Kingmax flaunts world's first 64GB microSD card

KINGMAX Unveils World's Largest Capacity 64GB Micro SD Card:
Wide Application , Perfect for High-End Mobile Devices

KINGMAX has implemented the 9 Stacked Die technology for this Class 6 micro SD card. It complies with the latest SD3.0 and Class 6 specifications but is also compatible with SD Card Association's SD2.0 specification. Although it comes in a compact size, it definitely satisfies consumer' needs for massive multimedia data storage. Simply plug the micro SD card into mobile devices and one can instantly enjoy the convenience of memory expansion. Whether it is high-resolution or video clips, photos, mp3 files, mobile games or multimedia downloads; the 64GB micro SD card makes entertainment on-the-go possible. Moreover, with the help of an adapter, KINGMAX's micro SD card can also be used as a SD card or USB flash drives. With its wide ranging applications from digital cameras, multimedia players, PCs, PDAs, card readers to printers, this multi-purpose tiny memory card is definitely a great value buy!

KINGMAX's micro SD card has a built in Error Correction Code (ECC) which acts through controller to auto detects and reconstructs lost data during transmission to ensure reliable data transfer. In addition, micro SD comes with Wear leveling algorithm function which allocates all the information into different areas in the memory card to increase each area's average usage and helps to maximize product lifetime. From multimedia files, address book, business applications to personal data, KINGMAX's mega-capacity 64GB micro SD card makes files storage fast and easy; enabling consumers to enjoy quality and convenient on-the-go experience.

All of KINGMAX's micro SD cards have been approved by various safety and environmental standards including CE, FCC, and RoHS; they have also been certified compatible with major OS. KINGMAX is proud to say all of its products are subjected to the most stringent quality control; all products go through rigorous testing to ensure product quality. And finally, all microSD products come with lifetime warranty to provide 100% satisfaction guarantee to customers

Product Feature:
?High compatibility & reliability
?Ultra fast transfer rate
?plug and play

Product specifications:
?SD3.0
?Capacity:64GB
?Speed:Class6
?Dimension:15 mm x11 mm x1.0mm
?Wear leveling algorithm to maximize product lifetime
?Built-in Error Correction Code that auto corrects data
?Energy efficient, extends mobile devices' battery lifetime

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Altec Lansing Mix iMT810 is big, loud, desperately seeking Ione Skye's affection

By Brian Heater posted May 25th 2011 2:17PM Altec Lansing popped by our offices earlier today to show off the successor to its oversized Mix iMT800 iPhone / iPod dock. There's not a heck of a lot to talk about in terms of changes with the iM810 -- the dock is now iPhone 4 certified, the gold trim has been changed to silver, and the amber LED has been swapped for blue. The company does get some bonus points for reenacting the one scene from Say Anything that anyone remembers with the winner of its in-office John Cusack look-alike contest, however. The new dock packs in a 5.25-inch subwoofer, a seven band graphic equalizer, and a slot for storing its little carabiner-equipped remote -- the hulking accessory can also achieve relative portability with the help of eight D size batteries. It's available now for $300, Peter Gabriel album not included. Press release after the break.

Just in Time for Summer, the New MIX Delivers Shattering Volume and a Robust Feature Set

MILFORD, PA – May 25, 2011 – Today, Altec Lansing announced the next generation of the epic MIX digital boombox, the MIX iMT810 for users looking for a powerful complement to their iPod or iPhone. With an aggressive design and massive sound amplification, the MIX is sure to fuel any sized backyard bash from the small family Memorial Day BBQ to a raging pool party.

Building upon the success of the iMT800, the MIX is now refined for broader device support, including certification for the iPhone 4. The design retains a functional yet industrial appearance with brushed aluminum accents and grips. The bright electric blue LCD information screen allows for custom personalization when powered on and displays track, device and battery information.

"The MIX digital boombox is for the user who wants to make a statement - it offers unrivaled presence and amazing audio quality with thunderous bass," said Steve Schlangen, Senior Product Manager, Altec Lansing. "Hearing is believing, and the new MIX is an extremely impressive and versatile audio accessory that delivers powerful sound."

Geared to keep the party jumping, the MIX delivers room filling sound with the help of specially engineered horn-loaded tweeters and mid-range drivers. The huge 5.25" side-firing subwoofer and 5.25" tuned passive radiator pump out natural roaring bass, further enhanced with XdB technology for an extra heavy punch. With four factory presets as well as a digital 7-band graphic equalizer, music lovers can quickly tailor the sound to their preferred taste. True to its retro boombox roots, the MIX runs on AC or gives 30 hours of play time on eight D-cell batteries, making it easy to play devices outdoors. When connected to an AC adaptor, the MIX also charges an iPhone or iPod, and intelligently switches off the charging ability when running on batteries.
Because sharing is half the fun, the MIX allows for up to two additional devices to be connected via the auxiliary input jacks as well as the option to play music from the integrated FM radio . The remote control's clip-on carabineer style ensures it doesn't get lost in the shuffle. Between parties, a built-in cubby secures the remote so it can always be found.

Made for iPod and Apple-certified to "Work with iPhone," the MIX is engineered to be immune to GSM signals, preventing the speakers from picking up potential intermittent noises emitted by the iPhone or other mobile devices. The music pauses and resumes play before and after taking a voice call without ever switching the iPhone to airplane mode.

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Test Procedure

A Test Procedure is an SQA Basic or Visual Basic script that you record with SQA Robot. When you record a test Procedure, SQA Robot automatically captures user activities and stores them as a series of SQA Basics commands. Test Procedure script files have the same name as the test procedure ID, but with a .REC file extension. Test procedure files are stored in the \Repository\Project\Procs subdirectory.

If SQA basic is your scripting language, the test procedure script is displayed in a child window called the test procedure window. SQA Robot does not display the test procedure window if Visual Basic is your scripting language.

When you play back the test procedure, SQA Robot executes the activities you recorded. There are two types of test Procedures.

1. GUI Procedures: These contain the user's recorded GUI actions, such as keystrokes and mouse clicks. In regression tests GUI procedures also contain one or more GUI test cases.

2. Virtual user Procedures: These contain the user's recorded HTTP requests to a Web Server.

Note: You can only record virtual user procedure if you have Virtual User Recording installed.

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Variable Window

The Variable Window displays all variables values for three hierarchical levels of SQA basic source code:

1. Global variables that apply to all files (normally defined in the SQA basic header file)

2. Modular variables that apply to the entire .REC file.

3. Procedural variables that apply to individual procedures within the .REC file (normally the Main procudure)

Choose WindowVariables to display the Variable Window.

For each level, the variables window displays either an expanded view showing all variables for that level (indicated by a minus sign) or a collapsed view (indicated by a plus sign). To change from one view to the other, double-click the line with the plus or minus sign. SQA Robot updates the values in the variables window as you debug. This lets you set breakpoints or single step while debugging and examine the changing values of variables at critical points in the test procedure.

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Testing and Quality Assurance

What is the relationship between testing and Software Quality Assurance (SQA)?

An application that meets its requirements totally can be said to exhibit quality. Quality is not based on a subjective assessment but rather on a clearly demonstrable, and measurable, basis. Quality Assurance and Quality Control are not the same.

