Amazon Prepping Smartphone to Rival iPhone, Android?

Citigroup analysts Mark Mahaney and Kevin Chang believe that Amazon will release a smartphone some time next year.

“With the clear success of the Kindle e-Reader over the past 3 years, and Kindle Fire possibly succeeding in the low-priced Tablet market, we view this as the next logical step for Amazon," wrote Mahaney and Chang. "We continue to believe Amazon has now set its eyes on the Mobile (and Tablet) Media and Product.”

This would raise the stakes yet again in the Amazon-Apple-Google rivalry.

Also Read: Why Google Thinks It Can Challenge Apple's iTunes

Apple's iPhone and Google's Android are already fighting for mobile users, and the platform is seen as the key battleground for the two companies moving forward.

Google Music debuts, adding competition for iTunes

Nov. 17 (Bloomberg) -- Google Inc., the world’s largest Internet-search company, introduced a music service that lets people buy songs through the Android Market, stepping up competition with Apple Inc.’s iTunes store.

Users will be able to store and stream as many as 20,000 songs on Google Music, the company said yesterday at an event in Los Angeles. Google has forged partnerships with 1,000 record labels, including Vivendi SA’s Universal Music Group, Sony Corp.’s music unit and EMI Group Ltd., letting it offer a total of 13 million songs.

Google has expanded into music, television and movies to help promote its Android smartphone operating system and marketplace. The company, based in Mountain View, California, also will let users share music on its Google+ social network. The challenge will be weaning away users from Apple’s music products and services, which generated $6.3 billion in the last fiscal year.

Logitech Tablet Bluetooth Keyboard for Android 3.0+

                    Logitech Tablet Keyboard for Android 3.0+

Logitech's Tablet Keyboard for Android 3.0+ packs in plenty of bang for your buck. In addition to a superb keyboard, the product comes with a protective case that doubles as a stand for your tablet, allowing you to position the device vertically while you type. This all-in-one functionality adds a lot of value to the Logitech unit.

Logitech Tablet Keyboard for Android

Of course, the most important thing is the keyboard itself -- and Logitech's creation is no slouch in that regard. The keys are nicely spaced out and very responsive; I found it comfortable to perform even the fastest of typing. The unit lies more or less flat when placed on a table, with an ever-so-slight upward slant.

The Logitech Tablet Keyboard has five rows; the number keys at the top double as Android function keys when used in conjunction with a function (Fn) button. Those Android keys allow you to open your tablet's browser, music player, calendar, or Gmail app, as well as remotely control music playback and volume on the tablet. These are handy, but I would have liked it better if they had been dedicated rather than combination keys. The keyboard does have dedicated Search, Back, Home and Menu keys.

Bluetooth keyboards for Android tablets

If you need a real keyboard to do real work, here are three excellent and affordable options

Computerworld - Tablets give us new possibilities when it comes to mobile computing. Unfortunately, they also give us new things to pack when it comes to carry-on luggage.

The problem is simple: While a tablet is a great addition to any gadget-lover's arsenal, it isn't typically a replacement for an existing device. Most of us still need physical keyboards for long-form typing -- and with business travel in particular, that means you're lugging around both a tablet and a laptop.

3 Android keyboards

• Introduction
• Logitech Tablet Keyboard for Android 3.0+
• Motorola Wireless Keyboard
• Targus Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard for Tablets
• Bottom line

By adding a wireless keyboard to your tablet, though, you can transform it from a content-consuming slate into a far more versatile productivity machine. With the aid of a Bluetooth keyboard, I've been able to use my Motorola Xoom for all of my computing needs -- both work and personal -- while away from the office. The keyboard allows me to type desktop-style as needed; the rest of the time, I can use the tablet as a lightweight touch device.

World’s Cheapest Indian Tablet PC at 50$

World’s Cheapest Indian Tablet PC at 50$

Aakash is the new name of India’s aspiration to produce an Indian computing device. Announced by the Minister for Human Resource Development (MHRD) on July 22, 2010 as “Sakshaat”, it was launched in New Delhi on Oct 5, 2011.

India’s aspiration to create a “made in India” computer was first reflected in a prototype “”Simputer”" that never went into industrial production. Later, the Ministry of Science & Technology launched an India designed laptop named Mobilis and that was launched by Kapil Sibal. Mobilis did not take off and the Govt of Brazil cancelled the order and blacklisted the Indian supplier.

