Microsoft has unveiled the new edition of its popular Windows operating system. Scheduled to be launched in 2012, Windows 8 is intended to be Microsoft's answer to the increasingly popular Apples iOS and Google's Android platforms. Windows 8 works on both tablet computers and conventional PC's, suggesting a desire by Microsoft to diversify and compete with the aforementioned rival technology giants.
At the Build developers' conference in California, USA, Steven Sinofsky, head of the Windows division of Microsoft, said: "We re-imagined Windows. From the chipset to the user experience."
Windows 8 is set to be launched in two separate and distinct ways ; as a traditional desktop operating system in the vein of previous editions of Windows, and as a new Tablet system known as Metro; which features among other things larger controls to make touchscreen use more intuitive. Furthermore, the software is to make its debut on the ARM-designed low power processors.
Microsoft will sell Windows 8 Apps through its Windows store; something that suggests that they have reacted to the hugely successful App stores available on Apple and Android devices.
Can Windows 8 compete with iOS or Android platforms technically? Will Windows based tablets be able to rival the iPad? Let me know what you think
Friday, 16 September 2011
Friday, 9 September 2011
Has Apple gone too far?
The seemingly endless Apple vs. Samsung patent war taken yet another twist, with Samsungs latest tablet computer having been banned from appearing at one of the world’s largest electronics shows
The new Galaxy Tab 7.7 had been slated to appear in the IFA electronics fair in Berlin; however a Dusseldorf court forbade Samsung from retailing the Galaxy in Germany. Apple were behind this court ruling, having ordered it in the first place
The rival electronics juggernauts are presently locked in a worldwide battle over patents for their Smartphone and Tablet products, with the victor likely to lead the mobile computer market for the next decade or so. Apple claim that the Galaxy range is the result ‘Slavish copying’ of Apples iPhone and iPad devices, whereas Samsung say that Apple has violated Samsung’s wireless patents.
This issue only seems to be escalating, and I for one can only think that it is against the spirit of innovation. These two companies (particularly Apple, for they have instigated much of the patent warfare and have been keen to do similar things to Google, and Samsung have other lucrative areas of business) seem to want to develop a monopoly of the Tablet market; to claim that the tablet was their idea and that only they can be the purveyors of Tablets in future. This patent war is driven solely by economics, and is taking up valuable resources in a wholly negative way, with money being spent on preventing the opposition from functioning rather than being spent in research and development. It has become a sad state of affairs, and certainly goes against Apples perceived image as a vibrant, innovative company that is above dogmatic corporatism.
Let me know what you think :)
The new Galaxy Tab 7.7 had been slated to appear in the IFA electronics fair in Berlin; however a Dusseldorf court forbade Samsung from retailing the Galaxy in Germany. Apple were behind this court ruling, having ordered it in the first place
The rival electronics juggernauts are presently locked in a worldwide battle over patents for their Smartphone and Tablet products, with the victor likely to lead the mobile computer market for the next decade or so. Apple claim that the Galaxy range is the result ‘Slavish copying’ of Apples iPhone and iPad devices, whereas Samsung say that Apple has violated Samsung’s wireless patents.
This issue only seems to be escalating, and I for one can only think that it is against the spirit of innovation. These two companies (particularly Apple, for they have instigated much of the patent warfare and have been keen to do similar things to Google, and Samsung have other lucrative areas of business) seem to want to develop a monopoly of the Tablet market; to claim that the tablet was their idea and that only they can be the purveyors of Tablets in future. This patent war is driven solely by economics, and is taking up valuable resources in a wholly negative way, with money being spent on preventing the opposition from functioning rather than being spent in research and development. It has become a sad state of affairs, and certainly goes against Apples perceived image as a vibrant, innovative company that is above dogmatic corporatism.
Let me know what you think :)
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
iPhone 5 to be Launched in October!!!
A leaked internal Best Buy document has given the first 'official' hint about the launch of the much hyped iPhone 5. The document states that there will be an announcement this week of a first week of October launch.
Apparently Best Buy are taking pre-orders this week. This is huge news, i'm excited, as all Apple fans no doubt will be :-) Certainly gonna get a cheeky little pre-order on the go. Elsewhere, it is thought that Deutsche Telekom are taking pre-orders already, so it seems the Germans are set to lap it up aswell!
With a 3.7 inch screen and as slender as an iPod Touch, it's gonna be easy on the eye. As well as these extra add ones, the new phone is also expected to have an 8-megapixel camera (the current model being only 5). Moreover, it is almost certain that it will have an A5 chip. At the moment, the A5 chip is only present in Apple's iPad2.
Can't wait myself :)
Monday, 8 August 2011
Issue One; A Guide to Professional Social Networking
Increasingly, employers are using social networks in order to find potential employees for their companies. Whereas this had previously been the case only with LinkedIn ; a website dedicated to professional online networking, employers now look to the more personal mediums of Facebook and Twitter in order to determine who would be a suitable candidate for their company. This has happened for a number of reasons. Firstly, Facebook and Twitter provide a far wider recruitment pool for employers, with vast memberships not restricted to a local or regional area. In addition, use of such mediums is cost effective, for a company can save on the cost of advertising for staff. More important than this, however, is the fact that employers can rule out potential hires through the use of Facebook and Twitter.
While employers are well aware that people portray and maintain a professional image on LinkedIn, they also know that people are likely to let their guard down when on a social network talking to their friends. As such, a wall post stating "Heavy night last night, lucky I had "the flu" today LOL" may be all well and good to your friends. However, an employer is likely to see this as showing a lack of professionalism and dedication, not to mention a lack of reliablility.
However, don't despair! This 6 step guide to professional social networking will help you not only avoid the potential pitfalls they can bring, but will also help you enhance your employability through their use
1; Cull Compromising Photo's
This is important for a number of reasons. While a compromising picture taken five years ago while you were drunk on your gap year may seem harmless, your pictures on Facebook are the worlds window to you. Anyone who doesn't know you will judge you to a greater or lesser extent on your pictures on facebook. As such, it is not worth showcasing any pictures that show you in a negative light. You wouldn't walk through a busy public place in your underwear, so why post such pictures on facebook, the busiest public place of them all. Of course, bosses generally aren't prudish enough to judge you on such pictures, but it doesn't help you to provide the mature, responsible and capable image you're looking for, does it? In addition getting rid of such pictures early has the added benefit avoid the embarressment of such pictures circulating round the office without your knowledge...
2; Spell Clearly
It sounds obvious, but spelin lyk dis duzzunt luk impressif duz it? The truth is that employers look at this and think that, though it was very big and brave of you to have applied, they are going to appoint the grown-up instead. I'm not saying you should craft a perfectly sculpted article everytime you update, but have some quality control!
3; Clean your Wall
Again, this should be done to avoid looking like a child online. Little widgets suggesting how "hot" you are today or the score you got on farmville may be a cutesy bit of fun, but it does rather suggest someone that has a little too much time on their hands. Also, such things provide a distraction for employers, who are much more likely to take in the big flashing signs than anything insightful or revealing you might have said. Also, avoid excessive swearing on your wall, and remember that if you have a crude joke to share you can always send it via a private message.
4; Talk about work
While it may not be the kind of update your friends want to see, employers really do value someone who is passionate, excited and enthusiastic about their work. Your posts on facebook should respond to this accordingly. So talk about your work, your career aspirations or your job search, and you will come across as someone who genuninely enjoys what they do. Moreover, gain the right connections on Facebook or Twitter(see 6) and you may be able to find someone to help you achieve your ambitions
but...
5; Don't moan about work
This creates exactly the impression you want to avoid. Complaining about bosses or working hours betrays trust and shows a lack of professionalism, as well as suggesting that you only turn up for work to pick up a paycheck. Instead, talk if you can about enjoying the challenge of work, and remember that, if you have nothing nice to say, it is better to say nothing at all.
6; Gain Contacts
As I suggested previously, Social Networks can be useful in providing you with connections who can help you out of difficult situations. As such, like companies that you admire and respect on facebook, follow them on twitter. Get involved with discussions on issues regarding work on Facebook, indeed do whatever you can do to start a dialogue with people who may be able to provide you with an oppurtunity. It is well worth doing this, partially because you may come across someone who can help you on the off chance, but also because doing such things can help you to sharpen your thoughts and arguments regarding issues surrounding work, which is a useful thing to have done when considering filling in application forms and dealing with job interviews.
