What is a widget?

Hi all!

Widgets are the most talked about web application these days. I am also searching for more information on widgets. I found this informative article written by Tony Bombacino, chief marketing officer of Restaurant.com.

Over the past couple of years, yet another new term has entered the marketer’s vocabulary; that term of course is “widget.” And while many people are already talking about widgets 2.0, many others are just starting to pay attention. Whether you think widgets are the most annoying fad ever or the most innovative trend in interactive online marketing, there is no denying they are part of our industry dialogue. These days, I can’t have a conversation with a publisher, salesman or colleague, read an article or attend a conference where the word and topic is not being debated. Often the debate centers on the mere definition of a widget — not how or when they should be used, or who is leading the way.

Beyond the definition of a widget, what qualifies as a widget is being debated in marketing conference rooms around the world. Depending on the size and focus of your company, and your role within it, you may have debated whether this new “thing” should be called a widget, a gadget, a desktop application, a downloadable application, or some cool new name native to your company.

With that said, let’s take a deeper look at the what, why, when, who and how of widgets. Beyond the definitions I’ve heard, I thought I would first see what Dictionary.com had to say. As I expected, the results were as varied as the debate:

1. Widget [wij-it] — noun — a small mechanical device, as a knob or switch, esp. one whose name is not known or cannot be recalled; gadget: a row of widgets on the instrument panel. 2. In graphical user interfaces, a combination of a graphic symbol and some program code to perform a specific function (e.g. a scroll-bar or button). 3. A device or control that is very useful for a particular job usually provides widget libraries containing commonly used widgets drawn in a certain style and with consistent behavior.

Or what about this simple and more industry-specific definition found at FreeWebs.com — “Widgets are small content features that help make your site personal and unique.”

Some of these definitions are relevant to our everyday businesses, some are not. For the purposes of moving forward, let’s assume that widgets in this article’s context mean everything from Facebook widgets to unique on-site widgets that brands develop to drive engagement, sales and/or ad revenue to more complex downloadable widgets/desktop apps that have multiple functions. In the end, the common thread across all of these widgets is that they all aim to drive some type of customer action (purchase/revenue, brand awareness/engagement, pass-along, etc.).

I am searching more on widgets and I’ll comeback with a detailed study. Till then if you get any more stuff get back with your findings.

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MAPMYINDIA’S NEW GPS DEVICES

Hi All!
Have you ever successfully used a GPS device on Indian roads? Now you can…
While navigation devices are becoming part of standard equipment in many cars in Europe and the US, it’s still early days here in India. There isn’t much awareness about using GPS devices to find your way around, but now after-market products such as MapmyIndia’s GPS devices are catching on. The new models from the company are user-friendly, with touch-screen functions, and come pre-loaded with the city maps of your choice. The GPS guides you to your destination using voice commands. While the system is easy to use, there are limitations—you cannot enter an exact street address or house number because our cities have not been mapped down to the last block, but it will get you within shouting distance of your desired destination.
Prices range between Rs18,000 and Rs21,000; three models are available.
GPS navigation for all India starting Rs. 990* on your mobile and Rs. 14000* in your car!
Mapmyindia Navigator’s complete series of GPS products, in-car and on-mobile are now available for different tastes, functionalities and price budgets. For your car the MapmyIndia Navigator is available in two hardware models – DELPHI NAV 200 and A-MAX 06GP5A. Along with All India maps (for 19,990*) you can also choose from individual state maps for seven states (for Rs.14,000*). This dedicated device is perfect for your driving and family navigation experience. This is a one time cost only as there are no recurring charges. You can get navigation on your mobile/PDA phone with our onboard and offboard products. Starting Rs. 990* onwards, the MapmyIndia Navigator mobile can turn your PDA/mobile into a full featured navigator. This is perfect for your personal navigation experience.
‘Perfect for her’
Rolling down the car window to ask for directions on the roads is not the safest option for women. It can be easily avoided with the MapmyIndia Navigator. With the help of satellites, the MapmyIndia Navigator can guide you to your destination with clear and accurate instructions. What’s more, you can also find important utilities (ATMs, hospitals, restaurants, petrol pumps, banks etc) on your route with this smart device.
‘Cool for him’
MapmyIndia Navigator is a great gift for your gizmo loving man. He will love the cool device even more when it’s used on the road and when its innovative features are explored. Plus he won’t ever have to ask for directions again!
Easy to use
Anyone can use the MapmyIndia Navigator. In fact once you have indicated you destination, the MapMyIndia Navigator will do the talking. It will lead you to your destination and point out – through voice guidance – if you are on the wrong route. It will also re-calculate the new route for you! The device fits your palm and can be easily carried in a hand bag. In the car it is conveniently fitted on the dashboard or windshield with a flexible mount.
Sophisticated technology and highly accurate maps
The MapmyIndia Navigator is an excellent fusion of the GPS technology– with satellites encircling the earth – and highly accurate and sophisticated maps of India. These maps have been perfected over the last 15 years and are also used by companies all over India for various commercial purposes. Thmapmyindia_gpsey are now available for retail use through the MapmyIndia Navigator.

