Beck Has A Dream

 

Google Voice

Have been using Google Voice for a couple of days now. No complaints at all. Managed to get a good number too (I can be a bit quirky that way). Got kicks out of it for like an hour or so. Now, it’s fun giving out the number when someone asks. A few raised eyebrows and grins already.

Also got the Google Voice app on my BlackBerry and that makes it REALLY convenient. Text messages and Voicemails sent to your Google Number are delivered to your BlackBerry (in the app, not just in your email).

Transcribed voicemails on your BlackBerry (you can listen to them on the BlackBerry itself and / or read the transcription). The Text messages - Without the app installed, you would still get the messages delivered to your email. The problem - when replying to those texts, there would be a lot of clutter. Email headers etc. (or perhaps it’s just me). 

With the Google Voice app, no clutter. Messages are received in the app and you can reply to them directly from there. One can also disable the ‘Deliver to Email’ option, completely - once the app is installed.

The only problem is, Google Voice app is not PUSH. Well, not yet anyways. It polls at user defined intervals to see if there is a new Text/Voicemail and then notifies the user.

Priority Inbox (BETA) - Gmail

 

 

Priority Inbox will be rolling out to all Gmail users, including those of you who use Google Apps, over the next week or so. Once you see the "New! Priority Inbox" link in the top right corner of your Gmail account (or the new Priority Inbox tab in Gmail Settings), take a look.

“

As messages come in, Gmail automatically flags some of them as important. Gmail uses a variety of signals to predict which messages are important, including the people you email most (if you email Bob a lot, a message from Bob is probably important) and which messages you open and reply to (these are likely more important than the ones you skip over). And as you use Gmail, it will get better at categorizing messages for you. You can help it get better by clicking the or buttons at the top of the inbox to correctly mark a conversation as important or not important. (You can even set up filters to always mark certain things important or unimportant, or rearrange and customize the three inbox sections.)

Link

What’s Happening On The iPhone

 

Well, nothing much is happening on the iPhone - other than time pass. It just doesn’t work for me. But for mom, it seems to be working just fine. No complaints, yet. The games.. err, sorry ‘Apps’ I have put up on mom’s iPhone:

 

 

 

أنا من الكويت. انا كويتي - ʼNā Mn al-Kwyt. Ānā Kwyty

 

WHY? No, seriously… WHYYY??

Have absolutely no idea what this guy was thinking. Guessing his brain stopped functioning once he saw the female. Only thing he succeeded in is making a fool of himself.

Sad dumb fuck!

Make Up Your Mind

iPhone

Bought an iPhone.

Mom was complaining about the battery on her old mobile not lasting long enough. Plus other issues – Keys are too small, can’t see who is calling. Screen isn’t clear enough bla bla.

Figured will get her something with a Touchscreen interface. It’s relatively simple to use and isn’t much of a problem if you don’t send texts or emails from your phone. Yes, I am aware that people don’t have any issues using the onscreen keyboard of the iPhone. I am NOT one of them and I DO have issues using an onscreen keyboard. Just doesn’t work for me (psst – Just for the record, handwriting recognition is NOT the same as an onscreen keyboard – there are some idiots who don’t know the difference).

I had tried out the iPhone ages ago when it was first released – and hated it. Didn’t care much for it, but did give it a go a few times again. Not happening. Tried it out again, yesterday and still hate it. Gimmick phone and all that, just not for me.

Hopefully mom will get hooked on to Angry Bird or something. So far she hasn’t complained about it. 

Make Phone Calls From Gmail

“

We’re rolling out this feature to U.S. based Gmail users over the next few days, so you’ll be ready to get started once “Call Phones” shows up in your chat list (you will need to install the voice and video plug-in if you haven’t already). If you’re using Google Apps for your school or business, then you won’t see it quite yet. We’re working on making this available more broadly - so stay tuned! Dialing a phone number works just like a normal phone. Just click “Call phone” at the top of your chat list and dial a number or enter a contact’s name.

Link

iPad Offers - VIVA

OS 6 On 9700 - Walkthrough

Can’t wait to try this out.