Quality Control is a process directed at validating that a specific deliverable meets standards, is error free, and is the best deliverable that can be produced. It is a responsibility internal to the team. QA, on the other hand, is a review with a goal of improving the process as well as the deliverable.

QA is often an external process. QA is an effective approach to producing a high quality product. One aspect is the process of objectively reviewing project deliverables and the processes that produce them (including testing), to identify defects, and then making recommendations for improvement based on the reviews.

The end result is the assurance that the system and application is of high quality, and that the process is working. The achievement of quality goals is well within reach when organizational strategies are used in the testing process. From the client's perspective, an application's quality is high if it meets their expectations

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Closing Commands

All GUI procedure scripts must end with the following commands, which terminate the test procedure and reset SQA Robot.
EndPlay

(Visual Basic only) This is a subroutine defined by SQA Robot that terminates playback of a Visual Basic test procedure script.

EndSub

This indicates the end of the Main subroutine

InitPlay,SetProcID, and EndPlay are required by SQA Robot to initilize and terminate playback of Visual Basic scripts. These commands are not required for SQABasic scripts, Which can only be played back from within SQA Robot.

SQA Robot includes the StartSaveWindowPostions and EndSaveWindowPostions commands only if Save Window Positions is checked in the Recording Options dialog box.

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Test Procedure Overview

A test procedure is an SQABasic or Visual Basic script that you record with SQA Robot.When you record a test Procedure,SQA Robot automatically captures user activities and stores them as a series of SQA Basic commands.Test Procedure script files have the same name as the test Procedure ID, but with a .REC extension.Test Procedure files are stored in the \Repository\PROCS sub directory.

If SQA Basic is your scripting language,the test procedure script is displayed in a child Window called the test procedure wi ndow.SQA Robot does not display the test procedure window if Visual Basic is your scripting language.

When you play back the test procedure,SQA Robot executes the activities You recorded.There are two types of test procedures:

•GUI procedure s:This contain the user`srecorded GUI actions,such as Keystrokes and mouse clicks.In regression tests.GUI procedures also contain one or more GUI test cases.

•Virtual user procedures:These contain the user`s recoded HTTP requests to aWeb server.

GUI Procedure Script Struture:

A typical GUI procedure has four major sections:
• Intialization commands
• Window restoration commands (optinal)
• User action and test case commands
• Closing commands

Intialization Commands:

All SQA Robot GUI procedure scripts must begin with the following commands:

SUB mAIN:

This defines the test procedure as a subroutine named Main.this is normally the first command in the script and should not be edited.

Dim result As Integer:

This defines the variable Result as an integer variable.SQA Robot returns the value from each test case function in the variable Result. The value for Result is local to the Main subroutine.
`Intially Recorded: 03/12/96 11:12:02
`Test procedure Name:Mortgage Prequalifier History:

SQA Robot writes two comment lines (which begin with a single quotation mark) in the initialization section of each script. The first tells when the the test procedure was recorded,and the second is the text entered as the name(not the ID)of the procedure.

InitPlay:

(visual Basic only) This is a subroutine defined by SQA Robot that initializes test procedure play back. It must always be the first command in a Visual Basic script.

Set ProcID “QBPRQ01”:

(Visual Basic only) This is a subroutine defined by SQA Robot that identifies the ID of the test Procedure. This always follows Init Play and always Precedes any user action commands in a Visual Basic script.

Window Restoring Commands:

The following commands record the sizes and positions of open windows so that SQA Robot can restore the testing environment during playback. They also indicate the windows within whin user actions occur.

StartSaveWindowPositions
EndSaveWindowPositions

These statements tell SQA Robot that, during plackback,the intervening Window SetContext, Window MoveTo, and Window SetPosition commands are for windows restoration only.All Playback timing defaults are set to zero to process these commands as quickly as possible.if any command fails b/t StartSaveWindowPositions, that failure is reported to the log as a Warning, not a script command failure.

Window SetContext
WindowSetPosition

The Window SetContext statement defines the context window for subsequent test cases and user actions,and Window SetPosition indicates the position,size, and status of that context window.These statements can vary,depending on the window within which user actions occur.During recording,SQA Robot saves the positions of Windows that are normal,minimized, or maximized if Auto Record Window Size is checked in the Recording Options dialog box. It does not save the positions of hidden windows. During playback, SQA Robot restores the Windows to their positions When the test procedure nwas recorded. SQA Robot writes messages to the test log for any windows it cannot find on playback.

User Actions and Test Case Commands :

Useraction commands represent the actions you take While recording aGUI procedure. They are not test cases, but represent your actions between test cases. User actions Within a Window are always preceded in the script by a Window Set Context statement establishing the context window within which the actions occur.

Push Buttons Click, “VBName=SelectOK;Visual Text=OK”
User actions statements always begin with an object type (PushButton,Window, EditBox,etc.) followed by the action applied to it (Click,Resize, VScrollTo, etc.).
Result=WindowTC(Compare Menu, “VBName=Main;
VisualText=Mortage Prequalifier”,
“CaseID=QBPRQ01a”)

Test case and wait state functions are preceded by the Result variable.A test case functions corresponds to a test case you insert in to the text procedure While recording. During Playback,if the test case passes, Result equals 1. If the test case fails, Result equals 0.

Closing Commands:

All GUIprocedure scripts must end with the following commands, while terminate the test procedure and reset

SQA Robot:
EndPlay :

(Visual Basic only) This is a subroutine defined by SQA Robot that terminates playback of aVisual Basic test procedure script.

EndSub:
This indicates the end of the Main subroutine.

InitPlay, SetProcID, and EndPlay are required by SQA Robot to initialize and terminate playback of Visual Basic scripts.These commands are not required for SQA Basic scripts

SQA Robot includes the StartSaveWindowPositions and EndSave Window Positions commands only if Save Window Positions is checked in the Recording Options dialog box. 

Command Types:

SQA Robot test procedure commands are organized into these these types,based on the tasks they perform in the script:

CONTROL FLOW COMMANDS: Define the Beginning and end ofSQA Robot scripts, and the beginning and end of commands that save and restore windows. Control flow tasks include initialization and termination for test procedure and Playback. Used only in GUI Procedures.

ObJECT SCRIPTING COMMANDS:Acess an application`s objects and object Properties from within a test Procedure script . Object Scripting tasks include retrieving and setting an object`s properties. Used only in GUI Procedures.

TEST CASE COMMANDS:Compare objects captured While playing are same,the test case passes (Result equals 1). If the objects are different, the test case fails back successive builds of the application-under-test against the established base line data. If the objects( Result equals0).Used only in GUI Procedure.

USER ACTION COMMANDS: correspond to user actions on specific objects While recording.Actions include operations like choosing a menu command. Scrolling a list box, clicking a button, or typing text in to an edit box. Used only in GUI Procedures.

UTILITY COMMANDS:Affect the flow of test Procedure playback by setting wait times,calling other test procedures, starting applications, starting applications , starting and stopping timers,and playing back low-level recordings. They also control output to the test log, retrieve results from running test procedures, and set characters used in statements.Used only in GUI Procedures.

If you have Virtual User Recording installed. You can use these SQA Basic commands:

Data Pool commands-Retrieve data from a datapool created with SQA Datapool Manager.
HTTP commands- Issue HTTP or HTTPS requests to aWeb server that is not SSL-protected.
HTTP/HTTPS commands-Issue HTTP or HTTPS requests to aWeb server,depending on whether the server is SSL-protected.

