Google Phone In January, Unlocked, Thinner Than iPhone

At last, the Googlephone has appeared. Forget the Droid, the G1 and all those other Android wannabees. Google will begin to sell its own reference Android 2.1 handset, designed by Google,made by hardware partner HTC, and called the Nexus One. The phone will be sold online by Google itself.

The Nexus One will, crucially, be sold unlocked, giving Google complete control over the hardware and software with no pesky carrier interference. Even the iPhone, which has had almost unprecedented autonomy in its functionality is still constrained by carriers: AT&T’s anti-tethering paranoia is a good example.

Although not yet officially announced, Google has coyly admitted that the phone is real and will be on sale early in the new year. In fact, it has provided the handset to its employees in order to test it out in the wild. The Google Mobile Blog explains, somewhat cryptically:

We recently came up with the concept of a mobile lab, which is a device that combines innovative hardware from a partner with software that runs on Android to experiment with new mobile features and capabilities, and we shared this device with Google employees across the globe. This means they get to test out a new technology and help improve it.

Unfortunately, because dogfooding is a process exclusively for Google employees, we cannot share specific product details. We hope to share more after our dogfood diet.

The phone is already in use. Nerdy John Gruber of Daring Fireball found this user agent string in his site’s logs:

Mozilla/5.0 (Linux; U; Android 2.1; en-us; Nexus One Build/ERD56C) AppleWebKit/530.17 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile Safari/530.17

It makes sense to identify yourself as Mobile Safari, if only to get proper mobile Webkit pages served to you.

Characteristically, and in contrast to Apple’s secrecy, photos of the Googlephone are already being posted openly by Googlers, or being handed to their friends. The picture above, posted on Twitpic by blogger Cory O’Brien, shows the handset (taken on an iPhone and with a BlackBerry in the background). According to O’Brien, “Google Phone = iPhone + a little extra screen and a scroll wheel. Great touch screen, and Android”.

The hardware specs are also leaking. Erick Schonfeld at TechCrunch says that the Nexus will run on Qualcomm’s speedy Snapdragon chip, sport an OLED display, be thinner than the iPhone (with no physical keyboard) and feature two microphones along with a “weirdly large” camera.

Those hoping to get an iPhone-caliber phone on Verizon are out of luck. The Nexus will be a GSM phone, which means T-Mobile and AT&T in the US. Worse, if you do opt for AT&T, your data connection could be EDGE-only. Gruber again, from Twitter.

The bummer I’m hearing about Nexus One: it’s GSM and unlocked, but on T-Mobile’s 3G band, so it works on AT&T but EDGE-only.

According to the Media Memo blog at the Wall Street Journal, the choice to use GSM was prompted by Verizon’s refusal to carry the Nexus. Verizon already sells the Android-based Droid, but this odd decision looks like a repeat of the one made when the carrier turned down the iPhone.

This may turn out to be a Zune-like move, where Microsoft alienated hardware makers by ignoring PlaysForSure in favor of its own new DRM scheme. Or the Nexus could be a light that burns twice as bright as all the existing confusion of Android handsets combined, thus building a brand that can rival the iPhone. Either way, we won’t have to wait for long to see. The Nexus should be on sale in early January, and if these last two days are any indication, then Googlers will have “leaked” all the hardware and software well before the launch.

Networking For Your Christian Business

The two powerful tools that help any business become successful is networking and leveraging. It is not unethical and it does not compromise either your faith or your business ethics. So as a Christian business owner, you can use these tools to help your business succeed.

Targeting your network

You are blessed. As a Christian business owner you have access to the best developed and powerful network of relationships that share the same value system. It is your very own personal network, built over mutual trust, often the same parish and church. Within this network you have your own centre of influence, comprising of people who know you well, who trust you. These are people who will prefer to buy from you and value your judgment. This is excellent for your business.

Make the relationship mutual

Remember, for succeeding in your business, you need to make your relationship mutual. This is not just excellent business sense, it is also ethical. These are people who trust you and purchase products and services from you. If you are benefiting from them, extend them the same favor. Healthy relationships are built on reciprocation. Your family can visit the dentist who buys from you and you can get your taxes done by a person who purchases from you.