So now you can have great fun on Indian Roads….Happy driving!

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Know Your Dream Speedster

Hi All!

Do you feel that India is ready for world’s fastest speedsters? I don’t think so, given our traffic and bad road conditions. But major auto manufacturers are ready to zoom in India. I am sharing with you the details of all such cars available in India. Go through it. It’s much more interesting than it appears.

BMW or Bayerische Motoren Werke is one of the most adored cars in India. With almost all its models launched in India (post Auto Expo). The cars of BMW are equipped with features like chip integrated vehicle key, automatic climate control, Panorama Glass roof (X5), rear seat air conditioning (all models), and BMW Hi-Fi systems etc. Starting with its basic 3 series, now you can buy most models from the 5. A “ XL X5 and series even the latest M3 Coupe. BMW M3 coup6, the latest entry to India will mesmerize you with its aerodynamic design and gaudy interiors. This V-8 high-rev engine with 414 bhp is equipped with glove like M seats, the innovative carbon structure leather trim and a BMW assist navigation system to help you with your travel plans by giving information on hotels, flights and traffic updates. The interplay of all these features provides you a sports car experience suited to everyday driving, with a starting price of 74,90,000.

Porsche, the company with medallion-ed logo has actually earned it. Starting with Lohner-Porsche in 1900 and Targa Florio race in 1906, Porsche’s name is now synonymous to speed and style. Its four models in India are Boxter, Cayman, 911 and Cayenne. The coup6 roofline is lightly domed as it arcs its way from the windscreen pillars to merge with the powerful rear section. Drive this 295 hp coup6 at a top speed of 275Kmph and you’ll get carousal. This optimum masterpiece of cockpit ergonomics and spell bounding design begins from 56 lakhs and has storage space at front and back 911 Turbo, the flagship model of Porsche is sleek, slender and takes you to 100 km in 3.9 seconds. With a fuel tank of 66 litres, it flaunts a 6-speed manual transmission Gearbox. It comes with standard and sport seats, a BOSE surround system and a unique Park Assist system.

Lamborghini, The Company, started by Ferruccio Lamborghini in 1963 is owned by Audi. While Lamborghini is the name of a fighting bull, Gallardo is the Spanish word for Gallant. The company’s logo, made of bull, aptly accentuates its flamboyance, raw power and beauty Lamborghini Gallardo, the immortal car, is prised at a steaming one crore and fifty five lakhs. The royal shining coupe, popularly recognised in stunning yellow is made up of 4961 cc displacement speeding up to 315 Kmph, almost thrice our Rajdhani! Its 4.3 metres long and has a fuel tank of 90 litres. The car has a six speed gearbox (reverse gear excluded) and a fuel economy of 15.24 Km per litre. Arrange a minimum of 1.5 crores ones you plan to buy a Gallardo.

