September 2008 - Posts
According to exo.performance.network (www.xpnet.com),
Earlier this week, we posted our findings from a 3-way browser comparison we had conducted featuring Internet Explorer 7, Internet Explorer 8 (Beta 2) and Firefox 3.01. As we were going to “print,” we learned that Google was readying its own foray into the browser market – Google Chrome – prompting us to quickly revisit our test scenario to add this high-profile newcomer to the mix.
Note: For more information on the exo.performance.network, or to register for your free Analysis Portal account, visit www.xpnet.com.
What we found was truly shocking: After re-executing our 10-site, multi-tab scenario across all 4 browsers, we discovered that it is Google Chrome, not Internet Explorer 8, that is the true memory consumption leader.
With a peak working set (324MB) just shy of IE 8’s updated 332MB mark, Chrome put a massive hit on available memory for our 2GB Windows XP (SP3) test system. And when we switched our focus to the average working set, Chrome actually topped IE 8 with an impressive 267MB footprint (compared to 211MB for IE 8).
Figure 1 – Average and Peak Working Sets
According to a recent study by O2,
Six degrees of separation has fallen to three due to the impact of social networking and developments in technology, according to a study carried out by O2.
O2 commissioned social organisational specialist Jeff Rodrigues to examine the impact of technology on how connected people are. The research included over 50 hours of in-depth interviews with adults across three different age groups, (18-25, 35-45, 55+) and found that the conventional notion of six degrees of separation is out of date.
The term was coined by US psychologist Stanley Milgram following a 1967 experiment. The six degrees theory was upheld in a 2006 Microsoft study of instant messenger conversations. However, the O2 study reveals that within a shared ‘interest’ network (i.e. hobbies, sport, music, religion, sexuality etc), the average person is connected by just three degrees.
Rodrigues finds that we are usually part of three main networks based on family, friendship and work. Outside of these we are, on average, part of five main shared ‘interest’ networks based on a range of personal interests from hobbies, sport, music and the neighbourhood we live in, to religion, sexuality and politics. It is the growth of these shared interest networks and the influence of technology on them that has led to the reduction in the number of degrees of separation.
All respondents were asked to make contact with an unknown person from destinations selected at random from across the globe using only personal connections. By using their shared interest networks the participants were able, on average, to make the connection in three person-to-person links.
For example, one of the respondents Katrina, 27 from Brighton, is a classical musician and leads a jazz band. She was asked to make contact with a Japanese jazz singer, Natsuo Murakami, halfway across the world. She contacted her record producer in Berlin via an email. He called his opposite number in Tokyo who had a register of all jazz singers in the country. Therefore making the link from Katrina to Natsuo in three personal steps.
According to the study one of the key factors driving the reduction in the number of degrees has been the growth in the number and quality of connections we now have. Almost all (97 per cent) of the respondents stated they felt more connected to people and networks now than they did 5, 10 and 20 years ago.
Next week is CTIA Wireless at Moscone in San Francisco. It’s long been Apple’s history to avoid hanging out with others in the industry. I’ve been attending mobility events for at least 5 years and not once has Apple ever made an appearance (Microsoft, Gartner, CTIA, etc).
Well, right next door to Moscone next week, apparently Steve Jobs will be making an announcement at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco at 10 am Pacific Time next Tuesday. CTIA officially starts on Wednesday but you know the press will be in early. So, what is the announcement? The by-line for next week? “Let’s Rock”.
http://ars.samsung.com/customer/usa/jsp/faqs/faqs_view.jsp?SITE_ID=22&PG_ID=557&PROD_SUB_ID=558&PROD_ID=957&AT_ID=132705%20
Where Do I Obtain Windows Mobile 6.1 For My SGH-i617 (BlackJack II)?
Samsung has released a software upgrade for the SGH-i617 (BlackJack II) which is recommended to be installed. This update includes an upgrade to Windows Mobile 6.1 and numerous software enhancements. The update may take between 10-15 minutes to complete if the system is already set up.
This upgrade contains several enhancements and features. Highlights are listed below.
- Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1w/AKU1.0.1
- Windows Mobile 6.1 includes new features such as:
- New Look & Feel: Using Windows Mobile 6.1, an easy-to-use Sliding Panel homescreen allows you quick access to your Samsung i617 primary functions by simply sliding vertically and horizontally through the homescreen panels.
- System Center Mobile Device Manager (SCMDM): When enabled by your business IT department, SCMDM provides device management enhancements and secure data access to your corporate network.
- Improved GPS Navigation: With AT&T Navigator and assisted-GPS (aGPS), the Samsung i617 leverages both satellite and cellular technology to get you there on time.
