Skype sees 3D video calling in its future

"We know how to make it work," Microsoft exec says. In the lab, that is. Now if only the technology could be harnessed for consumer devices.

• 
  
  0

(Credit: Microsoft)

Skype is working on three-dimensional video calling, but release is hampered until camera and video capture technology catches up.

In an interview with the BBC, Microsoft's Skype vice president Mark Gillett said that the popular video chat and instant-messaging app has the potential to support 3D conversations in the future, but it may be "many years" before the technology can be launched.

"We've done work in the labs looking at the capability of 3D-screens and 3D-capture," the senior executive commented. "We've seen a lot of progress in screens and a lot of people now buy TVs and computer monitors that are capable of delivering a 3D image. But the capture devices are not yet there."

Gillet explained that in order for 3D video calling to take place, multiple cameras have to be added to a computer system where they are precisely calibrated and pointed at the right angles to take suitable images. The executive told the BBC that Skype's research and development teams have been working on this system "in the lab" and "we know how to make it work," but the current ecosystem of devices such can support 3D technology is limited.

The three-dimensional viewing format has taken a beating recently, having failed to live up to the initial excitement surrounding its arrival. The BBC has ditched its 3D channels because of poor user demand, describing the technology as "hassly." Disney's ESPN has also announced the closure of 3D cable in the US, saying that the service may be resumed in the future "if or when 3D does take off."

While Skype's adoption of 3D technology could shore up flagging consumer interest, Gillet believes that video calling is likely to be low on the list of applications used by the technology in the future.

"You'll see much more penetration of 3D on TVs, on computers and ultimately in smartphones, probably, ahead of seeing it for sending a video call," Gillet admitted.

In the meantime, the senior executive said that Skype -- purchased by Microsoft in 2011 -- is exploring how to offer 1080p resolution video calls on devices other than the upcoming Xbox One.

Hi guys If u like this post please leave a comment in comment box... comment box will top right of every post and bottom of every post. its useful for me give a better information.. if u want to give any suggestion in bottom of blog there is contact information option please leave a msgs with u r mail id sure i will get u.

Read More

Microsoft makes Surface sale prices permanent

Price cuts on the Surface Pro, Surface RT, and Touch Covers are made permanent, rather than promotional.

Microsoft has made previously temporary price-cut promotions for its Surface devices permanent.

Starting Thursday, Surface Pro, Touch Cover, and Surface RT bundle price adjustments will begin to roll out all markets where Surface and Surface accessories are currently sold.

What are these adjustments?

• $100 off Surface Pro (including the 256 GB SKU). This means the entry-level Surface Pro will now start at $799.
• $40 off Touch Covers. Touch Covers will now start at $79, and Limited Edition Touch Covers will now start at $89.
• $50 off Surface RT bundles. Surface RT bundles will now start at $399.

Microsoft will be doing a "phased approach" to these pricing adjustments "in order to meet customer demand and retailer expectations," a spokesperson said. Users can find information on pricing changes in their specific locations via www.surface.com, a spokesperson said.

"The customer response to recent Surface pricing and keyboard-cover promotions has been exciting to see, and we are proud to begin rollout of Surface Pro, Touch Cover, and Surface RT bundles at even more affordable prices starting August 29," said a spokesperson in an e-mailed statement.

Neowin first reported that the $100 Surface Pro price cut, which originally was supposed to end today, would become permanent. WPCentral reported last week about the coming Surface RT bundle and Touch Cover cuts.

Hi guys If u like this post please leave a comment in comment box... comment box will top right of every post and bottom of every post. its useful for me give a better information.. if u want to give any suggestion in bottom of blog there is contact information option please leave a msgs with u r mail id sure i will get u.

Read More

'Smart' socks that let parents track baby's health

Now you can monitor your baby's heart rate and oxygen from your smartphone!

A US baby product company claims to have created the world's first 'smart sock' that lets parents monitor their baby's vital signs through a smartphone while he sleeps.

The sock transmits a child's heart rate, oxygen levels, skin temperature, sleep quality, and sleep position (rollover alerts) to a parent's smartphone or other Internet-based device, the company said.

"Every parent knows what it's like to lay in bed and stress about whether your child is breathing," said Jacob Colvin, founder of the company.

