The new Googleplex, a green Bay View office-park in Mountain View

Google's Bay View Googleplex

Google is known to use some of the most famous offices in the world as their workplaces, but they actually never built a single office themselves, until now! The center-core of the Googleplex in Mountain View, California, hosts a suburban office park once occupied by Silicon Graphics which Google, being the new owner, "Google-ized it to suit its needs.

In the past two years, Google did a little brainstorming about building something totally  from scratch. It went so far that the company decided to hire the German architect Christophe Ingenhoven to design a new, eco-friendly structure on a site next to the existing Googleplex but they abandoned the project upon radically deciding to build in anleother part of Mountain View, closer to San Francisco Bay, and hiring a different architect: NBBJ from Seatt, a bit more conventional in nature.

The more you look at the plans, the more it hits you. The new complex has 9 somewhat identical buildings, most of those about 4 levels up in the air, shaped like rectangles which are bent in the middle to exhibit courtyards. Somne buildings have green roofs while they all by bridges, one of which will bring people straight to one of the green roofs (which has anoutdoor caf�).

The Bay View complex layout and floor plan that maximizes "casual collisions of the work force� No single employee in the million square feet campus will be more than a 2-minute walk away from any other employee. All the other Google offices have a mix of private, quiet work places and social work places and it will be no different at the new Google headquarters. �We started not with an architectural vision but with a vision of the work experience, And so we designed this from the inside out.�

FDA to approve the first bionic eye in the US

Argus II bionic eyes

Following approximately twenty-over years worth of research, development and trials, and an EU-approval in 2011, Second Sight Medical Products was granted US approval from the FDA for the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System.

The Argus II is the 1st bionic eye implant to treat advanced Retinitis Pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease that usually results in nearly complete blindness. The bionic eye includes a tiny camera, a transmitter which is mounted on a pair of glasses, a Video Processing Unit (VPU) and a retinal prosthesis (artificial retina). The Argus II bionic eye is able to effectively replace the degenerated cells in the patient's retina and lets the patient see shapes and movement. Images captured by the camera are transformed into data that is then transmitted wireless to the retinal prosthesis. However, the vision you get from the Argus II bionic eyes is certainly not comparable with regular sight.

The Argus II has 60 electrodes implanted in the retina and the company (among many others) is working towards an Argus III with higher resolution. It is widely expoected that bionic eyes with resolutions of more then 1000 electrodes will be commercially available in 2018 or 1019 while a few years later the resolution will be so much increased that even people with "normal" sight will start considering bionic eyes as an option to enhance their vision.

Artificial Ingence may cut healthcare costs by over 50%ellic

Artificial Intelligence
Machine learning

New research conducted by the University of Indiana in the USA concluded that Artificial Intelligence or machine learning which was responsible for the development of  voice recognition, self-driving cars and credit card fraud detection to name a few, can also greatly improve the cost and quality of the healthcare sector globally.

By deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI) frameworks, and utilizing Dynamic Decision Networks and Markov Decision Processes, they demonstrated how simulation modeling (which predicts the outcomes of treatment) can potentially improve patient treatment outcomes and lower costs as a result.

Jetpack now on sale

Buy your very own Jetpack

A jetpack, with a price-tag of "just" 80,000 Euro's was introduced at the International Defense Exhibition in Abu Dhabi. Martin Aircraft Company (not to be confused with Martinair), the manufacturers of this Jetpack point out that this product is now available for sale targeting the defence sector, aid sector as well as consumers who wish to explore the product for leisure purposes. The Jetpack weights 40 kilo, can get you up into the air to a maximum of a mile high and has a maximum speed of about 60 miles per hour.

The latest Windows Blue rumors and release date

The rumor is not confirmed yet but Windows Blue could become a stand-alone version. Windows Blue (9) will be a must-have revamp of Windows 8, and it would fix a lot of the problems within the current Windows operating system which is why it's wise to re-check all previously known details about Windows Blue. Keep in mind though that all of these are just rumors because Microsoft  doesn't say anything about Windows Blue officially.


The name Windows Blue

Although it's easy to assume the next version would be labelled as Windows 9, internal Microsoft sources have leaked that Microsoft was (again) changing course in the product-name field. Windows Blue didn't seem to be the only code-name that attracted Microsoft. People from within the company revealed that they earlier decided on Windows 9 (obviously) and later on Windows Next. At the end, it seems like Windows Blue is now the premier choice even though we can still expect Microsoft to change the name just before the official launch. After all they have proven to do that many times in the past. The same has happened with Metro, which has been renamed to Modern, but everybody still uses the original code-name.

