ShopYouTube: Toyota Recall News, GM,Toyota Motor News, Skin Care Products, Digital Cameras

Microsoft is Back with Purchase of Skype: Integration of Outlook, Office, and Online Games

2011-05-10T08:34:00.001-07:00

Microsoft wants to be back in the game. It wants to be relevant in the era of Apple's iPad, iPhone, iPod or IOS and Google's Android platform. It goes out a huge way by acquiring Skype, the online communication platform Microsoft wants to make available to its gamers.

Many industry insiders are saying that this is one of the greatest buys by Microsoft in the recent memories. It is on a levl-playing field with the likes of Google, Apple, and others as the competition for eyeballs increases.

Microsoft is now a major player in the smartphone business. It wants to integrate Skype with its outlook, office and online games.

What Should You Know About Windows Phone 7?

2010-11-06T08:47:00.001-07:00

Microsoft is trying to get into the smartphone business just like Google's popular Droid phones run on Android. The only thing is that Windows Phone 7 has nothing to do with Windows. It is not run on Windows. And it is the first generation of phone released by Microsoft on the new platform. It is by most measures release 1.0. We must quickly say that Microsoft is tinkering with the app phone software in that this release is a new creation, a new design for the company.

If you are used to the features found on Android and iPhone, it will be hard for you to settle for those offered by Windows Phone 7. You will be surprised to find out that WP7 does not offer the following features: You can not add new ringtones. You can not organize your apps in folders. You can not copy and paste. You can not send videos as MMS messages. Forget about video chat. WP7's browser does not allow you to play flash videos. As far as the HTML5, the new kid on the block, WP7 will not play it either. It can not even play videos in its own Microsoft's Silverlight format. Forget about Online news videos, Hulu, youtube and more.

Now what are some of the good features of WP7?

Windows Phone 7 comes equipped with Word, Excel and Powerpoint. This way, just any Microsoft products, it allows you to be productive. It is fast or as fast as its competitors. By paying $15 a month, you can play your music on Zune through the phone. Based on all of this, I would say this is a Me-too gadget. The only good thing is the new rethinking of the app software.

Good luck with your new WP7 if you receive it in your Christmas bag!

Here is a summary of the phone's main features: The Good vs. The Bad

What better place to start than the beginning?
Good

* Responsible for user interface
* Crisp text and graphics (almost like e-Ink)
* Seamless integration of Facebook
* Quick Start from the camera to capture fleeting moments
* Interface clear
* Attractive aesthetic design that calls for a high concept magazine
* Easy Google, Facebook, installing Windows Live
* Did we mention that the elegant, new, eye-candy user interface?

The Bad

* Not compatible with external storage
* The lack of cut-paste functionality / (coming in early 2011)
* Does not have WiFi hotspot
* The lack of integration of Twitter (coming soon)
* Finnicky Google integration
* No unified inbox and e-mail thread
Applications * not persist in the background
* Most of the operating system is optimized for vertical view (horizontal orientation is not as ubiquitous as we would like)

Linux on the iPhone: Android running on iPhone!

2010-04-23T00:20:00.000-07:00

Linux on the iPhone: Android running on iPhone!

Official Google Blog: A different kind of company name

2010-04-01T10:33:00.000-07:00

Official Google Blog: A different kind of company name

Driving a Toyota These Days is Like Driving a Ford or Hyundai Vehicle in the Past: The Looks and The Questions

2010-03-15T19:03:00.000-07:00

Now a Toyota vehicle is like a wild pony of yesterday! It needs to be tamed. Not even Toyota Motor company does not seem to be able to tame it!

I would like the good old days of Toyota to come back quickly. I hate getting all these questions and looks when people see me driving a Toyota. Ah, those good old days when nobody needed to call a CHP, California Highway Patrol, to try to stop a wild Prius vehicle with a scared driver who can not manage to stop it. It is like the wild west again. Cowboys can always stop a wild horse, but not a Toyota these days. It is crazy out there.

By the looks on their face, people are asking whether this Toyota vehicle has not taken you on a wild ride yet. I just hate having to deal with that!

I am not ready to quit on Toyota yet. I am not ready to dump my Toyota yet. I think it is still good.

I hope it does not kill me first though!

