CHENNAI: Do engineering subjects have a gender bias? Yes, would be the more probable answer if the trend in engineering admissions at Anna University, Chennai is anything to go by. Electronics and Communication Engineering, as usual, is emerging as the favorite subject among girls while the boys preferred Mechanical Engineering and related subjects, according to admission statistics.Two weeks after the Tamil Nadu Engineering Counseling began, close to 5,500 girls opted for Electronics and Communication while only 2,500 boys chose the same subject. Computer Science Engineering and Information Technology were the other favorite subjects among girls. Close to 3,500 girls chose computer science compared to 1,500 boys and nearly 2,000 girls chose IT compared to 900 boys.Meanwhile, boys were queuing up for Mechanical Engineering and related subjects, like Aeronautical and Automobile Engineering. Only 44 girls have chosen Mechanical Engineering out of the 5,570 seats allotted. And, out of the 272 seats allotted in Automobile Engineering, only 2 girls have taken the stream."Girls usually consider Mechanical Engineering to be a 'boys' subject' as it has a lot to do with learning about machines," says R S Ayushi, who opted for the stream in a city based college. "I found machines and mechanics interesting since childhood, which is why I chose this subject. But I had trouble convincing my friends to take up the same," she says."Electronics Communication or Computer Science will ensure a corporate job and a lifestyle that girls prefer rather than working in harsh environments with machines or aircraft or automobiles," says Jayesh Mukundan, an HR Consultant with a leading IT firm in the city. "Women find the IT work atmosphere more comfortable while the men prefer some adventure. This is the trend largely observed in most parts of India." But contrary to popular belief, Jayesh says that mechanical engineers these days do not deal with harsh environments as the field has more or less become similar to the IT sector. "Put simply, you work with software sitting inside an air conditioned office much like in IT."Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering were the gender neutral subjects with both boys and girls opting for them in more or less same numbers. Unlike last year when it was first introduced, engineering courses in Tamil medium also seemed to have got a head start with more students choosing it in the first two weeks of counseling, which implies that students with high marks are opting for courses in Tamil.
Saturday, 30 July 2011
Motoring Gadgets: Becoming Increasingly Popular
With many people relying on their cars for reasons such as traveling, leisure and commuting, keeping your car in good condition is imperative. The increased popularity of motoring gadgets has helped to keep cars looking stylish, improving their performance and adding in an extra bit of fun!
In recent times, it’s become apparent that being unique is of great importance to people in the UK and a way that you can express yourself is through breaking the mould of having an average car and filling it with motoring gadgets that can express your personality through the appearance of your vehicle and the gadgets that it contains.
Motoring gadgets can prove to be extremely useful, there are gadgets that can help you safety-wise, that are useful in times of crisis. Although people are reluctant to purchase safety gadgets as they think they’ll never use them, this is not always the case. The average numbers of car incidents in a person’s life is seven, so it’s always best to be fully prepared.
It’s undeniable that motoring gadgets add an element of fun to your journey. There are gadgets that gadget fans wouldn’t go without in their vehicle! There is a wide variety of products available that can make your trip more exhilarating and are a good conversation starter. To many people, having a car packed with interesting accessories is imperative and fun motoring gadgets are also seen as perfect presents for any car driver.
Cars are used on a daily basis by the majority of drivers and with some people using them for long periods of time, they can pack them full of exciting gizmo’s and motoring gadgets that are sure to make their trips more exciting and keep them entertained!
A vast range of drivers enjoy having motoring gadgets in their vehicles. It’s common for drivers to research motoring gadgets online before they purchase them.
In recent times, it’s become apparent that being unique is of great importance to people in the UK and a way that you can express yourself is through breaking the mould of having an average car and filling it with motoring gadgets that can express your personality through the appearance of your vehicle and the gadgets that it contains.
Motoring gadgets can prove to be extremely useful, there are gadgets that can help you safety-wise, that are useful in times of crisis. Although people are reluctant to purchase safety gadgets as they think they’ll never use them, this is not always the case. The average numbers of car incidents in a person’s life is seven, so it’s always best to be fully prepared.
