Robots and Artificial Intelligence

Robots and Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is arguably the most exciting field in robotics. It's certainly the most controversial: Everybody agrees that a robot can work in an assembly line, but there's no consensus on whether a robot can ever be intelligent.

 Like the term "robot" itself, artificial intelligence is hard to define. Ultimate AI would be a recreation of the human thought process -- a man-made machine with our intellectual abilities. This would include the ability to learn just about anything, the ability to reason, the ability to use language and the ability to formulate original ideas. Roboticists are nowhere near achieving this level of artificial intelligence, but they have made a lot of progress with more limited AI. Today's AI machines can replicate some specific elements of intellectual ability.
Computers can already solve problems in limited realms. The basic idea of AI problem-solving is very simple, though its execution is complicated. First, the AI robot or computer gathers facts about a situation through sensors or human input. The computer compares this information to stored data and decides what the information signifies. The computer runs through various possible actions and predicts which action will be most successful based on the collected information. Of course, the computer can only solve problems it's programmed to solve -- it doesn't have any generalized analytical ability.

Some modern robots also have the ability to learn in a limited capacity. Learning robots recognize if a certain action (moving its legs in a certain way, for instance) achieved a desired result (navigating an obstacle). The robot stores this information and attempts the successful action the next time it encounters the same situation. Again, modern computers can only do this in very limited situations. They can't absorb any sort of information like a human can. Some robots can learn by mimicking human actions. In Japan, roboticists have taught a robot to dance by demonstrating the moves themselves.

About Blogs & Blogging

Blogs: Internet Marketing Tool
A Blog is a type of website that allows you as its owner to easily put in your messages and publish it online. It’s like a diary type of site, but what’s interesting is it’s not hidden from others like a normal diary where in only you can write and see it. A Blog is your personal site and your online diary at the same time. It is a place where you post something and other may post a comment about your post. It’s actually a great site to publish your own opinion and “what you think” thingy. Now, with all those features how come it’s also a marketing tool? For some it may seem to be a diary or a journal but for some it is more likely to be a place to advertise products and market them. Why? Because of the ability of Blogs to be crawled easily by search engines and because of the nature of a Blog that makes it look like an e-campus class that consist of a teacher and students. Advertisers, marketers and even programmers can make use of a Blog to post in messages about their products and users could post in their comments too. A Blog is easily crawled by search engines because it is a content based site and search engines loves sites with great content volumes. Ways of Blogging Now that you have got a basic understanding of the ins and outs of blogs, and some options available, you're probably wondering: How does this help me? 1. Communication with the team. Companies use blogs internally to communicate project status to stakeholders and managers. It beats clogging everybody's email with mass broadcasts. It allows these missives to be archived, indexed and easily searched. 2. Enrich Your Clients. You can easily link to articles and resources relevant to your readers and their needs. You can more easily attract experts to provide value-added content to your audience. 3. Get to Know Your Customer. Nobody buys from someone they don't know. Blogging allows you to demonstrate your expertise and point-of-view quickly and easily. 4. Collaborate. You can create your own marketing buzz to drive attention and buyers to your products and services. Some companies use internal blogs to report on projects or to track work groups distributed around the world. 5. Research and Development. Weblogs are the perfect forum to test out new ideas and receive instant feedback. You can allow others to see how you develop your products and services, and at the same time, they can tell you how best to serve them. 6. Go Global. Blogs, like other online media, allow you to take your business and ideas to a global market. Translation services are getting better every day, allowing more people to read online content in different languages. I've helped bloggers from New York to New Zealand, from Indiana to India. 7. Get Published. Publishers are turning to blogs to find new writing talent. Blogs can give a publisher a taste of your writing style as well as a sample of your depth of knowledge. Content specific blogs show a a commitment to a certain topic or subject matter. 8. Write your book. Let your readers help you write your latest book or article. Post chapters or ideas, then let readers help you in researching, testing and suggesting ideas. Or, use a blog after your book is published to update the material or to answer questions from readers. 9. Success Stories. Invite clients to blog about their successes with your products and services - it's like a living testimonial that never ends. As clients share their experiences, your prospects can see first-hand how you can help them, too. ----------

DirecTV and Dish TV

DirecTV

The company known as The DirecTV Group is made up of four main units, which include DirecTV U.S., DirecTV Latin America, PanAmSat, and Hughes Network Systems (HNS).  As a group, the organization serves over 12 million U.S. satellite TV customers and another 1.5 million subscribers in Latin countries.  Through PanAmSat, they operate a fleet of 25 satellites capable of providing satellite transmissions to 98% of the world.  And Hughes Network Systems operates a satellite-based consumer broadband Internet access service known as DirecWay.  This component of Hughes has over 180,000 subscribers.  HNS is also one of the largest manufacturers of DirecTV set-top receivers.  The four different aspects of The DirecTV Group give the company a large, comprehensive base of direct and indirect satellite customers.  Their partnerships with technology leaders such as AOL, Microsoft, and TiVo also add to their customer base.

