Science & Tech
March 9th, 2009 at 12:22pm
Under Science & Tech
Microsoft’s List of Improvements to Windows 7
Microsoft has released a lengthy list of 36 improvements it plans to make to the release candidate for Windows 7, though they didn’t provide any details on when that RC might actually be available.
The Windows team separated the updates into nine categories, including the desktop experience, touch, and Windows Media Player. Desktop tweaks received the most attention, with 10 expected changes.
Microsoft has incorporated its “Aero Peek” window transparency tool to the ALT+TAB function to give you a better idea of the items you have open on your desktop.
The RC will also make it easier to open files with a specific program, now allows for 24-39 percent more icons to be displayed before the taskbar scrolls, and makes it easier to see what files are open when items do scroll, among other changes.
The release candidate will also include Internet radio playback that is “more reliable and resilient”. Microsoft will also no longer interrupt content playing via Media Player if the user inserts a USB drive.Full Story
Windows 7 Will Have IE 8 On-Off Switch
Microsoft said the upcoming public release candidate of Windows 7 will include the ability turn off Internet Explorer 8, which is the target of antitrust charges.
The option will be available through a control panel called “Windows Features,” which will allow IE 8 to be turned off. The feature does not uninstall the browser. Instead, it deletes the IE 8 executable file “iexplore.exe.” All other components remain, and the browser can be turned back on through the same panel.
The governing body could require Microsoft to distribute Windows in the European Union without IE, or offer an installation screen that gives consumers a choice of which browser to install. It’s too soon to say whether Microsoft’s latest move will satisfy the EC. Full Story
By omni
March 6th, 2009 at 01:45pm
Under Science & Tech
You need to know the some important things before you would want to repair digital discs. The important things to know are how they are produced and what type of damages can be repaired. It is very important to know everything about CD’s if you want to repair it. When you know the fundamental of CD’s, repairing will be much easier.
How to Make A CD
First, understand that we keep all the data at one side of the plastic disc. So, the data needs to be stamped on the disc to create many zeros and ones on this side. If it is a recordable disc, there are different levels of burning a CD depending on the type of recording.
Moving on, a layer of reflective foil that is thin will be applied on top of the CD. This will cover up the data. The most important feature about this layer it light reflective feature so that the data can be read.
Do not be surprised that lacquer is involved in the process. It is dripped on to the disc and then the disc must be spun at high speed. This will create a seal on the disc although it has no protection or whatsoever on the data and the foil.
This is where the graphic comes in. A layer of ink is printed on the lacquer layer so that the disc is more appealing for sales. Please note that the foil, lacquer and graphic offer no protection to the data. It means if you scratch on the data layer, there would be no use anymore.
How a CD is Read
You might have seen different types of discs in the market. However, the working all is the same. Files such as songs and pictures are being stored in a digital form. Therefore, there will be millions of zeros and ones on the disc.
The information is being read with the help of infrared laser that projects through the disc. There will be reflection or no reflection to the laser reader, which will then process the information. The process is also known as decoding. Laser reader will decode the zeros and ones being reflected.
So, it is really important to make sure there is no scratch on the disc. A scratch will cause defect to the disc. As such, the laser will be off the track and no data will be readable. Protect your disc with a shield to avoid loss of data.
How a CD Can Be Damaged
The easiest and also the worst way a CD can get damaged is through scratches. To repair a disc, the location of the scratch will determine if the CD can be repaired or not.
Keep in mind that the important part of the disc you must protect is the side of polycarbonate disc. However, not many people know how to protect a disc, not even the manufacturer who leaves the CD exposed. Whether there is data or not in a disc, a scratch will damage the whole thing.
If the scratch is on the other side, then it is possible to repair through polish. It is crucial to be watchful when you use the disc and notice any scratches so that you can repair them as soon as possible before further damage.
An easy way to check for scratches is to hold the disc 24″ from a light bulb with the label facing the bulb. You will see light coming through if there are scratches and the bad news if you cannot repair this disc.
Whether a disc can be repaired many times or not depending on how deep the scratches are on the disc especially when you polish the disc.
The author has extensive experience over the years at disc repair service and is now using his knowledge to help others achieve the same level of success with his disc repair service . He runs several blogs and is an active contributor at various internet (By: John Moore)
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
By omni
February 26th, 2009 at 04:41am
Under Science & Tech
What’s in store for technology in 2009? Nothing entirely new — mostly existing products and services that will gain traction in the new year: Apple in the home, virtual surround sound, national installation programs and online content.
