Mozilla has released Firefox 3.1 Alpha 2 the latest development version of the browser codenamed Shiretoko. The browser is based on Gecko 1.9.1 and has a better and faster JavaScript virtual machine.

Shiretoko Alpha 2 is an early developer milestone for the next version of Firefox that is being built on top of Mozilla’s Gecko 1.9.1 layout engine, Shiretoko Alpha 2 is being made available for testing purposes only, and is intended for web application developers and our testing community. Current users of Mozilla Firefox should not use Shiretoko Alpha 2.

Changes in this Development Milestone:

Shiretoko / Gecko 1.9.1 Alpha 2 introduces several new features:

• Support for the HTML 5 <video> element

• Initial support for web worker threads

• You can now drag and drop tabs between browser windows

• Ability to make use of Aero “Glass” in XUL

• Support for CSS 2.1 properties.

• Support for CSS 3 properties

• Performance improvements and new preference values for color management profile support

I am speechless. The new browser from Google is simply amazing. Google Chrome Beta which was released yesterday i.e. on September 02 is just incredible. It is just a beta version and is fully loaded with new and unique features. I just downloaded the browser and will be learning about its features soon, but here is the list of features that it has;

New Tab Page:

Your most recent visits, recently bookmarked sites, etc. will beshowed when you open up a new tab.

Incognito Mode:

If you want to be stealthy while browsing the web and leave no trace of where you’ve been or what you’ve been up to then this is what you would be wanting for

To use this feature,

1. Click the Page menu
2. Select New Incognito Window

A new window opens with a  Incognito Icon and you can continue browsing the web…

Crash Control

This will probably be one of my favorite features.  If your browser crashed Google Chrome will only have to close the tab you are browsing instead of the entire browser.

Import Settings:

All of your bookmarks, passwords, browsing history and settings will be imported to Google Chrome at the time you download it.

Instant Bookmarking:

Application Shortcuts:

Open web apps such as GMail write from your desktop without opening your browser.  This is really a cool feature and it saves your passwords so accessing your Gmail is now a double click on your desktop.  Pretty Cool

Download GOOGLE CHROME!

A complete coverage of Google Chrome

Yeah! It’s finally official now. Vodafone has just revealed its iPhone pricing. The 8GB and 16GB would cost you Rs 31,000 ($738) and Rs 36,100 respectively ($859) OMG!!! Isn’t that insane?

By the way, here’s what Vodofone had to say;

The iPhone 3G is available in 8GB and 16GB at Rs 31,000 and Rs 36,100 respectively. And as you have already pre-registered with us, you can get it before others do. All you need to do is drop in at a select Vodafone Store between August 20 and 21 and confirm your booking by paying Rs 10000 through cash or credit card. Don’t forget to show the iPhone booking SMS, which you would have received from us, when you visit the Vodafone Store to make the deposit.

Well, for those iPhone freaks, here you go… What have you decided? Are you still willing to get the iPhone 3G? Two more days to go. Hope you make a wise decision…

Well I guess half of the pre-booked customers would never turn up…

“MTNL hopes to bring the best possible 3G services to the common man at affordable rates,”

Well, BSNL has announced the launch of its 3G services by this December and also the state-owned telecom operator’s metropolis counterpart, MTNL, too has plans to offer this next generation service to consumers around the same time. Sounds interesting…

Also said by the chairman,

“Our basic core network is ready for 3G. We’re trying to give 3G as a New Year gift to our customers.”

Well, we have to wait and watch whether our New Year gift for 2009 would be an interesting one or not…!

Anyways, below is an email interview with J. Gopalan by TechTree.

Techtree: What services can a consumer expect to use after immediate launch of 3G services by MTNL?
J. Gopalan: High speed data download up to 2 mbps, streaming services, Mobile TV etc. will be available immediately; video calling will be introduced subsequently.

Techtree: What steps will MTNL take to capture the interest of consumers, so it retains them and increases subscriber-base even after other operators start rolling out 3G services?
J. Gopalan: We will strive to provide the finest services to our customers like good speed, best content, M-commerce based services; services which develop stickiness to operator.

Techtree: Does MTNL plan to tie-up with mobile phone manufacturers to promote and sell its 3G services?
J. Gopalan: At present we do not have any such plans. We’re open for anything which will give better services to our customers. But as of today, I cannot elaborate on this.

Techtree: Will MTNL have binding data plans for its 3G services where a user won’t be allowed to shift to another telecom operator for services?
J. Gopalan: This is not permitted as per current regulations. In fact, subscribers will soon have the freedom to shift operators retaining his/her old number.

Techtree: Finally, how much will the 3G services cost a mobile phone user?
J. Gopalan: We’re working on end-user pricing. But it’s a fact that MTNL will provide 3G services at the most affordable rates as we believe that common person should be able to use all new services.

Courtesy: TechTree

It’s official now EA has announced Need for Speed: Undercover. It is scheduled to be released for PS2, PS3, PSP, Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo DS, PC, along with other mobile devices on November 18th. (DARN! November 19th is my birthday )

Anyways, it is said that this game would focus on the aspects of gameplay featured in Most Wanted, like car chases, and underground racing. You know right, the fun stuff

And here’s something Bill Harrison, Need for Speed Undercover Executive Producer had to say:

“Need for Speed Undercover features a deep and engaging story of spectacular Hollywood-style live-action that will transport players into the fictional world of the Tri-City Bay Area”.

The new game will feature international movie star, Maggie Q, as the lead character in the big-budget live-action sequences that propel the original story forward as players get behind the wheel. EA’s Need for Speed Undercover takes the franchise back to its roots and re-introduces break-neck cop chases, the world’s hottest cars and spectacular highway battles.