Some lesser known but useful keyboard shortcuts

Below, I have provided a list of some important shortcuts that will help you work faster with Windows OS.

Key Combination                                 Function

Alt + Print-screen           --     Takes a screenshot of active window

Windows + D                --     Show desktop by minimizing all open windows

Alt + Enter                     --     Display properties of selected item

F11                                --     Full-screen

Alt + Tab                       --     Cycle through open windows

Windows + Tab             --     Cycle through open windows in Aero style(Only for Win 7 & Win 8)

Windows + Pause          --     Open 'My Computer' properties

Windows + Up arrow    --      Maximize the window screen

F2                                 --       Rename a file/folder

Windows +  L               --       Lock computer

Ctrl + Shift + N             --       Creates a new folder in a Windows Explorer pane or on the desktop

Windows + R                --       Open the Run menu

Shift + Tab                    --       Go back to the previous field (useful in MS Excel and form fill-up in web

Windows + E                --       Open 'My Computer'

FARCRY 4 - an upcoming mammoth FPS game from Ubisoft

WELCOME TO KYRAT

In Far Cry 4, players find themselves in Kyrat, a breathtaking, perilous, and wild region of the Himalayas struggling under the regime of a despotic self-appointed king. Using a vast array of weapons, vehicles, and animals, players will write their own story across an exotic open world landscape.

Light Show Fountain Speakers

This beautiful piece of hardware is a stereo music system which can be plugged into any device like computer, mobile, tablet, etc. When you pump up the music the water inside the speakers dances to the beat and the 4 multi-colored LEDs lights up.

It is compatible with all USB devices (USB cable is also included in the package). Light and water are timed with the tunes.

Key Specifications:

• Water bounces with the beats
• LEDs light up the water making it shine beautifully
• Gives a reflection on the ceiling which adds to its beauty
• Water inside it is sealed tightly

Pricing: Around $50. It can also be availed at $40 in some selective websites.

Pocket - a useful app for Android, iOS and Computer browsers

Pocket is a small, handy and very useful app for use across multiple platforms. It was formerly known as Read It Later. Its allows a user to save articles or webpages found over the internet to the app so that the user can read it later in his/her free time. 

The article is saved in a list inside the app. The user can read it offline. This is an advantage because a user does not need to have an internet connection while reading an article later.

Pocket is a very popular app and has been in the list of Top 50 Android Apps in 2013.

3-Doodler

Imagine drawing something in air and watching it materialize. This is what the 3-Doodler does. It basically started as a kick-starter project. It uses extruded plastic for sketching, which is also used in 3-D printer, rather than ink.

The coolest part is that it is a stand-alone device i.e. it doesn't need to be connected to any device for its operation. Just plug it in to the power supply and you are ready to make anything that comes in our creative imagination. Unleash your creativity with this amazing piece of tech.

                  

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions: 180mm by 24mm | Weight: 200g

Price: Rs. 4,100 (approx)

                                                    

Sapphire glass to replace Gorilla glass in Smartphones

Sapphire, the hardest natural substance after diamond, might soon be used to make smartphone screens. Sapphire glass will soon be cheap enough for use in a wide range of consumer products, such as smartphones, tablets, and other rugged devices.

Sapphire is extraordinarily hard, scratch-resistant, and has a melting point of 2,030 degree Celsius. Sapphire is about 10 times more scratch resistant than normal window glass, and much stronger than any other materials used in optics applications. Sapphire is already used in bullet-proof glass, watches, and the front window on bar-code scanners.

Conclusion: At around three times the strength and scratch resistance of Corning’s Gorilla Glass, Sapphire glass would make an almost perfect smartphone screen.

It’s worth noting that the iPhone 5 already uses sapphire glass to protect the rear camera lens, so Apple is certainly aware of sapphire’s potential.

Sony Smart Tennis Sensor: tracking your performance

Sony has taken the wraps off a new sensor that aims to take your tennis game up a notch. The Smart Tennis Sensor is a small device that is fixed to the bottom of your tennis racket (if you have a compatible model, that is) and tracks your performance, dishing it up on your mobile device via the related app.

Sony has developed the sensor through a partnership with Wilson, among others, to make it compatible with select unspecified rackets. With it, users can wirelessly connect to their smartphone or tablet over Bluetooth and gather performance data that is fed into the Android or iOS app.

