Windows 8: Microsoft Refreshed

Microsoft has released a new blog on its expected Windows 8, which is supposed to be a complete revision of any other Windows platform seen before. A factor of versatility includes the ability to run on both touchscreen and desktop/laptop platforms while running the same programs. A preview of Windows 8, uploaded in June, provides a great summary of the platform and how it will run. It will also be the first platform to run on Intel x86 chips and specific apps. Because of this completely new and refreshed idea, many people's thoughts will change about Microsoft and the company. Steven Sinofsky, President of Windows and the Windows live division, explained that, "Our focus on performance, reliability, compatibility, security, and quality is now baked into our engineering process as we change Windows for a new generation."

In the snapshot of a previewed Windows 8 tablet (shown as the blog picture), there are several different touchscreen tiles featuring different apps or programs. Windows has now incorporated the "cloud concept" of fusing your data with social networks. Instead of the classic "Open file" feature in order to upload to Facebook or Twitter, Windows will automatically give you the option of uploading directly to Facebook/Twitter. A Windows Store app contains many well-known Xbox games, which are incorporated with Windows Live. A Hotmail account may be required for several online or multiplayer apps, just like Google requires a Google account for most, if not all of its online applications. Internet Explorer is completely changed, as it is much faster and gives you a sleek feeling which is more touchscreen friendly. Like the iOS software, a weather application with the current weather and temperature is also displayed on the front page. If using a tablet, it is quite hard to type using the standard keyboard while trying to hold the device at the same time, unless you're using one finger. The Windows 8 keyboard fixes this problem by giving you the option to switch to a thumb-friendly keyboard.

Just because I've been talking mainly about tablets using Windows, it does not mean that it's not for laptops or desktops. In fact, it is definitely versatile for most forms of Microsoft devices. Simply, the Windows 8 platform is a stretched out Windows phone. Hardware, such as a mouse or headset, will not affect the way the platform works. Overall, I think that this will be Window's biggest software success, and it may even become one of the best operating systems in the world.

Dell Inspiron Duo

The Duo is the latest type of tablet PC's, its main feature is the ability to change from a tablet to a regular laptop. The Duo has a background dashboard, which enables the user to maneuver directly to photos, videos, e-books, and other similar features. Its base OS is Windows 7 Professional; the Duo's webcam is 1.3 MP. 1.3 MP is not the best camera megapixel setting out there, but it's good enough for a typical laptop. The Dell laptop contains 2 GB of RAM. Unlike the Apple iPad, the laptop supports flash. One specific negative feature is the lack of an SD card port, although there are 2 USB ports. The main Dell price is $550; alternatively, you can choose to pay $20 a month.

Nintendo 3DS

The Nintendo 3DS will be coming out soon; the main and newest technology introduced in this portable gaming device is the capability of 3D viewing without the need of glasses. This 3D feature is flexible and can be set to none, medium, or full 3D. The 3DS also features 3D photo-taking; there is still a browser, like the DSi. Miis, or funny-looking humans with no legs, are enabled on the new device. Other newly introduced technology includes gyrosensors, like the Wii, and an MP3/AAC music player. Similar to the Sony NGP, the 3DS will be equipped with the online multiplayer feature. The 3DS can be pre-ordered at Amazon for $249.99.

Microsoft Surface

Have you heard anyone talking about the iPad mat? Well, that's not real, at least for now. Microsoft has come up with the Microsoft Surface, an enlarged Windows tablet. A new side-OS, Surface 2.0, was mixed with Windows 7 to produce the Surface. You can think of the Surface as a see-through table with a large Windows 7 tablet beneath it. Obviously, the Surface is touchscreen and human-interactive; the camera is merged with a program called PixelSense, which allows it to recognize its surroundings. There is a slightly different taskbar, designed to be simpler to access different areas on the screen. The Microsoft Surface can interact with particular Windows phones. The interactive table is called the Samsung SUR40. The price is unknown, but it will probably be a few thousand dollars because of the large screen size.

