Google Extends the Street View Worldwide With User Photos

Google Street View is a feature available on Google Mapping products where users can switch to a view consisting of manually taken 360° angled street/road photos with 9 cameras at 2.5 m elevation on a moving vehicle.

These photos are then processed to make a panoramic view to provide a feeling of being at that place. Due to privacy matters, faces and vehicles registration plates are blurred during the process.

Launched in May 2007, Street View for Google Maps brought huge excitement to users around the world. Initiated from Google’s home country US, covering various cities & territories one by one, it is now covering nearly half of the world with its 26th update on 8th June.

For rest of the world with no Street View coverage, the only option was to wait. But with latest enhancement in photos layer for Maps which is mainly sourced from Panoramio as well as from Flikr has provided a great work-around to Street View. At these sites, photos are uploaded by their owners and then geo-tagged according to their focused shoot.



Photo layer has also been linked with Street View’s famous Pegman. Dragging the Pegman on the map or clicking on any photo in enabled layer of photos will turn maps into user photo viewer along with optional drag arrows around the picture where available depending upon number of pictures available for that particular place.

More the number of pictures available at a place, more ecstatic experiences are guaranteed. The photos have been arranged in a state of the art manner that actually provides a great Street View look. Dragging around and jumping from one picture to another is just as it appears in Street View.





To experience this, have a look at following video.



There are no privacy terms over these photos, hence no blurring of faces or registration plates. As all these photos are made available by users at Panoramio or Flikr, they have complete control to take care of their privacy before they or anyone else put them to public.

A private marked picture only appears as icon but in an enlarged public view, it appears as dark screen with a not available message. The bottom left side provides the source of picture while top left side provides the list more available pictures for the particular place along with owner’s detail.

Since map data is publicly made available for Pakistan by Google through their user contributions at Google Map Maker project, Pakistani people have been seen more engaged with use of maps in their routine life. The related features intend to get a boost as well in practice as soon as they are enhanced & available e.g. Google maps driving directions for Pakistan and so this new feature could be another interesting point of making the best usage of publicly available maps, such as creating your own street view for tourism support for your local area or even for small businesses.

The panoramic views of Street View enabled not only thousands of people around the world to enjoy remote visits to places where they can not physically go but it has helped a lot in growth of economy and businesses in many ways and so this work-around feature should be taken in utter significance to make a best use and growth of businesses.

Car DVD Buying Guide [Pakistan Focused]

Remember old good days; long drive or wading through busy streets in your car with music of your choice, making journey sweeter for you? Personally speaking, I remember buying Sonic, Eagle Stereo or a TDK audio cassette in Rs 25-35 (I personally preferred TDK, though).

A quality car Cassette player used to cost around 1500-5000 and the variation was, of course there due to difference in quality and features.

Technology kept on developing at a faster rate and car Cassette players were consistently replaced with better technologically-driven gadgets like CAR CD players then CAR CD Changers, Video CD’s, DVD’s and now DVD Player with multifunctional data input and connectivity support like USB flash disks Memory Cards, Wifi and Blue tooth

Markets these days are flooded with automobile audio video gadgets. Companies offer competitive prices with maximum functions and connectivity support and quite astonishingly prices are not that high either.

Prices start from Rs 3000 and go upward to Rs 20,000. If you visit your local automobile audio video shop or market, you might get DVD players with offering maximum functions and connectivity support in reasonable price starting from Rs.3000 – Rs. 20,000.

But China in this field has also excelled and people literally ask for a Chinese device as it offers maximum functions on unbelievably low prices. China made Car DVD players are also equipped with Touch screens and built in analog TV Tuner. Prices tend to differ from company to company depending upon features and functionality offered.

What comes with new China made CAR DVD player?

Box
Car DVD player position Lock, in local language known as “Kara”
Remote
Manual
Sometimes with Headphone (this depends on the manufacturer offer)
But wait a minute, before you buy make sure:

You have visited market to get a pulse of industry and well aware of price variations in different models. A low quality purchased set of DVD player may land you in trouble , so be watchful about market price and do not hesitate to spend an extra dime for reliable quality.
Make it a point that you are the first user of DVD player which you have purchased out of your precious money. You can easily check it by viewing” Lens Locked Screws” on the top of DVD player. This shows that DVD player has not been used so far.
Thoroughly check its functions.
Check its album shifting button; it is however quite a hassle to locate that button in Chinese made DVD players but Chinese manufacturers have acknowledged this flaw and they are trying their best to rectify the short coming.
If incase album shifting is not available or not discovered. Then “RDM” button can provide you function of shuffling songs with minimum numbers to maximum numbers.
If it is touch screen car DVD player then make sure that its touch screen is not having pixel fault. I.e. green dots, white dots, or some part of touch screen might not be working.
Features like plugging in USB flash disk or Memory card have not been very reliable; spare some time to properly check its functionality.
The best way to avoiding dust or lens disturbance is to buy Car DVD player with the inside “DVD” or hidden “DVD” disc jacket. Ok let’s make it simpler, if you are able to insert DVD behind the face plate, then it would be hidden “DVD” disc jacket. Because this helps in avoiding dust to disturb the lens.
Ensure its reading of every format like WMA, MP3, and DVD. For this you can take your own CD/DVD catalogue with you to check.
Check Radio, radios sometime create noise when car is driven or at least their FM signals remain weak at times;try replacing your car RF antenna which will hopefully fix the problem
To cut it short, one must embrace new technological advancement without any grudge and keep one’s pace with fast changing technological scene around the world. However up-to date knowledge in this regard is a must.

