At the Samsung Forum 2014 for Middle East and North Africa, Samsung Puts the Curve into UHD, the Customized into Your Kitchen and the Best Viewing and Productivity into Your Tablets

Two Curved UHD TVs round off a strong range of UHD TV sets, giving Middle Eastern and North African consumers a cinematic experience. The WW9000 washer blends intuitive user experience and smart laundry capabilities with elegant design. A powerful line-up of mono laser printers, color laser printers and multi-function printers combines NFC and Wi-Fi Direct technologies for effortless printing. The Galaxy NotePRO and TabPRO tablets feature a world-class display with enhanced user productivity to set a new rule for the tablet category. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., today demonstrated its leadership in the Middle East and North African (MENA) market by showcasing a range of category-defining products in TVs, home appliances, printing and mobile devices at its MENA Forum in Malaga, Spain.

“Samsung has achieved groundbreaking success in this region,” said Choong Ro Lee, President of Samsung Middle East and North Africa. “Thanks to our deep local consumer insight, engineering excellence, software innovation, and clever design, we have achieved sales growth of 38 percent this past year and maintained our position as the brand of choice in the MENA region.” 

Microsoft starts offering overseas data Storage

Microsoft starts offering overseas data Storage. The tech giant, Microsoft has reportedly started offering the customers in the foreign countries to store their data outside the United State. The company has announced this plan in response to the concern of NAS data, which was using Microsoft networks to surveil citizens of Brazil and the European Union. Thus, Microsoft is the only major company providing clearly non-US data storage, despite the fact that the agency has broken into the private networks of both Google and Yahoo. On the other hand, this step needs extra protection because there is no guarantee that the NSA will not be able to reach the servers outside the US.

Square Enix launches Deus Ex: The Fall for Android Devices

Square Enix launches Deus Ex: The Fall for Android Devices. Square Enix has officially launched the Deus Ex: The Fall game for the Android devices. The new Deus Ex: The Fall game includes a number of new characters from the 2011 novel the Deus Ex. The Deus Ex game series is set in 2007 and was developed by the Square Enix’s Mobile Division in Europe. The company has developed this game in partnership with the original Deus Ex: Human Revolution team at Eidos-Montréal and N-Fusion.

You can download the game from the Google Play Store for Android devices after paying $8.27.

Microsoft to launch Rival to Apple’s Siri

Microsoft to launch Rival to Apple’s Siri. The rumor said that the tech giant Microsoft is soon going to launch the ‘Cortana’ the rival to Apple’s Siri. The rumors said that the company will officially reveal the voice-activated OS in beta form for developers on Lumia devices in April.
The company has derived the name Cortana for its most popular Halo video game series.
Later on, it will move to Apple’s iPhone via Bing app. It is also said that Microsoft will include this Cortana OS to its Xbox one and then to upcoming Windows9 “Threshold” (scheduled to arrive in 2015).
The Microsoft Cortana will initially available in the United State only. It will also hit the other territories may be in 2015 or 16.

At CES 2014, Samsung Breaks New Ground in Laundry and Floor Care with Expanded Lineup of Home Appliances

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a global home appliance innovator, today announced innovative new home appliance products that make consumers’ laundry and floor care routines quicker and easier, giving them the gift of time. With an unmatched level of performance, convenience, design and energy efficiency, Samsung makes it easy to clean even the biggest load of laundry or most hard-to-reach corner of the floor. Its lineup of thoughtfully and ergonomically designed products – including industry-leading 5.6 cu. ft. capacity front load and top load laundry pairs, as well as two new vacuum products – will be on display at the 2014 International CES from Jan. 7-10, 2014.
“Consumer passion fuels Samsung product innovations and we’ve become America’s fastest growing appliance brand through a deep understanding of what our consumers need and want in their homes,” said Kevin Dexter, Senior Vice President of Home Appliance Sales and Marketing. “Our lineup of incredibly innovative and absolutely beautiful laundry and vacuum products make taking care of the home easier and quicker, freeing up consumers’ time to pursue their passions. With that, we are poised for another groundbreaking year.”

First Bitcoin ATM debuts in the New York

First Bitcoin ATM debuts in the New York. The world’s first bitcoin ATM debuts in the New York City. It works just like the traditional ATM machines present in the world. It does not need to link you a specific bank account instead you need to have a bitcoin wallet to transmit funds.  

