Saturday 9 March 2013

At the age of 16, Gurbaksh dropped out of high school to pursue his dream as an entrepreneur and started his first company, ClickAgents. It was one of the first ad networks focused around performance based advertising. Eighteen months later, he sold it for $40 million to ValueClick.
In January 2004, Gurbaksh founded his second company, BlueLithium, this time with an insight into sophisticated new ways that data, optimization and analytics could help Web advertisers with behavioral targeting. BlueLithium was named one of the top 100 private companies in America for three years in a row by AlwaysOn, and in 2006, it joined Google, Skype and Salesforce.com in being named Innovator of the Year. In 2007, Yahoo acquired BlueLithium for $300 million in cash.
Gurbaksh is leading his third start-up, RadiumOne. RadiumOne is the first Real Time Bidding (RTB) enabled display audience network with social and mobile capabilities.
Through its proprietary and patent-pending “Social Retargeting” technology, RadiumOne allows companies to take advantage of the ever-increasing amount of “social” data on the Internet to zero in on the consumers most likely to be receptive to their messages. This helps not only companies, since they can make efficient use of limited Web advertising budgets, but also potential customers, since they are presented with messages more relevant to their needs. RadiumOne is headquartered in San Francisco, and is funded by several prominent Silicon Valley venture capitalists.
In April 2010, Chahal was awarded the Leaders In Management Award and an Honorary Doctorate degree in Commercial Science from Pace University in 2010 in recognition for his career achievements as an entrepreneur. Much of that story Chahal himself told in his international best-selling book, “The Dream.”
Gurbaksh’s successes as an entrepreneur has also been noted in The New York Times, Entrepreneur magazine, Forbes and BusinessWeek. He has also been profiled on Oprah Winfrey Show, Bonnie Hunt and EXTRA.

Milestones

Gurbaksh Chahal added a position as Founder/Chairman/CEO at ClickAgents. (1/1/99)
Posted 1/20/10 at 4:10pm
Gurbaksh Chahal added a position as Founder/Chairman/CEO at RadiumOne. (9/1/09)
Posted 11/30/09 at 2:50pm
Gurbaksh Chahal added a position as President, ClickAgents at ValueClick. (12/1/00)
Posted 4/11/08 at 5:20pm
Gurbaksh Chahal added a position as Founder at BlueLithium. (2/3/09)
Posted 11/7/07 at 8:36am

Will Google Glass Disrupt The Smartphone Wars?

Is the future of mobile becoming a little clearer? Is it in fact settling down into a pattern that will persist over the next few years, one in which Apple and Samsung share the spoils while the rest try, vainly, to wrest from them that elusive commodity called profit? The writing is on the wall in smartphones and with an increasingly stable outlook, Google Glass looks like the only disruption in town. What we are really looking towards is a new way of presenting and absorbing information. Google Glass looks like the nearest we have to a new paradigm, but in fact my guess is it is too static. Information needs to be as pervasive as our lifestyle needs. It won’t be stuck to our heads. But it might be in our ears, on our wrists, on the objects we observe or all three together, and more.

Global mobile data traffic grew 70 percent in 2012
2012 mobile data traffic was nearly 12 times the size of the entire global Internet in 2000
Mobile video traffic exceeded 50 percent for the first time in 2012
Mobile network connection speeds more than doubled in 2012
In 2012, a fourth-generation (4G) connection generated 19 times more traffic on average than a non-4G connection
The top 1 percent of mobile data subscribers generate 16 percent of mobile data traffic, down from 52 percent at the beginning of 2010
Average smartphone usage grew 81 percent in 2012
Smartphones represented only 18 percent of total global handsets in use in 2012, but represented 92 percent of total global handset traffic

■ Globally, 33 percent of total mobile data traffic was offloaded onto the fixed network through Wi-Fi or femtocell in 2012.
■ Android data use is now higher than iPhone data use.
■ In 2012, the number of mobile-connected tablets increased 2.5-fold to 36 million, and each tablet generated 2.4 times more traffic than the average smartphone.

HTML5 vs. Apps: Here's Why The Debate Matters, And Who Will Win

HTML5 is a new technology that allows developers to build rich web-based apps that run on any device via a standard web browser.
Many think it will save the web, rendering native platform-dependent apps obsolete.
So, which will win? Native apps or HTML5?