 

GulfNet BOOSTER

 

Just found out about this (obviously I haven’t been paying attention). Instant boost to your internet speed. Looks good on paper at least. Since I haven’t tried it out, not sure how good it is going to be in terms of actual use, but it’s nice to know that there is an option like this.

“

Pay-As-You-Go with Boosters to instantly accelerate your Internet speed. Boosters can be purchased when you need them and as often as you want. The DSL subscription speed depends on the quality of the telephone line that is provided by Ministry of Communications (MOC) and used for the DSL connection. Gulfnet cannot guarantee the quality of the telephone line. No refunds allowed. Please call our Customer Care Center 181 6666 to check how fast you can go with your DSL line. If this is the first time to purchase a booster, then it may take up to 24 hours to configure your DSL line.

Constitution Of The Frightened States Of America

Chalo Baant Lete Hain Apni Sazaayen

Sardar Anjum …

Chalo baant lete hain apni sazaayen
Naa tum yaad aao naa hum yaad aayen

Sabhi ne lagaayaa hai chehare pe cheharaa
Kise yaad rakhen kise bhuul jaayen

Unhen kya khabar ho aanevaalaa naa aayaa
Barasti raheen raat bhar ye ghataayen

Remember 9/11

Wataniya Offer

Pick your favourite mobile with easy instalments of just KD 6 / month. That’s not all! Enjoy additional benefits like:

• Free silver number
• 1 month free subscription on any postpaid voice plan
• 1 month free subscription on Net-on-Phone plans (Optional)

To enjoy this promo, a 1 year commitment is required.

Note: The monthly instalment is a fixed amount of KD 6 / month, and the number of monthly payments will vary depending on the total price of the phone you choose.

Hustle – Season 6

 

This was fun. Definitely enjoyable.

Filming for Season 7 has kicked off and will be telecast in 2011. Link

Wish there were more series like this. Leverage is similar to this show, but leave it to the Americans to take a good concept and mess it up, showcasing their incompetence. I didn’t bother with Leverage after Season 2. There were just way too many episodes with too much of blaa.

I would have given them the benefit of doubt IF Season 1 episodes weren’t suffering from bad writing. Two seasons in a row with 3-4 episodes each that tick me off… naaah. Just not worth it.

From My Inbox

Got this in the mail today. Really liked the idea. Creativity isn’t completely dead. Not just yet, anyways.

 

BlackBerry AppWorld 2.0.0.36

My earlier version of App World was working just fine, until yesterday. Today morning, however was getting an error:

BlackBerry App World is having trouble connecting to the BlackBerry App World Server. Verify your network connection bla bla.

Interestingly enough, the bloody thing works fine over WIFI. Just won’t work on the Mobile Connection. Doesn’t really make that much of a difference (to me, anyways).

While at it, decided to upgrade to App World 2.0.0.36, now that it’s out of Beta. How to upgrade? Well this is what worked for me:

• Switch off Mobile Network. Connect to the WIFI
• Go to www.BlackBerry.com/appworld on your handset
• Click Open with BlackBerry App World
• Upgrade

UPDATE:

Seems like some people are getting an error of missing COD files. Well, here is a workaround for that. You will need to install this using the BlackBerry Desktop Manager.

Firstly, remove all existing App World files/installations from your BlackBerry. At times, removing them from the device might not be enough. Connect to the computer using AppLoader and make sure that it doesn’t appear anywhere in the applications list. If it’s there, delete it.

Once you have confirmed that nothing relating to App World is on your device, download the COD files from here and unRAR them onto your computer.

• Connect your device using BlackBerry Desktop Manager
• Go to Applications > Import Files
• Navigate to the unRAR’ed folder and locate the ALX file (AppWorld 2.0.0.36\net_rim_bb_appworld.alx).
• Click Apply.

Once I was done with that, going into My World showed that I needed to get a BlackBerry ID. Got that done too. Connecting via the Mobile Network, I now get a new error:

BlackBerry App World is not currently available in your country. Please check BlackBerry.com/appworld for updates.

However, having absolutely no issues over WIFI. Ah well, it works - one way or another.

