[caption id=“attachment_10428” align=“alignnone” width=“610” caption=“The shortcut keys work great on any PC and also the upcoming Microsoft Surface!”][/caption] Windows 8 Release Preview and Development tools released for a month now and many of you have installed and played with it. I am getting some common questions from time to time so I think it’s a good idea to share with you some useful information to help you get started with quickly. Hardware Requirement Windows 8 Release Preview works great on the same hardware that powers Windows 7: ...

App of the week is a weekly showcase of an awesome app developed on Windows 8 or Windows Phone. Got an app you love that you want us to talk about? Leave us a comment and tell us which app and why you love it! If you’re a big foodie like most Singaporeans are, this week’s app of the week is for you! NomWhere is a location based food application on Windows 8 that allows you to find the nearest restaurants and eateries. Based on HungryGoWhere’s data sets on Project Nimbus, developer Kim Evangelista created this fun and easy to use application for hungry people looking for choices of food based on your current location. This is how to main screen looks like. It tells you the nearest restaurants found in the 100m, then 200m and 300m range, on and on till you find somewhere you’d like to eat! [caption id=“attachment_10415” align=“alignnone” width=“610” caption=“NomWhere tells you the nearest food destinations!”][/caption] [caption id=“attachment_10416” align=“alignnone” width=“610” caption=“Your location is detected by the app”][/caption] [caption id=“attachment_10418” align=“alignnone” width=“610” caption=“Once you’ve selected the restaurant, you can view useful information on it such as opening hours and phone numbers.”][/caption] The app is available for download on the Windows 8 Store - check it out! We hear that version 2 of the app will include comments and reviews - looking forward to it!

The 4th Infocomm Professional Development Forum 2012 was held on 27th July in Hotel Rendezvous. Through this half day session, industry leaders shared their insights on IT talent management and also the latest technical expertise for participants’ professional development. The theme of the event was “Staying current and empowering tomorrow”. Our guest-of-honor was Mr. Ronnie Tay, Chief Executive Officer of Infocomm Development Authority Singapore. The event was kick-started by Mr. Chak Kong Soon, President Singapore Computer Society. Through his opening address, he highlighted the importance of training and also the commitment of SCS’s support through the certification programme, which include the Certification in IT Project Management and Certification in Business Continuity Management. Mr. Chak also took the opportunity to welcome Infopier, the 1st ICT professional registry in Singapore, as a co-organizer, and also to welcome IT professionals to join the network and exchange ideas. Our GOH, Mr. Tay, gave his address with an interesting analogy. As a Rear Admiral, he mentioned how the current is constantly against us IT professionals in the rapid changing IT industry. Hence, the challenge for IT professionals is the need to constantly ‘paddle’ in order to stay current. In his inspiring speech, he also highlighted that Singapore has experienced the strongest growth in Infocomm in 5 years, and there is a changing need in the skillsets in today’s IT industry. Ms. Janet Ang, Managing Director IBM Singapore, provided a keynote address on “Identifying and Nurturing Talents”, and how IBM recognizes talents in the company by identifying key success factors for employees. Leveraging on to what Mr. Tay mentioned earlier, she also highlighted that there is a need to integrate IT and domain expertise. A humorous speaker, Ms. Ang got the audience into laughter as she consistently insisted how she will stay 39 years old forever, and also how her first 2 daughters chose digital art courses over IT-related ones. She emphasized that technology is a key driver that can impact change, and her biggest takeaway for the audience is for everyone to think how we as IT professionals impact that change. The last keynote speaker of the day was Mr. Gerry Chng, Partner, Ernst & Young Advisory. In his presentation, he highlighted that today’s world brings about new opportunities in the technology scene. He brought up examples of how even a 3-year-old kid plays with an iPad, and how technology is used today to enable businesses in what they want to achieve. He gave many insights on how technology is used in leapfrogging, its ability to scale, and how it can be used to solve seasonal problems. The event quickly transited into a panel discussion on “Building a Vibrant Community of IT Talent”, facilitated by Mr. Swaran, Executive Sub-editor, The Business Times. Some issues discussed included foreign as talents as part of our vibrant community, to portraying the image that IT is a fun industry to be in. Participants were treated to an awesome tea reception, followed by 3 tracks of professional workshops, namely Networking & Infrastructure, Business Analytics and Industry-centric IT domains. The event is organized by Singapore Computer Society and Infopier and supported by Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore. Partners include Cloud Security Alliance, Global Science & Technology Forum, Information Technology Standards Committee, IT Management Association, Singapore Infocomm Technology Federation and PMI Student Chapter.

