What Nokia’s New Naming Convention Should Be: The Periodic Table

@chansearrington who works at Nokia has been asking on Twitter what Nokia’s new naming convention should be for the U.S.A. Many names have been suggested, such as Phoenix, Fusion, and Genesis. The problem with these names is that they could not possibly follow a logical order; a famous flagship successor would have to entirely change its name and this is a problem. Manufacturers want to conserve the brand, like Samsung trying to preserve the famous Galaxy S name with its successor, the Galaxy S2. So what about numbers? They are logical and follow a pattern: Nokia 800, Nokia 900, Nokia 950 and so forth, but numbers aren’t as memorable as names.

I have been giving this issue a thought and I think I could have stumbled upon a practical answer. Why not using the periodic table of the elements to name Nokia phones? The advantage is that it follows a pattern, and elements have very memorable names. I know that the name would not be conserved like say iPhone/iPhone 3G, but it would be evident that they are all elements; plus, Nokia could reference it somehow in their advertisements. I would also skip ugly names such as “Beryllium” and “Sodium.” So future Nokia phones could have names as follows: Nokia Helium, Nokia Lithium, Nokia Boron, Nokia Carbon, Nokia Silicon, Nokia Neon, Nokia Scandium, Nokia Titanium, Nokia Cobalt,  Nokia Argon etc…. Another advantage of this system is that elements have two letter “nicknames,” so people could refer to Nokia phones as Nokia Carbon = Nokia C, or Nokia Argon = Nokia Ar.

How To Install .deb Apps on The Nokia N9

You have your Nokia N9 and want to install a .deb file or some sort of app, the problem is, the N9 doesn’t come with a file browser…

There is a process to install .deb apps with X-Terminal, but that’s just too complicated and nerdy; no one really likes executing commands to install apps. A much easier way you can install .deb files on both the N9 and N950 is by emailing the app to yourself! Just attach the .deb file to an email and send it to the email account you use in your phone. Open the email in your N9, download the files, and install them.

Internet Banking in Bangladesh

Internet Banking is growing popular day by day in Bangladesh. A number of private as well as local banks are going online now considering the demand and necessity of fast banking. Internet banking not only provides banking facility round the clock but also helps a country to get attached to the international economy as well as business. People throughout the world are now getting engaged with more activity and business and hence need the fast and anytime access to his/her bank account. Internet banking also facilitates buying and selling various products which varies country to country.

In Bangladesh many banks have launched Internet Banking. Amongst those HSBC, City Bank, BRAC Bank, Bank Asia, Jamuna Bank, Janata Bank, Southeast Bank, AB Bank, First Security Bank, Mercantile Bank, Premier Bank etc are in action already. Some are known as online banking, some are Internet Banking, providing various facilities. Like City Bank has the facility of account check and statement print including query about cheque book information. Bank Asia has almost same facilities but with addition they have internal fund transfer facility along with bill payment and mobile phone recharge which are, in fact quite handy.

Mercantile bank has a schedule for internet banking. It is Sunday to Thursday, 9am-3pm. They have the facility of money transaction, deposit and withdrawal though they charge a particular amount for each transaction according to their policy, it is a relief if you don’t have to go to bank for depositing and drawing money, isn’t it?

HSBC and BRAC Bank are clearly not satisfied with the transaction thing only in internet banking. They thought of something more and desiring and customized the service to its best for their clients and getting better day by day. HSBC has a whole lot of features in their online banking that includes 24/7 account access, loan account information, net- worth information, transaction amongst accounts, bill pay, personal information update, demand draft,  ATM info or PIN replacement request, chequebook order and lot more.

BRAC bank is one step ahead because for the first time they have introduced online shopping in Bangladesh. With exclusive features and facility BRAC bank also provides general online facility like the other banks. BRAC bank’s online shopping facilitates merchants to buy any product as they need online, they can customize the offers as well. Those who may have BRAC Bank VISA card or any VISA card can be a part of this online shopping service.

As the world economy is growing faster and banking sector is making mark each and every day, online banking is very important and effective to be a part of it. Bangladesh just started its journey in internet banking and banks are coming forward to make it a success. Online banking is clearly a huge benefit for the customers and saves a lot of time and things get done so easily. A developing country like Bangladesh can make the best out of Internet Banking and banks are completely into it.