Four years later Kapil Sibal, this time as Minister for Human Resource Development MHRD, the name India gives its Education Minister, announced a new low-cost computing and access device that was supposed to compete with One Laptop per Child, OLPC, a low-cost laptop cum tablet designed at MIT’s Media Lab and led by Professor Nicholas Negroponte with a difference. While OLPC is designed for the underprivileged younger school going children in places that lack both physical and teaching infrastructure, Kapil Sibal’s low cost computer was targeted at urban, college going students.

Top 10 Mobile Applications of 2012

For many of the categories on this list, there are a number of mobile apps that are already available today. But what Gartner makes clear is that we're just getting started when it comes to their use.For example, location-based services (LBS) - there still isn't one single app which everyone uses to find their friends out in the real world via their mobile phones. Instead, we have a number of similar but competing applications all vying to be the Facebook of location-based apps.

Another example is money payments - this type of service is having more of an impact in the developing world right now where access to banks is more difficult than here in the Western world where people just want the convenience of paying through their mobiles. When was the last time you paid someone or paid at checkout through your mobile phone? Never? That sounds about right.

The List

The full list is as follows:

1. Money Transfer: This refers to people sending money via SMS messages. Like mobile payments, this service has more appeal in developing markets for now. However, there may come a time when even using your debit card seems passé, while paying for something with actual cash seems downright ancient.

India’s cheapest Android tablet

Akash Ubislate, India’s cheapest Android tablet launched

The much anticipated $35 tablet has been officially launched by Union Ministry for Human Resource Development. The tablet is called Akash Ubislate and will be available to students at the subsidized price of $35 (approx Rs. 1720).

Weighing 350 grams, Akash tablet features a 7 inch resistive touchscreen diaplay, has 256 MB RAM, 2 GB internal storage, 32 GB expandable memory slot, two USB ports, Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11 b/g connectivity and 3.5 mm audio jack.

Akash Ubislate is powered by Android 2.2 OS and 366 Mhz. Connexant with Graphics accelerator and HD Video processor. Premium version of this tablet will also have inbuilt cellular modem (GSM/3G) and SIM card slot.

More Information

Windows 8 smartphone

A Chinese company says it will bring the yet-to-be-released Windows 8 to the small screen.

In Technology Group has seemingly dedicated itself to merging the Windows PC experience with the smartphone--something the company has dubbed the "post-smartphone." They started with phones running Windows XP a few years ago, and by earlier this year, ITG's XPPhone was available with Windows 7. Now it says a far slimmer, lighter, and energy efficient XPPhone 2 that will run both Windows 7 and the PC version of Windows 8 (once it's released) is in the works.

Though it seems doubtful to me that many consumers will find a need for so much Windows in their pocket, ITG has made sure to pack the XPPhone 2 with the meaty hardware to pull it off. This beast will boast a 1.6GHz processor and 2GB of RAM. ITG's Web site also mentions the possibility of an insane 2GHz model. There's also plenty of storage space to house Microsoft's notoriously bulky OSes, with 112GB on board.

ITG is billing the XPPhone 2 not just as a phone but as the "smallest notebook PC in the world," measuring 140mm X 73mm X 17.5mm. The pitch is basically that the phone is easily dockable and can stand in for a laptop, desktop and in-car navigation system.

The success of this kind of a device will likely depend on it being at least more usable than the English translation of its press release, which requires several aspirin to navigate, with sentences like: "The Editor considers that, presently it forms three camps of smart phone in the way of tripartite confrontation--The Apple, Google & Moto, and Intel & Microsoft & xpPhone, of which stands for three complete different technical orientations."

Let's hope they took the money they saved on their translator and put it into engineering.Engadget reports that we could see an XPPhone 2 release as soon as January.

The Apple iCloud Promises To Satisfy Apple Fans

The Apple iCloud is Apple's new revolutionary cloud service that allows you to store photos, videos, files, and contacts over the cloud. This means you can access your files on any Apple device. This is great news for any of us who own multiple Apple devices as we can easily upload our pictures and videos to the cloud and be able to access it on any Apple device. This includes the Mac too.