A recent report from
BI Intelligence explains why we think HTML5 will win out, and what an HTML future will look like for consumers, developers, and brands.

Here's why the Apps-vs-HTML5 debate matters:

Distribution: Native apps are distributed through app stores and markets controlled by the owners of the platforms. HTML5 is distributed through the rules of the open web: the link economy.

Monetization: Native apps come with one-click purchase options built into mobile platforms. HTML5 apps will tend to be monetized more through advertising, because payments will be less user-friendly.

Platform power and network effects: Developers have to conform with Apple's rules. Apple's market share, meanwhile, creates network effects and lock-in. If and when developers can build excellent iPhone and iPad functionality on the web using HTML5, developers can cut Apple out of the loop. This will reduce the network effects of Apple's platform.

Functionality: Right now, native apps can do a lot more than HTML5 apps. HTML5 apps will get better, but not as fast as some HTML5 advocates think.

In full, the special report analyzes:

What HTML5 is, giving an overview of how it is a technology done by committee.

Why the HTML5-vs-Apps debate matters, breaking down its impact on distribution, monetization, platform power and network effects, and functionality.

The pluses and minuses of HTML5 vs. native apps, comparing each by cost, user experience, features, distribution, and monetization.

How and when HTML5 will take over, laying out how it has all the hallmarks of a disruptive technology.

The success of an HTML5 pioneer, The Financial Times.

What an HTML5 future will look like, with the promise of richer and more interactive experiences.

To access BI Intelligence's full report on HTML5, sign up for a free trial subscription here.

iOS Dominates Android Among Airline Passengers

iOS Dominates In-Flight Wi-Fi Access (Gogo via Apple Insider)

In-flight Wi-Fi provider Gogo reported that iOS users account for the lion's share of mobile devices accessing the company's ground-to-air Wi-Fi network, with iPhone owners comprising some 73 percent of all traffic originating from smartphones.

According to Gogo, an in-flight Wi-Fi provider operating on 1,800 aircraft across ten carriers, including United, Delta and American Airlines, some 84 percent of all mobile devices connecting to its service have been identified as running Apple's iOS. Products using rival operating system Android account for the remaining 16 percent.

While iOS still rules the skies, the OS saw a decline from a 96.8 percent share in 2011, while Android use grew 400 percent over the same period.

Breaking down the statistics by device, smartphones and tablets combine to make up 67 percent of portables being used to access the internet in-flight. Tablets enjoy the most use with a 35 percent share, while laptops and smartphones comes in at 33 percent and 32 percent, respectively.

Apple's presence is dominating, with the iPhone accounting for 73 percent of smartphones recorded, compared to Android's 26 percent. Handsets running on BlackBerry and Windows didn't break the 1 percent mark.

Gogo said that passengers spend most of their time surfing the Web, with Apple's Safari being the most used browser, followed by Microsoft's Internet Explorer and Google's Chrome. Other Internet activities ranking high on the list of things to do while traveling include writing emails, accessing social media sites, checking sports scores and shopping.

The Most Ridiculously Expensive Gadgets Money Can Buy

Money can't buy everything, but it can certainly get you some really awesome gear.
For example, if you have $190,000 lying around, you can impress your friends with a slick hovercraft.
From a custom iPad encased in solid gold, to a personal submarine, the rich and famous have a nice collection of toys to choose from.
Take a look at some of the other items. It's hard to believe that you can actually drop this kind of cash on a gadget.

The Kohler Numi Toilet System: $6,400

Kohler

Available at Kohler.

Personalized Whac-A-Mole Game: $35,000

Hammacher Schlemmer

Available at Hammacher Schlemmer.

MWE Emperor 200 PC WorkStation: $49,150

MWE Lab

Available from MWELab.com.

Tron-style Motorcycle: $55,000

BikeExif

Megatrend MKIII Speakers: $80,000

Transmission Audio

Available at Transmission Audio.

Innespace Seabreacher-Y Submarine: $100,000

Hammacher Schlemmer

Available at Seabreacher.com.

Aurumania Gold Bike: $104,744

BornRich

Available at Aurumania.com.

103-inch Plasma Yalos Diamond TV: $130,000

Ubergizmo

An Actual Hovercraft: $190,000

Hammacher Schlemmer

Available at Hammacher Schlemmer.

Steinway Lyngdorf Model LS Concert Speakers: $250,000

Steinway Lyngdorf

Available at Steinway Lyngdorf.

Harry Winston Opus 12 Watch: $260,000

Harry Winston

Available at Harry Winston.

Ecosse Titanium Series FE Ti XX Motorcycle: $300,000

Ecosse

Available at Ecosse motors.

Sony PlayStation 3 Supreme: $316,800

GanerCrave

Available at Goldstriker.

Genuine PT Boat: $1,000,000

Hammacher Schlemmer

Available at Hammacher Schlemmer.

Amphibious Truck: $1,195,000

ConceptCarz

Giant Robot Warrior: $1,350,000

Suidobashi Heavy Industry

Available at Suidobashi Heavy Industry.

Dark Knight Home Theater: $2,000,000

IGN

More information on the custom home theater is available at BornRich.com.

Personal Submarine: $2,000,000

Triton

Available at Triton Subs.

18-Carat Gold Speakers: $4,700,000

Hart

Available at Hart Audio.

iPad Gold History Edition: $7,944,000

Stuart Hughes

Available at Stuart Hughes.

201-Carat Chopard Watch: $25,000,000

Wikicollecting

Available at Chopard.

15 Cool Hi-tech Spy Gadgets, Oh Wait…Creepy Gifts for Stalkers?

Do you have someone for whom you need a present but would classify as naughty and not nice? Do they have a desire for gadgets to make them feel like James Bond? There are spy gadgets designed to go undetected, products that were once considered science fiction, but can be purchased without needing to be a part of an elite secret service or military branch. Some of these spy gadgets barely squeak by as legal. So if you have a spy or spyette on your shopping list, perhaps one of these 15 hi-tech spy gadgets would be perfect for them. Oh wait . . . as the list goes down, they get creepy enough to almost induce full blown paranoia. Maybe these spy gadgets would be the perfect creepy gifts for stalkers?

Lasers

These are not toy lasers to play with indoors for your cat to chase around for your amusement. Wicked Lasers puts out two lasers straight out of some James Bond flick. On the left is the Elite Pro which has ridiculous burning power in such a tiny package. The military swears by it, using these tightly focused green beams like long distance matches for burning and melting. On the right is the Photonic Disruptor tactical laser. It was featured on Discovery Channel’s “Future Weapons”. Point the non-lethal versatile focused or unfocused beam towards potential threats at a distance and it will temporarily overwhelm a threat’s visual sense without causing permanent eye damage.

Bluetooth Spy

(image credits: esih,Brickhouse Security,Brickhouse Security)

Micro spy earphones like the upper left have been in circulation, but Brickhouse Security brings it to a new level. The invisible spy Micro Bluetooth headset goes deep into the ear and is so low that it cannot be seen. Although it requires no batteries, it would take a super-strong magnet to pull it from your ear canal. That takes care of sound spying but Brickhouse has another Bluetooth spy gadget to be your secret ear and eye in the sky. This average looking and fully functional Bluetooth headset is so much more with a pinhole camera hidden deep within. No one will suspect that your Bluetooth headset is actually capturing covert video surveillance with audio.

Lighter Spy

(image credits: Ajoka,ePathChina,varologic)

Lighters can be used to conduct secret video surveillance or are ideal for any covert operation where gathering evidence is important for you. Besides using these lighters for their obvious purpose of fire, you can leave it in your home or office to record everything that is happening while you are gone. Are you not the type to carry a refillable lighter but a disposable cheapo? These spy lighters come in all shapes, colors and sizes.

80,000 Volt Electric Briefcase

(image credits: Eurospy Shop,Ajoka)

If you are carrying around documents that cannot fall into enemy hands, or money or jewelry or anything vital to keep safe, then there are normal looking briefcases that can help you keep your valuables safe. Although they come in differing colors, all come with a remote control so you can shock the living daylights out of the thief. You can activate the screaming alarm by simply pushing a button on the remote control, but when you push a second button you will activate the electric shock alarm. Then the person who stole your suitcase will let go immediately! Nobody will be able to grab or take the suitcase without having the snot shocked out of them.

