Upgrade Your Life: What’s missing in the iPhone 4S

It's not what you would expect: Apple just announced the next iPhone and its legions of fans are acting... well, disappointed. Today's debut of the iPhone 4S comes as a bit of a surprise. Most of us were waiting with bated breath for the iPhone 5 — Apple's true next-generation smartphone — but here we are with routine upgrade instead. So what's missing in the iPhone 4S that makes it such a letdown? Is it still worth upgrading? Or are those missing features enough to have you holding out for the next generation of Apple's wonder phone?

No Design Upgrades

The iPhone 4S doesn't improve upon the look of its predecessor — in fact, the two phones are essentially identical. While early rumors had pointed to a slimmer, rounded, and maybe even teardrop-shaped iPhone, the iPhone 4S has the same squared-off design we've come to know since Apple unveiled it in 2010. It will come in black and white. The 16GB model starts at $199 with a contract, 32GB costs $299 and a new 64 GB model will be a whopping $399.

Worth Upgrading for Design? No-brainer, not worth it!

Hardware Improvements

While the iPhone 4S may not have a flashy new look, its real changes can be found under the hood. The phone's biggest upgrade is its new dual-core A5 processor. With the A5, the iPhone 4S joins the lightning-fast ranks of the iPad 2 — the other Apple device that runs on the powerful new chip. Processing power may not sound all that exciting, but this performance boost means the iPhone 4S will be blazing fast, with speeds that can double those of the iPhone 4.

Since the iPhone is all about apps, the A5 will make running them a smoother process than ever — a change mobile gamers are sure to celebrate. Apple demonstrated this graphical prowess with Infinity Blade 2, the upcoming sequel to the original iOS role-playing game known for its good looks and lifelike in-game visual effects.

Beyond the processor, the iPhone 4S has a neat trick: it can switch between GSM and CDMA cellular networks. The addition should make toting your iPhone on international trips much less of a hassle, since the phone is built to run on the two major flavors of mobile network around the world. Speaking of networks, Apple announced that Sprint will be the newest carrier for the iPhone, but unfortunately T-Mobile users are left out in the cold again. Sprint's unlimited data plans could make the carrier an very attractive choice for heavy data users.

Worth upgrading for Hardware? Yes. If you have an iPhone 3GS (or even older model), the speed of the new chipset will make navigating your daily tasks on the phone a breeze. iPhone 4 owners could still appreciate the boost, but it isn't a wholly necessary upgrade.

Camera

The iPhone 4's camera is widely regarded as the best around, but the iPhone 4S will put the already great camera to shame. In fact, the 4S camera improvements could be Apple's biggest selling point for the 4S.

* 8 mp camera sensor
* 3264 x 2448 maximum resolution
* f/2.4 aperture lets more light in for low-light shooting conditions
* High performance in very bright and very dark conditions (Backside illuminated CMOS)
* Zero shutter lag lets you snap images in quick succession
* Hybrid IR filter allows better color accuracy, more color uniformity.
* Refined LED flash
* 5 element lens assembly that's 30% sharper
* Improved multi-face detection
* Camera app accessible from the lock screen for fast shooting
* 1080p video recording

Worth upgrading for the Camera? For budding mobile photographers and anyone with a 3Gs or older iPhone: Yes. For iPhone 4 owners who only casually use the camera: No.

Hardware That's Missing

What you won't see in the iPhone 4S is NFC (Near Field Communication), a technology that many thought would be included in the update. NFC lets you make mobile payments by using your cell phone as a credit card — just wave the phone over a special sensor to pay.

Something else the iPhone 4S is missing is "true" 4G. The new iPhone offers support for HSPA+, which theoretically doubles the speed of data on AT&T's network — but it's arguably not real 4G. Unfortunately, the 4S can't connect to Verizon's LTE 4G network or Sprint's WiMax 4G network.

Siri

Beyond the camera, the iPhone 4S has one more unique selling point: Siri. Siri is a voice command and dictation app that Apple has deeply integrated it into the fabric of the new phone. We knew some interesting voice-to-text features were in the works after Apple acquired Siri last year. For now the app's advanced voice features will be exclusive to the 4S.