Virtual User commands-Perform operations in virtual user procedures. For example,virtual user commands perform synchronization and timer operations for virtual users, and handle communications between the Master and Agent test stations.Except for control flow commands,which must appear at the beginning and end of every script,the order of recorded commands depends on your recording options and user actions.

NAMING CONVENTIONS OVERVIEW:

SQA Robert requires you to assign an ID for each test procedure and test case (or wait state). These IDs have an eight character limit,imposed by the DOS filename restriction. Because test procedure and test case IDs are referred to in the SQA repository and in test procedure scripts, it is important that you establish and adhere to a naming convention. Having a Meaningful naming convention helps you identify the test item`s purpose.

Because SQA Robot complies Visual Basic test Procedures in to executables with .EXE extensions, aVisual Basic test procedure ID should not be the same as that of another .EXE program.
However,because SQA Robot compiles SQABasic test procedures into .SBX files,this restriction does not apply if SQABasic is your scripting language.

Test Procedure IDs: 

A test procedure ID should indicate which application or component the test procedure tests. To achieve this, you canj assign meanings to characters of the filename.

In this diagram two characters identify the testing phase of the application-under-test (for example,function testing,transaction testing,or performance testing), five characters identify the functional area that the procedure tests (the module within the application-under-test),and a different tests on the same application module.

This is only one way in which you can define meaningful test procedure IDS. You can define IDs in whatever way best suits your organization and the application-under-test. The pieces that your naming convention identifies may correspond directly to the test requirements hierarcthy defined using SQA Manager.
Test Case IDs: The ID you define for a test case should help you identify the application-under-test,the test procedure it is in,and the type of test case.

In this diagram,two characters identify the testing phase of the application-under-test,three characters identify the functional area or module that the procedure tests, two characters identify the test case type, and a single character indicates the sequence. You can use either numbers, letters,or both for the sequence character,Which allows up to 36 test cases (0 through 9 plus A through z) in a test procedure. How ever, SQA recommends that you not create such alarge test procedure. Instead of including many test cases, define test procedures that are short and modular.

Autonaming:
SQA Robot can assign IDs for test procedures and test cases with its autonaming feature, which you can set using the preferences dialog box. If Autonaming On is checked,SQA Robot automatically inserts default IDs for test procedures, test cases, or both. You can accept or change these default IDs.

The autonamed test case or wait state IDs consist of the test procedure ID plus a single consecutive alphabetic character. For example, if the test procedure ID is TESTI, the autonamed ID for the first test case (or wait state) inserted in to the procedure is TESTIA, the ID for the second test case is TESTIB,and so on. If you change the default test procedure ID, you should limit it to seven characters to allow the auto naming of test case IDs. Because of the eight character filename limit,SQA Robot cannot automatically generate test case or wait state IDs if a test procedure ID exceeds seven characters.

Managing Test Procedures Overview:

Every time you record a test procedure,SQA Robot automatically adds a test procedure ID and definition to the SQA Repository. SQA Robot also lets you define,modify,and delete test procedure definations in your test planning phase before any actual recording takes place. You can also define test procedures using SQA Manager, Which stores the test procedure IDs,names,and definations in the SQA Repository and makes them available for recording with SQA Robot.

Defining New Test Procedures:
To create a new test procedure ID and definition:
•Choose Admin Test Procedure.
•Choose New.

•Enter the information to define your new test procedure.
This information is displayed in the SQA Test Log Viewer when you examine playback results, and also in SQA Manager when you perform defect tracking and reporting.

•Choose Ok.
•Enter an ID of up to eight alphanumeric characters and choose OK.This becomes the test procedure ID in the selector list.
Test procedures you define in SQA Robot are also available to SQA Manager.
Modifying Test Procedures:
•Choose Admin Test Procedure.
SQA Robot lists all defined test procedures in the dialog box,regardless of whether or not they have been recorded.
•Select a test procedure from the list.
•Choose Open or double-click the test procedure in the list.
•Change the information to redefine your test procedure.
This information is displayed in the SQA Test Log Viewer when you examine playback results,and also in SQA Manager when you perform defect tracking and reporting.
•Choose OK.
Deleting Test Procedures:
•Choose Admin Test Procedure.

SQA Robot lists all defined test procedures in the dialog box, regardless of whether or not they have been recorded.

•Select one or more test procedures from the list, or choose Select All.

•Choose Delete.SQA Robot prompts you to confirm the deletion.

•Choose Yes or Yes to All to delete the the test procedures, choose No to retain the indicated test procedure,or choose Cancel to terminate the entire deletion process.

Test Procedure Recording Overview:

The type of user action you record varies, depending on whether you are recording a GUI procedure or a virtual user procedure. 

Recording GUI procedures:

When you record a GUI procedure, you typically record a sequence of user actions required to execute one or more test cases, or verification points, in an application-under-test. When you record a GUI procedure, SQA Robot creates a script that keeps track..[Continue next update]

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Console Window

The Console window displays compilation results for all SQA Basics scripts compiled in the last operation. Line numbers are enclosed in parentheses to indicate lines in the script with warnings and errors. Choose WindowConsole to display the Console window. SQA Robot also displays the ConsoleWindow whenever it compiles test procedures prior to playback or debugging.

Use Edit Menu commands to take advantage of Console window line numbers and error messages.

Go to Line: Displays a dialog box prompting you for a line number. The SQA Robot editor jumps to the specified line.

Next Error: The SQA Robot editor jumps to and highlights in red the line containing the next compile error.

Previous Error: The SQA Robot editor jumps to and highlights in red the line containing the previous compile error.

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User Action and Test Case Commands

User action commands represent the actions you take while recording a GUI procedure. They are not test cases,but represent your actions between test cases. User actions within a window are always preceded in the script by a Window SetContext statement establishing the context window within which the action occur.

PushButton Click, "VBName=SelectOk;VisualText=OK"

User action statement always begin with an object type (Pushbutton,Window,EditBox,etc..) followed by the action applied to it (Click,Resize,VScrollTo,etc..)

Result=WindowTC(CompareMenu,"VBName=Main;VisualText=Mortgage Prequalifier","CaseID=QBPRQ01A")

Test case and wait state functions are preceded by Result variable. A test case funciton corresponds to a test case you insert into the test procedure while recording. During playback,if the test case passes, Result equals 1. If the test case fails Result equals 0.

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SQA Approaches and Methodologies

A scientific approach should have methods. As a scientific process, a stage or a step should be established or used to ensure the final product is according to the user’s specifications. The method is usually determined through the wishes of the clients, the available manpower and circumstances.

It is not that the clients specify the actual method for a scientific approach but the client’s provider takes into consideration the need of the clients. Using the facts and data provided by the client, the method for developing a product will be established. Using the experience and available data a method is determined and executed.

In SQA, the client’s need for a better application is established. But a good application is not the only need of the client. There are metrics that an application should meet and anything below par is not good for business. The SQA team should ensure the metrics are reached by constantly monitoring the development process while giving feedbacks to the developers. The SQA team is there to ensure that the process is done correctly to reach the needed metrics.

