Try out Windows 8 now

Windows 7 proved to be quite successful after the ironing out the troubles found in Vista but now it seems the successor for Windows 7 is out in the form out Windows 8 although it is just a developer version but we can expect the final version to be out soon.

For those who can't wait can just download the developer version.

Windows 8 Developer Version Is Available For Download

Are you excited to see what Microsoft Windows 8 got to offer so far? Guess what, you are actually able to install that very operating system on your machine right now! All you got to do is download the Windows Developer Preview from Windows Dev Center and off you go.

The Windows Developer Preview comes in three different flavors which include one each for 64-bit and 32-bit machines as well as a 64-bit version that is bundled together with developer tools. Microsoft claimed that the Windows Developer Preview can be run on the same hardware as per Windows Vista and Windows 7 which require at least a 1GHz processor, 1 to 2GB or RAM, 16 to 20GB of disk space and a DirectX 9 graphics card with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver. Of course, if you would like to check out Windows 8 much touted touch capabilities, then you would need a multi-touch display as well.

No activation is needed to run Windows Developer Preview on your machine but since it is a pre-release software, Microsoft is not providing any support or warranty for the operating system. So, if you are ready to taste the next chapter of Microsoft Windows, head on to THIS link to download it.

http://www.lowyat.net/v2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5198&Itemid=1

Waterproof Tablet from Fujitsu

Finally, a waterproof tablet in the market next month but not in Malaysia :(.

Fujitsu's waterproof Arrows Tab LTE F-01D to launch on DoCoMo next month

First rule of expensive electronics 101 is don't get'em wet. For the Japanese, however, a waterproof gadget option's a welcome value-add to time spent soaking in that ofuro. We first got a sneak peek at DozCoMo's H2O-resistant LTE Fujitsu tablet just last week, and now the company's making the announcement official. Joining the Arrows Tab LTE F-01D on the carrier's new 4G Xi (read: Crossy) network is our good Samsung friend, the Galaxy Tab 10.1 LTE SC-01D. Both slates are set to hit the operator's Japanese airwaves next month, with Sammy's bowing in early October and Fujitsu's model landing a few weeks later. While we're already privy to all the internal guts and glory of the former tab, we finally have some spec confirmation on the Arrows. The 10.1-incher boasts a WXGA display, dual-core processor running Android 3.2, 1.3 megapixel front-facing / 5 megapixel rear camera setup, up to 32GB of storage and that ever useful waterproofing. Try not to be too jealous, statesiders -- there's always that glimmer of FCC filing hope.'

http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/08/fujitsus-waterproof-arrows-tab-lte-f-01d-to-launch-on-docomo-ne/

Facebook's Excel look

This could be one of the best(or worst) trick to do while on work. Let's just hope that your office hasn't blocked the site for the trick.

Stealthy Trick Makes Facebook Look Like an Excel Spreadsheet

Now you can get away with cruising around Facebook at work, even when your boss is peering over your shoulder. Well, as long as the boss doesn’t look too closely.

Even the laziest slacker can look busy in a jiffy with this interactive adaptation of many of Facebook’s functions. Simply go to HardlyWork.in, click “Gimme Dem Spreadsheets,” enter your Facebook credentials, and there’s your Facebook newsfeed, all done up to look exactly like an Excel spreadsheet.

It’s not just a static graphic, either — HardlyWork.in lets you search for Facebook friends by entering names into the formula bar, load more items, check your newsfeed, wall, or tag photos, hover to see who liked a post, and there’s even a boss switch (the spacebar) that immediately changes everything into a vast sea of spreadsheet numbers all nestled within their legitimate-looking cells.

The only thing missing? Full-sized pics. But links are clickable, and you can see thumbnails when you hover your cursor over their descriptions. Besides, big pics would be a giveaway to the fact that you, uh, aren’t working.

