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  • Salón del Automóvil Ecológico de Madrid 2010: BYD

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    2010 es el año en el que el mercado automovilístico español tendrá un nuevo fabricante chino: BYD. La marca estuvo presente en el Salón del Automóvil Ecológico de Madrid que se clausuró ayer y fue una buena oportunidad para que el público español conociera de primera mano los dos productos que comenzará a vender en los últimos meses de este año a través de un acuerdo con el Grupo Bergé.

    Aunque la división fabricante de vehículos de BYD Company Ltd. fue inaugurada en 2003, la compañía ya tenía casi una década de experiencia a sus espaldas. En concreto, en ese tiempo se había convertido en el constructor de baterías recargables de níquel y litio más grande del mundo. Esta experiencia es la que le ha ayudado a BYD Auto a fabricar coches híbridos y eléctricos de gran nivel, cuya autonomía es superior a la competencia.

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    Cuando BYD entre en España lo hará con dos modelos ecológicos, uno de los cuales es el F3DM. Basado en la anterior generación del Toyota Corolla americano, utiliza un sistema de propulsión llamado Dual Mode que combina las características de un vehículo eléctrico con las de un híbrido. Es decir, puede funcionar como ambos dependiendo del ritmo de conducción requerido.

    Consta de un motor de gasolina de 1 litro que genera 67 caballos de potencia, otro eléctrico también de 67 CV y 400 Nm de par, y un generador que controla el rendimiento del bloque térmico para reducir su consumo de combustible. En total, la potencia del F3DM es de 168 CV y ofrece prestaciones de un coche que poseyera un motor de 2.4 litros, cifradas en una velocidad máxima de 150 km/h y una aceleración de 0 a 100 km/h de 10′5 segundos.

    Las baterías que alimentan al motor eléctrico y al generador son de hierro, un material poco utilizado por el resto de fabricantes de coches, pero que ofrece un bajo coste de mantenimiento, peso reducido, alta seguridad y una larga vida útil. Los méritos de esta batería son varios. En primer lugar, en la modalidad de conducción totalmente eléctrica permite al F3DM recorrer hasta 100 kilómetros, mientras que si entra en funcionamiento el motor de gasolina a alto régimen, la autonomía se eleva a 580 kilómetros.

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    En segundo lugar, se pueden recargar en una toma de corriente doméstica, evitando tener que depender siempre de los futuros puntos públicos de recarga. El proceso dura siete horas si se abastece del todo la batería, aunque si se usa un punto de recarga rápida, solo tarda diez minutos en llenarse a la mitad.

    Otro logro es su bajo peso mencionado anteriormente. Algunos de los actuales vehículos híbridos y eléctricos tienen baterías muy pesadas que dejan una masa total bastante elevada. Sin embargo, el BYD F3DM alcanza solo 1.560 kilogramos, una cifra respetable que también influye positivamente en la autonomía.

    Por otra parte, para recargar la batería no solamente se hace mediante un enchufe, sino que hay más mecanismos. El F3DM tiene equipado el tradicional sistema de frenada regenerativa, aprovechando la energía disipada en deceleraciones. Pero también hay un panel solar en su techo que convierte la luz solar en electricidad.

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    El segundo modelo que empezará a vender BYD en nuestro país será el e6. A diferencia del F3DM, este modelo es original de BYD y es totalmente eléctrico. La marca china lo califica como un mixto familiar de tracción total apto para cinco ocupantes. Sus medidas son: 4′55 metros de largo, 1′88 de ancho y 1′63 de alto.

    Su motor eléctrico proporciona 75 kW (unos 100 CV) y su energía la envía unas baterías de hierro como en el otro modelo. Estas prometen una autonomía récord de 330 kilómetros, más del doble de un Nissan LEAF, por ejemplo. Su velocidad máxima es de 140 km/h y su aceleración de 0 a 100 es de 14 segundos. Una pega es que en el e6 el peso aumenta hasta 2.295 kilogramos.

