China Builds its Own National Operating System Around Ubuntu

The Chinese government is building an operating system based on the open source OS Ubuntu. The software department of the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, announced that Ubuntu would be a new reference architecture for an OS targeted at the Chinese market. Working with Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu, the authorities plan to release the Ubuntu 13.04-based Kylin desktop OS next month, with plans to extend the Kylin OS to other platforms at a later date. The first release of the Ubuntu Kylin OS will include features and applications that cater for the Chinese market. Features include Chinese input methods and Chinese calendars, a new weather indicator and Chinese music search. Future releases will include integration with Baidu maps and shopping service Taobao, payment processing for Chinese banks, and real-time train and flight information ..
The announcement is part of the Chinese government’s five year plan to promote open source software and accelerate the growth of the open source ecosystem within China. The coordination with the global Ubuntu project will ensure it is familiar to local software and hardware vendors, and useful for export products made by Chinese companies. The Ubuntu Kylin team is now working with Kingsoft Office, the most popular office suite in China, and is creating photo editing and system management tools which could be incorporated into other flavours of Ubuntu worldwide. During 2007, the Chinese government released an earlier Kylin OS, a system that was designed to be hardened against malware available at the time, in what was perceived as an attempt to block attacks by foreign governments.
Ubuntu Linux is entering the smartphone market,
China might becomes the turning point. China also plans to expand beyond the desktop and use Ubunutu for mobile devices, cloud and servers. This could go some way to combat the dominance of Android in China, after the expressed of concern at Android’s control of its smartphone market. Now the Chinese government has made changes to alter the desktop computing and mobile landscape in the country, but what we believe the most important factor still rely on software developers. Can Ubuntu easily install most of the multiplayer online role-playing games from China ?

Korean Game Maker Com2us Partners with OPPO to Expand in China

Korean game developer Com2us announced a partnership with OPPO on mobile gaming development in China. Com2us is aggressively strengthening its presence in China right now. The Korean company is shining itself in the Chinese market with outstanding game qualities and localization strategies. Slice It, Swing Shot and Inotia series are getting hot across the Chinese-speaking markets. Com2us will be working with OPPO, one of the rising Chinese smartphone manufacturer, to popularize its mobile games to OPPO smartphone user through NearMe app store, a mobile application download platform which runs by OPPO …
Com2us believes the thorough localization strategy was a key to its smash hit in China. In 2003, Com2us set up its official branch office in the country and has since made special efforts to make inroads into its mobile game market. Unlike other rivals that have simply translated the content into Chinese, Com2us has carefully listened local staff’s opinions to various aspects of its games. For example, the English name of Escape the Ape was changed to “Jumping Jumping Sunwukong” to link the game to one of the most popular characters of all time in China, also known as the “monkey god”. Last year, the game had topped on various Android app stores in China, it was also one of the ten most popular free games in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
The dedicated games app in OPPO smartphones will recommend games from Com2us. Escape the Ape: English version vs. the Chinese version. There are ways foreign developers can protect their apps and thrive in China — as long as they’re willing to work with the Chinese culture and economy, not against them. It is interesting to see whether the success of Com2us in the Chinese mobile game industry could lead a mobile game version of “Korean Wave” in the country. As working with OPPO, the coordination of hardware and software will bring a better user experience than just to work alone with hardware specification.

Samsung’s Baby: The Galaxy S III Mini

Samsung’s Baby: The Galaxy S III Mini – The original Samsung Galaxy S III is Samsung’s flagship mobile phone to date. However, the product is quite expensive and without a data plan, owners of the device will not be able to enjoy the latest services included like the LTE.
LTE is one of the most recent developments introduced to the mobile world. LTE stands for Long Term Evolution, which may also be referred to as 4G, which supports mobile and roaming Internet access.

Just recently, Samsung introduced Galaxy S III’s smaller version: the Galaxy S III mini. The specifications of the Mini are close to its predecessor. The device is Samsung’s version of Apple’s iPad Mini, which is basically a smaller version of their iPad 2.
The price range of the Android phone is similar to the middle-ranged handsets that are currently available in the market. Some Android users may also find it easier to place toll free calls and otherwise using the Android phone since it can easily be grasped by one hand.
Will the S III Mini then deliver the same productivity as its big brother?

