Dr. Schreiber as Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors from 1st Septemeber 2012

2012, Dr. Schreiber will be officially in charge of Bentley as he takes over from Mr. Dürheimer, its present Chairman and CEO. This was officially announced by the company. In addition to assuming this responsible office, Dr. Schreiber will also be given the keys to the famed 1930 8 liter saloon which is still driven to this day.

It is this car that stood at the apex of W O Bentley's engineering prowess and which still has a top speed of 100 mph. Timing of its launch was bad as the company launched the 1930 8 Liter during the Great Depression and hence it was in production for just 9 months before Bentley was purchased by Rolls Royce.

Mr. Dürheimer has been at the helm of Bentley for past two years, during which time he has introduced the updated Continental range and laid the basis for the brands first SUV. He will now move on to be head of R&D at Audi. Schreiber, 54, was earlier with Volkswagen Group since 1984 where he was responsible for development of transmission and drivetrain technology.

 

Ferrari's F12berlinetta supercar wins Design Award from Auto Bild

Ferrari's new F12berlinetta is the recipient of the prestigious 2012 Auto Build Design Award. This vehicle is designed by Ferrari Styling Centre and Pininfarina, carries over designs from Ferrari FF and Ferrari California to give it a sleek and aggressive stance but with a sporty appearance as well.

F12berlinetta is the most powerful Ferrari on the road today. Its wheelbase has been shortened while engine, dashboard and seats are lowered in the chassis. Rear suspension and gearbox have been modified making the F12berlinetta compact and with a higher level of aerodynamic efficiency.

F12 Berlinetta's chassis too is revised so as to add more power to the sports car. The body shell is designed with the use of 12 different kinds of alloys all fused together to increase structural rigidity by 20% while reducing weight keeping it at about 70 kgs less than the V12 Coupe.

It is due to all these factors that the F12berlinetta has appealed to readers of Auto Bild in 21 countries who have voted the Ferrari F12berlinetta as Europe's best looking car. The fastest Ferrari was ahead of over 144 competitors to take the prestigious Auto Bild Design award in this category.

Toto Toilet bike Neo for a greener world

A three wheeler motorcycle that not only saves fuel money but cleans the environment as well, has been revealed by Toto Ltd., a Japanese toilet company. This poop powered motorcycle is capable of travelling upto 300 kms on a tank full of poop. The bike also goes one step further in functioning as a toilet for the rider as well.

It has a toilet in place of a normal seat and a roll of toilet paper in tow. However this human poop is not suitable for use as fuel as the engine is designed only to run on livestock waste and sewage. The Toilet Bike Neo design has been under development since 2009 and was revealed on Thursday at the company showroom in Fujisawa.

It uses a 250cc engine and runs on biogas fuel which is fertilized, purified and compressed livestock waste and household waste water. This green bike was just a prototype which was revealed and it remains to be seen whether the poop powered three wheeler will actually go into production.

Driver Training, Fuel Efficiency and Vehicle Maintenance workshop by EMBARQ India and APSRTC

On 30th and 31st of August, a special two day training workshop is being held at Vishakapatnam. Being conducted by EMBARQ India and Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation, the workshop is being held for representatives of 20 city bus transport agencies, private operators and other transport organisations in a number of Indian cities such as Indore, Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Coimbatore, Rajkot and Naya Raipur.

The workshop deals in aspects such as Driver Training, Fuel Efficiency and Vehicle Maintenance. The workshop and Talking Transit workshop series are supported by a grant from the FedEx Corporation. The workshop will deal with problems being faced by bus transit agencies due to operation, finance and administrative issues.

Experts both local and international, in this field will speak on topics such as real life situations and ways to improve their services while concentrating on passenger safety and impact on environment. The workshop will also concentrate on improving driver's efficiency, ensure financial viability and help various government and private bus agencies to improve their services across the country.

Kidz Yamaha Safe Riding Science program gets underway in Gurgaon

In a bid to spread the knowledge of safer and more enhanced quality of riding techniques in the country, India Yamaha Motors has initiated a "Safe Riding Program" in Gurgaon. This program was begun in 2008 and has already covered cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, Nagpur, Dehradoon, Guwahati, Vizag, Jammu, Ahmedabad, Jamshedpur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Udaipur, Varanasi and Goa wherein they have conducted programs for school and college going students.