Social Media Tools

Creating your own profile and networking using Facebook, Twitter and MySpace is an excellent way to do business. Sign up and make your profile. It is an excellent way of reconnecting with long lost friends and acquaintances. Moreover, often your renewed relationships will be beneficial for your business. This way you build both your personal as well as professional network. Social media tools give you another wonderful opportunity. You can use these tools to leverage and widen your social and business network. This in turn means a wider market for your goods.

However, you need to remember that there is a thin line dividing business and spamming. Be very careful. On social media sites you need to put business secondary and your interaction first. Otherwise you lose out a lot. People take offense and stop dealing with you altogether.

Use Forums

Here again as a Christian business owner, you have the advantage of becoming a member of a number of forums that have members of the shared faith and similar value system. You can join these forums, interact with fellow members and build your network. This often translates as greater traffic for your website and greater sales.

Create an effective, full proof follow up process

Have an efficient follow up system in place. You need to follow your referrals within the shortest possible time, so that you can reap the benefit. Your ideas should be clear and logical, your sales pitch convincing and it should not contravene your faith and your values. This will ensure that your customers will be comfortable dealing with you.

By following the steps outlined above, you can benefit from your Christian network to help you build your business in an efficient and responsible way.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Guy_Yancey

10 Business Networking Tips

Business Networking is the process of establishing a relationship with other business professionals and potential clients/customers that benefits all participating parties.

1. Remember that networking is about being genuine and authentic. The ultimate goal is to build solid relationships through trust.
2. Ask yourself what your goals are in participating in networking groups or meetings. You should join groups that will help you find what you're looking for. There are several types of meetings. Be careful when making your selections because some are learning based or volunteer driven as opposed to being focused directly on making business connections.
3. Have business cards and/or marketing material on hand. If you're at a networking meeting, the ultimate goal is to connect with people. Most people aren't going to remember your name or your company website. Always be in a position to hand out business cards or marketing material. Your material should stand out in a way that encourages the recipient to want to go on your website or call you to learn more.
4. Be on TIME. Perception is everything. If you want people to use your services or give you referrals it's key to make a good first impression. Being tardy can give others the impression that you are not prepared or that you're an amateur in the industry.
5. Ask open-ended questions during your networking conversations. This means questions that ask who, what, where, when, and how as opposed to those that can be answered with a simple yes or no. This form of questioning opens up the discussion for real communication and it shows that you are interested in what the other party has to say.
6. Become a good resource. When others feel that you are knowledgeable in your industry or field, they will come to you for advice and/or a request for services. Don't you feel more comfortable doing business with someone you feel is an expert in their field?
7. Know Your Business. In order to get referrals, you must first have a clear understanding of what you do that you can easily explain to others. You should be able to explain what makes your company different and how it benefits others. Know why they should choose you over the competitor.
8. Be able to articulate what you are looking for and how others may help you. If you want help or to build connections, you have to be able to explain what you're looking for.
9. React quickly and professionally to referrals. When people give you referrals, your actions are a reflection on them.
10. Don't be afraid to contact those you meet who may benefit from what you do and vice versa. Express that you enjoyed meeting them, and ask if you could get together and share ideas.

Trena Stubbs, owner of Apex Bizness Solutions has over 11 years of experience in the small business industry.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trena_Stubbs

It's What's Up Front That Counts

Back in the day of cigarette advertising they were all emphasizing their unique filters. Why there filter meant so much more to your smoking enjoyment than any other brand.

A larger percentage of the population smoked back then so they were going after anything they could to get you to try their cancer sticks. Well, one company did them all one better and came out with the phrase, "it's what's up front the counts!"

Well of course, it was the quality of the tobacco that really made the difference, not the stupid filter. The same is true of a company, whether your typical mom and pop to the giant corporation to the network marketing company you may be considering today, it's what's up front that counts.

Who is leading the way? Who are they? What is their record? What is their vision? Who do they have along side? Plus anything else you want to add. Since I am mainly interested in network marketing companies and the majority of those reading this are at least looking or thinking about doing something from home, how does this apply?

The same.

How far a company goes. How well they do. Do they even get off the ground, depends almost solely on who is at the top. Make sure that the company you are looking at or are invited into has the very best of leadership. How long have they been in business and what is their track record? Have they done this before or is this their first ride on the merry-go-round? Do they have some age behind them?