Toyota Recall Car List: RAV4, Corolla, Matrix, 2005-2010 Avalon, toyota camry, Highlander, tundra accelerator issues, Sequoia

2010-02-04T07:43:00.000-08:00

Updates: For a few days now, we do not know which Toyota vehicle is not subject to a recall. Even the Toyota Prius is not exempt. Its anti-lock breaking system has problems according to many owners. In the meantime, Ford is accelerating is sales campaign to take business from the embattled Japanese car maker.

Toyota has been announcing massive recalls and plans to repair the problems.

"Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A., Inc., today announced it will begin fixing accelerator pedals in recalled Toyota Division vehicles this week. Toyota’s engineers have developed and rigorously tested a solution that involves reinforcing the pedal assembly in a manner that eliminates the excess friction that has caused the pedals to stick in rare instances. In addition, Toyota has developed an effective solution for vehicles in production.

Parts to reinforce the pedals are already being shipped for use by dealers, and dealer training is under way. Many Toyota dealers will work extended hours to complete the recall campaign as quickly and conveniently as possible, some even staying open 24 hours a day. The company has also taken the unprecedented action of stopping production of affected vehicles for the week of February 1.

“Nothing is more important to us than the safety and reliability of the vehicles our customers drive,” said Jim Lentz, president and Chief Operating Officer, TMS. “We deeply regret the concern that our recalls have caused for our customers and we are doing everything we can – as fast as we can – to make things right. Stopping production is never an easy decision, but we are 100% confident it was the right decision. We know what’s causing the sticking accelerator pedals, and we know what we have to do to fix it. We also know it is most important to fix this problem in the cars on the road.”

Lentz added: “We are focused on making this recall as simple and trouble-free as possible, and will work day and night with our dealers to fix recalled vehicles quickly. We want to demonstrate that our commitment to safety is as high as ever and that our commitment to our customers is unwavering.”

On January 21, Toyota announced its intention to recall approximately 2.3 million select Toyota Division vehicles equipped with a specific pedal assembly and suspended sales of the eight models involved in the recall on January 26.

Toyota vehicles affected by the recall include:
• Certain 2009-2010 RAV4
• Certain 2009-2010 Corolla
• 2009-2010 Matrix
• 2005-2010 Avalon
• Certain 2007-2010 Camry
• Certain 2010 Highlander
• 2007-2010 Tundra
• 2008-2010 Sequoia

No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by these actions. Also not affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Highlander hybrids and certain Camry models, including Camry hybrids, all of which remain for sale.

Further, Camry, RAV4, Corolla and Highlander vehicles with Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) that begin with "J" are not affected by the accelerator pedal recall."

Toyota Plagued with Quality Problems Stops Productiong of Cars and Trucks in the US and Europe, China and Other Countries

2010-01-28T03:04:00.000-08:00

So much for the quality of Toyota vehicles! The company is recalling and stopping production of its very popular vehicles such as the Camry, Tundra, Highlander and Matrix from 2007 to 2009. Most of these vehicles have an accelerator problem which causes many drivers to get into accident. Some of them even die. The company is cautious and wants to find the cause of the problems. Until now, it has not found what is ailing the company.

Which cars have the problem?

The models affected are the 2004-2009 Prius, 2005-2010 Tacoma, 2005-2010 Avalon, 2006-2010 IS 250 and IS350, 2007-2010 Camry, 2007-2010 ES 350 and 2007-2010 Tundra.

The models that will be recalled or subject to a sales suspension include:

• RAV4 (2009-10 models)

• Corolla (2009-10)

• Camry (2007-10)

• Matrix hatchback (2009-10)

• Avalon large sedan (2005-10)

• Highlander crossover (2010)

• Tundra pickup (2007-10)

• Sequoia large SUV (2008-10)

The suspension is due to problems with gas pedal mechanisms that may cause the accelerator to get stuck, triggering sudden acceleration. The problem has been traced to a US parts supplier. The parts from that manufacturer are used in Toyotas sold in the US and Europe. Toyota is considering a recall of 2 million cars in Europe, as well.

Similar sticking accelerator problems have arisen in the past, driving the car company to recall 4.2 million vehicles in November, and another 2.3 million last week. So far, Toyota has been unable to correct the problem.

