Gregarius » BetaNews.Com » février 2015

Canaux

108375 éléments (108375 non lus) dans 10 canaux

Actualités (48730 non lus)

• 01net. Actualités (48730 non lus)

Hoax (65 non lus)

• Top dix quotidien Sophos des canulars (65 non lus)

Logiciels (39066 non lus)

• BetaNews.Com (34382 non lus)
• Presence PC - Actualité Logiciels, jeux vidéos (3551 non lus)
• LeMondeInformatique.fr : Actualités Applications (1133 non lus)

Sécurité (1668 non lus)

• Actualités Sécurité Informatique (406 non lus)
• Les Nouvelles.net : sécurité informatique. (1262 non lus)

Referencement (18846 non lus)

• Secrets2moteurs (11746 non lus)
• Referencement Google WebRankInfo (2255 non lus)
• Abondance (4845 non lus)

BetaNews.Com (363 non lus)

• 

  Microsoft welcomes weak Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights

  Publié: février 28, 2015, 10:12pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  Late on Friday, the White House released a draft proposal for the Consumer Privacy Bill of Rights Act of 2015. It is supposed to grant greater privacy rights to individuals, and sets out a framework in which codes of conduct can be constructed.

  The bill comes in response to growing concerns about the amount of data companies store about their customers and users, particularly online. Government surveillance has brought privacy into the public eye, and this is the government's attempt to be seen to be righting wrongs.

  Microsoft's backing of the bill is not to say that the company is in full agreement with every single clause it contains -- and many will be in the same position. As Brendon Lynch, Chief Privacy Officer, says "some will say it goes too far, while others will say it doesn't go far enough – but it's a good place to start the conversation". It's an issues which is likely to divide along party lines -- much like the recent net neutrality vote. Republicans believe the bill oversteps the mark, while democrats feel it does too much for businesses, and not enough for consumers.

  At the moment, the bill suggests that companies need to be more transparent about the data they collect and how it is used, as well as suggesting that they should comply quickly to requests for data to be deleted. This sounds great in practice, but it is important to remember that this is only a proposal at this stage, and critics have already pointed out loopholes which could be exploited.

  One of the greatest causes for concern is that the bill would enables companies to draw up their privacy policies. There are also interesting little caveats. While the bill implies an increase in customer power to have access to data stored about them, section 106 (a) (2) (A) says that companies will not have to comply if the request is deemed to be "frivolous or vexatious" -- it's not clear who decides whether requests fall into this category or not.

  The Federal Trade Commission is critical of the bill, saying it fails to offer "strong and enforceable protections". But this is just the starting point. There is scope for change, and it's entirely possible -- likely, some would suggest -- that the bill won’t make it through Congress as it stands.

  Photo credit:  solomonjee / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Happy 3rd birthday Raspberry Pi!

  Publié: février 28, 2015, 4:22pm CET par Wayne Williams

  

  Raspberry Pi celebrates its third birthday today. Well actually it doesn’t, as the super-affordable ARM GNU/Linux computer was launched on February 29 2012, in what was (obviously) a leap year, but it’s close enough.

  In that time the Raspberry Pi has achieved staggering success. Two months ago it was revealed total sales had surpassed 5 million (and the Raspberry Pi Foundation says another half a million have been sold in this month alone), with new and updated models launched in the past year.

  Eight months ago the Model B+ was announced, followed four months later by an improved and cheaper Model A+. And then, at the start of this month, the Raspberry Pi 2 appeared, promising 6x faster speeds and even the ability to run Windows 10 (if you’ve bought one of the new models you might want to check out my colleague Brian Fagioli’s getting started guide).

  One thing has remained constant in all that time though -- the price.

  While commercial companies look to charge as much as they can get away with for new models, the non-profit Raspberry Pi Foundation sells its devices for as cheaply as it’s possible to do. The Raspberry Pi 2 might be a huge step up from the Model B and B+, but it’s still just $35/£25.

  We’re huge fans of the Raspberry Pi at BetaNews as you can tell from past coverage, and we’re thrilled by the success it. So much has been achieved in three short years we can’t wait to see what comes next.

  Two years ago I chatted to Liz Upton, Head of Communications at Raspberry Pi Foundation (and wife of the foundation’s Executive Director Eben), about their eventful first year, and plans for the future and it's worth revisiting some of those early questions:

  BN: How did the idea of Raspberry Pi come about?

  LU: Back in 2006, when Eben was teaching at the University of Cambridge he started to notice a decline in both the numbers of kids applying to read Computer Science, and in the level of knowledge that those kids arrived at the university with. We talked about it with our friends in the pub, like you do. And plenty of them thought it was a real problem too -- some of them thought it was such a problem that we came together and decided we'd try to do something about it. We had a hypothesis: that the fall in numbers and skills had to do with the disappearance of programmable machines in kids' lives. Computers like the BBC Micro or the Amiga had been replaced from the bottom end by sealed-unit, black-box consoles, whose whole business model is that you shouldn't be able to program them. And from the top, there was the PC. Of course, a PC is a wonderfully programmable machine; but in most families it's also a very vital tool for family life. It's where you do your banking or your homework. And many kids aren't allowed to mess around with the family PC for fear of breaking it. We felt a very cheap, programmable unit that kids could buy with their own pocket money, so they had a sense of ownership, was a possible solution. It's still early days, but on seeing some of the kids who've had a Pi for some months now, I've a feeling we were on to something.

  BN: Where did the name come from?

  LU: "Raspberry" comes from the tech industry's fondness for fruit names (there are lots of fruit-named computer companies, like Apricot, Tangerine…those, of course, are the only ones I can think of off the top of my head). And "Pi" is for Python, which has always been our first choice of teaching language (it was even before we knew what the hardware would look like). We initially thought that using Pi rather than Py would make for a really nice logo in the shape of the Greek letter, but as you can see, we didn't actually end up going that way!

  BN: You’ve just sold your millionth Pi. Are you surprised by its success?

  LU: Around the end of 2011, just before we started selling Pis, we started to worry that perhaps we'd bitten off more than we could chew. We'd managed to raise enough capital among ourselves to produce 20,000, and the plan was to use the profits from those Pis to seed the next batch (which would have taken a couple of months to make), and so on. We realized that we might have a problem on the day when we made a pre-released OS available for the Pi, well before anyone actually had one -- all of a sudden 60,000 people arrived on our website and downloaded this buggy software for a platform that didn't even exist yet. It suggested that the demand was much, much bigger than we'd anticipated. We decided that we'd need to revise the business model, because there was no way we could make enough fast enough with the resources we had to satisfy the sort of demand we were seeing. So we approached RS and Farnell, two British components companies which already had world-wide distribution networks in place, to see if they'd be interested in manufacturing the Pis for us under license so we could build up to a workable level of stock immediately. That was an enormous help in trying to deal with the demand we were seeing, but as you're probably aware, we've still been running to keep up, even though there is currently one Pi coming off the production line in Wales every few seconds!

  BN: Raspberry Pi seems like a very British project, a modern day BBC Micro, but it's been well received in America. Why do you think that is?

  LU: I think that a need for access to tools is universal. And those problems of introducing kids to programming -- the ubiquity of the family PC and the games console -- are universal too, at least in the developed world. Industry is starting to notice a decline in standards in young people too; we work with a number of industry bodies in the UK and in the US which are also promoting proper computing for young people, because they don't want to see a situation where the skills base dries up and blows away either. Eben and I will be at Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix in a couple of months, to do some work with the kids there. I love doing this stuff; and it's always so much fun in the US, with the American tradition of science fairs (which we don't have a real equivalent of in the UK).

  
• 

  Facebook lets you choose a custom gender, now it's time to drop real names

  Publié: février 28, 2015, 1:34pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  Facebook found itself under fire last year for imposing a real name policy. Drag artists, the LGBT community, musicians and other groups were among those who felt they should be able to use a name other than the one that appears on their birth certificate. The social network ultimately backed down, but the whole debacle left something of a bad taste in the mouth.

  People are able to use "the authentic name they use in real life" to identify themselves on the site, and Facebook has opened up gender options further. There's no need to feel limited by the male or female labels, or even make a selection from a readymade list -- you can now specify whatever gender you want. But is this enough?

  Facebook diversity heralded the feature and also announced that users can use up to ten different gender identities, and can choose the audiences they would like to share each one with. A choice of pronoun is also available, so when birthday time rolls around, friends can be invited to "wish him a happy birthday", "wish her a happy birthday", or the gender-neutral "wish them a happy birthday". The move came about after consultation with LGBT advocacy organizations.

  Now, if you do not identify with the pre-populated list of gender identities, you are able to add your own. As before, you can add up to ten gender terms and also have the ability to control the audience with whom you would like to share your custom gender. We recognize that some people face challenges sharing their true gender identity with others, and this setting gives people the ability to express themselves in an authentic way.

  

  But gender identity is just a portion of anyone's make up. It's time that Facebook offered the same flexibility for names. The social network has accepted the idea that some people find it difficult to share their gender identity with all of their contacts -- the same is true of names. The debate about Facebook's real names policy has a tendency to center around the LGBT community, but this is far from being the only group affected by Facebook imposing the rule surrounding names. Think victims of abuse, victims of crime and so on. These are people who might well want to use a different identity online -- it's not good enough to say that such people should not use Facebook.

  One's name is no more or less part of one's identity than one's gender, and just as one may have more than one gender identity according to audience and circumstances, the same is true of names. It has been argued that people who find themselves using different name identity for different parts of their life should set up business pages, but this is not an acceptable solution.

  There is the argument that one's real name need to be used to ensure that you are identifiable in case of illegal activity, harassment or the like -- but unless someone using a fake name does something to draw attention to themselves, or is reported by another user, who is to know? It makes as much sense as it would to force people to use a government-verified photo for this profile image.

  Of course ultimately, Facebook is free to impose whatever rules and restrictions it likes, and anyone who disagrees strongly enough with them is free to avoid using the site. But that's not the point. Facebook is very keen to be seen as a company that is accepting of everyone -- something it was boastful of when talking about its diverse workforce -- but that's missing the point and giving Facebook too easy a time. The abomination that is Ello sprang to (minor) popularity in protest at Facebook's real name policy and it's clear that the real names policy is something that people care about deeply.

  There's no getting away from the fact that Facebook's embracing of different gender identities is a positive thing, but there's still more that can be done. Logically, it makes no sense for Facebook to 'permit' users to express part of their identity in whatever way they wish, but not all of it. Just allow people to identify however the hell they like on the social network; there really is no good reason not to. Judging by the comments that appear beneath Facebook's announcement of the new gender options, I'm far from being alone in my view about the need to eliminate the real name policy. Who's with me?

  Photo credit: fieldwork / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Xbox One selling badly in China

  Publié: février 28, 2015, 1:23pm CET par Wayne Williams

  

  It was big news last year when Microsoft announced that it would officially start selling the Xbox One in China. The original September launch date came and went ("Despite strong and steady progress, we are going to need a bit more time to deliver the best experiences possible for our fans in China"), but eventually the next gen console made it on sale.

  Although China gave the green-light for the sale of 5 million Xbox units, actual sales have been way, way below that. Launch numbers (including pre-orders) were just 100,000 units, and the company responsible for Xbox One sales in China has posted huge losses.

  Techweb reports that the BesTV subsidiary lost 17.24 million yuan (US$2.75 million) in 2014.

  While there are no current sales figures for the console, it’s been observed that Chinese online retailer Tmall shipped fewer than 200 units in January.

  There are several reasons behind the lukewarm response to Microsoft's console including price (despite a post-launch price cut it’s still very expensive), the fact that only a limited number of games are available -- some of which have been censored -- and the console is region locked so games from elsewhere won’t play. Plus Chinese gamers simply aren’t used to paying for games.

  Although the Xbox One was the first western games console to be sold officially in China since the ban on production and sales of such devices was lifted, it has been widely available through the gray market, so anyone interested in purchasing the console likely did so before it arrived officially.

  It is of course too early to write off the Xbox One in China, but it’s far from an encouraging start for Microsoft which was banking on Chinese sales to help in its battle against Sony’s PS4. Recent predictions claim there will be 40 percent more PlayStation 4s in use than Xbox Ones by 2019.

  
• 

  VLC 2.2.0 adds extension manager, resume playback, auto-rotate

  Publié: février 28, 2015, 12:46pm CET par Mike Williams

  

  VideoLAN has announced the release of VLC Media Player 2.2.0 (and64-bit) for the desktop, along with coordinated releases for iOS, Android, and the first public betas for Android TV, WinRT and Windows Phone.

