http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Insurance/InsureYourCar/StudyLinksZodiacAndCarCrashes.aspx
Beware of Google Maps
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Apple’s iPhone
Okay so those of you who follow technology news, probably would have already heard the big Apple announcement today: Apple’s iPhone. Just like other Apple products, iPhone looks great, and a lot of bloggers have already characterized it as a revolutionary product, ofcourse without even seeing or using it. I dont know if iPhone will be as big a success as iPod, but from what I do know, I can certainly list down few things which might be a hindrance to it becoming as great a success:
Price
4GB model will cost $499 and 8 GB model, a whopping $599 with a 2 year Cingular Contract! Now theres no news as yet of it being available as a stand-alone product. But if (and when) it is, how much will it cost?? So Cingular’s latest phone, Blackjack costs 449.99, and a 2 year contract price is 199 (diff of approx $250) after mail in rebates (as per their website on 01/09/07). With that logic, 8GB model without Cingular contract should cost more than $850!! Well, now I’m really not sure how many people can afford such an expensive phone device. Hence, Apple might loose on the price front.
Dependence on Cingular
Since, this device will only be available with Cingular at launch, it certainly restricts shoppers. Only people who can buy it at $599 will be new cell phone buyers interested in Cingular service. For others who are T-Mobile, Verizon or other carrier patrons, or are generally tied up in a year or 2 years contracts, will not likely break their contracts and switch over to Cingular to get iPhone.
Storage
I am really very surprised by the 4GB and 8GB options. Apple today has iPODs with 30 GB and 80 GB options, providing only 4GB and 8GB for iPhone really fell too low! People who want to use iPhone as an mp3 and video player, will certainly be discouraged by this limit.
iPhone could have a negative influence on iPod market. If people start buying iPhone, they probably will not buy iPods. So, lets wait till June, when the first iPhone will be available to find out if iPhone will indeed be a threat to Nokia, RM and others.
Technorati tags: Apple, iPhone, iPod, mp3 player, mac world, ces 2007
Disclaimer: I am sure there are plenty of you out there who disagree.. but then hey! This is my space! 🙂
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Bhangracise
My wife Pooja and I started a new dance / exercise class named Bhangracise (Bhangra + Exercise). For those of you who are not familiar with Bhangra, it is a dance form from North India. Getting back to Bhangracise, so this lady who teaches this class thought of a fun way of exercising i.e. embedding bhangra moves with in an exercise routine and believe me, you end up losing more than 400 – 500 calories in one hour of this class. I have been away from workout for quite some time, so this is a good start for me. I go there 2 days a week and at the end of my exercise routine, I can barely stand, so based on my naive knowledge, I guess it is quite an effective way to exercise! 🙂
I have always enjoyed Bhangra music, as well as dancing to it, and I really hope to learn some new moves by the end of this class aswell!
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First Day at Microsoft
So today was my first day at Microsoft and being an orientation day, I would say it was pretty interesting. All of you who have been through new employee orientations would seem to agree that orientations can get pretty boring, but I would say inspite of not having a good sleep the night before, I was pretty active through out the orientation and that speaks for itself that I really enjoyed my first day at Microsoft.
I had heard a lot about diveristy at Microsoft but today was the day when I saw it in action. So among group of people who were joining today, few had flown over to the USA for the first time from different countries and I started thinking about how many other companies provide such opportunities, probably not a lot many.
Also, I met this american guy who had been to India few days back on a business trip and he was all praise for India particularly Hyderabad. He was very impressed by the openness of Indian culture and fact that people celebrate christmas and other festivals with so much excitement and how people have so many great ideas and willingness to share those ideas with others. Oh man, I was feeling so proud to hear his great comments.
Tommrow I get to meet my team and see my office. I am really looking forward to it. Not only am I exicted about working at Microsoft, besides other benefits, I am most exicted about the fact that I will have an office now and pro club membership.
Kamal
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Welcome 2007
This is my first blog post, I have been thinking for a long time to blog and connect with friends, professionals and other like minded people. I dont want to restrict my blog to any particular subject but want to keep it more generic and write as and when I feel the need to share something interesting (could be boring for some of you 🙂 ) with you all.
I could not have started this blog at a better time than now as I am starting a new job tommorow, its a new year, lots happening around me in terms of new technologies, political development etc etc. I am sure 2007 will be a very exciting year so folks keep checking back and I will do my best to make my blog an interesting reading for you all.
Wish you all a very happy new year !
Kamal
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New Beginning 