Sony announces new Android tablets

Japanese electronics giant Sony has become the latest company hoping to eat into Apple’s dominance of the tablet market.

The Vaio to TV to Walkman manufacturer has announced two tablets running Google’s Android operating system, each being positioned for different uses.

Sony says the 9.4″ screened S1 “is optimized for rich media entertainment” while the smaller clamshell S2 has two 5.5-inch displays which allows the displays “to be combined and used as a large screen or for different functions such as playing video on one screen while showing control buttons on the other.”

Both devices offer WiFi and 3G/4G connectivity and will ship with Android 3.0. Unlike the RIM’s PlayBook both will include native email apps and will support digital content accessed through Sony’s “premium network services” including the unwieldily named Qriocity.

Just as iPad and iPhone users can operate their Apple TV set-top-box via a downloadable app, so Sony tablet users will be able to adjust the volume and change channels on Bravia TV sets.

The electronics giant is also promising that Tablet users will be able to “throw” personal content to large screen televisions or music to wireless speakers.

eBook fans will be able to download Sony’s Reader app and read their existing catalogue of books on the devices.

“Sony Tablet delivers an entertainment experience where users can enjoy cloud-based services on-the-go at any time. We’re aiming to create a new lifestyle by integrating consumer hardware, including ‘Sony Tablet’ with content and network,” said Kunimasa Suzuki, Corporate Executive, SVP, and Deputy President of Consumer Products & Services Group.

http://www.seenit.co.uk/sony-announces-new-android-tablets/

Manchester United news

28/04/2011 19:00, Report by Adam Bostock

Sir Alex Ferguson has praised his players' winning mentality as the Reds enter the crucial final month of a dramatic and potentially historic season.

The manager told the club’s official magazine, Inside United: “This team doesn't understand the word defeat. It's determined, gritty and very professional, and it's produced some great moments."

On recent comments from an opposing manager, Didier Deschamps of Marseille, that the current United team lacks a bit of 'fantasy', Sir Alex said:

"It might not have the 'Ronaldo' factor, but it's not as if we’ve been devoid of that ['fantasy']. Some of the football we’ve seen from the players this season has been terrific."

The Reds boss also emphasised the high level of focus within his squad, insisting the opportunity to make history - by winning an English-record 19th title - isn't distracting his players from the task in hand.

"I don’t think it’s on our minds at the moment. If we achieve it, it’ll be great to reflect on, but at the moment we know we’ve got some hard games left. We look forward to the challenge, though.

"It’s important to keep momentum going by winning games. That’s vital. Draws don’t come into it now, it’s all about wins. We’ve got a big few games coming up and we need to win them."

Asked if such a pressurised time of the season saps energy from his team, or drives it on and energises it, Sir Alex offered a balanced assessment. He said: "It’s a bit of both. This is the greatest part of your job, though, having big game after big game. We’ve had some fantastic games over the years at this stage of the season, but we’ve also had some disappointments. You’ve just got to take the rough with the smooth.

"You just have to use your experience, and fortunately I’ve got a team of staff who have been with me for a long time. Having that continuity and consistency is a great thing - we know how to deal with situations.

"The players see how staff behave and how they conduct themselves in situations like we're in at the moment, and there's a lot of experience amongst the backroom team, which provides a calming influence. Two or three of the older players help too. The likes of Ryan [Giggs], Paul [Scholes], Rio [Ferdinand] and Edwin [van der Sar] - we've got enough experience to handle any situation that comes along."

When pressed on the importance of being at home for the team's final game of the season, on Sunday 22 May, Sir Alex said: "Well, I hope we’ve won it by that time! But if we have to win it on the final day as we’ve done a few times before, you welcome the fact you're at home. Obviously Blackpool may need to win themselves because of the relegation situation, so it could be a big game for both sides."

The boss is a big admirer of Ian Holloway's side and the positivity that's coloured their debut campaign in the Premier League. Sir Alex said: "Blackpool have been a breath of fresh air, particularly in the first half of the season when they were often scoring two and three goals away from home, and really attacking teams. Their manager has a great philosophy and they've done well.

Sir Alex also sees the Seasiders' boss Ian Holloway as viable candidate for Manager of the Year, saying: "He must come into it when you look at what he's achieved at Blackpool in the economic climate he works under. He's done a fantastic job."

As for his Player and Young Player of the Year, outside of his own squad, Sir Alex's head turned towards Tottenham - "Luka Modric" - and Sunday's opponents Arsenal: "I think the boy [Jack] Wilshere has really emerged as a great young talent this season."

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2011/Apr/Sir-Alex-Ferguson-My-players-only-want-to-win.aspx?pageNo=1

Cristiano Ronaldo is better than Lionel Messi

By Adithya Ananth

27 Apr 2011 13:24:00

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson talks up player ahead of Real Madrid's clash with Barcelona.

