Gregarius » BetaNews.Com » janvier 31, 2014

BetaNews.Com (11 non lus)

Have your Chrome browser settings been hijacked? Google offers a temporary fix but no solution

Publié: janvier 31, 2014, 8:14pm CET par Brian Fagioli

When Google Chrome first came on the scene, it did not support plugins like Firefox. It was not until later that extensions were introduced. Recently, it was discovered that rogue extensions are capable of compromising the security of the web browser. While not all extensions are malicious, it does call into question the feasibility of an open extension market.

Sadly, that is not the only negative aspect of Google's browser. In addition, the settings can be hijacked by malicious software. Fear not though, according to a new blog post, Google is here to help.

"So, you're trying to download a free screensaver or game or something else you really want. But later you find out that game came bundled with a malicious program that's trying to hijack your browser settings. You're not the only one having this problem -- in fact, it's an issue that’s continuing to grow at an alarming rate. You should always be in charge of your own Chrome settings. To help keep your browser settings under your control we added a 'reset browser settings' button to Chrome's settings page in October", says Linus Upson, Vice President of Engineering at Google.

Upson further says, "despite this, settings hijacking remains our number one user complaint. To make sure the reset option reaches everyone who might need it, Chrome will be prompting Windows users whose settings appear to have been changed if they'd like to restore their browser settings back to factory default. If you've been affected by settings hijacking and would like to restore your settings, just click 'Reset' on the prompt".

In other words, malware can alter the settings of Google Chrome on Microsoft's Windows operating system. Google Chrome has the ability detect these changes and offer to reset the settings for the user. If the user chooses to reset, they will have to re-enable all of their extensions one by one -- a bit of a chore. Google warns that this may not always work as some malware is particularly nasty and users may quickly become affected again. In this case, users are instead directed to the search-giant's help forums.

While that is appreciated, it doesn't truly solve the problem. Why are the browser's settings so susceptible to outside interference? Instead of focusing on a cat and mouse game of resetting altered settings, the company should instead make the browser settings secure.

Do you use Google Chrome? Do you still feel that it is safe and secure? Tell me in the comments.

Photo Credit: grafvision/Shutterstock
Malwarebytes releases first public beta of Anti-Malware 2

Publié: janvier 31, 2014, 7:12pm CET par Mike Williams

Malwarebytes has released the first public beta of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 2.00, the latest incarnation of its popular security tool.

The first change you’ll notice is the interface, which has been revamped for a more modern look. An opening "dashboard" displays your protection level, license details, database version, scan and real-time protection status. You can update the program or launch a scan with a click, while "Scan", "Settings" and "History" tabs provide more details and control.

Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit and Malwarebytes Chameleon are now integrated with Anti-Malware. They’re turned off by default, but can be quickly enabled from Settings (click Detection and Protection, check "Scan for rootkits"; click "Advanced Settings", check "Enable self-protection module").

Malwarebytes says an enhanced Malicious Website Protection offers improved performance and finer control of its actions (you can exclude processes such as BitTorrent clients, as well as IP addresses and URLs or domains from the system).

The new release also gains native x64 system location scanning, while the program has reportedly seen significant improvements in its detection and removal technology.

Malwarebytes has provided a temporary licence key for the duration of the beta.

id: MBAM2BETA
key: 4XZHE-6ANRN-TKWCV-EV6HZ-G79PH

Please note, the company also says that, if you’re running Malwarebytes Anti-Malware PRO or the free Trial, you should uninstall it and reboot before installing the Malwarebytes Anti-Malware 2.00 beta.
GoPro channels set to bring more action to Xbox

Publié: janvier 31, 2014, 6:58pm CET par Alan Buckingham

GoPro, if you aren't familiar, is a little video camera that can be mounted on a dashboard, handlebars or helmet. It is designed to bring the viewer into the action, letting you experience what it feels like to plunge down that steep hill on a mountain bike, or ski jump off that ramp.

Now the durable little cameras are set to get their own channels on the Xbox platform. These will arrive for customers of both the Xbox 360 and Xbox One, though it won't be coming until this summer.