Personal experience: We were invited to join a new company in 1997, pre-launch. A great idea with online marketing, in the early stages of web sites for doing business, etc. Again, great idea, good enough compensation, took off like gang busters, $10 million in sales the first few months and we were all happy with bigger checks every month. Except for the big problem, they had not done this before and were overwhelmed, couldn't keep up with the demand, implosion. Done. Dead in the water. They didn't have any kind of a track record, just a good idea. Not enough.

If you find a company being built or having been built by people who have done it before and been very successful, have all the resources in place, front office, field leadership, top in class product, very fair, no hoops to jump through compensation plan, other than willingness to work and meets the demands of the trend of this time, that should fit all of your needs. Is there such a company or maybe even a few? Sure there are, but do your homework. Then go to work and be successful because "it's what's up front that counts."

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Doug_Sandquist

To Network Successfully, Do What the Professionals Do

There are two sides to filling a job opening. On the one side are candidates looking for a new job, and on the other are people looking for the perfect employee to fill their open position. The companies doing the recruiting often spend thousands to use executive recruiters, commonly known as "headhunters". While it might seem strange to pay a recruiter in an economy with such a huge candidate supply, there's good reason. Headhunters have proven their value by using tested networking strategies to identify the very best candidates. You can learn something from these recruiters about finding a job, as the same networking technique can be utilized in a very similar manner by job hunters with excellent results.

The Executive Recruiter Method

When a recruiter is contracted by a company, they begin the process by contacting people in the industry, or in similar positions in other industries, that they are hiring for. To do this, they will use a personal database of contacts, industry directories or professional association membership lists. These days, recruiters can also sort through networking sites such as Linked In® where millions of people have conveniently posted detailed resumes. The recruiter will call the people on the lists and ask the same question: do you know anyone interested in such and so job opportunity? They are seeking referrals from people that can put them in touch with qualified candidates that they may otherwise not find on their own. Then, recruiters contact the referred people and repeat the cycle explaining they are seeking a candidate for a particular job and ask for more referrals. Note that they always ask the same question: who do you know that may be interested in this job?

The goal of the process is to find the person that is interested in the job for him or herself. When that happens, the recruiter has hit pay dirt. The process now shifts to screening and vetting the identified candidate to see if they are worthy to bring to the hiring company.

Job Hunters: Learn From The Pros

The networking process used by executive recruiters can be reworked for job hunters with very positive results. By using the same personal database (or rolodex), industry directories or professional association membership lists any one can begin the same type of campaign. The twist is this: instead of asking potential candidates for job candidate referrals, job hunters ask contacts for referrals in companies that may have a job need or companies where they may want to work.

Do like the executive recruiters do. Did you notice how the recruiters did not ask if their referral wanted the job? They ask for more referrals. When they make the right call, the candidate will make themselves known.

Job hunters can use a similar process. Meet with contacts and describe your qualifications and the kind of job that you want. Ask for referrals. Your contact may not know of anyone with a job available but they know someone and that someone might be the connection to an opening. When the person with an opportunity meets you and hears your qualifications, they will bring up the opportunity to you - just as the right candidate did with the executive recruiter. Think not? The hiring manager is just as anxious to fill the job as you are to get it. When the right person presents him or herself the hiring manager will reveal the job.

Case Study

This very process has happened to me a few times in my career. The latest time was a few years ago. I got a call from an industry leader looking for someone with technology licensing experience in the industry, which I had. The recruiter asked if I knew anyone that may be interested. It must have been a frustrating search for her because when I told that I may be interested in hearing more about it, she responded with a "really!?" that was spoken with both surprise and relief.

Since then, I have turned the process around and helped candidates tailor and apply the executive recruiter method to their own successful job hunt.

Conclusion

The executive recruiting industry uses a proven technique for finding candidates for jobs. They have been so successful with the outcome that they continue to use it time and again and get paid handsomely at that. Why not take their technique and use it to match a job with a candidate - you?

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Phil_Roth

Continuous communication with Mars

Researchers in Scotland have discovered a way to enable continuous communication from Earth to Mars, making manned missions to the red planet slightly more plausible.