The Safe Riding Science Program inculcates the habit of responsible and safe riding among youth of today. A special Kidz program was also undertaken for the students of Ryan International School Gurgaon wherein 100 students between ages of 8 to 12 attended the sessions both theoretic and practical. The children were given hands on experience of road safety, importance of safety gear and how to ride Yamaha TTR 50 and PW 50 bikes which are specially designed for kids.

Instructions were imparted by licensed trainers who ensured that the idea of safe riding habits were ingrained into the minds of these youngsters so that they grow up to be responsible bikers well versed with the basic and proper riding techniques. India has the highest number of road fatalities in the world. Estimates reveal that there are 13 deaths every hour and about 250 deaths per day going upto 1,14,590 per annum.

Vinay Piparsania appointed Executive Director Marketing, Sales and Service Ford India: Nigel Wark moves to JV in China

Ford India has announced the appointment of Mr. Vinay Piparsania as their new Executive Director – Marketing, Sales and Service. He will assume office from the 1st September 2012 and will take on his new responsibilities just at a time when Ford India is getting ready to launch eight new vehicles in India in the coming few years.

Piparsania will be reporting directly to Mr. Michael Boneham, President and Managing Director of Ford India and will be responsible for overseeing launch of the new Ford models coming up ahead. He holds a mechanical degree from IIT-Delhi besides an MBA from Tulane University, US.  Piparsania joined Ford India in 1996 just at the time when the company was being established in India.

He was then General Manager – Sales and was instrumental in setting up a strong network of dealerships in the country. Since then he has held various positions both within the country and in markets of Asia Pacific and Africa. While he was VP – Marketing, Sales and Service Piparsania was also responsible for successful launch of Ford Ranger, Focus and Mustang. Piparsania takes over the position from Nigel Wark who is now promoted to the Ford Joint Venture in China.

Porsche Leipzig auto manufacturing plant is one of the most energy efficient

Taking into consideration the environmental mess we find ourselves in, Porsche's Leipzig's plant has been designed keeping in mind an energy efficient strategy. This manufacturing facility has been designed in a way so as to lower consumption of water, emissions of CO2 as also amount of waste that is produced during the process. In order to make this plant energy efficient, a wood chip fired heating system has been incorporated.

This biomass power plant will be instrumental in supplying heat for paint jobs within this facility.An electrostatic method will be used to help separate fine dust and paint mist in the facility. Apart from this LED lamps will be sued for lighting purposes in and around the plant. A Photovoltaic plant has been installed on the roof top so as to aid in generation of power for the plant.

Reflecting membranes have been added on the roof to help lower temperatures during the summer months. Porsche looks to expand its horizons and at the same time take into consideration the impact that it has on the environment. Based on the findings the company aims to balance out the ecosystems through go-green projects.

Peugeot 408 unveiled at Moscow International Motor Show

As 16th Moscow International Motor Show is currently underway, Peugeot has put on display their new Peugeot 408 at their large 1600 sq meter pavilion. The vehicle will be launched in Russian markets ready for sale from 1st September 2012 with production already commenced in April this year at the company plant in Kaluga, South Moscow.

408 will be the first of Peugeot models to be produced here. It is a well designed vehicle targeting the working middle class in Russia. Peugeot 408 will offer enhanced comfort, the latest of equipment and higher levels of safety features. Being 4.70m in length it will also be the longest vehicle in this segment offering plenty of cabin space and additional room in the boot as well.

Its interiors will be seen with heated seats and a heating system which is one factor which will appeal to customers in Russia due to their severe weather conditions. The Peugeot 408 is the company's attempt to bridge the gap between the 407 and 508 which is already available in China with a 1.6 liter engine offering 108hp while the 2.0 liter engine offers 150 hp. It has also been assembled and sold in Malaysia since June 2012.

