Baisakhi, also spelled Vaisakhi, is the festival which celebrates Sikh New Year and the founding of the Sikh community, known as the Khalsa. The story of the foundation of the Khalsa started with the martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur, the 9th Guru, who was publicly beheaded by Mughul rulers for protecting freedom of worship for both Sikhs and Hindus. The son of Guru Teg Bahadur, who was called Guru Gobind Singh, became the next Guru. He stated that Sikhs should always be prepared to stand up for their beliefs, whatever the cost. Sikh guards wearing traditional dressIn 1699, Sikhs from all over the Punjab gathered together to celebrate the Hindu harvest festival of Baisakhi. Guru Gobind Singh came out of a tent carrying a sword and requested that anyone prepared to give his life come forward. A young Sikh came forward and disappeared into the tent with the Guru. Then the Guru reappeared alone with his sword covered in blood and asked for another volunteer. This was repeated another four times until a total of five Sikhs had gone into the tent with him. Everyone present was very worried until eventually all five emerged from the tent alive, with Guru Gobind Singh, and wearing turbans. The five became known as the Panj Piare, or 'Beloved Five'. Guru Gobind Singh's wife mixed some amrit. The Guru said some prayers over the five and they were sprinkled with the amrit. This is how the Amrit ceremony came into being and these five Sikhs became the first members of the Khalsa.

• Universal Binary support for Mac OS X which provides native support for Macintosh with Intel Core processors. Firefox supports the enhancements to performance introduced by the new Mac Intel chipsets.
• Improvements to product stability.
• Several security fixes.

The Burning Edge has more detailed lists of notable bug fixes.

Download: Firefox 1.5.0.2 (en-GB) | (en-US) | (Other Systems and Languages)
Hompage: Mozilla Firefox

Firefox 1.5 is our next major release of our award-winning Firefox Web browser. More information about Firefox is available.

These Release Notes cover what's new, download and installation instructions, known issues and frequently asked questions for the Firefox 1.5. Please read these notes and the bug filing instructions before reporting any bugs to Bugzilla.

We want to hear your feedback about Firefox. Please join us in the Firefox forums, hosted by MozillaZine.

Here's what's new in Firefox 1.5:

• Automated update to streamline product upgrades. Notification of an update is more prominent, and updates to Firefox may now be half a megabyte or smaller. Updating extensions has also improved.
• Faster browser navigation with improvements to back and forward button performance.
• Drag and drop reordering for browser tabs.
• Improvements to popup blocking.
• Clear Private Data feature provides an easy way to quickly remove personal data through a menu item or keyboard shortcut.
• Answers.com is added to the search engine list.
• Improvements to product usability including descriptive error pages, redesigned options menu, RSS discovery, and "Safe Mode" experience.
• Better accessibility including support for DHTML accessibility and assistive technologies such as the Window-Eyes 5.5 beta screen reader for Microsoft Windows. Screen readers read aloud all available information in applications and documents or show the information on a Braille display, enabling blind and visually impaired users to use equivalent software functionality as their sighted peers.
• Report a broken Web site wizard to report Web sites that are not working in Firefox.
• Better support for Mac OS X (10.2 and greater) including profile migration from Safari and Mac Internet Explorer.
• New support for Web Standards including SVG, CSS 2 and CSS 3, and JavaScript 1.6.
• Many security enhancements.

The Burning Edge has more detailed lists of new features and notable bug fixes.

Download: Firefox 1.5 (en-GB) | (en-US)
Hompage: Mozilla Firefox

New site!

I still will be updating the old one because this one is going to only last 6 months.

Link: http://www.sonusingh.co.uk/

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. To Launch its Next Generation Computer Entertainment System, PLAYSTATION 3 in Spring 2006

Unrivaled Performance with the Introduction of Cell Processor and Many Advanced Technologies, and Backwards compatible with PlayStation® and PlayStation®2

Los Angeles, CALIF., May 16, 2005 – At a press conference held in Los Angeles, California, today, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) revealed the outline of its PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3) computer entertainment system, incorporating the world’s most advanced Cell processor with super computer like power. Prototypes of PS3 will also be showcased at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), the world’s largest interactive entertainment exhibition held in Los Angeles, from May 18th to 20th.