Asus EEE Slate PC

The newest iPad rival out there, the Asus EEE Slate PC, is well-created, mainly because it applies very new features that aren't really Windows-like. Microsoft named its motto as "It's very PC, it's not very PC." That phrase is not easy to understand; however, it is the first Windows PC  ever to feature a wireless remote control program and Windows Product Scout. Unlike the iPad, the EEE PC 's battery only lasts a little more than 3 hours, so expect it to drain its battery quickly during your trip. New technology in the slate includes hand and drawing recognition. The PC can also recognize a hand-drawn math formula and other complicated gestures. It also features a front-facing webcam for video-chat. The Asus EEE Slate PC runs Windows 7 Home Premium. The slate can come in either 32GB ($969.03) or 64GB ($1,099).

Sony NGP

Sony has done it again. The next generation PlayStation Portable, or NGP, is Sony's newest gaming device which features a 5-inch touchscreen and can be described as an intuitive Xbox 360. This new handheld device also features more behind-screen buttons, allowing the user to make more flexible moves, including a virtual panorama inside the game. Other features include a new quad-core ARM Cortex-A9 processor and dual analog sticks. The console's LiveArea, similar to Windows Live, will allow players to communicate with each other over the internet during game-play. Games that previously ran on the PS3 and were moved to the new Sony NGP reacted at 20 fps, which is an amazing frame rate for such handheld devices. The price will hopefully cost under $600.

Cessna Citation Ten

The newest Cessna airplane in the line of Citation jets is the Cessna Citation Ten. When you think of a Cessna aircraft, the first model or design that comes to mind is usually a single-prop airplane. The Ten is in the category of double-engine aircraft, but the fuselage is slightly different than the average type of plane. The Ten is equipped with reliable Rolls-Royce engines. The bottom of the fuselage tends to look like the tip of a smooth oval or triangle. The side-view of the airplane makes it appear almost like a seagull. The interior is a whole other story; like the Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental, the interior is lighted. The lighting can be set from a Cabin Management System. This system can be compared to an iPad fitted for an airplane. You can select music, surf the internet, or text people around the world. This system can also display the exterior of the aircraft from an on-board camera. The panels in the cockpit are touch-screen, and the Ten is equipped with a Garmin G5000 GPS; this GPS simulates the altitudes and scenery that are near the aircraft. The aircraft's price is $21,700,000.

Mac OS X Lion

Apple's Mac OS X lion, the latest in the line of Apple products, can technically be described as an iPad on a computer. Apple's designers and engineers decided that the OS would be more fluent that way, and everything could be found in the main dashboard. There is one main reason why Apple did this; unlike Windows and Ubuntu, newly introduced users could adapt to the program more quickly. Because of the iPad-like interface, iPhone/iPod games may be able to be played because of the interactive track-pad. The Mac App store, released in a recent Mac update, is still going to be available in Lion. Lion will also enable apps to load in full-screen at a sharp resolution. Like Google Docs, your work will automatically be saved and can be locked. The mail and calendar programs will be updated. Like Google, you can share your files using the Airdrop application. This can only be done if the other person whom you are sharing with also has Airdrop (I prefer sending the file to somebody through e-mail). Other to-become operating systems are the latest update of Ubuntu and Chrome OS.

New Macbook Pro

The new Macbook Pro, which came out in February 2011, is the first Apple laptop ever to feature Thunderbolt technology; this technology will enable users to experience high quality HDMI graphics and will respond up to 20 times quicker than USB 2.0. Facetime, released to Macbooks in recent updates, is now fully upgraded into the new Macbook Pro. As always, Apple features its famous multi-touch trackpad, providing users different finger/hand gestures to perform different tasks. it also uses 802.11n wireless technology, which allows an expanded Wi-Fi detection range. this new laptop also features unibody tecnhology, making the inner frame one sheet of aluminum. This helps in making the Macbook further lightweight. This laptop is a major breakthrough in Apple's technology, featuring many of the latest components.