"Our GoPro Channel app will make it easy for millions of global Xbox Live customers to watch GoPro originally-produced and 'best of' user-generated content on their televisions at home. We're excited to align ourselves with Microsoft and the Xbox brand as we believe our customers share the same desire to enjoy the type of immersive, experiential content that our cameras enable", says GoPro's CEO Nicholas Woodman.

The content will be curated, and you'll need to be an Xbox Live Gold member in order to access these new channels. The partnership will also allow Xbox users to purchase the cameras and accessories from the new app. This is Microsoft’s first foray into selling physical goods through an Xbox app.
Best Windows 8 apps this week

Publié: janvier 31, 2014, 5:33pm CET par Martin Brinkmann
Sixty-sixth in a series. There are now over 106,000 apps in the US Windows Store. Growth has improved considerably after last week's weak performance, as 773 new apps were published to the store in the last seven days.

83,437 of those are free to download and install, while the remaining 22,606 are either paid apps or desktop applications.

Free apps increased by 627 as a consequence, while paid applications were up by 146 applications; a healthy ratio of 4:1.

Another six applications are available as part of Microsoft's Red Stripe Deals promotion:
App of the week

CK-12

The learning application CK-12 offers tutorials and explanations for more than 5,000 math and science concepts.

The app itself is free, and contents can be accessed without account registration.

Available topics include Algebra, Probability and Analysis, Biology, Physics and Chemistry, as well as Engineering, English or History.

You can either use the search form to find a topic of interest, say photosynthesis or real numbers, or browse one of the available concepts the app makes available.

When you select a topic of interest, you get a reading part that explains the concept to you, a practice part that you can use to try what you have learned, and links that lead to related resources on the Internet.

Even better, there may also be community contributed information, such as study aids, videos or links.

In addition to that, you also get access to Flexbooks which you can download as pdf, mobi or ePub documents.

Other apps

Splitscreen

Splitscreen is a simple application that enables you to display multiple websites on the screen.

The app lets you to split the screen in multiple ways, from one to six different parts, and display websites in each of them independently.

Tennis in the Face ($1.49, free trial available)

Tennis in the Face is an Angry Birds style game where you shoot tennis balls in an attempt to hit all the clowns in a given level.

You only have three balls at your disposal in each level and need to make good use of walls to hit multiple clowns with one ball.

The ball itself will lose acceleration over time though, which needs to be taken into account as well.

The game offers more than 100 challenging levels.

Croco's Escape

Croco's Escape is a challenging puzzle game in which you need to direct Croco the crocodile to the level exit. To do so, you need to remove obstacles in Croco's way.

Stones for example block the pass but can be moved to make way. While that is easy at first, it quickly becomes difficult due to the amount of stones in each level.

Just Hot Air

The game plays like miniature golf, with the difference being you torpedo creatures around the level towards the exit instead of balls.

While optimized for touch, it can also be played with mouse and keyboard. To kick a creature select it and hold the left mouse button pressed. You can then move the mouse to define the direction and speed of the kick.

New game elements, such as different ground types or fences are introduced during the early stages of the game.

Deluge Connect

Manage your Deluge BitTorrent client using the application. You need to configure Deluge first to allow Deluge Connect access to it, and then Deluge Connect itself before you can get started.

It needs to be noted that you cannot use both programs on the same computer due to Windows app restrictions.

Once configured, you can manage all of your downloads and torrents that you seed right from the Deluge Connect interface.

Sword vs. Sword

A great looking game for Windows 8 in which you fight as a knight against other human opponents on the Internet.

Even though it is a fighting game, it is not a hectic one, as you select two defense zones and one attack zone in each round, and sit back to watch the two knights fight it out independently.

Skills are integrated into the game which you can purchase with money that you earn fighting. A total of three skills, such as husky for live regeneration, swordsman for additional sword damage, or treasurer to double the amount of gold earned, can be assigned to your character.

My Azure Dashboard

Manage Windows Azure virtual machines right from the My Azure Dashboard interface.

The app allows you to monitor the status of your virtual machines, and provides you with options to start or stop them at any time as well.

Medieval Apocalypse

The game falls into the action RPG genre in which you do a lot of attack-clicking with your mouse or tapping with your finger.

Controls need some getting used to if you are using the keyboard and mouse, as you control the knight with the arrow keys and attack with Q. There is no option to change those key-bindings, but the game supports a joystick that you have connected to your PC.