  The desktop build now features a built-in extension manager. No need for manual tweaking any more, just click Tools > Plugins and Extensions, browse and install whatever you need.

  Open a video or audio file you were playing earlier and the program now asks if you’d like to resume where you left off, a much-requested feature which the mobile builds have had for a while.

  VLC 2.2.0 automatically detects rotated MP4, MOV, MKV and raw H.264 files, rotating them back using hardware acceleration.

  There's also improved compatibility for a range of formats, in particular via support for Digital Cinema Package and various UltraHD video codecs.

  Interface updates mean the Android UI now follows Google's Material Design, while VLC OS X is Yosemite-compatible.

  We tried installing the update over our existing VLC, and found the program didn’t work as expected. We weren't asked if we'd like to resume playback when opening files, and the Extension Manager didn’t find or display any add-ons at all.

  Maybe this was just some quirk of our test system, but if something similar happens to you, try uninstalling your existing build and install VLC Media Player 2.2.0 (and 64-bit) from scratch. That resolved the problems for us, and the new features then all worked without issue.

  
• 

  Vodafone customers to get 25GB of Dropbox free on iPhone and Android

  Publié: février 28, 2015, 4:36am CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  Cloud storage is the future. You can try to hold out, but all that kicking and screaming won't do you any good. While physical storage for home users won't be going away any time soon, the convenience of the cloud will convert many.

  It feels like all the top cloud storage companies are eager to give away space nowadays, so it can be hard to choose. My choice is Dropbox, however, as it is cross-platform, including Linux distributions like Ubuntu and Fedora. Today, Dropbox announces that Vodafone smartphone users can get 25GB of storage for free.

  "Starting next month, new Dropbox users will get 25 GB of Dropbox space for a year on Vodafone's iPhone and Android phones, and the Dropbox app will come preloaded on the majority of Vodafone's Android phones. Vodafone will also exclusively integrate Dropbox into its new Backup+ service, to give customers an easy way to keep their mobile data safe", says Chris Barton of Dropbox.

  Barton further explains, "what does this mean for Vodafone users? You get extra space to do even more on mobile, but it can also make the process of switching over to a new phone much easier. Just save all the photos, videos, and other files on your old phone to Dropbox, and then log into the Dropbox app on your new phone. All your stuff will be there waiting for you".

  While this is cool, it stinks that it is only for new Dropbox users. I would prefer to see existing Dropbox accounts upgraded with an additional 25GB too; if they use it through the Backup+ service, that is. Why not reward existing users for their loyalty?

  With that said, existing users should be able to create an additional account with a different email address to get around this, but that may not be convenient.

  After the first year, users can reassess their needs and consider a paid Dropbox account or switching to another service. Surely Dropbox hopes to be "sticky" for these users, meaning that the difficulty in moving the files to other services will keep the user stuck to Dropbox; this is a typical practice for service providers. If you do end up staying, a Pro account is only $10 per month, which gets you an entire terabyte.

  So when can Vodafone users take advantage? The cellular provider says, "Vodafone will begin rolling out Backup+ to iOS and Android app stores by the end of March 2015, and customers in most Vodafone markets will be able to start using it over the coming months".

  
• 

  Up and Atom! Intel rebranding its low-cost mobile processors with x3, x5 and x7

  Publié: février 27, 2015, 6:53pm CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  Buying a new laptop, tablet or other device should be a fun experience. No one likes spending money, because let's be honest -- you work hard for it. When you finally decide to make that purchase, you want to be sure that you bought the right machine. Not only do you want to be sure that it is powerful enough, but you also don't want to pay for power you don't need. A wrong decision can turn a fun experience into regret.

  Unfortunately, it can be confusing for the non-tech oriented consumer. Intel's battery-sipping Atom processors can be brilliant for low-cost machines, but the naming conventions are convoluted and can confuse customers. This is changing, however, as Intel is rebranding the Atom line.

  "In order to help people understand the level of processor performance and make an informed purchase decision based on their needs, Intel Atom processors will now be offered in three distinct brand levels in a good/better/best construct -- the Intel Atom x3, x5 and x7 processors. This change will start with the next generation of processors", says Intel.

  The company further explains, "Intel Atom x3 processor provides basic, but genuine Intel-level tablet, phablet and smartphone performance. Intel Atom x5 processor has more capabilities and features for people who want an even better experience, and the flagship Intel Atom x7 processor provides the highest level of performance and capabilities for the Intel Atom family. The Intel Atom processor is designed to provide the best battery life with great performance for tablets, phablets, smartphones and other mobile devices".

  This new naming convention closely aligns Atom processors with their more powerful Core iX brothers. Not only will this help consumers make a more educated purchase, but it will help device manufacturers in marketing too. Gone are the days of poopooing on Atom processors sight unseen.

  To learn more about the naming conventions and what they mean, check out the below infographic.

  

  
• 

  Twitter triples troll-tackling team

  Publié: février 27, 2015, 6:51pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  Like many social platforms, Twitter is often used by trolls to launch abusive attacks on people. It's something that Twitter has tried to tackle before, but now the company is stepping up its game. Having already made it easier to report abusive tweets, the same tools are being rolled out to simplify the reporting of content relating to impersonation, self-harm and doxing.

  Dick Costolo had already promised that Twitter was ready to get tough on harassment, and now we know what he meant. The size of the team handling reports about abuse has been tripled, and this means that five times as many reported tweets are to be investigated.

  It is no longer necessary to find yourself on the receiving end of abuse to try to do something about it. Anyone is free to report tweets which could be deemed abusive, as well as those which reveal personal information about people, or in which someone pretends to be someone else. But it is the changes that are happening in the background that Twitter will be hoping make the difference.

  A new set of investigative tools and procedures means that Twitter is able to react to reported tweets faster:

  While we review many more reports than ever before, we’ve been able to significantly reduce the average response time to a fraction of what it was, and we see this number continuing to drop. We are also beginning to add several new enforcement actions for use against accounts that violate our rules. These new actions will not be visible to the vast majority of rule-abiding Twitter users – but they give us new options for acting against the accounts that don’t follow the rules and serve to discourage behavior that goes against our policies.

  Costolo had recently said "we suck at dealing with abuse and trolls on the platform and we’ve sucked at it for years", and this appears to be Twitter's attempt to get back on track. The new features are rolling out globally over the next few weeks starting now, and victims of abuse and other problems will be keen to see what different they make.

  Photo credit: Elisanth / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Lenovo to ship Windows 10 PCs without bloatware; offers 6-month free security to Superfish-affected users

  Publié: février 27, 2015, 6:27pm CET par Manish Singh

  Just a week after getting caught for shipping Superfish adware in its recent computers, Lenovo announces today that it is done with placing bloatware on its systems. The world’s largest PC vendor promises that all its future computers will be running the pure Windows operating system and won't contain any inessential or trivial tools. In addition, the company also announces a free six-month subscription of the McAfee LiveSafe security suite for the Superfish-affected users.

  "The events of last week reinforce the principle that customer experience, security and privacy must be our top priorities", the company writes in a blog post. "With this in mind, we will significantly reduce preloaded applications. Our goal is clear: To become the leader in providing cleaner, safer PCs".

  The company found itself under fire last week when it was discovered that several of its recently shipped computers came preloaded with an adware named Superfish. The said adware installs its own self-signed certificate, gaining the power to eavesdrop on secure connections. This type of malicious technique is known as man-in-the-middle attack.

  Since the debacle, the company has released a tool and detailed instructions to help users remove the adware from their computers. To all who’re affected, Lenovo is now giving away a 6-month subscription of McAfee Livesafe security scanner. If you’re already one of its subscribers, your subscription will be extended by six months.

  The Chinese PC manufacturer assures users that by the time Windows 10 comes out, it will contain just “the operating system and related software, software required to make hardware work well (for example, when we include unique hardware in our devices, like a 3D camera), security software and Lenovo applications".

  The company is also going to publish a full list of applications and codes installed on its computers so that users are fully aware of what comes preloaded onto their new laptops.

  In my personal opinion, this is a welcoming move from the company, and all vendors should follow it. These included applications -- also known as bloatware -- ideally exist to help an OEM differentiate its computers from others and provide users with tools to enrich their computing experience. But at the same time, it’s also a business model for them. The OEMs charge their partners to place their apps on their devices. And sometimes -- as in the Lenovo's case -- the bundled application does much more than what users expect from it.

  Photo Credit: Sam72/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Lyrics come to the Spotify desktop app

  Publié: février 27, 2015, 5:28pm CET par Alan Buckingham

  

  Song lyrics can sometimes be confusing -- think Jimi Hendrix "excuse me while I kiss the sky" that people mis-heard as "excuse while I kiss this guy". Numerous other examples exist, including prominent ones from Bruce Springsteen and The Police. Many times we're left completely confused and searching lyric websites to see if the ear deceived us.

  Now music streaming service Spotify aims to save you a trip to A-Z Lyrics, or whatever site you use. The company is bringing the lyrics to you, right in the desktop app. The update will utilize Musixmatch, a service that has a good reputation for getting things right, regardless of how confusing it may sound.

  A button will now appear while you play your tune -- click it and you'll see exactly what the lyrics are. While that is the big feature in this latest update, it is not the only one.

  The Friend Feed has been improved so that you can better find out what those in your circle are listening to these days. Also added is a new daily viral chart so you can find the hottest tracks of the moment.

  Didn't get all of these features yet? There's a reason -- "These updates will roll out gradually to all desktop users over the coming weeks", Spotify informs. So sit tight and good things will be coming to you.

  
• 

  The top four places your data is at risk

  Publié: février 27, 2015, 4:49pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  We all worry about protecting our information, but how do we know which activities or locations are most likely to put it in jeopardy?

  Digital rights management company Seclore has produced an infographic showing the four places where your data is most at risk. Unsurprisingly perhaps some of these are areas where you have the least control.

  Third parties are a particular worry. The Home Depot breach in 2014 saw details of 5.6 million credit cards stolen. Yet it seems businesses still haven’t learned the lesson, with only 32 percent of vendors having security certifications.

  Mobile is a risk too with 113 phones lost or stolen every minute in the US alone and 86 percent of mobile apps lacking adequate security. The cloud is also a worry with 71 percent of IT professionals believing their cloud service providers wouldn’t alert them to a breach involving customer data.

  Email is a bigger threat than you might think too with 88 percent of companies having experienced some sort of data loss via email. Each email is copied an average of six times thanks to team collaboration increasing the risk of exposure.

  You can view the full infographic below.

  

  Photo Credit: D.R.3D/Shutterstock

  
• 

  One in three of the world's population now owns a smartphone

  Publié: février 27, 2015, 2:26pm CET par Wayne Williams

  

  Although smartphones are commonplace in the developed world, there are still plenty of people who don’t yet own one, and they are still far rarer in developing nations.

  However, smartphone growth is on the up, and according to the latest findings from Strategy Analytics’ WSS (Smartphones) research service, the number of global smartphone users reached 2 billion in 2014.

  By the end of 2105, the company predicts the number of users will have grown to 2.5 billion, or 35 percent of the world’s population. Strategy Analytics defines a "user" as a person who owns and uses one or more active smartphones.

  That’s a sizable increase, as in 2013 just 1.5 billion (22 percent of the world’s population) owned a smartphone.

  Neil Mawston, Executive Director, Wireless Smartphone Strategies, says: "The smartphone has become one of the most widespread electronic devices of all time. The smartphone is ubiquitous and it is rapidly evolving to become a central hub for controlling consumers’ daily lives in the home, car and office of the future".

  Image Credit: Maxx-Studio/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Best Windows apps this week

  Publié: février 27, 2015, 2:25pm CET par Martin Brinkmann

  One-hundred and twenty in a series. Welcome to this week's overview of the best apps and games released for Windows in the past seven days.

  The games category is without doubt the most popular category in Windows Store right now.

  Not a single application made this week's selection of the best Windows apps which is unfortunate but it cannot be helped.

  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.

  Discounts this week

  The following games and apps are discounted by at least 50 percent in the coming seven day period.

  • TY The Tasmanian Tiger,  a jump and run game for $3.49
  • Skateboard Party 2 for $0-99
  • Hardhat Zone, a pinball game for $0.99
  • Geocaching Pro 2015 for $2.49
  • Sparkle 2, a Zuma-like game for $2.49
  • Farm Mania 2, a farming simulation for $0.99

  App of the week

  Age of Sparta

  

  Age of Sparta is a multiplayer city building game in which you take control of a small Greek town after Xerxes invasion of Greece.

  You add new buildings like wheat farms or scared grounds to your city and improve existing buildings during the building phase.