To ensure that a proper SQA is done, the SQA team should select a proper methodology. Selecting the proper methodology is quite a challenge. However if the proper facts is laid out, the SQA team should be able to select a good SQA methodology. On the other hand, the factors are also determined before hand so that the methodology will be known. Since SQA is an evaluating process, it reacts to the available information.

Why Not to Use a Methodology

On the other hand, there are SQA and software engineers who have doubts on the importance and use of an SQA methodology. Their reason comes from the fact that the SQA methodologies and approaches are very specific. Since there are very specific and strict, it does not give any room for additional information.

There are also developers and SQA managers who develop their own type of software quality assurance methodology based on their present situation. Again, the reason for that is that the methodologies are to strict that any creativity ofsoftware development is not allowed.

A waste of time is also a major source of disregard from software developers. Instead of determining the methodology, the developers focus their time on other things. The proof of the usability of the methodology of SQA is almost non-existent. There are a few who have tried to prove that having an SQA methodology makes worth more efficient but they are usually associated with the general information and a small part of the text is dedicated to the methodology.

Last but not the least, the methodology for SQA is just a waste of time. This is true especially when you’re trying out a new methodology forsoftware development. It’s always a gamble to try out something new even though they have been tested in simulated environments. It all goes back to the fact that the SQA methodologies are very specific and the possibility of going out of what is written is not a good thing.

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Command Types

SQA Robot test procedure commands are organized into these types,based on the tasks they perform in the script:

Control Flow command: Define the beginning and end of SQA Robot script, and the beginning and end of commands that save and restore windows. Control flow tasks include initialization and termination for test procedure playback. Used only in GUI procedures.

Object Scripting commands:Access an application's objects and object properties from within a test procedure script.Object Scripting tasks include retrieving and setting an object's properties.Used only in GUI procedures.

Test Case commands:Compare objects captured while playing back successive builds of the application-under-test against the established baseline data.If the objects are the same,the test case passes (Result equals 1).If the objectives are different,the test case fails (Result equals 0). Used only in GUI procedures.

User Action command:Correspond to user actions on specific objects while recording. Actions include operations like choosing a menu command,scrolling a list box,clicking a button,or typing text into an edit box.Used only in GUI Procedures.

Utility commands:Affect the flow of test procedure playback by setting wait times,calling other test procedures,starting applications,starting and stopping timers,and playing back low-level recordings. They also control output to the test log,retrieve results from running test procedures,and test characters used in statement.Used only in GUI procedures.

If you have Virtual User Recording installed.You can use these SQA Basic commands:

Datapool commands: Retrieve data from a datapool created with SQA Datapool Manager.

HTTP/HTTPS commands: Issue HTTP or HTTPS request to a Web server,depending on whether the server is SSL-protected.

Virtual User Commands:Performs operations in virtual user procedure.For example,virtual user command perform synchronization and timer operations for virtual users,and handle communications between the Master and Agent test stations.Expect for control flow commands,which must appear at the beginning and end of every script,the order of recorded commands depends on your recording options and user actions.

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Hiding and Displaying SQA Robot

By default, the SQA Robot main window minimizes while recording to allow unobstructed access to the application-under-test. To display the SQA Robot main window at any time while recording, click the Open Robot Window button on the Record toolbar.

You can also use hot keys to display or hide SQA Robot while recording:

1. To bring the SQA Robot window to the foreground, press CTRL+SHIFT+F. This works whether SQA Robot is in the background or completely hidden.

2. To hide the SQA Robot main window completely, Press CTRL+SHIFT+H. The SQA Robot window disappears altogether but continue executing.

Hot keys work only while recording. If you are not recording, use the taskbar or ALT+TAB to bring SQA Robot to the foreground. You can also use the Recording Options dialog box to change the While recording options,which let you view part of the SQA Robot window while recording or send the window to the background.

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Anchored and Floating Toolbars

The default standard and debug toolbars are anchored within the SQA Robot main window below the menu bar, and the default Record and Insert toolbars float outside of the main window. However, you can drag an anchored toolbar from within the SQA Robot window and make it a floating toolbar,which you can position and resize independently of the main window.

You can also drag a floating toolbar and anchor it inside of the SQA Robot window. Floating toolbars are always on top of all other windows. This ensures that they are never hidden while you record test procedures and work with the application-under-test.

Creating Anchored and Floating Toolbars

To change an anchored toolbar to a floating toolbar:

1. Point to the toolbar,but not within any button.

2. Drag the toolbar to a location outside of the SQA Robot window.

To Anchor a Floating toolbar inside of the SQA Robot window

1. Point to the toolbar's title bar or any space not within a button.

2. Drag the toolbar to the titlebar,menubar,or an existing toolbar within the SQA Robot main window.

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Shell Procedure Overview

SQA Robot lets you group several test procedures into a shell procedure that plays back the test procedures in sequence. For example..you may have one test procedure that starts your application a second that searches for and opens a particular file,a third that modifies the file and a fourth that closes the application and returns to the starting point.

Combined into a single shell procedure.Test Procedures can run in unwanted mode and perform comprehensive test coverage. Moreover,the results from all test procedures and test cases are stored in the same test log. Which simplifies results analysis in the SQA Test Log Viewer. For unattended testing,each test procedure should return to a common point in the application under test.This common point could be a main menu.A specific window or dialog box, or even Program Manager.This assures that test procedure playback remains synchronized with the application test.

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Directories

SQA.Software Quality Assurance suite is a team-testing environment for client/server applications.It automates test development and execution,and provides team workflow tracking and reporting.

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Using Record and Insert Toolbars

By default, the SQA Robot insert toolbar is dynamic. It is displayed when you click the Insert button on the record toolbar,and hidden after the test case is created. To market test case buttons visible at all times while recording, you may add test case buttons to the record toolbar or manually display the insert toolbar.

To manually display the Insert toolbar so it is visible while recording, do one of the following:

1. Check SQA Robot insert in the toolbar popup menu.

2. Choose Window toolbar and check SQA Robot Insert in the toolbars dialog box.

To add test case buttons to record toolbar:

1. Display both record and insert toolbar.
2. Use the right mouse button to drag a test case button from the insert toolbar and drop it within the record toolbar.Alternatively,you may:
3.Display the Record toolbar.
4.Choose Add Button in the toolbar popup menu.
5. Use either mouse button to drag a test case button from the Add Toolbar Button dialog box and drop it whithin the Record toolbar..

Note:If you make any unwanted changes to the record or insert toolbar, you can choose Reset Toolbar in the toolbar popup menu to reset the toolbar to its default configuration. Recording actions in a Test Procedure while recording, you can insert any of the following into a test procedure.

1. Test Cases - Capture specific conditions,states,or values during a test procedure recording and store the data as the expected baseline for the application under test.During playback,test cases recapture the data from the current build of the application under test,and compare the captured data to the baseline data.

2. Wait States - Provide a way to synchronize test procedure playback with application under test. During playback, your application may require additional time to complete certain tasks. Setting wait states lets you define specific conditions for which the test procedure waits before continuing with subsequent test sections.

3. Timers - Let you insert start and stop timer commands to record the duration of events in a test procedure,such as database or network access. After playback, the elapsed time is displayed in the SQA Test Log Viewer.

4. Synchronization Points - Let you coordinate virtual users at test runtime. To use this feature, you must have Virtual User Recording installed.