As an example, say you took a photo of your kids on your iPhone. If its synced and uploaded to the cloud that means you can see the same photo on your iMac and iPad too. This can particularly useful for families as you can easily share family photos on the cloud.

Apple currently has MobileMe, which is its current cloud service. However, MobileMe has not gained much of a following so Apple is introducing iCloud as a completely new service. It comes free with iOS 5 and you get an initial 5 GB allowance. If you require more space you can buy it on a yearly basis. You can buy additional storage of 10 GB for 20$ a year, and 20 GB for 40$ a year. If you really are in need of space you can buy 50 GB of space for 100$ a year.

The cloud market is rapidly seeing many competitors, with Amazon and Apple two major ones. Google Music is currently in beta and it looks like it could be Apple's main competitor. We're rapidly seeing a bifurcation between Apple and Google, more so than Apple and Microsoft (which is a rivalry based on OS only). Apple's OS is completely synced with Apple's phones and tablets. Google is moving towards the same and there are rumors of a Google operating system that may come out soon.

The interesting thing is that once a user chooses Google or Apple they're unlikely to switch because all their files will be on the cloud with either the Google or Apple service. Devices are no longer separate but are part of a larger ecosystem of devices from the same company. One of Google's advantages is Gmail, which syncs contacts and email with every Android device and is easily accessible on any computer. Apple's MobileMe email service is not free. I could go anywhere in the world and very easily pull up my contact information on any computer with Gmail. Apple's system is a more closed method of doing things. We'll have to see if Apple's iCloud breaks that paradigm and allows more flexibility like Google or whether it keeps Apple's customary rigid structure.

If you enjoyed reading about the Apple iCloud, check out my website for more Apple iCloud tips and suggestions.

www.theicloudblog.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shashwat_Singh

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6597597

NB: 'I just posted the following article on my blog and thought you would enjoy reading it.'

Cloud Computing Is for Everyone But Not for Everything

                                            Cloud Computing Is for Everyone But Not for Everything

Cloud computing is rapidly growing in popularity and general awareness, to a point where businesses of all sizes are looking into whether the medium is appropriate for their needs. So, what sort of businesses can cloud hosting effectively and securely handle? The simple answer is - all of them. From small business hosting to larger corporations, cloud computing can make your business more affordable and versatile. However, this doesn't necessarily mean it should replace all of your existing hosting solutions.

The best way to approach cloud hosting is to see it not as an all-or-nothing proposition, but as a way to streamline your IT requirements at appropriate points. Examine all of the functions of your current hosting solution and think about whether it could benefit from multi-tenant cloud computing, in-house hosting or a combination of the two.

A major benefit of taking a hybrid approach to hosting is that you can cut your overheads on IT, storage and general maintenance, without taking too much of a risk. Until cloud computing evolves to a point where it is the norm, an innovative, open-minded approach to hybrid hosting could give you a significant advantage over your rivals who are slower to pick up on new opportunities.

One of the most common concerns with cloud hosting is the idea that it is less secure and reliable than in-house hosting. In truth, cloud hosting is generally very secure, and far more data breaches take place in corporate data centres than among hosting providers. But nevertheless, there are instances where, for the time being, companies may wish to exercise a note of caution. For example, from small business hosting to larger corporations, a great many businesses avoid using public cloud computing for extremely sensitive financial information, or anything that requires compliance with the rules of the Payment Card Industry (PCI). Quite often, solutions which need to meet strict security and compliance specifications are best housed on private cloud solutions.

Another option is to combine multi-tenant cloud hosting with a broader kind of cloud computing - wherein traditional managed hosting is performed on servers that are dedicated to specific customers, but are owned and managed by a hosting provider. Top-line hosting providers are generally more reliable and secure than in-house data centres, and can still cut down your IT overheads significantly.

If you are interested in engaging with cloud hosting and would like some more information, talk to a dedicated and reputable hosting company to find out what package would be best suited to your business. The natural versatility of cloud hosting allows for a tailored hosting package to be constructed around the unique needs of your business, so don't be afraid to shop around to find out as much as you can before committing to a plan. It could be one of the most important decisions you make for your business.

