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• 

  CyberLink Media Suite 12 Ultimate: A great value-for-money bundle [Review]

  Publié: juillet 31, 2014, 8:12pm CEST par Mike Williams

  

  After almost 20 years developing multimedia software, it’s no surprise that CyberLink has some impressive products. But they can seem expensive. PowerDVD is definitely a versatile and feature-packed media player, but if you’re used to freeware then its $99.95 list price might send you elsewhere.

  Fortunately CyberLink’s Media Suite 12 Ultimate offers a more value-for-money option, providing a big chunk of the CyberLink range -- a total of fifteen products -- for as little as $139.95.

  The suite has 12 PC packages. PowerDVD 14 handles media playback, PowerDirector 12 and PhotoDirector 5 provide video and photo editing, PowerProducer 6 and Power2Go 9 cover disc authoring and burning, MediaEspresso 7 handles your media conversion needs, and MediaShow 6, WaveEditor 2, PowerBackup 2.6, PowerDVD Copy 1.5, Label Print 2.5 and Instant Burn 5.0 are also thrown in.

  Three content packs (Holiday, Travel, Romance) extend all this with effects, templates and other extras.

  And the suite also offers a trio of mobile apps. PowerDirector Mobile and a new PhotoDirector Mobile bring video and photo editing to Android and Windows 8 devices, while Power Media Player (formerly PowerDVD Mobile) is a media player for Android, iOS and Windows 8.

  This looks like a good deal, but how does it work in real life? We grabbed a copy and headed for our test PC.

  Getting started

  Media Suite 12 Ultimate has just one installer, which means setup is relatively straightforward. Read the license agreement, clear the checkbox to say you don’t want to install Google Toolbar (slightly annoying on a commercial product), select the applications you’d like, and everything else is handled automatically.

  We ran into one problem on our test PC: the installer couldn’t remove an existing copy of PhotoDirector, and so wasn’t able to install the new one. This was probably an issue with our local system, though, and CyberLink’s support pages quickly revealed the solution. A simple cleanup tool properly removed the previous build and the installer then ran correctly.

  Once everything has finished, a simple front-end menu helps you access Media Suite’s tools. This is organized by task, conveniently, so you don’t have to remember which CyberLink application does what. Instead, just choose a category ("Movie", "Video", "Photo", "Music", "Data & Backup"), then a task ("Play a Movie Disc", "Convert Videos", "Upload to Social Networks" and more), and the appropriate program is launched.

  Suite management tools seem relatively weak. If you chose not to install WaveEditor, for example, there’s no easy way to add it later (you can uninstall the entire suite, but not add or remove individual components). And although an "Update" icon tells you when there’s a new version of a program available, there’s no automated way to download or install it: you just get a link to the relevant web page, and are left to do everything else yourself.

  Still, Media Suite 12 Ultimate delivers well on our core requirements: all its applications can be installed or removed from a single tool, and a front end menu makes it easy to find and launch whatever application you need. You’ll soon be ready to explore.

  Highlights

  While Media Suite 12 Ultimate includes 15 applications, they vary considerably in usefulness, and probably only 6 or 7 have real value.

  Our favorite is PowerDirector 12, a fast and professional video editor. This starts with novice-friendly features to help you cut your movies, add music, effects, burn them to disc or put them online. If you know what you’re doing then you can go to work on the 100 track timeline, customize effects, add transitions, fix lighting/ noise/ shaky footage. The latest build adds multicam editing, custom subtitling, PowerPoint import and more, and overall it’s still the best consumer video editor around.

  PowerDVD 14 is another big plus. It doesn’t just play the usual discs, audio and video files: there’s also support for H.265 and UltraHD 4K content, RAW images, 3D media, and browsing YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo and Flickr. You’re able to stream media between all the Windows, iOS, Android and DLNA devices on your network, and CyberLink’s TrueTheater technologies can help to stabilize videos, enhance detail and colors, reduce noise, and more.

  All this functionality means PowerDVD can take a while to learn, and some options require powerful hardware to run smoothly. But it’s still a quality media player, and a major asset to the suite.

  PhotoDirector 5, CyberLink’s photo editor, isn’t quite such a clear-cut winner: editing novices may be happier with something like Paint.Net, while experts often prefer Lightroom. But if you’re looking for a good mid-range tool then you’ll appreciate the powerful correction tools (now automatically fixing lens distortion), creative effects, content-aware removal features, people beautifier tools and more, especially with a performance boost from its new 64-bit engine.

  The mobile apps may also be useful, particularly PowerDirector (you’re able to start work on simple projects immediately, or save them for later editing on your desktop). As we write, all three get four star ratings on Google Play.

  The remaining program of note is Power2Go 9, a capable tool for burning CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray and BDXL discs. While not exceptional, it easily outperforms the best-of-breed freeware, and (if you’ve nothing similar) will be a plus to your PC.

  

  And there’s more

  Media Suite 12 Ultimate has plenty of other applications on offer. They don’t have quite the same general appeal as our favorites, but there’s still some value here for the right person.

  MediaEspresso is a tool for converting videos into a mobile or tablet-friendly format, for example. Some of the free competition offer more device profiles, and extras like a built-in editor. But if you need them, MediaEspresso’s H.265 support and TrueTheater optimizations will be a major plus.

  If you’d like an audio editor then there are a stack of quality free products around, and you don’t really need CyberLink’s WaveEditor 2. But it’s a likeable tool, easy to use and with one or two surprising extras (vocal removal, VST support, direct Freesound import, CD creation).

  MediaShow 6 is a decent media organizer, nothing special but with plenty to explore, including face tagging, slideshow and social media support (Facebook/ YouTube/ Flickr).

  The remaining apps are relatively basic, simpler add-ons than major programs in their own right (DVD copying, label design and packet burning). But that’s fine, as there’s more than enough elsewhere to justify Media Suite 12 Ultimate’s purchase price, and these extras are effectively thrown in for free.

  Verdict:

  We wouldn't pay for every Media Suite Ultimate application, but if you'll use two or three of them - PowerDVD, PowerDirector, PhotoDirector, maybe the mobile apps - then it's great value for money, and there's a stack of interesting extras to explore.

  We Like:

  Value for money, excellent video editor, quality media player and photo editor, well-designed mobile apps, generally easy to use, convenient task-oriented front-end menu

  We Don't Like:

  Can't easily add/ remove suite components, a few "filler" programs, poor Help files for some applications

  Overview

  Manufacturer:	CyberLink
  Price (RRP):	$149.95
  Best Price:	$139.95
  Platforms:	Windows XP, Vista, 8/ 8.1, both 32 and 64-bit editions
  Requirements:	5GB free hard drive space for installation, 10GB (20GB recommended) for DVD production, 60GB (100GB recommended) for Blu-ray Disc/ AVCHD production

  
• 

  Windows Phone is like OS X a decade ago -- gaining respect, finally

  Publié: juillet 31, 2014, 7:34pm CEST par Joe Wilcox

  

  Four years ago, I asserted: "Windows Phone 7 series is a lost cause", and it was. But you gotta give Microsoft credit for persistence. Today the foundation is solid, and app developers are finally starting to notice, like they did in 2004 with Apple's flagship operating system.

  But pundits howl like the zombie apocalypse, which is pretty good analogy for mindless Android and iOS users constantly clicking and scrolling. Microsoft's Windows Phone "glance-and-go" design philosophy is all about living beings and interacting with them rather than cold plastic and metal slabs. (Say, isn't that where we lay the dead before burying them?)

  Ex-Microsoftie Robert Scoble is pundit-of-the-minute (honestly, twenty seconds given zombie attention spans), demanding that Microsoft abandon Windows Phone and surrender its collective mobile soul to Android. I have expressed many times in the past that Microsoft's mobile strategy sucks -- or did before buying Nokia. The path reaching Windows Phone 8.1's release was a long road to ruin. But from devastation, new things rise.

  "That train has sailed" Scoble tells GeekWire. "The real answer is, give up Windows Phone, go Android, and embrace and extend like you did with the Internet. But they don’t listen to me".

  Trains sink. Except in science fiction movies where they fly, like the closing of "Back to the Future III" -- end of a series that got the year ahead, 2015, wrong. Cars don't fly and most homes don't have fax machines. The point: The future isn't always what you predict. Scoble is too caught up in the numbers game.

  As is colleague Mihaita Bamburic with today's headline "It's game over for Windows Phone". Mihaita reports about Strategy Analytics data showing Windows Phone "28.94 percent decrease year-over-year in market share", based on unit shipments.

  Yeah, yeah, hand me a hanky so I can blow my nose.

  Given Microsoft's purchase of Nokia, the world's largest Windows Phone maker, and the logistical handicaps, the decline is unsurprising. Windows Phone remains a distant third to Android and iOS, but No. 3 nevertheless. Let's silence the gripe and pass the snickerdoodles.

  Comment banter to my story "Why is iPhone so destructible?" makes a valid point about these stats. John Topper asks WP7Mango: "Is that why in the US Windows Phone market share dropped from 4 to 3.8 percent?" He answers: "Why should I care what the market share is? I don't buy my phones based on market share stats. In fact, I don't buy anything based on market share stats".

  Right. Who does? I don't. Do you?

  Mean Transition

  Again, I am reminded of OS X, which transition left Apple an applications wasteland -- all while Windows surged. The modern Mac operating system released in March 2001, into a market where the best way to measure Apple PC share was a magnifying glass. But by 2004, the same year Service Pack 2 made Windows XP usable, enough good apps grew from the OS 9-to-X-transition devastation to promise revival.

  What pundits ignored then about OS X as they do now with Windows Phone: The platform isn't a single entity. By 2004, Apple had retail stores, iPod, iTunes, and iLife pulling consumer sales -- many "halo", people buying music players also adopting Macs, for example. Pretty computers running a UNIX core pulled niche creative professionals, and their demand for supporting apps spurred developers to produce them. Then there were the rebels: People seeking escape from Windows or looking to live a different digital lifestyle.

  Windows Phone also doesn't stand alone. Microsoft's efforts to tie the platform to existing strong-hold products like Exchange and Office are more sensible today than four years ago, in part because the platform and the integrated strategy around it has matured. I bought the Nokia Lumia Icon, and to my surprise really enjoy using Windows Phone 8. But I got the phone anticipating Surface Pro 3, purchased day of availability. Like someone choosing iPod and a Mac a decade ago: Product synergy.

  The Windows Phone apps wasteland observed a year ago -- even just a few months ago -- fills with new growth. All the majors I care about -- Adobe PhotoShop Express, Facebook, Flixster, IMDB, Instagram, Kindle Reader, Netflix, Shazam, Tumbler, Twitter, Vimeo, and Vine, for example, among others -- are available. My bank and credit card provider have apps. Absent: Apple and Google apps, although most Big G services work just fine in the browser, including Plus, and Microsoft provides solid support for Google Calendar and Contacts and Gmail.

  Six months ago, I would not have considered Windows Phone, which app selection still looked too much like a graveyard. Momentum grows, even as zombie pundits seek to feast on the platform. Like OS X in 2004, for which Apple produced the best apps, Microsoft does same with Windows Phone. Office is surprisingly useful -- more than it ever was on Windows Mobile. I write on my Icon with increasing frequency. Then there are the Nokia apps, which are absolutely great, providing the kind of digital content creation capabilities reminiscent of Apple applications on OS X a decade ago. Nokia's stuff isn't as tightly integrated, but the utility bangs heads -- or should I say the zombie dead.

  Reaching Down to Move Up

  Where Windows Phone's future can -- and I predict will -- defy the doomsayers is the brilliant low-cal, high-nutrition strategy. Nokia is still a leader in the global mobile marketplace. In most geographies, the flip and other so-called dumb phones being converted to smart slabs bear the Nokia brand. Meanwhile, in the overall handset market -- not singling out smartphones -- Nokia still ranks number two, according to most reliable market-research firms.

  Not that you would know. There is way too much misinformation about the global handset market. BGR headline from yesterday: "Strategy Analytics: 85% of phones shipped last quarter run Android". That's inaccurate. The analyst firm says smartphones, which make up the largest chunk of the global handset market but by no means all of it.

  As I predicted three years ago, Microsoft's platform deal undid Nokia. But actual ownership, with resurgent Windows Phone and some solid devices could save the device maker. Nokia Lumia 635 is great example. It's a tasty smartphone morsel that offers lots for little cost, and that's exactly the winning way to move existing Nokia customers using hundreds of millions of dumb phones to smarter ones with the same brand. I can walk into my Microsoft Store and buy the no-contract phone for $99 or $129, for AT&T or T-Mobile, respectively.

  That's what smartphones should cost, with no carrier-contract obligation, or even less. In India, where Nokia once commanded 70 percent market share, the official brand store sells a dual-SIM Lumia 630 for ₹11,329 or about US $186. That's exactly not cheap based on household incomes but bargain basement compared to iPhone 5c, which Amazon India sells for ₹32,900 ($540) but lists for ₹41,900 ($689).

  Microsoft should keep up the entry-level push, while courting aficionados with devices like Lumia Icon, 930, or 1020. Windows Phone will get more respect, and Nokia will help bring it. Sure the apps go to Android and iOS first, like they did Windows a decade go. But people still bought Macs, and increasing numbers for a convergence of previously stated reasons. The only thing dead here is the zombie apocalypse of mindless smartphone users and pundits seeking to eat Windows Phone's brain.

  
• 

  Endpoint management is very much alive

  Publié: juillet 31, 2014, 7:06pm CEST par Ashley Leonard

  

  There are plenty of IT managers who would argue that device management -- for PC, laptop and tablet fleets -- has long gone the way of the Dodo.

  In fact, Info-Tech analyst Mike Bassista agrees, recently suggesting that "organizations should treat IT as utility; any endpoint should be able to access the applications and services needed by its user. And like the power company doesn't need to manage light bulbs receiving electricity, IT doesn't need to manage endpoints receiving IT services". Whilst there is some merit to his comment, I really believe device management is more important now than ever before.

  New challenges

  Virtually every company has encountered the problem whereby employees viewing IT as non-responsive actively purchase new hardware and software behind the backs of the IT department, in order to do their job. A 2014 survey by Stratecast/Frost & Sullivan found that 80 percent of respondents admitted to using non-approved SaaS applications in their jobs.

  This problem of shadow IT is creating a hidden, growing pool of assets that companies own but are unaware of, which creates legal, security and compliance risks. Imagine a scenario whereby an employee has downloaded software to a company PC, which is leaking records data to the internet. Any penalties and fines issued by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) would be aimed at the company and not the employee.

  The main concern surrounding shadow IT is that this is just the beginning. As more individuals trust cloud based software and services, it is likely that growing numbers will bypass IT and download applications without thinking. The risk of data leakage grows significantly with increasing trust in the cloud.

  Shining the light on Shadow IT

  The real issue with shadow IT is the unknown danger. IT managers should be worried about those unseen, unmanaged, and unpatched PCs, Macs, tablets, and phones, which have a greater likelihood of being connected to the corporate network and pose a greater risk of data leakage.

  Assuming that Wi-Fi and corporate networks are secure, the usual anti-viral / firewall protection is in place, what do IT managers need to be thinking about?

  Endpoint management technology can counter shadow IT as well as support existing BYOD (bring your own device) practices by first discovering what devices are connecting to the corporate network. Second, the technology can run an inventory to understand what software is being used and by whom. Third, it is not only possible to patch those devices and applications, but manage them with the correct permissions in place.

  5 essential factors of endpoint management

  If, like me, you can see that endpoint management is very much alive and necessary, there are five things to consider before deployment:

  Cloud-delivery: IT managers -- and specifically those in large organizations with disparate sites -- must be able to discover, patch and manage devices remotely. It's unrealistic to expect the IT manager to visit every site to load the endpoint management software.

  Rapid discovery: if the process of discovering devices takes days or, worse, weeks, it's a waste of time and a security risk. IT managers should look to partner with a vendor or MSP (managed service providers) that develops an endpoint management service, which can work within minutes.

  Reduce burden: if the endpoint management service actually adds a permanent layer of software code to each device, it is making more work for the IT manager, who will have to maintain the very code he or she has deployed.

  Management automation: an endpoint management solution needs to automate repetitive management tasks; a good example is patch management. You need to know; that patches exist, be able to scan you environment to see if a patch is required and then deploy the patch. Selecting a solution that provides a patch content database can allow automation of the process.

  Development road map: vendors must be able to clearly communicate the future of the services, which devices it will be able to identify, manage and protect now and in the future.

  Moving forward

  Endpoint management is more vital now than ever before. The devices we all carry into work are changing at a rapid pace and are increasing in number. Certainly, the laptop isn't going anywhere soon [any more than the TV will be ousted from our homes]. Managing endpoints is essential to combat shadow IT, police BYOD and help organizations focus on what is important.

  Ashley Leonard is CEO of Verismic.

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  How to overcome the main challenges faced by IT departments

  Publié: juillet 31, 2014, 6:34pm CEST par Sabelline Chicot

  

  IT departments always used to be the butt of jokes. Perhaps this was because being nerdy and geeky wasn't hip and cool until social media took the world by storm and made multimillionaires out of self-confessed geeks like Facebook's founder Mark Zuckerberg and Twitter co-founder Biz Stone.

  Technology firms like Apple and Google are partly responsible for making consumer IT cool, but the IT department is still often viewed as an impenetrable world only inhabited by geeks and boffins that are often arrogant, rude and obstructive.

  IT needs a PR makeover and this is probably the first and most important challenge that any IT professional has to contend with. Its consequences are far reaching. Not only is it hard to recruit good staff into IT, but the relationship with the rest of the business and employees can be strained, which doesn't help with job satisfaction or prospects.

  So how can you alleviate the challenges faced by your team?

  Staffing is key

  In the US, it is forecast that 10,000 baby boomers will be eligible to retire every day for the next 15 to 20 years. Some of these boomers work in IT departments and their knowledge of the organization and its wants and needs will be lost.

  Replacing boomers can be tough, as finding good, qualified staff isn't easy and today's graduates and students entering the workforce have different motivations. They are unlikely to stay in a job for life, so a motivating, flexible and challenging environment can help you attract the best staff, but also ones that stay for longer.

  For Google's CIO Ben Fried, employing the best people in IT is not only a way of bringing IT costs down, it also has a huge role to play in improving the image of the IT department.

  He told the Harvard Business Review that the IT team should be more knowledgeable about technology than other employees. This might seem common sense, but is actually not an easy task in today's world of tech savvy workers. If you have a broken laptop you want the first person you contact in the IT department to know more about it than you do and not offer a series of pre-scripted questions and responses as they are the lowest paid support service.

  Having fewer, better qualified and more knowledgeable support staff, he argues reduces costs as they can tackle more problems and do so more quickly.

  Work with people, not against them

  IT departments traditionally had the role of the enforcer, preventing employees from connecting their own devices to the company network to maintain and protect business systems and networks.

  With consumer proliferation of smartphones and tablets that battle has been firmly lost and users now bring in their own devices and apps and use them for personal and work-related tasks. Cisco estimates there will be 1.62 billion mobile devices in the office by 2016, so the trend is increasing.

  Embracing rather than preventing Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is now the best approach for IT departments, who still need to protect company data and information.

  According to Paul Simoneau, a senior instructor and course director with Global Knowledge, the IT department's solution should be to controlling data access and securing the organization’s data rather than being pre-occupied with preventing users access to the network.

  First, secure the data on servers, he says. Then provide users access to that data in the form of mobile web apps. This lets them access the data on any server they are authorized to access, but doesn't store any data on the mobile device.

  Embrace mobile technologies

  If your business hasn't gone mobile yet, then it almost certainly will. Mobile technology empowers individual employees to process, consume, manipulate and share huge amounts of information nearly instantly, from almost anywhere in the world, and often at very low cost.

  All this mobility creates new IT management challenges. Mobile technology, combined with the related BYOD trend, is pervasive and ubiquitous providing challenges for IT departments who must integrate these mobile devices with IT systems and secure the networks against a wide range of mobile threats, including malware, unauthorized access and theft.

  In a recent CIO Barometer survey, 65 percent of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) noted the development of mobile applications as one of IT's major challenges. Nearly as many (63 percent) also cited managing BYOD and other consumer technologies in the workplace as nearly as important.

  Leverage big data

  Harnessing data is one of the big tests facing businesses in the information age. Data growth is accelerating and anticipated to grow by 800 percent in the next five years. Understanding the scale, diversity and complexity of data demonstrates the challenge. Every day we create 2.5 quintillion bytes of data. This comes from a wide range of sources, such as social media updates, emails, digital pictures, climate sensors and cell phone GPS signals to name a few.

  There is huge potential in capturing and understanding data, much of which is unstructured, to inform business analytics and customer behavior.

  The State of the CIO 2014 survey rated leveraging data and analytics among the most important technology initiatives in the coming year with 72 percent of CIOs seeking to improve the use of data and analytics to benefit business decisions and outcomes.

  But if big data offers huge opportunities, protecting data and maintaining its integrity is a challenge that many IT departments are well aware of, especially given the fact that 71 percent of security breaches targeted user devices.

  And according to Eric Williams, executive vice president and chief information officer at Catalina Marketing Corp., another big challenge is resisting the temptation to gather every available piece of information available to only throw it into a data warehouse. It is much more effective and satisfactory to take a limited sample of data to start with and get real insight out of it, then grow the methodology for analysis.

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  Logitech TogetherWeGame will make you a game developer -- no skills needed

  Publié: juillet 31, 2014, 6:27pm CEST par Brian Fagioli

  

  Growing up as a computer nerd, I remember thinking that I would learn how to program, so I could develop my own video games. I think this is a dream that many nerds share. I remember that my dad bought me a huge book on programming and after about 5 pages, I gave up and began reading comic books instead. The moral of this story is not that I'm stupid (although that is debatable), but that not everyone is cut out to be a programmer. My dreams of creating a video game were dead.

  Or were they? Today, Logitech announces that it will be crowdsourcing a video game. This means that the direction of the game will be handled by fans on the internet -- pretty cool, eh? The best part is, no technical skills are required. In other words, my dream of contributing to a video game is alive and well.

  "We're developing a 16-bit tower defense game, but here's the kicker, every other decision is up to you, the fans. The characters, environment, weapons, rules -- when we say everything, we mean everything. This is the first ever crowdsourced video game that will be developed by a consumer brand. We have no idea what the final product will look like, and that is both terrifying and thrilling", says Logitech.

  The company further explains, "we're excited about this project because we believe design is all encompassing, something bigger than materials, color schemes product angles and weight. It's meant to tell a story and create an experience, and we'd love to share that experience with you, our fans. So whether you're a hardcore gamer, a casual gamer or a not-at-all gamer, please stop by the subreddit page and let us know what you want to see. This is something new for everyone, including us, and we can't wait to see what you create".

  Let's be honest, this won't exactly be the next Call of Duty franchise -- it will likely be a rudimentary tower defense game. However, the final product is less important than the shared experience and feeling of accomplishment to be had by the participants. It will be interesting to see how Logitech organizes the contributions and weeds out the trolls; you just know some knuckleheads will suggest nonsense for comedic purposes.

  If you are interested in participating, you can check out the reddit page here. Tell me what ideas you have in the comments below.

  Photo credit: kitty / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Google Chrome 64-bit Beta arrives, edges closer to final Windows release

  Publié: juillet 31, 2014, 1:25pm CEST par Nick Peers

  

  Google has moved its dedicated 64-bit Windows build of Chrome one step closer to its final release with the launch of Google Chrome 37.0 Beta (64-bit). The new release requires Windows 7 64-bit or later to run.

  The new build, which is also available in 64-bit form for Linux, moves to the beta channel, but despite media speculation, users should not assume a final release is just a few weeks away – it could yet be months before Google deems the build is stable enough for general consumption.

  The new build, which is not compatible with 64-bit versions of XP or Vista, can be installed over the top of an existing Chrome installation -- users should find their settings and bookmarks are preserved.

  On the surface, little should change for those switching to the new build -- while the move to 64-bit should, in theory, open up more than 3GB RAM for Chrome users, it’s worth noting that each open tab is given its own separate process. This means that the 32-bit build already allows up to 3-4GB RAM per open tab, which is more than ample for most people’s current browsing needs.

  In fact, the switch to 64-bit puts users at risk of allowing individual Chrome tabs to gobble up more available RAM should memory leaks occur, affecting overall performance as a result.

  However, switching to 64-bit architecture isn’t simply memory related; it also opens up Chrome to benefit from more general 64-bit performance improvements, while it can also be seen to represent a move to future-proof the browser.

  Users should also be aware of question marks over compatibility with existing plug-ins, some of which may need to be upgraded. One notable example is that the Google Talk plugin doesn’t work with Chrome 64-bit; however, the plugin should become redundant when Chrome 38 reaches the beta channel. That’s because version 38 -- currently in the Dev channel -- adds a built-in WebRTC component that allows Google Talk to function without the need for a separate plugin.

  Other compatibility considerations include the need to install a 64-bit version of Java.

  Google Chrome 37.0 Beta (64-bit) is available now as a free download for PCs running 64-bit versions of Windows 7, 8 or Linux. Also available for Windows, Linux and Mac is Google Chrome 37.0 Beta (32-bit).

  
• 

  J butterfly joins HTC's premium Android lineup

  Publié: juillet 31, 2014, 12:59pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Today, HTC introduces a new smartphone in its premium Android lineup. Called J butterfly, the device features similar specs to the One (M8) flagship, but without making use of the latter's 4 MP UltraPixel main camera, employing a 13 MP unit instead. Pixel fans, rejoice!

  That said, J butterfly retains the Duo Camera technology HTC baked in One (M8). It allows the smartphone to capture depth information to achieve a bokeh effect in photos, which is typical of DSLRs. On the front, there is a 5 MP camera, that is also taken from One (M8), designed for selfie-lovers. So far, J butterfly is shaping up to be what some had hoped One (M8) would be.

  On the front, there is also a 5-inch Super LCD3 display with a resolution of 1,080 by 1,920. But, sadly, the BoomSound speakers are nowhere to be seen; HTC is trying to make up for it with JBL's High-Performance In-Ear Headphones. The company is launching Dot View cases for J butterfly.

  Inside, there is a 2.5 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, with 2 GB of RAM and a 2,700 mAh battery to back it up. J butterfly ships with 32 GB of internal storage and a microSDXC card slot, the latter of which can be used to extend the capacity by up to 128 GB.

  As far as connectivity goes, J butterfly offers 4G LTE and WiMax 2+ cellular network support, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth 4.0 as its main highlights. It is also water and dust-proof. It comes in at 145 x 70 x 10 mm and 156 grams.

  HTC, as you might expect, is slapping its own Sense user interface on top of Android (KitKat), which I find to be quite attractive on One (M8). That means the usual software add-ons are included in the mix.

  Sadly, unless you live in Japan, you cannot buy J butterfly. But, if the past is of any indication, HTC may launch an international version of the smartphone, which moniker will most likely start with "Butterfly" (the last one in the series is called Butterfly S). The only thing that I have a problem with is the design, which is clearly not optimized for the (small) 5-inch display without the BoomSound speakers on the top and bottom.

  
• 

  How to access Windows 8.x emoji on a desktop PC

  Publié: juillet 30, 2014, 9:06pm CEST par Wayne Williams

  

  The touch screen keyboard available on Windows 8.x tablets -- like Microsoft Surface, for example -- gives you access to a wealth of emoji you can use in chats, emails, comments and so on. As well as the usual smileys, there are hand signs, hearts, cartoon characters, vehicles, weather symbols, and many more to pick from. Just select the character set you want at the bottom of the keyboard.

  If you’re not using a touch screen device, but still want to access these characters you can.

  All you need to do is right-click the taskbar, go to Toolbars and select Touch Keyboard. A virtual keyboard will open, and you can click on the emoji key and select the characters you want.

  A Touch Keyboard button will be displayed in the taskbar, so you can quickly access the virtual keyboard, and the emoji collection, as and when required.

  
• 

  BitTorrent releases Bleep for Windows, a closed Alpha chat client

  Publié: juillet 30, 2014, 8:31pm CEST par Alan Buckingham

  

  Recent revelations, courtesy of Edward Snowden, have given insight into just how much citizens need to worry about NSA activity, and it was an alarmingly large amount. BitTorrent has been working to mitigate these issues, at least as best as possible, with a Sync app that stores no data that can be accessed, and now a new chat app that will do the same.

  The service debuts in private Alpha today, allowing testers to jump on board and get a taste of what it's like to use what is claimed to be a "serverless" version of chat.

  BitTorrent points out the inherent need  for security these days, stating "with the susceptibility of communications platforms to snooping and hacking, reminders of which seems to surface every week, we realized that we were uniquely qualified to build a better platform and application".

  "Our big idea was to apply distributed technology to conversations. That means no servers required. This enables people using Bleep to make a direct, decentralized connection to someone they trust. Bleep offers the freedom to communicate without the risk of metadata being exposed", BitTorrent continues.

  It's a valid point, given the state of the world today, and the organization has done an admirable job of stepping up and protecting users with a rock-solid Sync client. If Bleep lives up to those expectations then governments could be in for a tougher time scanning and archiving information on citizens, the vast majority of whom are innocent, but caught in the cross-hairs of a wide net being cast.

  For now, Bleep is for Windows 7 and 8 desktops only, however other platforms are promised in the future. Customers will need to sign up for the Alpha, but can invite friends, once they are in. You can sign up here.

  
• 

  Logitech reveals the world's fastest gaming mouse -- G402 Hyperion Fury

  Publié: juillet 30, 2014, 6:59pm CEST par Brian Fagioli

  PC gaming is a really awesome pastime. While some people prefer console gaming, it is strictly a matter of preference. I like both, but I particularly like the gamification of PC gaming hardware. In other words, the actual building of the gaming PC and buying of cool peripherals can be as fun as the games themselves. Hell, it can sometimes be more fun.

  One of the most fun peripherals to buy for a gaming PC is the mouse. Unfortunately, far too much emphasis has been put on appearance lately, instead of performance. Don't get me wrong, a gaming mouse should look cool and sexy, but only as a secondary focus. Today, Logitech announces a mouse that meets the needs of performance and appearance-driven consumers, with the G402 Hyperion Fury. The company claims that it is the world's fastest gaming mouse. Is it faster than Speedy Gonzales?

  "Today we’re excited to introduce the fastest gaming mouse ever made, the Logitech G402 Hyperion Fury Ultra-Fast FPS Gaming Mouse. This mouse features Logitech's exclusive Fusion Engine sensor technology that can reliably track over 500 inches per second (IPS) and Logitech's exclusive Delta Zero sensor technology for unrivaled accuracy", says Logitech.

  The company touts the following features and specs:

  Features

  Fusion Engine hybrid senor
  8 programmable buttons
  On-the-fly DPI Switching
  32-bit ARM processor
  1 millisecond report
  High-speed clicking
  Full-speed USB
  Tracking
  Resolution: 240-4000 dpi
  Max. acceleration: >16G*
  Max. speed: >500 ips*
  * Tested on Logitech G240 Gaming Mouse Pad

  Responsiveness

  USB data format: 16 bits/axis
  USB report rate: 1000 Hz (1ms)
  Microprocessor: 32-bit ARM

  Glide

  Dynamic coefficient of friction -: .09 µ (k)*
  Static coefficient of friction -: .14 µ (s)*
  *Tested on wood-veneer desktop.

  Durability

  Buttons (Left / Right): 20 million clicks
  Feet: 250 kilometers

  Physical specifications

  Weight: 144 grams (mouse plus cable)
  Weight: 108 grams (mouse without cable)
  Length: 136mm
  Width: 72mm
  Height: 41mm
  Cable: 7ft

  Wow, that is quite impressive. As you can see, the G402 offers on-the-fly DPI changing via up and down buttons -- rather standard nowadays. Also, it features 8 programmable buttons -- perfect for assigning different tasks or weapons to the buttons of your choice. I am happy to see that it is wired, rather than wireless, as gamers will not be interrupted by dead batteries.

  If you are interested, you can pre-order the mouse here for $59.99. Will you buy it? Tell me in the comments.

  
• 

  Why I'm still right about the BlackBerry Passport (and other things)

  Publié: juillet 30, 2014, 6:41pm CEST par Randall C. Kennedy

  

  What a firestorm! I sort of knew going in that my previous entry, "Do NOT buy a BlackBerry Passport until you read this", would evoke a heated response from the BB faithful. However, I never imagined there were still so many dedicated BlackBerry fans out there. Over 200 (mostly scathing) comments later, and I can feel the rage (the "Zionist" quips, in particular, were hilarious).

  Another pundit might try to backtrack in light of such unrelenting animosity. But not me! The potent combination of unbridled hubris and geographic isolation have emboldened me to double-down on my original assertions. So, instead of dancing around the issues, I’m tackling a few of the major objections head-on to show you why I’m right (and you’re all wrong) about the BlackBerry Passport.

  First up is the "business user" objection. Many have pointed out that the Passport is designed specifically for BB fans, with features that benefit users who have traditionally skewed towards physical keyboards and other signature BlackBerry elements. They claim that I’m missing the point by focusing on a market of users for whom the device was never intended.

  My response is that I agree with their analysis of the Passport’s feature set: It is indeed designed for hardcore BB fans. However, as was the case with the Playbook, the buzz around BlackBerry’s "funky" new phone has greatly broadened its potential appeal. Which, in the case of a device like the Passport, is a very bad thing.

  Customers who listen to the buzz and mistakenly purchase a Passport thinking it’s just like any other Android or iOS handset will quickly bump into the very real compatibility and app selection issues that have plagued BB10 from the beginning. The resulting high return rate, coupled with the inevitable scathing reviews from journalists who have no clue about BlackBerry or the design philosophy behind the device, will create the same kind of negative media spiral that doomed the Playbook.

  None of this would be such a big deal if, as a company, BlackBerry was willing to settle for simply maintaining its legacy customer base. But years of belt-tightening and cost-cutting -- not to mention the unceremonious axing of underperforming products, like the Playbook -- have shown that the folks from Waterloo have little patience for small volume platforms with niche appeal.

  BlackBerry’s shareholders want the company to do more than just tread water. They want it to start growing the business again, and the temptation for BlackBerry to oversell its portfolio in an effort to tap into the larger consumer market may be too strong to resist. In other words, all of the ingredients are in place for a repeat of the Playbook fiasco.

  The remaining comments mostly fall under either the "you’re a shill for Apple/Google/Microsoft" category, or the "you’re a discredited journalist with questionable ethics and thus should be ignored" mantle (yet you took the time to comment).

  With regard to the first line of attack, I consider it a badge of honor any time I get accused of being on some company’s payroll. And when I successfully provoke a response from two or more major camps within any 30 day period (as I have here on several occasions), I give myself an extra pat on the back for a job well done.

  And as for the "discredited journalist" comments, seriously? Four years later and people are still beating that old horse? Larry Dignan’s "Watergatian" effort to discredit me dug up what, exactly? That I ran a small, one-person consultancy firm? Check. That I really did have huge Wall Street clients, like Morgan Stanley, who site-license my software? Check. That I never actually falsified any data or otherwise published anything demonstrably untrue? Check.

  In fact, the only thing this buffoon ever managed to "pin" on me was that I once used the name "Craig Barth" to separate my very real, full-time job supporting Morgan and others, from my very frivolous, part-time gig as a shock-jock blogger for InfoWorld. And even then, he got the story wrong when he claimed that Mr. Barth was some fictitious character I created.

  After all these years, I’m still amazed that nobody ever thought to ask what the "C" stands for in "Randall C. Kennedy" (hint: it rhymes with "Greg"). Or bothered to do a vital records search (I’m notorious, after all) and thus discovered that (surprise) I wasn’t born a Kennedy.

  Let it go, folks. And meet me back here in a year so I can say "I told you so!"

  Photo Credit: Mihai Petre/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Jitterbit connects SAP to the cloud

  Publié: juillet 30, 2014, 3:11pm CEST par Ian Barker

  

  SAP is the world's most popular ERP (enterprise resource planning) system, but a recent survey by HCL Technologies shows that integration with their existing solutions was the biggest obstacle to 45 percent of SAP users when implementing cloud technologies.

  Integration company Jitterbit has announced a new SAP Connector that lets businesses integrate their existing processes with SAP whether they're on-site or in the cloud. Certified by SAP and running on Jitterbit's Harmony cloud platform it offers faster integration and is compatible with SAP's latest HANA in memory appliance.

  "Businesses are clamoring to bring on new cloud technologies, but integrating them with existing solutions and on-premise systems in an efficient and secure manner has proved to be an enormous headache," says Jitterbit Vice President of Marketing and Business Development Andrew Leigh. "The Harmony SAP Connector will empower companies to embrace new technologies and realize amplified value from their existing applications by offering the only integration solution delivered on a unified cloud platform, which is both easy to use and quick to get up and running."

  The new Connector is optimized for SAP customers operating in specific industries, including manufacturing, retail, automotive, and energy. It allows companies in these sectors to streamline critical business processes like customer service and field service, breaking down departmental barriers across the organization. Businesses will also be able to get increased value from their back-office SAP systems by connecting them with new technologies that make use of cloud, mobile, and social media innovations, as well as the internet of things.

  It's the only integration tool for SAP that runs on a unified, multi-tenant cloud platform, allowing customers the agility, speed and support that the cloud offers. It also offers a graphical interface which means business users can set up and manage connections without the need for specialist API support.

  You can find out more on the Jitterbit website.

  Photo Credit: Vallepu / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Smartphone market sees stiffer competition

  Publié: juillet 30, 2014, 1:47pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  The competition is heating up in the smartphone space, as, in Q3 2014, a dozen vendors have what it takes to shake up the top five smartphone makers list, according to a new report from research firm IDC. Judging by the standing from Q2 2014, the likely players in danger of losing their spots are Huawei, Lenovo and LG.

  Samsung and Apple continue to be in a position of strength, with the two being responsible for 25.2 percent (74.3 million) and 11.9 percent (35.1 million), respectively, of the 295.3 million smartphones shipped in the quarter that ended June 30. That said, both lost market share compared to Q2 2013, when they claimed 32.3 percent and 13 percent, respectively, thanks to shipments of 77.3 million and 31.2 million units, respectively.

  IDC estimates that smartphone shipments will top 300 million units for the first time, in Q3 2014. Compared to Q1 2014, in Q2 2014 shipments grew by 2.6 percent, which makes it a record quarter according to IDC. "A record second quarter proves that the smartphone market has plenty of opportunity and momentum", says IDC program director Ryan Reith. "Right now we have more than a dozen vendors that are capable of landing in the top 5 next quarter. A handful of these companies are currently operating in a single country, but no one should mistake that for complacency -- they all recognize the opportunity that lies outside their home turf".

  So which vendors are likely to threaten the position of established competitors? "As the death of the feature phone approaches more rapidly than before, it is the Chinese vendors that are ready to usher emerging market consumers into smartphones", says IDC senior research manager Melissa Chau. "The offer of smartphones at a much better value than the top global players but with a stronger build quality and larger scale than local competitors gives these vendors a precarious competitive advantage".

  Here is what else you need to know from the report. Samsung's Galaxy S5 shipments were in the millions of units, and Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S3 shipments remained strong despite the devices' age. Apple is stronger in BRIC markets, but consumers are waiting for the iPhone 6 to launch, with its bigger display. Huawei and Lenovo are growing outside of their home country, China. And, LG's new G3 looks to be a hit.

  

  While IDC has yet to launch its report on the market share of smartphone operating systems, we have some information from Kantar Worldpanel ComTech regarding how Android, iOS and Windows Phone fare in Europe, US, China, Australia and Brazil.

  In Europe, Android and Windows Phone grew in Q2 2014, compared to the same period of last year, reaching 74 percent and 8.8 percent, respectively (up from 72 percent and 6.9 percent, respectively). Apple's iPhones lost a bit of market share, dropping to 15.3 percent from 15.7 percent.

  "Android continued to grow its share across Europe in the second quarter of this year, thanks to smaller manufacturers such as Wiko, Huawei and Alcatel OneTouch pushing the platform", says Kantar Worldpanel ComTech strategic insight direction Dominic Sunnebo. "Samsung still remains the dominant manufacturer of Android handsets with a 44.1 percent share across the five largest European markets. Meanwhile, Apple's share of the European market remains fairly static. Interestingly, in its largest EU market, Great Britain, sales of the iPhone 5c have surged to almost equal that of the iPhone 5s. The iPhone 5c continues to attract a different audience from the 5s, with its customers tending to be female, mid to late adopters and less affluent".

  Meanwhile, in US, Android gained some market share (62 percent, up from 51.5 percent), while both iOS and Windows Phone dropped in market share (to 31.5 percent from 42.5 percent, and to 3.8 percent from 4 percent, respectively).

  "In the USA, Samsung’s marketing power continues to play a key part in driving sales of the S5", says Sunnebo. "Some 61 percent of Galaxy S5 buyers recall seeing TV ads relating to the handset while 40 percent remember seeing online advertisements. Its brand resonance, coupled with Samsung’s strength in stores are coming together to help it challenge Apple’s dominance. Some 64 percent of consumers that were recommended a brand in-store were recommended Samsung".

  In China, Android's market share reached 84.3 percent, up from 69.9 percent, while both iOS and Windows Phone lost market share (dropping to 12.8 percent from 24.7 percent, and to 0.9 percent from 2.9 percent, respectively).

  "Chinese consumers tend to switch brands far more often compared with other markets", adds Sunnebo. "The balance of power in the Chinese mobile sector can change incredibly quickly and the current momentum behind Xiaomi off the back of its latest product announcement, the Xiaomi Mi4, shows that the company's success isn't expected to slow down any time soon. Significant numbers of existing smartphone users are looking to switch to Xiaomi -- some 8 percent of Apple customers, 12 percent of Samsung customers and 13 percent of Nokia customers are all actively planning to switch to Xiaomi when they upgrade. This number is even higher for local brands such as Huawei and ZTE reinforcing its standing as the one to beat".

  Android is also strong in Australia (68 percent market share, up from 64.8 percent) and Brazil (89 percent market share, up from 79.8 percent). In the former market, iOS ranks second with 25.5 percent (down from 27.4 percent), while Windows Phone comes in third (with 5.3 percent, up from 5.2 percet) and second (4.5 percent, down from 6.2 percent), respectively.

  Photo Credit:  tankist276/Shutterstock

  
• 

  SUPERAntiSpyware 6 reveals new System Investigator

  Publié: juillet 30, 2014, 12:33pm CEST par Mike Williams

  

  Support.com has updated its popular malware hunter SUPERAntiSpyware to version 6.0.

  The major new feature is System Investigator, a tool which highlights files of interest in the most common infection points: startup programs, browser extensions, installed applications, Windows services, drivers, temporary and system folders, scheduled tasks, and more.

  Everything System Investigator finds on your system is checked against SUPERAntiSpyware’s whitelist database, before being separated into "Known Good" and "Unknown" categories. Other users can vote "Unknown" files up or down, and while the scores don’t tell you much just yet, over time they should help you identify potentially unwanted programs.

  SUPERAntiSpyware 6 also sees an interface revamp. The launch screen now displays six large, touch-friendly tiles, each of which leads to a key set of features: Scan, System Tools, Updates and so on.

  Support.com claims the new release is also faster, more lightweight and stable, with an expanded Help menu.

  The Pro edition ($29.95/ year) adds the ability to run System Investigator on a schedule, which means as well as highlighting potential threats, you’ll be able to see which files have changed since last time.

  Paying customers also benefit from email alerts. Scheduled tasks can now email a report URL, enabling you to monitor a PC wherever you are.

  SUPERAntiSpyware 6 is available now.

  
• 

  Internet of Things devices open up new avenues for hackers

  Publié: juillet 30, 2014, 12:30pm CEST par Ian Barker

  

  We're constantly being told that the internet of things is set to revolutionize the world we live in. Gartner has predicted that it will have around 26 billion units by 2020, but with this rapid growth comes added risk.

  A new study from HP shows that 70 percent of the most commonly used internet of things (IoT) devices contain vulnerabilities, these include password security, encryption and personal data issues.

  As manufacturers rush to bring IoT devices to market they open the door to threats ranging from code vulnerabilities and denial of service attacks to weak passwords and scripting vulnerabilities.

  HP used its Fortify on Demand product to scan 10 of the most popular IoT devices, uncovering on average 25 vulnerabilities per device. Items tested included TVs, webcams, home thermostats, remote power outlets, sprinkler controllers, hubs for controlling multiple devices, door locks, home alarms, scales and garage door openers.

  Of the devices tested -- including their cloud and mobile software components -- 8 out of 10 raised privacy concerns surrounding collection of personal data. 90 percent of those devices tested collected at least one piece of personal information either via the device itself or its associated software.

  Weak passwords was another problem with 80 percent of tested devices failing to require passwords of adequate length or complexity. Not encrypting data in transit affected 70 percent of devices. 60 percent didn't use encryption when downloading software updates. This meant that in some cases downloads could be intercepted and extracted allowing the software to be analyzed.

  Insecure web interfaces were a problem for 60 percent of devices, poor session management, weak default credentials and credentials transmitted in clear text all being concerns. Of those devices with cloud and mobile components 70 percent would enable a potential attacker to determine valid user accounts through account enumeration or the password reset feature.

  "While the Internet of Things will connect and unify countless objects and systems, it also presents a significant challenge in fending off the adversary given the expanded attack surface," says Mike Armistead, vice president and general manager, Fortify, Enterprise Security Products at HP. "With the continued adoption of connected devices, it is more important than ever to build security into these products from the beginning to disrupt the adversary and avoid exposing consumers to serious threats".

  Full details of the study are available on the HP website and the company will be addressing the latest security trends at the Black Hat USA 2014 conference taking place next month.

  Image Credit: Jurgen Priewe / Shutterstock

  
• 

  LibreOffice 4.3 arrives, promises more intuitive spreadsheet handling, adds 3D modelling to Impress

  Publié: juillet 30, 2014, 12:13pm CEST par Nick Peers

  

  The Document Foundation has released LibreOffice 4.3 FINAL  for Windows, Mac and Linux. The new release sees some notable user-interface tweaks, performance enhancements and a number of new and tweaked features.

  TDF is particularly keen to highlight four major new features: improved document interoperability, comment management, more intuitive spreadsheet handling in Calc, and support for animated 3D models in Impress.

  The improvements to document interoperability focus support for OOXML Strict, OOXML graphics improvements and add the ability to embed one OOXML file inside another.

  Also added are support for 30 new Excel formulas, Works spreadsheets and databases and a number of Mac legacy file formats, including ClarisWorks and MacWorks.

  LibreOffice 4.3 also adds support for importing and exporting nested comments in ODF,DOC, DOCX and RTF files, while users can now opt to reformat all the comments in a document simultaneously. Comments can now also be printed in the document margins.

  Improvements to Calc’s spreadsheet handling include the smarter highlighting of formulas in cells, the addition of the number of selected rows and columns to the status bar, the ability to start editing a cell using the content of the one above it and being able to fully select text conversion models by user.

  Impress’s support for animated 3D modeling utilizes the new open gITF format, plus implements initial support for Google Warehouse-friendly kmz and Collada files. Note the feature is currently only available in Windows and Linux builds.

  The Start Center also gains some improvements, the most notable of which is the fact it now offers previews of all file types, not just OpenOffice’s own native ODF format. Users can now also selectively delete recent documents by rolling their mouse over a document and clicking the delete button that appears.

  Another user-interface tweak sees the default Tango icon set get a general update that includes the addition of new icons for the sidebar.

  The PDF import filter has been significantly improved with this release – enhancements include improved display and editing of rotated text, correctly detected colours and whitespace and support for dashes.

  Writer users gain a number of improvements in LibreOffice 4.3. The character limit in paragraphs has been raised from 16-bit (65,535 characters) to 32-bit (over two billion characters). The navigation buttons have also been moved from below the scrollbar to the Find bar.

  Images are now scaled proportionally by default (hold [Shift] to freely resize an object). Writer also now displays non-printing characters in light blue, and gives users the ability to print comments left in the margins of documents. The relative text frame anchoring tool now supports multiple relations.

  For a complete rundown of LibreOffice 4.3′s extensive changes, please click here.

  LibreOffice Productivity Suite 4.3.0.4 is available now as a free, open-source download for Windows, Mac and Linux.

  
• 

  Microsoft announces Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1, Cortana coming to new markets

  Publié: juillet 30, 2014, 11:56am CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Today, Microsoft announces the first major update for Windows Phone 8.1, called Update 1. It introduces new features and improvements over the version which the software giant unveiled earlier this year at Build 2014, and makes way for Cortana to arrive in new markets.

  In Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1, Microsoft adds Live Folders, allowing users to group live tiles on the Start screen. Like the name suggests, it is able to display updating information on its tile, coming from the items it contains. A live folder can be created by dragging a live tile on top of another.

  For those of you who are following our Windows Phone coverage this feature has been known to be available come the first Windows Phone 8.1 update. Microsoft inadvertently revealed its introduction late last month, including how it works.

  A number of developers (including Nokia) are already offering apps which allow users to group live tiles into folders, but the implementation is lacking. The so-called folder is just an app's static tile, and tapping on it brings up the app which offers this functionality.

  Alongside Live Folders, Microsoft also gives Store a live tile of its own, which informs users about what new apps and games are available on Windows Phone. Updates are set to occur every six hours, which means the Store's live tile will be light on battery use.

  In Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1, Xbox Music benefits from performance improvements, which affect parts like the app's loading time and list scrolling. Microsoft says it brought back some features, like background syncing of the user's collection and swipe to advance, but it will also bake in new ones like quickplay of recent activities and support for Kids Corner. You may notice that some changes are already available in the app's current iteration, but Microsoft says others are exclusive to Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1.

  The stock messaging app gets support for selecting multiple SMS messages for deletion and forwarding. App Corner is a new feature introduced in Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1, which is designed to allow businesses to choose which apps their employees are allowed to run, and which app to automatically open after the tiled smartphone operating system loads.

  Microsoft says it is also improving data and identity protection on public networks. One way this is achieved is by giving users the option to transfer data through a VPN (virtual private network) while on a Wi-Fi hotspot.

  Cortana

  Windows Phone 8.1 introduces Cortana as a beta to users in China (where it will be known as "Xiao Na") and UK, and as an alpha to folks in Australia, Canada and India. The Chinese-optimized version comes in "an alternative form" with a different look and sound. The personal assistant offers features local users may appreciate, like information regarding air quality in weather cards and driving restrictions.

  The UK version gets its own optimizations too, with Cortana supporting the UK pronunciation and spelling of English words. Its personality has been, according to Microsoft, "tweaked to be more locally relevant".

  Windows Phone 8.1 users in US who rely on Cortana also benefit from Update 1, as it gives the personal assistant access to new natural language scenarios, snooze times for reminders, "a number of neat additions to her personality (try asking 'do an impersonation' and see what happens)", and the ability to be invoked in the car hands-free through a Bluetooth kit.

  Those in Australia, Canada and India can try Cortana using UK or US English, as an opt-in feature.

  When Is It Due?

  Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1 will be made available next week to those who have enrolled in the Preview for Developers program, and will be officially available to consumers starting in the "coming months".

  
• 

  Cleaning up after viruses -- which antivirus solutions are best?

  Publié: juillet 30, 2014, 11:23am CEST par Ian Barker

  

  In an ideal world there wouldn't be any viruses at all but, since there are, the next best scenario is to have an antivirus program to protect you. But what happens once it's too late? If you get a virus infection how good are antivirus and clean up tools at repairing your system?

  Independent testing organization AV-TEST set out to resolve this question with a comprehensive 10-month test using 17 different software packages.

  It tested paid antivirus solutions from Bitdefender, ESET, F-Secure, Kaspersky and Norton, plus free antivirus tools from Avast, AVG, Avira and Malwarebytes along with Microsoft Security Essentials. In addition it tested seven specialized cleanup and recovery tools, Avira Cleaner, Hitman Pro, Disinfect2013, F-Secure Removal Tool, Kaspersky Removal Tool, Panda Cloud Cleaner and Norton Power Eraser.

  Each solution was tested multiple times over a 10 month period from September 2013 to June 2014, repeatedly testing malware families to see how the software coped with their evolution. Tests looked at whether the malware was detected, if components were completely removed and whether all changes to the system were completely reversed leaving it fully restored.

  Test results

  Results are divided into four categories. In the first, looking at detection of known malware all products should have passed as the researchers established beforehand that the malware samples used were known to all of the solutions. However, both Microsoft Security Essentials and Avira Free Antivirus managed to miss known malware.

  The second category looked at active malware components not removed. Of the 10 security packages, the freeware solutions from Avira, Avast and AVG, as well as Microsoft Security Essentials failed to remove active components in the system between one and seven times. The paid software products and the freeware Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free all cleaned error-free. Of the cleanup tools Hitman Pro, Panda Cloud Cleaner, Avira Cleaner and the F-Secure Removal Tool were unable to remove between one and 11 active components. Only the Kaspersky Removal Tool, the Norton Power Eraser and Disinfect2013 removed everything.

  The third category looked at whether any residual harmless components were left on the system. Security packages from Bitdefender, F-Secure, Kaspersky, Norton and ESET left small file remnants and insignificant entries in the registry between 1 and 9 times. Malwarebytes achieved a perfect removal. Of the cleanup tools Kaspersky Removal Tool only missed removal of a harmless file in one instance. Norton Power Eraser fell short of a perfect clean-up 11 times, and Disinfect2013 48 times, all it left behind though was digital garbage with no dangerous components.

  The last category looked at whether removal was complete, leaving a fully cleaned and repaired system. Of the security packages only Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free had 100 percent success leaving the system completely cleaned and repaired after 60 tests. Bitdefender came close behind with successful cleanups in 59 tests followed by F-Secure and Kaspersky on 56. Of the clean up tools none left the system completely clean. Kaspersky Removal Tool turned in the best performance, leaving behind just one harmless file.

  In the final analysis Malwarebytes, Bitdefender and Kaspersky put in the best performance of the security packages. Of the freeware cleanup tools the researchers recommend Kaspersky Removal Tool and note that while the Norton tool and Disinfect2013 left behind a lot of garbage they didn't miss any active components. You can see the full results on the AV-TEST website.

  The good news to take away from this is that if you are unlucky enough to contract a virus there are effective options that can clean your system without you having to resort to a complete reinstall. The even better news is that the most effective tools are free.

  Image Credit: Sergey Nivens / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Microsoft’s Sharks Cove is a Raspberry Pi-style mini-PC with Windows 8.1

  Publié: juillet 30, 2014, 9:50am CEST par Barclay Ballard

  

  Microsoft is entering the development board market made famous by Raspberry Pi and Arduino.

  The firm is collaborating with Intel and hardware manufacturer CircuitCo to develop the $300 board, called Sharks Cove. Available now for pre-order, the project is described as a "development board that you can use to develop hardware and drivers for Windows and Android".

  The board contains an Intel Atom Z3735G, a quad-core chip with speeds of 1.33GHz to 1.83GHz. It has 1GB of RAM, 16GB of flash storage, and a MicroSD slot.

  Microsoft stated in a blog post that the aim of the board is to help development of software and drivers for mobile devices that run Windows.

  "At $299, this is a board that we believe will find a home with Independent Hardware Vendors (IHVs) and hardware enthusiasts alike. That price not only covers the cost of the hardware but also includes a Windows 8.1 image and the utilities necessary to apply it to the Sharks Cove. When you additionally consider that the Windows Driver Kit 8.1 can pair with Visual Studio Express and are both free with a valid MSDN account, the initial outlay for Windows driver developers is a lot less cost prohibitive than it once was".

  With a significantly higher price point than alternatives such as the ARM-based Raspberry Pi, which is just $35, the Sharks Cove may have to target a different audience to sustain appeal. Other development boards such as the BeagleBone Black and MinnowBoard also come in at sub-$100.

  However the Sharks Cove website suggests that the board will be able to find an audience in the developer marketplace.

  "The primary target usage of the Sharks Cove board is for development of subsystems for Intel Atom based Tablets and Mobile devices, but this development board can be used for any Windows or Android based system which uses the Atom processor".

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  In Europe, Apple and Samsung are losing ground to 'home-grown' mobile makers

  Publié: juillet 30, 2014, 9:44am CEST par Alysia Judge

  

  A few years ago it would have been unthinkable, but whispers that Apple and Samsung are losing their stranglehold on the market are growing louder.

  It all stems from the fact that customers are becoming increasingly frustrated at the mobile market mono-culture. In the West especially, we've developed a sort of smartphone East Anglia: hedgeless, featureless and planted as far as the eye can see. This is the Samsung strimmer, the Apple Inc. lawnmower, cutting all other competition out of the market.

  But now a new report has revealed that Apple and Samsung are experiencing their first major challenge from disruptive European vendors.

  Netbiscuits specializes in mobile analytics, and having studied consumer web usage in over 242 countries it has found a number of shifts in the competitive mobile space.

  "The web trends report really focusses on the key trends in the mobile landscape," Head of global research at Netbiscuits Duncan Clark told us. "It allows people to examine the shifts that they're seeing in their own mobile analytics in a wider global context. It means you can see how your traffic compares at an aggregated, wider level".

  The latest report marks a dramatic shift in mobile market share. While the challenges of emerging local vendors in Asia have been well documented (Huawei and Xiaomi, to name just two) until now Europe has largely resisted home-grown vendors. Now that's changing.

  French company Wiko and bq in Spain have muscled a "Top 50 devices" spot in their own countries for the first time ever. It signals a growing European interest in "home-grown vendors," coming at a time when Samsung's earning guidance signals a 24 percent decline in operating profits.

  Coupled with increased fragmentation in Asian markets as cheaper brands enter the market, it seems that smaller, more agile companies are gaining popularity around the world and disrupting dominant players.

  So what does this mean for Britain? "Up until now we've been quite nicely sheltered, particularly in the UK," says Duncan. "We've sat in an Apple and Samsung bubble with the wool over our eyes regarding trends around the world. That's becoming a little bit dangerous. Ideally you'd like to think as an organization that if you cater for your Android and Apple customers and given them a good mobile experience on your website then you've ticked the box, job done. Now what we've started to find during the course of last year that an increasing challenge to the market dominance of Apple and Samsung is gathering momentum".

  Essentially, it means a Samsung / Apple only approach could be alienating a vast swathe of your potential customers.

  For the full report, which also details the problems with 4G adoption across the globe, check out the official Netbiscuits site here.

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  Google is reading your email to track hotel visits -- helps you have fun away from home

  Publié: juillet 30, 2014, 5:28am CEST par Brian Fagioli

  

  Traveling and staying in hotels can be quite the adventure -- both good and bad. Of course, the quality of the lodging can determine the overall experience. If you check in and find a dead hooker under the bed, or stains all over the rug, you are going to have a bad time. Conversely, staying in a quality hotel can be quite the luxurious experience. Frankly, I have been on vacations where staying in the big comfy bed all day and watching movies was the highlight. Let's not forget room service -- eating fried mozzarella sticks and dripping marinara sauce everywhere? Who cares, its a hotel! The maid will clean it, right?

  Unfortunately, leaving the hotel and looking for something to do in the vicinity can be an ordeal. I mean, going to a restaurant or attraction sight unseen could prove to be hit or miss. Choose the wrong restaurant and you will be stuck on the toilet for the rest of your vacation -- yuck! Today, Google announces that it wants to help users have a good time while on vacation. While that sounds great, the search giant is doing it in a creepy way -- by reading your emails!

  Google explains, "traveling this summer? If your hotel confirmation is in your Gmail, you can now ask Google for things to do, eat or see to do nearby without the fuss looking up where you’re staying. Tap the mic on the Google app and say 'Show me restaurants around my hotel' or 'Give me directions to my hotel from here'. You'll be finding your way around like a local in no time".

  Don't get me wrong, that sounds really neat and I am sure Google's intentions are good. However, think about what the company is saying. It will monitor all of your Gmail emails, in hopes that one of them will contain a hotel confirmation. If it does find a confirmation, it will internally flag your profile. Then, the search giant's computers will essentially wait for you to ask them for nearby restaurants or directions near "my hotel".

  Unfortunately, there seems to be no way to opt in or opt out. So, if you book a hotel and expect that to be private -- surprise, Google knows too! Of course, for tech geeks in the know, Google monitoring emails is nothing new -- targeted advertising is what keeps the email service free. Still, it seems that every time Google thinks up a new way to utilize email monitoring, the service just feels a bit creepier.

  What do you think about Google monitoring your emails for hotel confirmation? Creepy or cool? Tell me in the comments.

  Photo credit: XiXinXing / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Cooler Master V1200 Platinum -- a shockingly great power supply unit [Review]

  Publié: juillet 30, 2014, 3:53am CEST par Brian Fagioli

  

  Self-proclaimed tech nerds around the world are turning their backs on system-building. This is tragic, as this art is part of the foundation of the tech nerd lifestyle. It is hard to argue with these perceived traitors -- an off-the-shelf tablet such as an iPad can do very much. In other words, why spend the time and money building a PC? The same can be said for much in life. I mean, why cook when you can get take out? Why mow your lawn when you can pay someone to do it? The answer is simple -- fun and self satisfaction. Yes, building a computer is a rewarding experience and everyone should at least attempt it.

  System-building is something I am still a fan of and I know I am not alone -- you guys are out there. Amazing components are constantly being released -- motherboards, processors and even power supplies. A power supply is the unsung hero of any system build. It literally powers the computer! It is sad how often people choose cheap PSUs for their builds and instead focus on the "fun" stuff, like RAM and processors. I have always cautioned against cheap power supplies. When I say "cheap", please do not misunderstand -- I am referring to poor quality and not low price. If you can get high quality for a low price, awesome. However, if you've never heard of the manufacturer, it is probably a good Idea to pass. Recently, I saw a new PSU from world-renowned manufacturer Cooler Master that got my motor running -- the V1200 Platinum. Once I wiped the drool from my chin, I obtained one to review.

  Features

  • 1200 watts
  • Fully modular cable design for easy installation and cable management
  • 100% high quality Japanese electrolytic & solid capacitors ensure performance and reliability
  • 135mm FDB silent fan default as hybrid mode, equipped with hybrid fan controller, easily switch mode (auto / hybrid) by the controller
  • Zero dBA fanless mode silent operation
  • 80 PLUS Platinum certified: up to 93% efficiency @ 50% load
  • Powerful single +12V rail, capable of delivering up to 100A
  • Excellent output voltage stability ensures total voltage regulation under 1% (even better than DSP)
  • Twelve PCI-E 6+2pin connectors for 4 way SLI & high end solution builds
  • 7-year extended warranty

  Specs

  Model	RSC00-AFBAG1-XX
  Type	Intel Form Factor ATX 12V V2.31
  Dimension (W x L x H)	150 x 190 x 86mm / 5.9 x 7.5 x 3.4 inch
  Input Voltage	100-240Vac (Full Range)
  Input Current	15 - 7.5A
  Input Frequency Range	60 - 50Hz
  PFC	Active PFC (>0.9)
  Power Good Signal	100-500ms
  Hold Up Time	>17ms
  Efficiency	93% Typically
  MTBF	>100,000 Hours
  Protection	OVP / UVP / OPP / OTP / OCP / SCP
  Output Capacity	1200W
  Operation Temperature	0~40°C
  Regulatory	CE/TUV/TUV-SUDNRTL/FCC/EAC/CCC/BSMI/RCM/KC
  Fan	Silent FDB 135mm
  Certifications	80 Plus Platinum
  Connector	M/B 20+4 Pin Connector x 1 CPU 4+4 Pin x 2 PCI-e 6+2 Pin x 12 SATA x 12 4 Pin Peripheral x 9 4 Pin Floppy x 1

  As you can see above, the specs are amazing. Specs are certainly important, but only tell part of the story. Again, some no-name manufacturer could produce something with good specs on paper and not deliver. Luckily, we are talking about Cooler Master here, so the company's positive reputation speaks volumes; however, I had to test it for myself. Coincidentally, I am in the middle of refurbishing my existing PC with a new CPU cooler and case, so receiving the V1200 Platinum for testing was very timely.

  

  Unboxing

  I am happy to say that the unboxing alone was an amazing experience. Make no mistake -- packaging matters. If someone cooks you a delicious meal that looks like crap, the overall experience suffers, regardless of the taste. Cooler Master clearly wanted to reward the consumer and it succeeded. I was blown away, and you can watch my unboxing below.

  Impressions

  The heft of the V1200 Platinum is very intimidating. However, when it comes to a power supply, you want heft. It is an indicator of quality; but, not all heavy power supplies are quality. In other words, an indicator is not a guarantee, simply one thing to look for. Luckily, most modern cases subscribe to the design of having the PSU on the bottom of the case. Unless you bought the flimsiest case with a top-mounted PSU slot, you should not have an issue.

  

  The modular cables are extremely premium. You can tell that they were not an afterthought. You see, they are very flat and black. This lends to superior cable management. Yes, even that deep black color helps to hide the cables so they stand out less. The flatness is key to management though, and not only are they thin, but solid too. The amazing thing is, even though they are well designed and rigid, they are not too stiff to route around corners. Overall, the cables create a beautiful interior design. Whether or not you have a window on your case is inconsequential. Even when not looking at your build, you should be aware of it. Aim for perfection!

  Installation

  Once it was time to install, I gathered the 4 screws and my trusty screwdriver. When installing a PSU, it is recommended to seat it properly and secure it with all of the screws. However, I usually just use 2 -- one in the top left corner and one in the bottom right. In this install, I used all 4 because, why not? The screws went in straight and without issue.

  Once secured in my case, it was time to connect the needed cables. That's the great thing about a modular PSU, you only need to connect the cables you require. This means there is less of a mess inside your case. In other words, it doesn't look like a spaghetti explosion.

  I was connecting the PSU to the following:

  • ASUS P8Z77-V LE motherboard (with i5-3570k Overclocked @4.4GHz, 16GB DDR3 2133 RAM)
  • 3 SSDs -- 480GB (Windows) 90GB (OS X) 30GB (Linux)
  • 4TB  HDD for data
  • Blu-Ray burner
  • Graphics card (EVGA GeForce GTX 650)

  

  Obviously, my rig does not require a 1200 watt PSU, but you never know what you may do in the future. Quite frankly, not many computers need a 1200 watt PSU. With that said, I have always wanted a top-of-the-line gaming card and when I buy one, I will have no concerns about power.

  With everything connected, it was time for the moment of truth -- powering on my computer. As expected, everything worked and I was off to the races. However, I was taken aback by something odd -- silence! Yes, the 135mm fan in the v1200 Platinum is dead silent. The PSU which it is replacing was noticeably louder.

  Speaking of silence, the V1200 Platinum has a trick up its sleeve. As you saw in the unboxing, it comes with a switch that mounts in the rear of your case, in an empty PCI plate-slot. You can choose to have it run in Auto mode, which makes the fan run constantly like most power supplies do. However, switching it to hybrid mode, will turn the fan off when it is not needed. This is good for both energy savings and silencing. But, like I said above, the fan, when running, is quiet anyway. Because I do not leave my desktop running 24/7, I have it in auto-mode, since the energy savings would be negligible for me.

  

  For you, however, energy savings could be a big deal. We all are looking to save money in any way we can. That is the beautiful thing about the V1200. Yes, it is expensive upfront, but it is so damn efficient, that over its lifetime, it could potentially save you a lot of money.

  As a word of caution, however, the PSU is quite long. While, I had no problem fitting it in my case, not all cases are created equal. I would suggest measuring first, but most users should have no problem. Even though my case can accommodate the V1200 Platinum, it does cover the mounting holes for the optional 140mm fan on the bottom. While I wasn't using this spot, it is a bit disappointing, but not the fault of Cooler Master.

  

  Conclusion

  Besides being pretty, a power supply has the important job of providing power to your computer. I am happy to say the V1200 Platinum delivers. Is it overkill for many? Yes. Is it expensive? Yes, at $300 it is expensive. However, I have learned from many life experiences, that you get what you pay for. Sometimes it is worth spending the extra money for something of high quality. I like knowing that such a well designed and cared for product is sitting in my computer.

  It is so well-made and such a powerhouse, that it should last you 10 years easily. Hell, Cooler Master is giving a 7 year warranty -- that means something. If you average the upfront cost of the power supply over 7-10 years and factor in the energy savings from the efficiency, it is a total no-brainer. Stop rewarding companies that produce garbage with your money. Disposable tech is a plague -- buy something that lasts; buy something that makes you happy and proud. The Cooler Master V1200 Platinum does all of those things -- highly recommended.

  

  
• 

  Why is iPhone so destructible?

  Publié: juillet 30, 2014, 3:36am CEST par Joe Wilcox

  

  It's the question I keep asking, wondering whether to blame the device or my daughter. Last night, she texted: "My screen cracked again. I'm so sorry". That's the third shattered iPhone 5s since May; two 5ers busted before that. Clearly, she's fumble fingers, but something just doesn't seem right. The college student sticks the damn device in a protective case. Did Apple put pretty design before damage durability?

  I spent several hours searching for smartphone breakage data today -- on the web and contacting several sources compiling stats. Strangely, the most compelling comparisons are years old. For example, in late 2010, SquareTrade reported that iPhone 4 accidents exceeded the 3GS and devices from competing smartphone manufacturers. In a 2012 survey of 2,000 iPhone users, 30 percent had damaged their device in the previous 12 months.

  Today, the mobile insurance provider uses a different methodology: Scoring smartphones on a 1-10 scale based on hands-on durability testing. Best mark goes to the Moto x, with 4.5 (lower number is better). By comparison, iPhone 5s is 5.5, or half-a-percentage point higher than its predecessor. iPhone 5c is even less durable, rating a 6.

  On the reparability front, iFixIt ranks iPhone 5s a six out of 10 -- same as iPhone 4 but one-ranking less than the 5. Perhaps that's why Apple could replace the screen on my daughter's busted 5ers, but the store Genius said swap-out was the only option for the 5ses. By the way, Motorola Droid Bionic and Atrix 4G get the highest repairability marks: 9.

  It's Not My Problem

  I bought my first cell phone in 1997 from Bell Atlantic, which later became Verizon. The Qualcomm-branded brick phone was built like one. Here's a true story: The following year I replaced the Q phone with something trendier, and it stayed in a box until I cleaned out the basement in 2007 -- right before moving to San Diego. Out of curiosity, I hit the power button and the phone started up with half-charge. After nine years! The battery wasn't dead. They don't make `em like that any more.

  Knock on wood, I've never broken a mobile and haven't dropped a smartphone in years. I don't use a protective case, either, just a belt-clip holster to carry the device. So my daughter's dropping dramas are rather perplexing. She uses iPhone, as I have in the past. Most recently: Nokia Lumia Icon; various Androids before it.

  Her newest breakage crisis comes alongside the swimming pool, outside the house she shares with other co-eds. She possessed the phone for less than three weeks, soon after we switched from T-Mobile to Verizon. (Goddamn, yes, we pay lots more. Just cut my wrists and bleed me. But we don't have to ask "Can you hear me now?" on Red, like we did with Blue or Pink.) So it's a friggin' new iPhone 5s she dropped.

  The teenager busted two 5ses on T-Mobile, and I sold the last replacement when switching to Verizon a few weeks ago. I pay $99 extra for AppleCare+, which allows up to two replacements for $79 each, on every iPhone. (The price is $49 for devices purchased before September 2013.) If no replacement ever occurs, my experience: The warranty increases the iPhone's resale value.

  The Problem is the 5

  Strangely, while double-sided glass made iPhone 4 and 4s conceptually more vulnerable to shatters, my daughter dropped but never seriously damaged either mobile. There were scratches, dings, and even chips, but no shattered glass. But, woe be iPhone 5 or 5s.

  She's in college now, and someone is sure to blame alcohol. That appears not to be a major factor. (Hey, what parent really ever knows?) Like many other young women, she carries her iPhone in a back pocket. One shatter occurred when the device popped out when she sprinted to get to the security gate on her apartment before it closed.

  I observed one of the breakages. In late-May, during lunch, my daughter expressed amazement how a week earlier her iPhone 5s popped out of her jeans and fell from a third-story balcony. No damage. Twenty-minutes later, while we sorted clothes for the thrift store in the garage, she fumbled the device, which fell face flat onto the cement -- shattering the screen. The protective case, which was supposed to keep the glass from hitting the ground, didn't dissipate the falling force (Hey, I studied biology in college, not physics.)

  There is one common factor in four of the five shatters: iPhone meets cement. Two face down smacks, one backflip, and a side-swipe. Cases covered backs and sides and in front provided space against the ground.

  New Case Comes to Rescue

  Last night, I ordered a tougher case from Amazon -- the OtterBox Commuter Wallet. My daughter prefers not to carry a purse, keeping bankcard and license (or student ID) with the phone. Amazon is something else. I ordered around 9:30 p.m. local time and had delivery today. The replacement iPhone will go into the OtterBox, after my daughter returns from a weekend concert. Assuming the device doesn't die. She used the last busted 5s for a month before we moved to Verizon, despite glass shards chipping off.

  My local Apple Store recommends LifeProof cases, but I found no card-carrying model and am more familiar with the other brand. My hope is that the follow-up story to this one will be months away, with the OtterBox case protecting the iPhone 5s from the daily dings and drops of active college life. But being five breaks for 5 (or 5s) in 14 months, optimism escapes me.

  I have to ask: What's your iPhone durability story? Do you see shatters like my daughter's, or does Apple design save the day? What's your damage experience of iPhone compared to competing devices? Other readers will want to know.

  Photo Credit: Joe Wilcox

  
• 

  Rival smartphone makers are no longer afraid of Apple

  Publié: juillet 29, 2014, 9:08pm CEST par Paul Cooper

  

  There was a time when Apple was the undisputed king of mobile. Since the release of the first iPhone in a barnstorming speech by Steve Jobs, the company went from strength to strength, dropping better models every year, and absolutely dominating the high-end mobile market.

  Apple sold out of the launch shipments of the brand-new iPhone 5s in under two days, and sales of the iPhone have maintained Apple's profits despite a recent drop in iPad sales. But since Steve Jobs' death, Apple's competitors have been getting bolder. With the launch of the upcoming iPhone 6 coming in September, a number of high profile rivals have been snapping at Apple's heels with aggressive marketing, attack ads and a general lack of respect for the venerable giant of mobile technology. Here are a couple of hints that Apple's competitors are sensing a weakening of the giant.

  Sony's Xperia Z3 launch

  Back in the days of the Harry Potter films, it was conventional wisdom that you didn't release a new blockbuster film on the same weekend as Harry Potter. Don't release it in the same week or month, either. Why? Because no one will come to see it. The sheer amount of people piling into the cinema to find out how Harry beats Voldemort this time will suck all impetus and impact out of your release.

  Once upon a time, the same was true of the iPhone. But no longer. Rumors have been flying for months that Apple is prepping a September release for its upcoming and highly-anticipated iPhone 6 -- but this year, they're not alone. Rumors have also been spreading of Sony's intentions to release their flagship Xperia Z3 in September, and a source close to Sony even confirmed that the electronics giant is planning to release their new phone the week before Apple's presumed launch date.

  Considering the Xperia Z2 outclassed the iPhone 5s in just about every metric, this could be a real worry for Apple.

  Which phone will ultimately do better? Only time will tell -- but one thing's for sure: this is a bolshy move by Sony, and shows just how confident Apple's competitors are getting.

  Samsung attacks iPhone 6 before it even launches

  Samsung's marketing machine has already armed and fired the advertising cannons at the iPhone 6, two months before the phone is set to even launch (it's not even being made yet -- though production lines should crank up soon, according to reports).

  Anyway, Samsung's ad concerns the fact that Apple is making devices which much larger screen sizes (4.7in and 5.5in), and finally joining the world of Android devices including the Galaxy S5 which have had these 5in-odd screens for a long while now.

  The ad (which you can view above) shows two friends sitting down, one an iPhone owner, the other with an S5. The iPhone guy is excited by the bigger iPhone screen story, but the S5 guy is unimpressed, and the Samsung commentary notes that the "next big thing is already here" with the 5.1in full HD screen of the Galaxy S5.

  Microsoft goes after Siri

  Poor Siri! Microsoft has released one of the first adverts promoting Windows Phone 8.1 and it has chosen to place a greater emphasis on the shortcomings of a competitor, rather than its own qualities.

  The ad pits Cortana against Apple's Siri and -- surprise, surprise -- makes Microsoft's own digital assistant look far better than its rival's.

  "Cortana, when my wife calls, remind me to tell her 'happy anniversary,'" the narrator tells his Lumia 635. The low-end phone agrees to the task, before Siri (speaking through the iPhone 5S) replies, "Oh no, I cannot do that".

  The narrator then asks Cortana to remind him to buy roses when he next approaches a flower shop. Microsoft's digital assistant again obliges, while Apple's concedes, "I can't do that either".

  Finally, the 635 delivers a traffic alert to its owner, who thanks it and picks it up. The iPhone then declares, "Now that is a smart phone".

  This quite a far cry from when Apple was conducting attack ads of its own, such as its famous "1984" ad (below), in which the then upstart took a swipe at IBM, which was already a tech superpower.

  So is Apple an aging giant? Are its competitors smelling blood in the water, and circling like hungry sharks? Let us know what you think in the comments section below, and vote in our poll too.

  Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  China investigates Microsoft for being a monopoly -- is the company guilty?

  Publié: juillet 29, 2014, 6:43pm CEST par Brian Fagioli

  

  Thanks to technology, the business world is shrinking. Compared to prior decades, it is becoming far easier for businesses to operate in multiple countries. While this has the potential of being great, it also can be bad. After all, economies are not puzzle pieces that fit together nicely. No, sometimes there is an oil and water situation, where things don't mix.

  Ultimately, communism and capitalism will never work together hand in hand. In other words, for an American company to operate in a communist republic, such as China, there will be pains. Today, it is revealed that China is investigating Microsoft for being a monopoly and has raided its offices.

  Yes, China is investigating Microsoft, but that is absurd. Why? The vast majority of Windows and Office users in the country are using pirated versions. How can you accuse a company of being a monopoly in China, when it makes almost no money there? Hell, the country has banned Windows 8 from being installed on government computers!

  According to Reuters, Steve Ballmer once disclosed that Microsoft makes more money from the Netherlands than China due to piracy. Think about that for a second -- it is almost pointless for Microsoft to bother with the country. If China finds Microsoft guilty of these practices, the company could be subject to a fine of 1-10 percent of its revenue in the country. Quite frankly, since Microsoft's revenue in China is so low, it hardly matters.

  Of course, how Microsoft is violating China's anti-monopoly laws has not been disclosed. By visibly raiding the company's offices, it seems the country is intent on hurting the computer pioneer's reputation and will worry about disclosure later. While it is total speculation, it is appropriate to wonder if this is simply being done out of hatred towards the USA. After all, in the midst of flying accusations of spying from both sides, the relationship is hardly harmonious.

  Do you think Microsoft is guilty? Tell me in the comments.

  Photo credit: Tom Wang / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Millions of Android devices could be at risk from Fake ID flaw

  Publié: juillet 29, 2014, 5:00pm CEST par Ian Barker

  A newly uncovered flaw in Google's Android OS could leave large numbers of mobile devices at risk from malicious apps that appear to be from trusted developers.

  Named 'Fake ID' by Bluebox Security who uncovered it and notified Google of its presence, the vulnerability lets malicious applications impersonate specially recognized trusted applications without any user notification. Although a patch was issued in April it's likely that many devices are still at risk.

  The flaw can can be used by malware to escape the normal application sandbox and take one or more malicious actions. For example it could insert a Trojan horse into an application by impersonating Adobe Systems, gain access to NFC financial and payment data by impersonating Google Wallet, or take full management control of the entire device by pretending to be 3LM.

  Fake ID has been present in Android versions from 2.1 to 4.4, although it was fixed in April as part of the latest patch, Google bug 13678484. Android KitKat is immune due to a change in the webview code. Millions of unpatched devices could still be at risk, however, Google's own statistics indicate that more than 80 percent of Android users are running older versions of the OS.

  Fake ID works by exploiting a problem in the way Android uses digital IDs. Whilst the OS checks to see if an app has the right ID before granting privileges it doesn't check to see if that ID is properly issued, allowing forged ID codes to be used. It's also possible for a single app to carry multiple IDs making it possible to carry out several attacks.

  Writing on Bluebox's blog chief technology officer Jeff Forristal says, "The problem is further compounded by the fact that multiple signers can sign an Android application (as long as each signer signs all the same application pieces). This allows a hacker to create a single malicious application that carries multiple fake identities at once, taking advantage of multiple signature verification privilege opportunities to escape the sandbox, access NFC hardware used in secure payments, and take device administrative control without any prompt or notification provide to the user of the device".

  Bluebox has released a Security Scanner app that checks to see if your device is exposed.

  
• 

  Pale Moon resolves rendering performance issues, among other tweaks and fixes

  Publié: juillet 29, 2014, 4:44pm CEST par Nick Peers

  

  Moonchild Productions has released a minor update to its Firefox browser variant for Windows with the release of Pale Moon 24.7 and Pale Moon x64 24.7.

  Version 24.7 is primarily a bug fix release, and also includes the latest security fixes recently incorporated into the main Firefox build.

  As the version number implies, Pale Moon is no longer simply an optimized build of the latest Firefox release, but a completely separate fork. The version number (24) helps provide clarity about which Firefox extensions should also work with the browser.

  Version 24.7 opens by fixing some performance issues with the browser’s new rendering engine, with the promise that it should be faster across all layers going forward.

  Font rendering on Direct2D has also been tweaked so it will no longer fall back to greyscale in certain situations, preserving ClearType.

  CSS outlines now properly outline objects rather than their overflow area (such as box shadows), and the delay for hiding the default status has been extended from 10 to 30 seconds. The dark black persona themes have also been tweaked to make the tab close buttons lighter and more visible.