It’s undeniable that motoring gadgets add an element of fun to your journey. There are gadgets that gadget fans wouldn’t go without in their vehicle! There is a wide variety of products available that can make your trip more exhilarating and are a good conversation starter. To many people, having a car packed with interesting accessories is imperative and fun motoring gadgets are also seen as perfect presents for any car driver.
Cars are used on a daily basis by the majority of drivers and with some people using them for long periods of time, they can pack them full of exciting gizmo’s and motoring gadgets that are sure to make their trips more exciting and keep them entertained!
A vast range of drivers enjoy having motoring gadgets in their vehicles. It’s common for drivers to research motoring gadgets online before they purchase them.
Saturday, 23 July 2011
'Old' iPhone Still Impresses, iPhone 5 Next
As industry observers point to a September release date for the iPhone 5, surprising analysis shows that the previous iPhone is still selling strongly on U.S. carriers.The sell-through of the iPhone 4 at Verizon and AT&T last quarter are "quite impressive," says Mogan Keegan's Tavis McCourt, especially considering the device is 12-months old -- a lifetime in smartphone years.
At AT&T, iPhone sales beat non-iPhone sales outstripped Android and other non-iOS devices by a margin of two-one. Non-iPhone sales dominated Verizon however, giving the two carriers 7.1 million non-iPhone sales and 5.9 million iPhone sales respectively.
McCourt attributes the discrepancy at Verizon due to Verizon's strong selection of 4G phones, including the HTC Thunderbolt, LG Revolution and Samsung's Droid Charge. Comparing carrier activations in this way, McCourt thinks, "strips out any channel inventory changes, and shows that the iPhone is broadly gaining share in a rather dramatic fashion. We would also note that this is a product that is 12 months old. Pretty impressive."
Apple's sell-through is expected to increase even more once the anticipated iPhone 5 comes, he believes. Checks indicate that may be sooner rather than later.
Reports surfaced earlier this week that the iPhone 5 is already entering testing at major U.S. mobile carriers, giving muster to a 2011 release date.AT&T has been testing the iPhone 5 since July 6, Web site Chiphazard reported, with the test serving as the final stage before hitting mass production.
"Our sources claim that the next generation iPhone is in the hands of beta testers right now," according to the report. "They are running tests, including but not limited to signal reception and connectivity tests.
AT&T would not comment on the findings.
The report corroborates supply chain checks by Wall Street analysts that indicate Apple has already stepped up manufacturing orders in China and other places.
Most observers have pegged the new phone to come in Q4, likely September, with some even venturing to say two models will emerge -- a minor upgrade this year, followed by a major change in 2012.
Indeed, anticipation for the iPhone 5 has already dampens sales of the current iPhone 4 model.
The Wall Street consensus expects Apple to move nearly 17 million of its venerable iPhone 4 phones this quarter but Sanford Bernstein's Toni Sacconaghi says the Street is not taking into account the slowdown due to the upcoming iPhone 5.
Sacconaghi sees a "wide range" of possible unit volume numbers for that fiscal Q4, from 13.1 million units to 20.7 million units, depending a lot on timing of the iPhone 5.
"In the best case, the iPhone launches in the first weekend of September and iPhone sales until then decline only 15 percent quarter for quarter," he said.
The launch weekend could see 3M iPhone sales (compared to 1.7M last year, when the iPhone launched in 5 countries that accounted for a then estimated ~60 percent of iPhone sales), given the boost from Verizon this year, where we expect the iPhone to launch simultaneously.
At AT&T, iPhone sales beat non-iPhone sales outstripped Android and other non-iOS devices by a margin of two-one. Non-iPhone sales dominated Verizon however, giving the two carriers 7.1 million non-iPhone sales and 5.9 million iPhone sales respectively.
McCourt attributes the discrepancy at Verizon due to Verizon's strong selection of 4G phones, including the HTC Thunderbolt, LG Revolution and Samsung's Droid Charge. Comparing carrier activations in this way, McCourt thinks, "strips out any channel inventory changes, and shows that the iPhone is broadly gaining share in a rather dramatic fashion. We would also note that this is a product that is 12 months old. Pretty impressive."
Apple's sell-through is expected to increase even more once the anticipated iPhone 5 comes, he believes. Checks indicate that may be sooner rather than later.
