Facebook quietly removes 'test' friend-finding feature

Facebook has quietly removed a controversial feature that would let users on mobile devices find other Facebook users nearby, even if they weren't friends with them on the popular social network.

That feature, which Facebook said it was "testing" with users in a roll-out yesterday, became the topic of controversy earlier today when a company called Friendthem accused Facebook of stealing the idea. In a release provided to CNET and other outlets, Friendthem's CEO said the company was mulling a lawsuit.

A Facebook spokesperson declined to comment on the removal of the feature. In an earlier statement, the company said the feature was not "a formal release," and instead was something "a few engineers were testing."

"With all tests, some get released as full products, others don't," the company said.

Sony Xperia Ion review (AT&T)

Sony Xperia Ion review (AT&T)

• It's not that the Xperia Ion doesn't try to impress in other ways. Besides its swift LTE data connection, it links into Sony's large library of music and movie content. But even those attributes are overshadowed by its aging Android Gingerbread software and an old Snapdragon S3 processor. The same goes for the Ion's camera performance, which isn't as capable as I had hoped. To catch fire in the U.S. market and compete with other successful phone makers, Sony really needs to step up its game with a lust-worthy halo device. Unfortunately, the Xperia Ion isn't it.

Design

• A glossy black monolith of a smartphone, the new Sony Xperia Ion is handsomely styled. While it lacks the daring design elements of its European cousins, namely the Xperia NXT series, the Xperia Ion does flaunt an elegant if sober look. For instance, the handset doesn't have the futuristic notification bar that splits the Xperia P, S, and U's base in half. Translucent, that bar illuminates to alert you when important system events occur such as new messages and missed calls. It's a shame it's only found on the international Xperia models.
• That said, the Xperia Ion has a sophisticated feel enhanced by its curved metal back and soft-touch trim coating the phone's rear top and bottom edges. Further lending to the phone's premium aesthetic is its hefty 5.1-ounce weight. Both the metallic backing and large 4.55-inch (1,280x720-pixel resolution) LCD screen however smudge easily and are fingerprint magnets.
• In addition, I'm not a big fan of the Xperia Ion's display, which is dark and has a bluish cast, resulting in inconsistent colors. Photos on Web pages looked muted, while details in dimly lit sections of video were lost. I especially noticed the Ion's poor display when I viewed it next to HTC's superphone on AT&T, the HTC One X. The One X's screen (4.7-inch, 1,280x720 HD Super LCD) was noticeably brighter (with both phones set at maximum brightness) and it's viewing angles were much wider than the Xperia's. The HTC One X also painted colors with a warmer, more pleasing palette.
• Another drawback to the Xperia Ion's design is its lack of a removable battery, though the phone does have a microSD card slot to add more storage. Above the screen is a front-facing 1.3 megapixel camera (720p) for vanity shots and video chat. Below the display are four traditional Android Gingerbread symbols for Menu, Home, Back, and Search. Don't be fooled, these symbols aren't actual buttons, merely pictures drawn onto the device.
• Below the icons sit the real keys, thin white lines, which provide haptic feedback and are also backlit. Unfortunately, the icons don't illuminate, so picking them out in the dark isn't easy. Neither is tapping the keys accurately since your instinct is to hit the symbols themselves. I ran into this annoyance every time I picked up the phone and I feel it is a major oversight.
• Other buttons include a small power key and trim volume bar on the Xperia Ion's right side. There's a dedicated camera button here as well, which unlike on many Android handsets will wake the phone up from sleep and fire up the camera. By default the phone will even snap a picture immediately after the camera is activated. Running along the Xperia Ion's left edge is a flap cover hiding a Micro-USB port plus an HDMI connection so you can view content on compatible HDTVs.
• Sony doesn't bundle any fancy text entry methods like Swype or other one-handed keyboard software. By default the stock Android Gingerbread layout is selected, but you can choose the Xperia keyboard, which is similar but has wider spacing between keys.

Features and software

• Android addicts will no doubt have a major beef with the fact that the Sony Xperia Ion isn't running the latest version of Google's mobile operating system, Ice Cream Sandwich. Instead of version 4.0, the Ion runs Android Gingerbread 2.3.7. Even so, Sony is quick to point out that it has added many of the popular features ICS brings to the table.
• This is more than what we like...