Quests are given to you which you need to complete to proceed. You earn crystals while doing so, which you can invest in better shields and weapons to defeat tougher foes in later levels.

WP Central

The official Windows Phone Central application for Windows 8. It covers all things Windows Phone, and offers tips, news, comments and reviews among other features.

The app comes with all the traits you'd expect it to, including options to save product shots, share contents, or use the search to find apps, games, devices or reviews right away.

One interesting feature is the ability to read user comments, and leave comments of your own.

If you own a Windows Phone and use Windows 8, this is one of the apps that you want to take for a test ride.

I'm Vegend

The game falls into the Tower Defense genre I suppose. You play an active role though in defending plants and seeds from onrushing zombie hordes.

You start with a single plant soldier but get to play up to three in each level. Each plant has different attack forms, the sunflower shoots rapidly for instance, while the tomato on the vine fires single shots that do more damage.

Plants can be promoted so that they become stronger. The game is challenging and fun to play, definitely a keeper.

Jelly Slice ($1.99, free trial available)

Another challenging puzzle game. Slice the jelly so that each jelly piece contains only one gold star.

This sounds like a simply concept at first, but can become quite challenging in later stages of the game.

Optional stars are introduced early on that you need to separate from each other as well for the perfect score, but not to proceed in the game.

Beyond Ynth HD ($3.49, free trial available)

Play Kribl in this game who is on a big journey to bring light back to his Kingdom. The game features a rather unique mechanism, in which you rotate boxes to advance in the game.

To rotate smaller boxes that you find yourself in, walk against the right or left wall of the box and push again to move it and rotate it by 90 degrees at the same time.
YouTube Ad Blitz gears up for the Super Bowl

Publié: janvier 31, 2014, 4:41pm CET par Alan Buckingham

It's Super Bowl weekend, a time when many Americans gather in front of the TV, with snacks laid out before them. While we'll all be watching the Denver Broncos collide with the Seattle Seahawks, that’s not all the big game is about. Many people watch as much for the commercials as for the gridiron battle.

YouTube is readying its Ad Blitz service, which already contains a number of previews of the upcoming commercials that you'll get a full look at this Sunday.

Once those ads air, YouTube plans to have them in entirety for you. "Come game day, tune back into the Ad Blitz channel to view your favorite spots as they go live on TV", says Kariyushi Casper, project manager for Ad Blitz.

You will also be able vote on your favorite ad in a poll that will open as soon as the game ends. Voting will run through 11:59pm ET on February 10th.

Regardless of if you are rooting for the Broncos or Seahawks, it seems most everyone loves the commercials and, in fact, some people watch simply for that reason. The game officially kicks off at 6:30pm ET on February 2nd.

Image Credit: Mark Herreid / Shutterstock
Should Google stop launching Nexus devices?

Publié: janvier 31, 2014, 3:18pm CET par Mihaita Bamburic

Nexus smartphones and tablets have developed a cult following among enthusiasts mainly due to Google's ability to deliver updates to the latest versions of Android in a timely manner. The software also has little to no customizations over the code that is available in AOSP, unlike that of many devices that have been offered throughout the years by Android vendors, such as HTC and Samsung. Android enthusiasts often refer to Google's distributions as "pure Android", even though that is no longer the case exactly with the new Nexus 5, that has introduced a launcher not officially found on any of its siblings (or available in AOSP for that matter).

Nexus devices were also supposed to usher Android vendors into releasing smartphones and tablets that adhere to the design guidelines established by Google. This is one area where the search giant's brand has failed to become a trendsetter, as the likes of HTC, LG and Samsung continue to apply their own vision on how their Android handsets should look at the software and hardware levels. Remember how physical buttons were supposed to go away from the front of Android devices? Well, they are still alive and kicking even in 2014 and even on tablets (even though there were clear signs pointing to slates only adopting on-screen keys). It could, therefore, be argued that the Nexus ethos has already ran its course and it is time for Google to move on. So should Google move on?

