Biggies having a Bad time

First of all a big HI to everyone. Due to obvious reasons (work stress) I haven't been able to blog much this year. Anyways as we celebrate my blog’s 3rd anniversary (Y!), I thought there can never be a better time to restart it. For more personal scoop , keep watching my personal blog [many good stuff in store ;) ]

So if you are a new visitor, you might ask Y Denovos?  Because Denovos brings a new perspective, adds a new dimension, a different view point to the issues you might already know.Alrighty then, lets get down to business.

Yes its true,2010 is even more troublesome than last year. We have been witnessing a lot of new products, developments,releases which also brings in a lot of controversies, complaints , gossips,  etc

A for Apple :

A for Apple  was slightly shaken to A for Antennagate. Seconds later Steve Jobs launched iPhone 4 ,  iPhone 3GS looked like a expensive piece of plastic. Steel frame, Hard glass build, slimmer, Retina Display, 2 cameras, Facetime, it had everything required to do things, other phones can’t even think of .

But the problem was, iPhone 4 couldn’t do what most phones can do – seamless reception of network signals. When users covered the iPhone 4 with their palms (which is a common practice of holding a phone) there was zero signal reception. The new design of the iphone 4 was blamed for this.

Finally Jobs had to have a another press conference to blame the media for “unnecessary hype” , complained al smartphones have the same problem (which was nothing but a twisted truth) and announced they would be giving free cases for iphone 4 users, which solved the issue. Now there are rumors that iPhone 5 will be coming very soon (Q4 – 2011 ) so that  Attenagate is closed and A is again for Awesome Apple.

Will Microsoft bring in Slate-Z ?

NO .Its not announced yet. But as a MS fan,I do want a tablet which has a webcam and SD slots.

I do agree Apple’s iPad is truly an innovative product. I don't know if its going to change the publishing industry , but nevertheless it is a revolutionary device, because it will make computing so simple. Kids and oldies will find iPad a much more easier,enjoyable experience than any other Laptop /Smartphone.

Just picture this,

You are in bed along with your toddler and read him/her Winnie the pooh..only the yellow bear is animated and smiles in bright iPad screen.

The grandpa who is about to kick the bucket, can see his grandson’s latest bday pics lying on the hospital bed,just by touching icons.He might not have held a mouse in his entire life and probably never will.  

But now its  a Apple Device, that means its a luxury product which comes with a premium(and in  iPad’s case without a webcam). So obviously users like me look for a device,which offers value for money . As usual we look up to Microsoft.

Bing Bang Theory

Last week , Motorola announced it will be shipping its Android handsets for China  preloaded with Bing and not Google. This may not come as a surprise as Google is in a ‘Game Over’ status in China.

Bing has been growing slowly & steadily since its launch almost a year ago.  It has not shaken Google’s dominance in search engine, but it has definitely has definitely pricked.   

Jeff Bertolucci of  PC World  gives the most likely scenario as “The most likely scenario: Bing is gaining, Yahoo draining, and Google maintaining”.

Bing’s market share has been gaining for the 9th straight month  and hovers around a decent 10% (US only). The deal with Yahoo has certainly proved useful for Microsoft as Bing has been stealing Y!’s share and not Google’s. But if Google is exiting China and Bing is entering through Android, it will be a huge opportunity to strengthen its share. But of course, Bing has through battle with Chinese Big brother Baidu but still this is big news for Bing.

Zune HD - Up Close & Personal

Don’t ask me Why did I choose Zune instead of an IPod..because the choice wasn’t mine.So i am not going to stack up why Zune is better than IPod touch(there are renowned blogs who have skinned them both and reviewed extensively.) Instead I will tell you what’s good & bad in Zune HD.

In terms of design Zune HD comes closer to the IPod touch than all other existing PMP’s (portable media players).

The brilliant OLED screen with HD resolution is the best of all PMP displays in the market.(like Matrix I cannot explain how good it is..one has to see it)

I have used the Iphone and the touch interface in Zune is almost of the same quality (sometimes its too touchy.. especially while scrolling)

The metallic back finish gives a nice feel while holding it and it not too big it fits in your palm quite nicely. however if ur not using a Smartphone the Zune will be bigger than your mobile.Zune Originals lets users to personalize their Zune not just by engraving their name but also with cool tattoo like designs & patterns.

