social news/entertainment

2010: Major discoveries in the field of Sci-tech and Gadgets

arun — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 07:46:23 GMT

2010 saw major upheavals in science and technology from step cell cultivation, 3G spectrum, smart phones and tablets were a few milestones of the decade. On the other hand Wikileaks, attacks on countries' official websites and online privacy issue gave nightmares to government agencies worldwide. Here is a pick of the issues that are expected to create a storm in the coming decade:
Online privacy issues
2010 saw a lot of cases of breach of internet privacy, one of the biggest examples have been the revelations made by Wikileaks.
The publishing of official communications between the US embassy and the US govt shook the very foundation of US diplomacy. The fact that these 'secure' communications could be leaked in such a public manner raised the level of awareness of how easy it is to access every little detail of a person and his life- from the internet.
This is also a reason why Facebook users raised the banner of revolt against its CEO, Mark Zuclerberg and his idea of online privacy.
Apart from this we stood witness to making hacking attempt on countries official websites. The reports of China hacking into India’s sensitive data, the attack on India’s official CWG website, were important incidents in this regard.
Social Networking:
Social networking has changed the way people communicate. A common platform to interact with friends who are far away may be the crux of the matter; however it's popularity shows that people want to be heard. From posting their most inane, embarrassing moments to their moods to their daily mundane habits, Facebook has become the fastest and most productive attention-seeking tactic.
Twitter has become a forum for the people to put their point across to a large number of viewers. Celebrities now don’t need the press for announcements. A simple tweet does the trick; short, simple and very effective.
Liz Hurley announced her break-up on twitter, Paris Hilton alerted her followers on Twitter about an attempted robbery at her home, Kaynes revealed his love for orange juice on twitter. These are some of the few celebs who are using twitter as a platform to connect to their fans.
The Radia tapes which were not broadcasted by the mainstream, leading media houses, created ripples on the web.
Radio proved faster than print; television raised the bar further and now the web is leaving the TV behind. Social networking is fast becoming an alternative for mainstream media in the next decade
In UK, a tabloid, using the Freedom to Information Act, has found out that there have been more than 100,000 crimes linked to Facebook in UK in the last five years. According to it, callers have alerted officers to alleged acts of terrorism, sudden deaths, frauds, sexual offences and hate crimes.
Closer home, the social networking site has also led to heinous crimes. Recently, a girl’s Facebook friend raped her when she met him in Delhi.
But, social networking has proved to be a boon too. Many social issues have been raised through this platform.
Now even the Indian police are creating accounts on the Facebook to get connected to the people. They are trying to spread awareness about the rules and other programmes run by them for the benefit of the people.
Commercial space travel
Sir Richard Branson's space tourism company, Virgin Galactic, is banking on SpaceShipTwo to carry up to six passengers at a time on a 2 1 /2-hour trip to the edge of outer space. According to the company, more than 370 wannabe astronauts have put down deposits toward the $200,000 ticket to secure a seat on a future flight.
Some of the other players that have entered the market of commercial space travel are Kawasaki Heavy Industries from Japan, Copenhagen Suborbitals a Danish non-profit rocket group, Excalibur Almaz and Orbital Sciences Corporation.
India’s moon mission and Chandrayaan
After the success of Chandrayaan 1 in 2009 Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) seeks to send the first Indian to the moon by 2015.
If it succeeds, it would beat China in the moon race as their mission is to send its first astronaut by 2017. ISRO is now awaiting the Centre’s approval and as soon as its gets the green signal, it will change gears to launch a full throttle mission to send Indian astronauts on the moon.
ISRO twice failed in its attempt to launch its heavier rocket GSLV and its INSAT-4B satellite failed 50 per cent due to a power glitch.
Next big thing:
Over the years science and technology has developed and given something new to the future generation.
Standing at the threshold of a new decade we look ahead to some big ideas that India plans to venture into 4G and 5G spectrum after the successful launch of 2G and 3G spectrum.
Smartphones revolutionised the mobile industry, now, world awaits the next level of the mobile technology.
The new developments in stem cell research have opened new avenues for the scientists in the field.
Gadgets
Gadgets and communication technology: What can be expected in the near future?

The decade saw some of the most innovative and mind-boggling technological inventions. The new gizmos has completely revolutionised the gadget world in the 21st century

Wireless data transfer is said to be the fastest developing technology in the world. The communication technology which will define the next decade, 4G, is all set to be launched in the coming year. Almost all the new gadgets use wireless data transfer technology (3G, WiFi etc.) or at least are compatible to it. This is quite evident if one looks at the recently launched gadgets.

3G/4G/5G

While in India we are still trying to expand the reach of 3G technology, Europe and America have already begun testing 4G. 2011 is the year when the 4G will see real expansion, internationally. 5G launch is expected to take another decade.

3G and 4G are short forms for third and fourth generation wireless communication technologies. Communication technology takes a quantum leap every 10 years. The 2G and 3G were launched around 1992 and 2002 respectively.