Beyond normal dictation in text and email, Siri lets you issue verbal commands that trigger an action on your phone. Android has a similar feature with Google's Voice Actions app, but Siri takes it to the next level: Not only do you speak into your phone, but Siri will talk back with the information you need. As your personal voice guide, Siri can execute many different tasks, but here's a sampling:

* Set a reminder
* Set your alarm
* Send a text
* Check the weather
* Set a meeting
* Send an email
* Look up directions
* Find a phone number
* Conduct a web search

Worth upgrading for Siri? Until it's fully tested, you should hold off if this is your only motivation to upgrade. Then again, Apple doesn't bet the farm on flaky products and they are all in on this one.

iOS 5

The iPhone 4S will run Apple's newest operating system, iOS 5. The new software, which debuts on October 12 for most new iOS devices, features a host of improvements, and the 4S will be the first Apple device to run on the new mobile operating system out of the gate. Some of the new features:

* Drop-down notification menu rather than pop-up alerts
* Improved Safari browser
* Location-triggered reminders (for example, through GPS, your phone could remind you to mail a letter before you leave home)
* iCloud, Apple's new media syncing service for music, photos, videos, and apps
* "PC free" wireless updates that don't require you to plug your device into a computer
* Newsstand for keeping your digital magazine and newspaper subscriptions in one place
* iMessage, a messaging app for communicating with other iOS 5 users

Worth Upgrading for IOS 5? No. You can download a free upgrade to iOS 5  if you have an iPhone 4 or an iPhone 3GS (original iPhone, iPhone 3G, and early iPod touch models will not be upgradable to iOS 5).

News from - http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/upgrade-your-life/upgrade-life-iphone-4s-missing-014127323.html

Laptops for the young generation

Must Have Laptops: Pics

Check out these newly launched hot machines in the market.

There are smart phones and there are tablets. And then there are laptops that started it all. These machines are more power packed today and are built for a smarter young generation.

DELLXPS15Z

Price: Rs 80,900

Specs: 15-inch screen, Intel i7 2.70 GHz; 8 GB RAM; 720 GB HDD; NVIDIA 525M graphics card; Slot dvd drive; USB, Windows 7 Home

The XPS 15Z is a specialist: it combines style with the capability to provide the best entertainment you wold need. This laptop is built to perfection. The shell has high-grade aluminium and plastics. Its silver colour is a sight for sore executive eyes. The keyboard is nicely laid down and is very comfortable to work with. On the sides, you will find a couple of USB 3.0 ports and a slot for a DVD drive. Users get a 15-inch LED screen which is exceptionally good for both gaming and movies.

LENOVO Z570

Price: Rs 37,990

Specs: 15.6-inch LED display, Intel Core i3 2.1 GHz, 3 GB RAM, 640 GB HDD; NVIDIA GT520M; Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI; Windows 7 Basic; 2.8 kg

This Lenovo machine is for casual gaming, movies and Internet fun. It looks simple and lacks the zing of some of its fellow Lenovo laptops, but its 15.6-inch LED screen is excellent for games and movies. The sound is pretty decent too. Lenovo has put in some good apps for daily use, and you are sure to find them handy. As for the tests, this laptop is a very good performer.

MSI GT680R

Price: Rs 1,09,999 

Specs: 15.6-inch LED screen; Intel Core i7 2.0 GHz; 8GB RAM; 1 TB HDD; NVIDIA 460M graphics card; Windows 7 Home Premium

Enter the gaming expert. MSI has been quite active in the gaming segment of laptops and another of its machines now out in the field is the GT680R. This is a huge laptop. It has a big 15.6-inch screen with a full size keyboard with numeric pad-just the way gamers would like it. LED lights surround its whole structure and these can can be turned on/off at will. These also dance to the music notes that are being played on the notebook. When it comes to the configuration, this notebook is super mean. The Intel i7 2 GHz quad core processor is the main engine of this powerhouse. 