There are plans for improving and expanding services in efforts to attract more customers.  Hughes Network Services is developing SPACEWAY, a more advanced satellite broadband communications package that is expected to provide customers with more affordable high-speed, two-way data communications. SPACEWAY is expected to be introduced in 2005.

DirecTV has been actively working to increase the number of markets where they offer local programming.  In January of this year, the company added 18 new markets that will receive local channels via the DirecTV(R) programming service.  By year-end, the company plans to offer local channels in a minimum of 130 markets, representing 92% of U.S. television households.  Continued marketing and development of their HDTV and DVR products will also be a part of their plans to expand their customer base.  Two different basic dish designs and several different manufacturers provide DirecTV consumers with a number of dish options.

DirecTV subscribers have a choice of two basic dish designs for their satellite service.  The round dish is the more common 18" design that has been popular across the country.  The oval dish or low noise blockdown (LNB) dish is able to receive information from more than one satellite and is required for those who want to receive local channels, HDTV, or Spanish language programming.

Popular manufacturers of DirecTV compatible dishes include Hughes, Sony, Phillips, and RCA.  Current DirecTV sales and deals offer the satellite dish and other equipment for free with a one-year commitment.  It could cost anywhere from $50 to over $200 to purchase the DirecTV compatible dish separately.

DISH Network

EchoStar Communications Corporation and their DISH Network service are Hughes Network’s top competitors.  Headquartered in Englewood Colorado, EchoStar has been a leader in the satellite TV industry for over 20 years.  The company, founded by Charlie Ergen, began as a distributor of C-band cable television systems and filed for a Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) license in 1987.  The company received broadcast access in 1992, launched its own satellite, EchoStar I, in 1995, and introduced DISH Network in 1996.

Today, the company has 9 satellites, and through DISH Network, provides over 500 channels of video, audio, and data satellite services to over 8.5 million customers in the U.S.  In addition to satellite television services, DISH Network customers can also receive high speed Internet, Interactive TV (on demand programming), and High Definition TV (HDTV).

HDTV is EchoStar's latest innovation, which reportedly delivers extraordinarily sharp pictures and integrated sound by digitizing television programming.  Broadcasting all DISH Network programming in wide-screen format and transmitting up to 10 percent more pixels, HDTV provides a clearer more proportionate picture.

In August of 2003, EchoStar was the first company to offer a satellite receiver with a built-in digital video recorder (DVR).  A DISH Network standard DVR receiver allows viewers to stop, rewind, fast forward and record up to 60 hours of live TV programming.  More advanced receivers provide enhanced services.

DISH Network services can be purchased on-line or through a local retailer.  Unlike its competitor, DirecTV, DISH Network offers equipment installation.  This service usually involves a fee, but often is offered at free or reduced rates through special sales promotions.

The equipment needed for DISH Network satellite TV is basically the same as for DirecTV service.  You need a dish, a satellite receiver, and the access cards.  Depending on the type of satellite TV you want, you have several choices for equipment.  Whether you want standard satellite TV or Digital Video Recording (DVR), or High Definition (HD) options, you will need a dish.  Each type of service requires a different dish, but that is determined for you when you choose your package.

All New Micromax Canvas 4

 

 

 

The Micromax Canvas 4 A210 is a new addition to the brand's Canvas lineup of smartphones. This handset is also the new flagship model in the Micromax lineup dethroning the Micromax A116 Canvas HD. This smartphone comes packed with a range of high end features. It is also dual SIM enabled with dual standby support.

Micromax Canvas 4 A210 Price in India is Rs 17,990 /-

OS & Processor
This handset comes with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean OS platform. The Micromax Canvas 4 A210 comes with a 1.2 GHz quad core processor to perform smooth computing. This device also has 1 GB RAM to ensure smooth multitasking.
Hardware
The 5-inch IPS display screen of this handset has a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels. The display screen of this device is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass. The Micromax Canvas 4 A210 weighs 158 grams and it is 8.9 mm thick. The 2000 mAh battery loaded in this smartphone offers up to 8 hours of talk time.
Camera
The camera resolution of Micromax Canvas 4 represents a significant upgrade from that of Micromax A116. This device comes with a 13 MP primary camera that has additional camera features like digital zoom, auto focus and LED flash etc. This handset also incorporates a whopping 5 MP front camera in it.
Memory & Media
This smartphone has 16 GB internal memory capability, of which 10 GB is accessible for users. The Micromax Canvas 4 A210 also has a microSD slot that supports up to 32 GB memory expansion. This smartphone also comes preloaded with a range of media features in it.
Connectivity
Being a smartphone, the Micromax Canvas 4 A210 is not short on connectivity features. This device lets users connect to the internet with the help of 3G, WiFi and 2G platforms. File transfer is facilitated through Bluetooth and micro USB port.