Thursday, 26 December 2013

Apple expected to launch iWatch, iPhone 6, larger iPad and HDTV in 2014

A leaked year-end memo from Apple CEO Tim Cook to the company's staff promises 'big plan' for 2014. Without specifying the products Cook said 'we think customers are going to love' the new products.

However, the Apple rumor mill offers a few clues on the company's likely offerings. These include the iWatch wearable computer, a 13-inch iPad Pro, an TV set and a redesigned iPhone, Business Insider reports.  

The memo was considered to be a message by the company’s management to congratulate its employees for 2013 success. These include reaching 50billion App Store app downloads, the launch of the new iPhone 5S and 5C and the introduction of American manufacturing for the Mac Pro - which will be made at a plant in Austin, Texas, instead of in China. 

Apple Has Big Plans For 2014

Now that the holiday’s are over and 2014 is almost here, Apple is eager to jump into the new year. Between statements made by Apple’s CEO Tim Cook as well as rumors suggesting that a larger iPad is on the way, 2014 is already looking as though it will be a huge year for the Cupertino-based tech giant.
We have a lot to look forward to in 2014, including some big plans that we think customers are going to love. I am extremely proud to stand alongside you as we put innovation to work serving humankind’s deepest values and highest aspirations. I consider myself the luckiest person in the world for the opportunity to work at this amazing company with all of you. - Tim Cook, Apple CEO
It is still many months away but the rumors surrounding a 12.9-inch iPad are piling up with the majority of them suggesting that an October 2014 launch date seems to make the most sense for Apple.
Apple’s large-size tablet will be manufactured by Quanta Computer, and was originally expected to adopt either 12.9- or 13.3-inch panels, with recent rumors indicating that 12.9-inch has a better chance to be picked. - Digitimes Report
On top of the massive iPad rumors, some sources are now saying that we could see the iPhone 6 as early as May 2014. This release date would differ from the majority of Apple’s previous releases but sources are justifying it by saying that the company sees the iPhone 6 as more of an incremental update than a completely new system.
Since the iPhone 6 is expected to be nearly the same as the 5S, a large iPad seems to be a bit more interesting for consumers as well as for analysts. The 12.9-inch iPad is reportedly set to be an alternative for laptops which means that it may be setup in a way that is similar to Microsoft’s new Surface Pro tablets.
With iPad keyboards already a popular accessory for the tablet, Apple may use the larger iPad to capitalize on consumer interest in swapping out their computers for tablets.
On top of the iPad and iPhone, reports have surfaced that Apple recently purchased a patent for a heart rate monitor. While heart rate monitors are nothing new, the patent detailed a piece of technology which could actually identify people based upon slight differences in their EKG readings. This sort of technology may not end up making it into any of Apple’s products but if it does, it will surely make a big splash in the tech industry.

Microsoft launches safety app for Windows Phone users in India

Microsoft has launched a safety application called Guardian for Windows Phone users in India, offering features such as distress messages. The app also allows users to track their devices remotely, similar to iOS's Track my iPhone and Android Device Manager. 
app
Microsoft launches safety app Guardian for Windows Phone users in India.
Users can allow their families and friends to track them in real time during emergency situations by turning on the feature, which runs on Microsoft Windows Azure cloud services and Bing Map APIs. An SOS alert button also lets them connect with security agencies, police and hospitals, or send distress messages to a customized list of contacts via SMS, e-mail or Facebook.
The app was developed over six months by a group of enthusiastic Microsoft employees in India, under the Microsoft Garage intiative which lets staff explore their ideas. It follows a slew of similar apps in India recently catering to heightened concerns over public safety of women, on the back of a high profile gang rape in Delhi earlier this year.
"Our employees wanted to do something to enable people to feel safer in our cities. So they used their spare time to develop Guardian. Guardian is a robust personal security app with more safety features and capabilities than any other comparable app available to Indian smartphone users today," said Raj Biyani, Managing Director of Microsoft IT India.
The Guardian app is officially available for free only for Windows Phone users in India. While Microsoft plans to eventually roll out the service to other countries, it is already downloadable and functional, according to reports.
Summary: The app called Guardian leverages Microsoft Windows Azure cloud services and Bing Maps APIs to enable a "track me" feature. It also has an SOS function that sends out distress messages via SMS, e-mail, or Facebook.