Better Options

Nexus devices no longer represent the hardware or the software pinnacle of the Android world. Yes, they pretty much offer the experience that Google has envisioned, but some vendors are way ahead in regards to the employed processors, cameras, batteries and displays, and the features offered by their customized distributions. Someone who is looking for the fastest Android smartphone with the best possible camera around right now will not buy a Nexus 5, as it is not the best available choice for taking pictures or recording videos (a Galaxy S4 is better). Similarly, for the best battery life there are better options (like the Galaxy Note 3). What about software features?

Back in the dark ages of Android (how I like to refer to the pre-Android 4.0 era), Android vendors would heavily customize the operating system with countless features (that may fall under the bloatware category). Following the release of Ice Cream Sandwich, they have slowly applied the brake pedal on skins as the foundation offered by Google was increasingly better. But, at the same time, some of the latest Android distributions from vendors saw the introduction of more refined and more useful features like the multi-window mode offered by Samsung in its Galaxy S and Galaxy Note lines, which allows users to work with two (or more) apps side by side. The Android that Nexus devices offer does not have anything that remotely resembles that. Quiet hours? No. Customizable lockscreen shortcuts? No. Configurable number of homescreens? No (well, bar the Nexus 5). There are other examples as well, but the idea is that Google's vision of Android is not exactly as advanced as it could be or as vendors have it.

But the Price...

The strength of Nexus devices -- ignoring the previously mentioned benefits -- has been been the attractive price for consumers (read the average user) looking to buy a smartphone (or slate) off-contract. Take the Nexus 5, for instance. It costs $349 for the 16 GB model (add $50 more for the 32 GB version) and offers a top-of-the-line processor (for now, at least), solid 5-inch display, decent camera and 4G LTE connectivity, for $300 less than the equivalent iPhone 5s (hold your horses, it is just an example) or unlocked (Developer Edition) Galaxy S4. That is amazing value for money but, to reach that price, some cost-cutting measures were employed -- the battery is too small for it and does not last very long, the camera is not among the best in its class, the used materials are not premium (does plastic qualify as premium?) and, from a personal point of view, not much effort was put into its design. So it is relatively cheap -- and some love, myself included, this attribute -- but there are major compromises involved as to reach that enticing price point.

I am not trying to suggest, not even for a minute, that Nexus devices are bad. Far from it. I had a Galaxy Nexus that I simply adored and, from time to time, still regret selling. I would love to own a Nexus 5 because, deep inside, I am huge fan of custom distributions like CyanogenMod and it would be a great option to experience such software. That said, for someone like me who is unable to get one from Google Play, it is not as cheap as through the official web store (for about $60 more I could get a Galaxy S4, or, for even less than that, there is the LG G2 with better specs, namely a better camera).

The price is really the best selling point for the average user. But, the average user would probably look at something even cheaper -- like the 16 GB Moto G which retails for less than $200 -- or go with a top-of-the-line smartphone on contract, which usually costs anywhere in-between $0 and $300 and offers more than a Nexus smartphone. However, when it comes to Nexus tablets -- well, the Nexus 7 as the Nexus 10 is already outdated -- it is increasingly difficult to explain why Google should dump them -- the price is great (though there are cheaper options) and the displays are pixel-packed and look sharp; battery life is terrible though, at least on my 2013 Nexus 7 (cameras are not really a selling point for tablets, so the fact they are there -- mainly the rear unit -- is a bonus in itself as far as I am concerned).

Google Play Edition, the Nexus Killer?

The introduction of the Google Play Edition devices -- popular smartphones and tablets running Google's interpretation of Android, that receive timely updates -- suggests that the search giant may put its Nexus handsets on the back-burner and push offerings that bear the branding of its partners (HTC One, LG G Pad 8.3, Motorola Moto G and Samsung Galaxy S4 are available in a Google Play Edition). Right now they are more expensive than what Google sells its Nexus devices for, at least for the most part, but that is a very limited view on both pricing and the ecosystem.

It is clear by looking at the Google Play Edition manufacturers, that have grown in number, that Google wants to expand on the idea of what a Nexus device stands for, including the price range. Given more time, I can see GPE devices better covering the $200 to $650 price points (the entry-level defined by the Moto G and the high-end portrayed by the One and Galaxy S4), as vendors release more premium-like offerings for lower than mid-range or at mid-range prices. The market is already heading in that direction anyway, as the average selling price for smartphones is undergoing a continuous drop as each year goes by. This implies that there is increased preference towards cheaper smartphones (this applies to tablets as well, as their ASP is exhibiting a similar pattern).

Google also has to pay close attention to its partners, which would undoubtedly appreciate the search giant pushing and, perhaps marketing, their offerings instead of its own. To establish a tighter relationship, Google could encourage and partner with more vendors to offer Google Play Edition versions of their smartphones and tablets which would diminish the appeal and the necessity of "real" Nexus handsets. Like I said, given more time (and considering that Google has a long-term vision anyway) we will probably see this taking place at a larger scale, which could make such offerings available even in retail stores across the globe. Would there be a point then for Google to put its resources into Nexuses, as we know them today?

Not Right Now, But Soon...

It makes little sense right now for Google to suddenly drop its Nexus brand, as we know it today, but in the long run, given the current trend of the search giant selling Google Play Edition devices, this can turn into a reality. Would consumers and Nexus loyalists lose? It is difficult to gauge this only by assessing the current situation (and even more so if we extrapolate it to the years to come), but the answer can be a resounding "No" when that -- the eradication of the "real" Nexus brand -- would happen, if we look at the bigger picture.

Google does not want to be an Android vendor and its sale of most of Motorola to Lenovo -- which is already gaining a strong presence in the market -- is a clear indicator of its long-term strategy. Google has also licensed Motorola's patents to Lenovo, and others to Samsung. The search giant basically gave away its potential strength and status as a handset manufacturer, most likely to avoid any confusion (and potential schism in the realm) about its commitment to its partners and the ecosystem. The Nexus brand would be the final obstacle to be removed to achieve a symbiotic relationship with Android's supporting vendors. As a long-term strategy, the Nexus brand does not make sense (any more).

Photo Credit: Franck Boston/Shutterstock
UK readers -- your chance to test the latest 4G smartphones

Publié: janvier 31, 2014, 2:24pm CET par Ian Barker

If you've ever fancied becoming a gadget reviewer, then mobile provider EE along with tech website Gizmodo UK is offering you the chance.

Over three months of the Testmodo challenge three people will get to try out the superfast 4GEE service on one of the latest and smartest 4G handsets.

The winners will be sent a new smartphone each month and will carry out a series of challenges, writing a short review for the Gizmodo UK site every two weeks. The best bit though is that they get to keep the handsets they test at the end!

So, perhaps you want the bragging rights of showing off a new handset each month. Maybe you're curious about whether 4G lives up to the hype or possibly you've always wanted to get a foot in the door of tech journalism. Whatever your motivation this is your opportunity.

By now you’ll be on the edge of your seat wondering how to take part, so here are the details. First you need to be in the UK -- sorry rest of the world. Go to the EE coverage checker and find out if you’re among the 70 percent of the population that has 4G coverage. If you are then email your entry to giztestmodo@gmail.com. This needs to include your name and address plus a couple of lines explaining why you think it should be you and ideally your Twitter handle and blog link too. The competition closes at the end of Monday February 3rd so don’t hang around. Full details and T&Cs are available here.

Good luck to the entrants and let us know how you get on!
Best iOS apps this week

Publié: janvier 31, 2014, 12:29pm CET par Wayne Williams

Fifth in a series. A big week for Apple as the company delivered record fiscal first quarter results -- $57.6 billion revenue and $13.1 billion net profit. The tech giant revealed it had shipped 51 million iPhones, an all-time quarterly record, compared to 47.8 million a year-ago, and 26 million iPads, up from 22.9 million in the same period a year ago. Wall Street wasn’t impressed, but that’s to be expected.

Of course a big part of Apple’s success is the number and quality of apps available for its hardware. As the owner of both iOS and Android devices, I find the apps for the iPhone and iPad to be vastly superior (although there are always exceptions). There’s less garbage, and far fewer ad-riddled apps. Part of that reason is Apple’s strict approval process, and the amount of money it pays to developers -- $2 billion in its fiscal first quarter -- helps too.

The company paid out $10 billion to developers in 2013 (no doubt a huge chunk of that going to Candy Crush Saga developer King), which shows that the App Store remains the best place for developers to make money -- provided they can gain the required visibility of course.

