Sachin.net

Pittsburgh from Mt. Washington

noreply@blogger.com (Sachin Kotwani) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:07:00 +0000

A view of Pittsburgh from Mt. Washington on a great Spring
day.

Pittsburgh
Originally uploaded by sksachin

The True Value of Google's Mobile OS

noreply@blogger.com (Sachin Kotwani) — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 23:10:00 +0000

Google finally announced it is entering the world of mobile devices by creating an Open Source operating system. The Google OS is based primarily on two other open standards: Linux and Sun’s Java. The search giant has agreed to provide the OS to handset manufacturers free of cost.

So how will Google benefit from this? While the obvious answer is advertising, it is not clear how accepting users will be to intrusive ads in something as personal as a mobile phone.

Advertising is certainly a way to monetize this investment, but Google can potentially benefit in a great way by learning more from users. All data traveling through the Google OS would be fair game for the Mountain View company to get to know the consumer better. This information can in turn be used increase the effectiveness of targeted advertising regardless of the ultimate method of the delivery. In the end, it’s all about information.

XM and Sirius Merger. Does it matter?

noreply@blogger.com (Sachin Kotwani) — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 15:01:00 +0000

Many argue that a merger of the only two satellite-radio providers in the country would monopolize the industry, but does it really matter? Listeners are awed, and rightly so, by the crystal-clear quality of digital sound and the extraordinary variety of stations they can listen to cross-country. What they may be overlooking is the relation of this technology with all other Internet-based solutions.

More and more radio (and some TV) stations worldwide are now offering real-time broadcasts that listeners can tune into from any Internet enabled device. Increasing bandwidth speeds have taken sound quality above regular FM and in some cases near CD-quality.

The second issue is mobility. While currently the only practical way to connect to these stations is through a wired or Wi-Fi connection to the Internet, upcoming technologies such as WiMax and 4G CDMA technologies will make a data connection as ubiquitous as the signal on your cell phone. Add this technology to devices such as the Squeezebox and you’ve got yourself a revolutionary music device that can deliver virtually any radio station anywhere there is Internet access (which soon will mean everywhere).

All of this sounds exciting for the consumer. It should. But now it becomes questionable whether XM and Sirius will be able to continue providing differentiating value-add services, whether as separate entities or as one.

The Future of Communications, Mobility, and Business

noreply@blogger.com (Sachin Kotwani) — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 16:06:00 +0000

As technology advances, some questions come to mind:

- What's going to prevent wireless carriers and ISPs from becoming mere utility and commodity companies?
- What will be the competitive advantage sustaining such businesses? (Regulation, price, quality of service?)
- Once a really solid and high-speed internet is in place, what businesses will flourish in it? (Think Gigabits per second)
- What role will small businesses play in the next decade or two?
- As corporations become more nimble, how will entrepreneurs compete?

It sure is an exciting time to be in business!

Web-based Productivity: Scrybe

noreply@blogger.com (Sachin Kotwani) — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 06:18:00 +0000

Anyone who has been keeping track of the evolution of websites over the last ten years can tell we are on to something. Up and coming Web 2.0 companies offer everything from services never thought possible outside a desktop applications to a custom mashup of your favorite web resources.

I recently ran into Scrybe, which I believe serves as the perfect example of what we can expect to be doing through our browsers in the near future. Scrybe's solutions are not earth-shattering. After all, the company's motto is "Simple solutions for age old problems," but boy, are they cool. Currently under an invite-only beta, the website demos some of its solutions, which are expected to become publicly available by year-end.

Visit their website and I am sure you too will be blown away by the classy simplicity of productivity tools ranging from calendar to lists and collaboration tools. The only downside to this type of startup is the lack of cohesiveness across the different websites or platforms. This is where I believe the big players such as Google and Yahoo! should pay attention if they want to keep their market leadership and give their customers the best of the best.

Skype WiFi Phone

noreply@blogger.com (Sachin Kotwani) — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 18:37:00 +0000

I can't wait for this to come out! This phone will allow you to use Skype without the need to be connected to a PC. All you need is a WiFi connection and the phone's built in software will log you into Skype, allowing you to make and receive calls.

Check it out at: http://tools.netgear.com/skype/

The Gateway of India at Night

noreply@blogger.com (Sachin Kotwani) — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 20:57:00 +0000

The Gateway of India at Night
Originally uploaded by David Wilmot.

Yeh Hai Mumbai Meri Jaan! :-)

Giant Buddha Statue

noreply@blogger.com (Sachin Kotwani) — Thu, 16 Mar 2006 22:58:00 +0000

Giant Buddha Statue
Originally uploaded by akapadia.

I really liked this picture of a Giant Buddha Statue. It's located in Lantau Island, Hong Kong

Strait of Gibraltar

noreply@blogger.com (Sachin Kotwani) — Mon, 02 Jan 2006 00:45:00 +0000

I took this picture during my recent visit to my hometown of Ceuta, Spain. While in the helicopter ride from Malaga to Ceuta I was able shoot this view of the Strait of Gibraltar. The European continent is on the right, and Africa on the left.

