Archive for November, 2009
Software Piracy and Movie Piracy in India
Piracy in India is an old story, one we’ve been all but desensitized to since the first PCs started showing up in offices and homes. It’s so open, so normal and so habitual that it’s difficult to convince people that there’s something wrong. And even in the last few years, with awareness campaigns and better distribution for legal software, the sheer audacity of the industry is still amazing to see.
Yes, piracy is a flourishing industry. Maybe people still think it happens only on the streets (or Torrent sites) and are unaware of the amount of money that gets siphoned out of regular channels and into black markets. Maybe the authorities still think it’s only a soft crime; an occasional distraction from “real” law and order situations. Good, bad, wrong or right, consciously or not, piracy has gained enough social sanction that even registered DVD duplication units are known to accept orders for producing these knockoff discs.
Surveys published by the Business Software Alliance (BSA), IDG and KPMG point out that piracy is highest in developing nations, and that there is a direct correlation between piracy and malware infections. The monetary value of unlicensed software, i.e. the loss incurred by manufacturers, was pegged at US$ 50.2 billion for the year 2008. Pirated software even outstrips free software, since the cost advantage is negated. And while India isn’t one of the top 25 offenders, losses are mounting enough that manufacturers and distributors are finding it tough to do business.
For the end consumer, on the other hand, it’s a bonanza. A pirated version of Windows Vista Ultimate comes for Rs 60 today, as opposed to Rs 4,900 for a legal copy of Home Basic. And Windows 7 has been available on the streets long before it’s launch last week. Who wouldn’t give it a try? And who wouldn’t buy five of the latest movies for Rs 100 on the roadside, to watch at peace on their computers at night? Who wouldn’t want to stop at a corner stall where a vendor with a cheap laptop will fill their phones with all the current Bollywood soundtrack hits for Rs 150? They can get a few fresh gigabytes’ worth every month.
Maybe without piracy, we wouldn’t watch as many movies, read as many books or use as much high-end software as they now do. Maybe we wouldn’t even grow or learn without it—how many of us can say our first computers used a licensed OS (or how many of us even knew there was such a distinction)? Most likely, we’d all be quite lost and upset if all access to pirated material was suddenly blocked. We’re at the pirate party already, and we don’t even think it’s a problem.
Toshiba Launches Laptops Pre-loaded With Windows 7
Toshiba has rolled out its flagship Consumer and Commercial models pre-loaded with Windows 7 Operating System.
Toshiba’s range of Notebook PCs feature high definition (HD) CSV screens, LED display, multi-touch control panel, power saving Eco-Utility, higher battery life, new patterns, 3D HDD protection, Fingerprint recognition and Face recognition using HD Auto macro integrated wide angle web-camera.
Toshiba Notebook PCs are now available in all screen sizes from 10.1-inch to 16-inch including Tablet PC models.
For all existing customers, the company has also introduced a free upgrade offer program from Vista to Windows 7. Toshiba provides International Limited Warranty on all models including parts and labour.
The Portege M900-D3212 comes with leather texture finish and is available in Luxe Brown. It is equipped with a 13.3-inch Wide High Definition (HD) Screen with Clear Super View (CSV) technology and Nvidia Graphics Controller with 512MB of dedicated Video memory.
The Satellite M500-D4311 has a Champage Gold Aero design, a 14-inch Wide LED backlit flush screen and a chrome border that encompasses not just the Notebook PC but also the Touchpad console, speaker grills and hinges. This notebook also comes with a backlit keyboard that allows the user to work comfortably even in dark areas and during night. The Satellite M500-D4311 provides the best-in-class multimedia experience with features like Nvidia graphics controller, 512MB dedicated video memory, Harman/kardon speakers and 1366×768 resolution in 16:9 aspect ratio. This notebook can be connected to an LED/LCD Television using the HDMI-CEC REGZA link to deliver high definition multi-media experience to a larger audience.
The new Satellite L500-D5310 and L510-D4311 come in a Black casing with Breeze ID color. The glossy appearance runs on the LCD cover and keyboard alike. This new model of Satellite Notebook PCs are equipped with DDR3 memory that provides better performance along with power saving features. Both these Notebook PC’s comes pre-loaded with Intel Core2 Duo Processor, 3GB of Memory and a 320GB HDD.
The Satellite L500-D5310 is the lightest Notebook PC in the 15.6-inch display category at just 2.72 Kgs. The model boasts of features like High Definition 15.6-inch screen with Clear Super View technology, stereo speakers, HDMI and USB/eSATA port, USB sleep-n-charge function and full-size 104 keys keyboard.
The Satellite L510-D4311 provides superior multimedia experience with its Nvidia graphics controller, 512MB dedicated video memory and a 14-inch LED screen with Clear Super View technology. This model also comes with HDMI, USB/eSATA port and USB sleep-n-charge functions.
Sony India Launches VAIO X Series Notebooks
Sony has launched the “world’s lightest” notebooks with the VAIO X Series.
The VPCX113KG model weighs 655 gms with 3.5 hours battery life and 14 Hrs Optional LL battery.
It also features:
• 64 GB SSD
• Intel Atom Processor Z540 (1.86 GHz, HT Technology supported)
• Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium (32-bit)
• 11.1 (28.2 cm) wide (WXGA: 1366 x 768) ; VAIO Display Premium, LED backlight
• Integrated Wireless LAN IEEE 802.11b/g/Draft n
The VPCX117LG model weighs 760 gms with 6.5 hours battery life and 16 Hrs Optional LL Battery.
It also features:
•128 GB SSD
• Intel Atom Processor Z550 (2 GHz, HT Technology supported)
• Genuine Windows 7 Professional (32-bit)
• 11.1 (28.2 cm) wide (WXGA: 1366 x 768) ; VAIO Display Premium, LED backlight
• Integrated Wireless LAN IEEE 802.11b/g/Draft n
The X Series touch pad uses multi-touch functionality allowing users to zoom in and out, flip through pictures, rotate items and scroll vertically and horizontally without touching a mouse.
The VAIO X VPCX113KG and VPCX117LG costs Rs. 64,990 and Rs. 84,990 respectively.
Get Live News on Your Mobile as You Get on TV
English news channel NewsX has now made its videos available on mobile phones with just a 30-second delay from what is seen on the TV. The service is primarily aimed at “tech-savvy” and “corporate people”, says spokesperson Ajatshatru Singh.
“This service is primarily for the urban and corporate people who are very tech savvy and who are happy using gadgets. It is for those who want news on the go – which is what we call the mobile generation… So as long as they have a device in their hands, the news can be delivered to them,” Singh, head of Online, NewsX, told IANS.
As part of this service which was launched last week, viewers can access the same news content on their mobile device as they see it on NewsX TV channel and also its website. A special mobile URL – m.newsx.com/live – can be used to access the same.
Asked why the channel felt the need to introduce this concept, Singh explained: “The opportunity to do this has always been there given that India has the fastest growing mobile market in the world. It was about a year ago that we realised that with so many handsets floating around, people will want to get any kind of content delivered on their mobiles – so why not news?”
According to Singh, the video service will best work on phones such as the Apple iPhone and high-end models of all other companies like Motorola, Nokia, Samsung or HTC.
Also, there are no extra costs for availing the service, except for the basic expense of using mobile Internet.
“We have no subscription charges, no fees attached with this. As long as you have a phone with Internet, you can log on to the URL and access news. There is also no specific operator we have tied up with. The service is cost independent and operator independent,” he said.
Sony Launches Desi Adda for The PS2 and PSP
Sony Computer Entertainment has announced the launch of Desi Adda: Games of India – specially developed by an Indian Game Development Studio – GameShastra Solutions Pvt Ltd, for the PS2 and PSP.
Desi Adda: Games of India are the first console games to be playable in 3 Indian languages – Hindi, Punjabi and Tamil. It features 6 traditional Indian games – Pachisi, Goat & the tiger, Kite Fight, Kabaddi, Gilli Danda and a dance game.
Developed for both PS2 and PSP, ‘Desi Adda: Games of India’ will be available in the Indian market at a suggested retail price of Rs. 499, for PS2 and Rs. 999 for the PSP.
Atindriya Bose, Country Manager – PlayStation, Sony Computer Entertainment said, “We are very proud to launch the first Indian game on PSP with localized content, in 3 Indian languages completely developed in India These are the long-established, traditional games of India that are now inspiring games on the very modern interactive platform of PlayStation. On PS2 and PSP platform, people will, for the first time, get to play these time-honored games and carry forward the flavors of traditional India to the newer generations”.
Prakash Ahuja, CEO, Gameshastra, said, “When we presented the concept of Desi Adda to SCEE , we were pleasantly surprised with the enthusiasm and the support that we got from SCEE to build India based thematic content for the Indian market and the Diaspora globally. We are very excited with the way the game has evolved and are thankful to SCEE for all their belief in launching this title across their major platforms. Currently, we are also working on a new genre of game based on Indian Martial Arts, along with multiple titles for the PSP Minis platform for the global market.”
The game is the story of Avinash, son of an NRI businessman, who comes to visit his ancestral village. Since Avinash has lived all his life abroad, and this is his first visit to an Indian village, he is fascinated by what he sees. The story unfolds as he roams around the village, plays the different village games, and meets Gowri and Gopal, a couple who are in love, but cannot get married as the village head, Garjan Singh, is opposed to their match. Avinash must now seek different people in the village, who play a part in this story one way or the other, and try to find a way to get Gowri and Gopal married and also save the village from the evil plans of Garjan Singh.
The 6 traditional Indian games include:
Pachisi – Pachisi is a turn based board game played using the cross shaped board and two rectangular dice. It’s a game of change and strategy. Pachisi game played between the Pandavas and Kauravas is the significant event in the great epic of Mahabharata.
Aadu Puli Aatam (Goat & the Tiger) – This is a hunting game between the extravagant Tigers and the deceitful goats. The general rule of this interesting strategy game is the number of tigers varies from 1 to 4, and the number of goats from 11 to 12 to 23 or 24. The general aim is to hem in the tigers so that they cannot move, but the arrangement of pieces, the method of play and the rules of capture vary from game to game.
Kite fight – In India people fly kites to cut other kites. Specially made threads, mostly coated with fine powdered glass, are used for the kite fight. Kites are made from colored paper and are available in various shapes. Two bamboo sticks called “tuddah” (which is straight) and “Kaamp” which is arched, hold the paper together. The string attached determines the performance of the kite.
Kabaddi – Two teams compete with each other for higher scores, by touching or capturing the players of the opponent team. Each team consists of 12 players, of which seven are on court at a time, and five in reserve. The two teams fight for higher scores, alternating defence and offense.
Gilli Danda is a game like cricket or baseball but without a ball and with a different set of rules. The ball is replaced by a small stick called Gilli. The Gilli 3 to 4 inches long and both the ends are tapered. Danda is a 24 inch long cylindrical stick used like a bat. Player can enjoy batting the Gilli or fielding among the free cattle.
Dance game is a beat matching game, in which the user has to match the beats of a song playing in the background, by pressing a combination of buttons at the right time as they scroll on the bottom of the screen. The aim is to try and successfully press the right combination of buttons at the right time in order to win the game.