  Preferences are no longer displayed in a separate tab, but now appear once again in a separate dialog box. Moonchild explains the tab feature was both incomplete and – as anyone who has opened the same dialog in recent builds of Firefox -- redundant. Domain highlighting in the Address Bar should now also work consistently.

  Users also gain full control over updating -- nothing is now downloaded directly when the user opts to check for updates via the About box.

  The update also contains A detailed list of fixes and changes, which also include a number of Android-specific updates as Moonchild readies an Android build of Pale Moon (click here to access the public beta), can be found at the Pale Moon user forum.

  Pale Moon 24.7, Pale Moon x64 24.7, Pale Moon Portable 24.7 and Pale Moon Portable x64 24.7 are all available now as open source, free downloads for PCs running Windows XP or later.

  
• 

  Post Target many retailers continue to leave data at risk

  Publié: juillet 29, 2014, 4:08pm CEST par Ian Barker

  

  More than six months on from the Target breach hitting the headlines retailers are still not properly protecting their data according to risk management specialist BitSight.

  Writing on the company's blog CTO and co-founder Stephen Boyer says, "BitSight has continued to observe evidence of system compromise inside hundreds of retailers over the course of the year. Based on our data and analysis, we observed that there were many retailers with poor performance and that this downward trend has continued into the second half of 2014".

  The blog goes on to highlight a number of instances since the Target breach where customer and credit card details have been compromised. It also points out that there are likely to be many more incidents that have gone unreported and are not likely to be revealed.

  Boyer says, "The data here compels us to reiterate today what was expressed back in January: the evidence strongly suggests that organizations in the list above are not alone and does not bode well for the rest of the year".

  He points out the importance of industry and peer benchmarking in helping companies improve their security. Measuring performance helps businesses gain insight into changes in their posture, and leads to better understanding of what actions are helping to improve their ratings. Benchmarking against the top-performing industries and comparing security practices can help set strategy and encourage the adoption of new standards.

  Retailers need to adopt some of the techniques used by the financial industry in terms of continuous monitoring, regular risk assessments and responding quickly to emerging threats. They also need to make IT security a board level issue. Boyer concludes, "As retailers begin to adopt more of these measures and follow the best practices of top performing peers, we will likely see the number of breach incidents decline".

  Image Credit: Andrea Danti / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Better use of data can avoid the impact of a bad sales experience

  Publié: juillet 29, 2014, 3:33pm CEST par Ian Barker

  

  We've all had bad sales experiences at some time or another and they inevitably have a negative impact on our view on the company concerned.

  A new study by mobile sales enablement specialist Showpad reveals that it can take years to recover from the damage caused to the customer relationship by a bad sales experience.

  The survey also reveals a difference in perception between sales and marketing on the value of marketing material. A majority of sales professionals (64 percent) think marketing content is neutral to ineffective, while 76 percent of marketing people, unsurprisingly, rate their collateral as effective.

  "We have seen that the cost of a bad sales experience is high, with most companies leaving millions on the table. Fortunately there are powerful solutions to help companies to overcome these challenges," says Pieterjan Bouten, co-founder and CEO, Showpad. "Delivering the right content, in context, at the right time has proven to be critical to avoid a bad sales experience. Our mission at Showpad is to arm sales people with the right marketing collateral on any device so they can sell -- successfully -- anytime and anywhere".

  In order to combat the problem of bad sales Showpad is announcing a partnership with analytics platform GoodData to deliver improved insight into the content that resonates with customers and prospects, enabling sales staff to close more deals.

  This allows marketing teams to learn how well their message resonates with prospects and customers. At the same time sales teams are armed with the best content to convert leads anywhere and at any time.

  You can find out more about the partnership and the survey results on the Showpad website and there's a look at the cost of bad sales experiences in infographic form below.

  

  Image Credit: Onypix / Shutterstock

  
• 

  No BYOD policy? Now is the time to prioritize user-oriented IT

  Publié: juillet 29, 2014, 3:32pm CEST par Nigel Seddon

  

  Halfway through 2014 and the use of personal devices in the workplace is very much common practice across most workforces in the US and UK. However, whilst many people are still talking about the effect the "bring your own device" policies (BYOD) are having on staff productivity, the cost-saving discussions have remained on the side-lines.

  According to recent research, having the latest consumer device to use in the boardroom or replacing a notepad for a tablet is proving to be so popular with employees that 39 percent not only purchase their own device for work purposes but also spend more of their own money on devices than on tea and coffee.

  This research indicates that users deem having items such as smartphones and tablets as essential to their everyday lives as food and drink. It also highlights that users pay for their own devices to use at work. Buying devices to be used in the workplace would never have been on employees' agenda in the past, but now "off the shelf" devices have become so mainstream that to turn up to work without one could be considered a business faux pas.

  As a result of this device revolution, organizations benefit from gaining additional devices in the workplace, which, one aren't funded by the IT budget, and two enable employees to work outside of the normal boundaries of nine to five. Workers also benefit from BYOD policies that empower and allow them flexibility to break away from their desks and enjoy working on their device of choice rather than the traditional, old, clunky laptop the IT department provides. Additionally, using one device for both areas of life enables workers to switch quickly between work and personal affairs, saving time and increasing productivity.

  For those companies that have yet to adopt a BYOD policy, now is the time to prioritize user-oriented IT. A user-oriented approach is vital in empowering a workforce and, whilst it might seem like a daunting task for the IT department to keep track of devices due to the sudden increase across the workplace, there are solutions to identify employee devices, track how information is being shared on each, and ensure security on every device.

  While the initial stages might seem challenging, the long term benefits for all involved are tremendous. The money being saved by businesses can be reinvested not only in other resources, but also in employees to make their working lives easier and more enjoyable

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  InPowered helps marketers use the power of expert opinion

  Publié: juillet 29, 2014, 3:29pm CEST par Ian Barker

  

  Independent reviews and opinions are a valuable commodity for marketers as they can often be key to purchasing decisions. Now content management specialist InPowered is launching a new product to help companies find out what experts are saying about them.

  Called Expert Ranking it identifies the top experts on any topic and allows brands to discover what these experts are writing about them. It then lets the brand promote those opinions via their web, social and mobile channels.

  Pirouz Nilforoush, Co-Founder and CEO of inPowered says that opinion about a brand or product is far more compelling coming from a credible third-party, "Ultimately, people trust experts far more than they trust brands. inPowered is the only platform capable of ranking the top experts on any topic, discovering the content those experts have written about your brand, and highlighting the specific, positive expert opinions you should promote for the greatest business impact with customers".

  Expert Ranking works by measuring how people react to someone’s knowledge based on depth, consistency and validation. It first looks for people that write in-depth articles on the few topics that they have the most knowledge on, rather than people who write basic articles on a lot of topics.

  After that inPowered looks for people who actively and consistently share their knowledge about a given topic. Someone writing several articles per week about a particular topic is seen as more knowledgeable than someone that writes only one story per month on that topic, even if more people read that one story.

  Finally, the software looks for people that have a loyal following who consistently share their content. For example, if someone consistently has 100 people sharing their content on a particular topic, that person is deemed more knowledgeable than a person who has one article that was shared by 1,000 people.

  You can read more about how inPowered helps you find and promote what experts are saying about your brand on the company's website.

  Image Credit: iQoncept / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Session Manager automatically saves and restores your Firefox windows

  Publié: juillet 29, 2014, 2:02pm CEST par Mike Williams

  Get engrossed in your latest web research project and you’ll soon be navigating an array of browser tabs, each one with some vital piece of information -- it’s very easy to lose track.

  Firefox offers a few very basic options to help you maintain control. Clicking History > Restore Previous Session will reopen whatever you were viewing last time, for instance, or you can bookmark all open tabs for reference later.

  The standard methods work just fine, but if you need more then Session Manager takes this to a whole new level. This Firefox add-on can save and restore some or all of your windows, on demand, on startup, at regular intervals, after crashes, as a backup, and a whole lot more.

  This doesn’t have to be complicated. Just click Save > Save Session, and your open tabs, windows, closed tabs, form data, session cookies and more can all be saved. When you next launch Firefox, choose your previous session from the Save menu and everything will immediately be restored.

  There’s an option to create "auto-save sessions", which are automatically updated when you close the browser. This is much like the Firefox "Restore Previous Session" option, except it works with as many sessions as you need.

  Session Manager also has an option to save only the current window, useful if you don’t need to save every single tab you have open at the moment.

  There are a pile of management options to rename sessions, group or search them, maybe encrypt them for greater security.

  And a comprehensive "Options" dialog helps you tweak the fine details, everything from the default format of session names to keyboard shortcuts for all the main Session Manager features.

  If there’s a mild concern here it’s that (as we write) some recent reviews on the official Add-Ons site complain about reliability issues. Not everyone is saying this, though, and Session Manager worked just fine for us, so if you need better control of your Firefox sessions then it’s well worth taking for a test run.

  
• 

  Microsoft offers affordable Nokia Lumia 635 and Fitbit Flex bundle

  Publié: juillet 29, 2014, 1:52pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Now that Windows Phone 8.1 has scored a huge win by receiving support for Fitbit wearables, Microsoft is giving prospective Nokia Lumia 635 buyers the option to purchase a bundle that also includes a Fitbit Flex activity tracker.

  The bundle, that starts at $148.95, is good for both the AT&T and T-Mobile versions of Lumia 635, that cost $99 and $129, respectively, on Microsoft Store when purchased individually. Flex goes for $99.95 alone on Fitbit's site. That equates to savings of $50 when buying the two devices as a bundle on Microsoft's online and brick and mortar shops.

  The bundle includes a black AT&T or white T-Mobile Lumia 635 and a Flex in a color of the customer's choosing. Both versions of the Windows Phone 8.1 device are offered off-contract in the bundle. You have until September 1 to take advantage of this deal (or, of course, "while supplies last").

  Lumia 635 highlights include: 4.5-inch IPS display, glove-friendly, with a resolution of 480 by 854; 1.4 GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor; 512 MB of RAM; 1,830 mAh battery; 8 GB of internal storage; microSD card slot (can house cards up to 128 GB in size); 5 MP back-facing camera with 720p video recording (there is no front-facing camera, however); Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n; GPS with Glonass; Bluetooth 4.0 and USB 2.0. The physical dimensions are 129.5 x 66.7 x 9.2 mm and weight is 134 grams.

  Flex allows users to keep track of distances, steps, calories and monitor sleeping habits.

  
• 

  Dating site OkCupid freely admits lying to its customers

  Publié: juillet 29, 2014, 1:49pm CEST par Mark Wilson

  

  There was widespread condemnation of Facebook when it was revealed that the social network had been manipulating users' newsfeeds as part of a social experiment. Official complaints may have been made but it doesn’t seem to have served as a lesson for other websites. Now it transpires that OkCupid -- the dating website whose slogan is "We use math to get you dates" -- has been fiddling the figures in a series of experiments on its users. The weird thing is, the site is openly bragging about it.

  In a blog post unashamedly titled "We Experiment On Human Beings!", founder Christian Rudder writes that "OkCupid doesn’t really know what it’s doing". Seems like something of an odd admission. The blog post details three experiments the dating site conducted on its subscribers. There must have been more because the post is prefaced with the words "Here are a few of the more interesting experiments OkCupid has run." Does "interesting" just mean "less controversial"? Who knows?

  So is the openness to be welcomed, or should we view it a little more cynically? It just about goes without saying that I would suggest the latter. Transparency is great, but sometimes what is revealed is far from savory. Some of the experiments listed are fairly innocuous -- hiding pictures so users have to base their opinions on words, for example -- but telling people they are compatible when OkCupid's "math" actually says otherwise is a little different. That's blatantly lying to people, and that's never right. The results of the experiments are tedious to most people outside of OkCupid, but the mere existence of the experiments is fascinating.

  The timing is a little weird. On Monday, a tweet from the OkCupid account proudly proclaimed "The OkCupid blog is back! New post up now...", while a tweet from Christian was similarly excited: "Very happy to announce the first OkCupid blog post in three years". Why bring the blog back from the dead after so long? It might be slightly late to ride the wave of controversy surrounding Facebook's experimenting, but it's an attention grabbing story which captures the zeitgeist. It's said that there's no such things as bad publicity -- which I would argue is nonsense -- but advertising a stunt like this is a sure fire way to get noticed. What’s that, Christian? You have a book coming out in September? Interesting stuff.

  Facebook's experimentation was bad enough. We have enough to worry about without having the added concern that what we're seeing -- even when it is from our friends -- has been processed through some third party filter. But OkCupid is a different matter. The site may be free, but it's dealing with people's hearts, minds and lives. Christian Rudder may think himself tremendously clever for crunching the numbers and gaining all of this free publicity for his book, but the argument that "if you use the Internet, you’re the subject of hundreds of experiments at any given time, on every site... that’s how websites work" just doesn't cut it. Of course websites try things out, different designs and layouts, new features, different types of content and so on, but that's really not quite the same things as lying to users.

  Is OkCupid off the hook for being retrospectively honest? Not in my book. It's probably covered in some small print somewhere, but it's still unethical and dishonest, and it breaks my heart.

  Image credit: Piotr Krzeslak / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Apple launches faster MacBook Pro with Retina display lineup

  Publié: juillet 29, 2014, 12:47pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Apple has updated its MacBook Pro with Retina display lineup with faster processors across the board and more RAM in the base 13.3-inch and 15.4-inch models, that kick off at $1,299 and $1,999, respectively. The new processors are 200 MHz faster than before.

  Both the entry-level and mid-range 13.3-inch Retina MacBook Pros come with a 2.6 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor (with Turbo Boost up to 3.1 GHz), while the high-end model packs an even faster 2.8 GHz processor (with Turbo Boost up to 3.3 GHz). The base model gains 8 GB of RAM in the new generation, twice as much as its predecessor offered, but retains its 128 GB of internal storage.

  The mid-range 13.3-inch Retina MacBook Pro, which comes with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage, costs $1,499. The beefier model, with 8 GB of RAM and 512 GB of internal storage, goes for $1,799. Available hardware upgrades include: 2.8 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 for $100, 3.0 GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 for $300 (just $200 for the top of the line model), and 16 GB of RAM for $200.

  Other highlights include: 13.3-inch IPS display with a resolution of 2,560 by 1,600 (227 pixels per inch); Intel Iris Graphics; 720p FaceTime HD camera; two Thunderbolt 2 ports; two USB 3.0 ports; SDXC card slot; Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac; Bluetooth 4.0; OS X 10.9 Mavericks; nine hours of Wi-Fi web browsing or video playback; physical dimensions of 31.4 x 21.9 x 1.8 cm and weight of 1.57 kg.

  The entry-level 15.4-inch Retina MacBook Pro offers a 2.2 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor (with Turbo Boost up to 3.4 GHz), while the high-end model comes with a 2.5 GHz processor (with Turbo Boost up to 3.7 GHz). The former ships with 16 GB of RAM, which is double than before, and 256 GB of internal storage.

  The high-end 15.4-inch Retina MacBook Pro, which features 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of internal storage, can be had for $2,499. Available hardware upgrades include: 2.5 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor for $100 (only for the base model), 2.8 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor for $300 (just $200 for the high-end model), 512 GB of internal storage for $300 (only for the base model), and 1 TB of internal storage for $800 (just $500 for the high-end model).

  Other highlights include: 15.4-inch IPS display with a resolution of 2,880 by 1,800 (220 pixels per inch); Intel Iris Pro Graphics (high-end model also gets Nvidia's GeForce GT 750M with 2 GB of GDDR5 memory); 720p FaceTime HD camera; two Thunderbolt 2 ports; two USB 3.0 ports; SDXC card slot; Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac; Bluetooth 4.0; OS X 10.9 Mavericks; eight hours of Wi-Fi web browsing or video playback; physical dimensions of 35.89 x 24.71 x 1.8 cm and weight of 2.02 kg.

  
• 

  Formula One websites do battle once more during the Hungarian Grand Prix

  Publié: juillet 29, 2014, 12:10pm CEST par Wayne Williams

  

  Last week web performance specialist Keynote monitored and compared 11 Formula One constructor team web pages during the German Grand Prix to see how they fared under pressure. The results made for interesting reading.

  The Hungarian Grand Prix, staged a couple of days ago, was a classic race, packed with excitement, and topped with a surprise win by Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo. Keynote monitored the same F1 websites again to see how they did second time around, and as you might expect changing race fortunes did have a noticeable impact on site performance.

  Keynote found that during the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday (27th July), the Red Bull constructor homepage took longer to load content (9.11 seconds), on average, than it did in the German Grand Prix the previous week (8.8 seconds).  Its load success rate also dropped from 99.65 percent to 98.08 percent, which could be due to increased visitors to the site, as a result of Daniel Ricciardo’s victory.

  "It’s interesting to see how the homepage of the Red Bull constructor team site coped with its win at the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday, especially since Red Bull beat Mercedes to first place, for only the second time this season", says Thomas Gronbach, digital quality expert at Keynote.

  "Daniel Ricciardo’s win is likely to have drawn in many visitors to its site and, as such, could be the reason why its online performance was poorer; compared to last week’s Grand Prix race in Germany it struggled to load content and had a lower load success rate. The site owners could have better prepared the Red Bull homepage, so that it was able to cope with this level of interest and match its online performance with its success on the track -- a lesson that needs to be learned ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix next month".

  "At Keynote, we would recommend that site owners aim for a consistent response time of less than two seconds and a load success rate of more than 99 percent. This will ensure fans, such as those visiting the Red Bull constructor team site, are always able to access the final scores and track its progress throughout the season," concludes Thomas.

  Measurement	Performance (seconds)	Availability (percent)
  F1 - Caterham	4.76	95.60
  F1 - Ferrari	4.33	100
  F1 - Force India	8.05	100
  F1 - Lotus	3.36	100
  F1 - Marussia	2.66	100
  F1 - McLaren	5.19	100
  F1 - Mercedes	5.18	98.07
  F1 - Red Bull	9.11	98.08
  F1 - Sauber	4.80	100
  F1 - STR	8.50	98.02
  F1 - Williams	6.64	99.86

   

  
• 

  Tech startups working to protect your privacy

  Publié: juillet 29, 2014, 10:09am CEST par Maciej Zawadziński

  

  Addressing the Hackers on Planet Earth (HOPE) conference over the weekend of 18 July, Edward Snowden entreated hackers, engineers and activists to fight surveillance by building a new generation of privacy tools for everyone to use. In fact, privacy startups are already hard at work building tools to help web users protect their privacy in areas such as analytics, encryption and search.

  However, there is still much work to do to put these tools into the hands of the ordinary web user.

  Since the NSA revelations last year, this task has continued to grow in significance as more and more privacy scares have grabbed the attention of the general public. Earlier this month, for example, an employee of Germany's intelligence service was arrested on suspicion of spying for the US.

  However, it's not just the NSA who is the guilty party. Corporations such as Google and Facebook are also building treasure troves of personal information to share with others, often without your consent.

  Emerging technology startups from around the world have responded to privacy concerns by building user-friendly products in three key areas: analytics, encryption and search.

  It's more often than not a David versus Goliath scenario, with many of the startups taking up the challenge of competing against Google. Despite the nature of this challenge, market demand for privacy-friendly products has proven strong, so the hackers and entrepreneurs remain undeterred.

  In analytics, Google Analytics is the most popular tool for companies and governments who want to analyze traffic on their website. While popular, it doesn't put users in control of their data. If you use Google Analytics, Google would not only know all visitors to your website (and which pages they looked at on your site), but because most other websites use GA as well (or another Google product), Google would also know, for example, the 19 other websites that person visited earlier that day and the hundreds of websites they looked at in the last month.

  Because more than 60 percent of all websites on the Internet use Google Analytics, Google Adsense or another Google product using tracking beacons -- "only 36.5 percent of the web is Google-free" -- Google is able to build a very accurate picture of most websites and their users.

  There is a competitive threat at stake here too: allowing Google to use your data to improve their other products, enables it to collect data to build custom audiences that they sell via AdWords to your competitors.

  Using Google Analytics therefore means running a risk of losing control of your data. In light of this, governments, companies and individuals are using alternatives such as Piwik, an open source web analytics platform which puts users in control of their data and does not share data with other servers.

  Piwik's approach to data retention includes anonymized IP addresses, a respect for DoNotTrack requests, an opt-out mechanism and shorter expiration dates for tracking cookies.

  In another case of David versus Goliath, DuckDuckGo is giving Google a run for its money in online search. The search engine doesn't collect IP addresses or track your searches. It exploded in popularity in 2013 following the revelations about NSA mass surveillance.

  Innovation in privacy-friendly tools is not, however, just limited to analytics and search. Startups are building tools to make it easier for web users to encrypt communications and files. GPG tools, for example, are growing in popularity as web-users download plugins such as GPG for Mail to encrypt Apple Mail and GPG Keychain to manage OpenPGP Keys. HTTPS Everywhere is another popular browser extension for Firefox and Chrome that encrypts communications with major websites, making browsing more secure.

  Beyond web tools and software, hardware is also becoming more privacy-friendly: Silent Circle teamed up with Geeksphone to design and build the Blackphone, an Android phone boasting an array of sophisticated features for private communications, browsing and cloud storage.

  For the ordinary web user, keeping up with the variety of new privacy tools is a daunting task. The community has recognized this, however, and has built PRISM break, an online resource available in 26 languages which provides details on alternative web tools and software for people who wish to opt out of global data surveillance programs like PRISM, XKeyscore and Tempora.

  The tools listed on PRISM Break and startups outlined in this article are the building blocks of the free and open internet. Campaigning to raise public awareness of these tools, make them easier to use for the general public and highlight the dangers of mass surveillance will ensure the Internet we love is not twisted into something it was never meant to be.

  Maciej Zawadziński is a co-founder of Piwik PRO.

  Image Credit: iQoncept/Shutterstock

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  Russia offers a $112,000 bounty to anyone who can crack Tor

  Publié: juillet 29, 2014, 9:59am CEST par Paul Cooper

  

  Russia's government has issued a 4 million rubles (about $112,000) bounty to anyone who cracks the Tor anonymity network's encryption protocols.

  Tor, which began as a secret project from the US Naval Research Laboratory, works by piling up layers of encryption over data, nested like the layers of an onion, which gave the network its original name, The Onion Router (TOR).

  Tor encrypts data, including the destination IP address, multiple times and sends it through a virtual circuit made up of successive, randomly selected relays. Each relay decrypts a layer of encryption to reveal only the next relay in the circuit.

  The final relay decrypts the innermost layer of encryption and sends the original data to its destination without revealing, or even knowing, the source IP address.

  The American National Security Agency (NSA) has made considerable efforts in the past to crack the encryption protocols behind Tor, but to limited success. Instead, they've just banked on tracking everyone who uses it, or even searches about it on Google.

  Under President Vladimir Putin, Russia has been cracking down on various Internet freedoms, and reducing the scope for anti-government protesters to operate online.

  In fact, Tor has encountered problems in Russia before. The country's principal security agency, the FSB, lobbied the Duma last year to ban Tor, but while deputies expressed support for the initiative, it never got out of committee.

  However, the government's issues with Tor could also have to do with legitimate police concerns. Tor is a favored haven of drug users, terrorists, smugglers and distributors of child pornography.

  The $112,000 (a relatively small amount of money by global industry standards) is being offered not by the FSB but the Interior Ministry, which is more interested in fighting child pornography than anti-Putin dissidents. However, breaking the encryption protocol would certainly endanger those who use the network for political protest.

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  Windows Phone users -- put down those cheeseburgers and pick up a Fitbit

  Publié: juillet 29, 2014, 2:18am CEST par Brian Fagioli

  

  Being a tech enthusiast is usually synonymous with being out of shape. Thinking back to the movie Revenge of the Nerds, it was clear that computer users were weaklings. As time marched on from the 80's, tech nerds went from simply being weak, to being fat too. Yes, we tech nerds like to sit in chairs and eat bad food. Of course, I'm generalizing; I am positive there are physically fit computer nerds. With that said, I have not encountered many.

  Thanks to the smartphone, technology has become more and more mainstream and simple to use. An iPhone or Android device is in the hands of all ages. I have encountered many older people that have never owned a PC and likely never will, that own an iPhone or Android device. The mainstreaming of technology has brought the merging of previously non-tech things with tech. For instance, I recently saw a WiFi connected crock pot. The surprising trend, however, is technology and fitness. Dongles such as the Fitbit have been all the rage lately, but sadly, Windows Phone users were left out -- what else is new, right? Today, this changes as Windows Phone gains a Fitbit app!

  "Fitbit is launching their native app for Windows Phone 8.1 today that brings direct mobile syncing (via Bluetooth 4.0). Devices running Windows Phone 8.1 will now have instant access to up-to-date stats from Fitbit's wireless activity trackers like the Flex, One and Zip. Fitbit’s wireless activity trackers track health and fitness metrics like steps taken, distance traveled, calories burned, active minutes, floors climbed and sleep quality. With their wireless activity trackers, Fitbit wants to inspire people to lead healthier and more active lives. I am nearing my two-year mark as a Fitbit user so I’m pretty excited about their app!", says Brandon LeBlanc of Microsoft.

  LeBlanc further says, "the Fitbit app features a Live Tile when pinned to your Start screen giving you all the up-to-date information and notifications at a glance. You’ll see things like steps taken and how much more is needed to meet your daily goal for example. All without having to open the app. In addition to direct mobile syncing, you’ll be able to quickly log fitness and nutrition data and set or manage personal goals directly from the app. And you’ll also be able to see how you stack up against your friends on the leaderboard and cheer (or taunt) them by direct messaging them from the app".

  Fitbit lists the following features of the app:

  • Real-time stats: Automatic and wireless syncing for all Fitbit activity and sleep trackers through Bluetooth 4.0
  • Fitbit on your Start screen: Pin the Fitbit Live Tile to your Start screen and quickly view your step count
  • Stay on track: Real-time and historical stats in easy-to-understand graphs, to help track progress and set goals
  • Log more than activity: Recently enhanced food database of more than 350,000 foods with accurate nutritional data for faster, better food-logging and calorie coaching
  • Get motivated: Fitbit's motivational social tools like notifications and badges, to help reach target goals
  • Stay social: Ability to challenge friends and family with leaderboards, direct messages, cheers and taunts

  So, if you are a Windows Phone user that needs to get in shape, today is your day. You can download the app here. As someone who uses a Nokia Lumia Icon and needs to drop some pounds, I will be watching this app very closely. Who knows, maybe I will buy a Fitbit dongle this weekend. That is, after I go to White Castle, of course.

  Will you be using a Fitbit dongle with your Windows Phone? Tell me in the comments.

  Photo credit: Andrey Armyagov / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Logitech brings inexpensive H570e USB headset to the enterprise

  Publié: juillet 28, 2014, 6:49pm CEST par Brian Fagioli

  

  When I go to the grocery store, nothing drives me crazier than people using the speakerphone function of their phone to talk with their partner. When I hear "honey, should I buy 1% or 2% milk?" and then listen to the discussion, it makes me nuts. It's like, I just want to throw their phone into the live lobster tank. Does no one have a sense of privacy and consideration anymore?

  This nonsense also happens in the workplace. It is not uncommon for an employee to run a video chat or web-based conference call through their speakers. They then shout at their computer, so the cheap mic picks up their voice. This is very inconsiderate; it negatively impacts the entire office's productivity, as attention is diverted from tasks. Today, Logitech wants to quiet these annoying coworkers with the H570e USB headset.

  "Once you've made the transition from a traditional phone to a softphone, you're probably going to need a headset. Good news! Logitech just introduced the Logitech USB Headset H570e: a new headset designed for comfort and ease-of-use available in stereo for people who need to block out surrounding noise during desktop calls, and in mono for those who prefer to have an open ear to their surroundings", says Ann Finnie, Logitech.

  Finnie further explains, "this affordable USB Headset H570e can help companies of all sizes to realize the benefits of hands-free crystal-clear communication. No more worries about your ever-changing workplace environment, we've got a headset that allows you to clearly hear whatever is being said or played".

  Logitech lists the following specs:

  Microphone:

  • Type: Directional ECM
  • Frequency response: 100 Hz - 18 kHz
  • Sensitivity: -47 dB +/- 3 dB
  • Distortion: <2% @ 1kHz, 94dB SPL
  • Operating voltage: 1.4 - 5.0V DC

  Speakers:

  • Frequency response: 31.5 Hz - 20 kHz( Diffuse field )
  • Sensitivity: 94dB ±3 dB at 1KHz, 0.01m, 0.01W
  • Max output: <79 dB SPL
  • Distortion: < 5% @ 1kHz, 10mW, 1kHz

  The option to switch from mono to stereo is an awesome feature. There is definitely a usage case for both scenarios. If you are only listening in to a conference call, muting the mic and listening in stereo is ideal. When participating and speaking, mono is better so you can better regulate your voice and not impact your surrounding coworkers. By bypassing the on-board sound and utilizing USB, sound should be improved too.

  The wired remote appears to be very useful. Of course, you can do the expected things -- volume up and down, mute and answer/end call. However, it does have a trick up its sleeve -- a visual call indicator. Yes, a green LED will alert you visually to an incoming call. This is helpful if you have the headset off while working at your desk.

  While the H570e is designed for business, there is no reason why home users can't enjoy it too. Logitech claims that it will work on Windows 7 or higher and Mac OS 10.6 or better, but it should work on Linux as well.

  Will you buy this $49 headset? Tell me in the comments.

  
• 

  Printworks gives Mac users a user-friendly, yet surprisingly powerful, design tool

  Publié: juillet 28, 2014, 6:38pm CEST par Nick Peers

  

  Belight Software has released Printworks 1.0 for Mac. Launching with a discounted price of $29.99 (normally $49.99), the app is a fully fledged desktop publishing and design tool aimed at the home and small business market.

  The app’s main appeal is that it manages to wrap up all the core functionality required for designing a wide range of documents -- including flyers, newsletters and greetings cards -- in a user interface that’s simple to grasp and places all the key tools at the user’s fingertips.

  Once fired up, users can create a document from scratch or choose from one of the many templates on offer -- over 400 are provided, broken down into manageable sections. Each template is fully customizable and showcase the app’s capabilities well.

  Printworks also offers four video tutorials that reveal how simple the app is to use while giving complete beginners an insight into how it -- and desktop publishing in general -- work.

  The user interface -- which is 100 percent Retina-ready -- is split into three panes: the document sits in the middle pane, with available media -- images, clipart and basic shapes -- accessible from the left, and an Inspector on the right.

  The Inspector provides four tabs: Page Setup covers the document’s general dimensions, while Geometry works with the currently selected object. Similarly, the Appearance tab is used to color and fill selected objects, while Text Formatting works with selected text.

  The toolbar provides buttons for quickly inserting barcodes, tables and even a calendar, plus a handy paragraph style switcher and clickable preview button for viewing your document as it should appear when printed. There are also buttons for creating headings as well as accessing the usual line, box and select tools.

  Having put these key tools front and center, Printworks also hides some useful tools behind the scenes -- double-click an image, for example, and a powerful dialog for editing and masking the image appears.

  Printworks is an excellent demonstration of how to launch a desktop publishing tool at the lower end of the market, bringing together all the tools required for creating striking documents quickly, easily and without being engulfed in unhelpful technical jargon. Even relatively inexperienced users should quickly pick up how the app works, making it easy to migrate to from other DTP programs.

  Printworks 1.0 is available now for $49.99 through the App Store. It requires Macs running OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion) or later. Over 1,000 clipart images are bundled with the software, while 40,000 more can be unlocked through an in-app purchase for an additional $9.99.

  
• 

  Convert web pages to PDF with wkhtmltopdf

  Publié: juillet 28, 2014, 6:34pm CEST par Mike Williams

  

  It can often be useful to keep a local copy of a web page, and your browser’s "Save Page As" option is a good place to start. But typically this saves an HTML file and a separate folder with its resources, or an archive format like MHT, not so convenient if you’d like to share the document with others.

  Wkhtmltopdf is an open source tool which quickly converts HTML to PDF, ready for viewing just about anywhere. It’s written for the command line, but don’t let that put you off -- you’ll be using it productively in seconds.

  Saving a remote web page to PDF, for instance, is as simple as this:

  wkhtmltopdf http://www.google.com google.pdf

  Wkhtmltopdf uses WebKit to render the page, which means you get accurate PDFs which look and feel just like the original HTML -- complete with clickable links.

  You can probably already guess how to convert a local file:

  wkhtmltopdf c:\folder\MyFile.html MyFile.pdf

  There’s no need to stop with a single file, though. Point the program at multiple HTML documents and it can combine them into a book with a cover and a table of contents:

  wkhtmltopdf cover cover.html toc chapter1.html chapter2.html chapter3.html book.pdf

  If you need more flexibility then there are plenty of more advanced switches available. You’re able to set the PDF’s page size, orientation, dpi, margins, headers, footers, and much, much more. Plus, as this is a command line tool, it’s easy to automate via Task Scheduler or your own scripts.

  Although PDF will be the output format of choice for most people, wkhtmltopdf can also save Postscript files. Just specify .ps as the extension of your exported file:

  wkhtmltopdf http://www.microsoft.com microsoft.ps

  We found the occasional issue: text that wasn’t rendered as we expected, a document which had local (file://) rather than remote (http://) links. But no HTML converter is problem-free, and even at version 0.12.1 wkhtmltopdf is better than most. Well worth a look, although if you’d like to avoid the command line, HTML to PDF Tools is a similar GUI-based alternative.

  
• 

  SlimClip -- a minimal iPhone case with clip-on functionality [Review]

  Publié: juillet 28, 2014, 4:24pm CEST par Wayne Williams

  

  When I go for runs, my iPhone always comes with me, providing music and motivation through apps like Zombies, Run! Usually I just jam the device in my pocket, but that's not always possible, or practical. There are other ways to carry your phone with you, including using armbands, but SlimClip offers an alternative option.

  The plastic case has a thin flap on the back. You lift this up to slide the iPhone into the enclosure, and the flap doubles as a clip so you can attach the device to your waistband. It's a simple, but very clever idea that works well.

  I've been protecting my phone with the Kloqe, so to switch from an all-aluminum-case to a plastic one feels like a backward step, and certainly when you first remove the case from the box it does feel a bit cheap in your hands. That said, once the phone is in place the case looks good and fits snugly, with holes for the camera, ringer toggle and speaker, microphone, charger and headphone socket. There are buttons for power and volume built into the SlimClip.

  The phone clips on upside down, so the headphone socket faces up, making it ideal for listening to music while exercising, or on the move.

  SlimClip adds very little bulk to the phone (you won't look like a security guard with it on your hip), and clips on tightly so there's no danger of it coming loose while jogging.

  I would prefer it if there was a way of locking the flap flat when not in use -- shove the phone in your pocket upside down and things like coins end up under the flap -- but that's a small niggle (and easily solved with a piece of tape if it becomes a problem).

  The case is available in a choice of colors -- black, white, red, gray, blue, yellow and orange, and priced at $40 plus taxes and shipping.

  You can get it now from Wonderful Things Factory.

  

  
• 

  One in four IT professionals aren't aware of virtual security options

  Publié: juillet 28, 2014, 3:19pm CEST par Ian Barker

  

  Securing IT is essential for any modern business, but according to a new study carried out for security company Kaspersky Lab around one in four IT security experts have little or no understanding of the security options for virtual environments.

  Almost half of respondents (46 percent) said that virtual environments can be adequately protected by conventional security solutions and 36 percent believe that security concerns in virtual infrastructures are significantly lower than in physical environments.

  The study finds that IT security professionals may not have a clear understanding about the different virtualization security approaches that are available. Only one out of every three IT security experts have a clear understanding of light agent and agent-based virtualization solutions, and only one out of every four understands agent-less virtualization security.

  Kaspersky points out that although conventional security solutions may be 'virtual aware' they can create performance problems when used with virtual environments. Agent-based security can overwhelm resources when scanning and may leave protection gaps when updates are required.

  Mark Bermingham, Virtualization Evangelist at Kaspersky Lab North America says, "Businesses today face an ever-evolving threat landscape and cybercriminals are increasingly looking at virtual environments as the next frontier of sophisticated attacks. The survey results highlight a clear disconnect between what organizations believe is optimal security for a virtual environment when contrasted with the robust capabilities delivered via agentless and light agent solutions. With many businesses turning their attention to securing virtual environments, it is critical that they execute these initiatives and understand their options for securing these business-critical environments".

  But while many organizations may not have a clear understanding of virtual security options 64 percent agree that security should be a priority when rolling out virtual infrastructure. Also 52 percent agreed that virtual environments are becoming key to their business infrastructure and securing them would be a priority for the next year.

  The report concludes that businesses need to measure the performance costs of security, assign the right solution to each environment and limit 'virtual sprawl' by shutting down virtual machines when they're no longer in use. You can read the full report on Kaspersky's website.

  Photo Credit: Sergey Nivens/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Nokia X lineup gets new software update

  Publié: juillet 28, 2014, 2:25pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Even though Microsoft is planning to downsize its Nokia X efforts (to the point where there will likely be no new device announced), the software giant is still supporting its Android lineup by rolling out a new software update.

  The update introduces the multitasking functionality from the Nokia X2 lineup, giving users the ability to easily switch and close running apps. It can be triggered by tapping on the App Switcher icon, after swiping down from the top of the display.

  Microsoft is also preloading some of its cloud-based services, namely OneDrive, OneNote and Outlook.com. The note-taking app can sync up to 500 notes, while the email client supports push notifications and syncing of calendar entries and contacts.

  Nokia Store sees improvements as well, making it easier for users to discover their favorite apps and games. There is also a new dedicated widget for discovering offerings and downloading them in a single tap.

  The software update is designed for Nokia X, Nokia X+ and Nokia XL and will be available, starting today, as an OTA (Over-The-Air) upgrade. Microsoft recommends downloading it using Wi-Fi.

  
• 

  The trick to making a great 'mobile first' app

  Publié: juillet 28, 2014, 12:59pm CEST par Ajay Chowdhury

  

  There are now more than one million apps in the Apple app store but a study by Deloitte's showed that 80 percent of apps get less than 1,000 downloads each. If we assume (very, very conservatively) that those apps cost an average of $10,000 to develop -- that is at least $8 billion being wasted making apps no one uses.

  In reality, the cost is often over $100,000, which makes the wastage around $80 billion. That is a lot of marketing and development dollars being spent that could have been better used on something else.

  Of course, when an app works -- as WhatsApp has shown with 450 million users across all platforms and a valuation of $18bn -- it really works.

  We decided to step back and see what it meant to be truly "mobile first" as that is a buzzphrase that is being bandied about by a lot of companies.

  In the early days of the web, publishers essentially took their offline print properties and 'repurposed' them for use on the web. Over time they realized that the web was an intrinsically different medium and they needed to develop content specifically for the internet. Only once publishers came to this realization (and many still have not) did we get many of the highly trafficked content websites we have today -- from Slate to The Huffington Post to the New York Times.

  However, most of the companies who are going mobile now are making the same mistake, they are taking their web content and essentially resizing it for a mobile screen, not appreciating that mobile is in many ways a fundamentally different medium from a website which is made to be interacted with on a laptop or desktop.

  An analysis of the top five websites in the world (Google, YouTube, Facebook, Yahoo, Amazon) shows something equally interesting. They are all utilities that exist purely because of the internet -- i.e. they are not pre-internet properties that were then repurposed. In fact, of the top 50 websites in the world only three -- Microsoft (41), Apple (48) and CNN (49) -- come from pre-internet brands.

  A similar analysis of the top 25 free iPhone apps shows that almost all the paid apps are games, except WhatsApp (6) and that only one, (The Weather Channel (7) ) comes from a pre-internet brand. It also shows that ten of the 25 are brands native to the mobile phone, with no significant web presence before the mobile app launch (Instagram (3), Words with Friends (6), Temple Run (9), Shazam (12), Angry Birds (13), Draw Something (14), Flashlight (15), FruitNinja (18), iHeartRadio (19), Bump (21)).

  We took this slew of statistics and came to two conclusions:

  • The best apps are focused on the mobile experience and are not just repurposed websites. Nick Watt, a senior researcher at Reed Business Information, has identified the key mobile attributes as being -- 'communication, spontaneous, geo-sensitive, short periods of use and focused activity'. Shazam, a company I helped launch in the UK, very much played to these strengths. When Shazam first launched in 2000 it was pre-smartphone but focused on four out of the five 'above-mentioned mobile attributes very successfully. When the iPhone came along the Shazam app was refined for the smartphone age and the fifth 'mobile attribute' geo-sensitive was added, keeping it consistently one of the most downloaded apps year after year.
  • The best apps have true utility which gets people engaging with them and using them very often. WhatsApp is the perfect example here -- simple, clear and functional, it does what is needed and only brings in features to enhance the communication experience.

  The one thing that most apps aren't doing is really understanding the user. A smartphone is a very personal device. Understanding and anticipating the user's needs are what makes an app great. One of our product managers mentioned that a great app was like the personal assistant who always knew what you wanted. This got me thinking of dining in a restaurant and the different types of dining experience we might have. I broke them down into three experiences:

  The Fast Food -- This app makes you do all the work and is ultimately not terribly satisfying. For example apps that force you to hunt around for things that should be intuitive, where you click aimlessly hoping something will happen and then suddenly crash for no reason -- we've all been there.

  The Irritating Waiter -- The app that is incredibly intrusive, wanting to access all your Facebook details, your contacts and sending you pointless alerts every day.

  The Perfect Waiter -- This is the Holy Grail. The app that works perfectly when you need it, sends you alerts that really matter, is incredibly easy to use and leaves you feeling you've had a great experience.

  Ajay Chowdhury is CEO of Seatwave

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  Cortana embarrasses Siri in new Windows Phone ad

  Publié: juillet 28, 2014, 12:22pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Even though Cortana shares some major design traits with Google Now, there is no denying that the new Windows Phone 8.1 personal assistant actually feels more like a Siri rival. That is due to their uncanny wittiness and human-like personality, two things that are just not there in Google's (clinical, albeit mighty powerful) offering.

  Cortana is gunning for Siri as the latter is a more talked-about personal assistant than Google Now is (and will likely ever be). So it should come as no surprise that, in a new Windows Phone 8.1 ad titled Happy Anniversary, Microsoft pits the two against each-other. And, obviously, Cortana embarrasses its opponent.

  Microsoft leverages some of Cortana's contextual awareness for its personal assistant to come out on top. It can remind the husband to wish his wife a happy birthday next time she calls and buy roses next time he is near any flower shop, and let him know when it is time to leave for Bold Spoon (likely a restaurant) to arrive there in time.

  Siri, on the other hand, fails to do any of those things in the ad. But it ends its string of can't dos with a praise aimed at its opponent -- "Now that is a smart phone" -- after Cortana displays the said navigation information.

  The clever bit in this ad, however, is that Siri loses on an expensive Apple iPhone 5s while Cortana wins on an inexpensive Windows Phone 8.1 device -- it is a Nokia Lumia 635, which goes for as little as $99 off-contract in US -- and not a comparable premium smartphone like a Nokia Lumia 930.

  
• 

  Xbox One now available for pre-order in China

  Publié: juillet 28, 2014, 8:56am CEST par Wayne Williams

  

  On Friday, China Telecom, the country's third biggest telecommunications company, said it would start selling the Xbox One in China from September, although no pricing details were revealed.

  Today JD.com Inc, China's second largest e-commerce company (by market share), confirmed it has started to accept pre-orders for the games console.

  According to Reuters, the pre-orders, which will run from July 28 to July 30, will be taken via Tencent Holdings' mobile social networks Mobile QQ and WeChat, which is known as Weixin in China.

  The all-in-one games and entertainment system will be the first of its kind to launch in China, and the first foreign games console since the government lifted a 14-year old ban on such devices in January. Console sales were banned in 2000 on the back of concerns that games were negatively affecting the mental health of players.

  Although the recent uncoupling of the Kinect and resulting price cut has seen the Xbox One enjoy a healthy sales spike, rival Sony’s PlayStation 4 has consistently outsold it.

  China is a potentially huge market for the Xbox One with an estimated half a billion people playing games. According to Microsoft that’s "roughly more than a third of the country’s population and more than the entire population of North America".

  
• 

  BlackBerry: Apple and IBM partnership is like 'two elephants dancing'

  Publié: juillet 28, 2014, 8:19am CEST par Jamie Hinks

  

  BlackBerry isn’t losing any sleep over the recent enterprise tie-up between IBM and Apple as their CEO John Chen compared it to a couple of large mammals taking to the dance floor.

  Chen, talking to the Financial Times, likened the partnership to when "two elephants start dancing" and thinks that the firm he is slowly rebuilding has enough in the bag to compete with anyone that challenges it in the enterprise market.

  Rumors persist that it is ready to sign up with its own enterprise partners and Chen stoked the fire by giving an inkling that it is ready to start dancing with its own beau, with the CEO remaining coy on who it could be. That hasn’t stopped various observers speculating that the likes of SAP, Oracle or even Samsung could be a-party to some kind of tie-up.

  "A good enterprise partner for them might be an SAP or an Oracle," says Joe Compeau, a lecturer in information systems at the Ivey Business School, according to The Globe and Mail. "Security is a little more important part of those systems, so BlackBerry would be a natural fit".

  The deal signed between IBM and Apple is expected to bring iPhones and iPad into the enterprise sector with a range of secured apps that leverage each side’s expertise and at the time the deal was signed, BlackBerry’s share price dived.

  BlackBerry has been busy in the past week with the release of the first-ever cloud-hosted version of its BlackBerry Enterprise Service 10 that means customers don’t have to maintain individual BES10 servers. It followed this up with the appointment of Marty Beard as new COO, a man that worked closely with Chen at Sybase and has also been employed by Oracle.

  "What it needs [is] to find a company that can really accelerate its software agenda," added technology analyst Carmi Levy, someone that believes huge app libraries will matter more to consumers but less so in the enterprise sector. "It’s about how many business-relevant solutions you can create".

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  How network convergence can improve the mobile experience

  Publié: juillet 28, 2014, 8:13am CEST par Don Thomas Jacob

  

  Network convergence has been defined as the integration of voice, video and data in a single network. This convergence allowed enterprises to deliver more, and even better services, at a much lower cost to customers. While network convergence has evolved over the years to include teleconferencing, streaming media, and HD video, the latest addition to network convergence is mobility and this includes smartphones, tablets, laptops or any other wireless capable device.

  For an enterprise to leverage the advantages of mobility, such as increased employee satisfaction, improved productivity and overall agility, the network should be capable of providing a hassle-free and seamless user experience. Here are a few key things that network admins need to keep in mind when deciding to bring mobility into the enterprise mix.

  Wired and wireless experience

  Wired and wireless were traditionally run as separate networks, with wired the most commonly used and wireless usually limited to guests and a few employees who frequently moved around the office. This changed with the advent of mobility and BYOD. Mobility requires a scalable, high-speed and converged wired and wireless network that can provide consistent performance to the end user, with the device used and the location of the user bearing no impact on the overall experience.

  To achieve this, network admins should start consolidating their standalone networks into a converged one, leveraging network hardware that can handle both wired and wireless. Further, converged networks are less complex, easier to manage and remove the need for maintaining a separate architecture, policies and features. Many hardware vendors, including Cisco, Alcatel-Lucent and Juniper, have solutions for unified access that can make network convergence easy.

  Something else to consider is the performance of your wireless network. Network admins should make sure that their wireless networks provide either the same or a better level of experience than the wired network.

  Bandwidth

  An increased demand for WAN bandwidth is a major impact of mobility. Mobility and BYOD bring in applications that compete for bandwidth with business-critical applications. With each user carrying at least two wireless devices and numerous applications, there can be an exponential rise in demand for enterprise bandwidth, which may lead to link saturation, non-delivery of business data or even network downtime.

  To ensure that WAN bandwidth is not being misused by unwanted applications or non-business critical traffic, your network should have continuous, real-time traffic analytics using technologies such as NetFlow and deep packet inspection. Traffic analytics will help determine who and what is using your precious WAN bandwidth and provide actionable information to help redesign QoS policies or make capacity planning decisions.

  Security

  Security can be considered the biggest problem brought into the enterprise by mobility. Employees may end up getting hacked or pick up malware while using their wireless devices in unsecured public networks. Security measures such as firewalls, ACLs and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) are rendered useless against security threats that are physically carried into the network. When these devices are connected to the enterprise, it results in the infection spreading to other devices or providing backdoor access to sensitive information stored in the network.

  Employees also tend to use rooted devices that allow the installation of unverified applications from any source. Using devices with such applications can lead to a virus spreading in the network or the network falling prey to data theft. Unknown and unwanted applications should be blocked in the network and network security should not be limited to only incoming traffic but should also cover LAN traffic. This helps detect network anomalies that could have been physically carried into the network.

  End-to-end monitoring

  Monitoring is one of the most important aspects when ensuring network performance. Be it wired, wireless or converged networks, monitoring allows administrators to identify possible issues before they impact business continuity. Monitoring can help a network admin discover slow network devices, saturated links, route flaps, failing application servers, incorrect QoS priorities, security violations, network anomalies, and more. This way, the network admin gets to be proactive and can solve issues even before the users become aware of them and starts complaining.

  Small things

  Never forget the small things. Just because your enterprise supports mobility does not mean you have to allow all applications installed on a device access to your network. Allowing all applications can lead to bandwidth or security issues, both of which are undesirable. You also don't have to support the personal requirements of your employees, so feel free to say "no" when you are asked to work on non-business requirements.

  You must also remember to implement policies and rules for using the enterprise network. Though your organizational policies may allow an unrestricted network, remember to review or log file downloads, especially when they are larger than normal or simply not your regular file types. Such downloads can hog available bandwidth, causing security problems and in some cases even legal trouble.

  Last but not least, make sure you educate your employees. Users in the network can be your biggest security problem. Educate your employees on the importance of data protection, prevention of data loss, network security and privacy, irrespective of whether they are using wired, wireless or remote to access the enterprise network.

  Don Thomas Jacob is the head geek at SolarWinds

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  Wilson's Weekend Whine: slow connections are dividing the web -- and making me mad

  Publié: juillet 28, 2014, 12:37am CEST par Mark Wilson

  

  The inspiration for this weekend's whine, along with the reason for its slight delay are one and the same thing. An appallingly slow (often non-existent) internet connection. Well, actually it's a combination of things, a slow internet connection being just one of them. Most people -- myself included in the past -- don't give a second thought to living online. Web pages are there ready be accessed on demand. Movies are just waiting to stream. Facebook and Twitter posts stream by. And so on. At least that's how it should be. If you live out in the sticks, it's a very different story -- and it stops me from banging about Edward Snowden and the NSA.

  Look at the headlines and you’d be forgiven for thinking that everyone in the "developed world" is working with a blisteringly fast connection. Forget cables, we just have our brains connected directly to the internet. But we don’t. Here in the UK, there is a very noticeable digital divide, and I know it's a similar story in many other parts of the world. I've been fairly lucky in the past. Moving house at the turn of the millennium happily coincided with the arrival of broadband in the area. Hooray! 4Mbps of downstream -- more than acceptable nearly 15 years ago. A house move later, and things jumped to 8Mbps.

  Across the pond

  I then spent some time in the US. This meant dealing with Verizon rather than BT, and accepting a drop in speed to 3Mbps or thereabouts. Several months later, returning to the UK, a move to Scotland was on the cards. But not just "Scotland", "middle-of-virtually-nowhere Scotland". Mobile signal was a little flaky, but a surprisingly speedy "up to 8MB" broadband connection was available.  Great for everyone in the area, but essential for people like me who work from home. The next move, despite involving relocating from somewhere very rural to somewhere on the edge of decent-sized town, meant dropping back to 3Mbps. The drop wasn't too much to shoulder, but there was a noticeable increase in drop outs, unreachable websites, and general frustration. But nothing could prepare me for what was to come next.

  Yet another house move, and things took a turn for the particularly rural. An area where there are fields filled with sheep and cows in every direction, clumps of trees on the horizon, and only one neighbour, sounds -- and indeed is -- idyllic, but it comes with drawbacks. Chez nous had zero mobile signal. Not a bit. But worse than this, particularly for a technology journalist working from home, is the fact that the term "broadband" here refers to a connection that is *up to* 0.5Mbps. And when my ISP says "up to" you can almost hear them laughing as they say it. In reality, it means battling with a connection that operates at 0.3Mbps on a good day. Downhill with a tail-wind.

  It's hard to describe how frustrating working with such an antiquated connection is. Simple online tasks that should take seconds, spread out to take minutes or hours. It is not possible to multi-task. You want to look at two web sites? Forget loading one in a background tab because that just means that the first tab won’t load at all! Streaming video? What's that? YouTube is reduced to looking like a flickbook operated by an arthritic old man, only able to flick between pages once a minute -- and who needs to take a lie down to recover from the exertion of turning three in succession.

  F*&%!

  I'm a person not averse to swearing. In fact it's something I embrace. A good, loud, full-bodied curse is great for the soul. But I don’t think I have ever sworn so much in my life. The internet is not just slow -- it is frequently completely unusable. Literally. Take this past week for instance. There have been three days when there has been no internet connection whatsoever. Countless phone calls to my ISP resulted in line tests revealing no problems, and probing showing that we should be able to connect at the blistering speed of 0.38Mbps. There was a beautiful irony in talking to a customer service robot who insisted that everything was working as it should. I was asked on several occasions to perform a speed test on the line, which led me to report back that the speed tests were inaccessible. With three different routers.

  Now, after spending virtually the whole of Sunday on the phone battling, explaining, arguing, and trying to remain calm as I was told time and time again that everything was fine, the connection seems to be back up and running -- but for how long? And when I've spent my day dealing with people who don’t understand the difference between an internal and an external IP address, I do wonder how qualified they are to help.

  The reason for my terrible internet connection -- and through which I am expected to write things online -- is that not only is the Wilson-plus-partner-and-cats abode way out in the middle of the Scottish countryside, but that the internet hardware in the area is positively ancient. Serving a total of under one hundred people, the local telephone exchange is simply not able to deliver broadband of about 0.5Mbps -- minus a bit for distance, minus a bit more for contention, and a bit more for noise, and a bit more for good measure. Never mind... we don’t have long to wait until the equipment is upgraded, do we? What's that? 2017, you say? W T actual F?! (and I stand by my use of the oft-maligned interobang there).

  The remote location means that my current ISP has a monopoly. They own the cables and it's up to them when the system is upgraded. Cable and fiber just aren’t going to happen. The only vaguely realistic alternative is broadband via satellite, but this has hefty setup fees and ongoing charges. Restrictively hefty.

  He over-speeds and he never gets pulled over...

  Heading to coffeeshops, libraries, and other public hotspots -- even just browsing the web on a phone's data connection in town -- is a revelation. Pages that refused to appear at home flash up in an instant. I realize I am far from being alone. For each person gloating over the fact they have a 100Mbps connection, there are dozens more still stuck in the dark ages of dialup speeds -- literally in many cases, although thankfully not mine. And web pages are just not created for people with slow connections. Massive images, embedded videos, fat and lazy code. All these things slow down the internet for everyone, but it's only really noticed on the really slow connections.

  How many web designers *really* think about optimizing their sites for everyone. It's all too easy to assume that everyone connects to the web at 10Mbps or more, and create all-singing, all-dancing sites to take advantage of all of this bandwidth. But the reality is that many, many people do not have such connections, and that means missing out on a lot the web has to offer. Spotify, YouTube, even the likes of Imgur are all but out of bounds to me -- I just don’t have the time or patience to wait for pages to load. There are tools and browsing that can compress pages, optimize browsing and so on, but there's a whole lot more than can be done to make the internet more accessible to all.

  And despite all this, I continue to live my life online. The internet is my entertainment (not my sole form, of course), my job, a hobby, my research tool, and so much more. But I feel like a second class citizen of the web. The internet is my livelihood, but I have to bend to its will rather than it to mine. That's not right.

  Photo credit: Djomas / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Microsoft's Kinect technology powers university library

  Publié: juillet 27, 2014, 11:25am CEST par Alan Buckingham

  

  Microsoft has made Kinect a big part of its latest gaming console, Xbox One, though customers can now buy the box without that technology tied to it. However, the device can be used for more than just gaming and entertainment.

  Liberty University is now using Kinect to power a media wall in the library. The college is located in Lynchburg, Virginia, and is home to some 12,000 students, and around 90,000 more who study through an online program.

  "Upon entering the library, visitors are greeted by an enormous visual display -- a media wall measuring 24 feet by 11 feet, composed of 198 interactive tiles that are controlled by three Kinect for Windows sensors", says the Kinect for Windows team.

  What's on the wall? It's a continuous display of photos that are submitted via social media by the students who attend the school. The Kinect sensors allow those standing in front of the screen to use gestures that enable additional information which is available for each photo.

  "The media wall thus provides a current snapshot of life at Liberty University -- not just on campus but around the world, since most of the school’s students are distance learners", Microsoft states.

  It's certainly a unique use for Kinect, and one that could inspire other innovations. You can get a feel for the setup by checking out the video below.

  
• 

  The best thing about San Diego Comic-Con

  Publié: juillet 26, 2014, 6:36pm CEST par Joe Wilcox

  

  The world's most lively pop-culture event reaches the half-way mark today. Four glorious days of geekdom concludes tomorrow at 5 pm PDT, but there's lots to come before the end. Saturday is typically Comic-Con's busiest and brightest day. With the masquerade ball coming tonight, cosplayers will be everywhere. I reflected on "the roles we play" three years ago and adapted the post into the introduction to my book Comic-Con Heroes: The Fans Who Make the Greatest Show on Earth.

  About 130,000 make the pop-culture pilgrimage. They come for all different reasons. Some love comics. Others want to see their favorites stars, close up or in celebrity panels. Collectibles draw many people -- those free or purchased. Others want to meet those whom they idolize, which might be getting an autograph from an actor or chatting with an artist. Then there are the artists, writers, and other storytellers who want to learn something that will turn what they love into successful careers. But most attendees share something in common: They are fans. Many are geeks, while others see themselves as misfits -- non-conformists who aspire for something greater.

  In conducting interviews last year for the book and others over the past couple of days, two themes are constant: Many attendees feel out of place in their real lives. But at Comic-Con they can be free to be themselves, to be accepted, and to be understood. The other theme is storytelling. Everyone seeks some story -- in the anime, artwork, books, comics, films, graphic novels, TV shows or content producers and stars they love.

  Storytelling inspires people to aspire for something better. It's all the story they tell about the roles we play everyday and the people we wish we could be. Many attendees express some story about themselves through the costumes worn or the famous folks admired.

  San Diego Comic-Con is an amazing amalgamation of hopes and aspirations -- and the grandest storytelling. The first, full three-day event took place from Aug. 1-3, 1970, at the U.S. Grand Hotel, with about 300 attendees and sci-fi luminaries of the day, including Ray Bradbury and A.E. van Vogt. In 2014, fans storm the San Diego Convention Center to enter, for four days and a preview night, an alternate reality, where the social rules binding them everyday no longer apply.

  From the early days, the convention embraced other arts, including pulp media such as movies. However, comics' prominence diminishes in the new century. Hollywood is in takeover mode, as it has been since the previous decade. Comic-Con is now a required pilgrimage for actors, filmmakers, producers, or screenwriters. That said, the real stars aren't the big-screen actors and showrunners but the small, bit-players roaming the halls; the attendees.

  They are the best the thing about Comic-Con. OK, it's a tie. Storytelling is the other best thing. Hope is the unifying theme: That anyone can be a hero. That everyone is a story unfolding. Stated differently: The best thing about San Diego Comic-Con is you.

   

  
  People wait in the autograph line for Bill Finger, whose anniversary is celebrated during this year's Con. The uncredited Batman co-creator died 40 years ago. Fans meet and receive autographs form his granddaughter Athena Finger.

   

  
  Nearby, the autograph line is much thinner for the very living Battlestar Galactica star Richard Hatch.

   

  
  The Hillywood sisters stop and pose, and seem surprised I recognize them. I interviewed them in 2009. They're here in Dr. Who dress, promoting their fun parody video embedded below.

   

   
  
  Artist Andrew Bell holds up a signed skateboard, with one of his designs.

  Photo Credits: Joe Wilcox

  
• 

  Seven teenage tech entrepreneurs who made millions before they turned 21

  Publié: juillet 26, 2014, 1:36pm CEST par Wayne Williams

  If you’re a tech entrepreneur, or want to be, the good news is there’s still plenty of money to be made if you have a great idea, and can attract the right audience and/or investors.

  According to the Kauffman Foundation, the average age of first-time tech entrepreneurs is 39 but really there’s no age limit -- they can be much older, or much, much younger. In fact plenty of teens have managed to make it big with nothing more than a great idea and the willingness to pursue it.

  WhoIsHostingThis.com has put together a new infographic showcasing seven teenagers who made millions in this way. These include Summly app creator Nick D’Aloisio who made $30 million by selling his creation and services to Yahoo, and Brian Wong who founded mobile advertising platform Kiip.me which, to date, has raised $15.4 million.

  The below infographic provides information on the age at which each entrepreneur made his or her millions, and the age they currently are, what the idea was and what they are doing now.

  

  
• 

  Information retrieval requests put a major strain on IT departments

  Publié: juillet 25, 2014, 10:52pm CEST par Darren Allan

  

  Time consuming data retrieval requests are putting a big strain on IT teams, at least according to a new piece of research.

  Iron Mountain (a storage and data management outfit) conducted the study, and spoke to a number of senior IT bods across Europe (including the UK) to get their opinions on exactly what weight big data was putting on their shoulders these days.

  The headline news is that those interviewed said they're seeing yearly increases of 60 percent in terms of requests for data, as staff members are more likely to be trying to leverage data to better do their job, or gain valuable customer insight and the like.

  Those interviewed said that the rapid growth in data volume of recent times is the primary driver of information retrieval requests -- as the volume of info is such that more and more of it cannot be stored on individual computers. And the second biggest factor pushing up such requests is the fact that companies need to restrict access to data for security and data protection reasons, so staff need to request access to make use of said data (and keeping copies of data isn't permitted -- so they may need to ask again, and again...).

  The third most important factor cited by the report is simply the growth of organisations, with more employees meaning more requests. Finally, human error such as accidental deletion of data is also leading to more data retrieval requests.

  It's also worth noting that further volume is generated by external data requests -- or these can even represent the majority in some cases. For example a German telecoms outfit said that despite having several thousand employees, most of its data retrieval requests come from law enforcement agencies.

  As to which sectors had the highest volume of requests? Those were manufacturing, services and healthcare.

  Christian Toon, Head of Information Risk for Europe at Iron Mountain, commented: "Data protection and information value are important areas worth taking seriously, but it is important to understand that they will also impact data storage and retrieval processes. We believe that tiered information storage is the answer: defining what is most used, most critical and most confidential, as well as what is essentially dormant, and then structuring your storage, access and back-up process accordingly".

  He added: "Keep high-value, highly active documents readily available, but relegate more archival and other types of information to more economical forms of storage".

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  Top 10 cyber security tips

  Publié: juillet 25, 2014, 6:56pm CEST par Bill Carey

  

  High profile hacking incidents continue to make headlines around the world. The Target data breach that compromised 40 million customer accounts is still reverberating around the retail universe, and earlier this month a hacker organization targeted CNET, the popular technology and consumer electronics site. The group claims it obtained over a million usernames, passwords and email addresses.

  If you run a business and have valuable customer data to protect or even if you just enjoy visiting sites online and shopping at ecommerce hubs and want to keep your personal information safe, you may worry about hacker attacks. But there are steps you can take to reduce the risk. Here are 10 ways to keep your personal or business information safer.

  1. Make sure your password is secure. Passwords are the first line of defense. Use a password that contains both upper and lowercase letters as well as numbers and special characters. The more complex your password is, the harder it is for hackers to compromise.
  2. Never use personal information in your password. It’s a bad idea to use your name or that of a spouse, child or pet as a password. The same is true of birthdays or phone numbers, as this information is also widely available via a Google search of your name.
  3. Make sure your OS software is up to date. Hackers continuously come up with new ways to infiltrate security systems, so it pays to make sure your browser has the latest security patches. When prompted to update your operating system software, take time to do it.
  4. Don’t leave your computer unattended when logged in to a site. It can be tempting to leave your browser open if you have to leave your PC for a few minutes, but that’s a golden opportunity for snoopers. Close all applications and log off before you step away.
  5. Create a "burner" email address. It’s a good idea to open a free email account with sites like Gmail that you can give out when you’re required to provide an email online or open an ecommerce account. You’ll avoid spam at your primary address and reduce vulnerability.
  6. Password-protect mobile devices. Many people don’t bother creating a password or PIN for their mobile phone or tablet, which is a big mistake. Like PCs, phones and tablets typically have sensitive account information on them that also needs to be kept safe.
  7. Use different passwords for all the registered sites you visit. Many people make the mistake of using the same password for all the sites they visit, but that means that a hacking incident on one site compromises all of their online accounts.
  8. Change passwords frequently. If you change your password frequently, you’ll decrease the likelihood that you’ll lose valuable information in a hacking incident. Aim for making a change to all registered passwords approximately every 30 days.
  9. Set your email to read plain text only. One way hackers target victims is to monitor when emails are opened by embedding an image that displays automatically. If you set your email to display plain text only, you can manually open emails from trusted senders.
  10. Don’t keep a password list. If you’re following good security practices, you’ll create strong passwords and change them frequently. But keeping an unencrypted list of passwords on your PC defeats the whole purpose.

  With sites worldwide under threat by attacks from increasingly sophisticated hacking groups, it makes sense to be concerned about your data, whether you run a business or are a casual Internet user. Since passwords are the primary line of defense, focus on creating strong passwords, and make sure you change them approximately every 30 days.

  Keeping track of your passwords manually can be a challenge if you use many different sites, so it may be in your best interest to explore an automated password management solution. But whether you manage your passwords yourself or rely on a partner, make sure you follow these 10 tips to improve security and avoid handing account information to hackers.

  Photo Credit: Sergey Nivens/Shutterstock

  Bill Carey is Vice President of Marketing & Business Development at Siber Systems Inc., which offers the top-rated RoboForm Password Manager solution. Find out more about RoboForm at http://www.roboform.com.

  
• 

  Spotify to appear on Vizio Smart TVs

  Publié: juillet 25, 2014, 6:45pm CEST par Alan Buckingham

  

  Smart TVs and Blu-ray players have become all the rage these days, with customers using them to replace the need for a set-top box, though in most cases apps can be limited. So when a new one debuts on a platform it can be a big deal to customers who invest in that particular device for their living room.

  Now Spotify announces it will be making its way to Vizio TVs. The app will begin appearing for download in the Internet Apps Plus store right on the big screen.

  "This cooperation with VIZIO is another great step towards our goal of making all the world’s music instantly available on every platform", says Pascal de Mul, the Global Head of Hardware Partnerships at the streaming service.

  Meanwhile, Vizio chimes in "We’re excited to launch Spotify on VIZIO Internet Apps Plus and its huge library of music to our customers", says chief technology officer Matt McRae.

  The app is available right now for all 2014 model E-series and M-series sets. There is one catch (isn't there always?) -- you'll need a Spotify Premium account to take advantage of the feature. This will set you back $9.99 per month, which seems to be the going rate for streaming music services these days.

  
• 

  Amazon's Fire phone gets more premium apps -- MapQuest and WeatherBug

  Publié: juillet 25, 2014, 6:44pm CEST par Brian Fagioli

  

  Can you feel the electricity in the air? Today is Amazon Fire phone release day! Yes, the mythical smartphone, which was rumored for years, finally becomes available to consumers today. Next door to the pizzeria where I got my meatball parm hero for lunch today, is an AT&T store littered with signage for the device. There definitely is a buzz. Will it be a success? Time will tell, but a big factor will be app selection.

  Yesterday, Amazon scored Microsoft OneNote for it -- a huge win for both companies. Today however, the app train keeps on rolling. MapQuest and WeatherBug, both of which are premium apps, are now available for Fire phone too. However, these are not just ports, but customized versions to take advantage of Amazon's unique hardware.

  "WeatherBug, the brand millions trust to know before severe weather strikes, launches its popular app on Amazon's new Fire phone. Featuring exclusive Spark lightning alerts, the fastest alerts to severe weather, and pinpoint forecasts for 2.6 million locations worldwide, the app includes all the weather, alerting tools and special features WeatherBug users have come to trust. What's more, the app utilizes Fire's unique features with an expanded home screen widget that provides vital weather information at-a-glance, supports gesture-based navigation, and includes cool new 3D effects".

  Wow, WeatherBug actually sounds very cool, but it probably won't push sales of the device. Since Google's apps, including Google Maps, will not be available, mapping will be a huge need on Amazon's platform. Luckily, MapQuest has stepped up with a solution that should hopefully be well accepted by users.

  Steve Rabuchin, Vice President, Amazon Appstore says, "MapQuest has innovated using Fire phone's unique capabilities to offer customers a new kind of experience for people on the go. We're thrilled that MapQuest has created an app for Fire phone. We think customers are going to love the experience".

  MapQuest touts the following unique Fire phone features:

  • Tilt-activated menus beautifully engineered for Fire phone's unique panels
  • Layers bar relocation under widget for better consumer experience on Fire device
  • 3-D logo icon for better legibility on Fire phone's screen

  While scoring premium apps is awesome, more importantly will be developers taking advantage of the Fire phone's unique features. Simple ports of existing Android apps, while appreciated, will not be enough to drive sales or differentiate from other devices. Amazon should be prepared for a very long road; keeping up this influx of apps will decide if that road leads the Fire phone off a cliff or to green pastures.

  Will you buy the Fire phone today? Tell me in the comments.

  
• 

  Chromebooks going back to school in new ad

  Publié: juillet 25, 2014, 4:19pm CEST par Alan Buckingham

  

  Google is making an ever increasing amount of inroads with the education sector. Chromebooks have been finding new homes in many schools over the past year, with institutions either purchasing the devices for students or requiring them to attend with one.

  Google is not above taking advantage of this momentum by using it in new advertising, and is doing exactly that with a new video that seems made for TV.

  The spot is a standard 30-second clip and is completely set to music, only showing young people having fun and featuring Chromebooks. It's not entirely geared toward school, but more life in general -- though it does show a hallway of lockers. It also prominently displays pricing at the end, proclaiming you can get in on action for as low as $199. It makes sure to point out that laptops are "for everyone".

  The Chromebook platform may not be for everyone, but it has become an increasingly better product with an ever-growing array of functionality. In fact, it has become my primary computer throughout the day. However, depending on individual use, some people may not be able to make do.

  Check out the ad, which we've included below. There are also a couple of half-length versions, perhaps geared toward pre-roll for YouTube and the like.

  
• 

  Best Windows 8 apps this week

  Publié: juillet 25, 2014, 3:47pm CEST par Martin Brinkmann

  Ninety-first in a series. Windows Store saw some great releases this week, including a fantastic looking shooter from Gameloft, a cute racing game in the style of Micro Machines, and an excellent action RPG optimized for touch-input.

  In other news, the notebook app Bamboo Paper has been released for Windows 8. To celebrate this, all premium writing and drawing tools are free of charge for the time being. Make sure you download them while they are free if you like the application.

  As always, if I missed an app or game that has been released this week that you believe is particularly good, let me know in the comments below or notify me via email instead.

  Here is this week's selection of apps and games

  Red Stripe Deals

  Six apps and games are discounted by at least 50 percent each week. The following applications are available at a discount this week.

  • Asphalt 7: Heat, a good looking racing game for $2.49
  • Chuggington Puzzle Stations, a train riding game for preschool kids for $1.99
  • Plex, a media management application for $0.99
  • Princess Isabella: A Witch's Curse (Full), a "find in picture" adventure game for $0.99
  • Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse, a jump and run game for $6.99
  • Italian Cooking, recipe collection app for $1.99

  App of the week

  Binder

  

  The document management application offers options to import files from the local system or cloud storage services such as Dropbox, OneDrive or Google Drive.

  Documents can be made available individually or as part of collections. Once you have selected a document, it gets downloaded to the local system so that it can be opened even if you are offline.

  The app offers view and preview options, as well as options to tag, star and mark documents.

  Options to add annotations to opened documents are available as well. You can draw freely on documents for example, add notes or create bookmarks.

  Other apps

  ClipHoarder

  

  The application provides you with options to save Clipboard entries, screenshots, text data or HTML, to so-called Hoards.

  A hoard is a group that you create in the application. It can exist only locally if you want, or be synchronized to OneDrive or Dropbox automatically.

  It is not as easy to use as desktop clipboard programs though, as you need to open a hoard first before you can paste clipboard contents into it.

  A keyboard shortcut or use of the share functionality would improve the usability significantly in this regard.

  Darkness Ray

  

  Darkness Ray is a game that you can only play on touch-supporting devices effectively. While you can use the mouse to control movement and attacks, you cannot do both at the same time which means that you will get hit a lot and have to do a lot of adjusting as well if you play it with a mouse.

  The game falls into the action RPG genre and plays similar to games such as Diablo 2, Torchlight 2 or Path of Exile even though it is not as complex as these games.

  The game is all about fighting enemies in dungeons. You move around in a great looking environment and have one standard attack and three special attacks at your disposal to deal with enemies.

  Big Business Deluxe

  

  Big Business Deluxe is a simulation game in which you strive to become a business tycoon.

  You start from humble beginnings and need to work your way up the food chain by producing and manufacturing goods, developing infrastructure, expanding the city to increase the workforce and a lot more.

  The game is quest based and you will gain experience while you are playing which improves your level and unlocks new opportunities.

  The game is free to play but supports in-app purchases. Not only are players limited by time and energy, some buildings can only be purchased with credits instead of coins.

  Still, it is an interesting game and if you don't mind waiting or paying, you will certainly enjoy playing it.

  Mini Motor Racing ($2.99)

  

  If you enjoy classic arcade-style racing games such as Micro Machines or Super Cars (for the Commodore Amiga), then you will certainly enjoy playing Mini Motor Racing.

  It features over 30 different tracks with varying weather conditions and night and day versions.

  A selection of cars is available, each of which can be upgraded to improve the standard version and increase your chance of winning races.

  There is no trial version unfortunately.

  Gunspell

  

  Gunspell is a puzzle game in which you need to combine three or more items of the same kind.

  Puzzles in the game are battles much like in the popular Puzzle Quest game which means that you will always battle a monster instead of collecting enough gems to proceed to the next level.

  You hit monsters directly by combining skulls, power weapons and spells by combining different types of gems, or use special gems to heal you or increase money or experience.

  If you like "combine three" puzzle games this is definitely one that you should check out.

  Modern Combat 5: Blackout ($6.99)

  

  The game is one of the best looking games for Windows 8 up to date.  It is a first person shooter that is heavily optimized for touch-devices.

  It features single-player and multi-player modes, and character progression is shared between both modes.

  It is a military shooter for the most part that includes all the things that accompany these types of games such as military jargon and hordes of enemies.

  While it is great visually, the enemy AI is often lacking, but that is something that is a problem in most shooters, even gamer favorites such as those of the Call of Duty series.

  Freudbot

  

  You have eight days to become mentally stable. That's the challenge that you get when you start to play Freudbot.

  It is a simple game, in which you face other people throughout the day and need to keep your self-doubt, aggression and fear levels in check.

  You face rowdies, waitresses or your mum, and need to counter what they throw at you, provocation, obscene gestures or fear of loss with cards that help you keep your calm.

  This may include planning a frustration buy, eating delicious candy or calling a god of your choice.

  Cards have either positive or negative values and it is your task to play cards that nullify or at least reduce the impact of cards that your opponents play.

  
• 

  The Fed suckered IBM into a failing cloud strategy?

  Publié: juillet 25, 2014, 3:38pm CEST par Robert X. Cringely

  Economist David Stockman, who is probably best known for being President Reagan’s budget director back in the era of voodoo economics, has been particularly outspoken about IBM as a poster child for bad policy on the part of the US Federal Reserve. How this would be isn’t immediately obvious but I think is worth exploring because IBM is far from the only company so afflicted. There’s an important effect here to be understood about corporate motivations and their consequences.

  So I’ll begin with a story. Almost 40 years ago there was a study I worked on at Stanford’s Institute for Communication Research having to do with helping farmers in Kentucky be more successful by giving them access to useful government data. The study was sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and it gave portable computer terminals to farmers along with access to databases at the USDA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce, etc. The idea was that with this extra knowledge farmers would be able to better decide what crops to plant, when to plant them, when to harvest them, etc.

  It didn’t work.

  The farmers, even those farmers who made greatest use of the data, were no better as commercial farmers than the control group that had no special information or communication resources.

  But this doesn’t mean they didn’t benefit from the data. Those farmers who used their terminals most found the data useful for speculating on commodities markets. These were hedging strategies to some extent but the best traders took them much further, significantly supplementing their farm income. They weren’t better farmers but they were better businesspeople.

  It was an unintended consequence.

  Now back to IBM. With the Great Recession of 2008 the Federal Reserve under then chairman Ben Bernanke lowered interest rates almost to zero in an attempt to make the recession less severe by spurring business spending to lead a return to growth.

  This didn’t work, either. The recession dragged on and on but the companies that were expected to spend us back to better economic health didn’t do so. Traditional monetary policy said that given really cheap money companies would invest in their businesses.

  Instead they tended to borrow money and invest in their own shares. At least that’s what IBM did.

  And it’s easily understandable why IBM did this. Their cost of money has been about one percent. The dividend yield on IBM shares has been around two percent. On the basis of dividend savings alone it made sense to buy back and retire the shares as long as interest rates remained low. This Fed-driven stock arbitrage (and not IBM’s actual business) has been in large part behind the strength in IBM shares over the past several years.

  There are several problems with this policy, however. For one thing, interest rates eventually go back up. They haven’t yet but eventually they will and at that point IBM may find itself selling shares to retire debt.

  Another problem with this policy is that it decouples IBM’s stock from the reality of IBM’s operating businesses. Sales go down, operating profits go down, but earnings go up because there are fewer total shares. The longer this goes on and the more used to such unreality you become as a company the harder it is to get back to minding the business, which for the most part IBM hasn’t done.

  The last problem with this policy is that money spent buying back shares does nothing to help the business, itself. Here’s an interesting video featuring former Intel CEO Craig Barrett where he explains around 41:25 into the video why it is, exactly, that companies can’t cut costs to get out of a recession -- that they have to spend their way out. "Invest their way out," Barrett says.

  IBM, totally ignoring Barrett’s advice, has primarily tried to cut its way back to prosperity and it doesn’t work.

  The result of all this is that IBM management has lost touch with reality. They no longer know what to do to save the company. I’m far from the only person saying this, by the way. Check out this clip from CNBC. It used to be only I was saying this stuff, now many pundits are catching-on.

  Which brings us finally to IBM’s cloud strategy. Remember IBM’s future is supposedly based on mobile, cloud, and analytics -- mobile being the Apple/IBM deal I wrote about last week. Just in the last week or so IBM CEO Ginni Rometty has started to back away from cloud as the basis of IBM’s future and for good reason: it can’t work.

  Cloud is an industry where prices are dropping by half every year and will continue to do so for the conceivable future. It’s an industry where the incumbents not only have very deep pockets, the biggest of them aren’t even reliant on cloud for their survival. Amazon is the cloud leader, for example, yet if their cloud business went under you’d hardly see it as a blip in the company financials -- it’s such a small part of Amazon’s business. So too with Google.

  But what about IBM? Unlike these other companies, IBM has to actually make money on its cloud investments because it's told the world that will be the basis of much of its income moving forward. Except it won’t, because cloud computing has become a commodity and IBM has never been successful in a commodity business.

  And then there is Microsoft. Microsoft, too, has said that it’s future is reliant on cloud success (Windows Azure). Microsoft has more money than IBM and a more motivated work force. Microsoft will do whatever it takes to win in the cloud. It has done it before, investing tens of billions to build, for example, the Xbox franchise which may possibly still be in the red. IBM doesn’t have that kind of patience, motivation, or deep pockets.

  IBM will sell cloud services to their existing customer base at prices above the market right until those customers come to understand that IBM’s cloud isn’t any better than the others. Then the companies and governments will switch to cheaper providers and IBM will abandon the sector just as it has so many others (PCs, on demand, and now X-series servers, too).

  But now we know it wasn’t Ginni’s fault for failing to understand her own business, It’s all the Fed’s fault for failing to anticipate an unintended consequence of its own policy -- that people would generally rather eat ice cram than make it.

  
• 

  Firefox 32 Beta and Firefox Aurora reveal minor features, tweaks and improvements

  Publié: juillet 25, 2014, 3:30pm CEST par Nick Peers

  

  Fresh from its release of Firefox 31.0 FINAL, Mozilla has unveiled Firefox 32.0 Beta 1 and Firefox Aurora 33.0a2 for desktop computers.

  While there are no jaw-dropping new features in either Beta or Aurora (alpha) builds, both contain a number of minor additions and some useful improvements that help keep the web browser’s evolution ticking over.

  Firefox 32 sees a new HTTP cache backend -- dubbed version 2 -- move closer to final implementation. Improvements include the optimization of request prioritizations to deliver faster loading times for large content as well as the promise of improved resilience against crashes and hangs.

  The new version will also make login metadata viewable via the Password Manager, which -- along with the Add-on Manager -- also gains unspecified performance improvements. Users will also be able to connect to the HTTP proxy over HTTPS while the beta also integrates generational garbage collection.

  Version 32 also now displays the number of found items in the Find toolbar when searching pages for specific keywords, and adds both code completion and inline documentation to the Scratchpad.