Reports surfaced earlier this week that the iPhone 5 is already entering testing at major U.S. mobile carriers, giving muster to a 2011 release date.AT&T has been testing the iPhone 5 since July 6, Web site Chiphazard reported, with the test serving as the final stage before hitting mass production.
"Our sources claim that the next generation iPhone is in the hands of beta testers right now," according to the report. "They are running tests, including but not limited to signal reception and connectivity tests.
AT&T would not comment on the findings.
The report corroborates supply chain checks by Wall Street analysts that indicate Apple has already stepped up manufacturing orders in China and other places.
Most observers have pegged the new phone to come in Q4, likely September, with some even venturing to say two models will emerge -- a minor upgrade this year, followed by a major change in 2012.
Indeed, anticipation for the iPhone 5 has already dampens sales of the current iPhone 4 model.
The Wall Street consensus expects Apple to move nearly 17 million of its venerable iPhone 4 phones this quarter but Sanford Bernstein's Toni Sacconaghi says the Street is not taking into account the slowdown due to the upcoming iPhone 5.
Sacconaghi sees a "wide range" of possible unit volume numbers for that fiscal Q4, from 13.1 million units to 20.7 million units, depending a lot on timing of the iPhone 5.
"In the best case, the iPhone launches in the first weekend of September and iPhone sales until then decline only 15 percent quarter for quarter," he said.
The launch weekend could see 3M iPhone sales (compared to 1.7M last year, when the iPhone launched in 5 countries that accounted for a then estimated ~60 percent of iPhone sales), given the boost from Verizon this year, where we expect the iPhone to launch simultaneously.
Apple iOS versus Android
Things are looking a little rough for Android right now. Its increased popularity is not only attracting millions of new fans but is also attracting unwanted patent attention from competitors unhappy with its success.
Earlier this week Apple won a significant patent claim against HTC, one of the main proponents of Google’s Android OS. The win, over two software-related patents, positions Apple to go after other handset makers that use similar technologies. Apple already has pending cases against Samsung and Motorola, both heavy Android users.
This preliminary ruling is an important win for Apple as it looks likely that almost all Android devices will infringe on the two patents, filed in 1994 and 1996. If this is the case then Apple’s suits against Samsung and Motorola would be significantly strengthened.
Although the real focus of attention for Apple is actually Android, the strategy is not to go after Android (and therefore Google) directly but to make life difficult for smartphone makers, and discourage them from producing Android-based devices.
Globally Android is racing ahead of Apple’s iOS in market share with Gartner estimating that Android now holds 38% market share and Apple’s iOS 16%. HTC and Samsung in particular have focused much of their energy on the Android market over the past couple of years and played a significant part in Android’s success to date. Now it could earn them ever increasing amounts of negative attention from Apple and other software makers.
Microsoft’s Android windfall
In HTC’s case this is already happening with HTC reportedly paying Microsoft $5 for each Android phone it sells. Although HTC hasn’t publicly admitted to this, all evidence suggests that this is true. The agreement goes back to April 2010 when HTC and Microsoft “signed a patent agreement that provides broad coverage under Microsoft’s patent portfolio for HTC’s mobile phones running the Android mobile platform. Under the terms of the agreement, Microsoft will receive royalties from HTC.”
Ironically this means that Microsoft is probably making more money from Android’s success than it is from selling its own Windows Phone 7-based devices. Estimates of Windows Phone 7 sales range between 2 and 4 million devices to date. Compare that with Android which has more than 500,000 devices activated daily. At $5 each, that’s $2.5 million for Microsoft’s coffers each day.
Users seem largely unconcerned by the patent wars going on behind the scenes in the smartphone market, even though at least one survey suggests that US users have a preference for Apple’s iOS over Android. The reality is that Android is now available in so many different devices that it is far easier for consumers to buy an Android phone than it is to buy an iPhone. Also, Android is shipping on high-end smartphones, entry-level smartphones and tablet PCs and so covers most of the mobile device market.
The remainder of 2011 is sure to see an increasing number of patent battles in the smartphone market as all the big players fight for their niche.