The next entrant is from the smble of Bentley Motors. Arnage R (for re6nement), the most talked about car of Bentley is a refined Grand Tourer with a balance of comfort and elegance, of craft and composure. With the 6.75 litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, it has enormous reserves of power. Nevertheless, the 450bhp is delivered in a smooth and progressive manner, enhancing the sense of comfort and control.

Panels of natural wood set off the chrome bright ware of the controls, while fluted seats with either contrasting or matching piping add to an interior ambience that’s as discreet as it is luxurious. The 6761 cc, 450bhp car has a top speed of 270 kmph and begins at 2.55 crores.

Let’s simulate into S80 from Volvo. The latest car nulker entering Indian roads, Volvo has bought its flotilla of cars to India. The recently launched S80 Sedan in three vanants The biggest Sedan comes with Volvo’s Continuously Controlled Chassis Concept (FourC) suspension system that offers three dis- tinctive driving modes: comfort, sport, or advanced. A park assist camera is mounted in the boot lid to enhance your field of vision behind the car. A dual band integrated GSM phone, an RTI navigation system and a Bluetooth hands-free system are the navigation systems of Sedan. The fuel economy, courtesy style and fervor the car has to offer, the fuel economy is not too impressive. For diesel and petrol models, the average is 10km/1and 5-7 km/1in city conditions. While the diesel model starts from Rs 38 lakhs, petrol models start from 39 and 44 lakhs INR.

Hope you know quite a bit about your world’s fastest and most desirable cars now. For more, check out my next blog post.

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Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire: Getting Appreciation Everywhere

Hi All !

Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire launched on 26th of March is already India’s favourite car. It has received tremendous responses from customers. I am already a fan of Swift DZire. The Diesel variant was simply Dzirable. I was surfing on net for reviews on Maruti Swift DZire and found that people love this car. One of the reviews i read on Mouthshut.com says that Dzire is by far the best car in thie segment.

One of the bloggers, abagfullofdreams.blogspot.com has also written the same and indicated that it is a tough time for Honda, Logan, Aveo and Skoda’s Fabia as well.

The waiting period for this car is nearly one month. In some location it is slightly more. But Maruti Swift DZire is worth a wait. This car has redefined luxury in the lower A3 segment. The features Maruti is providing in Maruti Swift DZire are really cool. No one is offering such features in this segment and price bracket. You can find more information on my previous blog.

I know many of us are eagerly awaiting the delivery of Dzire. Hope to see you all driving your cars soon.

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LAPTOPS: SIZE MATTERS?

Hi All.

What do you expect from your computer when you are on the go? A word processor? A mail client? A browser? And, some space to store your music and videos, possibly? For all this, you lug around a heavy laptop because you don’t have any other option, right? Wrong. Take a look at these ultra mobile personal computers (UMPCs) and the range of products on offer will stun you. Just as big (or small) as a pocket notebook, these laptops pack in enough power inside their tiny frames to help you survive without your laptop while on the move.

Of late, the market is flooded with a bewildering range, and format, of UMPCs. From HTC Shift, which combines a phone, to the latest ASUS Eee PC, which brings cheap computing to your fingertips, the UMPC has had a somewhat tumultuous journey that is now culminating in usable products for the masses.

Typically, a UMPC comes equipped with an operating system such as Windows. In most cases, though, it is some version of Linux, or even Windows Vista Business Edition, to keep costs and computing requirements to a minimum. They are now going beyond their realm of being only portable and having restrictive keyboards.

There is still some negative feedback about screen size but one has to realize that if the computer is to be truly portable, the screens won’t be getting any bigger.

Let’s take a look at five interesting products available in the market…one of these could well be what you are looking for!

The big daddy of personal computers and business laptops, HP also offers UMPCs. And its recently-launched Mini-Note 2133 is perhaps the most powerful of all the products available. As with all things in HP, bling was ignored in favor of productivity. So, instead of a 7-inch screen, the Mini-Note offers an 8.9-inch one—a full two inches more that do make a big difference.