PS3 combines state-of-the-art technologies featuring Cell, a processor jointly developed by IBM, Sony Group and Toshiba Corporation, graphics processor (RSX) co-developed by NVIDIA Corporation and SCEI, and XDR memory developed by Rambus Inc. It also adopts BD-ROM (Blu-ray Disc ROM) with maximum storage capacity of 54 GB (dual layer) , enabling delivery of entertainment content in full high-definition (HD) quality, under a secure environment made possible through the most advanced copyright protection technology. To match the accelerating convergence of digital consumer electronics and computer technology, PS3 supports high quality display in resolution of 1080p(*) as standard, which is far superior to 720p/1080i.

With an overwhelming computing power of 2 teraflops, entirely new graphical expressions that have never been seen before will become possible. In games, not only will movement of characters and objects be far more refined and realistic, but landscapes and virtual worlds can also be rendered in real-time, thereby elevating the freedom of graphics expression to levels not experienced in the past. Gamers will literally be able to dive into the realistic world seen in large screen movies and experience the excitement in real-time.

In 1994, SCEI launched the original PlayStation® (PS), followed by PlayStation®2 (PS2) in 2000 and PlayStation®Portable (PSP®) in 2004, every time introducing the latest advancement in technology and bringing innovation to the interactive entertainment software creation. Over 13,000 titles have been developed by now, creating a software market that sells more than 250 million copies annually. PS3 offers backward compatibility enabling gamers to enjoy these enormous assets from PS and PS2 platforms.

PlayStation family of products are sold in more than 120 countries and regions around the world. With cumulative shipments reaching more than 102 million for PS and approximately 89 million for PS2, they are the undisputed leaders and have become the standard platform for home entertainment. After 12 years from the introduction of the original PS and 6 years from the launch of PS2, SCEI brings PS3, the newest platform with the most advanced next generation computer entertainment technology.

With the delivery of Cell based development tools that has already begun, development of game titles as well as tools and middleware are in progress. Through collaboration with world’s leading tools and middleware companies, SCEI will offer full support to new content creation by providing developers with extensive tools and libraries that will bring out the power of the Cell processor and enable efficient software development.

Preparations are under way for launch of PS3 and new generation software in the spring of 2006. (*)1080p/720p/1080i: “p” stands for progressive scan method, “i” stands for interlace method. 1080p is the highest resolution within the HD standard.

“SCEI has continuously brought innovation to the world of computer entertainment, such as real-time 3D computer graphics on PlayStation and the world’s first 128 bit processor Emotion Engine (EE) for PlayStation 2. Empowered by the Cell processor with super computer like performance, a new age of PLAYSTATION 3 is about to begin. Together with content creators from all over the world, SCEI will accelerate the arrival of a new era in computer entertainment.” Ken Kutaragi, President and CEO, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc..

Wireless controllers, connection to the PSP and a powerful new graphics processor technology: Take a look at the PlayStation 3's performance specifications as provided by Sony.

CPU: Cell Processor
• PowerPC-base Core @3.2GHz
• 1 VMX vector unit per core
• 512KB L2 cache
• 7 x SPE @3.2GHz
• 7 x 128b 128 SIMD GPRs
• 7 x 256KB SRAM for SPE
• 1 of 8 SPEs reserved for redundancy
• total floating point performance: 218 GFLOPS

GPU
• RSX @550MHz
• 1.8 TFLOPS floating point performance
• Full HD (up to 1080p) x 2 channels
• Multi-way programmable parallel pipelines

Sound
• Dolby 5.1ch, DTS, LPCM, etc. (Cell- base processing)

Memory
• 256MB XDR Main RAM @3.2GHz
• 256MB GDDR3 VRAM @700MHz

System Bandwidth
• Main RAM: 25.6GB/s
• VRAM: 22.4GB/s
• RSX: 20GB/s (write) + 15GB/s(read)
• SB: 2.5GB/s (write) + 2.5GB/s (read)

System Floating Point Performance
• 2 TFLOPS

Storage
• HDD: Detachable 2.5" HDD slot x 1

I/O
• USB: Front x 4, Rear x 2 (USB2.0)
• Memory Stick: standard/Duo, PRO x 1
• SD: standard/mini x 1
• CompactFlash: (Type I, II) x 1

Communication
• Ethernet: (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T) x 3 (input x 1 + output x 2)
• Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11 b/g
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR)

Controller
• Bluetooth:(up to 7)
• USB2.0: (wired)
• Wi-Fi: (PSP)
• Network: (over IP)

AV Output
• Screen size: 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p
• HDMI: HDMI out x 2
• Analog: AV MULTI OUT x 1
• Digital audio: DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) x 1

Disc media
• CD: PlayStation CD-ROM, PlayStation 2 CD-ROM
• CD-DA: CD-DA (ROM), CD-R, CD-RW
• SACDL: SACD Hybrid (CD layer), SACD HD
• DualDisc: DualDisc (audio side), DualDisc (DVD side)
• DVD: PlayStation 2 DVD-ROM, PLAYSTATION 3 DVD-ROM, DVD-Video (DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW), Blu-ray Disc (PlayStation 3 BD-ROM, BD-Video, BD-ROM, BD-R, BD-RE)

Firefox is a fast, full-featured browser that makes browsing more efficient than ever before. More information about Firefox is available.

