Android 2.3 comes with rich multimedia capabilities that will thrill both the common users and the Android developers. With features like mixable audio effects, support for new media formats, access to multiple cameras, the new media framework offers a versatile multimedia experience. Android mobile applications can take advantage of these new and advanced Android 2.3 capabilities to offer a vivid multimedia ecosystem. Outsource Android development team can make use of these various features to enhance the complete multimedia experience.

Audio mixing

Android 2.3 is loaded with a new audio effects API. Android developers can utilize this API to create vivacious audio environments. Audio effects API allow developers to configure audio equalization, bass boost, headphone virtualization, etc. Multiple audio effects can be mixed in a local track or can be applied across multiple tracks globally.

New media formats support

Capturing high-quality audio is feasible with Android 2.3 platform through its support of AAC encoding and AMR wideband encoding in software. Further, support is in-built for VP8 open video compression format and WebM open container format. This support provided by Android 2.3 is expected to set standards for high-definition video playback. WebM lets users to play videos on Web sites like YouTube in the Android Web browser.

Usage of multiple cameras

Android 2.3 comes with the upgraded Camera API allowing the Android developer access to multiple cameras present on the Android device. Android developers can query the Android 2.3 platform regarding the number of cameras on the device and their specific characteristics and then choose to open a particular camera. This allows developers to utilize available resources depending on requirements such as using the back-facing camera with higher quality resolution for taking high-quality photographs or using the front-facing camera with lower quality resolution for video conferencing. The front-facing camera too now can shoot and record videos.

New media framework

This new media framework in Android 2.3 platform now replaces the Open Core whilst maintaining all the older codec/container support for encoding and decoding. Some amount of support is available for extra large display devices like tablets and TVs, e.g., if you have a Samsung Galaxy Tab, Android 2.3 platform will let you make more use of the extra large screen the way Google wants you to. The 2.3 platform supports video chat as well, although to use video chat on tablets, you need to install extra software add-ons. Multitasking allows the users to run simultaneous multimedia sessions such as sending mails, updating spreadsheets and watching favorite videos.

Anyone who works on a computer day-in and day-out, for any extensive period of time, dreams of the day when a product will be developed that will end the tyranny of our endless tapping at the keyboard. Wouldn’t it be swell if we could simply speak and the computer recorded and typed what we said? Oh, yeah, it also has to be affordable for the average consumer.
That day, my friend, has come courtesy of Nuance and Dragon Naturally Speaking Preferred software. This unique software has won over 140 major awards worldwide for accuracy and ease of use. This accurate, affordable, and easy-to-use speech recognition program enables small/home office, business, and educational users to create and edit documents, reports, spreadsheets, and email all by voice.
With this software, you can accurately turn your voice into text. You can dictate continuously and naturally at up to 160 words per minute. The software is fully integrated with Microsoft Word, Excel, Internet Explorer and Corel WordPerfect. It can be used with virtually any Windows-based application.
Other product features include:
A comprehensive vocabulary of over 250,000 standard and business terms, with the ability to add new words easily.
The ability to insert text and graphics with a spoken word or phrase.
The capacity to dictate into any L&H certified handheld recorded while you are on the road.
Text-to-speech technology that allows your documents and emails to be read back to you in a human sounding voice.
Searching the Web, accessing information, and navigating web pages by speaking URLS and links.
Dragon NaturallySpeaking 8 boasts a speech to text conversion accuracy rating of 99%. The standard version is available for just under $100 while the preferred version retails for approximately $200. Among the main usability differences between the two versions is that the standard version does not do dictation playback, work with a handheld digital recorder, dictate into a PocketPC or PalmOne Tungsten handheld device, and does not possess the smart formatting feature.
By effectively harnessing the power of Dragon NaturallySpeaking 8, we can improve the way we perform work on our computer.

When your PC eats up almost the entire space in your computer table, it’s time to have a little re-organizing. Desktop computers, especially those bulky CPU’s and monitors could eat up quite a space which could be a room for other essentials such as folder stackers, telephone or fax machine. Nowadays, bulky personal computers can be really heavy to the eyes, especially since in today’s technology, the adage, “bulk is out, thin is in” is the mainstream.

Let’s start with your computer table. Its size may vary depending on your design. It may be wide enough to accommodate two “bulky” PC sets, or it could barely hold one, and you don’t have enough space left for the keyboard or the mouse.

First things first, remove all unnecessary files, folders, papers, trash, coffee mugs and saucers, ashtrays, etc. on your desk. Clear the area. Your computer table should be just that, a computer table and not a hodgepodge of everything else. However, top designers say that there are some essential things that should be within reach (especially for an office desk).

The telephone, for one should be within reach. Some very important and frequently used documents could be stacked inside an upright holder which can cover only a little space and is still within reach compared to when just piled up on top of the table.

However, if the area is already clear, but you can still barely fit a small pen holder on top of it, you should think of getting yourself a bigger desk or… a new set of personal computer.

Super space-saving computers have flooded the market nowadays. Try checking out flat monitors to replace your old, bulky one. Have your CPU re-designed or buy one of those small and slim tower CPUs. Small and compact keyboards are also available, reducing the size of a regular keyboard to almost a half.

And, if you do not have a place to slide your mouse in, try using a trackball mouse. That way, it occupies just that small space and you don’t have to glide it across a wider area.

Or have all of those pieces in one super sleek laptop notebook. People on the go prefer to have a laptop which they can take along whenever and wherever they go. And nowadays, laptops are not at all far behind in terms of technical capabilities vis–vis PCs.
It is always a good thing to see a clear and organized computer table. It would compel one to work well, without the mess adding up to the already full and cluttered working brain. And, admit it, it’s nice not seeing those bulky gadgets anymore. It helps ease the heaviness in the mind as well.