Cell Phone Spy

(image credits: Brickhouse Security, Eurospy Shop)

No matter what reason you come up with to need these cell phone spying devices, we are moving much closer into the realm of creepy stalker. The SIM card spy makes it possible to read deleted text messages and private data from any SIM card. Not enough James Bond for you? The bottom image is the world’s smallest, fully integrated GSM Listening Device. With an unlimited range, you can call from any phone and listen immediately to a conversation from anywhere in the world.

Tiniest Spy Cameras

(image credits: Spy Gadgets)

Micro cameras are getting smaller every day. The top right is the world’s smallest cam, a pinhole size CMOS camera which you can see size-wise sitting upon a dime. For another dimension of creepy spying, there are cameras in screw heads. There are also all various sizes of button cams.

Keylogger – Computer Spying

(image credits: Eurospy Shop, The Spy Store)

Yes, there are hundreds of software keylogger options. Anti-spyware vs. spyware, sooner or later most software keyloggers will be detected. For the ultimate in creepy computer spying, this keylogger plugs in and records all keystrokes. It uses no system resources and runs in the background. It stores everything typed on the keyboard and will suffer no data loss when unplugged. If this is for relationship spying, perhaps it’s time to seek counseling or get out. Believe it or not, it can get worse.

GPS Lingerie

(image credits: Gizmodo)

“Find Me If You Can” is the name of this lingerie with a pager-sized GPS device sewn into a bodice. For starters, unless you have some kinky thrills from it . . . run ladies if you find a GPS in your lingerie. Take it out first or else you can be tracked. In fact, if you don’t want to pull a Dirty Harry and point your gun at him to tell him to back off or make your day, then maybe you need your own covert spy/weapon gadgets like below.

For Ladies

(image credits: Made in China, Made in China Weapon Masters,Saftey Central)

Lipstick comes in all colors, glosses and now weaponry. Lipstick can be camouflaged as a stun gun, 350,000 volts worth of shock power if you need it for spying or for protection. The top left “lipstick” comes with a two-in-one function: Stun gun and LED Light. The top right “lipstick” packs 2 million volts! On the bottom left, these lipticks are actually knifes. If shanking someone is not to your liking, nor shocking someone senseless, then maybe wearing the ring would work for you. It’s not just jewelry as when you squeeze it, pepper spray squirts out from next to the stone. Whether you are a spy, want to feel a bit safe, or have some stalker putting GPS tracking in your lingerie, there are enough choices out there to suit most anyone.

Top 10 Strangest Gadgets of the Future

10. Citizen's Memory LCD

Citizen Japan has unveiled a new LCD technology -- called "memory liquid crystal" -- that retains the image even when turned off. Basically, its inorganic membrane and angled orientation keep the crystals frozen without needing power. Practical applications would include watches and mobile phone displays. [Source]

9. EyeMove PC

The EyeMove PC combines the functionality of a digital projector and computer into one circular-shaped device. Simply hang it on your wall or place it flat on a desk and project games, movies, or applicationNo word yet on on if this concept will go into production.

"With the wireless controller you can forget the old mouse, your keyboard, joystick, you have it all in one with a touch screen wireless controller"

[Source]

8. Scarpar - The All-Terrain Motorized Board

The Scarpar is a futuristic board that "apparently gives you the best of snowboarding, surfing, skating and motocross". It's slated for a 2007 release. Pricing has not yet been announced. Video clip after the jump. [Source]

7. 3D Video Game

interactive art and gaming, xBlocks delivers a unique experience to say the least. It's currently on display at Fabbrica del Vapore in Milan, Italy. Video after the jump.