Tuesday, 24 December 2013

NASA Astronauts and Santa Both Work on Christmas Eve


Sometimes NASA astronauts, as well as Santa Claus, have to work on Christmas Eve, if urgent repairs are needed and a spacewalk is called for at the International Space Station. Such was the case on Tuesday, December 24, as two astronauts went out on a spacewalk to repair the cooling system of the ISS. The spacewalk was the second Christmas Eve one in the history of NASA, and it was also the second one within the space of four days for NASA astronauts Michael Hopkins and Rick Mastracchio. Making repairs to the cooling system of the International Space Station were critically necessary, because when the line went out on December 11, all nonessential equipment had to be shut down. Also, several scientific experiments had to be suspended. The pump module removes excess heat and sends it out into the vacuum of space. During the lengthy 7 and a half hour spacewalk 260 miles above the Earth, Hopkins and Mastracchio had to install a new ammonia pump after they removed the old, faulty one last Saturday. The ammonia pump had a bad valve that needed to be replaced. The pump should be fully activated and working with the rest of the cooling system sometime on December 25, Christmas Day. NASA scientists don’t know why the old ammonia pump needed to be replaced, as it had just been installed three years ago by another team of astronauts. They hope to examine it at some point in the future to learn why it failed. That 2010 repair took a total of three spacewalks to accomplish. It took that many spacewalks because it was more difficult to remove the pressurized ammonia fluid lines than the astronauts had realized it might be. The Christmas Eve spacewalk had been originally scheduled for Monday, but Mastracchio accidentally hit a water switch in the air lock at the end of the Saturday spacewalk, and water got into his spacesuit making it unusable this week and forcing him to switch to another spacesuit for Tuesday’s spacewalk. NASA commentator Rob Navias told viewers on TV that since it’s Christmas Eve, “in this holiday way of giving, we’re giving you a spacewalk today.” He added that Mike Hopkins was “taking a special sleigh ride on this Christmas Eve.” The desks of Mission Control at the Johnson Space Center in Houston were decked out for the holiday, with Santa dolls, tabletop Christmas trees, and other decorations. Astronaut Michael Hopkins wished everybody a “Merry Christmas” and added that though it took a couple of weeks “to get her done” they finally finished up the repairs by installing the new pump during the rare Christmas Eve spacewalk. If you were wondering when the first NASA Christmas Eve spacewalk occurred and why, it happened in 1999. That eventful spacewalk was necessary in order to repair the Hubble Space Telescope. On Friday, a Moscow-led spacewalk by two Russian astronauts will install new experiments and cameras outside the International Space Station. The Christmas Eve spacewalk proves that Santa Claus isn’t the only one who works on Christmas Eve. Sometimes NASA astronauts have to work then, also, in cases like when repairs to the International Space Station are needed.

UN Adding Peacekeepers to South Sudan; Thousands Likely Dead


The United Nations is sending 5,500 additional peacekeepers to South Sudan, where a U.N. official says thousands of people have likely been killed since fighting began there last week. The U.N. Security Council approved a measure Tuesday to boost its overall force to nearly 14,000 peacekeepers. U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon said "it may take time" for the troops and police to deploy, and reiterated his call for the country's leaders to resolve their differences through dialogue. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry called both President Salva Kiir and former vice president Riek Machar on Tuesday, urging them to halt the fighting and hold mediated political talks. Both men have said they are ready for dialogue, but the government rejected Machar's demand that detained opposition leaders be released first. The government says forces loyal to Machar remain in control of Bentiu, one of two state capitals seized by renegade soldiers last week. It said Tuesday the army retook the other city, Bor, and was clearing out remaining rebel forces. Also Tuesday, the U.N. human rights office said a mass grave was discovered in Bentiu, the capital of Unity State. Spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told VOA that a U.N. official saw 14 bodies in a grave and 20 at a nearby riverside. She indicated the bodies could be those of some 75 Dinka army soldiers unaccounted for and feared dead. Mr. Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, has blamed Machar, an ethnic Nuer, of masterminding an alleged coup attempt December 15. The United States says 150 Marines have been moved to Djibouti, ready to enter South Sudan to evacuate Americans and protect U.S. facilities. The White House on Tuesday released Dinka- and Nuer-language versions of a recent statement by President Barack Obama, appealing for an end to the violence.

Man dressed as Santa Claus shot with pellet gun in Southeast Washington

The man dressed as Santa Claus and walking along Stevens Road in Southeast Washington saw three babies peering at him from a window, and he did what any Santa would do. Pumped with holiday cheer, he turned, waved and shouted the traditional festive greeting. “Man, this is awesome,” Xavier Hawkins exclaimed on Christmas Eve morning, as he prepared to hand out presents to 800 needy children. “Oh, yes, Merry . . .”