The remaining Insert menu commands let you call existing test procedures from the script being recorded, insert comments into the test procedure script or test log,or invoke an application while recording without having to go through the desktop.

View the original article here

Software Testing and Quality Assurance

Software testing can be defined as the process in which the tester aims at checking the software for errors and also, verifying that the functional requirements of a software are met. The system is examined under controlled conditions. The basic orientation is detection of faults within the system.

In this process, a program or an application is executed with the intentions of improving its quality. One strives to find the bugs within the software. As software industry has now grown in both size and complexity, so has its wide area of applications. We see soft wares in banking industry, in gaming industry, in management applications etc. Each has its own target customers and users. Before any software is launched, one must attempt to make an assessment as to its audience, customers, etc. The process of testing aims to aid in this regard.

Verification and Validation

Verification is a thwarting mechanism which helps in detection of all the possible weak points within a software before the process of testing actually begins.

Validation takes place after verification and this is where the concrete testing begins. One aims at finding the defects present in the functional requirements or the software's specifications.

Software Quality

The quality of any software can be determined by the following yardsticks:

- It must be free of bugs
- It must be delivered on the due date
- It must be complete within the budget initially allotted
- It must meet all the requirements and expectations of the client

Software quality assurance

Software Quality Assurance or SQA, as it is popularly known, is a method by which one aims at monitoring the whole process of software engineering and take measures at appropriate durations for ensuring that the quality of the software is not compromised with. This is approached by use of audits of quality management system by which the system was initially built. A few examples of the quality standards are CMMI (Capability Maturity Model Integration) or ISO 9000.

SQA covers the whole process of development of any software and includes the design, coding, control of the code, reviews of the code, managing the configurations and the release of the final product. It is basically a method to control the processes of software development.

Advantages of SQA
- Improved customer satisfaction
- Reduced cost of development
- Reduced cost of maintenance
- Methodology of SQA
- Validation testing
- Data comparison
- Usability testing

View the original article here

Pausing and Resuming a Recording Session

While recording,if you choose a valid SQA Robot menu command or toolbar button, recording is suspended. After SQA Robot completes your selected action,recording resumes and you can continue working with the application under test. To pause recording manually, choose RecordPause. SQA Robot indicates a paused state by:
1. Depressing the Pause toolbar button.
2. Displaying "Recording Suspended" in the status bar.
3. Displaying a check next to the RecordPause menu command.

To resume recording,choose RecordPause again. You should always resume recording with the application under test in the same state it was in when you paused.

Note: You cannot use the Pause feature while recording a virtual user procedure.

View the original article here

Displaying Toolbars

To manually display or hide a toolbar:

1. Choose WindowToolbars.

2. Click to select and check or uncheck the toolbar.

3. Choose OK to display or hide the toolbar.

To manually display or hide a toolbar from the toolbar popup menu:

1. Point to any toolbar, but not within a button, and press the right mouse button. SQA Robot displays the toolbar popup menu.

2. Choose a toolbar to display or hide that toolbar. Currently displayed toolbars are checked.

View the original article here

Initialzation commands

All SQA Robot GUI procedure scripts must begin with the following commands:

Sub Main

This defines the test procedure as subroutine named Main. This is normally the first command in the script and should not be edited.

Dim Results As Integer

This defines the variable Result as an integer variable. SQA Robot returns the value from each test case function in the variable Result. The value for Result is local to the Main subroutine.

Test Procedure Name:Mortgage Prequalifier History

SQA Robot writes two comment lines (which begin with a single quotation mark) in the initialization section of each script. The script tells when the test procedure was recorded, and the second is the text entered as the name (not the ID) of the test procedure.

InitPlay

(Visual Basic only) This is a subroutine defined by SQA Robot that initializes test procedure playback. It must always be the first command in a Visual Basic script.

SetProcId "QBPRQ01"

(Visual Basic only) This is a defined by SQA Robot that identifies the ID of the test procedure. This always follows InitPlay and always precedes any user action commands in a Visual Basic Script.

View the original article here

GUI Procedure Script Structure

A typical GUI procedure has four major sections:

1. Initialzation commands.

2. Window restoration commands (optional).

3. User action and test case commands.

4. Closing commands.

View the original article here

North Korea apparently pumping out state-sponsored PCs (updated)

By Christopher Trout posted May 25th 2011 3:11PM

North Korea has already made its mark on the tablet market -- albeit a rather unimpressive attempt -- and even produced a supreme leader-approved OS, and now the DPRK is further proving its tech ambitions with the production of three different PC models. In a post published to PCWorld today, Martyn Williams reports on a March 10th state TV broadcast that revealed a North Korean factory where workers are busily assembling the machines by hand.

According to Williams, the models in production include a desktop PC and a netbook-sized laptop, designed for educational use. The third variant, an enterprise laptop, boasts dual USB ports, internet connectivity, and two and half hours of battery life. That's about it in the way of specs, but from what we've seen, we doubt these machines are set for world domination. For a series of screen shots from the broadcast, check out Williams' blog at the coverage link below.


Update: Surprise! The North Korean netbook, pictured above left, is an identical clone of $99.99 Sylvania model sold at CVS pharmacies in the US, both presumably sourced from the same Chinese OEM.
View the original article here

Pioneer AppRadio hands-on (updated with video!)

By Christopher Trout posted May 25th 2011 8:39PM

We got a chance to experience Pioneer's iOS-connected in-dash AppRadio in action this afternoon, and even got to see the thing running in a real-deal automobile. So did it meet our expectations? Well, to be perfectly honest, we didn't know what to expect, but for what it promises, which is bringing the convenience and connectivity of iOS apps to your car, we suppose it does a fine job -- even if it only supports a handful apps at the moment. More after the break.


Setting up AppRadio is a relatively simple affair -- you just connect your fourth gen iPhone or iPod touch via the proprietary 30-pin connector, push a button and you're in. Once there, you choose from a series of options -- Radio, iPod, Apps, or Phone -- from a menu on the multitouch capacitive display. We didn't get a chance to test out the phone, but the other three options were relatively straightforward. The radio is set up in a pretty simple fashion, but we imagine the lack of physical buttons will take some getting used to -- you won't be able to blindly reach out and fiddle with the keys right out the gate. When you hit the app button, you'll have to have one of the four -- Pioneer says it expects more to come before the big launch -- approved apps running before a scrollable list appears. Once you're in any of the apps, controls are relatively simple, but you'll have to return to your phone or iPod to switch between applications. Multi-touch controls, including pinch-to-zoom work well, and all of the apps we tested moved pretty swiftly.

Our big gripe here -- and it is a big one -- is that AppRadio is short on apps. There are currently only four official apps running on the system: Rdio, Pandora, INRIX, and MotionX-GPS Drive. The first two, are, as you might already know, music apps, and the last two are a GPS and traffic app, respectively. All of these applications have been designed specifically to meet Pioneer's standards, with a focus on safety. When it comes to Pandora, that means you won't be able to set up any new stations while driving and, similarly, search functions have been disabled on both Rdio and Pandora. That also means you won't be seeing all the apps the App Store has to offer popping up on your dash -- so don't expect to play Angry Birds while sitting in rush hour traffic. Like we said before, Pioneer says it expects more apps to show up in the future, but we'll just have to wait and see. In the meantime, check out our gallery of AppRadio in action, and  hop on past the break for video.