The technique, which was investigated by engineers at Strathclyde University, would allow continuous communication with one spacecraft.

It was previously believed this was not possible because the Sun obscures the Earth’s view of Mars for several weeks at a time. This would prevent any possibility of ground controllers making contact with astronauts.

The Strathclyde research centres around Lagrange points - five areas in space where an object such as a satellite or observatory can stay fixed in the same location relative to the Earth and Sun. The team has investigated how emerging space technologies can be used in Lagrange points one and two to open up new possibilities for future missions.

Malcolm Macdonald, the leader of the research, said: ‘By moving a spacecraft with a continuous thrusting propulsion system into Lagrange point one, we’ve calculated that it’s possible to enable continuous communication from the Earth to the spacecraft and from the spacecraft to the surface of Mars.

‘We’ve also shown that by using a similar technique but with two spacecraft, we can further improve communications. Hovering directly above Mars limits communications to just one polar region. But by using two spacecraft, we can enable communication to a much wider area of the planet.’

The research was based on potential evolutions of the T6 Thruster technology being developed for the European Space Agency’s BepiColombo mission to Mercury, due to set off in 2014.

Macdonald continued: ‘Currently, every spacecraft we have is in orbit about Mars. But this is not necessary - we can use the Lagrange points and low-thrust propulsion to keep spacecraft in a fixed position.

‘Our research has shown that we have a whole catalogue of space-science opportunities available in the next ten to fifteen years by using technologies that are already in the pipeline. This can include everything from new space missions to continually monitoring the effects of climate change on the arctic. Our aim is to challenge conventional ideas and enable radical change in the near term.’

Macdonald’s team carried out the research at Strathclyde University’s Advanced Space Concepts Laboratory, European Space Agency’s European Space Operations Centre and Glasgow University. The work was funded by the European Space Agency’s General Studies Programme.

The team’s findings are being released this week at the 60th International Astronautical Congress, the world’s biggest space conference, being held in Daejeon, Korea. It is part of a €100,000 (£92,440) study funded by the European Space Agency to investigate how new and emerging technologies could be used to radically enhance space science, from greatly improving telecommunications to enabling Arctic monitoring.

Source: The Engineer Online

Carbon nanotube conductors

Researchers at the Honda Research Institute USA, with support from academics at Purdue University and Louisville University, have been assessing nanotubes and their potential to transport electricity faster over large distances with minimum energy loss.

The carbon nanotubes may open up new possibilities for more powerful and compact fuel cells, energy storage materials and hybrid vehicles.

Grown on the surface of metal nanoparticles, they take the form of rolled honeycomb sheets with carbon atoms in their tips.

Researchers at Purdue University used a transmission electron microscope to observe nanotube formation, revealing that changes in the gaseous environment can vary the shape of the metal catalyst nanoparticles from very sharp faceted to completely round.

Further work carried out at Louisville produced the nanotubes in larger volumes and made measurements to determine whether the nanotubes achieve a metallic state.

According to the researchers, the carbon nanotube formation revealed metallic conductivity that was significantly stronger when compared to steel, had higher electrical properties than copper, was as light as cotton and could conduct heat as efficiently as a diamond.

Dr Avetik Harutyunyan, principal scientist from Honda Research Institute USA, said: ‘This is the first report that shows we can control fairly systematically whether carbon nanotubes achieve a metallic state. Further research is in progress with the ultimate goal to take complete control over grown nanotube configurations to support their real-world application.’

Dr Harutyunyan added: ‘Our finding shows that the nanotube configuration that defines its conductivity depends not only on the size of the metal nanocatalyst used to nucleate the tube as was previously believed, but, importantly, is also based on its shape and crystallographic structure, and we learned to control it.’

Up until now, research had focused on the structural formation of carbon nanotubes with metallic conductivity through conventional methodology resulting in a success rate of around 25 to 50 per cent. Honda claims that it has achieved a success rate of 91 per cent metallic conductivity.

Dr Hideaki Tsuru, project director from Honda Research Institute USA, said: ‘Our goal is not only the creation of new and better technologies and products, but to fulfil Honda’s commitment to environment sustainability.’