Launch: Samsung upgrades phablet segment with Galaxy Grand 2

Samsung Galaxy Grand 2
Samsung Electronics has updated its popular Galaxy Grand series of phones with a Grand 2 range featuring improved HD viewing, powerful multitasking and a Club Samsung app loaded with localised infotainment content. What is new: The Galaxy Grand 2 has a 5.25-inch HD screen that allows users to open multiple windows. It will also allow for one application to be run in two windows at the same time, facilitating more productivity and collaboration across programs. The new My Magazine interface provides personalised news, social media and entertainment content experience. The phone also has a soft and textured-touch back cover and delicate stitching to its looks. It is also slimmer and lighter at 8.9 mm and 163 gram. What else is there: The Android 4.3 Jelly Bean phone is powered by a Quad Core 1.2GHz processor. The 1.5GB of RAM and 2,600mAh battery allows users to seamlessly multitask by delivering up to 10 hours of video playback or 17 hours of calls. The phone also has two SIM slots. The phone will start selling in January 2014 .

Hugh Jackman pulls out of 'Houdini'


Hugh Jackman fans, you won't be seeing him on Broadway anytime soon. The actor has pulled out of the 2014 musical Houdini, about the famed escape artist. "I have greatly enjoyed the collaborative process on Houdini," Jackman said in a statement, per People.com. "Ultimately, though, I wasn't able to commit to the time this role will require." Back in September, while promoting Prisoners in Toronto, Jackman told us that he was still planning on starring in the musical, and was involved in developing the story.

‘Guardians of the Galaxy:’ Vin Diesel’s First Look as Groot, Bradley Cooper Talks Rocket Raccoon

Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is one of the most anticipated films of 2014. Now Marvel has officially announced that Vin Diesel will be providing the voice for Groot. Speaking of voice overs, Bradley Cooper has been talking about his role as Rocket Racoon. Marvel has officially announced that, Fast and Furious star, Vin Diesel has been cast Groot in Guardians of the Galaxy. The announcement surprised absolutely no one, seeing as how everyone in the world had already assumed, Diesel had the part. Diesel will be providing the voice for the part. Marvel also released an first look photo of Diesel beside the a bust of Groot. Marvel.com describes the film in an announcement, writing: “In the far reaches of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, an unlikely cast of characters including Peter Quill, Gamora, Drax, Groot and Rocket Raccoon must join forces to defeat a cosmic force of epic proportions. Directed by James Gunn, the live-action Guardians of the Galaxy will take fans to new corners of the Marvel Universe when it hits theaters August 1, 2014.” Meanwhile, the film’s other major voice over actor, Bradley Cooper, has been opening up about his role. Cooper recently spoke to Collider about working with James Gunn: “I like James [Gunn] a lot and it really was about him and then talking to him about the guy. I wasn’t familiar with the comic at all and then I really loved it, and I love that character. He’s incredible that character.You know, one thing we debated was he’s seen as a cockney accent sometimes. So we talking about whether we’d do that or do this sort of other guy from the city a little bit.” Parks and Rec star Chris Pratt spoke with Screen Crush about his love for Cooper’s character: "You think it’s a cartoon character, but it’s not, it’s a very real creature. [Rocket Raccoon has been] tortured his whole life and no one else likes him, so he’s lonely and he’s angry and it’s like, [there are] all these elements [to the character]. You sort of forget about that, you wouldn’t think about, [and] hopefully will come to life. I think it will and that’s why they hired a really good actor to do the role. I could not be more excited that Bradley Cooper is voicing Rocket Raccoon. It’s a great character. It’s probably the best character in the movie, just because it’s not what you would expect."

Apple buys map maker BroadMap, note-taking app Catch

WASHINGTON: Apple has acquired two companies working in the areas of mapping and note-taking as part of the company's 'strategic acquisitions' as pointed by CEO Tim Cook.

The tech giant has purchased BroadMap, which specializes in managing and analyzing mapping data, an area where Apple has struggled with in the past.

The other company is called Catch, an Evernote competitor that was acquired by Apple in the last few months, CNET reports.

According to the report, during the company's fourth-quarter earnings conference call, Cook had said that the company had made 15 'strategic acquisitions' this year and BroadMap and Catch appear to be part of that list.