    Finalmente, Bergé Automoción firmó el mes pasado un acuerdo con Endesa para otorgar varias unidades de estos modelos de BYD para el proyecto de movilidad eléctrica “SmartCity” en Málaga. La compañía eléctrica se comprometió a establecer puntos de recarga públicos tanto en las instalaciones de Bergé Automoción como en las sedes de las empresas asociadas a ella. No obstante, Endesa podrá construir más puntos para recargar baterías para los usuarios de otras marcas que comercializa Bergé en España. Os dejamos con las fotos:

    Fotos | HighMotor



  • Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg: ‘We’ve Made a Bunch of Mistakes’

    There’s been a lot of talk about Facebook privacy and, while a lot of it is warranted, it seems that most people are just exaggerating or reiterating the same points. Nonetheless, it’s a subject that’s not going away anytime soon and it looks like all this may have actually spurred change at the mammoth social network… (read more)

  • Lost Ending: Lost Finale Explained!

    Lost Finale Ending has received lots of critics from “Lost” fanatics. Lost ending seems unsatisfactory from the comments on various Lost Blogs. In the Lost Finale Ending, sawyer or Josh Holloway finds some long-sought closure together with the other castaways. Should the writers of the  Lost Finale explained why it ended that way it did?  Lets take some glance…

    After about six years of airing, Lost finally ends! Lost ending is not that happy as everyone is expecting. Most were not satisfied although some were touched. It is not in doubt that a lot of viewers wanted a happy Lost ending. Sadly, every viewer seems to come in a wrong island.

    Lost finale explained: “The show is, at its heart and soul, a character study. We were fascinated as storytellers by what makes people the way they are.” stated by the “Lost” co-creator Damon Lindelof.

    Watch the “Lost Ending” over uploaded videos on internet.

    Come and share your thoughts on Lost series finale explanation…

    What can you say about Josh Halloway? … the Lost Ending?

    Are you satisfied? Are you entertained in the Lost finale ending?

    Related posts:

    1. Watch Lost Finale – How did Lost End?: Lost Finale Updates
    2. Lost Finale: Spoilers and Teasers
    3. Remembering the Dr. Linus Latest Show

  • Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) Dividend Stock Analysis

    This article originally appeared on The DIV-Net May 17, 2010.

    Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Johnson & Johnson (JNJ). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis:

    Company Description: Johnson & Johnson engages in the manufacture and sale of various products in the health care field worldwide.

    Fair Value: I consider four calculations of fair value, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description:

    1. Avg. High Yield Price
    2. 20-Year DCF Price
    3. Avg. P/E Price
    4. Graham Number

    JNJ is trading at a discount to 1.) and 3.) above. The stock is trading at a 8.9% discount to its calculated fair value of $70.24. JNJ earned a Star in this section since it is trading at a fair value.

    Dividend Analytical Data: In this section there are three possible Stars and three key metrics, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description:

    1. Free Cash Flow Payout
    2. Debt To Total Capital
    3. Key Metrics
    4. Dividend Growth Rate
    5. Years of Div. Growth
    6. Rolling 4-yr Div. > 15%

    JNJ earned three Stars in this section for 1.), 2.) and 3.) above. A Star was earned since the Free Cash Flow payout ratio was less than 60% and there were no negative Free Cash Flows over the last 10 years. The stock earned a Star as a result of its most recent Debt to Total Capital being less than 45%. JNJ earned a Star for having an acceptable score in at least two of the four Key Metrics measured. The company has paid a cash dividend to shareholders every year since 1944 and has increased its dividend payments for 48 consecutive years.

