Windows 8 consumer first impression

I’ve had a chance to put the Windows 8 Consumer Preview through its paces, and it's clear that this is an operating system built more for tablets than for desktops and laptops. Although Metro and the Desktop are better integrated than in the Developer Preview, Windows 8 still feels as if it's two different operating systems bolted together.

As with the Developer Preview, in the Consumer Preview, all of Microsoft's creativity has been lavished on the Metro interface rather than the Desktop. You boot directly into Metro where you are greeted by nearly two dozen tiled apps that are "live" -- that is, they tie into the Internet to receive constant updates, such as changing stock prices, social networking updates, the weather, and so on.

In this Consumer Preview Microsoft has added a number of new apps, such as XBox Live, which lets you go through games you've played, make changes to your account, and even play games. There's also a Skydrive app, and several other new apps.

All in all, the Metro interface and its new apps is an impressive piece of work.That makes the Desktop all the more a letdown. Head to the Desktop and you find little more than a bare screen, lacking even the Start button. The Desktop is an afterthought, and so little work has been lavished on it, it's almost as if Microsoft is embarrassed by it and wishes it would simply go away.

Microsoft has put some work into better integrating Metro and the Desktop, and only partially succeeds. The Desktop runs as an app on the Metro interface, so click it to get to it. When you're in Metro, you can also press the Windows key and you're sent straight to the Desktop; when in the Desktop do the same and you're sent to Metro. You can also move your mouse to the lower-left corner of the screen, where the Start button used to be, and click the thumbnail that appears to switch between the two as well.

That's useful, but doesn't always work. If you're running a Metro app, pressing the Windows key brings you to Metro; pressing it again brings you to the app. So you won't get sent to the Desktop. The same thing holds for when you hover your mouse in the corner. So if you're in a Metro app, to get to the Desktop, you first switch to Metro, then click the Desktop app. That serves to make Metro and the Desktop feel even more like unconnected interfaces.

Windows 8

What Microsoft calls "charms" help tie together Metro and the Desktop, though. Move your mouse to the upper-right corner or lower-right corner of the screen, and several large icons move into place along the right side of the screen, one for searching, one for sharing, one for switching between the Desktop and Metro, one to change settings, and one to manage devices. That helps to bridge the two different interfaces, but at this stage of development, it simply doesn't feel like it's enough of a bridge to turn Windows 8 into a single, seamless interface.

Metro still takes center stage in the Consumer Preview, and although it works fine with a keyboard and mouse, it invites you to touch and has clearly been designed for touch...something you can't do on a traditional desktop or laptop. So it's clear that Windows 8 is aimed more at tablets than at your existing computer, with two somewhat separate operated systems bolted together.

Source : blogs.computerworld.com
Tags : software,windows 8,Windows 8 apps,Windows 8 layout

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LiveVibes gives Andriod users smiles

NXP Software reaches a major milestone with its LifeVibes solutions now in 2 out of 3 Android devices

NXP Software announced today that its LifeVibes multimedia software now features in 200 million out of the 300 million Android-powered devices on the market. This includes leading handsets from major OEMs such as Samsung, LG and Sony Ericsson.

Most recently, NXP Software has contributed to the voice enhancements framework for Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0). This enables easy integration of its LifeVibes VoiceExperience software, which incorporates NXP Software's state-of-art noise suppression, acoustic echo cancellation and HD Voice.

VoiceExperience meets the performance requirements of all major mobile operators, including AT&T, which sets one of the highest standards in the industry for 2-microphone devices. The performance of VoiceExperience has been independently verified by Metrico Wireless.

"Multimedia is one of life's pleasures, so it's important to be able to offer consumers high-quality experiences on Android devices. That's why we joined the OHA early on and enhanced the Android multimedia framework for our customers," says Peter Van de Berg, Marketing Director, NXP Software.

"And we're committed to bringing even more smiles to people's faces with exciting multimedia experiences on future Android devices as well."

About NXP Software

NXP Software is a world-wide leading software vendor for mobile multimedia. It specializes in innovative multimedia solutions and applications to help mobile device manufacturers and service providers deliver extraordinary media experiences.

End-user insights drive its designs, resulting in differentiating end-user experiences, while its unmatched audio and video expertise ensures better performance and customizable solutions.

NXP Software has established strong partnerships with key vendors to ensure optimum flexibility, ease-of-integration and interoperability between hardware and software platforms.

