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Acer Liquid Metal Review – Unleashed Revamped Phone For Connectivity

By
Tekedia Editors
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0

While Acer are a relatively new company to world of mobile phones, traditionally being involved in the manufacture of laptops and home computers, they did score an early success with their Liquid handset. This certainly stood head and shoulders above Acer´s other, rather non-descript and unimposing, handsets. Acer followed up with a slightly modified and improved version some time later known as the Liquid E, which featured some hardware tweaks and an upgrade to the (then) latest version of Google Android.

 

Now Acer has yet again unleashed a revamped model of their flagship device, although the Liquid Metal seems to offer greater improvements from the Liquid E than the Liquid E did from the original Liquid. The new Liquid Metal has also seen an update to the (at present) latest version of Google Android, with 2.2 Froyo being put to good use. This is also coupled with an upgrade for Acer´s user interface which has seen a jump from version 3.0 to 4.0.

 

The screen has seen some slight tweaks although it has not had a complete overhaul. It still uses the same capacitive TFT technology, and offers the same 800 x 480 pixel resolution, but at the same time has an increased colour depth and increase in physical size by 0.1″ to 3.6″. The increase in colour depth to 16 million colours certainly makes the Liquid Metal more visually spectacular than its predecessors and is a welcomed improvement to compliment the new software on board.

 

The processor has also seen a slight update from 768MHz to 800MHz, as this is a feature that remained unchanged from the original Liquid to the Liquid E. RAM has remained the same from the Liquid E at 512MB and internal storage is also set at 512MB with support for 32GB microSD cards. The media player still offers exceptional music and video playback for you to put this to good use, and as well as this there are apps for YouTube and Picasa among many others. The camera remains virtually the same as the Liquid E although it has undergone a much welcomed improvement in the form of 720p HD video support (the Liquid E only supported a low frame rate VGA video capture).

 

Connectivity-wise the Liquid Metal still performs exceptionally well with GPRS, EDGE, Wi-Fi , Bluetooth and microUSB all on board. 3G is also present and the HSDPA connection speed has been doubled from 7.2Mbps to 14.4Mbps offering significant improvements although the HSUPA speed has remained the same. As an Android phone the Liquid Metal comes with a host of great Google features to enjoy including Google Maps, Gmail, Google Talk and YouTube. There are also document editors for MS Office files and a PDF viewer present.

 

The Liquid Metal is not a drastically different handset to the Liquid and Liquid E and is essentially an updated version of these earlier phones. There are some noticeable upgrades in certain areas, including the processor, camera, 3G connection and operating system while many other areas of the phone remain unchanged. The Acer Liquid Metal is an exceptional phone by all accounts but may feel very familiar to owners of either of the original Liquid handsets.

 

Editor’s Note: You can buy this phone via our UK partner, UK Best Mobile Contracts.

How Technology Drove U.S. Growth – 50% GDP Expansion In Half A Century

By
Oghogho Ikponmwosa
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0

The global economy has no doubt, got the privilege of boosting itself up with the advances and proliferation of the technologies across various borders. Between 1991 and 2000, the US economy grew at an exceptional rate. The gross domestic product (GDP) rose by an average of 4% per annum between 1994-1999, with the rate reaching 4.2%, 4.3%, respectively, between 1997 and 2000 (Bisht, 2001). Policies to promote technological advance are playing a significant role in the economic growth strategies of most mature and emerging economies (Bisht, 2001). Long-term studies show that advances in technology have been responsible for as much as one half of economic growth in the United States over the past 50 years, through improvements in capital and labor productivity, and the creation of new products, services, and systems (Bisht, 2001).

 

In other countries, the contribution of technology to economic growth has been even greater. For France, technology is estimated to have accounted for 76 percent of economic growth, for Germany, 78 percent, for the United Kingdom, 73 percent; and for Japan, 55 percent (Bisht, 2001).

 

Anyone who uses computers and the Internet knows how technology can increase their personal efficiency. A growing array of software productivity tools and e-commerce technologies makes it easier than ever for people to do business, shop, learn and communicate. Now, several reports out of Washington, D.C. underscore just how significant and extraordinary these productivity gains are-not only for individuals and businesses, but for the entire nation (Microsoft, 1999).