  The beta also implements a wide number of new HTML5 technologies and offers HiDPI support for developers when using the Developer Tools UI. Developers also gain a new Web Audio Editor tool, which needs to be enabled via the Developer Tool Settings.

  Aurora’s updates include a new WebRTC-powered communications feature via the menu panel. It also adds OpenH264 support and promises an improved search experience through the location bar.

  Firefox 32.0 Beta 1 and Firefox Aurora 33.0a2 are both available now as free, open-source downloads for Windows, Mac and Linux. Aurora installs alongside existing Firefox builds, but the Beta installs over the top of the latest stable build -- as with all pre-release software, use with caution.

  
• 

  Take control of your Windows startup programs with Autorun Organizer

  Publié: juillet 25, 2014, 3:26pm CEST par Mike Williams

  

  Your PC’s taking an age to boot? It could be launching too many programs when Windows starts. There are plenty of freeware "startup manager" tools which claim they can help, but Autorun Organizer is better than most.

  The program checks a good range of startup locations, for instance: the Startup folder, the Registry, Task Scheduler. It’s not Autoruns, but there’s more than enough to be useful.

  A well-designed interface immediately draws your attention to relevant details. The "recently added" section displays new startup items, while invalid entries (where the program file is missing) are highlighted in red, helping you spot potential problems in seconds.

  To find out more about a startup item, right-click it, and you’ll find options to view its properties, check the startup location (the Registry location/ Startup folder/ Task Scheduler), open the program’s folder, even run a web search.

  Should you keep a particular item? Like many similar tools, Autorun Organizer can display its popularity with other users, which may help you decide. As it involves sending your startup list to a remote server, this feature is a very minor privacy risk, and the developer has thoughtfully left it disabled by default. But if you’re interested, you can restore it with a click.

  Once all this research is complete, your startup items can be processed in various ways. Anything totally useless can be deleted. If you’re not sure about something, there’s an option to temporarily disable it. Or you might opt to delay its launch time, which could make your system feel more responsive when it first starts, as there should be a little less disk thrashing.

  In a final clever touch, Autorun Organizer displays a chart of recent "system load times" below the startup item list. This is extracted from your Event Logs (we think), so you’ll see figures from before you installed the program. These provide an immediate objective view of your current performance; if your boot time really is lengthening, you’ll see confirmation here. And if you make any startup changes, reboot, launch Autorun Organizer again, and the chart will give you immediate feedback on the success of your tweaks.

  
• 

  The technology I'm using this summer [Wayne]

  Publié: juillet 25, 2014, 1:12pm CEST par Wayne Williams

  

  My colleague Alan Buckingham has already detailed the different hardware he switches to when the weather warms up. He makes his changes to escape his hot office environment, but I have a rather different reason for swapping devices in the summer.

  I work in a basement office. It’s a very nice basement office -- it used to be a call center in the days before I moved in -- but the temperature rarely changes throughout the year down there and the lack of windows means the different seasons have very little impact on me. I’m unaware of when it’s snowing in winter, or more importantly, when it’s gloriously sunny in summer. So on days when I know the weather is nice, I move outside, so I don’t miss the sunshine, and get a welcome (and much needed) dose of vitamin D.

  The Computer

  I rely on my iPad to get work done. The iPad is fantastic for many things. It has a brilliant app selection, it’s great for watching movies, and viewing images. But my productivity really suffers when I switch to working on it. My Windows 8.1 PC is an absolute super-fast beast with two very large monitors. Going from that to working on a single, much, much smaller screen means I end up being far less productive. Things would likely be (slightly) better if I swapped to a Surface Pro 3, but for the moment it’s the iPad I turn to when heading outdoors.

  To make using it more manageable, I rely on Parallels Access, so I can remote access my PC from outdoors. It allows me to use all the software I would normally, and I don’t have to worry about moving copies of files about or working in the cloud. Yes, there are other remote access apps available, but Parallels Access is in a league of its own as far as I’m concerned.

  To ensure I have a solid internet connection, I have several TP-Link 300Mbps Universal Wi-Fi Range Extenders set up at regular intervals running from the router to my favored spot outdoors.

  Entertainment

  Unlike Alan, I’m not a fan of background music when I’m working and prefer to listen to the sound of birds chirping when outdoors. Working on an iPad means I have the best games at hand when it’s time for a break and I also take my Kindle Paperwhite out occasionally. Sure, I could read books on my iPad, but the experience is horrible compared to reading on a dedicated e-ink device. I'm in the process of writing another novel, and I actually copy book drafts onto the device, so I can read it there.

  Other items

  My iPhone goes with me everywhere, and makes the perfect companion to the iPad. I also run Parallels Access on it occasionally, and I have all the apps installed I need to save me switching between windows on the iPad. The phone alerts me to everything from news updates to incoming emails across all my different accounts, so I don’t need to stop what I’m doing to check for new messages. It functions, essentially, as the second screen I miss when outdoors.

  If I need to do some serious, superfast writing -- a large article on a tight deadline or a book chapter -- I occasionally take out my old (frequently upgraded) Windows 7 Advent laptop. As much as I love the convenience of a tablet, you can’t beat typing on a proper full-size keyboard.

  Photo credit: Wayne Williams

  
• 

  Fake Googlebots used to drive DDoS and other attacks

  Publié: juillet 25, 2014, 12:19pm CEST par Ian Barker

  

  Googlebots are essential to the smooth running of the search engine, ceaselessly probing websites to ensure that Google stays up to date with the latest developments and site changes.

  But for every 25 genuine Googlebots that visit your site you'll also be visited by a fake Googlebot -- more than 23 percent of which are used for DDoS attacks, hacking, scraping and spamming. This is among the findings of security company Incapsula's 2014 Search Engine Study.

  The study is based on over 400 million search engine visits to 10,000 sites over 30 days and shows Google is the most active search engine. Googlebots are responsible for more than 60 percent of all page crawls, the second in line the MSN/Bing bot notches up only 24.5 percent. What's also interesting is that there's no correlation between the number of human visits to a site and how often it’s crawled by Googlebots. Google pays just as much attention to the backwaters of the web as it does to popular sites.

  The study does note though that content-heavy and frequently updated websites were more thoroughly crawled. This behavior was most notable in the cases of big forums, news sites and large-scale shop sites with a wide array of frequently updated products.

  Most interesting and concerning though is the number of fake Googlebots. The study shows that over 4 percent of bots using Google's HTTPS user agent aren't what they claim to be. The benefit of this to hackers is that site owners generally allow unhindered access to Google's crawlers in order to protect their search results.

  Incapsula's logs reveal that fake Googlebots are used mainly for DDoS attacks but also in spamming and hacking activity. Security solutions that don't use case-by-case traffic inspection are unable to spot the real bots from the fakes.

  To remain secure, sites need to use a security solution that combines heuristics and IP and ASN verification to identify bots based on their origin.

  You can read more about Googlebot and fake bot activity on Incapsula's blog and there's a summary of the report's findings in infographic form below.

  

  Photo Credit: Gunnar Assmy/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Mobile phone etiquette around the world

  Publié: juillet 25, 2014, 10:46am CEST par Wayne Williams

  People in other countries handle everyday situations in different ways, and that can make life difficult for the traveler. What might be seen as a polite action or way of behaving in one country could well be insulting in another, and it's not just customs or beliefs to be aware of.

  Every nation has its own idea of what constitutes proper cell phone etiquette. In countries like the USA and UK, we know it’s not polite to do things like talk loudly on your phone in a public place, or answer a call during a movie or in a business meeting -- even if not everyone obeys these unwritten guidelines. Elsewhere around the globe, there are other rules when it comes to how and when to use the phone.

  RepairLabs has come up with an infographic illustrating the many differences across the planet. As well as revealing how to answer the phone and sign off in 11 different countries, it also provides some useful details regarding phone etiquette. For example, in Thailand it’s considered rude not to answer your phone at work, and Italians usually don’t bother with voicemail.

  In India, it’s fine for you to call someone well after 10pm, and obnoxiously loud ringtones are commonplace. Chinese will often answer calls even while in the middle of a face to face conversation with someone.

  Take a look at the infographic below to find out more about how people in other nations behave when it comes to phone use.

  

  
• 

  CCleaner widens cleaning to include TeamViewer and OneDrive, adds repair option

  Publié: juillet 25, 2014, 9:01am CEST par Nick Peers

  

  It’s that time of the month when Piriform issues its regular CCleaner update for Windows PCs, and undeterred by the recent CCleaner for Mac 1.08 release, the company has shipped CCleaner 4.16 and CCleaner Portable 4.16 right on schedule.

  The new release adds support for a number of new programs, improves its Firefox and Chrome cleaning tools and adds a new Repair option to the uninstaller should it be needed.

  The update opens with the promise of improved cleaning and start-up management for the latest version (36) of Chrome, plus improved browser cache cleaning in Firefox.

  CCleaner’s program installer now gains a Repair option, allowing users to perform a repair install as well as remove it from their computer should problems occur. Alongside this comes the promise of an improved 64-bit build architecture for Windows 7 and 8 machines.

  Version 4.16 also promises improvements to the Startup Item tool’s compatibility, but with what exactly is not specified.

  Five new programs are added to CCleaner’s cleaning options: TeamViewer, Microsoft OneDrive, RealVNC 5, Tag & Rename and Tango cleaning. And as is now traditional, the update is rounded off by minor user-interface tweaks and bug fixes, none of which are specified in the program’s customary spartan release notes.

  CCleaner 4.16 and CCleaner 4.16 Portable are available now as freeware downloads for PCs running Windows XP or later. A Professional version offering additional features including real-time monitoring and complete system cleaning is available for $24.95.

  
• 

  Data is like currency and should be treated as such

  Publié: juillet 25, 2014, 8:58am CEST par Julie Lockner

  

  Cyber security woes continue to burden the minds of organizations of all sizes. This has been further exemplified by the announcement from C5 Capital to launch the first cyber security-focused venture capital fund in Europe, as concerns about leaks and digital technology securities grow.

  The London-based firm is looking to raise $125 million  to invest in security and data companies Europe, and highlights that the cyber security threat has certainly become a boardroom issue. Even previously well protected and "secure" industries such as the public sector have realized that they must take extra steps in order to secure their data.

  Industry concerns

  Every CIO knows that if they don't get security right customers, employees and the institutions they work with alike can suffer directly, and their role can be perceived as ineffective. Data is powering the transformation of businesses today. Data is powering a new wave of businesses.

  The broad adoption of cloud and mobile computing, global and outsourced workforces, and the advent of Big Data are challenging Chief Information Security and Risk Officers to locate, track and protect sensitive and company confidential data while ensuring compliance to data residency and privacy regulations. Responding to the common question asked by CEOs and Boards of Directors, 'How Secure Is Our Data?' often is difficult to impossible to answer.

  Therefore, a new data-centric security paradigm is required and necessary in order for security teams to be able to define data classification and use policies including at the data's source. These policies need to follow the data - independent of how it gets proliferated, who requests access, or where it persists, including in the cloud.

  Further concerns lie with knowledge in this sector, with the lack of Cybersecurity Professionals. The demand for trained cybersecurity professionals who work to protect organizations from cybercrime is high in many regions, but the shortage can particularly be seen in the government, which does not offer salaries as high as the private sector.

  Data masking as a security enabler

  Modern data security strategies therefore need to consider two layers: the layer where data is being stored and organized, and the layer where data is being retrieved. Data masking has emerged as a versatile technology for data storage. It is a method of camouflaging data in order to maintain confidentiality of data. The technique is used when the format or type of data needs to remain intact, but the actual data values must be hidden from a user or process.

  For example, an organization that has developed an application to report on its customer data may wish to send the application to a third-party consultant for testing. Wanting to test the application against the actual data set, but not wanting to reveal its customers' names or addresses the organization first masks the data, and then sends the application and the masked data to the tester. With this, sensitive information fully remains within the organization.

  Data masking may be offered as an option with database products, or third-party data-masking products can be purchased separately from vendors. Data masking may also be included as part of a data management service on a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform.

  In spite of the growing threat from targeted attacks and the general best practices, data masking deployment remains sporadic and even non-existent in otherwise highly secure organizations. Why? In the past, data masking techniques like encryption required a lot of processing power, limiting their usage. Additionally, many organizations found data masking tools too expensive for broad application. However, these long-held beliefs are no longer accurate, as faster and cheaper tools have emerged in recent years, making data masking an option for organizations of all sizes.

  Why mobile security is so important

  New research by Forrester shows that IT decision makers are still behind the curve and believe that the desktop PC is more secure than the mobile device for work purposes, when in fact the opposite is true. Much has been discussed about the declining PC market and this has highlighted that mobile security needs to be a serious consideration.

  Mobile devices replace the laptop in many cases, and they are being used as transaction processing devices, for example at the point of sale. For all of these reasons, having a strategy for protecting mobile devices or the applications that run on those devices and related sensitive information is critical in minimizing the impact of a potential wider breach.

  Here, two predominant areas have advanced over the last ten years: First, 'Mobile Device Management' solutions provide the ability to delete content on a mobile device based on certain events, such as a lost or stolen device or a device being tracked into a location where certain information is not allowed. An example for this is a retailer who gives its employees iPads to process transactions. If the iPad is taken from the store's premises, the device including all data is automatically wiped out, making it useless.

  Another market that has expanded is data encryption and tokenization. If certain data fields, such as credit card information, are stored from a mobile device, that data can be encrypted or tokenized on the device to minimize the scope of a PCI audit as well as preventing a breach. Also, Virtual Private Network technologies that apply secure tunnel connections behind corporate firewalls have now been adapted to mobile devices.

  Their increased computing capability does not impact performance too much. Plus, apps run reasonably well when using a VPN connection due to the high network bandwidth now available via cellular technology.

  Threats on the horizon

  In modern day, the biggest hazard an organization faces is the lack of knowledgeable skillsets in mobile security and potential threats. Data security expertise has been one of those skillsets considered in serious shortage for some time now. Given the rapid change of the mobile device landscape, as soon as you invest in training your team on the latest threats, new technologies emerge that require more catch up training.

  Also, given that consumers and the next generation of the entitled workforce have expectations that they can conduct business from their mobile devices, the pace of application development and rollout will accelerate faster than the security's team can keep up.

  It is imperative for vendors to work together to jointly create an optimum process to combat cybersecurity... Data Integration products do not make security products redundant, but they can make them more effective by pointing them at the highest-risk data that needs to be protected.

  Data integration complements rather than competes with security technologies, and it is designed to help organizations narrow down where sensitive data resides, physically and logically. Only then they can prioritize which stores need to be better secured, with which types of security technologies.

  So it is more than high time for all businesses to implement an adequate and efficient data security strategy. For this, the starting point should always be: what data do I store, where do I store that data and who has access to data? Once a clear picture emerges what happens to data where, when and by whom, its storage and retrieval can be made more secure.

  Data is increasingly perceived as a currency, and it should therefore be treated as such: by putting it in a safe place and making sure any exchange is authorized.

  Julie Lockner is VP of ILM Product Marketing at Informatica

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  Mobile ad success helps Facebook deliver stunning Q2 results

  Publié: juillet 25, 2014, 8:51am CEST par Alysia Judge

  

  Facebook has smashed all estimates in its earnings and revenue report this week, largely thanks to its robust mobile ad business.

  The results slapped down any niggling doubts among critics about the social network's ability to transform itself from a simple communication website to a money-making juggernaut.

  Facebook reported that its profit has more than doubled for the ninth straight quarter. Its revenue has soared above estimates, with 62 percent of its ad revenue now coming from mobile devices.

  That's a particularly relevant statistic, since eMarketer reports that mobile ad revenue is expected to eclipse newspapers, magazines and radio in the United States for the first time ever this year.

  The social media giant has also countered criticism that it’s losing its "cool" factor among younger users and those anxious about security. Facebook revealed that it has added another 40 million users in the second quarter.

  Critically, a fifth of the world's population now logs into Facebook at least once a month.

  In a conference call with analysts revealing the results, Facebook's CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed that the company's revenue rose 61 per cent to $2.91 billion (£1.7 billion) in the second quarter, generating a profit of $791 million (£465 million), up from $333 million (£195 million) a year ago.

  "This is a good quarter for us," Zuckerberg said, presumably in between cartwheels. But "there's still so much room to grow," he added.

  The aftermath of the glowing results sent Facebook's stock skyrocketing in after-hours trading. Stocks rose 3.7 percent to $75, which is nearly double Facebook's IPO price of $38.

  Patrick Salyer, CEO of the connected consumer management company Gigya, told us that Facebook's Q2 results show that "Facebook has improved its emerging markets share and has found new ways of monetizing through brand and user engagement".

  He added, "This is echoed in our own social login results, which demonstrate the most popular identities used to log into third party websites. Gigya's Q2 2014 social login results demonstrate Facebook's share of logins in Europe has increased by 10 percent from Q2 2013, accounting for 62 percent of all social logins".

  During Facebook's conference call, it became clear that the social media behemoth plans to continue rolling out various new ventures and projects, but at a controlled pace. In the future, we should expect an increased proliferation of ads around the site, auto-play video advertisements, and big things from its Instagram acquisition.

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  Smart shoes can deliver directions straight to your feet

  Publié: juillet 25, 2014, 8:38am CEST par Darren Allan

  

  Forget smartwatches, or other wearables like Google Glass, as an Indian startup by the name of Ducere Technologies is targeting an entirely different area of the body for "smart" functionality -- the foot.

  Yes, the Lechal is a smart shoe or "interactive haptic footwear" which buzzes to give you feedback and directions on where you're going, among other functionality.

  The shoes are hooked up to your phone (Lechal is compatible with iOS, Android and Windows Phone) and the Google Maps app via Bluetooth, and they then deliver directions from the app straight to your feet with haptic feedback. If you need to turn left on a street corner, your left shoe will buzz.

  The Wall Street Journal reports that Ducere was founded by two Indian engineers, and is based in Secunderabad with 50 staff. Krispian Lawrence, one of the co-founders and CEO, commented: "The shoes are a natural extension of the human body. You will leave your house without your watch or wristband, but you will never leave your house without your shoes".

  Well, not unless you're very drunk indeed...

  The smart shoes can also record your path taken and distance traveled, and will be useful for joggers, being able to record the amount of calories burned just like a traditional fitness wristband.

  From what's shown in the promotional video (below) you can also tag your location by stubbing your toe onto the ground.

  The shoes were originally developed as a navigation aid for the visually impaired, before Lawrence realized there could be other applications for the smartwear in terms of the sighted.

  You'll either be able to purchase the full Lechal shoes, or smart in-soles for your existing footwear (again, as shown in the video above), with the price expected to be pitched around the $100 to $150 mark.

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  Happy SysAdmin Day -- we're giving away $700 worth of software to celebrate

  Publié: juillet 25, 2014, 7:00am CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  The last Friday in July may not mean much to the average person, but it holds a special place in techies' hearts. It's System Administrator Appreciation Day. And we're celebrating it today, for the fifteenth time, with a giveaway!

  As we cannot offer you any cake, ice cream or pizza (although would sure love to), we have 10 licenses for System Mechanic to give away instead, courtesy of the software's maker iolo which has reached out to us to make this happen. Every BetaNews reader can enter the giveaway.

  If you want to read more about System Mechanic, you can check out our review. It includes details surrounding the software's powerful feature set, an assessment of its functionality as well as our verdict. Each license unlocks System Mechanic Professional, which normally goes for $69.95.

  To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment in the section below. Like always, you can share whatever you want with the rest of us, as long as it is polite. Please log in the comments section using a BetaNews account (use this link to register, if you have not done so already; ) to post the comment, so that we can contact the lucky readers among you. (A Disqus account might also work fine, although you will have to make sure there is a reachable email address attached to it -- that is not always the case, based on our experience.)

  To give you enough time to enter the giveaway, we will take into account comments posted until the end of the weekend, July 27 included. Obviously, the comments we may leave below will not qualify. The winners will be selected the next day, July 28, and contacted via email.

  Photo Credit: AlenaKogotkova/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Microsoft embraces Amazon -- brings OneNote to Kindle Fire and Fire phone

  Publié: juillet 25, 2014, 2:10am CEST par Brian Fagioli

  

  Note-taking and task-tracking can be a real hassle. Not only do you need a device, but the software too. Sure, there are many apps to choose from, such as Evernote and Google Keep, but I prefer Microsoft's OneNote. Don't get me wrong, the other options are good too, but OneNote is the most polished of the bunch.

  My favorite thing about Microsoft's offering is that it works with a large range of operating systems. Whether I am using an iPad, Android phone, Windows Phone, Chromebook, Mac or Windows computer such as the Surface Pro 3, OneNote has my back. Sadly, Microsoft's app was not available for Kindle Fire HDX -- a tablet which I love. Today, this changes as OneNote not only comes to the Kindle Fire line of tablets, but the all-new Fire phone too.

  "Today OneNote is available at the Amazon Appstore for Android, delivering on our promise to bring OneNote to every device that matters to you. If you have a Kindle Fire or a Fire phone, you can now use OneNote to capture or access thoughts, ideas and to-do’s while on the go", says OneNote Team.

  The team further explains, "OneNote is a free download and can also be used on Android phones and tablets running Android OS 4.0 and up. We’re excited that people will be able to use OneNote on their brand new Fire phone and Kindle Fire, and we're committed to improving the app with regular updates".

  Microsoft has been doing all the right things lately, and the company is smart to put focus on OneNote. Its commitment to cross-platform availability of this app and others, not only expands install base, but puts a friendly face on the corporation too.

  Are you a Kindle Fire, or soon-to-be Fire phone user? Download OneNote for free here. Tell me how you like it in the comments.

  
• 

  The technology I'm using this summer [Alan]

  Publié: juillet 24, 2014, 9:19pm CEST par Alan Buckingham

  

  It seems all of us have made some switches thanks to warm weather here in the northern hemisphere, where summer is in full swing. Working outside seems prevalent, and that means, in many cases, an entirely different set of hardware.

  I, for one, make my porch my office when the weather gets nice, and to do so means certain sacrifices -- or does it? As it turns out, not so much. I'm managing just fine with what I am using, able to get the job done with only the very rare exception that forces me to flee to my (rather baking) third-floor office to use a Windows computer.

  The Computer

  It doesn't get much simpler than a Chromebook. I am using the HP 11, which is light and easy to carry around. I could lug a 15.6-inch Windows 8.1 laptop out here, but why should I when this gets the job done?

  I write in Word, but that presents no problem -- Microsoft has released an app specifically for Chrome. It will not work offline, as Docs will, but I'm not worried about that. My router may be a mile away in that office, but an extender isn't far off at all.

  Images are obviously a large part of my job, and for that I've grown accustomed to PicPick and Photoshop, but Pixlr can get the job done nicely -- at least in most cases. It won't handle vectors, which is my reason for occasionally scurrying off to the overheated office.

  To go along with the Chromebook, and because I hate touchpads, I am using a Microsoft 1800 wireless USB mouse with the laptop. It makes me feel more at home with what I'm doing.

  Entertainment

  I don't require much when I work. Background music playing is plenty to get me through the day. From both my phone and Chromebook I can stream audio to the Braven BRV-1 waterproof speaker. Yes, the speaker may be immune to the rain blowing in on my porch, but nothing else is, so I am still left grabbing items and running inside.

  The speaker works quite well, looks good and has solid sound. It has the added bonus of being able to charge a phone if you need to do so in a pinch.

  For the music source itself, I subscribe to Google Play Music All Access. Having got in early, I have a $7.99 plan. Those who subscribe now can expect to pay a couple dollars more.

  Other items

  Naturally, I keep my phone close by, as well as a tablet. The latter is mostly for entertainment breaks -- I am known to stop and spend a few minutes playing a game (don't tell my boss). Mostly I use the Kindle Fire HDX, which is also a great device for watching video from Prime -- something I occasionally use it for while laying in bed.

  Summer in my area also means a chance for massive thunderstorms and the potential power outage here and there. For that, two batteries -- an 11,200 mAh Gorilla Gear and an 18,000 mAh Hyperjuice can keep me up and running.

  There is, of course, also the low-tech items -- a flyswatter nearby keeps me sane. Nobody likes to be annoyed, after all.

  What are you using this summer? Has warm weather brought about changes to your routine?

  
• 

  The optical disc lives! Samsung announces new slim USB DVD drives

  Publié: juillet 24, 2014, 7:33pm CEST par Brian Fagioli

  

  Let me tell you a secret -- I am gaga for optical drives and discs. I know, it's a weird thing to be enamored with. If you listen to pundits and "experts", the world is transitioning to the cloud and flash drives. Optical media such as CDs, DVDs and Blu-Rays are relegated to spend the rest of eternity in the graveyard with floppy and zip disks, right? Wrong.

  Say what you will, but I am not ready to give up on those shiny round discs. Yes, when backing up photos, I do use the cloud, but I also back up to Blu-Ray (BD-RE). Why? Redundancy is the key to smart backup. Maybe your files will forever be safe in the cloud, but why not store them locally too? Today, Samsung announces two new USB DVD drives aimed at consumers with Ultrabooks and tablets that do not have integrated drives. Surface Pro 3 users, take notice.

  "The new drives are engineered to be compatible with all major operating systems including the new Windows 8 and latest Mac OS versions. Capable of reading and writing files at a variety of speeds across different data media types, the drives include Buffer Under Run technology to prevent errors that can be caused when writing speeds exceed data transfer speeds, while also enabling PC multi-tasking", says Samsung.

  The company further explains, "measuring 148.6 x 14 x 146mm (SE-208GB) and 148 x 14.4 x 143(SE-218GN), the drives are ideal for Ultrabook users that need optical media for easy access to stored documents, photos and multimedia content. These new drives feature a new external ODD design by placing the eject button on top of the case to maximize the ease of pressing the eject button instead of on the front bezel".

  

  Unfortunately, beyond the fact that the drives are really thin and can read and write CDs and DVDs, not much else is known. Samsung has not produced a proper spec sheet to list all features. Sadly though, they definitely cannot handle reading or writing Blu-Ray which is a major disappointment for Ultrabook users looking to store large amounts of data or watch a movie in that format.

  I am particularly interested for two usage cases -- Surface Pro 3 and my Chromebook. Microsoft's tablet has a USB port, which will work wonderfully with either of these drives. But wait -- a Chromebook? Chrome OS can't even handle optical drives, right? True, but if you run a Linux distribution, such as Ubuntu, on a Chromebook, you actually can read and write to optical media.

  Pricing and availability is not yet known, but one thing is certain -- they are both sexy as hell. The black one (SE-218GN) in particular would look gorgeous plugged into the Surface Pro 3. Oh yeah...

  Do you still use optical media? Tell me in the comments.

  Photo credit: Warut Chinsai / Shutterstock

  
• 

  I cut cable's cord again and mean it this time

  Publié: juillet 23, 2014, 7:41pm CEST par Joe Wilcox

  

  Overnight, AT&T U-verse went dark in the Wilcox household. We're cord cutters once more. A year ago, we let the service go for about two weeks but returned after Cox Internet failed to deliver constant connection. When going back to AT&T for just the Net, the company made an offer I couldn't refuse: Hundreds of channels, HD, DVR, and Internet for $99 a month. Cost would be $69 without the television service.

  But with Game of Thrones and Walking Dead behind, and the 12-month contract expired (yesterday), streaming is once again high on the thrifty list. I made several phone calls looking for an AT&T deal that would keep us customers, but no offer matched Cox, which guarantees pricing for a year without locking me into any commitment. We set up service about 10 days ago, hoping the Internet would stop yo-yoing around.

  Turns out that a simple adapter solved the problem. The technician claims the signal was too strong for a single line, which the doohickey dampened. I considered Cox's deal that would have given us 48 channels, local and a few others; HD; HBO; and 24Mbps Internet, same speed as AT&T -- all for $59 a month. In the end we opted for faster speed, 50Mbps, for the same price -- $10 less than U-verse for twice the bandwidth.

  The big difference is upload speed, and I punch up lots of content to the cloud. Downstreaming is consistently 35Mbps to 48Mbps wireless, depending on device and location. The TV and modem are in separate rooms. I use the D-Link DIR-868L router between them and for general household WiFi. The AC wireless router charms big bandwidth throughout the Wilcox household.

  Roku 3 is our primary streaming device, and I must say that the Hulu Plus update is timely. Apple TV is second. Chromecast is on ice during my Google-free experiment, which won't last beyond Labor Day. I may get Amazon Fire TV. I asked for a review model awhile back, but didn't receive one.

  I fired up the small, powered antenna, which is useless. The thing found 7 channels -- five in Spanish. There's COZI, which is new to me, and NBC. That's it. Not even PBS. So for the foreseeable future, we're a streaming household.

  Believe it or not, Amazon's Kindle Unlimited weighed heavily in our decision to cut the cord. My wife and I see huge value in the service; we'd rather shift cable costs to reading. Our brains need more exercising and imagination.

  As for video, we already were heavy streamers. Now, that is all we are. In the coming months, I will share some insights based on my cord-cutting experience. If you have something to say, don't wait. Evangelize others in comments to this lifestyle -- or against it, if that's your position. Colleague Alan Buckingham offers an excellent primer for would-be snippers and streamers.

  I make the third attempt. Twice before, AT&T pulled me back with an offer too good to refuse. Not this time. Hehe, we'll see how strong is my resolve when Game of Thrones returns next Spring, eh?

  Photo Credit: Joe Wilcox

  
• 

  Seagate Central comes to Roku -- pirates rejoice!

  Publié: juillet 23, 2014, 6:52pm CEST par Brian Fagioli

  

  In the olden days, people used to collect CDs, DVDs and Blu-Rays (some still do). Buying physical media loaded with content was commonplace. However, the spread of legal streaming caused many to abandon their collecting and instead opt for services like Netflix, Hulu and Beats Music to name a few. Devices such as Fire TV and Roku have made the process far easier.

  Of course, some people still download media illegally rather than pay for a subscription or rental. These people fill large hard drives with files from The Pirate Bay and other nefarious sites. Some pirates also like the convenience of streaming to their living room, though. Today, Seagate announces an option that may appease both pirates and honest home users alike -- a channel for Roku.

  "The Seagate Media Channel on Roku allows visual browsing of content on the drive with cover art for movies, albums, song titles for music and thumbnails for photos. Millions of people use Roku players every day to watch their favorite entertainment on demand. Now Seagate has made it easy to enjoy a personal library of music, movies, photos, and more on the big screen", says Roku.

  In other words, if you own a Seagate networked hard drive such as the Central or Wireless Plus, you can stream media from it to your Roku. This includes music, pictures and videos. While some people will legitimately use this Roku channel for viewing home videos of family trips and weddings, let's be honest -- this solution will more likely be used for illegally downloaded content. Game of Thrones anyone?

  It makes me think back to a Christmas shopping trip I took years ago, where I saw the 60GB iPod Photo flying off shelves. No one was going to fill these large devices with legally downloaded files from iTunes -- that would have cost a fortune. However, at the same time, no one was willing to address that the device was mostly used with pirated content. It was an open secret.

  Do you think this Roku Channel will be used more by pirates or honest people? Tell me in the comments.

  Photo credit: Ase / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Amazon unveils massive database expansion for Prime Music service

  Publié: juillet 23, 2014, 6:11pm CEST par Alan Buckingham

  Just a few weeks ago, Amazon added one more perk to its Prime service, gifting customers with a music streaming service. The launch was a bit clumsy, as many of the songs and artists searched for were not available. However, as I wrote at the time, I expected that to improve.

  Today the first leap forward takes place. The retailer is adding hundreds of thousands of new songs to the service, and also promising hundreds of new playlists.

  "The response we've had to Prime Music has far exceeded our expectations and we’re excited to make Prime Music even more valuable for Prime members", says Steve Boom, VP of Digital Music for Amazon. "Prime Music was introduced just over a month ago and we’ve already significantly expanded the Prime Music catalog. Prime members have been telling us how much they love Prime Playlists, so we’re also pleased to offer hundreds of great new playlists to make it easier to enjoy the best of Prime Music".

  Prime Music adds ad-free streaming to an already full package that contains video, a Kindle lending library and two-day free shipping on all orders. The price recently rose, but the $99 doesn't seem to have phased most customers.

  "Prime members in the U.S. can listen to Prime Music at www.primemusic.com, and on Kindle Fire HD/HDX, iOS, Android, PC, and Mac. Eligible customers who are not already Prime members can try Prime Music with a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime", the company states.

  
• 

  Kingston's new solid state drive almost cracks 1TB barrier

  Publié: juillet 23, 2014, 6:04pm CEST par Jamie Hinks

  

  A new 1TB solid state drive [SSD] is on the horizon after Kingston Digital began shipping high-speed flash drives with a capacity that closes in on the significant milestone.

  The Kingston SSDNow V310 SSD comes with a 960GB memory size that allows an entire hard drive to be migrated onto a new system at high speed and is capable of 450Mbps read and write speeds.

  "SSDNow V310 with its large 960GB capacity is the perfect upgrade to an existing system as it improves boot speeds and application load times helping maximize one’s computer investment," stated Ariel Perez, SSD business manager at Kingston.

  Each SSDNow V310 is 10 times faster than a comparable 7,200RPM hard-disk drive thanks to its Phison 3108 controller and the aforementioned 450Mbps read and write speeds.

  It can be ordered as either a stand-alone drive or an all-in-one kit that includes all the accessories that are needed to set it up including software to clone files and an OS that makes it easy to install.

  The drive’s form factor is a 2.5in drive that is available in 7mm with an adapter so that it can fit 9.5mm systems, and the interface is SATA Rev 3.0 with backwards compatibility to SATA Rev 2.0.

  "Since 2009, our V 'Value' series solid-state drives have delivered the best price to performance ratio as possible to enable consumers on a budget or entry-level users to experience the benefits of SSD technology. Our new V310 continues that along with providing the biggest capacity ever in a Kingston SSD," Perez added.

  Update: As has been pointed out in the comments, while Kingston doesn't have a 1TB SSD yet,  others -- such as Crucial -- already do.

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  CyberDuck restores Windows Azure support, adds new SSH/SFTP protocol implementation

  Publié: juillet 23, 2014, 5:58pm CEST par Nick Peers

  

  Bern-based developer iterate GmbH has released CyberDuck 4.5, a major update to its Windows and Mac FTP and cloud-storage browser tool. This open-source tool provides users with a user-friendly means of browsing FTP/SFTP, WebDAV, Amazon S3, Google Cloud Storage and Rackspace Cloud Files servers.

  Version 4.5 restores support for Microsoft’s Azure Blob Storage connections, adds a new SSH/SFTP protocol implementation and adds support for updating Windows users via the Taskbar’s Notification area.

  Support for Azure Blob Storage connections was originally dropped in version 4.3 over a year ago alongside Google Drive and Dropbox, so its return is likely to be met with favor from users of the Microsoft storage system.

  The new SSH/SFTP protocol implementation makes it possible for users to get public key authentication over SFTP using both OpenSSH agents (Mac) and Pageant (Windows). Also added is support for GZIP compression along with ECDSA public key authentication.

  The new build also adds support for mutual two-way TLS connections over secured FTP and HTTPS (WebDAV). Users will now be prompted to select their certificate with private key when the server requests such a client certificate for authentication. Users can find these certificates within the Windows Certificate Manager or OS X Keychain.

  One other change sees Windows users now able to receive notifications via the system tray. The release also fixes a number of bugs, including one that led to a broken pipe with uploads to Amazon S3 services, along with a 404 error response when downloading folders from S3 or OpenStack Swift.

  One final fix should see users no longer repeatedly prompted to provide a private key password over SFTP.

  CyberDuck 4.5 is available now as a free, open-source download for Windows and Mac. Users are encouraged to donate to ensure the continued development of the software, or can alternatively purchase the Mac version for $23.99 through the Mac App Store.

  
• 

  Do NOT buy a Blackberry Passport until you read this

  Publié: juillet 23, 2014, 4:38pm CEST par Randall C. Kennedy

  

  BlackBerry’s got a new device, the Passport. It’s sleek, with a polished industrial design that exudes quality. It’s funky, with a non-standard size and shape that challenges the status quo. And it’s cool, with lots of innovative features you won’t find on competing devices.

  In fact, BlackBerry’s new Passport is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Which is why you absolutely, positively should not buy one.

  Remember the Playbook? It, too, was "different". It featured a high-quality build. It had what was, at the time, a non-standard size and shape. And it was full of innovative features, like BlackBerry Bridge, which allowed you to seamlessly tether your Playbook to your BlackBerry handset.

  The problem was that BlackBerry’s engineers had no clue how to support the device outside of the core audience of "crackberry" addicts. It never occurred to them that someone who didn’t own a BlackBerry phone might want to buy their tablet. Or that these same users might want to write an email or update their calendars without having to tether the device to a BB handset "mother ship".

  With the Passport, BlackBerry is making many of these same kinds of mistakes. Take the keyboard, for example. While the company has made much noise about the Passport’s innovative key-top swipe support, most of the functionality is focused on email creation. It’s great if you spend your life pounding out missive after missive, not such a big deal for less specialized tasks.

  Then there’s the funky square screen. Yes, it may be great for reading messages and (perhaps) surfing the web. But what about multimedia? The Passport’s 1440x1440 resolution, though appealing to the symmetry-obsessed among us, is hardly ideal for non-textual content consumption. Even with an obscene PPI of 453, the dimensions feel awkward for videos or gaming.

  Finally, there’s the matter of the OS. While BlackBerry has done a tremendous job polishing and tweaking BB10, the fact remains that it’s an outlier within the realm of mobile platforms. App developers have all but abandoned BlackBerry (a fact reflected by recent layoffs), forcing the company to rely more and more on Android app compatibility in order to flesh out BB10’s software catalog.

  So, to summarize: The Passport is a high build-quality device with a funky new design that eschews established norms. It’s filled with innovative features that have limited appeal outside of a very narrow customer set. And it relies on another platform’s third party developers to fill the App gap.

  Frankly, the parallels to the Playbook debacle couldn’t be more striking. Which wouldn’t be such a big deal if BlackBerry were content to simply preach to the faithful. However, in order for the company to survive long-term, they’ll need to pull in new customers. And that means exploiting the buzz surrounding the Passport’s "funkiness" factor to lure unsuspecting buyers into purchasing a device that was never intended for them.

  This is exactly what happened with the Playbook. And years later, owners of those devices are still smarting from the screwing-over they got when the "company formerly known as RIM" abandoned them.

  BlackBerry’s Passport has all the makings of the Playbook "part deux". Anyone who’s not already a complete slave to a BB handset would do well to steer clear from this potential train wreck of a device.

  
• 

  Self-destructing content service ensures shared data stays private

  Publié: juillet 23, 2014, 3:33pm CEST par Ian Barker

  

  When you send a file to someone else there’s always a risk that it could be copied or forwarded, even if it's intended to remain private -- as many a snapper of naked selfies has found to their cost.

  There have been attempts to solve this problem in the past of course with services like Snapchat and Yahoo's Blink, that allow content to be viewed for only a short time, but none of these are aimed at business users.

  That's about to change with the launch of Digify a self-destructing, view-only content protection service to let professionals privately share their business content. Files shared using Digify can't be forwarded, downloaded, copied, saved or uploaded elsewhere, and can be set to self-destruct in any time from one minute to one month.

  It works on iOS and Android -- a desktop version is due to launch later this year -- and is integrated with cloud storage services including Dropbox. So, for example, users can browse and send a Dropbox file straight from the Digify app. On iOS devices, if recipients try to take a screenshot, the sender will be notified and the file unshared. On Android screenshots are blocked completely. Statistics in the Digify app show who has viewed the content, for how long and how often.

  Augustine Lim, co-founder and CEO of Digify says, "Before Digify, there were many tools for sharing files but no easy, inexpensive way for most professionals to protect and track access to information once it was sent to someone else. After downloading files a recipient was able to forward or upload them anywhere on the web. Digify enables users to effectively share, control and protect ideas and content from wherever it is stored with the comfort that they will not go beyond the intended recipient".

  

  It works by converting files to an intermediate format for temporary display by Digify's viewer via document streaming. Recipients are unable to download content to their own devices, or share it with others. The original is deleted from Digify's server after conversion and once the file self-destructs all copies are deleted.

  Files are protected by 256-bit encryption both on the server and in transit. Screenshot tools and other means of capturing information are blocked. The process works with Word, Excel and PowerPoint files as well as photos and PDFs.

  Digify is available now via the Apple App and Google Play stores or you can find out more on the company's website.

  Image Credit: iQoncept / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Internet Explorer vulnerabilities have increased more than 100 percent since 2013

  Publié: juillet 23, 2014, 3:23pm CEST par Wayne Williams

  Bromium Labs today issued its "Endpoint Exploitation Trends" report that shows Internet Explorer set a record high for reported vulnerabilities in the first half of 2014, and also leads in publicly reported exploits.

  According to Bromium, "Internet Explorer took the cap for historic high number of security patches in over a decade, and that feat was accomplished in the first six months of 2014!" It's not all bad news for users of Internet Explorer though. While the browser was easily the most exploited tool, Microsoft has been reacting much quicker to plug vulnerabilities. The company took more than 90 days to release its first patch for IE9, yet IE11’s first critical patch emerged just five days after the new browser was generally available.

  Bromium says "In the first half of 2014, the growth in zero day exploitation continued unabated from 2013. Unsurprisingly, all of the zero day attacks targeted end-user applications such as browsers and productivity applications like Microsoft Office. Typically these attacks are launched leveraging users as bait using classic spear-phishing tactics. The notable aspect for this year thus far in 2014 is that Internet Explorer was the most patched and also one of the most exploited products, surpassing Oracle Java, Adobe Flash and others in the fray. Bromium Labs believes that the browser will likely continue to be the sweet spot for attackers".

  Adobe Flash joins Internet Explorer as one of the most targeted products, with Action Script Sprays among the new techniques used to exploit it. Java, despite its notorious reputation, had no reported zero day exploitations in the first half of 2014, although that might be partially down to users taking action and disabling it, forcing attackers to switch their attentions elsewhere.

  "End users remain a primary concern for information security professionals because they are the most targeted and most susceptible to attacks" said Rahul Kashyap, chief security architect, Bromium. "Web browsers have always been a favorite avenue of attack, but we are now seeing that hackers are not only getting better at attacking Internet Explorer, they are doing it more frequently".

  The full report is available here.

  
• 

  AVG killed LiveKive, but is offering a 'free' data transfer to SpiderOak

  Publié: juillet 23, 2014, 2:49pm CEST par Alan Buckingham

  

  AVG got into the cloud storage business with its LiveKive offering. I won't go into the gory details but the service did not work so well. Now the anti-virus maker has elected to kill off the product, and perhaps it was a merciful death.

  Users began receiving warning messages in their email before the shutdown took place. Customers could grab their data, though depending on how much was there, the download could have been painful.

  Now AVG has announced that former customers can transfer their data to cloud storage service SpiderOak. "SpiderOak will honor all existing AVG LiveKive storage plans and pricing for both free and paid users. None of your data needs to be re-uploaded and you will keep your username. Everything will appear in SpiderOak as it does in your current LiveKive account, including folder structure, historical versions, deleted items and sync settings to all your devices", the announcement reads.

  Customers will, of course, have to pay for a SpiderOak subscription going forward. Prices begin at $0, but most users likely are going to want the $10 per month plan to get the space needed for all of their data. There are also business plans available. You can head to a special SpiderOak page to make the move.

  Image Credit: Lightspring / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Forget.me now handles 'right to be forgotten' requests for Bing as well as Google

  Publié: juillet 23, 2014, 2:05pm CEST par Mark Wilson

  

  Back in May, the EU Court of Justice ruled that people have a "right to be forgotten" from search results. Google fairly quickly set up an online form to allow complainants to put forward their case for censoring their appearance in results. It didn’t take long for Microsoft to follow suit, and Bing users were soon afforded the same option.

  Forget.me was one service that offered to take care of Google removal requests for people, and at the time CEO Bertrand Girin promised that "if Bing and Yahoo get their Right to be Forgotten forms in order, we’ll be able to provide you with the possibility of submitting your URL to all three search engines at the same time." For Microsoft, that day has come.

  Forget.me can now be used to submit removal requests to Bing as well as Google. The service not only saves those with complaints from having to hunt down the relevant forms on Google and Bing's sites, but also eliminates the need to submit two requests -- one form can be used to submit requests to both search engines at the same time. There's no word on when support for Yahoo will be added, but the ball is very much in Yahoo's court for now.

  Just how valuable the removal of links will prove to be remains to be seen. The court ruling has proved controversial, with many media outlets complaining that it amounts to little more than censorship. While the ruling does not require publishers to delete or amend any pages that contain "inadequate, irrelevant or no longer relevant" information, the onus has been place on search engines to remove links to them -- the content still exists and can still be accessed, just not via specific searches.

  The "right to be forgotten" was heralded as a victory for privacy from some quarters, but the removal of search results has also been shown to be ineffective. Individuals may feel a sense of personal victory when results are removed, but sites like Hidden From Google are making a point of highlighting the pages that have been removed. With many websites drawing attention to articles that have been hidden from searchers, attempts to censor the web may actually have the reverse of the intended effect -- highlighting information that someone was trying to conceal.

  
• 

  Microsoft confirms it was working on Surface Mini

  Publié: juillet 23, 2014, 1:53pm CEST par Wayne Williams

  It stopped short of actually naming the device, however Microsoft has admitted it was planning to add a second new Surface to its line-up.

  Although leaks and rumors are usually best viewed with a heavy dose of skepticism, when they are as insistent as the talk regarding Surface Mini was, it’s safe to assume there’s at least some fire under all that smoke. We were fully expecting to see a seven inch version of the tech giant’s slate rolled out alongside Surface Pro 3, but there was no sign at all of it at the New York launch event two months ago. So what happened?

  Well, the truth is we’ll probably never know for sure but it’s likely Microsoft got cold feet, and decided to focus on making its flagship a success before adding yet another device to the range.

  The big clue confirming the device’s existence came in Microsoft's earnings report issued yesterday:

  "Current year cost of revenue included Surface inventory adjustments resulting from our transition to newer generation devices and a decision to not ship a new form factor". Or in other words, a decision not to ship Surface Mini.

  Just because the company decided not to roll out Surface Mini alongside the Surface Pro 3 doesn’t mean it will never see the light of day, but its future likely all hinges on how well the flagship slate sells going forward.

  
• 

  Comodo SecureBox always assumes the worst to strengthen endpoint security

  Publié: juillet 23, 2014, 1:28pm CEST par Ian Barker

  

  Cybercriminals are constantly targeting end users via phishing and social engineering attacks in attempts to access sensitive information or corporate data and bypass traditional endpoint security. Often these attacks are delivered from devices outside the enterprise, belonging to customers or suppliers for example.

  Internet security specialist Comodo is launching a new product aimed at plugging the security gap and guarding against, keylogging, SSL sniffing, remote screen viewing, memory scraping, man-in-the-middle attacks, zero-day malware and more.

  Comodo SecureBox is a secure desktop application designed to protect and run only trusted applications. It always assumes that the host environment is hostile or malware-infected. This unique approach to containerization differs from traditional containment solutions that seek to sandbox only malicious or untrusted applications.

  "SecureBox is particularly well-suited for businesses who need to ensure the security of third-party endpoints that are beyond the control of their IT organization," says Kevin Gilchrist, Comodo's Vice President of Product Management. "Financial services companies, healthcare or health insurance companies, or any company that has a large supply chain where the supplier represents a possible vector for malware would benefit from SecureBox".

  Features of SecureBox include securing mission critical data in transit by creating a secure tunnel between client and web server. It also protects against keyloggers by bypassing the Windows input subsystem, and intercepts remote takeover attempts by detecting attempted screen captures.

  It also has anti-SSL sniffing technology to guard against man-in-the-middle attacks, plus it containerizes applications to prevent memory scraping. Finally there's a cloud-based virus scan to detect and terminate any virus activity on the host device.

  Comodo can custom build SecureBox for large organizations so that it can be company-branded and tailored for specific security needs. For more information visit the SecureBox website.

  Image Credit: VERSUSstudio / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Microsoft's Q4 FY2014 earnings by the numbers

  Publié: juillet 23, 2014, 1:26pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Microsoft has released its earnings results for the fourth fiscal quarter of the year (that is Q2 CY2014), posting revenue of $23.38 billion, gross margin of 15.79 billion and operating income of $6.48 billion. As a result, earnings per share (EPS) came in at $0.55 (below analyst expectations of $0.60).

  Revenue, gross margin and operating income are higher than a year before, when they reached 19.89 billion, 14.29 billion and 6.07 billion, respectively. However, EPS is lower, dropping from $0.59. "We are galvanized around our core as a productivity and platform company for the mobile-first and cloud-first world, and we are driving growth with disciplined decisions, bold innovation, and focused execution", says Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. "I'm proud that our aggressive move to the cloud is paying off -- our commercial cloud revenue doubled again this year to a $4.4 billion annual run rate".

  The commercial cloud revenue that Nadella speaks of increased by 147 percent year over year, significantly contributing to the 13.48 billion in commercial revenue. The latter also includes revenue from Windows volume licensing, which increased by 11 percent, and server products, which rose by 16 percent (this includes Azure).

  On the Devices and Consumer side, revenue increased by 42 percent to reach $10 billion. Office 365 Home and Personal garnered one more million subscribers (now, at 5.6 million subscribers in total), Bing's advertising revenue rose by 40 percent (its search share in US climbed to 19.2 percent), and Windows OEM revenue grew as well, albeit slightly (only by three percent, aided by 11 percent growth in Windows OEM Pro revenue). Microsoft's new phone-making business brought in $1.99 billion in revenue.

  Microsoft's earnings for Q4 FY2014 are impacted by a couple of factors, like its deal with Nokia and job cuts, which amount to $382 million in revenue and $255 million in operating income. Those lower EPS by $0.03. In contrast, a year ago, Microsoft's Surface loss contributed with a negative EPS impact of $0.07.

  For the entire FY2014, Microsoft's revenue is $86.83 billion, gross margin is $59.9 billion, operating income is $27.76 billion and EPS is 2.63. "Our solid execution and expense discipline allowed us to deliver a strong finish to the fiscal year", adds Microsoft CFO and executive VP Amy Hood. "As we enter fiscal 2015, we are focused on aligning our resources to strategic investments that we believe will deliver the next wave of innovation, growth, and long-term shareholder value".

  Photo Credit: komar_off / Shutterstock

  
• 

  IObit unveils Driver Booster 2.0 Beta -- promises faster downloads for all

  Publié: juillet 23, 2014, 1:21pm CEST par Nick Peers

  

  IOBit has unveiled Driver Booster 2.0 Beta, a preview of the next major version of its driver update tool for Windows. The utility offers simple updating to free users, while a paid-for Pro version adds the ability to back up drivers along with faster download speeds and other enhancements.

  Version 2.0 opens with an overhauled user interface, designed to make the program even simpler to use. Users also gain the ability to make the program semi-translucent via a Transparency slider in the program’s Settings menu.

  The new build also introduces a separate Game driver database that provides access to popular software driver updates for improving gaming performance and stability. These are listed below the regular the driver updates and include peripheral hardware drivers as well as gaming components.

  An online database update feature has also been added to ensure available drivers are always the latest version, while a smart installation mode has been added to provide distraction-free gaming in full screen.

  The program also brings together its backup and restore features -- normally limited to Pro users, but available to all users while in beta -- under a new Rescue Center system. Also added is the option to selectively roll back driver updates where supported -- click the arrow button next to a driver to access the feature.

  Version 2.0 also gains the ability -- enabled by default -- to automatically check for driver updates for newly connected devices.

  Performance has been improved too, thanks in part to smaller download packages for both the program itself and driver updates. As a result, version 2 comes with the promise of faster driver download speeds for both Free and Pro users.

  Driver Booster 2.0 Beta is available now as a free download for PCs running Windows XP or later. The usual caveats about installing unfinished software apply, while all functionality is unlocked for free while the program remains in beta. Also available is Driver Booster 1.4 FINAL. Single-year Pro licenses can currently be purchased for $22.95 that cover three PCs.

  
• 

  Create animated GIFs from video clips with Movie to Gif

  Publié: juillet 23, 2014, 1:18pm CEST par Mike Williams

  They’re extremely basic, horribly limited, just about the most low-tech form of computer animation you can get. But then animated GIFs are almost 25 years old, so we probably shouldn’t expect too much. And even now, they’re still useful as a reliable way to display simple animations on just about every platform.

  We’ve discussed several ways to create animated GIFs before, but the latest is Movie to Gif, which does exactly what its name suggests: point the program at a video and it’ll render a finished GIF for you.

  The program has a clear interface with all its main controls on a single pane. Open your source video (all the main formats seem to be supported), it appears in a preview window, and you can scroll through the footage to find the segment you need.

  The next step is to choose the start and end point for your GIF. This works much like any video editor -- select the frame, click "Set Start" or "Set End" -- but surprisingly there’s no way to play and loop your selection, perhaps a problem if you need to check your timing.

  You’ll probably want your finished file to be as small as possible, and Movie to Gif provides several options to help. You’re able to resize the source video, reduce its speed or frame rate, or set the number of colors to use. It takes some experimenting to find the best settings for a clip, but the process is easy enough, and generally the quality was better than we expected. Even some 64 colour animations were very acceptable.

  There are a few small extras we’d like. A "Play" button to play and loop our selection; control over if, and how often our finished animation loops; maybe an option to open the folder containing our finished GIF once it’s been created.

  Movie to Gif does well where it matters, though, being easy to use and providing plenty of ways to configure your finished animations. That’s not bad for version 1.0.1, and there’s plenty of time for the other issues to be addressed later.

  
• 

  Nokia Lumia 930: A Windows Phone game changer [Review]

  Publié: juillet 23, 2014, 12:34pm CEST par Alysia Judge

  

  Despite its repeated attempts to elbow its way into mainstream popularity, Windows Phone is going on four years old and is still being slapped down by iPhone and Android -- like an overly buoyant younger sibling with a penchant for multi-colored tiles.

  Trouble is, now more than ever the pressure is on. LG, Samsung and HTC have all already fired their flagships into the market, and with the promise of a bigger, bolder iPhone in September, it's high time we saw a Windows Phone that can start leading the pack rather than trailing behind it.

  In other words, if the time were any more "right" for the launch the Nokia Lumia 930 it'd be campaigning for the relaxation of gun laws in the United States.

  The Lumia 930 is the first handset to launch since Microsoft's buyout of Nokia's mobile division, and it marks a paradigm shift in the evolution of Windows Phone. Not only does it pack an impressive spec sheet, remarkable camera and fantastic accessory ecosystem, it's also hitting shelves with a lower price tag than its fancy rivals.

  So now Windows Phone has finally entered the ring. Well, actually the LG G3 "entered" the ring, swanning over the ropes with its "metallic black," "silk white" and "shine gold" wardrobe. The Nokia Lumia 930, by comparison, has cartwheeled down the ramp in hues of lime green and fluorescent orange -- and despite the fact these backs aren't swappable, the applause is rapturous.

  This is a phone with buckets of personality, perfectly offset by the sense that the Lumia 930 is built to last. The body is chunkier than other flagships on the market, measuring 9.8mm thick and weighing a sizeable 167g. Still, before we start criticizing its size and giving the 930 body-dysmorphia we should consider the idea that this is clearly a deliberate decision from Microsoft.

  Why? The Samsung Galaxy S5 only measures 8.1mm thick and is weighs just 145g, so why is Microsoft beefing up its rival handset to such an extent? Perhaps, we'd argue, because it really does make the Lumia 930 stand out. Whereas the wafer-thin nature of some smartphones makes you want to wrap them up in cotton wool (or at least a carbon fiber case that can withstand military drop tests), Microsoft's newest flagship feels reassuringly durable with its metal frame and polycarbonate matte back. It's what Samsung has been unable to design: a mostly "plastic" phone that oozes style with its matte finish.

  

  But flip the phone over and the screen is equally impressive. Indeed, you could call it the smartphone's headline feature with its 5in 1920 x 1080p display. Nokia's AMOLED ClearBlack technology creates rich contrasts of color by completely switching off any portion of the screen that is displaying black. Not only does this make browsing the brightly colored tiles of the Windows OS sheer joy, it's also a nifty save on battery drain.

  The Lumia 930 also packs a nice 441 pixels per inch (ppi) density and tough Gorilla Glass 3 that is pleasantly curved at the outer edges. The only area where it slips is on its bezels. Laying the 930 over the LG G3 leaves reveals that Nokia's Windows Phone flagship is not that much smaller than its Korean rival; despite the fact the LG G3 sports a much larger 5.5in screen.

  This is because the G3 pushed the limits of its display to the very edges of its frame, minimizing wasted space. The Lumia 930, meanwhile, doesn't follow the fashion of incorporating its home, search and back buttons into the UI, placing them as buttons outside the screen and bulking up the bezels.

  Still, the build is top quality and this is matched with high-class specs under the hood. The Nokia Lumia 930 runs a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 quad-core 2.2Ghz chipset, married to 2GB of RAM. Yes, that's not the super fresh Snapdragon 801 processor you'll find in the Sony Xperia Z2, but when you break everything down the differences won't make you lose sleep. Really, whether it's launching apps or exploring the tactile Windows Phone UI, the 930 will hold its own against some of the market's speediest smartphones. The minimum amount of 32GB of memory is nothing to be sniffed at either.

  When upgrading a smartphone design, every company worth its salt will boost the battery as well -- and Nokia is no exception. The 930 has upgraded its battery to a 2,420 mAh offering, though that's slightly smaller than the Galaxy S5 (2,800 mAh) and the HTC One M8 (2,600 mAh.) That gets you about a day's worth of battery, which is fine, it just means you'll have to charge the handset every night. You can do that via the wireless charging stand that comes in the box with the smartphone itself -- which was a very lovely surprise.

  On the camera front, it's no secret that Nokia likes to consider itself a market leader. Since introducing its "PureView" camera technology, it's launched devices like the Lumia 1020 that have set the bar for what we can expect from our smartphone snappers. In the 930, a 20-megapxel lens is backed up by Carl Zeiss optics, optical image stabilization (OIS) and dual LED flash.

  Like the LG G3, the OIS in the 930 irons out shaky moments of blur far more effectively than digital image stabilization found in the Samsung Galaxy S5. This even extends into its 1080p Full HD video recording at the rear (coincidentally, the 1.2-megapixel front facing camera shoots a maximum of 720p HD.)

  This makes for some nice close up and portrait shops, even making attempts at the blurred background bokeh effects that are so in vogue at the moment. However, the lack of an HDR mode really affects scenic shots from a distance; muted colors and overexposure tend to dampen things slightly, though it's a bearable damp. Sort of like putting on a T-shirt after a slightly laconic tumble dry spin.

  Still, if you'd been handling the idea of buying a Windows Phone like you'd handle Ebola (at the end of a pair of tongs), you'll be pleasantly surprised by the new OS.

  Windows Phone 8.1 introduces Live Tiles that allow you to fit three rows of tiles where you'd normally get two -- plus you can finally underlay a personalized background wallpaper or photo beneath those elements. The Action Center is also a fantastic, much-needed addition. While it is indeed a shameless rip-off of the notification drop-down bar on Android smartphones, it brings fast access to settings that have been sorely missed in older Windows devices.

  Verdict

  If you've never tried a Windows smartphone before, the Lumia 930 is definitely the device to get you going. Its eye-catching design really makes it stand out from the crowd (a big plus point in an increasingly competitive market.) The camera is no 1020 -- but it's one of the best you'll find for everyday shots on the go -- and the inky blacks of the screen are genuinely beautiful. Besides, considering it's one of the cheapest flagships on the market right now, why not experiment?

  Good Points

  • Iconic design
  • Excellent 20-megapixel camera
  • New Windows Phone 8.1 OS

  Bad Points

  • Apps need improving
  • UI may shock Android / iOS fans

  Specifications

  Manufacturer and Model	Nokia Lumia 930
  Network	4G
  Processor	2.2Ghz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 quad-core
  Ram	2GB
  Memory	32GB
  Memory expansion	No
  Display	5in
  Main camera	20 megapixel
  Front camera	1.2 megapixel
  NFC	Yes
  Wi-Fi	Yes
  GPS	Yes
  FM radio	Yes
  Battery	2,420 mAh
  Size	137 x 71 x 9.8 mm (WxDxH)
  Weight	169g
  OS	Microsoft Windows Phone 8.1

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  Oracle sets out to redefine the data-driven enterprise

  Publié: juillet 23, 2014, 12:16pm CEST par Ian Barker

  

  Data makes the modern world go round and by being able to use it effectively companies can gain a competitive advantage, improve customer experience and enhance operational efficiency.

  Database specialist Oracle has combined a number of its offerings including the newly acquired BlueKai Audience Data Marketplace to form Oracle Data Cloud, a platform that provides customers access to world-class data-as-a-service (DaaS) offerings to allow companies to exploit marketing and social media data.

  "Unbundling data from SaaS applications has enhanced a business user's ability to activate insights gleaned from external data sources, leading to more engaging and personalized customer experiences," says Omar Tawakol, general manager and group vice president of Oracle Data Cloud. "The Oracle Data Cloud brings together a best-in-class data platform with the world's largest data marketplace to drive smarter decisions for marketing and social, and it will eventually include other enterprise functions such as sales and service".

  Oracle DaaS for Marketing is designed to help organizations enhance the cross-channel customer experience through targeted marketing engagement that brings together customer and audience intelligence from across the enterprise. With access to more than a billion profiles globally, Oracle DaaS for Marketing is the world's largest data marketplace and allows companies to deliver relevant content across a range of platforms.

  DaaS for Social helps enterprises benefit from the vast pool of data generated across social platforms and helps them make sense of unstructured social and enterprise data. By applying powerful text processing techniques it can help to generate business intelligence from raw data culled from public and private sources.

  You can find more information about Oracle's data-as-a-service offerings on the company's website.

  Photo Credit: Blend Images/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Meet Nokia Lumia 530 -- Microsoft's new entry-level Windows Phone 8.1 device

  Publié: juillet 23, 2014, 12:03pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Nokia Lumia 520 has proved to be an extremely important entry-level handset for Windows Phone, allowing the platform to reach more consumers and become more relevant in emerging markets. Its successor has to live up to high expectations, as it has to exceed the 12 million activations mark quicker than Lumia 520 has managed to, in order to be considered a success. That is no easy task, when the competition in the entry-level smartphone market is heating up.

  So does the new Lumia 530 have what it takes to become a worthy Lumia 520 successor? Well, it at least gets off on the right foot, as Microsoft says its new Windows Phone 8.1 entry-level offering is expected to cost €85 before any local taxes and subsidies, and under €100 "on the highstreet". And that goes for the Dual SIM version as well; it will play a key role in increasing Windows Phone's popularity among price-conscious buyers.

  As far as specs go, Lumia 530 comes with: 4-inch display with a resolution of 480 by 854; 1.2 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 processor; 512 MB of RAM; 1,430 mAh battery; 5 MP main camera with FWVGA video recording; 4 GB of internal storage; microSD card slot (supports cards of up to 128 GB in size); HSPA+ cellular network support; Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n; BLuetooth 4.0; GPS with Glonass; USB 2.0. It comes in at 119.7 x 62.3 x 11.7 mm and 129 grams. Available color options include gray, green, orange and white.

  Battery life is said to be 7.8 hours for cellular browsing and 8.5 hours for Wi-Fi browsing. Talk time via 3G networks is touted to be 10 hours. It is worth noting Microsoft makes no mention of the screen being of IPS technology, and there is no secondary camera for video calls and, of course, selfies!

  The capacitive navigation buttons from Lumia 520 are now gone (as is, sadly, the dedicated camera button), as they are replaced by on-screen keys on Lumia 530. And, unfortunately, the latter still comes with the same RAM capacity as the former, which will prevent it from taking advantage of all the Windows Phone 8.1-designed apps in Store.

  A quick comparison with Lumia 520 also reveals Lumia 530 has a higher-resolution display, faster processor, less internal storage, support for more expandable storage, poorer video recording, is shorter, narrower, thicker and heavier. So, basically, Lumia 530 does not outmatch Lumia 520 in every way, which is a shame.

  Microsoft Devices Group corporate vice president Jo Harlow says "Lumia 530 underscores [Microsoft's] commitment to making affordable smartphones for everyone, and introducing more people to the best of Microsoft". As a starter smartphone, Lumia 530 is an interesting choice, but I wonder if it will indeed drive people to more expensive Windows Phones, as Microsoft hopes it will.

  Alongside Lumia 530, Microsoft also introduces Bang mini-speaker by Coloud. It goes for €19, and is said to provide a runtime of up to eight hours. It will go on sale "in the coming weeks".

  If you have your eyes set on Lumia 530, you will be able to purchase it starting next month (that would be August). Following its initial roll-out in "selected" markets, it will be available across the globe. US mobile operator T-Mobile announces it will carry Lumia 530 later in the year.

  
• 

  The technology behind the Commonwealth Games 2014

  Publié: juillet 23, 2014, 9:21am CEST par Sam Pudwell

  

  As the 20th Commonwealth Games kicks off in Glasgow, most of the attention will be focused on the athletes attempting to turn years of hard work into gold medals. However, there is another less public, yet still hugely important, side of the games that we think also deserves some attention.

  Behind the scenes in Scotland, computer giant Dell will have an integral role in providing the IT infrastructure that will help meet the demands of the 71 participating federations and ensure that the entire event runs as smoothly as possible.

  A statement on the Dell's website reads, "Our IT solutions will provide the reliability and support needed to ensure that everyone involved -- the fans, volunteers, athletes and officials will have the best experience possible".

  It will deploy what it describes as a large-scale, end-to-end infrastructure designed to support business critical functions and connect athletes, volunteers and officials on a global scale, through the provision of 1,500 desktops, 200 laptops and 60 servers and storage solutions.

  The setup will connect across all 40 competition and supporting venues, including the Technology Operations Center, Media Center and Athletes' Village.

  The Technology Operations Center will act as the central hub, where Dell will monitor, operate and manage the games using PowerEdge servers equipped with Intel Xeon processors and Dell EqualLogic and PowerVault storage, as well as providing a helpdesk for any technology queries.

  Its equipment will be used at the Media Center to efficiently deliver results to the press, and in a logistical capacity at the Athletes' Village, covering tasks such as ordering food, coordinating laundry services for all 6,762 beds and ensuring that all athletes make it to their events on time.

  The importance of IT in the running of the games was highlighted by Brian Nourse, the chief technology officer for Glasgow 2014. "Technology underpins everything at the Commonwealth Games and we have multiple sites across Glasgow that require a fit-for-purpose technology solution. Dell's role is crucial in ensuring that we have a robust, flexible infrastructure in place that can guarantee everything runs flawlessly – both in the planning and staging of the Games, and during the 11 days of competition".

  Tim Griffin, the vice president and managing director of Dell UK, said, "Technology is often the unsung hero of the sporting world. Nearly everything, from coverage of the events and ticketing, to how athletes perform and results are reported, requires a high level of technology support".

  This is not the first time Dell has delivered technology for a global sporting event. In 2006 it was the official hardware provider for the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, supplying desktops, servers and storage technology.

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  How to protect your company data without inspecting SSL

  Publié: juillet 23, 2014, 9:12am CEST par Manoj Apte

  

  Since the start of this year, it has felt like Armageddon within the cyber-security arena. Attacks are coming thick and fast, with resultant breaches hitting the headlines. Advanced malware -- it’s clever, almost always relentless, and it's increasingly encrypted!

  In every organization there are two types of traffic -- inspected traffic and non-inspected traffic. There’s a reason for that. Well, actually, it’s one of three reasons: performance, scalability or cost.

  According to research published by NSS Labs, it found that organizations inspecting SSL code on average experienced 74 percent performance loss with 512 and 1024 bits ciphers. This increases to 81 percent loss with 2048 bits cipher -- the current industry standard. And the proxy performance drop is even worse.

  In light of this reality, many organizations are faced with a decision -- either accept the hit to performance, spend money on more kit to inspect SSL traffic, or turn a blind eye to all HTTPS. While once the latter may have been a working solution, today it’s a foolhardy strategy.

  SSL -- a growing hill to climb

  Today, the reality is that 25 percent of all Internet traffic uses SSL encryption, and it is likely that this traffic is not being scanned for malware due to limitations of security systems in place or lack of bandwidth.

  For those who like a visual reference -- for every four people knocking on the organization’s virtual front door, three are frisked while one is allowed to jump unchallenged through an open window.  That statistic is frightening -- one quarter of enterprise traffic has the potential to carry a malicious payload right into the heart of the organization, with this figure predicted to increase by 20 percent year on year.

  And malicious coders are relying on this ineptitude.

  In fact, according to Zscaler’s filters, 16 percent of all malware traffic blocked is over SSL. And while you might like to think that it’s relatively harmless bits of code, it’s not -- ZeroAccess, Bitcoin miner Trojans, Poison backdoor, BlackHole, Ransomware, Kazy Trojan. The one thing they all had in common was SSL.

  Another element to cover before moving on is sandboxing -- allowing the binary code to run and then check it behaves normally or if it triggers rules that identify it as potentially malicious. When examining the results in isolation, Zscaler’s April statistics determined that 46 percent of resultant malware blocked was HTTP, 31 percent HTTPS and an astonishing 23 percent a mixture of both. Ultimately, a total of 54 percent of malicious traffic used SSL to deliver APTs.

  Blending is another trick

  Of course, what’s knocking on the front door is only half the problem. Sometimes what might on the surface appear to be a benign program can actually unleash hell once it finds a comfy network corner.

  One such example, identified by Zscaler in a Fortune 500 organization, was the case of Dr Watson. Initially, the program downloaded over HTTP, was identified as coming from a trusted source -- in this case Dropbox, deemed to be benign and allowed entry. However, once safely inside, the Trojan began to download additional malicious files from Dropbox using SSL to conceal its illicit activity.

  Time to see beyond the facade

  Organizations need to employ a three step process if they’re to successfully protect against APTs -- protect, detect and remediate. There are numerous articles covering each of these steps so rather than reiterate those here, we’ll focus on taking action against SSL disguised threats.

  Here’s our suggested five step plan of action:

  1. Take your head out of the sand and accept that this is a real threat. Only then can you start to formulate a plan, and put it in place, to address SSL bearing malicious payloads. You can’t, and mustn’t, ignore it.
  2. Put plans and budgets in place. Accept that it is going to require network infrastructure investment. It’s the only way you’ll be able to look inside SSL and identify malware, if you’re to avoid taking a hefty performance hit.
  3. Respect employee privacy by engaging with them. Employee privacy is a hotly debated topic, if you allow your employees to complete personal activities using corporate infrastructure -- and its archaic not to, then you have to expect privacy to a certain extent. But that doesn’t mean it comes at the expense of security. Engage with employees, explain why it’s important to inspect network traffic, and highlight the benefits of doing so -- from both a company and personal perspective.  Ultimately, if your systems are compromised, it leaves them vulnerable too.
  4. Having opened the dialog, there are some sites that can be trusted -- for example online banking systems. That means you can create a whitelist of "trusted" SSL traffic, which can pass through. The benefits are two-fold -- you demonstrate respect for your employees personal communications, but you also reduce the amount of traffic being critiqued. This doesn’t have to be a cumbersome process as technologies exist that can allow you to automate.
  5. Finally continue to monitor the hits that you get on SSL to ensure your whitelist remains trusted.

  SSL simply encrypts traffic, it does not guarantee that it is clean. If the site on the other side is either malicious or been compromised then you are in trouble. Inspecting encrypted SSL is a challenge, but it’s not impossible. Are you going to secure your doors and windows?

  Manoj Apte is senior vice president at Zscaler

  Image Credit: Pavel Ignatov / Shutterstock

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  Hulu Plus brings a new user experience to Roku

  Publié: juillet 22, 2014, 2:57am CEST par Alan Buckingham

  

  Hulu is the big third player in the online video space, competing with Netflix and Amazon Prime. All of these services, and many more "channels" are part of the Roku ecosystem. It brings TV to the cord-cutter generation, which is a growing number of users.

  Now, Roku is introducing an improved user experience to its tiny set-top boxes. "If you're a big Hulu streamer like me, you've likely noticed the new Hulu Plus experience on Roku. It’s quick to load, navigation within the channel is super snappy too -- 5x faster than the old channel! And the layout is slightly different to highlight stunning imagery from your favorite TV shows and movies", the manufacturer states.

  The company claims that all of the improvements came through user feedback. "We really owe this awesome channel to you though. The teams at Hulu and Roku have been listening all your feedback over the last year…yes, all of it. It took a bit longer than we expected but only because we wanted it to be the very best experience".

  The channel update is available now, and you can find it through the "store", though if you already have it installed, then it should update on its own. Hulu Plus isn't free, of course, so you can expect to pony up $7.99 per month, but if you've cut the cord then it's a small price to pay for entertainment.

  
• 

  Are you Bing-curious? Microsoft's search engine comes to new tabs in Google Chrome

  Publié: juillet 22, 2014, 2:10am CEST par Brian Fagioli

  

  Bing is a wonderful search engine. My love for it is hardly a secret, as I declared my affection earlier today. However, while Internet Explorer is getting better all the time, Chrome is still my preferred browser on Windows, Linux and OS X. Unfortunately, using Bing as the default search engine on Chrome just felt wrong. I pictured Google employees spying on my web activity and shaking their heads in disappointment at my horrible crime.

  Of course, that is not really happening (I hope), but still Bing on Chrome felt out of place and third-rate in comparison to Google. Today, this changes as Bing comes to new tabs in the Chrome browser.

  "Searching just got simpler for people using Chrome with their default search engine set to Bing. Now when you open a new tab in your browser, you will get quick access to the Bing search box (and associated Page Zero features) as well as the frequently used sites you're used to", says Michael Schechter, Principal Group Program Manager, Bing.

  Schechter further explains, "to enable this, go to Chrome's Settings, and set your search engine to Bing (under 'Search'), or follow the steps on this page. People who already have Bing selected will see this automatically after upgrading their browser to the latest version of Chrome".

  To show that we can all get along, I decided to make Bing the default search engine on Chrome, running on my Mac (Hackintosh). In other words, Microsoft's search engine, as default on Google's browser, running on Apple's operating system. Can't you just picture Tim Cook, Satya Nadella and Larry Page embracing in a manly three-way hug?

  

  The end result is the following, when a new tab in Chrome is opened:

  

  Pretty cool right? If you are a Chrome browser user, who is Bing-curious, now is the time to try the search engine. Tell me how you like it in the comments.

  Photo credit: Richard M Lee / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Do Not Track is bolstered by EFF's Privacy Badger extension

  Publié: juillet 21, 2014, 11:40pm CEST par Mark Wilson

  

  Online security and privacy are hotter topics than ever. Just this weekend, Edward Snowden made an appearance at the Hope X 2014 hacker event, and called for those in attendance to help make encryption tools easier to use. Another fierce advocate of online privacy is the EFF (Electronic Frontier Foundation), and today the group released a beta version of Privacy Badger, a beautifully named extension for Chrome and Firefox designed to stop a number of tracking techniques used online. The idea of tracking cookies is something that will be familiar to most, but tracking takes many forms, including advertising and social media. Privacy Badger aims to block this tracking.

  Peter Eckersley, EFF Technology Projects Director, said: "Widgets that say 'Like this page on Facebook' or 'Tweet this' often allow those companies to see what webpages you are visiting, even if you never click the widget's button. The Privacy Badger alpha would detect that, and block those widgets outright. But now Privacy Badger's beta version has gotten smarter: it can block the tracking while still giving you the option to see and click on those buttons if you so choose".

  The beta release follows an alpha version which was unleashed three months ago. So far, an estimated 150,000 people have installed the extension and the latest version introduces a feature that offers further protection and social widgets. But rather than just blocking 'Like' and 'Tweet this' buttons, Privacy Badger actually replaces them with benign yet functional versions -- so you can still 'like' an article you have read, but now you can do so without revealing more about your online reading habits.

  EFF is a supporter of Do Not Track and in many regards Privacy Badger can be seen as an extension of this. "Users who install Privacy Badger aren't just getting more privacy and a better browsing experience for themselves -- they are providing incentives for improved privacy practices and respect for Do Not Track choices across the Internet", said Eckersely. With many companies choosing to ignore Do Not Track requests, this extension provides a way to send a clear message to guilty parties.

  Grab the extension from the EFF website.

  
• 

  Ferrari beats Mercedes at the German Grand Prix -- in the battle of the F1 team websites at least

  Publié: juillet 21, 2014, 9:25pm CEST par Wayne Williams

  

  Sports fans are increasingly demanding a multi-channel experience, wanting all the news and all the facts on multiple devices. Website owners can’t afford to ignore this, as creating a superior user experience to that offered by rivals can mean a competitive advantage in terms of user happiness and, ultimately, website traffic.

  Mobile, cloud and web performance specialist Keynote believes that not enough sites consider online performance during high-profile sporting events, and so decided to monitor and compare the performance of 11 popular Formula One constructor team web pages -- including Caterham, Ferrari, Force India, Lotus, Marussia, McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull, Sauber, STR and Williams -- during the German Grand Prix (19-20 July). The results make for interesting reading.

  Keynote tracked how performance in the race impacted the responsiveness of the website, and ranked pages in terms of average time to load and the availability of the page.

  The company found that the Mercedes' constructor homepage dealt well with the attention it is likely to have received following Lewis Hamilton’s crash and Nico Rosberg’s win -- it loaded quicker than the overall average, at 4.77 seconds. Red Bull, on the other hand, was the slowest site to load overall, at 8.8 seconds. Williams, Force India and STR also experienced slowly loading web pages, at 7.23 seconds, 7.33 seconds and 8.25 seconds respectively. In terms of average load success rate, only three out of the 11 sites loaded successfully 100 percent of the time, which were Ferrari, McLaren and Sauber.

  "It’s great to see that the Mercedes’ constructor web page performed well during the German Grand Prix, especially given that attention is likely to have been high, as Rosberg was competing at his home track," says Thomas Gronbach, digital quality expert at Keynote. "By contrast, we would recommend that the site owners of the constructor web pages that were slow to load -- particularly Red Bull, Williams, Force India and STR -- better prepare their sites to ensure fans receive the best possible experience. They can do this by monitoring and testing sites more rigorously, to weed out any problems that are likely to be slowing sites down, especially when the pressure comes from interested fans".

  The full results were are follows:

  Measurement	Performance (seconds)	Availability (percent)
  F1 - Caterham	4.75	99.93
  F1 - Ferrari	4.41	100
  F1 - Force India	7.33	99.72
  F1 - Lotus	3.25	99.93
  F1 - Marussia	2.94	99.93
  F1 - McLaren	5.39	100
  F1 - Mercedes	4.77	99.86
  F1 - Red Bull	8.8	99.65
  F1 - Sauber	5.02	100
  F1 - STR	8.25	99.65
  F1 - Williams	7.23	99.59

  
• 

  Microsoft announces Bing Offers Card-Linked -- enter to win $100

  Publié: juillet 21, 2014, 6:57pm CEST par Brian Fagioli

  

  Google is a great search engine, but so is Bing. Many people dismiss Microsoft's offering without even trying it. This is a shame, as people do not know what they are missing. While its search-results are relevant and appropriate, there is so much more. Google is simplistic in its design, but Microsoft creates a world of color, images and discovery to bring life to the overall experience. There are benefits to both design choices and it is a personal preference, but I prefer beauty over a white page with a Google logo.

  Besides all of those benefits of Bing, one of my favorites is Rewards. Essentially, Microsoft will pay you to use its search engine. Is it bribery? Sort of, I suppose. However, if you are searching anyway, why not take advantage of it? In addition to Rewards, Microsoft has Bing Offers, which lists special deals for Bing users (sort of like Groupon). Today, Microsoft announces that it is expanding Bing Offers beyond the web with a new program called Bing Offers Card-Linked -- uninspired name, but cool concept.

  "Life is complicated. Saving should be simple. With Bing Offers new discount program, Card-Linked, you can ditch the traditional fuss of coupons and pre-paid deals. Card-Linked simplifies saving by turning your favorite credit or debit card(s) into your member discount card. Use your registered card(s) to make qualifying purchases at participating local businesses and save", says The Bing Offers Team.

  The team further explains, "when you register for Card-Linked you're linking your credit or debit card(s) to a world of saving. Each time you make a qualifying purchase, we automatically credit your card with the discount. That means no more coupons to remember and no more awkward bargaining. Simply pay with your registered card, and the discount is delivered as a credit within 3 to 5 business days".

  Before you get too excited, please know that this free program is, like Rewards, a USA only affair -- limited to Boston, Phoenix and Seattle. Hopefully, Microsoft will expand it to more cities if it proves successful. I am sure many people would love to get rewards for shopping.

  What is really cool is that Microsoft is giving a chance to win a $100 gift card in conjunction with this announcement. Even if you are not interested in Card-Linked, you can enter the Summer Saver Sweepstakes on Facebook, by clicking here.

  Will you enroll your credit and debit cards in Bing Offers Card-Linked? Tell me in the comments.

  Photo credit: Dima Sobko / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Need to take control of your Android mobile's files? Tomi File Manager is just the ticket

  Publié: juillet 21, 2014, 6:53pm CEST par Nick Peers

  

  Ever struggled to find a particular file on your Android mobile? Wish you could exert more control over your photos and other media, or uninstall more than one app at once? You need a file manager, and not just any file manager, but Tomi File Manager 1.4.2 at that.

  Tomi File Manager packs in lots of useful features, works with both internal and external storage and is far more than a simple tool for viewing files -- plus, it’s free.

  Once fired up, Tomi File Manager provides you with a nifty pie chart of your amalgamated storage, color-coded for file type and offering handy shortcuts to key files, including media, apps, docs and downloads.