Users will be able to see "spontaneously visualized" data of their swings, which is accompanied by both statistics and heat mapping. Shot metrics, swing types, serve styles, and more are all identified. The information can also be shared on social networks through the app's included social features.

The sensor weighs about 8 grams and measures in at 31.3 mm, keeping it light enough to stay out of the way while you play. Up to 12,000 shots can be recorded to the sensor's storage, and the device will keep an archive of data for each racket the sensor is used on. The device is set to launch by January for $200.

Lumosity- A brain trainer app for Android and iOS

If you find a few minutes of idle time in your day, rather than social networking (FBing & Twittering), you can use an app called Lumosity. It is actually a personalized training program for your brain. It makes you play short games that train your brain. It follows a scientific method of brain improvement.

While the app is free, it offers in-app purchases for access to its full range of games and progress monitoring tools. 

A Festive Lighting Charging Cable With Built-In Christmas Lights

Deck the halls, deck your desk, and charge your iPhone or iPad this holiday season with a USB Lightning cable featuring festive LED bulbs along its length-even if Christmas and Diwali are months away. It's the easiest and most useful way to bring holiday cheer wherever you go, even if those ten power-sipping LEDs mean your device is most likely going to charge just a little slower than normal.

They'll be available in the coming months for somewhere just about $20, but without a wall adapter, or Apple's official stamp of approval.

Advantages of buying an Android One device

At the Google I/O this year, the creator of Android had made an announcement that was especially interesting for Indians. It was the Android One, Google’s attempt to revolutionize the budget smartphone segment. Micromax, Spice and Karbonn were the first three manufacturers to come out with smartphones. 

The first three smartphones are,

- Micromax Canvas A1

- Karbonn Sparkle V5
- Spice Dream Uno

What is Android One?

Android One is a program from Google, where it gives manufacturers a set of device specifications to choose from. It is a means for manufacturers to provide a much better Android experience in inexpensive and easily affordable smartphones. Basically, you get a devices that is in a way certified by Google as the best Android can offer in the given price range.

What are the advantages?

- Better performance: The UI on these smartphones is very fluid, but more importantly, your things like navigation on Google Maps run more smoothly on Android One smartphones. Also, the first devices on Android One run on a ‘stock’ experience, which isn’t new, but the OS runs as smoothly as a Moto E. So, if manufacturers can come up with cheaper devices, it would mean Moto E level performance on a cheaper smartphone.

- Customizations for India: According to Google, the Google Translate feature has been updated for better Hindi translation. Also, Google Now understands the Indian accent better. The company said there will be other customizations for India as well.

- Updates: Android One devices will be amongst the first to get the Android L updates. That’s not something you hear everyday for a phone that costs Rs. 6,399.

- Camera: In sub-10k smartphones, the camera has till now gone up to 8 MP. With Android One, Google has room for 5 MP, 8 MP and 13 MP shooters. While the prices will vary, it could mean that you can get a pretty amazing camera for a relatively low priced device.

- Build and Design: With Google providing the software and the ‘best specs’ list, manufacturers can concentrate on things like design and build. According to Cesar Sengupta, VP, Product Management, manufacturers will be coming up with different designs for Android One smartphones in future.

- Brand: For the brand conscious, Google has announced with three brands right now, but nine more are joining the fray soon. This includes names like Asus, HTC, Acer, Xolo, Panasonic, Lava, Intex, Alcatel and Lenovo. It would mean that each brand has an affordable Google certified device for you to buy.

These vehicles will go around various cities, allowing people to get hands on with the Android One devices.

What this means?

Android One is advantageous for the first time Android users and it is evident that both Google and its partners are looking to reach out to the 'next billion' users, who are all going to come from the tier II and tier III cities. If you've been following the Android smartphone market, you will be hard pressed to find a reason to choose an Android One smartphone over a Moto E. The reach for these smartphones is much higher, because they are inexpensive not without the advertising campaigns, but rather, despite them. Google is making efforts to take them to consumers and make them aware about them.

Beartooth Radio Turns Your Smartphone Into A Walkie-Talkie

Smartphones are becoming increasingly popular among users of all types, as a decent option for communication. However, if you just want to chat with your partner a mile away, you still need a two-way radio.

