Gates Hints at Windows Next Coming 2009

Expect the next version of Windows (Windows 7) sometime in the next year or so -- as hinted by none other than Microsoft Boss Bill Gates.


"That'll be sometime in the next year or so that we'll have a new version," Gates is reported to have said during a Q&A session at a meeting of the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) in Miami. The audience had gathered to hear him talk about corporate philanthropy. Gates added, "I'm super-enthused about what it (the new version) will do in lots of ways." However, he didn't give details as to what changes or features the new version would have.Afterwards though, a company spokesperson reportedly said that Gates was talking about pre-release versions of Windows and not the finished product. Yet, it is true that Microsoft has started the developer program for Windows 7, with reports doing the rounds that a test version named 'Milestone 1' has been given to some of the software major's biggest customers.
Also, presently Windows Vista isn't doing too well with several incompatibility and instability issues making users and businesses reluctant to shift from Windows XP to Vista. Microsoft could be in a hurry to release the next version Windows because of this reason. All said, given Microsoft's track record, it may well be late 2009 or early 2010 by the time Windows version 7 actually starts shipping.Source

Logitech Game Controller With Cooling System Launched

Logitech has unveiled a new game controller with a built-in fan-based cooling system, designed to keep the hands of gamers cool and dry.The plug-and-play, full-speed USB Logitech ChillStream controller for PC works on Windows XP computers (with the latest service pack), and with Windows Vista. The metal grille that covers the air intake at the base of the controller accents the controller's silver-and-black color scheme. The controller features Logitech's patented floating D-pad, which uses four points of contact instead of a single pivot point - a design that resists side-to-side tipping inherent in other controllers, making the controller more precise. The controller's analog stick has been machine-tested to perform at least one million circular revolutions, ensuring that it can handle the rigors of gaming over a long period of time.

Logitech's exclusive ChillStream Technology includes a built-in 40 mm fan that circulates up to 3.41 cubic feet of air every minute. Because of the fan's compact size, Logitech can deliver the ChillStream feature in a standard-size controller. Three narrow vents on each side of the controller push air directly onto the four fingers, the base of the thumb and the palm of the hand. The air stream has three settings - continuous, interval, or off. In the interval mode, the air stays on for 15 seconds, then turns off for 30 seconds. The air vents are recessed from the surface of the controller and rubber linings surrounding the vents are flush with the surface. Logitech ChillStream controller for PC comes with a 2-year warranty and costs Rs. 2495.Source

Nokia Finally Launches N-Gage

Finally!!! Let me just get that out of the way and say it again – FINALLY!!! Today marks the global launch of the Nokia N-Gage mobile games service with more games, additional compatible devices (Yipeee!), and an expanded online offering. Millions of Nokia device owners can now find, try and buy high-quality made-for-mobile games directly from their mobile device. Players can also connect with one another through the N-Gage Arena community. They can meet friends, find others to play multiplayer games, discuss topics on the message boards and via live chat, and participate in tournaments and hosted events.

"With N-Gage we're offering a seamless experience for people around the world to try and buy games that are engaging, accessible and have wide appeal," said Jaakko Kaidesoja, vice president of games, Nokia. "We're very excited to get this into the hands of our customers, because with them we will shape the future of mobile gaming."
The N-Gage platform has exclusive titles that are among the most ambitious and graphically rich mobile games ever produced. From strategy and sport to arcade and action, games of all genres are being developed for N-Gage by leading games publishers. The first set of games include: EA SPORTS FIFA 08 by EA Mobile; Brain Challenge and Asphalt 3: Street Rules by Gameloft; World Series of Poker Pro Challenge by Glu Mobile; and Hooked On: Creatures of the Deep and System Rush: Evolution by Nokia Publishing. These games will be followed closely by Tetris and The Sims 2 Pets by EA Mobile; Block Breaker Deluxe and Dogz by Gameloft; and Snakes Subsonic, Space Impact: Kappa Base and Mile High Pinball by Nokia Publishing. With the N-Gage application on their device, people can create a Friends List, send and receive private messages, and take part in instant messaging style chat. N-Gage Points can be earned for playing games and participating in community activities. Moreover, the experience can take place via the N-Gage web portal on the PC. Here players can interact seamlessly with the N-Gage community or purchase new games and download them to their N-Gage compatible devices.Today's N-Gage compatible devices include: Nokia N81, Nokia N81 8GB, Nokia N82, Nokia N95, and Nokia N95 8GB. Prior to the N-Gage service going live, Nokia sought feedback from its fans through the N-Gage First Access program.Source

HP Launches its Smallest Consumer Laptop

Hewlett-Packard has launched its smallest notebook in the consumer range – HP Pavilion dv3000.The dv3000 is designed for the mobile professional and comes wrapped in a black shell.
The laptop – labeled 'The One' is designed for mobile executives featuring a full-sized keyboard, a 13.3-inch wide-screen display based on HP BrightView technology and HP 3D DriveGuard that protects the hard drive while on the go. By way of security it features HP Fingerprint Reader. It also has a built-in HP Pavilion webcam and HP mobile remote control. The laptop is equipped with NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS graphics card with 256MB dedicated video memory.

The HP Pavilion dv3000 has been built to perform under the conditions faced by business professionals who are constantly on the move. For the frequent travelers, we have also packed several of our entertainment features into the notebook for their leisure purposes."
"As a result of HP's extensive research across three continents focusing on user preferences, we factored in a full-size keyboard for comfort and a first ever 13.3-inch BrightView screen, which were the two must-haves for the road warrior."
Th HP Pavilion dv3000 is available for Rs. 53990 + taxes.Source