Earlier this week Apple won a significant patent claim against HTC, one of the main proponents of Google’s Android OS. The win, over two software-related patents, positions Apple to go after other handset makers that use similar technologies. Apple already has pending cases against Samsung and Motorola, both heavy Android users.
This preliminary ruling is an important win for Apple as it looks likely that almost all Android devices will infringe on the two patents, filed in 1994 and 1996. If this is the case then Apple’s suits against Samsung and Motorola would be significantly strengthened.
Although the real focus of attention for Apple is actually Android, the strategy is not to go after Android (and therefore Google) directly but to make life difficult for smartphone makers, and discourage them from producing Android-based devices.
Globally Android is racing ahead of Apple’s iOS in market share with Gartner estimating that Android now holds 38% market share and Apple’s iOS 16%. HTC and Samsung in particular have focused much of their energy on the Android market over the past couple of years and played a significant part in Android’s success to date. Now it could earn them ever increasing amounts of negative attention from Apple and other software makers.
Microsoft’s Android windfall
In HTC’s case this is already happening with HTC reportedly paying Microsoft $5 for each Android phone it sells. Although HTC hasn’t publicly admitted to this, all evidence suggests that this is true. The agreement goes back to April 2010 when HTC and Microsoft “signed a patent agreement that provides broad coverage under Microsoft’s patent portfolio for HTC’s mobile phones running the Android mobile platform. Under the terms of the agreement, Microsoft will receive royalties from HTC.”
Ironically this means that Microsoft is probably making more money from Android’s success than it is from selling its own Windows Phone 7-based devices. Estimates of Windows Phone 7 sales range between 2 and 4 million devices to date. Compare that with Android which has more than 500,000 devices activated daily. At $5 each, that’s $2.5 million for Microsoft’s coffers each day.
Users seem largely unconcerned by the patent wars going on behind the scenes in the smartphone market, even though at least one survey suggests that US users have a preference for Apple’s iOS over Android. The reality is that Android is now available in so many different devices that it is far easier for consumers to buy an Android phone than it is to buy an iPhone. Also, Android is shipping on high-end smartphones, entry-level smartphones and tablet PCs and so covers most of the mobile device market.
The remainder of 2011 is sure to see an increasing number of patent battles in the smartphone market as all the big players fight for their niche.
Dolby rolls out 7.1, intros new consumer tech
The 7.1 system configuration adds two additional rear speakers to the conventional 5.1 arrangement in theaters, creating a set of four surround channels and three front channels. Multiple in-theater demonstrations--including a screening of 7.1-native "Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon"--featured how 7.1 forges a more 360-degree sound environment. "Cars 2" and the latest "Pirates of the Caribbean" were also mixed and presented in 7.1, but the sheer audio assault of Michael Bay's robotized chaos in "Dark of the Moon" was the obvious choice if Dolby wanted to show off a bit.
One crucial consumer-themed portion of the press event unveiled the latest features of Dolby's Home Theater software. The system allows users to create and save their own stereo surround presets for AV receivers, Blu-ray players, televisions, game systems, and PCs. The latest features can now manipulate the sound outputs of smartphones and tablets to simulate Dolby surround effects using an HDMI output.
Samsung Funded Study Indicates 3D Not Good For Eyes
Unfortunately. There’s no indicator yet that the South Korean giant has responded to the University of California-Berkeley research their R&D arm funded. We do have a funny feeling they’ll want to have the study hush hushed even after it’s been published on the Journal of Vision. It’s simply too damning of the 3D medium.
The disturbing evidence has all to do with vergence and focal points. Of the 24 people selected as test subjects, every single one complained of eye strain after viewing 3D video clips. The only good news is the contrasting 2D videos merited zero results.
The even worse part is a second leg of testing where participants revealed they felt fatigued by 3D. The small bit of redemption comes from the fact that the same worrying ill-effects don’t apply to big screens in cinemas. It’s only when 3D is compressed for home viewing that it becomes problematic, thanks to the human eye being unable to comfortably absorb the display’s vergence and focal points.
The disturbing evidence has all to do with vergence and focal points. Of the 24 people selected as test subjects, every single one complained of eye strain after viewing 3D video clips. The only good news is the contrasting 2D videos merited zero results.
