Apple iOS 7 unveiled

Apple recently unveiled its latest mobile operating system for iPhones and iPads called iOS 7. It comes with a completely redesigned interface with new colors, icons and much more. Here are some of the key features of this new mobile OS. 

• Apple is experimenting with an easier way to move back a screen in apps - a swipe up from any screen including the lock screen instead of tapping a "back" button. 
• Browsing is now bigger and better with Safari. Buttons and bars like the unified smart search field stays hidden (until a sharper scroll reveals them) thus allowing optimal use of the available viewing area.You can go back and forward a page and work seamlessly, making for a much improved browsing experience.
• The iCloud keychain stores and encrypts your passwords and credit card information.
• Passbook app, which stores virtual coupons and tickets, has been drastically improved and users can add cards by scanning a QR code.
• Multi tasking has always been a smart way to switch between apps. Now it's even smarter - you can control which apps you want to run in the background using the settings menu. So the next time, you tend to check your social app at 9:00 a.m everyday, your feed will be ready and waiting for you.
• iOS 7 has introduced smart groupings of photos and videos based on time and place. Tap years and all your shots fill the screen. With iCloud, you can share your favorite moments with your favorite people by creating a shared photo stream. They can post photos, videos, and comments to your stream, and it all appears in everyone's iOS devices -automatically.

These are just a few highlights of the iOS 7, but there's so much more to see and do in the new mobile OS. Stay tuned for plenty more news on iOS 7 before it sees its release date.

SaaS - Software as a Service

SaaS is a software delivery method that provides access to software and its function remotely as a web-based service. Here the customers can have access to software that otherwise had to be purchased. SaaS allows organizations to access business functionality at a cost typically less than paying for licensed applications since SaaS pricing is based on a monthly fee. Also, because the software is remotely hosted, users don't need to invest in additional hardware. It also removes the overhead installation, set-up and maintenance costs. Google Apps, Microsoft 365 and Amazon web services are already providing this SaaS services. 

Raspberry Pi Cloud

Computer scientists have made a working model of multi-million pound cloud computing technology using just Lego bricks and a handful of A£20 mini-computers. The University of Glasgow's Raspberry Pi Cloud project links together 56 Raspberry Pi computer boards in racks made from Lego, which mimic the function and modular design of commercial cloud computing infrastructure. Cloud computing service providers have always maintained a great deal of secrecy over how their systems work, making it difficult for researchers and students to develop a practical understanding of cloud infrastructure. But with the Raspberry Pi Cloud, Glasgow University has a major advantage of providing students with hands-on experience on cloud computing hardware and software. This introduction of the Raspberry Pi Cloud project would broaden access to cloud computing research and education.

A dream against all odds ( Master chef US)

More recently did I happen to watch the MASTERCHEF US show on star network.Excellent one... I should say. The first few shows made me think that the three judges, Gordan Ramsay, Graham Elliot, Joe Bastianich were very harsh in their comments but later I understood that the  perfection they had expected is absolutely required for a show like this. The chefs chosen are no ordinary people and their strict attitude absolutely has brought out the best of the contestants. The show actually exhibits the flavours of hard work, dedication, commitment, spirit and their passion towards cooking. The contestants have put their heart and soul into this. They were made to cook under pressure but still they managed to give delicious dishes.

The final two contestants who competed for the Master chef title were Josh and Christine. I should say that these two were really stunning. Josh was a controversial person who was previously eliminated but got a re-entry in the wild card round. He was not among the top contestants  but his determination got him to the top level. People thought that he could not give a scoring dish. The confidence in him was astounding and made him top the charts. He was the runner-up in this competition.

My all-time admiration in this Master chef is Christine. She was the title winner of this master chef. She is blind - would you all believe this? She didn't even know how her dish looked like when she presented before the judges. Her tearful words " I am a living proof  that dreams come true against all odds" is absolutely true. There was one particular round in which the contestants were supposed to look and taste a dish and prepare the same. When all others could do both, Christine was the only person who identified the individual flavours just by tasting it and took the aid of others to explain how the dish looked like. To everyone's surprise, she replicated the dish with the exact flavours and it was a visual retreat. She absolutely deserves to be on the top. What a positive attitude and a  winning spirit!