"Using standard game controllers, two opposing players must help their characters navigate in and around a three dimensional maze. The real challenge comes, not from traditional game mechanics but rather from moving with your character as he sprints around corners and jumps between the installation’s two play surfaces"

6. Transparent Toaster

This innovative "Transparent Toaster" concept uses special heating glass to warm a single slice of bread. Unfortunately, the glass does not reach a high enough temperature -- at this time -- to actually toast the bread. No word yet on if this concept will go into production. [Source]

5. Origami DVD Player

This Origami DVD Player concept uses a fully-flexible display technology (e-paper) to ensure maximum portability. When not in use, the screen folds up neatly back into the case. From the image, it looks to sport integrated speakers as well. No word yet on if this concept will go into production.

As a product, it would target the business traveler who wants a convenient way to watch DVD movies.

4. Self Cooling Beer Can

Tempra Technology and Crown Holdings have partnered to develop the world's first self cooling beer can. It looks like a normal 500ml can, but features an integrated self-cooling device that reduces the "contents by a minimum of 30° Fahrenheit (16.7° C) in just three minutes."

"When activated, the all natural desiccant contained within a vacuum draws the heat from the beverage through the evaporator into an insulated heat-sink container."

[Source]

3. VirtuSphere

The VirtuSphere takes gaming to a whole new level, allowing users to walk inside a virtual space "while being totally immersed" -- through the head-mounted display system. Built-in sensors detect movement and transmit that information to a linked computer. A special platform inside the sphere allows it to rotate in any direction as the user walks. Two video clips after the jump.

The VirtuSphere is currently the only technology in the world, which permits the user to move about in virtual space through the most natural movement of all – by walking.

[Source]

2. Heliodisplay M2i

IO2Technology has just released a new version of their Heliodisplay multimedia projector called "M2i", it features a larger 30-inch diagonal (76cm) display area (4:3 aspect), 1600-2200 lumens brightness, 1024 x 768 SXGA resolution, and 'virtual touchscreen' controls. Video after the jump.

The interactive M2i allows desktop navigation in a PC environment such that floating images or video can be manipulated supporting a 'virtual' touchscreen enabling cursor control.

1. “On Target” Video Game Urinal

Set back into each urinal is a pressure-sensitive display, which activates an interactive game when used. This game includes sounds and images, bringing entertainment value to where you’d least expect. It will most likely will be installed in airports and schools “with the functional purpose of improving hygiene”.

The projection of the project into a museum space was conceived of as a critical-ironic measure, questioning the concept of art, but extending it at the same time.

[Source]

Honorable Mention - Bright Walk

There's a good reason why these shoes are called "Bright Walk", built-in Piezo-electric sensors convert the impact from running or walking into static energy which than power electro luminescent polymers to produce light.

"Besides its aesthetic contribution to the fashion scene (for including functional lighting), it addresses the added value of Safety for the runners."

Honorable Mention - Solar Powered LED Light

The LightCap is basically a solar powered water bottle which has a built-in LED light in its lid. It features a waterproof solar panel, battery pack, and "will stay bright for hours while the rechargeable Ni-Cad batteries will last for at least 300 cycles" on a four hour charge -- in sunlight. This device measures 8 ¼" tall and 3 ¾" wide with a 32 oz capacity. No word yet on pricing and availability.

Set it in the sun or hang it from a railing during the day and you'll have light all night long!

[Source]

Honorable Mention - Intelligent Spoon

Connie Cheng and Leonardo Bonanni have developed the world's first "Intelligent Spoon". It's equipped with sensors to measure temperature, acidity, salinity, and viscosity. Download the recorded data to any computer via a cable for furthur processing.

Apart from consolidating measurements that are normally done by an array of equipments into a single spoon, the information obtained can be used to advise the users what their next step should be; for example, it tells the user if there is not enough salt in the brine prepared to make pickles.

[Source]

Friday 1 March 2013

Concept Samsung flip

Final concept the Samsung flip uses a front screen that wraps around to the inner screen, allowing for a low profile notification bar separated from the main display. The objective for this project is to design a phone with the Samsung brand name using new OLED screen technologies. With screens becoming thinner and now able to fold and bend, there are many new possibilities in the area of phone design.

Flip feature allows you to set your phone up in a number of convenient positions. Use front screen for easy access to all apps or quick text/ e-mail viewing while phone is closed. Different interfaces for different phone positions.Flip outer screen towards you or open phone and set up for the best viewing position.

Screen wraps around the bottom of the phone where the notification bar is located. This helps reduce clutter and keeps the notification bar hidden and off the main screen.