Golden Temple, Amritsar, India

noreply@blogger.com (Sachin Kotwani) — Sat, 22 Oct 2005 23:03:00 +0000

Visiting my hometown, Ceuta, Spain

noreply@blogger.com (Sachin Kotwani) — Fri, 14 Oct 2005 09:06:00 +0000

Great Leadership

noreply@blogger.com (Sachin Kotwani) — Tue, 19 Jul 2005 20:10:00 +0000

The July/August issue of Harvard Business Review has a great article on what brings out our best leadership qualities. It's titled "Moments of Greatness: Entering the Fundamental State of Leadership."

Everyone has had the experience of gearing into high performance during moments of crisis and difficulty, which interestingly enough bring out the best in us. So, how can we constantly act with great leadership without having to find ourself in panic or difficulty? Dr. Robert E. Quinn has narrowed it down to four behavior and attitude patterns:

1. Be results oriented. Come out of your comfort zone and don't act reactively or according to the situation you find yourself in day to day, but focus on what you want to achieve and proactively move towards that goal.

2. Internally directed. Be true to your core values instead of trying to please those around you at all times. This will bring you closer to your goals and though at first might not sit well with those around you, will command respect and loyalty.

3. Others focused. Realizing that the interests of the community and those you serve are above you is an essential step in being a good leader. After all, it wouldn't be leadership if the focus was individualistic.

4. External openness. Listening to external stimuli without filtering in only what we want to hear is essential to lead and adapt effectively.

Weekend in NYC - Drumstruck show, Broadway

noreply@blogger.com (Sachin Kotwani) — Sat, 16 Jul 2005 03:08:00 +0000

This is a picture of me, Shalin, and Devang at the Broadway play Drumstruck. More than a play, it was an interactive drum playing lesson, where each member of the audience had a drum to play along. Quite fun! :-)

Weekend in NYC - Partybike in Times Square

noreply@blogger.com (Sachin Kotwani) — Sat, 16 Jul 2005 03:05:00 +0000

This is a picture of Shalin, Devang, and I on a party bike at Times Square. We got to drive all around the block around crazy traffic. Manhattan is awesome!

Kansas City Auto Show - Nissan 350Z Roadster

noreply@blogger.com (Sachin Kotwani) — Fri, 10 Jun 2005 13:49:00 +0000

This is a picture I took back in March during the Kansas City Auto Show... Aaaahhhh, the joy of fast cars... :-)

Church of "San Felipe de Neri" in Albuquerque

noreply@blogger.com (Sachin Kotwani) — Sat, 28 May 2005 00:44:00 +0000

I recently visited the "Old Town Plaza" in Albuquerque, and this is a picture of the church founded in 1706 by Franciscan priests. The Spanish heritage of the city is noticeable throughout the Plaza in its distinct architecture.

IPods and Podcasting

noreply@blogger.com (Sachin Kotwani) — Mon, 16 May 2005 22:51:00 +0000

After using a Rio Nitrus for the past year and a half, it decided to give up on me. It seemed like it was the small micro-hard-drive that stop functioning. Of course, the 90 day warranty was of no use at this point, so, I finally gave into the temptation of buying an IPod (a Silver Mini 4Gb unit). I must say that one of the allures of this device is that it is the most popular type of mp3 player out there. Apple holds over 80% of the market, with Creative and Rio each holding less than 10% of the pie. Popularity means not only that you will find buddies with whom you can share your IPod reverence, but also a multitude of accessories and applications made just for this fashionable device.
One trend that is catching on is Podcasting, which does not mean that you can beam information on and off your IPod, as the name suggests. This phenomenon is nothing more than audio blogging through mp3s. Just as you are reading this blog, many authors are rolling out their own talk shows which can be downloaded as audio files and sent to your IPod for your listening pleasure. You can even download applications on your PC that will subscribe you to your favorite Podcast sites and download the newest content to your PC, which will synch with your portable player whenever you connect it to your computer.

For more information:
Podcast.net
IPodder.org

Art of Living

noreply@blogger.com (Sachin Kotwani) — Sat, 30 Apr 2005 21:19:00 +0000

In the past few years there has been an increased interest in meditation, relaxation, and other breathing techniques. One of the most popular non-profit organizations in this area is the Art of Living Foundation, created by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
Art of Living instructors teach several courses in over 140 countries, and one of the most important exercises they teach is a breathing routine called the Sudarshan Kriya. If you are looking to learn more or to participate in one of their courses, I highly recommend you visit the Art of Living website: http://www.artofliving.org

noreply@blogger.com (Sachin Kotwani) — Wed, 30 Mar 2005 01:44:00 +0000

Riding the tractor in Mushtaq Uncle's Farm

noreply@blogger.com (Sachin Kotwani) — Sun, 27 Mar 2005 19:54:00 +0000

Playing Holi in Pembroke Pines. Organized by the Miami Sindhi Association

noreply@blogger.com (Sachin Kotwani) — Fri, 25 Mar 2005 19:51:00 +0000

This is a picture with Guruji, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, during his recent visit to South Florida.

