Cloud wars: Microsoft SkyDrive now native on Apple’s iPad and iPhone

Microsoft is on a roll with iOS-based iPad and iPhone implementations of its applications.

Yesterday, it was OneNote and a “real soon now” commitment on its Lync unified-communications client for the iPad. Microsoft also announced this week that its Kinectimals game is now available for the iPad and iPhone.

On December 13, Microsoft made yet another Apple-focused announcement: An iOS version of SkyDrive for the iPad and iPhone. (Note: The iPad is supported, but this isn’t an iPad-optimized version of SkyDrive. I’ve asked if there’s one of those coming.)

Unsurprisingly, Microsoft already offers a SkyDrive software/service implementation for Windows, as part of its Windows Live Essentials bundle. Today’s iOS SkyDrive offering will allow iPad and iPhone users to upload photos, files and documents, rename uploaded content and manage folders from their Apple devices.

SkyDrive is a competitor to Apple’s iCloud in that it supports storage of photos and docs. (Ironically, iCloud is believed to run, at least in part, on Microsoft’s Windows Azure cloud platform. SkyDrive is Microsoft-hosted, but isn’t running on Windows Azure.)

Even though SkyDrive is part of Microsoft’s Live Essentials bundle, it has been getting regular updates, as of late. (Most of the Live Essentials services seem to be on the same two- to three-year release cycle as Windows itself, for some odd reason.) In November, Microsoft made a number of updates to SkyDrive, adding PDF support and HTML5 upload capabilities to its cloud service. In June, Microsoft gave the SkyDrive site an HTML5 makeover.

My contacts seem somewhat divided as to the wisdom of Microsoft’s decision to deliver many of its key software and services for non-Windows platforms — and especially for Apple’s platforms. Microsoft is a software vendor, and has shown increasing interest in porting its wares to many of the leading platforms as a way to make money and appease customers who aren’t Microsoft-only shops/households. Some maintain that Microsoft should keep its crown jewels as Windows/Windows Phone-only products to keep users from having yet another reason to defect.

I am in the former camp. I believe the days of killer apps running on a single platform are over, though the Windows team seems intent on trying to revise this business model with Windows 8. What’s your two cents?

Update: According to a December 13 post on the “Inside Windows Live” blog, Microsoft also is rolling out a dedicated SkyDrive for Windows Phone app today, as well — which is meant to complement the SkyDrive integration built into Windows Phone already.

Microsoft Unveils New Windows Store Design for Metro 8 Apps

Microsoft is taking the model learned from the successes and mistakes of app stores of past (including the Windows Phone Marketplace) and applying them to the brand new Windows 8 Windows Store. It’s a little something borrowed, a little something new, and it has a lot of potential to shake up the tablet space. Here’s the scoop …

Microsoft has launched a Windows Store Blog to follow along with the development of the Windows Store, much like it did with the Building Windows 8 blog. The Windows Store offers a much more visual storefront, much like the Apple App Store for both iOS and Mac, and it’s much more intuitive, unlike the Android Marketplace. According to Microsoft, the company has strived to aggregate content to make it easy to see what’s new and what’s hot and bring “compelling apps to the surface,” through application recommendations and application trails. It’s all done via the very stylish Metro interface, and the feel is similar to the Metro Start Screen, except there’s a white background.

If you’re not keen on using the Windows Store, or simply prefer to Bing or Google for your apps, Internet Explorer 10 includes a special feature: If you reach the landing page for an app available in the Windows Store, there’s no second step required to install the app. Rather, a simple “Get the App” button automatically appears inside Internet Explorer, making installation a tap away. Very cool. Microsoft also has made it possible for IT admins to limit, block or even deploy specific Metro apps for installation, bringing a considerable level of control to Windows 8 users in the corporate environment — something sorely lacking in other “store” environments.

And Microsoft wants to give developers a break as well. Normally, Microsoft splits revenue 70 percent (developer)-30 percent (Microsoft), which is also what Apple does. But developers that hit more than $25,000 in sales for their app will actually see an increase in their take, to 80 percent. Plus, Microsoft has no qualms about in-app subscriptions — the Windows Store blog spells out how developers can take advantage of this. Developers also will be happy to hear registration is $49, half of what Apple charges.

Right now, Microsoft is holding a contest for those who want to be the first to the store when Windows 8 finally launches. The prize, other than notoriety, is …

12 months of Windows Azure hosting, a two-year subscription to the Windows Store, and a Samsung Windows Developer Preview PC, the same as was handed out at the BUILD conference.

So if you’re interested, check out the finer details of the Windows Store here. It’s shaping up to be a very intuitive and friendly way for using Windows 8 tablets and computers with Metro.

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  • Could Windows 8 Impact Development in the Open Source Space?
  • Microsoft Finally Launches Capacitive Multitouch Mouse

Cloud wars: Microsoft SkyDrive now native on Apple’s iPad and iPhone

Yesterday, it was OneNote and a “real soon now” commitment on its Lync unified-communications client for the iPad. Microsoft also announced this week that its Kinectimals game is now available for the iPad and iPhone.