Set your phone up in the best position for easy hands free video chatting. Works for both open and closed phone configurations. Also utilize the inner screen as one display or two, allowing for multiple apps to be opened and viewed at the same time.

Nokia CEO Ponders Sensors, Tablets, Sales

BARCELONA - Nokia's future includes a lot of sensors, and maybe some tablets. Nokia CEO Stephen Elop said that his company's smartphones can help ride the hot new wave of wearable tech, but that he's still puzzling out what to do about tablets.

While Elop shied away from discussing specific products, he got pretty animated when talking about wearable gadgets like the Fitbit and Pebble, and how Nokia's smartphones could fit into that equation - or possibly even replace these wearable devices.
"What these [smartphones] are, are a sensor collection. Take a Lumia 520 or 920. They have multiple GPS receivers, a compass, a microphone, a camera, all of these sensors. The idea that more and more there will be sensor technology that you carry around with you, we think that's a fundamental trend," he said. "These devices are sensing the world around you, they're sensing you."
With a bunch of top journalists in the room including All Things D's Ina Fried and CNET's Jessica Dolcourt, we spent a lot of time trying to bait the CEO into talking about devices Nokia hasn't announced.

Hands On With the Nokia Lumia 520, 720

"Do we see opportunity in tablets and things like that? Sure. The key thing is to understand which of these opportunities are growth opportunities," he said.
We've heard that refrain from Elop before, and it sounds like the mixed reception for Windows 8 tablets may have slowed down Nokia's move into larger mobile devices. Elop pledged not to build a "relatively uninispired laptop," and threw up his hands when I mentioned the Nokia Booklet 3G, a relatively uninispired laptop Nokia made before he arrived.
"Windows 8, how do you like it? I'm asking a lot of people that question; we're trying and experimenting … we can't make just another Acer-like device," he said. "We've got to have differentiated products, and we've got to point to specific consumers."
The one thing he would guarantee, of course, was more phones, both at the high and low ends of the Lumia pricing range. Nokia's Windows Phones got more affordable today with the new 520 and 720, but there's still room to bring prices down from the 520's $180 unsubsidized.
"We do have to continue to broaden the Lumia product line, but what we're carefully balancing (and this is an engineering balance) is how far down do you go in price point without sacrificing the essentials of the experience," Elop said.
As for the high end, "we have a flagship device now, known as the Lumia 920 … and there's still a lot more to come in 2013. Broadly, we have a lot of work underway," he said.
How Nokia Can Break Through
Elop spent a lot of time talking about how Nokia can break through in sales; according to the latest numbers from IDC, Windows Phones only had 2.6 percent of the global smartphone market in the fourth quarter of 2012. Nokia sold more than three-quarters of those. Android, meanwhile, topped 70 percent market share.
Nokia's Asha phones could cut into Android's market share by offering a better experience at very low price points, Elop said. "If you look at the lower-priced Android devices, they have old versions of the OS, app incompatibilities, and a less responsive user experience," he said.
For Nokia's Windows Phones, "retail execution" is key, getting salespeople to use and evangelize the phones, Elop said. In markets where carriers are already pushing Nokia phones such as with AT&T in the U.S., the company just needs more time, he said.
"The more time we have, the more experience we have," Elop said. "What we've done [in terms of sales] with the [Lumia] 920 is more than we did with the 900 with AT&T, and you'll see us continue to go ahead one step at a time," he said.

Concept the thinnest watches in the world

Company Central Standard Timing introduced the thinnest watch, made on technology E Ink. CST-01 looks similar to a metal bracelet, and their thickness is only 0.8 mm. Users can set or change the time with built-in docking station. A specially designed the battery can be charged from docking station just ten minutes and a watch will run for up to a month on a single battery charge. A life of battery is about 15 years.
Manufacturer has made such an incredible thickness of the gadget due to the special laminating flexible components and the use of steel. The main thing – do not cut yourself. Worn around the wrist like a bracelet, the CST-01 looks more like a fashionable accessory than a wristwatch. For the financing of the project decided to hire the services of the public. Central Standard Timing company expects to collect two hundred thousand dollars on Kickstarter.