Breaking of the 3 Gbps Wireless Speed Barrier: Doorway to New Possibilities

In a significant outbreak, Japanese researchers are reported to exceed a 3 Gbit per second wireless link at 542 GHz that may cater to a never ending demand for more voice data and wireless text messaging.

With this development, the possibility of Super Wi-Fi has increased. If commoditized, the proof-of-concept technology from by Tokyo Institute of Technology can offer a useful point-to-point link. Yet, there could still be the problem of penetration through non-conducting materials.

Considerably, the use of femtocells in some applications is not clear, in spite of the fact that lower frequencies are likely to have better range to pass through almost any object. Which is the main reason; wireless technologies began from the lower end. Now, that the lower end is filled with analog radio followed by TV, the mobile telephony had to be pushed on to 900 MHz. Subsequently, with the arrival of 3G, it got further drifted to 2.1 GHz despite the presence of many hurdles that the band had to face in penetrating through various objects like buildings, walls and atmosphere as well. As a matter of fact there are wireless spectrum licenses and commercial fixed links that run up to 80 GHz. There are also few frequencies exceeding these bandwidths from some wireless carriers resulting in few wireless spectrums beyond 100 GHz for unlicensed utilization if there are any takers.

With high cost of signal generating and detection equipment, it’s a challenge to exploit the upper end of the spectrum as there are not any particular issues with the waves themselves. For instance, 300GHz radio signals need a special technology that makes a body-scanner an expensive devise. In the midst of the year 2011, Korean semiconductor called ROHM succeeded to bear a 1.5 Gb per second connection at 300 GHz with the use of a technology somewhat similar to that of the Japanese research team.

ROHM still works on the technology and is expected to run 30 Gb per second links in the coming years. With this capacity, complete penetration of the atmosphere as well as concrete objects would also be possible except for the conductive material.

The range called 'T-Ray' spectrum has a wide range of wavelengths. 300 GHz radio wave has a wavelength that occupies just one millimeter, whereas 3,000 GHz (three terahertz) is a tenth of a millimeter. The recent researches establish the fact that there is wireless spectrum that is still there to be filled that too without recalibrating the already existing devices.

Microsoft Launches So.cl Social Network, a Research Tool for Students

In a low profile event, software giant Microsoft launched its own social networking foray named So.cl. To be more precise, the networking site will act as a research tool for the students. It would work by allowing them to exchange information on various topics of interests.

So.cl is specifically designed for students who can easily use it as a platform to network with their peers and share information. So the possibilities of So.cl to be a Facebook challenger have already been ruled with its details getting leaked last year.

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As per a Microsoft representative, "FUSE Labs' So.cl project has started accepting the users interested in joining it now. An experimental research project, So.cl has its prime objective to focus on the future of social experiences and education specifically amongst the youth.

Pronounced as ‘social’, So.cl is described as the latest experiment from FUSE Labs which is a combination of search and social networking together to facilitate learning. Users can log into So.cl through their Windows Live or Facebook accounts and can go through the variety of topics of interests suggested thereafter in the application.

Talking about its features, very much like ‘share’ or ‘recommend’ buttons in Facebook, So.cl too has ‘bookmarklet’ feature. Using this feature, one can share interesting web sites with other So.cl users. This is possible through a "Share on So.cl" button added to the users' bookmarks toolbars. Apart from commenting, sharing and tagging other’s posts, the users would be able to ‘riff on the posts, which is "a new way to interact and improvise with content" as stated by the Microsoft. Using So.cl, one would also be able to create "video parties". The feature would enable them in searching and assembling the videos that can be further shared with the others.

Also, the network, according to the Microsoft, is "an experiment in open search”, implying that the searches would be viewable by other users as well as the third parties. The user’s activities, on So.cl, would only be posted with their consent; similarly, it would be mandatory to send an invitation to the Facebook friends in order to contact them.

Described as an experimental research project," in a blog post from Microsoft, the application began its services with design and information schools from Syracuse University, University of Washington and New York University.

Intel Ultrabooks Gears Up For a Tough Competition

The international name in chip world, Intel has come up with an all new range of ultrabook for its customers. The gaudy exhibition of the hi-end device called “ecosystem” during this year's Consumer Electronics Show has given it much attention. The device offers smart features like touch, NFC, and gesture recognition. The range of super-thin laptops is targeting to compete with the MacBook Air from Apple.  