Zong Offers ‘Lahore Unlimited’

Zong has launched Location Based Charging (LBC) ‘Lahore Unlimited’ in Lahore – a special promotion – to maximize benefits for Zong subscribers in Lahore.

Through this offer Zong is offering deals of the deals to Lahorites i.e. you can make unlimited on-net calls and unlimited SMS in 199+tax, not just this, to double the heat customers would also get an amazing SMS offer, that too unlimited for whole month.

Terms and Conditions

Offer only covers on-net calls

Under fair usage policy customer has a monthly cap of 2500 mins.

Under fair usage clause customer has a daily cap of 500 SMS

How to Subscribe:

In order to subscribe for this ongoing promotion which starts from 13th June,

All subscription will be done by sending “lhr” to 522

Unsubscription will be done by sending “unsub” to 522

The promotion has to be activated monthly and will be available on all packages. All calls to ZONG numbers will be covered by this promotion as well as all SMS to numbers on-and-off the ZONG network.

Note:

Offer can be availed on all packages

Subscription is Monthly Basis

This will be an ongoing offer with no ending date (unless announced otherwise)

Offer valid for ON NET calls and off-net/ on-net SMS while it does not cover off-net calls.

Customer will be automatically subscribed after 30 days, in case of low balance customer will get a SMS.

This offer is valid for Lahore city and selected surroundings, for details you can call 310

Calls have to be made from the respective city covered by the BTS sites which are included in the promo. Calls made outside these sites will be charged as per normal tariff.

This is the first time that any mobile phone company has launched such a facility in Pakistan. Zong’s LBC in Lahore is designed to effectively utilize ZONG network and expand its subscriber base. ZONG has introduced concentric layer technology – by further strengthening its facilities and already strong network quality in Lahore.

Salman Wassay, Head of Marketing, ZONG, while expressing his views said

ZONG is determined to add value to the lives of its subscribers by making it possible for them to remain in touch as often as they like.

“Providing our subscribers with the best possible rates, simplicity and a wide range of services is the hallmark of the ZONG philosophy. ‘Lahore Unlimited’ will make keeping in touch more affordable for subscribers in the city with anyone across the country,” says Salman Wassay. “We believe the city of Lahore has immense potential due to our existing subscriber base and our superior network quality.” No one in the cellular industry has offered this facility so far and we consider it an innovative gift for the subscriber of Lahore from ZONG.

Things You Should Know Before Getting DSL!

DSL is rapidly making its in-roads in Pakistani market and seeing this trend it is safe to predict this technology will surely reach to rural areas in a very short span of time. In Pakistan, DSL connection is offered on the same existing telephone line usually.

So next time you opt for a DSL connection for your home or place of work, do not forget to raise a few important questions/issues which will not only enhance your level of understanding but also help you utilize the facility more efficiently and effectively. These questions pertain to telephone line health status as [SNR] margins, upload and download bandwidth operated on the same line.

DSL connection TIPS:

Wikipedia has classified Best SNR margins into different categories. It is of prime importance to check SNR margin on the direct line without using DSL connection divider or usually called (splitter). The wikipedia classification is as under

6dB or below is bad and will experience no sync or intermittent sync problems

7dB-10dB is fair but does not leave much room for variances in conditions

11dB-20dB is good with no sync problems

20dB-28dB is excellent

29dB or above is outstanding (source : Wikipedia)

It is pertinent to mention here that, as overall bandwidth increases, connection Signal to Noise ratio decreases. A customer that upgrades from 1.5 to 6.0 Mbps will typically see a corresponding decrease in the Signal to Noise ratio. This is normal and nothing to worry about.

(Source: Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noise_margin)

Cable joints weaken the signal and results in weak DSL speed and weak SNR margins. It is unlikely that you will enjoy a good DSL connection if two or more than two extensions are fixed on one telephone line. Try to cut off extensions in this regard.

A new cable from DP is recommended if a telephone connection has more than one joint. It will enhance the signal strength and SNR margins.

