Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY benchmark results don't break any new ground (video)

Cold blooded benchmarking is what reveals the actual performance of a chip and in the case of the SonyEricsson Xperia PLAY it's a key part as the gaming centric handset relies on graphically intensive games. But how does it rate to the rest out there?

We ran a couple of benchmarks to see how the graphical part of the single-core Qualcomm MSM8255 chipset with Adreno 205 graphics on the Xperia PLAY performed. First the Quadrant Standard Edition application showed results varying in the 1500's, comparable to what the recently released HTC Incredible S can reach. At the same time, the dual-core heavyweight LG Optimus 2X scored nearly 2400 on the same test. But Quadrant is a comprehensive test and to further separate out the graphics we had to turn to An3DBenchXL, a benchmark measuring the 3D graphical punch power. The following series of tests showed that the Xperia PLAY was no front-runner in delivering the best of graphics. We ran the following tests on the Xperia PLAY along with the LG Optimus 2X and the Samsung Galaxy S without lagfix:

This rather detailed breakdown shows that the Xperia PLAY - while being definitely capable - is far from reaching higher grounds in the graphical department. Actually, its performance compares more to the one on the last year's Samsung Galaxy S. We wished we could justify this by saying that it's the software that matters, but currently the XPERIA Play has only 6 exclusive PS titles in store. The bottomline seems to be that the gamepad is what truly defines the first PS-certified handset. It's a huge plus nevertheless – it frees up the screen and boosts your gaming a great deal, but graphic-wise the XPERIA Play is no technological wonder.

T-Mobile G2X release date confirmed: April 15th online, April 20th retail

The T-Mobile G2X, which is basically a rebranded LG Optimus 2X, is the dual-core handset which should take the crown as the most powerful one on the carrier, but the wait for it is much more bearable when you have an official release date. Just like rumors suggested, the G2X will hit stores on April 20th, but if you want to place your order even earlier, you'll be able to order online starting from April 15th.

It will put you down $199.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate if you choose to sign a two-year contract, which will possibly usher you into AT&T-Mobile times. In return you get the full dual-core power of NVIDIA's Tegra 2, which crushed the Quadrant benchmark app scoring in the 2400s. Add to that full HD video recording, one of the speediest browsing experiences (4G-capable, Flash included) and the openness of Android and you have an appealing package. But if you're still in doubt about the raw power of the G2X, don't forget to see our head-on collision between the LG Optimus 2X and the Apple iPhone 4!

source: TMoNews via T-Mobile (Twitter)

Dell Streak 7 Review

Introduction:

Even though they’re still trying to secure carrier partnerships for their products, Dell is no stranger in the Android space especially when it caught us by surprise with the original Dell Streak. Luckily for them, they were able to snag T-Mobile’s attention and get their latest venture, the Dell Streak 7, onto the lineup of the nation’s number four wireless carrier. When so many Android tablets require such a high premium cost of ownership, it’s utterly refreshing to see that the Dell Streak 7 is priced at $200 with a contract, and more importantly, it’s under the $500 threshold at $449.99 no-contract. Sharing some similarities with its 5” sibling, the Dell Streak 7 is fully committing itself into the tablet realm, but does it stand a chance against the competition?

The package contains:

• Dell Streak 7
• USB cable
• Hands-free Headset
• Wall Charger
• Quick Start Guide
• Terms & Conditions

Design:

Instantly, we’re quickly reminded on how the Dell Streak 7 closely mimics the design of its slightly smaller 5” variant with its sloped sides, however, it decides to employ this tough plastic shell instead. Still tallying in at a manageable 0.49” thickness, we’re happy with the overall size of the tablet, which is quite comfortable to hold with even one hand, but there is a surprising amount of weight with this one. Furthermore, its screen is definitely a magnet for smudges and finger prints, but its plastic casing combined with its criss-cross pattern manages to handle well in keeping everything else looking clean. Taking most of its design cues from the original Dell Streak 5, we still find the implementation to work well with this one – especially for something regarded as a full figured tablet.