Ultrabook from the chip giant, Intel has caused a stir amongst the competitors and have already made their space between the most hyped gadgets during the Consumer Electronics Show. Intel displayed an array of Ultrabooks at CES. Mooly Eden, Intel Vice President, gave an update about the origination of the device and the hard work put in by the company in developing Ultrabook as one of the ace machines in its range of laptops.  The much talked about features include NFC, touch and gesture-based gaming. Leave the software apart, the tough and sleek exterior gives the laptop a sophisticated look.

As stated by Eden, 60 Ultrabooks will become available this year. It’s interesting to know that Intel has announced the production of Ultrabooks that would host its Ivy Bridge processor rom from the second half of this year. Subsequently, Intel's Hawell processor, which is likely to reduce idle power consumption greatly, is also expected to join the bandwagon.

An identity protection platform from Intel also came into light. It offers a fascinating application that allows a user to swipe a credit card with tapping of Ultrabook which gets authenticated through an online service.

Different concepts were understood with the help of demonstrations. New interface design simplifies the navigation where just with a touch of a finger one can scroll through windows while navigating the tablet. Along with the regular display and keyboard, there is also available a narrow touchpad in the concept called Nikiski. The touchpad is located over the top of the clamshell which is available for use even if the device is closed. The user can get quick control through the tile-base metro interface of Windows 8. 

Welcoming the First Intel Powered Windows 8 Tablets

The wait is over! Tablets could not be more interesting with the introduction of the first wave of Windows 8 tablets getting a boost from Intel. They are likely to appear in the market from the month of November. It’s going to be an interesting thing to see how their performance of these tablets would be and charted and the tablets with new processor would score amongst the mainstream ones in the market.

An official release of Windows 8 to the public is expected from the Microsoft and it is in the wake of this development that Windows 8 tablets will make their debut. Running on different chips from a number of companies, these Tablets are expected to fare well and generate excitement in the masses with a range of choices. It is already known that Windows 8 would have both traditional x86 processors and ARM- based design. Not to forget, ARM-based design processor is commonly used in the currently available tablets. With November as the target date when the tablets would make their first public appearance, the entry is likely to be a grand one with unconventional designs.

Intel came in flashlight recently with an announcement about its intentions to push hard into the smartphone market.  Intel, with its new Atom chip designs, codenamed “Medfield” has a new market on its mind. Significantly, two Medfield-based phones have already found their way into the market from the brands of Lava and Lenovo while Intel already has its next mobile chips in making.

As the Intel tablets prepare for their initial release, another atom chip with a codename “Clover Trail” will be incorporated. When compared to Medfield which is essentially a single-core processor, Clover Trail is a dual-core design. As per Intel, there are more than 20 Windows 8 tablets in the pipeline that are based on Clover Trail.

The benefits of any Intel-based tablet are apparent as it would run the basic version of windows 8. It would not have anything to do with Windows RT, designed alternatively to run on ARM-based devices. All the tablets and smartphones that are seen in the present time are run on chips with ARM design. With Windows RT incompatible with Windows 7 apps, compatibility of third-party browsers on Windows RT is also under scanner.

As per the report more than half of the Clover Trail machines will have hybrid design which simply implies that tablets are also like laptops in a way. One such device called Nikiski was also exhibited by the company in Consumer Electronics Show (CES) organized in January.

For the recently introduced Ivy Bridge processor that would run other Windows 8 laptops, Clover Trail machines can turn out to be a good match. It could be possible owning to the fact that Ivy Bridge is meant to fulfill the power needs of laptops and desktop PCs on the other hand Clover Trail can survive on lesser power supply.

As far as technology is concerned, Clover Trail is a 32-nanometer technology in reference to minute space between the transistors on the chip. There is also a 22-nanometer version, named “Bay Trail” that’s being worked upon by Intel. In this, chip will come with a built-in capability to connect with 3G and 4G wireless networks along with the Intel-powered graphics.

A low-power x86-based Windows 8 tablet is indeed an interesting option that could definitely be expected to draw the attention of the crowd. 

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HP Promises Non-Stop Battery Backup with New Ultrabook

Ready to extend work timings! I know it’s not much appealing as working beyond shift is something bizarre.  But HP support is all set to challenge your stamina, if what it claims with the new HP Folio13 business Ultrabook is going to be a fact. It boasts of a battery backup for almost 9.25 hours, the highest ever achieved by a machine. With Intel Core i-3 or i-5 processor, Intel Rapid Start Technology and 128GB of space, there is nothing to compromise on the performance front. So forgetting power adapters is no more an excuse.  Plus, a wide array of ports, including Ethernet, eliminates the need to carry dongles. Means count on your performance and leave behind everything. Enjoy the HP Protect Tools Embedded Security feature i.e. Trusted Platform Module to protect shared information including e-mails from getting revealed to any outsiders. It uses a root key protected in silicon to enhance native Microsoft operating system file and folder encryption and demands authentication from other system IP working on the corporate network.

Worried about portability? With just 3.3 pounds in gravity and less than 18 millimeters in dimension, get the freedom to work from anywhere. Wi-Fi CERTIFIED WLAN, 7 empowers you to access the Internet at work, at home and at your favorite hot spots with a great comfort. Presentation will not be a hectic job involving too much setting and confusing with sagging cords, do it wirelessly with the Intel Wireless Display (widi), and get your machine connected with a projector or TV in no time. Use the optional Bluetooth feature for short-range communication or connectivity and print or share files, music or more wirelessly.

Work even in low-light with a backlit keyboard. A full array of ports, including RJ-45 and USB 3.0, gives greater flexibility to share information and data across network. HP CoolSense technology, automatically adjusts machine’s temperature based on usage and conditions. 

Guessing too much, about this next-to-miracle and true-to-life product’s price, hold your breath as it is available at a starting price of $899.99.

Bing Becomes Hub Of Microsoft’s New Xbox Experience

As promised, Bing is the focus of a new Xbox experience ;that’s launching this week.

Beginning on Tuesday, Xbox Live users who also have Kinect will be able to use their voice — and Bing’s search technology — to find different types of content that are available on their television, including movies from Netflix, TV shows on Hulu Plus, music from Zune, video games and more. Here’s an excerpt from Microsoft’s news release, the full text of which also introduces several new content partners:

The power of Kinect combined with the intelligence of Bing search is turning your voice into the ultimate remote control. With Bing on Xbox, you can use your voice to effortlessly find the games, movies, TV shows and music you want and discover the best offerings on Xbox LIVE, by simply saying what you’re searching for. You say it, Xbox finds it. Beginning tomorrow and over the coming weeks, Bing on Xbox voice search will initially be available in English in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. for Zune video, Xbox LIVE Marketplace and select content partners. For those who do not have a Kinect for Xbox 360, text search will be available in Xbox LIVE markets.

Original Link : http://searchengineland.com/bing-hub-new-xbox-experience-103576 

Windows 8 Tablet: Better Late Than Never

Finally Microsoft is ready with its Windows 8 tablet!

Windows fans don’t have to regret anymore. After Apple, Google, HP, and Research In Motion's, now its turnabout for Microsoft, which is going to take the challenge in the on-the-go computing sector. It has been concluded by Forrester Research, a leading brand associated with the survey of technology and its impact on business and consumers. Actual date and time frame is yet to be decided but one thing is sure that it would be a big news of 2012.
Speculations, say that Windows 8 tablets will have a marvelous new interface similar to Windows Phone 7, called Metro. "Fast, fluid and dynamic, the experience has been transformed while keeping the power, flexibility and connectivity of Windows intact," says Microsoft's head of Windows Experience Julie Larson-Green.
Touch-based interface will let your eyes stay opened, and you can experience a new generation of hardware and software improvement. All leading OEMs such as Samsung, Dell, HP and others are working in collaboration with Microsoft to bring their daredevil products in the market. If rumors are to be believed then it will be a balanced combination: a gigahertz processor, a gigabyte of RAM, 802.11b/g/n wireless and multi-touch capacitive displays features so as to give sturdy competition to rivals. Lots of connectivity too, will be another unique selling point. As Windows 8 is expected to be available in dual editions so giants ARM, Intel and AMD are planning to design a suitable architecture for each. Pricing Windows 8 tablet will be a tough game citing the present competencies in the market. Along with development and marketing, provisions of on-demand technical support will also be a decisive factor behind its global success.
Still, a lot of queries persist. It will be interesting reading the product review, once it is eventually available for masses. Ultimately, time has to reveal the truth. Let’s wait and watch…