On December 13, Microsoft made yet another Apple-focused announcement: An iOS version of SkyDrive for the iPad and iPhone. (Note: The iPad is supported, but this isn’t an iPad-optimized version of SkyDrive. I’ve asked if there’s one of those coming.)

Unsurprisingly, Microsoft already offers a SkyDrive software/service implementation for Windows, as part of its Windows Live Essentials bundle. Today’s iOS SkyDrive offering will allow iPad and iPhone users to upload photos, files and documents, rename uploaded content and manage folders from their Apple devices.

SkyDrive is a competitor to Apple’s iCloud in that it supports storage of photos and docs. (Ironically, iCloud is believed to run, at least in part, on Microsoft’s Windows Azure cloud platform. SkyDrive is Microsoft-hosted, but isn’t running on Windows Azure.)

Even though SkyDrive is part of Microsoft’s Live Essentials bundle, it has been getting regular updates, as of late. (Most of the Live Essentials services seem to be on the same two- to three-year release cycle as Windows itself, for some odd reason.) In November, Microsoft made a number of updates to SkyDrive, adding PDF support and HTML5 upload capabilities to its cloud service. In June, Microsoft gave the SkyDrive site an HTML5 makeover.

My contacts seem somewhat divided as to the wisdom of Microsoft’s decision to deliver many of its key software and services for non-Windows platforms — and especially for Apple’s platforms. Microsoft is a software vendor, and has shown increasing interest in porting its wares to many of the leading platforms as a way to make money and appease customers who aren’t Microsoft-only shops/households. Some maintain that Microsoft should keep its crown jewels as Windows/Windows Phone-only products to keep users from having yet another reason to defect.

I am in the former camp. I believe the days of killer apps running on a single platform are over, though the Windows team seems intent on trying to revise this business model with Windows 8. What’s your two cents?

Update: According to a December 13 post on the “Inside Windows Live” blog, Microsoft also is rolling out a dedicated SkyDrive for Windows Phone app today, as well — which is meant to complement the SkyDrive integration built into Windows Phone already.

Microsoft releases Skydrive application for Apple’s Iphone

SOFTWARE REDEVELOPER Microsoft has released its digital locker service Skydrive for Apple’s Iphone and its own Windows Phone devices.

Microsoft’s Skydrive has been pushed onto Windows Phone users, however the firm has now released a native application for the service on both its own Windows Phone operating system and Apple’s Iphone. The service allows users to store files on its cloud service and retrieve them on multiple devices.

However Microsoft seems to understand that so few people use Windows Phone that, for Skydrive to be deemed a success, it really needs to appear on the Iphone or Google’s Android. Given that Google already has a digital locker service in Google Docs, Microsoft was left with Apple’s Iphone.

The Redmond company said, “We realize that not everyone who relies on Skydrive for sharing photos or accessing Office documents uses Windows Phone… yet. We have a long history of supporting Iphone customers with built-in support for Hotmail and with apps like Bing, Messenger, Onenote (with Skydrive sync), and now Skype.”

Although Microsoft has seemingly tighter Skydrive integration in Windows Phone, it is the Iphone app that is more likely to attract an influx of users. Digital locker services are becoming increasingly popular as a way of sharing information between smartphones and tablets without the need for removable storage.

Microsoft has said it could take a few hours before the Skydrive application is available in various parts of the world. We will be interested to find out if many people actually use it. µ

Source: The Inquirer (http://s.tt/14RTB)

 

Microsoft Launches Windows Store to Counter Apple’s App Store

Microsoft today revealed some details regarding its new application store, which has currently been titled the Windows 8 Windows Store. This new application store is expected to be released at the same time as Microsoft releases its Windows 8 Beta OS, and the launch date is expected to be sometime in February. Antoine Leblond, who is Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President, explained that the developer-sharing deal for this store will give developers an 80% cut on all revenues after the $25,000 mark that are garnered by their applications. Only 70% of the revenues earned before that mark will be shared with the developers. In contrast, Apple offers a straight 70% cut of all the revenues earned by an app to the developers of said app.

Another thing that is expected to be different in the Windows 8 Windows Store as compared to its Apple counterpart is the approach taken by the stores to different subscription models. Services like online newspapers can offer a subscription option to their newspaper through their apps and unlike Apple or Google’s stores, they can use their own existing authentication system to help their users log in. In contrast Apple and Google usually do not allow the developers to do this and instead force them to employ proprietary authentication systems.

Ted Dworkin, who is the partner program manager for the Windows 8 Windows Store, further explained through a blog post that since many apps have existing business models that depend on certain transaction providers or enjoy the benefits of relations to other lines of business, customers of these businesses would prefer the efficiency and trust that would come with a familiar transaction experience that the Windows 8 Windows Store could provide them. He further clarified that developers would be allowed full freedom in choosing any ad platform that they prefer and that whether that platform belonged to Microsoft or not was irrelevant.

