Guinness Book Introduces Gamer's Edition

High scores (gaming scores actually) have a new home! Guinness World Records has launched its first ever compendium of videogaming achievements titled "The Guinness Book of World Records Gamer's Edition 2008". Released in partnership with Twin Galaxies, the book has already been launched in the UK and France; though it will launch elsewhere sometime this month. There's no date yet for the India release. A first for Guinness, the "Gamer's Edition 2008" is expected to feature all things gaming that includes high scores, the biggest tourneys and the largest cash prizes, the most successful games, gaming strategies, tips and tricks, bizarre facts, and so on. As per sources, the book contains record entries like "Daggerfall has the most NPCs in any RPG with 750,000", et al. It is said to mention a record finish of 7 minutes and 30 seconds for the game, "The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind" with comments from users that such a feat is next to impossible. Meanwhile, all those who're staring in disbelief, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1IRxTN-_kU and http://speeddemosarchive.com/Morrowind.html and check out for yourselves. Further, the book mentions the highest selling game on the PlayStation to be the original Gran Turismo with record sales of 10.85 million units; the longest running adventure series of all time as the Legend of Zelda; the best-selling first person shooter of all time as Half-Life (no surprises there; the first gaming clan to legally bind their players as SK Gaming; the most successful film based on a video game as the first Tomb Raider that grossed $274,703,340 in cinemas worldwide. While the book isn't available in Indian stores, those dying to know more about it can go to: http://gamers.guinnessworldrecords.com. What's more, if you think you've broken a gaming record or are about to break one, click on 'Set a Record' on the Web site. And here's what a tweety bird told us: you can actually buy the book from http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/home.do for a cool GBP 9.50, or on Amazon.com for $13.57...Source

CeBit 08 gets introduced to Asus 9 Inches Eee PC

Riding on the success of its Eee PC, Asus is now preparing to launch the much-awaited next iteration. And among other things, the new version will feature a larger display. The hot goss is that Asus will be showcasing its 9-inches Eee PC at the ongoing CeBit 2008 in Germany (in a day or two), with the launch expected mid-2008 for a price tag of 399 Euros (approx Rs 24,400) for the 12GB SSD version. What's more, there'll also be a lower 8GB SSD version. The Eee PC 900 (the name it'll possibly have) will feature a 9-inches display; a 2-inches bump from the existing 7-inches version. It will also feature a higher resolution; 1,024 x 600 pixels as compared to the 800 x 480 pixels of the existing 7-inches version. Asus claims the increased display size will not affect battery life (rated at around 2.5 to 3 hours; same as in the existing model). The Eee PC Next is also expected to include 1GB RAM and a 12GB Solid State Disk (SSD) as primary storage medium. As of now, there's no news on any other components getting upgrades. Source

Office Live Workspace announced by Microsoft

Microsoft has announced the worldwide availability of Microsoft Live Workspace Beta , the new Web-based extension of Microsoft Office that lets people access their documents online and share their work with others.Currently it is being offered in English but Microsoft plans to offer the beta program later this year in various languages for international markets. The company expects to release the final public version of Office Live Workspace later in the year."Today's announcement moves us further down the path of bringing a software plus services experience to people at home, work and school," said Stephen Elop, president of the Microsoft Business Division. "By combining the rich client experience of Microsoft Office with flexible, intuitive service offerings, we're providing seamless computing experiences for our 500 million Office users worldwide."Microsoft is also unveiling a number of new Office Live Workspace features, such as an activity panel, notifications, direct links and multifile upload.Office Live Workspace features an activity panel that shows all the activity in a workspace at a glance. It notifies users about changes made to their workspaces or documents and allows them to bookmark their workspace or a workspace item via a unique URL in a browser window. People will be able to upload several files simultaneously by simply dragging and dropping from their desktop and the new sharing functionality includes an easier user interface and auto-completion of e-mail addresses. Microsoft is also launching a $100,000 sweepstakes for U.S.-based Office Live Workspace users.Source

VP2250wb by ViewSonic now in India

ViewSonic has announced its VP50 Series of LCD monitors, which includes the 22-inches widescreen VP2250wb, the 26-inches widescreen VP2650wb, and the traditional 4:3 19-inches VP950 models. As of now, only the VP2250wb LCD monitor is available in India. ViewSonic claims its VP50 Series sports an increased color gamut as compared to most CRT and LCD monitors available on the market today. The monitors' Opticolor technology makes for better accuracy and more detailed images in any viewing environment, according to the company. The LCD monitors themselves compliment the enhanced color gamut with faster response times, dynamic contrast ratio, and four USB ports, among others. Speaking on the occasion, Alan Chang, managing director of Americas, EMEA, and Asia Pacific Region, said, "The inclusion of OptiColor technology provides precise colors for a more satisfying viewing experience, and makes these displays critical for professionals who depend on vibrant color for anything from desktop publishing and movie reproduction to CAD/CAM." Adding to it, Gautam Ghosh, country manager of ViewSonic Technologies India, said, "The VP50 series is specially designed for professionals who not only demand quality visual experience but also advanced color precision". While the VP2250wb features 1680 x 1050 native resolution, 2ms response time, and 3000:1 dynamic contrast ratio; the VP2650wb has 1920 x 1200 native resolution, 3ms response time, and 3000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. Meanwhile, the VP950b sports 1280 x 1024 native resolution, 2ms response time, 280 nits of brightness, and 2000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. All LCD monitors incorporate ViewSonic's PerfectSuite Plus software for easy setting adjustments, color calibration, asset management, and theft deterrence. They support HDCP, are Windows Vista certified, and offer an ultra-slim bezel featuring ergonomic adjustments like 4.7-inches height adjustment range, 120 degrees swivel, pivot, and tilt. The VP2250wb is available in the country for an end-user price of Rs 29,999, along with a three-year limited warranty on parts and labor.Source