Posted: 23 Feb 2010 06:44 PM PST

Most of the users might have used Microsoft Office suite for ages but still have only very surface skills in using the software applications such as Word, PowerPoint, etc. To improve and boost users' skills and knowledge in Microsoft Office, the Redmond giant has introduced a pretty interesting training game, namely Ribbon Hero, as an addon for Word, Excel and PowerPoint version 2007 and 2010. Users who have limited knowledge in these products but want to boost their skills and do more things with their MS Office products can add this game to their office suite. They can learn some skills while having fun through the game.

Ribbon Hero currently works with Word, PowerPoint, and Excel (both 32/64 Bit) and it is only limited to Version 2007 and 2010 only. Once it is installed, there is a tiny green Ribbon Hero icon added in the Ribbon. When users start using the features in their Word, Excel or PowerPoint, they will start gaining points. Each feature and command available in the software has certain scores. Users can read the white digit score as indicated on the green Ribbon Hero icon sitting on the Ribbon. Users can click on to the green Ribbon Hero icon if they want to start the challenge and play the Office game. The game is designed to expose users to new features while playing.

Ribbon Hero can be connected to Facebook. Users who have Facebook account can connect Ribbon Hero to their Facebook account. They can choose to post their scores on Facebook and compare their scores with others. Users will be prompted with a message to ask them if they want to publish their results on Facebook for every 100 points they earn. Ribbon Hero may start off as a prototype but end up as an important training tool for Microsoft Office 2010 and other applications. It draws from effective ideas on what motivates learning as well as exploits current social and interactive networking trends.

Download Ribbon Hero from here.

Want to learn Microsoft office features Try Ribbon Hero

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Project Natal confirmed coming in October

Posted: 23 Feb 2010 05:20 PM PST

As rumors continue to spread, UK television presenter Jonathan Ross is pretty high up there, why ? coz the man’s had a chance to spend some quality time with Microsoft’s Project Natal setup and while he’s not altogether impressed with the current state of it, his note on when it’s coming out is the one thing nobody has known for sure yet. “Got until October” may mean an October release, or it may imply they can work on it through October in time for an early November release, but altogether we find this both credible and logical considering the natural urge to try and get the latest gaming tech in well before the holidays. Only time will tell what’s cooking with Natal.

natal screens Project Natal confirmed coming in October

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Project Natal confirmed coming in October

BSNL introduces 24MBps Broadband Plan

Posted: 23 Feb 2010 09:50 AM PST

After Airtel had started their 16MBps plan few months back, next turn was Government based BSNL to join the league.BSNL have launched the fastest ever broadband in India with a mega speed of 24mbps.Don’t be happy yet, coz this comes with a FUP limit of 150GB.What crap plans,if they are providing such high speed rate why cap the limit to just 150Gb. 150 GB will be consumed in no time.Crazy plans i must say.Atleast 500Gb was enough for me.In addition to this there are some more plans added up.Do let me know what do you feel.

BSNL plans pricing BSNL introduces 24MBps Broadband Plan

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Nvidia’s Ion 2 GPU Spotted in Aspire One Netbook

Posted: 23 Feb 2010 06:24 AM PST

Acer has confirmed and announced it in the recently held Mobile World Congress that its 10.1-inch Aspire One 532G will be the first net-book to feature Nvidia’s next-generation Ion 2 GPU.”The 532G’s 1.66GHz Intel Atom N450 processor, GMA 3150 GPU graphics, 2GB of RAM and 320GB hard drive will be joined by a discrete Nvidia GPU,” wrote Engadget’s Joanna Stern.Word is Ion 2 is going to be outfitted with twice the number of shaders for even more graphics horsepower as well.

The new Acer Aspire One 532G sets the netbook trend in the digital world where Hi-Def viewing online is growing dramatically. Acer presents the world's first netbook with dedicated next-generation NVIDIA ION graphics acceleration enabling users to enjoy Hi-Def content online as well as playback at 720p; alternatively, connect through HDMI output to a secondary Hi-Def TV/LCD monitor for sharing Hi-Def content with friends at a larger 1080p resolution.Netbook users can now enjoy flawless Hi-Def web content streaming and multiple Internet applications with ease.

acer532G Nvidias Ion 2 GPU Spotted in Aspire One Netbook

“It will use NVIDIA’s new Optimus automatic switching technology, though it appears Acer is holding out for Nvidia to officially launch the platform at CeBit to reveal details of the GPU – but a GeForce G310 seems likely from the rumors.”

Enjoy smooth and flawless 3D computing, mainstream PC gaming, boost the performance of editing and converting videos, face-tagging photos and Hi-Def video playback up to 1080p via HDMI-output to HDTV; and effectively perform everyday Internet browsing, emailing, chats, photo viewing, document editing and such on the Aspire One 532G. All of these are achieved with the new Intel Atom N450 platform and next-generation NVIDIA® ION™ GPU with dedicated 512MB memory.

AcerAspireOne532g 250x192 Nvidias Ion 2 GPU Spotted in Aspire One Netbook

Additional features are expected to include a 10 hour battery life, integrated Wi-Fi, 10.1″ HD LED backlit display and optional 3G.The innovative AC adapter is travel friendly, lighter than typical adapters, saves 1/3 charging time and comes with interchangeable AC converters. No matter where you are, you can always have the right plug.The 532G will come in three colors, Pearl Silver, Ruby Red and Sapphire Blue. Pricing is still unknown. The netbook measures 1-inch thick and weighs in at 1 kg.This would start shipping at the end of Q1 2010.But the benchmarks say the opposite in regarding the features.

Summary of awesome features: