News

TechTree: Microsoft has announced extended support for Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Media Center Edition operating systems, providing consumers with an additional phase of support.

With the addition of extended support, the support life cycle for Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Media Center Edition will include a total of five years of mainstream support, and five years of extended support, matching the support policy provided for Windows XP Professional.

The extended support, which starts after April 2009, will bring the two products on par with Microsoft’s Windows XP Professional for businesses. Microsoft had previously reserved its five-year extended support feature to only enterprise-grade products.

Under Microsoft’s support life cycle policy, consumers and businesses both receive mainstream support for their products. XP Home Edition and XP Media Center will see mainstream support end in April 2009, which includes paid support, security updates, design changes, and feature requests.

And once mainstream support expires, the five-year extended support is due to kick in. Previously, XP Home and XP Media Center consumers would migrate to self-help support for eight years, after their mainstream support ended.

TechTree: At an event held in Mumbai today, Tata Technologies iKS, the global leader in engineering knowledge transformation technology, announced the worldwide launch in India of its major version release of its revolutionary product, ‘igetit’.

The new version of igetit, which is the complete online resource for engineers, features a revolutionary change in packaging, pricing, and positioning and is uniquely powered by Google technology.

The company said that igetit is the most innovative web application available today, created specifically for the world’s 15 million design engineering professionals helping them to acquire, distribute, verify, and certify ‘Engineering Knowledge’ (best practices and design process methodology).

The new igetit provides 100,000 hours of comprehensive PLM learning content while effectively removing critical barriers to knowledge transformation viz. price, hardware, and installation.

Speaking on the occasion, Kevin Noe, President, Tata Technologies iKS, said, “The igetit web application will make it possible for every engineer on the planet to have access to relevant information and knowledge that will help them become better at design innovation and knowledge reuse, at a nominal cost.”

Commenting on igetit, David Fedler, Vice President, Tata Technologies iKS, explained, “Figures indicate that engineers increasingly are seeking answers from one another through various web technologies such as Instant Messaging, Forums, and Blogs. As a result, the development objective of igetit was to go above and beyond traditional online learning, and create a web application that offers a specialized social networking site for engineers, adding even more value.”

TechTree: Asus has introduced an all new product series, Republic of Gamers (R.O.G) in the country, which is aimed at providing the best performing solutions for serious gamers and overclockers.

To start with, Asus has launched the Crosshair motherboard, which power packs loads of technology and features such as Extreme Tweaker/Supreme FX Audio, 8 phase EL-capless power design, and much more.

Crosshair supports easy tweaking with style; the LCD Poster is an excellent feature for system tuning and upgrades. Located at the back I/O, it displays the names of each boot-process instead of using codes. When the system hangs due to a faulty connection or configuration, the LCD Poster freezes on the displayed process name that caused the hang up, allowing users to know exactly what needs to be fixed.

Some other features tailored for building a PC include EL I/O, onboard LED, onboard switches, Q-Fan Plus, and Q-Connector.

Representing the two commitments of R.O.G; ultimate overclockability and ultimate reliability, the 8-Phase EL Cap-less Power design has removed the bulky cylinder-type capacitors, and replaced them with chip-style polymer aluminum electrolyte capacitors, which are used in server level systems, for better spacing and thermal environment.

TechTree: Taiwan-based Genius announced the launch of its 2.4GHz wireless laser desktop combo, the Genius SlimStar 820 Solargizer. The desktop combo includes a wireless solar keyboard and a power saving laser mouse, exhibiting eco-friendly features.

According to company sources, this solar keyboard combo is specifically designed to use minimal battery power by transforming the light source into power. Apart from the solar energy supplied, there are additional back-up sources like the USB cable charger and batteries that avert any power shortages. The 17 hotkeys along with
one-touch keys for office tool of this specific keyboard provide immediate control of media sources, and fulfill all requirements for work efficiency respectively.

Adding more value to this desktop combo, it comes with a high definition ergonomic, wireless laser mouse that allows one to adjust the dpi resolution according to work tasks which is claimed to enhance the accuracy while moving the cursor.

The mouse has ultra power saving technology, which promises a continuous operation for up to 15 months. To further extend power saving, a power switch is available for even longer battery life. The mini dongle receiver lets you work up to 10 meters away, and one can simply store it underneath the mouse for expediency.

TechTree: Dell has launched the Latitude ATG D620 (All-Terrain Grade), its first semi-rugged notebook computer for customers who work in tough environments.

According to Dell, the Latitude ATG D620 meets military standards for vibration, humidity, and altitude, and is geared to protect against accidental bumps, moisture, and other such contingencies. In keeping with its tough nature, the notebook features a shock-mounted hard drive, spill-resistant keyboard, port covers, and high durability paint.

Besides, it includes a 14.1-inch display with ambient light sensor (ALS), glass overlay, and anti-reflective coating. The company says the LCD is nearly 1″ times brighter than that of most mainstream corporate notebooks.

Latitude ATG provides hard drive image compatibility with Latitude D620. It is also compatible with all D-family wireless and security products, as well as accessories like docks, port replicators, and power adapters. The notebook includes a lead-free motherboard and chassis; is RoHS compliant; and designed for energy efficiency in multiple customer environments.

Prominent specifications are: 500 NIT LCD with non-reflective coating; 14.1-inch WXGA screen (1,280 X 800 resolution); support for up to 4GB3 DDR2 SDRAM; ATG task lights for keyboard lighting; shock mounted-hard drive and LCD; Intel Core 2 Duo processors; and Microsoft Windows Vista Capable.