How do you ensure code quality in your projects throughout the development lifecycle? Has your end user ever complained that the deliverables are not in line with the requirements provided? Have you ever found it impossible to reproduce a bug? Are you looking to target new platforms such as Windows 8? If the answer is yes for any of the above, do join us for the upcoming briefing on Visual Studio 2012, the next version of Visual Studio. AGENDA REGISTRATION 1.30 PM - 2.00 PM DEVELOPER COLLABORATION WITH TEAM FOUNDATION SERVER 2012 Want to work offline seamlessly? Wish merging happened less frequently and was simpler? How about finding work items faster? 2.00 PM - 2.45 PM AGILE PROJECT MANAGEMENT WITH VISUAL STUDIO 2012 Incorporate stakeholder feedback by using the new powerpoint storyboarding, feedback manager and agile dashboard features 2.45 PM - 3.30 PM FROM UNIT TESTING TO LOAD TESTING: VISUAL STUDIO -YOUR COMPLETE TESTING TOOL We cover Unit testing, Exploratory testing, unlimited load testing and more 3.30 PM - 4.10 PM BREAK 4.10 PM - 4.30 PM ENSURE CODE QUALITY IN YOUR PROJECTS Ensure and enable quality through better testing and profiling tools; session covers code coverage, code metrics, code clone, intellitrace and more 4.30 PM - 5.10 PM BUILDING METRO UI APPLICATIONS ON WINDOWS 8 USING VISUAL STUDIO 2012 See how Visual Studio 2012 enables Windows 8 application development 5.10 PM - 5.50 PM

[caption id=“attachment_10377” align=“alignnone” width=“610” caption=“Join us for our NDP Hackweekend Special! http://bit.ly/ndpspecial"][/caption] It’s that time of the year again! National Day is here and what better way to celebrate than with fellow geeks and some awesome fireworks! Dream.Build.Launch - NDP Special is an exclusive half-day event where we aim to: - Provide you with an opportunity to network, get together and meet the Microsoft Developer Platform Evangelist and Microsoft Student Partners team - Celebrate the festive season together with like-minded people - Provide you with an opportunity to build a Windows 8 Metro Style application. Start working on your Windows 8 App now, and show off your hard work to your fellow community on National Day. Participants will receive an exclusive (We ship not slide deck) t-shirt :) Registration process 1) Register at http://bit.ly/ndpspecial (you will be placed on a waitlist) 2) Submit a few screenshots of your app that you have developed with a short description (up to 150 words) to win8sg@microsoft.com (Subject: NDP Special Registration) by 6 August 2012 latest. 3) 50+ participants will be placed off the waitlist based on this submission (selection based on first come first serve and quality of idea and app) Note: Due to foreseen high responses and demand, security for the building has been increased on 9 August and you will not be allowed to enter the building without prior confirmation of your registration. Event details Start Date/Time: 9 August 2012 (Thurs), 1.30pm End Date/Time: 9 August 2012 (Thurs), 10.30pm Venue: Microsoft Singapore 1 Marina Boulevard, Level 21 Auditorium Singapore 018989 1.30pm - 2:30pm Registration 2:30pm - 3:00pm Welcome and Introduction 3:00pm onwards Networking + Finalizing Code + Preparation for Show n Tell 5:30pm onwards Live Telecast of NDP 6:30pm onwards Dinner 6:45pm - 7:15pm Live Fireworks :) 7:30pm - 10:30pm Show n Tell Register: http://bit.ly/ndpspecial

CARPE DIEM. [caption id=“attachment_10368” align=“alignnone” width=“610” caption=“Welcome to Generation App. Generation App is a movement that will unite everyone who has a stake in the future of applications—people with ideas for apps, people who code apps, and people who use apps.”][/caption] How do you develop a Windows 8 app in 30 days? Well, Generation App is here to help. What is Generation App about? CHALLENGE Every era has had its moment when technology drives its communication, ignites inspiration, and fuels exploration. Today our era is about apps. THE BIG IDEA We are going to recapture the hearts and minds of app lovers—both developers and people who have ideas for apps—by launching a movement called “Generation App” – representing an unparalleled business opportunity for developers in conjunction with Windows 8, Windows Phone and Windows Azure. HOW IT WORKS We believe that today’s app ecosystem consists of two personas: Coders (“I can build an app”) and Conceivers (“I have an idea for an app”). Generation App will connect these two personas, and create a social movement around the drama of app creation: On the Web: The Generation App website is a “match.com” for Coders and Conceivers. This website will enable visitors to view projects that are currently underway, or create a new project. It will include descriptions of each application in progress; the developers behind the applications and celebrating developers building apps. On the desktop: A “Generation App” app will be developed to help people create a W8 App, either by connecting Conceivers with coding resources; or by connecting Coders with development resources such as a Generation App-branded 30-to-Launch page Your journey starts now. From embracing the Metro style design to coding, testing, and integrating with unique Windows 8 experiences, you’ll learn the essentials to create a great Metro style app over the next 30 days. Now is the time to create the Windows 8 apps the world is waiting for. Find out more now. [caption id=“attachment_10370” align=“alignnone” width=“610” caption=“Carpe Diem - Sign up to build your apps today.”][/caption]