Tablets

Technologically, these are said to be placed between Smartphones and Notebooks, having the most popular features of both the gadgets. Companies like Dell, Toshiba and Samsung launched their devices in the market after Apple came up with the revolutionary I Pad. Other companies cannot be too far behind. This is one gadget which will most probably find a big market in the coming year.

Smart phones

Smartphones have a better and powerful processor, software, memory and screen. Some companies, like Samsung, have already launched such phones and it can be expected that similar phones will be launched in 2011 by other companies as well. This is another device which has tremendous scope for expansion.

Internet TV

It is one technology which has not caught up big time, especially in India, most probably due to slow internet speed. Another big issue is the availability of live prime entertainment channels on the internet. With the increasing reach and affordability of 3G, internet TV may or may not catch up in 2011, depending upon customer reaction.

Now, a computer will be able to read your mind

arun — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 07:44:19 GMT

A new software platform, developed by French scientists, demonstrated in a tech fest at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) here, allows individuals to control computer commands by just a 'thought'.
Acting as an interface designed to translate what happens in the brain into a computer command, this software --'OpenViBE'-- is the outcome of a project initiated in 2005 and has a multitude of potential applications.
"The OpenViBE software platform facilitates the design, testing and use of 'brain-computer interfaces' - in other words, systems that process the electrical signals linked with brain activity and translate them into a command that can be understood by machines," Computer scientists Yann Renard and Laurent Bonnet said while demonstrating the software at the Department of Computer Sciences (IIT) in Mumbai on Friday.
These allow individuals to communicate with a computer or any automated system without using their hands or other movements to activate a button or remote control, they said.
"OpenViBE provides a tool that is aimed at a varied audience, from researchers and clinicians to video game developers," they said.
To a query on whether writing by thought is now possible, the scientists replied in affirmative.
A person wearing an EEG (electroencephalogram) cap focuses his attention on the letter that he wants to spell out. When this letter flashes a particular brain wave is generated, which is picked up, detected and interpreted by the machine, they said.
Explaining further in technical terms, the scientists said, "OpenViBE is a series of software libraries and modules written in C++ that can be simply and effectively integrated in order to design real-time applications. Programmer users can develop their own code, while non-programmers can use the graphical interface." .

The best cars of 2010- Ford Figo

arun — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 07:35:09 GMT

Ford Figo is the absolute value-for-money car from the American brand. Although based on the Ford Fusion which did not sell well, the car's fresh design cues and maximum utilization of space with its wider wheelbase makes the car a preferred hatchback for those seeking roominess. This 'smart car' is offered in both petrol and diesel engines. The 1.2 litre petrol engine produces 70 bhp of maximum power and 10.4 kgm of maximum torque while the 1.4 litre diesel engine produces 68 bhp of maximum power and 16.3 kgm of maximum torque. While the car is known for its ride and handling, the petrol motor lacks pick up. The price of Figo starts at Rs. 3.92 lakh.

Source: India Syndicate

The best cars of 2010- Volkswagen Vento

arun — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 07:34:15 GMT

Vento is born out of the successful 'boot + hatch = sedan' formula that had earned success for Maruti Suzuki with its Swift Dzire and Tata Motors with its Indigo Manza model. However, the German engineering stands head and shoulders above in terms of gluing the boot so nicely that we wonder if Vento was designed before the Polo. Vento has caused some dent in sales of Honda City, the market leader which is a reflection on the car's performance as well as overall package. Vento is powered by a 1.6 litre petrol and 1.6 litre diesel, both producing 104 bhp of maximum power, While the petrol motor produces 15.6 kgm of maximum torque and 25.5 kgm is produced in case of diesel motor. The Vento price starts at Rs. 7.90 lakh.

The best cars of 2010- Volkswagen Polo

arun — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 07:33:22 GMT

Volkswagen Polo is the German brand's trump card for the mass hatchback market in India and so far, it seems to have worked. The safe and solid feel that is so closely associated with all things German are big plus for Polo. Polo is powered by a 1.2 litre petrol engine that produces 74 bhp of maximum power and 11.2 kgm of maximum torque. The 1.6 litre petrol engine produces 105 bhp of maximum power and 15.6 kgm of maximum torque. The 1.2 litre diesel engine produces 75 bhp of maximum power and 18.3 kgm of maximum torque. The engines are not as refined as offered by the rest of the competition. But, the overall package gives a lasting experience in driving the hatch around the town. The price of Polo starts at Rs. 4.88 lakh.

The best cars of 2010- Tata Aria

arun — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 07:32:33 GMT

Tata Motors has boldly launched a premium vehicle despite its image as a 'value-for-money' car maker. Aria which is the first "Indian crossover" has improved interior quality -- at least by Tata's standards -- and good looks. It combines the maneuverability of a sedan with the practicality of a SUV. And boy, is it loaded! Cruise control, rain-sense wipers, darkness sensing lights... you name it and Aria has it. Aria is powered by the tried-and-tested 2.2 litre DICOR engine that performs its duty in Tata Safari. This engine has been tweaked to produce 138 bhp of maximum power and 32.6 kgm of maximum torque. The 4×4 option tries to further justify the premium sticker price. The price of Tata Aria starts at Rs. 12.91 lakh.