The only “new” thing will be wireless HD, which manufacturers have talked about for years but never quite got around to shipping. Several wireless products will come to market in 2009, and none too soon. New construction is flat, but high definition is hot — the perfect storm for wireless entertainment.
Here are 6 top technology trends for 2009:
Energy Management
This trend seems obvious, but we have never included it in our yearly Top 5 Technologies to Watch.
The reason that this year will be a watershed for energy management is the increasing amount of legislation on the subject (and more to come with a Democratic president?).
Other contributing factors include utilities reaching capacity crises and a wide range of new retrofit-friendly HVAC-control products.
Apple in the Home
This could be the year that Apple finally makes a strong showing in the home.
Spurred by the popularity of the “iPhone and a plethora of applications” for the device, Apple is generating greater mindshare among consumers who have not typically embraced multi-purpose electronics.
Seems like Apple can do anything this year … and succeed.
Wireless HD
For various reasons, including technological challenges and high costs,”wireless HD has failed to hit the residential marketplace” , even after three years of promises.
Manufacturers and technology developers are nearly there on the development side, and we should expect products from
Belkin, Gefen, Monsterand others to hit the market in 2009.
Virtual Surround Sound
With new-home construction in the gutter, the prospects for surround-sound wiring is grim.
We’ve seen an explosion of virtual surround-sound systems that simulate the real thing, and 2009 should be a big year for the category.
In 2008, Mitsubishi began shipping TVs with an “Integrated Sound Projector” Vice president of marketing Frank DeMartin says the TVs carry about a $400 premium over similar units.
He adds that the technology makes it simple to sell a subwoofer with the package.
Lest integrators think the solution cannibalizes sales of complete surround-sound set-ups, DeMartin notes, “How many people walk into retailers and don’t buy audio?”
National Installation Programs
2008 was a big year for so-called national installers. Despite what integrators think about them, Best Buy’s Geek Squad and Circuit City’s firedog have gained consumer attention.
We also saw the launch of Zip Express, a hang-and-bang installation company that does work for CompUSA and Tiger Direct, and OnForce, provider of leads for integrators willing to take relatively simple jobs.
Yet another company (that wishes to keep under the radar for now) is expecting to start installing for Costco customers nationally.
Integrators that can systematize the installation of simpler systems (such as TV, surround sound and universal remote) might take some cues from some of these mass marketers.
Online Content
IP-based video-on-demand has finally arrived, with help from such vendors as Vudu, Blockbuster, Hulu, VideoGiants and Netflix (which has partnered with several hardware providers).
The forthcoming Windows 7 will kick the trend up a notch, although that OS is not expected to ship until the end of 2009.(Julie Jacobson)
By omni
February 22nd, 2009 at 01:52am
Under Science & Tech
Keio University and its partners announced an inductive-coupling wireless communication technology to realize an SSD composed of three-dimensionally layered 64 NAND flash memory chips at ISSCC 2009. 
SSDs developed by using this technology will reduce power consumption of the system to 1/2, the number of loaded LSI packages to 1/8 and the area of communication circuits to 1/40 compared with existing SSDs. The new SSD was realized by multi-layering 64 NAND flash memory chips inside one LSI package and using inductive coupling for wireless communication between the memory chips.
This technology was developed by a research group led by Tadahiro Kuroda, professor of the Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering at Keio University. The paper on the technology was published jointly with the University of Tokyo.
The memory chips wirelessly communicate with one another. The proposed 3D SSD is (a), and (b) is an existing SSD.
Keio University and its partners propose a so-called micro SSD composed of a single LSI package. The SSD incorporates 64 NAND flash memory chips inside one package. If the 64 chips are incorporated in an SSD using existing methods, more than 1,500 wires have to be installed inside the package, according to the research group.
By using the new wireless communication method, on the other hand, the number of wires inside the package can be reduced to 200 or less. Data communication between memory chips and the controller can be carried out in the form of inductive-coupling wireless communication. Wires are used for power supply, grounding and control.
Three major modifications were made to layer 64 memory chips. First, a shield was used for relay transmission of information between the chips. Each of the memory chips is equipped with an inductive coupling repeater, and data is communicated via relay transmission between the chips.