The Dell Streak 7 is quite comfortable to hold with even one hand

Without a doubt, it seems that the Dell Streak 7 is meant to be held in landscape. The 7” display is lagging in terms of quality since it sports a measly WVGA (800 x 480) resolution and quickly shows off its weakness when attempting to read out fine text in the web browser. As for color production, it seems natural for the most part when viewing the display at a direct 90 degree angle, but again, it washes out tremendously at extreme angles. But you know, low price means compromise.

Viewing angles of the Dell Streak 7

Taking advantage of its speedy HSPA+ connection, we find a 1.3-megapixel front facing camera for video chat and shooting self-portraits perched above its display, while the usual set of Android capacitive buttons are located on the right along the sloped side. Happily, the three buttons are finger friendly in size and we didn’t have any trouble pressing them; nor did we run into any problems accidentally hitting them.

Front facing camera	Android capacitive buttons

Hidden beneath a wide plastic flap on the right edge of the tablet, both the SIM and standard sized SD card slots are safely tucked away to keep dirt and debris from messing with its innards. Also, the Dell Streak 7 utilizes two speakers which are located oppositely from one another on both edges. Placed rather in an unfamiliar location, the 3.5mm headset jack is the only other protrusion found on the left side of the tablet.

Meanwhile, the rigid feeling volume rocker and dedicated power button are sitting close-by next to one another on the top edge, and in fact, they exhibit a sensible response when pressed. If it were a smartphone, we would be appalled to find a proprietary charging/data connection port, but since this is a tablet we’re talking about, the one on the Dell Streak 7 doesn’t come as a surprise.

SIM and SD card slots	The top edge

The sides of the Dell Streak 7

Finally, the only thing we see on the back is nothing more than the 5-megapixel auto-focus camera and LED flash. Unlike the original Dell Streak, we’re locked out completely from accessing anything internally with this one since it utilizes a non-removable battery.

The back hosts the 5-megapixel auto-focus camera

Fowndr offers private social network for start-ups

Lookout people of the Internet, there's another social network on the horizon! But this new network isn't designed to compete with Facebook, Twitter or MySpace; instead, it's intended for the people who build these services.

Fowndr, pronounced founder, is a new private network that hopes to offer creators of technology start-ups a place to discuss new projects and share learning, resources and files with other like-minded technologists.

"It's basically a safe place for entrepreneurs and founders to share ideas, projects and files," said Stu Green, founder of Fowndr. "The service is designed for people who have been involved in setting up businesses in the past and love new enterprise."

Mr. Green, who is based in London, said he had the idea for his new company while working on a number of other technology start-ups when he yearned for a place to share ideas and receive feedback from seasoned entrepreneurs.

Inventors show-off weird and wacky devices

They say there's a gadget for just about everything. That now includes boots which detect radiation and a kangaroo tail for weary humans who'd like a rest but can't be bothered to sit down.

These and a thousand other devices went on display Wednesday at the world's biggest inventions fair, where exhibitors from 45 countries showed-off their weird and wacky designs in Geneva in the hope of attracting investors or buyers.

Peyman Sarhadi of Iran showed off his "super smart boot," which he hopes will become the Swiss army knife of footwear.

Equipped with sensors, it collects data on air temperature, humidity, location and the wearer's blood pressure, and then sends the information to a base camp. It can heat or cool the feet and can also measure radiation levels, a feat that might be useful given Iran's reputed nuclear ambitions -- peaceful or otherwise.

Sarhadi claims the boot is already being tested by the Iranian army.

"It's useful," Sarhadi said in a remarkably understated sales pitch.

Emanuele Lopopolo of Italy presented a portable backrest that allows its wearer to take a break from standing by leaning back onto a telescopic pole.

"The kangaroo can rest its weight on its tail, so we've made the same thing for humans," he said, reclining at a 60-degree angle while passing spectators did their best not to trip over the pole.

Miracle tinctures and obscure industrial equipment aside, visitors may find the most useful inventions include a mouthwash-dispensing toothbrush, a braille photocopier, a foldable tandem bike and a vertical garden.

Jean-Marc Batard said the idea to build his pyramid-like garden came from his experience running a retirement home, where many elderly people complained about not being able to pursue their love of gardening because it was too hard for them to bend down.

The Frenchman came up with a modular wooden frame that can be modified to suit the gardener's horticultural preference -- and reach.