Skoda in Moscow: Rapid, Yeti Sochi unveiled, Yeti 1.4 TSI DSG world debut

Czech car maker has revealed the European Rapid sedan at the ongoing Moscow International Auto Show (MIAS) in Russia. Apart from the Rapid, Skoda has also unveiled a special edition of their SUV, Yeti specially for Russian car buyers. Named Yeti Sochi, the special edition of Yeti is designed to as a preview to Skoda's sponsorship of the 2014 Winter Olympics. Yeti Sochi will be available at Skoda dealerships in Russia from 2013.

Yeti Sochi is powered by a 1.8L petrol TSI engine mated to a six speed DSG transmission, generating max output of 150 bhp. Skoda has also made the world debut of Yeti 1.4 TSI DSG in Moscow at the MIAS.

Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland, CEO, Skoda Auto, said, "Russia is a pillar of our international growth plans and has a central importance for our 2018 growth strategy. This country is one of the world's strongest-growing market and offers tremendous potential for Skoda. We intend to resolutely continue our dynamic development of recent years. We will have more capacity in the future so as to further raise our sales in Russia."

Gaming World rejoice: Computer mouse designed by Themaltake and BMW Designworks USA

Designed to add greater excitement to computer gaming, Themaltake and BMW Designworks USA have launched a futuristic mouse. This Level 10M Mouse is now available at a price of $99. Though a feast for the eyes, the new mouse does come with a wire and design that is aimed at pro gamers and hopefully it will function as efficiently as it looks.

BMW Designworks USA works for many industries with only one goal in mind and that is to bring out designs that are innovative, futuristic and customer oriented. Themaltake is also a leader in pro gaming computer chassis which has come together with BMW Group for the first time in this venture. They were credited with the design concept for the Level 10 high end gaming tower which received a great deal of attention and earned the company a lot of praise from IT and pro gaming enthusiasts.

The Level 10 M Mouse is expected to extend the Level 10 gaming experience to a next level. Ergonomic in shape and attractive in design, the mouse is the first of many such challenges ahead of the designers who hope to bring out even more products which will provide users of Level 10 with more attractive and comfortable products to work with.

BMW Group to make its presence felt at the Goodwood Revival 2012

The Goodwood revival is an event wherein one gets to see motor races taking place in an authentic 1940-60's environment. This event has been taking place since 1998 and is one of the events where one can enjoy the beauty of brands like BMW, MINI and Rolls Royce.

BMW has a lineup of three race prepared bikes in order to stand a chance of wining the Barry Sheene Memorial trophy. Two pre war BMW R5 models along with a BMW RS 54 will be taking part in this contest. These two models boast of impressive performances in both non competitive as also competitive races and contests.

Apart from brands like BMW, MINI and RR there will also be a bike Husqvarna CR 400 which Steve McQueen rode on display in the motorcycle garage during the event. A restored Klemm 25 aircraft will also be on display on the tarmac at this event to help remind people of BMW role in aircraft manufacture. BMW 503, BMW 507 along with RR Silver cloud will be some of the cars on display at this event. To lure motorcycle enthusiast's motorcycles such as the BMW R 24, BMW R 26, BMW R 51/2 with sidecar, and the BMW R 69 S will also be on display. A BMW 328 in which Sir Striling Moss won his first car race will also be on display outside the group garages.

 

China to offer subsidy to Diesel car buyers

While the world at large is reeling under heavy costs of fuel and quickly turning to diesel powered vehicles, situation in China cannot be the same. Thanks to the strict Chinese government, here, car owners are forced to prefer petrol powered vehicles because of shortage of diesel supply. There is a shortage in diesel supply because Chinese government has switched electrical supply to those factories / manufacturers who did not meet CO2 output norms.

In order to run, these factories had a simple solution, buying diesel generators. There were so many of them who were not able to meet CO2 norms, that today there is a tremendous short supply of diesel. Apart from this, diesel vehicles are also banned on plying in certain areas of the city during peak hours, cause they pollute more. This has pushed people away from buying diesel cars.

In order to encourage people to buy diesel cars, The China Association of Automakers has revealed that Government of China including NDRC and Ministry of Finance are planning on offering subsidies upto 5000 RMB ($787) for every diesel car purchased. So much so that various Chinese companies like Sinopec and CNPC along with Chinese fuel providers are doing all they can to help improve the quality of diesel for passenger cars.