GPS Devices - StreetPilot III, StreetPilot 2610, and TomTom Go

noreply@blogger.com (Sachin Kotwani) — Wed, 16 Mar 2005 17:00:00 +0000

Garmin StreetPilot III

Pros: Bright colors, screen clearly visible even in direct sunlight. Rugged design. Battery backup power.
Cons: Bulky. Old Design. Difficult to input data. Speaker is part of car adapter.

This was one of the first portable units with color and voice available in the market and is still available for sale. It will most likely be slowly replaced by the Garmin 2610 and its family.
The StreetPilot III comes with MapSource software, which must be installed on your PC to upload maps on the included 128Mb data card. Map data can be slightly out of date, as with most modern GPS units, but is fairly detailed. You should find small streets, including those in subdivisions, and a great range of Points of Interests (Restaurants, Gas Stations, Hospitals, Shopping, Entertainment...).
The screen display is very clear, even in sunlight. There are multiple views which include:

Navigation: Display of current position on map, text on next turn.
Turn by turn: List of all the turns needed to reach destination.
Details: Speed, satellites, location, battery power, stats.

One of the greatest advantages of this unit is its rugged design and waterproof casing. It takes batteries for use during biking, trekking, etc. which means you can use the unit outside your vehicle also.

The speaker unit is part of the car adapter though, and will need to be attached to the device in order to receive useful turn-by-turn voice prompts.

Manufacturer's Website: http://www.garmin.com/products/spIII/
Purchase at BUY.com Garmin Street Pilot III Deluxe - Best Seller!

Garmin StreetPilot 2610

Pros: Colorful display. Touchscreen. Remote Control. Integrated antenna.
Cons: Simple Design. Speaker is part of car adapter.

This unit is fairly similar to the StreetPilot III, but much more refined and with new features. The most attractive addition to this model is a touchscreen, which makes operation and input of addresses really easy. Backseat drivers can now also have their say in the destination this unit will take you to, thanks to the 2610's remote control. Input through the remote is not as easy as the touchscreen, but still better than the unit's predecessor and other similar competing models.

The display has slightly less intensity than the previous StreetPilot III model, most likely due to the touchscreen capabilities. The difference is hardly noticeable once the contrast and brightness are optimized, and all information on the screen is clearly readable even under bright lit conditions.

Software features allow you to calculate routes based on road preference and will also allow you to avoid a certain portion of your route. You can quickly access road/area avoidance in the menu to drive around a roadblock or traffic congested area.

Manufacturer's Website: http://www.garmin.com/products/sp2610/
Purchase at BUY.com Garmin 2610 Touch-Screen GPS

TomTom Go

Pros: Colorful 3-D display. Touchscreen. Integrated, powerful antenna. Small. Light. Good design. Integrated rechargeable Li-Ion battery.
Cons: Small display, with less detail than other units. Display not very clear in sunlight. Maps leave out many of the smaller and newer streets.

This unit is considered by most reviewers as one of the easiest to use. If you plan to carry your unit around, and small size and weight are important to you, this unit is an attractive alternative to most other portable units. The TomTom Go is a first in its class, the smallest unit of its kind, but it will soon face competition from Garmin's StreetPilot c320 / StreetPilot c330.

The small casing has a touchscreen to conduct most of its operations. The interface is fairly intuitive, and allows for data to be easily entered. You can choose to view your route plan on a 3-D map, giving it a more realistic view of the roads ahead.

There are multiple configuration options, among the most notable:

Multiple voices (male, female) and languages (including accents).
Units display.
Colors, display, 2-D or 3-D.

The two major drawbacks of this unit are its lack of detailed on screen information and missing minor roads on its maps (both better in Garmin StreetPilot units). That being said, this is the easiest, most convenient, and best looking portable GPS unit available in the market.

Manufacturer's Website: http://www.tomtom.com/
Purchase at BUY.com

noreply@blogger.com (Sachin Kotwani) — Tue, 15 Mar 2005 16:30:00 +0000

Ganesh Statue on the way to Nandi Hills, Bangalore

noreply@blogger.com (Sachin Kotwani) — Tue, 15 Mar 2005 16:00:00 +0000

Shivaji Temple in Kemp Fort, Bangalore

Ceuta, Spain

noreply@blogger.com (Sachin Kotwani) — Tue, 15 Mar 2005 15:30:00 +0000



*Ceuta, SPAIN, my hometown, "Pearl of the Mediterraneum"*