Additionally, the hardware specifications are equally robust, with the capability of putting in 2 GB RAM to support even Windows Vista. Of course, it does offer FreeDOS and Linux, but we guess there would be more takers for Windows.

Complete with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.0, the HP Mini-Note also offers optical drives—something not every UMPC offers. Even the quality of the screen is typically HP—a scratch-resistant WXGA screen.

The cheapest model in the Mini-Note range does not include the operating system or some of the fancier features. This variant is also targeted at the educational segment, which means that it is a stripped-down one offering just a 4 GB flash memory module.

The fully loaded one comes at about $849 (about Rs35,000) and includes Windows Vista Home Basic and a 160 GB hard drive.

So now you can put your laptop in your personal kit no need to carry another one. Have fun on your next trip?

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Maruti Swift DZire Petrol Vs Disel

Hi All!

 

I was searching for a comparison between Maruti Swift DZire Petrol and Diesel Variant, that could give me an idea of the relative difference in their cost of ownership. I found this comparison from one of the Team BHP members. Sharing the same story with you. Please note that he has compared the lowest variant of Petrol i.e. Lxi to Vdi. You can assume a marginally lesser time to break even if you compared Petrol Vxi to Diesel Vdi. Take a look:

 

7.63359 yrs to break even to be precise on the basis of

Delhi’s lower normal petrol costs of Rs. 44.5. For rest of Indial. it takes 5.3114 years to break even when petrol costs Rs. 52. This also takes into consideration a higher average FE of Swift DZire Diesel at 19 kmpl and Swift Dzire Petrol’s at 13 kmpl.25000 km per year (2083 km per month), then if Petrol costs 52 and Diesel costs 32, even then it will take 3.735 years to break even using the calculations logic shown below.Hope it never happens.30000 km per year for a diesel car to make sense. I am quit impressed with this comparison, although i don’t necessarily agree with everything he has stated.

Extra EMI for Diesel is taken care of by Fuel Savings is only a gimmick. Please see below chart to see that your actual monthly outflow is almost same. So even if it is outstation weekends you end up spending the same amount more or less.

Even if you have many weekends and you clock

What if you decide not to use the car? Then all the extra money spent goes waste! 

Those calculations were hard work. There may be suggestions to these calculations, but more or less these are quite close to real life situation. If you think calculations are not correct anywhere, please let me know. I ignored some points as well like finance opportunity costs because you could have invested the amount in shares or mutual funds.

According to him, one needs a running of more than

So, what’s your opinion.  I would like to hear responses from you.

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Audi A8: A New Dimension of Luxury

Hi All!!!

What would be your dream car? I’ll vote for the new steaming hot Audi A8. Audi has done a great job of converting a sports car into a family drive. The new ultra-high performance Audi A8 combines the time-honoured hallmarks of the best of the classic sports cars with futuristic construction, transmission and suspension technologies, all underpinned by the steadfast reassurance of the quattro four-wheel-drive system.

Mounted longitudinally directly behind the cockpit of the comparatively lightweight, 1,560-kilogramme aluminum-bodied Audi sports car is a high-revving V8 petrol engine delivering 420 bhp, and contributing to an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of 269 bhp per tone. Spinning freely to its 8,250 rpm limit, this acclaimed unit punches the A8 through the 62 mph barrier in just 4.6 seconds and, in the right conditions, can carry it on to a top speed of 187 mph – an unprecedented high for a road-going Audi.

Driving purists can choose a six-speed manual transmission to channel the 430 Nm of torque to the four driven wheels, but they may also be tempted by the racing-inspired R tronic sequential shift gearbox with joystick and paddle control, which uses ‘shift-by-wire’ technology to provide exceptionally rapid gear changes.

This car is already introduced in India. So, it’s great time for Audi Lovers. Take a look of this luxury salon…..

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Luxury car makers eye Indian market

Hi All!!