Festivals of the Hindus

The biggest religious festival of the Hindu community in Bangladesh is the festival of Durga Puja. Hindus participate in this festival with great devotion. Durga Puja is an old festival but it is difficult to say with any degree of certainty exactly how old it is. The oldest manifestation of goddess Durga, who slew the Mahisasura, belonged to the fifteenth century AD. A series of festivals, centering on Durga Puja, is held in Bangladesh. 

Usually, on the sixth lunar day of the bright fortnight in the Bengali month of Ashwin, the ceremonial awakening of the goddess Durga takes place. Thereafter, Puja is performed for three days on the seventh, eighth and ninth and the immersion of the image of the goddess Durga (with her companions) takes place on the tenth day. People exchange greetings during a period of fifteen days after the immersion of the image of the deity.

 

On the following full-moon day, Laksmi Puja takes place. Before that, on the new moon day usually in the month of Kartik, Kali Puja is performed. Then, on the last day of the Bengali month of Kartik, Kartik Puja (worship of god Kartik who is the commander-in-chief of heavenly forces) is performed. On the fifth lunar day of the bright fortnight in the Bengali month of Magh, Saraswati Puja (the Hindu goddess of learning and music) is held. It is particularly popular among the students. The series of Pujas, which starts in Ashwin with Durga, comes to an end with Saraswati.

 

The celebration of Janmastami (lord Krishna's birthday) is an old festival of this region, particularly of Dhaka City. In almost all the regions of the subcontinent, this day is observed in some manner as a religious festival. Janmastami is celebrated in Dhaka with special pomp and grandeur.

 

Festivals of other Communities

 

Apart from the Hindus, there are also two other religions communities in Bangladesh, viz., the Christians and the Buddhists, who observe religious festivals of their own. The main festival of the Buddhists is Buddha Purnima or Baisakhi Purnima. The birth of Buddha, his adoption of asceticism, attainment of supreme enlightenment, nirvana - all these occurred on the full-moon lunar day in the month of Baisakh and as a result this is the most important and solemn festival of the Buddhists. Baisakhi Purnima is celebrated in Bangladesh with great splendour.

 

Christians observe their main religious festival, Christmas Day, on 25 December on the occasion of Jesus's (PBUA) Birthday. The main compo­nents of this festival are special prayers offered in churches, arrange­ment of feasts and offering of gifts among friends and relatives.

 

In today's Bangladesh, another festival is gaining prominence, which is not related to religion - it is Bangla new Year's day or Pahela Baisakh. It is observed with great enthusiasm on the first day of Baisakh. Its main characteristic is that it is a social festival and its appeal is universal.

 

The Halkhata function, observed mainly by the merchant community, is still in vogue on the occasion of Pahela Baisakh. The merchants complete their accounts of the pre­vious year on the eve or New Year's Day. For this, many of them use a special kind or ledger having the cover made up of red cloth, which is known as khero khata. On this day, the customers pay some advance and the merchants treat them with sweetmeats. There are some who prepare better quality food, including sweetmeats, on the occasion of the New Year's Day Of the regional functions arranged on this occasion, mention may be made of the Bali Khela or wrestling held in Chiltagong in the name of a certain anti-British nationalist called Jabbar.

 

However, the biggest function on the first day of Baisakh is the holding of fairs. In some places, such a fair continues for a week or even a fortnight. These fairs are the altered forms of the ancient seasonal, agricultural and other festivals of the country. Baisakhi fair has no religious fervour. On the first day as well as first week of Baisakh, about 200 fairs are held throughout Bangladesh. In the fairs arranged in Dhaka and also in other towns and urban areas, along with the earthen and handicraft items, book fairs are also held. Many publishing houses present books to the clients as tokens of New Year’s good wishes.

 

Besides the religious festivals, Independence Day (21 March), Martyrs’ day (21 Feb) and Victory day (16 Dec) are also observed throughout the country with great fervour. Different programmes are organized on these occasions at State as well as social and various organizational levels.

Festivals of the Muslims

The main Muslim festivals are Eid and Muharram. From time to time folk culture has influenced these festivals, as a result of which the original religious practices have changed.

Eid consists of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-­Azha. Eid-ul-Fitr is observed after the end of the month of Ramadan. The social meaning of Eid is a joyful festival, while its etymological meaning demotes returning lime and again. Like all other social festivals, Eid returns every year. Same is the case with Eid-ul-Azha.

The celebration of those two festivals in the early period was influenced by the folk belief of the peasants. Later on, a few other religious practices and customs were added.