Local lineman can instantly troubleshoot and get you out of the fiasco. Go for this simple solution instead of lodging a complaint on help line (1218) and waiting for the things to be done. However lineman should be taken good care of as they fully realize their importance and may show attitude every now and then. They may be extremely helpful to you the moment you acknowledged their importance and exchange a few pleasantries.

If you got into DSL bus without any signal strength problem, then installation is half solved. Now after DSL installation check SNR margins on modem, router, and wireless router any medium device that you may be using at that for DSL. (Your ISP’s installation guys can help you in checking these values)

When you are done, go to the site www.speedtest.net and check download and upload speed from server nearby your location. If it shows worthy bandwidth, there you are indulging in high speed broadband connection!

DSL connection gives you an opportunity to bifurcate your connections as per your requirement. In simple words you may adjust connection as per your domestic needs. For example you can limit download speed to 50 or 60 kbps and remaining may be dedicated for audio / video online streaming and browsing choices. The usual downloading speed you may get on 1Mbps DSL connection is in range of 70 kbps to 135 kbps (variable) depend on the bandwidth channel and downloading server.

Google for DSL speed statistics software, this will give you complete trend of your DSL speed variations and even could make you able to decide the best time of downloading on unlimited connections especially.

Checking of Best Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) for DSL connection is always beneficial for users. Ask your installation team for checking the same, if possible.

Enhancing DSL speed depends on number of factors like TCP receive window size, Maximum Segment Size (MSS), Time to Live (TTL) etc. One may go for these factors but at one’s own risk.

So the gist of the matter is that DSL is fast acquiring the status of indispensability in our daily lives. Although technology driven people are already aware of its many facets, it is high time common people bridge the information gap and familiarize with this technology as the speed is much higher than a regular modem while using DSL connection.

No Tax Cut For Telecom Sector!

Budget for 2010-11 announced no tax cut for Telecom industry. Earlier, there had been confusion in the industry at all levels that leveling of GST may have reduced taxes on Telecom sector from 19.5 percent to 17 percent.

However, after confirmation from FRB officials, Telecom experts and senior journalists, we can now safely say that there has been no change for any taxes on Telecom industry.

Here is the reason: 19.5 percent tax that telecom customers pay on services is FED or Federal Excise Duty and not the GST. Hence, leveling of GST at 17 percent will not impact any taxing on telephony services.

It is interesting that previous year, when FED was reduced from 21 percent to 19.5 percent, then everyone had termed it GST, but now we come to know that it was FED and not the GST.

Mr. Abdul Rehman, Director at FBR has confirmed us that taxation on telecom services come under FED, hence telecom customers will keep paying same amount of taxes as they were paying before budget.

Mr. Zahid Khawaja, telecom reporter at NNI (News Network International) also confirmed us the same.

Apology: We apologize for mis-representing the facts earlier. Though this happened due to a fact that media had been terming taxes on telecom as GST. Here and Here are examples. Whatever the reason was, we mis-represented the information and we are sorry for this.

Government of Pakistan has increased General Sales Tax from 16 percent to 17 percent, across the board for all the sectors.

Following is the excerpt from Finance Bill:

Increase in the rate of sales tax from 16% to 17%.

Increase in the rate of sales tax from 16% to 17% is aimed at distributing the burden of extra tax measures on all sectors of the economy.

Enforced through amendment in Section 3 of the Sales Tax Act, 1990, effective from the 1st July, 2010 and Notifications Nos. SRO 395 to 398(I)/2010, dated 05.06.2010.

This action will impact other economies but for Telecom sector GST has lowered to 17 percent, which was previously 19.5 percent.

Others taxes for telecom sector have remained unchanged, including Rs. 250 SIM activation tax and 10 percent withholding tax. Taxes for Import on telecom equipment and handsets didn’t change as well.

It merits mentioning here that GST was 21 percent earlier, which was lowered to 19.5 percent in year 2009-2010, and now it is further slashed by 2.5 percent. This reduction in GST is likely to help the customers and the government alike.

It is observed that reduction in taxes in past two years generated more tax amount for the government.

According to revised GST, consumption of each rupee will result 17 paisas of taxes compared to 19.5 paisa taxes previously.

Following are taxes/services charges for Rs. 100 Card:

10 percent withholding tax (is deducted at the time of card load)

5 percent service charges – deducted by all cellular companies (is deducted at card load)

Amount customer will get on card load of Rs. 100: Rs. 85

For Calls/SMS/VAS, another 17 percent tax will be deducted. For instance, if a 30 second call charges are Re. 0.68 then:

Call Charges: Re. 0.68

GST: 0.68 X 17/100 = 0.12

Total Call Charges, including tax, of 30 seconds (if call charges are Re. 0.68) = Re. 0.78

If Finance Bill gets passed by National Assembly, implementation of new GST on telephony services will start from July 1st, 2010.