Toyota To Trim The Gas Pedals Causing Earlier Accidents

2009-11-27T10:16:00.001-08:00

Toyota Motor company has been dealing with a lot of recalls lately. The stuck gas pedal that causes unintended acceleration was the cause of some fatalities.

The problem, which allegedly has caused more than a dozen fatalities and resulted in more than 100 formal complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, has presented the most serious challenge yet to Toyota’s reputation as the auto industry’s quality leader.

Wednesday’s announcement came one day after Toyota recalled 110,000 Tundra pickup trucks from model years 2000 through 2003 which have experienced underbody rust that in some cases may loosen spare tires mounted beneath the trucks.

For 2005 through 2010 model year Toyota Avalons, 2007 through 2010 Camry and Lexus ES350, the automaker will reconfigure the floor surface beneath the pedal to create more space between the pedal and the floor.

The action is designed to address the root cause of the unintended acceleration, which Toyota previously blamed on floor mats becoming trapped between drivers’ feet and the gas pedal.

The brake over-ride system that will be offered on the Camry, Avalon and Lexus ES and IS models should ensure the car stops if both the accelerator and brake pedals are applied at the same time. Many of the reported incidents involved sudden increases in speed when the cruise control system is engaged. Drivers have reported that their brakes could not stop their vehicles when they experienced the phenomenon.

Toyota intends to make the brake over-ride feature standard throughout the Toyota and Lexus product lines beginning in January 2010.

Saturn is in Big Trouble. Penske Automotive Group; GM Dealerships in Trouble all Over The Country Backed Out of Deal

2009-10-10T03:18:00.000-07:00

The deal that was supposed to happen to save or rescue Saturn did not happen. After all, Penske Automotive group decided to back out of deal. That comes as a blow for Chrysler. Many jobs will go away with this backout.

In another development, many GM dealerships may not be on a list that was sent to the ebay auction site. Dealers are grumbling and are asking whether the lack of mention of their dealership should mean the end of their business.

this is an upside down world in which dealerships are dealing these days.

Car News: Toyota Recalls Millions of Vehicles

2009-09-30T09:08:00.000-07:00

Toyota Problems and Recalls: Toyota is Recalling Millions of Vehicles due to Faulty Mats

2009-09-30T08:42:00.000-07:00

Why the Recall? What is the problem?

A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop a vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.

Toyota Motor Corp. said Tuesday it will recall 3.8 million vehicles in the United States, the company’s largest-ever U.S. recall, to address problems with a removable floor mat that could cause accelerators to get stuck and lead to a crash.

The recall will involve popular models such as the Toyota Camry, the top-selling passenger car in America, and the Toyota Prius, the best-selling gas-electric hybrid.

See the list of Toyota vehicles with the most recalls

http://www.toyotaproblems.com/recalls

The top 20 Toyota vehicles with the most recalls are shown below. Currently the Toyota Camry & Corolla sedans have the most recalls, closely followed by Toyota's trucks.

iPhone 3 G S, Leader of the Pack: Customers Dashed to Buy New iPhone Releases, Stores Sold Out!

2009-06-20T01:19:00.000-07:00

I was one of the early birds who went to hang out at the front door of a local ATT corporate store. After a week of great weather, I expected to have a great time waiting in line for my new phone. It was not the case. It was hot and people were complaining. Those who had pre-ordered the iphone 3G S were able to enter the store and claim their prize from 7 am to 9 am. Those of us who wanted to buy the new phone or trade in for a higher upgrade had to wait in the sun outside.

Many of us, apple product fans, did not complain much. The employees at the store were very happy to pass cups of water to us. However, there were a few guys who started complaining about the long wait. Tensions were mounting. It was like the opening of a new movie. Just like the release of any major action movie, the upgrade to the 3 G S was received with great enthusiasm. Many of us were talking about the great features of the new phone. That was a good reason for us to have.

So far, after using the phone the whole day, I have been pretty pleased with it.

Truely, the iphone is the leader of the pack. Many fellow reviewers only have the greatest things to say about the phone.
"The iPhone 3G S (the S stands for speed) is a more subtle upgrade compared with last year's launch of the 3G. The improvements don't quite blow your hair back on the first pass, but coupled with the new iPhone OS 3.0 software upgrade, they cement the iPhone's status as the best smart phone experience available.