The first bitcoin ATM has showcased by the Josh Harvey, co-founder of Lamassu, at the consumer Electronic Show (CES) 2014. Design and develop in Portugal the dispenser allows you to get the bitcoins on your  smart phone when you insert US dollars in it. It is more likely a vending machine rather a typical ATM.

SMS Craze fades in UK

SMS Craze fades in UK. It is for the first time in the history of the UK that the people showed low interest in SMS. The change comes due to the number of text application, including whatsapp, iMessage, BBM, Snapchat,etc. present in the Smartphones. The number of text messages fell for the  first time since its arrival in 1992 in Britian. Beside the above mentioned application Facebook, Twitter and Google Plus also attributed a lot in fall of text  messages.
The figures from Deloitte shows that in 2013, the smartphone users in the country just sent 7 billion fewer text messages  than in 2012. The reports claimed that the use of SMS will further fall in the United Kingdom in 2014.

Microsoft to announce the arrival of Windows 9

Microsoft to announce the arrival of  Windows 9. Microsoft is preparing to announce the arrival of Windows 9 the successor of Windows 8. The company will officially declare the new Windows Operating system in its annual Build conference in April. The new operating system from Microsoft is named as “ Threshold” and will be available in April, 2015, said reports.
The Tech blogger Paul Thurrott said that the company is planning for the new OS by keeping in view the negative reception of the software W8. The new changes in the OS are not clear yet, but it is assumed that the company will focus on the Metro 2.0 feature to enhance the new apps.
The report also claimed that the tech giant will release the update for its current-gen

Samsung Releases Smart TV SDK 5.0 to the Developer Community

The SDK 5.0 will allow consumers to control their home appliances from any Samsung Smart TV. With the new SDK enabling easier and faster app development, Samsung will help expand the Smart TV app ecosystem. Samsung Electronics today introduced the Smart TV Software Development Kit (SDK) 5.0, which will provide developers with the tools they need to build applications for the Smart TV platform.

Samsung’s new Smart TV SDK has expanded available platforms for easier app development and its functions have been dramatically improved to enhance apps’ usability and performance. The SDK 5.0 is compatible with more devices than its predecessor and will enable consumers to control their home appliances – including lighting, air-conditioning and refrigerators – by using Samsung’s Smart TV application.

Google to collaborate Audi to Put Android system in cars

Google to collaborate Audi to Put Android system in cars. It appears the Google is planning to Put Android OS in the cars. Google is to put the system will be rolled out in collaboration with car maker Audi.  The reports said that Audi and Google to declare the  infuse of the Android system in cars at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas next week.
It will be an in-car entertainment and information system based on Android. The Android system will run on the Hardware built rather than on your smartphone. The companies are also planning to collaborate with NVIDIA to make this system work better.
Audi has recently declared the LTE for its selected models and Google will make the Android operating system the bedrock of technology for vehicles in the future.

Eida launches customer service on Skype

Eida launches customer service on Skype.Emirates Identity Authority (Eida) has recently launched the customer service on the Skype. This is 24/7 service where customers can discuss their problem and complaints. The residents of UAE can utilize this service by placing questions face-to-face related to Emirates ID where the customer representatives of Eida are available to serve them. The skype users can avail the audio service only by adding the Skype user name EmiratesID_skype. You can converse in English and Arabic at present while the company will add other languages in near future. Currently, 14 communication channels of Eida are working and the authority will soon include another one called “chat option” in the next

LEGO Curiosity Rover to hit Stores on January 1

LEGO Curiosity Rover to hit Stores on January 1.The first day of the new year will be extremely wonderful for the LEGO fans because the LEGO Curiosity Rover that landed on Mars will be available for purchase with the price tag of $29.99 starting from 1^st  January, 2014. It is the world’s first  derivable car by the LEGO, which is made by by Steve Sammartino and Raul Oaida. Both the tech giants are self-taught. They developed the black and yellow car approximately with the half a million pieces of Lego.