    Dividend Income vs. MMA: Why would you assume the equity risk and invest in a dividend stock if you could earn a better return in a much less risky money market account (MMA)? This section compares the earning ability of this stock with a high yield MMA. Two items are considered in this section, see page 2 of the linked PDF for a detailed description:

    1. NPV MMA Diff.
    2. Years to > MMA

    JNJ earned a Star in this section for its NPV MMA Diff. of the $1,208. This amount is in excess of the $500 target I look for in a stock that has increased dividends as long as JNJ has. If JNJ grows its dividend at 8.4% per year, it will take 3 years to equal a MMA yielding an estimated 20-year average rate of 4.02%. JNJ earned a check for the Key Metric ‘Years to >MMA’ since its 3 years is less than the 5 year target.

    Other: JNJ is a member of the S&P 500, a Dividend Aristocrat and a member of the Broad Dividend Achievers™ Index.

    Conclusion: JNJ earned one Star in the Fair Value section, earned three Stars in the Dividend Analytical Data section and earned one Star in the Dividend Income vs. MMA section for a total of five Stars. This quantitatively ranks JNJ as a 5 Star-Strong Buy.

    Using my D4L-PreScreen.xls model, I determined the share price would need to increase to $83.33 before JNJ’s NPV MMA Differential decreased to the $500 minimum that I look for in a stock with 48 years of consecutive dividend increases. At that price the stock would yield 2.53%.

    Resetting the D4L-PreScreen.xls model and solving for the dividend growth rate needed to generate the target $500 NPV MMA Differential, the calculated rate is 5.8%. This dividend growth rate is less than the 8.4% used in this analysis, thus providing a margin of safety. JNJ has a risk rating of 1.00 which classifies it as a low risk stock.

    There is no perfect dividend growth stock, but JNJ comes close. The company enjoys a diverse revenue base, an excellent research pipeline, a pristine balance sheet and exceptional free cash-flows to cover it dividend. This diversity and strength will help the company overcome near-term results from patent losses on Risperdal and Topamax. I will continue to add to my position as my allocation allows and when JNJ is trading below my buy price of $70.24. For additional information, including the stock’s dividend history, please refer to its data page.

    Disclaimer: Material presented here is for informational purposes only. The above quantitative stock analysis, including the Star rating, is mechanically calculated and is based on historical information. The analysis assumes the stock will perform in the future as it has in the past. This is generally never true. Before buying or selling any stock you should do your own research and reach your own conclusion. See my Disclaimer for more information.

    Full Disclosure: At the time of this writing, I was long in JNJ (4.4% of my Income Portfolio). See a list of all my income holdings here.

    Related Posts:

  • 15 solar-powered boats to sail clean on blue waters

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    Solar energy seems to be getting on the minds of the designers who are always looking for ways to use this abundant energy to power vehicles. We’ve seen designers come up with sustainable cars and buses that are powered by renewable solar energy for a truly zero-emission ride. Apart from land transport, there have been concepts aimed to green your weekend marine picnics as well. Here is a list of 15 boats that generate propulsion power from an onboard array of solar panels:

    • PlanetSolar Catamaran:

    planet solar_1_ewim8_69

    At 31m long, the PlanetSolar is the world’s largest solar-powered multi-hulled vessel. The boat’s solar panels are expected to produce up to 103.4KW of renewable power. The solar panels allow the PlanetSolar to hit a top speed of about 8 knots. The boat’s 38,000 photovoltaic cells have been provided by SunPower, which are claimed to have an efficiency of at least 22 percent.

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    • ARKKI Solar Boat:

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    Designed by Janne Leppänen, the ARKKI concept features a huge open space covered with a surface like that on an outdoor basketball court. The entire surface of the boat is covered with multilayer photovoltaic cells that can produce the required energy from the sun to power the boat.

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    • Solar Powered Personal Boat:

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    Costing $10,500, the Solar Powered Personal Boat can ferry up to four adults. The boat is powered by a 700W electric motor that enables the boat to move silently at 5mph. The motor is powered by four deep cycle batteries that are constantly recharged by the sun during daylight hours. The batteries hold a reserve charge that can power the boat for 6 hours after dark.