This week there were some great new apps and games, and a number of noteworthy updates.

As always, if I miss an app that you think should definitely have been included, let me know in the comments below.

Here is my selection for this week.

Paid App of the Week

Lego Star Wars: Microfighters ($0.99)

Earlier in the week, Google announced a Chrome tie-in with LEGO, which I described as "awesome". I also said the plastic brick manufacturer really knows how keep "its product modern, with video games like LEGO Star Wars and LEGO Hobbit". And lo and behold, here’s a fresh new Star Wars LEGO game to enjoy.

Lego Star Wars: Microfighters is a retro-style shooter that lets you pilot six iconic Star Wars ships, including TIE fighters and X-wings. You can choose to fly for the Rebellion, or the Empire, and there are 18 levels spread across four planets -- Endor, Yavin, Hoth and Geonosis -- and 35 types of enemies to engage. It's great fun, and well worth the asking price.

Free App of the Week

SwiftKey Note

Owners of Android phones may be familiar with the SwiftKey software keyboard. SwiftKey Note isn’t the same thing, but rather a note-taking app from SwiftKey’s developer, TouchType. It does however, offer the keyboard’s auto-correction and prediction algorithms, making typing and jotting down notes, much quicker. It gets smarter the more you use it too.

You can share notes, and the app offers Evernote synchronization and more. Notes can be tagged and formatted, and you can write in up to three languages at a time.

Other Apps

Parallels Access

Offers in-app purchases.

When I’m working away from my PC I’m usually remote accessing it on my iPad using the excellent Parallels Access. I’ve tried other remote access tools in the past, most notably TeamViewer, but this is easily my favorite tool for the task.

The app was updated this week and now sports an iOS 7 look and feel. It offers full support for OS X Mavericks, Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 and gains enhancements for connections in/from corporate networks.

Subscriptions are now per-user rather than per remote computer (and you can use it on up to 10 systems). You get a 14 day free trial of the full version, and can continue to use it in time limited mode once the trial has expired.

7 Minute Workout – Quick Fit ($0.99)

Offers in-app purchases.

There are loads of 7 Minute Workout apps in the App Store. This one guides you through the famous brief exercise blast using HD video and voice prompts. There are 12 exercises, with 10 seconds of rest in-between, making it ideal for people who don't have time to spend hours exercising but still want to maintain a certain level of fitness.

If you’re feeling a bit flabby round the middle, there’s a new Quick Abs workout pack available for $1.99.

Launch Center Pro for iPad ($4.99)

This app is like speed dial for everyday tasks. "Launch actions, not just apps", according to the description. Example actions include messaging a friend, emailing someone, launching a favorite website and more. You can chain multiple actions together.

The iPad version is pretty much identical to the iPhone one, just super-sized to make use of the extra screen space.

Dungeon Keeper

Offers in-app purchases.

I was a huge fan of the original PC version of Dungeon Keeper so I’ll admit to being excited to see a new version of it on iOS. However, it turns out this is actually more like Clash of Clans than the game I knew and loved.

That said, the new Dungeon Keeper is fun, and the concept -- build the best dungeon and protect it from invading heroes by deploying traps, trolls, demons, warlocks (and numerous other creatures) -- remains the same. It’s freemium and the game nags you to buy virtual gold continually, which spoils the enjoyment of it somewhat.

LoginBox

Offers in-app purchases.

If you log into a lot of password protected websites, this app will save you time by storing your credentials and letting you log in with a single tap. It combines a password manager with a browser, and works with hundreds of sites. If you encounter a site that isn’t supported, you can email the developers and they’ll add it if possible.

Although the base app is free, support for unlimited sites costs $5.99.

Piano Mania

Offers in-app purchases.

Practice makes perfect when it comes to learning to play the keyboard and this iPad app can really help. Place the iPad on your keyboard or piano and play away -- or use the touch mode. It features hundreds of songs including classics like When the Saints Go Marching In and modern songs like Katy Perry’s Roar.

Although the app is free, you’ll need to buy a paid subscription if you want to get the most from it.

Impressed Photo Books

This app lets you create stylish hard cover photo books right from your iPad, using pictures from an iOS device, iPhoto, PC, Dropbox, Facebook, Instagram, or Flickr. Impressed Photo Books also creates a digital version that allows you to add voice recordings and lets viewers leave comments. This is accessible through a QR code printed in the book.