These Release Notes cover what's new, download and installation instructions, known issues and frequently asked questions for the Firefox 1.0.4 release. Please read these notes and the bug filing instructions before reporting any bugs to Bugzilla.

We want to hear your feedback about Firefox. Please join us in the Firefox forums, hosted by MozillaZine.

Firefox 1.0.4 is a security update that is part of our ongoing program to provide a safe Internet experience for our customers. We recommend that all users upgrade to this latest version.

Here's what's new in Firefox 1.0.4:

• Several security fixes.
• Fix to DHTML errors encountered at some web sites. For web developers, learn more.

Get Firefox: http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/all.html

Here's an overview of the fixes:

- No more hanging at sign in with certain NATs;
- Enabled transfer for .jpg, .png, .mp3, etc.;
- Improved "What I'm Listening To" feature;
- Fixed error R6025 ("pure virtual function call");
- Fixed the incorrect "Always Sign in As" status-bug;
- PhotoSwap no longer crashes at startup;
- Shutdown after blocking a contact no longer crashes;
- A default Wink has been removed (anyone have an idea of which one?);
- Audio Conversation invititations are now more reliable;
- Etc...

Download: MSN Messenger 7.0.0813

Sony has confirmed that a silver version of its slimline PStwo will be in the shops next month - with the new version of the hardware set to launch on May 13th, the day Microsoft's Xbox 360 MTV special will be shown in Europe. The new design will launch with an RRP of £114.99, ten pounds more expensive than the normal black version of the slimline PS2.

Sony has denied that the launch date has been deliberately planned to spoil the Xbox 360 launch; when asked by our sister site Eurogamer whether the date clash was more than just a coincidence, a Sony representative stated: "Absolutely not."

Rumours of a silver PStwo first emerged back in January, when Argos began displaying a product page complete with picture, but the listing was quickly taken down once the link began to circulate amongst gaming sites.

The launch can be seen as further proof that Sony intends to extend the life cycle of its current console for as long as possible, as it did with the PSone. Its next-generation machine will go on show for the first time at next month's E3, and isn't expected to launch until 2006.
News source: gamesindustry.biz

GT4

Born of obsession, fuelled by passion and touched by genius, Gran Turismo returns to redefine the driving experience on PS2.

Virtual driving enters a new era as the beloved Gran Turismo series returns to its one and only home: PlayStation 2. Spanning over a century of motoring history, GT4 features an unprecedented number of vehicles (over 700 in total - including 10 that are totally exclusive to Europe), incredible new features and photo-realistic graphics beyond your wildest dreams. Get behind the wheel, under the hood, and even out of the car entirely, thanks to the pioneering new Photo and B-spec modes.

From the world's first petrol car (the 1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen), through the dawn of mass production (Ford's Model T) to current classics like the Audi TT and beyond, GT4 pays homage to the history of motoring and the culture of the car like no other game. Literally hundreds of vehicles from 80 manufacturers have been spectacularly recreated to look and behave exactly like the real deal.

To give you an idea of just how realistic we're talking, each car featured in GT4 has been photographed 500 times and put through a rigorous test comprising more than 300 physical calculations. That's a lot of sums and they all add up to the most lifelike driving experience you can have in your living room.For the mechanically minded, GT4 offers a staggering array of tuning options. If tinkering with engines isn't your thing you can opt for a Quick Tune, but those willing to get a bit of oil on their hands can play around with brakes, exhaust, suspension, NOS (Nitrous Oxide) boosts and more besides. Generously, the game now lets you road test new tuning options before parting with any cash.