One of the main features of the Eid festival is the preparation of special food an drink. The food would include korma, pilau and various types of homemade pitha, semai and jarda. One of the main characteristic features of Eid in the nineteenth century Dhaka was the Eid procession. Probably the Naib-Nazims of Dhaka introduced this practice after taking the cue from the famous Janmastami procession of Dhaka.

After being stopped for some time, such processions were again revived a few years ago. In many cases, local or urban culture has also made an impact on this festival.

The main feature of Eid-ul-Azha is the sacrifice of animals, especially cows and oxen. Many people in the villages sacrifice domestically raised cows or goats. The majority of the professionals in towns sacrifice cows on a share basis. The well to do sacrifice cows or goats or both animals on their own.

Eid for the common people means meeting family members and friends, buying new clothes and preparing delicious food on the Eid day.

Hoseni Dalan, also spelt Husaini Dalan, is a Shia shrine in the old part of the Dhaka, Bangladesh. It was built in the 17th century AD during the Mughal Period. This shrine comme­morates the martyrdom of Imam AI­ Husain (R), grandson of Hazrat Mohammed (SM), during the battle of Karbala on 10 October 680 AD.

Although the Sunni sect is in the majority in Bangladesh, there is a small number of Muslims belonging to the Shia sect in Dhaka. During the first 10 days of Muharram, it becomes a centre of mourning and religious celebration in old Dhaka. Both the Sunni and the Shia followers join the mourning, ending in the festival of Ashura when a great procession parades through the city streets.

 

At present, Muharram is observed in the remote areas of the districts of Dhaka, Manikganj and Tangail in a somewhat different fashion. In some houses of different locations, Muharram is observed according to the folk customs centering on saints and fakirs, which have continued on the basis of regular line of descent.

Different Festivals

 

 Bangladesh is a country where colourful festivals are held throughout the year in a befitting manner and with great zeal and zest. With changes in social and economic structures, the nature of festivals also changes. But some festivals are so deeply rooted in the social organism that they continue to entertain people from generation to generation. Some of the festivals bear the mark of the community and nation, some have

the stamp of religion, and again some bear the impress of politics. Festivals, which evolved in the primitive society out of the prayer for food, have now become varied and colourful. The main foundation of festivals is ritual and most of the ancient rituals were collective activities. Many of the rituals were related to agriculture and their dates were determined according to the lunar calendar. The ancient rituals were magical processes to tame supernatural powers; in subsequent cultures, this characteristic feature was usually retained. The spontaneous agro-based ancient festivals lost their spontaneity with the passage of time and became more formal.

By 2016, only 3% of smartphones won't have a touchscreen

According to research firm ABI, by 2016 a mere 3% of smartphones will be without a touchscreen. Of course, that means that if correct, the study expects 97% of all smartphones to have a touchscreen of some type aboard. Part of the credit for the success of touchscreens on smartphones has to go to the Apple iPhone. In 2006, the year before the launch of Apple's iconic device, only 7% of smartphones had a touchscreen and that figure rose to 75% by 2010. ABI says that the touchscreen together with 3G connectivity are both responsible for the huge growth in smartphone users.

Today's touchscreen is a lot different than they were pre-Apple iPhone. Back then, the typical touchscreen display was resistive which meant that they responded to any pointy object that touched the screen. Even after the iPhone launched with its capacitive display, the next year or two saw many of the so-called "iPhone killers" come to market with un-responsive resistive screens like the one on the LG Voyager. Resistive screens are pretty much extinct now, replaced by the capacitive display which responds to electrical impulses on your fingertip and will not work with a stylus or a pen cap (which we recommended Voyager owners use to navigate around its external touchscreen).

Even BlackBerry phones are leaving the non-touchscreen smartphone design behind. The new BlackBerry Bold 9900/9930 took one of the most loved BlackBerry form factor, one with perhaps the best physical QWERTY keyboard ever placed on a smartphone, and added  touchscreen functionality to its 2.8 inch display. As we reported, RIM recently added two more touchscreen models to its lineup with the BlackBerry Torch 9810 and the BlackBerry Torch 9850/9860. Even the lower priced BlackBerry Curve line is getting a model with a touch screen display. And the early word from sources says to expect RIM's lineup of QNX powered Superphones, expected to launch during Q1 of 2012, to be touchscreen models without a trackpad in sight.