iPhone 5

The iPhone 5, expected to be one of the next Apple Products in the coming months, will not necessarily be smaller than the iPhone 4. A smaller iPhone could lead to major changes that Apple would have to make in their iPhones and other complying or similar devices, including the headphone input, charging dock, and screen size negotiations. Since Apple's goal is to get more customers despite their high product prices, the outcome linked to the iPhone 5 may cause this new iPhone to fit less memory than the iPhone 3g and 4. This may not be too much of a problem, because few customers store over 1000 songs on the iPhone/iPod. The flashlight on the iPhone 5 may or may not be there, depending on Apple's goal price and if it is really required. Arguments have been set about how the LED on the iPhone 4 was not really necessary and that it could drain the iPhone's battery quickly. The iPhone 5's screen will probably be wider and take over more of the black area which is visible on the iPhone 4. Hopefully, the iPhone 5 will be cheaper than other iPhones and contain almost all of the same features of the iPhone 4, if not more features. This product might not come out, although there are conversations and rumors about it.

iPad 2

Steve Jobs, the famous Apple co-founder and CEO, is going to present the iPad 2 and its specs at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, California during March 2nd. Apple really wants to drive out other competitors, and badly. The Motorola Xoom tablet, which contains so many features that may overcome the iPad's debut, is an Android-based tablet. The Xoom tablet has a hefty price, but hey, quality is better than quantity. iOS 4.3 is expected to be released sometime around the iPad 2's release date. Expected features of iOS 4.3 are more flexibility in Safari and other web browsers. Flash glitches and corruptions should be fixed. I might wait for the iPad 3 so that I know what to expect, although Apple is already doing excellent in most, if not all, of their products so far.

Wind Explorer

The Wind Explorer, the latest vehicle in the category of wind-powered vehicles, completed a 3,100 mile trek across Australia a few days ago. This car is powered solely on wind, making it more efficient than a horse. In the car's fuselage is a portable wind-turbine, which can recharge the car in about 5 hours. The car can travel 250 miles before needing to recharge its battery. Even if the car ran out of battery (recharged by the wind-turbine), a portable parachute can be used to "tug" the car towards the wind, like a sailboat. This innovative technology will hopefully be used frequently next year.

Chrome OS

Microsoft Windows and Apple, welcome to a new competitor. The Chrome OS, still in the final testing stage, is a new start, or revolution, to operating systems. First of all, it's an interesting operating system to get into; Google already makes lightning fast browsers and applications. Google's trick to making their products stand out is by making them cloud-based, which means that you can access your (Google) data pretty much anywhere. The computer that runs Chrome OS boots in only (approximately) 10 seconds. Google's products are frequently fast and simple; the way this works is by elimintating the useless parts of an application, comparable to Google Chrome and Internet Explorer. Google Chrome is to Internet Explorer as Google Chrome OS is to Microsoft Windows. The new operating system's laptop will have built-in 3G for a low price, resulting in internet connectivity almost anywhere. Everything is cloud based, similar to Google Chrome (Google's web browser). There will be frequent upgrades that will keep your Chrome OS-running computer up to date. Web apps will be one of the main features, such as the Picnik web app. Overall, Google's Chrome OS sounds like a successful product which will most likely sell well and at a cheap price, compared to Microsoft and Apple.

Youtube-MP3 Converter

It may not be the coolest gadget out there, but the youtube to MP3 converter technically "gives" you free songs. The main problem with downloading supposedly free songs are that they're illegal, and you could easily get arrested and fined for it. There have been cases in the past where people have been fined $30,000 to a couple million dollars. The positive of Youtube to MP3 converters are that they're free and legal, as long as the song/video you are converting isn't copyrighted. One of the best Youtube to MP3 converters out there is developed by Dvdvideosoft, which is completely free and 100% legal. Dvdvideosoft also develops other free software for converting videos and other files.
This MP3 converter will definitely be a competitor with iTunes.