Microsoft has recently stated their aim to be transparent and not use legal jargon in order to cloud their approval process through their newly published app certification policies. They have also said that they will provide developers whose apps have been rejected with feedback in order to help them.

The Windows 8 Windows Store is expected to be released in direct competition with Apple’s App Store. It is therefore expected to have a presence around the globe, with Microsoft encouraging developers to make and publish apps for them in 231 different markets and in over a 100 languages.

apple

  1. Thunderbolt.
    Data transfer is now lightning fast.

    Thunderbolt technology has arrived — and Apple computers are the first to have it. With one tiny port, you get lightning-fast transfer speeds and huge expansion capabilities. Two 10-Gbps data channels per port mean you can transfer data up to 12 times faster than with FireWire 800. And don’t worry about a single drive or peripheral tying up the Thunderbolt port: you can daisy-chain as many as six devices plus a display. The 27-inch iMac includes a second Thunderbolt port for even more expansion possibilities. Connect up to six more devices or a display or two.Learn more about Thunderbolt

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  2. DEC
    15

    OS X Lion

    OS X Lion 

    Full-Screen Apps

    OS X Lion offers system-wide support for gorgeous, full-screen apps that use every inch of your Mac display. You can have multiple full-screen apps open at once — along with multiple standard-size apps. And it’s easy to switch between full-screen and desktop views. Learn more about full-screen apps

    Mission Control

    Mission Control brings together full-screen apps, Dashboard, Exposé and Spaces in one new feature that gives you a bird’s-eye view of everything on your system. With a single swipe on the trackpad, your desktop zooms out to Mission Control. Think of it as the hub of your system: view everything and go anywhere with just a click.Learn more about Mission Control

    Mac App Store

    The best way to discover apps for your Mac is now on your Mac. Just like the App Store on iPad, the Mac App Store lets you browse and download thousands of free and paid apps that you can start using straightaway on all your Mac computers authorised for personal use. New apps install in one step straight to Launchpad, and the Mac App Store keeps track of your apps and tells you when updates are available. Learn more about the Mac App Store

    Launchpad

    Launchpad is a new, full-screen home for all the apps on your Mac. Just click the Launchpad icon in your Dock. Your open windows fade away, replaced by a full-screen display of all your apps. Arrange your apps any way you want, group them together in folders or delete them from your Mac with ease. And when you download an app from the Mac App Store, it automatically appears in Launchpad, ready to blast off. Learn more about Launchpad

    Resume

    Now apps you close will reopen right where you left off, so you never have to start from scratch again. And when you install software updates, you no longer need to save your work, close your apps and spend valuable time setting everything up again. With Resume, you can restart

Apple Apps

 

Apple Apps

Create and send a card. Edit an HD movie. Read a novel or write one. Present your big idea. Or crunch some numbers. Apple apps from the App Store are designed by the people who designed the iPhone. And they give you the power and versatility to do more than you ever thought possible. Wherever you go.

Cards

Beautiful letterpress cards.

You make it. We’ll send it. They’ll love it.

Create and mail beautifully crafted cards personalized with your own text and photos — right from your iPhone. Just take a quick snapshot and with a few taps and swipes, an elegant letterpress card is on its way to any address in the world.
Learn more about Cards

 

iMovie

You can shoot 1080p HD movies from your iPhone. And with iMovie, you can turn those movies into mini-masterpieces. Edit, add Hollywood-style themes, and fine-tune your soundtrack. No matter where you are, you’re always in the director’s chair.
Learn more about iMovie
View iMovie in the App Store

GarageBand

GarageBand lets you play a collection of highly expressive Touch and Smart Instruments that sound just like their real counterparts — but let you do things you never could on a real instrument. You can record, mix, and share your songs, too.
Learn more about GarageBand
View GarageBand in the App Store

iBooks

With tens of thousands of books on the iBookstore — many of them free — iPhone is the key to your own personal library. Text is sharp and crystal clear. Pages turn with a flick. And no matter where you go, you’ll always have a good book (or thousands) within reach.
Learn more about iBooks
View iBooks in the App Store

Keynote

Create presentations with custom graphic styles, elegantly designed themes, stunning animations and effects, and powerful features designed for iPhone.
Learn more about Keynote
View Keynote in the App Store

Pages

Pages has everything you need to put your words into beautiful documents. Including Apple-designed templates and easy-to-use formatting tools.
Learn more about Pages
View Pages in the App Store

Numbers

Numbers includes over 250 easy-to-use functions, an intelligent keyboard, flexible tables, and eye-catching charts. So you can create compelling spreadsheets in just a few taps.
Learn more about Numbers
View Numbers in the App Store

Nokia Lumia 800

Nokia Lumia 800 (codenamed ‘Sea Ray’) is a Windows Phone OS powered smartphone, first unveiled by the company’s CEO Stephen Elop, on 26 October 2011 at the Nokia World 2011 event.[1] It is Nokia’s first mobile phone to run Windows Phone OS as a part of the first wave of Windows Phone devices to be released by the company as it shifts focus from the Symbian and MeeGo platforms for premium priced phones.