I wont get into detailed specs, but the following are the things which has changed my attitude towards Zune..(and i didn't get these from any of the tech reviews i read)

Zune Software – This is really cool….iTunes does not even come close…the look, feel, navigation is mind blowing with its awesomeness..Quick play history, Smart DJ mix, exploring music using Music Mix view (i listened to album previews from the net with just a click), fresh hits list ,automatic syncing etc etc

Best of all is the is the Zune pass content, where the software pulls info from the web about the song , singer ,photos and displays in the backdrop as a cool slideshow.This is also transferred to the Zune so it works offline too

notice the text just above the taskbar

I strongly recommend to music explorers like me to give it a try (Zune player is not necessary for using Zune software)

Audio Surf Tilt : Even though Zune has very little apps for it, this game is a killer app which has made even apple fan boys to drool. Basically its a game where a space jet moves along the track and one has to hit the colored beads and stay clear from the speed bumps…but what really cooks the noodle is that , the track is designed based on the song you choose, the bumps,pace of the game etc are based on the song pattern.

PGR-Ferrari Edition : Nothing unique abt the game per se, but the Tegra chip in the Zune brings out the finest details & textures of this Zune version of Project Gotham Racing which is very close to the PSP (in display i mean) which shows the potential of Zune as a great gaming device ( heard rumors abt a spl Zune version of Gears of War..yay!! :D)

Okay, now the bummers ..

• The headphones are good ..that's it… not great
• Zune marketplace does not work in India.. although you can see the content you cannot buy it ..my free Zune pass(14 day trial) has gone to waste
• Charger not inclusive , have to buy it separately (of course.. you can charge using the USB PC cable)
• The web browser isn't as great as i thought it wud be..but yeah it has wi-fi and wireless sync support.
• India has no HD radio so no point in flaunting that Zune supports it (The Radio feature works like breeze though :) no complains there)

ZUNE HD from Microsoft Click 4 CNET review

Funny thing is I had always studied that Apple is for niche and Microsoft aims at mass..in this case its a role reversal…I am sure Zune is a rare thing in Bangalore with a mystic aura while iphones and iPod touch have lost their niche factor…

for that reason alone i am happy it is a Zune HD and not an IPod :)

Xbox-Natal- Future of Gaming ?

Are you one of those who go weee over the Nintendo Wii,,wait till you see this. Microsoft recently unveiled Project Natal of its gaming console Xbox 360 in  E3 09 (Electronic Entertainment Expo).

Project Natal is touted as the future of gaming,which takes gaming to a whole new level.When Wii came with its motion controller ,it brought in a whole new way of gaming.As a result game studios are designing exclusive games for the Wii to leverage its uniqueness. Now Xbox Natal aims even further …no controller at all. U are the controller.MS calls it Life Experience.Its better understood when seen than to explain so watch the video to see how motion sensors,facial & voice recognition works when incorporated in games. 

If you have seen the video,you might be wondering if this will actually work.Well I wonder the same. At first it is really awesome to look ,but I am skeptical about its practicality.Hardcore gaming like Halo or Counterstrike etc etc will definitely wont be working nice with these settings.Imagine the physical stress that will be caused if you play games like Gears of War or MADDEN NFL or WWE using Natal.Lets say I am playing a fighting game like Tekken, it is physically impossible to do complex maneuvers usually called combos like a back flip kick etc . However  the touchless interface will definitely be a awesome feature ,provided it works smoothly.

Apart from this Xbox is trying to be more than just a gaming console.It has already incorporated media center to  stream digital content to the television.The Xbox live store is also getting better with more content coming in apart from games,like movies TV shows etc.

Also web application integration is also one area Xbox, as a edge over PS3 or Wii .Xbox 360 will soon have Facebook & Twitter,so gamers can easily interact and socialize with fellow gamers.    

Looks like Xbox is really a doing a 360 covering all sorts of digital entertainment…..

bing……. from Microsoft

Microsoft’s new search engine which was rumored for quite some time under project name KUMO has indeed become a reality.      MS has officially announced that the new kind of search engine termed the “Decision engine” will be launched very soon. This decision engine is named “bing” which i personally feel that its a lil lousy,but considering “kumo” its far more better.The site is already up but not yet running. 

The letter  page describes the objective and need for for a new search engine and also mentions new features like cashback offers,Price Predictor which are very new to a search engine.

        Click above to have a peek to the “bing “–the decision engine

Although bing is not a Google killer,if it catches on,I think it has great potential to generate more revenue than any other search engine because of it new features like Price Predictor which will attract firms to tie up with bing on revenue sharing basis rather than just advertising.

But of course, when it comes to simple search  Google will still rule and we all know why…coz its really simple..just Google it :)

Apple bites back @ MS ads

Apple has responded to Microsoft’s Laptop Hunters campaign with a slew of new “I am a Mac,I am a PC” ads. The ad below is a direct answer to laptop hunter ad,while others feature customer care,PC CHOICE chat,time traveler etc.