  The game features a variety of resources that are required to construct buildings, train troops and perform various other tasks in the game.

  As is the case with most free to play games, it supports premium currency as well that allow you to rush tasks and buy items that are not available otherwise.

  The fighting part is divided into a single player campaign that you can play through and multiplayer battles.

  Battles play the same but the outcome is different as you can loot resources from defeated players while single-player battles always give you resources as rewards that don't belong to anyone.

  The game features human and legendary troops which makes it an interesting experience as you can mix regular troops such as javelin throwers with Gorgon, Centaur or Cyclops units.

  You can join alliances or create your own to become more powerful in the process.

  Other apps

  PacTruck

  

  This is a Pacman variant in which you drive around a truck to collect and transport gold to depots in each level.

  The basic game mechanics are identical on the other hand only with the only difference that you need to avoid other cars in the level.

  Besides those orange cars, you do need to pay attention to yellow trucks that collect gold as well as they may make you miss your target score if you let them collect too much gold.

  Spirit Run - Fire vs Ice ($2.49, free trial available)

  

  Spirit Run - Fire vs Ice looks like any other 2-dimensional running game out there on first glance but once you start it you realize that it is different from those.

  Besides the usual controls to jump or dodge in each level, there is also an option to transform your character between ice and fire form.

  Inspiration for this was taken from the classic shoot'em up game Ikaruga which featured similar mechanics.

  Ice and fire elements are added to each level which add to the game's overall difficulty level as you need to jump, dodge and transform to avoid the game over sign.

  Kingdom Crossing: Crossy Heroes

  

  Kingdom Crossing looks very similar to Danger Road which I have reviewed last week but it is published by different companies.

  The game plays like Frogger with a couple of extras such as different characters that you can unlock and select thrown into the mix.

  Candy Rain 2

  

  Candy Rain 2 is a match-3 type game that offers everything that you'd expect from a game of its kind.

  It is free to play, offers tons of levels to play through and all the combos and game modes that match-3 games ship with.

  It is free and well designed but just like many other games of its kind, it is not introducing anything new to the genre apart from the fact that it is a bit easier than the rest as you can use special candy all the time.

  Shadow Fight 2

  

  Shadow Fight 2 is an impressive looking two-dimensional fighting game in which you control your fighter using the keyboard or by touch.

  While fighters are only displayed as shadows, it is the game's animations that make more than up for it as they are fluid and well designed.

  The game features a wide variety of opponents, weapons, armor and perks to keep you entertained.

  Most need to be unlocked however through in-game currency before they become available which either means lots of grinding or parting with real-money.

  Twisted Paths

  

  Twisted Paths takes the Flappy Bird concept to a whole new level. You change the direction with every tap on space to avoid static and moving elements on the screen.

  What makes Twisted Paths special is its multiplayer which you can play locally against others.

  The game features different levels for you to play through in single-player or against a friend, and an endless mode as well.

  Airfield Mania

  

  Direct planes and helicopters to the right air field or helicopter platform and make sure that they don't collide during their approach.

  Simply draw the course that you want each plane to take on the screen using the mouse or touch to land them safely and without collision on color coded or free-for-all airfields.

  Planes and helicopters approach with different speed which adds to the challenge of the game.

  

• 

  4 reasons why cloud spending is set to explode this year

  Publié: février 27, 2015, 12:40pm CET par Graham Jarvis

  

  The Gartner Worldwide IT Spending Forecast report predicts fiercer competition in 2015 between traditional on-premise software vendors, pushing expenditure up to $3.8 trillion. It says that spending in the enterprise technology market will reach $335 billion this year, increasing by 5.5 percent over 2014’s figures. Traditional vendors are now having to increasingly compete with cloud-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) offerings, lower prices and vendor software consolidation.

  These trends have pushed traditional on-premise software vendors to increasingly offer more discounted cloud services to counter the onslaught by the incumbent SaaS players.

  Bimodal IT

  Amidst this competitive environment, organizations are looking more strategically at their IT expenditure. They are no longer just seeing IT -- including the cloud -- as means of creating cost-efficiency gains.

  Gartner’s research director for cloud computing, Gregor Petri, says that there is also a move towards bimodal IT, which is driving spending: "In Mode 1 companies are trying to renovate the core of their IT, and in Mode 2 they are exploring new things".

  He believes that the first mode is about efficiencies and the second about improving the customer experience, culminating in growth for their own organizations. In the second mode organizations want to go after new customers, new products, new solutions and new opportunities. "Companies are investing in IT again -- that’s true, but many vendors are still in the mode of increasing efficiencies in existing processes using Mode 1 of cloud computing, and yet we now see most firms concentrating on Mode 2", he explains.

  These two modes are challenging from an internal perspective because organizations often have to align themselves with both of them.

  To find new opportunities in Mode 2 they need to be bold rather than afraid. This is because they will either need to change their approach, their goals or outcomes half-way through a project. Mode 1 is very different because organizations will often know from the outset what they want to achieve, and it’s all about doing that efficiently.

  Spending ratios

  In terms of the ratio of clouding spending versus traditional IT expenditure, Karl Deacon -- Chief Operating Officer at Canopy -- says that the Atos cloud, "has shown that the percentage of contracts requiring or including digital or cloud solutions in outsourcing deals more than doubled in 2014 compared to 2013".

  The Atos cloud is a joint venture backed by Atos, VMware and EMC. Atos claims on its website that it doesn’t: "sell widgets, and we don’t theorize about the future…as business technologists with a pure client focus, we are orchestrators who can put your entire cloud puzzle together".

  In Deacon’s view, this signals a more aggressive growth in demand for cloud solutions and services in comparison to previous years. "Clients are already spending about 20 percent of their IT budget on cloud technologies or services, and this spending sometimes falls outside of their organizations’ central IT budget", he explains.

  Deacon expects this trend to continue, rising by about 10 percent of the overall IT budget per annum. This is due to factors such as the rising prevalence of shadow IT and digital transformation across departments.

  Hybrid cloud matures

  One other important trend forecast this year is the rise of the hybrid cloud, which is expected to reach maturity in 2015 and so it is being seen as the way forward. Cap Gemini is seeing this happen, and spending on it is already increasing.

  Paul Hammond, the company’s senior vice-president and chief technology officer, says: "The underlying architecture required offers an option to use Amazon Web Services (AWS), Azure, etc…and when you get into some of the production systems, the security and data sovereignty elements you can see that it either drives the private cloud or it sits within an organization’s datacenter".

  He adds that this doesn’t mean that an organization wouldn’t want to use the public cloud because even if it does sit within traditional IT architecture, the cloud may at some point still be used. This may not only involve a public cloud, but much depends on factors such as data criteria and security, which are two elements that are driving the hybrid option within the same architecture.

  Buying a complete service

  Regarding the threat that SaaS software poses to traditional software vendors, Petri says customers don’t just buy the application functionality from a cloud provider. They are in fact buying a complete service: the underlying middleware, operating systems, hardware and many other things that would traditionally be bought from other kinds of IT vendors.

  "In most cases, if you buy SaaS from a SaaS vendor, you don’t have any choice about the underlying layers, so to some extent it offers less choice and it increases your dependency on the provider", he explains.

  Third parties may also not be able to sell any additional software, hardware other tools for the underlying layers -- a market which he says has traditionally been bigger than the market for the application itself.

  Lock-ins can limit customers’ choice about how and where they spend their budgets to just one vendor -- making it harder for traditional vendors to compete while in effect restricting customers’ choice about what systems they’d ideally like to purchase beyond what a SaaS vendor offers.

  Cloud alternatives

  Due to the large number of cloud providers locking in customers, many on-premise third party software providers are being forced to offer a SaaS alternative to their on-premise and traditional license-based solutions.

  To what extent is this happening? "The impression I have, after operating in this field for the past 10 years, is that -- apart from the niche software providers who offer highly specialized applications -- most vendors are moving and many are already there in one form or another", claims Deacon.

  He nevertheless feels that it’s hard to offer an exact percentage of how many vendors are making the transition towards offering SaaS products and services, and particularly as even Oracle and SAP tend to still operate using traditional software licensing models. Yet vendors like them are also heavily invested in cloud software businesses -- even if they haven’t moved towards adopting a cloud user licensing model as the bulk part of their business.

  Predicting 2015

  Hammond predicts that there will be a natural uptake because of the benefits of SaaS.

  Hybrid cloud environments will pose some challenges that revolve around end-to-end operations. There is a need to tie them up with traditional models. Organizations will otherwise have no idea about reporting, SLAs and problem resolution.

  "Some vendors will improve their ability to monitor, provide tools and report -- at the end of the day it’s about integrating the stack rather than just selling you a piece of software that does the analytics or something else", he concludes.

  So there will be some challenges, but spending will increase and competition will too because, as Hammond puts it, demand is only getting harder and faster, and so the use of SaaS, public, private and hybrid clouds will increase to fulfill this requirement.

  Bimodal IT will be the key driver of cloud spending over the course of the year because organizations are looking more strategically at how they spend their budgets. They now want to focus on delivering a better customer experience; to reduce the time to market of a product, application or service.

  Ultimately what drives their spending is a need to increase their profitability rather than just focus on cost-efficiencies.

  An improved perception of cloud security will also drive spending; and this why customers will increasingly spend more on SaaS -- and in particular on hybrid cloud.

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

  
• 

  Google will allow sexual content on Blogger after all

  Publié: février 27, 2015, 11:48am CET par Wayne Williams

  

  Three days ago Google announced that any Blogger blog found to contain nudity or explicit content would be converted into a private blog that only the owner could see.

  Unsurprisingly, this move wasn't well received by the Blogger community, and today Google has backtracked.

  Writing on the Google Product Forums, Jessica Pelegio, Social Product Support Manager at Google, confirms the search giant’s change of heart:

  This week, we announced a change to Blogger’s porn policy. We’ve had a ton of feedback, in particular about the introduction of a retroactive change (some people have had accounts for 10+ years), but also about the negative impact on individuals who post sexually explicit content to express their identities. So rather than implement this change, we’ve decided to step up enforcement around our existing policy prohibiting commercial porn.

  Blog owners should continue to mark any blogs containing sexually explicit content as “adult” so that they can be placed behind an “adult content” warning page.

  Bloggers whose content is consistent with this and other policies do not need to make any changes to their blogs.

  Thank you for your continued feedback.

  This is a smart move from Google, and shows the company does listen to its users occasionally.

  Image Credit: Charlie Bard/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Run text-mode DOS apps in Windows with vDos

  Publié: février 27, 2015, 11:37am CET par Mike Williams

  

  If you’d like to run a classic DOS game under Windows then DOSBox is the perfect solution: tiny, free, and with enough hardware emulators to support almost anything.

  It’s not the only option, though, and if you’re more interested in running text-mode, business-type applications then DOSBox fork vDos may be a better choice.

  One simple example, which justifies the download all on its own: vDos uses a TrueType font. Instead of tiny, fixed-sized text, you can increase or decrease font size with hotkeys (Win+F12, Win+F11), making programs much more comfortable to use.

  Simple clipboard integration starts with the Win+Ctrl+V hotkey, which pastes the contents of the Windows clipboard into your vDos application.

  Transferring data in the other direction is more problematic, as DOS applications don’t understand the clipboard, but vDos has a sort-of solution. If there’s information you’d like to transfer, display it on the vDos console, and press Win+Ctrl+C. VDos dumps the contents of the screen as a text file, then opens it in Notepad.

  Built-in file and record locking ensures you’ll be able to use the most heavy-duty of database apps without risk of file corruption.

  There’s support for Windows printing, although only via the shareware DOSPrinter. This occasionally prints a copyright message on the first page and costs $30 to register.

  Configuration is generally easy, not least because of its live file system (the program uses your own drive letters and folders, not a virtual "x:\"). VDos.pdf in the installation folder is only 1 page and a mere 10KB in size, but it still provides all the core details you need to know.

  What you don’t get here is emulation for joysticks, sound cards, extended graphics modes and so on. If you’re looking to play games then stick with DOSBox. But vDos is great for text mode applications, and easier to set up. We say: get them both.

  
• 

  Creating advocates for SaaS and B2B products

  Publié: février 27, 2015, 10:58am CET par Ian Barker

  

  One of the best ways of getting people to buy your product is to get your existing customers to recommend it. That’s equally true in the business world as it is for consumer products.

  A new infographic from SaaS customer management specialist Bluenose looks at how companies can create more powerful advocates for their B2B and SaaS products.