Chips are inversely layered. The structure (a) was adopted for the newly developed technology.
The relay transmission was made possible by setting a metal pad shield at an appropriate position of each chip, utilizing the phenomenon that magnetic flux is attenuated by shields. And It was confirmed that signals and crosstalk are reduced as expected.
Second, a state machine was developed so that chips can be selected without giving individual numbers to them.
“It is especially important for an SSD, in which identical chips are layered,” Kuroda said.
This state machine can be easily developed using existing circuit technologies, he said.
Third, a packet communication method was employed for memory access so as to allow communication using
Tadahiro Kuroda, professor of the Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering at Keio University
existing memory circuits. The area was reduced by adopting multiplex communication system and sharing control signals and data.
The group prototyped the chips using 180nm-generation CMOS technology. Six chips, each 60?m thick, were stacked in layers. Measurement results indicated that relay transmission was properly conducted and that the state machine could be set wirelessly, according to the group.(by Motoyuki Ooishi, Nikkei Electronics)
By omni
February 22nd, 2009 at 01:29am
Under Science & Tech+ Televisions
Toshiba Corp has announced that it will reorganize its semiconductor development affiliates under the umbrella of Toshiba Semiconductor Company in an effort to enhance the design and development function of its system LSI and memory business groups.
Reviewing functions of the two development companies under the system LSI business group, Toshiba will relocate one of them under the system LSI business group and the other under the memory business group. As a result, the discrete business group in addition to these two business groups will have a development company under each.
Toshiba will aim at swift technology development and integrated operation that would meet business strategy, establishing each business group’s design development framework through this reorganization, the company said.
Toshiba Microelectronics Corp will be placed under the system LSI business group. System LSI-related design and development functions of Toshiba Microelectronics and Toshiba LSI System Support Co Ltd currently under the system LSI business group will be integrated into Toshiba Microelectronics.
Strategically distributing its resources, Toshiba will fortify development resources of its mainstay businesses as well as increasing development efficiency, the company said. After the integration, Toshiba Microelectronics will be wholly capitalized by Toshiba at ¥500 million (US$4.87 million). The company will start operation with 1,562 employees July 1, 2008.
Meanwhile, a new memory development company will be established under the memory business group. The new company will formulate memory specifications, develop products, establish volume production systems and support sales promotion in alliance with the memory business group’s development department, as well as developing built-in controllers for NAND flash memory.
The name of the new company has not been determined. It will also be wholly capitalized by Toshiba at ¥100 million. Its operation will start July 1, 2008, with 195 employees.(by Yukiko Kanoh, Nikkei Electronics)
By omni
February 21st, 2009 at 02:52pm
Under Science & Tech
Toshiba is catching on to what a lot of other electronics manufacturers already know: free recycling programs of electronics are a good thing for the company, the consumer, and the environment.
They’ve given the concept a nod by expanding their free recycling program beyond just laptops, and it now includes many consumer electronics, regardless of the brand. Not only that, they’re offering cash for usable gadgets.
Toshiba’s program expansion now includes some elements that should be “duh” steps for any electronics manufacturer. Old school programs usually provided a “perk” of accepting a customer’s old gadget after they purchased a product from the company. But Toshiba now accepts junker gadgets and e-waste for recycling without requiring the user purchase a Toshiba product. Finger snaps. Dell was already on to this a couple years ago.
Really, e-cycling should be a free part of any electronics company or installation service, though some still charge.
Qualifying items include: laptops, Tablet PCs, monitors, projectors, cameras, camcorders, servers, home audio receivers, cell phones, car audio, home electronics, auto electronics, mobile phones, PDAs, MP3 players, game systems and GPS navigation systems.
As an awesome piece of the program, if your gadget still has usable life in it, Toshiba offers a buy-back option, so customers can get a little cash for their old stuff.
The expansion also gives a boost to Toshiba by making it now the most comprehensive trade-in program in the industry.
“The growth of Toshiba’s free recycling program is a reflection of the company’s dedication to promoting responsible disposal of hazardous waste,” said Jeff Barney, general manager and vice president, Digital Products Division, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. “Recycling items regardless of the manufacturer is a natural step for Toshiba, considering the value we place on environmental responsibility.”-by Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California
By omni