  While MS ads have been very descriptive & appear to be “realistic”, Apple uses simplicity and humor which i think is more effective in reaching audience and enjoy a higher retention rate.

As much I love Microsoft, as a marketer I must say when it comes to ads Apple wins hands down.

WINDOWS 7 RC - just around the corner

Attention XP lovers , WIN7 will have a XP mode which will run through Windows Virtual PC. MS says this will help small firms using XP to move migrate more easily to Win 7.Older Applications can be installed directly in the XP mode without any compatibility issues.The beta versions of Windows XP Mode and Windows Virtual PC for Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Ultimate will be released soon. (I have the WIN7 Enterprise edition..and its good)

The official Microsoft blog says that the Release Candidate of Win 7 will be available from April 30 for MSDN and TechNet subscribers and for public downloads from May 5th.

Microsoft recently reported a fall in sales of 5.6 percent to $13.6 billion in the third quarter, which ended March 31. Profit declined 32 percent to $2.98 billion.This is the first decline in 23 years since the company went public.

However, it seems cost saving plans have convinced investors which resulted in astounding 11 percent,biggest jump in 5 months.Hopefully WIN 7 will give the additional boost to sales….

MS Laptop Hunters-new Ad Campaign

When Microsoft joined hands with CP+B to launch a Ad Campaign it was nothing but a $300 million mistake.Now again MS along with CP+B ,is back with a new ad campaign called “laptop hunters” .

MS says the ads feature “real people” choosing the laptop which has all the features they are looking for,within their budget (not surprisingly, they all buy a PC after considering a Mac) MS claims the ads are ‘completely unscripted’ but many don’t believe it. Even i don’t think they are completely unscripted or that the “consumers” were made to believe that they are taking part in a marketing research.

Microsoft Videos: Laptop Hunters #2 – Giampaolo

I think the authenticity of ads are not really a problem,as long as it convinces viewers that PC offers more value for money than a Mac (that’s again is debatable :p ). But as i have said earlier Mac is luxurious and not everyone needs it. Unless you are a graphic designer or something like that,an affordable PC is good enough for a normal user(the mass market) who just uses to surf the net, play media and type documents.. :) what do you think ? ;)

Windows 7 is the Good Side of Vista

One of the good things to have techies in the family, is that you get cool techstuff much before others ,atleast I get it before most of my friends:) [when it comes to software even my engg friends ask for tips!!!].

So it is not much of surprise, when some of my friends are getting convinced to move to Vista I have 'moved on' to windows 7 [build 7.000-new version coming in sometime but I couldn't wait :)]. And before anything else , I would say this if you are using XP hold it, don't move to Vista. wait for some more time because Win7 will be releasing soon commercially!!.(latest by 4th quarter 2009).

Well I am not going to review Win7 for you ,there are others who are better qualified than me for that.But as a normal user and a non tech guy I would say these.... its faster than XP (believe it or not :p), has all the good stuff of vista aero theme,safety etc etc,a uncluttered Taskbar which shows mainly the icons of application,revamped start menu,free to move gadgets,improved preview,libraries through which you can access similar files from single location (for example, in the photos library all photos in the system can be accessed despite of their original location).Click here for detailed preview

Now ...Tiger,who had installed WIN 7 before me had some issues so uninstalled it.Well the requirements are similar to Vista,minimum is 1 gb ram and atleast 2ogb hard drive space..If vista works fine in your system then Win7 should work splendidly.There was a critical update after its initial release, so guys who had used without the update may not have enjoyed it.I had uninstalled Vista then loaded Win7 so its working like a charm.

Bottom line: Win 7 is Vista reloaded but this time MS has got it right :)

Two Sides of the New Ipod Shuffle

If you are a regular to my blog you would have realised it by now.Nevertheless I will say it up front,"I am Microsoft Biased"

However, I wont argue over the fact that Apple is the Greatest when it comes to product design and one of the most innovative companies in this planet. Apple's new Ipod Shuffle sure stole my eyes. For starters, its half the size , 4 times the memory(4Gb). At $79 its not too pricey either, considering other Ipods.Apart from the new multiple playlist support, the coolest feature is that this player talks!!

The VoiceOver feature announces the name of song or playlist, notifies about the battery life in 14 languages!!.

Surely Apple knows how to be Invincible.I felt "Wow" really belongs to Apple and not to MS... remember Vista wow :(

But again my Microsoft biased mind was desperate to find something wrong about Apple. I was having thoughts that Why Apple does not always give out their best at first?? May be Apple had this design before itself, but planned to release only when the sales slowed down.May be it wants to skim the market as much possible, before release a better version(like the case of Iphone 3g). But then came my saviour.....