Its LifeVibes portfolio of software products is used in over one billion (1,000,000,000) mobile devices, making the company the market leader in software solutions and applications for mobile multimedia. LifeVibes is a trademark of NXP Software.

http://www.nxpsoftware.com

SOURCE: NXP Software
Tags: Andriod, LifeVibes,Andriod apps,
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Software to combat piracy in India

MUMBAI: Bollywood's combat of piracy has entered cyberspace. Actors Ashish Chowdhry and Ritiesh Deshmukh have taken the lead in providing the film industry with software that can curb online piracy. "We have imported the software, which can scan websites showing pirated movies and block them," said Chowdhry.

"Salman Khan's film Dabangg fell prey to online pirates, thanks to its big star cast and huge demand. On the day of the film's release, 52,000 unique links were found, which took online users to 14,000 pirated movie sites. Reliance Entertainment deployed the online anti-piracy service and within hours 49,000 unique links were removed with almost 12,500 movies taken down," he said. "The film experienced a 94% takedown efficiency rate. Thus, filmmakers can save Rs5-15 crore in case of any big film (being released)."

The film industry lost nearly Rs 5 billion to piracy in 2011. The success rate in curbing online piracy in case of films like Agneepath was about 84 per cent and Bodyguard was 91 per cent.

Some of the other films that Deshmukh-Chowdhry have been able to control online piracy were Housefull, Raajneeti, Raavan, Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai, Dabangg, Tanu Weds Man, Shor-In The City, Pyaar Ka Punchnama, Bbuddah Hoga Tera Baap, Aarakshan, Bodyguard and Don-2.

A producer needs to provide a sample of his product which helps in authenticating and tracing copies. Chowdhry said, this technology also help in controlling manufacturing of pirated DVDs of new films as we can get to the source.''

The information and broadcasting ministry has asked multiplex owners to screen clips to educate their consumers to control he menace.

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Tags : software, piracy, film piracy, DVD piracy, India film industry

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Apple speed up OS X Mountain Lion development

OS X 'Mountain Lion' unifies software update into Mac App Store

By Zack Whittaker

Summary: Apple has ditched the traditional ‘Software Update’ utility in favour of bringing fixes, changes, and updates to the Mac App Store instead.

MAC OS X Mountain Lion

Not only has Apple’s latest incarnation of OS X — as it is now known without the Mac prefix, which is reserved for hardware — unified a series of features from its mobile iOS platform into the desktop and laptop operating system, a few more surprises are still being discovered.

Apple confirmed to ZDNet this evening that it is streamlining third-party additions and software updates along with operating system releases, with updates and fixes, into the Mac App Store.

Where one would normally hit “Software Update” from the Apple logo to update their machine with bug fixes, software updates, and even entire operating systems, the Mac App Store will become the central hub to all necessary updates.

The Mac App Store, introduced when the recently announced operating system’s predecessor ‘Lion’ was first thrust into the media limelight, was reserved for Apple products and third-party developer applications. It was in effect what iTunes was for music, but for applications and games.


Apple’s Mac App Store in December last year, just over two months ago, had more than 100 million applications being downloaded from it, all in the space of a year. Without doubt, as ZDNet’s Larry Dignan noted, it has emulated the success of the iTunes App Store.

Mac users who have either adjusted from Windows or Linux recently — like myself — or experienced users who have been with Apple for years, may be nonplussed by the lack of obvious overall change. There are clear changes and they lurk beneath the surface. But unlike Windows — perhaps an inappropriate paradigm to compare to — users can often find themselves worried at the aesthetic change, the feature shifts, or searching for the Menu bar (hint: Vista, Windows 7).

With any luck, Microsoft can take this framework model of application stores and apply it just as successfully as Apple has. This isn’t a point of throwing Apple vs. Microsoft into a cage and forced to fight to the death. Ultimately, seeking equality for all users, whether Mac users or Windows users, should benefit from Apple’s success. If Microsoft can learn something, it’s from its old adversary, Apple.

Also take note that ‘Mountain Lion’ will be download only through the Mac App Store, something previously seen with ‘Lion’. It’s like a self-eating cake, or a piece of self-unboxing Ikea furniture.

Source : ZDNet.com
Source : OS X, Mountain Lion, Apple OS, MAC OS, Apple news , MAC operating system, Windows 8

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Oracle buys Taelo in billions deal

Oracle's Acquisition Deal with Taleo


On Thursday, Oracle, the technology giant signed a deal to buy Taleo, a maker of online human resources software, for $1.9 billion. The acquisition is Oracle's second major purchase of a cloud-related services company, as reported by an industrial magazine. It emphasizes the shift taking place in the enterprise software industry as more businesses turn to the Web to run their operations.