Moreover, VAT will be imposed on Telecom services by replacing GST from October 1st, 2010.

Zong Revises its Corporate SMS Service

Zong has updated its existing corporate SMS service with a new brand name and revised tariffs, which was there since Paktel’s time.

Zong Hierarchy SMS is instantaneous broadcast messaging system that has been designed for business concerns that require a constant contact with customers and staff via SMS. In simpler words, this service is for mass massaging and for business entities only.

Rate per SMS stands at 10 paisas per text.

New service comes with new features, such as group moderators (agents), Urdu language support and of course a new name “Corporate Hierarchy SMS”.

Zong’s Corporate Hierarchy SMS service comes with following features:
Choose SMS language (English/Urdu)
Create message templates
Check Group SMS Account Status
Rename Existing Group
View All Groups
View Group Members
Edit Groups Members
Make New Groups
Allow inter-group messaging and message transfers
Create Agents
Give permission to Agents to form sub-groups
Assign message limits to Agents for distribution through the corporate hierarchy
View Agent statistics
Schedule SMS Broadcast
View Sent Message(s) History

You can not purchase less than 100,000 text messages while there is no upper limit.

How to Subscribe?

To subscribe to this service, contact Zong sales person or Service Centers.

Service access link: http://203.82.55.30/CGS/

500 SMS for Rs. 2.5 Per Day: Zong

Zong introduces the lowest priced SMS daily package that offers 500 SMS a day for Rs. 2.5 plus tax. This package is in addition to already offered Daily SMS package for Rs. 3.99 that has 500 SMS plus 100 MMS in it.

How to Subscribe:

Dial *704# to activate

Charges:

Rs. 2.50 plus tax per day

Ufone Offers Daily MMS Package

After SMS packages’ tariffs have hit their bread limit, here comes a new agenda on table to combat. Ufone has introduced daily MMS package for Rs. 3.99 to send as many as 150 MMS in 24 hours.

Daily MMS Package details:
Charges: Rs. 3.99 + tax
Number of MMS allowed: 150
Validity: 24 Hours

Note:
Maximum size for MMS is 300 KB
MMS receiving on Ufone numbers is free

How to Subscribe:

To subscribe the Daily MMS Package simply send “sub” to 665

How to Un-subscribe?

To un-subscribe send “Unsub” to 8665. Un-subscription is free of charge.

Terms and Conditions:
The Daily MMS package is available to all Ufone Prepaid customers.
The service is accessible on GPRS supportive handset only.
All charges are exclusive of taxes.
The Daily MMS package is valid for a period of 24 hours from the time of subscription
The customer can check remaining free MMS by sending a blank SMS to 650 – each inquiry will be charged at 50 paisa plus taxes
Upon auto-renewal of Daily MMS Package after 24 hours, remaining MMS from the previous day will not transfers over to the next day
The remaining valid free MMS will be available till expiry time even after un-subscription
19.5% FED on usage and 10% withholding tax at recharge or bill applies.

Samsung Announces 2TB Eco-friendly Hard Drives

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., has announced the F3EG, its new high-performance environmentally-friendly HDD (hard disk drive) for the desktop market. The EcoGreen™ F3EG, has a higher capacity than the previous Samsung model F2EG. It features 2 Terra-Bites (TB) storage capacity, with 500 Giga-Bites (GB) per disk that is capable of storing up to 880 hours of DVD video or 500,000 or more songs in MP3 format. With increased recording density, the EcoGreen F3 drive saves electric-power by supporting a capacity up to 2TB with four disks.

Mr. Steve Han, Managing Director, Samsung Electronics-Pakistan said, “Storage-hungry multimedia professionals, gamers and home PC users continue to increase the amount of video, music, photo and other personal data they store and back-up. The F3EG delivers all the benefits of a low-power drive, yet features high performance and is environmentally friendly. The F3EG uses Samsung’s EcoTriangleTM technology to provide eco-friendly components, low-power and low-noise.

Eliminating halogen compound and brominated flameretardant from the PCBA, the new model is produced with eco-friendly materials and meets all the environmental regulations, including RoHS (Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment), which is being applied worldwide as well as the European Union.

The new hard drive uses SilentSeek™ and NoiseGuard™ technologies to achieve a quiet operation system. Its advanced design and fewer components, ensure 40% lower power-consumption. The drive received a zero percent failure rate in the unstable voltage test. For two years, the EcoGreen™ won the “Best-In-Class” for power-economy, from the International Disk-Drive Association (IDEMA). Available globally in 1.5TB & 2TB capacities, the 3.5” drive features a 3.0Gbps SATA interface, Native Command Queuing and 16MB/32MB buffer memory.