Dan Leahul points out in Brand republic's Digital Blogger

"...the volume and tracking controls have been moved to the iPod earphones.The earphones, proprietary earphones... why Apple, why?

Seems like a kick in the shins to devoted iPod users, just what happens if (when) you (eventually) lose the earphones, besides obviously shelling out £40 for another set?

An explanation? Are we granted an apology? A hand written letter from Steve Jobs with a dab of his Apple musk sealed in the envelope?

Since when is the World's Nicest Company^TM so mean? "

Aha ...looks like Apple is not so innocent after all and Microsoft is not just the one which is blamed all the time.

I am Microsoft biased and I can sleep peacefully tonight....

Microsoft's vision for 2019

I completely agree when Tiger says "Microsoft is trying to revive its image of a visionary company"  After all it was their vision to put a PC in every home in every desk.

Stephen Elop of  Microsoft Labs recently unveiled MS' vision for the next decade at the Wharton Business Technology Conference.

2019 - montage

This is just a preview of the vision.Please do have a look at the full video here.

I firmly believe this trait to have a vision, to think beyond,to imagine the endless possibilities of what technology can achieve is what makes Microsoft stand out in the crowd.Sure Apple makes great products and Microsoft copies it. Sure Google , Yahoo etc makes access to information more simpler. But do they have a vision as to how will they play their parts in shaping the future? May be they do, May be they don't. 

Unlike many other companies who  just have  long term business strategies with just  a financial perspective, Microsoft surely does have a vision and exactly knows what part it will play in shaping our future lives.

Arise MS, Awake Apple,Android has Arrived

Google has always been a pain in (u know where) for Microsoft .Google and Microsoft have been rivals in various fronts.Search , browser,social networking, cloud computing, office suite (although G Docs is online only). But the pain took  shape as Android and was competing directly with MS Windows Mobile. But now the face off has become even more bloodier.

Asus has announced that it is working on android based net books.Android has just stepped into Microsoft's own turf - Computer OS, that means sooner or later its going to be a huge OS WAR .

If Google decides to commercialise and brings in android based laptops, imagine the implications!!!.Android based laptops loaded with all Google software (Google desktop, Chrome, Picasa..etc ) & full array of web applications (btw Gmail is coming offline) , will shook up the entire market place.

Even Apple is facing heat from Google same as Microsoft but Apple has always maintained a small, but strong loyalty base .So MS will be the one to receive a lot of damage particularly in consumer markets. Corporate clients will be the saviours of MS. Although Linux is an existing open source OS, they haven't had any devastating effect on MS windows. But Google has the power to do that.

May be one fine day the World will wake up and see GOOGLE is the new MS.

MS going the Apple Way..as always

They have done it in the past, they will do it in the future , they are doing it as we speak.

Microsoft Corp,world leader in operating systems, has once again got something from Apple. Microsoft is looking to set up its own network of retail stores and they are pretty serious this time. David Porter who has spent 25 years at Wal-Mart !!!, the world's No 1 retailer has been hired as corporate vice president of retail stores for Microsoft.courtesy:GIZMODO.com

Mr. Porter, in a statement, said there are "tremendous opportunities" for Microsoft to create a "world-class shopping experience" for the company's customers.

"The purpose of opening these stores is to create deeper engagement with consumers and continue to learn firsthand about what they want and how they buy," Microsoft said in a statement.

I am not sure if MS stores will flourish as Apple stores did.It will have to face many issues like Channel conflicts,whether to add third party hardware (laptops etc to boost Windows OS sale), pricing etc .I think it will probably boost up the sales of Xbox product line and Gaming software rather than the MS Windows or Office product line.

I think timing is a key aspect,if MS sets up its first store by holiday season and release its Windows 7 which has got positive reviews, it may enjoy a smooth take off.

There are reports that MS stores will feature "PC Gurus" a direct copy of Apple's Genius concept.Personally I don't care if MS copies Apple all the time. As long it provides better value to its consumers,they wont care who did it first ,but rather who did it best? Why do you think Macintosh did not flourish as MS Windows even though it came first?

Google Rolls Windows For Chrome

I having exams so I wont be blogging regularly,meanwhile U can check out my archives for something interesting... :)

BMW-AS YOU LIKE IT

BMW lovers will soon have their chance to customize their own cars. The German Car maker known for its innovation is bringing in a new feature called the  "Product Navigator"  based on Microsoft Surface.