View the original article here

Pioneer unveils its AppRadio, integrates iOS into your automobile

Pioneers AppRadio Provides a Revolutionary Way to Use Apps in the Car

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc., the leader in aftermarket car electronics technology, today unveiled its latest innovation, the game-changing AppRadio™. Drawing upon Pioneer's technology integration expertise and following its "Rethinking Connectivity" strategy, AppRadio is the first in-vehicle product designed to utilize the processing power, storage capacity, network connectivity and apps of the iPhone and iPod touch (4th generation) as the primary source for its information and entertainment capabilities. Pioneer's AppRadio also features the industry's first capacitive touchscreen that enables control of most functions using similar touch and motion gestures as many of today's most popular smartphones, but in a larger 6.1-inch screen designed specifically for safer in-vehicle operation. For safety and convenience, AppRadio features built-in Bluetooth1 for hands-free calling and an input for an optional vehicle mounted rear facing back-up camera.

"Pioneer is rethinking connectivity by tapping into the power of the smartphone, while simultaneously providing a solution that safely merges the consumer's connected lifestyle into the vehicle," said Ted Cardenas, director of marketing for the car electronics division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "AppRadio fully embraces the iPhone, which has become the window to our mobile connectivity and provides a comprehensive and safer way to use apps in the car."

The power of AppRadio comes from the ability to simply and easily update its software, similar to many of today's most powerful mobile devices. The front of the unit features a clean and simple aesthetic with only three physical buttons; a home button, a volume up button and a volume down button combined with a high resolution WVGA (800 x 480) 6.1-inch capacitive touchscreen display. This capacitive touch panel requires less pressure, responds faster and can recognize multiple touch points simultaneously, advantages when compared to traditional resistive touchscreen displays. Touchscreen control is used for all functions including the app interface, iPod control/playback, AM/FM radio, and Bluetooth hands-free calling features.

Pioneer Centric Apps
When connected to an iPhone and iPod touch (4th generation) with the Pioneer AppRadio application and compatible third-party apps, the full potential of the AppRadio is unleashed, bringing an ever-expanding world of convenience and connectivity directly into the dash. The Pioneer AppRadio application, available free in the App Store, enables access to the data and connectivity of the iPhone 4, providing users the ability to access Google Maps and stay current with recommended compatible third-party apps.

Google Maps appears on the AppRadio screen with the same mapping information and features that consumers are familiar with. The system enables users to search2, route to locations, view route directions and create bookmarks with the ability to drop pins directly on the map.

Pioneer has initially partnered with several app providers to integrate AppRadio compatibility into a few of today's most popular apps, formatted specifically for safe use and access in the vehicle. AppRadio compatible apps are now available including INRIX, MotionX-GPS Drive, Rdio, and Pandora Radio.

With the vehicle parked and the parking brake fully engaged, additional apps featuring second screen video output can be viewed on the AppRadio screen.

Access to the Future
As the library of AppRadio compatible applications grows, users will be automatically notified via Pioneer's AppRadio iPhone application, with a link to the respective app(s) page within the App Store. Additionally, the AppRadio software itself is updatable offering the potential for future hardware, software and app compatibility changes.

Music and Communication
AppRadio continues Pioneer's strong audio heritage, with a built-in AM/FM tuner with RDS text information display (when available) and full iPod audio control/playback. Pioneer employs Apple's iPod Out feature enabling the AppRadio system to display the familiar iPod navigation menu, displaying album art, song title and artist. This promotes a safer driving experience, as all of AppRadio's controls have been designed specifically for in-vehicle operation. This newly developed interface technology supports iPhone 4 and iPod touch (4th generation) running iOS 4.2 or later. In addition, AppRadio enables direct access to the latest iPod functions, such as custom playlists and Genius Mixes, which let users automatically create playlists of music with similarities from their music library.

Safe, in-vehicle phone functionality is simple with built-in Bluetooth, enabling hands-free cellular phone operation using the car's speakers and the included external microphone to turn the car into a rolling speakerphone. Access to the user's phonebook is provided via Bluetooth phonebook transfer, with browsing and searching available by touchscreen controls.

The AppRadio includes a 30-pin connector, external GPS antenna, external microphone for hands-free calling and input/output connections to support the addition of an optional rear view camera, wired remote steering wheel control adapter and an external amplifier via one set of preamp outputs.

Pioneer's AppRadio will be available in late June with a suggested retail price below $500.

View the original article here

Panasonic resurrects Sanyo's pistol-grip camcorders, trots out three new models

By Dana Wollman posted May 25th 2011 2:43PM

Worried that Panasonic would kill off Sanyo's signature pistol-grip camcorders after it bought its rival last year? Fear not -- Panny just went and resurrected Sanyo's ergonomic design with three new models - slapping its own brand on 'em, of course. And, in a move that would do Sanyo proud, Panasonic brought back the DMX-CA100 / VPC-CA100, a 1080p camcorder Sanyo released last year under the same name. It's gotten a spec boost, though, with the ability to snap 16 megapixel still photos, up from 14.4. The other two -- the HX-DC15 and the HX-DC1 -- both shoot 1080p video as well, with the DC15 offering 16GB internal memory and a 16 megapixel sensor, and the DC1 able to take 14.4 megapixel stills. No word on availability outside Japan, but we're sure those of you with a penchant for flip-out displays and candy-colored plastic will find a way to snag one.

View the original article here

Sony announces 160GB PlayStation 3 bundle with Call of Duty: Black Ops

By Dana Wollman posted May 25th 2011 4:27PM

If you still haven't given in to your hankering for a PlayStation 3, you might want to check out this promotion Sony is teasing. The company just announced a limited edition PS3 bundle pairing Call of Duty: Black Ops with a 160GB console. For $299, Sony's also throwing in the First Strike content pack -- not too shabby, considering that's the standard price for a bare console. Depending on your proclivities, that may or may not trump a complimentary RC toy or Michael Jackson singalong, but if you've got a taste for first-person shooters, it should be right up your alley. First-time buyers can find it next week, starting on May 31.

View the original article here

Sony announces VAIO SA series ultraportable, puts VAIO F series up for pre-order

By Dana Wollman posted May 25th 2011 5:23PM

Having trouble keeping Sony's slim VAIO S series laptops straight? It's okay, we are, too, especially now that the company's officially unveiled the SA series, a 13.3-inch ultraportable that's poised to go toe to toe with the skinny Lenovo ThinkPad X1. Although it's got almost the same magnesium-and-alloy chassis as the VAIO SB series we saw at CES, the SA is a hair thinner, at 0.95 inches, and comes standard with AMD Radeon HD 6630 graphics and 1GB of video memory, 1600 x 900 resolution, a 500GB hard drive, fingerprint reader, and a Blu-ray drive. You can also trick it out with a dual channel solid-state drive, which promises to help let you work up to 16 hours unplugged if you combine it with a $100 sheet battery. If you fork out a minimum of $1,650, you can snag one with an SSD.

If the SA's $1,350 starting price is more than you're willing to spend, there's still the SB series, though the $999 base model naturally has less impressive specs, including 512MB of video memory, 1366 x 768 resolution, a DVD player, and a Core i5 -- not Core i7 -- processor. For what its worth, its color options now include pink and navy, if that floats your boat more than the high-end SA's black, silver, and brown palette.