  Among the key points are that acquiring new customers can cost seven times more than retaining existing ones, so it’s important to focus on the customers you have. Satisfied users are more likely to become advocates for your business and can be worth as much as $500,000 each.

  It's also useful to offer a rewards program for those who recommend your services to others. Some 84 percent of B2B decision makers start off the process with a referral and these leads are 36 times more useful than a lead from a cold call.

  Employees are also an important part of the process. They are the face of the company and if they’re positive about the product it reflects well on the business. It's important that they know their product too, 67 percent of customers trust content provided by a company’s technical expert.

  You can see the full infographic with other tips including promoting word of mouth and social media advocacy below.

  

  Photo Credit: bikeriderlondon/Shutterstock

  
• 

  How much is your personal or company data worth? 50% of Brits say at least £1 million

  Publié: février 27, 2015, 9:07am CET par Darren Allan

  

  How much would you be prepared to sell your data for? According to a new survey, almost half of the UK wouldn’t give it up for any less than a million quid.

  The study of a thousand Brits, undertaken by Swiss data center Artmotion, found that 49 percent of respondents would only sell their personal or company data for £1 million or more.

  10 percent wanted between £100,000 and £1 million, and a further 10 percent said £10,000 to £100,000 was their asking price. 13 percent wanted at least a grand, and 3 percent were happy with £500 to £1,000.

  6 percent said they’d give up their data for £1 to £500, and 9 percent would happily let anyone snaffle their data for free (the latter being quite a surprising figure, too -- particularly when you consider that half of the UK wants a cool million for their personal bytes).

  In total, then, 82 percent would want at least £1,000 to part with their data -- yet, as the survey takers point out, folks seem to take a surprising lack of care over said data, posting it to consumer cloud services and the like without any caution.

  Mateo Meier, founder and CEO of Artmotion and author of the company’s data privacy report, said: "Our research explodes the myth that people don’t really care about online privacy. We’ve found that almost half of the UK public wouldn’t even consider selling their data for less than £1m, which suggests that people actually place a huge premium on staying secure on the web. However, many consumers are failing to take basic steps that would greatly increase their online security. This means that the data they value so highly could easily fall into the wrong hands with potentially disastrous consequences".

  Photo Credit: arka38 / Shutterstock

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

  
• 

  Ubuntu Linux 15.04 Vivid Vervet Beta 1 is here! Which flavor will you savor?

  Publié: février 27, 2015, 5:51am CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  Ubuntu is one of, if not the best, Linux distributions for beginners. Why? It is easy to install and easy to learn. In other words, it is not a daunting affair like some other distros. With that said, it is a great Linux-based operating system for experts too.

  As great as Ubuntu is, the Unity desktop environment isn't for everyone. Today, the first betas of Ubuntu 15.04 are made available, and Unity is nowhere to be found. As is customary lately, it is only the other desktop environments, or flavors, that get to shine for beta testers. Which flavor of Ubuntu 15.04 Vivid Vervet Beta 1 will you taste?

  "Pre-releases of the Vivid Vervet are *not* encouraged for anyone needing a stable system or anyone who is not comfortable running into occasional, even frequent breakage. They are, however, recommended for Ubuntu flavour developers and those who want to help in testing, reporting and fixing bugs as we work towards getting this release ready", says the Ubuntu release team.

  The team further explains, "while these Beta 1 images have been tested and work, except as noted in the release notes, Ubuntu developers are continuing to improve the Vivid Vervet. In particular, once newer daily images are available, system installation bugs identified in the Beta 1 installer should be verified against the current daily image before being reported in Launchpad. Using an obsolete image to re-report bugs that have already been fixed wastes your time and the time of developers who are busy trying to make 15.04 the best Ubuntu release yet. Always ensure your system is up to date before reporting bugs".

  It is never recommended to install pre-release software on production machines. If you want to test Vivid Vervet, I would suggest doing so in a virtual machine or on a spare hard drive. If you do decide to try it, you can choose the flavor of your desire below.

  If you have a fairly new machine, my suggestion is GNOME, as it offers the most consistent experience. With that said, Kubuntu, which uses KDE, is quite nice too, but it can be slightly overwhelming.

  For those of you with less powerful computers, Xubuntu is my recommendation, with Ubuntu Mate closely following. Lubuntu is a passable lightweight desktop environment, but far too basic and boring to be recommended.

  Kubuntu

  Lubuntu

  Ubuntu GNOME

  Ubuntu Mate

  Xubuntu

  Photo Credit: Yuriy Rudyy / Shutterstock

  
• 

  FCC votes in favor of Net Neutrality... just

  Publié: février 26, 2015, 8:44pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  The Net Neutrality debate has been rumbling on for quite some time now, but today something of a milestone has been reached. After the campaign gained the support of President Obama, Twitter, and many others, today was the Federal Communications Commission vote on a number of proposals put forward by chairman Tom Wheeler.

  It is a victory for Net Neutrality and a great step towards ensuring that the internet remain open and free from controls by companies or government. The policy states, among other things, that ISPs may not charge for prioritization of web traffic. The vote was far from being a landslide. Two Republicans opposed to the policy changes kept the result to a 3-2 vote in favor of the proposals.

  While the ban on paid prioritization has been the main focus of much of the net neutrality campaign, it is not the full story. The newly approved rules mean that broadband connectivity will be reclassified as a telecommunications service, introducing greater regulation, and there will be greater control of paid deals between content providers and broadband companies.

  As well as being blocked from creating a two-tier internet where certain types of traffic is given greater priority over others, broadband providers will not be permitted to accelerate or block connections for a fee. The definition of broadband has been opened up, so the proposals will apply to mobile providers as well as to companies providing connection through landlines, fiber and the like.

  The vote was well-received across the tech industry, and CEO of Xirrus Wi-Fi, Shane Buckey said:

  The FCC's decision on net neutrality further validates its goal to provide more affordable and distributed Wi-Fi to the U.S. This foundational step supports IT infrastructure investment to provide more reliable Internet connectivity and improved quality of service for their users regardless of the internet service provider.

  But not everyone is happy. The US Telecommunications Industry Association is planning legal action against the changes and Verizon denigrated the vote as "misguided", adding:

  Today's decision by the FCC to encumber broadband internet services with badly antiquated regulations is a radical step that presages a time of uncertainty for consumers, innovators and investors.

  Opponents of net neutrality have been left licking their wounds but, even in light of the vote, it's unlikely that we have heard the end of this debate yet. Nevertheless, history has been made.

  Photo credit: mindscanner / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Google cheapens Android Play Store -- sells top app search spots to highest bidder

  Publié: février 26, 2015, 7:29pm CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  Not everything has to be monetized. In business, the goal is profits, true, but that is not the sole reason for existence. The money is earned by the hard work of employees, and relationships built with customers. If you have no customers, you have no profits -- never forget that. If a company takes advantage of customer trust and the overall relationship, the customers may become fatigued to the practices.

  This brings us to Google. It is a company that is near and dear to our hearts. The world is a better place because of the search giant and its offerings. With that said, the company and its founders have become wealthy thanks to its customers. Those customers give Google access to their lives in exchange for free Gmail, Maps and more -- it is a contract between both parties. Today, Google crosses a line, creating fatigue by inserting ads into Play Store search results. It is a straw on our collective backs.

  "With more than 100 billion searches every month on Google.com, we've seen how search ads shown next to organic search results on Google.com can significantly improve content discovery for users and advertisers, both large and small. Search ads on Google Play will enable developers to drive more awareness of their apps and provide consumers new ways to discover apps that they otherwise might have missed", says Michael Siliski, Product Management Director, Google Play.

  Siliski further explains, "in the coming weeks, a limited set of users will begin to see ads from a pilot group of advertisers who are already running Google search ads for their apps. We’ll have more to share in the coming months about the expansion of this program as we look at the results and feedback. We believe search ads will be a useful addition to Google Play for users and developers alike, and we hope this will bring even more success to our developer community".

  

  So let me get this straight.

  A consumer goes to the store and chooses an Android smartphone instead of an iPhone or other competitor. They then sign up for a monthly service plan, often on contract, that costs quite the pretty penny. Then, that consumer decides to buy an app. They agree to the terms and conditions, allowing Google to track their behavior. Next, they type in their credit card data, showing that they trust Google with financial information.

  Lastly, they enter in the type of app that they want, expecting the top result to be the most appropriate based on the search. Instead, the first result is an ad. Even if the top result is relative, the trust they handed to Google is now tainted.

  A good analogy is baseball. You invest time watching and rooting for your favorite team. You even buy the shirts and hats. Then, you manage to save up enough money to go to the stadium to watch that team. Finally, you want to buy a soda, or bottle of water, and the concession stand charges $10. Insulting.

  Google inserting ads into app search results is like being charged $10 for a cup of soda at a sporting event. Despite your emotional relationship with the team, plus the time and money invested, they still have to nail you for every cent -- Google, aren't you better than this?

  Maybe I am naive to expect more from a company that makes money from advertisements and user-tracking, but consumers should demand better treatment. Yes, the search-giant will make even more money from this, but at what cost?

  Besides consumers, indie-developers will be hurt too,  as they won't have the money to compete. It is bad for everyone involved...except of course Google.

  Are you fed up with having everything monetized? Tell me in the comments.

  Photo Credit: Ronald Sumners / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Emailage fights fraud with email address scoring

  Publié: février 26, 2015, 6:42pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  Email is the most common form of digital ID, used to login to websites, complete transactions and more besides. This means that over time each email address develops its own unique reputation and digital life based on its past behavior and actions online.

  Phoenix-based startup company Emailage has used this to develop a risk scoring system for email addresses which will help companies to reduce the risk of fraudulent transactions. Emailage has successfully flagged over 2 million transactions as risky in the past year alone, amounting to $150 million it's saved customers. The company has now received $3.8 million in venture capital funding to further develop its product.

  "Email is the most unique and common ID in the online world," says Rei Carvalho, CEO of Emailage. "By using our proprietary machine learning algorithms across a vast consortium of data, we are able to stop fraudsters in real time. As our customer base grows, our solution becomes more powerful and our industry-leading fraud detection rates will continue to improve. We are excited to use this financing to grow quickly and expand our offerings".

  Emailage customers have already benefited from faster approval rates for 60 percent of transactions and improved pinpointing of the the most risky transactions with an average hit rate of 25 percent. Some customers are detecting 50 percent or more of their total fraud just by analyzing risk based on the email. Having this information available in real time not only prevents fraudulent transactions from occurring but also helps recognize reputable new customers that may have been declined based on other criteria.

  More information on how email scoring is able to help prevent fraud is available from the Emailage website.

  Photo Credit: Balefire/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Agile versus waterfall development: The case for agile

  Publié: février 26, 2015, 6:39pm CET par Alok Sinha

  

  Agility and flexibility are top of mind when it comes to delivering IT projects. With that being the case, the traditional waterfall development approach, which requires each step of a project to be completed before the IT team can move onto the next, seems a bit outdated.

  Enter the agile development technique. This iterative development method should be the go-to today. It's based on collaboration and continuous development, and differs from the waterfall approach in that it can be characterized as being adaptive rather then predictive. Essentially, with agile, the requirements gathering, development and testing happen concurrently versus consecutively. Let’s take a closer look at why this development method makes more sense for most businesses today. And then, we’ll briefly examine a newer method -- DevOps -- which, too, is becoming more common. Regarding agile:

  It’s More Collaborative

  Many companies, both large and small, are already using agile development for their internal and external development needs. In some cases, vendors will use agile development methods in collaboration with customers. In a typical agile development set-up, requirements are developed in collaboration with the user and written in a format that explains in non-technical language what is needed.

  For example, a requirement may be as simple as a consumer, for example, wanting to have the ability to make a payment to a friend for their portion of a dinner bill. This broad requirement is then broken down into a series of "stories" each describing an action. These could be things like: "access system x", "initiate payment", "carry out security checks", and so on. Each story is worked on collaboratively by a group of developers, ideally with the user involved throughout, making it the more collective, hands on approach, instead of the more siloed method of waterfall development.

  It’s More Customer-Centric

  The agile development method is more customer focused, and more efficient, than the typical waterfall requirements-gathering process -- in which all requirements are gathered, and the project mapped out in full, up front.

  Agile code development typically begins with each team first writing the test script that will prove each "user story" is complete (again, as referenced above, these are descriptions that capture actions like "access system" or "initiate payment"). Code is then written, often by pairs of developers collaborating and acting as an instant checks and balances system, and tested against that test script on a continuous basis. This allows for any errors to be caught during the development process and fixed in real time. On the other hand, in a waterfall process, all development is finished before testing begins, which leaves room for a backlog of errors to have built up. Some glitches may be difficult to find, and the testing process takes longer as a consequence.