The engine of the car is made up of Legos which has "four orbital engines and a total of 256 pistons. Only the tires and some loading bearing rudiments are not developed with the plastic block toys.

iOS 7 jailbreak hands-on, Called Evasi0n7

iOS 7 jailbreak hands-on, Called  Evasi0n7. The hackers have made the jailbreak of the Apple’s newly released software iOS 7. The hackers jailbreak for the Apple devices lets iPhone and iPad users to download all those applications (apps) extensions and themes that are not accessible via Apple App Store.
The hacker group, known as evad3rs, has developed the jailbreak tool called evasi0n7. The installation of the tool is extremely simple and easy. It just talks 5 minutes to install and supports all the Apple devices namely the iPhone, iPad and iPod running iOS 7 through 7.0.4. Users of Apple gadgets can install the tool by connecting the USB cable to their gadget and computer running Mac OS X Windows or Linux.

Apple Mac Pro Specs, Price and Availability

Apple Mac Pro Specs, Price and Availability. Finally Apple has released its latest and most awaited Mac Pro. It is a tiny desktop computer, that looks more R2-D2 than PC and is portable as a tube-shaped crisp jar. Apple has earlier previewed this device at WDDD 2013 and is up for sale now. The company said that the machine is assembled in the US.

The new Mac Pro by apple features an Intel Xeon E5 processor clocked at 3.5Ghz, dual AMD FirePro graphics chips and 6GB of internal memory. It also includes a 12 GB of RAM which is expandable up to 64GB and up to 1TB of PCI Express solid-state storage. It is highly powerful machine, is used by programmers and developers.in terms of connectivity it includes Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, 4 USB 3.0 ports, 6 Thunderbolt 2 ports, 2 gigabit Ethernet ports, HDMI and audio jack.

Windows VIP Summit

Brought together senior leaders from Microsoft along with some of their very prominent customers of the local industry.The Windows  VIP Summit took place at the Pearl Continental Hotel in Karachi. The day-long event laid strong emphasis on Microsoft’s new “Devices and Services” strategy. Which is not to say that either of the two are new to the company. Microsoft has been producing hardware for over three decades now, its devices such as Windows Phone are now about a decade old.

“Given the breadth of our work, we believe we’re uniquely positioned to bring together the best in devices and services that result in amazing experiences for our customers – whether end users or enterprises, ” said Onur Gorur, Senior Product Marketing Manager for Middle East and Africa at Microsoft.  Windows VIP Summit was a fruitful insight into some of Microsoft’s latest products such as the Windows 8.1, Office 365 and Windows Azure. Mr Amir Rao, Country Manager Microsoft Pakistan, also shed light on how Microsoft’s newest apps and devices enable flexible working routines and foster distance learning.

Google Drive gets 3 New Features

Google Drive gets 3 New Features. Google Inc has modernized its cloud storage and document management application called  Google Drive. Now the use of Google drive is more convenient and the inclusion of new features makes easy to sort documents with the options  ‘sorted by me’ and ‘ edited by me.’ Which adds the new functionality to Google Docs. The new update has started rolling  out for all the mobile devices and updated with “Search and Replace” features which allows you to type in a search term and replace it everywhere within documents.

Beside these two features Google added a usability improvements that make the search more faster and efficient. The interface of Google Drive is also changed by the company. They changed the button's location for creating a new document and making the scan features more visible. The Scan feature of Google Drive permits users to scan documents as pdf files and store them in the app.

For holding documents, video, audio or apps the company is offering 15GB free storage capacity to the users. Users can also get the additional Cloud storage space by paying $5 for 100GB.  As the Google Drive is interrelated with eh Docs of the company for free versions of software just like we can find in Microsoft Office.