By year 2020, 30% of all cars manufactured in China will be diesel powered but will be very low on fuel emissions to keep to strict standards prevalent in the country. This will lead to 4.2 million tons of CO2 being reduced in the atmosphere while 28 million barrels of oil will be saved per annum thereby reducing China's dependence on foreign imports to the tune of 11.3%.

World's oldest Ferrari restored for $500,000: Price today $8 million

This vehicle was unveiled for the first time since its restoration and is reportedly valued at $8 million today. This antique Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa is still capable of speeds upto 100 mph. It is fitted with 2.0 liter Colombo V12 engine and is one of just 39 ever built. Its present owner, 62 year old Glickenhaus purchased the car at an auction in 2004 for $700,000. Whenever he drives down the streets he can feel the attention his car is receiving. 

Bloomberg reports that the worlds oldest Ferrari, a 1947 166 Spyder Corsa, currently owned by Jim Glickenhaus has now been successfully restored to its original glory. This Ferrari may be low bodied, possess very thin tyres and be a far cry from the luxurious and more powerful Ferrari's today but this is the oldest Ferrari, built post Second World War by Enzo Ferrari himself and has recently been restored for $500,000.

Glickenhaus is a partner of investment management firm, Glickenhaus & Co. He uses this prized Ferrari to raise money for his various charities which he supports. Last year, Glickenhaus raised over $50,000 for troubled New York teenagers through the use of this Ferrari. Later in November this year, a special one hour show will be telecasted, showcasing Glickenhaus and his car collection.

Audi A3 earns five-star EuroNCAP crash test rating

EuroNCAP, the organization that provides realistic and independent results based on the safety of vehicles has awarded the Audi A3 a five star rating in recently conducted crash tests. Based on results for adult protection, child safety as also side as also front and rear collision safety, the Audi A3 was given a maximum 5 star rating by EuroNCAP.

Safety features include seatbelt reminders for both front and rear seats which help to minimize injuries caused due to accidents. This reminder function comes as standard in the car. A specially designed front fascia and an engine hood that raises itself with help of a pyrotechnic release are features incorporated for pedestrian safety.

Technology like cruise control, side assist, lane assist, pre sense function as also daytime running LED lights make this car a safe ride for both the driver and pedestrians. Multicollision brake safety feature has also been included within this car model. This feature allows for systematic braking without the risk of skidding and further collisions.

Mahindra and Mahindra MOU with Punjab Gramin Bank for Personal and Commercial Vehicle financing

Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd, the No. 1 manufacturer of SUV's in India has signed a memorandum of understanding with Punjab Gramin Bank to enable customer's avail of financing during purchase of personal or commercial vehicles. Through this tie-up customers will be able to benefit from the vast network of outlets of both brands.

There are 180 branches of PGB and 16 dealerships of M&M spread across Punjab. Punjab Gramin bank was adjudged the best Rural Regional Bank (RRB) on the basis of financial parameters surveyed by NABARD in the year 2008-09.

Shri S. K. Goel, Chairman, Punjab Gramin Bank hoped that this initiative taken up by both brands will enable people avail of suitable loan policies with reasonable interest rates and margins. PGB offers simple and innovative funding policies with interest rates starting from 12%. This financial institution also provides upto 85% on road funding and a repayment facility of 84 months.

Image Caption: Standing Left to Right:  Mr. S. K. Chawla, G. M. Credit, PGB, Mr. B. S. Sandha, Sr. Manager Credit, PGB, Mr. S. K. Goel, Chairman, PGB, Mr. Jyoti Malhotra, Sr. G.M Sales – North, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, Mr. Ratnesh Mishra, Deputy M.M.D, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. and Mr. V. K. Mutneja, G. M, PGB.

New Clio earns five-star EuroNCAP crash test rating

The New Clio thanks to its safety features, dynamic and responsive chassis has managed to get a top rating of five-stars from the EuroNCAP based on tests carried out by the organization. A global score of 85% propelled this car to the top spot in its segment. This score is a cumulative assessment of child safety, adult protection as also pedestrian protection and safety features.