Books you create can be shipped to anywhere in the US or Canada.

Apple’s App of the Week

PopAGraph

Offers in-app purchases.

This week’s free app aims to transform your photos and give them the wow factor. It isolates the subject of your picture and lets you make them really stand out. There are loads of effects, filters, frames and adjustments you can apply, and finished images can be shared on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Sina Weibo, emailed or saved to the camera roll.

There are additional filters available as in-app purchases.
From Windows XP to Linux? -- you'd have to be mad!

Publié: janvier 31, 2014, 12:20pm CET par Mark Wilson

It has been suggested that the people who are still hanging onto Windows XP after all of these years are going to continue to do so once support officially ends in April. Microsoft is obviously keen to herd people towards Windows 8.1, but there is a good deal of resistance. Some have proposed Linux as a viable alternative; to me, this seems like a completely nonsensical "upgrade" path. Brian managed to cause quite some excitement yesterday when he wrote that Windows XP refugees should migrate towards Linux rather than considering the latest version of Windows. Without wanting to fall out with Brian, I think he's plain wrong.

One of the reasons many people cite for not wanting to upgrade to Windows 8 or 8.1 is that they don’t want to have to deal with the Start screen. They have become used to things working in a certain way and, while not perhaps entirely resistant to change, need a little encouragement into seeing the value of things. Brian suggests that one of the reasons to switch to Linux is that "you get to learn something new." If this is supposed to be an attractive element of Linux, then users may as well spend the time getting used to Windows 8.1.

Sure, there are plenty of differences between Windows 8.1 and XP, but at its heart it is still the same version of Windows we have known for years. There are a few new techniques and features, but for the most part everything works as you would expect it to and can be found where you would expect. The same certainly cannot be said of Linux. That's not to say that the likes of Ubuntu are impenetrable -- far from it -- but for those uncomfortable with change for whatever reason, there's certainly a steeper learning curve to navigate for Linux than Windows 8.1.

Brian suggests that one of the perceived stumbling blocks for moving to Linux is a lack of software. He goes on to describe the various alternatives to commonly used apps. But this is the problem. Someone who has stuck with Windows XP for more than a decade, probably using Office XP as well, isn’t going to want to have to learn how the likes of LibreOffice operate. Learn a new operating system and relearn how to use all of your apps? Is this likely to appeal to the average home user? I'm familiar with various Linux distros, but when it comes to helping out my mum over the phone, I know it would be a heck of a lot easier telling her how to do things in the slightly unfamiliar environment of Windows 8.1 than the completely alien territory of Linux. Put simply, Linux would scare my mother -- and I don’t think she's alone.

The low system requirements of Linux are often cited as a great bonus. In fact, there isn’t that great a difference between Windows and Linux here. The requirements for Ubuntu are a 700MHz CPU and 512MB RAM. Windows 8.1 requires a 1GHz processor and 1GB RAM. Hardly a massive difference. It has even been suggested that when Update 1 is released for Windows 8.1, system requirements will be even lower. OK, you're not going to be fully at full pelt on these sorts of machines, but if you're the type of person still hanging onto Windows XP, you're probably not on the cutting edge of technology running the most demanding software anyway.

Something that is swept under the carpet is that fact that Linux often just doesn't play nicely with some hardware. This is something I know from personal experience! If you can't get a key piece of hardware to work, Linux is not going to be for you.

Of course there will be some people who do have an ancient computer that is simply not up to the task of running Windows 8.1. This is to be expected. Things do not last forever. The computer you spent however many hundred dollars on back in the 90s is no more invincible than any other piece of electronic equipment. Ultimately your old CRT TV died -- or will die. If you want to continue to watch TV, a new one will be required and it will have to be a flatscreen. Things move forward. Things change. That's just the way it is. Yes, it's going to upset some people, but the march of progress always leaves a few casualties in its wake.

In all of the debate, it is easy to forget one thing. You could just stick with Windows XP. Computers around the world aren't going to suddenly explode and become unusable in April. My suggestion is if you can, upgrade to Windows 8.1. This might mean parting with a little cash to get a new computer, but it is possible to pick up something halfway decent for very, very little these days. If you simply can't bring yourself to do this, or really can't afford to, just don’t worry about it. Keep using XP. You'll be fine.