YouTube.com.pk will soon be accessible in Pakistan

YouTube.com.pk  will soon be accessible in Pakistan. There is a good news for Pakistanis that the YouTube.com.pk soon be accessible in Pakistan as Google is planning to localize the Video sharing website. Some Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) officials related to this matter have told  to media that YouTube is going to launch his sub-domain in Pakistan soon.
The Minister of Information Technology and Telecommunications Anusha Rehman said if they met the Google management requirements the chances of YouTube restoration in the country are bright. She told this at the Senate Standing Committee on Tuesday. She told that committee that the government had succeeded in convincing the Google management about religious sensitivities of Pakistanis and in this come into practice it would also be easier for the local search engine to block any blasphemous or objectionable content from the website.
She said that the Google management of YouTube is willing to localize the video sharing website in the country but will not be responsible if any objectionable content uploaded on the website as this will be a personal action of the individual.
She added that the PTA is working on a draft ordinance which will be practiced by the ministry for enactment as law. If the YouTube be localized in Pakistan to remove the objectionable content from the website would be easier, instead of installing expensive filtration softwares.
Google removed the Anti-Islamic content from the website at the request of different Islamic countries including Saudi Arabi,  Libya, Egypt and Iraq by allocating them special subdomain for their countries because they met the Google requirements. By Localizing the video sharing website Google would not be infringing its own company law of encumbering freedom of expression.  The officials of ministry of IT are demanding to eradicate profanity content first and also the endorsement of draft from both national assembly and senate for launching the youtube.com.pk in the country.

Amazon revealed ‘Prime Air’: A drone for delivering purchases in 30 minutes

Amazon revealed ‘Prime Air’: A drone for delivering purchases in 30 minutes. The e-retailer Amazon has a plan to launch a revolutionary mini drone in order to deliver mall packages to consumers in just half an hour. For this purpose Amazon  has revealed the ‘Prime Air’ drones that will deliver packages directly to people's doors in just 30 minutes. Amazon chief executive Jeff Bezos unveiled the Prime Air at a program “60 Minutes” aired on CBS on Sunday evening.
In order to strengthen its position against its competitors the company is stealthily working on the "octocopter" project in secret research and development lab at its Seattle, Wash. -based headquarters for months.
The implementation of the new technology is not the matter of overnight it might take several years as Bezos said that the company hoped that the 'octopters' will be fully in operation in 'four to five years', with the approval from the US Federal Aviation Authority.
He said that  it’s a harder challenge to put Prime Air into commercial use and to meet the standards of the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) rules and regulation.
The online retailer Amazon has posted an introductory  video on its website that shows the test flight of the Prime Air. In the 80 second video the retailer has shown that a buyer purchases an item form the Amazon. After that the item is  placed into a plastic yellow Amazon tagged container. The drone will pick up packages in small buckets at Amazon's fulfillment centers and fly directly to the customers’ home. The Prime Air drone would be available for packages weighing 5 pounds or less, said the company.
Currently, it is not known either the Amazon drone would fly to its destination using GPS coordinates or be guided by an Amazon employee with a headset and controller. Amazon recently declared that it was teaming with the U.S. Postal Service to deliver Amazon packages on Sundays.

Huawei joins hands with Liga de Fútbol Profesional (LFP)

Huawei joins hands with Liga de Fútbol Profesional (LFP). New deal with world’s leading professional football organization will bring Huawei’s “Make it Possible” message to consumers globally.Huawei, the leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, announced its partnership with Liga De Fútbol Profesional (LFP) at an official signing ceremony held in Beijing. The sponsorship will provide another opportunity for Huawei to share its “Make it Possible” message among consumers, following partnerships with some of the world’s top football teams including Germany’s Borussia Dortmund (BVB), Italy’s AC Milan and New Zealand’s Wellington Phoenix. As part of the contract, in season of 2013 to 2014, Huawei will become LFP’s global technology partner and launch a series of integrated marketing activities worldwide to promote the professional football league. The partnership entitles Huawei to pre-install LFP’s official APP on its smartphones in Spain, enabling people around the country to follow the live LFP information, while Huawei summer camps will give football fans the chance to experience Spanish football culture. 
The APP is already available on selected HUAWEI smartphone models currently on sale in Spain. In addition to this, Huawei will have access to LFP’s trademark, logo, mascot, group player images and other exclusive assets for use in promotional materials.
The signing ceremony was attended by Huawei Consumer Business Group executives Vice President Jeff Liu and Marketing Vice President, Shao Yang, who were joined by LFP President, Javier, Fernando Sanz, Former Real Madrid player and Mexican football legend and LFP ambassador, Hugo Sánchez Márquez.
“Huawei’s LFP sponsorship demonstrates our “Make it Possible” message, which is our promise to help people achieve their dreams by bringing quality products within reach,” said Jeff Liu. “The cooperation brings together two top brands in their field, creating win-win opportunities for both.”
Javier Tebas said,

“As the one of the top professional football league in the world, we are very pleased to enter into cooperation with Huawei. We believe that this partnership will increase football fans’ passion and excitement for both football and technology.”