That's the problem Beartooth Radio is trying to solve with their snazzy smartphone case, which will use short-range radio frequencies to allow you to talk to another Beartooth user within about a two-mile range. In addition, you can also send encrypted texts, share your location, and send out a distress signal. It operates on the same FRS frequency as standard Walmart two-way radios, so you don't need an operating license like you would for more powerful radio sets, either.

Surprisingly at this stage for a tech startup, there's no Kickstarter, but you can pre-order (no price yet) now for delivery sometime in 2015.

Megapixel Myth

Many people have this misconception that the more megapixel rating in a camera the better quality photos it gives. But this is absolutely wrong. Mega-pixel rating describes only the size of the image, not its quality. Image quality is actually greatly affected by the image-sensor size installed on the camera. Larger the sensor better is the clicked image quality.

So, a 8-MP camera may outperform a 12-MP one, provided its image-sensor size is larger than the 12-MP one.

So, the next time you enter a shop to buy your next digicam, you know how to deal with the sales-man.

Roccat Breeds Nyth Modular Gaming Mouse and Skeltr Keyboard with Smartphone Stand

First fully integrated keyboard/smartphone combo and modular MMO mouse

Roccat's been known to think outside the box when coming up with unique features for its gaming peripherals, but its newest devices take things to a new level. While at Gamescom 2014, Roccat today announced its Nyth modular gaming mouse and Skeltr keyboard/smartphone combo. Both are supposed to the be the first of their kind, the question is, how will gamers react?

"We've wanted to develop our own MMO mouse for a long time, but like always, we end up seeing a bigger picture once we begin brainstorming. MMO mice have these massive button grids that are locked in. You can change the button functionality, but what if you don't like the layout? Our solution is a wholly modular MMO mouse, with interchangeable button combinations that suit the player," explains Rene Korte, CEO and founder of Roccat. "No two gamers are alike, and because we know that, we've gone many steps beyond just allowing them to switch out the in-package button options. Our fans will have access to our button inventory files, and those that are into 3D printing can even create their very own."

The side part on the Nyth is replaceable, allowing gamers to transform the MMO mouse into one that's better suited for FPS gaming.

Also unique is Roccat's Skeltr keyboard. It has a smartphone stand, which you can use to mount your phone as a secondary display synced to the keyboard via Bluetooth. The sliding rail and rotating holster fit every size smar device, according to Roccat.

"We also believe being able to use your keyboard to communicate on your smartphone is a no-brainer feature Roccat fans will deeply appreciate," Korte said.

No word yet on when these devices will come out or for how much.

Solar powered smart benches

Soofa, a solar-powered smart bench lets you plug in and charge your phones and also connect to the internet using Wi-Fi.

A solar-powered “Soofa” bench (at left) has been installed in Titus Sparrow Park in Boston.

We've all heard about smartphones. Now there are smart benches.

That is the idea behind a new Boston initiative which will bring “Soofas,” solar-powered benches, to the city.

The benches, to be located in various parks, will allow residents to take a load off their feet — while plugging in and recharging their cellphones.

“Your cellphone doesn't just make phone calls, why should our benches just be seats?” Mayor Martin J. Walsh said in a statement Friday.

The high-tech benches were invented by MIT Media Lab spin-off Changing Environments, a Verizon Innovation Program.

The benches also connect wirelessly, using Verizon’s network, to the Internet to upload location-based environmental information, such as air quality and noise-level data. City officials said the first units in Boston will be funded by Cisco Systems, a leader in development of smart city solutions, at no cost to the city.

Over the next week, as part of the new pilot effort, the benches will be located at several city parks, including Titus Sparrow Park in the South End, the Boston Common, and the Rose Kennedy Greenway.

“We are fortunate to have talented entrepreneurs and makers in Boston thinking creatively about sustainability and the next generation of amenities for our residents,’’ Walsh said.

The benches made their debut last week at a meeting of innovators and entrepreneurs at the White House.

Sandra Richter, co-founder and CEO of Soofa, and Boston Mayor Martin Walsh.

RAZER JUNGLECAT

iOS gamers rejoice! Razer is taking requests for its iOS Game Controller, the Razer Junglecat. The Junglecat also comes with an iOS companion app so that you are always up to date with the latest games optimized for controller play.

Price tag: $99

OVERVIEW:

Shoot straighter, jump faster, and drive with more precision, when you hook up your iPhone to the Razer Junglecat mobile game controller.

The Razer Junglecat is designed with a D-pad, ABXY action buttons and bumpers on a sliding gamepad case that is light weight and ultra-slim for hardcore gaming on the go. You can now experience superior tactility and precise controls in your favorite mobile games. When you get off the subway on to your next appointment, the gamepad slides right under the phone, returning it to its original pocketable form factor. It goes straight in your pocket, while the solid encasing acts as the phone’s armor, protecting it during your fast-paced mobile lifestyle.

Fully customize the controller with the Razer Junglecat iOS app that lets you remap all of the gamepads buttons as well as adjust each individual button’s sensitivity to your requirements.

TECH SPECS:

• iOS 7 fully supported gamepad

• Highly durable collapsible sliding mechanism for portability

• Pocketable for access anytime, anywhere

• Downloadable companion iOS app

• Designed for the Apple iPhone 5/5S

• Open access to all of the phone’s ports and buttons

• Approximate size:Length 150mm/5.9"

• Width 65mm/2.5"

• Height 18mm/0.7"

*iPhone and Age of Zombies™ not included.

- See more at: 

World's Fastest Camera

Japanese universities have created the world's fastest camera capturing at 4.4 trillion fps(frames per second).

At a mind-boggling 4.4 trillion frames per second (FPS), the new STAMP (Sequentially Timed All-optical Mapping Photography) system developed by two Japanese universities is claimed to be the world’s fastest camera. Taking pictures at a resolution of 450 x 450 pixels, the new image-capturing device is purported to be so fast that it can be used to photograph the conduction of heat, which travels at a speed equivalent to one-sixth the velocity of light.

Developed by researchers at the University of Tokyo and Keio University, the camera is said to use a method called femto-photography to capture images in a single burst without the need for repetitive measurements as used in other types of ultra-high-speed cameras. The team reports that this is achieved by using an ultra-short laser pulse split into a series of discrete separate pulses, each in different spectral bands, which illuminate the target object as successive flashes so that the entire scene may be captured using stroboscopic acquisition.

Read more about this Japanese mega-piece at http://www.gizmag.com/fastest-camera-44-trillion-frames-per-second/33330/

Microsoft's streaming device

Like Google's Chromecast, Microsoft is planning its own streaming device for Windows users.

Making a cheap video streaming stick has worked out pretty well for Google; the $35 Chromecast is still perched at the top of Amazon's electronics best-seller list. Now it seems Microsoft may be making its own play to build a similar device tailored for Windows users, according to recent FCC filings. Windows Phone Daily spotted documents that indicate Microsoft's upcoming streamer will feature Wi-Fi, HDMI compatibility, and a USB port — so the hardware sounds not unlike Chromecast (or any other set-top box for that matter).

Obviously Microsoft won't be using Google's Cast technology to stream video on your TV; instead, a separate filing at the Wi-Fi Alliance website tells us that the device instead takes advantage of Miracast to beam content from a Windows Phone or Windows laptop to larger screens. As Gigaom points out, Miracast isn't quite as flexible as Google Cast in some ways. Namely, it's not as friendly to multiple people in the same living room sharing control over what's being played on the TV. But other essentials like mirroring of your smartphone or laptop display are certainly possible with Miracast, so Microsoft could still manage to deliver a very compelling product — especially if it decides to challenge Google's already-low pricing.

Buy directly from Twitter

Users will be able to buy things directly from Twitter as they plan on adding a 'Buy' button. Twitter will reportedly roll out 'Buy' button later this year. Soon, you may be able to buy things directly from Twitter thanks to a feature powered by payments service Stripe.

Twitter is going to incorporate a way for users to easily buy things directly from its network later this year, according to a report Friday from Recode.

The social network is partnering with Stripe, a payments services company, to integrate a 'buy' button into tweets, unnamed sources told Recode.

It is expected that the button will let users enter in payment and shipping information without leaving Twitter, allowing businesses to sell their products directly from tweets with Stripe powering the transaction.

Twitter and Stripe did not respond to requests for comment.

The direct move into e-commerce would solidify earlier reports of a 'buy' button. The button was spotted in a tweet from social e-commerce site Fancy's Twitter account in June. It's not surprising Twitter wants to get into e-commerce. Acting as a marketplace can give the company a solid revenue stream if it can leverage the attention of its loyal users.