  Tap one for a context-sensitive view of its content: select Music and you can browse by songs, album, artist or year, for example, while videos are displayed sorted by date into timeline view.

  Tap an item to open or play it using an appropriate app -- in the case of documents, you can view PDFs and Microsoft Office files within the app itself.

  Multiple items can be selected at once using tick boxes for performing bulk operations, such as copying, deleting, sharing, moving, renaming and even compressing. In the case of apps, you can uninstall multiple apps in one go. Downloads can be managed more effectively through Tomi too, with options for creating personal folders as well as backing up API files.

  And if that’s not enough, tap Directory to select a storage device or use a crumbs-based tool to go right to any folder on your phone or tablet. Some handy features include being able to hide sensitive folders and files, or put favourite folders directly on your home screen. And if you’ve rooted your device, Tomi makes it easy to change file permissions, owner and group, edit the host file and go further.

  At the end of the day, if you want a file manager app for your Android device, this is the one to try first. Tomi File Manager 1.4.2 is a free download for Android phones and tablets running Android 3.0 or later.

  
• 

  Paragon Rescue Kit adds virtual disk support

  Publié: juillet 21, 2014, 6:49pm CEST par Mike Williams

  

  Paragon Technologies has released Paragon Rescue Kit 14, its free-for-personal-use disaster recovery environment.

  The program creates bootable recovery media based on Windows PE, or, new to this version, SuSE 12.3. The second adds support for migrating a Windows system to a different hardware platform, including 64-bit setups using UEFI.

  Boot from the WinPE version and you’ll find a revamped Windows 8-style interface. It’s not what we’d call imaginative, but the system does look good and is easy to use.

  The headline new feature is support for backing up to virtual disks. You’re now able to back up your system to Paragon’s optimized pVHD format, and restore the backup later. Or if you prefer something more standard, there’s also support for VMDK, VHD and VHDX files.

  The other tools remain much as before. Undelete Partition recovers accidentally deleted partitions; Boot Corrector fixes common boot problems with the MBR, partition table, boot files and EFI boot entries, while Password Cleaner resets a forgotten password.

  Registry Editor is particularly useful, enabling you to tweak corrupted settings which might be causing your problems.

  While the Rescue Kit is free, you must register it to receive your product key and serial number. There’s nothing unusual here -- just hand over your email address -- but the media builder does ask you to enter the license details every time you run it, which might be a little annoying.

  Another small complication is that the Windows and Linux environments vary a little in their functionality: Windows has wider hardware support, but Linux has more features. Check out the manual (1.87MB PDF) for more.

  Despite this, Paragon Rescue Kit 14 is a very capable collection of troubleshooting tools. Go grab a copy, build your own recovery environment, and you’ll be ready for (almost) anything.

  
• 

  79 percent of companies have blamed network problems on the wrong IT group

  Publié: juillet 21, 2014, 5:23pm CEST par Ian Barker

  

  With today's increasingly complex network environments it's often hard to pinpoint the exact cause of problems. According to a new survey by network specialist Emulex this often leads to incorrect reporting to management.

  The study of 547 US and European-based network and security operations professionals found that 45 percent of IT staff monitor network and application performance manually, instead of implementing network monitoring tools.

  This has resulted in 77 percent of those surveyed having reported information to their management teams that turned out to be wrong. 79 percent admitted to attributing the cause of network events to the wrong IT group.

  A staggering 87 percent found that they'd had to report the cause of a network event without having the information to be completely accurate. Also 73 percent of those surveyed said that they had currently unresolved network events.

  This is against a background of increasing security events with 81 percent saying they'd experienced some sort of breach in the past year, and more demands for mobility with 84 percent having implemented BYOD over the last 12 months.

  Yet 26 percent of European respondents said they have no plans to monitor their network for performance issues related to BYOD. When added to the fact that 45 percent of organizations are manually monitoring the performance of their networks, Emulex says the growing amount of mobile device-generated traffic is on pace to overwhelm enterprise networks.

  "IT is facing new challenges related to the growing use of software-defined networking, virtualization and higher performing networks, as well as increasingly more sophisticated attacks on company IT assets," says Shaun Walsh, senior vice president of marketing at Emulex. "The clear message from this survey is that one of the best tools for SecOps and NetOps professionals to have at their disposal is 100 percent network visibility that is tied to their detection management systems and it’s the combination of proactive management and the ability to do forensic analysis that will give these IT professionals the right tools to maximize application delivery, protect their corporate assets and avoid the IT blame game".

  The full study is available on the Emulex site and there's a summary of the findings in infographic form below.

  

  Image Credit: zwola fasola/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Lenovo continues to dominate Chinese and Indian PC markets

  Publié: juillet 21, 2014, 4:42pm CEST par Ian Barker

  We're constantly being told that the PC market is in terminal decline, but sales figures from different parts of the world continue to defy the predictions.

  The latest figures from market intelligence provider IDC for the Asia/Pacific region show a two percent rise over last quarter and a total market for the second quarter of 2014 at 24.3 million units, slightly up on predictions.

  Various factors have had an influence on these figures. Uncertainty surrounding Thailand’s coup resulted in a steep decline as sales channels were reluctant to take new shipments. On the other hand shipments to a large education project in India came in earlier than expected, boosting figures by around 100,000 units.

  "The ongoing economic slowness in the emerging markets sets the tone of the overall PC demand and inhibited the region's year-on-year growth", says Handoko Andi, Research Manager for Client Devices Research at IDC Asia/Pacific. "There are pockets of optimism coming from mature markets like Australia and New Zealand, Singapore, and Hong Kong, where smartphones and tablets near saturation. However, the region's growth has been adversely impacted with the rise of large-screen smartphones in China and most ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) countries”.

  Looked at by manufacturer, world market leader Lenovo retains its top spot here on 26.6 percent of the Asia/Pacific market, thanks to a strong second quarter following the Chinese New Year and a back-to-school campaign boosting its sales in India.

  Dell holds second spot on 10.5 percent and showed strong growth in India and Thailand due to a new focus on the consumer sector. HP is just behind in third place but Acer has overtaken ASUS for fourth spot thanks to its strong entry-level product range.

  For more information on IDCs market tracking you can visit the company's webpage.

  Image Credit: Kheng Guan Toh / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Libratone network speakers now boast Spotify Connect

  Publié: juillet 21, 2014, 3:43pm CEST par Alan Buckingham

  

  Still procrastinating about installing a whole house audio system? The choices continue to grow, and one of the best known is Libratone, a Scandinavian company that brings a unique design to its networked speakers.

  Now the manufacturer has paired with music streaming service Spotify, bringing the Connect functionality to the platform. This service provides customers with streaming options to speakers all around your home -- provided they are connected to your Wi-Fi network.

  Spotify describes Libratone as "Their network speakers use acoustic-filtering organic wool to fill any room with good vibrations. And they now feature Spotify Connect. Look out for the update on Libratone's iOS/Android app to upgrade the firmware and get one of these beauties playing all your favourite Spotify tunes".

  Whole home audio setups do not come particularly cheap, with Sonos leading the way, and Libratone will not sooth your wallet any either. Prices range up from $399, but if you are looking for a quality system that puts design and audio clarity at the forefront, then this may be an option you'll want to investigate.

  
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  QuickPivot provides real-time customer intelligence

  Publié: juillet 21, 2014, 3:06pm CEST par Ian Barker

  

  The holy grail of marketing is to be able to understand what your customers want and then to adapt your communications accordingly to make them more effective.

  Achieving this of course isn't easy so companies are always on the lookout for ways to learn more about their customers. Boston-Based QuickPivot (formerly called Extraprise) is launching a new marketing platform to allow marketers in any industry to derive customer insight, listen to brand interactions and then adapt campaigns with highly optimized messages and offers.

  QuickPivot CEO Michael Shanker says, "Instead of operating at the traditional 'speed of marketing,' B2B and B2C organizations that leverage our newest offerings are able to market at the right speed of the customer -- combining technology, insight, creative, channel mix and operational agility, to make every touch count at any point in the customer journey".

  The product supports a wide range of devices and channels such as email, mobile, web, social and print, all of them in real time. So it allows cross-channel marketing, database segmentation to provide answers fast, and accurate reporting of campaign effectiveness. It's cloud-based too so teams can access it from anywhere they need to.

  In addition, QuickPivot has many years of experience in providing marketing technology and services for some of the world’s largest B2B and B2C brands. The company will combine its platform with a complete range of database, analytical and reporting services. This will let users optimize and measure campaign effectiveness in real time at every stage of the process across campaigns, channels and geographical regions.

  You can find out more about QuickPivot and how it works on the company's website.

  Photo Credit: Arkady/Shutterstock

  
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  Microsoft looking to end bugs in software by monitoring developers

  Publié: juillet 21, 2014, 1:51pm CEST par Wayne Williams

  

  Modern programs are so complex that bugs are pretty much unavoidable, but Microsoft is looking at ways of reducing coding errors as much as possible, including trialling an experimental approach that involves monitoring developers as they work.

  The idea is to track eye movements and other mental and physical characteristics of the developers, in order to spot when their alertness levels drop or they are struggling with a task -- which is when errors are most likely to creep into their work.

  Microsoft researcher Andrew Begel co-authored a paper called Using Psycho-Physiological Measures to Assess Task Difficulty in Software Development which details this novel approach.

  "My idea is that if the software developers are writing the code and causing the bugs, we should measure attributes of the developers themselves," Begal explains. "If we can figure out what cognitive or emotional issues lead to buggy code or lowered productivity, we can try to intervene and stop them from causing developers to make mistakes in the first place".

  The researchers conducted a study of 15 professional developers to see if the idea was practical and the results were encouraging.

  "We haven’t tried any interventions yet," Begel says, "but one I’ve thought about can help absent-minded developers, such as those who just came back from lunch and aren’t paying much attention to their code. If we reduce the contrast on the display and make the fonts harder to read, the developer will be forced to apply more brainpower to read and understand the code and will be less likely to slip up as a result".

  Photo credit: lassedesignen/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Which entertainment device do you want in your living room? [Poll]

  Publié: juillet 21, 2014, 12:12pm CEST par Alan Buckingham

  

  Home entertainment has been in the news a lot lately. This past week Microsoft, which positioned its new Xbox One as an entertainment device just as much as it is a games console, announced it would be killing off its own entertainment studio. While that takes original content off the table, there are many choices still available, giving Xbox One owners plenty to watch.

  With Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, and the recently announced Android TV, viewing choices abound. What would once have been thought of as a computer, now resides in an entertainment center, sometimes in very small form factors -- Chromecast is nothing more than an HDMI stick that resembles a thumb drive. Roku, Google TV, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV are incredibly small boxes.

  Most carry out similar functions -- Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Prime. For the most part, it comes down to the ecosystem in which you reside -- the denominations break down largely between iTunes, Google Play and Amazon Prime. Most boxes are somewhat cross-platform, but there are minor differences.

  So, what do you want sitting in your home theater cabinet? Are you anxiously awaiting Android TV, hoping it finally makes good on the promise of Google TV? Is Fire TV, Roku or Apple TV in your future plans? Perhaps Xbox One, despite the death of original content? Sony too plans entertainment options, so that could be in the future for some. Chromecast takes the bite out of pulling out the credit or debit card.

  Let us know your preference, by responding to the poll below.

  Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

  Image Credit: Subbotina Anna / Shutterstock

  
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  Tweetium arrives on Windows Phone

  Publié: juillet 21, 2014, 11:51am CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

  The official Twitter app may be good enough for casual Windows Phone use, but only a third-party client has all the right features for the social network's power users. While there already are a couple of good picks available in Store, the arrival of Tweetium, best known as one of the most fully-featured Twitter clients for Windows 8.x, just beefed-up the selection.

  The developer, B-side Software, has released Tweetium as a beta. It is meant to be tested just by "select" existing "customers", according to its Store description, but we can still take a look.

  Tweetium is already touted as a powerful, top Twitter client, with its developer claiming it is "fast", "slick" and "designed with ample feedback from serious Twitter users, with the goal of helping you get the most out of Twitter on Windows desktops, laptops, and tablets". Judging by its array of controls, readily available at the top of the app's UI, the last claim sure seems accurate.

  B-side Software says Tweetium will be available in two versions for Windows Phone users. The cheapest one will provide access to a single Twitter account, but is pretty low on features (and, as far as I can tell, not yet available).

  If you want things like support for multiple accounts and push notifications, you will have to buy the Pro version (it also adds TweetMarket sync and built-in support for news reading through Newseen), which is in line with how other third-party clients work.

  Tweetium is available to download from Windows Phone Store. It is published as a paid universal app, costing $2.99.

  
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  PlayStation 4 outsells Xbox One for sixth consecutive month in the US

  Publié: juillet 21, 2014, 8:44am CEST par Wayne Williams

  

  Microsoft might have seen sales of the Xbox One more than double in June, but the games console is still being outsold by Sony’s PS4, according to industry-tracking firm NPD Group.

  While the uncoupling of the Kinect and introduction of a $399 base model has caused a clear sales spike it will likely be some time before we see whether that's enough to help the Xbox One catch up to its rival.

  NPD Group didn’t provide any exact sales figures for either console, although it’s clear both are doing well. According to NPD analyst Liam Callahan, "Combined sales of Xbox One and PS4 are over 80 percent higher than the combined totals for Xbox 360 and PS3 -- an indication of the strength of the start of this new console generation".

  NPD also says gamers spent $736.4 million on new physical gaming products in the US, including consoles, and $286.8 million on new games.

  
• 

  Logitech Type-S Protective Keyboard Case for Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 [Review]

  Publié: juillet 20, 2014, 11:15pm CEST par Brian Fagioli

  

  When it comes to productivity, no tablet is as good as the Surface Pro 3. Of course, that tablet also comes at a very high price. While the price is justified for a laptop or desktop replacement, it wouldn't make financial sense to purchase it as a companion to an existing Windows computer. Sure, you could go with a small-screen Windows tablet, but currently, app selection isn't too great (it is getting better though). In the mean time, an Apple or Android tablet would serve as a better companion.

  In my testing, I have found the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 to be the current king of companion tablets, beating out the iPad Air. However, Samsung's tablet is very capable of creation too. In theory, you may be able to use it as your main computer. Logitech wants to help with that -- its Type-S keyboard cover turns the Galaxy Tab S into a mini laptop. But is it good?

  For the most part, Logitech only releases quality hardware. Thinking back over many years, I cannot think of a complete dud in its large portfolio. The company is particularly skilled at making quality keyboard cases for the iPad. The Type-S transitions that same quality from Apple's tablet to Samsung's.

  Upon removing the case from the box, you can immediately detect the care and thought that went into the design. Not only does it look good, but the materials feel good too. The outer shell is mostly wrapped in a pleasing fabric, but a faux-leather also adorns the rear. These two competing materials lend to a high degree of elegance.

  When you open the book-like structure of the case, the innards are made up of a keyboard and an attachable arm for the tablet. Once the tablet is secured in the arm, it folds out and connects by magnets to secure it in an upright position. This leaves the keyboard laying flat in front of the user. Once you connect it by Bluetooth, you are off to the races.

  

  The end result is a classic laptop form-factor sans trackpad. Rather than navigate with a pointing device, you would simply use the touch screen. This works very well, but muscle memory often causes me to search for a trackpad that simply does not exist. Over time though, I jumped that hurdle and acclimated well.

  Of course, the star of the show is the keyboard -- the whole reason you would purchase such a productivity-based cover. It proves to be just about the size of a full-size keyboard, although some of the side buttons like Caps Lock and Shift are smaller than what I am familiar with. Number keys are small too.

  Speaking of the number keys, the top row serves as function keys too. By holding the dedicated Function key and selecting a number key, you can launch an app or action, such as media controls or a web browser. Thankfully, the A and Caps Lock keys have been separated -- Logitech combined them in past cases and it was dreadful. Here, the company finally gets it right.

  Typing works wonderfully and keys are generally where they are expected. I can sit for hours in a coffee shop with only the Galaxy Tab S 10.5 and the S-Type and I do not get hand cramps or fatigue.

  Typing aside, the case feels very durable. When closed, I have thrown the tablet on my couch and bed and had it bounce off onto a hardwood floor (oops) on a few occasions with no damage. In an open position however, I wouldn't be confident in dropping it off of a desk. Of course, the same would be said for any laptop dropped in a similar scenario.

  

  Based on 2 hours per day usage, Logitech claims 3 months battery life. Unfortunately, I do not have 3 months to test it, but in the few weeks I have been using it, it has never needed charging. Luckily, if it does, it uses a micro USB 2.0 port -- the same as the tablet. This means an additional cable does not have to be packed when traveling.

  

  My only complaint is that the keyboard magnet attachment mechanism does not automatically shut-off the keyboard when separated. Similar iPad cases have done this. This means, in certain folded positions, you may hit the keys by mistake in a tablet mode as they remain active.

  There is an easy solution for this though (besides just switching the power button to "off") -- don't use it that way! Rather than fold the keys around the back so that they are facing out, slide the tablet over the keyboard so that the keys are facing in, towards the back of the tablet. To use the on screen keyboard, you will still need to power off the Logitech keyboard though.

  Overall, the $99 Type S is very good. It offers great protection and enhanced productivity. Compared to a similar setup with an iPad Air and keyboard case, the Samsung is much better. Why? You can run two apps side by side on screen, making it a much better laptop-replacement. If you own the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5, you should definitely invest in the Type-S -- it is awesome and very much recommended.

  
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  Wilson's Weekend Whine: Snowden's call for online encryption is sad but necessary

  Publié: juillet 20, 2014, 9:58pm CEST par Mark Wilson

  

  It was quite a coup for HOPE (Hackers On Planet Earth). At the 2014 hacker event, Hope X, in New York City this weekend, Edward Snowden delivered a speech to those in attendance, advocating the use of encryption online. The former NSA analyst was not at the event himself -- he's still holed up in Moscow -- but he called on those present to help to protect privacy online. Speaking via a video link Snowden said: "You in this room, right now have both the means and the capability to improve the future by encoding our rights into programs and protocols by which we rely every day".

  It was a great piece of work keeping the presentation a secret. There were, of course, fears that Snowden's appearance would somehow be thwarted: "We had to keep this bombshell quiet til the last minute since some of the most powerful people in the world would prefer that it never take place." There were certainly risks involved, but it was a risk worth taking. "[Snowden's] revelations of the massive NSA surveillance programs confirmed the suspicions of many and shocked those who haven’t been paying attention".

  Speaking to the Guardian last week, Edward Snowden said that "Any communications that are transmitted over the internet, over any networked line, should be encrypted by default. That’s what last year showed us." Having helped to enlighten the world about online surveillance, Snowden has now expressed something of a shift in focus. The whistle has been well and truly sounded. Now is the time for something to be done. The hissing and moaning is all well and good, but now there is a call to arms. However loudly and frequently complaints are made, the chances of invasive surveillance programs coming to an end are pretty slim. But this does not mean we have to accept things lying down. Snowden is calling for the development and adoption of easy to use techniques to counter surveillance.

  One of the most obvious options here is to embrace encryption. Governments "don't like the adoption of encryption. They say encryption that protects individuals' privacies, encryption that protects the public’s privacy broadly as opposed to specific individuals, encryption by default, is dangerous because they lose this midpoint communication, this midpoint collection".

  Encryption. "That is what a lot of my future work is going to be involved in", Snowden promised at Hope X. There's no word on quite what form this will take, but his vocal opposition to what has been taking place made it clear that this is a man with a great deal of fight left in him. He will undoubtedly push for a system that is accessible for all, cheap and simple to implement, and difficult to circumvent.

  Many people have said that internet users should expect their communication to be monitored, intercepted, violated. But why? The simple fact that surveillance is possible -- and, at the moment, relatively simple -- is not a justification. Nor is the assertion that terrorist attacks could be stopped. "Could" is the key word here. A large number of crimes could be prevented ahead of time if the government was to intercept every single letter sent through the postal system. It would be a mammoth task, for sure, but is it something people would stand for? Of course not. If it transpired that all of our phone bills, credit card statements, birthday cards, love letters, and anything else you sent or received through the mail was being read or scanned by the government there would be complete outrage. Would the fact that organized crime might be reduced soften the blow for you? Would that be enough for you to permit all of your paper-based mail to be read and stored? I sincerely hope not. I hope you all value your privacy, and indeed dignity, more than that.

  But this is precisely what is happening online. It's communication in a different form, so why is the interception of electronic mail and other web traffic seen as more acceptable than intercepting regular mail? For me, there is no difference whatsoever -- aside from the fact that it is rather easier for agencies to secretly intercept electronic communications. If you learned your letters were being read, you would either stop sending them, or devise a code that you could use to communicate privately. It's heartbreakingly sad that we need to do the same online, but we do. This is not a matter of hiding your data from the government because you have something to hide, it's about protecting a basic human right: the right to privacy.

  As Snowden said to the Guardian: "What last year's revelations showed us was irrefutable evidence that unencrypted communications on the internet are no longer safe and cannot be trusted. Their integrity has been compromised and we need new security programs to protect them. Any communications that are transmitted over the internet, over any networked line, should be encrypted by default. That’s what last year showed us". Snowden took unbelievable risks in making contact with the media with his initial revelations, but hopefully things will become easier for future whistleblowers. Also discussed at Hope X was SecureDrop, a system that can be used by those with information to share it with the media. Again, it is desperately sad that a system like this needed to be devised, but the need is there.

  I'll leave the final word to Hope X who sums things up beautifully: "We are humbled to have [Edward Snowden] in our program, and hope the day will come when he's not confined to a video link and able to be as free as he is helping all of us to be".

  Photo credit: soliman design/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Amazon unveils its first Fire Phone ad

  Publié: juillet 20, 2014, 3:37am CEST par Alan Buckingham

  

  It has taken a little while, a surprising amount actually, but Amazon has released the first TV ad for its new phone. The Fire Phone is the retailer's great hope to compete against the likes of iPhone and Android -- though it does technically run the latter OS. However, customers would be hard-pressed to know this, given the extensive customization made to the mobile platform.

  The new video runs half a minute, the perfect length for a quick television spot. It features children using the device and saying the usual array of cute things to endear adults to them.

  It also takes careful pains to let everyone know that the handset comes with a free year of Amazon Prime. The service brings a Kindle lending library and free two-day shipping on all products and music streaming. However the focus of the ad is on the video content, which provides a Netflix-like service to customers.

  The Fire Phone ships with a 4.7-inch screen, 2.2 GHz processor, 2GB of RAM and a 13 megapixel camera on the rear, as well as a front-facing camera. It also boasts "Firefly" -- a service to recognize music and products. That is likely something that will not endear the company to local stores, as customers can scan products they find, then buy from Amazon.

  You can check out the new ad below and see what you think.

  
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  QPlay is closing -- good riddance

  Publié: juillet 19, 2014, 8:15pm CEST par Joe Wilcox

  

  In February, I foolishly spent 50-odd bucks for QPlay, the streaming TV player for iPad, which I used with the Air. The user experience was terrible from the start and never got better over the miserable months that followed. Slow. Stuttering. Stopped.

  Today, the startup sent me email that the service bustup. Doors close July 25, so lend your QPlay to your worst enemy while you still can for some streaming mayhem and frustration.

  It is with heavy hearts that we announce Qplay will be closing.

  Our last day of service is next Friday, July 25.

  We truly enjoyed bringing you the best videos from around the Internet. We had fun building and using Qplay and hope that you did too. Unfortunately, it is not possible for us to keep developing and running the service.
  We want to thank our investors and partners for giving us this chance, and we especially want to thank you, our users, for giving us a try. It was a pleasure.

  If you purchased a TV Adapter from us and would like a refund, we will give you your money back (learn how to request a refund). Refund requests will be accepted until next Friday July 25, 2014 at 5 PM Pacific. All TV Adapters will stop functioning when the service shuts down, so please responsibly recycle your TV Adapter. Click here to find a local electronics recycling center. If you have any questions, send us an email to help@qplay.co.
  The app, website, service, and TV Adapters will all stop working at
  5 PM Pacific on Friday July 25, 2014.

  We did our best, and we’re sorry this is the end for Qplay. Farewell.
  Thank you again,

  The Qplay Team

  The bit of good news here is the refund.

  Photo Credit: Joe Wilcox

  
• 

  BitTorrent looking for testers for mysterious new product

  Publié: juillet 19, 2014, 3:54pm CEST par Alan Buckingham

  BitTorrent has been branching out over the past year, introducing new products such as Sync and Chat, both being encrypted and with a promise that user data is protected. Now the organization is looking to test a new product, but information is scant.

  BitTorrent posted a short and mysterious blog post asking for testers to try out a new product, which it claims is for web browsers.

  Coming soon to BitTorrent Labs, a new browser product. So today we’re putting out a call for testers. As always it’s you, the community, that helps us make great products.

  This is a chance to get an early look at new technology. Please sign up to be among the first to try it out and offer us your feedback.

  So, there is no real hint about what customers will be getting early access to, but the signup process is fairly straight-forward. If you would like to get in on the action then head over to the announcement, click the blue "sign up" button and get started. This will be a part the organization's Labs division, which has previously produced some very cool products.

  
• 

  New competition! Win a year's subscription to Office 365 Home

  Publié: juillet 19, 2014, 6:01am CEST par Mark Wilson

  In the second of our (hopefully) regular competitions, we have quite a treat for you. You've read the headline so you should know what's up for grabs, but if you missed it, the prize is a year's subscription to Office 365 Home worth $99.99.

  Microsoft has very kindly donated a full subscription for us to give away, but this is more than just one copy of the world-famous office suite -- you can install Office 365 Home on up to five PCs or Macs, as well as five tablets. Enough for all the family!

  So what's in the virtual box?

  • The latest and most complete set of Office applications -- Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Access and Publisher
  • An additional 20 GB of OneDrive cloud storage, nearly three times the amount available with a free OneDrive account
  • 60 free Skype world calling minutes per month to call mobile phones, landlines or PCs around the world
  • Future upgrades, so you always use the latest time-saving technology

  You can find out more about features of the suite at the Office 365 Home page. With more than 4.4 million subscribers to Office 365 Home, the winner of this competition will be in great company.

  We'll keep the competition open for a couple of weeks so the closing date will be the end of the day on Saturday 2 August (23:59:59 to be precise). Enter after this time, and your entry will be ignored.

  Just like last time, entering the competition takes nothing more than leaving a comment below. Make sure you're signed into your Disqus account so we have a  way to get in touch -- the winner will be selected at random and contacted shortly after the closing date. A license code and instructions will then be sent out via email so you can enjoy your prize straight away.

  Good luck!

  Photo credit:  iQoncept/Shutterstock

  
• 

  ASUS Republic of Gamers reveals the Maximus VII Formula motherboard

  Publié: juillet 19, 2014, 3:44am CEST par Brian Fagioli

  

  There are a lot of weird people on the internet, into all sorts of bizarre fetishes, interests and behaviors -- I wont judge. Well, maybe I will condemn Bronies. However, I too have a very strange fetish -- PC hardware. Yes, I love drooling over pictures of PCI cards, power supplies and motherboards to name a few.

  Today, ASUS' "Republic of Gamers" enthusiast brand announces a beautiful piece of hardware -- the Maximus VII Formula. What is it? A super-sexy motherboard. If you are a tech nerd, this should definitely get your motor running.

  "ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced the Maximus VII Formula and Maximus VII Formula/Watch Dogs Edition motherboards that are engineered with new and exclusive ROG game-boosting features. With ROG exclusives such as Hybrid-cooling with CrossChill Copper, SupremeFX Formula 2014 gaming audio, Intel Gigabit Ethernet with GameFirst III and LANGuard, Extreme Engine DIGI+ III, TrueVolt 5V USB power and ROG Armor to improve rigidity and provide board protection the Maximus VII Formula has the features every enthusiast and gamer needs", says Asus.

  The company further explains, "the exclusive ROG Armor is a dual design that compromises a strong and stylish ABS-plastic cover and an SECC (steel, electro-galvanized, cold-rolled coil) back-plate. The ABS cover blocks heat from graphics cards to help lower system temperatures for better performance, while the SECC backplate supports the motherboard to prevent bending and also employs thermal pads to conduct heat away from crucial components. Similarly, Q-DIMM's one-sided clips means handling memory modules is a cinch, and resettable fuses provide DRAM over-current protection that minimizes the chance of short-circuit damage to memory and connection ports".

  ASUS lists the following specs:

  Processor/CPU socket	LGA 1150 for the 4th-, new 4th- and 5th-generation Intel Core i3, i5, i7, Pentium, and Celeron processors
  Chipset	Intel Z97 Express
  Memory	Dual-channel memory architecture; 4 x DIMMs, up to a maximum of 32GB, DDR3 3300+ (O.C.)Intel Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)
  Expansion slots	2 x PCIe 3.0 x16 slots (Single at x16, dual at x8/x8 mode) 1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 slot (Maximum at x4 mode) 3 x PCIe 2.0 x1 slots1 x mini-PCIe 2.0 x1 slot on mPCIe Combo III card
  Graphics (VGA)	Integrated Intel® HD Graphics processorDisplayPort 1.2 with maximum resolution of 4096 x 2160 (4K x 2K) at 24Hz and 3840 x 2160 at 60HzHDMI with maximum resolution of 4096 x 2160 (4K x 2K) at 24Hz / 2560 x 1600 at 60Hz Intel InTru 3D / Quick Sync Video / Clear Video HD Technology / Insider
  Multi-GPU	Quad-GPU NVIDIA SLI and AMD 3-way / Quad-GPU CrossFireX Technology
  Storage	10 x SATA 6.0 Gbit/s (4 shared with SATA Express) 2 x SATA Express1 x M.2 Socket 3 with M Key, type 2260 storage devices supported (on mPCIe Combo III card)
  Networking/LAN	Intel I218-V Gigabit LAN with GameFirst III and ASUS LANGuard
  USB	8 x USB 3.0 ports (6 on back panel, 2 mid-board)6 x USB 2.0 ports (2 on back panel, 4 mid-board)
  Audio	ROG SupremeFX Formula 2014 8-channel high-definition audio - SupremeFX shielding technology - Cirrus Logic CS4398 DAC (SNR: 120dB)- WIMA film capacitors - Texas Instruments LM4562 high-fidelity audio operational amplifier- ELNA® premium audio capacitorsSonic SoundStage / Sonic SenseAmp / Sonic Studio / Sonic Radar II DTS Connect, optical S/PDIF-out port on back panel
  Dimensions / form factor	ATX, 12-inch x 9.6-inch (30.5cm x 24.4cm)

  Good lord. As you can see, this motherboard is chock-full of features and top-notch specs. Best of all, this will support 5th-generation Broadwell processors, so it is very future-proof. Quite frankly, ASUS has created something special for both gamers and general enthusiasts alike. However, features and specs are only part of the story -- it is also extremely sexy. Does a motherboard need to be attractive? No, it doesn't need to be. But, why shouldn't it? Even if you do not have a window on your case and even if no one else will ever see it, you will know.

  Of course, to own such a beast will cost you -- $369 for a special bundle with the Watch Dogs video game and $319 for the unbundled Standard Edition. The Watch Dogs Bundle goes on sale next week at Newegg and Tigerdirect. Unfortunately, if you do not care about that game being bundled, you will have to wait for a later undisclosed date.

  Does this motherboard turn you on? Tell me in the comments.

  
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  Snowden: Facebook is allowing the government to see your messages

  Publié: juillet 19, 2014, 12:49am CEST par Mark Wilson

  

  In a lengthy interview with the Guardian, NSA whistle blower Edward Snowden spoke with editor Alan Rusbridger about his extraordinary rise to infamy. Currently in exile in Russia, he talked about how he disseminated documents about the activities of the NSA to numerous countries: "Once you start splitting them over jurisdictions and things like that it becomes much more difficult to subvert their intentions. Nobody could stop it". He remains defiant. He may be an outlaw but "it’s been vindicating to see the reaction from lawmakers, judges, public bodies around the world, civil liberties activists who have said it’s true that we have a right to at least know the broad outlines of what our government’s doing in our name and what it’s doing against us".

  He explains how during his time working as an NSA analyst, he learned about previous surveillance programs run under George W Bush. Programs that were deemed unconstitutional and, having been closed, forced the US government to assume new executive powers that were then used "against the citizenry of its own country".  For Snowden the power of the state is worrying:

  So when we think about the nation we think about our country, we think about our home, we think about the people living in it and we think about its values. When we think about the state, we’re thinking about an institution. The distinction there is that we now have an institution that has become so powerful it feels comfortable granting itself new authorities, without the involvement of the country, without the involvement of the public, without the full involvement of all of our elected representatives and without the full involvement of open courts, and that’s a terrifying thing.

  The ever shrinking costs of technology is cited as a reason to further fear the surveillance programs. When it becomes cheaper to store data than it is to sift through it and work out what is actually valuable, it is held onto for a long time. The NSA, for instance, is able to hang onto information about individuals for five years before having to apply for an extension. While there has been an outpouring of global disgust at Snowden's revelations, he feels the backlash against the government would be even stronger if the impact of surveillance programs were better understood.

  You have a tremendous population of young military enlisted individuals who, while that’s not a discredit to them, may not have had the number of life experiences to have felt the sense of being violated. And if we haven’t been exposed to the dangers and risks of having our privacy violated, having our liberties violated, how can we expect these individuals to reasonably represent our own interests in exercising those authorities?

  It has long been alleged that the internet companies who have decried the NSA have actually been willing partners. Snowden says that the financial arrangements that exist between surveillance agencies and internet and telecommunication companies is kept entirely secret -- "at a much greater level than for example the names of human agents operating undercover, embedded with terrorist groups".

  Talk about the NSA has become so commonplace that it is easy to forget the huge numbers of entirely innocent people whose privacy has been invaded in recent years -- and Snowden insists that the big names have been (maybe still are being) fully compliant.

  Agencies are provided with direct access to the contents of the server at these private companies. What it means is Facebook is allowing the government to get copies of your Facebook messages, your Skype conversations, your Gmail mailboxes, things like that.

  It seems there is not really a need to be concerned that the government is hacking into private accounts, rather than access is being openly provided on demand.

  [The government goes] to the company and they say: "You're going to give us this. You're going to give us that. You're going to give us that.” And the company gives them all of this information in a cooperative relationship. If Facebook is going to hand over all of your messages, all of your wall posts, all of your private photos, all of your private details from their server the government has no need to intercept all of the communications that constitute those private records.

  The world of a surveillance worker is painted as something slightly dirty and sordid. After all, that's precisely what it is. Young men are "thrust into a position of extraordinary responsibility", and the sharing of individuals' private data is common:

  In the course of their daily work they stumble across something that is completely unrelated to their work, for example an intimate nude photo of someone in a sexually compromising situation but they’re extremely attractive. So what do they do? They turn around in their chair and they show a co-worker. And their co-worker says: "Oh, hey, that’s great. Send that to Bill down the way.” And then Bill sends it to George, George sends it to Tom and sooner or later this person's whole life has been seen by all of these other people. Anything goes, more or less. You’re in a vaulted space. Everybody has sort of similar clearances, everybody knows everybody. It’s a small world.

  Snowden calls for companies to adopt a policy of encrypting clients' data. Governments "don't like the adoption of encryption. They say encryption that protects individuals' privacies, encryption that protects the public's privacy broadly as opposed to specific individuals, encryption by default, is dangerous" because it interferes with their ability to easily intercept data.

  While the world's attention has been focused primarily on the US, there are similar surveillance programs taking place around the world, including in the UK. Snowden points out that UK residents actually have a worse deal because "their ability to communicate and associate without monitoring and interference is not strongly encoded in law or policy. And the result of that is that citizens in the United Kingdom and citizens around the world who are targeted by the United Kingdom, by the UK government, by UK systems, by UK authorities, they’re at a much greater risk than they are in the United States".

  The debate about ongoing surveillance programs is going to keep us busy for quite some time to come -- there are just no signs of a let up. "It happens automatically, pervasively, and it's stored on databases, whether or not it's needed."

  
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  Google Maps for Android improves navigation for cyclists and drivers

  Publié: juillet 18, 2014, 7:37pm CEST par Nick Peers

  

  Google has started to roll out Google Maps for Android 8.2, focusing its attention of cyclists with the addition of some handy new features.

  The app also introduces voice control for vehicle navigation, effectively turning the user’s Android mobile or tablet into a GPS navigation system.

  When cyclists opt to use Google Maps for navigational purposes, the app will now provide an estimate of elevation along each part of the route, using a line chart to indicate the elevation at the start and end points of the chosen route, complete with elevation changes throughout it.

  The feature will prove especially beneficial to those looking for ways to avoid steep uphill climbs, although as yet there’s no way to specify this as an option when looking for alternatives.

  Version 8.2 also adds voice commands for the vehicle navigation route. Users can now tap the new mic button in the navigation interface to control Google Maps, with available commands including asking for directions, checking traffic along the route and bringing up a list of alternative routes.

  Early feedback suggests the voice recognition is still quite fuzzy, so try to be as precise as possible when issuing commands.

  Other changes include a new Your Places shortcut in the main Google Maps menu (swipe right from the left-hand edge of the screen to access), which provides a convenient shortcut to previously saved and recently accessed searches.

  The update, which should roll out across most devices over the next few days, was preceded a week ago by Google Maps for iOS 3.2.0. That provided improvements to viewing search results on a map, plus added the ability to view reservations and events from Gmail on the map. It also saw the Explore local guide feature make its bow.

  Google Maps for Android 8.2 is rolling out now for tablets and phones running Android 4.1 or later. Also available for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch running iOS 6 or later is Google Maps for iOS 3.2.0.

  
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  Best Windows 8 apps this week

  Publié: juillet 18, 2014, 4:29pm CEST par Martin Brinkmann

  Ninetieth in a series. Welcome to this week's selection of the best apps and games that have been released in the past seven days for Windows 8.

  Several important applications were updated this week. The official Skype application for Windows 8 supports free group calls in the latest version while the popular Twitter client Tweetium better filtering of blocked users and discounts if you subscribe for a year.

  The title of app of the week goes to Reddit ReddHubV2 which is not new but a complete make over of the application.

  As always, if I missed an app or game that has been released this week that you believe is particularly good, let me know in the comments below or notify me via email instead.

  Here is this week's selection of apps and games

  Red Stripe Deals

  Six apps and games are discounted by at least 50 percent each week. The following applications are available at a discount this week.

  • Dragon's Lair, the classic arcade game for $4.99
  • Spectral Souls (ENG), a tactical role-playing game for $5.99
  • Fairway Solitaire by Big Fish (Full), a card game for $0.99
  • Red Crow Mysteries: Legion Full, an adventure game for $3.49
  • Draw a Stickman: EPIC, a drawing game for $1.49
  • Drawboard PDF, a PDF reader and management app for $4.99

  App of the week

  Reddit ReddHubV2

  

  The completely redesigned application provides you with the means to browse the popular site Reddit as a guest or as a member of it.

  The app divides the screen into three parts. The left sidebar is used to browse to different subreddits, search Reddit, sign in or out, and access your inbox.

  The second sidebar next to it displays the threads of the selected location, e.g. frontpage. Each thread is listed with its title, source, subreddit, number of comments and points that it has received so far.

  The large area on the right displays the currently selected thread. What is interesting here is that external pages get loaded right here as well.

  If a thread links to a newspaper or blog article, it will be displayed right here by the app.

  There are also options to zoom in or out, download images that got posted to Reddit, or vote or leave a comment if you are logged in.

  Other apps

  Total Defense 3D ($1.99, free trial available)

  

  Defeat your base against attacking hordes of enemy vehicles in this tower defense game.

  You have four different towers at your disposal that you can place strategically on the map.

  Each tower has distinct features, such as slowing enemies or area splash damage, that help you defeat all enemy waves.

  Towers gain experience during each level which in turn enables you to upgrade them to make them more powerful.

  You earn skill points by winning battles which you can invest in skills that make your tower more powerful or benefit you in other ways.

  The main distinguishing factor of the game is its 3D design which not many tower defense games make use of.

  4EPOS ($9.99, free trial available)

  

  A point of sale application for retail outlets that runs on Windows 8 compatible devices.

  The app features a unique, mostly intuitive, interface that can create and store invoices, receipts and delivery notes.

  It supports different currencies and tax rates, supports barcode scanning, and be updated when new stock arrives to reflect that.

  It creates sales summaries and keeps track of all transactions and tax details. These information can be exported to XML files.

  The app requires no Internet connection for its functionality.

  Pencil Blade

  

  Cut fruit using the mouse or keyboard in this popular game that has been ported from Windows Phone.

  The game supports various modes that you need to unlock to proceed including a Gangnam Style mode. Modes differ in many aspects from the main mode including the type of extras that you can collect.

  The game works exceptionally well on touch-devices.

  Shoggoth Rising ($0.99, free trial available)

  

  Shoggoth Rising is an arcade game in which you defend your lighthouse against frog-like creatures that try to climb it.

  You have ranged and melee weapons at your disposal to keep them at bay, and need to rotate around the lighthouse so that none slip by.

  The game is ideal for touch devices but can be played with the mouse as well.

  FilmOn Kids

  

  The new FilmOn application for Windows 8 lets children watch live kids' TV.

  As is the case with all FilmOn apps, the majority of channels and shows are available for free in SD format while you need to subscribe if you want to watch them in HD instead.

  Shows include Sesame Street and channels such as Kartoon Klassics or FilmOn Kids, or Animal Atlas featuring various shows suitable for children.

  Archery Blitz

  

  The game falls into the Angry Birds category, but instead of firing birds, you are shooting arrows at zombies.

  Game mechanics are similar to those of Angry Birds though. Rotate your character to change the angle of your shot and release it once you are satisfied with it.

  Depending on arrow type, it will either fly on its own from then on or may be manipulated using touch or a mouse click. This is, for instance, the case when you shoot three arrows at once as you split them in mid-air when you click a second time.

  Ape of Steel

  

  Fight against giant insects and robots in this 3D arcade game. You move your character around with the WASD keys on the keyboard and use the mouse buttons to shoot and jump around the level.

  The graphics of the game are beautiful and you can either play an endless mode or advance one level at a time.

  
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  Dashlane revamps user interface, unveils new shared features

  Publié: juillet 18, 2014, 4:21pm CEST par Nick Peers

  

  Dashlane, Inc has released Dashlane 3.0 for Windows and Mac, a major new build of its secure password management tool. The new release is joined by Dashlane 2.7 for iOS, which has been updated to work with version 3.

  Version 3 sports a completely redesigned user interface, adds a number of new tools, including a Sharing Center, Emergency Contacts section and a simpler way of viewing password histories.

  The new Sharing Center, which is accessible from Dashlane’s main menu, is designed to allow users to both create and manage shared passwords and notes. Users get an at-a-glance view of what’s shared with whom, and can filter the list a number of ways.

  As well as viewing current access rights, users can manage each shared item directly from the Sharing Center panel. Two levels of sharing -- full and limited -- are available, and the tool allows users to share sensitive information securely rather than via email or other unencrypted channels. Target users will, however, need their own Dashlane account to use the feature.

  The feature is joined by a new Emergency Contacts section -- here users can select people for the express purpose of sharing data only in emergencies. Trusted contacts can be given provisional access to all or part of the user’s passwords and notes.

  The feature allows users to share data in specific circumstances, and can also be used as a failsafe if they forget their master password without actually having to disclose it to anyone else.

  Contacts can then request access to the data -- typically at the user’s behest -- which is granted only after a set period has elapsed. That period is three days by default, but can be anything up to three months.

  Users are notified of the request, which they can either allow or block at any time during the waiting period. If the waiting period expires however, the contact is given access to the user’s data. Once granted, users can revoke access at any time.

  Version 3 also adds two new options to the Tools menu: View Password History for easy access to previously used passwords, and Refresh Website Icons for updating icons in the user’s Password List.

  PC users also gain a button for selecting all items in a category with one click, quick-action buttons that appear when rolling the mouse over credentials and improved display on high DPI screens. Mac users gain revamped search results.

  The update is rounded off with unspecified "major enhancements to speed and performance".

  The new iOS version adds compatibility with Dashlane 3 and fixes issues related to data syncing between devices. The latest Android build -- released a month ago -- already supports the new version of Dashlane.

  Dashlane 3.0 is available as a freeware download for Windows and Mac, while Dashlane 2.7 for iOS is also available free for iOS 7-powered iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Also available is Dashlane for Android 2.5.12. A premium account is also available, with prices currently $29.99 per year for secure account backup, sync across all devices, unlimited secure sharing, access to your passwords through a web browser and priority support.

  
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  Kindle Unlimited brings endless reading and listening to customers

  Publié: juillet 18, 2014, 3:00pm CEST par Alan Buckingham

  

  Amazon already gives Prime customers access to a Kindle lending library, allowing the user to "borrow" books each month. But for some of the more voracious types, this may not provide enough material for a month's worth of entertainment.

  For those customers, the retail giant has unveiled Kindle Unlimited, bringing all of the reading and listening needed to satisfy anyone, regardless of how fast he or she can read.

  "With Kindle Unlimited, you won’t have to think twice before you try a new author or genre -- you can just start reading and listening", says Russ Grandinetti, senior vice president of Kindle. "In addition to offering over 600,000 eBooks, Kindle Unlimited is also by far the most cost-effective way to enjoy audiobooks and eBooks together. With thousands of Whispersync for Voice-enabled audiobooks to choose from, you can easily switch between reading and listening to a book, allowing the story to continue even when your eyes are busy. We hope you take advantage of the 30-day free trial and try it for yourself".

  This isn't just another freebie thrown in for Prime customers, as music recently was. Instead, customers will need to sign up for a subscription, coming with a price tag of $9.99 per month. Along with this fee comes a free three-month subscription to Amazon subsidiary Audible, which produces quality audio versions of books, with excellent readers, including the occasional author or actor.

  You will not need a Kindle for this, as it's cross-platform compatible. Customers can use Android, Blackberry, iOS, PC and Mac. Head over here to take a peek at the service.

  
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  Mozilla takes Firefox OS to new markets and devices, including India

  Publié: juillet 18, 2014, 1:09pm CEST par Alan Buckingham

  Not to be outdone by Google's Android operating system, Mozilla wishes to push its own mobile platform out to customers. The organization is aiming mostly at the low-end market, but that will be expanding in the future.

  The mobile platform initially debuted on just two devices, but Mozilla has managed to scare up a few more partners to produce its product.

  "Firefox OS has emerged out of the 'other' category as one of the top platforms for the global smartphone industry”, says Neil Mawston, Executive Director, Global Wireless Practice at Strategy Analytics. "Strong interest from major operators and hardware makers has enabled Firefox OS to make headway in key regions and challenge established software players".

  New markets will include Croatia, Czech Republic, Macedonia, Montenegro, Germany, France, Argentina, Ecuador, the whole of Central America, Taiwan, India, and various locations around Asia.

  Mozilla also plans to begin producing higher-end devices running its operating system -- a departure from the original direction. "To accelerate the design, development and testing of the Firefox OS ecosystem, Mozilla has partnered with Thundersoft to manufacture and distribute the Firefox OS Flame reference phone", the organization states. This device is now available for purchase.

  Additionally, Mozilla has designs for the living room, announcing it will be moving its platform to Smart TVs and Abitcool will be releasing a Chromecast-like streaming device later in 2014.

  All of this means Mozilla is moving forward quickly, despite fighting somewhat of a serious uphill battle against existing platforms.

  
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  BBM for Windows Phone available to beta testers

  Publié: juillet 18, 2014, 12:12pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

  You may recall that, earlier this month, BBM finally made its way to Windows Phone Store, after arriving on Android and iOS last year. It was not made publicly available, as BlackBerry chose to conduct a beta testing trial before its official launch.

  As one of the folks who quickly signed up for the beta program, I just received an email from BlackBerry detailing what sort of features are available to test, what the known problems are, and how to provide feedback. Here is what fellow beta testers can expect.

  BlackBerry wants BBM for Windows Phone beta testers to focus on the core features of its messaging service, like the ability to create a profile, manage settings, use Groups and so on, as well as some platform-specific features, and possible issues, like the ability to pin live tiles from the app and receive notifications. The Canadian maker wants to insure that typical BBM features work as expected come launch time.

  BlackBerry is aware that Windows Phone users may encounter some issues with the available BBM beta release, like problems sending invites and acceptances while outside of Wi-Fi coverage, some improperly rendered emoticons and the voice call availability while the feature is not even supported at this stage. As you can probably imagine, these are issues BlackBerry wants beta testers not to report.

  Since I last discussed BBM for Windows Phone, BlackBerry released an update, today, which brings the app to version 1.0.0.3 (with the Beta label next to it). There is no changelog provided.

  BBM is available to download from Windows Phone Store.

  
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  RE: Was it good for you? -- 8 percent of people check emails after sex

  Publié: juillet 18, 2014, 11:35am CEST par Ian Barker

  

  Email is often cited as the killer app which popularized the internet. You might think that by now we'd have moved on but a new survey of 1,000 US email users from mail app provider My.com suggests we're just as in love with our inboxes as ever.

  There are currently around 3.9 billion email accounts worldwide and the number is expected to increase by around 27 percent this year. We're also spending more time on our email these days with 46 percent of users admitting to spending an hour or more a day reading their messages.

  We have more accounts too. Only 33 percent of respondents have a single account with 27 percent having three or more.

  Mobile devices of course means you can be in touch with your email at all times and 70 percent of those surveyed check their mail on mobile devices with 67 percent using push notifications to get instant alerts.

  It seems we check our mail more often too. 74 percent check their email first thing in the morning, which is fair enough, but email also intrudes on our other activities. 48 percent check during lunch, 27 percent check during dinner, 33 percent during movies and 56 percent check before going to bed. Then there's the 8 percent who admit to checking straight "after sex" -- though there's no indication of how many of these also checked before they went to bed.

  The main problem with email of course has always been spam and that isn't going away either. Despite improved filtering 60 percent of respondents admit to losing important messages due to spam. Also a remarkable 64 percent say they've closed an email account in frustration because of excessive spam.

  You can check out a more detailed summary of the findings in infographic form below.

  

  Photo Credit: Shumilina Maria/Shutterstock

  
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  [Updated] Lenovo ends sales of small-screen Windows tablets in US due to lack of interest

  Publié: juillet 18, 2014, 9:40am CEST par Wayne Williams

  

  Microsoft is keen to get its tiled OS on as many devices, from as many hardware makers, as possible. It introduced the license-free Windows with Bing back in May as part of this push, but prior to that, at Build 2014, it announced it would be offering Windows for free to OEMs and ODMs on all tablets smaller than nine inches.

  The dream of an army of smaller devices running Windows 8.1 has suffered a major setback now though with news that one of the largest Windows device makers, Lenovo, has decided to kill off its smaller tablets in the US, citing lack of interest.

  Lenovo has confirmed it be withdrawing the ThinkPad 8, and Miix 2 8 tablets from American stores, with immediate effect, and diverting the stock to other countries.

  Lenovo spokesperson Ray Gorman says, "In North America, we're seeing stronger interest in the larger screen sizes for Windows tablets and are pleased with initial customer demand for the ThinkPad 10. In other markets, particularly Brazil, China, and Japan, the demand for ThinkPad 8 has been much stronger, so we are adjusting our ThinkPad 8 inventories to meet increasing demand in those markets. If market demand for ThinkPad 8 changes, we will re-evaluate our strategy".

  Brian Fagioli reviewed both Lenovo tablets. In February, he covered the Miix 2 8, which is powered by an Intel Atom Z3740 Processor and 2GB memory/64GB eMMC, and said it was a "Windows 8.1 tablet with an 8-inch screen done right". In April, he described the ThinkPad 8, which features an Intel Atom Z3770 processor and 2GB memory/64GB eMMC, as "the Rolls Royce of small Windows tablets".

  Sadly, for American buyers, neither tablet is going to be available for much longer, although Microsoft currently has both devices for sale in its online store. The ThinkPad 8 is priced at $399 and Miix 2 8 is $299.

  Update: Ray Gorman, Executive Director, External Communications, Lenovo, has clarified the company's position and has good news for fans of small Windows tablets.

  We will continue to bring new Windows devices to market across different screen sizes, including a new 8-inch tablet and 10-inch tablet coming this holiday. Our model mix changes as per customer demand, and although we are no longer selling ThinkPad 8 in the US, and we have sold out of Miix 8-inch, we are not getting out of the small-screen Windows tablet business as was reported by the media. In short, we will continue to sell both 8 and 10 inch Windows tablets in both the US and non-US markets.

  
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  Honda's Asimo robot can now run, jump and recognize voices

  Publié: juillet 18, 2014, 9:38am CEST par Barclay Ballard

  

  The latest upgrade to Honda's Asimo has given the robot enhanced intelligence, the ability to run 5.6mph and enabled it to perform complex sign language.

  Asimo was first introduced in 2000 and is seen as one of the leading attempts at creating a humanoid robot.

  As well as giving Asimo enhance artificial intelligence, the most recent upgrades allow it to change its actions depending on what happens around it.

  The ultimate goal is for Asimo, which stands for Advanced Step in Innovation Mobility, to provide assistance to various people in need, be it the elderly or those in disaster zones.

  The four foot tall robot is not yet available to buy however.

  Elements of Asimo's technology have already been successfully used to assist clean-up efforts at Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant.

  Asimo's upgrades, which were revealed in Belgium on Wednesday, focus on enabling the robot to better understand the world around it and include the ability to distinguish different voices in a room, even when multiple people are speaking at the same time.

  However, some have questioned the viability of Asimo as a helper robot, particular with its current development costs.

  "It's great to see the results of research in human-robot interaction that Honda is doing, but the reality is that Asimo needs to be a lot cheaper before it's a household robot," said Andra Keay, managing director of Silicon Valley Robotics and a columnist for Robohub.

  Keay thinks simpler robots, such as Jibo, a lamp-like household assistant, will hit the market sooner.

  "Perhaps the direction that Jibo has taken is the most appropriate one right now -- minimum viable robot product to get maximal learning from human interaction. We're entering a rich age for deep machine learning from humans".

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  Dell Latitude E5540: a well-specified corporate laptop [Review]

  Publié: juillet 18, 2014, 9:33am CEST par James Morris

  

  In all the furor over super-slim Ultrabooks and magically transforming hybrids, it's sometimes easy to forget that some people just need a basic portable. The Dell Latitude E5540 is aimed at those people. It's not a fundamentally exciting notebook by any stretch of the imagination, but it could be just what your company needs as a standard-issue everyday workhorse.

  The design of the E5540 is decidedly inconspicuous, with matte black plastic the order of the day all round. This is very much a sober corporate notebook that won't cause any commotion in the meeting room. The full width of the 15in chassis has been used to provide a separate keypad alongside the keyboard, as well as discrete volume control buttons at the top. The keys are full-sized and have a comfortably firm action, making touch typing for long durations very pleasant. However, the keyboard isn't backlit, which is an unusual omission for a work-oriented laptop.

  The foremost luxury aspect of our E5540 review sample is the full HD screen, although you can specify a more pedestrian 1,366 x 768 unit and save around £100. However, we reckon this would be a false economy now that screens are pushing to 4K, so the 1,920 x 1,080 option is definitely worth the extra expense. The screen has plenty of detail and reasonably bright color, whilst the matte anti-glare finish means that there is little problem with unwanted reflections in bright lighting. However, viewing angles are merely adequate. Also, this is not a touchscreen, although our sample was supplied with Windows 7 so this was no loss whatsoever, and we remain skeptical about touchscreens on non-hybrid laptops.

  Otherwise, the E5540's specification is contemporary but unexceptional. The system is based around a Haswell-generation Intel Core i5 4300U, which runs at a nominal 1.9GHz, but Turbo Boost as usual makes this specification rather unimportant. It allows a single core to lift to 2.9GHz when required, and both cores to run at 800MHz, where the processor decreases its consumption from 15W to 11.5W. The two physical cores are split into four virtual ones thanks to Hyper-Threading. So this is a capable and flexible low-power CPU.

  However, Dell has chosen to partner the Core i5 with just 4GB of 1,600MHz DDR3 SDRAM, which is a bit meager now that even Ultrabooks are beginning to standardize on 8GB. The RAM is not user-upgradeable, either, and incredibly you can't even specify a larger quantity at the time of purchase, which is a rather surprising drawback.

  Although the Core i5 processor has Intel's HD Graphics 4400 built in, this only comes into play when very light 3D acceleration is required, or none at all. When more serious acceleration is needed, Nvidia's Optimus technology brings a discrete GeForce GT 720M chipset into play. However, this is right at the bottom of Nvidia's mobile 7-series offerings, and based on the previous-generation Fermi architecture rather than the latest Kepler tech. As such, it only sports 96 CUDA cores, although it comes with its own 2GB supply of DDR3 memory. So its abilities will far exceed the Intel HD Graphics 4400, but won't provide hugely potent professional or gaming acceleration.

  Dell has taken a sensible price-sensitive route when it comes to storage, providing a Seagate Solid State Hybrid Drive that combines a 500GB 5,400rpm hard disk with 8GB of flash memory. This acts as a cache so that there is faster access to frequently used data, and the mechanical portion can spin down to conserve power occasionally. There's also a TSSTcorp SU-208CB DVD rewriter, so disc-based software can be installed and DVD movies viewed.

  Dell makes good use of the chassis size when it comes to connectivity. The left side houses a full-sized HDMI port, USB 3.0, an SD card reader as well as a slot for a smart card. A wireless radio switch is also available on this side, next to the power connection. This will be handy when traveling by air. The right-hand side is home to the tray-loading optical drive, plus a combined headphone and microphone minijack, USB 3.0 port, and VGA. There is also a single USB 2.0 port and wired LAN port on the rear, one in each of the two hinge areas, plus a USB 3.0 port on the right-hand corner. The E5540 is well endowed for wireless connectivity, too. The Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 chipset supports the latest 802.11ac as well as 802.11a/b/g/n, with a 2x2 configuration. There's also Bluetooth 4.0 LE available.

  The E5540 provides a performance level that’s pretty much as we would expect from its specification. Despite the chassis size, however, the processor is more akin to an Ultrabook’s, so this laptop performs accordingly. The result of 2.54 in Maxon Cinebench R11.5's render test is on par for a Core i5 4300U, although the OpenGL score of 28.29 is about 50 per cent more than the processor's integrated graphics could manage, thanks to the GeForce GT 720M. In Maxon Cinebench R15, the rendering result of 246 and OpenGL result of 34.68 tell a similar story. The scores of 1,329 in Futuremark's 3DMark11 and 769 in the Firestrike 1.1 portion of 3DMark show abilities beyond integrated graphics as well, but not hugely so.

  

  The Futuremark PC Mark 8 Home result of 2,195 is exactly what we would expect of this CPU, but the Work score of 3,249 is a little above. So this system will be perfectly able to cope with everyday business activities, although it's no software powerhouse.

  Battery life is a significant disappointment, however. The E5540 only managed 183 minutes of PC Mark 8's Home test, and 150 minutes of our grueling Battery Eater Pro test. So it won't last you a whole work day, which is rather a drawback for what is otherwise a capable mainstream business all-rounder. Fortunately, the battery is removable and there is a 97Whr option. Our sample came with the 65WHr alternative, so the larger battery should deliver around 50 percent more time away from the power socket, which is much more respectable.

  Verdict

  The Dell Latitude E5540 is a well-specified corporate laptop with a reasonable price tag. It sports a good screen, plenty of storage, and all the ports and wireless connections you are likely to need. However, the non-upgradeable 4GB of RAM will reduce this notebook's useful working life, and we would recommend the larger 97Wh battery option if you do want to take it out of the office for extended periods, although it is rather large and heavy to be a true road warrior.

  Specifications

  Manufacturer and Model	Dell Latitude E5540
  Processor	1.9GHz Intel Core i5-4300U
  RAM	4GB 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM
  Graphics	Intel HD Graphics 4400 and Nvidia GeForce GT 720M
  Hard disk	500GB Seagate ST500LM0 5,400rpm solid state hybrid disk
  Optical disc	TSSTcorp SU-208CB DVD-RW
  Display	15.6in Wide View LED backlit TFT with 1,920 x 1,080 pixels
  Networking	Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 LE
  Interfaces	3 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 2.0, HDMI, VGA, combo headphone / microphone, LAN, SD card reader.
  Width x Depth x Height	379 x 250.5 x 29.7mm
  Weight	2.3kg
  Warranty	3 years NBD on-site

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  Bing offers complainers a right to be forgotten from search results

  Publié: juillet 18, 2014, 12:26am CEST par Mark Wilson

  

  If you live in Europe and don't like the fact that Binging yourself throws up results you'd rather didn’t appear, Microsoft has created a form you can use to request removal of these links from searches. (Yeah, ok…Bing doesn't really work as a verb in the same way as Google. Lesson learned.) Not all that long ago, Google was forced to consider censoring search results that people considered to be out of date, incorrect or irrelevant -- it's a ruling that has been dubbed the right to be forgotten. A form was set up to make it easier for people with complaints to get in touch, and now Microsoft has followed suit and created a Request to Block Bing Search Results In Europe form.

  Filling in the form is absolutely no guarantee that a search result will be removed -- and it is important to remember that this is only about removing links from search results, not removing actual content. Or, as Microsoft puts it in the form:

  We encourage you to provide complete and relevant information for each applicable question on this form. We will use the information that you provide to evaluate your request. We may also consider other sources of information beyond this form to verify or supplement the information you provide. This information will help us to consider the balance between your individual privacy interest and the public interest in protecting free expression and the free availability of information, consistent with European law. As a result, making a request does not guarantee that a particular search result will be blocked.

  If you have a complaint, you'll need to prove who you are and that you are an EU resident. Interestingly, the form also asks complainants "are you a public figure (politician, celebrity, etc.)?" and "Do you have a role or expect to have a role in your local community or more broadly that involves leadership, trust or safety". It's not clear how much of a bearing this information has on how a request is dealt with, but there are just four reasons a block request can be made: if information is inaccurate or false, it is incomplete or inadequate, it is out-of-date or no longer relevant, or it is excessive or otherwise inappropriate.

  Photo credit: Gustavo Frazao/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Grandfathered into the 25GB OneDrive plan? Microsoft has not reduced your storage

  Publié: juillet 17, 2014, 10:27pm CEST par Alan Buckingham

  

  When Microsoft introduced SkyDrive, it provided every customer with 25GB of storage space for free. The company later reduced this to only 7GB, but existing users were grandfathered into their plans and allowed to retain the old amount of cloud space.

  Now the company has quietly reduced that down to only 15GB -- sort of. No official announcement was made regarding this move -- users simply learn of it by checking available storage within their accounts. But all is not what it appears to be at first.

  The move comes on the heels of Microsoft adding 1TB of extra "free" storage to the accounts of Office 365 subscribers and upping free accounts to 15GB. Customers also receive bits of added free space in other ways -- for instance a camera roll bonus adds 3GB, and a "loyalty bonus" adds another 10GB. The latter is where that space went. It's still a strange move, and can lend to initial confusion for some who will spot it.

  BetaNews reached out to Microsoft for comment and clarification on this, and received the following official statement:

  "Early OneDrive adopters who received 25GB of free storage will continue to enjoy their free 25GB of storage. However, it will be split into two tiers within the account: 15GB of free storage and 10GB of 'loyalty bonus' storage".

  So, the good news is the space didn't go away, but only got reclassified. The change was spotted by Richard Hay, who is a long-time Microsoft writer and MVP.

  
• 

  CyberLink Media Suite 12 arrives, supports creating and editing 4K video

  Publié: juillet 17, 2014, 7:02pm CEST par Mike Williams

  

  CyberLink has announced the release of CyberLink Media Suite 12, its vast and comprehensive collection of playback, editing and convent creation tools.

  Highlights include new support for creating and playing back UltraHD 4K Video. The suite can now also play and convert H.265 content, and CyberLink claims new 64-bit video and photo editing engines deliver 3x faster rendering speed over the 32-bit versions.

  There’s support for playing media directly from YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo and Flickr. The suite is better at handling MKV and FLV videos, as well as RAW photos, it can now convert video for playback on 100+ mobile devices, and there’s new support for AVCH 2.0 (3D/ Progressive).

  The old Deluxe edition has been dropped, simplifying and streamlining the suite, which now comes in just two very similar versions.

  CyberLink Media Suite Ultra ($129.95) is the base edition, with full and unrestricted versions of 12 CyberLink packages. PowerDVD 14 handles media playback, PowerDirector 12 and PhotoDirector 5 provide video and photo editing, PowerProducer 6 and Power2Go 9 cover disc authoring and burning, MediaEspresso 7 handles your media conversion needs, MediaShow 6 keeps your files organised, and WaveEditor 2, PowerBackup 2.6, PowerDVD Copy 1.5, Label Print 2.5 and Instant Burn 5.0 are also included.

  CyberLink Media Suite Ultimate ($149.95) has precisely the same PC software, just adding three Content Packs (Holiday, Travel, Romance), and a trio of mobile apps. PowerDirector Mobile and a new PhotoDirector Mobile bring video and photo editing to Android and Windows 8 devices, while the new Power Media Player is a powerful player for Android, iOS and Windows 8.

  
• 

  Not a DirecTV subscriber? You can now get NFL Sunday Ticket (maybe)

  Publié: juillet 17, 2014, 4:41pm CEST par Alan Buckingham

  

  It's hard to believe it's already that time, but NFL training camps begin opening over the next couple of weeks. It's also the time when, traditionally, DirecTV subscribers grab Sunday Ticket, as there are usually early-bird prices.

  This year, though, you may just be able to snag a subscription to the Ticket, without being a customer of the satellite provider. Stipulations for this abound.

  In order to qualify for the plan, customers must meet one of the following criteria -- reside in an apartment where a dish cannot be installed, attend a university on the company's list, or live in Philadelphia, San Francisco or New York City. No mention is made of those who may simply live in an area where line of sight to the southern sky is blocked by trees or other obstacles.

  In theory, you may be able to call DirecTV and plead your case, but the provider does not state anything about these variables in its announcement.

  If you do happen to qualify, then you have a choice of packages available to you. The lowest tier is $199 and provides all games streamed to a computer, tablet or phone. For $239 you can stream to a game console and for $329 you get all of the bells and whistles -- mobile devices, computers, consoles and even the Red Zone channel. You can get started, or at least check eligibility, by visiting DirecTV.

  
• 

  New Android ransomware pretends to be FBI porn warning

  Publié: juillet 17, 2014, 3:54pm CEST par Ian Barker

  The large number of devices out there means that Android is becoming an increasingly popular target for malware writers. Ransomware which has previously been a mainly Windows problem is becoming an issue too.

  The latest piece of malware discovered by mobile security specialist Lookout attempts to extort money with a scary message claiming to be from the FBI. It claims the user has broken the law by visiting pornography and child abuse websites.

  Called ScarePakage, the malware masquerades as well-known apps, like Adobe Flash and a number of anti-virus applications, and pretends to scan your phone when launched. After completing the fake scan it locks your device. You can't navigate away and if you try to reboot, the FBI message will be the first thing you see when you turn back on.

  It demands several hundred dollars in the form of a MoneyPak voucher to release your device. ScarePackage tries to prevent normal use of the device by blocking the victim's actions. Using a Java TimerTask, which is set to run every 10 milliseconds, the application will kill any other running processes that the user interacts with that are not the malware itself or the phone's settings application. The malware also uses an Android WakeLock to prevent the device from going to sleep.

  Should you manage to switch the device off a boot receiver class resumes ScarePakage's takeover when you turn it back on, shutting down all other processes. It doesn't need root in order to take over the phone, but it does need device administrator access.

  Lookout's blog, which includes screen shots of the malware, says, "ScarePakage is likely created by Russian or other Eastern European authors given language cues used in the application that we observed". For now the malware seems to be targeting only users in the US.

  Advice for avoiding infection includes, not awarding device administrator rights to applications unless you're sure of what they do, only downloading apps from known and trusted developers and using a security application to detect threats before they're opened.

  Image Credit: wavebreakmedia / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Google Chrome tweaks notification popups, adds crash recovery browser bubble

  Publié: juillet 17, 2014, 3:53pm CEST par Nick Peers

  

  Google has unveiled Chrome 36 FINAL for Windows, Mac and Linux, with Chrome for Android 36 rolling out shortly. The desktop update adds a couple of user interface tweaks under the label "rich notifications improvements".

  It also updates the incognito browsing page, adds a browser crash recovery bubble that could help prevent data loss and extends the Chrome App Launcher to Linux, plus adds various under-the-hood tweaks.

  Improvements to the rich notifications pop-up messages should deliver clearer, less cluttered pop-ups thanks to redesigned icons

  Another visual change can be seen when opening a new page in Incognito mode or when logged on as a guest. Aside from the redesign, the text has been subtly altered, removing the reference to remaining visible to "governments and other sophisticated attackers". Also removed is the warning that all extensions are disabled in incognito mode.

  The new browser crash recovery bubble is designed to alert users when a plug-in is crashing or about to crash, giving them an opportunity to save any work before restarting the browser.

  The new Chrome App Launcher on Linux builds follows on from the App Launcher’s release on Mac (late last year) and Windows (earlier this year) platforms.

  A number of developer features to have made it across from the Beta build, including support for importing HTML documents into other documents, plus both element.animate() and Object.observe() objects.

  As always, Chrome 36 FINAL will -- over the next few days -- be joined by Chrome for Android 36. In announcing its release, Google has revealed a number of minor changes: Doodles return to the New Tab page, while non-mobile optimized sites should see improved text rendering.

  Both updates are then rounded off with the usual selection of bug fixes, security fixes (26 in total on the desktop platform) and various performance improvements.

  Google Chrome 36 FINAL is available now as a free download for supported builds of Windows, Mac and Linux, while Chrome for Android 36 should start rolling out over the next couple of days.

  
• 

  FotoSketcher gains new watercolor effect

  Publié: juillet 17, 2014, 10:55am CEST par Mike Williams

  

  French developer David Thoirin has released FotoSketcher 2.90, an update to his freeware Windows program for transforming digital photos into works of art.

  The major new feature is a second watercolor effect (Edit > Drawing Parameters > Painting 9), which Thoirin has described as using "a loose style (with transparency)… based on a new segmentation algorithm".

  If you’re more interested in its results than the technical details, Thoirin has also posted a few examples (see above for our favorite), and even by his extremely high standards they’re very impressive.

  As usual, this isn’t just a fixed effect, and the new Painting 9 has a variety of settings to be tweaked: size and precision of paintbrush, edge intensity, number of iterations, "darken/ lighten" and "soften edges" options, and a choice of 10 textures. There’s a lot of scope for variation, but fortunately a preview pane shows you exactly what your current settings will produce.

  The only other new feature is an option to disable FotoSketcher’s automatic check for updates. You’ll need to do this manually, but it’s simple enough. Close FotoSketcher; open FotoSketcher.ini; find the [Update] section; replace True with False and save the file.

  This release also has a few bug fixes, the most significant ensuring that FotoSketcher doesn’t hang when trying to access a non-existent folder.

  FotoSketcher 2.90 and FotoSketcher 2.90 Portable are both available as freeware downloads for Windows XP and later.

  
• 

  Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 -- great tablet, but is it better than iPad Air? [Review]

  Publié: juillet 17, 2014, 9:41am CEST par Brian Fagioli

  

  Android is a very capable operating system. With it, Google accomplished the unthinkable -- widespread Linux use by average home users. Linus Torvalds popularized his kernel with nerds and the enterprise, but the search giant made it accessible for all. Here's the thing though -- the fact that Android is powered by Linux doesn't matter. No, to the average consumer, all that matters is the experience. What lies beneath is inconsequential.

  Samsung recently released the Galaxy Tab S 10.5, its newest flagship tablet. The device's closest competitor is the iPad Air -- which is a tablet I love. Besides Apple's tablet, there is really no other product to consider at the $500 price point. So, if you are considering a $500 general-use tablet, the only question that must be asked is -- is it better than the iPad Air?

  Boy, what a tough question to answer -- tough, but not impossible. I've been using them both, side by side, for some time now and I have some definitive thoughts.

  Galaxy Tab S 10.5 Specs

  • Network -- Wi-Fi Only
  • Processor -- Exynos 5 Octa (1.9 GHz QuadCore ＋ 1.3 GHz QuadCore)
  • Display -- 10.5-inch WQXGA (2560x1600) Super AMOLED, 287ppi
  • OS -- Android 4.4 (KitKat)
  • Camera -- Rear: 8.0 Megapixel Auto Focus Camera with LED Flash, Front: 2.1 Megapixel
  • Connectivity -- Dual-Band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac MIMO, BT v4.0, USB 2.0
  • Memory 3GB RAM, 16GB Internal Memory, microSD (Up to 128GB)
  • Battery -- Li-ion 7,900mAh (10.5)

  

  Analysis

  The first thing you notice upon taking the Tab S from the box is just how thin and light it is. Shockingly, at 6.6mm and 465 grams,  it is even thinner and lighter than the iPad Air. This makes it very easy to hold and reduces arm-fatigue. Of course, at this point, we are splitting hairs -- both tablets are really thin and light.

  If you are in the market for a 10 inch tablet, the screen should be a huge factor in your decision. For a while, the iPad Air display was one of the best, if not the best. The retina display, while partly marketing-speak, produced beautiful and vivid images. While the display on Apple's tablet is still great, it can no longer be called the best.

  The Galaxy Tab S 10.5 offers a 2560 x 1600 resolution, but that is only part of the allure. The real news is the Super AMOLED technology, that recreates the most beautiful  colors and imagery. Some may argue that this technology over-saturates the colors -- I must disagree. True, colors are more vivid, but not to the point of creating a mockery by any means. No, it instead treats the user to a more life-like experience.

  

  Where it really shines is in the sun (pun intended). In my backyard on a sunny day, the iPad Air is unusable. It is impossible to decipher what is on the screen, so I must head for shade. The display on the Galaxy Tab S, is a totally different story. Samsung's technologies allow the user to have a better experience under sunlight. This is achieved using sensors that adjust the display to your surroundings.

  Much like its smartphones, Samsung has implemented its TouchWiz improvements to the otherwise boring Android interface. When compared to the stock experience of something like a Nexus 10, TouchWiz makes the user experience much more colorful and lively. Things get taken to a new level with this tablet though, as it takes advantage of a tablet-optimized "magazine" mode, which I rather like. Don't like it? Install Nova Launcher. It's not a big deal, guys. Android gives you the option to choose.

  

  The iPad does not allow you to easily add additional memory. While you can jailbreak and access SD cards and flash drives, under normal usage that is not allowed outside of photo importing. Samsung's tablet offers a microSD slot, so you can add up to 128GB of additional storage on the cheap. While newer versions of Android are making it problematic for apps to use the card, it will work wonderfully for storing media, docs and any other file you want.

  

  The rear camera on the Galaxy Tab S 10.5 is actually not bad. Should it become your dedicated camera? No. Still, for a tablet, it is quite capable. There is very little noise and shutter is quick. However, the front-facing camera is pretty bad. Pictures come out very grainy, but it serves its purpose as a video-chat camera for services like Hangouts and Skype.

  Sound on the tablet is remarkable. While not front-facing like the class-leading Surface Pro 3, there are at least stereo speakers located on the sides, that lend to solid stereo separation. The user can actually make out right and left channels, something that can be lost when the speakers are positioned on the bottom or rear. Watching a movie on this tablet is a dream -- the combination of speakers and display make it the perfect Android-powered media tablet.

  

  Unfortunately, and strangely, the tablet uses USB 2.0 for connectivity. I understand that many people are moving towards the cloud and connecting to a PC is becoming a rarer occurrence. However, why implement USB 3.0 on the Galaxy S5 smartphone, but not on this flagship tablet? What is good for the goose, should be good for the gander, I say.

  The Tab S 10.5 uses a mixture of capacitive buttons and a hardware button on the long end of the rectangular bezel. Capacitive buttons are OK on a smartphone, but fail on a tablet. In other words, the hardware home button is fine -- the capacitive ones are the hindrance.

  

  When holding the Tab S vertically, my thumb is constantly hitting these touch-sensitive buttons. It ruins the experience when doing something like reading, as you want to be immersed in the story. Very often, when I relax and get comfortable, my thumb wanders to those buttons and ruins it all. Could this just be a learning curve? Sure, maybe I can train myself not to hit those buttons, but that should not be necessary. You can see what I am talking about in the above photo.

  For internet activity, it is a Wi-Fi only affair. This is fine, as I mostly use tablets in my home. If it does leave the house, I simply tether using my phone. The wireless chip in the Tab S is top-notch though, offering 802.11AC. When connecting to my Apple Airport Extreme, the 5GHz band was visible, it connected quickly and was super-fast. Nice!

  The iPad Air is a class-leader in battery life, but the Tab S is no slouch. While I did have to charge it more often than the iPad with equal usage, it still outperformed any other Android tablet I have used. On average, I would say it achieved about 10 hours of use between recharges, which for my usage, meant it would be charged about every three days. It would be in standby when not in use.

  My favorite aspect of the Samsung Galaxy S5 is the fingerprint reader. I am happy to say that it is equally accurate on the Tab S. However, I find it a bit awkward to use on a 10 inch tablet, when located on the middle of the bottom-horizontal bezel. I would prefer it to be located on the top right of the face, so I can easily slide my finger. This means the fingerprint reader and the button should be separated on tablets. Do I appreciate having it? Yes. Do I use it often? Yes. Is it ideally located? No.

  

  Owners of the Samsung Galaxy S5 are in for a special treat. A new feature called SideSync 3.0 allows that smartphone and the Tab S to wirelessly connect. As you would expect, you can transfer files between the two devices when connected. However, the true magic is that you can view and control the S5 screen on the tablet. This includes controlling all apps. Best of all though, you can make and receive calls on the tablet without touching the phone.

  You can see an awesome example of this feature in the video below. This was taken by BetaNews at the launch event for the tablet. In my own testing, it works just as flawlessly -- amazing.

  Conclusion

  Samsung is the leading Android manufacturer for good reason -- it makes quality devices that people like. There is no mystery, or advertisement brainwashing. It is a great tablet. It is fast and fluid, full of features and of course, has the best screen of any tablet. If you want to consume media, this is the tablet to buy. If you want to play Android games on a 10 inch tablet form factor, this is the tablet to buy.

  Is it better than the iPad Air? Tough call. For the money, absolutely -- you are getting much more value. Of course, people entrenched in an Apple lifestyle should probably stay there. If you covet a mindless and easy to use device, the iPad Air is probably the way to go. Please don't misconstrue -- sometimes we all want a mindless and easy to use experience. I am not knocking Apple's tablet, I do love it.

  With all of that said, if I owned neither tablet and had $500, I am going with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S. The better screen, expandable memory and fingerprint reader push it over the top. Are there issues with accidental presses of the capacitive buttons on the bezel? Yes, it sometimes drives me nuts, but the benefits of the rest of the package outweigh it by far. Highly recommended.

  
• 

  Xbox One sales more than doubled in June, says Microsoft -- means nothing

  Publié: juillet 17, 2014, 9:24am CEST par Wayne Williams

  

  A fan of Microsoft’s new gaming console? Prepare to rejoice. While up until now the Xbox One has been roundly thrashed by its arch rival, Sony’s PlayStation 4, it seems uncoupling the Kinect in order to allow the device to compete on price is paying dividends.

  According to Microsoft, since the new Xbox One offering launched on June 9th, the company has seen sales more than double in the US, compared to May’s figures. Fantastic! But hold on… Maybe don’t start that party just yet.

  While this is undoubtedly good news for Microsoft, and shows (well on paper at least) that offering a Kinect-less console was a smart move, it doesn’t really mean much, if anything. The "doubling of sales" derives from "internal data based on retail calendar and sold through numbers", yet Microsoft hasn’t released any of those actual numbers.

  If those figures were great, stunning, amazing, why wouldn’t Microsoft announce them?

  "More than double" means nothing. It's headline grabbing, but meaningless. Sell one console in May, and two in June, and you’ve doubled sales. Hooray!

  Also, May might have been an atrocious month for the console -- the worst ever. The Xbox One might have sold incredibly poorly then, before rebounding in June. We don’t know.

  The last figures we got from Microsoft were in April when it said it had sold 115,000 consoles in that month. Based on that number, it’s possible the company sold around 100,000 consoles in May, and therefore more than 200,000 of the device -- including the cheaper Kinect-less version -- in June. But that’s just a total guess.

  Either way, Microsoft has clearly seen a sales spike for the Xbox One, and provided the console maintains this momentum, it might finally stand a chance of catching up with the PS4.

   

  
• 

  US Secret Service warns of keyloggers at hotel business centers

  Publié: juillet 17, 2014, 9:15am CEST par Miles Bulloch

  

  Hotel operators were warned in a non-public advisory from the US Secret Service to be alert to the possibility of maliciously planted malware in their business center PCs.

  Brian Krebs of KrebsOnSecurity reports that an advisory had mentioned the arrest of several suspects accused of infecting several major hotel computers in the Dallas area. In the above-mentioned case the criminals used stolen credit cards to register at the hotels, whereupon they made use of the business centers and downloaded key logger software which captured log-in information for services used by other guests -- including online banking data.

  These days, most computer users are well aware that their personal information is only as safe as their best practices. The advisory is meant to remind users to maintain that vigilance even on holiday or in respectable surroundings, such as good quality hotels. It is best to use public computers for basic web browsing or internet surfing and leave more confidential searches or transactions until you are back on a secure connection.

  As Krebs puts it, "If a bad guy has unrestricted physical access to your computer, it is not your computer anymore”. He adds that most public computers cannot be considered safe, even if they are physically secure at all times. Hackers can access computer systems remotely and wreak just as much havoc as if they were sitting in front of the monitor.