    • Buffalo’s Solar-Powered Boat:

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    Designed by Buffalo Solar Boats, this pontoon boat is capable of touring inland waterways and lakes by harnessing solar power from a rooftop array of photovoltaic modules. The PV modules can generate up to 1KW of power, which can be stored in a large onboard battery for use during overcast days.

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    • Solar Proa Catamaran:

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    The Solar Proa is a self-sufficient boat designed by Carolin Dissmann, Tibor Bartholomä, Daniel Boos and Andreas Schwab that harnesses solar energy for green power. The Proa is an asymmetric catamaran that provides space for six people with light weight, elegance and sustainability the key aspects of the design. The solar-powered boat has two foldable covers with solar panels on top. When docked, the covers are closed and the entire boat features just one clean and flat surface enabling the solar panels to generate electricity.

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    • Onda Velocita Powerboat:

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    The Onda Velocita Powerboat is a luxury boat that features the latest in technology with traditional design elements to make your ride green and comfortable. The hybrid boat uses a pair of water jet propulsion units, which can be turned off on sunny days, as the boat carries a photovoltaic system on its roof, which generates enough electricity to power the engines and other systems that are installed in it.

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    • Sea Raider:

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    Designed by Muhammad Imran, the Sea Raider is equipped with photovoltaic modules to collect solar energy during the day to power the boat and recharge onboard batteries. During the day the boat can power itself using the harnessed solar energy and during nighttime the boat’s batteries take over the system, ensuring a zero-emission cruise irrespective of the time of the day.

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    • SunCat23 Catamaran:

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    Developed by Horizon Yachts, the SunCat23 Catamaran utilizes four solar panels capable of generating 760W of power to fuel a 2.8KW electric outdoor motor. The electric motor propels the catamaran to a top speed of 6 knots while carrying 12 passengers. A fully charged battery bank will be able to power the boat for a day trip, even on a cloudy day.

    • Iron 23 Motorboat:

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    The Iron 23 Motorboat by industrial designer Carl Hagerling features space for three passengers, runs on a solar-powered electric engine and also includes a kitchen and a toilet. The eco-friendly boat features a compact solar array that according to the designer generates enough energy to power the boat. The boat is also equipped with a conventional engine that can be used if the sun isn’t shining or if the juice in the onboard batteries depletes.

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    • N-DOUR Hybrid:

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    The N-DOUR by designer Riccardo Pilurzu is a yacht with multiple purposes. The design was created with the idea of developing a luxurious yacht that will sustain itself for a longer period of time out at sea. The idea is to utilize wind and solar energy to create hydrogen which will later propel the yacht with a hydrogen power plant. The N-DOUR has another trick up its sleeves, when the vessel is docked in the harbor and no electricity is been consumed by the vessel, the yacht will start producing energy for the harbor, therefore providing clean energy to the grid.

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    • SolarLab Research’s Solar Shuttle:

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    The Solar Shuttle by SolarLab Research is a solar-powered boat that has been designed for the 2012 Olympics. The 255-passenger boat features a rooftop array of solar panels that generate the electricity needed for propulsion.

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    • Leviathan:

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    The Leviathan concept yacht is the work of industrial designer Adam Valmassoi, who believes that the sun and wind have the potential to green your next cruise. The eco-friendly self-sufficient yacht runs on two electric jet pump engines, which are powered by wind turbines and solar panels on board the yacht.

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    • The Float:

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    The Float flat-surfaced boat is a solar-powered double motor concept boat that harvests renewable solar energy using an array of solar panels placed neatly on the roof. Solar power and electric engines don’t make it the fastest boat you’ve ever ridden, but provide a decent cruising speed of up to 10kph. Meant for a marine picnic, the boat is equipped with a table, a grill and a small refrigerator.

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    • IKKAR:

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    The IKKAR by designer Julien Anglade is a low-emission futuristic yacht concept that has been designed to bridge the gap between man and sea. The innovative concept yacht features a simple yet elegant design that can change its shape according to the location for the comfort of the passengers. The 150m-long IKKAR includes a streamlined hull for better fuel efficiency, and its main sail is equipped with rigid photovoltaic panels that help generate energy to power the boat.