The iPhone OS 3.0 improvements alone might be enough to satisfy many existing iPhone and iPhone 3G users. But if your contract is expiring or even if it's not, there are a lot of reasons to make the jump to the iPhone 3G S, which sells for $199 and $299 for 16-GB and 32-GB versions."

LillyPilly body wash and hand creams smell good and show class

2009-01-08T23:47:00.000-08:00

Skin Care Products You Should Know About: LillyPilly Body Wash and Hand Creams

What you need to know about this body wash: LillyPilly body wash and hand creams smell good and show class

LillyPilly is an Australian brand of skin-care products that became available in the USA. I read somewhere that the body washes and hand creams are made from a variety of Aussie plants which include the berries of the lilly pilly tree. they say that it is a source of vitamin C, antioxidants and exfoliating fruit acids.

What I love about this product is the mixture of all other plants and oils that go into its production. In the LillyPilly, you will find ingredients such as oil and extracts from several other exotic-sounding plants such as kakadu plum, quandong fruit, tea tree and Tasmanian kelp. If you want to buy these products, go to www.lillypillyaustralia.com. Prices range from $10 for individual items to $36 for gift packs.

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Shopping Like Sarah Palin: Hot Season Clothes

2008-10-27T04:08:00.000-07:00

Shopping Spree for Sarah Palin: Free Clothes, hair styling and accessories

What was wrong with Sarah Palin's old clothes? What was wrong with her Alaska fashion sense? Do not ask me. Ask John McCain, his wife and the Republican Party. Apparently, they wanted her to have a personal wardrobe reform. She needed new clothes as the Senator has been answering questions about the $150,000 shopping spree. "Palin needed clothes. They will be donated to charity after the elections," answered John McCain. The Republican Party found it necessary to change her clothes and make her more like chic so the guys, married men can come to the rallies. They wanted her to become a MAGNET BABE for the Vote on November 4. And come, the guys have come to the political gatherings. I read about a guy who got up at 2 A.M. to do his work in order to be able to finish on time and take time off. That is what new looks can give you, a strong following that will bring out the vote.

Smart Fortwo's Pros and Cons, Highs and Lows

2008-10-27T04:07:00.000-07:00

Smart ForTwo's Pros and Cons, Highs and Lows:

American drivers are forced to change habits. In troves, they are downgrading to small that is cute, as in small houses and small cars. A whole range of small vehicles offered by various companies are coming to fill the void or meet the new needs. Smart ForTwo is one of these vehicles. Toyota has the new iQ in addition to Toyota Yaris. Honda has the Fit.

It is cute, but is it safe? This review will help answer this question.

Pros: Fuel economy, ease of parking, turning circle, access

Lows: Transmission, Acceleration, ride, lack of agility, noise, premium fuel, short warranty, controls, susceptible to crosswinds, expensive for what you get.

Top Small Cars That Save Gas and Help You Save

2008-10-27T04:06:00.000-07:00

Small Cars You Want to Know About Besides the Toyota iQ

Toyota Scion by Toyota Motor Inc topped the list of most reliable cars in Consumer Reports' annual Vehicle Reliability rankings. Honda Motor Co's Acura and Honda lines ranked righ behind Scion followed by Toyota nameplate and Toyota's luxury Lexus. The top 10 slops of the rankings are occupied by Asian names. Chrysler was mentioned. So far, Ford's small vehicles such as Ford Focus, have been mentioned as reliable. The American car companies have a stiff hill to climb.

The small cars that did well are: xD, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Hyundai Elantra, Mini Cooper Clubman and Honda Civic. It appears that Nissan Versa did not fare that well.

Honda Wants You for the Gas-Free Hydrogen FCX Clarity

2008-10-25T20:33:00.000-07:00

Apply to be the First to Drive the Car of the Future, Hydrogen-powered Honda FCX Clarity

With the current economy, drivers are doing anything they can to save on gas. For sure, they are downgrading from the Supersized SUVs. They are trading in the likes of Ford 150s, Dodge Durango Trucks, Chevrolet Silverado etc. They are embracing economic vehicles such as the Toyota Yarris, the Honda Fit, the Chevrolet Veo, the Mini Cooper and others. Now Toyota even has the Toyota iQ.