Rackspace Hosting is the World's leader in hosting and cloud storage. Since 2001 Rackspace has been hosting and supporting mission critical websites, internet applications, email servers, security and storage services for 6,000 customers.

The author of this article has expertise in cloud hosting. The articles on small business hosting reveals the author's knowledge on the same. The author has written many articles on different types of hosting as well.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_C_Andrews

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6614441

Cisco is going to change the internet forever

Cisco has been claiming they will "change the internet forever" and their impact on individuals, governments, and businesses will be revolutionary. While Cisco is making these claims, what exactly are they doing that is so monumental that it will change the internet and the way in which we browse online?


Cisco announced a new networking router that is going to be top-of-the-line and transform the internet. This revolutionary product is known as the Cisco CRS-3 Routing System. This new router is setting the standard for all future growth of the internet, especially for video growth to occur. It has about 12 times more traffic capacity from other systems. It transfers about 322 terabits per second, which is absolutely amazing compared to other systems.

How fast is it really? Well according to Cisco you can download the entire Library of Congress in about a second. Pretty impressive right? The internet is going to keep growing and advancing and users are demanding faster service, better download capabilities, and better online browsing. It looks as though Cisco is listening to these demands and they are trying to meet the expectations of customers.




Cisco is focusing more on the overall design of the internet, versus more about web surfers and the internet. By fixing some of the problems customers are seeing with the actual "pipeline" of the internet the normal internet browser will see improvement.

Video and other communications are the future of the internet. This is why Cisco is so focused on making the internet as advanced as possible because dealing with slow video chat connections and other things can cause a lot of problems for a number of customers.

AT&T is working with the CRS-3 routing system to test it out and see if it is worth all the hype Cisco is talking about. Cisco is focused on the improvement of the internet now, but they are building products that are focused more on future generations as they will thrive on video communication and other communication devices to stay in touch with one another.

Which companies have the best potential for growth and development with Cisco? Right now it looks as though health care industries are going to benefit greatly because they can get in touch with doctors and researchers all over the world to provide the best care to patients battling a number of conditions. Other companies that are going to benefit include government organizations and educational institutions. Having the online video sharing tools they need allow you all to get in touch with each other faster and it offers better and faster service for everyone.

Cisco is being seen as the "core of the internet" by a number of other companies as they are creating a stronger backbone for the internet to offer better service for everyone. If this is what Cisco is doing now future generations are only going to benefit more with the new technologies that are coming out to make video conferencing and download times faster and better.

While Cisco isn't really all that impressive to the standard user, it is pretty amazing to designers and others that see more in the core design of the internet. The consumer-level customers may notice a difference in their internet speeds and download times but the experience everyone will experience online will be noticeable, even if it doesn't initially "wow" you and turn your head towards Cisco. However Cisco is drawing a lot of attention from a variety of users and designers that see where Cisco is taking the internet and the new technologies they are creating that will make your life much easier and better.

Make Free Calls Anywhere in the World

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Simply download, install and connect for free with Nimbuzz for PC!
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Current and Upcoming Tablets ipod

The tablet market is like that kid in school who, at first, no one really noticed. Then, a year later he starts the school year a foot taller, with a new wardrobe, and suddenly everyone wants to be his friend. But, does he deserve his newfound popularity?

I really don't know. Personally, I've yet to purchase a tablet, and I've still not seen a compelling reason to do so. Still, millions feel differently and have already dived full on into the tablet sector.

Yet, every day there seems to be a new announcement of another manufacturer's plans to release a tablet. Today is no different, with the announcement of the iPad 2. It's getting confusing and a little crazy out there, and we at CNET wanted to provide you with a snapshot of not only the current tablet landscape, but a look into the near future and how it's evolving.

We've compiled a list of all the major current tablets interwoven with all the tablets yet to be released. This list will focus on non-Windows tablets only for now. Enjoy, and if there's any other information you'd like to see on this list, let us know in the comments or via e-mail.

Look for this post to be updated and evolve throughout the coming months.