  It’s More Adaptable

  Aside from being more collaborative and more customer-centric (and therefore making the development process quicker and delivering better quality software), agile development also makes it easier for development teams to cope with changing requirements. This means the software delivered at the end of a project is likely to be better suited to the user’s purpose. The user is invited back to view and test the code that has been developed at regular intervals in the process -- if they are unable to join for the duration -- to ensure it delivers what they expected. Because code is developed to "user stories", which describe just a small part of the overall requirement, it is easier to change a single, or even a number of, stories that have been developed over a short period of time and related tests, than to potentially have to go back through hundreds or thousands of lines of code to work out what needs to be revised.

  For its collaborative nature, its customer-centricity and its adaptability, I would argue that agile development over waterfall is the better option in most business cases today. It’s the less bulky option and enables businesses to better discover and address user’s needs. In addition to agile, another development model that’s becoming more common is DevOps. Agile bridged the gap between development and testing being sequential activities in two large steps, into multiple sprints of smaller steps. This allowed developers to avoid a potentially large set of errors at the end of the development effort. DevOps brings testing and user acceptance testing (UAT) much closer and allows for continuous deployment, which is very much needed in cloud environments. Either method is suitable for businesses today and could be considered more present-day than the waterfall method of the past.

  Alok Sinha is President -- Global Application & Engineering Services -- at Xchanging, a global, publicly held business process, procurement and technology services company. To learn more, please visit www.xchanging.com.

  
• 

  Patent trolls beware -- EFF to testify before Congress

  Publié: février 26, 2015, 5:59pm CET par Alan Buckingham

  

  While the phrase "patent troll" is not technically correct, it has become synonymous with a business model that is almost universally loathed. Companies that are created as a front and used to buy up patents and then extort, for lack of a better word, money from smaller businesses -- typically ones they feel they can push around for an easy and quick profit. Unfortunately the tactic works in many cases as those facing litigation can't afford to fight and end up settling to save money.

  This practice has brought about a cry for reform of the patent system, which many feel is irrevocably broken. Now Congress is listening and today the Electronic Frontier Foundation will take center stage to plead its side of the argument.

  An attorney for the organization is set to speak. "Armed with vague and overbroad patents that never should have issued, patent trolls pressure small businesses to pay unjustifiable licensing fees. Businesses receiving these demand letters often lack the resources to fight back or to coordinate with others faced with similar demands. In her testimony Thursday, [Vera] Ranieri will urge Congress to enact measures to protect small businesses from abusive and deceptive demand letters, including enacting disclosure requirements that would help both lawmakers and the public to understand the damage patent trolls do to America's economy", the EFF announces.

  This isn't a new fight for the EFF, it has been going after what it calls "bad patents and abuse of the system" for sometime now. The organization has been gathering information for more than two years in an effort to gain reform.

  Things are hardly likely to be decided today -- the wheels of congress turn slowly and sometimes seem to spin in place. There is also the specter of campaign backers with deep pockets and influence. However, at least the EFF is being given its chance.

  Photo Credit: Dariush M/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Cloud-hosted script library simplifies web development

  Publié: février 26, 2015, 5:59pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  Developers often find themselves repeatedly going over the same ground when it comes to adding functionality like forms or product pages.

  California-based Cloudward is aiming to make life easier for web app developers with the launch of Cloud Snippets. These are cloud-hosted scripts, powered by Google Cloud Services, that allow anyone to instantly add forms, surveys, landing pages, ecommerce product listings, and more using the simplicity of Google Docs, Sheets, and Drive.

  Developers can add a Cloud Snippet to any website, including platforms like WordPress, Weebly, Squarespace and Wix, or any HTML page. All they have to do is copy and paste the JavaScript code and publish it. Cloud Snippets also gives developers the code allowing them to make customizations as required.

  "Cloud Snippets are important because they allow anybody to easily build an independent, embeddable web app," says Cloudward co-founder and CTO Danny Kolke. "For the first time, a web designer or developer has the power to build sophisticated web functions without having to know PHP, Python, Java, etc. Small agencies and web designers can use Cloud Snippets to gain big-agency capabilities. Small businesses can easily add complex functionality to their websites. And enterprises gain development flexibility".

  

  Cloudward has set up a Snippet Store which has lots of free snippets for developers to get started. It intends to open this up as a marketplace for other web designers and developers to build and sell their own custom snippets.

  Current snippets include one to create a content slideshow by taking images and tagline descriptions from a Google Sheet and displaying them in a slider, and one to take addresses from a Google Sheet and display each on a map with a marker and an information window.

  You can find out more about Cloud Snippets on the Cloudward website.

  Photo Credit: dencg/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Corel VideoStudio X8 adds Freeze Frame effect, NewBlue pack

  Publié: février 26, 2015, 5:08pm CET par Mike Williams

  

  Corel Corporation has unveiled VideoStudio Pro X8 ($79.99) and VideoStudio Ultimate X8 ($99.99), the latest versions of its versatile consumer video editor.

  Both editions add a new Freeze Frame effect (just select a frame and set the duration), while the bundled NewBlue Video Essentials II brings 10 plugins, including Chroma Key, Lens Correction, Picture-in-Picture and Vignette.

  A smart new Audio Ducking feature detects music or narration, then automatically drops the volume of video background noise to make sure they don’t clash.

  New overlay and masking options give you more creative freedom in choosing how video objects blend with the background.

  Enhancements include more accurate motion tracking; screen capture which can now record system and microphone sound; MKV import; MOV H.264 export, and smarter project and media file management tools.

  XAVC S support means the program can handle the latest cameras, with resolutions up to 4K 3840 x 2160.

  The Ultimate X8 version adds a special effects pack with 10 further applications, which now includes proDAD Adorage and NewBlue FX Essentials IV.

  A 30-day trial build of VideoStudio Pro X8 is available now.

  
• 

  Pivot or Divot: How a first time founder learns to navigate the realities of running a startup

  Publié: février 26, 2015, 3:36pm CET par Justin Burdine

  

  Starting a tech business in today’s rapidly evolving landscape presents a real challenge: how do you conceptualize an idea, develop it, and push it to market before the idea becomes obsolete in the face of new technology?

  Firepype was first conceptualized in 2011­­ -- eons ago by tech standards. Amazingly, there is still no other product that offers automated media distribution the same way this does. The basic prototype came together pretty quickly for the first client, in a matter of weeks. Then it became time to refine the idea into an elegant, marketable package, and the forward momentum slowed to a crawl as I searched for the right team to help turn my vision into a reality.

  Probably the biggest truth in startups is that challenges are inevitable. The question is not whether you can avoid challenges, but how you deal with them. Will you view each​ challenge as a Pivot​ ​ opportunity, or will it cause a Divot​ ​ in your forward progress?

  One startup that made a hugely successful Pivot was Canadian ­based Ludicorp. Stewart Butterfield and his dev team had built the massively multiplayer online RPG Game​ Neverending, ​released in 2002, which among other tools allowed users to share photos. Game development was shut down in 2004, but the company capitalized on the popular photo­sharing code and repackaged it as a photo­sharing service they called Flickr. This phoenix­ rising­ from ­the­ ashes move was so successful that Yahoo bought Ludicorp and Flickr a year later for a reported $22 to $25 million. Today Flickr remains one of the strongest parts of the Yahoo empire, with more than 92 million users.

  We found a big Pivot opportunity for Firepype early in beta testing. While we had conceptualized the product to automatically distribute all types of media, we had first focused on video. Yet it turned out a high percentage of our users were more interested in posting podcasts. So we modified our business model to focus on automatic podcasting, and really built out that market first. We still offer other automated applications, but we are listening to what the users need as our direction for how to prioritize development efforts.

  Another Pivot moment came when our lead developer needed to move on shortly after we finished the initial build. This could have been a Divot, and it did slow the company’s forward progress for a while. But I held on to the mindset that this was a setback and not a brick wall, and that persistence paid off. Before long I was able to bring on a new developer with a fresh perspective and a whole new skill set, and the project Pivoted back into the fast lane.

  Divots are deadly for startups. Small Divots can set you back, while large ones have the potential to send the entire venture off the rails. Either way, they can leave you with battle scars. However, the secret of navigating Pivots and Divots is that every Divot is​ really an opportunity to Pivot for success. Having this mindset really helps inspire good​ problem­ solving when challenges arise.

  Photo Credit: Michael D Brown/Shutterstock

  Justin Burdine is the founder and director of Firepype, LLC, an automated media distribution service that allows customized file processing and automatically uploads to various media outlets.

  
• 

  New tool simplifies translating apps into different languages

  Publié: février 26, 2015, 3:03pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  Developers put a lot of time and resources into the technical aspects of their apps. But when it comes to selling them in other markets there's often little left for localization.

  Now OHT-Mobile, part of One Hour Translation, has a solution with the launch of Lingui, a low-cost way to localize apps quickly without the need for extra manpower, complicated processes or even the requirement to send updates to the App Store or Google Play.

  "Having spent a lot of time and effort developing their application, one of the biggest challenges facing developers is how to make their applications accessible and engaging for users around the world," says Ofer Shoshan, CEO of One Hour Translation. "Lingui by OHT-Mobile allows developers to cut out the time consuming and expensive process of localizing applications for multiple audiences".

  Lingui simplifies the development process by inserting a few lines of code into the app that detect text in the UI and allow the option to translate in a number of ways. There's the choice of automatic translation, professional human translation or crowd sourced translation. Once the process is complete, the update goes live instantly and everywhere allowing app users to choose from all active languages.

  "Until now any newly translated apps would have to be uploaded to the relevant app stores, delaying the time to get the app to market. What's more, users often had to update the app in order to get support for new languages or updated translation," says Shoshan. "With Lingui, your app translations and supported languages are managed on OHT-Mobile's cloud. Updated translations or additional languages are simple and easy to add. There is no need to republish the app in the market or to update the app on the user's device".

  Lingui will be on display at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona from the 2nd-5th March or you can find out more on the One Hour Translation website.

  
• 

  Run Android on your PC desktop with Droid4X

  Publié: février 26, 2015, 2:45pm CET par Mike Williams

  

  Android apps aren’t just for your phone and tablet. Install Droid4X and you can run Android on your PC, too, taking full advantage of the extra screen resolution and more easily sharing files and data.

  As with many similar applications, Droid4X is essentially a wrapper around VirtualBox, with Android 4.2.2 provided on a custom virtual machine. But you don’t need to know any of the low-level details, as the program manages all of those itself.

  Installation takes a while, not too surprising as there’s so much data involved (the final package takes up almost a gigabyte of drive space). We wondered several times if it had stalled, but no, we just should have been more patient: get on with something else and it’ll complete eventually.

  On launch the regular Android start screen appeared in a 1280×720 resolution window. There are very few apps installed by default, but as you get the Play Store that doesn’t matter very much (you can also install apps by dragging and dropping APKs from the desktop).

  A left-hand toolbar gives access to various features. You can set up the program to use the keyboard as a controller (or your phone, if you install another package). There’s an option to share folders between the PC host and your Android host. You can simulate a GPS location, take a screenshot, "shake" the device with a click, adjust the screen resolution and more.

  Less obvious features include a shared keyboard (Ctrl+C in one environment, Ctrl+V in another), while in theory you can zoom in and out by holding Ctrl/ CMD and spinning your mouse wheel (although this didn’t always work for us).

  We ran into some odd issues, including YouTube playing audio only by default (video was only visible when we played it full-screen). But most apps ran without problems, speeds were good, and on balance -- especially for a beta -- Droid4X performed very well.

  
• 

  LG announces 4G LTE-enabled Watch Urbane smartwatch

  Publié: février 26, 2015, 1:29pm CET par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  The average smartwatch relies on a smartphone to show relevant information. Those notifications, emails, messages, directions and the like are not pulled from thin air, after all. Making such devices pretty much useless when, for instance, the smartphone runs out of juice or is not within pairing distance. This is where having a cellular radio inside can make a huge difference.

  LG is among the few vendors that sees just how useful cellular radios can be for smartwatches, as today it announces a 4G LTE version of its recently-unveiled Watch Urbane Android Wear smartwatch. Unlike the original, the new Watch Urbane LTE -- which rivals Samsung's Gear S -- runs LG's own Wearable Platform. The South Korean company is touting it as "the world’s first LTE-enabled smartwatch".