Apple sued by 27000 South Koreans

Software technology giant Apple is facing a lawsuit brought by 27000 South Koreans who claimed it had invaded their privacy by storing a hidden log of their movements on their iPhones.

The practice emerged in April, when two British security researchers found the file on both iPhone handsets and the computers with which they were associated.

The unencrypted location data it contained stretched back almost a year, the Telegraph reports.

Apple was then ordered by a South Korean court to pay Kim Hyung-souk, a lawyer, one million pounds won in compensation as a result. 

His firm, Mirae law, now represents 27,000 iPhone users in a class-action.

Each user is seeking the same compensation, which would mean a total payout of more than 15.2million pounds, the paper said.

A week after the existence of the hidden log was publicised, Apple announced that it would update iOS to fix a "bug" that made storing location data hard to turn off. 

It also said it would stop backing up the file on the computer associated with each iPhone, and encrypt it.

A Water Resistant Phone

Finally, a  new post from me in August, I short one I guess. Recently, I bought a new phone after my previous one was broken with water involved, rain and wet clothes bla bla bla. Thanks to my beloved sister who gave me some extra money so that I can buy a new phone to replace the broken one. After days of surveying the market, I finally bought a Motorola Defy. It is a water resistant phone and it comes with Gorilla Glass making it almost invincible.

Now, I won’t have to worry about using my phone during the rain or putting it inside my wet clothes or even dropping it inside a pile of water. That’s all for now, I’ll post more about the phone in the future when I’m free. Currently busy with my Research Assistant tasks. 

Bangladesh face spirited Zimbabwe in the one off Test

Bangladesh remained upbeat ahead of the one off Test against host Zimbabwe which starts tomorrow at Harare Sports Club ground despite their humiliating loss against the second-string Zimbabwe selected XI in the only 3 day practice match. The victory gave Zimbabwe the upper hand in the historic Test match in which Zimbabwe will mark their return to the top fight after a self inflicted 6 years absence.

The preparation for the arguably the most important Test match of 2011 for both sides could not have been more different. While Zimbabwe embarked on a long preparation ending with competitive longer version cricket involving A-sides of Australia and South Africa, Bangladesh heavily relied on the month long fitness camp and could only muster couple of 90-over match against the GP BCB Academy boys before the sole practice match where they were badly exposed by the Test team wannabes of the hosts. Both Bangladesh coach and skipper played down the loss and vowed to come back hard in the Test match to demonstrate their superiority over their closest opponent in world cricket.

Bangladesh face selection dilemma as none of the contenders for the 3 and 4 position of the batting line-up showed any sign of form in recent months while most batsmen except Mushfiqur Rahim fared badly in the practice match. Imrul Kayes is likely to retain his place in the opening pair despite scoring only 8 and 0 in the practice match, but Junaid Siddique might lose his place to debutant Shuvogoto Hom after failing to make an impression in the same match.

The enigmatic Mohammad Ashraful is likely to bat at number 4 despite not doing anything in recent memory to justify his selection even in the touring squad. He is hoping for a turnaround in his fortune under the new coach Stuart Law, and he must start performing with the bat to justify the faith of the selectors. Another important decision will be the selection of the second spinner for the playing XI. The lacklustre form of Abdur Razzak in the practice match again highlighted his lack of penetration in the longer format of the game, and Bangladesh may opt for an additional seamer in a 3 pronged pace attack with Mahmudullah Riyad stepping in as the second spinner.

Zimbabwe will be sweating on the fitness of the promising fast bowler Brian Vitory who got hurt in the practice session yesterday. The only other talking point is the selection of veteran wicketkeeper Tatenda Taibu who was highly critical of ZC in a recent interview with Cricinfo.

The match is scheduled to start at 10:00 AM local time (8:00 AM GMT) at Harare Sports Club in the capital of Zimbabwe.

Bangladesh (likely) : Shakib Al Hasan (C), Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Junaid Siddique/Shuvogoto Hom, Mohammad Ashraful, Shahriar Nafees, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mushfiqur Rahim, Rubel Hossain, Shafiul Islam, Abdur Razzak/Rabiul Islam.

Zimbabwe (Squad): Brendan Taylor (capt), Regis Chakabva, Elton Chigumbura, Craig Ervine, Hamilton Masakadza, Tino Mawoyo, Keegan Meth, Chris Mpofu, Ray Price, Vusi Sibanda, Tatenda Taibu (wk), Prosper Utseya, Brian Vitori, Kyle Jarvis.