Sankaranand Balaradjou

Author: Sankaranand

  • Grand Theft Auto 4 (GTA IV) – Screenshots

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    You all might be eagerly waiting for the official release of Grand Theft Auto IV the latest version of GTA Series which is extended till October but few days before the official site has released some screenshots of the Game and its insight.

    gtaiv-0525-04.pngFor those who don’t know the early news here is a short info that GTA IV is the upcoming version of GTA which is official to be released on October 16, 2007. More than 150 developers are working with 4. As per the sources only trailer is available till last week but now the site has released some screenshots of the game which gives us a clear insight about the game environment.

    Even pre-orders have been accepted for Xbox 360 and Play station 3 console modes. Last week GTA announced a special edition

    Sale for GTA IV which is packed in a customized metal safe deposit box which includes the following

    • ARockstar keychain for the safe deposit box keys,
    • Rockstar duffel bag,
    • Never-before-seen production artwork from GTA IV,
    • The Soundtrack CD of GTA IV
    • A specially packaged version of the game for either PS3 and XBOX 360.
    • This limited version package is only USD $89.00 (not sure if available in India).

    Links: Screenshots | Trailer.

  • Just Upgraded to Photoshop CS3 Extended

    pscs3.pngIt has been weeks since Adobe Photoshop CS3 released I still haven’t upgraded, so now i got time for it and finished the process of upgrading from CS 2 to CS3 just. Well the ultimate mistake I made is that I upgraded to CS3 extended instead of just CS3. Since Extended version contains more features that are really not worth for a graphic designer but for professional motion editors, animators etc while the Photoshop store itself suggest CS3 is enough for graphic designers.

    For those who are confused about what I am talking, I want to say that the new Photoshop CS3 is available in two different versions, the ordinary and the other with a Extended Tag.

    After installing CS3, I found it incredibly faster than CS2. I thanked god for not equipping Image ready with it but it contained an alternative called Adobe Stock Photos CS3. Also I wish to reveal out some cool resources and information for Photoshop users that i found out.

    For dudes who wanna try the Trial version of Photoshop CS3, you can download from Adobe labs.

  • Sony Ericsson S500i the Nature’s Inspiration – [preview]

    sonys500i.jpgAfter the w830i I thought of posting about another cool gadget from Sony Ericsson that is yet to launch. Ok here comes the nature’s inspiration phone the Sony Ericsson S500i a slimmest kit contained with full of surprises as phrased by Sony. Rumors say that desktop menu and themes of this phone automatically change to nature’s condition or either by day or night difference matching the perfect situation but I am not sure about it.

    A 240×320 pixel screen which is comparatively ok for a medium powered phone supporting various ranges of network like GSM 850,900,1800,1900 and EDGE. Not only a slim series but it weighs only 94 grams (3.3oz) that will be available in two different flavors of Mysterious Green and Spring Yellow.

    Talking about the feature the camera is powered with 2 megapixels with 4x digital zoom including new picture blogging technology. General connectivity like Bluetooth, USB and modem are added. New (or I may have not noticed) feature is equipped with this phone called “Flight mode” by which you can use the phone while traveling on the plane safely by disconnecting transmitter and radio receiver.

    The con about this phone is of its internal memory which is not more than 12mb until you buy a Memory Stick Microâ„¢ (M2â„¢) and turbo charge it. Hope to get more news and screenshots about this trendy gadget. Also no native Walkmanâ„¢ experience but instead it contains Mega Bassâ„¢.

  • Microsoft Popfly – Want to try?

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    Microsoft again took another step to compete Google’s Page Creator, with its new Popfly which is still in alpha stage. According to Ms, Popfly is the fun, easy way to build and share mashups, gadgets, Web pages, and applications.

    Ok let’s pop in what this pop fly contains…..

    Popfly is classified into two parts as a online webpage and mash up creator tool and an online community for hosting, sharing, rating etc. At present it gives a storage limit of 25mb per user (Microsoft is always limited and lacking in storage space).

    You want to know more then watch the 15 min screen cast or visit their official site. For buddies who are waiting eagerly for tryout just request an invite.