  Krebs advises people to create a "throwaway" email address to use if you need to print something from your emails while using a public computer. Forward the information to be printed to that new email address to use on a public computer. In this way, your own information will remain safe from prying eyes.

  Photo credit:  Franck Boston/Shutterstock

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  Want to know if your child's school sucks? Microsoft wants Bing to tell you

  Publié: juillet 17, 2014, 5:34am CEST par Brian Fagioli

  

  I am quite far removed from high school, but I recall the horror well. While hardly a war zone, the environment was definitely not conducive to learning. Many teenagers are not motivated for anything other than the opposite sex (or same sex in some cases). Not to mention, there are drugs and alcohol amongst other distractions. And so, it is imperative that the school keep the teens on-track.

  Unfortunately, not all schools are created equally. Even worse, for the most part, where you live dictates where you go to school. In other words, if you live in a town with a bad school district, your child is pretty much out of luck. Of course, if you can afford it, there are private schools that may offer a better learning experience. The problem becomes, how do you know which schools are good and which are bad? Don't worry, Microsoft has your back. You see, starting today, Bing can tell you if a school sucks or not.

  "A few weeks ago, we unveiled an easy way to access free online courses and books on Bing. Today we're expanding on that theme by showcasing school ratings, rankings and academic indicators directly in Snapshot. Now when you search for a given school -- from elementary to high school to higher ed -- we showcase (where available) how they fare nationally, within the state and what their STEM rating might be. We even display how the community surrounding the schools rate", says The Bing Team.

  The team further explains, "because this is built on Bing’s vast knowledge repository containing billions of people, places and things we also showcase famous alumnus". In other words, besides telling you if a school has a good or poor ranking, it can tell you if a famous person attended too.

  Bing highlights the examples of Nicholas Cage and Monica Lewinsky attending Beverly Hills High School. Gee, having Lewinsky as a graduate is quite the accomplishment for that school. I did a search for local Brentwood New York High School and sure enough, rapper Parrish Smith of EPMD is listed -- very cool.

  

  Of course, the usefulness of this search is questionable. Like I said, if your child's school sucks, unless you can afford it, changing schools may not be an option. Even worse, potential employers may use Bing to look up the high schools of applicants to see if it was a quality institution. Heck, the easiness of this search could potentially lower home values in a given area. Yes, that data is already public, but making it easier to access does not help the situation.

  Does your child go to a good school? Tell me in the comments.

  Photo credit:  kaarsten / Shutterstock

  
• 

  VirtualBox 4.3.14 adds Blu-ray support for Mac hosts, squashes more bugs

  Publié: juillet 16, 2014, 11:30pm CEST par Nick Peers

  

  Oracle has released VirtualBox 4.3.14, the latest in a series of maintenance fixes for its cross-platform, part-open-source virtualization program.

  Version 4.3.14 includes a wide range of fixes and tweaks, including one that sees the Mac build now include Blu-ray devices when scanning for host CD and DVD drives. Windows hosts should also now be able to install or upgrade VirtualBox without having to reboot their system.

  The new build includes a number of user interface-related fixes, including one for stuck [Alt Gr] keys on Windows hosts as well as a potential error that could occur during a version check. Also removed is the need to use [Enter] or another trigger to confirm shortcut changes.

  NAT network fixes resolve issues surrounding the potential loss of inbound TCP data and possible infinite stalls of TCP connections over IPv6 networks. TCP connection resets have also been fixed on Windows hosts.

  Storage-related problems that have been fixed include one potential crash when using CD/DVD passthrough along with another linked to trying to open an inaccessible QED or QCOW image. A number of “rare” data corruption and read error issues have also been resolved.

  3D support has been improved, particularly on guests running with 4GB or more of RAM, while a number of USB performance tweaks have also been applied.

  A further selection of fixes focus on the VM manager, while the API now properly detects the Windows 8.1 guest OS type. Various Addition-related fixes -- including one Linux example that makes 3D passthrough work with recent versions of Mesa in the guest -- have also been implemented.

  VirtualBox 4.3.14 is now available as a free open-source download for Windows, Mac and Linux, along with the companion VirtualBox Extension Pack 4.3.14, which is free for non-commercial use only.

  
• 

  Logitech protection+ case for iPhone 5s and Galaxy S5 -- sexy durability

  Publié: juillet 16, 2014, 6:48pm CEST par Brian Fagioli

  

  For a tech nerd, there is nothing more fun than getting a new smartphone. When you get that little box home and carefully open it, it is like reliving Christmas as a child. For some, the contents of the box is just a smartphone, but to others like me and you, it is pure magic.

  Sadly, smartphones can be a bit fragile -- dropping it on the concrete or other surface can crack the screen or make the device inoperable. This would be like a child witnessing Santa Claus' sleigh crashing into a tree and turning into a fireball on Christmas Eve -- a nightmare. Of course, you can get a case to protect it, but many of them are bulky and ugly. If you have a beautiful iPhone 5s or Galaxy S5, the last thing you want to do is make it unattractive. No worries, Logitech is once again here to save the day with the beautiful protection+ case for both of those phones.

  "The protection+ case features a hard polycarbonate body with impact-resistant polymers in each corner that mitigate damage from impacts by absorbing shocks and dissipating them across the surface of your case. Additionally, tucked inside its polycarbonate shell, the case has impact channels and a layer of thermoplastic rubber to further absorb vibrations. For added assurance, Logitech protection+ exceeds the US Military drop-test standard (MIL-STD 810 G) for 'rugged' devices, protecting your phone from drops up to 1.8 meters high", says Logitech.

  

   

  Ariel Fischer, director of smartphone accessories at Logitech explains, "our smartphones take quite a beating. We designed the Logitech protection+ to give you peace of mind disguised in a great looking protective case that absorbs the daily shocks your phone experiences".

  Besides being super sexy and military drop-test tested, the case has another trick up its sleeve -- a metal plate embedded on the back. Why? Magnets of course! The protection+ case can connect to Logitech's magnetic-based automotive mount accessories, the +drive and +trip. These accessories allow you to position the phone on your dashboard/windshield or air-vent -- pretty nifty, I must say.

  It will be in the following colors

  ·  Scarlett Plum (available for Samsung Galaxy S5 AND iPhone 5s)

  ·  Gunmetal Black (available for Samsung Galaxy S5 AND iPhone 5s)

  ·  Winter White (available ONLY for Samsung Galaxy S5)

  The protection+ case will be available for $34.99, the +trip will cost $29.99 and the +drive will be $49.99 -- not at all unreasonable. If you are interested, you will be able to buy them in the USA and Europe this upcoming August. Will you buy? Tell me in the comments.

  
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  Google does a 180 and allows fake names on Google+

  Publié: juillet 16, 2014, 5:50pm CEST par Mark Wilson

  

  Google is no stranger to upsetting people, and it certainly managed to do this back when Google+ launched three years ago. The social network that finds itself the butt of many jokes has long been criticized for forcing users to reveal their real names. But this policy is no more.

  As well as reversing the real name requirement, Google has also apologized for the restrictions that have been in place over the past three years. The change of heart was announced, of course, in a Google+ post, and has been welcomed by the + community.

  The post sees Google admitting that its policies were restrictive. "When we launched Google+ over three years ago, we had a lot of restrictions on what name you could use on your profile. This helped create a community made up of real people, but it also excluded a number of people who wanted to be part of it without using their real names". It is, however, interesting to note that the post has been made by an unnamed Google employee. The irony is saccharine-sweet.

  But the big news is that the name restrictions have now been lifted. "Over the years, as Google+ grew and its community became established, we steadily opened up this policy, from allowing +Page owners to use any name of their choosing to letting YouTube users bring their usernames into Google+. Today, we are taking the last step: there are no more restrictions on what name you can use".

  The post concludes by apologizing for the change in policy taking so long to come. "We know you've been calling for this change for a while. We know that our names policy has been unclear, and this has led to some unnecessarily difficult experiences for some of our users. For this we apologize, and we hope that today's change is a step toward making Google+ the welcoming and inclusive place that we want it to be".

  And just so you know that complaints you may level at Google do not go unheeded, the company thanks users for "expressing your opinions so passionately".

  Photo Credit: RTimages/Shutterstock

  
• 

  SoftWatch helps enterprises evaluate and implement XP alternatives

  Publié: juillet 16, 2014, 4:58pm CEST par Ian Barker

  

  When Microsoft discontinued support for XP it left a large number of businesses, around 25 percent, needing to make a transformation of their IT environment.

  As well as switching to a new desktop OS many are also moving applications to the cloud, changing hardware and introducing BYOD. In order to help IT decision makers with these choices, Israel-based software analytics specialist SoftWatch has introduced a new SaaS product.

  OptimizeIT Premium Suite aims to support CIOs in the decision making process as they switch to new environments. It makes it easy to identify heavy and light users as well as those with specialist requirements like ERP and CRM or power applications like CAD/CAM.

  By identifying applications and usage patterns it can guide IT decision makers in reducing operational costs. It allows them to build an end-user computing environment that fits the user profile, utilizing various combinations of hardware and software.

  The end result will be a flexible and cost-effective hybrid cloud architecture accommodating the needs of different users at optimal cost. While power users may continue to use advanced applications using powerful workstations, others may be better off with relatively low-cost tablets and cloud-based applications.

  "We continue to extend our services to enable IT decision makers to make informed decisions and optimize their end-user computing environment based on application usage analysis," says Uri Arad, Co-CEO of SoftWatch. "We strongly believe that the default decision to migrate to the next Microsoft OS and the 'one size fits all' approach are no longer serving the interests of enterprises. The availability of application usage information allows enterprises to obtain a thorough analysis of their readiness to embrace cloud based services, manage the transition and enjoy tremendous economic and technological benefits".

  You can find out more about OptimizeIT Premium on the company's website.

  Photo Credit: Melpomene/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Watch Satya Nadella's keynote at the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference

  Publié: juillet 16, 2014, 4:41pm CEST par Wayne Williams

  

  Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is delivering a keynote today at the Worldwide Partner Conference and you watch what the tech giant’s new boss has to say here.

  Monday's Vision Keynote covered a wide range of topics, including Windows Phone’s shipments, forthcoming Windows devices, and there was even some hints on what to expect from Windows 9.

  Satya Nadella's presenting style is very different from that of his predecessor, Steve Ballmer, and although he hasn’t been in the job very long he’s already set out his personal vision for change and the future.

  The keynote is live now, but you can watch from the start, and skip any boring bits.

  Let us know what you think about what he had to say in the comments.

  
• 

  Xara Photo & Graphic Designer adds 100+ effects, 100GB online storage space

  Publié: juillet 16, 2014, 4:27pm CEST par Mike Williams

  

  Xara Group has announced the release of Xara Photo & Graphic Designer 10, the latest incarnation of its all-in-one editing, illustration and design tool.

  Top of the new features list is the inclusion of Magic Bullet PhotoLooks 2.0, a powerful plugin (sold separately for $199 as recently as 2012) which offers 100+ present lighting and color effects.

  The SmartShapes tool provides a quick and easy way to draw commonly-used shapes: text panels, speech bubbles, arrows and more.

  Finer editing controls mean you’re now able to adjust highlights, shadows, or any selected color in your image, without affecting anything else.

  The Panorama tool has seem some major enhancements. It can now handle up to 8 photos; you don’t have to prearrange them in the right order; and the program is both better at aligning your shots, and coping with varying lens distortions.

  Elsewhere, the Content Catalog makes it easier to browse available content; a new top-level Insert menu speeds up the process of adding objects to the page; PDF, RTF and DOCX import has been improved, and the program can now handle DOC files, too.

  Finally, you get two bonus extras from the MAGIX range.

  MAGIX Photo Manager helps you sort, search and back up your photo collection.

  But perhaps more usefully, 12 months of free access to MAGIX Online Album Premium gives you 100GB online storage space, and your own domain, ready to share your finished designs with the world.

  A trial build of Xara Photo & Graphic Designer 10 is available now, but beware: third-party plugins, like PhotoLooks, are not included.

  
• 

  Hidden From Google shows the 'right to be forgotten' is pointless

  Publié: juillet 16, 2014, 2:06pm CEST par Mark Wilson

  

  It's a little while since a European Court of Justice ruling forced Google to start removing search links to certain articles. Dubbed the "right to be forgotten", the ruling led Google to create an online form making it easier for people to get in touch about search results relating to them thought to be "inadequate, irrelevant or no longer relevant". But just like those requests from celebrities to stop publishing compromising images online, it seems like asking for search links to be censored serves only to highlight the existence of the web pages they correspond to.

  The court's decision that people should be able to request that information about them be removed from Google searches came after Spaniard Mr Costeja González took exception to links to stories about a series of old debts he had. There are now few people who follow news about Google who are not aware that Mr González has a less than perfect credit history. It's not clear whether he regards the ruling as a personal victory, but the appearance of Hidden From Google is sure to ruffle the feathers of many who have submitted similar removal requests to the search giant.

  The site exists for one very simple reason:

  "The purpose of this site is to list all links which are being censored by search engines due to the recent ruling of "Right to be forgotten" in the EU.

  This list is a way of archiving the actions of censorship on the Internet. It is up to the reader to decide whether our liberties are being upheld or violated by the recent rulings by the EU".

  Hidden From Google comprises a simple "list of search results omitted, erased, or censored" by Google. Numbers are fairly small at the moment, but visitors are encouraged to submit links they discover. Dear Mr González's story is recorded for posterity, and there are other stories from around Europe. Among them, the tale of an archaeology specialist who tried to steal toiletries from a shop in Oxford, UK. Hidden from Google helpfully links to a story about why the story was removed -- the newspaper in question labels the right to be forgotten as "censorship and open to abuse by criminals and the powerful who will try to hide information from the public".

  The appearance of a site like Hidden From Google was just about inevitable. It perfectly demonstrates the futility of censoring search results, and it will be interesting to see how the complainants react to their removal requests being advertised.

  Image Credit: Maxx-Studio/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Deutsche Telekom to preload Dropbox on its Android devices

  Publié: juillet 16, 2014, 1:51pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Cloud storage service Dropbox has detailed a new partnership with mobile operator Deutsche Telekom, that will result in its Android app being preloaded on the majority of devices sold in certain parts of Europe by the German company and its subsidiaries.

  This partnership also impacts Deutsche Telekom's current customer base, who will be helped to "discover" Dropbox. The Android devices that will come preloaded with the app will be available, starting in October, in Central and Eastern European markets.

  There, Deutsche Telekom has a strong presence. It and its subsidiaries operate in Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, and Slovakia, just to name a few markets. There is no word on how many of Deutsche Telekom's customers will be impacted by the partnership, but, at the end of last year, the company claimed it had 142.5 million customers.

  "We’re dedicated to giving our customers the best-possible user experience so they can enjoy life and work on-the-go", says Deutsche Telekom senior vice president of Business Development. "That’s why Dropbox, an industry-leading service, was an obvious addition to the services we offer. Dropbox’s intuitive interface and global popularity make it easy for everyone to see, share, and work on the photos, videos, and documents that matter to them".

  This is not Deutsche Telekom's first partnership with an US tech firm, as the Germany company has also teamed up with Evernote to offer the popular note-taking service's Premium plan for free to its European customers.

  
• 

  TVersity Media Server gains new user interface, support for Chromecast and Roku

  Publié: juillet 16, 2014, 1:46pm CEST par Nick Peers

  

  It’s all change for media server TVersity with a new major release. The old Basic version has been retired and in its place comes TVersity Media Server Free 3.0, which offers identical functionality to the Pro version minus the ability to transcode audio and video when required.

  Version 3 also shows off a brand new and simplified user interface, introduces support for hardware-accelerated H.264 encoding in the Pro build and adds support for both Roku and Chromecast.

  TVersity Media Server runs on Windows PCs and provides a UPNP/DLNA media server for accessing that computer’s media library from other devices, including web browser, mobile, PS3, Xbox 360 and -- from version 3.0 -- both Roku media players and Chromecast devices.

  Support for Roku comes from the built-in Roku Media Player app, and Pro users will be able to stream any format to their Roku devices via on-the-fly transcoding using H.264 and HLS streaming.

  Chromecast users can browse, select and search for media via the all-new HTML5 interface. Again, Pro users gain support for viewing all formats through their device via WEBM/VP8 transcoding.

  Version 3.0 also debuts a brand new interface, which has been significantly simplified and built using HTML5 -- users can access it through their web browser.

  Despite the tweaks, TVersity still feels less polished and refined than rival media servers such as Plex and MediaBrowser, but it’s an interesting choice for those looking for a relatively simple DLNA/UPNP sharing solution.

  TVersity Media Server Free 3.0 is available now as a free (for non-commercial use) download for PCs running Windows XP or later. A Pro version, which allows users to transcode video and audio where required, is also available with prices starting from $19.99.

  
• 

  Scan and manage your network with Axence nVision Free

  Publié: juillet 16, 2014, 1:39pm CEST par Mike Williams

  

  Small home networks can take a while to set up -- especially if you’re a networking novice -- but once they’re up and running, there’s usually little else to do. Everything just works. And if it doesn’t, there’s generally a simple explanation (something’s been unplugged or turned off).

  Add a few more systems, some of which are really important (a business server), and it’s another story. Problems quickly become complex, and have to be fixed right now.  To keep up it’s important to manage your network more carefully, and Axence nVision Free is the ideal program to help.

  This starts with accurate network discovery. NVision scans your systems, discovers any connected systems and devices, lists their TCP/IP services, and helps you create network maps.

  Are these computers set up as they should be? Simple inventory tools mean you’re able to view key system information details on your connected PCs: installed software, user accounts, shared folders, startup commands and more. Nothing too surprising, but there’s still enough here to be useful.

  There are a good set of monitoring options. Do you want to know if a host is down, a service has failed, CPU utilization is high, maybe a new system has connected to the network? NVision can be set up to display a desktop alert or send an email.

  You also get nVision’s excellent netTools package, a handy collection of network troubleshooting utilities. There’s a visual Ping and Traceroute, bandwidth assessment, host and network scanning, a graphical netstat, even a tool for establishing low-level TCP and UDP connections and monitoring the results.

  Professional extras include support for monitoring SNMP counters, simple user activity monitoring, a basic trouble ticket database to manage your troubleshooting efforts.

  Perhaps most surprising of all, this build of Axence nVision really is free -- even for commercial use. If you need a little help monitoring a medium to large Windows network (there are also OS X and Linux agents, if you need them) then it’s a great place to start.

  
• 

  Nokia Lumia 635 coming to AT&T

  Publié: juillet 16, 2014, 12:25pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Lumia 635 is one of the three Nokia-branded Windows Phone 8.1 devices announced so far. It is designed to compete in the low-end smartphone market, where it goes up against similarly-priced handsets from rival Android manufacturers. It is also the only device in its lineup to officially reach US shores, with T-Mobile being the first local mobile operator to announce its availability.

  But Lumia 635 will also be available at another US mobile operator. Starting July 25, AT&T will offer the Windows Phone 8.1 smartphone through its GoPhone prepaid service and, starting August 8, the device will also be available through the mobile operator's online and brick and mortar stores.

  The GoPhone version of Lumia 635 will cost $99.99, while the AT&T version will go for $139.99 off-contract, $7 per month with AT&T Next 12 or $5.84 per month with AT&T Next 18. To put things into perspective, through T-Mobile's MetroPCS subsidiary, Lumia 635 costs $99, while through the mobile operator's online and brick and mortar stores it goes for $168.

  As you can see, it's a wash between Lumia 635 at MetroPCS and GoPhone, but if you plan on going with the AT&T version, over the T-Mobile one, you will save $28.01. As far as specs go, there is not much to separate them, except, most likely, the mobile operator branding.

  Lumia 635 highlights include: 4.5-inch IPS display, glove-friendly, with a resolution of 480 by 854; 1.4 GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor; 512 MB of RAM; 1,830 mAh battery; 8 GB of internal storage; microSD card slot (can house cards up to 128 GB in size); 5 MP back-facing camera with 720p video recording (there is no front-facing camera, however); Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n; GPS with Glonass; Bluetooth 4.0 and USB 2.0. The physical dimensions are 129.5 x 66.7 x 9.2 mm and weight is 134 grams.

  
• 

  Choose bad passwords and reuse them often says Microsoft

  Publié: juillet 16, 2014, 11:59am CEST par Ian Barker

  

  Conventional security wisdom says that you should use complicated passwords which are impossible to remember and have a different one for each and every website that you visit.

  However, a new paper published this month by Microsoft Research says we should go back to having a bad, easily remembered, password and using it on lots of sites. Okay, that's a bit of a simplification, but what the researchers are saying is that in order to be able to remember the difficult passwords for your bank, etc it's better to reuse simpler passwords on low-risk sites.

  The report acknowledges the difficulties of having a large number of passwords and the benefits of reuse as a coping strategy. The authors say, "Despite violating long-standing password guidance, writing passwords down is, if properly done, increasingly accepted as a coping mechanism. Other strategies to cope with the human impossibility of using strong passwords everywhere without re-use include single sign-on, use of email-based password reset mechanisms, and password managers".

  However they point out that whilst password managers may reduce some risk they can be vulnerable to malware attacks either against the client device or cloud servers. Storing passwords only on the client also sacrifices portability.

  The research suggests dividing your passwords into two groups, the first those with high value and low probability of compromise and secondly accounts of low value and high compromise probability. The first group would include your bank, email accounts and so on. The second would be websites and forums where you perhaps need to sign in to comment but don't carry out financial transactions.

  The report’s conclusion is that, "...to be realistic, efficient password management should consider a realistic suite of attacks and minimize the sum of expected loss and user effort." It also says, "We note that while password re-use must be part of an optimal portfolio strategy, it is no panacea".

  You can read the full report on the Microsoft Research website. Meantime if you’d like to comment you can be safe in the knowledge it’s fine to sign in with a weak password that you've used on other sites.

  Image Credit: Africa Studio / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Tronsmart T1000 -- Media streaming on a budget [Review]

  Publié: juillet 16, 2014, 10:41am CEST par Ian Barker

  

  If you want to send images, videos or music to your TV from another device the obvious choice might seem to be Google's Chromecast. However it's not the only game in town, the Tronsmart may not be a name you've heard of but at $24.09 it's around $10 cheaper than Google's alternative, so is it worth considering?

  First impressions are good, it's made of a nice smooth matt plastic and the design is tidy if unexciting. The unit plugs directly into the HDMI port of your TV or projector and it offers 1080P resolution, though can be switched to 720P for older TVs. The T1000 will work with Android (including Kindle Fire HDX), iOS or Windows devices, you just need to download the right software.

  The T1000 is a bit bulky, so depending on the design of your TV you might need an HDMI extension cable to connect it comfortably. On the Hannspree set we used to test it for example a lip on the bottom edge meant that though you could connect the T1000 you didn't have room to plug in the combined USB and Wi-Fi antenna lead at the other end. It needs a USB connection for power so if your TV doesn’t have a USB port you'll also need a power adapter.

  Once you've downloaded the appropriate EzCast software for your client from the web you're ready to get started. Run the software and you can connect to the T1000, this is a bit frustrating if you're wirelessly connected to the internet as unless you have two adaptors you'll need to drop your web connection. However, once up and running you can connect the Tronsmart to your router so that it acts as an access point.

  

  The T1000 allows you to mirror the display from your Android mobile device or PC to the TV screen using Miracast so in theory anything that displays on your device you can show on your TV. This isn't yet available for iOS users though. Alternatively the EzCast app lets you use your device as a remote control to play local content to the TV.

  The printed instructions seem to have lost something in translation but the EzCast software is pretty straightforward once you get started.

  It's a little cheaper than a Chromecast and it's potentially more versatile as it supports more devices and has more options. But the setup is a bit fiddly and it's generally a less smooth user experience. It is cheap though so if you’re looking for a budget streaming device for occasional use it might be worth a look.

  The Tronsmart T1000 costs $24.09 (£14.84) from Gearbest.com.

  Photo Credit: Ian Barker

  
• 

  How to prepare a business for the Internet of Things

  Publié: juillet 16, 2014, 10:36am CEST par David Kloba

  

  If you follow what's trending in technology, you will by now know that the Internet of Things (IoT) is expected to create new possibilities for connected technologies, along with IT resource churn, as companies struggle to securely connect a deluge of devices, sensors and objects to the corporate network. According to IDC, there will be more than 212 billion devices connected to the web by 2020, including over 30 billion connected autonomous things.

  The IoT hype focuses on how Internet-connected cars, homes, offices, appliances and gadgets will transform how we work, play and live; sensors in water bottles, web-enabled tennis rackets and every kind of conceivable wearable will capture the spotlight.

  However, it's important to understand that simply connecting three or four devices per employee along with standard office equipment, such as printers, copiers, faxes and scanners, will have a profound effect on organizations and the IT people who support them. IT departments will be on the frontline of the IoT assault, especially when it comes to configuring, managing and updating all the devices that need to communicate and interact.

  Since the best defense is attack, IT should embrace the following top five best practices to prepare:

  Blend traditional systems and mobile management

  As more endpoints enter the workplace, there will be increased interdependencies that will create complexities and challenges for IT. It is important to recognize that smartphones and tablets have the same needs as laptops and desktops, in terms of passwords, profiles, patches and updates.

  When everything is connected to the Internet, the need to stay current with software patches and hardware upgrades will intensify tremendously. As a result, we'll soon see a convergence of mobile device and traditional systems management, as companies seek solutions to integrate, how to discover, deploy and maintain corporate- and employee-owned smartphones, tablets, cloud clients, laptops and desktops.

  Turn data into business knowledge

  Companies will need to become more rigorous around the collection of high-level data usage on devices. While IT may think it has a fairly accurate picture of the environment, it's conceivable that hundreds or even thousands of new devices could show up on the network seemingly overnight. This is especially true in environments where virtual machines are spun up without IT's involvement.

  Fine-grained management of all those endpoints typically requires separate, custom tools, which can lead to unnecessary management overheads. That's why it's extremely important to understand what level of information is needed most, so that it can be aggregated and collapsed into knowledge that fits the specific needs of the business.

  Unify management for heightened compliance

  Companies will need to be more diligent in paying attention to software licenses in an IoT world, as finding you're out of compliance during a software audit can be extremely costly and time-consuming. To avoid drowning in a sea of IoT data while easing usage and compliance reporting, companies should look for ways to consolidate and centralize systems management reporting.

  Elevate security and provide access to the right things

  There's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to security. IT managers must keep abreast of the latest security policies and devise plans for segregating parts of the network and environment to protect vital business systems without impacting workforce productivity or operational efficiency.

  Mobile security will continue to rise in importance as companies strive to achieve the lowest risk exposure. As part of a best practice approach, companies need to strike the right balance between managing users and all of their devices. For some organizations, secure mobile enablement will include container-based digital workspaces that separate access to corporate and personal data on BYO devices. Still, others will add user-centric identity and access management for additional management flexibility and protection.

  Not all IoT 'things' are created equal

  As devices of all kinds become prevalent in our everyday lives, they become more exposed to countless opportunities to be dropped, drenched or destroyed accidentally. As failure modes become more diverse and price points for devices become more attractive, companies and their employees likely will replace or upgrade smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktops with ever-increasing frequency. This means it will be necessary to adjust corporate break/fix and replacement strategies accordingly. If a mobile device is covered under warranty or the system isn't mission critical, then it will probably make more sense to replace it than devote precious IT resources to troubleshooting and fixing the problem.

  Preparing for IoT

  The best way to prepare for IoT is to start with a review of how endpoints are managed currently. Having broad device support across Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, iOS and Android platforms is a good starting point. The ability to discern gaps in coverage is essential as printers, monitors, network routers, scanners and other connected devices all play increasingly critical roles in an IoT world.

  Equally important is determining the depth of device data you can attain. Are you collecting enough of it to make informed business decisions? If you gather stats on 15 devices but don't know which versions or firmware they're running, you don't have sufficient insight. It's critical to dig deep for the right details while factoring in how often you need a sanity check on endpoint health and wellbeing.

  Retailers, for example, may require real-time or hourly assessments, whereas environments with less rigorous security and compliance demands may find that weekly reporting is adequate. Regardless, there are always tradeoffs when determining the breadth, depth and speed of your endpoint data.

  IT managers should look for opportunities to aggregate and consolidate endpoint systems management because managing disparate point solutions is only going to get harder as the number of connected devices mushrooms. They must also continue to seek flexible ways to deploy and scale endpoint systems management, as the brave new world of IoT will require embracing best practices and deploying best-of-class solutions to meet evolving user needs while driving maximum business value.

  David Kloba is the GM of endpoint systems management at Dell Software

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  IBM and Apple -- Just not that big a deal

  Publié: juillet 16, 2014, 10:31am CEST par Robert X. Cringely

  Given that I used to work for Apple and have lately been quite critical of IBM, readers are wondering what I think of Tuesday’s announcement of an iOS partnership of sorts between Apple and IBM. I think it makes good sense for both companies but isn’t a slam dunk for either.

  There are three aspects to this deal -- hardware, apps, and cloud services. For Apple the deal presents primarily a new distribution channel for iPhones and iPads. Apple can always use new channels, especially if they hold inventory and support customers who aren’t price-sensitive. Apple’s primary goal is to simply get more devices inside Big Business and this is a good way to do that.

  The apps will all be developed by IBM but will still sell through the App Store and will have to meet Apple’s quality standards. I guarantee you meeting those standards will be a problem for IBM, but that’s not Apple’s problem. In fact as far as I can tell Apple has few if any resources deployed on the app side so for them it’s almost pure profit. Who can argue with that?

  Cloud services for iOS are more complex and problematic. I’m doing a whole column shortly on IBM’s cloud strategy so I won’t go too deeply into it here, but let me point out a couple things. Apple has more data center space than does IBM, so it’s not like Cupertino needs IBM’s cloud capabilities. Apple is also a customer of Amazon Web Services, the largest cloud vendor of all. These facts suggest to me that this aspect of the deal is where fantasy hits reality. IBM wants iOS cloud services, not Apple. Big Blue dreams of iOS cloud dominance and they expect it will be fairly easy to accomplish, too. After all, they have a contract!

  But to Apple the cloud services are just a necessary expense associated with getting device distribution to IBM’s customers. If no cloud services actually appear or if they do appear but are useless, Apple won’t care. Same, frankly, for the IBM apps.

  This isn’t the first time Apple and IBM have worked together. In the dark days of John Sculley Apple created with IBM two software partnerships -- Taligent and Kaleida. Taligent was supposed to do an object-oriented and very portable operating system but ended up doing some useful development tools before being absorbed completely into IBM. Kaleida Labs did a CD-oriented media player that was superseded by the Internet and died within three years. I had friends who worked at both concerns and told me of the culture clashes between Apple and IBM.

  This new partnership will turn out differently from those. Apple will sell a ton of iPads and iPhones and IBM will make some money from that. IBM business apps will be less successful but there may be a few that appear. iOS cloud services from IBM won’t happen. More on that tomorrow.

  The result will be that Apple wins and IBM doesn’t lose, but neither company will be seriously affected by the other. It’s just not that big a deal.

  
• 

  Miniature Hero, Underpass, Badger, Rolling Thunder and Angry Pirate -- just some of GCHQ's secret spy programs

  Publié: juillet 16, 2014, 10:26am CEST par Paul Cooper

  

  The hacking and spying techniques of the UK's Government Communications headquarters (GCHQ) have been exposed in the latest leak by Edward Snowden. The wide-ranging techniques include invasive methods for online surveillance, as well as some of the very techniques that the US and UK have harshly prosecuted young online activists for employing, including distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks and "call bombing".

  The document is set out in a massive Wikipedia-style archive used by GCHQ to internally discuss its surveillance and online deception activities.

  GCHQ has refused to provide any comment beyond claiming that it acts "in accordance with a strict legal and policy framework" and is subject to "rigorous oversight".

  "It is a longstanding policy that we do not comment on intelligence matters," the spy organization said in a statement.

  "Furthermore, all of GCHQ's work is carried out in accordance with a strict legal and policy framework which ensures that our activities are authorized, necessary and proportionate, and that there is rigorous oversight, including from the secretary of state, the interception and intelligence services commissioners and the Parliamentary Intelligence and Security Committee".

  Alan Woodward, a security consultant who worked for GCHQ, said: "If you read the mission statement of any signals intelligence organization, all the listed techniques are what you'd expect them to be doing. But it's very unhelpful for the details to leak out because as soon as you reveal to people how something is being done they can potentially take steps to avoid their information being collected. We've already seen it happen when various forms of interception were revealed previously with the Snowden leaks".

  Last week, the UK government began pushing through legislation that requires phone and Internet companies to store information about customers' communications, and to hand it over to authorities on request.

  Here's a list of how JTRIG (Joint Threat Research Intelligence Group), a unit in GCHQ, describes its capabilities, replete with boastful spy codenames:

  • "Change outcome of online polls" (UNDERPASS)
  • "Mass delivery of email messaging to support an Information Operations campaign" (BADGER) and "mass delivery of SMS messages to support an Information Operations campaign" (WARPARTH)
  • "Disruption of video-based websites hosting extremist content through concerted target discovery and content removal" (SILVERLORD)
  • "Active Skype capability. Provision of real time call records (SkypeOut and SkypetoSkype) and bidirectional instant messaging. Also contact lists" (MINIATURE HERO)
  • "Find private photographs of targets on Facebook" (SPRING BISHOP)
  • "A tool that will permanently disable a target's account on their computer" (ANGRY PIRATE)
  • "Ability to artificially increase traffic to a website" (GATEWAY) and "ability to inflate page views on websites" (SLIPSTREAM)
  • "Amplification of a given message, normally video, on popular multimedia websites (YouTube)" (GESTATOR)
  • "Targeted Denial of Service against Web Servers" (PREDATORS FACE) and "Distributed denial of service using P2P. Built by ICTR, deployed by JTRIG" (ROLLING THUNDER)
  • "A suite of tools for monitoring target use of the UK auction site eBay (www.ebay.co.uk)" (ELATE)
  • "Ability to spoof any email address and send email under that identity" (CHANGELING)
  • "For connecting two target phones together in a call" (IMPERIAL BARGE)

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  Apple and IBM form unholy union -- Tim Cook shows weakness

  Publié: juillet 16, 2014, 2:26am CEST par Brian Fagioli

  

  For years, Steve Jobs fought the good fight against IBM and IBM compatibles. Heck, Apple was the anti-IBM. Sure, the fruit-logo company was out to make money, but not at any cost -- products and perception mattered. To many Apple enthusiasts, IBM was looked at as a dinosaur. Ultimately, IBM failed as a personal computer company, but thrives today offering services. The once mighty ThinkPad line is now property of the Chinese, by way of Lenovo. Apple stands strong in America.

  Boy oh boy, Jobs must be spinning in his grave. Today, Apple and IBM join forces to strengthen iOS for the enterprise. Make no mistake, this is not Apple throwing IBM a bone. No, IBM is the stronger enterprise brand lending legitimacy to the iPhone and iPad for business. Big Blue is hired muscle for Apple.

  "The new IBM MobileFirst for iOS solutions will be built in an exclusive collaboration that draws on the distinct strengths of each company: IBM's big data and analytics capabilities, with the power of more than 100,000 IBM industry and domain consultants and software developers behind it, fused with Apple's legendary consumer experience, hardware and software integration and developer platform. The combination will create apps that can transform specific aspects of how businesses and employees work using iPhone and iPad, allowing companies to achieve new levels of efficiency, effectiveness and customer satisfaction -- faster and easier than ever before", says Apple.

  Tim cook shows a sign of weakness by saying,“iPhone and iPad are the best mobile devices in the world and have transformed the way people work with over 98 percent of the Fortune 500 and over 92 percent of the Global 500 using iOS devices in their business today. For the first time ever were putting IBM's renowned big data analytics at iOS users’ fingertips, which opens up a large market opportunity for Apple. This is a radical step for enterprise and something that only Apple and IBM can deliver".

  Did you catch that? A three-letter word that signals fragility -- and. Cook says "something that only Apple and IBM can deliver". Whoa, you mean Apple cannot accomplish this on its own and needs to partner with IBM? Steve Jobs would never admit to such a thing. No, he would have spun it as if Apple was doing IBM a favor.

  The partners tout the following benefits of the union:

  • a new class of more than 100 industry-specific enterprise solutions including native apps, developed exclusively from the ground up, for iPhone and iPad;
  • unique IBM cloud services optimized for iOS, including device management, security, analytics and mobile integration;
  • new AppleCare service and support offering tailored to the needs of the enterprise; and
  • new packaged offerings from IBM for device activation, supply and management.

  Some may say this is no big deal and that Apple is being proactive in anticipation of a major grab for the enterprise. While the move may be smart, it signals a drastic departure for both companies of year's past. I mean come on, IBM is going to sell iPads and iPhones. Big Blue selling Apple computers? This is madness, people -- pure madness.

  What do you think of this partnership? Tell me in the comments.

  Photo credit: mayawizard101 / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Vimeo takes on FCC's proposed net neutrality legislation

  Publié: juillet 16, 2014, 1:32am CEST par Alan Buckingham

  

  The FCC is currently taking public comments on it proposed changes to net neutrality. The law, if passed, would create a two-tier system where ISPs would be able to charge a premium to certain companies, such as Netflix or YouTube, in order to prioritize traffic. Those who do not pay, or startups that simply can not afford to, would face the possibility of being slowed down.

  Many tech companies have, not surprisingly, spoken out against this possible change in legislation. The latest is video streaming service Vimeo -- a company that would likely be affected by the new law.

  "Under the FCC’s proposal, broadband providers like AT&T and Comcast could charge online companies like Vimeo to deliver traffic (such as video uploads and plays) to their customers in a timely manner. We think this will create a two-tiered Internet -- fast tubes for those who can afford to pay a hefty toll and slow tubes for everyone else -- and will ultimately harm innovation and creative expression", states Vimeo's Darnell Witt.

  There are many reasons this new proposal could cause problems. One of the biggest is the prospect of ISPs favoring their own content. Comcast, for instance owns TV and video services, and we've already seen proof that it is not above slowing down rivals like Netflix. Verizon and others also provide TV service to customers.

  "Yesterday, the Internet Association (whose members include Vimeo’s parent company, IAC, as well as Google, Facebook, Yahoo, Twitter, Reddit, and Netflix) submitted comments to the FCC", Witt continues.

  Vimeo is calling on users to leave comments at both the Electronic Frontier Foundation and Battle for the Net sites. Additionally, the FCC is taking public comments for a while longer, so be sure to make your voice heard. You can also watch the John Oliver video below for more information -- warning that the language is not all family friendly.

  Image Credit: mindscanner / Shutterstock

  
• 

  The coming Microsoft cultural revolution

  Publié: juillet 15, 2014, 7:42pm CEST par Robert X. Cringely

  Last week Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella took another step in redefining his company for the post-Gates/Ballmer era, sending a 3100-word positioning memo to every Microsoft employee and to the world in general. I found it a fascinating document for many reasons, some of them even intended by Nadella, who still has quite a ways to go to legitimately turn Microsoft in the right direction.

  We’re seeing a lot of this -- companies trying to talk their way into continued technology leadership. Well talk is cheap, and sometimes that’s the major point: it can be far easier to temporarily move customers and markets through the art of the press release than by actually embracing or -- better yet -- coming up with new ideas. We’re at that point to some extent with this Nadella message, which shows potential but no real substance. But I think this was not written for customers so much as for the very employees it is addressed to.

  It suggests to me a coming cultural revolution at Microsoft.

  Read his message (the link is in the first paragraph) and I’ll wait for you to come back.

  Wasn’t that slick? The major impression I got from this essay was that it had been highly polished, but then just look at Nadella with his perfect shirt and jacket and jeans. Tim Cook would love to look that good. The problem with polish is that it has to be underlaid with substance and this message is not, at least not yet.

  Nadella begins at the altar of innovation, a word that at Microsoft has traditionally meant stealing technology. Of course he is the company cheerleader to some extent but  Microsoft’s tradition of innovation is hard to even detect, much less celebrate or revive. This is revisionist history. Can he really believe it’s true?

  He calls on Microsoft to rediscover its soul. I didn’t know Microsoft had lost its soul, though some might argue the company didn’t really have one. But if we can accept that Microsoft has in recent years started to play more fairly, is rediscovering its soul good or bad?

  Nadella talks about "what only Microsoft can contribute to the world". I honestly don’t know what that means, do you?

  His message is of course a repudiation of Steve Ballmer’s Devices and Services strategy and of Steve, himself, which I see as VERY important. We’ve changed coaches so to start winning again we’ll change the labels, too. Services are still in there, devices, too, but something’s different -- "mobile-first and cloud-first".

  I don’t mean to be a pedant but which is it -- mobile first or cloud first? Only one thing can be first.

  The gist of this is that Nadella intends to keep Microsoft important to personal and organizational productivity by emphasizing, it seems, the coordination of information in a world where users have multiple devices and there are a growing number of devices independent from any user -- the so-called Internet of things.

  The obvious problem here is that for the first time in a long time Microsoft isn’t a leader in any of this. It is sometimes a strong player (and sometimes not, like in mobile) but is is not embracing what Bill Gates saw as the very essence of Microsoft -- establishing de facto standards. Windows is the top OS, but it’s pretty much ignored here. Same for Office. Xbox is a big success but it’s not the top game system and it hardly creates a de facto standard. Windows Server and .NET are solid players but not dominant in the old sense that Microsoft can threaten to pull a few APIs and destroy a developer’s world. Microsoft is just one of many companies in accounting and business intelligence.

  The reality here that Nadella -- to his credit -- at least alludes to, is that the playing field is now level, the score is 0-0 (or more likely 0-0-0-0-0) and for Microsoft to win it will have to play hard, play fair, and win on its merits. And that’s what leads into the discussion of culture and how the company will do anything it must to succeed. "Nothing is off the table", Nadella wrote. This is the most important part of the message and, indeed, is probably the only part that really matters.

  Microsoft has a shitload of money and thousands of good employees but it also has a corrosive management culture that tends to work against true innovation. Nadella’s biggest challenge is to change that culture. The next six months will be key. If it works, great. If it doesn’t, then there will be another CEO and another plan. Microsoft can probably afford to blow it another time or two, but that’s all. Good luck Satya. Time marches on.

  What do you think Microsoft is doing?

  
• 

  Google announces Project Zero, aims to protect users from attack

  Publié: juillet 15, 2014, 7:13pm CEST par Alan Buckingham

  

  Not many days pass without security being in the news in some form or another. Most of that news isn't good either. Services being attacked through vectors like DDoS, gaping holes in software that many people use everyday -- hello, Adobe and Java.

  Now Google is taking its own steps to try and protect users. The company has already implemented SSL for many of its services, but the latest push is against zero-day vulnerabilities.

  "Project Zero is our contribution, to start the ball rolling. Our objective is to significantly reduce the number of people harmed by targeted attacks. We're hiring the best practically-minded security researchers and contributing 100 percent of their time toward improving security across the Internet", says Google's Chris Evans.

  The search giant promises no bounds for the project and that the research will be done with transparency. "We'll use standard approaches such as locating and reporting large numbers of vulnerabilities. In addition, we'll be conducting new research into mitigations, exploitation, program analysis -- and anything else that our researchers decide is a worthwhile investment", Evans continues.

  This also means Google is in the market for employees in the security field. The company doesn't go into details about compensation, but does talk about rewards and a distraction-free work environment.

  Image Credit: Jirsak/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Surface Pro 3 users -- Microsoft will fix your Wi-Fi woes tomorrow (maybe)

  Publié: juillet 15, 2014, 6:50pm CEST par Brian Fagioli

  

  The Surface Pro 3 is quite possibly my favorite computer of all time. This is quite the amazing declaration, as I have used many. Besides its usability and high-end power, it is an awe-inspiring example of engineering. The fact that Microsoft has crammed all of that high-end tech into such a svelte chassis is nothing short of amazing.

  As great as the hardware is, all is not roses. Unfortunately, there has been a plague of Wi-Fi bugs to impact users. Bugs can be commonplace on new hardware, so this is not a massive scandal by any means. However, it is disappointing to the Microsoft-faithful who invested big money to get their hands on the unique hybrid computer. Problems with an internet connection is one of the most maddening, hair-pulling issues that there is. Luckily, the disappointment will be short lived -- the company will be fixing it tomorrow -- for some users at least.

  "On Wednesday, July 16, we will issue our second July update for Surface Pro 3 Wi-Fi. Collectively, these updates address the great majority of customer feedback around Wi-Fi consistency. If you are experiencing Wi-Fi connection inconsistency, we strongly recommend that you download and install this update; we have been using this update and have seen an improved experience", says Microsoft.

  The company touts the following fixes in the update:

  • Limited Connectivity after exiting Connected Standby
  • Limited Connectivity after exiting Hibernate
  • Limited Connectivity during active use

  Unfortunately, not all issues will be fixed. Some users encountering no Wi-Fi in the charms bar or dropped and slow connections will have to wait for a future update -- boo! Don't worry though, Microsoft seems intent on remaining vigilant until all Wi-Fi woes are fixed.

  My personal issue is that when I connect to an Apple Airport Extreme AC router, I get no internet access. I must disconnect and reconnect every time to get access. On the second connect, it works flawlessly until I reboot. Hardly a deal-breaker, it only takes a few seconds, but I am fearful that I may fall into the category of users that won't have their problem fixed tomorrow.

  Are you having Wi-Fi issues on your Surface Pro 3? Tell me about it in the comments.

  Photo credit: PathDoc/ Shutterstock

  
• 

  Nokia Lumia Cyan firmware upgrade finally rolls out

  Publié: juillet 15, 2014, 5:02pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Today, Microsoft announces that the highly-anticipated Nokia Lumia Cyan firmware upgrade, that comes with Windows Phone 8.1 in tow, is now finally rolling out across the globe for the existing Nokia-branded Windows Phone 8 lineup.

  Windows Phone 8.1 will officially arrive on all Lumia Windows Phone 8 devices "in the coming weeks", according to Microsoft. Previously, Lumia users had to join the Preview for Developers program -- which offers early access to new Windows Phone releases, including betas -- in order to get the latest version of the tiled operating system on their Windows Phone 8 devices. Here is what Nokia Lumia Cyan offers.

  On top of what Windows Phone 8.1 brings to the table, the Nokia-branded firmware adds new and updated apps, like Nokia Camera, Nokia Creative Studio and Nokia Storyteller, which offer imaging improvements, better photo-editing tools, and more picture-sharing options, respectively. There is also Nokia Device Hub, which features a list of all connected accessories with their last-used location for easy tracking.

  Lumia devices which have come with HERE Drive, like the popular Lumia 520, and Lumia 720, now get a free upgrade to HERE Drive+. The main advantage is the ability to use the navigation app, with turn-by-turn directions, globally, instead of just the country where the user resides.

  Smartphones like Lumia 1520 and Lumia Icon also get improvements the audio quality of recorded videos, courtesy of Nokia Rich Recording and Dolby Digital Plus 5.1, as well as better image quality, as detailed in a story I wrote previously.

  You can check the availability of the Nokia Lumia Cyan firmware upgrade by hitting this support page. In North America and Europe, for instance, it is listed as "Under testing" for all Windows Phone 8 devices. Unless this changes soon, it might take a while before it is finally available to install.

  
• 

  The PC: A companion device for your smartphone

  Publié: juillet 15, 2014, 4:20pm CEST par Randall C. Kennedy

  

  New in stores: It’s the "Personal Computer" -- the ultimate companion device for your smartphone or phablet!

  Ever wished your mobile device had a larger screen? Or that there was a better way to input long documents than tapping tiny little virtual keys on a slab of glass (or sapphire)? Well, then you’re a perfect candidate for PC ownership.

  A PC is like your smartphone -- only bigger! It has its own processor (typically dual-core or better); its own internal storage (several hundred GB is common); a really big screen (you can almost see the pixels); and a physical keyboard that lets you type like the wind (you use your fingers)!

  Skeptics Abound

  Now, I know what you’re thinking: Why would you want to lug around such a big, heavy device? After all, your smartphone puts the world in the palm of your hand. It has the best apps, the best games -- heck, it’s the center of the tech innovation universe!

  And what about your data? How will you keep the work you do on your companion PC consistent with the original versions on your mobile device?

  The answer is "the cloud". Yes, PCs aren’t just bigger -- they’re also cloud-connected! Everything you do on your companion PC can be synchronized back to your mobile device through one of several available cloud services. So when you go into that big meeting and pull out your smartphone, the changes you made on your PC are right there in the original file.

  But what about ecosystems? Are there enough apps available to make a companion PC truly useful?

  In a word, yes. The PC app ecosystem has been growing steadily in recent years. Many popular productivity tools, like Microsoft Office, are now available on leading PC platforms (though in a less efficient, touch-unfriendly format). And while you won’t find certain critical apps on a PC (Snapchat and Instagram are notably missing), the devices do come with fairly capable web browsers that let you visit many of these services through their legacy "web" interfaces. Just be realistic with your expectations and you’ll do fine.

  Sound exciting? Then read-on for some valuable tips on choosing the right companion PC.

  Buying Into the Companion PC Vision

  When shopping for a companion PC, platform selection is critical. If you’re an Apple user, a Macbook running OS X will feel right at home. The underlying platform is a close cousin of the company’s popular iOS platform, although one that’s based on an earlier, less-refined architecture. Expect to pay a premium for these devices since they tend to hew closely to the superficial (yet polished) design aesthetic that made you buy into Apple’s iDevice ecosystem in the first place.

  If you’re primarily an Android user, PCs running Linux will feel the most familiar. As with OS X and iOS, Linux is an early, less-refined precursor to today’s Android OS. Like Android, it’s full of hidden tweaks and hacks that make tinkering with your environment a real adventure. Just be careful to read the MAN pages before recompiling your kernel.

  And finally, if you’re one of those odd ducks running Windows Phone (or RT, or whatever they’re calling it lately), you’ll want to check out PCs running Microsoft’s "Windows" (NOT Phone/RT). A distant cousin of Windows Phone, Microsoft’s Windows for PCs traces its roots back to the pre-mobile era of minicomputers and other technological dinosaurs.

  But be forewarned: Windows can be a bit schizophrenic as it tries (unsuccessfully) to graft touch UI concepts onto a non-touch user environment. The result can feel rather disjointed, though rumor has it the company will be scaling back this aspect in future versions. For now, if you can tolerate the platform’s funky UI -- and its insistence on dumping all your data into Microsoft’s obscure "OneDrive" cloud service -- you may find a Windows-based PC is a solid companion for your (undoubtedly sad and lonely) Windows Phone device.

  Of course, no matter which companion PC platform you decide on, you’ll need to master some basic UI concepts. For example, there’s the "mouse" (think your finger, but with buttons and stuff), or in some cases, a "trackpad" (like a small, secondary touchscreen, again with buttons). And, of course, those gorgeous physical keys (not to be confused with the nearly extinct "BlackBerry" variety). Did I mention you use your fingers (all of them)?

  In conclusion, if you’re finding your smartphone or phablet’s 5-6 inch screen a bit cramped, you really should check out one of the above described companion PC platforms. A companion PC has the potential to greatly expand your mobile device’s functionality (if not its capabilities) through a larger screen, more storage and a physical keyboard.

  And if you’re worried about having to master yet another platform UI, don’t fret: The next generation of companion PCs are rumored to do away with the local OS entirely. Think a seamless extension of your mobile environment to a big screen format, with a physical keyboard and other expansion options -- all powered by the Internet of Things.

  Now that’s the companion PC device I want!

  Image Credit: Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock

  
• 

  How to unlock the bootloader on your Sony Xperia

  Publié: juillet 15, 2014, 4:18pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Unlocking the bootloader is not a task most Android users may want or need to undertake, as it comes with its fair share of risks, but it is paramount for those who want to install a different distribution, load a faster kernel, use a third-party recovery and so on. I personally prefer to turn off all the nannies on every Android device I own, as it makes way for quick modifications.

  While not all manufacturers allow users to unlock the bootloader on their devices, there are a couple of vendors which believe this should be possible, and straightforward. Among them is Sony, known for its modder-friendly attitude, which has just improved its dedicated online tool for Xperia smartphones and tablets. And here is how easy it is to use.

  To start, you need to open Sony's Unlock your boot loader page. At the bottom, select your Xperia device from the list of compatible devices, then type in your email address to get the needed code. You will have to validate this address, so check your inbox.

  Then simply type in the IMEI number of your Xperia device, and hit the Submit button. The code that unlocks the bootloader will arrive via email. After that happens, simply use it as instructed to complete the process.

  There are a couple of caveats with this tool, however. First off, the online tool does not work with all models of a compatible Xperia device (I can only presume that mobile operator-branded models are excluded). Second, this may or may not void the warranty. And finally third, Sony says that a service fee may apply if it "does perform any warranty repairs", due to the "modified software".

  
• 

  Tellwise improves customer engagement with smart messages

  Publié: juillet 15, 2014, 3:19pm CEST par Ian Barker

  

  Effective sales campaigns are all about personalizing the message so that it's relevant to the customer. But generating this content can be time consuming.

  Sales communication specialist Tellwise is launching a new Smart Message feature that helps sales professionals to more effectively communicate in a multi-channel and multi-device world.

  Smart Message lets sales professionals generate a highly personalized content and collaboration portal for each of their customers as easily as creating an email. The messages can also be shared across social media sites like LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook all from the same dashboard. This allows companies to stay in touch with a highly mobile and socially connected customer base.

  They allow the sender to monitor how well a campaign is working as well thanks to intelligent notifications, collaboration features and behavioral analytics. A new interface lets sales staff manage all communications from one screen, putting sales reps in charge of their own campaigns.

  "Today the sales journey is now defined by the buyer. We target helping our customers speed up the sales process while making interactions more meaningful by understanding the buyer point of view," says Conrad Bayer, co-founder and CEO of Tellwise. "As part of making communicating as simple as possible for both parties, we added these social, smart messaging capabilities to create a better multi-channel experience and help both parties get what they need in a more efficient manner".

  The software allows existing content to be embedded and then promoted to almost any channel from a single location. It works across multiple devices too, allowing content to be delivered in mobile-friendly layouts.

  Tellwise with Smart messages is delivered on software as a service form priced on a per user, per month basis. For more information visit the company's website.

  Photo Credit: EDHAR/Shutterstock

  
• 

  gPlus: A Google+ client for Windows Phone you can enjoy using

  Publié: juillet 15, 2014, 3:18pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Windows Phone developers should be commended for the great job they are doing with third-party apps, which are, sometimes, even superior to the real deal. But, while they cover quite a few popular services, like Dropbox, Gmail or YouTube, I have yet to come across a competent client for Google+. For some reason, all Windows Phone apps I have tried either did not work as advertised or were acting as a wrapper for the mobile site.

  As a result I have stopped trying to use Google+ altogether on Windows Phone, switching over to my laptop or tablet whenever I want to reach followers on the social network. But, thanks to G.T.F.O. Productions and its gPlus app, that might change.

  The publisher says the app is the first native Google+ client to arrive on Windows Phone. And indeed it looks and feels like one, employing the Windows Phone design language throughout its interface. Posts and controls are easy to read and use, respectively, even on a smartphone with a smaller display.

  G.T.F.O. Productions also says gPlus has more than 9000 features to offer -- yes, that number is indeed quite high -- among which the ability to create and edit posts (which are to be expected from any such app), upload pictures, navigate communities, search, and receive notifications. I, however, do not believe gPlus can actually brew coffee, even though its publisher says it can. I am still waiting for my cup!

  There are users who are reporting various issues with gPlus -- authentication problems stand out (I have to enter a security code each time I open the app, for instance) -- but in my brief testing I have found it to offer an enjoyable experience, more so than any other Google+ client for Windows Phone. It looks like until Google releases the official app -- if it ever does -- gPlus is your best bet for interacting on its social network.

  gPlus is available to download from Windows Phone Store.

  
• 

  1 million users affected by CNET.com hack

  Publié: juillet 15, 2014, 11:59am CEST par Mark Wilson

  

  News and review website CNET has been targeted by a team of Russian hackers called W0rm. CNET's servers were hit over the weekend, but details have only just been released.

  Although CNET has not given a concrete confirmation of exactly what happened, the site explains that a representative of W0rm claims to have stolen a database containing the usernames and passwords of over a million users. It seems a security hole in the Symfony PHP framework was exploited, and it is not yet clear what the fallout could be.

  On Twitter, user @rev_priv8, a W0rm representative whose profile description reads "Research & Development", taunted CNET with a message and picture apparently showing the database source code:

  https//w0rm.in/cnet.com.tar.gz cnet hacked, here is src of www. pic.twitter.com/ggkaNF3VfE

  — w0rm (@rev_priv8) July 12, 2014

  A Direct Message conversation followed an invitation to get in touch:

  #cnet i have good protection system for u, ping me.

  — w0rm (@rev_priv8) July 14, 2014

  If the conversation is to be believed, the hacks appears to have been a bid to highlight security issues rather than to make money. CNET asked whether anyone was interested in buying the database. To which came the broken-English response: "Yes. But I principled that something would not sell it if rasprostronenie [distribute] source code -- a step to improve safety. SNET [sic] sale bd for me crime, information about the sale move to the aggravation of the situation around hacking". There was apparently a threat to sell the database for a single Bitcoin, but this was merely to gain attention.

  So is there cause for concern? The problem has now been resolved, and CNET quotes Robert Hansen of White Hat Security as saying "CNET readers might not be at risk". This in itself may not sound particularly reassuring, but he goes on to say "W0rm was careful not to give the full path to the actual exploit, and informed the general public that the compromise occurred".

  
• 

  The new technologies IT departments need to embrace

  Publié: juillet 15, 2014, 11:52am CEST par Ian Barker

  

  In the past IT departments have always been about crunching numbers and processing data. But emerging technologies are beginning to take IT into unfamiliar areas that in turn have an impact on the wider operation of the business.

  Research specialist Gartner has identified six areas that it sees as potentially being adopted by business and which CIOs need to consider.

  Speaking at Gartner's CIO Forum in China this week vice president and Gartner Fellow Hung LeHong says, "The IT organization is used to owning and supporting 'back office' and infrastructure technologies. Digital business technologies support the 'front office' and operations and may be emerging technologies that are not commonly part of the IT agenda".

  The six areas Gartner says CIOs need to consider are; the internet of things, 3D printing, human augmentation and wearables, robotics and autonomous machines, cognitive machines, and cybersecurity.

  "Regardless of the eventual stance, we believe CIOs should have an opinion, and should participate in innovating and in testing the business cases for these technologies in the early stages," says LeHong.

  The internet of things is likely to create tensions between different business areas according to Gartner, but as there are few legacy deployments IT departments and CIOs have the chance to influence outcomes and contribute to technology selections at the outset.3D printing has a potential to transform business that Gartner says shouldn’t be underestimated. It can for example disrupt the supply chain by eliminating the need to import components.

  Wearable technology can improve employee effectiveness, safety and health. However, bring-your-own-wearable issues will need clear policies. CIOs therefore need to consider human, legal, social and ethical issues, particular for future technologies that may involve things like implants or brain interfaces.

  Robotics have been used in manufacturing industry for a long time. However, new lower cost machines with better sensors are taking robots into new areas. This may lead to reduced downtime, labor savings and more. This goes a stage further with cognitive machines that may be capable of taking over simple decision making tasks that once needed human input. They may have a role in initial problem diagnosis for example which means their use has an impact on the front line operation of the business.

  Finally Gartner identifies cybersecurity. Although not a technology in itself this will have a greater impact as innovation moves into more areas of operation. Security responsibility for these areas will need to be addressed in the same way as IT security. Gartner sees a deeper integration developing between IT and physical security, infrastructure and services.

  "The extent to which CIOs will 'own', operate and support digital business technologies is undefined, so the time is right to evaluate and pioneer new approaches," says LeHong.

  More analysis can be found in the report How CIOs Need to Think About Digital Business Technologies on Gartner's website.

  Photo Credit: nopporn/Shutterstock

  
• 

  120 Sports brings free sports programming to Android

  Publié: juillet 15, 2014, 10:54am CEST par Mike Williams

  

  Sports programming network 120 Sports has announced that its free app is now available in the Google Play store.

  Already available for iOS, the (US-only) 120 Sports app offers what the company calls "hosted programming delivering timely narratives of the stories across every sport, featuring breaking news, video highlights and live look-ins, all integrated with social conversation, expert analysis and a new production style focused on the digital generation".

  Essentially it’s a configurable sports news show. Launch the app and you’re presented with thumbnails and headlines representing the latest stories, in chronological order. Tap an image to watch a two minute report on the topic, with video footage, a studio discussion, and maybe some related tweets.

  Alternatively, just search for whatever sport, event or athlete you’re following, and you can receive notifications whenever a matching story appears.

  There’s much more content than you’d expect, because 120 Sports is a serious network, with some big players: Time Inc./Sports Illustrated, Chicago-based digital sports media company Silver Chalice, MLB.com, the NHL, the PGA Tour, NBA, NASCAR and more.

  It’s not all good news. 120 Sports is much more about video coverage than text, so you can’t catch up on the news by just glancing at a few lead paragraphs. There are some big banner ads, and it seems to be only available in the US (although if you’re elsewhere in the world, 120sports.com may be visible from a desktop).

  The app is free, however, with a lot of content, and if you’re a sports fan then it’s definitely worth a try.

  
• 

  40 percent of smartphones will have flexible displays by 2018

  Publié: juillet 15, 2014, 9:13am CEST par Alysia Judge

  

  A new report suggests that smartphone manufacturers will be bending over backwards to create flexible screens in the next few years.

  According to market research firm DisplaySearch, flexible smartphones will constitute 40 percent of the global smartphone market in 2018. That's a whopping increase from just 0.2 percent in 2013.

  At the same time, it's predicted that the annual average demand for wearable devices will skyrocket by 22 percent between 2013 and 2018 from less than 200 million units to 500 million according to Allied Business Intelligence (ABI) research.

  The research sits nicely with predictions by Samsung last year, who said that the "key word" associated with the mobile display market is about to enter a paradigm shift. In the early 2000s we were excited by color, between 2005 and 2014 we've been focusing on resolution, but Samsung now believes the word on everyone's lips from now on will be "flexibility".

  Samsung also forecast that wearable displays will evolve from having bent panels, to foldable panels, to stretchable panels as the ultimate goal.

  From a cynic's perspective, it could be argued that of course Samsung would say that. It's well known that the Korean company has barreled into this flexible future at full pelt, investing significant amounts of money in manufacturing bendy screens.

  For example, Samsung Display has been targeting the high-end smartphone market, launching the Samsung Galaxy Round at the end of last year in a mad rush to steal the title of "World's First Curved Smartphone" manufacturer.

  However, this is by no means a one horse race. LG recently released the LG G Flex, a smartphone that we loved for its innovation and battery life but marked down for poor quality screen and expensive price tag.

  Are you sold on the idea of a flexible smartphone? Let us know in the comment section below.

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  Microsoft could make humans obsolete with Project Adam

  Publié: juillet 15, 2014, 4:09am CEST par Brian Fagioli

  

  The human brain is an enigma. No one knows how it works in its entirety. Sure, scientists have some understanding, but there are still mysteries to discover. While one should never say "never", I am dubious that the brain will ever be fully understood. Still, the possibility of impossibility should never deter the human desire for knowledge. In other words, scientists should forever try to deconstruct and understand the mind, even if it proves to be fruitless.

  Ultimately, one of the major motivations of understanding the brain is to recreate and ultimately surpass its power. It has been the dream of many scientists to create artificial intelligence that exceeds a human's. Today, Microsoft announces Project Adam -- an attempt at duplicating the power of the human mind with computers. Could the name "Adam" be shedding light on a parallel with the character from the biblical Adam and Eve story?

  Microsoft says, "Project Adam is a new deep-learning system modeled after the human brain that has greater image classification accuracy and is 50 times faster than other systems in the industry". The potential of this project is limitless, but there is a creepiness-factor when it comes to modeling technology after something sacred, like the human mind. Regardless of whether you are religious or not, it is a fair question to ask -- should man be playing god and attempting to create such a high level of artificial intelligence?

  In the above video highlighting the project, Microsoft shows-off some potential usage cases. In one example, a man's smartphone camera scans a doughnut, and it instantly displays nutritional values. This is far more advanced than scanning bar-codes on boxes of food. This is detecting the type of food, its weight and mass.

  In another example, a woman has a scary mark on her arm. Of course, a fear is that it could be skin cancer. Rather than worry and pay a fortune to visit a doctor, her smartphone camera can detect if it may be cancerous and can warn her to visit a doctor.

  In the short term, this deep-learning technology sounds awesome. Teaching software to do human activities? Amazing. However, in the long term, it is worrying that software and machines could ultimately surpass humans in being human. While a human's education and learning ends when he or she dies, a computer or machine can live forever with maintenance -- its learning could last an eternity. Government spying is already an issue. What happens when citizens and the internet are monitored using computers that can think as a human? The human being could find itself obsolete.

  Could we end up like Mr. Wordsworth from the classic Twilight Zone "The Obsolete Man"? Tell me your thoughts in the comments.

  
• 

  Ashampoo Photo Commander 12 released, extends cloud storage support

  Publié: juillet 15, 2014, 4:02am CEST par Mike Williams

  

  Ashampoo has unveiled Ashampoo Photo Commander 12 for Windows, a major update for its comprehensive photo management, editing and sharing tool.

  Smarter access to cloud services means the program now offers 1-click copy-move operations to Dropbox, Google Drive and OneDrive.

  You’re able to send selected photos via webmail, directly from the Photo Commander Browser (Google Mail, Yahoo Mail and Mail.ru are supported), and as before you can upload your photos to Facebook, YouTube and Picasa.

  Enhanced file format includes the ability to read-write PSD and WEBP files, open multi-page PDFs, and work with many more RAW variants.

  A much-improved vector editor now supports curved arrows, curved and multi-point lines, custom outline styles, gradient fills, smarter access to object styles and far more intuitive editing controls.

  A Color Accent effect allows you to click on one color and have that remain, while everything else is greyed out. Manual white balance similarly alters the white balance of your photo based on a single click, while you’re now able to select and cut out an object from a photo, make parts of an image transparent, or exchange transparent areas with another photo.

  Elsewhere, you get import synchronization (the program remembers photos it has imported before), completely redesigned Wallpaper and Slideshow wizards, smarter use of hardware acceleration, more greeting card designs, and a redesigned, faster image browser with multiple monitor support.

  Ashampoo Photo Commander 12 is priced at $49.99 for new users, $19.99 for owners of a previous version. It runs on every version of Windows from XP up, and an unrestricted 40 day trial build is available now.

  
• 

  Windows Phone 8.1: Why I ditched Android and couldn't be happier

  Publié: juillet 14, 2014, 10:01pm CEST par Derrick Wlodarz

  

  Of all the mobile platforms out there, Windows Phone 8.1 was literally the absolute last option I ever thought I would land upon. I had a burning hatred for Windows on the mobile side, seeing that I was forced into using a Pocket PC 6700 (Windows Mobile 5) years ago while working for a former employer. To say that experience soured my opinion of Windows Mobile is an understatement.

  Frankly, and I don't care what the diehards say, Windows for phones prior to Windows Phone 8 should very well be erased from memory for anyone who had to deal with it. From unintuitive interface design, to cludgy touchscreen navigation with a stylus, it was a Picasso of a mobile OS for exactly all the wrong reasons.

  When some of my technology minded friends (who are now Android heads, go figure) attempted to get me to take another look at Windows Mobile a few years back, I absolutely refused. After my PPC 6700 nightmare of years before, I made a conscious decision to never wade into Windows Mobile territory ever again. And for many years, I upheld my promise.

  But as we very well know, Windows Phone 8.1 is a vastly different beast from what Windows Mobile of the mid 2000s exemplified. The terrible battery life was gone. The interface matched the ebb and flow of Windows 8, which I actually find intuitive. And the app experience finally resembled clean design that a mobile phone deserves -- not Windows desktop apps miniaturized for a 4" screen as was previously the case.

  

  My first (and formerly promised, last) experience with the Windows smartphone platform was back in 2006 on a Pocket PC 6700 device. This pile of cr*p ran a terrible excuse for a mobile OS, Windows Mobile 5.0. It was a pseudo-Windows XP interface with the stability of Windows 98. Yes, using Task Manager to kill frozen apps was a near daily necessity. I vowed never to touch Windows on a phone again. Luckily I broke that promise and gave Microsoft a second chance. (Image Source: The Unwired)

  So after giving Android a try for a few years, sporting a Galaxy S2 and finally a Galaxy S3, I gave Microsoft the benefit of the doubt and dove head first into rogue OS territory. Since I am on T-Mobile in the US, my best option late last year was a Nokia Lumia 925 that came with Windows Phone 8 in stock form.

  Since then, I have already updated to Windows phone 8.1 in the Developer Preview program and have been on the new OS for a few months at this point. More thoughts on the latest iteration of the OS follow below.

  Yet I am certain one big mental hump needs to be resolved before I can go into the things I love (and the few I don't) about Windows Phone 8.1.

  Why the heck would I switch from Android to what some call a lesser platform, namely in popularity and selection of apps? Am I crazy?

  Android, iPhone, BlackBerry: Been There, Done That

  I'm not here to give Android the brunt of bad opinion when it comes to mobile OSes. It happens to be the previous mobile OS I was on for roughly two years, but it isn't by any means the sole prior platform I've got experience with. The last thing I need is the BlackBerry or iPhone army pegging me with "why didn't you try our camp?"

  At this point, since my last six months on Windows Phone, I can proudly say that I've given all the major mobile OSes more than a fair shake. OK, barring BB 10 -- but I think we can all agree BB 10 has a much larger hill to climb than Windows Phone 8.1 in terms of mindshare. So let's shelve that platform for now.

  But as far as the major options are concerned, I was a BlackBerry faithful (and quite happy one, too) up until my final BB handset, the Torch 9810. I always lauded BB as having one of the best battery life offerings of any phone I've worked with. It was hard not to chuckle when my Android friends always complained about having to plug in every 8-12 hours to charge up.

  BlackBerry in the waning OS 7 days was nothing excellent, but met my needs. I was never an app-aholic so I was used to a truncated app selection. My biggest needs were always a solid typing experience, clean form factor, and I was in love with physical keyboards on the BB devices -- the slider keyboards on many Android devices of the 2009-2011 timeframe were quite cruddy in my opinion.

  Once word started rumbling that BB 10 was taking over soon, I decided to jump ship and give Android a try. I started off on a Galaxy S2, and then when the girlfriend needed to upgrade phones, she took my S2 and I moved myself to an S3. Both phones were exceptional in many areas, the biggest one being app selection.

  But Androids have two nasty thorns in their side which many enthusiasts glaze over. The first is their propensity to have subpar battery life unless you opt for one of the gargantuan handsets like a Note 3. Not everyone wishes to carry around a phablet just to achieve day long battery life. I think Google has a long way to go in optimizing battery usage in the Android system, because it seems ages behind especially compared to what I saw on BlackBerry OS 5/6/7 (which happens to be heavily based around Java as well!)

  The other, more nagging, nasty edge is the mess that I saw first hand when it came to OS version selection, namely in the form of both first party carrier-driven OS updates and third party ROMs. I think the open source nature of Android is excellent in theory -- but it fails in the real world, running into many of the same harder-than-it-should-be qualms as the Linux platform does on computers.

  Take my experience on the Galaxy S3, for example. I was routinely multiple versions behind what Google was showcasing in press events for the latest Android releases, because as they claim, the carriers were holding up versions. OK, fair enough, I know they aren't the nicest parties when it comes to keeping us up to date.

  But I routinely updated my old BlackBerry devices on my own using official OS releases from other carriers without issue. It usually took me a mere 20 mins entailing a USB cable, the OS release image, and a helper tool to load on the OS. There was no special magic behind it, as is seemingly needed on the Android side.

  The same dilemma on the Android side is a far bigger mess, and I don't care what the ROM community says at this point. Their disconnect from the "average user" (I am an IT Pro, but I have zero interest in becoming an Android ROM enthusiast) was fully on display in my trials and tribulations in not only trying to find a good ROM, but worse, trying to install it myself.

  Since I a huge fan of Wi-Fi calling and cannot live without it at this point (an area that iPhone has until recently lacked in, I should mention) finding a proper S3 ROM that doesn't strip out Wi-Fi calling is a major pain in the rear. ROM developers claim that Samsung wraps Wi-Fi calling into its Touchwiz underpinnings, meaning that a ROM developer has to either layer on top of it or remove Touchwiz entirely.

  It's all dev speak to me; the end user side of me doesn't care to wade through the intricacies of this menial technical discussion for Android enthusiasts.

  I settled on going with a ROM called Dandroid, which was a clean rip of stock Android that didn't remove Wi-Fi calling. Loading it onto my phone was a whole other story! I had to wade through leagues of half-baked instructions spread across numerous websites in how to unlock my phone, install recovery software, and on and on and on. After over 10 hours of research and two near "bricking" instances of my phone (code word for destroying your handset), I ended up with a workable Dandroid installation.

  After thinking that I learned the process well enough to do my own upgrades, I was quite wrong. As Android versions underneath the ROM continued to move up, there was discussion that users needed to update their radio files and other critical aspects stripped apart from Dandroid, and this required more fine tuned labor. I dropped my endeavors with Android ROMs and decided to stay put on that release.

  For a platform that prides itself on openness and ease of customization, it couldn't be this hard, I was convinced. But when my Android enthusiast friends who are also IT pros had just as much of a struggle getting a ROM onto my girlfriend's S2, I knew I wasn't alone. Even the experts were having trouble, and that's a bad sign.

  For as large as the Android community supposedly is, does it make rational sense that it could be that difficult to install and maintain a custom ROM on your phone? If it took myself ten hours, as an IT pro no less, to take my first stab, how could this community expect the average user to ever take advantage of the supposed endless wonders of Android ROMs?

  I don't think the majority will, or do. So they are forever forced into using bloated stock ROMs full of bloatware you can't remove (like Zynga and Dropbox, the few nasties I recall refusing to uninstall on my stock S3). In turn, Android will continue to get a bad rap for battery life on most handsets aside from the beasts like the Note series that overcompensate for poor software battery utilization in exchange for monstrous battery sizes.

  Just like the Linux community before them, the Android ROM community is full of those who are too entrenched with the wonders and joys of coding and modding, with a complete disconnect from the user base they will never be able to reach. The average user, the beginning IT enthusiast, the teenager who hears all the joys of Android ROMs.

  I own a Google Nexus 10 tablet and the OS situation on that device is excellent. I don't have to worry about ROMs to stay up to date. But it's sad that you have to pick between Nexus and every-other-device in order to make a decision about your OS updates for the future.

  Google's best asset (Android) happens to be its own worst enemy in my eyes, and they need to seriously clean up the mess surrounding its ecosystem. Until then, I'm staying far away from the Android ecosystem for the time being. Its promises of openness and flexibility are only skin deep -- unless you're willing to stay tunnel-visioned on the Nexus line.

  

  On the Android side, I had to always make a decision: handset freedom (Galaxy line) or easy OS update capability (Nexus line). Microsoft doesn't force me into such boxes with Windows Phone. The Lumia line of devices come in an awesome variety of shapes, sizes, and colors and they nearly all receive similar treatment of access to the latest edition of WP through the Developer Preview program. Goodbye, Android ROM hell, I won't miss you. (Image Source: WinSupersite)

  As for the iPhone, I spent a good one month stint on an iPhone 4 a few years back in between phones. I did it moreso as an experiment to see what I was possibly missing on the Apple side. Seemingly, it wasn't much. Of all the smartphones I've used, Apple's iPhone was one of the most lackluster experiences to date.

  There was a complete lack of multitasking; the screen was way too small for a touch keyboard (I have fat fingers); and the battery life was nothing amazing.

  Apple was always a holdout with never allowing Wi-Fi calling until very recently, so this was a big item lacking in my eyes. I also felt that the OS ran a bit sluggish on the device. I don't recall what OS version I had the device on, but it was noticeably slow in many respects like switching to and from apps. Perhaps I should have given a 4S or 5 a try, but I don't see much progress on the iPhone side to warrant another trial; especially with how happy I am on Windows Phone now.

  For all the accolades Apple gets about masterful interface design, I truly felt that iPhone was (and still is) stuck in the past with its interface. Rows and rows of bland icons (now slightly enhanced with folders I should add) don't do much in the face of what Android and especially Windows Phone are doing for their UIs.

  As is pretty clear by now, my settling on Windows Phone 8.1 as my favorite mobile OS so far isn't a conclusion reached through a lack of awareness or trials on the other platforms. I've touched them all in some form or fashion, and while Android met most of my needs, I've since been even happier on Windows Phone.

  The Windows Phone App Gap: Becoming Irrelevant From Multiple Angles

  The biggest, and most widespread, complaint against Windows Phone continues to be a constant harping on the fact that Win Phone doesn't have the million-app counts that Google and Apple's ecosystems enjoy. While there is something to be said for the most popular apps that people enjoy on other platforms daily, after a certain point, this becomes moreso a battle of the numbers and not one of a detrimental user experience due to a lack of ample selection.

  Why do I say this? Because even as app store counts continue to balloon on the Apple and Android sides, this isn't translating into a related rise in the average number of apps used per person. In fact, there is almost no zero documented rise in the average used app count per person according to the latest numbers from Nielsen.

  According to Neilsen's research, back in Q4 2011, the average number of apps used per month per person was a mere 23.2. Moving ahead to Q4 2012 it rose minimally to 26.5. Fast forward to Q4 2013 and we are nearly standing still, at a similar 26.8. A statistical brick wall, if you ask me.

  What's the takeaway here? As app stores on Android and iPhone continue to get bloated, this isn't translating into a user base that is moving their app counts forward in step. The notion of an "upper limit" in terms of how many apps people realistically download and consume is looking like a truth at this point.

  So for those that refuse to give Windows Phone a chance merely due to its sub-200K app count: so what? For all the hubbub about the competing app stores bursting at the seams, most people are never going to take advantage of a large majority of these apps regardless of how many you toss at them. And this was something I've believed for a few years already.

  For those that are still concerned their favorite apps won't be available on a Windows Phone 8.1 device, let's have a look at some of the most popular apps on iPhones/Androids and see if they are on Windows Store already.

  As of July 14, 2014:

  • Facebook: Yes
  • Angry Birds: Yes
  • Skype: Yes
  • Twitter: Yes
  • WhatsApp: Yes
  • Adobe Reader: Yes
  • Instagram: Yes
  • Pinterest: Yes
  • YouTube: No, but much better alternative called MetroTube available
  • Snapchat: No, but alternative called 6snap available
  • Pandora: Yes
  • Google Maps: No, but alternatives Bing Maps and HERE Maps are available
  • Spotify: Yes
  • Netflix: Yes
  • Yelp: Yes

  It's pretty clear that when it comes to the biggest most popular apps, Windows Phone has you covered. For the few official apps that don't exist (namely due to Google's ignorance), awesome alternatives are around that work just as well, if not better (in the case of MetroTube, namely, as an app that blows away Google's YouTube apps).

  Sure, some of the niche games out there which may be riding the popularity charts on a given week may be missing, but this gap will be closing further as time goes on.

  Am I missing any apps I used to have on my Android phone? The only biggie in particular is RingCentral, as the company is being quite stubborn in releasing a Windows Phone app. However, that frustration has been quelled in large part as my company has shifted its mobile VoIP needs to hosted Lync from CallTower, and Microsoft's Lync support on mobile devices is far better than what RingCentral has right now. And the Lync experience is far more full featured than what RC offers on the mobile side with cross device unified messaging, VoIP, video chat, and more.

  The purists may balk at the fact that there are no official Google Maps or YouTube apps for the Windows Phone still, but as I listed above, the alternatives are out there and are just as capable. Shame on Google for having such an anti-Win Phone policy; this isn't Microsoft's fault.

  It's quite ironic, though, that Microsoft serves the Android side with official apps for nearly every piece of its ecosystem (Lync, OWA, OneDrive, and the list goes on).

  So, Where Does Windows Phone Excel?

  I'm quite firmly a believer that a mobile experience does not solely start and stop at its app count. Nielsen's latest findings just solidify my notions here; we have a selection of apps we love dearly and use often, but above that, most of us aren't cycling through adventurous app lists as much as the Apple/Google camps would like us to believe.

  I guess I'm a part of that "boring" majority. I'm in email numerous times a day. Lync gets quite a bit of usage for customer phone calls and intra-staff messaging needs. GasBuddy gets me my latest gas prices locally. Pandora gets me music when I'm on the go. And NextGen Reader is a near addiction during spare time; I'm a news junkie and RSS feeds are easily browsed through this excellent app.

  There are a couple of other common apps I'm within often, like my Maps app, OneDrive for docs and photos, OneNote when I need to access my digital notes, but I'm not nearly drowning in apps like some others I know. I guess I'm more of a mobile fundamentalist when it comes to my needs. The things I use are used heavily, but I don't truly care about browsing the Windows Store weekly for new apps.

  My mobile needs center around my daily life as someone who runs a busy and growing managed IT services company. I need to stay in touch with staff members first and foremost, as well as family and friends. I don't have too much time to frolic like some may on their phones during the day, fumbling between Facebook and Twitter and whatnot.

  I also hate gaming on phones; I'd much rather get on my Xbox 360 and play a few rounds in Halo than bear through gaming on my small Lumia 925 screen. That's just me, though. So I won't comment on mobile gaming since I am no authority in this arena.

  

  Think iPhones or Androids have customizable home screens? Windows Phone 8.1 blows them both out of the water. The combination of being able to size your icon tiles along with per-app Live Tile capabilities that are caked into many apps means that you can truly fine tune your phone to your exact liking. Gone are the rows/columns of bland app icons you may be used to. This is truly a tweaker's dream, and no two Windows Phones will ever be the same as a result. Conformity is so 2011.

  In many ways, Windows Phone 8.1 is a breath of a fresh air for me. My history with smartphones has been marred by experiences that used roughly the same UI combination with slightly different coats of paint. BlackBerry always used static rows of icons. iPhone without a doubt had the same. And my previous smartphone, the Galaxy S3, furthered this same boxed thinking albeit with a twist: the advancement of widgets. Of which I used only one (the clock).

  Windows Phone tosses that thinking out the window. Instead of dividing your icons into separate home screens or hidden into folders, Microsoft extends the same concept that exists on the Windows 8.x tablets/desktops -- you guessed it -- Live Tiles.

  Live Tiles offer many advantages over the traditional, bland icon approach of all the other ecosystems. First off, Live Tiles can be resized into numerous "tiled" sizes, ranging from very small, to larger boxes, to some that can stretch nearly the entire width of your phone into a rectangular shape. The shape options depend on the developer of the given app you are resizing; most of Microsoft's first party affairs take advantage of all size options, as a rule of thumb.

  Doubly, they also take over the functionality that Android's  separate widgets provide (again, on a per-app basis) by having automated capabilities to virtually flip into informational cards. My weather icon, as shown in my actual current Start Screen combination above for example, happens to switch between two screens. One shows me the current day weather at large, and the other brings up a quick 3 day at a glance.

  This combination functionality not only saves on screen real estate (as Android's widget system requires an app for the program, and then a widget for live info to be shown) but also allows for excellent customization of the home screen. The combinations of tile placement, size, and transparency for a background image of your choice is by far one of the slickest UI decisions I have seen on a phone.

  And the animations Microsoft baked into the OS, ranging from scrolling through the tiles, to going in/out of apps, is elegant yet not overly flashy. Just the right mix of modern muscle and minimalist design.

  Coming from Android, I must say that being able to swipe up/down to be able to get to all of my apps, and see status info across all of my Live Tiles at a single time, is a big benefit. I downright hated the limitations of Android's home screens. Icons could not be resized, and you had to work with multiple screens like the iPhone in order to list all your apps out. As such I was always making concessions about what apps I could have on my main screen, as I didn't want to scroll between screens all the time. It was painful, and seemed so old-school to me.

  The transparency feature for background images is only partially effective as of yet. This is because not all app developers have turned on transparency for their apps yet. You can see how culprits such as Lync, Skype, Ebay and others on my home screen above are blocking view of the background. But with each passing week, the developers are releasing new apps that are turning this function on.

  When I had my Android powered Galaxy S3, I always loved the powerful notification center it offered. When I originally got my Lumia 925, it had Windows Phone 8 which never had this functionality baked in. Now, with the advent of Windows Phone 8.1, Microsoft has made one of the largest and most welcome changes to the UI on the platform and given most of us what we were wishing for.

  The notification center in WP 8.1 isn't anything out of this world, but it's functional enough to get me what I need in a quick manner. I am constantly using it now to check on new emails and texts and to shut off/on my Bluetooth and WiFi as necessary. Placement of the options compared to Android is a bit different, but it works well in the end. All of the same things I was able to do on Android are found here.

  

  Windows Phone 8 got a bad rap for not including a notification center. That oversight is a thing of the past. WP 8.1 now has a very capable drown notification area that displays everything you would expect -- quick links to common settings, latest calls/emails/texts, and other pertinent info. It's simple, easy to access, and most of all gets the job done. (Image Source: Windows Phone Central)

  I make no effort to hide the fact that I am in love with T-Mobile's WiFi Calling functionality offered on most capable handsets. iPhone has always been a holdout in this area, and one of the numerous reasons I always refused to get one. As a technician and business owner that is constantly onsite with clients where coverage is not stellar in all cases, being able to take calls/texts over WiFi is a tremendous value add that you can't get (from what I know) on Verizon, ATT, or Sprint.

  And while Windows Phone 8 did include WiFi calling/texting, it had a nasty bug which I could never figure out. For some reason, visual voicemails never wanted to pass through when I had WiFi calling on. I would either have to go over to regular cell signal or wait until I was out of WiFi coverage so that the voicemails could stream in over 4G/LTE. A pain in the butt, especially when I was in bad coverage zones, like the Sears Tower in Chicago where cell service doesn't reach above the 60th floor or so.

  Windows Phone 8.1 seems to have fixed WiFi Calling for the most part. Not only do calls seem to hold up slightly better when WiFi bandwidth is a bit choppier, but I can finally check my voicemails immediately with WiFi Calling enabled. Not sure who to thank for this improvement, but I'm sure both MS and T-Mobile had something to do with it. This was one of my biggest gripes about WP 8 as a WiFi Calling addict.

  I also want to touch on battery life briefly, as this is an area where my Android experience was slightly pitiful. The fact that I had Wi-Fi calling on my Galaxy phones was nice, as this helped me extend my battery quite a bit, to nearly a full day when the batteries were new. But getting through a completely full day, with WiFi on, Pandora being used, Lync messages being sent, and email pounding my phone was almost a miracle.

  I consider a full day being marked by the moment I wake up and remove my phone from the charger, to the moment I am going to sleep and plug it back in. My days usually start 6-7am and finish up around 11-12 midnight. That's quite a bit longer than what most consider just the regular workday hours.

  My benchmark for battery life has always been my time on BlackBerry phones, in the OS 5/6/7 days up through the Torch 9810. I would easily get to 10-11pm at night and still have 30-40 percent battery life. And this was on HARSH days with lots of activity. I will preface this by saying that I did not use as many apps as I do now, but Pandora, email, Wi-Fi, email, texting, and calling were all fairly similar. The old BB devices just rocked in this area. Their propensity to crash due to their Java backbone was not as great, though.

  But back to battery life. Windows Phone 8 was already giving me about a full day of battery, and Windows Phone 8.1 is getting slightly better life for my Lumia 925. I would say battery life has increased about 10-15 percent since WP 8. This all depends on usage during the day of course, as I also just installed a Bluetooth radio system in my car which I use for all phone calls on the road, and BT is not friendly to batteries I know that much.

  Yet I am very happy with what kind of battery life I am seeing on the Lumia 925 after installing WP 8.1. Perhaps a few times a week I have to plug in early, around 5-6pm some days, due to extremely heavy usage like loads of calls over cell signal and Bluetooth all the while using Bing Maps to route my courses to client sites (relying on GPS, no less). I never remember my Galaxy S3 treating me as well in this area. Let me clarify: the S3 was good, but never great.

  Another area that really pissed me off on the Android side was the double standard when it came to email apps. Want to use Gmail on your Android? Of course, Google treats you like royalty with their better than sliced bread Gmail app. But looking to connect your Office 365 account or POP account? Good luck with their awful native "Email" app. It is something you would expect on a Windows Mobile 5 device! I used Office 365 email on the Android for a little while using its native email app, but found it be utterly sub par and nothing like the Gmail app experience.

  Yes, there are plenty of alternatives out there in the Play Store, like the fabulous Touchdown, but come on -- really? I  have to rely on third party apps to get basic functionality like Exchange-based email to work properly with due features and functionality? I know Google has no love left for Microsoft, but their reluctance to build a better non-Gmail email experience on the Android is frustrating. And part of the reason I waved them goodbye.

  

  Already using a Windows 8.x tablet or computer? The up and coming concept of Universal Apps means just what it says: purchase/download an app once, and you have it immediately across all connected devices with a common usage experience. Apple has been hinting at such possibilities on its iOS/Mac platforms, but Microsoft is actually making it happen end to end. The unified Live Tile experience is already present, but it will take some time for developers to catch up on the app end. (Image Source: WinSupersite)

  Windows Phone, like iPhone, doesn't treat non-MS email services with as much disdain as Google does on their phones. My experience for my Gmail account is as slick as it is for Office 365 and my Outlook.com account. Same interface, same options, and a unified experience overall. There are some aspects I enjoyed about the Gmail app experience on Android, but seeing as this was exclusive to Gmail, I'd rather have a fairly powerful experience that is similar across all of my various email accounts.

  Google's assumption that everyone will be using Gmail or Google Apps is a mistaken one.

  Another aspect I find severely lacking on the Android side is a fast, accurate camera an app experience. The biggest issue with the camera on the S3 was its verrry slow entrance into the camera app and time between photos. That is a thing of the past on my Lumia 925. I happen to use the Nokia Camera Beta app which is blazing fast (the stock app is quite good, but this one is by far the best) that has minimal delay on app entry and time between shots is almost as minimal as that for an entry level DSLR. Microsoft wasn't kidding when they said they wanted to provide the best mobile camera experience on the WP devices.

  I use my Lumia now for all client site surveys, for example, when we need to install a new network or upgrade a server room, just to name a few. I can take easy panoramic shots, shoot video, or take traditional pics. Nokia Camera Beta is quite slick in its interface and I find it considerably more feature filled than what I had on my Galaxy S3. I also find using the dedicated camera button on the Lumia 925 to be much more fluid than tapping on the touchscreen to take photos, as I was doing on the S3.

  I had numerous problems with ISO levels and blur on my S3 shots, which is also nearly gone on my Lumia 925. Most shots are crisp, have proper color levels, and the image stabilization on shots is actually darn accurate in most cases. Lumia cameras should be considered the bar for mobile photography.

  Cortana is something which I admittedly don't use as much as some others probably do, but the service, just like Siri when it was released, is rapidly improving by the week. At initial launch, my tests with Cortana were just decent. It was missing some of my words and spitting out too many plain text Bing searches when it "gave up" on providing a contextual response. Now the service is increasingly becoming more accurate and the number of searches coming up with proper context returned are inching upwards.

  Cortana isn't perfect by any means, but she's learning quickly due to the crowdsourcing that Microsoft is pushing through its Azure service to power Cortana. I'm personally letting others continue to guinea pig the service, but I can imagine that Cortana will have the reliability of Google Now in a half year to year timeframe at this rate, perhaps sooner. She's useful so much more than just searches, and you can go much deeper in depth on her capabilities in this great video.

  It's also hard not to be excited about the future of Universal Apps across Windows 8.x devices. Microsoft let loose at BUILD 2014 that going forward, development effort for Windows Store apps is going to become unified so that Windows tablets/PCs, Phones, and Xbox can all share a common code baseline and therefore have apps that truly flow across all devices with ease.

  

  Curious about what fruits the Universal Apps model will bring Windows Phone? Office Touch, the Windows Store edition of Office coming soon, will be one of the first heavy hitting collections of such apps for Windows devices. Windows Phone 8.1 users will soon have nearly as powerful of an Office experience as desktop users do -- beating out even the iPad, some say. The future of Windows-powered devices looks pretty bright. (Image Source: WinSupersite)

  Think about it in plain terms like this. You may use a Windows 8.1 PC at work. You could also have a Windows 8.1 tablet or computer at home. And say you also pick up a Windows Phone device. When this concept of Universal Apps starts molding together, you will be able to place a single purchase of an app on your work computer, and it will instantly stream onto your other devices without any extra effort. This is all controlled through your sign in via a Microsoft Account.

  As more apps continue to shift into the Windows Store model, and away from the legacy desktop approach, this functionality will start to have much more benefit for end users entrenched in the Windows 8.x ecosystem. For now, we still have a large distinction and separation between Windows Store apps for the desktop/tablet side and that of Windows Phone, with Xbox being on its own as well, but that future will be changing soon as Universal Apps become the standard.

  Office Touch will likely be one of the first major flagship app suites that carry this model, and yes, it will presumably be available on Windows Phone the same day it hits Windows 8.x tablets and PCs. Getting serious work on on your phone will finally not be a second rate experience, here's hoping.

  Finally, I want to touch on the overall stability of Windows Phone 8.1. Of all the mobile OSes I have touched, this has to be by far the most rock solid, crash-proof platform I have used. The worst of all were my BlackBerry OS 5/6/7 devices, that constantly hung up on Java exceptions and the like.

  Once in a blue moon I have to restart my phone because of an odd issue with an app, but this seems more so induced through rare app crashes than general OS instability. But far less than what I had experienced on BlackBerry, Android, or even my short stint on an iPhone 4 (which later iOS releases seemed to be pressing to the limit, it seemed).

  If you have any predispositions about the stability of Windows Phone based upon your experience with buggy Windows releases, like Windows 98 or XP or Vista, do yourself a favor and wipe those preconceptions away. Win Phone 8.1 is a completely different animal in almost every respect, and my daily usage with it for the last few months has proven that even to myself -- one of the biggest former doubters of the Windows Phone ecosystem.

  Windows Phone 8.1: A Great Mobile OS, But Not Perfect

  There's no such thing as perfection when it comes to fluid, changing software like a mobile OS. Windows Phone 8.1 is no exception. While I find it to be the best mobile experience I've personally used to date, it has its fair share of rough edges that people should know about.

  As I continue to use my Lumia 925 more heavily on Bluetooth in my car, I am noticing the huge tanking that my battery takes when the technology is turned on. Bluetooth 4.0 LE is supposed to be one of the aspects that hits in the final final version of Windows Phone 8.1, but it doesn't seem to be included yet. I am sure many Bluetooth users would heavily appreciate being able to use this energy saving edition of BT, especially for mobile warriors like myself. Here's hoping this makes it into the final release from Nokia, along with the upcoming Lumia Cyan firmware update.

  While I do think that Microsoft's Bing Maps and Nokia's HERE Maps apps are quite good, I sometimes wish I had Google Maps back, especially in situations where the mapping technology brings me to some bizarre addresses I am trying to get to. This has happened already twice in the last few weeks. One was my attempt to get to an animal shelter in our area (it took me to a destination about 1 mile off course) and the other was a client address that led me to a spot along a forest preserve. The technology is great when it works, but mistaken addresses seem to be a nagging problem on one of every 10-12 trips I take. I'm sure this can be easily resolved through some increased development effort on Microsoft's end.

  Lync 2013 on Windows Phone runs great for the most part, but it still confuses my staff and I as to why and when it decides to show me as going offline. It's interesting, because as soon as a message is sent my way, it will "wake" me up on the mobile app and show me as idle, and the message will come through. But the bigger gripe I have is how Lync calls in the car that I push to Bluetooth only work about half the time.

  The other half, the call just continues on silent and the other party doesn't know what is going on. This could be more of a Lync bug, but the Bluetooth aspect could be a fault due to Win Phone 8.1. Hard to say, but I wanted to alert potential buyers who are heavy Lync users. Since we switched our company onto hosted Lync through CallTower, our usage of Lync calls/chats is ballooning heavily over traditional phone calls and texts. I really hope Microsoft's Lync team can fine tune the mobile apps where we can rely on them for all client needs without needing to resort back to the native phone interface.

  I also tend to rely on the official Podcasts app quite a bit when traveling. When I have enough of Pandora music, I tend to like to pop on some technical podcasts like Windows Weekly or Mike Tech Show and listen away. The app has a tendency to auto stream some shows behind the scenes, but the files don't always play properly. I sometimes have to force them to re-stream multiple times for them to work. Again, likely a work in progress, but annoying.

  My final gripe happens to be centered around my phone of choice, the Lumia 925. The decision NOT to offer the handset in one of the dizzying arrays of cool colors like the other units have gotten (920, 1520, etc) is beyond me. As such, I went out and got a yellow outer case for my phone in an attempt to jazz it up over the standard silver/white it carries. There are no great cases on the market with color for the 925, so I'm stuck with a half baked aftermarket case that is already on its last leg.

  I also have to scold Microsoft for choosing not to include both a removal battery and a removable SD card slot. Not that I am using SD cards anymore, but I am sure others out there would love to continue using the slot. But the lack of a removal battery is something that nearly turned me away from the Lumia 925, as I have always sworn by having a removable battery that I could replace when it died (another area I dislike Apple's approach in).

  But I gave in, biting my lip. Here's hoping Microsoft brings back self-replaceable batteries to future Lumia models as I am sure many love purchasing replacement batteries for their phones. I did so heavily on my BlackBerry and Android phones and to me is a minor, but still strong, selling point.

  The Media Is Changing Their Tune on Windows Phone, Finally

  It seems that I'm not the only one finally being bullish on what Windows Phone 8.1 brings to the table. Numerous media outlets, even some that scorned most previous versions of Microsoft's mobile platform, seem to be coming full circle and actually praising the new OS.

  The Verge wrote a detailed, lengthy writeup on the new WP 8.1 OS, giving it an official score of 8.0/10 (users are pinning it at a higher 9.1/10, ironically) with especially high praise to the excellent Live Tile home screen UI.

  Engadget had similarly high praise for the OS, giving it an 85 score of 100 with kind words for the new action center, swipe keyboard, and potential being shown in the form of Cortana.

  And ArsTechnica's headline for its formal in-depth piece on WP 8.1 speaks for itself: "Windows Phone 8.1 review: A magnificent smartphone platform".

  Even Matt Miller over at ZDNet outlines how far Windows Phone 8.1 has come over all previous iterations, claiming that "Windows Phone 8.1 is compelling, so stop dreaming of Android". He goes on even further, adding that, "Developers continue to roll out apps for Windows Phone and the stability of the platform can't be beat. Roll on Windows Phone, roll on".

  I think Windows Phone is an ecosystem that is rapidly improving, trying to distance itself from the image as an OS on the fringe and as more of a mainstream offering finally due to increased developer interest and high quality handset selection. I couldn't be happier with my time on the Lumia 925 since late last year, and Windows Phone 8.1 has furthered my comfort on the platform.

  Should iPhone and Android users consider giving Windows Phone a try? I'll leave that up to you. I myself was a huge skeptic until I dipped my toes, and admittedly find it hard to go back to Android.

  Over six months in at this point, all those flashy Galaxy and iPhone devices don't tempt me anymore. I'm already playing with the thought of upgrading to the phablet Lumia 1525 when it hits T-Mobile here.

  Windows Phone 8.1 has lived up to my expectations for the most part, and proves that you can have leagues of customization capabilities without having to sacrifice device quality, OS stability, or feature sets. If app counts are your sole bearing for the value that a Windows Phone can bring, you may be slightly disappointed.

  But if you're like most of the population that is App'ed-out at this point (myself included), Windows Phone 8.1 is a friendly, functional OS that will likely surprise even the biggest Android/iPhone lovers.

  Derrick Wlodarz is an IT Specialist who owns Park Ridge, IL (USA) based technology consulting & service company FireLogic, with over eight+ years of IT experience in the private and public sectors. He holds numerous technical credentials from Microsoft, Google, and CompTIA and specializes in consulting customers on growing hot technologies such as Office 365, Google Apps, cloud-hosted VoIP, among others. Derrick is an active member of CompTIA's Subject Matter Expert Technical Advisory Council that shapes the future of CompTIA exams across the world. You can reach him at derrick at wlodarz dot net.

  
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  Watch the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference keynote here

  Publié: juillet 14, 2014, 8:25pm CEST par Wayne Williams

  

  The Vision Keynote for the WPC 2014 has ended now, and Microsoft covered a wide range of topics, and even delivered some surprising news -- Windows Phone is apparently now the fastest growing mobile operating system, with more shipments than iPhone in 24 markets.

  Microsoft also talked about forthcoming Windows devices, including $99 tablets, and even had some news about the next version of its operating system, Windows 9. If you didn’t attend the conference, and would like to know more about what Microsoft revealed, you can watch the keynote here. And because it’s not live, you can even skip through all the boring bits, and the music!

  During the keynote, Microsoft's chief operating officer Kevin Turner told attendees that the tech giant was "really listening and taking feedback" about the next version of Windows from consumers, developers, partners and business customers, so that sounds hopeful. Windows 9 will also offer "game changing functionality for enterprise", apparently.

  It sounds like more of the Windows OS functions will be moving into the cloud too, which not everyone will be pleased to hear.

  It’s a wide ranging keynote, packed with lots of interesting details, and you can now watch it below.

  Let us know what you think about what Microsoft had to say in the comments.
  

  
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  Fujitsu reveals ARROWS Tab Q335/K -- 8-inch enterprise-class Windows tablet

  Publié: juillet 14, 2014, 6:47pm CEST par Brian Fagioli

  

  The usefulness of a small Windows tablet is debatable. While I understand people's hesitance to embrace Microsoft's desktop operating system on such a small screen, their trepidation is misplaced. Sure, a 7 or 8-inch Windows tablet would be a poor choice for someone's only Windows machine, but it works beautifully as a companion device.

  I have a Surface Pro 3, but recently bought a Dell Venue Pro 8. Why? Because sometimes a lighter and inexpensive tablet is preferable. For example, you wouldn't want to use Surface Pro 3 on the toilet or by a pool. Heck, reading a book can be nicer on a smaller tab too. Today, Fujitsu reveals a new 8-inch Windows tablet for business --  the ARROWS Tab Q335/K.

  "The ARROWS Tab Q335/K, a compact and lightweight 8-inch tablet, is ideal for business use as it comes with the latest Intel Atom processor Z3735F and the latest Windows 8.1 Pro operating system. While being portable, it can also come with Microsoft Office as an option enabling users to read documents or create materials on the go", says Fujitsu.

  The manufacturer further explains, "by reducing the unit weight to less than 400 grams and limiting the width to 126 mm and the thickness to 9.9 mm, the tablet can be held with a single hand, therefore reducing fatigue after extended use. Digitizing paper forms, thick manuals and catalogues so that they can easily be carried around, this tablet is ideal for a variety of work in different fields".

  Unfortunately, other than the Bay Trail processor, Fujitsu seems tight-lipped on other specs. It is not clear how much RAM or on-board storage will be available. However, I am excited about one thing -- the physical button on the face. I am not a fan of capacitive touch buttons on tablets. Fujitsu seems to be taking an Apple approach to the button -- I like it.

  The ARROWS Tab Q335/K will be released in October 2014. We should know more specs, and the price, closer to release. What do you think of it? Tell me in the comments.

  
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  Chromebook kicks OS X and Windows out of school

  Publié: juillet 14, 2014, 6:32pm CEST par Joe Wilcox

  

  Get ready for another rash of "Year of the Chromebook" stories. It isn't, but tongues will wag. Today, NPD released new data about U.S. commercial computer sales which, like the last set, is sure to be misquoted. Spurred by educational buying, Chromebooks accounted for 40 percent of U.S. commercial channel notebook sales for the three weeks ended June 7. But some nitwits are sure to claim all sales, as they did following December's data drop. Commercial sales are more limited and represent those to businesses, educational institutions, governments, and other organizations.

  That's not to diminish Chromebook's success, considering the category is but three years old and supplants OS X and Windows sales in the coveted education market. Users gotten young often stay with a platform for life. The browser-based computers aren't singular entities, either. Android and stand-alone Chrome platforms benefit, too, from halo sales going both ways.

  "Chrome’s unit strength ahead of this year’s education buying season shows how it has become a legitimate third platform alongside Windows and Mac OS X and iOS", Stephen Baker, NPD vice president of industry analysis, says. The three-week sales figure is up from 35 percent of commercial notebooks for the year through May 31. During the five months, Chromebook sales soared 250 percent year over year, while Macbooks rose 20 percent and Windows laptops were flat. Yeah, a Chromebook invasion is underway and landing in territory long held by Apple and Microsoft.

  "The next test for Chrome will clearly be the most difficult, as both Apple and Microsoft get more aggressive in pricing and deal making over the next few months", Baker says. "By the end of the third quarter we will have a much clearer picture of the long-term impact Chromebooks will have in the commercial channel".

  Chromebook Lesson

  I got a surprising lesson in Chromebook for education yesterday. Mom got a new computer for her birthday, and I asked her to ship back the Samsung Series 5 550 Chromebook I bought her in July 2012 -- $449 from Amazon. In re-setting up the device, I was surprised how speedy the Chromebook is (4GB memory helps lots) and could see how much brighter the matte screen appears compared to newer models with glossy displays. I Craiglisted the laptop for $150.

  A college student contacted me about the Chromebook, and yesterday we met at a coffee shop. He clearly had no idea what he was buying -- how Chromebook differs from OS X or Windows laptops. I tried to explain but didn't need to. Watching his reaction was an epiphany. He uses Chrome and Google services and recognized the Google account log-in. Within minutes after signing on, everything he uses was available. He marveled at seeing apps, Google Drive, and his documents. My mistake: By using Chrome on a Windows PC he already was ready for Chromebook, and the laptop was set up with all his stuff even before his uncle paid for the computer.

  That's Chromebook's appeal to students. For educators, benefits are different, such as ease of setup, ongoing management, purchase price, and total cost of ownership. Google supports Chromebook for five years, and that Samsung should get this student through graduation.

  Story to Tell

  Google's browser computer concept finds a niche market, but the story doesn't yet have an ending where Chromebook crowns king. The U.S. commercial channel is increasingly complex and "has been undergoing considerable change over the last few years", Baker says. "The advent of tablets and Chromebooks, and the introduction of Windows 8 have all combined to make the market much more volatile than it has been in the past".

  While consumer channel sales lag, commercial rebounds, with overall laptop sales up 36 percent and desktops up 24 percent year over year. Windows, while weak on portables, makes robust desktop gains, spurred in part by XP conversions. Sales through commercial channels completed 16 months of consecutive growth through the end of May and rose 30 percent year over year for the first five months of 2014.

  "The bottom line is that despite reports to the contrary the market for desktops and notebooks sold through the channel in the U.S. has never been better", Baker says.

  
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  DocuLynx aims to simplify cloud storage decisions

  Publié: juillet 14, 2014, 4:55pm CEST par Ian Barker

  

  There are a number of reasons why businesses might move data to the cloud. To reduce storage costs, improve accessibility or simply reduce the need for on-site equipment. But how can you be sure that moving data to the cloud is the correct decision?

  We looked at how businesses can approach this earlier today. Now archiving specialist DocuLynx is using the Microsoft Worldwide Partnership Conference in Washington to launch a new product aimed at making cloud storage decisions easier.

  Azure Agent is an assessment tool that looks at server data and produces customized reports to help IT executives evaluate the cost effectiveness of using DocuLynx's Azure and StorSimple products for second-tier storage. Using its return on investment calculator it's possible to work out potential savings over a number of years.

  "In many organizations, data is typically increasing 30 percent year over year, and costs are mounting. Second-tier data storage costs are approximately 25 percent of on-premise storage costs, and 65 percent of data stored on primary storage is inactive," says Michael Liess, DocuLynx's President and CEO. "As storage solutions become targets for 'refresh,' the time is right to consider Cloud storage. By differentiating data based on its external attributes, DocuLynx Azure Agent helps CIOs identify which data should be moved to secondary storage -- the goal of any CIO looking to achieve significant cost savings with the least risk".

  Beyond the initial analysis Azure Agent can be used to monitor data on a continuous basis and can be integrated with DocuLynx's other storage platforms.

  CIOs can request a free assessment of their network file shares to assess the potential for savings. To find out more visit the DocuLynx website.

  Image Credit: Modella / Shutterstock

  
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  Android apps on Windows Phone: It's too complicated

  Publié: juillet 14, 2014, 4:17pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  No matter how you slice it, Windows Phone Store is a ghost town. Too many popular titles just aren't there right now. As developers take their sweet time to release the desired offerings or overlook the platform altogether, could Android apps be the answer to Windows Phone's long-lasting shortcoming?

  It wouldn't be unusual for Microsoft to get in bed with Android, as the software giant already sells Android-based devices, which make up its Nokia X series (admittedly, Nokia launched it). If it works there, it could work just as well for Windows Phone. It's not like the platform has anything to lose, considering the measly market share it claims since inception. Right? Well, it's not that simple.

  What's the Catch?

  First of all, let us talk logistics. For users to install Android apps they need to either grab the files from Windows Phone Store (ideally) or get them from other locations, such as a third-party app store or website (worst-case scenario).

  Considering Microsoft's approach to Windows Phone, only the former scenario makes sense. Sideloading would introduce uncontrollable security risks (remember Windows malware?), and that is something (sane) users will not want to expose themselves to (or Microsoft, for that matter).

  Let's suppose Windows Phone Store allows developers to publish Android apps. Who's to say that Windows Phone's app-gap will disappear, as a result? There is no guarantee that, for instance, Dropbox will bring its app to the tiled operating system. Of course, same goes for other top developers, like Google. Will we see Chrome on Windows Phone? It's great if it happens, but what if it doesn't?

  Windows Phone developers would be disappointed -- to put it kindly -- by such a decision. Microsoft will be perceived as turning its back on them. Either way, its core supporters will be alienated and only in the best-case scenario (Android apps populate Windows Phone Store en masse) the trade-offs are worth it.

  But, Maybe...

  There is also the matter of compatibility. Not all Android apps can run outside of a Google-friendly Android environment, as many popular ones rely on Google services to work. For Microsoft to create the proper environment it will have to get in bed with Google, which is something I personally do not see happening.

  To avoid such a partnership, Microsoft will have to make do without Google services-using apps. That minimizes the impact Android apps can have on the platform; titles that can bring perceivable value -- like trending games -- are not designed to work in sub-optimal conditions. And no one wants crash-prone apps, or offerings that do not work as advertised, right?

  Developers are not going to change their minds overnight and allocate precious resources to release dedicated Windows Phone apps. Giving users the option to use Android apps would go a long way towards getting more consumers and businesses to purchase smartphones running the tiled OS. But, then again, why shouldn't they buy Android handsets instead? They can run Android apps better than Windows Phone will ever be able to.

  There Is No Substitute

  A platform today needs dedicated apps to strive. Take a look at Android and iOS, and then take a look at BlackBerry 10 OS. The beleaguered OS can run Android apps -- BlackBerry has gone to great lengths to make this happen -- but its market share is even lower than Windows Phone's. Where is the benefit in that? It can be argued that BlackBerry's loss is also happening because of other factors, like a weak device portfolio, but Android support sure isn't helping it. (Perhaps Amazon's Appstore will.) Who's to say that having Android support will be any different for Windows Phone? Microsoft could just as well dump its tiled OS in favor of Android, while it's at it.

  Photo Credit: Mopic/Shutterstock

  
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  Firms need to be ready for wearable technology

  Publié: juillet 14, 2014, 4:06pm CEST par Morten Gammelgård

  

  According to the Ponemon Institute, cybercrime costs the average UK business around £3 million a year. As applications, platforms and devices grow, so does the number of opportunities for hackers to develop sophisticated attacks. As wearable technology begins to infiltrate the workplace this will be yet another concern for IT, and another opportunity for the hacker.

  Add this to the long list of concerns that IT Admins already face: Mobile devices, laptops, desktops, and servers all need to be maintained from an update perspective or companies increase their risk of being exposed. Moreover, different users require different technologies, complicating how IT manages the IT estate. With a plethora of new office technologies surfacing and an expectation from users to work from the devices that make them productive, how do IT departments prevent vulnerabilities across their estate?

  As technology permeates further into our daily lives the risk of being exploited increases, but there is a way of preventing this from happening. The truth is many cybercrimes can be mitigated by simple maintenance, like patching your applications. Whilst a simple task to carry out, many organizations still do so manually, which is not only laborious for IT staff carrying out the work, but often can result in human errors and time being taken away from other more innovative matters – such as implementing a new Wearable portfolio for your users. Before organizations can become innovative, they must prioritize security, and importantly, prioritize patching.

  Wearable is on its way

  Wearable technology today can be compared to where mobile phones were in the late 1990s, a gimmick that we all want in our personal lives, but one that enables productivity. For many of us, Wearable is a brand new concept, but an exciting one. Most of us in the UK aren't even able to own Google Glass for at least another year -- creating further anticipation for those already intrigued by its functionality. But whilst Google Glass is a rarity this side of the Atlantic, other wearable devices, such as smart watches are making an appearance.

  The convenience of these devices makes them all the more appealing. Whilst some functionality is similar to a smartphone, for example QR scanning, voice recognition and weather and traffic updates, the device almost feels a part of you -- making it even easier to be productive. Although Wearable technology is still immature in the consumer space, let alone in the enterprise space, it is still keeping IT managers awake at night, as the realization that these products will soon be creeping into the workplace dawns.

  There are several reasons that the IT department is concerned with wearable. Firstly, after the rise of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) in the workplace, IT teams realized there was a need to strike a balance between freedom and control. When consumer devices entered the workplace, many IT departments labeled it as 'Shadow IT', when all users wanted to do was get the job done. Over time, businesses saw the benefit of users working from mobile devices and being connected from anywhere at any time. As a result, IT introduced policies and software (and in some cases consumer devices themselves) to help manage and empower users. But this did not happen overnight and in a lot of cases is still being worked on. With Wearable's being such a new concept, IT teams are likely to have to endure yet another rigorous approach and tighten security before trusting them enough to allow them into the IT estate. Patching is at the heart of the security.

  Secondly, there is always a concern around newly developed products. With such hype around Wearable technology in the consumer world, new Wearable companies are cropping up rapidly as savvy business people recognize the wealth of opportunity it can lead to. As a result, many manufacturers have to compete in price wars; meaning there will no doubt be areas that the developers have paid less attention to so that they can start shipping and making money. It's less likely to be the physical design of the product or what you can do with it that falter, as these are key selling points. The more cynical IT manager will believe the area that these products will fall down on is security -- something the IT department is responsible for.

  To add to the complexity of Wearable technologies and defending against vulnerabilities, is the fact that IT departments are already struggling to manage the estates they currently have -- but could effective patching prepare them for the wave of devices that lie ahead?

  Putting patching at the heart

  Patching is paramount for any organization reliant on technology. A recent CSIS publication on Cybersecurity called out the fact that 75 percent of attacks use publicly known vulnerabilities in commercial software that could be prevented by regular patching. Gartner also found that unpatched vulnerabilities are the primary infection method of network threats and for 90 percent of exploits, a patch was previously available. With such high figures correlating unmanaged patching with security vulnerabilities, those manually patching are playing a dangerous game of risk. But the importance of patching is essential, especially as the cost of leaving applications unmanaged will surge alongside the rise of Wearable technologies in the workplace.

  Furthermore are the consequences of the different types of malware that can come as a result of leaving patches unmanaged or left to be handled manually; data privacy, reduced productivity and cost. For example, if an employee were to wear Google Glass in meetings to capture the minutes and that data were to be intercepted, it could not only breach data privacy of the meeting itself, but also could cost the business greatly if ideas mentioned were to get into the wrong hands. Similarly, if warehouse workers were to have Wearable devices hacked into whilst preparing to ship goods, it could result in huge errors or result in having to manually work out which products need to be shipped where and when.

  Unpatched IT estates are a huge issue but one that can mitigated simply with the right tools. Despite patching and updating systems being around for years, organizations of all sizes struggle to patch systems effectively. Regardless of whether devices are behind firewalls or are outside the four walls of the office, operating systems and applications need to be patched -- in a timely manner. The issue that many businesses face is that they don't have sufficient back-office technologies to cope with patching automatically -- something that could reduce hours and errors -- not to mention risk of being a victim of cybercrime.

  To conclude, Wearables are inevitable, as is the need for patching. The stats speak volumes, but with a growing IT estate and the dawn of wearables, IT teams are facing greater pressures than ever. By investing in solutions now that automate patching, they can reduce their risk of being susceptible to cybercrime and prepare for the wave of new and unknown devices.

  Morten Gammelgård is the EMEA Channel Manager of Shavlik.

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  Samsung suspends agreement with Dongguan Shinyang over child labor

  Publié: juillet 14, 2014, 2:44pm CEST par Alan Buckingham

  

  There have been many rumors coming out of Asia with accusations of child labor violations. It's one of those things that pulls at western heart strings -- none of us wants to think that young children are being forced to work in factories, perhaps building the devices we buy.

  Now Samsung has announced that it has taken the step of suspending its agreement with Dongguan Shinyang Electronics after conducting an investigation into the latest allegations. "Following the investigation, Samsung decided to temporarily suspend business with the factory in question as it found evidences of suspected child labor at the worksite. The decision was made in accordance with Samsung's zero tolerance policy on child labor", the companys says in an official statement.

  Samsung claims it conducted three separate audits since 2013, all of which revealed no evidence of violations. However, China Labor Watch (CLW) conducted its own investigation and turned over information surrounding illegal hiring practices within the factory.

  For the moment, this is a temporary suspension of business, but an ongoing investigation is being conducted that could result in a permanent end to Samsung's deal with the manufacturer. Samsung claims a zero tolerance policy on these practices.

  Image Credit: chippix / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Paint.NET resolves major issues, tweaks performance

  Publié: juillet 14, 2014, 2:15pm CEST par Nick Peers

  

  dotPDN LLC has released Paint.NET 4.0.1, a minor -- but important -- update to the recently released Paint.NET 4.0. Version 4.0.1 is primarily a major bug fix release, but does include some performance optimizations too.

  Existing users will be prompted to update the software when launching it, or can manually check via the Settings > Updates > Check Now menu. Alternatively, simply download the latest version and install it over the top of the existing build.

  One of the major tweaks in version 4.0.1 concerns software and hardware rendering. Overall software rendering performance has been improved, which will please users of NVIDIA ION graphics cards as it now defaults to software rendering due to stability issues.

  The new release also sees the latest seventh-generation Intel GPU default to hardware rendering, while all older models stick to software rendering. Users can manually change this settings via the Paint.NET options dialog.

  One final GPU-related tweak sees graphical artefact's such as blackness, flickering and mouse trails, fixed on selected GPUs, including NVIDIA’s Optimus chip.

  Elsewhere, the Move Selected Pixels tool gains optimizations as well as fix for a problem whereby transparent black was left behind with alpha removed instead of the secondary color.

  The Brush tools have also received a number of fixes -- they should now work correctly when an odd-sized brush has been selected without anti-aliasing, while the preview circle no longer scales according to the system DPI setting, which made it too big.

  The momentary hourglass/wait cursor no longer appears after using the drawing tools, while the Shapes tool -- and in particular the Ellipse -- has been optimized for better performance.

  The zoom tool should no longer crash Paint.NET when users press the right mouse button while already holding the left one, and the Paint Bucket tool now correctly treats the selection as a boundary contour.

  Other fixes cover the auto-scrolling tool, pixel-grid contrast and touch screens, which no longer scroll when swiping using one finger only.

  A number of crashes have also been resolved, including OutofMemoryException when using a selection tool with hardware acceleration disabled. A full list of fixes and other changes can be found here.

  Paint.NET 4.0.1 FINAL is available as a freeware download now for dual-core (or better) PCs running Windows 7 or later. The .NET Framework 4.5 is also required, but will be downloaded automatically if not present. Users of lower powered PCs, or PCs running Vista or XP, can still download Paint.NET 3.5.11.

  
• 

  Screenhero: screen sharing with two mouse cursors

  Publié: juillet 14, 2014, 1:46pm CEST par Mike Williams

  

  Screen sharing tools are great when you need to show someone else what’s happening on your own computer. You connect, do whatever you like, and your contact can follow every step.

  If the remote user wants to make use of the other computer, however, it’s often more difficult. There’s still only one mouse cursor, so you’ll need to negotiate who can use it at any one time -- not exactly convenient.

  Screenhero takes screen sharing a step forward by giving each user their own mouse cursor. There’s no fighting for control, no waiting for one person to finish before it’s "your turn", instead you both work on the system at the same time.

  Setting this up is very straightforward. Create an account by providing your name, email address and a password, then enter the email address of whoever you want to contact. If they’re an existing Screenhero user, and online, they’ll be invited right away; if not, they’ll get an email explaining what’s happening, with a link to download the software.

  Once the remote user is connected, a window opens showing their contact’s screen. They get their own mouse cursor (with their name underneath to avoid confusion), and can immediately begin to control the system. There’s even optional support for using system keyboard shortcuts, like Ctrl-Tab on a Mac.

  Built-in text and voice chat tools make it easy to discuss whatever it is you’re trying to do.

  Connections are encrypted via an SSL-based peer-to-peer TLS scheme, ensuring your data stays private.

  What you don’t get is the ability to transfer files from one system to the other. This is screen sharing only.

  There’s also not quite enough control over how your system is shared. The "two mouse cursor" idea is Screenhero’s big plus, but you might occasionally want to turn it off, so your contact can "look, but not touch". Unfortunately there’s no way to do this. Screen sharing may be paused with a click, but you can’t enable it and prevent the other user browsing your system.

  Despite this, Screenhero is an excellent screen sharing tool for many purposes, fast, easy-to-use and reliable. It’s going to be a commercial product eventually, but is entirely free while in beta, so if you’re interested then go download a copy right now.

  
• 

  Bing also wins at World Cup 2014

  Publié: juillet 14, 2014, 12:46pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Last night, Germany won against Argentina in the World Cup 2014 final. It was a good game, with, dare I say, an expected outcome for those who watched both teams closely during the competition. But, for tech enthusiasts, there is a second winner, and that is Microsoft's Bing.

  Through the Windows Phone 8.1 personal assistant, Cortana, Bing predicted the winners in 15 out of the 16 World Cup 2014 games in the knockout stage. It only failed to foresee that The Netherlands would win against Brazil in the fight for third place. This remarkable achievement shows to prove that, contrary to what some might believe, Bing really has what it takes to shine when the pressure is on.

  For those of you who do not know, Bing beat Google Cloud platform, with the latter accurately predicting the outcome in only 14 out of the 16 games in the same stage of the competition. A close win for Microsoft's search engine, but a win nonetheless. It is worth noting that Google Cloud Platform also inaccurately predicted Brazil would win the third-place game against The Netherlands (it also failed to predict the outcome of a previous game).

  Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc says that this Cortana feature was enabled in only a week. How does it work? Well, after the user asks the personal assistant which team will win, Bing uses a model, which takes into account various factors like proximity, playing surface and weather condition at game time, to deliver its prediction. There is much behind-the-scenes work to get to this level of accuracy, as the model adapts "dynamically and continuously" prior to game time.

  Photo Credit: Andresr/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Wondering what Windows 9's Start menu might look like?

  Publié: juillet 14, 2014, 9:39am CEST par Wayne Williams

  

  We got our first glimpse of the future Windows Start menu at this year's Build Developer Conference, but since then Microsoft has kept the much requested feature well under wraps.

  Over the past couple of weeks we've seen some screens purporting to be from leaked versions of the next major Windows release. They certainly look the part, but are they the real deal?

  At the start of July several websites, including the Russian Hi-Tech@mail.ru, published images claiming to show off the Start menu. There were different variations, suggesting a work in progress. However, those were quickly claimed by Lodmot, an artist on deviantART who’d mocked them up as a concept.

  Then over the weekend a new, more convincing screenshot surfaced on the My Digital Life Forums. Its arrival immediately, and predictably, split users into two clear camps -- those who believe it to be a fake, and those convinced of its veracity.

  It certainly looks the part -- very similar to the menu Microsoft gave us a flash of at Build, with a list of programs down the left hand side and tiles nearly arranged on the right.

  Rumors suggest that the menu will only be available to desktop users, and they’ll be able to toggle the tiled part on or off.

  It could be real -- an early version of the forthcoming menu (it claims to be from Windows 9 build 9788) -- or it could be a simple Photoshop job. In all honestly, give me twenty minutes and I could mock up something along the same lines. But either way, I like what I see.

  Assuming it's real (a big assumption I know), what do you think of the menu?

  
• 

  Apple's cut-price eBay store returns

  Publié: juillet 14, 2014, 9:28am CEST par Jamie Hinks

  

  Apple’s mysterious eBay Store is out of the wilderness and back online selling iPhones at prices that undercut the company’s own online refurbished store and pre-empt a new iPhone launch in September.

  It’s being reported by Apple Insider that the storefront, which first appeared in 2012, is back on eBay’s site and selling "Apple Certified" iPhone 5 devices in a range of specifications -- something even Apple’s official refurbished site isn’t doing.

  Prices on the devices range from $449 for the 16GB model, $479 for the 32GB model and $499 for the 64GB model and all three configurations come in both black and white colors.

  All iPhone 5 handsets are factory-unlocked for GSM networks and come with an Apple warranty as well as a number of new items including a lightning cable, USB charger, Apple EarPods and a manual.

  Each pre-owned device has been returned to "like-new condition" with complete burn-in testing and has passed a final quality inspection by Apple technicians before being sent out.

  Apple launching an eBay Store has all the hallmarks of a similar move made in March 2013 when it looked to sell off refurbished iPads at $100 less than Apple’s own refurbished store ahead of the new iPad’s launch a short time afterwards.

  The storefront then disappeared without a trace before the 2013 iPad was launched and Apple Insider reports that it later found out it was part of an Apple three-month pilot program that wasn’t renewed.

  Apple is expected to launch a new iPhone handset this September and most rumors point to it equipping the new smartphone with a larger display to enable it to challenge many of its Android rivals.

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  Could a cloud integrator be your business's best option?

  Publié: juillet 14, 2014, 9:17am CEST par Kevin Linsell

  

  Three quarters of UK businesses are now officially "in the cloud" in one form or another. The universal, horizontal benefits of agility and utility are undeniable and compelling, but businesses still need to be able to translate these into competitive advantage.

  Getting the most from your cloud investment can be a challenge. The fact is that not all clouds are created equal, and depending on your drivers, required outcomes and preferences, some will be a far better fit than others.

  The current cloud market is fragmented and rapidly evolving, featuring niche startups, traditional infrastructure providers, telcos and a Technicolor array of different propositions and services, making it hard to be (and stay) well informed. It's sometimes difficult to know where to go and how to map your changing requirements to individual provider capabilities.

  Capabilities vs requirements

  There is a clear mismatch between what UK businesses need and what they actually get from their providers. Recent research commissioned by Adapt revealed that 75 percent of respondents do not feel that their cloud provider really understands their business, with one in four of them not expecting this provider to be meeting their business needs within the next 12 months.

  The survey discovered that cloud is currently used to support a wide range of requirements. 60 percent of businesses use it to manage diverse workloads from test and development to business-critical applications, with specific compliance and governance requirements and varying infrastructure demands. With this diversity comes natural specialism -- it's about fitness for purpose and the most efficient, appropriate solutions for the objectives you need to achieve.

  What all businesses agree on is the need to drive maximum return from their existing investments and develop a future strategy that is both relevant and the right fit. So can one provider do it all? Tellingly, some 62 percent of businesses are already multi-sourcing and 53 percent of respondents had learnt from experience that a single provider could not meet all their needs.

  Multi-sourcing

  Provider specialisms can help businesses achieve more, faster. However, managing a range of providers requires considerable time and effort on the part of in-house teams, forcing investment at both a service management and supplier management level, and potentially missing out on economies of scale. The individual providers meanwhile inevitably have an incomplete view of the customer, so organizations are not aligned to support their overall long-term growth strategy.

  Brokers, aggregators and integrators

  Against this backdrop, the idea of working with a single overall provider that manages these various relationships can be highly appealing. Cloud brokers or aggregators match organizations with providers that can service their needs at a particular point in time, or on a certain cost model. However, because the broker/aggregator has a tactical rather than strategic role, its ability to develop long-term relationships that evolve with customer demand is low.

  The other option is the cloud integrator. Integrators are the advisory conduit between the business and what the complete provider landscape can deliver. Unlike brokers and aggregators, who simply bundle multi-provider services together to be consumed through one contract, integrators take the long-term partnership view. An integrator will compare providers and clouds through the eyes of your business, and evaluate the potential for specific commercial, operational, technical and compliance gain. Cloud integrators are not created overnight -- it takes years of real-world experience and significant investment in platforms, people and processes to really deliver results.

  The fundamental difference is that the integrator takes accountability and responsibility for end-to-end service management, bringing together provider, legacy, customer-owned and public hyperscaler solutions to achieve a set of goals or outcomes. This single pane, comprehensive view reduces complexity, and delivers more meaningful insight and intelligence back to businesses.

  The integrator approach empowers organizations to maximize their return on investment, and really capitalize on the breadth of choice and options available. This means they can maintain a permanently optimized blend of services, solutions and providers that represent the best fit for delivering business outcomes for today and tomorrow. This is a marked difference from the traditional outsourcing concept, under which customers tend to be locked into three or five-year cycles, with little scope for change along the way.

  Crucially, it also releases in-house IT teams from managing those relationships, freeing them to focus on getting new products to market more rapidly and delivering real-world benefits back to the wider business.

  According to the research, almost half (48 percent) of UK businesses expect to make big changes to their cloud platforms in the next 12 months. If you are one of them, take the time to consider your options carefully. Keeping your teams focused on creating business value and outsourcing the effort, worry and uncertainty associated with choosing, migrating to and managing multiple cloud environments might just be the right move for you.

  Kevin Linsell is the head of service development at Adapt

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  Raspberry Pi introduces a new variation -- the Model B+

  Publié: juillet 14, 2014, 9:07am CEST par Wayne Williams

  

  We’re big fans of the Raspberry Pi here at BetaNews. The popular (not to mention super-affordable) credit card-sized ARM GNU/Linux computer was designed to bring programming back into schools but has quickly found an audience way beyond that.

  The Pi is available in two variations -- the $25 Model A, which comes with just the one USB port and no Ethernet, and the more advanced $35 Model B with Ethernet and two USB ports. Today, however, there’s a third choice -- the Model B+.

  Arriving two years after the Model B, the B+ uses the same BCM2835 application processor, and comes with the same amount of RAM (512MB) and the same software. So what’s different? The Raspberry Pi Foundation lists the following key improvements:

  • More GPIO. The GPIO header has grown to 40 pins, while retaining the same pinout for the first 26 pins as the Model B.
  • More USB. There are now 4 USB 2.0 ports, compared to 2 on the Model B, and better hotplug and overcurrent behavior.
  • Micro SD. The old friction-fit SD card socket has been replaced with a much nicer push-push micro SD version.
  • Lower power consumption. By replacing linear regulators with switching ones power consumption has been reduced by between 0.5W and 1W.
  • Better audio. The audio circuit incorporates a dedicated low-noise power supply.
  • Neater form factor. The USB connectors have been aligned with the board edge, composite video moved onto the 3.5mm jack, and four squarely-placed mounting holes have been added.

  The B+ will be made available alongside the Model B (there will be some stock to clear, but the Raspberry Pi Foundation says it will also keep the Model B in production for as long as there’s demand).

  You can buy the new model from Farnell/element14/Newark, or RS/Allied Components.

  
• 

  Raspberry Pi introduces an improved model -- the Model B+

  Publié: juillet 14, 2014, 9:07am CEST par Wayne Williams

  

  We’re big fans of the Raspberry Pi here at BetaNews. The popular (not to mention super-affordable) credit card-sized ARM GNU/Linux computer was designed to bring programming back into schools but has quickly found an audience way beyond that.

  The Pi is available in two variations -- the $25 Model A, which comes with just the one USB port and no Ethernet, and the more advanced $35 Model B with Ethernet and two USB ports. Today, however, there’s a third choice -- the Model B+.

  Arriving two years after the Model B, the B+ uses the same BCM2835 application processor, and comes with the same amount of RAM (512MB) and the same software. So what’s different? The Raspberry Pi Foundation lists the following key improvements:

  • More GPIO. The GPIO header has grown to 40 pins, while retaining the same pinout for the first 26 pins as the Model B.
  • More USB. There are now 4 USB 2.0 ports, compared to 2 on the Model B, and better hotplug and overcurrent behavior.
  • Micro SD. The old friction-fit SD card socket has been replaced with a much nicer push-push micro SD version.
  • Lower power consumption. By replacing linear regulators with switching ones power consumption has been reduced by between 0.5W and 1W.
  • Better audio. The audio circuit incorporates a dedicated low-noise power supply.
  • Neater form factor. The USB connectors have been aligned with the board edge, composite video moved onto the 3.5mm jack, and four squarely-placed mounting holes have been added.

  The B+ will be made available alongside the Model B (there will be some stock to clear, but the Raspberry Pi Foundation says it will also keep the Model B in production for as long as there’s demand).

  You can buy the new model from Farnell/element14/Newark, or RS/Allied Components.

  
• 

  Wilson's Weekend Whine: Snowden is right to be disgusted at UK 'emergency surveillance bill'

  Publié: juillet 13, 2014, 11:48pm CEST par Mark Wilson

  

  When we talk about surveillance online, it is almost always with reference to the NSA and activities in the US. But US citizens are far from being the only web users affected by surveillance. The NSA has long arms, but there are also similar activities going on in plenty of other countries. This week in the UK, the government is pushing through legislation that requires phone and internet companies to store information about customers' communication, and to hand it over to authorities on request. What made this particularly unusual was the fact that this was classed as emergency surveillance legislation with little to no debate and, more importantly, no public consultation whatsoever. Edward Snowden has plenty say on the matter, likening the British government to the NSA.

  The legislation covers not only UK-based companies, but also those based in other countries who have gathered data about UK customers. It is in direct opposition to a recent European court ruling that said retention of data was a violation of European law. This in itself would be reason for any surveillance-related laws to be debated, but the government chose instead to use emergency measures -- usually reserved for times of war or disaster -- to push through laws it knows will prove unpopular. As we are now used to hearing, the surveillance is not about recording phone calls, or storing individual emails and text messages, but about retaining the related metadata -- who contacted who, when, for how long, from where, and so on.

  But as we have already seen in the US, this dragnet style of surveillance means that the lives of countless innocent people are impacted upon. Point the finger at everyone and you’re sure to catch a criminal.  Still holed up in Russia, former NSA worker Edward Snowden spoke with the Guardian in a mammoth seven hour interview. During the interview he compared the British government's legislation to something that could have been written by the NSA:

  "The NSA could have written this draft. They passed it under the same sort of emergency justification. They said we would be at risk. They said companies will no longer cooperate with us. We're losing valuable intelligence that puts the nation at risk."

  Prime Minister David Cameron has tried to justify the legislation which has angered privacy and civil liberties groups. "Sometimes in the dangerous world in which we live, we need our security services to listen to someone's phone and read their emails to identify and disrupt a terrorist plot. As prime minister I know of examples where doing this has stopped a terrorist attack". If this sounds like familiar scaremongering, it should. It's nothing we haven't heard before -- it’s the same words from a different mouth.

  "We face real and credible threats to our security from serious and organised crime, from the activity of paedophiles, from the collapse of Syria, the growth of Isis in Iraq and al-Shabaab in east Africa". Yeah -- we’ve heard it all before, David. Would you like to read my mail before it drops through my letterbox as well? Or would gathering the metadata about who has written to me be enough? Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg bowed under pressure, but was quick to defend himself. "I have only agreed to this emergency legislation because we can use it to kickstart a proper debate about freedom and security in the internet age". But the legislation has been widely condemned as a "stitch-up by the elite".

  There is simply no justification for blanket surveillance. It does not make sense in any world. The number of man hours, the amount of expense, the number of false leads, the sheer volume of data is staggering. My opinion is divided when it comes to Edward Snowden. I applaud what he has done -- it was an extremely brave move to essentially stand up to the US government as a one-man army -- but I do find that he is something of an odd figurehead for privacy. But this is just a personal thing. Snowden is a modern day hero, and he has forced more people to do what they do not do often enough -- question authority and those in power. When something is done either in your name or for your benefit, it is only right that you have a say in how things are tackled. With both the NSA's activities and the UK government's "emergency" legislation (I feel from this point forward, I have to wrap that word in quotes lest I legitimize the government's actions).

  Snowden speaks complete sense when he says the government is looking to get new laws in place "immediately without any debate, just taking their word for it, despite the fact that these exact same authorities were just declared unlawful by the European court of justice". But more important is the question he poses: "Is it really going to be so costly for us to take a few days to debate where the line should be drawn about the authority and what really serves the public interest? If these surveillance authorities are so interested, so invasive, the courts are actually saying they violate fundamental rights, do we really want to authorise them on a new, increased and more intrusive scale without any public debate?"

  We are very much in the dark about what is happening. Limp-wristed references to national security, foreign threats and the like are meaningless (how many illegal wars have been started with any of these given as justification?). As Snowden says, "What's extraordinary about this law being passed in the UK is that it very closely mirrors the Protect America Act 2007 that was passed in the United States at the request of the National Security Agency, after the warrantless wire-tapping program, which was unlawful and unconstitutional, was revealed".

  For all the talk of living in a democracy, the fact that laws like this can be passed with no public consultation is unbelievable. The public is not being properly informed about what is happening, what the implications are, and what, if anything, they can do to get involved. For this to be happening in modern politics is a disgrace. I'm with Snowden on this one -- I'm fucking furious. I know I'm not alone, and I can only hope that a groundswell of opposition to mass surveillance and data retention as used by the NSA and UK government will force those involved to engage in meaningful debate.

  Final thought

  As you may have noticed, the weekly roundup of the week's news is no more. In its place will be -- as you have probably discerned from the headline -- a weekly whine. During the week there is plenty of time for news, while the weekend brings more time for reflection and analysis... and I can usually find something I'm less than happy about. Feedback is, as ever, welcome -- thoughts on content, ideas for what to cover, et cetera.

  Image Credit: Nomad_Soul / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Dropbox 2.10 FINAL kick-starts large file syncs

  Publié: juillet 13, 2014, 12:34pm CEST par Mike Williams

  

  Cloud backup provider Dropbox has released a new stable build for desktop with the launch of Dropbox 2.10.1 FINAL for Windows and Mac.

  The highlight is the introduction of streaming sync. Large files now start to be synced with your clients while they’re still being uploaded, keeping any initial delays to an absolute minimum and notably improving performance.

  The Dropbox tray pop-up is now scrollable, which means it’s no longer limited to displaying just the last three items.

  Localisation is enhanced with new support for Danish, Dutch, Swedish, Thai, and (though only in beta) Ukrainian.

  There’s a new option to disable the “Move to Dropbox” context menu item, too, although accessing it takes a little work.

  The official 2.10 release notes say you must first quit Dropbox, and then run one of the following commands (as appropriate) in a terminal:

  ◦Windows: %APPDATA%\Dropbox\bin\Dropbox –move-to-dropbox=False

  ◦OS X: /Applications/Dropbox.app/Contents/MacOS/Dropbox –move-to-dropbox=False

  ◦Linux: ~/.dropbox-dist/dropboxd –move-to-dropbox=False

  Dropbox 2.10.1 FINAL is available now as a freeware download for Windows, Mac and Linux.

  
• 

  CBS show Extant set to land on Amazon Prime with exclusive deal

  Publié: juillet 12, 2014, 3:26pm CEST par Alan Buckingham

  

  This past Wednesday CBS science fiction series Extant debuted, coming amid much hype from anxious viewers. The TV network has also reached an exclusive agreement with Amazon Prime, which already has a similar deal with shows such as Stephen King's Under the Dome.

  Episode one will be debuting this weekend, becoming officially available to viewers on July 13th. For those who have not heard of the new show, Amazon describes "Extant is a thrilling sci-fi drama starring Oscar-winner Halle Berry as an astronaut, Molly Woods, who returns home from a year in space and tries to reconnect with her husband and son. The events following Woods’ return home will ultimately change the course of human history with dramatic consequences for the entire planet".

  As with the other shows, customers will need to wait several days from television airing. "Judging from the customer response we got to Under the Dome last summer, we know Prime members are going to enjoy having access to Extant just four days after it airs on CBS”, says Brad Beale, Director of Digital Video Content Acquisition for Amazon.

  The show will become available on Prime each week, but episodes will hit the service after airing on CBS. Extant is already available to Prime subscribers in the UK, where it debuted on Amazon Prime the next day.

  Image Credit: CBS

  
• 

  View all your Firefox tabs at once with Tile Tabs

  Publié: juillet 12, 2014, 1:53pm CEST par Mike Williams

  

  Firefox’s tabs are normally an easy and convenient way to work online, neatly organising your open sites into separate, isolated views.

  There may still be times when you need to view two or more tabs at the same time, though -- and that’s where Tile Tabs can help, instantly organizing your chosen Firefox tabs into a single tiled window.

  The extension is absolutely packed with commands, functions, options and settings, and it can seem intimidating at first. Fortunately its core features are straightforward enough. Open three or four tabs, click Tile > New Layout > All Tabs -- Horizontal, and you’ll see all your current tabs tiled one above the other.

  This isn’t just some static view of your tabs. Splitter bars enable you to resize your tiles as required. And each tile is effectively a separate browser, just as before, so you can click links and work as normal in one tile, while the others remain visible.

  Alternatively, if these tiles are displaying related content, you might press F8 (or click Tile > Sync Scroll) to link them all together. Now scroll one tab and the others scroll, too: very convenient.

  For this first example we've tiled all our tabs, which is quite drastic: every tab displays the tiled view. A simpler, less intrusive alternative would be to click Tile > Tile New Tab > Below. This splits your current tab into two tiles, with the current page at the top, your “new tab” page below, while all other tabs remain untouched.

  Setting up the ideal tile layout can take a while, but your work can be saved for easy recall later. Tiles can be manipulated in various ways -- added, removed, collapsed, expanded -- and with 70-plus settings available, there’s plenty of scope for configuring Tile Tabs to suit your needs.

  But if you don’t want to go that far, just a simple layout change may be useful occasionally. And whatever you do is easily reversed: press F12, or click Tile > Close Layout (or Close All Layouts if you've been busy), your tiles are instantly closed, and every open tab is restored to its original state.

  
• 

  Windows Phone 8.1 users get refreshed Bing Apps -- single sign-on and more

  Publié: juillet 12, 2014, 1:56am CEST par Brian Fagioli

  

  My colleague Joe Wilcox is currently entrenched in an all-Microsoft lifestyle and I am enjoying reading about it. I too have been using Microsoft's products lately, including the wonderful Surface Pro 3 and Nokia Lumia Icon. The combination of that tablet and smartphone create quite the awesome experience.

  One of my favorite things about Microsoft's desktop and mobile operating systems is Bing Apps. It keeps me in touch with things like news, weather and sports to name a few. While that is nothing unique, it is the overall fluid design that makes it a treat to use. Today, Microsoft announces that it is updating Bing Apps for Windows Phone, but there is a catch -- it is an 8.1 affair only.

  "We are releasing a broad set of updates to the Bing Apps which are available for download and will now ship standard on new Windows Phone devices. The app updates are available only to users on Windows Phone 8.1 which is currently in developer preview. It will be available to existing users running compatible hardware and on the next wave of Windows Phone devices in the coming months", says the Bing Apps team.

  The most awesome new feature for all of the apps is Single Sign-On. This means that you do not need to login to your Microsoft account for each and every Bing app. Instead, users can now log in once and all of the apps will recognize it. While this new feature is cool, it is surprising that it was not already available.

  

   

  The best app of the lot, Bing News, is getting an additional source of data -- the New York Times Blogs Archive. While some people decry the publication for being too liberal, and maybe it is, it is still one of the leading news publications. Even if you disagree with the opinions of the bloggers, it is still beneficial to be aware of the thoughts of others.

  Bing Travel is getting the much-needed feature of flight-tracking. While I don't travel as much as I would like, I do get stuck picking people up from the airport a lot. If you've never done it, going to La Guardia and JFK airports can be a nightmare. Being kept abreast of time changes for the flights of the people I am picking up is a must.

  Foodies will be glad to hear that Bing Food and Drink is getting an update too. If you are a fan of eating or cooking food, this app is a dream to use. Microsoft is updating the app with a major focus on learning -- tutorial videos to learn about cooking techniques, plus recipes and tips from world-renowned chefs. You can now also add additional sources from popular places like "AllRecipes, Epicurious, Saveur and food bloggers like Food 52".

  With every passing day, Windows Phone and the overall Microsoft mobile experience is getting better. If you have never tried a Windows Phone before, I suggest trying one. Take a trip to your local Microsoft Store and play with Bing Apps -- you will be pleasantly surprised.

  Photo credit: AlenD / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Samsung 850 Pro: The best SSD of 2014? [Review]

  Publié: juillet 11, 2014, 7:38pm CEST par Alysia Judge

  

  At first glance, the untrained eye may see very little difference between Samsung's newest SSD, the 850 Pro, and its predecessor, the widely lauded 840 Pro. A black shell that clings on to the same dimensions of the previous model, the 850's only obvious distinguishing feature is an understated red square occupying the space where the 840's orange one once sat.

  The differences between the two, however, are colossal. Under the hood, Samsung has spent the last year prepping its revolutionary 3D V-NAND technology that aims to alleviate the frustrating constraints associated with shrinking NAND lithography down to ever-smaller process nodes. Until now, most manufacturers would shrink the die, thus increasing bit densities, in a bid to reduce cost and offer higher capacity. However this was limited by 2D planar architecture, and Samsung with its 3D V-NAND technology has come up with a new approach of stacking cells instead of shrinking them.

  By vertically and horizontally stacking the flash memory in the 850 Pro, Samsung has created a far more efficient structure for fast switching. Indeed, in our tests it was able to significantly increase the Holy Trinity of good SSD components: performance, reliability and power consumption.

  

  We found that the 2.5W max power consumption on the 1TB drive barely registered against the several hundred watts of our test system's other components. It means that on your average desktop PC, swapping in the 850 Pro won't even measure on a main's power meter. Instead, upon replacing a traditional HDD with the 850 Pro you will be met with a big drop in power consumption. While this is nice in a desktop, this is brilliant news for anyone wanting to install the 850 Pro in a laptop -- expect a huge improvement in battery life.

  Not only that though, the 850 Pro is fast. Roadrunner fast. In CrystalDiskMark tests, the Samsung 850 Pro (800GB) managed a sequential read of 552 Mps and a sequential write of 523 Mbps. That's speed that borders on obscene -- you'll be hard pressed to find a faster SSD unless you sell all your Apple shares for a PCI0-Express version.

  

  We only found two flaws: First is the bottleneck that is SATA3. SATA3 can only handle a theoretical maximum data rate of 750MBps, and the overhead of the SATA standard reduces that to 600MBps. At its maximum real-world throughput SATA3 is only really capable of 550MBps, which is why you see all these current high-end SSDs capped at 550MBps read speeds. The Samsung 850 Pro easily reaches that barrier even with the cheapest, slowest-writing 128GB mode. The thing is, it's capable of more.

  The second is -- as with most SSDs -- the price. Being a brand new, high-end, fresh-out-the-box solid state drive, buying the 850 pro will cost you a pretty penny. The 1TB model will set you back $400 while the cheapest option is $130 for the 128GB version. That's a significant mark-up compared to other SSD brands, but then again, those brands don't have the 850 Pro's V-NAND flash technology.

  Verdict

  From what we've seen, the Samsung 850 is one of the fastest and most powerful SSDs on the market. Simply by going vertical, Samsung has found in 3D V-NAND an opening to much higher solid state drive capacity. In other words, this could be the enabler for a paradigm shift to the terabyte era. For now, however, the 850 pro offers both consumers and professionals a well-engineered balance of performance, endurance, encryption and low power consumption. Whack on the 10 years limited warranty from Samsung, and you'd be mad not to flog a kidney for one.

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  YouTube brings weekly new music show to SiriusXM

  Publié: juillet 11, 2014, 6:42pm CEST par Alan Buckingham

  

  Google has slowly brought YouTube around to being a fully legal service, and made agreements with music labels and TV networks. Granted, some content still gets taken down -- that can't be unexpected when the users are providing much of the content.

  Now the video streaming service is bringing a weekly hour-long new music show to satellite music provider SiriusXM. The new show kicks off today at 6pm Eastern Time, and can be found on the Hits 1 station for those who subscribe to the radio service.

  Users will get the benefit of discovering new music from emerging artists, something that can be difficult to find at times. "The SiriusXM Hits 1 team will select songs to play from established artists based on the biggest YouTube view counts over recent weeks, and songs from emerging artists who are seeing the biggest percentage growth in views", the team claims.

  If you miss the original broadcast, then you can catch a repeat of it -- those will air Friday nights at 9pm ET, Saturdays at 2pm ET and Sundays at 8am ET.

  Photo Credit: ra2studio /Shutterstock

  
• 

  Best Windows 8 apps this week

  Publié: juillet 11, 2014, 4:57pm CEST par Martin Brinkmann

  Eighty-ninth in a series. Welcome to this week's selection of the best apps and games that have been released in the past seven days for Windows 8.

  Things slowed down a bit this week in terms of new apps and games. Microsoft did release a Jigsaw game which got the app of the week title as it is fun to play.

  One of the Red Stripe Deals this week has been discounted by 100 percent which has not happened before. You can download and install Doodle Creatures HD for free for the next six days.

  As always, if I missed an app or game that has been released this week that you believe is particularly good, let me know in the comments below or notify me via email instead.

  Here is this week's selection of apps and games.

  Red Stripe Deals

  Six apps and games are discounted by at least 50 percent each week. The following applications are available at a discount this week.

  • Halo: Spartan Assault, an action game playing in the Halo universe for $1.99
  • Doodle Creatures HD, a puzzle game that is free for the next six days.
  • Nightmares from the Deep 2: The Siren's Call, an adventure game for $3.49
  • Game Dev Tycoon, a simulation game for $3.99
  • Flightradar24, an air traffic radar app for $1.49
  • DragonBox Algebra 12, an algebra tutor for $4.99

  App of the week

  Microsoft Jigsaw

  

  Microsoft Jigsaw is a puzzle game that offers three different game modes for you to play. You can play a classic jigsaw game using several difficulty levels that determine the number of puzzle pieces, a jigsaw jam mode which gives you one piece at a time that you need to connect to the existing puzzle, and daily challenges to earn points and other rewards.

  The game ships with several puzzle collections and offers free and paid downloads of others.

  There is also an option to create a puzzle from a photo on the device or to create a puzzle from camera so that you should not run out of puzzles as you can always create new ones using those two options.

  Microsoft Jigsaw features the usual Xbox Games features such as awards, leaderboards and statistics that you may find useful or motivating.

  Other apps

  The Bridge ($6.99)

  

  The Bridge is a beautiful looking puzzle game that features its own art style. It is like Newton meeting Escher in a world where you can manipulate the laws of physics.

  The goal of The Bridge is to walk through a door in each level. What may sound easy at first can be quite difficult at times thanks to the structure of levels and the laws of physics.

  Holy War ($1.49, free trial available)

  

  Conquer all enemy locations on each map to proceed to the next level. To do so, you direct energy from an area under your control to a neutral or enemy controlled area.

  Locations have certain strategic values depending on type. Generators are for instance the only locations where new energy is being created. If you control those, you can make use of a steady flow of energy while your opponent may run dry over time.

  You control the flow of energy between nodes, and have certain spells at your disposal that help you out at times.

  Wikipedia Lecturer ($2.99, free trial available)

  

  This is a port of the Wikipedia text to speech app that was released for Android first. The app provides you with options to listen to any Wikipedia article.

  The app uses text to speech software for that. While understandable, it is clearly distinguishable from human read articles. It does support most languages according to the app description.

  The app lacks queue and downloading capabilities for offline access.

  ATUM

  

  A multi-layered game that combines platform action on a computer monitor that you look at with point and click adventure style puzzles.

  You control the character on the monitor with the WASD keys on your keyboard. What makes the game interesting is that you can manipulate part of the screen with the help of the point and click adventure part.

  A basic example is that you bump into a barrier in the platform part. You can't see what is blocking the way, but when you pick up a lighter in the adventure art and move it closer to the screen, you see that barrels block your way there.

  That's when you realize that you can light the barrier in the platform part using the lighter so that you can advance beyond it.

  Hurricane and Tropical Storm Report

  

  The application offers information about tropical storm and hurricane activity in the USA and Japan.

  News are provided in text form and as graphics, and come from the National Hurricane Center, the Japan Meteorological Agency and NASA.

  Talisman Prologue HD

  

  The game is based on the Talisman boardgame. Unlike Talisman, it is a single-player game at the moment.

  You select a character with distinct strengths and a quest that you need to complete. The quest can be something basic like collecting two weapons and defeating a strength opponent, or something more complex such as traveling to the Crown of Command.

  
• 

  iTranslate for Mac translates words, sentences and phrases from your Mac’s menu bar

  Publié: juillet 11, 2014, 4:51pm CEST par Nick Peers

  

  SonicoMobile has launched iTranslate for Mac 1.0, a new addition to its stable of translation tools that includes iOS and Windows 8.

  iTranslate allows users to quickly and easily translate words, sentences and phrases between 80 different languages, offering both written and spoken translations for text entered.

  The Mac version of the app sits in the menu bar, allowing users to access it from any app by either clicking its menu bar icon or by invoking a custom keyboard shortcut that users can set up during the initial setup process.

  Once opened, users type the word or sentence they wish to translate into the native language box and hit [Enter] -- after a short pause a written translation is rendered, and users can hear it spoken by clicking the button next to the translated phrase.

  If users enter a single word that has more than one meaning, iTranslate will list all available translations alongside each possible meaning. 80 languages are currently supported by the program, and users can switch language by clicking the appropriate flag icon to choose from a list or search for a specific language.

  The app works well, and makes the most of iTranslate’s cloud-based capabilities, making it as effective a tool as its siblings on iOS and Windows. The biggest surprise is the price -- a whopping $9.99, which compares badly to the free ad-supported Windows 8 and iOS versions. In addition, iOS users can also purchase iTranslate Voice 2.3 for just $1.99, which allows users to speak as well as type their phrases and is designed to act as a translation tool between two people.

  Perhaps mindful of this, iTranslate for Mac launches with a special 50 percent discount for the first few days of its life, making it a more palatable $4.99, although it’s a shame there’s no trial version available.

  iTranslate for Mac 1.0 is available now as a purchase-only download for Macs running OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion) or later. Also available are iTranslate Voice 2.3 for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, and iTranslate for Windows 8.

  
• 

  Numculator is a fast and configurable desktop calculator

  Publié: juillet 11, 2014, 4:48pm CEST par Mike Williams

  It used to be very basic, but Windows 7 saw Calculator evolve into a capable tool, with the addition of statistics, programmer, unit conversion and date calculation modes, amongst others.

  The Calculator interface isn’t always the easiest to navigate, though, and if you’re more interested in speed and convenience then you might prefer Numculator.

  The program is free, portable, and runs on any version of Windows from 2000 upwards. Once launched, it lives in your system tray, popping up whenever you press the Num Lock key.

  Numculator has a very simple interface, just a single line text box, so there are no mouse movements required. Just tap Num Lock and start calculating: it’s very straightforward.

  You’re not restricted to simple "2+2*5" math, as Numculator supports various functions and math types: Abs, Sqrt, Exp, Factorials, Logarithms, trigonometry, Min/ Max, Binary/ Decimal/ Hex conversions, simple date math (date1 – date2 = time elapsed, date1 + time elapsed = date2, more). It’s not a huge list, but there’s more than enough to be useful.

  Everything you enter is recorded in Numculator’s history. Stepping through this is as easy as tapping the up and down arrows, or you can save the entire history as a text file.

  Once you’ve finished your calculations, pressing Ctrl+Enter immediately closes Numculator and pastes the final figure into the previous application, again saving you a few clicks. (Although you can also copy and paste any figure manually, if you prefer.)

  And if you’re not happy with any aspect of the program, there’s a good chance it can be tweaked. Numeric formatting, rounding, alignment, font and transparency can all be adjusted, you can set a new hotkey if Num Lock isn’t convenient, and Numculator even has 20+ skins to choose from. Give it a try.

  

  
• 

  Gmail app vulnerability leaves iOS users at risk

  Publié: juillet 11, 2014, 3:54pm CEST par Ian Barker

  

  Mobile security specialist Lacoon has released details of a new vulnerability in the Gmail app for iOS that may allow hackers to view or modify encrypted communications.

  It allows attackers to use a Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) technique to impersonate a legitimate server using a spoofed SSL certificate.

  This type of threat is usually prevented using certificate pinning where the app developer codes the intended server certificate within the app. This means if communication is re-routed the mobile app will recognize the inconsistency between the back-end server certificate as coded within the app, and the certificate returned from the fake server.

  Lacoon has found that the Gmail iOS app doesn't perform certificate pinning. As a result a MitM attack could open up encrypted communications and the user would see no indication of suspicious activity.

  Certificate pinning is implemented in Gmail's Android app so it looks like this could be an oversight. Yet although Google was informed of the vulnerability at the end of February and validated its existence it was still present at the time of writing.

  Michael Shaulov, CEO and co-founder of Lacoon Mobile Security says, "Several months after providing responsible disclosure, Google has not provided information regarding resolution and it still remains an open vulnerability. This vulnerability leaves iPhone and iPad users at risk of a threat actor being able to view and modify encrypted communications through a Man-in-the-Middle attack".

  Until such time as a fix is released, enterprises are advised to check the configuration profiles of devices to ensure they don't include root certificates, ensure that a secure channel like a VPN is used when accessing corporate resources, and perform network and device analysis to detect MitM attacks.

  You can read more about the vulnerability on Lacoon's blog.

  Image Credit: Pavel Ignatov / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Galaxy Apps: Samsung's latest attempt at a popular Android app store

  Publié: juillet 11, 2014, 3:45pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Let's face it: there are only two major app stores in the mobile space. One is Apple App Store and the other is Google Play. That is due to their huge app selection, which was long passed the one billion apps mark in each case, and the quality of the available offerings, which often tops that of other app stores.

  On the iOS side of things, there is virtually no competition due to the platform's closed nature. On Android, however, Google Play's success stems from the popularity of Google-vetted devices, which tops that of handsets running forked versions of the operating system (that are not approved by Google). Still, one vendor had the potential to give Google Play a run for its money -- Samsung.

  The South Korean maker -- the largest phone and smartphone vendor (that includes Android, too) -- has tried to impose its own Samsung apps as the de-facto app store on its own Galaxy devices, which also offer Google Play access, but failed to do so thanks, in no small part, to the lack of developer interest (and, therefore, the lack of killer apps) and user interest alike.

  After all, why would someone develop only for Samsung's Android handsets when they can release an app that works across most -- if not, perhaps, all -- Android devices? And, why would Galaxy users, who could get all the right apps in Google Play, embrace Samsung Apps? There is just no benefit in that, at least none that is apparent.

  Samsung, however, is not giving up yet, as it relaunches its app store for Galaxy devices as Galaxy Apps. The South Korean maker is leveraging the popularity of the Galaxy brand now, but what does it have this time that can convince users to give it a go?

  "At Samsung, we continuously strive to create value for our customers by providing differentiated solutions and services coupled with innovative devices", says Samsung Media Solution Center president WonPyo Hong. "Samsung Galaxy Apps is an extension of that promise, as it offers our customers exclusive apps to enrich their experience".

  Samsung says there are "hundreds" of Galaxy-exclusive apps in its new app store, which is touted to be an "improvement" over Samsung Apps. What do they offer? More customization options, and a way to get more "promotions and discounts". It also makes exploring and finding apps easier than before, and offers business-friendly offerings. That does not sound like much, right now at least, considering the plethora of similar apps available in Google Play, and other places.

  Galaxy Apps has the potential to end up just like Samsung Apps -- an icon most Galaxy owners do not ever tap on -- unless the South Korean maker figures out a way to get developers to release thousands of value-adding exclusive offerings as soon as possible. And that sounds like a far-fetched scenario in my opinion.

  
• 

  Here's where you can buy Nokia Lumia 930 in US

  Publié: juillet 11, 2014, 2:18pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  After months of waiting, Nokia Lumia 930 is finally available. That is, of course, unless you are living in US, where Microsoft will not make the Windows Phone 8.1 flagship officially available. Sure, you can buy Lumia Icon instead, as it offers pretty much the same specs, but what if you are not, or not do want to be, a Verizon customer?

  The first option is to import Lumia 930 from Europe, where it is sold by major retailers, some of which offer international shipping. Clove, which is based in UK, carries the smartphones, in black, orange and white, at a price of £362.5 (which is about $621) without any local taxes. Or, you can head over to Expansys US, which sells Lumia 930 for not much more.

  The Windows Phone 8.1 flagship is available, in black, green, orange and white, for $699, and it is listed as shipping in four days after placing the order (the orange version is said to arrive in five to ten days, in the retailer's stock). That price does not include shipping, which starts at $7.99.

  Expansys US offers the RM-1045 model. It is designed for European mobile operator networks (and other regions, like APAC and IMEA). It is 4G LTE-capable on bands 1, 3, 7, 8, and 20, which means that you will not get 4G LTE speeds on AT&T or T-Mobile (HSPA+ speeds should be attainable).

  Expansys US also sells Flip Case for Lumia 930, which is a display cover, for $29.99 for the black version and $41.99 for the green and orange versions. There is no Flip Case offered in white, at least not yet.

  Lumia 930 specs: 5.0-inch OLED display with a resolution of 1080 by 1920; 2.2 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800; 2 GB of RAM; 2,420 mAh non-removable battery; 32 GB of internal storage; 20 MP PureView back-facing camera with optical image stabilization and 1080p video recording; 1.3 MP front-facing camera capable of 720p video recording; 4G LTE; Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac; Bluetooth 4.0; USB 2.0; NFC; DLNA; Qi wireless charging; physical dimensions of 137 x 71 x 9.8 mm and 167 grams.

  
• 

  Selling a smartphone? Here's how to securely wipe your personal data

  Publié: juillet 11, 2014, 1:24pm CEST par Wayne Williams

  As a test, Avast purchased 20 used and supposedly wiped Android phones and discovered that it was able to recover vast amounts of personal user data. My colleague Brian Fagioli reported the story here.

  Google responded to the news, stating "This research looks to be based on old devices and versions (pre-Android 3.0) and does not reflect the security protections in Android versions that are used by the vast majority of users". It went on to offer users advice on how to make sure when selling an old mobile phone you aren’t also gifting your personal data to buyers.

  Google says would-be sellers should "enable encryption on your device and apply a factory reset beforehand; this has been available on Android for over three years".

  Simply performing a factory reset on its own won’t prevent your data from being recovered.

  What you need to do is go into Settings > Security and select 'Encrypt device'. Anyone who tries to access your data will need to enter a password. With that done, you can then use the factory reset option to wipe the device and return it to its default settings.

  Alternatively, there are several Android apps available that can securely erase your data and prevent recovery.

  Secure Deletion for Android ($2.75) forces your Android phone to overwrite sections of storage so the data kept there cannot be recovered.

  Nuke My Device ($0.99) deletes everything on your internal SD card, then writes encrypted data to the entire partition, before wiping that data.

  Avast Anti-Theft offers an option to wipe memory to keep your private data safe.

  Secure Erase with iShredder 3 will wipe and securely erase the freespace of your device.

  iOS users can go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase all Content and Settings. iShredder 3 used to offer users a secure way of fully wiping an iOS device, but Apple has since removed this from the App Store.

  Photo credit: Evgin/Shutterstock

  
• 

  BlackBerry details BBM for Windows Phone

  Publié: juillet 11, 2014, 1:01pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

  After being announced in late-February, BBM finally landed in Windows Phone Store earlier this week. The messaging app is not yet generally available though, as it was published as a private beta. But BlackBerry is giving impatient BBM fans and prospective users the opportunity to join an "external" testing program.

  Ahead of the public release, BlackBerry also showcases what the first BBM iteration can do on Windows Phone. First off, the Canadian maker has designed the app so it feels and looks, per BlackBerry's own words, like a native Windows Phone offering. That is a significantly different approach to what it has done with BBM for Android and iOS, both of which look much like the BlackBerry OS counterpart.

  "When it comes to design, we’ve heard users asking for a native experience that matches the experience they’re accustomed to on their phone", says BlackBerry. The Windows Phone version of BBM will make use of horizontal scrolling to reveal its main areas, namely Contacts, Chats and Feeds. This is very Windows Phone-like, and the way Microsoft wishes all apps would work. Also, a menu bar is placed at the bottom of the window, with the obligatory three-dotted menu button on the right side, that expands it when tapped.

  As its name implies, Contacts is where all of the user's BBM contacts reside. There, folks can search, find other BBM users, manage users, and send broadcast messages. Contacts can be pinned on the Windows Phone homescreen, which is a neat touch; after the live tile is tapped, a direct chat will open. The contacts list also includes BBM Groups.

  Chats is the part of BBM which includes all conversations. From this pane, users can initiate new conversations, reply in existing ones, broadcast and multi-chat. Conversations support sharing photos, voice notes, contacts, and location.

  Feeds is BBM's Timeline-like feature, which shows what contacts are doing. It displays status and profile photo updates, provides an option to quickly initiate a conversation, and allows the user to update their own status.

  Now, here is what Windows Phone users will not get at first. The initial BBM release will come without stickers, BBM Channels and Voice as well as Glympse-powered location sharing. These features, BlackBerry says, will be added "in the months ahead". BlackBerry makes no mention off which Windows Phone version will be supported at launch, but the app's Store page says it works on both Windows Phone 8 and Windows Phone 8.1.

  If you are looking for BBM's Windows Phone Store page, here it is.

  
• 

  Law enforcement and industry combine to prevent Shylock taking its pound of flesh

  Publié: juillet 11, 2014, 12:27pm CEST par Ian Barker

  

  An international operation involving law enforcement and private sector organizations has been set up to combat the Shylock banking trojan. Shylock, which gets its name because the code contains lines from Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, is thought to have infected at least 30,000 Windows computers worldwide.

  To date Shylock has targeted the UK more than any other nation so the country's National Crime Agency (NCA) is coordinating the international effort. This also includes the FBI, Europol, BAE Systems Applied Intelligence, GCHQ, Dell SecureWorks, Kaspersky Lab and the German Federal Police.

  Shylock typically infects its victims via a malicious link which installs the code, it will then seek to access funds stored in private or business bank accounts and transfer them to its criminal controllers. The enforcement operation is aimed at disrupting the system which Shylock relies on to operate by seizing servers and taking control of the domains it uses to communicate. These operations are conducted from the European Cybercrime Centre in The Hague.

  Andy Archibald, Deputy Director of the NCA's National Cyber Crime Unit, says, "The NCA is coordinating an international response to a cyber crime threat to businesses and individuals around the world. This phase of activity is intended to have a significant effect on the Shylock infrastructure, and demonstrates how we are using partnerships across sectors and across national boundaries to cut cyber crime impacting the UK".

  Users with Windows updates turned on should be safe from Shylock and don't need to take further action. If you don't have automatic updates running you can find more about checking for and removing infection on the Microsoft site.

  There’s more information on the UK government's Cyberstreetwise website. The last word here though really should belong to Shakespeare's Shylock, "And if you wrong us shall we not revenge?"

  Image Credit: Rob Hyrons / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Yahoo's new mapping algorithm lets you take the happy route home

  Publié: juillet 11, 2014, 12:24pm CEST par Barclay Ballard

  

  Yahoo has developed a GPS algorithm that allows users to select a route based on how beautiful it is, instead of time or distance.

  Yahoo Labs and the University of Torino conducted the Shortest Path to Happiness study in order to offer "emotionally pleasant" routes to users.

  To determine which routes were the most "beautiful, quiet and happy," researchers used website UrbanGems, where users are asked to rank photos of London and Boston based on how aesthetically pleasing they are.

  Based on votes from over 3,300 members of the site, looking at more than five million images of the two cities, the mapping algorithm generates alternative routes not determined by traditional factors such as distance or time.

  "Based on a quantitative validation, we find that, compared to the shortest routes, the recommended ones add just a few extra walking minutes and are indeed perceived to be more beautiful, quiet, and happy," the study claims.

  Yahoo's research is in sharp contrast to most mapping services, which focus only on the shortest routes.

  For example, Google recently updated its Maps service to allow users to more accurately measure the distance between two or more locations.

  While Yahoo's alternative routes are currently only available in Boston and London, the company stated that it would be looking to extend it to other US and European cities.

  The firm did not confirm whether the new mapping algorithm would feature in any of its products, but the report did refer to its potential use in a smartphone app.

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  New private cloud allows invite only sharing

  Publié: juillet 11, 2014, 11:33am CEST par Ian Barker

  

  Cloud storage is an increasingly popular way of storing and sharing data, but when using public services there's always a concern about how safe your information is.

  But now a new startup aims to provide controlled sharing of data via an intelligent private cloud network. Sher.ly integrates your existing hard drives into a private, tightly controlled cloud network. Rather than have to send out open links to files or share copies across a public cloud, organizations and individuals can have the security of invite-only, limited-access file-sharing that keeps data on the devices that produced it.

  It also offers simple access management with robust reporting and easy to use auditing tools so that management can track who has access to what.

  "Sher.ly is faster, safer, simpler, and more efficient than protocols used in traditional cloud software platforms," says co-founder and CEO Blazej Marciniak. "It's an entirely new way to think about data storage. The principle is still the same, but the foundation is radically different".

  Because it doesn’t rely on public services Sher.ly overcomes the worry of third-party providers exposing your data. "Given what we’ve learned about the NSA, and the extent to which third party providers were betraying the trust and privacy of their users, there is frankly no good reason to do business over a public cloud network," says Marciniak. "If you're handling anything like sensitive information, the truth is you can't afford to expose yourself to that risk. And, now with Sher.ly, you really don’t have to".

  The software uses VPN connectivity and peer-to-peer communication technology to restrict data flow to secure end points, as opposed to relaying it through central servers. Users can access information stored behind their own firewall, share data streams across remote work groups and collaborate on documents and edits, all with the guarantee that private files never leave the safety of their native hard drives.

  You can find out more about Sher.ly and sign up to take apart in the beta trial on the company's website.

  Photo Credit: Marynchenko Oleksandr / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Keep business data safe from inside threats

  Publié: juillet 11, 2014, 8:35am CEST par Dave McNally

  The ability to print directly from the cloud or a mobile phone or tablet creates obvious advantages, helping to make everyday business activities much more efficient. Ease of access, however, also creates security challenges that businesses must overcome in order to help keep sensitive information safe.

  In a recent Dell global security survey, nearly three quarters of the organizations questioned said that they had suffered a security breach at some point. And security isn't just an issue for large corporations; no matter how big or small your business is, you'll definitely have information on file that needs to be kept safe. This could be personal data, bank details, or even a simple contacts database.

  Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, as demonstrated in a recent report from the RAND Corporation, but the reality is that danger can also come from closer to home. Although you may trust your employees, a rogue member of staff or disillusioned co-worker has the potential to create immeasurable damage to your organization.

  The good news is that guarding your sensitive documents needn't be difficult or expensive. Here are some simple things that you can do to help protect your organization:

  Password protection and controlled access

  No matter how much you like your co-workers, giving them access to all your files is unnecessary and puts sensitive data at risk. You may consider using password protection on individual files, or moving groups of documents into a separate cloud storage or hard drive that only you have access to. Passwords are easy to activate; most computer programs and file storage systems will allow you to apply them via the settings dashboard. Network controls can also let you determine who in your organization has access to certain files.

  Most importantly though, make sure team members understand the importance of these measures. When walking around any office, it's surprising how many people leave passwords and access codes on post-it notes on their desks -- it's pretty much the equivalent of keeping your PIN written on the back of your credit card.

  Make sure printed documents are stored under lock and key

  Any printed copies of sensitive documents should be stored out of sight -- and locked away if you don't want them getting into the wrong hands. Invest in a lockable filing cabinet and consider keeping them in a separate facility if they are particularly valuable.

  There are various technologies that can help -- a multi-function printer (MFP) for example, can help you avoid accidentally leaving confidential documents on the device. MFPs come with built-in features, such as secure print, which will ensure that your documents can't be viewed or printed until a special code has been entered. This can be extended further by using card access control for "pull printing" with additional software and will ensure that your documents can be printed securely on any connected device on the network. As well as access control and user authentication, MFPs can even be set up with physical locks.

  Controls to prevent users printing or print-screening sensitive files

  Any documents that your employees need to access can still be protected by disabling the print screen function, or you could ask your IT support to help you to prevent printing certain content altogether. That way, you can ensure that valuable information can't be copied and taken away when your employees leave the office.

  Secure data encryption to prevent hackers accessing your files

  If you hold customer data, you'll need to take extra steps to protect it or you could end up liable in the event of a breach. Depending on how much data you store, what type of information it is and what you use it for, you may need to seek more advanced guidance and support. However, as a good first step, you should encrypt your data. Using data encryption software, you can make sure that anyone who does get into your system won't be able to access the information you need to protect.

  Scanning is often overlooked when considering data encryption. When documents are scanned to the cloud, they represent a risk of being accessed or hacked, so it's important that any MFP or scanner you use can scan documents that are fully encrypted.

  With cybercrime becoming an increasing priority, it can be easy to forget the dangers in your immediate environment. Putting effective security policies in place, however, will not only help you to keep hackers out, but will also prevent your physical documents from getting into the wrong hands.

  Dave McNally is the product marketing director for EMEA at Dell Imaging

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  MindRDR Google Glass app gives users telekinetic powers

  Publié: juillet 11, 2014, 8:30am CEST par Morenike Adebayo

  "Imagine a world where you can interact with a digital device just by thinking about the content you want -- that's the world we're building", enthuses This Place CEO Dusan Hamlin.

  This might sound like a feature of the distant future or cutting-edge technology straight from a sci-fi film. But this is exactly what 'This Place' has created in its innovative new app called MindRDR (pronounced 'mind-reader'). Combining NeuroSky's Mindwave Mobile -- an EEG biosensor that has a contact point with the user's temple and monitors changes in the user's brainwaves -- and Google Glass, this app could be the next stage in merging wearable technology with telekinetics.

  In their company video (embedded below), the London-based developers describe scenarios where a mind-controlled device could be used, for example in taking a photo and sharing with friends via Facebook.

  Currently the app as shown is quite limited in its functional capabilities, it can snap a photo and share it to Twitter or Facebook. The EEG sensor detects a rise in your brainwaves through concentration on a white line on a screen, once to take the photo and once again to upload the photo. As such, the simplicity of doing this without the biosensor and Google Glass, rather than the recursive of concentrating on concentrating on a line until an action is completed, does appear to be easier.

  The attractiveness of the combination of the EEG biosensor and the smart eyewear when worn does rate fairly low. The two technologies together look awkwardly bulky and cumbersome, rather than the stylish and discreet tech that some may prefer. However, this is only the first generation of such and with further development, this could be become less geeky and sleeker.

  The strongest application of the MindRDR in entertainment would be for gaming. Instead of learning a myriad of button combinations, a player could simply think 'jump' or 'fire' and their virtual character would perform the action. Here is where development of such an app would benefit, especially where more complex and split-second decisions are required. However, most people have reported that using the bio-sensor is not as immediately effective than any other method of control and does require time spent to understand how to control it for it to become more effective.

  Looking at the output of NeuroSky's other products, there is a focus on visually seeing and learning about EEG brainwave detection. The EEG sensor comes as part of an edutainment package in the Brainwave Starter Kit that includes meditation platforms, games with gaming demos and instructional suites for £79.00 on Amazon.

  While the everyday reality of being able to conduct many tasks by simply thinking about it may still be far off, the MindRDR app is certainly a fantastic start in creating thought-activated technology.

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  Acer releases new C720 Chromebooks -- first-ever to have Intel Core i3 inside

  Publié: juillet 11, 2014, 1:10am CEST par Brian Fagioli

  

  Chrome OS is an awesome, albeit limited, Linux-based operating system. It is a pleasure to use for most things, including writing, but it is hard to use exclusively. Just recently, I needed a Windows machine to achieve root access on an Android tablet -- a Chromebook proved useless for this task (Surface Pro 3 saved the day).

  My biggest complaint however, is not about the software, but the hardware. For some reason, manufacturers largely produce junk Chromebooks with ugly screens and 2GB of RAM. Believe it or not, there is a market for mid-range computers running Google's OS. Not everyone is just looking to Chromebooks as a way to save a buck. Today, Acer releases the world's first Core i3 Chromebook, featuring 4GB of RAM as an option. This may be the Chromebook we've been waiting for!

  "Acer has been a leader in the Chromebook space and the new C720 based on 4th generation Intel Core i3 processors marks a new class of Chromebook with enhanced performance and battery life. As one of the most powerful Chromebooks on the market, the additional performance of Core i3 enables an extremely responsive experience while surfing multiple tabs of web pages. Students, families and business users will recognize the difference in how snappy the new Acer C720 is with Intel Core i3", says Navin Shenoy, VP and GM of Intel Mobile Client Platforms Group.

  The computer manufacturer explains, "the Acer C720 Chromebook will be available in two models with a 4th Generation Intel Core i3-40005U processor (1.7GHz, 3MB L3 cache). The Acer C720-3404 will have 4GB of memory and will be priced at $379.99, while the Acer C720-3871 will have 2GB of memory and will be priced at $349.99. They will be available this month at retailers in North America".

  Acer touts the following specs:

  • Intel Core i3-4005U 1.7 GHz (3 MB Cache)
  • 2 GB or 4GB DDR3L SDRAM
  • 32 GB Solid-State Drive
  • 11.6-Inch Screen, Intel HD Graphics 4400
  • Chrome, 8.5-hour battery life

  While giving consumers options is normally a good idea, I question the sanity of offering two models with a paltry $30 difference between them. Quite frankly, I would suggest that no one buy the 2GB model and instead spend the extra money to go 4GB. Trust me, you will regret getting less RAM. Chromebooks shine with a minimum of 4GB.

  Availability of these new computers is imminent, and you can pre-order now on Amazon. Will you buy? Tell me in the comments.

  
• 

  What don't I understand about Xbox Music?

  Publié: juillet 10, 2014, 9:12pm CEST par Joe Wilcox

  

  Seventh in a series. I ask because the user experience can't be this bad. Can it?

  My "Microsoft All-In" experiment continues, and on Day 10 I must finally gripe about Xbox Music, which experience on Windows Phone 8 is pretty good, while the desktop app really sucks. I've got Pass, which should be as much about music discovery as streaming. I see some of both, but nowhere as much as core competing services, on Nokia Lumia Icon, while Surface Pro 3 disappoints. If I'm missing something, please correct my perception and also assist anyone considering Xbox Music.

  Apple and Google offer excellent music discovery. Their stores are chock full of curated content, while online storage of your music gives anytime, anywhere access with suggestions based on listening habits. Microsoft offers excellent selection, and that includes the vast streaming library, but no online storage and on the desktop scant selection of curated content -- that I can easily find. While Windows Phone's app is better, there is still too much work involved finding stuff.

  I also don't see much syncing, if any, between the Windows mobile and desktop apps. Songs streamed on one device should show up on the other, so that listening can continue. Icon and Surface are both connected to the same Microsoft account. If there is supposed to be sync synergy, I don't see it.

  This and other idiosyncrasies show where "desktop app thinking" keeps the company from rising to the cloud. For example, on the phone the presumption is that you will listen to tracks stored on the device. Otherwise, cloud streaming would be the first option presented to an Xbox Music Pass subscriber like me. Instead, I must go through several screens to get to the store and manually search for songs.

  
  Read more of Joe Wilcox's "Microsoft All-In" series

  "Blah" is my word for desktop app. I am a huge fan of simple, clutter-free UIs. But the Windows 8.1 app makes Xbox Pass look like a ghost town. Add some cobwebs, the picture is perfect. Things do look better when your own locally stored songs appear, but my collection is 250GB and doesn't fit on the hard drive. There the cloud helps.

  Where the service sings --- and you can disagree -- is the audio fidelity. Streaming sounds great, and to my aged ears better than any competing service, which in my experience includes AmazonMP3, Beats, Google Music, iTunes, Pandora, Rdio, and Spotify, among others. The sound is rich, with great range of lows and highs, while delivering excellent sound stage either to my Harmon Kardon Soundsticks III or Sony MDR-1BT Bluetooth headphones from either Icon or Surface Pro 3.

  More significantly, from either device, bass is balanced rather than pumped, and that's as much about music encoding as app playback. For streaming anyway. Stuff I purchased from iTunes still is too bassy even using Microsoft's app, but nowhere as heavy and better balanced.

  What I hear, I really like. What I see, I don't. And you?

  

  Update: I bit the bullet, and attached the USB drive with my music to Surface Pro 3 and let the Xbox app update my collection and match to the cloud. I don't want to keep the drive attached, and figured that, like iTunes, my music could stream to any device.

  Uh-oh. Click the above image to enlarge. Xbox Music couldn't even match half the songs -- just 6,845 out of 14,570. ITunes provides access to nearly everything. I dunno which service has the largest library, but it's clear Apple licensees more for streaming -- or is about something else? From Google, because your music is stored in the cloud, everything is available to stream.

  
• 

  Customize and configure your PC with Windows Tweaker 5.0

  Publié: juillet 6, 2014, 3:30pm CEST par Mike Williams

  Windows is a highly configurable operating system, with hundreds of settings and options available. But taking full advantage of this can be a challenge, as many settings are buried deep in the Registry, while others are scattered around a host of programs and applets.

  Windows Tweaker aims to help by giving easy access to 100-plus system tweaks (on Windows Vista and later) from a single interface. It’s portable, open source and entirely free of adware and other annoyances, so we downloaded the latest version 5.0 to take a look.

  The program has a surprisingly sparse interface. While most tweaking tools try to impress you by displaying just as many options on one screen as they can, here everything is spread across 11 categories and 50-plus subcategories. This does give it a clean, uncluttered, modern look, though, and a search tool means it’s easy enough to find tweaks: just type a keyword -- “desktop”, say -- and any related options are listed.

  The tweaks aren’t always as impressive. Plenty are already easy to find from Windows (folder display options, default power button action, Windows update settings), while others are based around very familiar tips (God Mode folder).

  We also suspect there are a few bogus tips which do precisely nothing at all, such as “unload unused DLLs after an application is closed”. These won’t do any harm, either, but what they suggest is the developer has assembled his tweaks by just copying everything he’s seen on other tip sites, which doesn’t inspire much confidence.

  Despite that, there are also plenty of useful options. A “Right-Click” section, for example, can extend your file/ folder context menus with options like “Copy to…”, “Move to…”, “Encrypt”, “Decrypt”, “Open with Notepad”, and more.

  Maybe you’d like to limit the harm a non-technical user can do to their system? The “Restrictions” menu can disable the Registry Editor, Task Manager, Control Panel, even the right-click option in Explorer.

  There are several other tweaks which normally require Registry access. You can have your system show a message before a user logs on, for example. There’s an option to set the number of icons displayed when Alt+Tabbing. Interface tweaks include adding Recycle Bin to My Computer, and extending Control Panel with a link to Registry Editor.

  We have a few minor issues with the program. In particular, it occasionally tells us that a particular tweak is only available in this or that version of Windows. Well, great, but why not simply hide that tweak if it’s not available on the current system?

  Windows Tweaker has one or two problems, then, but there are also some helpful and time-saving tweaks here, and the search tool makes them easy to find. Give it a try.

  
• 

  Is Russia on the verge of creating its own controlled, closed internet?

  Publié: juillet 5, 2014, 10:07pm CEST par Mark Wilson

  

  The idea of a closed internet is hardly new; turn your eyes to East Asia, and the Great Firewall of China looms large. The Chinese government is well known for the control it likes to exert over the levels of access its citizens have to the internet, and there have been numerous well-publicized cases of censorship and access being restricted to pages that refer to certain events in the county's history. The country is highly defensive of its image, and goes to great lengths to fight off western influence -- including going as far as banning Windows 8 on government computers lest machines furnished with Microsoft's most recent operating system be used for spying on the People's Republic of China. Now it looks as though Russia could be going down a similar route.

  Russian parliament has just passed a law that requires internet companies to store data about Russian citizens within the county's boundaries. The move can be viewed in a couple of ways. It is no secret that the Russian government, and Vladimir Putin in particular, is no fan of social media -- social networks were used by Russians to voice their disapproval at Putin's activities. It is thought that the move to contain citizen's data without Russia is a bid to create a Russian version of China's closed internet.

  While the Kremlin insists that the laws -- which could come into play in the third quarter of 2016 -- are aimed at improving data protection, it is being viewed more suspiciously by others outside of the government. The concern centers around the fact that the government will retain the right to block or close down sites that do not comply with the law. This means that social networks like Facebook and Twitter will have to store their data in Russia rather than at data centers elsewhere in the world or risk missing out entirely on the Russian market.

  Russia has something of an interesting relationship with many other countries, most notably the US. After Edward Snowden fled the States, he managed to obtain asylum in Russia, placing something of a strain on American-Russian relations. Having blown the whistle on NSA activities, Snowden has changed the face of the internet forever. He is held up as a hate figure by many, but lauded as a hero by others. His revelations about the activities of the NSA served only to make Russia more suspicious of the US.

  Russians will no doubt be happy to ensure that their personal data is not being stored in the US. But bringing things in-house could mean giving up access to a democratic, free internet. Whether there will ultimately be a Russian firewall in place remains to be seen, but -- assuming the laws are passed by the upper parliamentary chambers as well as Putin himself -- it certainly looks as though Russians could end up losing access to parts of the internet the government doesn’t like.

  Image Credit: Reidl / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Tour de Yorkshire brings the Tour de France spirit to your iPhone and iPad

  Publié: juillet 5, 2014, 8:22pm CEST par Mike Williams

  

  The Tour de France 2014 has just kicked off in Yorkshire, England, where 198 top riders will spend the next two days battling through 120 miles of beautiful countryside.

  If you’re a cycling fan then you really should be there. But if that’s not possible -- or you’re just inspired by what you see -- then you can get into the spirit of the event with Tour de Yorkshire, a fun free iPhone and iPad game.

  You start as a cyclist aiming to win the championship for Great Britain and team Leeds Bradford Airport. Your only problem: the four top international riders equally determined to reach the finish line first.

  Gameplay starts with well-planned training, building up your stamina so you’re ready for the competition.

  Tapping the screen to pedal gets you on your way. The faster you tap, the faster you go, although your stamina soon begins to fall. Swiping a good line through the corners helps to maintain your speed, though, and getting it exactly right will give you a much-needed energy boost.

  If that sounds simple, that’s because it is, and you’ll pick up the basics quickly. But there’s some depth here, too. You get to decide your own training strategies. Nine competition tracks take you through city streets and gorgeous countryside. And even if you get tired of the main game, there’s always the option to set and beat your own personal bests in Time Trial mode.

  Tour de Yorkshire isn't just for the next two days, then: it’s going to keep you entertained for quite some time. Go grab a copy now.

  
• 

  Hyperjuice Plug+ is enough backup power for any traveler [Review]

  Publié: juillet 5, 2014, 3:55pm CEST par Alan Buckingham

  

  With the recent Hurricane Arthur moving up the east coast of the US, power becomes something to worry about and a mobile connection can prove a lifeline for many people in the path of such storms. Keeping a tablet or cell phone alive during a disaster is paramount, but portable power is also handy for mundane times like travel and camping.

  Backup batteries are not scarce on the market, you can find any number of them if you look. The real question is, what do you need? Ideally, you want the maximum mAh you can afford, as it will provide the most charges -- remember that battery in your phone is rated, and is usually somewhere in the 2,000 to 3,000 range. Use that number to compare to what you are buying to get a rough estimate of the amount of times you will be able to recharge. If you live in a household with multiple members then that should also be taken into account.

  One of the latest on the market comes from Hyperjuice, and it provides quite a lot of power, as the company name suggests. The Plug+ packs in a whopping 18,000 mAh of charging capability.

  This does not come small or light -- there is some size and heft to the item, but given the power inside, that is to be expected. In addition to the mAh rating, the company also has two USB charging ports, a retractable wall plug, aluminum casing and even promises a one year warranty.

  

  The retractable plug is a handy feature. Most chargers get charged themselves via a micro-USB plug, just as phones and tablets do. This one actually plugs into whatever outlet you have handy -- you'll want to it to be vertical because of the weight.

  The company describes "Stick the HyperJuice Plug into the wall, charge it up and you have a high capacity 18,000mAh battery pack that can deliver on-the-go power to 2 USB devices (even 2 iPads) at the same time. Aluminum battery housing (available in 6 different juicy colors), retractable wall plug and a 5 level LED battery level indicator completes the sleek look and all-in-one package".

  Five tiny green LED lights indicate the charge as the battery is plugged in. When all begin blinking in unison then the battery is completely charged.

  The Plug+ comes in two different versions -- an 18,000 mAh, which is the one we have tested, and a 12,000 mAh. They retail for $109.95 and $89.95 respectively. Each also comes in an array of colors, including green, pink, black, gold, blue and more.

  Conclusion

  There are numerous choices on the market for batteries, and those who travel, camp or are prone to power outages are wise to own at least one. At 18,000 mAh, the Hyperjuice Plug+ packs plenty of power to keep your devices going. It charges up relatively quickly from your wall outlet and has no problem holding that charge over time. It certainly seems to be one of the better options available right now.

  
• 

  The most popular stories on BetaNews this past week: June 29 -- July 5

  Publié: juillet 5, 2014, 10:34am CEST par Mark Wilson

  Something of a quieter week this week -- perhaps because of Independence Day and preparations there for. Still, there was plenty of news to keep us busy, including the NSA releasing a transparency report -- for what it's worth. Facebook found itself in the firing line after it transpired that the social network had been conducting psychological experiments by meddling with users' newsfeeds. Security is an on-going concern in technology, but it's something we have tendency to think about only in relation to computers and smartphones. One of the latest targets for malware and attacks is the power grid, and it's hard to tell what sort of havoc could be wreaked.

  Microsoft tried to do its bit for security -- arguably in a misguided fashion -- by taking control of dynamic DNS service No-IP, and accidentally taking out a number of legitimate sites in addition to those malware-related ones -- the intended targets. In more positive Microsoft news, enhancements were made to Office 365's collaboration options. Windows Phone is still struggling in the smartphone market, but Microsoft will be hoping that this month's launch of Windows Phone 8.1 will help to improve things -- will the addition of folder support be enough? Looking further into the future, Joe pondered what Microsoft should do with Nokia. He also decided to give Windows another chance, helped along by his new Surface Pro 3.

  Maybe Joe's renewed interest can do something to reverse Windows 8.x's decreasing popularity. Perhaps a rebrand is in order; it looks like dropping the Surface name might be on the cards, so why not extend the idea to Windows? Looking to other sales, Samsung's Galaxy S5 is doing "quite well" -- and there's now an S5 mini on the way. But the news is not so good when it comes to wearables -- the Woz has ditched his Samsung smartwatch.

  We asked whether Google Glass will ever gain mainstream popularity -- almost half of you said you had no interest in wearable tech, and smartglasses in general got the thumbs up from just 13 percent of you. There are lots of companies vying for attention in the smartwatch market, but Samsung has made it clear that it doesn't care about an Apple smartwatch. Despite rumors to the contrary, Google has said it has no plans to kill the Nexus line, but next on the company's list of launches is Android TV. Plex users will be pleased to hear that the streaming media service will be available on Android TV right from the launch.

  Have a restful, fun-filled weekend, and we'll continue to pump news and other delights in your direction.

  
• 

  Facebook faces official complaint over deceptive newsfeed experiment

  Publié: juillet 5, 2014, 5:37am CEST par Mark Wilson

  

  The revelations about Facebook's emotional experiment with users' newsfeeds back in 2012 has seen the social network fighting off a torrent of criticism. Users were upset to learn that the content of their newsfeed may have been manipulated as researchers tried to determine the effects exposure to positive and negative newsfeed content had on users' subsequent output. Now an official complaint has been lodged against the social network by thee Electronic Privacy Information Center. Epic filed a complaint with the US Federal Trade Commission, alleging that "the company purposefully messed with people’s minds".

  There are several lines of attack in the complaint, but the main thrust is that Facebook neither obtained permission from the 700,000 affected users, nor informed them about what was happening. Epic also complains that Facebook failed to warn users that their data would be shared with researchers at Cornell University and the University of California. The complaint points out that "at the time of the experiment, Facebook was subject to a consent order with the Federal Trade Commission which required the company to obtain users' affirmative express consent prior to sharing user information with third parties".

  Despite the level of interest the experiment has garnered, the complaint does not make many demands -- just that Facebook should be forced to make publicly available the algorithm used to generate newsfeeds, and also "provide such other relief as the Commission finds necessary and appropriate". The suggestion is that Facebook and the research teams not only failed to follow ethical protocols, but also ignored Facebook's own Data Use Policy. The policy that was in place at the time of the experiment stated that "We use the information we receive about you in connection with the services and features we provide to you and other users like your friends, the advertisers that purchase ads on the site, and the developers that build the games, applications, and websites you use". It goes on to say that no data will be shared without first obtaining permission.

  Epic notes that Facebook changed its policies after the experiment was conducted in January 2012, to allow for user data to be used for "data analysis, testing, research and service improvement" -- fairly broad terms which could cover the experiment, or variant thereon in the future. Facebook and the researchers ended up analyzing over three million posts, although the fact that computers rather than human anlayzers were used was seen as keeping the research in line with Facebook policies.

  Epic's complaint makes reference to the many, many vocal opponents to Facebook's actions, citing numerous forum comments and Twitter posts. Some highlights include a tweet from @kissane_sxsw who said  "Get off Facebook. Get your family off Facebook. If you work there, quit. They're f*cking awful," and @RalphPici who tweeted "It's sad in a pathetic way that @facebook doesn't get that its [sic] about trust and that they betrayed user trust #FacebookExperiment."

  Facebook is yet to respond to Epic's filing of a complaint, but COO Sheryl Sandberg offered a sideways apology about the study on Thursday, saying "We never meant to upset you. It was poorly communicated," she said. "And for that communication we apologize."

  What outcome would be acceptable to you? Can Facebook do or say anything to put right what it has done wrong?

  Image Credit: Sarawut Aiemsinsuk / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Samsung Galaxy S5 -- the whole Android package [Review]

  Publié: juillet 4, 2014, 11:39pm CEST par Brian Fagioli

  

  It is hard to get excited about an Android smartphone nowadays. There are simply too many similar devices on the market. Slightly faster processor? Slightly larger screen? Yawn. At this point, Android is simply evolution rather than revolution. Hell, Google I/O 2014 was rather boring. While the proposed changes to Android "L" are nice, it is hardly anything to get excited about.

  Instead, it seems that true innovation is coming from the manufacturers, rather than Google. There have been many cool additions to Android by Samsung, LG and HTC to name a few. Samsung in particular has enhanced the OS immensely with its tweaks and features. Sadly, many critics have lambasted that manufacturer for cluttering the user experience with too many features. While I understand the "less is more" philosophy, I refuse to fault any company for being too ambitious. For the past couple weeks, I have been testing Samsung's ambitions with the Samsung Galaxy S5 (Verizon) and I would like to share that with you.

  Specs

  • Screen -- 5.1 inch Full HD AMOLED Corning Gorilla Glass 3 Touch Screen Display
  • Dimensions -- 5.59 inch (H) x 2.85 inch (W) x 0.31 inch (D)
  • Weight -- 5.11 oz
  • Verizon Network: LTE Band 13/4 (700/1700 MHz), CDMA/1xEVDO Rev. A (800/1900 MHz)
  • Global Network: EDGE/GSM (850/900/1800/1900), HSPA/UMTS(850/900/1900/2100)
  • Operating System -- Android 4.4, KitKat & TouchWiz
  • Memory -- 16GB on board memory + 2GB RAM/Supports up to 128GB microSD Card (sold separately)
  • CPU -- 2.5GHz Quad Core Processor
  • Battery -- Standard 2800 mAh Lithium Ion Battery
  • Camera -- 16MP AF with Flash and Zero Shutter Lag Rear Facing Camera
  • WiFi -- 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 2.4GHz/5GHz, MIMO

  Impressions

  This is the first Samsung smartphone that I've had any extended time with. However, I have had experience with TouchWiz by using the company's tablets. I thought that most Android phones are pretty much the same, but lately I have seen a lot of people using Samsung devices. Hell, Best Buy even has a dedicated section of the store for the products. I generally believe where there is smoke there is fire, so I assumed I must be missing something about Samsung's phones. I had to find out for myself.

  After I received the phone and unboxed it, nothing happened. I mean, the phone was in the box, but no unicorns flew out of the box and certainly no rainbows or fireworks. No, inside of the box was just a white smartphone. It looked like most Android phones except, there was a slight protrusion on the bottom face. Oh right, a hardware button. Yuck! Physical buttons are archaic and stupid right?

  Wrong. One of the most endearing features of the Galaxy S5 is that physical button. In the past, I avoided physical buttons, opting for on-screen variants instead. Unfortunately, this proved to be an annoyance as I would constantly hit the buttons in error. This happened most often while playing games, as my fingers would wander as I became immersed in the fun. Of course, this would ruin that experience and prevent me from truly enjoying the game. This does not happen on the S5.

  

  But wait, that physical button has a trick up its sleeve -- a fingerprint reader. Yes, much like Apple's iPhone 5s, you can unlock the device using your finger. However, unlike Apple's solution where you just hold your finger on the reader, Samsung makes you swipe your finger in a downward motion. You must teach the device by swiping downwards multiple times until it approves you. Then, it should recognize your finger.

  At first, it only recognized my fingerprint about 50 percent of the time. However, the more I used it, I learned the best ways to slide my finger -- the speed, the direction -- and now it works almost flawlessly. It works so well, that I don't know if I can ever go back; entering a pin or password is archaic.

  

  Continuing the trend of having modern features, the S5 has a micro USB 3.0 port on the bottom. This means that when transferring files between the phone and a USB 3.0 supported PC, you should realize faster speeds. Don't worry though, you can still connect the older and smaller 2.0 cables, so your existing chargers will not go to waste. My only complaint about the port is that the door can be hard to open. You have to stick your fingernail in to pry it open, which is tedious. I am fearful that it could break over time.

  

  But wait, why does the USB port need a door? For the water-proofing, of course! Yes, the Galaxy S5 is water-proof -- well, water resistant I should say. In theory, you should be able to splash the phone or drop it in a shallow pool without destroying it. I will take Samsung's word on it though -- I can't bring myself to test it in practice. You could test a bullet-proof vest by wearing it and having someone shoot you, but is that worth the risk?

  

  Sadly, Qi wireless charging is not supported out of the box. You need to buy an accessory -- a replacement battery door that increases the thickness of the device. Unfortunately, that extra thickness will prevent most cases from fitting, which is a major annoyance.

  As an alternative, I bought a third party Qi sensor from Amazon for $9.00 that enables wireless charging using the stock battery door. It sort of worked -- it would charge for a few seconds, stop and then charge again. I feared this cycle would ruin the battery, so I quickly removed it and decided to forget about wireless charging on the S5. This was tragic as I love that feature.

  You will have to charge it daily too. Battery life is passable, but not at all class-leading. The Droid Maxx remains the undisputed king in this regard. If I take it off the charger at 8am, it will need to be plugged in again around 6pm. This is with rather average usage -- no video streaming at all. This is totally acceptable for me, but heavier users may want to invest in an extra battery.

  

  Longtime Android users like myself have been mourning the slow death of micro SD slots and removable batteries by many manufacturers. Samsung however, has stayed true by offering both. The Galaxy S5 is no different -- the back can be removed so you can access the battery, SIM card and micro SD card -- awesome.

  On the rear of the device is a peculiar sensor that has been quite ballyhooed in commercials for the Galaxy S5. Yes, it can read and display your heart rate. However, without having a doctor do any calibration testing, how am I to know that it is working correctly? According to the S5, my resting heart rate seems to hover around 80 bpm. As per a Google search, it seems to be considered healthy.

  

  My favorite aspect of the Galaxy S5 however, is the camera. The 16MP shooter takes wonderful photos, and can easily serve as a full time camera. Not only does the camera take beautiful and vibrant photos, but fast too. Nothing is worse than missing a shot because of shutter-lag and Samsung should be commended for the implementation.

  Videos are equally as good and 4K shooting is available. However, I was disappointed with some limitations of 4K shooting. For one, you are limited to 5 minute videos, regardless of available space. This means you will have gaps in recording as you must restart at 5 minute intervals. Also, you cannot take simultaneous stills while shooting in 4K. It must be noted though, that my complaints do not exist when shooting in 1080p or 720p.

  

  Consuming media on the device works great. Watching videos on the beautiful screen is a pleasure. However, the rear mono speaker is a bit of a disappointment. Don't get me wrong, it works fine for TV and movies, but music reproduction through the speaker is simply average. With that said, it does get rather loud, which is good for a small gathering or having fun at the beach.

  Hacking

  It took a while, but root has been achieved on the Verizon Galaxy S5. The solution is pretty epic too, as infamous hacker geohot released an easy to use APK, called "towelroot". This means no PC or clunky ADB commands are needed -- you can root from within the device.

  Once rooted, you can install a SafeStrap recovery, which lets you have fun with alternative ROMs. While there are not many ROMs available, there are a few quality offerings that will easily remove bloat, including Verizon's pre-installed apps.

  

  Conclusion

  Before using this phone, I assumed people were buying Samsung Galaxy devices as zombies due to clever marketing. However, it soon became clear that Samsung's massive market share is well deserved. The screen on the S5 is vibrant and enjoyable and all of the company's enhancements to Android are beneficial. In other words, TouchWiz is great -- detractors are just simply wrong.

  Sure, the HTC One has a better build quality and the LG G3 has a better screen. While both of those devices are great, the Galaxy S5 is simply a better all-around package. The fingerprint unlocking on the S5 in particular, renders any comparative shortcomings with those devices moot -- it is that good.

  The Galaxy S5 is highly recommended and since it has been on the market for a couple of months, you can find some pretty good deals if you want to buy it. Do you already own it? Tell me your thoughts in the comments.

  Photo credit: Brian Fagioli (taken with Nokia Lumia Icon)

  
• 

  Facebook Messenger update includes new dedicated iPad build

  Publié: juillet 4, 2014, 6:53pm CEST par Nick Peers

  

  Facebook has unveiled Facebook Messenger 7.0 for iOS and Android, a major new version of its dedicated messaging app for Facebook users.

  Version 7.0 is notable for being the first version to include a native iPad build, coming three years after Facebook originally acquired the app’s forerunner, Beluga. The app also includes improvements to its video functions.

  Facebook Messenger 7.0’s iPad build debuts a two-pane window design, with the left-hand pane allowing users to switch between recent conversations, groups, people and settings, where users can toggle notifications on and off, sync contacts and switch accounts if necessary.

  The right-hand pane contains the currently selected conversation, where users will find the vast majority of features in the iPhone and Android versions are present, including stickers, group chat management and VoIP calling along with the ability to record audio messages.

  Features not yet implemented from the iPhone build include tap-and-hold video recordings and the split-screen selfie camera.

  Version 7.0 also now adds support for users to save any video shot in Messenger to their camera roll on both iOS and Android platforms, and rounds out the update with a number of unspecified fixes that promise better reliability.

  Facebook Messenger 7.0 is available now for iPhone, iPad and Android. The Android version remains non-optimized for tablets for now.

  
• 

  Watch as global cyber warfare unfolds before your eyes

  Publié: juillet 4, 2014, 6:48pm CEST par Paul Cooper

  

  We've all heard that the scale and number of cyber attacks are constantly increasing, and that the bad guys are only getting smarter -- but can you actually picture what the unfolding exchange of cyber attacks looks like around the world?

  Well now you can, with security company Norse's real-time online map of global cyber attacks. The map uses honeypot servers around the world to entice attackers into launching their attacks, and then displays them in real time on the map. The result is pretty mesmerizing, and shows the true scale of the worldwide cyber war going on all around us.

  Most attacks originate in the US or China, usually targeted at each other, but other attacks originate from Russia, Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia, and all across Europe.

  You can also see which type of hack is being used. The result is rather varied: Microsoft-DS (port 445) is still one of the top targets (it's the port used for Windows file sharing), but DNS (port 53), SSH (22), and HTTP (80) are all very popular too.

  You'll probably see a lot of CrazzyNet and Black Ice, too -- two common Windows backdoor programs often used by script kiddies and criminals, rather than actual cyber warriors or nation states.

  Every now and then, you'll also catch sight of a huge coordinated attack originating in China and coming down on the US like the fiery fist of an avenging God. While there's no direct evidence linking these back to the Chinese government, they do seem to happen all at once from a lot of different locations around the country -- suggesting that someone is coordinating them -- whether a cyber criminal mastermind or the Chinese government itself.

  Back in 2012, the US Department of Defense reported that it was the target of 10 million cyber attacks every day; likewise, the National Nuclear Security Administration (which is in charge of the US's nuclear stockpile), says it saw 10 million attacks per day in 2012. We can only assume that these numbers have increased over the intervening years.

  While the targets aren't real, the attackers on the map are, and we can suppose that the actual number of attacks going on is much higher than even the Norse map suggests. Still, this will give you some sense of just what's going on out there, and why a strong cyber security policy is a must-have in today's business world.

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  I declare independence from Google

  Publié: juillet 4, 2014, 4:43pm CEST par Joe Wilcox

  

  Fifth in a series. Two years ago today, I stepped away from Apple, following a boycott later abandoned. My problems were philosophical, regarding the company's aggressive patent litigation that thwarts innovation. This July Fourth I seek freedom from Google, and not for the first time. I don't oppose the search and information giant, nor like fanboy rally for it. I declare independence as a practical exercise; an experiment. Can you -- OK, I -- do without Big G's expansive portfolio of products and services? I want to know.

  In many regards, Google is the Internet gatekeeper U.S. trustbusters asserted Microsoft would be, in their late-1990s court case. Big G is unquestionably a monopoly that integrates features and products for competitive gain. In the United States, Google's search share is about 67 percent (3.5 times greater than second-ranked Microsoft), according to ComScore, and as much as 90 percent in some countries. Android's worldwide smartphone share is about 80 percent, according to IDC.

  Those are two separate intertwined monopolies, as examples among others. They were organically obtained, not illegally gotten. But at what cost are they maintained? The question is not the M word, but this: Is Google a potentially dangerous monopoly that causes consumer harm? There are many tests, and I apply one: Seeing if I can find competing products and services that are comparable or better among the pillars of power, search high among them.

  Microsoft All-In

  Dependence is a long-standing concern. Four years ago, my lament: "I sold my soul to Google, can I get it back?" Five months later I tried to give up Google and failed, admitting defeat on July 2, 2011. Three years and two days later, my declaration of independence comes again -- and confidence is greater even though Google is ever more the necessary utility in 2014.

  I lean on one monopoly to escape from another. For the summer, I embark on two interrelated digital lifestyle quests. The other is "Microsoft All-In", where I return to Windows full time following a nearly four-year hiatus. Surface Pro 3 replaces Chromebook Pixel as my primary PC and Nokia Lumia Icon takes the place of several Android phones, including HTC One M8 and Nexus 5.

  In a series of ongoing posts, I will report my experiences going all-in, which will incorporate progress updates on my Google separation. The move back to Microsoft platforms, and also devices and services, isn't exclusive. I will use third-party products made for Windows and Windows Phone. Google is the exception, because of my freedom quest.

  Necessary Utility

  True independence is impossible, and undesired. In 1776, the American colonies sought freedom to govern themselves, not to sever all ties with England. The British Empire was enormous and realistically impossible to separate from. To do so would mean economic and political isolation. Something similar applies to the Google empire. I wouldn't want to be removed from search, for example. Given Big G's dominance, the result would be oblivion -- essentially being purged from the public record. I seek freedom to choose, nothing more.

  While the recent European Union decision baffles me -- the one allowing people to be removed from Google search -- the implications are astounding. The service from one provider is a necessary utility. There Big G demonstrates greatness but also the power of monopoly as the Internet's informational gatekeeper. As Google ties more products and services to search, there is increasing concern about leveraged monopoly -- using dominance in one market to gain competitive advantage into others. This is the behavior, sealed by exclusive agreements, that got Microsoft into trouble with trustbusters on two continents, and Google on one. The European Union isn't as forgiving as the United States.

  
  Read more of Joe Wilcox's "Microsoft All-In" series

  U.S. antitrust and fair-trade regulators seek to protect consumers from harm. If they have choices, and those that are good enough, the government should stay back and let competition and commerce serve the public good. I am, from today, one anecdotal experiment seeking to determine if someone entrenched in the Google lifestyle can realistically adopt another.

  Microsoft removes some of the barriers I expected. For example, Outlook.com can with a couple mouse clicks import folders and messages from Gmail. The process is easy and effective, and unexpected. I wonder if moving messages from the service back to Google's would be so effortless. That's question for another day.

  The Road Ahead

  Pledging to walk away is one thing, doing it is something altogether different and harder. So let me lay out a few ground rules. I have no control over the platforms and services that BetaNews uses, and for the benefit of readers must use to review some Google-related products. For example, I will complete HTC One M8 and Nexus 5 photography reviews and spend some time with new products, like Moto 360, if they are made available to me.

  Personally, however, separation will be aggressive. I am so committed that on June 30, I closed my Google Apps account of six years and switched to Office 365; my main personal email domain has a new home. Couple days earlier, I cancelled Google Music and subscribed to the Xbox service. But last night I discovered that despite cancelling both Apps and Music services -- and even receiving confirmations -- Google still charged my credit card on July 2nd and 3rd. WTH? Google Apps is a laughable Catch-22. I phoned for the support number, but Google's automated system wouldn't process the call without a PIN, which is generated in the admin console. There is none since the account is closed. Email hits the same barrier. Google demands the message be sent after going to the same place. As for the music service, looks like Google ripped me off 10 bucks.

  Back to the new lifestyle, I now Bing instead of Google and replace Gmail with Outlook.com. I even step back from Google+, where my presence is frequent. The social network's loss is a real sacrifice. I am in nearly 17,000 Circles and have there a loyal audience. Hopefully, my followers will be forgiving and move with me for the duration of the freedom quest. I don't see a single destination but several, such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Vine. If you can make other, or better, suggestions, please do.

  However, I won't delete my Google Account, Gmail, or YouTube. This is an experiment, not a boycott, and I tried and failed once before. My dependence is extensive and will not be easily broken. Regarding Gmail, too many people use my address to dump it. Compromise: Mail forwards to Outlook.com. I fully expect to start using some Google products in the future.

  Perhaps your list of Google products or services looks something like mine. Here is what I use; in parenthesis is the planned replacement:

  • Android 4.4 (Windows Phone 8.1)
  • Chrome 36 (Internet Explorer 11)
  • Chromebook (Surface Pro 3)
  • Chromecast (Roku 3)
  • Chrome OS (Windows 8.1)
  • Gmail (Outlook.com/Office 365)
  • Google Apps (Office 365)
  • Google Calendar (Microsoft Calendar)
  • Google Contacts (Microsoft People)
  • Google Drive (OneDrive)
  • Google Finance (Bing Finance)
  • Google Hangouts (Skype)
  • Google Keep (OneNote)
  • Google Maps (Bing Maps)
  • Google Music (iTunes, Xbox Music)
  • Google News (Bing News)
  • Google Now (Cortana)
  • Google Play (Amazon, iTunes, Xbox)
  • Google Photos (Flickr, OneDrive, 500px)
  • Google+ (Facebook, Reddit, Twitter, Vine)
  • Google Search (Bing)
  • Google Translate (Bing Translator)
  • Google Voice (Skype)
  • Nexus 5 (Nokia Lumia Icon)
  • YouTube (Vimeo)

  Already, during my early days of Google freedom, I see two services toughest to abandon: Search, for which Bing is almost good enough but lacking in surprising ways, and YouTube, for which there is no satisfactory replacement; too much valuable content is not available elsewhere, and I refer to much more than cat videos.

  True independence is impossible. Google is a necessary utility. Freedom to choose is my quest -- something that is good enough or better. No competitor other than Microsoft offers so many products that match those available from the other platform monopoly. Are they enough? We will see.

  Photo Credit: Joe Wilcox

  
• 

  Best Windows 8 apps this week (4th of July edition)

  Publié: juillet 4, 2014, 4:27pm CEST par Martin Brinkmann

  Eighty-eight in a series. Welcome to this week's selection of the best applications for Windows 8.

  Another excellent week in terms of app and game releases. Gameloft has released the superb Rival Knights jousting game which offers such stunning visuals and gameplay that we had to make it app of the week.

  Three new TV network apps were released this week, in addition to the educational application Nova Elements which teaches you about the elements in an interactive way.

  As always, if I missed an app or game that has been released this week that you believe is particularly good, let me know in the comments below or notify me via email instead.

  Here is this week's selection of apps and games.

  Red Stripe Deals

  Six apps and games are discounted by at least 50 percent each week. The following applications are available at a discount this week.

  • Bejeweled Live, a puzzle game for $2.49.
  • Cribbage, a card game for $1.49.
  • Tennis in the Face, action-based puzzle game for $0.99.
  • GRIDD 2, a futuristic flying game for $0.99.
  • Where Angels Cry (Full), an adventure game for $2.99.
  • Gleek, a Twitter client for $4.99.

  4th of July apps

  There are not that many 4th of July games or apps available in Windows Store but here are some that you may want to consider.

  • Touch Fireworks: create fireworks with your mouse or touch input.
  • We The People offers access to the text of the Constitution. Bill of Rights and later Amendments.

  App of the week

  Rival Knights

  

  Rival Knights is all about jousting and prevailing in medieval tournaments.

  The game features beautiful visuals and touch-optimized controls that also work well for mouse users.

  The game breaks jousting down to three different parts. First a good start, then acceleration and finally hitting the opponent where it hurts.

  The goal of the game is to win all five tournaments and all the extra challenges the game makes available.

  To do so, you earn gold and sometimes gems while jousting which you can invest in better equipment.

  This comes down to either grinding your way to enough money, or to buy gems in the store to speed things up.

  I have not have this much fun jousting since Cinemware's Defender of the Crown. Good times, good times.

  Other apps

  Disney Bola Soccer

  

  The football World Cup continues today with the first two quarter-final matches and what better way to prepare for that than to play a bit of football yourself.

  You take over a team in Disney's football game that you need to lead from humble beginnings to championship.

  The game is played with touch or mouse, with touch feeling more natural. To pass a ball, you touch or click on another player, to run you swipe to the location, and to shoot the ball you hold down to do so.

  The game is basic, especially if you compare it to the likes of FIFA or PES, but that does not mean that it cannot be fun.

  It features player improvement, sponsorship deals and options to play against other players.

  CNBC

  

  The official application features full episodes of popular CNBC shows including American Greed, Mad Money, The Car Chasers and The Profit.

  You need to log in with your satellite provider or cable account to watch the shows from anywhere.

  Besides full episodes, it is also offers available clips and behind-the-scenes contents, and a program guide to find out the on-air schedule.

  Roku

  

  Control your Roku player using the official application for Windows 8. The app detects all players connected to the home network on start and offers an option to connect manually if the automatic detection fails.

  It displays all installed channels on the device which you can switch to with a tap or click. In addition, it also acts as a remote control to control the Roku player.

  YouTube for Windows 8

  

  There is still no official YouTube application for Windows 8 but this one ticks all the right boxes.

  The app offers a design optimized for tablets. It features select videos on its startpage, and search or browse functionality to find videos of interest.

  If you have a YouTube account you can sign in to it to access your playlists and watch later videos.

  Besides that, it also lets you subscribe to channels and download videos to your local system.

  Comedy Central

  

  This is the official Comedy Central application. You do need to sign in first using your TV provider's account but once that is out of the way, you get access to full episodes of shows such as South Park, The Colbert Report or The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.

  Just like the CNBC application, it does feature additional contents besides full episodes. You can watch stand-up specials for instance or the clips that it makes available.

  Animated Movies - Fun Unlimited

  

  This is a port of the Windows Phone app of the same name. It makes available a huge list of animated movies and anime movies that you can watch from any location in the world.

  The animated movies category features films from the last 60 years from classics like 101 Dalmatians and Alice in Wonderland to recent releases such as Brave or Despicable Me 2.

  The quality of movies is quite good and it seems that you can watch as many as you want using the app.

  Is it legal? Microsoft accepted the app in its store which gives it credibility, but since it is not clear if the company has the rights to stream those movies, it is a question that I cannot answer.

  Socialradar

  

  After you have connected your Facebook or LinkedIn account to Socialradar, it informs you about people you are connected to who are nearby.

  It displays how many friends and things you have in common with nearby people, and how far they are away from you.

  The app features privacy controls that put you in charge, so that you only share information that you are willing to divulge. It does also feature an invisibility mode which you may find useful at times.

  AutoCAD 360

  

  AutoCAD 360 is a free CAD viewer for mobile devices and operating systems such as Windows 8.1

  It supports DWG, DWF and DFX files, synchronization with AutoCAD 360 accounts, and both offline and online viewing of layouts.

  Nova Elements

  

  The educational application brings you closer to the Periodic Table and the elements.

  It offers an interactive periodic table that you can explore, a two-hour long educational video about the elements, and an interactive application that you can use to create everyday items such as red dye or a watch by combining elements.

  Bravo Now

  

  The third and final TV network application. This one provides you with access to Bravo's selection of shows including The People's Couch, Million Dollar Listing or Watch What Happens Live.

  You do need to authenticate with your TV provider before full episodes are made available though. Besides that you also get a program guide and extra clips that you can watch.

  
• 

  Quickly remap your PC drives with Drive Letter Changer

  Publié: juillet 4, 2014, 4:19pm CEST par Mike Williams

  

  Utilities developer Sordum has released Drive Letter Changer, a portable tool which allows you to reassign PC drive letters in two or three clicks.

  The program is small (a single executable under 400KB) and has a very basic interface: mostly just a table with a list of your current drive letters, their labels and names.

  Click a drive you’d like to reassign, and a context menu appears immediately. Hovering your mouse over "Change drive letter" displays a list of possible drive letters, and all you have to do is click one.

  Error handling is mostly good. You’re not allowed to change your system drive letter. And if you try to assign one local drive to another, which is currently in use, then you’re not told that’s impossible (which NirSoft’s similar DriveLetterView does); instead the drives are swapped.

  One notable problem is that Drive Letter Changer doesn’t appear to recognise disconnected network drives. Their drive letters are displayed as "free" in the program, and you can assign drives there, but they may not be accessible (fortunately you can just reassign them elsewhere to get them back). DriveLetterView scores here as it understands Explorer is still mapping the drive and won’t allow you to use it.

  Drive Letter Changer also supports the creation of volume mount points, where essentially an empty folder on an NTFS drive can point to another volume. If you’d like an easier way to access your drive E, for example, you might create a desktop folder SpareDrive, select E: in Drive Letter Changer, click "Mount in empty NTFS drive" and select Desktop\SpareDrive. Then, whenever you browse to SpareDrive, you’ll see and be able to access all your drive E: files and folders. (An “Unmount” option turns this mapping off when you’re done.)

  There are also a very few small extras. Click a drive and you’ll find convenient options to open it in Explorer, or view its properties. Experts may also appreciate a Tools menu with options to launch the Disk Management applet, run the mountvol.exe command or restart Windows Explorer.

  Drive Letter Changer has its problems, then, particularly with network shares (check out DriveLetterView if that’s a deal breaker for you). The program does make it quick and easy to change drives, though, and the volume mount point support is also welcome, so on balance it’s still worth checking out.

  
• 

  TripAdvisor for iPhone adds offline support, improves mapping features

  Publié: juillet 4, 2014, 4:16pm CEST par Nick Peers

  TripAdvisor LLC has unveiled a major update to its iPhone app with the release of TripAdvisor for iOS 9.0. The free travel planning app gets -- according to TripAdvisor -- it’s "biggest update ever" with the new release.

  The major highlight of version 9 is offline support, but other new features include a shortcut for returning to the home screen and the ability to now find and reserve tables at restaurants.

  By far the biggest new feature in TripAdvisor for iOS 9.0 is offline support. Users can now download maps, reviews and saves for over 300 cities worldwide for storage on the iPad or iPhone without requiring an internet connection.

  Users can access downloaded cities (and select new ones to download) by tapping Downloaded Cities. Search for a city and you’ll see an estimated data size for the full download. Should storage become a problem, users can easily remove individual cities from here too in order to free up space.

  Offline support also allows users to view their current location on maps through GPS without requiring a data plan.

  Other improvements include the ability to find and reserve tables at thousands of supported restaurants worldwide. Users can now also shortcut back to the home screen by simply tapping and holding on the back button.

  Also added is an option for viewing recently searched hotels via a single tap, while member profiles also show photos and badges for easier identification.

  Note that the update only applies to the iPhone -- for now the iPad version remains at version 8.8, but we envisage TripAdvisor will bring this functionality to the iPad in due course. For now, TripAdvisor for iOS 9.0 is available now as a free download for iPhones and iPod touches running iOS 6.0 or later.

  
• 

  Capture, record, annotate and share your desktop with Grabilla

  Publié: juillet 4, 2014, 4:14pm CEST par Mike Williams

  When it comes to capturing the Windows desktop, you’ve no shortage of options, and we’ve covered many of them here: SnagIt, QIP Shot, HotShots and more.

  Of course there’s always room for another, and Grabilla is an especially interesting example, as the program comes packed with unusual extras to help it stand out from the crowd.

  This isn’t just another Windows-only tool, for instance: it’s also available for Android and Mac. Each version can upload its captures to the same free Grabilla space, which means it’s accessible wherever you are. And once at the site, you’re able to annotate the capture, get links to share it, password-protect it, embed the screenshot or post it in forums, and there’s even a one-click option to create a short URL and QR code.

  We tried the Windows edition, and it offered a good range of capture types: freehand rectangle, active window and full screen, and the ability to capture images, animated GIFs and videos.

  There are some neat extras, too. It’s often difficult to define a freehand rectangle, but here there’s a zoomed view around your mouse cursor, an X/ Y coordinate display, even a hex value for the color under the mouse cursor, very useful when you need precise positioning.

  Exploring the Grabilla website reveals even more options. A web capture bookmarklet enables you to save web pages from Chrome or Firefox. Grabilla can be used to share other files, not just captures, within a fairly strict size limit (20MB, 300MB for videos). A History page keeps track of what you’re doing, too, although to access this from anywhere you must sign in with a Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Yahoo or LinkedIn account. (If that doesn’t appeal, no problem – most of the site’s features work just fine as an anonymous user.)

  There are also problems. Grabilla’s Windows client had some significant issues, at least on our test PC. It wouldn’t minimize to our system tray. The "Hide" key didn’t hide it. On one system, it refused to record videos at all (presumably some local issue as on another it worked fine).

  The program’s plus points win out, though -- configurability, online annotations, capture sharing features, cross-platform -- and on balance Grabilla gets a qualified thumbs up from us.

  
• 

  GCHQ faces legal action from ISPs over alleged spying and network attacks

  Publié: juillet 4, 2014, 2:49pm CEST par Barclay Ballard

  

  Seven internet service providers (ISPs) have filed a legal complaint against the UK's intelligence agency GCHQ.

  Since a series of high-profile allegations made last year by US whistleblower Edward Snowden, government agencies have had to face claims of spying and intrusion but this is the first time GCHQ has faced legal action.

  ISPs from the UK, US, Netherlands and South Korea are behind the complaint, alongside campaigners Privacy International.

  A series of articles in Der Spiegel and the Intercept outline the claims which suggest that the GCHQ conducted illegal network attacks that undermined the "goodwill the organizations rely on".

  Other allegations include that the GCHQ infected a Belgian telecommunications firm with malware in order to gain network access and that the agency used an automated system, called Turbine, to scale up network implants.

  In a statement, Privacy International explained the reasoning behind the complaint. "The type of surveillance being carried out allows them [the ISPs] to challenge the practices... because they and their users are at threat of being targeted".

  The group, which fights to defend privacy across the globe, has also previously filed cases against mass surveillance programs Tempora, Prism and Upstream.

  The ISPs involved in the action are UK-based GreenNet, Riseup (US), May First/People Link (US), Greenhost (Netherlands), Jinbonet (South Korea), Mango (Zimbabwe), and the Chaos Computer Club (Germany).

  Cedric Knight, from ISP GreenNet said, "Snowden's revelations have exposed GCHQ's view that independent operators like GreenNet are legitimate targets for internet surveillance, so we could be unknowingly used to collect data on our users. We say this is unlawful and utterly unacceptable in a democracy".

  GCHQ has defending its practices, stressing that all its activities are carried out "in accordance with a strict legal and policy framework which ensures that our activities are authorized, necessary and proportionate".

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  Threats to the internet in 2025 -- start worrying now

  Publié: juillet 4, 2014, 1:37pm CEST par Ian Barker

  

  We looked yesterday at the ten most serious security breaches of recent years, but the threat landscape is constantly changing. So what will happen in the future and which threats should we be most concerned about?

  A new report by PewResearch, as part of its series marking 25 years of the internet, looks at how things might be in 2025. More than 1,400 experts in various fields were canvassed for their views on future threats.

  The outlook is generally positive, with 65 percent believing that there will be no significant changes for the worse and hindrances to the ways in which people get and share content online. However, most believe that, thanks to mobile and other changes, billions more people will have internet access by 2025. Many of those questioned also believe that the web may be threatened by new trends.

  The report identifies four main threat themes. First that actions by countries looking to maintain security and political control will lead to more blocking, filtering, segmentation, and balkanization of the internet.

  Not all the experts agree on the outcome though. Paul Jones, a professor at the University of North Carolina and founder of ibiblio.org, responded, "Historic trends are that as a communications medium matures, the control trumps the innovation. This time it will be different. Not without a struggle. Over the next 10 years we will be even more increasingly global and involved. Tech will assist this move in a way that is irreversible. It won’t be a bloodless revolution, sadly, but it will be a revolution nonetheless".

  The second theme is that trust will evaporate in the wake of revelations about government and corporate surveillance and likely greater surveillance in the future. Peter S Vogel, internet law expert at Gardere Wynne Sewell says, "Privacy issues are the most serious threat to accessing and sharing Internet content in 2014, and there is little reason to expect that to change by 2025, particularly given the cyber terror threats confronting the Internet users and worldwide businesses".

  The third threat is that commercial pressures will endanger the open structure of the web. Technology futures expert Marcel Bullinga's response cites existing legal frameworks as a problem, "Sharing is hindered by ridiculous 19th century laws about copyright and patent. Both will die away. That will spur innovation into the extreme. That is the real singularity".

  And finally there's the threat that efforts to fix the problem of having too much information might actually hold back content sharing.

  Joel Halpern, engineer at Ericsson says in his response, "The biggest challenge is likely to be the problem of finding interesting and meaningful content when you want it. While this is particularly important when you are looking for scientific or medical information, it is equally applicable when looking for restaurants, music, or other things that are matters of taste. While big-data analysis has the promise of helping this, there are many limitations and risks (including mismatched incentives) with those tools".

  Jonathan Grudin from Microsoft Research predicts this will lead to the emergence of a new breed of "personal information trainers" who will help people find the information they need.

  You can find the full report and read the responses from many more of the experts by visiting the PewResearch Internet Project site.

  Photo Credit: Anneka/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Windows Phone Store is a ghost town

  Publié: juillet 4, 2014, 12:52pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  As the third-most popular smartphone platform, it is difficult for Windows Phone to attract as many top developers as Android and iOS do through its tiny market share. As a result, it is not uncommon for popular titles to be unavailable in Store long after their launch on Google Play and Apple App Store. Sometimes, popular titles do not arrive at all. It is a sad state of affairs, as it directly affects the reach Microsoft's platform can enjoy. But, wait, it gets worse.

  A new comparison reveals that of the 25 top free offerings in Apple App Store, Windows Phone Store only offers six of them: Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Facebook, Pandora, Spotify, and WhatsApp. Of the remaining 19 titles, 13 are games. I honestly expected to see Windows Phone missing a couple of apps, but definitely not as many. Put differently, 76 percent of the 25 top free iOS apps are not available officially on Windows Phone. It is surreal.

  Of course, Windows Phone developers can narrow the gap through third-party offerings, but even so we are still looking at only a couple of more titles that the platform can tout in Store. I have to agree with Windows Phone Central's Sam Sabri, who says that quite a few games are fads, but, as he points out, "they're fads that Windows Phone owners are going to miss out on. While you may never want to play Kim Kardashian: Hollywood on Windows Phone, a potential customer might and will chose the platform that has it now. Windows Phone then loses out on the sale because a game that's popular today isn't on the platform". You are right there, Sam.

  Things do not necessarily get better when we look at the top 100 free iOS apps. Sabri identifies 22 apps, not including games (of which there are many), which Windows Phone Store currently does not offer. Being a Windows Phone user myself, I have to say that this list is actually more relevant as it features titles like Google Maps, SoundCloud, Gmail, Tinder, Uber, Yahoo Mail, Dropbox, Google Translate, Fitbit and Google Chrome, among others. Those are hardly fads, and will continue to appear on the list even during World Cup 2014, or the next Flappy Bird-inspired game craze.

  As I have pointed out in past articles, there is also the problem of the so-called feature gap between Android, iOS titles and Windows Phone counterparts. While developers may release their apps on the third-most popular platform, those titles are, quite often, missing the feel and features users on the two other platforms get to enjoy. It is a sad practice, and one that does not appear about to go away with time.

  (And, while we are at it, let us drop the sad -- and unfounded -- excuse that Windows Phone users do not care about popular apps. That is something that has been perpetuated by fanboys and apologists in forums and comments sections, and it is time to put an end to it.)

  As a Windows Phone user, it is only natural I am rooting for the platform. With the launch of Windows Phone 8.1, Microsoft gets a lot of things right and, hopefully, more popular apps will make their way into Store, and more users will, at least, give serious consideration to the idea of embracing Windows Phone.

  Photo Credit: Janelle Lugge/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Best iOS apps this week

  Publié: juillet 4, 2014, 11:47am CEST par Wayne Williams

  

  Twenty-fifth in a series. The App Store saw some excellent releases this week, including two expensive games (by App Store standards) which are well worth the asking price, a powerful email client, a fun, modern day take on an old arcade classic, a superb journaling tool, and an app which can help you take back control of your digital identity.

  In other news, all three Infinity Blade games are on sale this holiday weekend. The original Infinity Blade is now $0.99, Infinity Blade 2 is $1.99 and Infinity Blade 3 is priced at $2.99. If you don’t have any or all of these games, now is your chance to right that wrong.

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

  Here is my selection for this week.

  Paid App of the Week

  Civilization Revolution 2 ($14.99)

  Yes it’s pricey, but if you’re a fan of Sid Meier’s Civilization, and/or Civilization Revolution, the 2008 PC original, you’re going to want this game.

  The aim is to build a glorious empire that will stand the test of time and the game offers updated 3D graphics, new units, tech, buildings and wonders, as well as historic events and battles available in the Scenario Challenges mode.

  Free App of the Week

  Inky

  The cloud-based desktop email client for Mac and Windows is now available as a mobile app for iPhones. It’s geared toward helping you save time by organizing all of your email accounts into one, simple interface.

  The app includes standard email features, like sorting email by day, author and message size, and introduces something new -- sorting your email by personal relevance through Inky’s advance algorithms, determining what messages users will want to read, and ranks them first.

  Other Apps

  Demolition Lander: Universe ($3.99)

  This game offers a destructive twist on the classic Atari arcade game Lunar Lander. Instead of attempting to land your craft peacefully, you now get to destroy everything in your way. You can fully customize your ship, and there are multiple ships and locations available, as well as obstacles to avoid including black holes, natural danger zones, airspace mines and anti-aircraft missiles.

  Extra planets and levels, and multiplayer options are planned for future releases.

  citizenme lite

  This app will help you take back control of your digital identity. It lets you see what information you’re sharing via social networks, websites and apps, and make changes to boost your privacy. There’s also a Personality section which connects to your Facebook account and shows how advertisers, data brokers and others might see you. Are you conservative or liberal, spontaneous or organized, reserved or outgoing, or calm or stressed? The app will tell you.

  

  Yummly

  The latest update to Yummly’s iOS app lets you sync your shopping list between devices (this is apparently the most requested feature). Additionally, there’s a recipe suggestion option where users will get ideas of what to make with the ingredients right within the shopping list.

  Monster Hunter Freedom Unite ($14.99)

  A hunting game from Capcom, the aim is to take on quests and slay monsters. As you progress you earn money which you can use to get bigger and better weaponry which will help you master even bigger challenges.

  You can play on your own with up to four friends over Wi-Fi. If you’re stumped on a quest, just call for backup!

  Apple’s App of the Week

  Day One

  Apple’s free app this week is a diary/journal tool that usually comes with a $4.99 price tag. Day One has a smart, clean interface and offers a range of useful features including a full screen mode, privacy passcode lock, customized writing reminders, location and weather data, and the ability to search by keyword and create tags and hashtags. You can star favorite entries, and share content with friends and family.

  Day One keeps your entries in sync across platforms via iCloud.

  

  
• 

  Google bans porn ads from search results

  Publié: juillet 4, 2014, 11:22am CEST par Sam Pudwell

  Google has made changes to its ad network by banning the promotion of pornographic websites.

  The ban specifically concerns sites that feature "graphic sexual acts with intent to arouse including sex acts such as masturbation."

  A Google spokesperson said that the company has had restrictions on its adult category for some time, but not all industry experts agree.

  Theo Sapoutzis, the chairman and CEO of AVN Media Network said, "I was caught by surprise. I was one of the very first advertisers for AdWords back in 2002. It's something that's been [untouched] for 12 years, so you don't expect change is going to start happening."

  Adult industry insiders say that the impact of this ban won't be clear for some time, as many adult sites are found through word of mouth and by natural search results.

  "There are many people who say the biggest losers are the ones who play by the rules," says Tom Hymes, senior editor at industry trade publication AVN. "The winners are the huge properties with a lot of free content and frequent updates — the type of actions the Google algorithms really like.

  "But at the end of the day, there are some people out there who have been abiding by every [rule] that Google sets and they're getting cut off at the knees now."

  "Porn" is one of the most common Google searches and, according to Google AdWords Keyword Planner, related keyword searches almost hit the 351 million mark in May 2014.

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  Image Credit: Aquir/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Windows 8.1 update woes? A fix is on the way

  Publié: juillet 4, 2014, 11:03am CEST par Wayne Williams

  

  Take a look at the monthly market share stats for Windows and you’ll see a good proportion of Windows 8.x users are still on the original version of the tiled OS. For some it’s a matter of choice, for others it’s because they simply can’t update to Windows 8.1.

  A large number of users have experienced the dreaded Blue Screen of Death when attempting to perform the update to Windows 8.1, which has resulted in them being unable to complete the process. Fortunately, Microsoft has a fix to address the issue.

  The automatic update, which is still in testing in "select markets" reportedly solves the problem and allows Windows 8.0/RT 8.0 users to (at long last) complete the upgrade.

  "This [Windows RT] pilot program is an example of ways we're experimenting to help ensure more of our customers benefit from a continuously improving Windows experience," a Microsoft spokesperson told Paul Thurrott. "Similar to how the Windows 8.1 Update [1] process works today, the pilot program will automatically update consumer Windows 8 and Windows RT machines for free to Windows 8.1 Update and Windows RT 8.1 Update in select markets".

  If you’re one of the affected customers, keep checking Windows Update for the fix. Thurrott points out the RT version of Windows 8.1 can be downloaded from the Microsoft Support website and installed manually now. Windows 8.0 and Windows RT 8.0 users will first need to install update 2871389 before applying the Windows 8.1 update.

  Image Credit: Syda Productions/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Office 365 prices to rise for enterprise customers

  Publié: juillet 4, 2014, 8:30am CEST par Sam Pudwell

  

  Microsoft's August price list has revealed increases of up to 15 percent for Office 365 enterprise customers.

  Those without a software assurance plan will be hit with the largest hikes, whereas those who do will have their prices frozen until the end of their contract.

  It's not all bad news though. Existing customers will not experience any price increases when renewing their contracts and anyone who bought Office 365 from Microsoft or through its open licensing program won't be affected.

  "The vast majority of our customers will not see an increase in the cost of Office 365," said a Microsoft spokesperson. "All existing Office 365 EA customers are guaranteed prices will not change for the duration of their agreement.

  "New Office 365 EA customers who don't have a previous investment in our products will see an increase to align our pricing to our other channels. We are always evaluating our pricing to maximize the value to our customers as we continue to add more features and benefits to Office 365".

  In an effort to counter this price increase, greater discounts will be offered for Office 365 E1, E3 and E4 subscriptions, which will be priced at $8, $20 and $22, respectively.

  Office 365 is currently enjoying successful adoption rates across the board and reportedly generates $2.5 billion in annual revenue.

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  The Tour de France starts Saturday and you can watch it on your mobile

  Publié: juillet 4, 2014, 2:31am CEST par Alan Buckingham

  

  Not to be overshadowed by the World Cup, this Saturday professional cycling's biggest event kicks off. The season may run February to October, but nothing compares to the month of July. That's when the world's best gather in France -- well England this time, at least for a couple of days -- to participate in the spectacle that is the Tour de France.

  While almost 200 riders take to the starting line, very few have a real shot at winning the race -- it takes all-around skill, including climbing, time trialing, and staying out of trouble in general, as accidents have ruined the chances of favorites many times.

  If you want to watch every stage live right on your mobile device, then NBC has an app that will allow you to keep up with all of the action. NBC Tour de France Live is now available for iPad, iPhone and Android.

  According to the description in the Google Play store, "Experience the 2014 Tour de France like never before…watch every stage LIVE on your Android handheld or tablet device. And track the peloton in real-time with interactive maps and profiles. It’s as close as you can get to the Tour without a passport".

  It's not particularly cheap, selling for $14.99, but that's really not bad for three weeks of action. Each stage generally lasts between three and six hours, so you'll be getting your money's worth on this deal. You can grab a copy for yourself for Android, iPhone or iPad. The only thing you need to do after that is make your prediction for the eventual winner. Will Britain's Chris Froome repeat? Can the young American Tejay Van Garderen make a run at the title? We won't know until things conclude on the Champs Elysees in Paris.

  
• 

  Roku lists the the top 10 patriotic movies for 4th of July -- do you agree?

  Publié: juillet 4, 2014, 12:32am CEST par Brian Fagioli

  

  Regardless of your political affiliation, financial status, or religion, if you are an American citizen, the 4th of July is a day to be celebrated. Hot dogs, hamburgers and fireworks are great equalizers, bringing people together. It is meant to remember our gaining of independence from the treacherous (at the time) British government. However, it is so much more -- it should be a day to reflect on our blessings and freedoms that were earned by our forefathers.

  While no one should need motivation to be patriotic, a great film that conjures pride in the USA is never a bad thing.Today, Roku announces its picks for the top 10 patriotic films of all time. Do you think the company got it right?

  Roku lists the following movies and descriptions:

  1. Top Gun (Movie, 1986) – A daring yet reckless pilot (Tom Cruise) who shuns teamwork and the rules of engagement eventually learns the importance of cooperation and discipline. Along the way he has a fiery affair, does some spectacular flying and causes the death of his best friend. Available on M-GO, Amazon Instant Video, Redbox Instant, Vudu and Time Warner Cable.
  2. Independence Day (Movie, 1996) – Communications systems worldwide are sent into chaos by a strange atmospheric interference caused by gigantic spacecraft, piloted by a mysterious alien species who have set out to launch an attack throughout the globe. After they obliterate parts of the country, a band of survivors devise a plan to fight back against the enslaving aliens for our freedom. Available on M-GO, Amazon Instant Video, Vudu and Time Warner Cable.
  3. Captain America: The First Avenger (Movie, 2011) – After being deemed unfit for military service, Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) volunteers for a top secret research project that turns him into Captain America, a superhero dedicated to defending America’s ideals. He joins forces with Bucky Barnes and Peggy Carter to wage war on the evil HYDRA organization, led by the villainous Red Skull. Available on M-GO, Amazon Instant Video, Redbox Instant and Vudu.
  4. The Patriot (Movie, 2000) – A reluctant South Carolina farmer (Mel Gibson) is forced to fight the British in this epic adventure of the American Revolution. Directed by Roland Emmerich (Independence Day). Screenplay by Robert Rodat (Saving Private Ryan). Available on M-GO, Amazon Instant Video, Redbox Instant and Vudu.
  5. Saving Private Ryan (Movie, 1998) – Set in France in 1944 shortly after the Normandy invasion. The story concerns a squad of U.S. Army soldiers on a perilous assignment behind enemy lines. The mission: to risk their lives to save the life of one man, paratrooper James Ryan (Matt Damon). Ryan is the last survivor of a family of four brothers, the rest of whom have been killed in action. Available on M-GO, Amazon Instant Video, Redbox Instant and Vudu.
  6. Apollo 13 (Movie, 1995) – It had been less than a year since man first walked on the moon, but as far as the American public was concerned, Apollo 13 was just another “routine” space flight – until these words pierced the immense void of space: “Houston, we have a problem.” Available on M-GO, Amazon Instant Video, Blockbuster on Demand, Redbox Instant and Vudu.
  7. Miracle (Movie, 2004) – Filled with exhilarating nonstop hockey action and heart-racing suspense, Miracle is the inspiring true story behind one of the greatest moments in sports history – the 1980 United States ice hockey team’s triumphant Olympic victory against the Soviet Union. Available on M-GO, Amazon Instant Video and Vudu.
  8. Forrest Gump (Movie, 1994) – In this Oscar-winning picture, Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks), a gentle soul born in a small Alabama town, happens into one memorable experience after another through a panorama of American history. Throughout his life, he is supported by his love for Jenny, his childhood friend with whom he shares his lifelong memories. Available on M-GO, Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Redbox Instant and Vudu.
  9. Born on the Fourth of July (Movie, 1986) – Based on a true story, the film follows the young Kovic (Tom Cruise) from a zealous teen who eagerly volunteers for the Vietnam War, to an embittered veteran paralyzed from the mid-chest down. Deeply in love with his country, Kovic returned to an environment vastly different from the one he left. Available on M-GO, Amazon Instant Video, Blockbuster on Demand, Redbox Instant and Vudu.
  10. Yankee Doodle Dandy (Movie, 1942) – James Cagney danced and sang his way to a well-deserved Oscar for his outstanding portrayal of vaudeville composer and performer George M. Cohan in this Oscar-nominated biography. Available on Amazon Instant Video, Redbox Instant and Vudu.

  Sadly, one of my favorites, Apocalypse Now is not represented. While that film is not all roses, it is still a stunning portrayal of war. Another favorite of mine, Stalag 17 is nowhere to be found. Come on Roku, Captain America is a friggin' comic book character!

  What are your favorite patriotic films? Tell me in the comments.

  Photo credit: Smit / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Nine really useful (lesser known) Windows tricks

  Publié: juillet 3, 2014, 6:50pm CEST par Paul Cooper

  

  Windows is an incredibly versatile operating system -- if you know how to use it.

  We've put together nine of our favorite shortcuts, tips and tricks to make your Windows experience as smooth and easy as possible.

  1. Shake window to minimize

  This is one of my personal favorites. If you click and drag a window, you can then give it a little shake -- go on, try it! All the other windows you have open will instantly minimize, giving you a clutter free workspace.

  2. Deleting browser history made easy

  If you want to delete your browsing history, but don't want to go fishing through the settings on your browser, try hitting CTRL+Shift+DEL. That'll take you straight to the menu!

  3. Highlight address bar

  Speaking of browsers, every try to highlight a long URL from the browser address bar to copy or delete it? Why bother? Instead just hit F6 and the URL will automatically highlight. Magic.

  4. Forget CTRL+ALT+DEL

  Most people will press CTRL+ALT+DEL when their computer crashes, and then instantly open the task manager. Instead, try hitting CTRL+Shift+ESC to open the task manager directly. After all, if your computer's crashing, the fewer steps in the process the better. You can of course open the task manager by right-clicking on the task bar, but this method has a bit more of a sleight of hand feeling to it.