 

Veteran manager has branded the Portuguese ace, who made his name at Old Trafford, as the best in the business, but believes his Argentine rival is also a "fantastic" footballer.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has rated Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo over Barcelona attacker Lionel Messi as the best footballer in the world.

The two teams are set to clash for the third time in the space of a fortnight, this time with a place in the Champions League final being on the line.

And with the first leg to be played at the Bernabeu on Wednesday, the Scot has added his thoughts by pointing towards his former player as the best in the business.

"Well, I had Ronaldo here as a player and I think he is the best player in the world," Ferguson told the club's official website.

"He can play with both feet, he has fantastic skill, strength and bravery, and he’s a greater header of the ball. But Messi is an absolutely fantastic player also.

"It’s difficult to choose between the two, it’s the toss of a coin.

"It depends on how you view your player. The fact that I had Ronaldo here so long, I know him well. I saw how he dedicated himself in training sessions to becoming the best player in the world and so that would weigh heavily on my view of him as a player and as a person.

"But you look at the boy Messi and you know that he’s a serious player. He loves playing football. He’s as brave as a lion because he will always take the ball in any situation. They are different types of players but there’s no doubt both provide a fantastic end product."

 http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2914/champions-league/2011/04/27/2460448/cristiano-ronaldo-is-better-than-lionel-messi-manchester

Ipad 2 review

AT A GLANCE

• Expensive, but same price as older models with a new OS
• If you buy one, shell out for the excellent smart cover
• More of an update than an upgrade, unless Facetime is your killer app

Fast, streamlined and with a funky new cover, it’s not quite worth an upgrade, but well worth it for newcomers.

With much fanfare and the usual lengthy queues, the Apple iPad 2 was launched mid-March. New in this version are the cameras at front and rear, a more slimline and lightweight design, and the choice of black or white front surround. Apart from those changes, it resembles its predecessor very closely indeed. The 9.7-inch IPS screen is exactly the same as the previous version, but there’s now a new capacity – 64GB – to add to the existing 16GB and 32GB models, each with a Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi+3G variant. But how much of the iPad 2 is evolution and how much revolution?

As someone who holds an iPad only infrequently, the 603g iPad 2 wasn’t noticeably lighter or more streamlined on first blush. The new white version is attractive, and the overall design is slightly more curved than before, but in all honesty the difference between 12.5mm thickness and 8.6mm thickness is only going to be obvious to those who hold an iPad day in and day out. 

The new cover ($59), however, is a revelation and worth adding to your purchase. It’s magnetic, clipping onto the side of the iPad 2 seamlessly and simply. It’s foldable in three places, which makes for a convenient stand, and closing the cover also shuts off the screen. Really, the cover is the most revolutionary part of the new iPad2, even though you have to pay extra for it, and it’s an utter delight.

We conducted a set of tests side-by-side to compare the iPad 2 and Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. Take photos, for example (no pun intended). The iPad 2 took slightly better shots in good lighting conditions, such as outdoors or in our well-lit office, but when we headed into the dungeon of the Test Centre, the Galaxy Tab far outdid the iPad. The graininess and overall noise of the iPad was particularly noticeable in dim lighting. That graininess and noise extends to video quality, and there are virtually no settings or adjustments possible on the default app. It’s perfectly acceptable for Facetime or YouTube, however. 

When it comes to audio, the iPad 2 has great bass notes, but the sound isn’t as crisp nor are the individual component sounds as delineated as with the Galaxy Tab. 

But the iPad2 definitely has its strengths. The 1.2GHz dual core Apple A5 processor helps the touchscreen feel much more responsive, and it’s incredibly nimble at scrolling through screens, launching apps and navigating. It’s easy to get used to the more complex range of touch navigation in iOS 4.3. It was also consistently faster loading webpages over our Wi-Fi connection than the Tab, though the difference was slight and the Tab was a preproduction model.

The battery lasted the claimed ten hours, even when playing videos and games the entire time. To give you an idea, Morgan Spurlock’s 20 minute TED talk (in HD) used up exactly 3% of the battery.

What else is there to say about the iPad 2? The range of free apps is small but useful, but be prepared to have to hunt for them in the gigantic Apple App Store, and to have nags for the full paid versions everywhere. Games, particularly in HD, however, are immersive and feel like a fuller, richer experience when designed for the tablet.

It’s fantastically designed and user-friendly, but the blunt truth is that to get the most of the iPad 2, you’re going to have to spend money over and above the purchase price. It’s not so much an upgrade as an update, so we’d only really recommend it for newcomers to the tablet scene. Having said that, if you’re after flexibility and potential from the get-go, try the Samsung instead.

http://pcworld.co.nz/pcworld/pcw.nsf/mobile/review-ipad-2

iPad 2

By Yoree Koh

The sun will rise in the east, then set in the west, and Japanese tech geeks will line up for the latest toy from Apple Inc.