Currently there is nothing on the consumer market that can show parents their child's heart rate and oxygen levels.

"A hospital pulse oximeter costs parents around a thousand dollars. We are so excited that we can offer peace of mind to parents at a financially feasible price," said Kurt Workman Owlet Founder/CEO of Owlet Baby Care Home.

Workman first had the idea when caring for his twin cousins who were born prematurely.

However, the Owlet Vitals Monitor is not a medical device, neither should it be used for diagnostic purposes, the company said.

The monitor is also the first "wearable technology" in the infant space and is especially unique because it applies a safe, proven hospital technology in a new way: utilising multiple sensors, so it can grow with your child.

The monitor continues to work as long as it fits the child's foot, and it has been beta tested on infants up to two years old.

Heart rate and oxygen levels are found using an innovative four sensor pulse oximeter.

"Having four sensors allows for nine different reading combinations. Hospital pulse oximeters only allow for one combination of light and sensor, making Owlet's monitor a vast improvement over current technology. The new design allows the

Owlet monitor to automatically adjust data read for foot growth, movement, and various levels of ambient light," said Zack Bombsta, Chief Engineering Officer.

Additional features include Rollover Alerts, skin temperature, and sleep-quality tracking.

Hi guys If u like this post please leave a comment in comment box... comment box will top right of every post and bottom of every post. its useful for me give a better information.. if u want to give any suggestion in bottom of blog there is contact information option please leave a msgs with u r mail id sure i will get u.

Read More

Kolkata student builds a drone

Subhanjan Saha has his eyes in the sky. A three metre by one metre drone, or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), built by him from scratch has garnered widespread attention - but unfortunately, the top brass in India's defence and aeronautics sectors are yet to respond.

Saha, a 21-year-old computer science student of Manindra Chandra College Kolkata, has written to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Bangalore-based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to fund and help upgrade his drone so that it can be deployed for the country's defence and in other spheres.

"I have written to the DRDO and HAL, but there has been no positive response yet. It's built from basic materials but is capable of camera surveillance, weather forecasting, attack and defence and much more..only if the authorities can fund the upgradation," Saha told IANS.

"I want it to be used for the country's benefit," Saha emphasised.

Daubed in the colours of the Indian flag - saffron, white and green on the sides - the drone, whcih resembles an aircraft, was engineered by Saha over a span of four to five years.

Equipped with two 180-degree high-definition cameras (one in the front and one in the back), the aerial vehicle is remote-controlled and once airborne can scan a 10-km area.

"It is powered by rechargeable batteries and is eco-friendly. At a stretch it can go on for 40 to 90 minutes with an average of 60 minutes. If I get help from the authorities, then it can be transformed to function longer," explained Saha, who was born at Kalna in Burdwan district.

The body of the drone has been fabricated from a sturdy form of thermocole available in local markets, while the electronic components have been sourced from abroad via online orders.

"The electronic parts are very expensive in India. So I got a friend to help me out with net-banking and placed orders online," Saha said.

He has been scrimping and saving through all these years to finance his drones. At the last count, he has four other aerial vehicles in stock.

"I used to save the money that I got from winning various competitions over the years. My earnings from giving tuitions also contributed to the budget that stands at Rs. 80, 000 to Rs.1 lakh per drone," said Saha.

Guiding Saha in his efforts is the NGO Prantakatha and Abhijit Mukherjee of the S.N. Bose Centre for Basic Sciences Kolkata.

"We provided Saha with the email ids and other contacts. He has been writing to them. A lot of individuals and organisations have shown interest in helping him but so far we have not received any response from the government agencies," Bappaditya Mukherjee of Prantakatha told IANS.

"We are trying to open a dialogue with the central government but if it does not respond, we will go with the private agencies," Saha said.

Hi guys If u like this post please leave a comment in comment box... comment box will top right of every post and bottom of every post. its useful for me give a better information.. if u want to give any suggestion in bottom of blog there is contact information option please leave a msgs with u r mail id sure i will get u.

Read More

Nokia Lumia 1520 compared alongside Lumia 1020 in new leaked image

Nokia might not have confirmed anything about its rumoured Nokia Lumia 1520 big screen smartphone, code-named Bandit, but that doesn't stop rumours surrounding it from surfacing online.

The first image of the alleged phablet from the Finnish handset maker emerged on The Verge forumposted by one of the members. The image reveals the yet to be announced Nokia Lumia 1520 pictured alongside the company's flagship smartphone, the Nokia Lumia 1020.

The leaked image does not reveal a lot of details related to the alleged Nokia Lumia 1520 phone except indicating its expected size. The image shows the two devices, the Lumia 1020 and the alleged Lumia 1520 kept side-by-side with the display of the both the devices switched on.

In the image, the alleged device seems much larger compared against the Nokia Lumia 1020 that features a 4.5-inch display. The Nokia Lumia 1520 will reportedly feature the biggest display on a Lumia device launched till now.

However, The Verge notes that it was unable to fully confirm if the image was accurate. Earlier, @evleaks claimed that Nokia's alleged Bandit phablet will be dubbed as the Nokia Lumia 1520.

Previously, it was reported that Nokia was currently testing a 6-inch device running an updated version of the Windows Phone 8 OS. The device was said to be code-named 'Bandit' and expected to include a full-HD (1080p) display and a Qualcomm Snapdragon quad-core processor.

It also suggested that the alleged Nokia phablet would ship with a 20-megapixel rear camera and may borrow the rear panel features of the Nokia Lumia 925 to accommodate the camera. However, the device may not be unveiled before Microsoft rolls out the GDR3 update to existing Windows Phone devices. Microsoft is reportedly testing the GDR3 software update for Windows Phone 8.

Hi guys If u like this post please leave a comment in comment box... comment box will top right of every post and bottom of every post. its useful for me give a better information.. if u want to give any suggestion in bottom of blog there is contact information option please leave a msgs with u r mail id sure i will get u.

Read More

Purported images of HTC One Max dual-SIM with fingerprint scanner appear online

It appears that the alleged HTC One Max large screen smartphone, will have a fingerprint scanner, if a new leaked image is to be believed.

The new images posted on ePrice feature the long-rumoured HTC One Max. The images reveal that the alleged phablet from the Taiwanese device maker will also come in a dual-SIM variant and will feature a fingerprint scanner.

The site claims that it received the upcoming HTC One Max headed for carriers in China with support for GSM+GSM/ WCDMA, dual-SIM with dual standby. The leaked images have also revealed that the rumoured HTC phablet will feature a removable rear panel with support for expandable memory, although the battery will not be user replaceable.

As we mentioned, the leaked images also reveal that the alleged HTC One Max phone will be equipped with a fingerprint scanner. In one of the leaked images, the pull-down menu shortcut control houses an icon for a fingerprint scanner alongside the usual toggles for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Brightness, profile and Battery. However, no additional details about the feature were available.

In line with previous rumours, if the fingerprint scanner is indeed present on HTC's next device, it could be a major USP and could find usage in authenticating users to unlock the phone or for mobile payment authorisations.

Rumours of the HTC One Max sporting a fingerprint scanner come at a time when other rumours pointing to Apple's next generation smartphone sporting a similar feature are rife. Rumours have pointed out that the next iPhone 5S could also include a fingerprint reader feature that could provide a seamless way to authenticate users while unlocking the phone.

Earlier, a report in the Chinese media claimed that the HTC One Max will likely run on Android 4.3 Jelly Bean with HTC's Sense 5.5 UI on top. Other leaked specifications include TD-LTE connectivity, 5.9-inch full-HD display with 1080x1920 pixels resolution, 2.3GHz quad-core Snapdragon processor with 2GB of RAM and Wi-Fi. The site also revealed that the alleged HTC One Max will sport a 2.1-megapixel front-facing camera and an UltraPixel camera on the back, which was first introduced on theHTC One.

Hi guys If u like this post please leave a comment in comment box... comment box will top right of every post and bottom of every post. its useful for me give a better information.. if u want to give any suggestion in bottom of blog there is contact information option please leave a msgs with u r mail id sure i will get u.

Read More

Google co-founder Brin and wife living apart - spokesperson

Google Inc co-founder Sergey Brin is living apart from his wife, who is the chief executive of a biotech firm that Google has invested millions of dollars in and whose sister is one of the Internet search company's top executives.

Brin and Anne Wojcicki, who married in 2007, have been living apart for several months, the couple's spokesperson said.

"They remain good friends and partners," the spokesperson added.

The technology blog AllThingsD on Wednesday was the first to report of the couple's living apart. Brin and Wojcicki, who have two children and who have a prenuptial agreement, are not yet legally separated, the report said.

Susan Wojcicki, Anne's sister, is Senior Vice President of Ads and Commerce for Google and is considered one of the Internet company's top executives.

The relationship between Google and the Wojcickis dates back to the company's earliest days: in 1998, the nascent search company set up shop in Susan Wojcicki's garage shortly after raising its first funding.

Google has invested roughly $10 million in 23andMe, the company that Anne Wojcicki co-founded in 2006 and which maps DNA and provides clients with information about their ancestry.

© Thomson Reuters 2013

Hi guys If u like this post please leave a comment in comment box... comment box will top right of every post and bottom of every post. its useful for me give a better information.. if u want to give any suggestion in bottom of blog there is contact information option please leave a msgs with u r mail id sure i will get u.

Read More

Mercury mTAB Star tablet with voice calling launched

Kobian has launched a new tablet, the Mercury mTab Star in the Indian market.

The Mercury mTab Star features a 7-inch display with a resolution of 1024x600 pixels. The tablet is powered by a 1GHz dual core Cortex A9 processor and is based on the MediaTek chipset. It comes with 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage that can be expanded up to 32GB with the help of a microSD card. It runs on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. The tablet is encased in a metal body and weighs 300grams.

The tablet comes with SIM card support complete with voice calling functionality. The mTab Star sports a 2-megapixel rear camera with LED flash and a VGA front-facing camera. Connectivity options on the tablet include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Micro-USB, HDMI and 3G. Other features include a 3.5mm audio jack, built-in speakers, Flash 11 support and SGX531 3D graphics engine. The tablet includes a 3000mAh battery.

Commenting on the launch Sushmita Das, Country Manager - India at Kobian Pte Ltd said, "mTAB Star will compete and stand strong as the ultimate choice for purchase this festive season across the consumers for its light weight and advanced features at attractive cost. It has all the required latest features to enjoy work and play. It has been well designed and developed to address the increasing demand for stylish products in the market."

The company has not announced the price of the tablet yet, but is expected to be available in the first week of September. 

Mercury mTab Star key specifications

• 7-inch display with a resolution of 1024x600 pixels
• 1GHz dual core Cortex A9 processor
• 512MB RAM
• 4GB of internal storage, expandable up to 32GB via microSD card
• 2-megapixel rear camera
• VGA front camera
• Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
• 3000mAh battery
• 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
• SIM support

Hi guys If u like this post please leave a comment in comment box... comment box will top right of every post and bottom of every post. its useful for me give a better information.. if u want to give any suggestion in bottom of blog there is contact information option please leave a msgs with u r mail id sure i will get u.

Read More

HP EliteBook Revolve 810, ProBook 430 business notebooks launched in India

Hewlett Packard (HP) Printing and Personal Systems Group, India has launched two new business computers, the HP EliteBook Revolve 810 and HP ProBook 430.

HP EliteBook Revolve 810 is a touch-enabled convertible notebook that transforms into a notebook and a touch-enabled tablet depending on the user's need. The device is powered by third-generation Intel Core processors, giving users an option to choose between an Intel Core i7, Core i5 with Turbo Boost Technology and Core i3 processor.

It offers up to 12GB RAM (DDR3L PC3-12800 SDRAM, 1600 MHz) and up to 256GB solid-state-drive for storage. It also features a microSD card slot. The device comes with Intel HD 4000 Graphics GPU.

The EliteBook features an 11.6-inch diagonal HD LED backlit display with a UWVA (1366x768 pixels) resolution. It features a full-sized, backlit keyboard and an optional Active pen for input.

The device is optimised for Windows 8. It also features a 720p HD camera for video conferencing, dual-microphone array and DTS Studio Sound. The EliteBook Revolve 810 features 2 USB 3.0 ports, an RJ-45 (Ethernet) port, a DisplayPort, a headphone/ microphone combo jack, a side docking connector and a power connector. The device boasts of scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 2 and has a tough, all-magnesium body. The device also comes with the option of connecting to 3G/ Mobile broadband networks and features secure NFC capabilities.