In other news, Sony's also taking orders for the VAIO F Series, which comes in two flavors: one with a 16-inch 3D display with a 2D-to-3D conversion button, starting at $1,840, and a 16.4-inch 2D model with a more modest $1,100 base price. But if you want a 2D display with 1080p resolution and a Blu-ray drive, you can expect to pay at least $1,125. Both these and the SA series are up for pre-order today, with gussied-up photos below and full PR and past the break.

NEW SONY® VAIO® F SERIES LAPTOP

Made for multimedia enthusiasts who want to game, watch movies or listen to music anywhere, anytime,

Sony's new VAIO® F Series laptop is a multimedia entertainment powerhouse. This laptop packs the power and state-of-the-art performance of a full-sized PC into a portable design.

Multimedia Marvel

Experience Blu-ray Disc™ movies and games in stunning 1920x1080 Full HD 1080p on a 16.4-inch widescreen display
Enjoy cinematic sound with S-Force™ Front Surround 3D technology and rich audio sound from Dolby® Home Theater® v3
Outstanding graphics performance and responsive game play with NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 540M (1GB) or 520M (512MB)
Type and chat in dim light with backlit keyboard and HD web camera powered by an Exmor™ sensor
Press VAIO button to enjoy your media in a whole new way with Media Gallery™ software
Connect your VAIO® PC to a PlayStation3® system and other Sony® connected devices with Remote Keyboard
A/V control buttons let you play, pause, stop and move from track to track with ease

Power and Performance

Quad Core Intel® Core™ i7 processor for visibly smart performance at its best

Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium

USB 3.0 ports allow for speedy transfer to external devices
Up to 750GB HDD for extra-large capacity and storage
One touch web access without full boot up into Windows® with WEB button
Maintain and troubleshoot PC issues with VAIO Care™ software, just push ASSIST

WHEN:

Available May 25, 2011 for pre-sale at www.sonystyle.com/fseries and at select retailers around the country for about $1100. The new F Series comes in silver, matte black or a premium white Signature Collection model. Images are available at www.sony.com/news.

SONY BRINGS MORE POWER TO GO WITH NEW S SERIES LAPTOP

Optional Sheet Battery Doubles Battery Life Up to 15 Hours

SAN DIEGO, May 25, 2011 – Sony's newest S Series VAIO® laptop combines for the first time portability, performance and power in a thinner, lighter design perfect for everyone from students to business travelers.

The new S Series continues Sony's efforts to offer users more personalized options and flexibility that fits their lifestyle. Select S Series models sport elegant design in burnished brown, jet black or platinum silver with magnesium and aluminum materials, and incorporate a built-in lithium polymer battery that when coupled with the advanced large-capacity optional sheet battery, can stay mobile and unplugged for up to 15 hours with solid state drive configurations. Intelligent charging enables you to charge the optional sheet battery separately and attach it to the system without shutting down for maximum flexibility.

"Users these days want a laptop that will last for hours without charging, is small and light enough to carry around with you but doesn't sacrifice any of the performance and power that you'd find in a full-sized PC," said Mike Lucas, senior vice president of Networked Technology and Services Division at Sony Electronics. "You can fly nonstop from Los Angeles to Tokyo or attend a full day of classes on just one charge with this S Series laptop when combined with the optional sheet battery."

This 13.3-inch S Series is packed with powerful performance-all in a thin 0.95-inch profile that only weighs 3.8-pounds with the standard battery. Incorporating all the mobility of VAIO laptops, this new model delivers impressive portability and performance with the available second generation Intel® Core™ i7 processor. Coupled with Hybrid Graphics as well as dual channel solid state drive options (select models), the S Series laptop is truly top of the line.

Ultra Mobility and Performance

Performance is top priority with the second generation Intel Core i7 processor that delivers even more performance automatically when you need it. With Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, the processors increase speed automatically delivering the performance needed for multitasking.

AMD Radeon™ HD 6630 1GB Hybrid Graphics card (select models) with 1GB VRAM gives a premium visual quality and intense HD performance without placing huge demands on the CPU. Plus, it offers a performance boost to your day-to-day processor functions for a faster, more optimized overall computing experience.

For maximum performance and ample storage, select models feature dual channel solid state drive with RAID 0 technology.

The S Series laptop comes with one-touch VAIO, ASSIST and WEB buttons, for launching Media Gallery™ software, VAIO Care™ software and access to the web without full boot-up into Windows®, all with a touch of a button.

The new S Series models offer a built-in web camera powered by an Exmor™ sensor that allows for great low-light performance. With exceptional picture quality, the 13.3-inch (1600x900) widescreen display includes an LED backlit keyboard, illuminating the lettering for typing in low-light situations. And with the built-in microphone you can video message with family, friends and coworkers. Face tracking technology allows the camera to automatically adjust focus and follow you as you move around while video chatting.

Packed with Multimedia

Sony knows entertainment is always at the forefront and the VAIO S Series delivers. Whether you're watching a stunning Blu-ray Disc™ movie (select models) or enjoying video captured from your compatible camcorder. The versatile Blu-ray Disc drive on the VAIO S Series laptop (select models) combines the power of HD video playback with the convenience and utility of DVD and CD read/write functionalities. Providing the best picture and the best sound with stunning clarity, Blu-ray Disc technology is the ultimate way to enjoy your entertainment.

With Intel® Wireless Display 2.0, you can sit back and experience your favorite videos, photos and music on your TV. Stop crowding around a laptop screen and view and share content from your hard drive, home network or the internet wirelessly on your HDTV utilizing the adapter (sold separately; restrictions apply).

Pricing and Availability

The VAIO S Series laptops are available for pre-sale today at www.sonystyle.com/sseries starting at about $1,350, and the optional sheet battery at about $150.

Additionally, Sony added two new colors to its existing S Series line. The new pink and blue S Series models will available at www.sonystyle.com/sseries starting in June.

View the original article here

Sprint teams up with Motorola for June 9 event, finally launching a Tegra 2 device?

By Brad Molen posted May 25th 2011 3:31PM

Sprint and Motorola have a little special something up their sleeves, and are rolling them up to show off their latest "collaborations" at a press luncheon on June 9th. Since big bosses CEO Dan Hesse and Sanjay Jha will be in attendance, and the event will be held during Apple's WWDC, we have a feeling this is going to be something big. Whatever this project is, it's been kept under the radar very well -- until now. We're hearing buzz about a Tegra 2-powered device planned for a launch next month; different reports have come out over the last few days claiming Sprint will finally take a turn sporting a Tegra 2 Android -- the yin to the EVO 3D's yang, we suppose -- sometime next month.

The device may be called the Motorola Photon 4G, a name that first appeared in a WiFi certification form (seen after the break) a month ago. According to the rumors, Sprint was ready to launch its own version of the Atrix 4G back in March, but stalled the phone's release in order to make a few design changes. Some of these changes supposedly include a 4.3-inch display, Gingerbread pre-installed, and a look that closely resembles the EVO 4G (it would even come with a kickstand). The Photon 4G is a probability for the event, but note that the invite mentions "collaborations," implying there will be more than one product to showcase. This could mean a Xoom with WiMAX is just about ready for primetime -- or perhaps it's something else magical and unexpected. No matter what's hiding in Hesse's pocket on June 9th, we'll be there to tell you all about it.