While many inventors enjoy support from their governments or universities, some have invested large sums of their own money in unlikely gadgets in the hope of someday hitting the jackpot.

"I've spent $71,500 on the prototype, now I need an investor to make it in bulk," said Roberto Capomazza, demonstrating what he claims is the fastest shrimp peeling device ever invented.

And why did he devote so much money toward developing a rather simple kitchen implement?

"I love shrimp, but I hate using my fingers to peel them," he replied.

The fair opened Wednesday and runs until April 10.

Twitter hits some technical turbulence

Twitter appeared to be grappling with technical troubles on Tuesday, disabling a new home page as well as a "Trends" feature at the popular microblogging service.

"We're disabling #NewTwitter," the startup's support team said in a message tweeted at 4 pm (2300 GMT). "Our engineers are working on re-enabling it."

Twitter earlier said it was working to resolve problems displaying timelines and "elevated error rates."

Three hours later, Twitter sent out word that it had disabled a Trends feature for all users.

The problems came a day after Twitter introduced homepage improvements that included letting people follow accounts based on interests.

Previously, searches were based on keywords and Twitter accounts were suggested on a list if they contained the search terms.

"When you search for a topic, you can now discover accounts that are relevant to that particular subject," Twitter spokeswoman Carolyn Penner said in a blog post.

"You can search for general topics, like funny or sports, or be more specific -- try Manchester United, NASCAR or Formula One."

Facebook launches page for journalists

Facebook has launched a media resource page to help journalists use the social network as a reporting tool and better connect with their audience.

The "Journalists on Facebook" page is intended to be "an on-going resource for the growing number of reporters using Facebook to find sources, interact with readers, and advance stories," Justin Osofsky, Facebook's director of media partnerships, said in a blog post.

"The page will provide journalists with best practices for integrating the latest Facebook products with their work and connecting with the Facebook audience of more than 500 million people," Osofsky said.

Facebook has been working with journalists since early 2010 to help make their content more social and Osofsky said the average media organization has seen referral traffic from Facebook soar over 300 per cent since then.

Facebook also said it was launching a "Facebook Journalism Meetup" program with workshops on how to use Facebook as a reporting tool.

It said the first one will be held on April 27 at Facebook headquarters in Palo Alto, California.

Within hours of going up, the Journalists on Facebook page had received nearly 2,300 "likes."

Among those friending the page were CBS television news anchor Katie Couric, ABC's evening news anchor Diane Sawyer and ABC Sunday talk show host Christiane Amanpour, formerly of CNN.

Microsoft to power Toyota cars on Internet highway

Microsoft and Toyota Motor Corp. (TMC) on Wednesday announced they will work together to infuse the Japanese auto maker's cars with digital capabilities hosted in the Internet "cloud."

Microsoft and Toyota planned to jointly invest $12 million (one billion yen) in a Toyota subsidiary devoted to automotive digital information services.

Navigation, energy management, and other "smart" features in the next generation of Toyota vehicles were to be built on Microsoft cloud-computing platform Windows Azure.

"Today's announcement... is a great example of how we continue to invest in the automotive industry and of our commitment to power the services that are important to consumers," said Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer.

"It further validates the power of the cloud, as the Windows Azure platform will provide the enterprise-grade, scalable platform that TMC needs to deliver telematics in its automobiles worldwide."

Toyota cars tapping into computer services hosted by Microsoft in the Internet "cloud" were to be electric and plug-in hybrid models to hit roads next year.

Toyota expected to have a "complete global cloud platform" in place by 2015.

Toyota is conducting tests in Japan of a Smart Center intended to connect people, homes, and cars in an energy management system using Internet technologies.

"Creating these more efficient, more environmentally advanced products will be our contribution to society," TMC president Akio Toyoda said in a release.

"To achieve this, it is important to develop a new link between vehicles, people and smart center energy-management systems."

Gunman opens fire in Brazilian school, 13 dead

Rio de Janeiro:  Brazilian authorities say that a gunman opened fire in an elementary school in Rio de Janeiro and at least 13 people are dead. The gunman is among them, though it is not clear if he shot himself or was killed by police.

Fire department spokesman Evandro Bezerra tells the Globo television network that at least 20 people were wounded in Thursday's shooting.