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    • Code X Yacht:

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    The 47′ 7” Code X yacht comes with a hybrid engine that can either give you a thumping 710hp by twin Ilmor Formula 1 engines to propel the yacht at a speed in excess of 80 knots or a more leisurely 9 knots using its twin electric motors. The battery pack has the capability to run continuously for two hours and can be recharged using the on-board solar panels for additional leisure.

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  • 2010 G-POWER BMW M3 GT2 S and M3 TORNADO CS

    2010 G-POWER BMW M3 GT2 S and M3 TORNADO CS - Front Angle Top View

    G-POWER present the G-POWER M3 TORNADO CS as the civilian version of the imposing G-POWER M3 GT2 S. When it comes to performance, both vehicles rely on the mighty SK II CS supercharger system. Following intensive development work, starting with CAD development, and followed by prototype build and extensive test driving and hot weather testing in the United Arab Emirates, this system sets new benchmarks in performance and quality. At the heart of the supercharger system is the high-performance ASA T1-522 radial compressor, which also runs in a similar format in the ALPINA B6 GT3 race car. A dual-flow carbon air intake, a substantial cast aluminium charge air cooler and a cast aluminium airbox provide the fundamentals enabling the maximum charge pressure of 0.5 bar to generate output of 600 hp and 580 Nm. In order that the increased output remains weight neutral, G-POWER uses a titanium exhaust system that delivers a considerable reduction in both back pressure and weight with its manifold and 2 x 100 dcpi metal catalytic converters. The weight advantage versus the series production exhaust system is no less than 26 kg.

    2010 G-POWER BMW M3 GT2 S and M3 TORNADO CS - Front Angle View 2010 G-POWER BMW M3 GT2 S and M3 TORNADO CS - Rear Angle View 2010 G-POWER BMW M3 GT2 S - Engine View

    G-POWER was also able to make further savings in the wheel rims. All-new forged SIVERSTONE CLUBSPORT alloy rims measuring 9.0 X 20 inches and 10.5 X 20 inches for the TORNADO CS, and 3-part SILVERSTONE RS forged wheels measuring 9.0 X 20 and 11.5 X 20 inches on the GT2 S significantly reduce unsprung mass, thus delivering better acceleration and greater cornering agility. The TORNADO CS is guaranteed firm grip with the tarmac courtesy of 255/30 ZR 20 and 295/25 ZR 20 MICHELIN Pilot Sport tyres, while the G-POWER GT2 S is fitted with MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup sports rubber measuring 245/30 R 20 and 315/25 R 20.

    The GT2 S handles the dash from 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds. The G-POWER M3 TORNADO CS does the same trip in 4.3 seconds and from 0-200 km in 11.8 seconds. The top speed for both vehicles is limited by transmission ratios. With the 6-speed manual it stands at more than 320 km/h and with the 7-speed DCT at more than 330 km/h.

    G-POWER BMW M3 GT2 S 2010 - Front Angle View 2010 G-POWER BMW M3 GT2 S - Front Side View 2010 G-POWER BMW M3 GT2 S - Rear Angle View 2010 G-POWER BMW M3 GT2 S - Rear View 2010 G-POWER BMW M3 GT2 S - Side Skirt View 2010 G-POWER BMW M3 GT2 S - Wheel And Rear Spoiler View G-POWER BMW M3 TORNADO CS 2010 - Front Angle View 2010 G-POWER BMW M3 TORNADO CS - Front Side View 2010 G-POWER BMW M3 TORNADO CS - Front skirt View 2010 G-POWER BMW M3 TORNADO CS - Rear Angle View 2010 G-POWER BMW M3 TORNADO CS - Wheel View

    Source: Lincah.Com – New Car and Used Car Pictures

  • Lexus takes Gen XY on a ‘Dark Ride’:

    Lexus’ small CT 200h hybrid won’t go on sale until February, but a short online movie called Dark Ride is already promoting the vehicle and reaching out to younger buyers.