The design of the body is based on Nokia N9 that is made from polycarbonate plastic but with a physical camera button on the right side of the phone and the dual LED flash moved directly above the Carl Zeiss camera lens.[2] This phone was launched in the UK on 16/11/11 to favourable reviews.


Nokia Lumia 800
Manufacturer Nokia
Compatible networks GSM, HSDPA, Wi-Fi, 3G
Availability by country
November 2011 (Europe)
December 2011
Related Nokia N9
Dimensions 116.5 x 61.2 x 12.1mm
Weight 142 grams
Operating system Windows Phone 7.5
CPU 1.4 GHz Qualcomm MSM8255 Scorpion(Snapdragon)
GPU Adreno 205 GPU
Memory 16 GB internal flash
512 MB ROM
512 MB RAM
Battery Rechargeable 1520mAh Li-ion battery (Up to 265 h (2G) / Up to 335 h (3G) standby, Up to 13 h (2G) / Up to 9 h 30 min (3G) talk time, Up to 55 h music play)
Data inputs Multi-touch capacitive touchscreen, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, 3-axis accelerometer, digital compass
Display 3.7 in. ClearBlack AMOLED capacitive touchscreen
480×800 px 16m-color WVGA
Rear camera 8 Megapixel, 3264×2448 pixels, dual-LED flash, autofocus Carl Zeiss optics
Front camera No
Connectivity Bluetooth 2.1, 802.11b/g/n, G-Sensor, Digital Compass, A-GPS, micro-USB, 3.5mm audio jack
Development status In production

Samsung Galaxy Note

The Samsung Galaxy Note is an Android smartphone and tablet computer that was introduced in 2011. It occupies a niche in Samsung’s Galaxy range, bridging the gap between other Galaxy-series smartphones such as the Galaxy S II and tablets such as theGalaxy Tab.

File:Samsung Galaxy Note.jpg

Manufacturer Samsung Electronics
Compatible networks (GSM/GPRS/EDGE): 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz
UMTS: 850, 900, 1900, and 2100 MHz
HSPA+: 21 Mbit/s; HSUPA: 5.76 Mbit/s
LTE
Related Samsung Infuse 4G
Samsung Galaxy S II
Type Touchscreen smartphone
Dimensions 145.8 mm (5.74 in) H
82.95 mm (3.266 in) W
9.65 mm (0.380 in) D
Weight 178 g (6.3 oz)
Operating system Android 2.3.5 (Gingerbread) withTouchWiz UI 4.0
CPU 1.4 GHz dual-core ARM Cortex-A9SoC processor; Samsung Exynos4210 (GT-N7000) / 1.5Ghz Qualcomm Snapdragon 8255T (GT-N7003)
GPU ARM Mali-400 MP (GT-N7000)/Adreno 205(GT-N7003)
Memory GB RAM
Storage 16/32 GB flash memory
Removable storage microSD (up to 32 GB)
Battery Li-ion 2500 mAh
Data inputs Multi-touch touch screenheadset controlsproximity and ambient light sensors, 3-axis gyroscope,magnetometeraccelerometer,barometeraGPSGLONASS and stereo FM-radio, S Pen(Stylus)/Pen UX
Display 1280×800 px, 13.46 cm (5.3 in) at 285 ppi WXGA HD Super AMOLED(1.024 megapixels)
Rear camera Mpx 3264×2448 with auto focus,1080p 30fps Full HD video recording, and stills. Single LED flash.
Front camera 2 Mpx for video chatting, video recording (VGA), and stills
Connectivity 3.5 mm TRRSWi-Fi(802.11a/b/g/n); Wi-Fi Direct;Bluetooth 3.0; Micro USB 2.0; Optional Near field communication(NFC); USB Host (OTG) 2.0
Other Exchange ActiveSync, integrated messaging Social HubReaders HubMusic HubGame Hub andSamsung ChatOn  

Note has a 5.3” display which is the largest screen size with smartphone portability. It features the world’s first and the largest 5.3” HD Super AMOLED display, an expansive high-resolution screen that provides an immersive viewing experience.

The Galaxy Note’s advanced pen input functionality is combined with the full touch screen to create a new input experience. The incorporated digital S Pen can be used for accurate sketching and artwork, and instantly capturing ideas freely before they float away.

Audi A8 in India – Audi A8 Price,Audi A8 Reviews

Audi A8 in India – Audi A8 Price,Audi A8 Reviews

Audi A8 Price

Rs 72,45,000* - Rs 1,26,56,000*

All new Audi has been launched in India. Its price has been set to 87 lakhs.Totally luxurious features has made it more dynamic. Its launch has been done by the famous actress Lara Dutta in mumbai.