Source: The Engineer Online

Smart electric drives to improve

Smart cars may offer improved electric drives in the future, following real-life trials being conducted for their manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz.

Elektromotive, a Brighton-based provider of electric-vehicle (EV) recharging stations, has been selected as one of the UK companies trialling the Smart electric drive.

The trial will test Smart cars in ‘real-life’ situations that will give Mercedes-Benz the necessary data to shape the development of the vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz have provided Elektromotive with a fully electric Smart to use over the next four years. Following this, Elektromotive will report back on the car’s battery performance, reliability and range.

The information will be evaluated by Smart as it moves towards small series production of the Smart electric drive in 2010.

Elektromotive believe the trial will also add to its ongoing research and development programme, helping it devise EV charging facilities for installation at the roadside, in car parks, at homes and in business premises.

‘The shift towards zero emissions motoring is fast gathering pace and it is vital that fully compatible recharging infrastructures for EVs are put in place across Europe,’ said Calvey Taylor-Haw, Elektromotive’s managing director.

‘With daily access to a smart electric drive we will accelerate the real-world evaluation of new charging technologies, such as fast-charging solutions for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.’

The Smart electric-drive car, developed by Mercedes-Benz, is powered solely on electricity and charged using a standard three-pin plug. The almost silent, non-emitting, two-seater vehicle has a range of up to 70 miles and a top speed of 60mph.

Dermot Kelly, managing director of Mercedes-Benz UK, said, ‘The smart electric-drive project is an important part of our commitment towards developing sustainable transport solutions across the Mercedes-Benz business.

'Smart continues to be a pioneer in the world of environmentally friendly and economical driving and we’re delighted that Elektromotive is our partner in this exciting electric car trial.’

Source: The Engineer Online

UAV flies using fuel-cell system

A small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) recently completed 23 hours of uninterrupted flight using an advanced fuel-cell system.

The US-based developer of the system, Protonex Technology, claims that the flight of the Ion Tiger UAV breaks an unofficial endurance record for fuel-cell-powered flight.

The flight was documented by the US Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) through a programme sponsored by the Office of Naval Research (ONR).

It is claimed that the 23-hour-plus duration of the Ion Tiger flight surpasses all previous small UAV flights using any technology.

The Protonex power system is said to have given the Ion Tiger seven times the endurance capability of advanced batteries.

The system used in the Ion Tiger demonstration is an ultra-light proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel-cell system, coupling stack technology that can reportedly achieve 1,000W/kg with a specially designed balance of plant components.

Following this recent demonstration, Protonex is planning to transition its systems into small UAV products for both military and civilian applications.

The company believes that there is a market opening for such products because endurance capabilities demonstrated in its programme were only achievable with larger-scale, more costly UAVs.

‘This impressive 23-hour record flight milestone represents yet another successful collaboration with the NRL and is a culmination of all of our combined efforts to date,’ said Dr Paul Osenar, chief technology officer of Protonex. ‘We share the ONR’s vision towards bringing quiet electric propulsion and long endurance to today’s small UAVs and to extend the capability to the warfighter.’

Source: The Engineer Online

Sensor increases target accuracy

Lockheed Martin has completed a successful test of its first 360-degree infrared sensor turret aboard its Desert Hawk III unmanned aircraft system (UAS).

The hand-launched Desert Hawk III is designed to operate in extreme temperatures and high altitudes and has provided the British Army with critical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities in Iraq and Afghanistan.

According to the company, the addition of the infrared sensor will allow troops to obtain greater target location accuracy and improved image stability.

The infrared sensor will be used alongside an upgraded 360-degree colour electro optic (E/O) sensor, providing 10 times continuous zoom capability and aiding in contact identification.

John Nikolai, director of electronic products and logistics at Lockheed Martin’s Tactical Systems business in Eagan, said: ‘To assist the warfighter, we have miniaturised the infrared payload, so it fits into a turret weighing less than two pounds.

‘The E/O camera has been upgraded as well, for improved target identification. With the introduction of these sensor capabilities, users will experience vastly improved night-time situational awareness.’

The Desert Hawk III consists of a lightweight, hand-launched air vehicle with snap-on Plug and Playloads, a portable ground station and a remote video terminal. The UAS’ payload capability means that sensors can be changed in less than one minute to meet rapidly changing mission requirements.