 

In a recent appearance before the Joint Economic Committee of Congress, Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan observed that “something special has happened to the American economy in recent years. An economy that twenty years ago seemed to have seen its better days, is displaying a remarkable run of economic growth that appears to have its roots in ongoing advances in technology” (Microsoft, 1999). Mr. Greenspan went on to note that technology is enabling businesses to better manage everything from employees to inventories. In addition, it is helping eliminate unnecessary production processes, speeding the delivery of goods to market, compelling businesses to keep prices low and, most important, enabling companies to better meet individual customers’ needs (Microsoft, 1999).

 

Just a few days prior to Mr. Greenspan’s comments, the U.S. Department of Commerce issued a report noting that although the information technology industry accounts for only about 8 percent of America’s gross domestic product, it generated more than one-third of the nation’s economic growth from 1995 to 1998 (Microsoft, 1999).

The Commerce Department study, “The Emerging Digital Economy II”, also noted that falling prices in the information technology sector cut overall inflation by 0.7 percent. Meanwhile, the technology industry showed dramatic increases in productivity: an average of 10.4 percent annually from 1990 to 1997, compared with less than 1 percent outside the technology sector (Microsoft, 1999).

 

The technology sector has done a magnificent job creating new opportunities and helping build a productive American economy. Healthy competition, innovation and consumer choice are clearly the most effective tools to ensure that this prosperity continues (Microsoft, 1999).

 

The information and communications technology industry has impacted the US economy positively over the years. This is evident in several reports of researches carried out (Robert, 2002; Michael, 2001; InfoUSA, 2011; Microsoft, 1999; Futurework, 2011; C-Span, 2011)

 

The computer and IT revolutions have changed virtually every industry in the economy. Numerous examples illustrate the point (Futurework, 2011):

 

  • A manufacturing plant can be operated by a handful of technicians controlling robotic systems.
  • State-of-the-art inventory systems can supply needed parts “just in time” for assembly.
  • New jobs have been created in airfreight and delivery systems to service such just-in-time inventory operations.
  • Handheld mobile phones have become commonplace, and digital phone systems will soon be able to reach anyone in the world via satellite.

 

One thing stands out in all of these: The ICT sector, which is responsible for the massive growth experienced in the US economy, is driven by embedded systems made using embedded systems technologies. Today, it won’t be wrong to say “embedded everything” as almost any equipment or gadget you find is made using embedded systems technology. This is the driving force behind the US economy.

 

Editor’s Note: You will get to read the full paper soon and all the references. This was presented in Fasmicro MASTERs Workshop.

The Easiest Way For Multinational Companies To Penetrate African Markets

By
Tekedia Editors
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0

Many western companies design their business models based on high profit margins. It pays very well to be differentiated and pursue vertical markets. Horizontal markets are commoditized and a strategy to dominate within it is not always seen as a smart move by analysts.  Increasingly firms try to innovate and differentiate in order to carve a niche where they can make hefty margins.

 

That is very good if your business is domiciled in the saturated Western Europe and U.S markets.  There is growth inertia in these two markets with their ultra-competitions and intense regulations.  Especially in the Pharmaceutical industry, there seems to be no way to expect growth in these matured economies.

 

So what do you do? You have to expand out of Europe and U.S to Africa, Latin America and Asia. They are the future. They have the population with enormous growth potentials. Despite the downturn in the global economy, they remain promising, especially Asia and Latin America (in this case, Brazil).

 

Having worked in Lagos (Nigeria) as a banker and traveled to many Africa nations, the high margin structure will not always work in Africa, especially in pharmaceutical industry. Many are still very poor; yet, they have the same needs as those in the developed world. From entertainment to drugs, they want to enjoy the western products.  They want the new cars for their bad roads; they want the best drugs to manage diabetes; the new video games to relax; and so on. Any sense of high cost, people will abandon the product. It is very common to see people die slowly because they cannot afford drugs for treatable diseases.

 

Arguably, these drugs and cars are available in many parts of Africa. But the problem is that only few can afford them. With no insurance scheme to finance healthcare delivery, patients must pay themselves. What worked in Boston will not work in Botswana because the patient in Boston is being helped by the insurance firm while the one in southern Africa must pay cash. That is the major difference in marketing drugs between U.S and Africa.