Honda Motor Co.'s new hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, the FCX Clarity, is estimated to get the equivalent of 74 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving. And it is stylish and smooth. According to many industry insiders, the Clarity opens a window into the possible. It is the combination of environmental responsibility and zero emissions with a fun, hip ride.

The gasoline-free vehicle has had a lot of buzz lately. And drivers are thankful to Honda for giving them a glimpse into the future. So far, debuted in July, the Clarity is available for lease. Honda Motor Co. is leasing about 200 of the cars to customers in Southern California during the next three years.

Everyone hopes that the battered economy and credit contraction will not keep drivers and car enthusiasts from this major technological advance. This car should get out of the auto shows. The question that is on everyone's mind is wether there are enough hydrogen fueling stations.

Honda Motor is offering three-year leases to a select few for $600 a month, which includes maintenance and collision coverage.

Who can afford this car? What are its features?

Since it is going to be leased in Southern California, expect a few stars to drive the hydrogen FCX Clarity. It offers quiet, steady acceleration, high torque and a 280-mile range.

Honda says the performance is on par with a similar-size car powered by a 2.4-liter engine, and it should know, as the 2008 Accord LX has just such an engine. The comparison is apt. The FCX motor produces 134 horsepower and 189 pound-feet of torque; the Accord’s in-line four makes 177 horsepower and 161 pound-feet. The Clarity weighs nearly 3,600 pounds, and while that is 400 pounds lighter than its predecessor, the Accord is some 300 pounds lighter yet. The wheelbases of the Clarity and Accord are identical at 110.2 inches.

The fuel cell combines hydrogen with oxygen to make electricity. The electricity then powers the electric motor, which in turn propels the vehicle. Water is the only byproduct the FCX Clarity leaves behind.

Roll over the numbered steps to learn about each stage of the process.

1. Hydrogen tank – Stores hydrogen
2. V Flow fuel cell stack – Generates electricity
3. Lithium-ion battery – Stores electricity
4. Power Drive Unit (PDU) – Governs electrical flow
5. Electric drive motor – Propels vehicle

Toyota iQ: Hottest Product and Great Gift Idea

2008-10-23T08:29:00.000-07:00

Toyota wants you to know about its new car. It is looking for cute, fashionable drivers and owners who are willing to pay top dollar for a small car that makes you chic.

Toyota iQ makes small beautiful. Here is what you need to know about this new car. I saw it, liked it and am waiting for one.

Hot New Products to Look For This Holiday Season: From Hot Dresses to Toyota iQ and T-Mobile G1 Smartphones

2008-10-23T08:18:00.000-07:00

In Japanese, Toyota iQ Show

Google Android Was Born: T-Mobile G1 is Now Available for Sale

2008-10-21T23:32:00.000-07:00

The true smartphone that is going to compete against Apple iPhone has arrived. G1 is knocking on iPhone G3 now.

T-Mobile, headquartered in Bellevue, Wash., will officially launch the G1 at its retail stores in 95 cities across the United States Wednesday, many of which will open early at 8 a.m. for the release of the $179 handset, and as many as 1.5 million existing T-Mobile customers have reportedly pre-ordered the devices. But for one night only, a couple hundred customers who lined up outside the telecom provider's store at Market and 3rd streets in downtown San Francisco had the 3G-enabled smartphone all to themselves.

What do you need to know about G1?

The T-Mobile G1 is available with a two-year voice and data agreement. Support for Web-based services from Mountain View, Calif.-based Google includes popular apps like Gmail and Google Maps, and the G1's full HTML Web browser is already winning rave reviews. In addition to T-Mobile's 3G network, the G1 has built-in support for the telecom's Edge network, as well as WiFi and GPS.

The new smartphone, 4.6 inches by 0.6 inches and weighing 5.6 ounces, has a 3.2-inch HVGA touchscreen but also sports a QWERTY keyboard, unlike the iPhone. It featurs a 3.2 megapixel camera and a microSD card slot.

The G1 lacks a video player, although there was already a free one in the Market by the time I tested the phone. The YouTube app works exactly as advertised, while the 3MP camera boasts auto-focus and takes decent (if not awe-inspiring) snapshots. There's no video recorder, but someone's bound to build one for the Market.