Apple’s iPad 2 finally debuted in Japan on Thursday, a little more than a month after its original launch date was rescheduled in lieu of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. In what could be viewed as a welcome lift in consumer sentiment in the somber post-3/11 era, by the time the store opened at 9 a.m., early-risers had lined up three city blocks deep at the Apple flagship store in Ginza, the luxury shopper’s paradise in Tokyo.  The iPad 2 went on sale the same day as the mythical white iPhone 4, but it’s the former that consumers were after.

The first person arrived at 8 p.m. Wednesday, withstanding a night of heavy rain in what has become a rite of passage for those who captain the long line of eager fans. The line in Tokyo wasn’t thousands strong like ones formed during the launch of the iPad 2′s predecessor, a tamer response that could be attributed to the fact that the No. 2 — a slimmer, lighter version equipped with front and rear cameras – doesn’t pack the same kind of revolutionary promise as the original. Still, it was a respectable-sized crowd considering news of the tablet launch was announced just late Tuesday, a testament to Apple’s strong appeal here despite the many competing electronic giants in Asia.

“It’s all in the design,” said Tomonori Hamajima, who woke up at 5 a.m. to make the two-hour commute into central Tokyo to buy the new iPad. Mr. Hamajima said the original iPad sold out before he was able to buy one, so he decided to wait to get the newer version. The flood of tablets released in the interim by electronics rivals didn’t register on his radar. Sony Corp. unveiled its pair of tablets to be released later this year just two days earlier. But Mr. Hamajima said he has no interest.

“The design is clunky,” he said referring to how the single-screen S1 model is wider along one edge and tapers down to resemble a folded book, a construction intended to ease pressure on the hands when holding the device. Mr. Hamajima said he’ll take the pressure: “I still prefer Apple’s sleek design.”

The 31-year-old who works at Narita Airport on the outskirts of the capital said the device will make a nice complement to his iPhone 4, which has a screen too small to read newspapers, and his MacBook Air laptop, too heavy to carry around town.

The iPad 2 is available at select Apple stores and outlets of Softbank Mobile Corp., the company’s exclusive carrier in Japan, as well as through some electronics retailers.

The iPad 2 cost starts at 44,800 yen, a price point similar to the first-generation model that went on sale in Japan last May.

http://blogs.wsj.com/japanrealtime/2011/04/28/fans-line-up-for-ipad-2-launch-in-japan/

Schalke 0 United 2

26 APRIL 2011, VELTINS-ARENA ATTENDANCE: 54,142

Make no mistake, this was as accomplished a Champions League semi-finalperformance you could wish to see as United had Schalke chasing shadows in a comprehensive 2-0 victory.

There's still a second leg to come before the manager and anybody else will be thinking of planning for Wembley but, in truth, only Manuel Neuer's brilliance saved his side from an embarrassing scoreline.

Neuer defied United virtually single-handedly before two quickfire goals - by Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney - ensured justice was done. Rooney was the provider for Giggs' opener and then found the net himself after cunning play by strike partner Javier Hernandez.

Sir Alex Ferguson opted for a 4-4-2 formation with in-form Hernandez proving impossible to leave out. Fabio started at right-back with Antonio Valencia, Michael Carrick, Giggs and Ji-sung Park forming the midfield quartet.

In a breathless opening period, both sides carved out chances with Edwin van der Sar worked by Alexander Baumjohann and Edu while Neuer showed his class at the other end. Rooney drifted inside to force a diving stop out of the Schalke skipper, who then beat out a Park drive. Some fine work by Fabio and Valencia led to Hernandez stretching to test Neuer again. Hernandez was then in a one-on-one with the keeper in the 14th minute when Park's astute through ball found him just onside but the Mexican couldn't squeeze his finish under Germany's number one.

Hernandez remained the man likeliest to open the scoring as he rippled the side-netting with a left-footed effort and then made the wrong decision in trying to return a pass to Rooney rather than going for goal himself. Chicharito seemed to be finding space easily and, when he was beautifully picked out by Valencia, it was a surprise his snap-shot flashed across goal rather than on target from an angle.

Giggs almost broke the deadlock when getting his head to Nemanja Vidic's cross, only for the outstanding Neuer to scoop the ball away with his right hand.

Christoph Metzelder took a booking for the team with a cynical foul on Rooney to stop the England international releasing Hernandez again as the one-way traffic on the Schalke goal continued. There was another major scare for the hosts when Hernandez nipped in to again force a fine stop out of Neuer and Park's effort on the rebound was blocked by Atsuto Uchida.

Moments later, Fabio fired over the top with his left foot from Park's downward header as United tried to take a richly-deserved lead. Instead, Neuer blocked crucially again to thwart Giggs in yet another one-on-one situation by standing tall to frustrate the Welshman with his seventh save of the half as the teams went in all-square at the break.