  4G LTE might seem overkill for a device that is not designed for content consumption, and this shows in the increased battery size -- 700 mAh, compared to just 410 mAh for the vanilla Watch Urbane. LG didn't mention battery life when it announced Watch Urbane nor in the case of Watch Urbane LTE, so I can only assume it's decent but not spectacular.

  For instance, a typical Android Wear device lasts around a day or so before it needs to meet the charger. Wearable Platform doesn't look like it's more energy efficient, or else LG would have said so in the press release. Its claim, that Watch Urbane LTE lasts for days in standby is not relevant, given that users will be interacting with their devices quite frequently. However, talk time is said to be "impressively long", whatever that means.

  So what can Watch Urbane LTE do that Watch Urbane can't? Well, first of all, it lets the user make and take calls, and send and receive SMS messages, without relying on a smartphone to take the heavy load. On supporting carrier networks, it offers push-to-talk, so Watch Urbane LTE users can use their smartwatches like walkie-talkies. Of course, it can also go online.

  What's also interesting about Watch Urbane LTE is that its third side button doubles as a beacon, with a long press, calling a contact of choice and sharing the user's coordinates. It can come in handy in case of emergencies, assuming there's cellular coverage there.

  Watch Urbane LTE's connectivity options may not be "light years beyond the competition", as LG suggests, but they exceed those of competing smartwatches, mainly because there is NFC on board. LG is quick to point out the upside in having NFC when it comes to making mobile payments.

  Needless to say, there are lots of sensors inside Watch Urbane LTE, as well as pretty good specs for a smartwatch. For more information on this, check out our coverage of Watch Urbane (the only other difference is the 1 GB of RAM, instead of the 512 MB of RAM in the vanilla model). Watch Urbane LTE is only going to be offered in silver, according to LG (no gold option, sorry folks). There is no information on availability and pricing.

  
• 

  Do you know where Evgeniy Mikhailovich Bogachev is? You could be $3 million richer

  Publié: février 26, 2015, 12:24pm CET par Alan Buckingham

  

  Evgeniy Mikhailovich Bogachev is a Russian hacker who could make you rich in a couple of different ways. He is the gentleman who is thought to be the architect behind the Zeus botnet as well as the infamous CrytoLocker scam that holds data hostage for a ransom. Those are two of the largest problems facing today's computer users and each still persists while Bogachev remains elusive.

  He has twice been indicted in US courts, once in Nebraska and, more recently, in Pennsylvania. The array of charges is quite long, including conspiracy, money laundering, computer fraud, identity theft and more. These indictments mean little as long as he remains on the run.

  Now the US State Department has issued a three million dollar reward if you can lead them to his capture and ultimate conviction. "Also known online as 'lucky12345' and 'slavik', Bogachev allegedly acted as an administrator in a scheme that installed malicious software on more than one million computers without authorization. The software, known as 'Zeus” and 'GameOver Zeus', enabled contributors to the scheme to steal banking information and empty the compromised accounts, resulting in the theft of more than $100 million from U.S. businesses and consumers", the notice reads.

  Meanwhile the Federal Bureau of Investigation has teamed up with the State Department and a press release from it also announces the reward. It also adds that "Bogachev is on the FBI’s Cyber’s Most Wanted list and is believed to be at large in Russia".

  If you happen to have any information then you can submit via tips.fbi.gov. Otherwise just be alert online so that you don't become his next victim.

  Photo Credit: Photosani/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Using the power of big data to understand customers

  Publié: février 26, 2015, 12:18pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  Companies are increasingly tuning into the importance of understanding their customers in order to make their marketing more effective and big data has a key role to play in providing them with the information to do so.

  A new infographic produced by Hadoop solutions specialist Datameer looks at how companies are using big data to build their brands and boost revenue.

  Big data analysis can help to increase customer acquisition, reduce churn and enable businesses to develop more innovative products with features that customers actually want. The graphic uses two examples, the first being a credit card company that was able to achieve a 25 percent better conversion rate and reduce its annual advertising spend by $3.5 million thanks to big data.

  The second example is an online game company that was able to understand the features that make players stay for longer and introduce new elements to boost revenue.

  You can see the full infographic below and read more on the Datameer blog.

  

  Image Credit: Maksim Kabakou/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Facebook can put users on suicide watch

  Publié: février 26, 2015, 12:07pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  A few months ago Twitter was criticized for teaming up with suicide prevention charity Samaritans to automatically monitor for key words and phrases that could indicate that someone was struggling to cope with life. Despite the privacy concerns that surrounded Samaritans Radar, Facebook has decided that it is going to launch a similar venture for Compassion Research Day in a bid to prevent suicides.

  Working with mental health organizations including mental health organizations Forefront, Now Matters Now, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Save.org, Facebook aims to provide greater help and support for anyone considering suicide or self-harm.

  Unlike Twitter's tool, Facebook is not automatically monitoring content that is posted on the social network. Instead, users are invited to get in touch if they notice troubling content from any of their contacts, and Facebook will then reach out with the offer of help, support and tips.

  Introducing the feature, Facebook said:

  For those who may need help we have significantly expanded the support and resources that are available to them the next time they log on to Facebook after we review a report of something they’ve posted. Besides encouraging them to connect with a mental health expert at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, we now also give them the option of reaching out to a friend, and provide tips and advice on how they can work through these feelings. All of these resources were created in conjunction with our clinical and academic partners.

  Of course, stumbling across a post that indicates suicidal thoughts can be troubling for the reader as well. With this in mind, Facebook is providing additional tools for anyone who reports such content. Facebook has teams working round the clock to talk to people on both sides of the suicidal thoughts story.

  The services are rolling out in the US over the next couple of months, and there are plans to extend the program globally.

  
• 

  Yet more aggressive Android adware found on Google Play

  Publié: février 26, 2015, 11:55am CET par Wayne Williams

  

  Google Play is supposed to be the safe place to download Android apps from, but that’s increasingly not the case. Three weeks ago security firm Avast detailed how it had found three popular Android apps riddled with Adware in Google’s store.

  Today Bitdefender reports that it has found ten Google Play apps that are packed with aggressive adware that can do all sorts of nasty things.

  According to the security company the apps can "subscribe users to premium-rated numbers using scareware messages or install additional apps that pack in even more ads".

  You might think you could just uninstall a problem app, but these disguise themselves, so the user isn’t entirely sure of the source of the ads.

  "If someone figures out that one of these apps is responsible for all the browser redirects and scareware messages, he’ll have a hard time finding and uninstalling the app in the Application Manager menu as it hides under the vague new name and not, for instance, 'What is my ip?' Less tech-savvy users will be thrown off the scent and the app will remain installed and running indefinitely", says Bitdefender security researcher Liviu Arsene.

  So how are these apps getting past Google? Arsene says it’s probably "because the URL used to redirect users doesn’t actually disseminate malicious .apk files. Its purpose is to redirect browsers -- Android’s native browser, Chrome, Firefox, Facebook or even TinyBrowser -- to a specially created URL that tosses users around from one ad-displaying website to another".

  It’s clear Google needs to do something to prevent Android adware from continually appearing on Google Play, but exactly what remains to be seen.

  Image Credit: DeiMosz / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Lack of employee context hinders protection efforts

  Publié: février 26, 2015, 11:44am CET par Eric Ouellet

  

  Even with significant security solution spend, program maturity and external third-party certification efforts, organizations continue to struggle to adapt and protect themselves from attackers employing new and innovative approaches that take advantage of the very systems put in place to thwart them.

  Today’s attackers are very sophisticated, well-funded and patient. They act more like detectives and scientists as they follow a systematic approach to understand their targets’ environments, their nuances and day-to-day operations even better than you do. They know that security point solutions have an important role to play in protecting your environment but that they also have their limitations. Attackers test these to understand exactly when an organization reacts and when it does not. But it doesn’t end there.

  These malicious actors know that because of the significant noise level generated by individual security solutions, even with the best of teams, security operations typically gets overwhelmed from data overload. They also know that internal security teams suffer from a severe lack of consolidated visibility and contextualization across the individual security solution deployed within your environment. Specifically, they know that when a user triggers an event in one system, it typically is not correlated with other events reported in another security solution by this same user. This is important because what might first appear to be benign noise in one security solution perhaps becomes the event that tips the scale of importance when taken in context with events reported in other security solutions.

  Attackers exploit this gap in a security operation’s risk visibility to hide in plain sight. They masquerade within the activities of existing entities such as regular users, system accounts, administrative accounts and privileged user accounts while subtly mutating normal behaviors to elevate privileges, install various hacking tools and, over time, gain greater access to sensitive systems and data. The wolf truly is in sheep’s clothing and it is walking amongst the flock picking up the crown jewels along the way.

  The best way to start addressing these new attack approaches: user behavior analytics. First, organizations must continue to deploy point solutions that mitigate specific technology and operational threats. Next, they must also link security solutions together in a coordinated fashion to get the most leverage and effectiveness from their security investments. Finally, the last, and arguably the most critical, piece of the puzzle is gaining a clear understanding of the typical actions and behaviors from each type of entity operating in your environment. This forms the foundation for establishing baselines that act as guides, identifying anomalous behaviors indicative of something that should be investigated.

  So, how do organizations take this from concept to reality? They should:

  • Establish automation processes to baseline employee behaviors and identify anomalies
  • Build processes to automate responses for non-malicious user activities by assigning them to training and monitoring for recidivism
  • Escalate users with clear indicators of compromise to investigative teams for immediate action

  Focusing on a users’ overall behavior instead of individual events in isolation provides the leverage that finally tips the scales in the favor of your security team instead of attackers. It removes the noise and shines a light on what is most important to your organization right now.

  Photo credit: Olivier Le Moal / Shutterstock

  Eric Ouellet is Vice President of Strategy at Bay Dynamics. Eric brings more than 25 years of experience in various disciplines within the information technology industry. He is responsible for Bay Dynamics’ overall market and product strategy, positioning, communications and channel and partner enablement. Prior to Bay Dynamics, he spent 10 years at Gartner, were he defined and established some of the highest growth areas in the fast-paced security industry. Eric is a well respected public speaker, prolific author and holds several industry designations including CISSP, ISSAP and ISSMP, amongst others.

  
• 

  You can now download Windows 7 ISOs directly from Microsoft -- here's how

  Publié: février 26, 2015, 11:26am CET par Wayne Williams

  

  Can’t find your Windows 7 disc but need it to do a fresh install or run a copy of Windows in a virtualized environment? The obvious solution is to download a copy of the operating system in ISO format.

  Oddly though, Microsoft has avoided offering Windows 7 ISOs for download -- the only solution previously was to grab a copy from Digital River, Microsoft’s official content delivery partner for Windows 7. That’s all changed now though, as a new Microsoft Software Recovery center lets you download Windows 7 directly from the software giant itself.

  The process of grabbing an ISO is very straightforward, but you will need to have your product key to hand. So if you can’t find the documentation that came with your disc (and can’t find the disc itself) and your Windows installation is so screwed up you can’t get the product key from there, you’re in trouble.

  If Windows is working you can find out the key by using NirSoft’s ProduKey. Just run it and the details will be displayed in the program window (along with keys for Internet Explorer and Microsoft Office if installed). Right-click the entry to copy the key.

  Once you have the details to hand, go to the Software Recovery Center and enter the key into the Product Key box. Select your product language and click the button to Verify Product Key. When the key has been validated you’ll be able to download the Windows 7 ISO and burn it to disc or a USB flash drive.

  Microsoft Software Recovery only accepts retail keys. If you have an OEM version of Windows you’ll have to find another way of grabbing the ISO. Digital River is no longer an option as the links have been removed.

  Windows 8.1 users can get an ISO of that operating system from here, and ISOs for Windows 10 Technical Preview can be found here.

  
• 

  Samsung's 128-Gigabyte UFS 2.0 memory promises faster smartphones

  Publié: février 26, 2015, 10:26am CET par Mark Wilson

  

  Samsung has announced that it has started mass-production of 128 GB ultra-fast embedded memory. Described as an industry first, the memory is based on the Universal Flash Storage (UFS) 2.0 standard and is 2.7 times faster than the commonly used eMMC 5.0.

  With performance of 19,000 IOPS (input/output operations per second), the memory offers sequential read and write speeds comparable to SSDs. Despite this, the memory draws half the level of power of existing mobile memory.

  Aimed at the high-end smartphone market, Samsung's UFS 2.0 memory is available in 128GB, 64GB and 32GB versions. Current eMMC will continue to exist for mid-range handsets, but the increased speed and reduced power consumption of UFS will see the development of faster phones at the top end of the market with battery life which is far better than what can currently be achieved.

