Technology For Everyone

The company I work for has been interested in switching from an on-premise business intelligence server to a cheaper saas businss intelligence solution. The main reason for the switch is to reduce the overhead costs associated with having the BI solution within our IT department. Though, this may reduce our IT staff, it will help the company save money in the long run. Two things that we are looking for particularly include dashboards and reporting tools. Our top level execs need the ability to customize dashboards for their specifications and also have a set of reporting tools that will help them make the right decision faster. This will ensure that we are keeping productivity at maximum while keeping every different level of decision maker on board in terms of actionable information. During our search we came across a few different competitors but one company in particular stood out in terms  of having a great saas bi offering at the most cost-effective price, that company was Actuate. Their BIRT on-Demand solution seemed reasonable, so we decided to try the free trial version of the software. We are currently testing out the software by running reports and actually began synching our data into their cloud servers to generate powerful reports. Overall, it seems like a very effective solution but we still plan to try out the other competitors within the marketplace before making any final decision.

Video Conferencing Tools

It’s hard to believe now that some 4 years ago one had to pay thousands to accomodate a small web video conference with intermittent video signal and audio. The concept of a video chat server wasn’t even in the picture, perhaps only contemplated by the bravest and brightest minds. Well, it’s in now – the technology that makes geography inconsequential, interaction instant and functional and signal powerful. I am talking of course about video conferencing. Industry’s largest brands like Webex, Megameeting, Tandberg, Oovoo are working hard to stay competitive in the telecom market, adding new functionality to their software. As an example, just recently Megameeting came up with a new set of web collaboration tools that enable real-time desktop collaboration, presentation and file sharing. This enhancement will help the business owners conduct online presentations or interactive webinars in real time! Megameeting already added this feature as a free 30 day trial to some of its active applications. You can find out more at www.megameeting.com and join their free webinar!

Will dual screen Notebook be a new trend? It maybe because after Toshiba first introduced with the release Libretto on Toshiba 25th birthday some time ago, now Acer is following. In a ceremony held in New York, USA, on Tuesday (23/11/2010), Acer showcased Iconia, their first dual screen laptop.

Iconia is using the 14 inches touch screen on either side. The part that is usually the place of a keyboard, is now filled with touch screen. Screen is sturdy as it is coated with scratch resistant glass-made by Gorilla Glass. Although without a keyboard, these devices can be enabled with a laptop displaying a virtual keyboard, widgets, and other menus in one screen.

Users can divide the desktop menu display on both screens. It can also use both screens to run different applications. For example, while seeing the video on the screen above, you can  check your e-mail, browsing, or edit photos on the screen below. This device is equipped with technology to detect the palm of the hand and the screen will automatically display a virtual keyboard when the hand is placed on top of the screen.

Acer said, Iconia use the Windows 7 operating system made by Microsoft. Processor equipped with Intel Core i5 and 4 GB of RAM memory and 750 GB hard drive. Iconia will be released to the market starting early 2011.

Sony Gold J VAIO

Towards the end of the year, Sony is showing off the latest collection of personal computers (PCs) and notebook that offers a luxurious feel. Signature Fall 2010 Collection is intended for users who need lifestyle.

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Opera Mobile 10.1 beta Android

Android-based smartphone users can use an alternative browser which promises faster Internet access and more comfortable. Opera Software announced that Opera Mobile 10.1 Beta has been available free on Android Market from 9 November 2010.

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Sony xperia x10, x10 mini, x10 mini pro

Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 smart phone users can now feel better experience with their own devices. As promised, Sony Ericsson finally provide a software upgrade for the X10 to the Android 2.1 platform that comes with a variety of new features that promise users the latest and unique experience.

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Toshiba Regza ISO4

Apparently Toshiba is also influenced by Android fever. Recently Toshiba released Android based phones, the Toshiba REGZA IS04 featuring powerful camera 12.19 megapixels.

Among the many Android phones that have been circulated, it was the first time an Android phone has 12.19 MP camera. And not just the camera alone, REGZA specifications  look very convincing.
Quoted from UnwiredView, this Android 2.1 handset is armed with Snapdragon 1GHz CPU processor. The screen was fairly wide, by 4 inch with a resolution of 854 × 480 pixels.

Unfortunately, probably only Japanese people who would enjoy this phone. Marketed with operator KDDI, IS04 REGZA will sell for around December 2010 or January 2011 in Japan.
Indeed, many sophisticated phones are made by Japanese vendors, but mostly only for the domestic market. Besides Toshiba REGZA , recently there is also a Sharp ISO3 Android phone which is said to match the sophistication of the iPhone 4.

android 3.0 Gingerbread

Android 3.0 (Gingerbread) has been the subject of conversation on the internet when Google released the Android 2.2 (Froyo) middle of this year. Acoording to the recent news, the latest version of the open source platform for smartphones will be released in the next few weeks before the end of this year.

Gingerbread touted to bring new features to support richer services on smartphones. In fact, it could be the first version of the Android platform fully support the characteristics of tablet computers in addition to the smartphone.

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Manufacturer of BlackBerry, Research In Motion (RIM), Canada, finally announced a new device in the form of  tablet computer, on Monday, 27 September 2010 in the event the RIM Developer Conference in San Francisco. Previously rumored to BlackPad name, this new tablet is called BlackBerry Playbook. (more…)

3D HD TV

The world has had time to get used to 3 dimensional shows and films, especially after the releases from this last 12 months, that have amazed and astounded audiences throughout the world. A few of the experts in this field, whose job it is to watch and predict trends, have theorized on the possible supply date for 3d Television. I am sorry, but did my brain ignore something? Conceivably, I wasn’t looking at the time that everyone pronounced that we all had investigated, but got fed up of the HD TV available, but unused, in our living rooms? That any of us at all are all set for another popular trend and a commercial spending spree on 3D TV? Think about it, we must adopt this revolution that we already have before we begin another one. Let most people with TVs which can display Hi-def actually get HD channels and then watch them before deciding that it is time to move on to the next big thing.

The flat screen innovation has the potential for sharper detail and a much better sound quality. But a good number of these TV sets have high-definition capabilities. The thought of investing in a digital video player that can play HD films, is an easy idea to accept yet when it comes to experiencing Television in High definition I’m sure we have been slow to comprehend its awesome potential. We’ll improve our viewing, greatly, by simply transitioning out of the flat screen era and into the High definition age, not to mention the fact that a lot more of the programme providers now supply hi-def stations.

The British Isles TV industry contains various suppliers within it and as a result selections for us, the buyers, are wide ranging. The Virgin HD box is currently on offer as a possible add on to the majority of their packages and if an individual opted to buy their extra-large Television plan they only charge you a one off fee for a High definition box after which it’s always free of charge to use every month. The Sky HD box and the Sky Plus box are being provided to brand new Sky customers that want them.

The 3d trend is going to be along in the near future, definitely, but why don’t we get with the routine and take HD to our hearts right now?