 

Another example is in the telecommunication industry.  Cellular handsets are very expensive in Africa when compared to the U.S.  Understandably, a simple reason is lack of competition since not many firms have gotten into the markets. Another is the obvious fact that none of those gadgets are made in Africa. So, there are associated transportation and handling costs in selling them in Africa.

 

Nonetheless, the truth is that by not using price based model, many MNCs are undermining their potentials in developing, emerging or transitional economies like Africa and Asia. You have to offer what the customers can afford and do away with the cost based strategy. In the U.S, you can ask for any price; in Africa, you need sales volume and lower price makes it happen.

 

For Pharma industry, they have to rethink their strategies. It is time they cut down the prices of their drugs. Drug prices are patient problems, unlike in U.S where it is the insurance firms’ (for those that have, anyway). Many more people can give you sales volume and you will make more profits than sticking to your present pricing model and serving only less than 5% of the African market.

 

If you focus on pushing volume at good prices, more customers will come in. That alone will help you stay profitable. And they will be better off themselves by using your great products.  Drugs, video games, etc must not be overly expensive in Asia and Africa compared to U.S and Western Europe.

 

Change your model and you will be happier doing business in Africa. Cut the prices and use sales volume to help people and improve your bottom line. It could be that simple.

The Vision For Sustainable African Prosperity Through Technology Readiness

By
Tekedia Editors
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0

The purpose of our proposal is to improve the quality and relevance, efficiency and equity in science and technology teaching and learning opportunities in African universities. We propose new institutes, Microelectronics Training and Research Institute (MTRI), and Microelectronics labs, at selected African universities towards realizing these objectives and meeting the skills requirements in Africa’s evolving and dynamic information and communication technology (ICT) sector.

 

These institutes will educate and train students (and other citizens) in the exciting field of microelectronics, and its applications to agriculture, biology, manufacturing, telecommunications, information systems and foster opportunities not only for the acquisition of new knowledge, but also the production and application of new knowledge. A new sub-program on microelectronics would be established within the schools’ masters and doctorate programs in engineering while strengthening the undergraduate engineering programs.

 

Also, certificate and diploma programs on microelectronics will be offered to the public. Enormous efforts would be made to attract small and medium enterprise to send their employees to attend the programs.  Our program will provide broad-based innovative trainings, which would enhance the quality of their business processes and systems. All the schools must be required to have Business Incubation & Technology Transfer Unit (BITTU) with vibrant academic-industry relationships. We believe in models that move ideas from labs to markets. AFRIT has the capacity to help develop and structure a modern BITTU through our networks.

 

What is microelectronics? The term microelectronics describes a group of technologies that integrate multiple devices into a small physical area. Often these devices are made from semiconductors with a process called photolithography. Several components are available in microelectronic scale such as transistors, capacitors, inductors, resistors, diodes, insulators and conductors. The microelectronics can be divided to its subfields which in turn are connected to other micro related fields. These subfields are micro electromechanical systems (MEMS), nanoelectronics, optoelectronics and single electron devices (SED). Integrated circuits and microchips are typical microelectronic devices, which can be found in computers and mobile phones. Microelectronics can be also found for example in medical devices, toys and automobiles. Its industry, the semiconductor industry, is considered one of the most pervasive in modern history and continues to shape global commerce and industry.

 

These MTRI programs will provide educational opportunities for students and public interested in the emerging and interdisciplinary areas of neuromorphics, MEMS, telecommunication circuits and systems, information systems, controls, etc. There would be cross-disciplinary efforts and partnerships between African universities and international academic partners. African experts in Diasporas will be called upon to assist the local schools to help develop their programs to educate the students at international standards. AFRIT has networks of African experts across the globe which can help African institutions get started.

 

MTRI program is consistent with NEPAD vision of helping African nations to develop capacity in science and technology. In the next decade, courtesy of many National visioning projects from Africa to Kenya along with the explosive growth of our telecommunications sector, Africa will have enormous needs for microelectronics engineers to move up the ladder in the technology pyramid by leading the design and development of some of the electronics systems and tools that are used in Africa.  AFRIT is of the opinion that now is the time to start training the students towards building a sustainable, organically grown microelectronics industry which will help improve our KEI.