View the original article here

Xperia Play first in line for mobile Minecraft port (video)

If you want to be the first in your hood to take Minecraft with you wherever you go, you'll have to pick up an Xperia Play. The block-building game where cubed avatars hide from creepers and create virtual CPUs will land on the so-called PlayStation Phone before coming to other Android devices and iOS later this year. The Play version will have customized controls that take advantage of the gamepad and button layout found on the Sony Ericsson handheld, though when exactly it will launch or how much it will cost is still unknown. It's also unclear how long the title will be exclusive to the gamer-centric smartphone, but developer Mojang will be holding an event at E3 where, presumably, we'll be getting more details. Now is the time to wrap up any loose ends in your life before what little free time you have left gets buried beneath a pile of bricks and mobs -- even when your PC isn't handy.

Update: If that pic of Minecraft running on the Xperia Play wasn't doing for you, good news, we've got video of the title in action after the break.

[Thanks, stagueve]

View the original article here

Spotify and Facebook partner up, send Europe a friend request?

By Brian Heater posted May 25th 2011 4:04PM

Spotify may still be in tough negotiations with record labels to bring its streaming music service to the US, but the Swedish company has managed to score a powerful stateside ally, reportedly striking a partnership with Facebook. Neither party is dropping any cash on the deal -- set to be called either "Facebook Music" or "Spotify on Facebook," according to Forbes's anonymous sources -- which will let members of the social network stream songs at the same time as friends and share their listening habits with those in their social circle. The service is reportedly currently in testing and could be launched in a fortnight, but its arrival in the US still hinges on those ever important label deals. In the meantime, we'll all have to share our listening habits the old fashioned way: by posting on our friends' walls.

View the original article here

Verizon bonanza: Droid X2, Revolution, Trophy, and Xperia Play hit Big Red today

By Vlad Savov posted May 26th 2011 2:30AM

Verizon is seriously diversifying its portfolio today with the official in-store launch of four new smartphones. Three of them roll up in Android gear, though they all have major selling points beyond Google's software. LG's Revolution is the sole LTE-capable handset of the bunch, bringing with it a 4.3-inch screen and pre-installed Netflix for $250. The Droid X2 undercuts it on price, at $200, but doubles the core count with its Tegra 2 processor and ramps up resolution to qHD (960 x 540). Gaming aficionados can spend the same amount on the Xperia Play from Sony Ericsson, which offers a slideout gamepad and unique PlayStation Certified status. Bringing up the rear is HTC's well-traveled Trophy, a 3.8-inch Windows Phone that accepts it's a little late to the party and therefore slices $50 off its asking price, with a $150 levy before the obligatory two-year contract. What say you -- buy, try, or keep waiting?

View the original article here

TweetDeck and Twitter, together at last

By Michael Gorman posted May 25th 2011 1:10PM

We've been hearing rumors for a while that Twitter was looking to make TweetDeck a member of its flock, and now, the blue bird crew has made it official. All Things D reports that the deal was done for between $40 to 50 million, and that TweetDeck CEO Iain Dodsworth will stay on to run the platform. In its official announcement, Twitter said it will continue to "invest in the TweetDeck that users know and love" -- time will tell if the new boss birdie is a boon or bane for the popular tweet tracking app.

View the original article here

Window Restoration Commands

The following commands record the sizes and positions of open windows so that SQA Robot can restore the testing environment during playback. They also indicate the windows within which user actions occur.
StartSaveWindowPostions
EndSaveWindowPostions
These statements tell SQA Robot that,during playback, the intervening Window SetContext, Window MoveTo, and Window SetPostion commands are for windows restoration only. All playback timings default are set to zero to process these commands as quickly as possible. If any commands fails between StartSaveWindowPostions and EndSaveWindowPositions, that failure is reported to the test log as a warning, not a script command failure.
Window SetContext
Window SetPostion
The Window SetContext statement defines the context window for subsequent test cases and user actions, and Window SetPostion indicates the postion, size, and status of that context window. These statements can vary, depending on the window within which user actions occur.
During recording, SQA Robot saves the postions of windows that are normal,minimized, or maximized if Auto Record Window Size is checked in the Recording Options dialog box. It does not save the positions of hidden windows. During playback, SQA Robot restores the windows to their positions when the test procedure was recoreded. SQA Robot writes messages to the test log for any windows it cannot find on playback.

View the original article here

SQA Software and Tools

In quality assurance, it is always important to get all the help we could get. In other industries, developers could easily check the products manually and discard those that do not meet the standard. The length and the width of the product are checked to maintain standardization of the product. Others use special machines to check the product. With tools and machines, they can easily set a standard with their products.

That also goes the same with software and applications. Although it does not use physical machines, applications go through rigorous testing before they are released to the public even for beta testing.

The tools used in SQA are generally testing tools wherein an application is run through a series of tests to gauge the performance of the application.

The tools used in SQA vary in purpose and performance. These applications range from testing the code or running the application under great stress. These tools are employed to test the application and produce numbers and statistics regarding the actual application. Through these numbers, the SQA team and their developers will know if the application has lived up according to the targeted performance.

Like most developers each SQA team has their preferred tools for application testing. Based on their belief and expertise, the SQA team will usually give the owners or business managers a free hand on what type of testing tool to use.

Notable SQA Tools
The following are some of the renowned SQA tools and applications. There are still hundreds out there but the following tools have been around for years and have been used by thousands or probably millions of testers.

WinRunner – Developed by HP, WinRunner is a user friendly application that can test the applications reaction from the user. But other than measuring the response time, WinRunner can also replay and verify every transaction and interaction the application had with the user. The application works like a simple user and captures and records every response the application does.

LoadRunner – Developed by HP, LoadRunner is one of the simple applications that can test the actual performance of the application. If you are looking for a program to test your application’s tolerance to stress, LoadRunner is your tool. It has the ability to work like thousands of users at the same time – testing the stress of the application.

QuickTest Professional – If you have worked with WinRunner you surely have bumped in with this tool. Built by HP, QuickTest emulates the actions of users and exploits the application depending on the procedure set by testers. It can be used in GUI and non-GUI websites and applications. Thetesting tool could be customized through different plug-ins.

Mercury TestDirector – An all-in-one package, this web-based interface could be used from start to end in testing an application or a website. Every defect will be managed according to their effect to the application. Users will also have the option to use this exclusively for their application or use it together with wide array of testers.

Silktest – Although available in limited operating system, Silktest is a very smart testing tool. Silktest lists all the possible functions and tries to identify the function one by one. It can be implemented in smaller iterations as it translate the available codes into actual objects.

Bugzilla – Developed by Mozilla, this open source testing tool works as the name suggests. Bugzilla specializes in detecting bugs found in the application or website. Since the application is open-source it can be used freely and it is availability in different OS makes it even a viable alternative for error tracking. The only downside is it has a long list of requirements before it could run.

Application Center Test – Also known as ACT, this testing tool was developed by Microsoft using ASP.NET. This application is primarily used for determining the capacity of the servers that handle the application. Testers can test the server by asking constant requests. A customized script either from VB or JS could be used to test the server’s capacity.

OpenSTA – Another open source tool, testers can easily launch the application and use it for testing the application’s stress capacity. The testing process could be recorded and testing times could be scheduled. Great for websites that needs daily maintenance.

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