    *Microsoft and Popfly is the registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

  • PC World top product list

    When people always deserve to search for best, PC World aims in giving the top best products by deep review, research and all other factors. So they have introduced releasing the top 100 products every year which is very useful for seekers. The PC world tech log has just posted the top 100 products out of which we are goanna see some.

    Based on Ranking, the top 10 products are

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    Google Apps Premier Edition:

    I don’t know why PC world selected GAFYD as top product of year but you will know the answers when you ask the office folks who have been powered by Google. Some say this as “Office killer” as said by PC world. Integrated service like Gmail, Google Docs and Spreadsheets, Google Calendar, Google Talk etc made this a turbo package for companies. Surely if you thought of trying Google Apps, you can ping me since I am also using Google Apps for my company, I would provide you a tryout account there.

    Intel Core 2 Duo Processor:

    Wow, the fastest running pc is certainly equipped with the new Intel Core 2 duo processor which is one of my wish list. My brother promised to buy me a core 2 duo processor within 3 months which I hope he will be. Pc world says that Intel core 2 duo processors run fast in their test which impressed the experts a lot.

    “Core 2 Duo processor line ranges from the 1.86-GHz E6300 chip ($183) with 2MB of cache to the 2.93-GHz Core 2 Extreme X6800 chip ($999) with 4MB of cache; all have a 1066-MHz system bus. “ A snippet from PC world says.

    Nintendo Wii

    PC world says Wii has a crowd pleasing controller but do you actually think will that controller suits gaming? I accept the fact that Wii is very compact comparing to Xbox and Play station 3 but when it comes to power gaming no one can override PS3 or Xbox (My personal suggestion).

    The other products are Verizon FiOS, RIM Blackberry 8800, Parallels Desktop, Pioneer Elite 1080p PRO-FHD1, Infrant Technologies ReadyNAS NV, Apple Mac OS X 10.4 “Tiger” and Adobe Premiere Elements 3.

    Source: PCWORLD.

  • Pick the Best 250 cc bike – pulsar, fazer and taurus

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    As you all know day by day people giving up mass transit and opting to buy their own vehicle which gradually made the automobile industry hot. Nowadays we can experience an increase in vehicles as well as traffic but without caring about the future the automobile industry is firing up the market with brand new models and features that inspires customers to buy their own vehicle.

    Born out of this competition, came up these three beasts that burn up the Indian roads. They are none other than Bajaj Pulsar 250cc, TVS Taurus Fiero f3 and Yamaha Fazer 250. Economic bike drivers please stay away from this post and keep worrying about your petrol consumptions while young energetic drivers out there I am sure these bikes will quench your test. The main catch about these bikes are their 250 Cubic capacities but they inherit different design and performance.

    Hope everyone will eagerly be waiting for launch of these vehicles in India but until then I want your personal suggestion of which bike outta 3 will rock?

    So go ahead and post your comments for which out of these three bikes goanna rock the Indian roads and why?

    The nominations are

    Bajaj Pulsar 250 ccbajaj_pulsar_250.jpg

    TVS Taurus Fiero F3
    Yamaha Fazer 250yfazer250.jpg

    I am eagerly waiting for your comments on it…

  • Yahoo promotes Flickr by shutting down its photo service.

    yshut.gifThe news just hit the road about Yahoo shutting down its default online photo storage site called Yahoo photos soon. Washington posts reports that Yahoo took the decision forward for forcing and promoting Flickr a Yahoo owned Web 2.0 photo service.

    The service turn around will took place in the month of June forcing millions of yahoo photos customers to either use its Flickr service or any other alternative option. I have been expecting this from Yahoo some months ago but the decision took place right now thus promoting Flickr.

    Flickr is a great web 2.0 photo sharing site with a simple interface and power features that cannot be even be compared with any photo sharing site. I am very much impressed by Flickr’s service and quality. Although Zooomr (Another photo sharing site) gives free unlimited storage to all customers, no one thought about sticking to since the best prefers the best.

    The features available in flickr had not only inspired me but it has made me to buy a pro account that allows unlimited uploading of photos for just $24 a year. Some weeks back there were rumors regarding yahoo photos acquiring web 2.0 interfaces but they realized the catch and decided to concentrate on single photo site.