Users can place samples of accessories  and colour choices using their own hands. They can instantly can see their dream car in action through simulated video clippings and multidimensional pictures.

BMW's" Product Navigator" using MS Surface

This is another example how technology can transform the way businesses operate. This is what Microsoft stands apart from companies like Apple.MS technologies help companies to improve their performance and unleash their full potential.MS works with companies across industries in order to develop new technologies that will help businesses ..remember Ford SYNC?

MS puts up new Window for a Life without Walls

Enter Phase 2 of MS ad campaign and its little relieving to get an idea about what they want to say.

MS windows launched an direct hit on Apple's ads through its "I am a PC" ads and at the same time released a series of print Ads featuring "Life Without Walls" tagline.
First the commercial ...From celebrities like Eva Longoria ,Deepak Chopra to African High School Teacher ,a cattle ranch owner say "I am a PC" rather proudly.The website says "if you are a PC we will celebrate you".
Now the obvious question is while Mac users may proudly say they are MAC's , how many people are really 'proud' of using a PC? Moreover MAC is a brand, PC is not a brand or trademark connected to Microsoft.Of course it would ridiculous to say "I am a Windows" but even if this line catches up,how it will strengthen the MS or Windows brand?
But one clever thing they have done is they have invited users to post their own videos saying "I am a PC " which will feature in Times Square,New York as well their website. Hundreds of videos are already in the website.

The print Ads make much more sense and give a clear message about Life Without Walls which points to MS' interest in Cloud Computing. In fact Live Mesh,an application which can connect your desktop,notebook,mobile & even a Mac!!(coming soon),is available as a tech preview.

Although it is not great,atleast phase 2 seems to make more sense as it has a clear message for the customers what they should expect from MS- a life without walls.

Microsoft Ad Campaign entering phase 2 : Seinfeld has left the Building

The widely discussed Microsoft Ad campaign is entering                phase 2 ..atleast that's what they say.

So, what now? First Seinfeld has been signed out. MS says they hired the popular comedian($10 million) simply to get people's attention.  Second it is said that "phase 2" which will feature the official campaign  will be more focused about the Windows brand unlike the first teaser  ads.       

  Actually the first ad of phase 2 will be a reply to "I am a PC" line used in Apple's Ads. Third Seinfeld will not return,Bill will feature on a few spots,Eva Longoria,Author Deepak Chopra & Pharrell Williams & around 60 MS employees will feature on  ads based on the tag line Life without Walls.

Well, certainly a buzz has been generated ,but not in a positive manner.We will never know whether they pulled the plug on Bill & Jerry ad series or it was "preplanned" as said by MS. We can't even say whether they were a failure or success as their intent behind is ambiguous as the ads itself. Anyway,the next ad is said to attack Apple,which is again considered by a bad move by experts because if MS responds to smaller rivals like Apple(in terms of market share) people may feel Apple's claims were true. But MS says all this is done to get the attention to the Life Without Walls campaign which is the real deal.

I just hope they know what they are doing!!

Microsoft's 2nd Ad :Bill & Jerry Connecting With Real People

The second episode featuring Bill & Jerry,shows their attempt to connect with a family by staying with them as guests. The advert is better than the first episode(shoe circus) and has received a positive response.Its still not funny enough nor it is informative as there is no mention about Microsoft or Windows. But it has got the attention of all those who thrashed the previous ad.Viewers say that they can now see that something new & exciting is going to come from Microsoft and their curiosity has increased much more to see the third instalment.

I think,its very smart ad, as MS & CP+B have got what they wanted.First ad made everyone to talk about it.The second has made them to ponder the idea behind the campaign. Now everyone is all eager as to what will be in the third advertisement.Also it seems the ads will get better and better as it develops,the first one was lousy and not at all funny as everyone expected ,the second one is still not that funny but better than the first.May be the next one will actually be funny.Lets see......

Micrsoft kicks off Ad Campaign -Delicious or Desperate?

The $300 million ad campaign of Microsoft which started on Sep 5, last week is getting mixed reviews.Some say its boring,showing a not funny Seinfeld and are confused about what exactly the ad wants to tell the viewers.But others as well as MS say that it is the first ad of the complete series and was intended to create merely a buzz than to change the consumers view about MS or Windows Vista.The ad mentions nothing about Vista but ends with a Windows Vista Icon with the tag line "Future is Delicious". While Apple Fans are happy that the ad was not well received,they say the ad is desperate attempt by MS to attack Apple. Guys at CP+B say that even though the ad bombed,it has sure created a buzz which was the whole idea.

Watch it yourself and decide if MS' future is delicious or desperate