  5. God mode

  The Windows Master Control Panel, or "God Mode", is a shortcut to access all of the operating system's control panels from within a single folder. To create a such a shortcut, create a new folder on your desktop (or anywhere else) and rename it to:

  GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}

  You can change the "GodMode" bit, but make sure the full-stop and the rest is the same. Once you've renamed it, the icon will change, and you'll have access to all Windows' most powerful features.

  6. Entering file names into the command line

  Once you've opened up DOS and are trying to execute a file, the most annoying thing is typing out the whole file directory: C:\Libraries\Pictures etc.

  Instead, try dragging the file directly into the command prompt, and the program will enter it for you. Simple!

  7. Go straight to desktop

  This is probably the one I use most often. Remember when Windows used to have a show desktop icon on the taskbar? Well now it doesn't need to, because you can just hit WIN+D. In case you don't know, the WIN button is the one with the wavy Windows flag icon between Left CTRL and ALT.

  8. Rename many files at once

  If you want to give a whole load of files the same name, select them all at once and click F2. Windows will append a (1) or a (2) to the end of each file name too, so you don't get confused.

  9. Lock computer instantly

  If you're leaving your Laptop open around friends prone to changing your Facebook information for kicks, or if you just want to increase security on your PC, it's good to get into the habit of pressing WIN + L every time you leave your desktop unattended.

  This will revert your computer to its lock screen, meaning any pesky Facebook meddlers will have to know your password before they can post embarrassing statuses. Unlike logging out, it keeps all your windows and documents open, however.

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

   

  
• 

  Secryptor Basic offers cross-platform file encryption with a Dropbox twist

  Publié: juillet 3, 2014, 5:49pm CEST par Nick Peers

  

  Privacy’s a big thing nowadays, and with the US government in particular leaning on big businesses to make it easier for user’s private data to be shared, you’ve a right to feel uneasy. Whether you’re looking to encrypt files on your PC or even add another layer of encryption to files before uploading them to the cloud or sharing via email, a raft of free tools are emerging to help you do just that.

  One of the latest to hit the market -- albeit in somewhat unfinished form -- is a free tool for Mac and PC called Secryptor Basic 1.0.

  Secryptor offers a relatively simple tool for encrypting and decrypting files using 256-bit AES encryption. At its most simple level, you select a file from your hard drive, add a password and Secryptor will produce an encrypted copy, sporting its own .skt file extension.

  That on its own isn’t particularly remarkable -- tools like Quick Crypt do the same, and much more besides. However, Secryptor does have some additional tricks up its sleeve to tempt you. The first is the free companion iOS app that allows you to download, decrypt and view content on your iPhone or iPad.

  The second is direct integration with Dropbox, allowing you -- in theory -- to directly encrypt and upload files to your Dropbox folder. From here, Secryptor generates an ID code you can email to a trusted contact (communicate the password separately) who can then easily recover the original file using Secryptor’s decryptions tools.

  We say "in theory" because while the feature works flawlessly on PC, we had problems using it on the Mac -- this could be down to the fact the program still feels unfinished, despite its 1.0 release status. The Windows setup file is all in German, while the Mac versions continues to use German on dialog boxes even after you’ve switched language to English.

  Even in its early state, however, Secryptor shows promise, particularly for those with Dropbox accounts and the need to securely access files via iPhone or iPad. However, PC users should also check out the aforementioned Quick Crypt and AxCrypt, to name but two alternatives, to see which one best meets their needs.

  In the meantime, Secryptor Basic 1.0 is available now as a free download for PCs running Windows 7 or later as well as Mac and iOS. An Android version is also due imminently.

  
• 

  The top 10 data breaches and how they happened

  Publié: juillet 3, 2014, 5:02pm CEST par Ian Barker

  

  Security breaches happen all the time but it's the biggest ones that hit the headlines and send ripples through the IT community. Security consultancy TSC Advantage has looked at the top ten breaches from the last five years and what effect they've had.

  Top of the list is the Adobe hack of 2013, made possible by weak password requirements and affecting 152 million customers. In second place comes the recent eBay hack involving stolen employee credentials and affecting 145 million users.

  We go back to 2009 for the number three slot and the Heartland Payment Systems attack which exposed the payment card information of 130 million customers. In fourth place is our old friend Target and the 2013 attack that exposed the data of 110 million customers and cost an estimated $420 million.

  Fifth is the 2010 attack against Google by Chinese hackers which exposed the identities of Chinese Gmail accounts that were under surveillance. In sixth comes the 2011 Epsilon attack which exposed customer names and addresses and led to the payment of $225 million in damages.

  The 2011 Sony attack that left the Playstation Network down for 23 days takes seventh slot, followed in eighth by the US Department of Veterans hack in 2009 that exposed 70 million records.

  Rounding out the top ten are the 2014 Global Payments attack which exposed 1.5 million sets of credit card numbers, and finally the AOL attack, also this year, which potentially exposed the details of 120 million customers.

  For more information on recent breaches, what can be learned and what can be done to combat them, visit the TSC Advantage website. There's also a summary of the top ten, their causes and impact in infographic form below.

  

  Photo credit: Tashatuvango/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Three ways to improve your chess-playing skills

  Publié: juillet 3, 2014, 4:14pm CEST par Mike Williams

  

  Mastering chess can be difficult. Very difficult. Even if you have time, patience and a gift for strategic thinking, you’ll still need to find plenty of challenging opponents to develop your skills.

  Still, if you’re running short of real-life candidates then you could always turn to your computer, where there’s plenty of help for players of every level.

  If you’re more an occasional player than an aspiring grandmaster, then you might appreciate 3D Chess Game (Android and Windows 8). The straightforward interface means you’ll be playing within moments, the graphics are great, and adjustable skill levels ensure a challenging game.

  There aren’t multiple chess engines here, and you can’t play against someone over the internet, but that’s no surprise. 3D Chess Game provides some good opponents as well as a few small extras (timed games, the ability to review play later), and it’s ideal for casual use.

  At first glance WinBoard (the Windows port of XBoard) seems more basic, thanks to its 2D graphics and slightly cluttered look -- but the reality is very different.

  The program supports multiple chess engines, many very configurable, giving you a wide range of opponents. You’re able to connect to various chess servers, helping you find and play chess with people from all over the world. It’s possible to play by email, if you don’t have time for a full game, and WinBoard also supports a host of chess variations including shogi (Japanese chess), Makruk, Berolina, Spartan and many others.

  Unsurprisingly, all this power does bring some complexity. WinBoard isn’t updated so often these days, either, but if you’re aiming for real chess mastery then it still has plenty to offer.

  For us, though, Arena is a better choice which is nicely pitched between the other two. It doesn’t have the graphics of 3D Chess Game, for instance, but the interface still looks good, and is better organized and easier to use than WinBoard.

  The program can be used with 250+ chess engines, and supports playing online games against people worldwide, so you’ll have no problems finding opponents. Good support for analyzing games will help you understand strategies, if that’s what you need. And if you like Arena so much that you’re playing when you really shouldn’t, no problem -- a built-in Boss Key (Ctrl+0) will instantly dismiss Arena to the system tray.

  
• 

  Big Google Play Services update rolls out

  Publié: juillet 3, 2014, 2:03pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Google gains some control over the distribution of Android updates by pushing new features and changes directly through Google Play, quickly reaching a significant part of the user base without getting manufacturers and mobile operators involved in the process.

  This is how Google Play Services 5.0, announced late last month at the I/O 2014 conference, is also making its way to Android users. The upgrade, which is rolling out now, targets both end users and developers, introducing new tools, features and APIs.

  Gamers will undoubtedly appreciate the new features included in Google Play Services 5.0. They will be able to set Quests (which is a fancier way of saying time-based goals), get rewards when doing this and, finally, save game progress in the cloud. The last feature is one I have been waiting for quite a while, as it makes factory resets so much less painful. And these features can be leveraged without game developers having to update their offerings.

  Android Wear also benefits, as the update adds new APIs that make the communication easier between Android handsets and wearables. Google gives developers an App Indexing API, allowing them to notify it about deep links and improve user engagement. Installing a dynamic security provider is easier, also.

  Google Play Services 5.0 comes with Wallet in tow, which is designed to work as a digital wallet for physical items like loyalty cards. Google Cast SDK (Software Development Kit) sees closed caption support added in media tracks. Publishers get "better" in-app purchase ads as well as Enhanced Ecommerce, which is touted to allow them to better understand how people use their apps.

  Photo credit: Marc Bruxelle/Shutterstock

  
• 

  ECS officially announces LIVA -- smallest Windows-based mini PC kit ever

  Publié: juillet 3, 2014, 12:40pm CEST par Brian Fagioli

  

  A computer nerd without a home office or "man-cave" is half a nerd. This is the exact predicament I am in. Without going into to much detail, my basement man-cave is out of commission for renovations. This means my test desktop, large monitor and computer desk are packed away for the time being. Thank God for the Surface Pro 3 -- it has enabled me to make any room my office, including the Starbucks I am in now.

  However, not all people have a desire to be mobile. No, some without an office prefer to put a home computer in a small area of a kitchen or living room. This can be problematic however, as the desktop can be large and depending on the model, an eyesore. Even worse, the whirring of the fans may impede a desired silence for a movie or romantic dinner. Today, ECS announces a solution for geeks and nerds that are tight on space -- the LIVA mini-computer. At 118 x 70 x 56 mm and 190g, this thing is light and tiny.

  "To achieve great performance with modern applications, LIVA supports the latest Intel Celeron Bay Trail-M SoC (System-on-a-Chip) dual-core processor operating at up to 2GHz in turbo mode. There's 2GB of fast, low-voltage DDR3L memory, which achieves power savings of 8 percent compared to old-fashioned DRAM", says ECS.

  The manufacturer further explains, "connect your LIVA to the world via its Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0 Combo Card. There's also high-speed USB 3.0, Gigabit LAN and audio output, plus both HDMI and VGA outputs for dual-monitor applications and both Digital / Analog support. LIVA avoids the bottlenecks of slow hard disk storage with its integrated 32GB eMMC (embedded multi-media card)".

  While this is hardly the most powerful computer, it is definitely capable of basic office work, web surfing and multimedia. Heck, since it is passively cooled, it may serve well as a silent HTPC. The LIVA kit may be a great option as a first-PC build for a child too, as they can learn about the components and see the internals -- it should make for a great lesson. Of course, while it will run Windows 8.1, it can surely run a Linux-powered operating system too.

  Sadly, pricing and availability are not yet available, but all should be revealed soon. Are you interested in buying the LIVA? Tell me in the comments.

  
• 

  SecurityXploded releases Browser Password Remover

  Publié: juillet 3, 2014, 12:30pm CEST par Mike Williams

  Utilities developer SecurityXploded has released Browser Password Remover, a free tool for managing stored passwords across a range of browsers (Firefox, Internet Explorer [v7.x -- v10.x], Google Chrome, Google Chrome Canary/SXS, CoolNovo, Opera, Comodo Dragon, SeaMonkey, SRWare Iron, Flock).

  The program can be used as a simple password viewer. Launch it, click Show Passwords, and you’ll see all stored credentials for every supported browser.

  There’s no check for password length or quality, but you can at least sort the list by password (just click the Password column header), helping you spot any duplicates.

  A Backup button saves your password list as an HTML or plain text report for easy reference later.

  Individual logons can be deleted by selecting them and clicking Remove.

  Alternatively, if storing any passwords at all seems too much of a security risk, you can clear the full set by clicking "Remove All".

  We spent a while playing around with the program to see what else it could do, with mildly disappointing results. Could we multi-select sites and remove just those, we wondered? No. Double-click a site to open it? No. Right-click a log-on for more options? No, of course not -- there are no other options.

  Browser Password Remover works reasonably well as a browser password viewer, backup and deletion tool, though, and for version 1.0 that’s probably enough.

  
• 

  CosmicDuke malware mashup steals login data to take over networks

  Publié: juillet 3, 2014, 12:23pm CEST par Ian Barker

  

  Security company F-Secure has uncovered a new malware attack that blends together elements of two earlier threats in an attempt to compromise enterprise networks.

  CosmicDuke includes elements from the MiniDuke advanced persistent threat (APT) Trojan combined with the info-stealing Cosmu family. MiniDuke first appeared last year and was used in attacks against NATO and some European government agencies.

  F-Secure has published a white paper which describes how CosmicDuke uses files and emails in a phishing attack to get users to compromise their system. Once installed it begins to gather information using keyloggers, screenshot grabbers and other techniques. This is then transmitted to remote servers so that attackers can use it to compromise more of the network and install more malware.

  Sean Sullivan, security advisor at F-Secure says, "CosmicDuke isn't advanced in the way that MiniDuke was. But this is interesting as it moves towards a 'commoditized' not-for-profit info-stealer with connections to the existing crimeware ecosystem".

  What's particularly worrying about CosmicDuke is that it overlaps elements of cybercrime with state-sponsored espionage. Sullivan adds that it could be, "...an organized actor (a 'contractor' perhaps?) who is gathering information to sell to a government. At the moment, crimeware which targets consumers is under attack by international law enforcement -- it is quite possible that the displaced crimeware vendors found a new buyer of information".

  Decoy document names uncovered by F-Secure include titles referencing gas pipelines and the Ukraine which suggests this malware may be targeted against specific industries.

  This is a very organized and professional attack and Sullivan advises businesses that, "You are a target. Keep calm and secure your stuff".

  More details can be found in F-Secure's white paper or on the company's blog.

  Image Credit: Brian A Jackson / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Google launches Android Wear companion app

  Publié: juillet 3, 2014, 12:12pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Last month, at its yearly I/O developer conference, Google introduced Android Wear, a version of the popular open-source operating system designed for wearables, like the LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live smartwatches. Connecting such devices to Android handsets is, as usual, a companion app, that Google just launched.

  The app, called Android Wear, gives users the ability to manage their wearables, allowing them to adjust the preferences for voice commands (which play a key role in the Android Wear user experience), tweak notification settings (which, again, is an important feature for the platform), and of course configure the devices from the comfort of their Android handsets.

  Developer support can make or break Android Wear, and to showcase compatible apps the search giant has introduced an Apps for Android Wear section on Google Play. Right now, it only lists 20 offerings, with the most prominent being published by the likes of Google, American Airlines and Pinterest.

  It will be interesting to see what other developers jump on the Android Wear bandwagon, as there clearly are few major apps available at this point, and how they will leverage what the platform has to offer to add clear-cut value.

  Android Wear (the companion app) is available to download from Google Play.

  
• 

  HTC One (M8) comes in Dual SIM flavor

  Publié: juillet 3, 2014, 11:36am CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Consumers looking for a dual-SIM smartphone have many low-end and mid-range options to choose from, offered by dozens of manufacturers in a wide range of configurations. The high-end selection is, however, much more limited, as fewer players compete in this space where, arguably, the value benefit of dual SIMs does not go hand in hand with the premium pricing of such devices.

  HTC is among the few top players in the business to launch dual-SIM versions of its Android flagships. The Taiwanese maker did so last year with One Dual SIM and, this year, it gives its critically acclaimed One (M8) the same treatment.

  One (M8) Dual SIM comes with the hardware design traits that set the standard model apart from the rest of the flagship pack, like the metal unibody chassis and front-facing speakers (not to mention the jaw-dropping looks).

  Those interested in getting a One (M8) Dual SIM of their own, can do so starting next week. It will be available in a couple of European markets (and likely other parts of the globe), namely Austria, Germany and Switzerland, for €799, which is considerably more expensive than the standard model (as well as other dual-SIM smartphones).

  Photo Credit: Joe Wilcox

  
• 

  Steve Wozniak disposes of 'worthless' Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch on eBay

  Publié: juillet 3, 2014, 11:22am CEST par Jamie Hinks

  

  Samsung’s Galaxy Gear has been handed a rotten assessment by Apple’s gadget-loving co-founder Steve Wozniak.

  The man who started up the technology behemoth with Steve Jobs complained that the smartwatch doesn’t offer the convenience he was hoping and within half a day it was up on eBay ready to be sold at a bargain price.

  "That [Galaxy Gear] was the only technology I bought to experiment with that I threw out after half a day, sold it on eBay because it was so worthless and did so little that was convenient,” he told the Flying Car innovation conference, according to CNET.

  Wozniak went on from there and was equally scathing of the screen that he said should be a size that is big enough to give him everything his eyes could need. That was before he expressed his displeasure at the functionality of it.

  "You had to hold it up to your ear and stuff,” he added.

  It’s clear listening to Wozniak that he thinks the key to unlocking the wearables sector is one company coming in with a product that blows all the competitors away or starts a revolution like Apple did with both the iPhone and iPad.

  "When one company does one thing very strikingly different, and everybody says this company got it right, this is the way of the future. In the past, it's been Apple a number of times -- not always. So I'm really hoping that Apple's the big breakthrough,” he said.

  Apple’s co-founder was more glowing about Google Glass and stated that although it isn’t that useful he has "actually kind of liked playing with it".

  Apple is expected to release a wearable device of some sort in the near future and the developers will be hoping that Wozniak doesn’t decide to toss it away like the Galaxy Gear.

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  Bitcoin quietly goes legit

  Publié: juillet 3, 2014, 9:59am CEST par Robert X. Cringely

  The US Marshals Service doesn’t normally make economic policy but this week they apparently did so by auctioning 30,000 Bitcoins, a crypto currency I have written about before. This auction effectively legitimizes Bitcoins as part of the world economy. Am I the only one to notice this?

  My first column on this subject was a cautionary tale pointing out the two great areas of vulnerability for Bitcoin: 1) the US Government might declare Bitcoins illegal, and; 2) someone might gain control of a majority of Bitcoins in which case their value could be manipulated. While number two is still theoretically possible it becomes less likely every day. And number one seems to have been put to rest by the U.S. Marshals.

  The Marshals dispose of property confiscated by federal authorities, giving the proceeds to the Treasury Department and back to the Department of Justice. This auction -- worth about $11 million -- could not have happened without the permission of both agencies (Treasury and Justice). This is why I can claim that economic policy has been made, because it was authorized by the very agencies normally responsible for such policies.

  When drug dealers lose their helicopters, Swiss watches, and Cigarette speed boats, the US Marshals sell them for money. However the Marshals don’t sell confiscated drugs because drugs are illegal and are destroyed. If Bitcoins were illegal they, too, would have been destroyed, not sold. Hence Bitcoins are not illegal.

  And why should they be, really? Between derivative securities, futures and options there are already plenty of financial instruments that don’t look much like money to me but are treated as such.

  Now, even though nobody has yet announced it, we can add Bitcoins to that list.

  And who bought all those Bitcoins? Third generation VC Tim Draper, saying he’ll use the coins as a currency hedge.

  In theory this threatens the US dollar‘s role as the reserve currency, but that theory is pretty weak with a finite number of Bitcoins even possible and most users still thinking of it as anonymous dollars.

  It’s this anonymous nature of Bitcoins that has me puzzled. My guess is they aren’t anonymous at all and the NSA has thrown its elves into de-cyphering Bitcoin metadata. Otherwise this auction would never have happened.

  Where is Edward Snowden when we need him?

  
• 

  Samsung unveils new Galaxy Tab S commercial

  Publié: juillet 3, 2014, 4:11am CEST par Alan Buckingham

  

  The latest tablet from Samsung, the Galaxy Tab S, recently launched, and received considerable attention, as with many products the company does. Samsung also launched an advertising campaign to go along with its latest offering.

  "The third installment in Samsung’s new tablet commercial series puts the Galaxy Tab S’s industry-leading display to the test, showing side-by-side comparisons of a wide range of images on the device’s Super AMOLED screen next to traditional LCD screens. These bring the extraordinary Super AMOLED technology to life, resulting in more immersive and breathtaking visual experience", the hardware maker claims.

  The ad is more than two minutes long, and clearly was never meant to run on TV, but is more just for YouTube and a chance for the company to tout its latest product.

  The 10.5-inch tablet comes in both 16 GB and 32 GB versions. The video, while mentioning those stats, plays mostly on the screen, which looks gorgeous in this clip.

  "There is no other tablet on the market that can compete with the unrivaled viewing experience, innovative design aesthetics, and industry-leading productivity features of the Galaxy Tab S",  says Younghee Lee, Executive Vice President of Global Marketing in the IT and Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics.

  
• 

  Microsoft acquires SyntaxTree -- increases focus on gaming

  Publié: juillet 3, 2014, 2:40am CEST par Brian Fagioli

  

  As much we like to believe that computers are helping the world to connect, and enabling people to learn, let's be honest -- people just want to game. We all convinced our parents at a young age that we needed a PC to write papers and access things like Encarta encyclopedia, but our true desire was Wolfenstein 3D.

  It's not just computer users that want to get in on the gaming -- companies want to do it too. A good example is Microsoft. Sure, the company creates some amazing productivity software like Word, Excel and Access, but it also makes the Xbox. In other words, the company likes to work hard and play hard. Today, the company acquires SyntaxTree, which shows a commitment to gaming.

  "Over the last 10 years, the Unity cross-platform game engine has grown to become a widely used rendering engine and tool for game developers targeting desktop, consoles, mobile devices and the web, with over 2 million developers now using Unity for game development. Unity offers great support for targeting or porting to Windows, across Windows desktop, Windows Store and Windows Phone", says S. Somasegar, corporate vice president of the Developer Division at Microsoft.

  Somasegar further explains, "today, I'm pleased to announce that we are acquiring SyntaxTree, the developers of the UnityVS plugin for Visual Studio. UnityVS enables Unity developers to take advantage of the productivity of Visual Studio to author, browse and debug the code for their Unity applications. Already today, dozens of the biggest names in game development rely on Visual Studio and the UnityVS plugin".

  

  This acquisition will allow Microsoft to integrate UnityVS directly into Visual Studio. This sends a clear message to game developers that the company is committed to making Visual Studio a perpetual world-class tool. Developers can feel confident that investing in Visual Studio is a smart choice for cross-platform creations, including mobile.

  What do you think of the acquisition? Tell me in the comments.

  Photo credit: Aspen Photo / Shutterstock

  
• 

  The three hour startup -- From idea to revenue in 180 minutes

  Publié: juillet 2, 2014, 9:56pm CEST par Michael Raven

  

  At 5pm on Thursday 12th June 2014, I launched tinderus.com  --  a $50 Tinder Profile Consultancy Service.

  I came up with the idea in London at 3pm that exact day and within two hours I had tinderus.com up and running. I chucked it on ProductHunt and within minutes received a wave of traffic, two $50 bookings and a whole host of comments, including a nice little comment from Tinder Co-Founder Jonathan Badeen.

  Since that day, TinderUs has received around 138 paid bookings for $50. I’ve been featured in Business Insider, Huffington Post, Venture Beat, Inside Mobile Apps, Tech and Bits.

  The truth about the birth of TinderUs is that it started as a joke; "You should start a Tinder Consultancy for all the people out there who can’t get many matches". Thus, TinderUs was born!

  In terms of the business' functionality, this is again a simple, stripped down process. Customers book through a simple PayPal button (with Contact Us form for queries). When we receive a booking, we prompt them for a time and date for a consultation to take place, including asking them to add us on Facebook so we can see their profile.

  When the time arrives for the consultation, a member of staff will get online (I have a few friends who work in Fashion who are excellent at giving advice on appearance, conversation and overall personality). The consultant goes through five key areas:

  • Picking your best five photos from Facebook
  • Choosing your main image (this is key)
  • Curating your profile tagline
  • Giving you ideas and advice on opening lines
  • Providing you with expert advice on flirting and what to say in a conversation

  Simple, quick and effective!

  I created the site on Strikingly’s platform  --  an incredibly easy web page editor that allowed me to produce a beautiful website in a rapid timeframe. I don’t have exceptional design or coding skills, so Strikingly is ideal for me.

  Reaching out to journalists for press is another key angle to TinderUs' growth. This process is always over-complicated by startups  --  just remember that journalists are real people, whose job is to write up interesting news. If you email or Tweet them with something interesting, there is a good chance they’ll get back to you.

  This short journey proves that anyone can build a simple site and generate revenue with the correct idea. "Build something people want" is a fantastic mantra, but there’s a lot to be said about hacking stuff together for fun.

  Michael Raven is Founder and Managing Director of TinderUs and Catch London, a PR & Strategy Agency focusing on Technology Startups. Based in London, UK, Michael has worked with Technology companies all over the globe.

   

  
• 

  Cloud sprawl: What is it, and how can you beat it?

  Publié: juillet 2, 2014, 8:23pm CEST par Steve Browell

  

  Today's workplace plays host to employees using a variety of cloud services side-by-side with corporate-sanctioned IT. This often results in incongruent information sourcing and storage, typically known as cloud sprawl. Whilst software as a service (SaaS) can boost smarter working and innovation in businesses, information disparity issues need to be addressed to sustain efficient working environments.

  As businesses adoption and management of cloud services matures, some are still suffering organizational inefficiencies due to cloud sprawl. At the moment, different software is being selected for different solutions by different departments or even individual members of staff; there is a knowledge gap where businesses aren't fully informed about how cloud technology can respond to business challenges in a different way to on-premise solutions, and so the potential for better information management is not being realized.

  From the mid-market to larger enterprise, businesses need to enable company-wide education about the benefits of cloud.

  To avoid cloud sprawl, there are a host of things that need to be considered; things that IT managers don't often think about when moving to cloud. People are still figuring out what cloud means to their business, and this often leads to information sprawl as new and different clouds are being deployed. Eventually cloud computing will mature and become standardized and interoperable, but until then there are certain sprawling issues to be addressed.

  Cloud sprawl is also partly down to CIOs losing control of their IT strategies and procurement processes. Software as a Service has enabled more business departments (whether HR, marketing or finance) to make purchasing decisions oncloud solutions. For the CIO, this can lead to chaos as there are lots of different systems running in siloes. This can lead to challenges meeting overall goals, with CIOs effectively taking on a supply management role as they fight to manage disparate systems and ensure interoperability and business agility.

  With 'Shadow IT' (systems businesses depend upon not deployed or managed by the IT team) becoming increasingly commonplace in the industry, teams are now making decisions without the CIO. As a result, we are seeing fragmentation of ultimate decision makers; not the desired effect of cloud computing.

  There needs to be clear direction from the CIO to the business in terms of where it is necessary for information systems to share data; they must be clear on the need to interrelate information.

  Individual departments may work perfectly well alone, but they still need the CIO to provide mechanisms to connect with each other and ensure compatibility. Many SaaS solutions have overlapping and duplicate functions, such as social or messaging plug-ins, which is another feature of cloud sprawl.

  The key lesson to be learnt from the cloud sprawl issue is about the interconnection of business systems. This highlights particular problems for SaaS since linking systems together is critical to achieving maximum return. Organizations need to learn that systems might potentially overlap, and that solutions being too siloed or having too many overlaps may cause sprawl.

  Steve Browell is CTO at Intrinsic

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  Microsoft brings better document collaboration to Office 365

  Publié: juillet 2, 2014, 7:16pm CEST par Alan Buckingham

  

  With the introduction of Office 2013, Microsoft brought software as a service to the table -- something some analysts had long expected would happen. Under the moniker of Office 365, the company introduced a subscription model that allows for a monthly or annual fee and grants five licences to each person or family.

  Today the software and services company rolls out an improvement to this offering, adding what it calls better document collaboration. The feature was actually announced earlier this year at the Exchange Developer Conference, but only now do we see the final product. Microsoft hopes this will eliminate the need to share documents via emails in an effort to work with other people on the files.

  "Today, we’re thrilled to introduce the first of these enhancements which aims to improve the way people interact with files as attachments in their email. Now, you will be able to edit a document straight from Outlook Web App and attach this edited document to an email response in just a few clicks", the Office 365 team announces.

  Added are side-by-side comparisons, which allow for viewing of the attachment and email next to one another, as opposed to flipping back and forth between the two. Users will also no longer need to download the attachment, as the document can be edited and returned right from this new view.

  Finally, Microsoft promises a better user experience overall, with attached files being easier to see during the send process, and the ability to download multiple attachments in one single ZIP file.

  "We are excited to deliver the first step in this enhanced document collaboration experience in Outlook Web App. We’ll have more enhancements to share later in the year. In the meantime, we look forward to your feedback on how we can continue to meet your needs", the team concludes. The company also promises more enhancements are on the way.

  
• 

  Vaio launches its first laptops without Sony

  Publié: juillet 2, 2014, 6:40pm CEST par Barclay Ballard

  Sony agreed to sell Vaio earlier this year, but the latter has wasted no time in getting back into the laptop market.

  Vaio has said it will continue to be a "small" PC maker after the sale and will have to alter its output accordingly, but the first two laptops that have been revealed look very similar to the Pro and Fit ranges that were launched 12 months ago under the Sony brand.

  The Vaio Pro is listed in 11.6in and 13.3in models on the company's website, with up to 4GB RAM, Intel Core i7, 11.5 hours of battery life and a Windows 8.1 operating system. The Vaio Fit has a 15in screen, with largely similar specs.

  Both laptops contain HD Triluminous displays, which was previously a Sony-only technology, and are currently only available in Japan.

  There has been no word on an overseas release.

  Sony agreed to sell its Vaio PC division to Japan Industrial Partners Inc. for an estimated $493 million earlier this year and while the two latest releases don't reveal much of a change in the company's output, it'll be interesting to see if Vaio can be a success without the Sony brand.

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
• 

  Radical.FM launches 25 million ad-free songs on Android

  Publié: juillet 2, 2014, 4:39pm CEST par Alan Buckingham

  

  Is there room for one more music app in the market? Radical.FM is hoping so, and it has big plans to become your service of choice, competing with the big names like Spotify and Rdio. Today the company is planning an ambitious app launch for the Android platform.

  "The app is free, commercial-free, and available for immediate download in the Google Play Store", the company states. This is the first foray into the Google mobile platform, but the service was already available for iOS.

  The iOS app will also be receiving improvements, and Radical.FM promises a desktop app is in the works too, though no release date for this has yet been announced.

  "Tremendous effort has gone into making these powerful new apps faster and more intuitive,” says CEO Tom McAlevey. “But unlike Beats, which offers nothing Spotify hasn’t offered for years, or Amazon Prime Music, which is missing half the music iTunes has offered for a decade, Radical.FM offers a truly unique concept built on one of the world’s most comprehensive music libraries".

  The company operates under a unique business model. It compensates all artists and labels for the music streamed, doing so through ads. However, there is an ad-free model and it has no set price -- users pay what they can. "If treated with respect, people tend to do the right thing. As users discover Radical’s outstanding service, many of them will be proud to support it", McAlevey claims.

  You can visit the website to find download links for both the new Android app and the improved iOS version.

  Photo Credit: Poprotskiy Alexey/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Almost 1 in 5 websites now blocked by censorship filters in the UK

  Publié: juillet 2, 2014, 3:59pm CEST par Wayne Williams

  

  Browse the web in the UK, and sooner or later there’s a good chance you’ll stumble across a website that’s been blocked. Sites like The Pirate Bay, Fenopy and H33t are no longer viewable due to court orders preventing access, and other sites -- many perfectly legitimate -- are being blocked by censorship filters.

  It’s not quite as bad as living in China, but according to a new project by the Open Rights Group, ISPs are currently blocking 19 percent of tested websites.

  The Blocked project is an online tool that lets you check whether a website is being censored by filters. So far it has checked over 105,000 websites, and disturbingly found over 20,000 which have been blocked by one or more ISPs.

  The filters are designed to prevent children and young people from viewing content aimed at over 18s, including pornography and sites that talk about alcohol, smoking, anorexia and hate speech.

  However, the Open Rights Group says the filters are routinely blocking sites which are not harmful to children -- sometimes seemingly by mistake, and at other times deliberately.

  Executive Director of Open Rights Group, Jim Killock said: "Through, the Blocked project we wanted to find out about the impact of web filters. Already, our reports are showing that almost 1 in 5 websites tested are blocked, and that the problem of overblocking seems much bigger than we thought. Different ISPs are blocking different sites and the result is that many people, from businesses to bloggers, are being affected because people can’t access their websites".

  One of the blocked sites is the political blog, Guido Fawkes whose Editor Paul Staines quipped: "We would really appreciate it if TalkTalk would remove us from their block list. The only people who block us are them and the Chinese government".

  Other sites found to be blocked include a feminist rights blog and a Porsche dealership.

  UK users can check to see if a website has been blocked by filters using the free checking tool at www.blocked.org.uk. It tests services from 3, Andrews & Arnold, BT, Everything Everywhere, O2, Plusnet, Sky Broadband, TalkTalk, Virgin Media and Vodafone.

  Photo Credit: Rommel Canlas/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Nokia Lumia 635 comes to T-Mobile

  Publié: juillet 2, 2014, 3:23pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Now is a great time to be looking for a new Windows Phone 8.1 smartphone. The entry-level Nokia Lumia 630 is already available, while the Lumia 930 flagship will launch shortly, as will the more affordable Lumia 635. For those living in US, however, their options are far more limited.

  The only Windows Phone 8.1 smartphone that is set to launch in US is Lumia 635. It will reach mobile operator T-Mobile, as well as its MetroPCS subsidiary, in just a couple of days. For Simple Choice customers, it goes for $7 per month for two years (the total cost is $168, when taking into account the $0 down payment).

  It will be available first through Home Shopping Network, starting July 5, and through T-Mobile's online shop afterwards, starting July 9. MetroPCS customers will be able to buy Lumia 635 for less only days after, starting July 18, as it will be offered for $99 -- the "promotional price" is available both online and in "select" brick and mortar stores. So-called "participating" T-Mobile stores will also sell the MetroPCS version for $99, starting July 16.

  Lumia 635 highlights include: 4.5-inch IPS display, glove-friendly, with a resolution of 480 by 854; 1.4 GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor; 512 MB of RAM; 1,830 mAh battery; 8 GB of internal storage; microSD card slot (can house cards up to 128 GB in size); 5 MP back-facing camera with 720p video recording (there is no front-facing camera, however); Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n; GPS with Glonass; Bluetooth 4.0 and USB 2.0. The physical dimensions are 129.5 x 66.7 x 9.2 mm and weight is 134 grams.

  T-Mobile also announces that both Lumia 521 and Lumia 925 will receive an over-the-air software upgrade to Windows Phone 8.1. There is a vague estimate for when this is expected to happen -- "later this year".

  
• 

  Stella makes it easy and fun to emulate classic Atari 2600 VCS games

  Publié: juillet 2, 2014, 3:22pm CEST par Nick Peers

  

  When it comes to tapping into our fondness for old computing and gaming platforms, Stella has always been at the forefront. This cross-platform Atari 2600 VCS emulator first saw the public light of day back in 1996, and now -- 18 years later -- it may just have delivered it most significant update yet with the release of Stella 4.0.

  Version 4, also available in 64-bit form, sees the emulator ported across to SDL2, which brings many new features and performance improvements.

  Chief among these improvements is support for native hardware acceleration support on all three builds: Direct3D in Windows, and OpenGL on Mac and Linux. The transition to SDL2 also means it’s now possible to port Stella to iOS and Android platforms via OpenGLES.

  Support for hardware acceleration is now mandatory, so users must ensure they’re using up-to-date drivers to support it; software rendering remains in place for now, but is no longer optimized and is no longer supported.

  With hardware acceleration now a requirement, TIA TV effects have been extended to all video modes. Another notable improvement is that switching Stella to full-screen sees it use the current desktop resolution rather than resizing the desktop.

  Users gain a more detailed view of a cartridge’s extended RAM via a new Debugger tab, while both AtariVox and SaveKey controllers gain the ability to complete erase the virtual EEPROM data in the debugger itself.

  A new "savesnap" debugger prompt command has been added -- also accessible via the debugger’s TIA output area context menu. Selecting this saves the current TIA image as a PNG file.

  A new "hidecursor" command line option has been implemented, allowing systems without a mouse to complete disable the cursor from view.

  Version 4.0 is rounded off by updating the included PNG library to the latest stable version. Stella 4.0 (32-bit) and Stella 4.0 (64-bit) are both available now as a free, donationware downloads for Windows, Mac and Linux.

  
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  Check files for malware before they’re downloaded with VTzilla/ VTchromizer

  Publié: juillet 2, 2014, 3:19pm CEST par Mike Williams

  VirusTotal is an excellent free web service which scans any file for malware against 50+ of the top antivirus engines. But it can take a moment to use, as you must visit the site, choose the type of scan you need (file or link), then point VirusTotal in the right direction.

  VTzilla and VTchromizer are Firefox and Chrome add-ons which simplify this process by integrating VirusTotal scanning options into the browser, enabling you to check any file or URL with one or two clicks.

  If you’re unsure about a particular link, for example, you can right-click it and select "Scan with VirusTotal". This immediately runs a regular VirusTotal URL check, and displays a detailed safety report in just a few seconds.

  A normally safe site might occasionally host something dangerous, of course, and both VTzilla and VTchromizer add an addition "Scan with VirusTotal" option to the right-click menu for a download.

  VTzilla then goes one step further by adding a "Scan with VirusTotal" button to the Firefox download box. This is good, as it acts as a permanent reminder to be careful about what you’re downloading, and enables you to run a scan with just one click. But it’s also more intrusive, and may not appeal to everyone.

  VTzilla takes a similar, more "in your face" approach elsewhere. In particular it adds a toolbar where you can search VirusTotal for hashes, URLs and more, or launch a scan of your current site; this works, but it takes a lot of screen real estate and isn’t customizable (although you can at least turn it off). Meanwhile VTchromizer is more subtle. It only adds a single button to the Chrome toolbar, but this still gives access to a VirusTotal search box and a "Scan current site" link.

  VTchromizer would be our preferred extension, then, but VTzilla is also useful, and both add-ons make it easier to check downloads for malware on demand.

  
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  No CyanogenMod 12 until Android L is ready for prime time

  Publié: juillet 2, 2014, 2:06pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  After making factory images available for Nexus 5 and Nexus 7, Google releases the source code for the Android L preview through AOSP (Android Open Source Project) for most of its compatible Nexus devices. And for many enthusiasts this means development for the next CyanogenMod version should kick off shortly.

  The team behind the popular custom distribution, however, announces that CyanogenMod 12 development will not start until the final bits of code are available. "'So let's get the flood-gates started on CM 12!' -- right? No", says the team in a new blog post, aptly named The "L" is for Later.

  The reason is directly connected to Google's decision to give developers early access to Android L. While the preview source code will make way for more better-designed and compatible apps at launch than before, it also allows Google to make various changes until Android L is deemed ready for prime time, and that can impact the development time for CyanogenMod 12.

  "We could spend the next three weeks working on integrating CM features against this new platform, and then have it suddenly change dramatically and break in the final release of 'L'. This would boil down to a waste of time", says the team.

  "Now, just because we aren’t switching gears to CM12 right away doesn’t mean we won’t be checking out the code release from today. This opportunity gives us the ability to cost out the level of effort for each CM feature, identify gaps in 'L' and possible solutions for them, figure out what CM features can go, and run preliminary assessments on how badly device support will break", adds the team.

  Based on my personal experience running the Android L preview on my Nexus 7, this is the right call to make. It is unstable at this point. I have experienced app crashes -- which are to be expected in early development stages -- numerous times. To top it off, there are missing features, and some of the available ones are poorly implemented. I am confident Google will fix most of them come launch time, but, in the meantime, I am going to stick to running Android 4.4.4 KitKat.

  Photo Credit: alexmillos/Shutterstock

  
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  Microsoft takes down legitimate sites during crackdown on malware servers

  Publié: juillet 2, 2014, 1:47pm CEST par Jamie Hinks

  

  Microsoft has taken unprecedented action against million of cybercriminals by shutting down a barrage of servers used to infect PCs with dangerous malware across the globe.

  The firm, which obtained a court order, gained control of a large number of domains being used to spread malware and in the process shut down legitimate sites due to what the domain owner called "heavy-handed" tactics.

  "In a civil case filed on 19 June, Microsoft named two foreign nationals, Mohamed Benabdellah and Naser Al Mutairi, and a US company, Vitalwerks Internet Solutions, LLC [doing business as No-IP.com], for their roles in creating, controlling, and assisting in infecting millions of computers with malicious software -- harming Microsoft, its customers and the public at large," read a blog from Richard Domingues Boscovich, assistant general counsel of Microsoft’s Digital Crimes Unit.

  Microsoft stated that No-IP’s infrastructure had been used to facilitate the spread of the Jenxcus and Bladabindi malicious programs in 93 percent of cases that it has seen and in the past year the virus has been detected in some form over 7.4 million times. The two pieces of malware allow offenders to steal data, record keystrokes and even listen to sounds that were happening around the computer.

  Federal court in Nevada granted Microsoft ownership over the domains as it managed to convince the court that No-IP didn’t do enough to prevent them being used for malicious purposes.

  No-IP is unhappy at the level of disruption caused and doubts that Microsoft had any idea at the number of innocent customers that would be affected by the move.

  "Millions of innocent users are experiencing outages to their services because of Microsoft's attempt to remediate hostnames associated with a few bad actors,” it wrote in a statement, according to the BBC.

  The original owner of the domains also added that Microsoft hadn’t made enough of an effort to contact them in relation to limiting the sites.

  "Unfortunately, Microsoft never contacted us or asked us to block any subdomains, even though we have an open line of communication with Microsoft corporate executives," No-IP added.

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  Photo Credit: Oxlock/Shutterstock

  
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  Post-Snowden era will make physical location of data irrelevant

  Publié: juillet 2, 2014, 12:17pm CEST par Ian Barker

  

  A new report from research specialist Gartner says that the physical location of data is becoming increasingly irrelevant and that by 2020 a combination of legal, political and logical location will be more important.

  Gartner research vice president Carsten Casper says that the number of data residency and data sovereignty discussions has soared in the past 12 months, and that this has stalled technology innovation in many organizations. Originally triggered by the dominance of US providers on the Internet and the Patriot Act, the perceived conflict has since been fueled by revelations of surveillance by the NSA made public by Edward Snowden.

  "IT leaders find themselves entangled in data residency discussions on different levels and with various stakeholders such as legal advisors, customers, regulatory authorities, employee representatives, business management, and the public," says Casper.

  Gartner identifies four data locations for the new era. Physical location has in the past been associated with control but, now that data can be easily accessed remotely, Gartner advises that concerns about physical location should be balanced against other risks.

  Legal location is determined by who controls the data, though there could be other organizations, such as service providers, that process and store it. Political location takes into account factors such as law enforcement access requests, cheap labor and international political balance. Gartner argues that these are only really important to public sector bodies or companies whose reputation is already damaged. Casper says, "Unless you fall into one of these categories, you can discount media reports on data residency concerns. While public outrage is still high about data storage abroad, there is little evidence that consumers really change their buying behavior".

  Finally comes logical location which is determined by who has access to the data. All this can lead to quite complex situations where data can be in four places at once. As Gartner points out, what happens if a German company signs a contract with the Irish subsidiary of a US cloud provider that has its information physically stored in a data center in India? While the legal location of the provider would be Ireland, the political location would be the US and the physical location would be India but, logically, all data could still be in Germany. Confused? Thought so.

  "None of the types of data location solves the data residency problem alone," says Casper. "The future will be hybrid -- organizations will be using multiple locations with multiple service delivery models. IT leaders can structure the discussion with various stakeholders, but eventually, it's the business leader who has to make a decision, based on the input from general counsel, compliance officers, the information security team, privacy professionals and the CIO".

  You can read more in the report The Snowden Effect: Data Location Matters available on the Gartner website. The issue will be discussed further at a series of Security and Risk Management Summits, held in Sydney, London and Dubai in August and September.

  Photo Credit: Andy Harbin/Shutterstock

  
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  Sony Walkman turns 35 years old

  Publié: juillet 2, 2014, 9:51am CEST par Marcus Michau

  

  Sony launched the first Walkman in 1979, and this is this week the tech breakthrough is celebrating its 35th birthday.

  Nowadays there are iPhones, devices that one can use as a phone, a computer and a music player. Before that, there were just iPods that enabled people to put their favorite music all onto one device and create playlists to fit their mood or preference. However, what many younger kids today won't know is that what started this whole process and changed the way we listened to music entirely was the introduction of the Walkman.

  It was revolutionary. The idea that someone could listen to the music of their choice without disturbing anyone else really changed the impact music had on society, as it meant people could discover their own unique genre of music and just put on some headphones to listen to a whole tape of it really was something special.

  Many features that the iPod now has originated from the Walkman like the small headphones that truly were different at the time but now are extremely popular with millions of people using them daily and thousands of different designs and types.

  The Sony Walkman certainly did affect all areas, such as exercise due people were able to create their own music to exercise to which actually caused a boom in exercise. It also was used a lot during travel; in fact, the reason the Walkman made headphones was due the co-chairman of Sony wanting something that meant he could listen to his opera music while travelling on long journeys and that of course has led to the mass use of headphones and iPods being used today on a very regular basis.

  So even though in this day and age we see the Walkman as a chunky, old fashioned MP3 player, it actually was the main and maybe only reason that iPods and other handheld MP3 were even thought of so for that reason and many others, it was and still is brilliant.

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
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  View your rooms in any color with Dulux Visualizer

  Publié: juillet 2, 2014, 9:32am CEST par Mike Williams

  

  You’re bored with your home’s look. It’s time for a change. Repainting could make all the difference, but which color scheme will work best? Dulux Visualizer is a smart iOS/ Android app which can show you. Just point your camera at the wall and it’s repainted, in real time, to match whatever color you like.

  This all starts by selecting your preferred color. One option is to browse a color picker covering the entire Dulux range. Alternatively, you’re able to take a picture of any scene and extract a color you like.

  With that done, launching the Visualizer displays a camera view of your room. Tap any wall and Dulux augmented reality technology automatically displays it in your chosen color, even as you move the camera around, helping you see how it matches everything else.

  Does it work? Some elements are surprisingly effective, considering the total lack of any setup. We found Dulux Visualizer accurately detected the edge of our walls, filling the areas we asked, and keeping this updated as we panned the camera around. If you like the results then you’re able to view matching Dulux products or order testers in a tap or two.

  But there are also problems, particularly in low light. If there’s "too much" shadow at the edge of a wall then the new color won’t quite stretch far enough, leaving a line of the original color remaining. The edges of the recolored area tend to flicker and pulse as your camera moves, too, which can be very distracting.

  We’re also unsure why the app needs permission to access your calendar and contacts. More fundamentally, it won’t work at all if your Android device doesn’t have the movement sensors it needs.

  Dulux Visualizer is generally well-designed, though, and so easy to use that it’ll probably only take 5 minutes to find out if it works for you. If you’re looking for some interior design inspiration then we’d give it a try.

  
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  New company Icecream Apps debuts its freeware range

  Publié: juillet 2, 2014, 4:30am CEST par Mike Williams

  Icecream Apps is a new company which recently launched three freeware Windows tools: Media Converter, PDF Split and Merge and Image Resizer. Polished and professional, available in several languages and with Mac versions available “pretty soon”, the software suggests Icecream wants to be taken seriously. We downloaded the new range for a closer look.

  Icecream Media Converter is a free tool for converting video and audio files between all the main formats (and most of the minor ones). The program can import multiple local files, or download its source videos from web URLs, before converting them to your preferred device, audio or video format.

  What you don’t get here is any real control of the converted file. There are no options to set resolution, codec, bitrates or anything else: just a single “Quality” setting with four options (Best, Good, Average, Bad).

  Still, the conversion process is fast, a useful History tab displays details of your recently converted files (good news if you’ve forgotten where they were saved), and overall Icecream Media Converter is an easy-to-use audio/ video conversion tool which handles the basics well.

  Icecream PDF Split and Merge is a well-designed tool for splitting PDFs, merging them, or just removing pages that you don’t really need.

  Again, the interface looks good, and there are plenty of options. The program can split your source PDF into single pages, groups (sets of x consecutive pages starting from page y) and ranges (any specified range, like 3-9 or 12-14), while you’re also able to delete any specified page numbers.

  There is one significant annoyance, in that you’re only able to split one file at a time. But the program is easy to use, and supports splitting and merging encrypted files (as long as you know the password), and on balance it’s a good start.

  The final package in the range is Icecream Image Resizer, which works almost exactly as you’d expect: drag and drop individual files or entire folders, choose your target resolution and a few options (preserve aspect ratio, reverse the resolution for portrait images), and resize everything with a click. Nothing too advanced, but once again it handles the basics well, looks good and is easy to use.

  There’s a lot to like about the Icecream Apps range. The interfaces are clean and simple, performance is good, and there are signs of ambition here, with the programs already including features you wouldn’t necessarily expect (downloading videos, handling encrypted PDFs). They’re entirely adware-free, too.

  Yes, there are notable gaps in functionality (and competitors like Freemake are a very long way ahead), but that’s no surprise for version 1.0. These first releases are still very usable, and if Icecream Apps can respond to feedback, develop and improve them, add support for other platforms, they could become very interesting.

  Icecream Media Converter, PDF Split and Merge and Image Resizer are available now.

  
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  PlayOn giving away free Chromecast with lifetime subscription

  Publié: juillet 2, 2014, 3:17am CEST par Alan Buckingham

  PlayOn is one of the best cord-cutter services that flies largely under the radar. The online TV and DVR service is completely legal, thanks to the way it operates and, in the past, has partnered with Roku to distribute devices. Now PlayOn and its PlayLater service are going to distribute even more devices to customers.

  The company is announcing that new "lifetime subscription" customers will receive a free Chromecast with the purchase. "With Chromecast and PlayOn, smartphones and tablets become powerful remote controls for TV viewing. Users can browse through hundreds of channels and thousands of movies and shows in an easy-to-navigate interface on their mobile device. PlayOn's PlayLater software gives Chromecast users DVR capability to record almost any online video for casting later when they are no longer available online. The included PlayOn browser extension gives users the ability to cast almost any full screen video from any browser on their PC to their TV with ease and without any web browser frames", the company says.

  This does require some effort on the user's part, though it's minimal. You will need to download the free apps for the PC and mobile devices that you wish to use.

  "PlayOn and PlayLater when used in conjunction with Chromecast is a really killer cable-cutting solution”, says Jeff Lawrence, CEO of MediaMall Technologies, which produces the software.

  The company did not state how long to deal will be on, so sooner, rather than later, would be the wise move if you wish to take advantage of the option.

  
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  Convert images directly from Explorer with SendTo-Convert

  Publié: juillet 2, 2014, 1:35am CEST par Mike Williams

  Image conversion tools are supposed to save you time, at least in theory, but after you’ve chosen your source files, specified exactly what you’re likely to do with them, and set up your destination options, it doesn't always feel that way.

  Send-To Convert makes your life easier by allowing you to set up a conversion task, and run it directly from Explorer. At its simplest you might select a few images, right-click, select Send To > Send-To Convert, and that’s it: your images are converted right away.

  The program is a compact 744KB download, and installs easily. The only minor issue is that, although the entire point of the program is that it’s available from Explorer’s "Send To" menu, it won’t add itself there by default. You should either choose the "Add to Send To menu" option from the setup program, or launch Send-To Convert after installation and check the "Add to…" box there.

  Once configured, basic conversions are very straightforward. Select a few source images (JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP, TIFF) in Explorer, right-click and choose Send To > Send To-Convert, and you’re prompted for a destination format (JPEG, PNG, GIF, BMP). Click a button for the option you need and your new images are saved in the same folder as the source.

  If you always use the same destination format then SendTo-Convert can be set up to use that automatically, saving a click as it won’t need to prompt you.

  There’s good control over the destination folder. By default converted files are saved in the same location as the source, but they can also be output to subfolders, or a single custom folder of your choice.

  Send-To Convert also has a resize option, but this is extremely basic, and can only shrink images while preserving their aspect ratio.

  The other highlight is an option to preserve transparency when converting between PNG and GIF. This seems like a good idea to us, but it’s not enabled by default: if you’re interested, check "Keep Transparent Color" in the Settings dialog.

  Send-To Convert isn’t exactly stuffed with features, then, but the program delivers where it matters, and provides a quick way to run the basic image conversion tasks that most people need.

  
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  Media Browser offers a great media streaming solution for shared households

  Publié: juillet 1, 2014, 10:12pm CEST par Nick Peers

  In recent years there has been a lot of love shown for Plex, the slick and frankly brilliant media sharing solution that encompasses just about any platform. But it’s not the only media server in town.

  It’s lurked in the shadows for some time, but now there’s a serious competitor starting to eye up Plex’s crown, and that solution is Media Browser.

  Like Plex, Media Browser comprises multiple parts, a mixture of free server and desktop software and paid-for mobile solutions for accessing that media on the go (both over your local network and further afield via the internet). At its heart is Media Browser Server, which is installed on the Windows PC housing your media collection.

  Media Browser follows the same naming convention as that used by Plex and XBMC, so if you’ve already optimized your files from either platform, you’ll be able to easily switch them to Media Browser (and if you haven’t click here for my guide to platform-agnostic media management).

  Setup is very simple, although your security software may take exception -- wrongly, of course -- to both server and Media Browser Theater setup programs. Like Plex, configuring your media server is done within your web browser, starting with a very simple configuration wizard to get you up and running.

  Once complete, you’ll find yourself at the main dashboard. From here, the first thing to do is take advantage of Media Browser’s multi-user support. While Plex has some support for multiple user profiles, it’s currently limited to paid-for PlexPass users and doesn’t have the same range of options as found in Media Browser.

  This feature is perfect for shared households, as it allows you to create user profiles for every person in your house. You can restrict access to certain media libraries, apply parental restrictions to younger members and prevent other users from administrating the server. Your users then get to tweak their own profiles so they can fine-tune the media browsing experience to their personal tastes.

  Watch anywhere, anytime

  With your server set up, it’s time to choose how you actually enjoy and consume your media. You can watch through your server PC’s web browser, or install Media Browser Theater for other Windows 7 and 8 PCs.

  

  For watching content on the go, you’ll find Media Browser apps for iPhone, iPad, Android and Windows RT/8 devices. There are also plugins available for XBMC and other popular media centers, as well as a Roku app in development. Thanks to Media Browser’s DLNA support -- your smart TV and set-top boxes should also be able to access your content, albeit without the beautifully crafted user interface.

  Media Browser is still very much in development, and lacks some of the polish of Plex. While there are beta builds of the server for Linux and Mac, they’re not for the average user, so at present it’s largely confined to Windows machines.

  Nevertheless, there range of configurable options, coupled with that multi-user setup, could be enough to swing Media Browser your way. Media Browser Server 3.0 and Media Browser Theater 3.0 are both available as free downloads for PCs running Windows 7 or 8 (the server also supports Windows Vista and Server).

  Also available for free is Media Browser for iOS 1.5 for iOS 7-powered iPhone. Media Browser for iPad 1.1.2 costs $3.99, while Media Browser for Android 1.0.45 costs $4.59. A one-day trial of Media Browser for Windows 8 1.8 can also be downloaded, the full version costing $4.99.

  
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  Swapping 'Surface' for 'Lumia' -- is Microsoft really about to commit branding suicide?

  Publié: juillet 1, 2014, 8:46pm CEST par Randall C. Kennedy

  Boneheaded. That’s the first word that comes to mind when I think about Microsoft abandoning its Surface branding in favor of Nokia Lumia.

  You see, successful branding is a tricky business. Getting people to internalize your brand or product name as part of their everyday vocabulary is a herculean task. Coke did it. So did Xerox and Kleenex. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve gone to "Xerox" something, or asked the person next to me to pass me the box of "Kleenex".

  And Coke? I’d like to buy the world one and then teach it to sing in perfect harmony. Enough said.

  Now we have Surface. And for the first time in my rapidly declining memory, an IT product not made by Apple has achieved this kind of popular brand identity.

  When I’m in a meeting, and someone asks me to pass them their iPad, there’s no question as to which device they’re referring. Likewise, when someone asks me to pass them their Surface, there’s absolutely no confusion about the request. They want me to pick up that slick-looking slab of magnesium and glass -- the one with the Microsoft branding all over it -- and hand it across the table.

  You can’t say the same about any other Windows-based PC or device. You don’t hear people saying "pass me my HP Envy x2," or "hand me my ASUS Transformer Pad T-whatever".

  You might hear them say "pass me my tablet". But tablet is a generic term. There is nothing uniquely identifying or iconic about the word tablet. They could just as well be asking you to pass them a slab of baked clay covered in cuneiform.

  But Surface? Here, Microsoft has actually pulled-off the impossible: It’s created an iconic product/brand identifier and embedded it into the public’s consciousness.

  I knew this to be true the first time I heard Joe Average Consumer asking his companion whose "Surface" she was holding while waiting in the return line at a local retailer (just to be clear, she was NOT there to return the Surface).

  And this was way back in April of 2013! A year of additional brand building progress later and what does Microsoft do with its miracle baby? It tries to kill it by replacing the now iconic brand name "Surface" -- which implies a flat area that you can work on (i.e. the perfect metaphor) -- with the nebulous "Lumia" moniker that has no such branding chutzpah.

  I mean, what the hell is a Lumia anyway? The closest thing that comes to mind is a crappy early 90’s coupe from Chevrolet, the "Lumina". Given the poor build quality of that wretched Detroit abomination (so much plastic!), Microsoft would do well to steer well clear anything with even a remote phonetic similarity.

  Is this really happening? Are we really doomed to watch as Microsoft destroys its most iconic brand outside of Windows and Office? I’ve heard that the Lumia rebranding is just a rumor, or that it might be isolated to the company’s smaller-screened, Windows RT-based offerings (thus leaving the deliciously iconic Surface Pro untouched).

  God, I hope that’s the case. Because I, for one, will not be buying anything from Microsoft called "Lumia".

  
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  Microsoft empowers man to overcome disability with Surface Pro and Xbox One

  Publié: juillet 1, 2014, 6:53pm CEST par Brian Fagioli

  

  Right now, it is summer in New York. The temperature keeps creeping up and the humidity is causing crankiness. There is no better place to witness the crankiness than the parking lot of a big store like Best Buy or Walmart. People will camp out for a close parking spot with their car's blinker on and fight with each other. Why? They do not want to walk far in the heat. Me? I gladly park far away from the store, because I am thankful that I can walk. No, I am not being judgmental -- only observing perfectly healthy people taking their blessings for granted.

  For someone who cannot walk or move their arms, life must be a frustrating, maddening struggle. Luckily, in 2014, we have technologies that can assist people in overcoming their disabilities. Prosthetic technologies are getting better every day and medicines keep improving. A Seattle man named Tyler Schrenk is leveraging technology to live a full life despite being paralyzed, but you may be surprised by what he is using -- a Surface Pro and Xbox 360.

  "Using his voice, Schrenk operates a variety of Microsoft products and services -- Internet Explorer, Bing, Outlook, Word and Excel. Now, he uses his tablet for a growing number of tasks: an Excel spreadsheet to track his caloric intake; Outlook to send email; and Internet Explorer to keep track of his fantasy football league, and follow his favorite teams: the Seattle Seahawks and University of Washington Huskies", says Microsoft.

  Tyler Schrenk also uses the Kinect feature of Xbox One to watch movies and TV by using his voice. Critics have decried Kinect for adding extra cost to the Xbox One's launch price and for being a privacy risk. However, when you see the technology improving someone's life, it makes the complaints feel inconsequential.

  

  Microsoft should be applauded for this. Not only has it created technology that improves the lives of others, but it is making the world aware by highlighting Tyler Schrenk's story. Hopefully this will give people a reason to pause and reflect on what is truly important in life, instead of nonsense like the Kardashians and Justin Bieber.

  What do you think about Tyler Schrenk's story? Tell me in the comments.

  
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  Connected cars will help to make our roads safer

  Publié: juillet 1, 2014, 6:11pm CEST par Tom Phelan

  

  As a young Londoner, I'm not much of a driver, but boy do I see some congestion. Our capital's streets are bursting at the seams with cars, buses, bikes and trucks, and the majority are completely unconnected to each other.

  So it was with interest that I attended NXP's Innovation Day in Eindhoven, Holland, to witness a range of technologies developed by the semiconductor company, including the latest automotive innovations. Falling under the ever-expanding category that is the Internet of Things, the connected car is seen by many to be the future of sustainable transport.

  This is not to say though that you'll be seeing a Johnny Cab pull up at your door tomorrow. Maurice Geraets, senior director business development automotive, NXP, was keen to make this clear. The great shift into autonomous driving lies years ahead, he insisted. In the meantime we shall see a period where assisted driving will coexist with traditional vehicles. Bringing in-car data real time to the cloud is hoped to improve traffic safety and reduce congestion and emissions.

  Safety

  The safety benefits of cars that effectively talk to each other are easy to imagine. Whereas the traditional driver relies on human senses to avoid collision, the assisted driver is aided by the vehicle's connection to others around it. The connected car can warn all those behind it, should it be involved in an accident, thus preventing a pile-up. In January 2013, both NXP and Cisco invested in Cohda Wireless to this end, in a move to advance automotive connectivity.

  Mobility

  Likewise, removing the human element presents opportunities for congestion reduction and maximized mobility. If in 2030, as the World Health Organization predicts, six out of every ten people will live in urban areas, then more efficient road usage will be welcome to many-a city. "Car-to-X communications," as NXP has so termed them, will provide traffic jam management and rerouting options that will streamline our cities' streets, and hopefully help cope with projected population influxes.

  Human error

  A car is more than just a machine to many though. The tangibility of being in control of one's vehicle is a beautiful thing that some drivers will cling to. Therefore one can foresee a potential conflict on the country's roads, between the connected and the disconnected, and this includes cyclists and pedestrians. I posed the issue to Maurice.

  "The highly automated vehicles -- not to call it fully autonomous yet -- will have to anticipate what is happening with the other traffic," he said.

  "On pedestrians we have a project... which is called VRUITS (vulnerable road user intelligent transport systems) to really see how we can also incorporate the technology into the pedestrians, because the vulnerable road users are a quite important role in road safety and road faculties".

  "You could imagine that you have, for example, cameras on dangerous intersections that monitor what's happening and do warn cars that are approaching, in the beginning not even with a specific instance, but just with the warning: 'Ten children are playing around here.' Then the driver can take over the control of his highly automated vehicle more so that he can carefully steer his car through that situation".

  Clearly, working out how to deal with us unpredictable human road users is still in the development stage.

  

  NXP faces competition from Google, whose driverless cars can sometimes be seen on the roads of California and Nevada. The search giant's vehicles have now logged 700,000 miles of accident-free autonomous driving, and the cars can react to cyclists, sensing when they are turning left or right or approaching from behind. Hesitant to focus on full autonomy yet, NXP has aligned itself with market leaders such as Audi to develop interfaces for the connected car.

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
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  Big data makes research more difficult say data scientists

  Publié: juillet 1, 2014, 4:31pm CEST par Ian Barker

  

  Given the amount of hype surrounding it you could be forgiven for thinking that big data is the answer to most business and scientific problems.

  But a new survey by database specialists Paradigm4 reveals that almost three-quarters of data scientists believe that big data has made their research harder. The reason for this is not, as you might expect, the volume of data but the variety.

  The results, from a survey of 111 US data scientists, show that 40 percent say they struggle managing new types and sources of data and 36 percent say that getting answers from big data takes too long.

  Hadoop comes in for criticism too with 76 percent saying it's too slow, takes too much effort to program or has other limitations. So much so that 35 percent of scientists who have tried using Hadoop or Spark say they have now stopped using it.

  Problems cited include 39 percent saying it takes too much effort to program and 37 percent saying it's too slow for interactive ad-hoc queries. 30 percent also say it's too slow for performing real-time analytics.

  It seems that despite all this, however, big data still has a key role to play. 91 percent of those surveyed say they’re using or plan to use complex analytics on their big data within two years.

  If you want further insight into the trials of being a data scientist, you can get hold of the full survey results on the Paradigm4 website or there's a summary of the findings in handy infographic form below.

  

  Image Credit: aslysun / Shutterstock

  
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  AutoCAD 360 lands in Windows Store

  Publié: juillet 1, 2014, 3:11pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Like Windows Phone, Windows 8.x does not get anywhere near the same level of attention as its more popular rivals, Android and iOS, receive from top developers. Still, the app selection has slowly gotten better, thanks in no small part to third-party offerings, reaching the point where it ticks all the right boxes for casual users.

  But, Windows Store is also seeing improvements in its selection geared towards professionals. The latest major Modern UI offering to greet Windows 8.x is Autodesk's AutoCAD 360, which arrives as a free preview. This is a huge win for the platform.

  Why? Because AutoCAD is popular with professionals from a wide range of industries, like surveying, civil and mechanical engineering. AutoCAD 360 may not be as powerful as the traditional software or any of its tailored variations (like AutoCAD Architecture, Map 3D or Mechanical), but it gives users the option to view DWG, DWG and DXF files while in Modern UI, switch between model and paper spaces, and sync with their AutoCAD 360 accounts.

  So far, professionals had to use the Desktop version of AutoCAD to view blueprints. AutoCAD 360 can come in handy when using a touchscreen-equipped device, like a hybrid or tablet, in the field or during presentations, where it is much easier to navigate by swiping on the screen than using a touchpad or mouse.

  AutoCAD 360 is available to download from Windows Store.

  
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  Mobile Identity Connect provides secure single sign-on for enterprises

  Publié: juillet 1, 2014, 3:00pm CEST par Ian Barker

  

  One of the biggest concerns that businesses have about the increasing use of mobiles and BYOD is how to keep their data secure. Traditional security tools were built to cope with desktop devices rather than the on/off existence of mobile connections.

  Mobile platform specialist Kinvey aims to help mobile developers to seamlessly secure mobile, tablet, and responsive Web apps with its newly-launched Mobile Identity Connect product.

  Using already proven mobile standards, Mobile Identity Connect eliminates the complexity of authenticating mobile apps with existing enterprise security systems. It manages the mobile security layer and provides single sign-on using Kinvey's AuthLink Connector technology to bridge existing enterprise identity into a mobile-friendly OAuth-2 authentication flow.

  By using secure pre-built mobile ID management it frees developers to concentrate on the user experience. It gives IT departments a controlled and secure self-service platform for app development which has the four key features required for all mobile applications: identity management, data services, business logic, and engagement services.

  "Most enterprise-grade identity and single sign-on systems were designed in a pre-mobile world, and don’t take the unique challenges of mobile technology into account," says Sravish Sridhar, CEO of Kinvey. "Kinvey Mobile Identity Connect provides enterprise mobile developers an OAuth-to-anything connector to enable enterprise-grade security with authentication protocols designed with mobile in mind. Mobile developers don’t want to deal with the complexity of tying directly into identity systems that were not designed for mobile every time they build an app".

  By managing the handshake between the mobile app, the identity system, and enterprise data, Mobile Identity Connect ensures that existing security policies are maintained and data can be consumed by the mobile app in a consistent manner across identity and data sources.

  For more information Kinvey's backend as a service mobile development platform and Mobile Identity Connect, visit the company's website.

  Image Credit: bloomua / Shutterstock

  
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  Tablets more popular with children for gaming than Nintendo 3DS

  Publié: juillet 1, 2014, 1:30pm CEST par Darren Allan

  

  When it comes to portable gaming, the iPad and whole ensuing tablet explosion saw the start of a shift away from traditional gaming handhelds, and a new piece of research has underlined this with the news that tablets have now outdone the Nintendo 3DS.

  The study from Futuresource Consulting posed over a hundred questions to children aged three to twelve across the UK (and also the US, Germany and China). It found that in the UK, tablets are now the most popular personal device owned by kids -- with 44 percent having a slate, meaning that they've overtaken the 3DS as top gaming dog.

  Even the lowest age group, three to four, showed a result of 30 per ent tablet ownership (most likely of the kids variety, we'd imagine, with offerings like the Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 Kids around).

  Parents also said that tablets were the most likely future purchase for their children (within the next six months), as well, meaning this trend is set to continue. Indeed, a tablet is more than twice as likely to be bought for kids than a smartphone or games console.

  Speaking of smartphones, they are of course still getting more popular with youngsters aged nine and up, with one in four nine to ten-year-olds owning one. At eleven, that rises to 46 percent. And 17 percent of parents spend £100 or more on mobile tariffs for their offspring, the study found.

  Futuresource Consulting did also note that tech isn't everything for kids, and more traditional activities still have quite a hold. 45 percent read books every day (across all four countries where the survey was undertaken), and 39 percent spend five or more hours doing jigsaws and playing board games.

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
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  Windows Phone users can also Yo now

  Publié: juillet 1, 2014, 1:08pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Communication tools have evolved so much in the past couple of years alone, with developers adding even more features and improving existing ones to allow us to better communicate and understand each other. Improved voice and video calls? Group chats? Instant translations? New, cooler emoticons? You bet!

  On the other hand, we have chat app Yo, which, instead of trying to offer more than the rest of the growing pack, is trying to differentiate itself by giving users as little features as possible -- they can only say "Yo". It launched nearly two weeks ago for Android and iOS, and now it arrives on Windows Phone too.

  There is little that can be said about Yo (named Just Yo in Windows Phone Store) for Windows Phone, other than it bucks the trend of arriving too late on the platform. Right now, it is still in vogue.

  Here is what the company behind Just Yo, Life Before Us, has to say about its simple, uncluttered creation:

  The simplest & most efficient communication tool in the world.

  Yo is a single-tap zero character communication tool.
  Yo is everything and anything, it all depends on you, the recipient and the time of the Yo.

  Wanna say "good morning"? just Yo.
  Wanna say "Baby I'm thinking about you"? - Yo.
  "I've finished my meeting, come by my office" - Yo.
  "Are you up?" - Yo.
  The possibilities are endless.

  We don't want your email, Facebook, there is no search, no nothing. just Yo.

  Open the app, tap Yo, that's it.

  It's that simple. Yo.

  Just Yo is available to download from Windows Phone Store.

  Yo!

  
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  Here comes Samsung Galaxy S5 mini

  Publié: juillet 1, 2014, 12:07pm CEST par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  As we have come to expect from Samsung in the past couple of years, shortly after launching a new flagship Android smartphone, the South Korean maker will also introduce a smaller model sporting similar design traits and less powerful hardware (and, of course, a lower price tag).

  This year is no exception as today Samsung takes the wraps off its new Galaxy S5 mini. The smartphone does not push the boundaries of what mini stands for, featuring a decently-sized 4.5-inch Super AMOLED display and physical dimensions on par with comparable handsets. It also does not skimp on Galaxy S5 features, coming with a fingerprint reader on the front and heart rate monitor on the back.

  "The Galaxy S5 mini allows consumers to enjoy the iconic design and essential and useful features of the Galaxy S5 through a maximized minimalism approach", says Samsung Electronics CEO JK Shin.

  The 4.5-inch display offers a resolution of 720 by 1280. This gives it a pixel density of roughly 326 ppi (pixels per inch), which equals that of the Apple iPhone 5s. Inside, there is a 1.4 GHz quad-core processor (most likely a Qualcomm Snapdragon unit) aided by 1.5 GB of RAM and a 2,100 mAh battery.

  Taking care of photos are an 8 MP main camera (with LED flash) and a 2.1 MP secondary camera. Both shooters can record 1080p video at 30 FPS, which is fairly standard for a mid-range device in this day and age.

  As far as storage goes, Galaxy S5 mini comes with 16 GB of internal memory and a microSD card slot which can extend the capacity by a further 64 GB. The "standard" Galaxy S5 comes out on top thanks to a bigger display with a higher resolution, more powerful processor, more RAM, more flexible storage trims, and higher-resolution main camera and video recording. Galaxy S5 mini, however, retains the IP67 certification for dust and water resistance.

  In regards to connectivity, Galaxy S5 mini supports 4G LTE cellular networks (with speeds of up to 150 Mbps for downloads and 50 Mbps for uploads), Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n (no 802.11 ac support, like in Galaxy S5), NFC (only in the 4G LTE version), Bluetooth 4.0 LE, USB 2.0 (Galaxy S5 brings USB 3.0 speeds), and IR remote.

  Unsurprisingly, Samsung offers Galaxy S5 mini with Android 4.4 KitKat out-of-the-box and with the expected skin and branded apps and features on top, which include S Health, Private Mode and Ultra Power Saving mode.

  Galaxy S5 mini comes in at 131.1 x 64.8 x 9.1 mm and 120 grams. It will be available starting this month (that would be July 2014) in Russia with a planned global expansion in tow. Available color options include Charcoal Black, Copper Gold, Electric Blue and Shimmery White. There is no information regarding its price yet, but, as I mentioned earlier, expect it to be much cheaper than its flagship sibling.

  
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  Windows 8.x goes into reverse gear -- loses market share as both Windows 7 and XP show growth

  Publié: juillet 1, 2014, 10:50am CEST par Wayne Williams

  

  I’ll be honest, although Windows 8.x losing market share is a shocking state of affairs -- and a new low for an operating system which has struggled since launch -- it’s something that’s been coming for a while. Windows 8 has been dropping share since Windows 8.1 arrived, and Windows 8.1 has been growing at such a glacial pace it was only a matter of time before the losses outweighed the gains, and that’s exactly what happened in June according to NetMarketShare.

  In a month where Windows 7 and Windows XP -- the OS that refuses to die -- both gained market share, "new Windows" shifted into reverse gear and began shedding users.

  The loss is minimal -- Windows 8 dropped 0.36 percent and Windows 8.1 gained 0.26 percent, so the aggregate is a drop of just 0.1 percent, but even so. Windows 8.x is the only easily obtainable Windows operating system, and it comes pre-installed on pretty much every new PC. Microsoft has made wholesale changes to try and get people interested in the tiled OS, and it’s just not happening.

  Let’s not pretend otherwise, a drop in market share of any size -- any amount -- is a disaster for Microsoft’s new OS. You can blame the better weather (for those in the northern hemisphere), you can blame the World Cup (both have an impact on tech sales and use) but that argument doesn’t really hold water as 8.x is the only OS to drop share in June. That said, there is age to take into account. Windows 8.x users are likely to be slightly younger than users of older operating systems (less averse to change), and therefore more likely to switch from a PC to a non-Windows tablet at this time of year.

  But even so.

  Elsewhere Windows 7 managed to gain just under half a percentage point (0.49 percent) going from 50.06 percent in May to 50.55 percent in June, cementing its position as the fastest growing operating system. Imagine how well it would be doing if it was more readily available.

  Windows XP went from 25.27 percent in May to 25.31 percent in June, for a 0.04 percent gain. Yes, it’s a minuscule amount, but again even so. This is a 13 year old discontinued operating system -- folks should be jumping from it like rats leaving a sinking ship, but despite the huge unmissable Windows 8.x lifeboats everywhere, users would appear to be happier to take their chances than leap aboard the new OS, which is crazy.

  And while Windows 8.x is lying bleeding on the floor I’m afraid I have to deliver one last kick to the head. In June, Windows Vista -- yes, bloody Vista -- gained 0.5 percent market share. Twice as much as Windows 8.1. Oh dear.

  It will be interesting to see how the tiled OS fares next month. Statistical anomaly or downward trend? Place your bets…

  //

  Photo Credit: Pieter De Pauw/Shutterstock

  
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  IBM set to open new SoftLayer data center in London

  Publié: juillet 1, 2014, 8:50am CEST par Jamie Hinks

  

  IBM is opening a new SoftLayer data center in London next month that will be able provide space for over 15,000 physical servers and is part of a $1.2 billion global investment program.

  The new data center is the latest of 15 that are being implemented to support the growth in cloud services in Europe and the rest of the world.

  "We already have a large customer base in London and the region; we’re excited to give those customers a full SoftLayer data center right in their backyard, with all the privacy, security, and control the SoftLayer platform offers," said Lance Crosby, SoftLayer CEO.

  "The work these businesses are doing -- the solutions and services that they are building in the cloud -- is inspiring. Organizations of all sizes are using SoftLayer services to disrupt their industries or even their own operations, creating new business models and applications".

  The new facility, which complements those already constructed in London and Amsterdam, has the capacity for 15,000 physical servers and is able to offer the entire range of SoftLayer cloud infrastructure services including bare metal servers, virtual servers, storage and networking.

  It is able to integrate a firm’s leading private network with all SoftLayer data servers and network Point of Presences (PoPs) around the world, both being available on demand and offering full remote access and control.

  Orders for the London data center will get underway later this month and those that apply to be a part of the new facility will be able to take advantage of a special offer that gives up to $500 (£293) off new orders for a limited time.

  Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Net Communities Ltd Publication. All rights reserved.

  
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  dMaintenance Home cleans up messy PCs

  Publié: juillet 1, 2014, 4:15am CEST par Mike Williams

  Utilities developer Foolish IT has released dMaintenance Home Edition, a free version of its PC maintenance and cleanup tool.

  The program can perform various maintenance tasks, including cleaning up your print queue, browsers (IE, Firefox and Chrome) and hard drive, as well as resetting your browser home page, clearing proxy settings, and resetting your HOSTS file. There’s an option to scan your computer with Windows Defender, and once it’s complete dMaintenance can create a restore point, reboot your PC or just shut it down.

  As this is the free version, it’s no surprise that dMaintenance Home has some restrictions. The most notable is that you can’t schedule any maintenance tasks to run unattended, and so the program will be more about emergency cleanups than anything else.

  We took dMaintenance for a test run, and noticed that its finished report seemed misleading, warning us “MALWARE FOUND: Windows Defender (or Microsoft Security Essentials) needs your attention!” In reality we’d just turned Windows Defender off, but it seems dMaintenance reports this as “MALWARE FOUND” rather than a more accurate “couldn’t scan”.

  You also need to be careful which options you select. Checking “Delete %windir%\$NTUninst Dirs”, for instance, wipes the backup files created by Windows Update when it installs a new patch. This might save a lot of drive space, but it also means you won’t be able to uninstall any individual update.

  DMaintenance isn’t something we’d use on our own PCs, then -- but if you need to clean up the PC of a non-technical user who’s not done any maintenance for a while -- or ever -- it could work well.

  And please note, while dMaintenance Home Edition requires installation, it seems it can be used as a portable tool; we were able to copy the program folder to a USB stick and run it elsewhere without problems.

  
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  Amazon begins rolling out Fire TV update, adds music to the box

  Publié: juillet 1, 2014, 3:59am CEST par Alan Buckingham

  

  Amazon is now into the set-top box market, diving in full force to compete with the likes of Roku and Apple TV. Since launching the procduct, the retailer has already released a software update, and now a second is rolling out, but on a gradual program. Some users are reporting having already received it, though not all of us have.

  The update takes the software to version 51.1.1, upgrading from the current 51.0.2 and adding music to the mix. This seems logical, given Prime has just added a streaming service. However, according to Dave Zatz, who already has the update, that is surprisingly not included -- an omission that seems a bit strange.

  "Of course, Amazon Cloudplayer was a bizarre and notable absence upon Amazon Fire TV launch and this update goes a long way towards filling the gap. Yet the Fire TV team clearly remains out of sync with other Amazon initiatives as the newly announced Amazon Prime Music service is MIA", Zatz writes.

  BetaNews got in touch with Amazon to inquire about the update and addition of music, but the reply was somewhat less than we had anticipated, ignoring the music and focusing on the update aspect.

  A narrow rollout began last week and we’re rolling it out widely over the next couple weeks. You should receive the update soon on your device.

  Updated Fire TV details can be found here:  [amazon.com]

  That is the only information the company provided to us, and the link doesn't really go any further. It's baffling that Prime Music would not be included -- and likely it will be later -- but this seems a bit odd. The company obviously knew about it's launch, and could have, and should have, had something ready to go.

  
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  We are under attack! Malware targeting energy companies in the USA and Europe

  Publié: juillet 1, 2014, 1:46am CEST par Brian Fagioli

  

  Technology can be a wonderful thing. We live in quite the glorious time, where we have access to amazing medicines and computers. Science and technology have improved everyone's lives -- rich or poor, man or woman -- we all benefit.

  Sadly and scarily, technology can harm us too. We have all become far too dependent on devices like smartphones and utilities like indoor plumbing and electricity. If you want to see the worst of humanity, look no further than a blackout. When there is a large-scale power-outage, society quickly breaks down. Friends and neighbors will turn on each other for a loaf of bread at a local bodega. Today, Symantec announces a malware discovery that targets energy companies, including in the USA. In other words, this malware has the potential to cause chaos and destroy society.

  According to Symantec, a group of evil-doers called "Dragonfly" is conducting a cyberespionage campaign in the United States, Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Turkey, and Poland by utilizing two pieces of malware -- Backdoor.Oldrea and Trojan.Karagany. However, Oldrea seems to be the primary tool in the attacks.

  "Once installed on a victim's computer, Oldrea gathers system information, along with lists of files, programs installed, and root of available drives. It will also extract data from the computer's Outlook address book and VPN configuration files. This data is then written to a temporary file in an encrypted format before being sent to a remote command-and-control (C&C) server controlled by the attackers", says Symantec.

  The security company further explains, "Karagany is capable of uploading stolen data, downloading new files, and running executable files on an infected computer. It is also capable of running additional plugins, such as tools for collecting passwords, taking screenshots, and cataloging documents on infected computers".

  

  Whoa. What makes this really scary is that these are not lax third-world countries being targeted, but very advanced nations including the USA. This is very reminiscent of the stuxnet virus which targeted Iranian power plants. While that virus has been rumored to have been created by the USA, that has never been proven 100 percent, despite strong beliefs by many. Symantec implies that Dragonfly may have government sponsorship, but that is not confirmed at this time.

  The ramifications are startling. These hackers could be spying on us through the use of malware. Even worse, there is the potential for sabotage -- creating a disaster or disrupting the energy supply.

  While we are lucky nothing horrible has happened yet, this should serve as a huge wake-up call to the fragility of the internet and society. A hacker that is successful in sabotage of power companies could potentially cause chaos. Like I said, something like a large-scale power outage can bring out the worst of humanity.

  Are you frightened by this news? Tell me in the comments.

  Photo credit: Igor Zh. / Shutterstock