  Jee-ho Baek, Senior Vice President of Memory Marketing for Samsung said:

  With our mass production of ultra-fast UFS memory of the industry's highest capacity, we are making a significant contribution to enable a more advanced mobile experience for consumers. In the future, we will increase the proportion of high-capacity memory solutions, in leading the continued growth of the premium memory market.

  As well as improvements to speed and battery life, there are also space savings to be made. Samsung explains that the ePoP (embedded package on package) memory can be placed directly on top of a logic chip to help keep physical size to a minimum.

  
• 

  China drops leading western tech brands for state purchases

  Publié: février 26, 2015, 9:37am CET par Sead Fadilpašić

  

  China has decided to remove some of the world’s leading technology brands from its state approved purchase lists and replace them with thousands of locally built products.

  Some say this move comes as a response to revelations of widespread cyber-surveillance conducted by the West, while others believe this is more of a way for China to protect domestic technology industry from fierce competition.

  The biggest casualty of the new lists is the US network equipment maker Cisco Systems, which in 2012 had 60 products on the Central Government Procurement Center’s (CGPC) list, but by late 2014 had none.

  Apple, Intel and McAfee all joined Cisco and were removed from the purchase lists.

  The number of products on the list, which covers regular spending by central ministries, jumped by more than 2,000 in two years to just under 5,000, but the increase is almost entirely due to local makers.

  An official at the procurement agency said there were many reasons why local makers might be preferred, including sheer weight of numbers and the fact that domestic security technology firms offered more product guarantees than overseas rivals.

  "The Snowden incident, it’s become a real concern, especially for top leaders", said Tu Xinquan, Associate Director of the China Institute of WTO Studies at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing. "In some sense the American government has some responsibility for that; (China’s) concerns have some legitimacy".

  China’s change of tack coincided with leaks by former US National Security Agency (NSA) contractor Edward Snowden in mid-2013 that exposed several global surveillance programs.

  Image Credit: Tang Yan Song / Shutterstock

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

  
• 

  Control Explorer’s 'Send To' menu with Send To Manager

  Publié: février 26, 2015, 8:42am CET par Mike Williams

  

  Windows Explorer’s "Send To" menu can be a convenient way to copy, send or open files. Just right-click, select "Send To", and chose whatever drive or application you need.

  Most programs don’t make use of the menu, unfortunately, but grab a copy of Send To Manager and you can easily tweak it yourself.

  Portable and no-strings free, the program is easy to use. Just launch it to display any current application shortcuts. Our test PC contained "Fax Recipient" and "Skype".

  If you're curious what a particular shortcut is for, right-click it and select Google > Shortcut. A browser window will open with the results of a Google search. If you’re sure the shortcut is unnecessary, right-clicking and selecting "Remove" will make it disappear.

  Clicking Menu > Add New Shortcut gives you the option to add a new shortcut of your own. To give this a try, point the program at C:\Windows\Notepad.exe, and call the shortcut “Notepad”. Click "Add" to finish. Now right-click a small file, select Send To > Notepad and Notepad will open to display the file -- a simple way to view its raw contents.

  You can do this in other ways, of course, more commonly by adding an "Open with Notepad" entry to the top-level right-click menu for any file. But we’ll bet that your file context menu is already considerably longer than you'd like, so hiding the option under "Send To" could make more sense, and it’s certainly good to have the choice.

  There's no great need for third-party software to manage the "Send To" menu. Just find the appropriate folder – \Users\<name>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\SendTo, probably – and delete or create shortcuts as required. But if you’d like a helping hand then Send To Manager does simplify the process, and at least it has no adware or other hassles to get in your way.

  
• 

  Google aims to secure enterprise BYOD with Android for Work

  Publié: février 26, 2015, 3:21am CET par Mark Wilson

  

  Android has successfully secured its place as the most used mobile operating system. With this in mind it should come as little surprise that more and more people are bringing Android devices into the workplace -- and for IT departments this can be something of a security nightmare. Today Google announces Android for Work with the aim of grabbing the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) market and making Android more secure and manageable in the workplace.

  What does this mean? Work profiles are being introduced to keep business apps and data separate from each other, so employees can use a single device to manage their personal work life. For both employer and employee this brings a number of advantages.

  One of the benefits of the BYOD philosophy is that you B your own D. Workers can choose the handset they want to use rather than being issued the same as everyone else, and there's the obvious advantage of having one device to deal with rather than two. While an employee can remotely manage work apps, workers can rest assured that their own personal apps and data are left untouched. This segregation of work and personal data is exclusive to Lollipop devices.

  The Android for Work app delivers secure mail, calendar, contacts, documents and browsing to handsets running pre-Lollipop versions of Android. A new store, Google Play for Work, allows for easy deployment of selected apps, and Google has a number of partners on board to help expand the range of supported apps.

  Rajen Sheth, Director of Product Management, Android and Chrome for Work, said:

  Together with a wide range of management, application and device makers, we believe the Android for Work program provides businesses and workers with the choice and flexibility they need to get things done at work.

  Names like BlackBerry, Box, Adobe, Dell, HTC and Citrix will help to bring secure business apps to phones and tablets, and a standardized set of APIs will allow for easy management of new and legacy devices through the same dashboard.

  More details are available at the Android for Work website.

  
• 

  Microsoft technology invites non-human nurses into your home -- will you let it in?

  Publié: février 26, 2015, 2:27am CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  Technology is increasingly changing our lives. It seems like every day, a new technological advance is revealed that impacts humanity. Virtual reality masks like Oculus, Samsung Gear VR and Google Cardboard, for example, are changing the way we look at the world. You can travel anywhere by simply looking through a face-mask -- you can take a vacation without leaving your living room.

  As the world's population lives longer, and continues to engage in self-destructive behavior, healthcare is one of the few industries guaranteed to never slow down. Unfortunately, as more and more people become insured by Obamacare, getting an appointment with a healthcare professional is getting increasingly difficult. If we can't produce more doctors and nurses, we could have a crisis. What if, however, nurses and doctors didn't have to be human? What if a non-human could come into your home and examine you? A popular Microsoft technology is making this a reality.

  "Silicon Valley-based Sense.ly is working to bring a human face to telemedicine. The company's Kinect-powered 'nurse avatar' provides personalized patient monitoring and follow-up care -- not to mention a friendly, smiling face that converses with patients in an incredibly lifelike manner. The nurse avatar, affectionately nicknamed Molly, has access to a patient's records and asks appropriate questions related directly to the patient's past history or present complaints. She has a pleasant, caring demeanor that puts patients at ease. Interacting with her seems surprisingly natural, which, of course, is the goal", says The Kinect for Windows Team.

  The team further explains, "a growing number doctors and hospitals are recognizing the value of applications such as Sense.ly. In fact, the San Mateo Medical Center is one of several major hospitals that have recently added Molly to their staff, so to speak. The value of such solutions is particularly striking in handling patients who suffer from long-term conditions that require frequent monitoring, such high blood pressure or diabetes".

  

  "Molly" (seen directly above) should help patients, healthcare professionals and insurance carriers. A Windows machine and Kinect accessory are easily achievable components, making this relatively realistic.

  Patients will have more time for themselves, as they may not have to wait in line to see a doctor or nurse. The Kinect-based solution can be installed in a patient's home or in a local clinic. Not to mention, some sick people may avoid monitoring their health due to long waits and inflexible office-hours; Molly doesn't need to sleep, go to the bathroom or take a vacation. A patient that has greater access to a healthcare professional -- human or not -- should ultimately be healthier.

  Healthcare professionals will be able to focus on the truly sick, leaving the more trivial or routine things to the non-human Molly. This should free-up time for nurses and doctors, which in turn should lead to improved healthcare for patients. Why? The professionals should gain more opportunities for rest.

  Cost-savings is the big seller, however, and insurance carriers may be the big winners. By installing Molly in the home of a patient with a chronic illness, costly trips to the doctor may be avoided. This could, in theory, lower healthcare premiums as the cost of the Kinect hardware decreases.

  Would you be open to inviting non-human nurse into your home? Tell me in the comments.

  Photo Credit: Julien Tromeur / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Microsoft Malware Protection Center helps take down Ramnit botnet

  Publié: février 25, 2015, 8:42pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  Ramnit, a botnet that infected millions of computers around the world, has been tamed, thanks in part to Microsoft Malware Protection Center. The takedown operation was a collaboration between Microsoft, Europol, Symantec and others, and it successfully stopped the malware which worked by disabling virus protection before stealing banking details and personal information from infected machines.

  With an estimated 3.2 million computers infected globally, Ramnit has been used by cybercriminals the world over, but the majority of infections were found in Britain. The botnet was brought under control by shutting down several servers used by the group responsible for Ramnit.

  Ramnit has been doing the rounds since at least 2010, and Symantec released a removal tool to help people whose computers fell victim. The botnet, which is being described as "module-based malware", remained highly active throughout the years, and Microsoft detected around 500,000 infected machines in the last six months alone.

  Wil van Gemart, Europol's deputy director of operations, said:

  This successful operation shows the importance of international law enforcement working together with private industry in the fight against the global threat of cybercrime. We will continue our efforts in taking down botnets and disrupting the core infrastructures used by criminals to conduct a variety of cybercrimes.

  Ramnit's modular design makes it different -- and more dangerous -- than many other examples of malware. Once a machine has been infected, it is then possible to upgrade the malware to add more features and adapt to attempts to remove it. Being comprised of modules also meant that different elements of Ramnit could be worked on by different coders and optimized according to task. As Microsoft puts it, "Ramnit has a hot pluggable modular framework design that gives it plenty of flexibility to extend new functionality on demand".

  Microsoft advises Windows 8 users to run Windows Defender, while anyone with an older version of the operating system can turn to Microsoft Security Essentials.

  Photo credit: kentoh / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Mobile transfer speeds hit 1Tbps over 5G

  Publié: février 25, 2015, 7:36pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  If you curse the speed of your mobile data connection, prepare to shake with fury, turn green with envy, and yearn for a time machine. Forget 3G, forget 4G; at the University of Surrey in the UK, researchers have harnessed the power of 5G to establish a data transfer rate of one terabit per second.

  At this speed it would be possible to download a Blu-ray quality video in under a second, but it's likely to be some time before we have the chance to experience these sorts of speeds via our handsets.

  The 5G Innovation Centre may have been able to achieve this staggering data transfer rate, but it could be another five years or more before the technology is ready for the big time. The record-breaking 5G speed is over 65,000 times faster than what can be hit over 4G and was achieved under laboratory conditions, and we're unlikely to see a public demonstration until 2018.

  Talking to V3, 5G Innovation Centre director Professor Rahim Tafazolli said that the transfer speed was reached using custom-built hardware over a distance of 100m and was the result of several different lines of development:

  We have developed 10 more breakthrough technologies and one of them means we can exceed 1Tbps wirelessly. This is the same capacity as fiber optics but we are doing it wirelessly.

  Looking to a future of yet-to-be-imagined applications, Tafazolli explained that one of the aims with 5G is to reduce latency to less than one millisecond.

  Photo credit: wk1003mike / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Microsoft releases the first major Band update

  Publié: février 25, 2015, 7:16pm CET par Sead Fadilpašić

  

  Microsoft Band, the wearable fitness tracker, and its accompanying Health app have received their first major update, some four months after the initial release.

  With the latest update, the band is getting some new features -- enabling it to monitor biking (yes, even stationary biking), a quick read feature for notifications and -- (you’re not going to believe this) -- an on-screen keyboard.

  One can’t but wonder how in God’s name can anyone type anything on a 1.4-inch touchscreen, but Microsoft is betting a lot on its Word Flow technology to ease the typing process.

  The company says its Word Flow technology will allow you to type "with minimal errors", and has also included a voice dictation feature.

  It has also released a web portal for a more detailed look at your daily activities’ statistics, and will allow MapMyFitness users to sync with the service.

  The Bike Tile can track both outdoor and indoor bikes, optimizes the heart rate monitor and activates elevation tracking.

  What’s really nice for the stationary bikes is that it can track the speed, and how long it will take you to recover from the workout.

  The Health web portal has also been revamped, giving access to all of the information available in the mobile apps, including both sleep and workouts.

  My fav feature in the Feb update is the Virtual keyboard...replying to texts from my #MicrosoftBand for WP 8.1. pic.twitter.com/aFIQMjO3AW

  — Paul Britton (@paulstorms) February 23, 2015

  Microsoft has also introduced an SDK for the Band to allow third-party apps on the fitness tracker.

  It is still in developer preview, but the SDK will allow developers to get data directly from the Band’s sensors.