Photo Credit: cunaplus/Shutterstock
Able-HD wants to put a monitor in your bag

Publié: janvier 31, 2014, 11:29am CET par Ian Barker

As long ago as 2003 Microsoft research found that having a second monitor made people up to 50 percent more productive.

However, having two screens is fine for those of us tied to a desk but isn’t exactly practical for people on the move.

The Able-HD Plus monitor is aiming to change that and allow you to take a second screen with you wherever you go. Available in 15 and 17-inch versions, both with full 1080p resolution, the 17-inch model is lighter than an iPad and less than one-third the thickness of a standard HD monitor, making it easy to slip into a laptop bag or briefcase.

It has a multi-port, detachable adapter board which also acts as a stand and is compatible with laptops, smartphones, Xbox games consoles and other devices, and comes with audio in/out, HDMI, VGA, and DVI connections. A synthetic polymer casing and rubber edging prevents damage to both the monitor and adapter, while a thermoplastic acrylic screen gives the strongest, clearest resolution without sacrificing the monitor's streamlined design or loading it with extra weight.

"The Able-HD Plus is going to open up a whole new world of possibilities for productivity and enjoyment, both for people who already like working with multi-screen systems and people who have never considered it before," says Nell Harton, Founder and CEO of the Able-HD startup. "Everyone carries their computers with them in one form or another. Now they can carry their screens, too".

The original project was financed on Kickstarter. Now the team behind Able-HD is headed back to the site in order to raise funds to address issues -- particularly fragility -- identified in the first design.

"We knew we had to make the system stronger," says Harton, "but we took the opportunity to rethink the entire system design, and wound up making some changes that are both innovative and highly functional".

To find out more, pledge to the campaign or reserve a screen at an "early bird" price for its summer 2014 release visit the Able-HD website.
Yahoo Mail compromised -- is nothing safe anymore?

Publié: janvier 31, 2014, 2:10am CET par Brian Fagioli
I've been dubious of trusting Yahoo since its ill-advised decision to start recycling email addresses. While my criticism of that decision was theoretical, my colleague Wayne Williams experienced this ineptitude in practice.

Sadly, recycling emails is not the only blemish on the service. Today, Yahoo announces that the email accounts of some users have been compromised. In other words, the company has joined a special club that includes Target and Michaels, with users feeling anxious and violated.

"Security attacks are unfortunately becoming a more regular occurrence. Recently, we identified a coordinated effort to gain unauthorized access to Yahoo Mail accounts. Upon discovery, we took immediate action to protect our users, prompting them to reset passwords on impacted accounts", says Jay Rossiter, SVP, Yahoo.

Rossiter further explains, "the list of usernames and passwords that were used to execute the attack was likely collected from a third-party database compromise. We have no evidence that they were obtained directly from Yahoo’s systems. Our ongoing investigation shows that malicious computer software used the list of usernames and passwords to access Yahoo Mail accounts. The information sought in the attack seems to be names and email addresses from the affected accounts’ most recent sent emails".

What is particularly troubling to me are two things from the statement -- "likely" and "third-party database". The word "likely" means the company isn't sure what happened, which is disappointing. However, the real question is, why would a third party be storing the credentials of Yahoo users? When a user establishes a username and password with Yahoo, the expectation is that it is not shared outside of Yahoo. The company has some explaining to do.

Yahoo is doing the following things to protect the affected users:
- We are resetting passwords on impacted accounts and we are using second sign-in verification to allow users to re-secure their accounts. Impacted users will be prompted (if not, already) to change their password and may receive an email notification or an SMS text if they have added a mobile number to their account.
- We are working with federal law enforcement to find and prosecute the perpetrators responsible for this attack.
- We have implemented additional measures to block attacks against Yahoo’s systems.
Sadly, this comes on the heels of credit card breaches at Target and possibly Michaels. While those incidents are not related to this one, it still compounds the issue of people feeling that data is not safe.

Do you use Yahoo email? Will you continue to use it? Tell me in the comments.

Image Credit: Farozzi / Shutterstock