Have you caught The Dark Knight Rises yet? If you haven’t …. seriously what are you waiting for? Go book your tickets now. Now. [caption id=“attachment_10340” align=“alignnone” width=“411” caption=“The Dark Knight Rises”][/caption] The Dark Knight Rises has got to be one of the most scintillating movies of 2013. The thing I love about Christopher Nolan’s movies are how believable the scenes are. If you’ve watched his movies before- Momento, Inception, Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, you’d notice that the fight scenes are mostly done by the actors themselves, without special effects. A geek’s dream come true take the form of the cool gadgets that Nolan’s team is able to come up without making it seem like hocus pocus magic. Here are the top 5 gadgets (sometimes vehicles) we love from the The Dark Knight Rises. 1. Catwoman’s Spy Goggles [caption id=“attachment_10350” align=“alignnone” width=“570” caption=“Anne Hathaway with Catwoman’s Spy Goggles that double up as her iconic cat ears.”][/caption] It’s refreshing to see how the costumes team interpreted Catwoman’s gear. It is clever, sexy and functional at the same time. In the image above. Anne Hathaway plays Catwoman and is seen above wearing the famous spy goggles that double up as her iconic cat ears. 2. The Bat Pod [caption id=“attachment_10351” align=“alignnone” width=“610” caption=“The Batpod”][/caption] The Batpod is intended as a kind of “escape pod” integrated into the Tumbler, it also served an auxiliary vehicle. Armed with dual front-mounted cannons, machine guns and grappling hooks, the Batpod affords Batman greater mobility at the cost of some protection. In the movie you’ll see Batman outrace and mislead his enemies by quickly changing the direction of the Batpod. Totally badass. 3. The Bat [caption id=“attachment_10352” align=“alignnone” width=“610” caption=“The Bat is an awesome flying vehicle”][/caption] [caption id=“attachment_10353” align=“alignnone” width=“610” caption=“Equipped for the ultimate super hero”][/caption] Dubbed The Bat, the vehicle is understood to be Christopher Nolan’s take on fictional aircraft the Batwing. In the final scene, the Bat takes on a big role (can’t tell you what for though - just watch the movie). You’ll see Batman shocking his enemies with the Bat, which can be used both on land and air. 4. The Batsuit [caption id=“attachment_10354” align=“alignnone” width=“610” caption=“The Batsuit”][/caption] Ever wondered by Batman never seems to get shot down? Wonder no more. The Batsuit is made of Nomex biweave with Kevlar plating and reinforced joints, enough to stop a knife or even a bullet. At 300 grand the outfit proved too expensive for the army, but that’s nothing to rich man like Bruce Wayne. Meanwhile in the second film, he upgrades to a lighter titanium-dipped tri-weave fibre armour with separate kevlar plates, which makes him faster but more vulnerable. 5. The EMP Device [caption id=“attachment_10355” align=“alignnone” width=“576” caption=“The EMP Device from The Dark Knight Rises”][/caption] This device is super powerful. Without wishing to give too much away, an EMP device is utilized in The Dark Knight Rises to deliver an electromagnetic pulse that’s able to cause disruption to electronic equipment. In the movie, it is used to stop villains from running away from Batman. The Dark Knight Rises is now open across cinemas in Singapore. Can’t get enough of Batman and the cool tools in the movie? Answer the call on your Nokia Lumia with The Dark Knight Rises app. http://nokia.ly/Mm2Oli [caption id=“attachment_10356” align=“alignnone” width=“496” caption=“The Dark Knight Rises Nokia Lumia app”][/caption]