To allow for effective protection, Renault used details of studies to calibrate the electronic systems to respond to accidents within a short period of time. High efficiency air bags for adults, seatbelts with pretensioners as also load limiters are some of the features of this car. To prevent submarining, Renault has made use of a technology known as Fix4sure. Impact detection sensors coupled with specially calibrated algorithms help to deploy air bags effectively and within a short time span.

Child protection features include three point Isofix child seat anchorage for both front and rear seats. Pedestrian protection features include a front fascia that has been designed not to cause maximum injury to pedestrians in case of an accident. A speed limiter coupled with visual as also audio warnings for seatbelts and cruise control are other notable safety features of this car.

Black Eyed Peas frontman Will.i.Am becomes the first artist to debut song on the Red Planet

Nobody’s too sure about alien life on Mars grooving over funky rap. However, alien life form if any-on the Red Planet, will have to be content with The Voice Judge, Will.i.Am’s new song. Yes, the Martian landscape will be treated to the Black Eyed Peas frontman’s new song played through the speakers fixed on Curiosity Rover, the NASA vehicle that made a successful landing on Mars recently.

According to officials at NASA, Will.i.Am’s new song titled ’Reach for the Stars’ will be live streamed. The rapper whose real name is William James Adams and goes by the stage name Will.i.Am is known for his strange antics and outlandishly absurd lyrics. The popular singer and producer is an enthusiast of science and space exploration. According to NASA, the song to be beamed describes Will.i.Am’s love for space and technology.

As the song is being beamed, Will.i.Am will be conducting an educational program on interplanetary exploration that involves his charity i.am.angel at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena. Over the years Alien life forms in movies have been depicted taking a keen interest in sub-genres of heavy metal. Why NASA chose a Rapper, Rockers will wonder?  Here’s hoping alien life forms on Mars, if any, don’t get frustrated listening to the lyrics of ‘Reach for the Stars’.

Android 2.3 based Intex Aqua 4.0 with Dual-Sim feature and 3G launched at a price of Rs 5500

Intex has launched yet another dual sim phone in the Indian market. The latest offering is Aqua 4.0, an Android based phone with 3G. Running on Android 2.3 Gingerbread this humble smartphone is powered by an 800 MHz CPU. Anybody that wants to tackle the mystery of why the 4.0 tag is attached to a phone that does not have Android-Ice Cream Sandwich, is not upgradable to that OS and does not have a 4 inch screen please enlighten the world. Feel free to come up with theories that solve this mystery. Getting back to the real world, this smartphone has a 3.5 inch two-point capacitive touch screen with a pixel resolution of 320 x 480.

The device has 131 MB usable internal storage and can be expanded up to 32 GB via microSD card. Aqua has a 3 megapixel main camera and a 0.3 megapixel front camera. As is with majority of smartphones, this one too has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0 and FM Radio, proximity sensor, accelerometer, and ambient light sensor. Apps such as Flipkart, Nimbuzz, Skype, Facebook and India Rail come preloaded. For individuals that love mobile gaming there’s Fruit Ninja, Talking Tom and Angry Birds that comes preloaded. Aqua 4.0 is available in two colors black and white. Priced at Rs 5500 this smartphone will appeal to hard-on-cash youngsters.

Next generation iPhone may well replace your wallet: NFC chip present in the smartphone could turn into a credit card

Since the iPhone emerged things have changed drastically for gadget users. Users do not have to rely on alternative devices for music, internet, games and photographs. The iPhone packed in everything a tech dreamer deemed impossible. Now, the next generation iPhone may replace your wallet. Yes, the next iPhone is expected to have a NFC chip which will allow users to make payments by just waving against scanners.

The built-in chip on the new iPhone serving as a contactless card will eliminate the use of debit cards or credit cards for payments at a store. However, if Apple aims to rake in big money from this chip technology they have to embrace this technology before other manufacturers come to the party. Already Google is making its presence with ‘Wallet’ accounts in the United States and plans to introduce the same in other countries. Leaked images believed to be the next-generation iPhone reveal the internals of the phone which showcase a NFC chip.