    Flickr is not only a family photo sharing site but when you explore; tend to see a group of amateur and photographers. The same stage is now on Google side over its Youtube acquisition which still lack back to merge Google videos with Youtube. Anyways seem like Flickr will come out of Gamma soon.

    For newbies who still don’t even tried exploring Flickr, just check in. Also feel free to check my photostream in Flickr.

  • Tips to beat the heat this summer

    beattheheat.gifThis summer is not going to pass like the usual summer because year 2007 is known to be hottest year ever. The combination of global warming and the El Niño weather phenomenon makes this year hotter than any other year. So your expectations of summer heat will probably be higher than the usual summer.

    As a public awareness it’s our duty to take care of our health to beat the heat. Here are some quick tips to make it up for the heat.

    Basically we tend to expose more of our body to sun especially during summer which results in the loss of water from our body by process of draining (Sweat) and so there is a lack of resistance and energy. So maintaining the body water level is very important.

    The simple best way to prevent your eye from heat exposure is to wear sunglasses. But if your sunglasses are not worth to protect your eyes from UV rays then throw it out. Already due to the depletion of Ozone layer, we are highly prone to UV rays, so the next times when you wear sunglasses make sure it protects you from UV rays.

    • In taking plenty of liquid foods like Juice, sodas, beer, shakes, WATER.
    • It is better to avoid heavy and fatty foods especially those which are oily.
    • Fruits are the best active energy agents that keep you active ever. As we all know a famous quote “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” fruits like grapes, watermelon keeps your body cool and regulate the heat.
    • Non-vegetarian foods should be avoided. Do not eat out-side or street cooked foods, try to switch for fresh and green vegetables at least for this summer.

    Also summer heat makes your hair brittle leading to hair damage. Try to use hair moisturizes if you don’t use alternative hair polishers like coconut oil, cream, gel etc. Whenever you leave outside, it’s advisory to wear a hat to prevent direct ray exposing your hair. At least carry an umbrella whenever you go outside.

    Try to avoid outing always, reduce your travels and air condition your house if possible or try to ventilate at most as possible. For protecting your screen use Sunscreen lotion.

    Non-vegetarian foods should be avoided. Do not eat out-side or street cooked foods, try to switch for fresh and green vegetables at least for this summer.

  • Nokia n95 [review]

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    The Nokia n95 is talk of the town now. What’s the real catch about this phone? Hmm let’s sneak out. The series N95 is released by Nokia after forceful requests from its customers.  The big role about this Smartphone is its 5 megapixel camera with Inbuilt GPS, Wifi. Rumors flooding around sound like this phone costs $750 (comes around 30+ thousand in rupees) which is a bit expensive for a Smartphone.

    Comparing other stocky Nokia N series this phone doesn’t fit hefty in your hand since its 3.8 in x 2.1 inches with a thickness of 0.8 inch, so one can say it’s compact and attractive. Design also takes the major role with two-way slider and also a front cover slide up.  Also the TFT display seems to be big with 2.6 inch screen size. You can still expand the memory of the phone by using a MicroSD card although it has an inbuilt memory of 160 Mb. Taking photos are even easier than before with a cute equipped flash near the lens. No words about the quality of pictures taken by this phone coz it’s a 5 megapixel with with Carl Zeiss lens (High branded lens).

    Concise Technical Details about the phone:

    • GSM 850/900/1800/1900 or WCDMA (UMTS) Band.
    • Weight 120 grams
    • Camera resolution and pixel 2592 x 1944 with 5MP
    • Symbian OS 9.2
    • Media formats supported AAC, MP3, WMA
    • Up to 380 minutes talk time
    • Connectivity USB port, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Infrared
    • Inbuilt memory 160 MB (expandable memory up to 2 GB for using MicroSD cards)

     Although Nokia n95 is one of my wish lists but to be frank $750 is too expensive. Alternative option is to wait for the Apple I-phone which costs very less than Nokia N 95.

    For Additional Resources visit Nokia N95 Official here.