Currently, the Desert Hawk III provides five modular capability payloads including a 360-degree turret with a mix of E/O and/or black and white low-light imagers, an infrared stabilised imager in a roll axis out to 90o, a signals intelligence sensor, the new 360-degree infrared sensor and the upgraded 360-degree E/O imager.


Source: The Engineer Online

Peugeot announces green initiative

PSA Peugeot Citroën has unveiled an action plan to limit the carbon footprint of its vehicles during their service life.

The group plans to increase its use of green materials in the polymers used to build the cars to 20 per cent by 2011. This will include the use of natural fibres such as linen and hemp, non-metallic recycled materials and biomaterials that are produced using renewable resources rather than with petrochemicals.

Peugeot’s cars are currently made up of 70 per cent metal, five per cent miscellaneous materials, five per cent fluids with the remainder plastics.

Peugeot hopes its initiative will use fewer fossil-fuel plastics and increase the use of raw materials from renewable sources. In addition to reducing CO2, it claims the change will make the parts lighter and promote plastics recycling within the industry to reduce the potential impact of end-of-life vehicles.

The use of bio-materials is still at the research stage in the automotive industry. To speed up the use of these materials, the industry has set up scientific partnerships as part of research groups bringing together laboratories, chemical firms and parts suppliers.

The company believes that as a result of its plan, 85 per cent of all of its vehicles can be reused or recycled, and a further 10 per cent could be used for energy recovery. The initiative will also focus on existing vehicles with green materials being integrated during their production life. The group’s engineering teams are working with suppliers to implement the changes.


Source: The Engineer Online

Gapless Points for safer railways

Gapless railway points that could ensure the safe rollout of high-speed trains are being developed by a former Oxford University tutor in collaboration with ISIS Innovation.

The gapless rail arrangement has been designed to replace existing points used to route railway traffic. Developer John Lucas claims that his design will reduce wear on the railway track, allowing trains to travel at much higher speeds while minimising jolts to improve passenger comfort.

His concept is based on the pivoting movement of railway flanges to the side of the fixed rail and along the railway track. This movement causes the whole rail to move forward and engage at the apex of the crossing where the two inner lines join. The top of the moving blade goes over the sharp apex to form a firm join with the fixed rail going out.

Conventional points systems in the UK only move sideways, leaving a gap between the blade and the fixed rail. Lucas explained that this gap, which can be as wide as 4in (10cm), restricts the maximum speed of the train.

‘If you have a heavy train and the wheel crashes onto the apex of the join, this puts greater wear both on the rail and on the wheels, meaning that they’ve got to be repaired more often,’ he said. ‘This also increases the risk of an accident and quite a lot of the accidents that have occurred both here and abroad have been on account of points failure.’

In the past five years, two major accidents involving fatalities at Potters Bar and Grayrigg in Cumbria have been attributed to points failure. Lucas believes that accidents such as these could be prevented by eliminating the gap in the points to reduce the risk of derailment.

He also claims that the benefits of high-speed rail in the UK will be significantly reduced if railway points are not upgraded alongside high-speed lines. ‘With my system, there are no real limits to speed,’ he said. ‘There will be other engineering problems. For instance, in the extreme case of something that is meant to deal with trains going 250mph, the moving blade would weigh about four tonnes and this is something we’ll have to solve.’

A similar device for high-speed rail, called the swingnose crossing, was developed by researchers in the US. This system eliminates the gap by moving the point of the crossing from side to side in time with the selected direction of change. British Rail trialled the design for a short period, but rejected it in favour of the current system due to safety concerns and the high cost of its rollout.

Lucas is confident that his solution can overcome the problems associated with the swingnose design. ‘The swingnose has the pivot where all the wear is, so you have a greater likelihood of failure. My design is more robust in this respect. The swingnose also needs two movements to be coordinated, whereas my device needs only one, so you reduce the possibility of error there.’

He is working with ISIS Innovation to further develop the system and attract industry partners for commercialisation. The team is in the process of developing the safety systems and reducing the risk of false alarms. The design is currently subject to a UK patent application.

Ellie Zolfagharifard


Source: The Engineer Online