Although Apple have not disclosed any details in regard with whether the NFC chip will be used in the next generation iPhone, leaked Apple patent registrations suggest the chip will make its way on the emerging iPhone.  Sources at 9to5Mac are of the opinion Apple may tie up with Citibank’s PayPass system for transactions or could become a payment processor itself. Considering Apple’s mysterious ways, one cannot dismiss this school of thought.

One amongst the earliest Apple computers with an original price tag of 420 Pounds all set to reach up to 80,000 Pounds at an auction

An Apple computer belonging to the first batch of computers which had an original price tag of 420 Pounds is expected to fetch in excess of 80,000 Pounds at an auction. The computer expected to fetch 190 times its original value is an Apple 1 which Steve Jobs had sold from his parent’s garage. To come up with his first Apple creation Steve Jobs invested all he had and also sold his Volkswagen van.

Apple Founders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak had hand built the A1 series computers and launched them in 1976. Only 200 models were launched out of which a few remain. The Apple 1 that was sold at a price of 420 Pounds came without a monitor or keyboard, which meant users, had to make separate purchases. The iconic computer was equipped with 8k memory. This A1, one of the few existing computers from Apple’s hey days will be up on offer at Christie’s Auction on October 9 in Central London.

Bids are expected to be exceedingly high among technology collectors, private collectors and museum representatives from across the world. Scientific specialist at Christie’s James Hyslop said” This is the computer that started Apple, now recognized as the most valuable company in the world. Its significance in making computer technology accessible for all cannot be undervalued.”

Short film reveals the dangers of augmented reality glasses as Google gears up to launch its smart glasses

The future as we all know will be a haven for interactive devices. Augmented reality glasses will form an integral part of our future; however the dangers that lurk with technology are often overseen or subdued. Daniel Lazo and Eran May-raz, Israeli filmmakers in their short film ‘Sight’ take augmented reality to new depth in a spine chilling event that showcases the character Patrick misusing the potential of augmented reality glasses to take control of his date Daphne’s mind to get her into bed.

The 7 minute film reveals how the main character relies heavily on virtual reality lenses to help him as he is unable to charm his date in a real-life scenario. In the film Patrick uses the ‘Wingman app’ on his virtual lenses to help him in his situation. The film has a though provoking end and throws light on the fact that futuristic technology will be misused.

Loosely based on technology Google is developing for its future smart glasses, the film is a disturbing reminder of how technology can give birth to the dark side. As of now Google has revealed it plans to introduce augmented reality glasses. Although the giant internet company has not announced a release date as yet, technology experts believe the glasses will be introduced in the first quarter of 2012.

Scientists warn use of gadgets before bed can cause sleep problems

If you are the person that uses gadgets just before going to bed, you better change your ways. According to researchers, using electronic gadgets before going to bed can affect the sleep cycle. A study conducted at LRC- Light Research Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute reveals backlit displays on gadgets causes’ melatonin suppression which leads to sleeplessness. The chemical melatonin is responsible for changes in the body clock.

Suppression of melatonin results in disrupted sleep, or causes sleep problems. The study carried out revealed that majority of teens that spend time on gadgets are affected by this problem. Self-luminous tablet computers were used by the research team in the experiment that revealed grim facts. Director at LRCs Light And Health Program and Associate Professor at Rensselaer, Mariana Figueiro said” Our study shows that a two-hour exposure to light from self-luminous electronic displays can suppress melatonin by about 22 percent.

Stimulating the human circadian system to this level may affect sleep in those using the devices prior to bedtime. Based on these results, display manufacturers can use our model to determine how their products could affect circadian system regulation” As a part of the research study 13 individuals were asked to use self-luminous tablet computers on which they were asked to play games, watch movies and read.

Three Android 2.3 CDMA Phones starting from Rs 5500 launched by MTS

MTS is relatively new in India but has managed to gain ground within a short span of time. The company has launched three CDMA smartphones in the Indian market, the MTag 351, the MTag 352 and MTag 281. All smartphones run Android 2.3 Gingerbread.