    Lexus and its ad agency, Skinny, aim to generate excitement among consumers 16 to 44 — known as Gen XY. That demographic is a far cry from the median age of Lexus’ owners — 57.

    The movie is interactive, with online participants commanding the wheel of a CT 200h. The mission is to prevent the opposition from stealing the car’s hybrid technology while driving safely to Los Angeles. The driver makes the decisions.

    The movie trailer began running on lexusdarkride.com on March 31. The movie debuted on lexus.com on May 14.

    “This is the longest pre-launch we’ve ever had,” says Lynda Eguchi, marketing strategy and life cycle manager for Lexus. “This will be the new gateway for getting to Gen XY. We want to move them into the Lexus family.”

    At 170.1 inches long, the CT 200h will be the smallest Lexus. The front-wheel-drive car is powered by a 1.8-liter inline-four engine.

    “This allows us to market the car and reach out to consumers in a different way,” Eguchi says. “It is one way of being totally immersed in the car without having the car.

    “You can feel the driving experience. You can customize it, have your voice in the film with pictures, your own dialogue. You choose which direction you want the film to go.”

    Hand-raisers also can get an exclusive Dark Ride card that allows them to participate in various offers and events. Test drives of the vehicle will begin this fall.

    Eguchi would not say what the cost of the pre-launch is and says it’s too early to measure the success of the movie. But, she says, Lexus is learning how to talk to Gen XY.

    “They’re more media-savvy, more online,” Eguchi says. “We will be capturing a big part of this crowd.”

    For more


    Dark Ride

    Source: Car news, reviews and auto show stories

  • Audi to compete against BMW’s Megacity with its all-electric A2

    audi a2

    Eco Factor: Zero-emission vehicle powered by an all-electric engine.

    According to recent reports the Audi A2 will be an electric-only car when launched in 2012. The vehicle is set to be pitched against BMW’s Megacity, which is due to go on sale in 2013. The second generation model will drop the pricey spaceframe construction of the original A2 for a conventional steel-monocoque from the Audi A1.

    (more…)

  • Even more Windows Phone 7 titbits

    Windows Phone 7WMExperts have extracted some WP7 info from a presentation by Microsoft’s William Steele on "Building Applications on Windows Phone 7 with XNA" at IndyTechFest.

    They reveal some interesting points, such as rendering for XNA games will be locked to a 30fps frame rate, Silverlight apps will show up in the apps menu and XNA games in the games menu or hub, there will not be a cross over between Xbox marketplace on your console and the Windows Phone marketplace, and Microsoft is working on in-app purchasing, but this will not be available at release, but that in-game upgrades from trial to full versions will however be available.

    Read more at WMExperts here, or see the full presentation on UStream here.


  • New BMW X3 teaser pics

    New BMW X3 teasers

    The first two teaser pics of the new BMW X3 have emerged, showing that the new SUV is slowly revealing itself. The teaser shots show a detail of the X3 bonnet and some rear lights. The images don’t tell us much about the new X3, particularly whether it will be any larger than the current model, thus undergoing a repositioning in relation to the new BMW X1.

    The new X3 should, however, be a longer model, with its length increased to 465 cm. The engine range should undergo some changes later in the life of the model, including a new ActiveHybrid version. The new X3 will appear at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.

    New BMW X3 teasers New BMW X3 teasers

    Source | X3.bimmers.com


  • New Jersey container port to be powered entirely by wind generated electricity

    wind energy

    Eco Factor: Container port to tap wind energy using five wind turbines.

    A new container port in New Jersey is looking to tap wind energy to generate all the energy it needs. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey plans to power the port with five, 288-ft-tall turbines erected on a 70-acre site.

    The Port Jersey-Port Authority Marine Terminal will accommodate container ships too tall to pass under the Bayonne Bridge. The five turbines will collectively generate bout 7.5MW of power, which is enough to power the port or power about 2000 homes. All excess power will be transferred to the grid.