Microsoft Enters Tablet Arena With New Surface Devices

Microsoft Enters Tablet Arena With New Surface Devices

• Microsoft has unveiled a pair of tablet computers dubbed "Surface" in a bold move that thrusts the world's largest software company into uncharted hardware waters.
• The company said the tablets would be sold in Microsoft retail stores in the US and through select online Microsoft stores, but did not specifically mention plans for channel sales.

• The announcement, coming after days of speculation about Microsoft's press event in Los Angeles, will put the software developer on a collision course with Apple and its popular iPad -- and possibly with Microsoft's own hardware manufacturer partners.

• "It embodies hardware and software working together," said Steve Ballmer, CEO, Microsoft, unveiling the new products. Emphasizing that the new Surface tablets are designed for workplace and home use, Ballmer said, "People want to work and to play. They want to be on their desk and on the go. Surface fulfils that dream."

• Microsoft is introducing two tablet products: Surface for Windows 8 Pro, an Intel Core-based tablet that runs the edition of the upcoming Windows 8 operating system designed for Intel-based PCs; and Surface for Windows RT, a tablet running on ARM microprocessors.

• Microsoft is counting on the tablet products to help it make up ground in the booming tablet market where the Apple iPad and tablets running Google's Android operating system dominate. While there are some tablet products running Windows 7 on the market, Microsoft has been counting heavily on Windows 8 and Windows RT to help get it into the game.

• While Microsoft has generally left it to hardware partners such as Samsung and Lenovo to build hardware to run Microsoft software, the company apparently decided that it needed to move on its own to become a tablet market player.
• That move, however, carries risks, noted Michael Cusumano, Professor, Management and Engineering Systems, MIT's Sloan School of Management. Launching its own tablet could dangerously pit Microsoft against its own OEM partners, which have already invested heavily in hardware for Windows RT.

• "Personally, I do not think it's a good idea because it creates conflict with [Microsoft’s] partners," Cusumano told CRN. "It's a big risk for Microsoft."

• He also pointed to the software giant's mixed track record in developing its own hardware. While the Xbox game controller has been a success, its home-grown Zune MP3 player never gained the traction it needed to compete seriously against Apple's iPod and quickly fizzled out.

• That said, Cusumano added, Microsoft could be taking a cue from Apple, which employs a more be-all, do-all model by producing both its hardware and software platforms in-house. "Microsoft may have realized they were out-innovated by Apple," Cusumano said. "But Apple made sure the whole is greater than the sum of its parts."

• Microsoft seemed to bear out that view: In its press materials for the tablets, Microsoft said the new products were "conceived, designed and engineered entirely by Microsoft employees," making it clear that this was a Microsoft project from beginning to end.

• Other factors that will determine whether the surface tablets succeed or fail will include the number of third-party applications Microsoft can attract to Windows RT and the Surface tablets' price tags.

• Microsoft said it would disclose suggested retail pricing at a date closer to the products' availability. But the company said pricing would be "competitive with a comparable ARM tablet or Intel ultrabook-class PC." Microsoft also said "OEMs will have cost and feature parity on Windows 8 and Windows RT."

• The Surface tablets sport a 10.6-inch touch display, a built-in keyboard and a built-in kickstand. The casing is manufactured using a process Microsoft calls "Vapor-Mag." Surface for Windows RT weighs 676 grams while Surface for Windows 8 Pro weighs 903 grams.

Monorail and Metro Rail

Monorail and Metro Rail

Difference Between Monorail and Metro Rail

For the past few years where ever we move in chennai there are people digging n constructing something and they name it as chennai metro rail..... few months back ruling party announce plan for mono rail... i'm here come up with some info abt metro n mono rail... get to knw to clear ur doubt.. :)