Powered by an 800 Mhz Qualcomm Snapdragon S1 processor the three phones are stylishly designed. The company has announced a special unlimited data plan on 351 and 351 smartphone models whereby local calling from MTS to MTS will be free for 3 months and a 1p/second rate will be charged for other local and national calls made.

The data plan for MTag 281 remains almost the same the only difference being a1p/2 seconds for three months on local calls. Although these offers seem hard to resist there are conditions that apply with these plans. Common features included in the three phones are FM radio, Assisted GPS, Bluetooth, Micro-USB, and Wi-Fi. All three devices have a 3 megapixel camera. MTag 281 is priced at 5500, MTag 351 at Rs 7500 and MTag 352 at Rs 6500.

WickedLeak launches 3G Dual Sim Whammy Note with 5 inch screen and Android 4.0 at a price of Rs, 11,300

Before Samsung could unveil its newest phablet, the hybrid Galaxy Note II, WickedLeak has gone ahead and launched its phone-cum-tablet named Whammy Note. Considering majority of buyers in India are fascinated by low priced large screen devices, we believe the Whammy Note will do good sales.

Priced at Rs 11,300 this phablet has a five point multi touch screen with a pixel resolution of 480 x 800. This WickedLeak device has an 8 megapixel auto focus camera with LED flash and a 0.3 megapixel front camera. The device comes with a MTK6575 1 GHz CPU and 512 MB RAM. Features included in this device are Wi-Fi with hotspot, Bluetooth 2.0, Gravity sensor, Assisted GPS, and handwriting recognition.

This dual-sim device weighs 192 grams and is 12 mm thick. The 2500 mAh battery when fully charged is good for talktime of 8 hours. Audio formats supported by Whammy Note are AWB, MP3, AMR and WAV. Video formats supported by are MPEG4, and 3GP. Needless to say, this device has a striking resemblance to a pioneering Korean device. Is Samsung taking Note?

Finally, after 25 years Microsoft opts for a new look

For those bored of seeing the same old Microsoft logo, your prayers have been answered. After many years Microsoft has finally opted for a new look. In an official blog post General Manager, Brand Strategy, Microsoft, Jeff Hansen announced that the new logo will now be used in all Microsoft products.

Although many users that have loved the old logo have expressed their displeasure in regard with the new one, Microsoft will stay firm on its decision. Since the official announcement the new logo has been implemented on Microsoft’s site. It will take a few months before retail outlets all over the world showcase the new emblem.

It’s going to be a make or break situation for Microsoft in the days ahead. The software powerhouse is gearing up for release of its new OS mobile platform. Although the logo change is not a huge shift from its previous emblem, it does say a lot about Microsoft’s ambitious future. Do you like the new logo or are you a fan of the old one?

Samsung Galaxy Note 800: 3G Tablet with Android 4.0 and 10.1 inch screen launched at a price of Rs 39,000

Currently there are few high end tablets in the Indian market. Demand for low cost tablets in this part of the world is exceedingly high which is why tablet makers are reluctant to introduce expensive devices. Demand for Samsung products is huge in India. The company has launched its Galaxy Note 800 that runs on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. This tablet has a 10.1 inch WXGA TFT LCD capacitive touch screen with a pixel resolution of 1280 x 800. The stunning tablet has a 1.4 GHz Cortex-A9 quad core CPU, Mali-400MP GPU and 2GB AM. As of now Samsung has released only the 16 GB version of this tablet in the country. 32GB and 64GB versions of this tablet are expected at a later stage.

Galaxy Note 800 has a 1.9 megapixel front camera and a 5 megapixel main camera with LED flash. USB 2.0 High Speed, Bluetooth 4.0 LE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, HDMI Out, and Assisted GPS are some among the many features included in the device. Samsung claims the 7000 mAh battery offers a talk time of 33 hours when fully charged, however considering its screen size this aspect is debatable. The tablet is available at Samsung’s official store at a price of Rs 38,000. What’s interesting about this device is it supports a split screen mode allowing you to access two apps simultaneously.