    Image Courtesy: Wikipedia [Under a Creative Commons License]

    Via: SmartPlanet

  • Event:Contamination Control in a Patient’s Room

    The impact of contaminant and flow fields of breathing and coughing in a patient room using CFD numerical analysis.

  • Change The Login For Ubuntu Is Even Easier!

    Back in Ubuntu 9.10, the good ol’ folks over at Canonical decided to use a different style of login than in previous versions. Before karmic Koala, you could download really cool themes to skin out your GDM login page, and make it look really cool. You could find skins and themes that matched your personality, and make a custom look that was an expression of you! When 9.10 came out, things changed a bit.

    I wrote about one way to change the look of your login page back when 9.10 came out. It basically consisted of a command to run as root so you could change your wallpaper, icons, and theme. What was the big change? Well, they did away with the GDM login and went with a faster loading X11 login. Their goal was to decrease boot times at the expense of being pretty.

    The way I did it before was okay, but it is sometimes hard to remember funky terminal commands that you don’t use very often. I mean, I only used the command I mentioned when I first setup Bauer-Puntu, then after that I just used Bauer-Puntu for new installs. Well, now I don’t have to remember that command. I can simply install the new GDM2Setup tool! To install it, run the following commands:


    1. sudo add-apt-repository ppa:gdm2setup/gdm2setup
    2. sudo apt-get update
    3. sudo apt-get install python-gdm2setup

    After installing the program, you will find it under the Administration menu. This will give you a GUI program that easily lets you:

    • Set login screen wallpaper, theme & icon set
    • Blur wallpaper
    • Set autologin/delayed login
    • Choose to display userlist
    • Enable/disable login sounds
    • Set login banner message

    Here is a screen shot of what the program looks like after it is installed:

    Pretty cool right? The best part about this program for me was it lets me get rid of the Ubuntu logo from the login screen. I suppose I could have done that before using the old terminal command, but I didn’t realize it until this program. To do that you just have to change the icon theme from the decoration tab:

    Pretty cool right? I think I will be using this tool when Bauer-Puntu 10.10 comes out! What tools do you use to customize your Ubuntu experience? Let us know in the comments!

  • FIBROPLAN® NC rotary tables

    FIBROPLAN® NC rotary tables are equipped with a backlash-adjustable worm drive for use in machine tools for universal positioning. Rotary and multiple-axle machining (simultaneous operation) is possible.

    The application of high-resolution measuring systems and the special design features with high-precision, rigid bearings result in high positioning accuracy. Through hydraulic clamping in the positioned state, high machining forces can be absorbed.

    FIBROPLAN® NC rotary tables are available in different designs, configuration levels and variants. Multi-axle designs and combinations with linear tables, designs with pallet clamping devices and pallets as well as customised solutions are possible.

  • MULTIMILL FC8

    The key milling machines Multimill FC 8-1 and FC 8-2, are mechanically actuated, and mill a profile on both sides of the key blade. Keys can be manually fed into the machine from vertical magazines or automatically fed from a vibratory bowl feeder (optional).

    One key per cycle is milled through the FC 8-1 machine. Two keys per cycle are milled through the FC 8-2 machine, which can be two identical keys per cycle or two different keys per cycle.

    Keys are milled using two opposed cutters mounted on independently adjustable spindles. The diameter range of the cutters is 35-50 mm. Keys are automatically loaded, machined and unloaded into a collection box. Key restakers (optional) are available upon request. Machining is normally done with coolant.
    Dry machining is posssible upon request providing a chip extraction unit (optional) is installed.

    Working principle
    Keys are fed from a vertical magazine into a set of linear feed slides.
    Machine speed (feed rate) and consequently hourly output is adjustable via a mechanical variable speed drive unit.
    Upon request key tip chamfering using special cam is possible.
    Chips are conveyed via coolant into a removable chip bin.
    A chip conveyor can be provided upon request.