Name	OS	Price	Release date	Screen size	4G support confirmed?	Wifi-only version confirmed?
Acer Iconia Tab A100	Honeycomb	$330-$350	Available now	7-inch	No	Yes
Acer Iconia Tab A500	Honeycomb	$400	Available now	10-inch	No	Yes
Amazon Tablet 10-inch	Unknown	Unknown	2011	10-inch	No	No
Amazon Tablet 7-inch	Unknown	Unknown	2011	7-inch	No	No
Apple iPad	iOS	$430-$530	Available now	9.7-inch	No	Yes
Apple iPad 2	iOS	$500-$830	Available now	9.7-inch	No	Yes
Archos 70	Android 2.2	$310	Available now	7-inch	No	Yes
Archos 101	Android 2.2	$260	Available now	10.1-inch	No	Yes
Archos G9 80	Honeycomb	$300-$370	September 2011	8-inch	No	Yes
Archos G9 101	Honeycomb	$370-$470	September 2011	10.1-inch	No	Yes
Asus Slider	Honeycomb	$500-$800	September	10.1-inch	Unannounced	Yes
Asus Transformer	Honeycomb	$400	Available now	10.1-inch	No	Yes
Asus Transformer 2	Honeycomb	n/a	Q4 2011	10.1-inch	No	No
Asus MeMO	Honeycomb	$500-$700	2012	7-inch	Unannounced	No
Coby Kyros	Android 2.2	$200	Available now	8-inch	No	Yes
Dell Streak 5	Android 2.2	$550	Available now	5-inch	No	No
Dell Streak 7	Android 2.2	$200-$450	Available now	7-inch	Yes	No
HP TouchPad	WebOS 3.0	$600	Available now	9.7-inch	Yes	Yes
HTC Evo View 4G (Sprint)	Android 2.3	$400	Available now	7-inch	No	Yes
HTC Flyer	Android 2.3	$500	Available now (at Best Buy only)	7-inch	No	Yes
HTC Jetstream	Honeycomb	$700-$800	September 4, 2011	10.1-inch	Yes	No
Lenovo IdeaPad A1	Android 2.3	$250	Unannounced	7-inch	No	Yes
Lenovo IdeaPad K1	Honeycomb	$500	Available now	10.1-inch	No	Yes
Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet	Honeycomb	$500-$670	Available now	10.1-inch	No	Yes
Maylong Universe M-150	Android 2.2	$100	Available now	7-inch	No	Yes
Motorola Xoom	Honeycomb	$600-$800	Available now	10.1-inch	Yes	Yes
RIM Blackberry Playbook	BlackBerry Tablet OS	$600	Available now	7-inch	No	Yes
Samsung Galaxy Note	Android 2.3	Unannounced	Unannounced	5.3-inch	No	No
Samsung Galaxy Tab	Android 2.2	$150-$550	Available now	7-inch	No	No
Samsung Galaxy Tab Wi-Fi	Android 2.2	$350	Available now	7-inch	No	Yes
Samsung Galaxy Tab 7.7	Honeycomb	Unannounced	Unannounced	7.7-inch	No	No
Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9	Honeycomb	Unannounced	August	8.9-inch	Yes	Yes
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1	Honeycomb	$500	Available now	10.1-inch	No	Yes
Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 4G LTE (Verizon)	Honeycomb	$530-$630	Available now	10.1-inch	Yes	No
Sony S	Honeycomb	$500-$600	Fall 2011	9.4-inch	No	Yes
Sony P	Honeycomb	n/a	Fall 2011	5.5-inch (dual-screen)	Yes	No
T-Mobile G-Slate	Honeycomb	$800	Available now	8.9-inch	Yes	No
Toshiba AT200	Honeycomb	Unannounced	2011	10.1-inch	Unannounced	Yes
Toshiba Thrive	Honeycomb	$380-520	Available now	10.1-inch	Unannounced	Yes
Velocity Micro Cruz Tablet	Android 2.2	$200	Available now	7-inch	No	Yes
Viewsonic Viewpad 7	Android 2.2	$415-470	Available now	7-inch	No	Yes
Viewsonic ViewPad G Tablet	Android 2.2	$370	Available now	10.1-inch	No	Yes
ViewPad 10pro	Android 2.3 (and Windows 7)	$600-$700	August	10.1-inch	No	Yes
Vizio Tablet VTAB1008	Android 2.3	$359	Available now	8-inch	Unannounced	No

Read more: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20037960-1/cnet-looks-at-current-and-upcoming-tablets/#ixzz1YqrOFEHv