Akai claims it’s newly launched LED 29E12 for Rs 22,000 is India’s first 29 inch Full HD LED TV

Akai has not lived up to its expectations in terms of TV sales in India. Now, the company may well garner interest among LED TV aficionados. Akai has launched LED 29E12 which it claims to be the first Full HD LED TV in its segment.

While there are 24 inch and 32 inch LED displays, the 29 inch screen size is commonly available only with CRT televisions. Akai’s newest offering is capable of playing 1080p-Full HD content. This TV has a slim bezel that measures 9mm. The dynamic backlight feature automatically adjusts brightness in accordance with ambient light.

This Akai offering has two USB ports that support pictures, music tracks and Full HD video. This 29 inch LED TV displays 16.7 million colors and has a dynamic 400 watt PMPO audio output. This stylish TV has 1 HDMI in. The device is PC compatible and has Dynamic noise reduction and dynamic skin correction features. At Rs 22,000 Akai’s LED 29E12 is affordably priced.

Ban on carrying mobiles for Girls under 18 by Rajasthan Panchayat

A local Panchayat in the state of Rajasthan has imposed a ban that states girls below age 18 will not be allowed to carry mobile phones. The village panchayat in Udaipurwati area in Jhunjhunu district has issued the ban claiming it distracts young girls. Kishorpura village panchayat issued the ban to ensure that girls do not get ‘spoiled’.

Besides the mobile phone ban, the panchayat has also stated that girls should make it a point to cover their heads when they step out of their homes. A resident of the village, Ramkesh Kumar told IANS, It has been observed that mobile phone have given unnecessary freedom to girls, which is distracting them from following our culture.

The panchayat’s decision will be followed strictly in the village as it has been accepted by all. Another member of the village justified the decision saying” The panchayat members held a meeting with elders recently. The elders insisted that such a ban should be imposed in the village as more and more girls are carrying mobile phones”. This is strange as it is absurd and is a step backwards against the fight of basic rights of female population in India. Why does this happen in India? Is this decision right?

Old and new cars, and supercars being dumped on Dubai roads

In a bid to be safe and not sorry, rich expats have been dumping their cars on the streets of Dubai. In the last few months it is noted that Dubai streets are lined with cars with their keys still in the ignition. No, This is not a forgetful and careless driver that we are talking about but owners who cannot pay their debts and are just abandoning their cars on the Dubai sidewalks in fear of being hauled to jail for nonpayment of loans.

More than 6000 vehicles are being abandoned in Dubai. This figure is up from the 5,487 vehicle which were dumped in 2011. Most of these vehicles are over 20 years old and ready to be scrapped but there are several others that are still in the prime of their youth. The vehicles have deflated tyres, dead engines and are rusting away in Dubai streets. However, how to get rid of these vehicles is posing a major problem for municipal workers.

While these aged and well weathered vehicles are being abandoned and heading to scrap yards, a number of highly luxurious vehicle that are also following suit. This is following a rising number of businessmen and women who have been jailed in Dubai for going into debt. Instead of facing such severe sentences it is better to abandon vehicles while many expats are just leaving and flying home. Ferraris, Audis, Jaguars and Mercedes Benz and the like are being abandoned and the major cause is the financial crisis which is making many people see their finances deplete quicker than expected which is making them head home while leaving their high performance vehicles abandoned.

Nordschleife® chronograph now available for racing fans

Time is a very important deciding factor in everyone's life. With the importance of a watch that keeps perfect timing is felt in every walk of life, its real test is felt when it comes to precision and speed of high performance vehicles racing down the racing circuit. All super cars are categorized on one factor only and that is in how short a time it can get around any demanding race track. This is specially the case when it comes to Nurburgring Nordschleife.

This is one reason why the specially designed Nordschleife® chronograph is such as exclusive timepiece. Weighing 144 gms in matte black, the watch is now available for fans across the world. Manufactured in Germany, the rugged looking watch is housed in larger than life stainless steel case. It has a diameter of 50mm and possesses a black watch face with white numerals distinctively displaying the Nordschleife logo.

Contrasting 24mm wide white leather strap with white seams and stainless steel clasp contrasts the stark black face. Besides keeping perfect timing, the chronograph also serves as a stop watch with stop second function, 60 minute split time display and 24 hour display.