HP ProBook 430, on the other hand, is a business notebook. Made of aluminium, featuring a spill-resistant keyboard and a soft-touch paint job, the notebook is powered by fourth-generation Intel Dual-core i7, Core i5 and i3 processors. It offers up to 16GB of RAM and comes with the option of a 500GB hard disk, a 120GB solid state drive or a 128GB solid state drive. It comes with Intel HD Graphics 4400 or 5000 integrated GPU, depending on the processor.

The notebook features a 13.3-inch diagonal HD LED-backlit anti-glare display with a resolution of 1366x768 pixels.

It also features a 720p HD camera for video conferencing, dual-microphone array and DTS Studio Sound.

The notebook sports 2 USB 3.0 ports, a USB 2.0 port (power port), an HDMI 1.4a port, a VGA port, a stereo microphone input, a headphone/ line out, an RJ- 45 (Ethernet), and a power connector port.

Commenting on the launches, Sunish Raghavan, Head- Commercial PC Category, PPS, HP India said, "Professionals today demand zero-compromise productivity and extreme mobility in a computer, and HP offers the best solution with EliteBook Revolve and ProBook 430. As a sleek and lightweight notebook that also converts to a tablet, the HP EliteBook 810 is designed to revolve around a busy executive's life, and comes with elegant touch computing, enterprise-grade security and military-grade durability."

The HP EliteBook Revolve 810 is priced at Rs. 90,000 while the HP ProBook 430 is priced at Rs. 39,000.

Hi guys If u like this post please leave a comment in comment box... comment box will top right of every post and bottom of every post. its useful for me give a better information.. if u want to give any suggestion in bottom of blog there is contact information option please leave a msgs with u r mail id sure i will get u.

Read More

Facebook considers adding profile photos to facial recognition

Facebook Inc is considering incorporating most of its 1 billion-plus members' profile photos into its growing facial recognition database, expanding the scope of the social network's controversial technology.

The possible move, which Facebook revealed in an update to its data use policy on Thursday, is intended to improve the performance of its "Tag Suggest" feature. The feature uses facial recognition technology to speed up the process of labeling or "tagging" friends and acquaintances who appear in photos posted on the network.

The technology currently automatically identifies faces in newly uploaded photos by comparing them only to previous snapshots in which users were tagged. Facebook users can choose to remove tags identifying them in photos posted by others on the site.

The changes would come at a time when Facebook and other Internet companies' privacy practices are under scrutiny, following the revelations of a U.S. government electronic surveillance program.

Facebook, Google Inc and other companies have insisted that they have never participated in any program giving the government direct access to their computer servers and that they only provide information in response to specific requests, after careful review and as required by law.

Facebook Chief Privacy Officer Erin Egan said that adding members' public profile photos would give users better control over their personal information, by making it easier to identify posted photos in which they appear.

"Our goal is to facilitate tagging so that people know when there are photos of them on our service," Egan said.

She stressed that Facebook users uncomfortable with facial recognition technology will still be able to "opt out" of the Tag Suggest feature altogether, in which case the person's public profile photo would not be included in the facial recognition database.

Facial recognition technology has been a sensitive issue for technology companies, raising concerns among some privacy advocates and government officials. Tag Suggest, which the company introduced in 2011, is not available in Europe due to concerns raised by regulators there.

Google's social network, Google+, also employs similar technology, but requires user consent. And it has banned third-party software makers from using facial recognition technology in apps designed for its Glass wearable computer.

Egan said Facebook was not currently using facial recognition technology for any other features, but that could change.

"Can I say that we will never use facial recognition technology for any other purposes? Absolutely not," Egan said. But, she noted, "if we decided to use it in different ways we will continue to provide people transparency about that and we will continue to provide control."

Facebook also amended its Statement of Rights and Responsibilities on Thursday, adding and tweaking the language so that members under 18 years of age are deemed to have affirmed that a parent or legal guardian has agreed to allow marketers to use some of their personal information in ads.

The language was the result of a recent court-approved legal settlement regarding its "sponsored stories" ads.

Hi guys If u like this post please leave a comment in comment box... comment box will top right of every post and bottom of every post. its useful for me give a better information.. if u want to give any suggestion in bottom of blog there is contact information option please leave a msgs with u r mail id sure i will get u.