Audi A8 Description :

 

Audi has decided to bring its all new and exclusive Audi A8 in Indian Auto Market on 10th Jan 2011. After many speculations and guesses, the company has officially announced Audi A8 for Indian portfolio. The car promises great luxury comfort and high end performance. Indian Auto market is a sizzling destination for car manufacturers all over the world and joining the line Audi is also following aggressive strategies to grab its share of pie. The exclusive saloon would be available for sale in India from 10th Jan 2011. The car in its high luxury form is expected to grab a big share of Indian Luxury car segment by providing the customers, high end technology. Audi A8 is based on a platform of sophisticated technology which is visible in appearance and performance of the saloon. Audi A8 is going to give a tough competition to BMW Gran Turismo, Jaguar XF, BMW 7 Series, Volkswagen Phaeton, BMW 6 Series and Mercedes Benz S Class.

The company claims that Audi A8 would be the most luxurious and comfortable car in its segment. The car is expected to launch in 3 exclusive variants out of which two will be petrol and one will be diesel engine model. All the engines are turbocharged and bear direct fuel injection system. The variant with 4.2L, TFSI petrol engine, is capable enough to produce 372PS of peak power at 6800 rpm while it generates top torque of 445 Nm at 3500 rpm. The other petrol variant of the Audi A8 is powered by a 3.0 TFSI quattro petrol, 8 cylinder engine which easily pumps out 250 PS of maximum power at 4000-4500 rpm and 420 Nm of peak torque at 2500-4850rpm. The variant is loaded with standard eight-speed tiptronic transmission. The diesel variant of Audi A8 might be loaded with 3.0 TDI quattro diesel engine that develops 290 PS of peak power at 4850-6500 rpm and 550 Nm of peak torque at 1500-3000 rpm. The variant is loaded with a eight-speed tiptronic transmission.

Coming to the exterior of stunning Audi A8, it is too aggressive and wears similar looks to other models from its black suit family. The nose ofAudi A8 is somewhat flat and holds a strong grille compartment. The front grille forms the bold nose of the car and the large fog lamps dominate the overall face of the car. The crease on its body are bold and beautiful giving it a prominent look. The outside rear view mirrors are painted in body colour. The front and rear bumper of Audi A8 also, can be found painted in body colour. The beautiful luxury is expected to carry 8Jx18 ’7-arm design’ alloy wheels with 235/55 R18 Y tyres and locking wheel bolts. Coming to the rear side view of Audi A8, it looks attractive and mesmerising. Its rear side is given a rounded shape with compact looks having prominent taillights. The rear windshield of Audi A8 is in apt proportion to the front rendering the rear view clear visiblity. The rear view wears a traditional touch of Audi brand and thus will catch attention of people driving behind. Similarly, the interiors of all exciting Audi A8 is given the finest looks in terms of the design. The cabin of Audi A8 assures comfort with unlimited luxury to its occupant. It is expected to be affixed with air-conditioner, latest audio system and ESP stability system.

The dashboard of Audi A8 is given an attractive design with all meters mounted on it in large round dials. Audi A8 employs LED interior lighting package for interior illumination. It is expected that Audi A8 will offer a palate of shades for the users to choose from. Is also expected to offer various colour schemes for the roof contrast lines.

Another important features of Audi A8 include Double glazing. Improved insulation against outside noise and break-in protection, Servotronic – electromechanical, speed-sensitive, power assisted steering, First aid kit, Toolkit and Electrically adjustable steering column with memory and adjustment for height and reach with auto easy-entry-and-exit function. It is also equipped with ISOFIX child-seat mounting (front-passenger and outer-rear seats).

Audi A8 Models

 

Audi A8 3.0 TFSI It is a petrol version of Audi A8 which gives 250 PS of maximum power at 4000-4500 rpm while it churns out 420 Nm of peak torque at 2500-4850rpm.
Audi A8 4.2 TFSI It is also a petrol model but it is equipped with more powerful 4.2L, TFSI quattro petrol engine that gives 372 PS of maximum power at 6800 rpm while it gives 445 Nm of peak torque at 3500 rpm.
Audi A8 3.0 TDI It is a diesel version of Audi A8 gives 290 PS of highest power at 4850-6500rpm and 550 Nm of peak torque at 1500-3000 rpm.

Mileage, Average and Fuel Economy

The petrol base variant of Audi A8 will be powered by the 2995cc 3.0 TFSI quattro, 6 cylinder petrol engine and  develop 250 PS of maximum power at 4000-4500 rpm while churning out 420 Nm of peak torque at 2500-4850rpm. The higher end Audi A8 4.2L, TFSI petrol, on the other hand will give 372 PS of maximum power at 6800 rpm while it churns out 445 Nm of peak torque at 3500 rpm. The model will come loaded with supreme technology which will make the car fuel efficient and will reduce the CO2 emission to the lowest possible.

The exclusive diesel variant of Audi A8 which will be loaded with higher capacity 2967 cc 3.0 TDI quattro engine that is expected to generate 290 PS of highest power at 4850-6500rpm and 550 Nm of peak torque at 1500-3000 rpm. The all luxurious carrier is expected to give tremendous fuel efficiency, something Audi is good at. The engine in Audi A8 is loaded with smart technology with which fuel is directly injected to the engine chamber so that the combustion is timed down to mere milliseconds thus one gets the best out of the last drop of fuel. This makes all the models of Audi A8 fuel efficient and powerful.