 

Don’t be surprised if there’s a lot of spreadsheet “work” going on when you report back to the office on Tuesday. Just be sure the boss hasn’t caught up with Mashable yet — or Lifehacker, where we found this clever idea.

http://mashable.com/2011/07/03/hardlyworkin-excel-facebook/

Skype on Facebook

This sounds too good to be true. Now we can(in the not so distant future) Skype on Facebook. Now at least it would be more convenient for those who are always online on facebook to video chat.  I wonder if it would use too much resources using skype in a browser.

Facebook To Unveil Skype-Powered Video Chat Next Week [CONFIRMED]

Facebook’s “awesome” announcement next week has been spoiled. The social network will reportedly be unveiling a Skype-powered video chat platform.

Facebook’s Seattle team was behind the new feature, according to TechCrunch. Skype and Facebook already have a serious partnership that integrated Facebook social data directly into the Skype client. Now it looks like Skype will be coming to Facebook.

This isn’t even the first time we’ve heard about Skype-powered video chat on Facebook. Rumors surfaced last year about such a product, but it never materialized.

The report is sparse on details about how it will work. Will it require a software download? Will it support group video chats? Undoubtedly it will be a major addition to the Facebook platform. Google+, the search giant’s answer to Facebook, launched with a group video chat feature, Google+ Hangouts. Google is seeing a lot of traction with the feature, but if Facebook can release a video chat product next week, Google+ Hangouts may not seem as revolutionary.

We’ve reached out to Facebook and Skype for comment.

Update: While Facebook and Skype aren’t saying anything officially, our sources confirm that Skype-powered video chat on Facebook will indeed be launching next week.

http://mashable.com/2011/07/01/facebook-skype-video-chat/

Tough iPad Alternative

For those people who want to have a tablet computer but afraid that it might break easily might consider this especially for those who always misplace their stuff.

Panasonic unveils Android Toughbook slate for Q4, sledgehammer sold seperately

Tired of handling your tablet with kid gloves? Go ahead, take them off -- a Toughbook slate is heading your way. Strutting its stuff at InfoComm this week, Panasonic's Android Toughbook tablet boasts a sunlight-friendly 10.1-inch multi-touch display, satellite-based GPS, full-shift battery life and optional 3G / 4G connectivity. Wrap it up in the same badass durability as its snowmobile-abused, tiger-gnawed brethren, and you've got a Android slab for the everyman. No specifics on pricing or release just yet, but feel free to hit up the press release after the break for a slew of feel-good factoids.

 

http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/16/panasonic-unveils-android-toughbook-slate-for-q4-sledgehammer-s/

A USD$25 computer

Don't expect much when you see it.

Raspberry Pi Computer only USD$25 a Pop

Finally here’s a solution you can give to those pesky little people asking you what computer they should buy before telling you they want something small, basic internet usage and do not want a netbook: this Raspberry Pi computer that is barely larger than an average USB stick. Do not look down on it’s boring appearance that could do better with at least a casing, the Raspberry Pi (do you feel like you’re suddenly craving for raspberry pies?) is actually functional enough for modern use with a 700MHz ARM 11 processor, a USB port, a HDMI port and an install of Ubuntu Linux.

 

To get this thing working, all you need to do is plug it into a display via the HDMI port and a keyboard via the USB port and voila! You have yourself a new computer. While I guess a normal user won’t fancy a thing like that, it’s actually designed to encourage schoolchildren to hack and modify it to unlock its true potential.  Yes, schoolchildren because you must start them off young. 

 

The Raspberry is packed with 128MB of SDRAM, OpenGL ES2.0, 1080p HD decoding, composite output, SD card slot and other software such as Iceweasel and Python. Additionally, a 12MP camera sensor can be connected to it too. Oh and not forgetting the price, the ultra-small computer comes with an ultra-affordable price too at USD$25; well, rather affordable at least for a computer at least.

http://www.lowyat.net/v2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4380&Itemid=2