Windows Blue is still in development

At the moment, not surprisingly, the software giant is still working their asses off on Windows Blue. A number of Microsoft employees and executives have already confirmed that teams are working on the new Windows version, "called either Windows 9, Windows Blue or something else". Another statements heard from the Microsoft quarters (in an interview about Windows 8): �It should just work. I'm not going to say we're going to reach perfection with Windows 8 because we're already working on Windows 9,�.

Windows Blue expected features

As you could expect, it�s far too early to talk about Windows Blue features, although there are quite some rumors about possible features to appear in Windows Blue. It starts with the Start button. Windows 8 is the first modern operating system that sails away from the conventional Start button, a small option that influences sales-figures more than everyone expected. Windows Blue, however, will bring the dominant Start button back. It will keep the Start Screen and eventually makes it somewhat more user friendly. Rumors are that Microsoft's planning to introduce some new customization features, as well as a slightly improved GUI to make the whole thing look more attractive. The task-bar is also rumored to receive some modifications to its interface, but nothing extreme. The desktop will still be around even though MS seems to love the Metro / Modern UI. It will have a similar look with minor adjustments here and there.

Windows Blue expected Release date

Windows Blue could well be released in June or July 2013. And that Windows Blue release date may be so early because of the disappointing sales of Windows 8. Even though it may not consist all the user-requested features, Windows Blue will be released this year to solve some of the problematic issues in Windows 8. It will be something like like a face-lift.

DNA genome sequencing steadily continues to improve

Handheld and portable DNA
genome sequencer

Although we are dealing with an economic crisis, the DNA genome sequencing industry continues to grow in rapid pace. After the Human Genome Project concluded in 2003, the potential for personalized medicine began to be realized. It had taken close to fifteen years and billions of Euro's to identify and map all 3,3 billion base pairs in the human genome. However, the methods used to achieve this had begun to improve exponentially, at a rate even faster than Moore's Law seen in computer chips. From 2008 inwards  the cost per genome was going down very fast. By 2013, it was possible to sequence an entire human genome for less than a hundred Euro's.

And the next few years bring even greater advances. One big trend in recent years has been the increasing portability of DNA genomes analyzing devices. These are becoming so sophisticated that they can provide results in a matter of seconds, at negligible costs. Handheld DNA genome sequencers have a wide range of practical applications such as their use by law enforcement officers (police) at crime scenes, to analyse biological evidence without the need to to send it to the forensic  lab, saving time and money. Aid workers in developing countries or disaster hit areas can identify viruses and verify water quality. Food inspectors can check for harmful pathogens in restaurants. Wildlife biologists can study genes in the field. And maybe the most widespread use of DNA genome sequencing is now among the general public, who can utilize it for a small fraction of what it would cost in previously. Just like the Internet seemed to appear out of the blue in the mid-90's of the last century, personal DNA genomic devices are going to explode into the mainstream in.

This is it, The Ultrapixel Technology Used by HTC One Camera

Currently usually power of camera performance is associated with the amount of camera resolution, such as 3MP, 5MP or 8MP. And, so that in general information resolution of 5MP better than 3MP (2048 x 1536 pixels), or 8MP (3264 x 2448 pixels) is more fine than 5MP (2592 x 1944 pixels).

But it seems now it will broken by the latest HTC's camera sensor technology, which is already embedded in the latest HTC�s smartphone, HTC One. Which will begin to circulate in the market next March, HTC creates an innovation called "Ultrapixels".

In Ultrapixel technologies, HTC approach with camera capabilities, instead of the high-scale Mega Pixel resolution quantity (number of pixels) but the pixel size. HTC offers new sensors that can improve the percentage of quality number of pixels to capture 300% more light (2 micro meters, ordinary camera 1.3 micro meter).

Its mean, the technology in the camera Ultrapixel HTC One can enlarge the arrest of the number of pixels in order to record more light and data. The photos will show the lighter shades (although objects in very minimal light conditions) and the colors accurately.

Based on the information from the HTC when their launch HTC One, camera sectors with a capacity of 4.3 MP (4.3 UP, Ultrapixel) arguably has the ability equivalent 8MP-13MP on camera phones in general. Although the resolution of the HTC One camera shots limited to 2688 x 1520 pixels (16:9 ratio). Of course in HTC One has added benefits and advantages of Ultrapixel technology.

For information, from the side of the lens, HTC One using auto focus lenses with focal length 28mm (equivalent 35mm) with f/2.0 aperture. Even the lens is larger than f/2.4 used by iPhone 5 and Lumia 920.

The camera is also equipped with HTC One optical image stabilization, which serves to absorb shocks while shooting or recording video. This camera can record 1080p HD resolution video (@ 60fps).