Power

Audi cars are best in terms of power, performance and luxury. And the all exclusive Audi A8 does not make an exception and joins the family with same efficiency. With the luxurious Audi A8, the company has assured the best combination of technology and luxury comfort. Looking at the expected variants of Audi A8, the base petrol variant, Audi A8 3.0 TFSI quattro, 6 cylinder is built to pump out 250 PS of maximum power at 4000-4500 rpm and belt out 420 Nm of peak torque between 2500-4850rpm. Whereas the higher end Audi A8 4.2L, TFSI petrol variant gives 372 PS of maximum power at 6800 rpm while it churns out 445 Nm of peak torque at 3500 rpm. The diesel 2967 cc 3.0 TDI quattro engine is expected to generate 290 PS of highest power at 4850-6500rpm and 550 Nm of peak torque at 1500-3000 rpm.

The engines of the Audi A8 is loaded with direct fuel injection and turbo-charging. The engine is powerful and expected to come with the Audi modular efficiency platform that provides high power and stand out fuel efficiency. Due to its power and strength, it can touch 0-62 mph in just 6.1 seconds while in Audi A8 4.2L, TFSI petrol variant it will take just 5.8 sec. The top speed, the car can touch is 155 mph which is one of the best figures in its class.

The company has not yet made any official announcement about the color options to be available in Audi A8 on Indian portfolio. Stay tuned with CarDekho.com for all updates.

Colors

The company has not yet made any official announcement about the color options to be available in Audi A8 on Indian portfolio. Stay tuned to CarDekho.com for all updates.

Acceleration and Pick Up

All the Audi A8 variants are expected to come with turbocharged direct fuel injection. These high end technologies assure high power and less fuel consumption. Audi A8 3.0 TFSI quattro petrol is to be loaded with 6 cylinder petrol engine. The engine here is capable enough to develop maximum of 250 PS of maximum power at 4000-4500 rpm and belt out 420 Nm of peak torque between 2500-4850rpm whereas the higher end Audi A8 4.2L, TFSI petrol variant gives 372 PS of maximum power at 6800 rpm and churns out 445 Nm of peak torque at 3500 rpm. It is mated with 8 cylinders.

The diesel variant of the Audi A8 is loaded with 2967 cc 3.0 TDI quattro engine. The powerful engine of the car pumps out 290 PS of highest power at 4850-6500rpm and 550 Nm of peak torque at 1500-3000 rpm. The powerful engines with the help of six-speed tiptronic transmission reaches 0-62 mph mark in 6.1 seconds. Whereas the the higher end Audi A8 4.2L, TFSI petrol variant will take just 5.8 sec. The vehicle can achieve the top speed of 155 mph.

Audi A8 Exteriors

Exterior Appearance

The exterior of Audi A8 bears strong patent appearance which gives it an entry to Audi family. The four circles appearing on the front and rear side give the car a definition of style assuring luxury. The body of Audi A8 is made in all aluminium which makes it strong along with being light weight. The front view of Audi A8 depicts power with that edgy look beautified with prominent crease running above the grille.

Front view prominently shows the compartment for grille fitted right at the lower centre appearing like the nose of this car. The big and nicely shaped headlamps dominate the overall front view of the Audi A8. The door mirrors, handles and bumpers are painted in body colour which gives it a stable look. The car also bears Aluminium trim strips framing windows shaped in an attractive manner. It somehow gives the car an anonymous look in car world. The prominent look of windows is the result of these Aluminium trim strips. Audi A8also bears twin exhaust pipes one on each side giving it a powerful look. Metallic or pearl effect paint gives the saloon a luxurious touch and turn heads all around. On the rear of Audi A8, one will observe the automatically opening boot lid on first sight, owing to its prominent look. The car is also blessed with windscreen washer jets.

The headlight cluster of Audi A8 sports LED daytime running lights, turn indicators and xenon headlamps. In order to assure additional safety, the car is loaded with fog lamps at both front ends. The outside rear view mirrors are body colored and electronically powered. The roof arch is given a liner shape and might be available in different colors. The rear side view of Audi A8 is sporty and majestic as well. The tail lights cluster is in prominent shape giving it an aggressive look.

The side view of the Audi A8 has failed to explore a new horizon but this is a look people crave for, the looks of a supreme luxo barge. The prominent and deep crease at the lower end of side view gives the car a stylish look. Just parallel to it runs another crease just below the windows which gives the doors an embossed look.

Exterior Measurements

Audi A8 is given a very proportionate body for convenient handling, maintaining a good space for the occupant. The car is a blessing for those who love a big sized saloon with a signature look. Turning circle of the stunning saloon measures approx 12.3 metres. The length of the luxury saloon measures 5137 mm. The width measures 2111 mm and height goes 1460 mm. The measurement shows that car is huge and one needs to look forward for good garage space before bringing it home.