Well, this definite move comes as a war heats up for control over the fast-growing cloud computing market. Holders of Taleo will get $46 a share, Oracle, the second-largest software company, said today in a statement to a business magazine. That's 18 percent higher than Taleo's closing share price yesterday.


It is the latest big investment in cloud computing by Oracle, the world's No. 2 maker of business management software after Germany's SAP. Paul D. Hamerman, a Forrester analyst told a news agency that this acquisition deal is anticipated to be a major move for Oracle.


When it comes to selling traditional software that customers install on their computer systems, Oracle is behind SAP and its billionaire CEO Larry Ellison has been more aggressive in adding cloud-based software offerings over the past few years.


Taleo gives Oracle tools that help companies manage human resources, recruit employees and set compensation. The acquisition deal between Oracle and Taleo may provide a counterweight to SAP's planned acquisition of talent- management company SuccessFactors Inc. for $3.4 billion. Taleo and SuccessFactors are focusing their energies on the fast growing business of delivering software over the Web, rather than installing programs on customers' computers.


Cloud Computing Software


Oracle is making use of the acquisitions to build its cloud business. But one wonders why would this acquisition be so useful to Oracle. Well, this acquisition enables Oracle to help blunt the impact of a possible slowdown in software sales growth. Cloud software is meant to appeal to customers seeking to save money by letting them access computing power over the Web.


Cloud computing usually refers to providing software, storage, computing power and other services to customers from remote data centers over the web. The demand for cloud-based software has been constantly rising rapidly because the approach allows companies to use new programs faster and at lower costs than traditional products that are installed at a customer's own data center.


Taleo makes software that businesses use to recruit and track job applicants, conduct training and carry out other human-resources functions. Unlike the majority of Oracle's software, which customers install on computer servers they own and operate, Taleo's products are delivered online and accessed via a Web browser.


It is early days for Oracle and SAP when it comes to cloud computing. Industry leaders believe that many corporate technology buyers are skeptical that home-developed cloud products from Oracle and SAP might hold up against proven products from industry pioneers.


Source : mobile.wsj.com
Tags: oracle,oracle software, Oracle Acquisition Deal,Taelo, software news, kudusoft

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India software industry slowdown

India Software Industry Faces Slowdown

The pace of export revenue growth of Indian software companies will likely moderate next fiscal year amid continued global economic uncertainty, the main industry body said, echoing views of the country's top outsourcers.

By R. Jai Krishna

NEW DELHI – The pace of export revenue growth of Indian software companies will likely moderate next fiscal year amid continued global economic uncertainty, the main industry body said Wednesday, echoing views of the country's top outsourcers.

Exports from the sector may grow 11%-14% in the year that starts on April 1 to $76 billion-$78 billion, compared with an estimated $68.7 billion this fiscal year, an increase of about 16%, said the National

Association of Software and Services Companies, or Nasscom.
Indian software exporters earn nearly 90% of their revenue from Europe and the U.S., which are faced with major economic challenges. The sector was hit hard through 2011 as clients delayed decisions because of economic problems, political turmoil and natural disasters.

India's top software firms -- Tata Consultancy Services Ltd., Infosys Ltd. and Wipro Ltd. -- have over the past month or so warned of delays in spending by clients and gave cautious outlooks.

Research firm Gartner recently cut its estimate of global spending on information technology to $3.8 trillion in 2012, up 3.7% from 2011. Its previous forecast was for a 4.6% rise. It cited "faltering global economic growth, the euro-zone crisis" among the reasons for reducing its outlook.

"The demand environment is still uncertain," Nasscom President Som Mittal told reporters.
Nasscom Chairman Rajendra Pawar said that almost all economic indicators "went down south" this fiscal year. "We find much lower clarity in the year than we had in a long time."
The body said it will review its export forecasts in October.

With its large English-speaking and relatively cheap workforce, India remains a preferred outsourcing destination for companies in developed markets. India's share in global outsourcing was 58% in 2011, up from 55% in 2010, Nasscom said.

But rising wages and other costs have been threatening the country's predominant position in the outsourcing market. Factors such as currency volatility will remain in focus after a sharp fall in the rupee against the U.S. dollar helped local software exporters in the October-December period, say analysts.

Source : mobile.wsj.com
Tags: India Software Market, outsourcing, software news, kudusoft

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HomeFront Software in builders show

HomeFront Software will again be demonstrating their home builder technology solutions at the NAHB International Builders Show (IBS) for 2012.