A fire department spokeswoman confirmed to The Associated Press that there were deaths, but she did not know the exact number. She spoke on condition of anonymity as she was not authorized to discuss the matter.

Boat with immigrants capsizes off Italy; 250 missing

Rome:  A boat carrying as many as 300 migrants from Libya capsized in rough seas off the Italian coast early on Wednesday, leaving 250 people unaccounted for. Survivors told of desperately trying to reach rescue boats as those unable to swim screamed in the darkness and pulled one another under the water.

If the number of dead is confirmed, it would prove the deadliest crossing to Italy in recent memory, and the worst refugee disaster since a wave of migrants began arriving on Italian shores in January following popular revolts in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya.

The Italian coast guard rescued 48 people Wednesday and a fishing boat picked up another three after the boat began taking on water shortly after 1 am.

Survivors told The International Organization for Migration that they swam toward approaching coast guard vessels, but many others drowned because they couldn't swim or were dragged back by screaming fellow passengers.

59 bodies found in pits in Mexican border state

Mexico City:  Mexican security forces searching for abducted bus passengers in a violent northern state bordering Texas have stumbled on a collection of pits holding a total of 59 bodies.

The grisly find was made near the ranch where drug cartel gunmen less than a year ago massacred 72 migrants who were trying to reach the United States.

Investigators struggled to exhume the bodies in the mass grave to determine whether they belonged to kidnapped bus passengers, migrants who frequently ride buses in the area, or drug traffickers executed by rivals.

Tamaulipas state investigators and federal authorities went to the site about 80 miles (130 kilometers) south of the border at Brownsville, Texas, to investigate reports that gunmen had begun stopping buses and pulling off some passengers in the area starting March 25.

Immigrant boat capsizes off Italy; 250 missing

Rome:  A boat carrying as many as 300 terrified migrants from Libya capsized in rough seas off the Italian coast early Wednesday, as rescuers, hampered by strong winds, struggled to get to them.

The Italian coast guard rescued 48 people and a fishing boat picked up another three, but as many as 250 more remained unaccounted for as night fell Wednesday.

Survivors told The International Organization for Migration that they swam in the darkness toward approaching coast guard vessels, but many others drowned because they couldn't swim, or were dragged down by screaming fellow passengers.

The coast guard is searching for survivors in what could be one of the worst tragedies since a wave of illegal migration from North Africa to Italy began in January, officials said.

Gaddafi, in letter, asks Obama to end air strikes

Washington:  Libyan leader Moammar Gaddafi has appealed directly to President Barack Obama to halt what the Libyan leader called "an unjust war," and wished Obama good luck in his bid for re-election next year.

In a rambling, three-page letter to Obama obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press, Gaddafi implored Obama to stop the NATO-led air campaign, which the Libyan called an "unjust war against a small people of a developing country."

"You are a man who has enough courage to annul a wrong and mistaken action," Gaddafi wrote in the letter that was sent to the State Department and forwarded immediately to the White House, according to a U.S. official who has seen the letter. "I am sure that you are able to shoulder the responsibility for that."

"To serving world peace ... Friendship between our peoples ... and for the sake of economic, and security cooperation against terror, you are in a position to keep Nato (NATO) off the Libyan affair for good," Gaddafi wrote.

Bangalore's Freedom Park stands for Anna Hazare

Bangalore:  Braving the heat, power cuts and hunger, four dedicated souls continue to hold their fast at Freedom Park over the past two days in support of social activist and corruption crusader Anna Hazare's demand.

M K Gandhi, a yoga instructor, Sumeet Negi, an event manager, Ashutosh Singh, an entrepreneur and Anand Yadwad, coordinator for India against Corruption will continue their fast until Hazare breaks his indefinite hunger strike.

"There was no electricity since this morning. Even after repeated requests and pleas, power was resumed after almost 12 hours. Our only hope is that the bill should be passed," said Anand Yadwad.

"Anna is aged, but he is taking a step for a corruption free country. Why can't we?" asked Ashutosh Singh. He informed that a group from the Muslim community came to show their support and prayed for the well being of Anna and his supporters.

When asked what keeps them going, Negi said, "We get energy when we see people supporting us. A fast is a symbolic way to express grief over the corruption in our society. This step has at least made the government look up and take notice."