 

The proposed program will help many African schools that already have the missions of providing technical education and training in technical and scientific areas which are critical to their respective economies. It is consistent with their research and teaching visions. Our proposed program has great potential to become a continental model not just for microelectronics programs but in other scientific fields because it brings together a cutting edge combination of local schools and foreign academic partners. They share and network on courses, laboratories, pioneer research programs and involve a global network of their respective school alumni who are in top global institutions. This program will promote the acquisition of new knowledge and the production and application of new knowledge in classrooms and laboratories, and produce highly trained and skilled graduates well qualified to move into academic, industrial or federal research positions.

 

Many engineering programs in African schools will surely have a high priority on establishing the proposed institute or labs considering the level of interests they have shown on this area. This is demonstrated by the extent to which education in microelectronics related fields is already taking place in the classrooms across campus.  Despite lack of facilities for practical education, the theoretical aspect is well taught across many African universities.

 

This proposal mirrors similar initiatives which have been used by MOSIS (USA), CMC Microsystems (Canada), Europractice (Europe) – all programs supported by their respective governments or agencies towards practical oriented training and learning on microelectronics, especially at the students’ level. Through MOSIS, many US students have experienced the complete life-cycle of microelectronics design and development. Over the years, these initiatives have enabled the different nations to train and develop more relevant practically oriented students for the industries.  Central to our proposal is the development of a world class training and research environment (a Center of Excellence) across Africa in partnerships with leading top international universities.

Apps Invent 2011 Begins At Owerri On Monday – Register Now And Pick Your Free Tablet

By
Tekedia Editors
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1

Fasmicro Apps Invent 2011

  • First Session: August 1st 2011 – August 5th 2011
  • Second Session: August 8th 2011 – August 13th 2011

You can read this from Fasmicro website

Fasmicro will organize the biggest Android Apps Development workshop in Nigerian history where everyone that registers gets a free tablet. We have tagged it Apps Invent 2011. Register for N49,900 (one week course) and get a new Ovim tablet.

 

Fasmicro Apps Invent 2011 – a training programme for those who intend to venture into mobile apps development but do not have the time, tools or resources that it warrants. We at Fasmicro have come up with a solution that ensures that you learn all the intricacies of Android development while making sure that you have an Android device which you can use for work or for play.

 

Apps Invent 2011 is a hands on training lab where participants acquire the skills required to create world class Android Applications. This programme is aimed at everybody, irrespective of your programming skill level.  At the end of this workshop, all participants would be able to develop fully functioning mobile applications that target the Android platform

 

Course Outline

Day 1 – First Steps

  • Introducing Android App Inventor
  • Instruction Blocks
  • Application Components
  • Inventing an App

Day 2 – Creating Utilities

  • Envisioning Solutions
  • Sample Projects
  • Labs

Day 3 – Game Development

  • Understanding the Sprite
  • Sample Projects
  • Labs

Day 4 – Android and Embedded Systems

  • Connecting to external devices
  • Bluetooth, WiFi and GSM Networks
  • Sample Projects
  • Labs

Day 5 – Monetizing your efforts

  • From code to cash
  • Integrating ads into your application
  • How to sell your apps

 

 

 


 

Schedule

Apps Invent 2011 has two identical sessions in August of 2011, prospective students can choose from any of the following sessions depending on their convenience. The venue of this programme is at Fasmicro’s training centre. No 124A Okigwe road, Owerri, Imo State.

 

  • First Session: August 1st 2011 – August 5th 2011
  • Second Session: August 8th 2011 – August 13th 2011

 

What you would get.

Every participant would get an OVIM Android tablet for home keeping, the complete list of goodies include:

  • 7” Android Tablets (OVIM)
  • Complete and Up–to–date software development kits
  • Reference Books and Practice Materials
  • Reserved slots for uploading apps to the Fasmicro Android apps store
  • Lifetime access to Fasmicro’s training facilities and technical staff for

 

Making Preparations

  • Every participant is required to come with a laptop with a functioning wireless network card.
  • Note that no programming skills are required.
  • If you are attending from outside Owerri, Fasmicro can help you make your hotel reservations. Visit here for the nearly hotels to our facility.

 

Pricing

The cost per participant is N49,900

 

Contact: Email info@fasmicro.com or call the Owerri lines for registrations

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