Category: Technology

After the DirectX 9.0c there are no further versions expected to be released for Windows Xp based OS because Microsoft is concentrating on DirectX 10 which is only compatible with Windows Vista. The question that pops in your mind is will I be able to install DirectX 10 in my XP based operating system?

To resolve your confusion, Cody Brocious of Falling Leaf systems has started a project called Alky which was mainly based on enabling the compatibility of playing Direct X 10 based games in your current operating platform. They have extracted a set of library files from the DirectX 10 and thus make it available for download and usable in Windows XP and other operating systems.

Not everyone can afford Windows Vista and will be upgrading just to compromise for gaming. So the main catch about this project is they developed a set of libraries that will allow the use of DirectX 10 games on platforms other than Windows Vista, which when used in Vista increases the hardware compatibility.

The libraries act as a proxy to all Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) accessed by an application. This enables us to redirect API requests to existing platform functionality or custom implementations as needed. The libraries also allow us to integrate application-specific logic enabling users to explicitly define application behavior

– Falling Leaf Systems

Will Microsoft encourage their development? Absolutely not because, if we have the compatibility of installing directX 10 on Windows Xp then it will affect the market of Vista. Note: Please download the patch at your own risk.

Links: Download DirectX 10 | Falling Leaf Systems.

After the rival Nokia releasing its N95 with 5 Megapixel camera phone, Sony Ericsson came from to introduce the same 5 Megapixel camera in its cyber shot series. This phone is expected to launch during the season of Christmas probably during december 2007.

An overview study about the technical specifications of this phone shows that it has a XENON Flash with 16x digital zoom and auto focus. Unlike other connectivity options, this gadget contains 3G connectivity with HSDPA (fastest transfer technology). Reg Hardware reports that k850 has 40 Mb inbuilt memory but it comes bundled with a 512 Mb card.

The special feature of this camera is that it allows taking five successive pictures of a take and gives the ability to pick the best out of them. I will post more detail about the phone including its price once it is stepped into the market.

Source: RegHardware.

Everyone was eagerly waiting for the Apple’s I-phone which is scheduled to release on 29^th June ’07 but in Asia it is expected only during 2008. As you all might have seen some cool snaps shots or reviews about this gadget everywhere around the internet, which forced me to stop from writing review about it. I just wanted you to see this awesome i-phone video. Atleast you can chill out curiosity about your apple I-phone’s expectations. FlexBeta has reported a cool video which gives a closer look at the phone.

This video showing off the new features on the iPhone.

This sweet little mouse is really a very useful stuff for laptops users who hating using their hand tiring inbuilt mouse or no need of carrying an extra gram spare mouse everywhere when you take your laptop. 

Usually 70% of the lappy users carry an external mouse with their laptop bags out of which they feel sick of connecting the mouse again and removing it when not in use or while carrying. But this SLIM G4 mouse is a magical gift for seekers. G4 which is of 5mm thickness  can be fixed as a card into PCMCIA slot of your laptop when not in use.

Wait we are not just talking about its compactness when not in use but the usability which is most important of all. So do you think this mouse could compensate the pleasure and comfort given by the usual mouse? Absolutely yes, when you eject the mouse out of the PCMCIA slot for using, it automatically unfolds to perfect position such that it gives support to your palm while using the mouse.

You can buy the product from their official product site, but you won’t understand a bit there coz its in Chinese.

Developer knowledge Drive is a Microsoft resource program along with Monster.com for your development in IT career. This program aims in delivering resources like Newsletter, downloads and Gifts too. Being a regular reader of MSDN flash newsletter, it has valued information which is worthwhile to read and sort of.

For every student and IT professionals who are focusing their career towards Information Technology field should opt-in to this drive program. Registration for this program is 100% free and you can join by clicking here.  The extra bit about the program is that Microsoft wants to promote it by giving referral points which you can easily redeem for gifts like cool Xbox 360, USB Music Players, Microsoft Leather Key Chains and Microsoft T-shirts. There are many reasons to join this program one of them is that it makes you stay abreast of the latest information and technical know-how thing. You will also be notified about latest events and other programs as a privileged member.

Still waiting for the free program to join?

Links:  Microsoft DKD | Join here.

After 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„¢.

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.