Read More

Samsung Galaxy Note III release pegged for September 27

With Samsung's supposed September 4 Galaxy Note III unveiling event just a week away, now we hear rumours about the expected release dates for the device in various markets.

A new report claims that the Galaxy Note III will reportedly go on sale on September 27 in the Taiwanese market, while the device will be up for pre-orders from September 16.

The news comes from the Taiwanese site ePrice which cites its sources and claims that the dates of pre-orders and launch may be changed; however the site does not expect major changes in the roll out of the device in Taiwan.

Earlier, a Samsung official had confirmed that the company will be unveiling the next-generation Galaxy Note device and the long-rumoured Galaxy Gear smart watch on September 4. There have been reports that suggested that the South Korean major may start shipping the Galaxy Note III in September itself. An earlier report had indicated the likely shipping date of the latest Note device to be from week 36, which is from September 2 to September 8.

Recently, a new set of leaked images of the alleged Galaxy Note III screen surfaced online, that suggested that the next Galaxy Note device will feature a 5.68-inch display.

Other rumoured specifications include a full-HD Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080x1920 pixels, quad-core Snapdragon 800/ Exynos octa-core processor with 3GB of RAM. The internal storage capacity is expected to start from 32GB, instead of 16GB as has been the norm with flagship devices. It is also said to sport a 13-megapixel rear camera, a 3,200mAh battery, and run Android 4.3 Jelly Bean.

Hi guys If u like this post please leave a comment in comment box... comment box will top right of every post and bottom of every post. its useful for me give a better information.. if u want to give any suggestion in bottom of blog there is contact information option please leave a msgs with u r mail id sure i will get u.

Read More

iPhone 5C and iPhone 5S: More evidence points to September 20 release date

More evidence pointing to September 20 as the iPhone(s)' release date has emerged online.

According to Tmo News, which calls itself the unofficial T-Mobile blog, T-Mobile is planning to schedule employee blackout between September 20 and September 22. This essentially means that T-Mobile employees will not be able to take a leave for the purpose of a vacation during this period. While it's not directly related to the iPhone's release, carriers do institute blackout periods for busy days which also includes days just immediately after the release of a new iPhone.

If one connects the dots, Nikkei, the Japanese business publication had earlier suggested that Apple would release the iPhone 5S and the low cost iPhone or iPhone 5C on September 20 in Japan, indicating that the first wave of the new iPhone's release would commence on the same day. Greece-based website, Techmaniacs had also confirmed that the iPhone 5S and the iPhone 5C would launch on September 20

A number of rumours including some by credible publications and journalists have confirmed September 10 as the most probable date for Apple hosting a special event to announce the new iPhone(s).

The iPhone is usually made available to the public in major markets including US, Canada, France, Japan, Hong Kong, UK, and Singapore, around a week after the official announcement.

Apple has not sent any invitations or announced an event officially, yet, though it typically sends out official invitations only a week before the actual event.

The iPhone 5S is expected to come with a brand new Apple chip, the A7, alongside 1GB of LPDDR3 RAM, retaining the form factor of the iPhone 5. A 128GB storage variant of the phone has also been rumoured. The iPhone 5S is likely to come with a larger f2.0 aperture compared to the iPhone 5, that comes with f2.4 aperture. It's also likely to sport a fingerprint reader.

The low-cost iPhone or iPhone 5C has leaked several times. Alleged pictures of the iPhone 5C have revealed a plastic polycarbonate body back panel in White, Blue, Red, Yellow and Green colours, a round camera lens and LED flash, Apple logo and iPhone branding. It's expected to be powered by a dual-core CPU, and have a 4-inch screen, just like the iPhone 5, with a resolution of 640x1136 pixels. The iPhone 5C is rumoured to have 1GB of RAM, and come in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB storage variants. It'a also likely to sport an 8-megapixel rear camera and a 1.2-megapixel front facing camera camera and run iOS 7 complete with Siri which would be available in English, French, German, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Italian and Spanish.

 
Are we looking at Apple's new iPhones?

Hi guys If u like this post please leave a comment in comment box... comment box will top right of every post and bottom of every post. its useful for me give a better information.. if u want to give any suggestion in bottom of blog there is contact information option please leave a msgs with u r mail id sure i will get u.

Read More

5 ways to effectively achieve your goals

ET finds out five ways to achieve one’s goals.