Samsung Galaxy S III Mini – Internet Speed

Unfortunately for those who are used to browsing at 100mbps speeds, the Samsung Galaxy S III Mini does not have LTE connectivity. If you prefer 4G over 3G, go for the original Galaxy S III. This is one huge difference of the Mini from the S III: its LTE capabilities.
However, that does not mean that the browsing experience with this tiny device is not satisfactory. In fact, the device is capable of HSPA+ Internet with an average speed of 7mbps. That is respectable enough to download your favorite online games from Temple Run 2 to Coin Dozer, and fast enough to load YouTube videos. Like most of the phones introduced as of late, the smartphone is capable of mobile Internet tethering which enables you to share your Internet connection with up to 5 devices.

Temple Run 2

This technology allows you to use your laptop to download the online games from various online sites. Loading Java-enabled online gaming sites is possible, provided that your local service provider’s network connection does not fluctuate. It is highly recommended to use the android versions of your favorite games and applications because even if the Internet gets disconnected, you can still continue with the game after regaining a signal.

Samsung Galaxy S III Mini – Camera

The specifications of a phone’s built in camera are just as important as its ability to place calls and send text messages. S III mini has a 5MP camera, which has fewer pixels compared to the Galaxy S III’s stunning 8 megapixels.
Either way, photographs taken using Samsung’s latest offering are still vibrant and beautiful. Both have dual LED flash that is perfect for low light situations. The big difference is the original S III’s capability to shoot 1080p HD videos, as compared to the 720p in Galaxy S III Mini.
Then again, who buys an android phone for the sole purpose of shooting 1080p HD videos? This minor flaw, if you can call it one, can be easily dismissed and overlooked by those looking for feature-rich yet affordable android phones.

Samsung Galaxy S III Mini – Super AMOLED Display

Both handsets have super AMOLED display and high pixel per inch densities. With this, watching HD videos on YouTube is just superb.
This also applies to rich 3D graphics when playing games like Need for Speed or Final Fantasy IV.

Samsung Galaxy S III Mini – S Beam Technology

A mobile phone’s ultimate goal is to send and receive calls and text messages. S Beam Technology is a breakthrough concept that is available on this device. With its NFC or Near Field Communication feature, you can share content like videos, music, and pictures easily. With a limit of 10MB, you can share content by just tapping the device to an S Beam-enabled handset like the Galaxy S IIIor Samsung Galaxy Note II.
Note: Samsung GALAXY S III mini images courtesy of Samsung UK

What’s Next For Google’s Android Technology

Image by bokeh_burger @Flickr

What’s Next For Google’s Android Technology? – There are many things Android users are able to boast of – larger screens on their gadgets, greater customisation than competitive operating systems, and now, a full and simple control of the kitchen.
Google is expanding its OS to help users control their kitchen appliances all from one device, and each item with the OS implemented will even be able to communicate with each other. This really is the kitchen of the future, today.

In these early stages, the best example available right now is the Android rice cooker. Using the operating system, tech-savvy cooks will be able to relax as the appliance determines the type of rice chosen and how to cook it. Once the system becomes more popular, and more devices implement the OS, your fridge freezer could let you know when you’re running low on orange juice, and show you the best bargains in your area for a restock.
Your washing machine could tell your TV when the load is done, giving you a notification without ever having to leave the sofa. Your microwave could scan your frozen meal and know when it’s perfectly cooked, meaning frustrating under cooking or burning is a thing of the past. The oven could sense when it’s been accidently left turned on, and be able to switch itself off meaning great advancements in safety. The possibilities are quite literally endless.
What’s in it for Google? Well, Google loves targeted advertising, meaning the next time you’re browsing you may see your favourite rice brand popping up more frequently, or the eggs you’re running low on featuring as a reminder as you’re social networking.
Predictions from the International Data Corporation suggest the possible market for these internet-based appliances could reach $2 trillion by 2015, meaning it is a very lucrative market indeed.


The International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas saw an Android powered LG Smart ThinQ Refrigerator communicate and preheat an LG SmartOven. And this is just the beginning for integrating smart technology in to your home.
Whether consumers will really embrace the idea is yet to be seen. Considering the increase in popularity of smart devices such as mobile phones, tablet computers, smart TVs and electronic books, you can be certain the tech-savvy will embrace the new smart home devices; but will the average consumer? Eventually smart devices will overtake the traditional, but the demand is yet to be seen.
Mark Kelly of Appliances Direct explained what this could mean for them:

We’re always keen to look into the future of appliances; the most recent popular developments have been the massive strides in induction technology with pans heating instantly while the surface remains cool to the touch, very safety focused but also a stylish looking product optimized for precision cooking.
We’re also seeing an increase in designer cooker hoods which rise from the kitchen surface or have automatic touch controls. This is a massively positive step for appliances and we’re keen to see how it will progress. We’ve already got visions of your fridge emailing you when you run out of milk or your eggs are about to go out of date, it will automatically add them to your shopping list or order them online for you. On a serious note though there are huge benefits to have linked appliances.
There are timing benefits when cooking, making sure the potatoes start cooking at the right time. You could also check how energy efficient your appliances are being or how much money they’re costing to run. Most applications are made with safety, efficiency and ease in mind and we’re looking forward to be at the front of the queue when the next generation of products hit the market.
All hail the digital kitchen!