Click this link to download the converter: http://www.dvdvideosoft.com/products/dvd/Free-YouTube-to-MP3-Converter.htm

Motorola Atrix 4G

These days, smartphones are getting more and more complex with the world's ever-changing technology. Maybe smartphones shouldn't be called smartphones; they could be called the iEverything. The Motorola Atrix 4G has front and back cameras and can multi-task. The phone's significant feature is that it's a smartphone and laptop in one. The Atrix, the laptop's brain, works with the laptop to enable viewing and size to be better. The laptop (not included), contains very few components, including a battery. Everything else needed, such as the browser and applications from the online store, would be located directly in the phone's memory. The laptop is ultra-thin (comparable to a MacBook), while having great graphics and surprisingly fast components. No need going to your local Starbucks; the laptop can be connected to 3G/4G through your phone. The docking port behind the laptop serves as a charging station, so your phone can last long (although there is an already long usage time, 8-10 hours). There is one problem, if the laptop's screen is tilted too far back, it may knock the phone off of its station located directly behind the laptop. The phone's price (by itself) is $200 including the contract; the phone and computer's price altogether is $500. There is an additional internet price, $20 per month. Overall, the Motorola Atrix 4G introduces great technology, in fact, too much technology for a phone. The price, $200 for the phone with a contract, is an amazing price, especially when compared with the iPhone.

Motorola Atrix 4G's website: http://www.motorola.com/Consumers/US-EN/Consumer-Product-and-Services/Mobile-Phones/Motorola-ATRIX-US-EN
To get the phone's dock/laptop: AT&T Laptop Dock for Motorola ATRIX 4G (Retail Packaging)

Segway x2 Patroller

The Segway x2 Patroller introduces a new revolution to "segwaying." The x2 features a well-designed body, which helps make it lightweight, durable, and well-balanced at the same time. This model includes two on-board signs that can be customizable to read "police" or "security." This segway can go off-roading to a certain extent; maybe a forest trail, because of its wheels that have outstanding traction (for a segway). The estimated price is (around) $5000.

HondaJet

The first thing that comes to mind when the word "Honda" is heard is a car. It's true that Honda develops great cars, but it also develops great airplanes. The new Honda plane line produced its greatest jet yet, the HondaJet. Unlike the Cessna CJ4 and the Bombardier Learjet, its two engines are on top of the wings, displaying an irregular but effective (patented) design. The interior is luxurious, but not as luxurious as the Cessna Citation X or the Embraer Legacy. This is a pro and con; the more luxurious, the more the plane costs. The estimated cost is $3.65 million (U.S. Currency). Now imagine having an even more luxurious interior; the price could go up to twice the base price. The HondaJet has conducted several flight tests and will continue to undergo testing until everything is (FAA) approved and ready to be sold.

Monopoly Live

Almost everything these days integrate computer technology in them. This version of Monopoly, dubbed Monopoly Live, is expected to come out in the Fall of 2011 for an estimated $50. Monopoly Live uses various sensors located around the game board that track any movements and analyzes its reaction. there is a "tower" at the top which contains a computer/processor to execute commands. The positive "effect" is that the on-board computer hurls out random Chance and community chest phrases, instead of having to eventually repeat the process and have the same (boring) cards all over again. This way, you won't get tired of the same cards and phrases, which adds a variety of different choices to the game. Although it is a great product for a great price, I wouldn't buy it for the reason that I was lazy (if I were) in a way that I couldn't move a piece across the board or pick up a card. I would only buy it merely for the fact that I would not want to be bored and adding flavor to the game is a good thing (especially when the game lasts several hours).

iPhone Nano

Rumors and coherent facts have it that there will be a new iPhone Nano. This iPhone will be much cheaper, largely due to the fact that its screen will be smaller and there will be less storage. Although the screen may be small, the screen will probably be edge-to-edge, meaning that there will be no space between the screen and edge of the phone. This phone will probably feature a camera and voice navigation, although the camera will be equipped with less mega-pixels. Estimated price is $100 or below.

iRobot Scooba 230

The company, iRobot, develops bomb-sniffing robots, house-cleaning robots, and maritime robots. The best for its class, though, was the iRobot Scooba 230 house-cleaning robot. This robot includes wall detection, cliff sensors so the robot doesn't fall down the stairs, easy-to-use water and cleaning technology, and quick and easy recharging. The iRobot Scooba will be available for purchase soon, but my guessed price is $250.