To succeed in any profession or life it is very important to have an itinerary, which starts with goal setting, charting out a plan of action and staying motivated to achieve the goal within a stipulated timeframe.

1. Goal setting

The first step towards achieving a goal is to identify a clear goal on the basis of one’s strengths, interests and priorities in life and setting a timeframe to achieve the final outcome.

“Primary thing is about defining outcome with complete clarity and articulating your goal, whether it is career goal, financial goal or anything else,” says Ramesh Mitragotri, chief people officer, Aditya Birla Retail.

2. Develop workable strategy

Once the goal is set, the next step is to develop a clear strategy and initiate action.

“The strategy should be workable where you should neither over-estimate nor underestimate your capability and opportunities,” says Daisy Chauhan, associate professor, Organizational Behaviour at MDI, Gurgaon.

Also, the first step to set the plan of action rolling is very important.

3. Identify possible roadblocks

Achieving a goal becomes easier and faster when you are able to identify the impediments.

“It is generally seen that we only find impediments in the way to goal achievement in factors external to us. But some of the major impediments in the way of our progress are our own self-limiting beliefs about our self and our potential,” says Chauhan.

4. Review progress and stay focused

Once action has been initiated one must review the progress periodically in terms of quality, quantity and timeliness.

“Time to time review of the progress is important,” says Mitragotri.

Also, despite having a sound plan of action a goal could fall through the cracks if there is lack of focus and commitment.

“You got to commit to yourself and you will succeed,” says Sandeep Batra, AVP-HR, Fujifilm India.

5. Accept failures and move ahead

One should be open enough that mistakes could happen and should not get bogged down by failures but instead learn from those mistakes and forge ahead to the planned outcome.

“Learn from your mistakes and be flexible to change course if needed,” says Mitragotri.

Chauhan suggests that it is important to draw up a back-up plan to avert a crisis or set back in the process of goal achievement.

Source: The Economic Times

- See more at: http://content.timesjobs.com/?p=8465&fromsite=toi&utm_source=toi&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=toi-tj-whitelabel#sthash.PtqG4d8K.dpuf



Hi guys If u like this post please leave a comment in comment box... comment box will top right of every post and bottom of every post. its useful for me give a better information.. if u want to give any suggestion in bottom of blog there is contact information option please leave a msgs with u r mail id sure i will get u.

Read More

‘Entry level candidates need to develop skills around mobile computing and analytics’

Interview of the day: ‘Entry level candidates need to develop skills around mobile computing and analytics’

Sumit Sood, vice president, Middle East and Asia, Virtusa Corporation

Basics of tech talent strategy

Attitude: Since our industry has gone through a boom time over the last decade and a half, there has been a sense of complacency or in other words dos and don’ts have seeped in from the workforce perspective.

Aptitude: It becomes important because technology is changing at such a rapid pace that each one of us has to unlearn the past and learn something new constantly. For example: technology professionals learn something completely new in every 18-24 months, the moment the old ones become redundant.

Innovation: Being able to help clients innovate better or optimise their operations better. The whole idea is how to apply the current technologies for the betterment of any business.

Required skills

Entry level: Baseline skills like JAVA J2EE, mainframe technologies, .NET. What’s becoming more and more important is to develop additional skills such as mobile computing, analytics and intelligence, cloud computing technologies, etc.

Mid-level: A lot of mid level managers are not well equipped with emotional quotient (EQ). They might be great project managers or expert in communicating with their clients, but often their EQ is lacking. These managers are the ones who manage the employees on a daily basis, so without adequate EQ it becomes a challenge.

Senior-level: The ability to partner with clients – not someone who’s delivering what he has been asked to, but someone who is also assessing what’s happening in the client’s business. The more one develops a relationship with the client, the more they understand the specificity of their business and as a result offer solutions for any given problem.

-          Expertise in the client’s business domain

-          Know about the emerging technologies

-          Avenues that are getting created for the application of the latest technologies

-          Strong communication and ability to build bridges

Ways to retain tech talent

Entry level: Career mapping is the key thing here. Focusing on the freshers to map out their careers is very crucial to retain right talent. Industries should stop treating freshers are commodities; help create leaders within the company.

Mid-level: Giving proper recognition, recognising potential, giving them opportunity to start on things where they have potential and not what they are already doing.