  • HC – MV99 Proportional valve

    Hydrocontrol’s product range is one of the biggest and most complete in our sector.
    Starting from our consolidated to our more innovative products we have always catered for customisation.

    Applications
    Cranes and aerial platforms, Forestry machines,
    Compactors, Aerial platforms, Concrete pumps,
    hook and skip loaders.

    Technical specifications
    Working section number 1 – 10
    Rated flow P/T – 130 l/min (34 GPM)
    A/B – 100 l/min (26 GPM)
    Rated pressure P – 420 bar (6000 PSI)
    Rated pressure A/B – 420 bar (6000 PSI)
    Rated pressure T – 20 bar
    Spool stroke 7 + 7 mm
    Spool pitch 43 mm
    Circuit type Parallel, LS

  • Lantech Communications offers DNV certified switches

    Lantech Communications offers DNV certified switches for network applications on ships, off-shore platforms, wind power and tidal power generators.

    Lantech Communications Europe GmbH is member of “German Ship Suppliers Association” and also member of ISSA (International Ship Suppliers Association).
    Marine network applications are divided into two categories – One is On-shore, the other is Off-shore. On-shore applications include Lighthouse surveillance, Wind Power controlling and monitoring systems, Tide Power controlling and monitoring systems and surveillance. Off-shore applications include IP networking for Oil platforms, Battleships, Yachts, and Cruise Liners.
    The challenges of marine network applications include coping with harsh environmental conditions. These conditions include extreme operating temperatures, heavy moisture, erosion, extensive shock and vibration. Also, extensive EMI can prevent some of the equipment used in the ship, especially the compass and navigation systems, from operating properly.
    Problems caused by erosion, heavy moisture and extreme working temperatures are common in marine applications. Lantech’s “Marine” Series Industrial Switches are designed to cope with those problems. Given the diversity of locations that switches may be used, Industrial Switches are needed for the various types of approvals under DNV classification.

    Tested switches are IES-0005T-DNV, IES-0008T-DNV, IES-2216C-DNV, IEC-0101FT

  • Motorized Linear Actuators BSMA-058

    Single Axis Linear Actuator BSMA-058 is a motorized ball-screw actuator guided by linear bearings. The light weight aluminum stage base is supplied with a dust-proof strip to prevent particles entering or leaving the stage. This actuator is ideal in a high speed single or multi-axes motion automation applications.

    Actuator features following specifications:

    – Stroke 050 ~ 600 mm
    – Single or double carriage
    – Ball screw pitch 2.5 and 5 mm
    – Repeatability 5 microns
    – Dynamic load capacity 140 Kg
    – Dynamic moment 60 Nm
    – Speed 500 mm/sec
    – Motor frame size Nema 17 or Nema 23
    – Stepper or brushless servo motor
    – Limit sensors: home (1), limits (2)

  • Direct Drive Rotary Tables – Compact SRT Series

    The Compact SRT Rotary Table Series is designed for the applications where the load is directly attached to the rotary table surface. Direct drive servo motor technology eliminates backlash, reduces the number of mechanical components, and provides stiff mechanical system for highly dynamic applications. Pre-tapped mounting holes and a hollow-through shaft permit a variety of machine designs. These direct drive rotary tables can be fitted with either four point contact preloaded ball bearings for high speed or cross-roller bearings for high load capacity. Low and high speed windings and resolution to 0.2 arc-sec available.

    Features:

    – ZERO maintenance
    – No adjustment
    – Zero backlash
    – High torque motors
    – Precision bearings
    – High resolution feedback
    – Three stack lenghth sizes

    Specifications:

    – Torque 10 Nm
    – Resolution 0.2 arc-sec
    – Repeatability 0.5 arc-sec
    – Accuracy 5 arc-sec
    – Run-out 5 microns
    – Table OD 115 mm
    – Table height 65 mm
    – Center aperture 30 mm