Hugo Sánchez Márquez, who led his team to be a five-time consecutive champion of the League, said,

“This is a wonderful partnership and I am sure Huawei smartphones will bring our football fans a completely new experience and create massive excitement in the world, just like football has done!”

In 2013, Huawei announced a series of football sponsorships worldwide with renowned clubs including AC Milan, BVB and Wellington Phoenix, which has been positively received by consumers. Huawei was the number three smartphone manufacturer globally in Q3 2013 according to reports published by IDC, Strategy Analytics and Canalys. In 2014, Huawei will launch a series of innovative LTE devices and further build its brand among consumers through a joint passion for football and its “Make it Possible” commitment to create unlimited possibilities for people everywhere. 
About Huawei Consumer Business Group
As at the end of 2012, Huawei’s products and services are deployed in over 140 countries, serving more than one third of the world’s population. Huawei has also established more than 16 R&D centers around the world in countries such as the United States, Germany, Sweden, Russia, India, and China. One of Huawei’s three business groups, Huawei Consumer Business Group (BG) provides a range of products including mobile broadband (MBB) devices, home devices, handsets, and cloud services. A young, progressive company, Huawei Consumer BG was ranked third in global smartphone shipments in Q3 2013. Huawei Consumer BG is committed to making the impossible possible, to better enriching people’s lives through communication, and to bringing the benefits and joy of technology to more people around the world.
For more information, visit Huawei Consumer BG online: consumer.huawei.com/en/
For regular updates on Huawei Consumer BG, follow us on:

Windows 8.1 launched in Pakistan

Microsoft Pakistan, has announced the availability of Windows 8.1 in Pakistan. It is a feature-rich update to its popular Windows 8 operating system, enabling customers to create experiences that keep pace with their lives — at work, home or on the go. Windows 8.1 comes with the new Internet Explorer 11, which is fast, fluid and perfect for touch. It provides native support for 3-D printing. Best for multitasking and productivity, it includes the display and use of up to four apps side by side. With flexible windows sizing for each app on the screen, the ability for one app to launch another app, and improved multimonitor support so users can view the desktop or apps from its redesigned Windows Store on any or all monitors. From its SkyDrive, users can create, edit, save and share files anywhere, anytime, on whatever device they are using.

Mr. Amir Rao, Country General Manager at the Microsoft Pakistan said, 

 “Windows 8.1 is the most complete out-of-the-box experience as it evolves the Windows vision for highly personalized computing while showcasing Microsoft’s continued commitment to rapid and responsive development. It marks a wave of new, innovative devices coming for consumers and businesses — from the convenience and mobility of tablets and 2-in-1s to the productive experience expected from laptops, all-in-ones and specialized industry devices”.

Syed Nasir Hussain, Chief Operating Officer, Advance Business Systems said in a statement, “Windows 8.1 is a refreshing addition to the Windows community with some remarkable features. It makes it easier than ever to work from anywhere and know that files are always accessible — across devices and locations”.

Windows 8.1 offers a host of increased customization refinements and functional improvements, including a highly personal, improved and more customizable Start screen in variable tile sizes, more background designs and colors. In addition, customers can choose how to start their Windows experience — at the Start screen or directly in the familiar Windows desktop — while all their Windows devices stay in sync with their Microsoft account.

During roundtable journalists had firsthand experience of Windows 8.1 on multiple devices like Tablets, Laptops and all in one desktops provided by Advance Business Systems, eSys and Unique Technologies. Importantly, consumers with a Windows 8 device in Pakistan, and more than 230 markets and 37 languages can download free update via the online Windows Store. Windows 8.1 is also available on new devices and as boxed software at retail locations across Pakistan.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software - any time, any place and on any device. Microsoft Pakistan opened its offices in 1999 with over 200 partners all over the country. MS Pakistan is Part of the NEPA subsidiary which comprises Lebanon, Jordan, Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Tunisia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria and the Palestinian authority. As the use of software and technology increases with the number of Pakistani companies and individuals depending on IT as part of their everyday life, the company is poised to thrive even more over the coming years.