Senior level: Making these employees realise their net worth towards value creation and company’s growth; helping them to identify their impact on the company’s overall development; giving them increasing opportunities to get recognised outside the firm.

Recruitment challenges

Technical foundations that are laid down by educational institutions are very good. But it takes some effort to convert that foundation into business readiness. Key challenge is to bridge that gap in colleges.

There aren’t too many graduates who are rolled out of colleges with right soft skills. Given the globalisation of the industry, they are expected to visit clients in public forums or on other occasions and these graduates are not ready to do the necessary talking.

It’s absolutely crucial to understanding work culture, writing effective emails, work around building appropriate communication skills, business etiquettes, etc.

Importance of training & development to retain top tech talent

Providing relevant training (project management, time management); creating an avenue for self-learning time.

- See more at: http://content.timesjobs.com/?p=8474&fromsite=toi&utm_source=toi&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=toi-tj-whitelabel#sthash.k1W5IpAM.dpuf



Hi guys If u like this post please leave a comment in comment box... comment box will top right of every post and bottom of every post. its useful for me give a better information.. if u want to give any suggestion in bottom of blog there is contact information option please leave a msgs with u r mail id sure i will get u.

Read More

Drinking too much water can be risky

Drinking too much water can be risky (Thinkstock photos/Getty Images)

Excessive water in your system can dilute your body fluids so much that the sodium levels become life-threateningly low.

Water may be the elixir of life, but it sure can send your health into a tailspin, even endanger your life, if you drink too much of it. While packaged water, juice and cola companies hard-sell their thirst-quenchers to you through TV and print advertisements, the truth is that drinking too much water can do you more harm than good.

Due to excessive water consumption, people have died of over-hydration, which goes by the name of Exercise-Associated Hyponatraemia (EAH). In simple terms, it means that you have drank too much water and the excess has diluted your body fluids so much that the sodium levels have become life-threateningly low, causing cells to swell. That includes brain cells leading to loss of consciousness, seizures and even coma and death. For long-distance runners, this can be a particular hazard. With half-marathons and marathons being all the rage, runners while practicing must resist the temptation to tank themselves up with too much water.

Water intoxication is always on the cards if you believe you have to 'stay ahead of thirst' by drinking excessive quantities of fluids. To do so is entirely un-physiological. Drinking more water than you need increases your total blood volume and also pressures you kidneys into working overtime so as to filter excess water out of your circulatory system. It is, however, incredibly rare for someone to die of dehydration in a temperate climate, not even sportsmen who sweat a great deal.

The right way to drink water is on your TV screen. When Tennis legends Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal play five gruelling sets of tennis in the baking sun, sweating profusely, how do they drink? They sip. They may sip at every end change, but they certainly don't gulp. While exercising, you should balance how much water you drink to how much you are sweating out.

All runners should know that over-consumption of fluids, whether it's water or sports drinks, can be fatal. EAH due to excessive hydration has caused at least a dozen deaths worldwide and there have been more than 1,600 documented cases of it around the globe.

The International Marathon Medical Directors Association advocates 'drinking to thirst' and no more. That means 0.03 litres per kilogram. So, for a 100 kg person that's a maximum of three litres. The average man is around 70 kgs. Work out the math. Five reasons to kick the cola

1. You will flash a prettier smile. The sugar and acid in soft drinks dissolves tooth enamel while the colouring in darker fizzy drinks leaves dark stains on teeth.

2. You will reduce your risk of heart disease. The high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in many soft drinks increases the risk of developing heart disease and diabetes.

3. You will reduce your risk of osteoporosis. The phosphoric acid found in soft drinks can loosen a tight bolt, eat away metal, and leach calcium from the bones.

4. You will reduce your risk of diabetes. The connection between excess sugar consumption and type 2 diabetes is well-known.

5. You will stabilise blood sugar and energy levels. Simple sugars, the most harmful of which are HFCS, are carbs that cause a rapid energy spike followed by a sudden plummet. Adding caffeine, a cola essential, intensifies this roller-coaster effect.

Hi guys If u like this post please leave a comment in comment box... comment box will top right of every post and bottom of every post. its useful for me give a better information.. if u want to give any suggestion in bottom of blog there is contact information option please leave a msgs with u r mail id sure i will get u.

Read More