Audi A8 Interiors

Interior Appearance

Coming to the selling feature of Audi cars, its interior. The car interior dances in luxury and assures great level of comfort. The car’s interior is given elegant detailing which not just looks beautiful but also offers ample of comfort that will make you fall in love with it. The car is expected to hold LED ambient lighting package which will illuminate the interior of Audi A8. It includes Roof module, 2 colour light strip/3 colour reflected light, Light strip between grab handles in 2 colours, LED Footwell lights (front and rear) in 2 colours. LED entry lights (x4), Illuminated door pockets again in 2 colour LEDs, Colour choice (Ruby, Ivory, Polar) can be controlled via MMI, Light guide for front and rear doors, 3 colour LED, Illuminated centre console giving ‘floating’ effect, 3-colour LED and LED active door warning lights (x4).

The car will be beautified with Front and rear floor mats, 4-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel with gear-shift paddles, Keyless Go, Auto-dimming rear view mirror, Lower inlays in highly polished black, Upper inlays in walnut brown, Front sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors, Comfort front centre armrest. Split for driver and passenger with fold-up storage compartments; horizontally and vertically adjustable and Cloth headlining (colour dependent on chosen upholstery).

The work of aluminium will be felt in Brushed aluminium silver switches in lower inlay, centre console and door, Air vents slats and thumbwheels in chrome trims, Aluminium inlay on folding compartment in door armrest and Stainless steel boot sill protector.

The car will bear Climate Control with sun sensor including Separate air distribution, temperature controls and display for driver and front passenger, Temperature controls for footwell on driver and front passenger, Rear ventilation for footwell, centre and B-pillar, Choice of three different climates, Air quality sensor, Air humidity sensor (internal and external), Automatic defrost function, Cooled glove compartment and Sensitive moisture detectors to help avoid misted windows.

The front passenger storage includes Glass holder integrated into roof module, Parking ticket holder in sunvisor, Two cup-holders in centre console, Cooled Glove compartment, Front footwell net, Storage compartment in door armrest with space for small umbrella and Door storage pockets with space for 1-litre bottle. Whereas the rear passenger storage will include, Door storage pockets, Centre armrest with storage compartment and two cup holders, Luggage net, Two integrated bag hooks, Umbrella holder and 12V socket. The car is blessed with Luggage compartment pack and Analogue clock in lower inlay.

Interior Comfort

This luxury on wheels has considered all variables to enhance the comfort level of the occupant. The car is given superior quality seats in Valcona leather. It is affixed with Electric front seats with memory (12-way adjustable) including adjustment for forward/backwards position, seat cushion height, seat cushion tilt, backrest, seat-belt height, head rest and memory for driver’s seat, passenger seat, steering wheel and door mirror.

For those who demand high end comfort from their luxury cars, Audi A8 makes the best choice with its heated front seats with variable temperature adjustment and Electrically adjustable 4-way lumbar support

Interior Measurements
Audi A8 is a beautifully designed luxury dip blessed with smart interiors which not just assures comfort but gives superior space as well. The cabin of the luxury wagon bears tremendous headroom and legroom. The luggage compartment of Audi A8 500 litre in volume (as measured by the VDA standard test method using 200 x 100 x 50mm blocks).

Interior Measurements

Audi A8 is a beautifully designed luxury dip blessed with smart interiors which not just assures comfort but gives superior space as well. The cabin of the luxury wagon bears tremendous headroom and legroom. The luggage compartment of Audi A8 500 litre in volume (as measured by the VDA standard test method using 200 x 100 x 50mm blocks).

Engine Capacity and Performance

Audi has not yet disclosed any information about the Audi A8 variants to be launched in Indian Auto market. But it is expected that it will be available with 2 petrol and 1 diesel variants, Audi A8 3.0 TFSI quattro petrol with 2995cc Audi has not yet disclosed any information about the Audi A8 variants to be launched in Indian Auto market. However it is expected that it will be available with 2 petrol and 1 diesel variants, Audi A8 3.0 TFSI quattro petrol with 2995cc displacement, Audi A8 4.2L, TFSI petrol with 4633 cc displacement and Audi A8 3.0 TDI quattro diesel with 2967 cc displacement . The engines will bear 6 cylinders except the Audi A8 4.2L, TFSI petrol engine as it will have 8 cylinders.

The engines will be blessed with 8-speed tiptronic transmission with electronically transmitted shift information and Dynamic Shift Programme (DSP).

Wheels

The yet-to-launch compact car by Audi, Audi A8, might be loaded with 8Jx18 ’7-arm design’ alloy wheels with 235/55 R18 Y tyres and locking wheel bolts. The beautiful luxury is expected to come with Space-saving spare wheel which proves important in case of emergency. The wheels will be given Adaptive air suspension with 4 selectable modes (auto, dynamic, comfort and lift) selectable through MMI and quattro sports differential might come as standard feature in one model. Driving will be fun with Audi A8 with its Audi drive select with three preconfigured modes (Comfort, Auto, Dynamic) and quattro permanent all-wheel-drive.