The even worse part is a second leg of testing where participants revealed they felt fatigued by 3D. The small bit of redemption comes from the fact that the same worrying ill-effects don’t apply to big screens in cinemas. It’s only when 3D is compressed for home viewing that it becomes problematic, thanks to the human eye being unable to comfortably absorb the display’s vergence and focal points.
Electronic Gadgets Harm Eyes, Says Journal of Vision Study
When respected elders advice that it’s not right to watch TV or other electronic gadgets for so long as they could harm the eyes, they are right in saying so. A new study, named as Journal of Vision study, has revealed the prolonged viewing of mobiles and 3D devices often leads to visual discomfort, tiredness and sometimes headaches.
Researchers have found the reason for this cause; according to them, these displays put strain on our eyes, as we have to focus on the screens and concurrently have to regulate the distance of the content. They have referred to it as "vergence-accommodation”.
Martin Banks, Professor of Optometry and Vision Science, University of California, Berkeley, said people watch stereo-3-D displays, the eyes have to focus to accommodate to distance of the screens, as that is the only source from where light would come. At same time, eyes perform another function simultaneously, and that is to meet to the distance of the stereo content, which might be in front or behind the screen. This leads to discomfort to eyes.
Devices like mobile phone and desktop displays prove to be less comfortable than content placed behind the screen.Discomfort associated with viewing stereo 3-D is a major problem, and its use should be limited.
Martin Banks, Professor of Optometry and Vision Science, University of California, Berkeley, said people watch stereo-3-D displays, the eyes have to focus to accommodate to distance of the screens, as that is the only source from where light would come. At same time, eyes perform another function simultaneously, and that is to meet to the distance of the stereo content, which might be in front or behind the screen. This leads to discomfort to eyes.
Devices like mobile phone and desktop displays prove to be less comfortable than content placed behind the screen.Discomfort associated with viewing stereo 3-D is a major problem, and its use should be limited.
LG Providing Latest Optimus 3D Carphone
LG is a famous brand in gadgets and now for the gadget lovers, the LG recently launched its new carphone which is called by Optimus 3D. This latest gadgets of LG comes in black color as well as comes featured with a lot of unique functions and features such as a glasses-free 4.3-inch screen, 1,500mAh battery, dual-channel Texas Instruments OMAP4 processor, 4GB LP DDR2, 8GB memory with 1,500mAh battery, and more.
There are quite so many types of latest gadgets are available in the world-wide market but LG is also superb and best for its quality and smart looks. Other feature includes a 1080p video playback, HDMI output, and dual 5-megapixel cameras you can easily take it any time or anywhere on traveling. I am so impressed with this new optimus 3d carphone it is quite more interesting.
Cost Details:
On contracts price: £35 to £40
On PAY: £449.99
There are quite so many types of latest gadgets are available in the world-wide market but LG is also superb and best for its quality and smart looks. Other feature includes a 1080p video playback, HDMI output, and dual 5-megapixel cameras you can easily take it any time or anywhere on traveling. I am so impressed with this new optimus 3d carphone it is quite more interesting.
Cost Details:
On contracts price: £35 to £40
On PAY: £449.99
Friday, 22 July 2011
20th Century Fox bringing movie downloads to Android in October
Google’s Android is getting a welcomed addition to its media offerings this Fall. Twentieth Century Fox has announced a new service that will bring Fox movie downloads to Android devices. This marks a first for film studios offering content on Android.
The service won’t exactly allow movies to be downloaded directly to phones. Customers will need to initially buy a physical Blu-ray disc of a Fox movie. Afterward, they will be allowed to download a digital Android-friendly copy of the movie from Fox’s website to a computer, which can then be side loaded onto the Android device.
Android users can expect to see the service beginning in October—Fox is starting the service off with X-Men: First Class. The download service will hit the US first along with the UK, France and Germany.
This can be significant. The Google OS has faced a severe poverty in movie services. Only recently has Google integrated eBooks and the new Youtube Movies service for all Android 2.2+ phones; services which allow books and movies to be rented directly from the market storefront. Netflix has also introduced an Android app, but only recently doubled its compatible list to 24 devices.