Egypt: Powerful car bomb kills at least 13; scores more injured

CAIRO -- A powerful explosion tore through a security headquarters in a city northeast of the capital early Tuesday, killing at least 13 people and injuring more than 100 others, state media reports said.
Egyptian authorities described the attack in the Nile Delta city of Mansoura as the most serious of its kind since the military-backed government took power almost six months ago. Deadlier strikes have taken place in the Sinai Peninsula, where Egyptian troops are battling an Islamic insurgency, but there had not yet been an attack on this scale in an urban area close to Cairo.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but Egypt’s prime minister, Hazem Beblawi, called it a terrorist act. Officials swiftly cast blame on Islamist groups, and expressed determination to go ahead with next month’s scheduled referendum on the country’s new constitution.
The attack occurred a little after 1 a.m., when many people are typically still out in the streets in Egyptian cities. Television showed floodlighted scenes of large crowds gathered outside the security building, part of its facade sheared off, while medical personnel worked frantically to treat injured and searchers began gingerly removing slabs of the wreckage.
The blast set cars ablaze and damaged nearby buildings. Twisted metal and broken glass littered the surrounding area.
At least eight of the 13 confirmed dead were identified by authorities as police officers, and the others either civilians or unknown. Officials cited by state media had initially put the death toll at 14, and hours later, rescuers were still looking for bodies or survivors among the rubble.
In the months since Islamist president Mohamed Morsi was removed from power in a popularly supported army coup, attacks against security forces have become commonplace in the restive Sinai Peninsula, and in and near the Suez Canal city of Ismilia.
In September, the interior minister escaped an assassination attempt by suicide bomb in Cairo. A Sinai-based militant group known as Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis claimed responsibility for that attack. The same group this week threatened more attacks on Egypt’s security forces, and urged police and soldiers to desert the ranks.
Mansoura has been the scene of frequent protests by supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood, calling for Morsi’s reinstatement.


US STOCKS-Futures flat ahead of short session


NEW YORK, Dec 24 (Reuters) - U.S. stock index futures were little changed on Tuesday, as investors were reluctant to make big bets ahead of the Christmas Day holiday, with equity indexes at record highs. markets will close early on Tuesday and remain shut until Thursday for the holiday. Trading is expected to be very light during the shortened session, with many market participants out of the office. The light action could allow for greater volatility. Retail stocks will be in focus as the holiday shopping season draws to a close. Sales have been soft this season, and many stores have offered steep discounts to lure customers. Wall Street rallied on Monday, with both the Dow and S&P 500 advancing to all-time highs while the Nasdaq climbed to its highest since August 2000. Further upside may be limited at these levels, especially in the absence of major trading catalysts. "Investors have taken their positions for the year, so what we're seeing is a market pause to digest the very strong rally we've had," said Adam Sarhan, chief executive of Sarhan Capital in New York. In the latest economic data, November durable goods are due out at 8:30 a.m. EST (1330 GMT), followed by November new home sales at 10:00 a.m. Durables are seen rising 2 percent while new home sales are seen holding steady with the previous month. "If one of these data points is a real outlier, then it has the potential to move markets, especially today when the volume is so light," Sarhan said. S&P 500 futures fell 0.3 point but remained above fair value, a formula that evaluates pricing by taking into account interest rates, dividends and time to expiration on the contract. Dow Jones industrial average futures added 2 points and Nasdaq 100 futures fell 1.25 points. The S&P 500 has soared 28.2 percent this year, largely due to the Fed's stimulus measures, and is on track for its best year since 1997. The Dow is up 24.3 percent in 2013 while the Nasdaq has jumped 37.4 percent. In company news, private equity firm Carlyle Group LP is nearing an agreement to acquire Johnson & Johnson's ortho clinical diagnostics unit, people familiar with the matter said Monday, in a deal expected to be worth around $4 billion. Target Corp's general counsel, Timothy Baer, spoke with top state prosecutors on Monday to address their concerns about a massive data breach, as consumer lawsuits piled up against the retailer and two U.S. senators called for a federal probe. Walt Disney Co named Twitter Inc co-founder Jack Dorsey an independent board director.

'Mass ethnic killings' in South Sudan

24 December 2013 Last updated at 12:35 GMT
New evidence is emerging of alleged ethnic killings committed during more than a week of fighting in South Sudan.
The violence follows a power struggle between President Salva Kiir, a Dinka, and his Nuer ex-deputy Riek Machar.
A reporter in the capital Juba quoted witnesses as saying more than 200 people, mostly from the Nuer ethnic group, were shot by security forces.
James Copnall reports.