Stewie_Griffin

 

“

I currently own a system which is exactly 14 times better than Windows 7. I call it: Windows 98.

Hustle – Season 5

Done with Season 5. Definitely a lot better with Adrian Lester back. Downloading Season 6 now.

Hustle – Season 5

Watching Season 5 now. Not a bad start.

Adrian Lester (Mickey Bricks) is back :)

Marc Warren (Danny Blue) is out, and that’s fine too. Although I do miss Jaime Murray (Stacie Monroe).

Kelly Adams (Emma Kennedy) is not bad to look at either. Definitely looks a lot better with dark hair.

We The Bigoted People

India to become world's fastest growing economy by 2013-15: Morgan Stanley

“

India is poised to accelerate its growth rate to 9-9.5% over 2013-15, even as China will cool down to a more sedate 9% by 2012 and to 8% by 2015. So finds a new report by Morgan Stanley, authored by Chetan Ahya (managing director for Asia and India economist, who writes a monthly column for ET) and Tanvee Gupta.

Link

* Chokes and then Chuckles

Interesting. Have heard similar India Shining reports earlier as well. Most of them usually die a natural death, but sometimes the reports don’t even add up when compared against data from other sources.

Rewind to June 2009, and there was another ‘interesting’ article

India Projected to Be the Fastest Growing Economy in 2010

In June 2009, an article projected India to be the FASTEST growing economy in 2010.

As per the above article, India would be growing by 8% in 2010, overtaking China which was projected to grow at 7.7%. This is supposed to happen in 2010, that is THIS year.

A bit of googling and I come across something else.

 

Link

Data Source : International Monetary Fund.

I am sure that the data on Economy Watch would be more reliable than something put up on Seeking Alpha, don’t you think so?

The data in the above table is based on numbers crunched in in MAY 2010. Forget about being the FASTEST growing economy, the indicators till May 2010 still showed India trailing behind China.

Yes, they are indicators based on a lot of assumptions, but then - if you are going to hype up one report based on such assumptions, it’s only fair to suggest that one should also publish the previous reports alongside the brilliant predictions (made at that time) with their respective indicators and assumptions which blew up in your face. Just to give the reader of the article a clearer picture of things.

Now we have another report suggesting India will be the fastest growing in 2013-15. Sigh……

How do you expect anyone with even half a working brain to take these ‘reports’ seriously?!

Dikhaawon pe mat jaao. Apni akal ladaao.

Nokia X3 Touch & Type

 

“

In a move to continue driving innovation, Nokia today unveils the super slim Nokia X3 Touch and Type, with a unique combination of a touch screen and traditional 12 button phone keypad. As Nokia's first 'Touch and Type' phone, the Nokia X3 allows people to tap quickly on the bright color touch screen, as well as enjoy the familiarity of the full keypad for quick fire text messages and phone calls. Anticipated to be on sale in the third quarter, the Nokia X3 is expected to retail for approximately EUR 125, excluding taxes and subsidies.

Link

Interesting. Not too bad for a low end, low priced handset. 

BlackBerry App World 1.1.0.35 For OS 5

 

 

I have posted an OTA link earlier, but that one is for 1.1.0.17. To get 1.1.035 click here. Save the RAR file on your desktop and unRAR it.

To install App World you can:

Copy the entire folder onto your BlackBerry and navigate to the JAD file and execute it from your handheld (AppWorld 1.1.0.35\JAD\net_rim_bb_appworld.jad)

OR

• Connect your device using BlackBerry Desktop Manager
• Go to Applications > Import Files
• Navigate to the unRAR’ed folder and locate the ALX file (AppWorld 1.1.0.35\net_rim_bb_appworld.alx).
• Click Apply.

…

Year: A period of three hundred and sixty-five disappointments.

- Ambrose Bierce

Hustle – Season 1 - 4

Season 1 was really cool. Season 2 – not bad either. Season 3… err, watchable. Season 4 – Not happening.

Adrian Lester as Mickey Bricks brings a sense of dignity / refinement to the group. Without him, it’s just not the same. The cons seem to be patched up together just for the fuck of it and not nearly as engaging.