If you are a computer enthusiast, you dont need to be told about the most common computer problems. However, a majority of people who own a computer dont understand that there are common computer errors that you will begin to experience as your system ages with time. It does not necessarily mean that you should abandon your old PC and look out for buying a new one. On the other hand, it would be best if you gain knowledge about these problems and then find out how to troubleshoot them.

Computer Hangs-Up: You must have seen your computer hanging up. At times, it would have been impossible for you to even get the cursor moved. You should leave the computer for a while and give it some time to do its thing on its own and then you can get back online to finish what you need to do. If it does not come to a normal working condition in few minutes, try rebooting your system. It is not recommended that you do this all the time; however sometimes this is the only way to bring it back to life.

Maintenance problem: Unfortunately, over 75% of computer users dont realize the need to take proper acre of their systems. Poor PC maintenance can lead to nasty technical errors which will keep coming up every now and then, thereby disturbing you in the middle of the work.

Blue Screen Error: This is one of the most complicated computer problems. It would make your system just freeze up or even worse the screen would turn totally blue. It could mean that your machine has a short circuit or it could have acquired a computer virus.

No matter what types of computer problems you are facing, you can get them troubleshoot by computer experts. You can nowadays find a lot of such professionals on the Internet. Such services are known as online computer support. The techs will also offer you valuable information on how to properly maintain your PC.

These resources are available for 24×7 and make sure that your problem gets resolved quickly and you get quality services at the most reasonable rates.

Acer has launched its new handset Acer E101 which is fully packed with all the multimedia and connectivity features. The handset is available in black color which offers an elegant look to the design. Windows Mobile version of 6.5 Operating System is backed up with huge power and memory space that can attract any mobile enthusiast. The design is so sleek that users will not face any trouble while holding the device. Hardware is the plus point for this gadget and the configuration is just suitable for this fast processing mobile.

Camera The gadget has a 2 mega pixel camera with a supporting resolution of 1600 x 1200 pixels. Picture quality of the device is quite good and it offers some optional camera features to users. It has a QVGA resolution with other attributes like digital zoom and frames. Camera is positioned at the back of the handset and users can effortlessly click pictures using the lens. The camera is very easily accessible as it can easily get activated by a simple click from the home screen.

Multimedia Music player of this device is specifically designed for music lovers as the player supports all audio and video formats like MP3, WMA, WMV and MPEG4 to name a few. The sound feature is remarkable and the speakers are placed at the back providing quality music to users. Gadget is equipped with speaker phone and one can talk to anyone without any tribulation. Users can store unlimited number of songs and videos as it integrates a huge memory space.One can make their own play list from the play list manager and can add their favorite songs.

Video quality is also very decent and it supports MPEG4 file formats. It has a Windows Media Player version 10 to make the viewing experience more pleasant on large TFT screen of 3.2 inches. The device is full of entertainment and connectivity features making this design a perfect choice for the users. he faster speed offered by the phone enables people to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. So, opt for this gadget and have the benefit of using remarkable attributes at reasonable prices.

Nokia E72 Grey, Nokia N86 8MP Black, Nokia N96 are the popular Mobile Phones and these phone contracts are available on Online Mobile Phone Shop UK.

What are Single Board Computers

When most people think of computers, the image of a PC or laptop comes to mind. Some may even recall the football field size computers of the 1960’s and 70’s before the emergence of the PC. Very few people would picture single board computers , even if there was one sitting right in front of them! A single board computer is the terminology used for a printed circuit board that contains a processor, memory, I/O (input/output) and a clock. Single board computers (aka SBC’s) resemble the motherboard contained in a typical PC, but include all the elements of a basic computer within it’s small design. Since the early 1980’s, the technology behind this type of computers has been used in industrial manufacturing and computerized product design to apply basic processing functions for high-tech product features.

Usage of Single Board Computers

Also commonly referred to as embedded computers, single board computers are used in products from airplanes and rocket ships, to toys and high performance athletic shoes. Almost everyone uses single board computers without being aware of their existence. Most products that utilize computer technology (such as fax machines, cameras, cell phones, etc) contain embedded single board computers. While these tiny computers can host a full size operating system such as Windows XP, most SBC’s have internal operating systems that take up much less space. Simpler operating systems equal a lower cost per computer. Software for single board computers is generally contained on a flash memory system or ROM chip. Quality indictors for single board systems include processor performance, I/O compatibility, SSD storage and wireless capabilities.

Pros and Cons of Single Board Computers

There are both advantages and disadvantages to using SBC’s for industrial and product enhancement. Deciding whether or not to implement single board computer technology is largely a matter of application necessity and cost. Some of the deciding factors on using them include:

+ Pro : Current technologies have increased the capability of the single board computer, while reducing its size and cost.

+ Pro : Wireless technology has made it possible for easy internet access via SBC.

+ Pro : The competitive market has greatly expanding the options and functionalities available for SBC’s.

+ Pro : Advanced computer technology offers reliability for industrial manufacturers and quality products for vendors using SBC’s.

– Con : Incorporation can be costly for high volume products and applications.

– Con : Some applications require customized sizes or I/O functions that are not compatible with standard SBC’s.

Single Board Computer Technologies

While all SBC’s are built using similar standards, different technologies can be included with individual SBC’s. Video capability, Ethernet access functionality and digital computer technologies are just some of the features that can be incorporated into a single board computer. In general, SBC’s can be as simple or as complex as an application demands. Additionally, supplemental hardware such as backplanes and mezzanine structures can significantly increase the functionality of a single board computer.