Of course, all of this is based on the assumption that you want you're social networking to be professional. Remember, the opinion you should follow should be your own. Just consider this to be a second opinion from a complete stranger online. It is a perfectly reasonable position to take to keep it as a forum for friends, and of course you can always change your settings to private. However, used correctly, social networks can assist you in getting ahead professionally; employers do check them, and often draw certain assumptions from them
Do you agree that Social Networking matters at all professionally? Are they supposed to be a forum for friends, or can they really be used to enhance job prospects?
Let me know what you think!
While employers are well aware that people portray and maintain a professional image on LinkedIn, they also know that people are likely to let their guard down when on a social network talking to their friends. As such, a wall post stating "Heavy night last night, lucky I had "the flu" today LOL" may be all well and good to your friends. However, an employer is likely to see this as showing a lack of professionalism and dedication, not to mention a lack of reliablility.
However, don't despair! This 6 step guide to professional social networking will help you not only avoid the potential pitfalls they can bring, but will also help you enhance your employability through their use
1; Cull Compromising Photo's
This is important for a number of reasons. While a compromising picture taken five years ago while you were drunk on your gap year may seem harmless, your pictures on Facebook are the worlds window to you. Anyone who doesn't know you will judge you to a greater or lesser extent on your pictures on facebook. As such, it is not worth showcasing any pictures that show you in a negative light. You wouldn't walk through a busy public place in your underwear, so why post such pictures on facebook, the busiest public place of them all. Of course, bosses generally aren't prudish enough to judge you on such pictures, but it doesn't help you to provide the mature, responsible and capable image you're looking for, does it? In addition getting rid of such pictures early has the added benefit avoid the embarressment of such pictures circulating round the office without your knowledge...
2; Spell Clearly
It sounds obvious, but spelin lyk dis duzzunt luk impressif duz it? The truth is that employers look at this and think that, though it was very big and brave of you to have applied, they are going to appoint the grown-up instead. I'm not saying you should craft a perfectly sculpted article everytime you update, but have some quality control!
3; Clean your Wall
Again, this should be done to avoid looking like a child online. Little widgets suggesting how "hot" you are today or the score you got on farmville may be a cutesy bit of fun, but it does rather suggest someone that has a little too much time on their hands. Also, such things provide a distraction for employers, who are much more likely to take in the big flashing signs than anything insightful or revealing you might have said. Also, avoid excessive swearing on your wall, and remember that if you have a crude joke to share you can always send it via a private message.
4; Talk about work
While it may not be the kind of update your friends want to see, employers really do value someone who is passionate, excited and enthusiastic about their work. Your posts on facebook should respond to this accordingly. So talk about your work, your career aspirations or your job search, and you will come across as someone who genuninely enjoys what they do. Moreover, gain the right connections on Facebook or Twitter(see 6) and you may be able to find someone to help you achieve your ambitions
but...
5; Don't moan about work
This creates exactly the impression you want to avoid. Complaining about bosses or working hours betrays trust and shows a lack of professionalism, as well as suggesting that you only turn up for work to pick up a paycheck. Instead, talk if you can about enjoying the challenge of work, and remember that, if you have nothing nice to say, it is better to say nothing at all.
6; Gain Contacts
As I suggested previously, Social Networks can be useful in providing you with connections who can help you out of difficult situations. As such, like companies that you admire and respect on facebook, follow them on twitter. Get involved with discussions on issues regarding work on Facebook, indeed do whatever you can do to start a dialogue with people who may be able to provide you with an oppurtunity. It is well worth doing this, partially because you may come across someone who can help you on the off chance, but also because doing such things can help you to sharpen your thoughts and arguments regarding issues surrounding work, which is a useful thing to have done when considering filling in application forms and dealing with job interviews.
Of course, all of this is based on the assumption that you want you're social networking to be professional. Remember, the opinion you should follow should be your own. Just consider this to be a second opinion from a complete stranger online. It is a perfectly reasonable position to take to keep it as a forum for friends, and of course you can always change your settings to private. However, used correctly, social networks can assist you in getting ahead professionally; employers do check them, and often draw certain assumptions from them
Do you agree that Social Networking matters at all professionally? Are they supposed to be a forum for friends, or can they really be used to enhance job prospects?
Let me know what you think!
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