Over the last several years, the company has featured its suite of construction management software as an exhibitor at this annual event for the home building industry.

This year, the company will showcase its newest home builder CRM suite as well as offer exclusive discounts to attendees that visit HomeFront Software in booth #W4985 located within the nextBUILD Pavillion.

Clear signs of increased activity in the construction industry have renewed interest in construction management software and technology according to Daryl Shenner, CEO at HomeFront Software.

"We're talking to a lot of builders that want to leverage technology, improve efficiency, and refocus their businesses in an industry that has seen tremendous change over the last few years.
And we're in a great position to help with construction management solutions that meet the needs and budget of the smallest contractor to the largest builder."

The home builder and construction software on display in the HomeFront booth at IBS 2012 includes:
Job Simplicity - construction software designed for small home builders and contractors. Available in Residential and Commercial Editions, Job Simplicity features plug-and-play integration with popular accounting software, including QuickBooks and Simply Accounting.

HomeBuilder Management Tool Kit - a business process and construction management suite designed for custom or production builders, multifamily builders, and commercial construction.
BuilderCRM - HomeFront Software's newest technology that offers true Customer Relationship Management (CRM) functionality designed specifically for the building industry.

HomeFront consultants will be on-hand in booth #W4985 to offer one-on-one demonstrations and to discuss the newest trends in home building and construction management.

This year, HomeFront Software is able to provide a limited number of free exhibit passes to customers and guests who are interested in attending the conference and exploring the tradeshow floor. To submit your request for a free exhibit pass to IBS 2012, go online to:
www.BuildersShow.com/HomeFrontSoftware

About HomeFront Software
HomeFront Software, based in Calgary, Canada, is a leading builder process management solution providing residential home builders and contractors the unique ability to manage Sales, CRM, Estimating, Purchasing, Scheduling, Service & Warranty in one easy to use management system.

HomeFront's solutions integrate seamlessly with QuickBooks, Simply Accounting by Sage and Sage Timberline, making it the construction management system of choice.

Developing & implementing software solutions for over 15 years, HomeFront Software continues to set the pace for software innovation and continues to be a leading provider of business management tools that are relevant, current and essential to most vertical markets within the construction industry.

HomeFront is the recipient of many industry awards including: "Constructech 50 - 2011 & 2010", "Top Product 2010" by Constructech Magazine, "50 Hottest for 2009" by Constructech Magazine,
"100 Best New Products" by the editors of Professional Magazine, and HomeFront Software's Precision Builder application was nominated as a finalist in the "Industry Achievement Award" category by the Canadian Home Builder Association - Calgary Region SAM awards.

Source :sfgate.com
Tags : homefront software,builders software,software exhibition

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What is software

Software is a general term for the various kinds of programs used to operate computers and related devices. (The term hardware describes the physical aspects of computers and related devices.)

Software can be thought of as the variable part of a computer and hardware the invariable part.
Software is often divided into application software (programs that do work users are directly interested in) and system software (which includes operating systems and any program that supports application software).

The term middleware is sometimes used to describe programming that mediates between application and system software or between two different kinds of application software (for example, sending a remote work request from an application in a computer that has one kind of operating system to an application in a computer with a different operating system).

An additional and difficult-to-classify category of software is the utility, which is a small useful program with limited capability.

Some utilities come with operating systems. Like applications, utilities tend to be separately installable and capable of being used independently from the rest of the operating system.
Applets are small applications that sometimes come with the operating system as "accessories." They can also be created independently using the Java or other programming languages.

Software can be purchased or acquired as shareware (usually intended for sale after a trial period), liteware (shareware with some capabilities disabled), freeware (free software but with copyright restrictions), public domain software (free with no restrictions), and open source (software where the source code is furnished and users agree not to limit the distribution of improvements).

Software is often packaged on CD-ROMs and diskettes. Today, much purchased software, shareware, and freeware is downloaded over the Internet. A new trend is software that is made available for use at another site known as an application service provider.

Some general kinds of application software include:
* Productivity software, which includes word processors, spreadsheets, and tools for use by most computer users
* Presentation software
* Graphics software for graphic designers
* CAD/CAM software
* Specialized scientific applications
* Vertical market or industry-specific software (for example, for banking, insurance, retail, and manufacturing environments)

Firmware or microcode is programming that is loaded into a special area on amicroprocessor or read-only memory on a one-time or infrequent basis so that thereafter it seems to be part of the hardware.

Source : http://searchsoa.techtarget.com
Tags :what is software,software,applications, firmware,middleware,cad,graphics

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