ALIENWARE M11X

Price: Rs 74,900 

Specs: 11.6-inch screen; Intel Core i7, 1.5 Ghz; 8 GB RAM; 720 GB HDD; NVIDIA GT540M; HDMI, USB; Card reader; Windows 7 Ultimate.

The next generation of Alienware laptops have just launched. The M11X is one of them. It is the ultra-portable notebook specially built for gamers. The shell is very similar to the previous edition and users can change any LED light colour on it. The keyboard and track pad haven't changed but are still comfortable for gaming. What has changed is its brain. Alienware has equipped it with the latest ammunition-from a hefty Intel Core i7 processor that clocks at 1.5 GHz natively and can boost itself to 2.66 GHz when needed to a lavish 8 GB RAM.

ACER ASPIRE ONE HAPPY 2

Price: Rs 15,728 

Specs: 10.1-inch screen; Intel N570 atom 1.66 GHz; 1 GB RAM; 320 GB HDD; Intel Media Cccelerator; 6-cell battery; Windows 7 starter and Android 2.3.

The Aspire One series is the royal one among netbooks. Acer has again upgraded the best-selling netbook, which it now calls Happy. Well, happy because it is available in a wide variety of exuberant colours. The build has changed a bit too. The cover lid now sports a ripple on the top, as if a drop of water has fallen on it and has created a wave effect. The edge to edge keyboard is still one of the most comfortable out there. But the trackpad key put us off a little. 

SAMSUNG RV 511

Price: Rs 34,490 

Specs: Intel Core i3 M380 2.53 GHz; 3 GB RAM; 500 GB HDD; Intel HD Graphics; Web cam; Wi-Fi; Windows 7 Home Basic.

This could very well be your first entertainment laptop. The RV 511 is a mix of good entry-level performance and excellent design. The dual tone silver and black exteriors not only impart a stylish sheen but also protect against scratches and fingerprints. The laptop is built in a way that it gives it a very slim outlook. The keyboard is fairly large and ergonomically correct. 

HCL ME M1024

Price: Rs 39,850

Specs: 14-inch display; Intel Core i5 processor; 4 GB RAM; 640 GB hard drive; USB 3.0, Wi-Fi; DVD Rom, Intel HD Graphics 3000.

HCL gave us the ME M1024 laptop with speeds so fast it left us gasping for air. It design is plain as you would expect of a serious business notebook. Its grey and black skin gives it an air of gravitas suited to boardrooms. The keyboard is excellent for long-duration work. If you look closely, you will find that HCL has added a special recovery button on it. Since data is the most important part of computing to a business notebook user, HCL has taken special care in this department. 

SAMSUNG NF 210

Price: Rs 22,900 

Specs: 10-inch screen; Intel Atom 1.5 GHz dual core; 2 GB RAM; 320 GB HDD; Intel 3150 Media Accelerator; 3 x USB, Ethernet, VGA; Web cam, Wi-Fi.

We have seen some good looking netbooks from Samsung, but perhaps nothing as gorgeous as the NF210 had emerged as yet. With a curved bodyline and solid panels, its keyboard also gives an impression of reassuring solidity. The trackpad is a little small, but that is the case with every netbook these days. It has three USB ports, memory card reader, and Ethernet port, plus a web cam and Wi-Fi. 

LENOVO THINKPAD X1

Price: Rs 85,000 upwards 

Specs: 13.3-inch screen; Intel Core i5 2.5 GHz; 4 GB RAM; 320 GB HDD; Intel HD graphics; fingerprint reader; HDMI; e-sata, USB 3.0, Windows 7 Professional.

Lenovo has launched the X1 for business use. It is the slimmest business notebook in the market. This is a no-nonsense notebook for users who want extreme performance. Like the rest of the slim laptops (think Apple Mac Air), the X1 too doesn't have an optical drive. Most of its ports are located at the back with the exception of a USB and audio port nicely hidden away behind a panel on the side. At the back one will also find USB 3.0, HDMI and E-Sata ports. 