The best cars of 2010- Skoda Yeti

arun — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 07:31:38 GMT

Skoda Yeti has smartly addressed an emerging market of soft-roaders in the Rs. 14 to Rs. 18 lakh range at a time when there is fierce competition in the Rs. 20 lakh SUVs in India. Yeti's advantages include handsome appearance and an enthusiastic 2.0 litre diesel motor that produces 140 bhp of maximum power and 32.6 kgm of maximum torque. While the Yeti is a good package, it lacks the third row seats and is therefore strictly for those with small families. Or no families! Yeti prices start at Rs. 15.8 lakh.

The best cars of 2010- Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

arun — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 07:30:27 GMT

The Wagon R is the second highest selling car in the Maruti stable next only to the Alto. Ever since Maruti introduced the blue-eyed boy, we mean the new Wagon-R, the sales have been increasing gradually. The boxy looks are now hidden behind the subtle curves and a premium look with good chrome bits in and out. This 'easy to drive' city car has a peppy engine under the hood and a class-leading interior space. Wagon R is powered by a 1.0 litre petrol engine that produces 67 bhp of maximum power and 9.17 kgm of maximum torque. The price of Wagon-R starts at Rs. 3.63 lakh.

The best cars of 2010

arun — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 07:29:16 GMT

As the Ford Figo is named Indian Car of the Year, we bring you the other cars that came close to the coveted title. Here is our list of the best of the year.

Chevrolet Beat

Chevrolet Beat is a promising car from General Motors that has all potential to work wonders not just for the company but also for first-time buyers. Its funky styling, bold lines and motorcycle inspired dashboard have won many fans. The Beat is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine that produces 79 bhp of maximum power and 10.91 kgm of maximum torque. The price of the Beat starts at Rs 3.93 lakh

Toyota Etios: Practical performance

arun — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 07:27:19 GMT

The Etios, the first India-specific sedan offering from Toyota, is all set to spin its wheels on Indian roads. Aspi Bhathena, who test-drove it a few weeks ago, was well pleased with this car built from scratch especially for Indian conditions and Indian car-buyers

The world's largest car manufacturer, Toyota, finally launch their India-specific small sedan on the first of this month. They had displayed both the hatchback and the sedan at the Auto Expo in New Delhi in January 2010.
Recently we got to see and drive the re-worked Etios sedan for the first time. There have been some minor tweaks here and there to improve the car's looks and to make it sharper than the original one displayed at the Auto Expo.
The first thing I would like to mention in respect of the Etios is that Toyota have begun this project with a clean slate. They have not used anything from any of their previous models or platforms.
Chief Engineer Yoshinori Noritake san, head of the Etios project, spent five years in India studying local conditions and the Indian users' requirements. The car is not a stunner to look at, nor will it turn heads. It has the typical understated Toyota look instead.

The moment you open the door, you can see the same trend being continued from the exterior to the interior. Practicality and utility is the name of the game. The flat bench-type rear seat, for instance. It may look like a flat plank, but, let me tell you, it is very comfortable for three persons. You don't keep sliding to the centre and squash the passenger in the middle. The flat floor panel makes life easy for the middle passenger with plenty of leg space.
Up front, the quality of the plastics and the upholstery are good for this segment. The tilt steering of the Etios helps you to tailor the driving position to your liking. The rear leg space is class-leading along with a huge boot. The designers have liberated a lot of usable in-cabin space, including the boot.

The suspension set-up at the front is a straightforward MacPherson strut and the rear is a torsion beam unit. During the short first drive one could immediately make out that Noritake san and his team had put in a lot of effort in setting up the suspension. The car is well-poised with hardly any body roll even when it was driven hard round corners. The steering has a neutral feel and, at the same time, there is plenty of feedback.
As for pothole-ridden bad roads, the Etios came out with flying colours as she took all the speed bumps and obstacles in her stride. The spring rating and damping are well-matched and the ride quality is top class.

As I mentioned earlier, this is an all-new car from ground up and the same goes for the engine as well. The 1,496-cc, DOHC, 16-valve unit is designed and built specifically for India and for the Etios. Keeping in mind the Indian requirements the engineers have made sure that frictional losses are reduced to give better efficiency as well as power and torque from low rpm. It delivers a maximum of 132 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm and 90 PS of power at 5,600 rpm. The engine is mated to a five-speed gear box with well-matched ratios that give the car excellent drivability. You can select the fifth gear at 40 km/h and the Etios will happily pull away. So far as I am concerned, what the car does between 1,200 rpm and 2,500 rpm is the most important, for the car will spend more than 90 per cent of its running life in this rev range. Out and out performance like 0-to-100 and top speed are all academic for me.
The 1.5 DOHC is a gem of an engine. The engineers at Toyota have made sure that they kept the weight of the car down to 930 kg without sacrificing safety and, at the same time, achieving a good power-to-weight ratio. Its light weight helps the car in all the departments from performance to fuel efficiency.
After this short drive I can say that this is a no-frills car, but an excellent workhorse that will give its owner hassle-free and reliable service for a long period of time.