The reason why Android has been sulking while the iPhone basks in the convenience of the iTunes music and video store is due to the lack of playback and copy-protection technologies. However, Google has since acquired Widevine, a rights-management company with technology that addresses those issues. After taking out Symbian, Android’s growth may equip it well enough to start taking on Apple’s dominance in the field.
Fox will further be developing a new app for smartphones and tablets that will be used while watching movies on the TV, enhancing entertainment. Twentieth Century Fox’s senior VP Vincent Marcais told Financial Times, “Given its strong growth as a mobile operating system, the support for Android is an important move for us.”
The service won’t exactly allow movies to be downloaded directly to phones. Customers will need to initially buy a physical Blu-ray disc of a Fox movie. Afterward, they will be allowed to download a digital Android-friendly copy of the movie from Fox’s website to a computer, which can then be side loaded onto the Android device.
Android users can expect to see the service beginning in October—Fox is starting the service off with X-Men: First Class. The download service will hit the US first along with the UK, France and Germany.
This can be significant. The Google OS has faced a severe poverty in movie services. Only recently has Google integrated eBooks and the new Youtube Movies service for all Android 2.2+ phones; services which allow books and movies to be rented directly from the market storefront. Netflix has also introduced an Android app, but only recently doubled its compatible list to 24 devices.
The reason why Android has been sulking while the iPhone basks in the convenience of the iTunes music and video store is due to the lack of playback and copy-protection technologies. However, Google has since acquired Widevine, a rights-management company with technology that addresses those issues. After taking out Symbian, Android’s growth may equip it well enough to start taking on Apple’s dominance in the field.
Fox will further be developing a new app for smartphones and tablets that will be used while watching movies on the TV, enhancing entertainment. Twentieth Century Fox’s senior VP Vincent Marcais told Financial Times, “Given its strong growth as a mobile operating system, the support for Android is an important move for us.”
Aldebaran Robotics Gives NAO a New Brain, And Much More
Aldebaran Robotics, the creators of the well known NAO humanoid robot, obviously have a strong commitment to advancing the state of the art in robotics technology and applications. During the RoboCup 2011 competition in Instanbul they unveiled the 4th generation NAO loaded with new enhancements, improved performance, and features requested and suggested by their rapidly growing user base in leading educational, academic, and research facilities from all over the world.
While the external appearance of NAO V4 may not have changed in obvious ways (don't worry, NAO still has the cute, lovable, boyish character that's made him so popular), the changes under the hood are really impressive and will make it much easier and attractive to users developing robotic applications as well as researchers.
The NAO V4 version isn't scheduled to ship until Fall 2011, though it is available for pre-order now, so we don't have firm test results or user feedback yet. Based on information directly from Aldebaran, the improvements and enhancements that users can look forward to include:
Hardware-
Software-
While the external appearance of NAO V4 may not have changed in obvious ways (don't worry, NAO still has the cute, lovable, boyish character that's made him so popular), the changes under the hood are really impressive and will make it much easier and attractive to users developing robotic applications as well as researchers.
The NAO V4 version isn't scheduled to ship until Fall 2011, though it is available for pre-order now, so we don't have firm test results or user feedback yet. Based on information directly from Aldebaran, the improvements and enhancements that users can look forward to include:
Hardware-
- New embedded 1.6 GHz Intel Atom processor - more onboard processing, allowing developers to move a significant portion of their application to NAO making it much more autonomous
- Onboard Bluetooth - it's a little surprising to realize that earlier NAO versions didn't have embedded Bluetooth built-in.
- New Vision system - completely redesigned with new dual HD cameras and a dedicated video processor so that both cameras can be used simultaneously.
Software-
- New voice recognition algorithm - working with Nuance, Aldebaran has been able to give NAO V4 faster and more accurate voice recognition as well as new word spotting and isolation capability.
- Smart stiffness control - improves NAO's reliability and durability
- Anti-self-collision system - sounds puzzling... Did older NAO versions run into themselves often? I'm sure there will be further clarification on this feature coming from Aldebaran soon.
- Improved walk algorithm - enables faster walking as well as making it easier to customize the robots walking motion.
- NAO resource managerI was hoping to hear more about the company's plans to open-source part of the NAO platform code, but apparently the company isn't ready to share the details quite yet. I'll keep you advised as more information becomes available.
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