HP PAVILION DV6

Price: Rs 45,690 

Specs: 15.6-inch display; Intel Core i3 2.1 GHz; 4 GB RAM; 500 GB HDD; AMD 6490m Radeon; Windows 7 Home Basic.

The new DV6 is better in every aspect from the previous generation. From the sexy looks to the raw gizmotics inside, most features will leave you admiring the machine. The whole laptop has a rich finish. The flat keyboard is big and nice and complements the big trackpad. The DV6's Intel Core i3 processor 2.1 GHz, 4GB RAM and 500 GB hard drive combine with AMD 6490M graphic card and 15.6 inch screen to provide an excellent Performance.

News from - http://lifestyle.in.msn.com/exclusives/it/it_photogallery.aspx?cp-documentid=5454883

Japan prefers India to China

Tokyo, Oct. 2: Wary of doing business in China, Japanese investors feel India is their best bet in the long run.

A survey by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation for the country's Ministry for Economy, Trade and Industry shows around 75 per cent of Japanese businessmen putting India as "the most promising country" ahead of China, Brazil, Vietnam and the US.

"India holds great potential for us (Japanese firms)," said Koji Miyahara, chairman of NYK Line, the 140-year old shipping firm, which has invested heavily in India.

According to Sanjeev Sinha, a Tokyo-based fund manager advising Japanese firms in India, "The top management of Japanese firms recognise India's strategic importance as an investment destination (which is backed by) commitment from the political leadership starting from the Prime Minister down."

More than 1,200 Japanese firms have invested in India. A second wave of investment by small and medium enterprises as well as major players has started this year. The Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, funded by Japanese loans, is expected to attract more Japanese companies.

"The Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor is going to be a game changer for the economic ties with Japan," said Ravi Mathur, India's ambassador to Tokyo.

Backing the shift in investment pattern is the Japanese government, which is alarmed by aggressive Chinese naval moves in the East China Sea, where it disputes Tokyo's control over the Senkaku islands. The island nation has been advising its firms to look westwards to India.

The two main political parties ' the Liberal Democratic Party, which ruled Japan for more than 40 years since 1955, and Democratic Party, which rules it now ' have both agreed on the need for closer ties with India.

According to Takeshi Iwaya, the Liberal Democratic Party's shadow defence minister, "Threats surrounding Japan are increasing. China is expanding its military technology and capacity at a ferocious speed. Japanese alliance with the US will remain our cornerstone (but) we have to work out common strategic objectives and economic agenda with India."

However, the government's fiats to businesses do not always work. "Japanese firms politely listen and ignore the government's advice when it does not suit them," said Masanori Kondo, who teaches at the International Christian University and advises Japanese firms in India.

In this case, the Japanese firms have started to feel they have over-invested in China and there is a pressing need to "put their eggs in other baskets".

Japanese CEOs are worried over "possible collapse of the Communist one-party rule and the bursting of China's bubble economy", Yasukani Enoki, former ambassador of Japan to India and a visiting professor at Soka University, said.

News from - http://in.finance.yahoo.com/news/Japan-prefers-India-China-thetelegraphindia-161917724.html

Celebrity weight loss: Before and after

From Sonakshi Sinha who lost 30 kilos to Adnan Sami who shed a whopping 130 kilos, here's a look at the stars who battled the bulge. Photos

News from - http://in.omg.yahoo.com/photos/celebrity-weight-loss-before-and-after-1317633202-slideshow/celebrity-weight-loss-photo-1317632989.html

What to eat to boost your energy levels

When you feel your energy levels running low, do you automatically pour yourself another coffee or gulp down a chocolate bar? Unfortunately, this is the wrong way to put extra fuel in your engine; while you may experience a sudden surge of energy, this will quickly be followed by a crash, leaving you feel even more tired and listless than when you started.

The quality of your diet has a huge impact on how you feel, and if you are constantly running out of gas, then this is a sure sign that you need to start eating better. Healthy foods will keep your blood sugar levels steady, thus preventing these highs and lows that make it hard to get through the day without a siesta.

News from -http://lifestyle.in.msn.com/specials/lifestyle_photos.aspx?cp-documentid=5471055