- Threaded SMS Messaging: Rather than seeing a stand-alone response when you open an SMS message, you'll view the details of your entire conversation. Now you can easily see how the conversation has progressed.
- Internet Connection Sharing: Utilize your smartphone capabilities by using your phone as a high-speed wireless modem for your laptop. It's easy to set up and even easier to connect. Just click and go!
- Mobile Banking: Perform secure banking transactions with many of the nation's largest banks right from your Samsung i617.
- Voice Command: Voice Command transforms your Samsung i617 into your own virtual personal assistant, letting you use your voice to look up contacts, make phone calls, get calendar information, and play and control your music, as well as start programs.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Multiple Software Download Tools Available
Samsung has offered separate Downloader Tools based upon different Operating Systems. It is critical to obtain the correct Downloader otherwise the update to Windows Mobile 6.1 will be unsuccessful for the SGH-i617.
- Please verify the requirements section before attempting the update.
- Please click on the appropriate image for the operating system installed on the computer.
- Next, follow the special instructions for downloader contained within that particular FAQ.
Software Download For Windows Vista Owners
Samsung has released a separate Downloader Tool to work on the Windows Vista Operating System. This was required due to the downloader’s requirement to work with Windows Mobile Device Center.
Requirements
COMPUTER
- Desktop/Laptop Computer Running Microsoft Windows Vista w/ Service Pack 1(x32 versions of Home, Premium, Business, Ultimate)
- Windows Mobile Device Center (WMDC) 6.1 Installed & Functioning Properly
- Samsung MCCI Modem Driver v4.38 Installed & Functioning Properly (included on CD)
- All Firewall & Anti-Virus Programs Should Be Disabled (See Article)
- Administrative Privileges Required To Download & Install Software
- (1) Available USB Port
- Direct connection of the USB cable to the computer's USB port is strongly advised. The use of a USB hub or docking station is NOT recommended.
PHONE
- Fully Charged Battery (Standard or Extended)
- The SIM Card Should Be Removed From The Phone
OTHER
- USB Data Cable (Included In Retail Box - P/N: APCBS10BBE)
- BlackJack II Companion CD
Software Download For Windows XP/2000 Owners
Samsung as released separate software downloader tool to work on the Windows XP/2000 Operating Systems. This was required due to the upgrader’s requirement to work with ActiveSync 4.5.
Requirements
COMPUTER
- Desktop/Laptop Computer Running Microsoft Windows XP w/ Service Pack 2 (x32 versions of Home or Premium) or Microsoft Windows 2000 w/ Service Pack 4 )
- ActiveSync 4.5 Installed and Functioning Properly
- Samsung MCCI Modem Driver v4.38 Installed and Functioning Properly
- All Firewall & Anti-Virus Programs Should Be Disabled (See Article)
- Administrative Privileges Required To Download & Install Software
- (1) Available USB Port
- Direct connection of the USB cable to the computer's USB port is strongly advised. The use of a USB hub or docking station is NOT recommended.
PHONE
- Fully Charged Battery (Standard or Extended)
- The SIM Card Should Be Removed From The Phone
OTHER
- USB Data Cable (Included In Retail Box - P/N: APCBS10BBE)
- BlackJack II Companion CD
IMPORTANT NOTICE
This upgrade to Windows Mobile 6.1 is only valid for the SGH-i617 (BlackJack II) offering to AT&T Wireless. It is not compatible with any other model.
Check the Handy Resources links for more information on the SGH-I617 (BlackJack II) or click here.
Additionally, please feel free to visit our site dedicated to the BlackJack II handset at http://www.samsung.com/blackjackii/.
I launched Windows Live Writer a bit ago and got a notice that Live Writer will be expiring in 29 days, and to download the new version. I thought maybe there was a new version but nothing. What gives? Will Live Writer quit working in 29 days?
Call me fickle…but…the alerts going off so low you can barely here it unless you’re actually carrying the device, and the battery life…(it has a spec’d battery of 1940mAh in it)…is really grating on my nerves. How in the world can a battery that size burn that quick? I mean, it’s just understood a WM device will go through a battery…but to be at 50% battery in about 2-3 hours, and prompting for low battery at 5 hours, for a battery at 1940? Geez…I have 1150mAh batteries lasting longer than that. And I’m getting tired of picking up my phone finding a bunch of email and tweets that I didn’t hear because it’s sitting at the other end of the table.
Buyers beware…you won’t hear alerts on this phone…and keep the charger handy. I hear a ROM upgrade may be on the way to address.
I think I’ll switch back to the Palm Pro for now.
The more I'm using the Mobile Messenger, the more impressed I'm getting. It just works, and is quite responsive. It feels solid in the hand, and is much more fingerprint resistive than other PDA's I've tested. Nice rubberized casing.