Besides racing and mechanics, GT4 introduces a new in-game hobby - photography. Stop a replay at any time, snap away, then save the results to a Memory Card or USB Flash Memory Stick. Editing options include manual focal control and filter effects and, if you've got a compatible USB printer, you can immortalise images as hi-res photos in colour, black and white, or nostalgia-tinted sepia. To photograph your new pride and joy in more picturesque surroundings, use Photo Travel mode to head to tourist hotspots like the Brooklyn Bridge in New York.

B-spec mode, another major addition to the Real Driving Simulator experience, transfers you from the driving seat to the manager's chair. You call the shots, training drivers and making tactical calls during races. You decide how aggressively they drive, when to pit, what tyres to use and how much fuel to take on. Any race can be played in B-spec mode and well-trained drivers will even be able to tackle the game's more advanced licence tests on their own.

Features

• More than 700 cars and over 50 tracks, including real world courses and fictional favourites such as the Nürburgring Nordschleife and Trial Mountain.
• Over 500 vehicles included, from everyday production vehicles to aspirational supercars and prototypes.
• Over 50 stunning tracks based on real world locations, including both tarmac and rally courses.
• Historic and vintage cars included for the first time in the series, from original antiques through to classic sports models.

Here are some of my pictures from photo mode.

Firefox 1.0.3 is a security update that is part of our ongoing program to provide a safe Internet experience for our customers. We recommend that all users upgrade to this latest version.

Here's what's new in Firefox 1.0.3:

• Several security fixes.
• Fix to improve update process.

You can now download the latest version of MSN Messenger 7. Official version not beta!

Also MSN Spaces is out of Beta, and has now made its official release.

Download: http://messenger.msn.com/

Gmail increases storage from 1000MB (1GB) to 2050MB (2GB) and still going higher.

G is for growth
Storage is an important part of email, but that doesn't mean you should have to worry about it. To celebrate our one-year birthday, we're giving everyone one more gigabyte. But why stop the party there? Our plan is to continue growing your storage beyond 2GBs by giving you more space as we are able. We know that email will only become more important in people's lives, and we want Gmail to keep up with our users and their needs. From Gmail, you can expect more.

We're not in the plains anymore
Fonts, bullets and highlighting, oh my! Gmail now offers rich text formatting. And over 60 colors of the rainbow. Discover a land of more than just black and white. Learn more

You are currently using 94 MB (5%) of your 2050 MB.

How am I ever going to kill that space?

Firefox 1.0.2 is a security and stability update that is part of our ongoing program to provide a safe Internet experience for our customers. We recommend that all users upgrade to this latest version.

Again this is a minor update that fixes several security flaws.

To see all language version of Firefox: http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/all.html

For the full release notes: http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/releases/1.0.2.html

I now have the en-GB version of Firefox 1.0.2.

Firefox is an award winning preview of next generation browsing technology from mozilla.org. Firefox empowers you to accomplish your online activities faster, more safely and efficiently than any other browser, period. Built with Tab browsing, popup blocking and a number of other seamless innovations, Firefox stands out ahead.

This is a minor upgrade from 1.0.

Here's what's new in Firefox 1.0.1:

• Improved stability
• International Domain Names are now displayed as punycode. (To show International Domain Names in Unicode, set the "network.IDN_show_punycode" preference to false.)
• Several security fixes.

Get it here: http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/

The very best in interactive home entertainment has a new, streamlined face - PlayStation 2 is sleeker, smaller and more stylish than ever before.

But this dazzling downsizing hasn't extended to the console's superb range of features. PlayStation 2 still has the same awesome processing power, the same immense, diverse library of great games, the same fantastic DVD and CD-playing capabilities, the same stunning versatility... In short, PlayStation 2 offers the same amazing array of entertainment possibilities in a single, simple to use console.

In fact, PlayStation 2 manages to squeeze even more into its svelte, lightweight frame; the newly-integrated NETWORK connector gives you the power to directly hook your console up to a broadband Internet connection and take a variety of network-enabled games and applications online. It's possible to compete, cooperate or even chat with fellow PlayStation 2 owners across Europe and, in some cases, the rest of the world.

New Features

• Built in Network Adapter
• Built in Infrared Port
• Updated Firmware
• 75% Smaller!
• Plays DVD+/-RW now.
• Some people say it is faster.
• "Flip top" now.

Removed Features

• Cool blue light gone
• No Firewire Port (Not need anyway!)
• Hard drive add-on can not be installed.
• Old multitap will not work, new one needed.

MSN Spaces (http://spaces.msn.com) is a part of the upgraded Microsoft Messenger 7.0 instant messenger program to be rolled out in several phases. I am using the service right now for my blog!