Braking and Handling

Audi A8 employs stand out features to assist in smooth driving and perfect handling of the car. This Luxury barge is expected to come with optional Night Vision assistant, an integral thermal imaging camera, discretely mounted in the front grill, significantly improves safety and comfort when driving at night. Located in the Driver’s Information System, between the speedometer and rev counter a camera’s eye view of the road ahead is displayed to the driver. Thus a clearer view of road is shown to the driver despite darkness around. The system can be adjusted through the MMI menu and allows adjustment of highlighting people or objects, the warning system and the contrast of the screen.

The optional stay in line feature will prevent you from drifting out of your chosen lane. A tiny image recognition camera watches the lane markings on either side thus keeping you on track.

The second big feature includes Xenon headlights which produce light, much closer to daylight and about twice as much light as compared to halogen headlights, thus making night driving, particularly in poor weather, safer and less tiring for your eyes.

The easy parking feature provides all-round assistance when parking the Audi A8. As soon as the distance to an obstacle at the front, rear or side is down to a preset minimum, you are warned of the fact by a tone signal as well as a graphical indication on the MMI Screen.

 

Handling and Safety

When it comes to Audi A8, the engineers have not left a single stone unturned in terms of imbibing safety features. The luxurious wagon comes with Double glazing Warning triangle, Improved insulation against outside noise and break-in protection, Servotronic – electromechanical, speed-sensitive and power assisted steering. The car  holds a First aid kit, a Toolkit, Electrically adjustable steering column with memory and adjustment for height and reach with auto easy-entry-and-exit function, striking ISOFIX child-seat mounting (front-passenger and outer-rear seats), 3-point seat belts for all seats, front with electric height adjustment and memory function, Front passenger airbag deactivation, Door mirrors – electrically adjustable, folding, heated and auto-dimming, Thatcham Category 1 Alarm and Immobiliser, Tyre pressure loss indicator, Audi parking system plus. Aids parking by acoustically and visually indicating distances to obstacles, Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime-running lights and all-weather function, Light and rain sensor package.

 

Includes automatic headlight activation, automatic windscreen wipers, coming home/leaving home function and sun band for windscreen, Pre-sense basic, which provides you with comprehensive preventive protection. This advanced safety system can detect an imminent collision and tighten the seatbelts, close the sunroof and windows, and activate the hazard warning lights to alert other drivers. It is also expected to come with Automatic headlight range adjustment, Cruise control, Headlight washers, Audi backguard head restraints, Sideguard head airbag system, Airbags, full size, for driver and front passenger, LED rear lights, Audi Space Frame (ASF) construction with aluminium chassis, Rear fog-lights, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) with two stage de-activation, Electromechanical parking brake and Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) traction control.

Stereo and Accessories

In a view to keep the occupant entertained, Audi A8 is expected to carry a DAB Digital radio system along with Audi Sound System featuring 6 channel amplifier, 180 watt amplifying capacity, Two 200mm speakers and two tweeters in front doors, 100mm front centre speaker, 2-way system with 168mm wide speaker, tweeters in the rear and 260mm subwoofer located in the parce.

The advance features like Mobile telephone preparation – Bluetooth interface providing handsfree connection via Bluetooth using mobile phone aerial is also expected in the Audi A8 along with Audi Music Interface (AMI), Satellite Navigation system – HDD-based, 2 x SD card readers, 3D and topographical mapping display including advanced 3D building display in select cities, 60GB hard drive, 20GB of which can be used to store up to 8,000 songs, Advanced speech recognition, AM/FM tuner with TP memo function, High resolution (840×480)8” colour TFT display, MP3 compatible front loading CD/DVD player and Route planning and guidance using voice, pictogram and 3D mapping.

The Audi A8 is expected to sport MMI Touch, a touch sensitive control panel which can be used to enter letters and numbers, scroll lists and easily navigate around navigation maps and stunning Driver’s Information System (DIS) in colour, with 7? high resolution screen.

 

 

John Abraham gets cold feet

Dancing before your girl might not be a bad thing. However, when the very girl becomes ‘ex’, the feeling can be a tad bit uncomfortable. 

At an award function held at a leading film studio last week, John Abraham had to go through a similar experience. While dancing with his Desi Boyz co-star, John who was enjoying his pelvic thrusts until he was pulled in front of Bipasha Basu.

 

A media person present at the event informed Mumbai Mirror, “Akshay was shuttling between the audience and the stage during the performance. He first went to Shah Rukh Khan who was sitting next to Rekha. He then moved on to his Ajnabee co-star Bipasha Basu. Akki sat down next top Bipasha and gestured towards his co-actor John.”

John, had no choice but to join Akki in the act. “John came and stood with Akshay but he was visibly uncomfortable. While Akshay danced to the Desi Boyz number, John just stood there and watched. He then tried to pull Akki back on the stage,” added the media person.

This is however, not the first time Akshay put John in a fix. John was visibly uncomfortable last week on the sets of Bigg Boss where Akki made sure John sits next to Salman, who reportedly had a fallout earlier.