Meanwhile, at front camera, HTC One is equipped with 2.1 MP sensors with a wide-angle lens. This front camera can record 1080p video resolution.

Strengthen 'The Image', HTC Change Their Marketing Strategy

With the quality, features, and lastest smartphone specifications, HTC 'should' not difficult to penetrate the smartphone market competition at the highest level. But unfortunately, the facts speak otherwise precisely, where according to the Gartner report, as reported by DigiTimes, Taiwanese vendors this would have frozen out of the 10 largest mobile phone brand.

Understanding market conditions as hostile to its products, HTC reportedly ready to fix it by strengthening its product marketing sector.

As stated by the HTC CEO, Peter Chou, it is ready to improve and strengthen the position of product marketing, in order to resolve and overcome the challenges they face in today's market.

In the report, which quoted DigiTimes, HTC is also called will direct its marketing activities in the United States and Europe to promote their products directly to consumers.

HTC recently revealed the latest flagship smartphone, HTC One, it seems increasingly unsure if this smartphone launch as stated Chou will inject new passion into the smartphone market.

With HTC One which will be available globally through more than 185 carriers and retailers in more than 80 regions and countries beginning next March, HTC claims that it is prepared to hold the responsibilities associated with their own marketing activities in 2013 in order to promote this image of his brand.

Through the strategy to be done, it seems interesting to see the performance of HTC in the market, especially with the newly revealed smartphone, the HTC One who comes armed with a 4.7-inch full HD display with 468ppi density.

A look ahead: Microsoft Windows 9 (Windows Blue)

Windows Blue (Microsoft Windows 9)

Okay, it may be way too soon to confidently label Windows 8 either a success story or a big failure, but you can agree with me it's never early enough to ask the "what's next" question, especially in conjunction with a rumored mid-2013 update secretly referred to as �Windows Blue�... Microsoft will have to deliver a funky balancing act with its next Windows 9. It should be able to satisfy its existing users while at the same instance make a transition from the "old" desktop paradigm to the new "touch-first" interface. As it now stands, there's absolutely room for improvement!

The Windows team recently declined to give any answers about how it might build on Windows in the near futurecso here's one suggestion to showcase a potential track towards Windows 9.

Kill the desktop!
With Windows 8, Microsoft denoted the desktop user interface. Instead of being the main attraction when you turn on the device, it's just one app among many on the new �trendy� Start screen. The fact that Windows 8 is essentially 2 operating systems in 1 gives impetus to some interesting hybrid devices such as Surface Pro, but it has also attracted criticism from people who find the desktop vs start screen confusing. Let�s be totally honest, killing the desktop in Windows 9 would be an extreme step for a company that built their entire range of operating systems on just that interface for all those years, but Microsoft could certainly arrange for a cleaner future transition. The desktop may live on, provided it's in a way that doesn't seem so jarring next to the new interface.

ASUS Officially Introducing Memo Pad Smart

It has been previously reported that ASUS also going to launch Memo Pad 10 inches, titled Memo Pad Smart ME301T. In the event Thailand MobileExpo, the Taiwanese manufacturer was officially introduced Memo Pad Smart.

ASUS Memo Pad Smart comes with 10.1-inch WXGA screen, quad-core processor Nvidia Tegra 3 speed of 1.2 GHz. Also, supported by 1GB of RAM memory, internal memory for data storage and a 16GB microSD slot.

Memo Pad Smart tablet will perform well with a 5 MP camera (rear) and 1.2 MP (front), and runs Android OS 4.1 Jelly Bean.

This sleek tablet with thickness 9mm, priced around USD 360. With choices of color in white, blue and pink.

Ubuntu Smartphone Will Comes in Two Areas in October

Mark Shuttleworth, founder of Canonical stated by the Wall Street Journal that Ubuntu smartphone will be available in October. Linux OS that was announced last month as Enterprise OS will be available to developers on the Samsung Nexus end of February.

Quoted from zdnet.com, statements made Shuttleworth is not much different from that expressed Canonical on last January, although the October 2013 deadline earlier than scheduled in 2014. Furthermore Shuttleworth said the North American market is the main area in addition to the launch of the smartphone is another area that has not been disclosed.

Last Call: HTML+RDFa 1.1

From: W3C, World Wide Web Consortium

The RDFa Working Group has published a Last Call Working Draft of HTML+RDFa 1.1. This specification defines rules and guidelines for adapting the RDFa Core 1.1 and RDFa Lite 1.1 specifications for use in HTML5 and XHTML5. The rules defined in this specification not only apply to HTML5 documents in non-XML and XML mode, but also to HTML4 and XHTML documents interpreted through the HTML5 parsing rules. Comments are welcome through 28 February. Learn more about the Semantic Web Activity.