• Monorail and Metro rail are limited to a few cities of the world. These are the means of transportation. Many people of the world may have not seen them. Both Monorail and Metro Rail are the efficient and fast means of public transport. However both are different in design, cost and infrastructure.
• Both the system originated due to congestion of traffic in big cities and due to inefficiency to deal with traditional railway system. In big cities of the world, population has increased many folds. As a result there are problems of traffic. People cannot reach their destination in time. Both monorails and metro rails are helpful in solving this problem. Both the systems are independent system and avoid congestion of road traffic. They run at a very high speed without getting late. So, both are very popular means of public transportation.
• Monorail is a transport system which runs on single rail. Metro rail runs on two parallel rails just as traditional rails. Monorail runs on a single line laid on a beam in the air. Metrorail too has an independent rail track but it has two rails and may not be high in the air. The track of monorail is narrower than the train itself. That is what makes a difference.
• Monorails were developed in order to connect two places where material must be transported without any delay and obstacle. It originated in the 50’s. However, they could not progress fast because of it high cost and availability of vehicles. First of all Japan developed it further in order to solve the problem of heavy traffic jams. Hundreds of thousand passengers travel in monorail daily in Tokyo. The train is originated in Germany. It is called magnetic levitation as the train looks to be running in the air. There looks a gap between wheels ate the rail. It is the fastest running train in the world. Its speed is 500kmph.
• Metro rail is mean of public transport in many big cities of the world. It runs underground, on ground and over the ground. It uses two rails to run. Electricity is used as energy to run it. Some cities of the world which have very successful system of Metro Rail include Shanghai, London, New York, and Delhi. It is called metro as it runs mostly in metro cities of the world.
• Both Mono Rail and Metro rails are good and popular means of public transport. Both are helpful in solving the problem of traffic congestion. However there are some technical differences between the two. The major difference between Mono Rail and Metro Rail is regarding their rails. Metro train uses two rails while mono rail uses a single rail. Mono rail uses the principal of magnetic levitation while metro rail uses the traditional approach. However it uses independent line. Metro rails runs slower than monorail.

How Touch Screens Work

How Touch Screens Work....??

Capacitive Sensing Technology:

• This is one of the most widely used techniques for touch screens. This technology is based on the capacitor coupling effects. It has been used in devices like MP3 players, computer monitors, mobile phone displays and so on. As this technology has advantages like detecting the correct position at a very small time, less cost in production, and also a very unique human—device interface, it is widely used. It also has properties like multiple touch sensing and also gesture based touch screens. 
• The latest and most famous gadget to be released with this technology is the Apple i-Pod click wheel. This mechanism is more advantageous than the resistive sensing because it can transmit to a maximum of 90% of the light from the monitor. Thus a much better vision can be obtained from these screens.
• Here also, a glass panel is arranged on top of which a layer that is able to store electrical charge is kept. When the monitor is touched by the user, the charge begins to move from the layer to our body. 
• This decrease in the charge on the conductive layer is measured with the help of electronic circuits which are placed inside the monitor. As the electronic circuits are placed on each corner of the monitor the difference in charge attained at each corner is calculated by the computer and the exact position of the touch is obtained. 

This information is then passed on to the touch-screen driver software

Lamborghini to enter the ultra-premium cellphone market

Lamborghini to enter the ultra-premium 


cellphone market:

Not sure if its a good idea... Lamborghini to enter the ultra-premium cellphone market later this year.....

If Porsche is making moves in the United States with the launch of their largest Design shop yet, then the car-loving Russians are in for a treat of their own thanks to Lamborghini.

 The Italian supercar brand will soon be launching its new range of luxury phones and a tablet exclusively for the Russian market flaunting completely gold bodies, large VGA resolution displays, and rear and front-facing cameras. With a covers so luxurious, you can’t have just any old casing; thankfully, each phone comes with a handmade leather or crocodile skin backing.

No matter how you look at it, these Lamborghini phones are pricey for the features included, but there will always be a market for anything associated with the Italian Stallion.

RICHEST COUNTRIES

Top 10 Richest Countries in the World per Capita

Top 10 Richest Countries in the World per Capita!
Ever wondered what the Top 10 Richest Countries are? Well, here you have come tothe right place! Top 10 Richest Countries in the World per Capita was determined by the International Monetary Fund. Here are the Top 10 Richest Countries in the World per Capita! 

•  10. Netherlands - $40,765 per Capita
• 9. Switzerland - $41,633 per Capita 
• 8. Hong Kong - $45,736 per Capita 
• 7. United States - $47,284 per Capita 
• 6. United Arab Emirates - $48,821 per Capita 
• 5. Brunei - $48,892 per Capita
•  4. Norway - $52,013 per Capita
•  3. Singapore - $56,522 per Capita
•  2. Luxembourg - $81,383 per Capita 
• 1. Qatar - $88,559 per Capita

Amazing Battery to Recharge your Mobile

Amazing Battery to Recharge your Mobile

1- Worried about the mobile battery while in travel. 2- Another concept for your needs. 3- Continuance is a set of batteries with a USB interface. 4- These batteries are rechargeable plus is Handy, compact and a totally do-able concept! 5- Kudos to the concept designer. Continuance is an iF concept design entry for 2011. Designers: Haimo Bao, Hailong Piao, Yuancheng Liu & Xiameng Hu

DIET-LOSE WEIGHT

DIET-LOSE WEIGHT: Want to Lose weight by Negative Calorie Foods ? (take a min to read it) Negative Calories Foods : A list of vegetable n Fruits that need more calories(Energy) to get Digested than the amount of energy they give to the Body after digestion and absorption .. So the Extra calories that your body has to spend usually comes from the Breakdown of Body Fats. For Example : 100 gram of Broccoli needs 80 calories to get Digested,and after Digestion it gives only 25 calories to the Body. so extra 55 calories come from Breaking down of Body fats. Same way CUCUMBER breaks down Body Fats. Here is a list of some Negative-calorie Foods -Apple - carrots - Beets - Orange - Onion -Papaya -Chili -Cauliflower -Spinach - Turnip - Lemons Etc... All these break down your Body Fats and make you lose weight :)))

BLUETOOTH

BLUETOOTH

Why is it called Bluetooth? The communication technology called Bluetooth wasn’t named by accident. Bluetooth actually has a very regal background. It is named for Harold “Bluetooth” Gormsson who united three Danish tribes into a single kingdom. By naming the product Bluetooth, the company is saying that its technology does the same thing with communications protocols, uniting them into one universal standard. But why Bluetooth? It turns out that Harold I of Denmark (Bluetooth to his friends) was very, very fond of blueberries and his teeth were permanently stained blue. Even the very familiar Bluetooth logo hearkens back to our king with the blue grin; it’s a combination of the Danish runes Hagall (ᚼ) and Bjarkan (ᛒ), King Harold’s Initials.

UNKNOWN FACTs

UNKNOWN FACTS 

1. The Statue of Liberty's index finger is eight feet long. 

2. Rain has never been recorded in some parts of the Atacama Desert in Chile. 

3. A 75 year old person will have slept about 23 years. 

4. Boeing 747's wing span is longer than the Wright brother's first flight. The Wright brother's invented the airplane.

 5. There are as many chickens on earth as there are humans.

 6. One type of hummingbird weighs less than a penny.

 7. The word "set" has the most number of definitions in the English language; 192 Slugs have four noses. 

8. Sharks can live up to 100 years. 

9. Mosquitos are more attracted to the color blue than any other color. 

10. Kangaroos can't walk backwards. 

11. About 75 acres of pizza are eaten in in the U.S. everyday.

 12. The largest recorded snowflake was 15 Inch wide and 8 Inch thick. It fell in Montana in 1887. 

13. The tip of a bullwhip moves so fast that the sound it makes is actually a tiny sonic boom. 

14. Former president Bill Clinton only sent 2 emails in his entire 8 year presidency. 

15. Koalas and humans are the only animals that have finger prints. 

16. There are 200,000,000 insects for every one human. 

17. It takes more calories to eat a piece of celery than the celery had in it to begin with.

 18. The world's largest Montessori school is in India, with 26,312 students in 2002.

 19. Octopus have three hearts. 

20. If you ate too many carrots, you would turn orange.

 21. The average person spends two weeks waiting for a traffic light to change. 

22. 1 in 2,000,000,000 people will live to be 116 or old. 

23. The body has 2-3 million sweat glands. 

24. Sperm whales have the biggest brains; 20 lbs.

 25. Tiger shark embroyos fight each other in their mother's womb. The survivor is born. 

26. Most cats are left pawed. 

27. 250 people have fallen off the Leaning Tower of Pisa. 

28. A Blue whale's tongue weighs more than an elephant. 

29. You use 14 muscles to smile and 43 to frown. Keep Smiling! 

 30. Bamboo can grow up to 3 ft in 24 hours.

Artificial island

Maldives Airport On Artificial Island

:: This is truely Amazing Fact......!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Airport of Maldives is situated on Artificially created Island in Indian Ocean.....

DRIVERLESS CAR @GOOGLE

DRIVERLESS CAR @GOOGLE

This new technology sounds as if it is right out of a science fiction movie, and that’s because it’s not far off. Over the past several years Google engineers and scientists have been working tirelessly at Stanford Laboratories to develop a technology that will change the way we live in the upcoming decades: the Google Car.


This car is completely driverless. It combines information from Goggle Street View with artificial intelligence software that communicates with a sensor on top of the car, which in turn speaks to the wheels and steering wheel to drive the car without any human interference. So far the car has clocked over 175,000 miles and had zero accidents.


In fact, the technology has caught on so fast that the state of Nevada has passed the first laws allowing for automated cars!


To see a Google Car in action check out the video below! Are you excited or hesitant about driverless cars? Let usb know in the comments