PC. It is always better to check out the latest products and configurations available in the stores to acquire good knowledge about the subject prior to purchase.

Tablet PCs are very famous due to the convenience they provide their users. Since a pen is used for input, creating patterns and designs have become very easy using them. This is why most of the companies which sell tablet PCs provide the user with software featuring designing and drawing capabilities. Freeware are provided to the consumers as part of the promotional offer along with the tablet PCs. Such freeware can be provided to the winners of contest conducted over the internet. Some companies also provide language recognition software for free. Other freeware which include the software called the smart gesture are designed in such a way that the Tablet PCs can respond to various commands like the applications, web resources, opening of files and key pressing imitation.



Saturday, May 9, 2009

Sony Ericsson Idou : 12 MP Camera Phone : To be released on 2009/Q3





While Sony Ericsson technically announced the Idou, they’re not saying all that much about it. We know that it’s rocking a 12.1 megapixel camera, a 3.5″ 16:9 touchscreen, and - get this - a yet-to-be-finished version of Symbian. To top it all off, “Idou” isn’t actually the final name. It’s an odd announcement - but seeing as the camera is probably going to be the selling point here regardless, I suppose they’ve said all they need to.

Find more photos and a video here.

Specifications as revealed

GENERAL2G NetworkGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G NetworkHSDPA 900 / 2100
Announced2009, February
StatusComing soon. Exp. release 2009, Q3
SIZEDimensions111 x 54 x 15 mm

DISPLAYTypeTFT touchscreen, 16M colors
Size360 x 640 pixels, 3.5 inches
- Accelerometer sensor
SOUNDAlert typesVibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3, AAC ringtones
SpeakerphoneYes
MEMORYPhonebookPractically unlimited entries and fields, Photocall
Call records30 received, dialed and missed calls
Card slotmicroSD (TransFlash)
DATAGPRSClass 10 (4+1/3+2 slots), 32 - 48 kbps
HSCSDYes
EDGEClass 10, 236.8 kbps
3GHSDPA, 7.2 Mbps; HSUPA, 3.6 Mbps
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g, DLNA
BluetoothYes, v2.0 with A2DP
Infrared portNo
USBYes, v2.0
CAMERAPrimary12 MP, 4000 x 3000 pixels, autofocus, xenon flash, video LED flash
FeaturesGeo-tagging, face and smile detection
VideoYes
SecondaryVGA videocall camera
FEATURESOSSymbian OS
MessagingSMS, MMS, Email, IM
BrowserWAP 2.0/HTML, RSS reader
RadioStereo FM radio with RDS
GamesYes + downloadable
ColorsBlack
GPSYes, with A-GPS support
JavaYes, MIDP 2.0
- Google maps - MP3/AAC/MPEG4 player - Organizer - Voice memo/dial
BATTERY Standard battery, Li-Po 1000 mAh