We have a special guest in town, Alan Shen, Vice President Unify2 Inc, and would like to invite you to join in this session! [caption id="" align=“alignleft” width=“213” caption=“Alan leads the Unify2 Enterprise Voice practice, which includes enterprise deployments of all aspects of Microsoft Unified Communications Enterprise Voice, including bandwidth planning, voice quality, PBX interoperability, edge deployment, enterprise voice routing, and enterprise cellular telephony.”][/caption] Alan leads the Unify Square’s Enterprise Voice practice, which includes enterprise deployments of all aspects of Microsoft Unified Communications Enterprise Voice, including bandwidth planning, voice quality, PBX interoperability, edge deployment, enterprise voice routing, and enterprise cellular telephony. Alan brings over 10 years of Microsoft experience as a Program Manager in the Mobility, Networking, and Office Communications Server groups. As a Senior Program Manager for Microsoft Office Communications Server, Alan designed the Audio/Video Conferencing Edge solution for OCS 2007. This firewall traversal technology has been adopted by the Microsoft Windows Live Messenger service, now connecting more than one billion voice minutes per month. Most recently, Alan was a Senior Program Manager for the OCS Technology Adoption Program (TAP), which enabled dozens of global enterprise customers and over 100 Partners with their OCS 2007 deployments. Alan led the Voice TAP for Microsoft, which focused on enterprise deployments of OCS Voice. Alan was a key approver for over 100 customer designs for interfacing with Gateways & PBXs. During this session Alan will highlight the Power of Lync and share how he has assist enterprises design, architect and implement Lync successfully with the goals of leveraging it as the Enterprise Communication Platform to enable business transformation. Alan will highlight best practices, do and don’t. And, he will also share his thought about “What’s next for Lync” Session Details: Day/Date : Tuesday 24 July 2012 Time: 1830h light dinner, 1900h session starts till 2100h. Venue: Microsoft Singapore, One Marina Boulevard, Level 22 (conf room 12)

App of the week is a weekly showcase of an awesome app developed on Windows 8 or Windows Phone. Got an app you love that you want us to talk about? Leave us a comment and tell us which app and why you love it! I grew up watching local dramas and loving them. Somewhere along the way though, school, gatherings with friends and work started to dominate most of my life. I started missing out on these dramas and feeling slightly left out whenever my friends chatted about what was going on in the latest Channel 8 or Korean dramas. But now that’s changed with XinMSN - and even better, with Xin Videos! [caption id=“attachment_10318” align=“alignnone” width=“610” caption=“Click here to download.”][/caption] The xin videos app allows you to watch Catchup TV shows on Xin MSN without the need of Silverlight runtime or Flash player on your Windows Phone! Here are some cool features! Catch up on the latest pick your choice of LQ/HD/HQ video to watch in [WMV or MP4]! [caption id=“attachment_10319” align=“alignnone” width=“366” caption=“Watch all your favourite local dramas on the go with xin Videos!”] [/caption] If you’re one of those people who can’t help but read the synopsis of everything you’re about to watch before actually watching it (yup, I’m guilty of it too), then good news! You don’t have to go to Wikipedia to read about the dramas, it’s all in the app! [caption id=“attachment_10320” align=“alignnone” width=“366” caption=“Save money by reading the synopsis on the app itself! (Yay no need to buy 8 Days)”][/caption] Scroll through the dramas at the comfort of your bed, or even squashed on the MRT. [caption id=“attachment_10322” align=“alignnone” width=“366” caption=“Scroll through the dramas at the comfort of your bed, or even squashed on the MRT.”][/caption] Never miss another episode again on Catchup TV! [caption id=“attachment_10323” align=“alignnone” width=“366” caption=“Never miss another episode again on Catchup TV!”][/caption] Check out the app and let me know what you think!

I was blown away by how the guys at the V Motion Project (they’re from New Zealand!) have managed to use the Kinect in such an impressive way. It shows how a cheap and powerful sensor such as Kinect can create amazing interactive experiences that everyone can leverage on - from students, to musicians and so on. Check out how the National University of Singapore’s HCI class is doing the same. Here’s the description of the project from their page: This project combines the collective talents of musicians, dancers, programmers, designers and animators to create an amazing visual instrument. Creating music through motion is at the heart of this creation and uses the power of the Kinect to capture movement and translate it into music which is performed live and projected on a huge wall. v.co.nz/#the-motion-project We created and designed the live visual spectacle with a music video being produced from the results. We wanted it to be clear that the technology was real and actually being played live. The interface plays a key role in illustrating the idea of the instrument and we designed it to highlight the audio being controlled by the dancer. Design elements like real time tracking and samples being drawn on as they are played all add to authenticity of the performance. The visuals are all created live and the music video is essentially a real document of the night. assemblyltd.com/ Check out the tech behind the project here: custom-logic.com/blog/v-motion-project-the-instrument/ Very very cool. Who thinks we should do this in Orchard?