Marc Warren playing Danny Blue is fine as a member of the crew. But as a leader… just not happening.

Downloading Season 5, now.

The Mentalist – Season 3

 

Waiting..

Nokia N8 - Preorder

 

Link

Aaj Ke Daur Mein Ai Dost Ye Manzar Kyon Hai

Sudarshan Faakir…

Aaj ke daur mein ai dost ye manzar kyon hai
zakhm har sar pe, har ik haath mein patthar kyon hai

Jab haqiiqat hai ke har zarre mein tu rahta hai
phir zameen par kahin masjid kahin mandir kyon hai

Apna anjaam to maaluum hai sab ko phir bhi
apni nazaron mein har insaan sikandar kyon hai

Zindagi jeene ke qaabil hi nahin ab "faakir"
varnaa har aankh mein ashkon ka samandar kyon hai

…

Avil is simply awesome.

VIVA Offers

 

VIVA More:

Free Platinum / Gold number. Double credit for first 2 months. Flat minute rate.

Become ELITE:

Unlimited Internet usage.

VIVA My Community Service:

VIVA My Community service allows you to make voice or video calls and send SMS for free to up to 5 VIVA numbers

 

Link

Chrome – To - Phone

“

The extension allows you to take a page you’re currently viewing on your web browser and send it to your Android 2.2 device — if you’re looking at a map and want it on your phone, you can just click the ‘Chrome to Phone’ button in your browser, and your phone will immediately open that map in the Maps application. if you come across a phone number on the web that you’d like to call, you can send that directly to your phone to automatically launch the dialer

You can download the extension here

Link

BTW, similar extension for FireFox is available too.

Google OFFICIALLY released it on August 12, but the extension for both the browsers has been available for a while now.

Ramadan Offers From Zain

 

Link

Link

So What Happened Here?

I am not an architect, but some things just don’t add up. Like… err.. What the hell happened here? More pillar block thingies on one side?!?!

If one just wants to be “DIFFERENT”, and not conform to the REDUNDANCY OF SYMMETRY - I am sure there are more creative ways than just adding extra pillars to one side. This just looks weird.

 

Now what is THAT? First, it was just the centre thing, and I was sure it was a fountain. Now.. it seems like the architect got inspired by the design of the Roman Senate and wanted to replicate it here. Considering the Semi Circle ‘ceiling’ thingy, I am guessing, the ruins of the Roman Senate.

And I honestly can’t think of ANYTHING to say about THAT. What is it there for?

Mera Kuch Samaan

Is Your Mute Key No Longer Functional?

 

I had this problem after one of the OS upgrades. Can’t recall which one. It didn’t get resolved with the further upgrades either. Looks like RIM has revised the functionality for the two keys on the top of the device.

Now if you want to put the handset on Stand By, while on the Home Screen - you can either use the Lock key (top left) or Long Press the * Key.

That resolves the Stand By issue. But those of us who have put a Password for the device, the Quick Lock option is no longer available. Stand By WILL lock the keyboard, BUT NOT THE DEVICE (as in – no Password protection until the Time Out kicks in).

Solution:

- Go to Options (Spanner icon).
- Language and Text Input.
- Scroll to Input Language Selection Shortcut
- Set it to either Shift-Space or None.

Now go back to the Home Screen.

Hitting Alt+Enter will now LOCK the device, with Password Protection, regardless of the Time Out setting.

Yes, it was much easier having a single key doing it, but this is the only way that I could figure out to get this working with the new OS(s).

Most Read News Articles On Arab Times

Hmmm

BlackBerry OS 5.0.0.770

 

What I was looking for, was an expected release date of the OS 6 for the Onyx. Couldn’t find that, but I did find an updated OS (was running .743).

Upgraded to the New OS. Rebooting is noticeably faster. The 862 was available too, but it was a leaked one, so didn’t bother with that.

Link

UPDATE:

Just got the official 5.0.0.862 OS. Even Better!

Link

Prove The Mayan’s Right

Cleaner

Watchable.