All new 2013 BMW X1 Scorches Indian Roads

All new 2013 BMW X1 Scorches Indian Roads

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German car major BMW introduces all new 2013 BMW X1 with new features and advanced technologies. This new BMW X1 comes at a price range of INR27.90 lakh to INR 32.50 lakh ex showroom all India.

The new BMW X1 is equipped with a 2.0 litre diesel engine that pumps out 186 PS power at 380 Nm of torque. This engine comes together with BMW’s eight speed steptronic automatic torque converter gearbox. The gearbox also allows for manual transmission.

New BMW X1 comes in rear drive sDrive28i and all wheel drive xDrive28i. New features include new LED headlights, new rear bumper, rear air diffuser and outside rear view mirror with integrated indicators.

Besides, BMW has also made the steering of this luxury SUV bit lighter than its predecessor for easy urban driving and softer suspension is just the right to deal the Indian road conditions.

All new BMW X1 is all set to the rivals like Audi Q3 and other luxury SUVs head on. If you want to make this refreshing and powerful BMW yours, pay a visit to your nearest dealer today.

ASUS FonePad first impression

We’re here at Mactan, Cebu to witness the local announcement of the tablet that has been getting a lot of attention since its debut in this year’s Mobile World Congress. Folks we’re talking about the tablet with phone capabilities, the ASUS FonePad.

Majority of the front portion is occupied by the 7-inch display and just have enough room to fit the earpiece, 1.2MP camera and its sensors. Just like its Vanilla Android-touting counterpart, ASUS also forgoes the use of physical or capacitive buttons on the front of the FonePad and instead opted for an on-screen buttons for Home, Back and Menu.

There are only three buttons on this tablet which are all placed at the top left hand side of the device. The pair sitting closely to each other is the buttons for volume, and slightly above it is the Power/Sleep/Wake button. We noticed that the keys on the demo unit is already flushed probably due to wear and tear. However, considering that the unit is fairly new as it was just recently announced in Barcelona, it may be sign of keys’ inability to withstand heavy presses.
When viewed head on, the Asus FonePad may give an impression that it’s just a typical plastic slab. However, flip the tablet on its back and you’ll notice an elegant aluminum back plate complemented by a slightly off colored removable plastic cover which hides the the MicroSIM and MicroSD card slots. The 3.15MP snapper is placed dead center at the top portion of the tablet.

The bottom half of the device’s posterior plays host to a small speaker. Keeping it company is a pair of ports for audio and MicroUSB is situated at the bottom portion of the tablet.
Although the FonePad isn’t exactly the thinnest or the lightest of the lot, its 10.4mm frame and reassuring heft of 12-ounces provided a rather comfortable grip. Moreover, the tablet is fashioned to have a good center of gravity which makes it easier to hold.
ASUS FonePad specs:
7” WXGA IPS touchscreen display, 1280×800 @216ppi
1.2GHz Intel Atom Z2420 single-core processor
PowerVR SGX540 GPU
1GB RAM
8/16GB internal storage
MicroSD card slot w/ support for up to 32GB
HSPA+
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth 3.0 w/ A2DP
GPS w/ A-GPS, GLONASS
3.15MP autofocus camera
1.2MP front-facing camera
Non-removable 4270mAh Li-Ion battery
Android Jelly bean
Dimension: 196.4 x 120.1 x 10.4 mm
Weight: 340g
As far as design is concerned, we can definitely say that the Asus Fonepad is one of the more good looking 7-inchers in recent memory. The combination of simple layout plus the aluminum make of the back plate not only makes it pleasing to the eye, but also adds a sturdy appeal to it. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the ports on the side, which may present some concern for users in the long run.

Asus has yet to announce the local pricing and availability of the FonePad. It’s current SRP outside of our homeland is slated at USD249. We’ll make a follow up story about the other components of this tablet, including initial benchmark results and camera performance, so stay tuned for that.