"Corruption lurks everywhere and even we were asked to pay a bribe last night when we wanted to use the washrooms in the park. We did not pay, but it shows how corruption is at the root," said Gandhi while appealing to people and join the cause to eradicate corruption.

During the past two days, nearly 200 people from all across the city visited Freedom Park to join these four on their indefinite hunger strike for the cause. However, the journey for the participants has not been easy.

Hazare wants the government to pass the Jan Lokpal bill to curb corruption, which was drafted by Justice Santosh Hegde, Supreme Court Lawyer Prashant Bhushan and activist Arvind Kejriwal His other demand is that the drafting committee should include members of the civil society.

For elections, Buddhadeb goes Dot Net

Kolkata:  He may be 66-year-old, but there's nothing old-style about him now. Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, who's hoping to return as West Bengal's Chief Minister, is online and ready to take your question.

www.buddhadebbhattacharjee.net went live two days ago. Since then, it has received 1000 questions - not all of them friendly. A few ask him to embark on padyatras, like his staunch political rival, Mamata Banerjee. The most unusual came from a young man in Bankura who said his father was a big Buddhadeb fan and would be thrilled if the chief minister called him. Perhaps it's just elections that bring out the best in politicians - but Mr Bhattacharjee obliged.

There are other visible attempts to engage with his audience - like a rare photo of the CPM leader at home.

When graduates from Kolkata's famous Indian Institute of Management (IIM) signed up for Ms Banerjee's campaign, they made headlines. Part of their agenda, they said, would be to give her campaign a digital dimension. Ms Banerjee has a website for her party, but not one for herself.

Police lathicharge during Chiranjeevi's rally, 20 injured

Kolar (Karnataka):  Fifteen students were among 20 people injured when police baton-charged a crowd during an election campaign by megastar Chiranjeevi at Bangarpet in this Karnataka district.

Thousands of fans from neighbouring regions rushed to Bangarpet after news spread that the star would be arriving to campaign for the Congress candidate in the area for the by-poll on April 9.

Fans and students surged forward when Chiranjeevi tried to alight from his car and police resorted to baton charge, police said.

During the campaign, Chiranjeevi urged voters to vote for Congress and described the BJP government as being unsuccessful.

Campaigning ended in the evening in Bangarpet, Jagalur and Chennapatna assembly constituencies, where bye-elections are being held on April 9.

Victim turned hostile to help actor Shiney Ahuja: Judge

Mumbai:  The sessions court, which recently sentenced actor Shiney Ahuja to seven years' imprisonment in a rape case, has held that the victim had "purposefully" turned hostile to help the accused and said action may be taken against her for giving false evidence.

"Stern action can be taken against the maid and a show-cause notice issued to her as to why no action should be taken for having filed a false report," the judge observed while delivering the verdict on March 30.

In the 86-page judgement, a copy of which became available on Thursday, the court has mainly relied on the statement of the 20-year-old victim given before the magistrate although she had retracted it later in the court during the trial.

The court has also taken into account the results of the forensic tests, including DNA examination, while convicting Shiney.

Modi govt's chargesheet against IPS officer Kuldeep Sharma quashed

New Delhi:  A principal bench of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) today quashed the Modi government's chargesheet against senior Gujarat IPS officer Kuldeep Sharma. The decision to downgrade his ACR has also been quashed.

Kuldeep Sharma had faced the ire of the Modi government with officials alleging that he had been indirectly helping the CBI probe in the Sohrabuddin case.

Sharma had also alleged that Modi and former Home Minister Amit Shah put pressure on him to arrest danseuse Mallika Sarabhai in an alleged human trafficking case.

Pakistan releases Indian in jail for 27 years

Amritsar:  Touching the soil of the country after 27 years, Indian national Gopal Dass today came home to an emotional welcome by his elder brother and sister who had last seen him as a young man.
 
52-year-old Dass was set free after Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari remitted his sentence on humanitarian grounds following an appeal by the Indian Supreme Court.
   
Das crossed over to the Indian side of the border from Pakistan at the Joint Check Post here after being freed by the authorities in the neighbouring country.

As soon as he entered India, he bowed his head on the soil and kissed it as tears welled up in his eyes.