Do you know the story behind the luxury cars in India? I searched and got this article from Economics Times. I feel that I should share it with you. Go through this and you’ll know what auto manufacturers think about India.
A booming domestic market and a highly skilled engineering work pool combined with the labour arbitrage is fast turning India to be a coveted destination for luxury car manufacturers.
Mercedes Benz entered India over a decade ago and began manufacturing at a plant leased from Indian auto major Tata, in Pune. Recently the company announced that it would be investing Rs 250 crore for a second plant that will have a capacity to produce 5,000 vehicles annually. The plant will be the German car makers first fully owned production facility in the country with the first car expected to roll out in early 2009.

“As a company , we have enjoyed steady and profitable growth in India and we are looking forward to continue our success story here in our own premises,” says Wilfried Aulbur, chief executive at the company’s Indian subsidiary. Although small compact cars clog Indian roads, high-end luxury cars are increasing their toe-hold on Indian roads. Mercedes-Benz India sales of SClass , E-Class and C-class sedans shot up to 2373 units in 2007 including CBUs (M Class, SLK, CL, CLS, CLK)it is 2491 , a 16% growth over the previous year.

At Rs 6 crore, the Maybach, is Mercedes Benz costliest car in India but that hasn’t slowed sales. Just 13 months into production in India, Mercedes Benz bavarian rival BMW has set an assembly line for its 3 and 5 series. Its sports utility vehicles (SUV) X3 and X5 are imported as CBUs (completely built units) route and sold at around Rs 41 lakh to Rs 79 lakh due to high import duty. With the new assembly line, the 3 and 5 series has seen a price drop by almost 40%. Even as it set a target of 1000 units in 2007, BMW sold 1387 units.

This year, BMW is targeting a sale of 2000 units and it has already sold 800 units. “Our expansion of dealerships across cities has fastened our pace of growth in the country,” said a spokesperson for BMW. Currently BMW has 9 dealerships.

So, what is it that warrants this attention from the world’s elite car manufacturers? Rising middle class incomes and increased competition are expected to push car sales in India past the 2 million units mark by 2010. Statistics show that in 2001-2002 there were 20,000 families in India with annual income of more than $250,000. By 2005, that number is at 53,000 and by 2010, India will have an astonishing 1, 40,000 millionaires.

Further, a Keystone India report, The World’s Top Auto Markets by 2030, projects that over the next 25 years, emerging markets will account for a stunning 69% of industry sales and 87% of vehicle registrations. China and India will be the major players as their combined shares of motor vehicle registrations will from 5.3 to 37% by 2030.

However, the premium car makers recognise that in India they are in for a long haul. While Mercedes Benz India hopes to sell 4,000 units a year by 2010, Audi has taken a similar approach. Launched in mid-2004 , the German carmaker targeted only 100-150 units of its A8 and A6 in the first year. Recently, Audi added an SUV — the Q7 — to its India portfolio, taking the total number of models in the country to four. Industry estimates that the luxury car market will cross 5000 units this year and analysts estimate a continued growth rate of 12-15 % per annum.

Porsche, retail models like Cayenne, Boxter 911 in good numbers. Selling its cars through dealerships in India, Porsche has now incorporated an importer office. It has centers in Delhi and Mumbai and plans to expand to Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai too. There are plans to launch the Panamera model next year. Porsche has sold about 500 cars ever since it began operations in India in 2004.

Not to be left behind, The Volvo Car Corporation entered the Indian market with its sedan S80, and SUV XC90, in both petrol and diesel variants. These cars are are sold through dealerships in Delhi, Mumbai and Chandigarh. Volvo is already present in the commercial vehicles segment in the country, “Improving economic condition of the people is going hand in hand with an increase in purchase of luxury goods,” says an official from Volvo Car India.

Similarly, although Bentley’s introductory product was the powerful, two-door GT it followed this up with the Flying Spur – a four-door luxury limo priced at Rs. 70 lakh, targeted at volumes in India.