It took one minute and 13 seconds of the second half to test Neuer again as Carrick headed a Giggs free-kick goalwards before Giggs' dreadful

http://www.manutd.com/en/Fixtures-And-Results/Match-Reports/2011/Apr/Schalke-v-United-report.aspx?pageNo=4

right-footed finish ruined the calm dummy that sat two defenders on the deck.

Neuer was finally beaten with 51 minutes on the clock but, frustratingly, Hernandez was marginally offside when lashing home a superb finish. The Miners mustered an attempt of their own when Juan Manuel Jurado sliced a volley off target following Jefferson Farfan's lightning run down the right and Edu's powerful shot forced a save out of van der Sar.

But the Reds were merely biding their time before conjuring up a way of beating Neuer. Patrice Evra fed Rooney and the striker's brilliant disguised pass allowed Giggs to race through unchallenged to slip home an assured left-footed finish.

Scenting blood, United poured forward and, after Giggs volleyed a well-placed Valencia cross wide, it was 2-0 within a couple of minutes. Valencia touched the ball towards Hernandez and the Mexican helped it on intelligently to Rooney, who gleefully swept past the exposed Neuer.

Sir Alex took the opportunity to give Hernandez and Park a breather ahead of the weekend clash with Arsenal as Paul Scholes and Anderson came on with 17 minutes left.

Schalke tried in vain to reduce the deficit with Farfan sending a free-kick wide and substitute Sergio Escudero's excellent attempt forcing van der Sar into evasive action. The hosts, who almost fell further behind late on when Evra shot just wide after linking up with substitute Nani, were simply no match for the Reds on the night. Schalke require a Miner miracle in the second leg at Old Trafford next Wednesday.

Manchester United rollercoaster ride

Sir Alex Ferguson expects an emotional roller coaster as United face Schalke for the right to play in the 2011 Champions League final.

The Reds boss has experienced numerous last-four encounters since taking over at Old Trafford but still feels the pressure ahead of such huge encounters.

"Any semi-final you go into, you know it will be tough," said Sir Alex. "It's not easy for either side but we hope we can progress.

"You're always apprehensive at this stage of the competition. We had this when we've played semis in the past - Juve in 99, Barca in 2008. The second leg, the last 20 minutes at Old Trafford, was agony.

"You go through the gamut of emotions in semi-finals because they're never easy."

Schalke certainly impressed the boss when he flew to Germany to watch their second leg success against Inter Milan.

"Schalke never looked like losing against Inter," he explained. "That's quite a credit to them when you consider the experienced side they were up against. They were in control and made a good impression on me when I was here.

"Germans have a self-determination. It's reflected in how the German people approach all sports. There's similarity with the English and Scottish!"

The manager refused to discuss whether he would prefer to play Real Madrid or Barcelona at Wembley.

"I don't like jumping ahead," he asserted. "If we can deal with Schalke, then we'll look at it but you don't care who you play in the final."

http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2011/Apr/sir-alex-ferguson-respect-for-schalke.aspx?pageNo=2

How you live your life makes a difference to our environment?

Every decision you make, as an individual or as a family, has a direct impact on the health of our planet.

The way we all live our lives – the products we buy, the food we eat, the transport we use – determine what kind of world we leave for our children, and our children’s children.

Please practise these simple steps every day and help to leave our children a living planet.
In Your Home

• Turn off equipment like televisions, computers and stereos when you're not using them. That little red standby light means they're still using power - and that means a contribution to global warming.
• Save water: turn off the tap when brushing your teeth.
• Recycle your paper, glass, plastics and other waste.
• Send e-greetings instead of paper cards. Check out the range of free WWF e-cards available.
• Help reduce the world's rubbish dumps - don't use "throw-away" products like paper plates and napkins, and plastic knives, forks, and cups. Avoid using Styrofoam cups, plates and boxes – take away your food by bringing your own plastic container to food stalls and restaurants.

Out & About

• Take your own bags to the shops to carry home your groceries and shopping.
• Look for products with less packaging.
• Buy the most energy-efficient household appliances you can afford.
• Use recycled paper.
• Choose wisely and help stop illegal wildlife trade!
  *Do not buy products made from endangered species, such as
  "tortoiseshell jewellery" (Hawksbill turtle shell) or ivory.
  
  *Do not eat dishes that include parts of endangered species, such
  as sharks fin soup or turtle eggs.
  
  *Do not buy medicines which claim to contain parts of endangered species, such as pangolin scales, tiger bone or bear bile.

Take your own bags to the shops to carry home your groceries and shopping.

In the Garden

• Collect rainwater to water your flowers.
• Plant local species of trees.
• Never take plants or pick flowers from anywhere in the wild.

http://www.wwf.org.my/how_you_can_help/how_you_live_your_life/