An erstwhile favourite car of the erstwhile maharajahs, the Rolls Royce, made a comeback to India after 5 decades, in April 2005. In one year, eight Rolls’ were sold. “Despite over 100 per cent import duty, sales of imported BMWs were soaring. So the Rolls, which belong to the same group, also followed suit to India,” says Sharad Kachalia, marketing head at Mumbai-based Navnit Motors, dealers for Rolls Royce, BMW and the Land Rover.

While premium brands make the rush for India, Indian companies are not far behind in trying to acquire some premium names–Tata Motors recent acquisition of Ford’s Land Rover, and Jaguar brands. It seems that one way or another, India’s tryst with luxury car brands is only just beginning.

So, Finally Indians are the most expensive people. We are the best in purchasing; this is the reason, why all global marketers are targeting Indians for their products.

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Maruti DZire: Maruti’s future plans

Hi all.

I am a big fan of Maruti and since Siwft DZire was launched. It is the most desirable option in the entry level sedan segment. But question is what will be the performance of Maruti swift dzire in domestic auto market? Please read this news article i came across, to know.

Maruti Suzuki may be on a capex overdrive, but analysts don’t seem to agree on the quantum of growth this passenger car market leader would post this fiscal.

Maruti managing director S Nakanishi did admit to severe margin pressure. But then, the margin squeeze is a reality across the automobile industry. And given the fiercely competitive environment, Maruti is unlikely to lead a price increase in a declining market. Anticipating a surge in exports and perhaps also to meet the competition coming in the form of Tata Nano’s production numbers, the company has decided to complete the one million unit capex by October this year. In fact, by 2010, Maruti’s total production capacity would jump to 1.2 million units, of which at least 2 lakh would be fed to the export markets. While acknowledging that the company has become aggressive on capex, a Maruti spokesperson had said earlier that this was being done to meet enhanced export demand and would be funded from the Rs 9,000 crore capex investments already announced.

Moreover, i feel that the demand of Maruti Swift DZire is on fire. The diesel variant is a hot cake. Everybody wants to own it first. The average waiting time for Swift Dzire is one month. So Maruti is increasing the production capacity to cater to this overwhelming demand.

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Automobile Industry in Budget 2008

Hi All.

Most of the car freaks know what’s new happening in the automobile industry. But are we aware of the latest government policies? Yes our government knows the requirement and hence I expected something in this Budget.  Here I am giving you a little snapshot of our budget on automobile industry.

Mr. P. Chidambaram, the Finance Minister of India, presented the Union Budget for the financial year 2008-2009, in the parliament on 29th February, 2008. Here are some of the declarations made by the Indian Union Minister of Finance Mr. P Chidambaram, regarding the Indian automobile industry. 

The automobile industry was one of the focus areas of Budget 2008 due to the high growth in this industry and the much talked about launch of the cheap small car by Tata Motors, the Nano. The initiatives taken by the Ministry to propel growth of this industry were mostly in line with the pre-budget expectations. The reduction in excise duties was welcome by the Indian Automobile industry but it was quick to point out that the much talked about area of Automobile loan was not touched upon.

The minister proposed reduction of excise duties on small cars from 16% to 12%. However this reduction is not expected to bring down the price of Tata Nano. It is rather expected to add to the profitability of the project.

The Indian three and two-wheeler sector were also offered similar reduction in excise duties. The excise duties on buses and chassis were also curtailed. Moreover, the excise duty on the hybrid vehicles was also curtailed from 24% to 14% in the Indian Union Budget 2008-2009. But no such reduction on excise duties in the big car segment or exports was announced, which was much on the wish list of the Indian car manufacturers.

The Indian automobile manufacturers further feel that the farm loan waiver may add to their concern of auto loans, which is a major problem in this sector. The Indian two-wheeler market is registering a downturn and the farm loan waiver to the tune of Rs. 60,000 crores may choke the liquidity of the market and the banks may be more than unwilling in forwarding auto loans.

Let see how beneficial these proposed policies prove to be for indian automobile buyer. 

 

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