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

  
• 

  Google REALLY wants you to see ads -- Adwords automatically converts Flash to HTML5

  Publié: février 25, 2015, 7:03pm CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  Advertisements make the world go around. I understand they can sometimes be unpopular on the web, but using ad-blocking software is counter-productive, as it can harm the site that you are visiting. True, some ads can be intrusive and inappropriate (depending on the site), but they can be good too, as they educate you on new products. If there were no ads on TV, the radio or the Internet, how would you learn about new products on the market? Sometimes I don't even fast-forward on my Tivo, so I can learn about new products.

  Today, Google announces that Adwords will be automatically converting Adobe Flash-based advertisements to HTML5. This will increase visibility of the ads, especially on mobile platforms where Flash is very rarely used nowadays.

  "Over half of time spent online is now spent on mobile devices. This presents a tremendous opportunity for marketers to reach their customers throughout the day, whenever they may be browsing. But there is an all-too-common barrier: many mobile devices and some browsers do not currently support Flash. That's why we’re introducing a way to automatically convert Flash ads to HTML5, giving advertisers better access to the portion of Google Display Network inventory that is HTML5-only", says Google.

  The search-giant further explains, "with this new tool plus our best practices and versatile mobile ad formats, we’re making it easier for marketers to deliver beautiful display ads that just work -- regardless of screen or device -- ensuring a better experience for both consumers and brands".

  Like I said, ads are beneficial to all, as long as they are not malicious in nature. They generate money for websites and inform consumers of interesting new products in the marketplace. While some will decry the upcoming increase of ad-visibility on mobile devices, I welcome it. How else will I learn of new ways to increase the length of my body parts?

  Photo Credit: Alexandr III / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Entrepreneurism and the politics of hope

  Publié: février 25, 2015, 6:33pm CET par Robert X. Cringely

  I’m an older guy with younger kids so to some extent I live vicariously through my friends, many of whom have children who are now entering the work force and some of those children can’t find jobs. We’re not in a recession, the economy is expanding, new positions are supposedly being added every day, but the sons and daughters of my friends aren’t generally getting those jobs so they are staying in school or going back to school, joining the Peace Corps., whatever. Everyone is rattled by this. Kids don’t want to move home and parents don’t want to have them move home. Student debt continues to increase. Everyone wants to get on with the lives they thought they were promised -- the lives they’d signed up for and earned.

  What changed?

  Everything changed. Well everything except our personal perspectives, I suppose, which is why we’re so surprised to be where we are today. And to a large extent something else that didn’t change was the perspective of those people we count on, or think we can count on, to keep us out of trouble as a society.

  This came to mind over the weekend when I watched an interview with President Obama by Kara Swisher of Re/Code and formerly with the Wall Street Journal. Obama had come to Silicon Valley for this and that including meeting with some Stanford students and, of course, with Kara Swisher. He’s a very smooth guy. I’d like to interview him someday, but I’m afraid he hasn’t a clue, really, about how technology and society actually work together.

  The part of the interview that stood out for me was when President Obama talked about how we all need to learn to code. The video’s embedded above though you have to get about 19 minutes in to reach the tech part. President Obama’s two daughters are into coding, maybe a bit late but still into it, he said, and so should be every other American below a certain age and maybe above that age, too.

  It’s computer literacy all over again.

  About 20 years ago, for those who remember, we were all very concerned about what was called computer literacy, which was supposed to mean learning how to code. This was shortly after Al Gore had torn from the grasp of Bob Taylor and Bob Kahn the label of having invented the Internet. Personal computers were being sold by the ton thanks to $400 rebates from Microsoft, and just as Gordon Moore and Bob Noyce could only imagine a home computer being used for recipe storage (and so Intel passed on inventing the PC) the policy wonks of the early 1990s thought we all ought to learn to write software because that’s what computers are for, right?.

  It didn’t happen of course and thank God for that. Imagine a nation of 350 million hackers.

  The Wisdom of Crowds rightly interpreted computer literacy’s concept of learning to code as learning to use a computer. It was simple as that. Along came the Internet and the World Wide Web and we were off on a decade-long burst of improved productivity thanks to the new box on all our desks. Apps got more useful and browsers appeared and, yes, we could build our own web sites but that wasn’t coding, it was just using a menu-based app and creating for awhile 20-something millionaires along with our MySpace pages.

  If this time is different, it’s because we’re being scared, rather than enticed, into coding. Malia and Natasha are supposed to be doing this to fight the STEM worker shortage that doesn’t actually exist and to justify immigration reforms, some of which (unlimited H1-Bs) will only hurt our economy. Don’t forget those kids in Finland who learn math better than we do, somehow without continual standardized testing and those German kids, too, who beat our asses while studying for only half a day right up to High School. Let’s all learn to code!

  It’s time to be afraid, we’re told. Be very afraid. Every policy these days seems to be based in some way on the politics of fear.

  I saw an ad the other day for a local college. Their pitch was "over 95 percent of our students are able to find work within a year of graduation". A YEAR!!! I’m sure many of those graduates didn’t get the jobs they really wanted, either.

  Here’s the problem. Smart kids can go to good schools, get a good education, go to college, get degrees and still unable to find work in their community or their chosen field. I have a friend who has two college educated kids who can’t find work. They have started a family retail business to help their kids make a living.

  An alarming number of engineering graduates can’t find work. These students have taken all the important STEM classes society says are important. They have strong math and science skills… and they can’t find work.

  We’ve been shipping millions of jobs offshore for years -- lots of manufacturing jobs and the engineering and technical jobs needed to support them. We can improve education and double the number of college graduates who have math, science, and engineering degrees -- and most of those will still be unable to find work. While education can be better, sure, the real problem is demand has dried-up.

  US workers cost too much, we’re told. Benefit and entitlement costs per employee have gone through the roof. The biggest offender is of course health care. And what big industry is hiring the most people? Healthcare! What happens when the market and economy can no longer bear the cost of healthcare? That will be hit with serious cost cuts too.

  Today if you want to steer your kids to a career with good employment -- it would be healthcare. However when they are middle aged they’ll probably have to find new work, too. As more hospitals and medical practices are combined and consolidated there will be an increasing focus on revenue generation. Obviously this is in direct conflict with the market’s need to reduce the cost of healthcare. Something’s gonna give.

  The intrinsic problem here is parasites, but what in our present society constitutes a parasite? Tony Soprano -- one of my go-to entrepreneurial role models -- was a parasite in that his success required a healthy host and Tony knew it. You can only steal so much before the host is compromised or even killed. If Tony was going to steal or extort or otherwise illegally take money out of the economy, well he wanted that money to be backed by the full faith and credit of the US government -- by a healthy host. Same for the banking and mortgage crisis of 2008 where the bankers took more and more until the host they were sucking dry -- the American homeowner -- could no longer both pay and survive. Tony Soprano was smarter than the bankers.

  As individuals -- and even as a society -- our greatest opportunity lies these days in entrepreneurism, in creating like my friends did a startup -- a family business. We need jobs and startups are where most of the new jobs come from. What used to be freedom from a big employer and a chance to follow your dream is now more of a safety net for the creative unemployed. It’s more important than ever.

  And I’m far from the only one to realize this. My PBS project I mentioned a few days ago is Startup America, a TV series that began with my Not in Silicon Valley Startup Tour back in 2010. We’ve been following 32 tech startups for five years and will present some of their stories thanks to WNET, PBS, and Salesforce.com. A lot of these companies fail of course, yet still they are inspiring stories that teach great lessons and give me real hope for the future of our economy and our country. It’s the opposite of fear. It’s the politics of optimism and hope.

  
• 

  Apple could track your iPhone, iPad when turned off

  Publié: février 25, 2015, 6:24pm CET par Barclay Ballard

  

  Apple has been granted a patent that could potentially allow it to track an individual’s iPhone, even when it appears to have been turned off.

  The feature enables phones to enter a sleep-like state that suggests it has been shut down, but instead the phone’s movements can still be traced.

  Although many privacy advocates are likely to be up in arms about the potential development, Apple likely plans to use the feature to make its devices more secure.

  Currently, the Cupertino-based firm provides the Find My iPhone service, which enables users to track their handset when it has been lost or stolen. As it stands, however, phones cannot be traced when turned off.

  The recently granted patent indicates that in the future, users may be asked to enter a passcode before they turn their phone off, and if the incorrect code is entered the device will enter a traceable sleep mode.

  The feature may prove a useful addition in the fight against mobile phone theft. Already, tracking features and other security protocols have reduced smartphone theft by 50 percent, according to the Independent.

  The patent also outlines plans for iPhone owners to operate their device’s camera remotely while in sleep mode, enabling them to potentially take a photograph of the individual who has stolen their phone.

  The document indicates that the iPhone will "periodically exit an unpowered state and [transmit] location data" automatically. It is likely that Apple will need to be wholly transparent with users as to how this feature would be implemented, in order to avoid accusations of surveillance.

  In any case, the sheer number of patents issued to technology giants like Apple means that the iPhone tracking feature may never see the light of day. Earlier this month, it was reported that Google had been granted a patent for a wearable deodorizer, which would be capable of telling users how nearby their friends were so they could avoid them if necessary.

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

  Photo Credit: Joe Wilcox

  
• 

  Enterprises fail to get the best from mobile messaging initiatives

  Publié: février 25, 2015, 5:46pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  A new report from IDC and enterprise mobile specialist Amdoc's OpenMarket reveals that taking an ad hoc approach to mobile messaging is harming return on investment.

  The findings reveal that 62 percent of businesses have more than one messaging platform deployed and 78.5 percent have more than one instance of the same platform active across different departments.

  This disjointed strategy is problematic for today's enterprises, as 75 percent of companies demand payback on these initiatives in less than a year. The results indicate the need to adopt a flexible mobile messaging platform that supports multiple use cases across business functions.

  According to IDC, it will be critical for enterprises to implement a streamlined platform with global reach that can be used company-wide. To do this, 29.7 percent of enterprises are looking to partner with a mobile messaging specialist, and a majority are seeking a global provider.

  "With mobile devices in the hands of employees and customers who show a preference for messaging-based communications, businesses should focus on proven mobile communication formats such as SMS and MMS," says Robert Parker, Group Vice President, IDC Insights. "Enterprises must avoid deploying single use case products, and should seek comprehensive solutions that improve customer and employee communications across the business. To do so, they should select providers that have domain expertise, service flexibility, optimal professional services, and a knowledgeable customer service staff to ensure they are getting the proper support for all their mobile messaging initiatives".

  70 percent of enterprises use mobile messaging for internal communications. However, IDC sees the largest area for future growth in the adoption of SMS and MMS as in service-focused initiatives such as customer surveys, opening up SMS channels for customer support and providing valuable, time-sensitive alerts and reminders.

  The summary report is available to download from the OpenMarket website.

  Image Credit: Bloomua / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Exciting new experimental apps emerge from Microsoft Garage

  Publié: février 25, 2015, 5:45pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  Microsoft Garage is home to all manner of innovative projects from Microsoft employees, and today a new batch of projects has been unveiled. As Garage is a cross-platform venture, there are apps for Windows Phone, Android and desktop Windows, and the myriad tools cover everything from app development to the weather.

  On the productivity front, Mouse Without Borders is a name that might seem familiar. Strictly speaking, this is a re-release rather than a new release, and the utility makes it possible to control up to four computers with a single keyboard and mouse by acting like a virtual KVM switch. If this isn’t your sort of thing, there are plenty more tools to explore.

  To keep developers happy, there's Developer Assistant and DevSpace. The first tool makes it possible to browse and re-use code snippets in Visual Studio, while the second provides access to Virtual Studio Online projects. While many of the apps -- like Keyboard for Excel which simplifies number entry for Android users -- have something of a businessy feel to them, others are slightly lighter.

  Your Weather focuses on China, and provides Windows Phone users with meteorological information. Another mobile app is the aptly-named Picturesque Lock Screen which beautifies the Android lock screens with images from Bing.

  Microsoft Garage has come a long way in the few years it has been active. The company says:

  Building upon the initial wave of incubation apps launched from the Garage in October, DevSpace, Your Weather, and Join Conference are three of nine projects that continue the momentum from the fall. As eclectic as they are in function and design, the philosophy of the Garage ties them together. Founded in 2009, the Garage acts as a hub for grassroots innovation at the company, connecting people and dissolving traditional boundaries of geographies, organizations and disciplines. This spirit has helped grow the Garage into a community of more than 10,000 Microsoft employees and interns in 36 Garage chapters around the world.

  Other business-related apps finding their way out of Microsoft Garage are SquadWatch, which makes it possible to track the location of other people, and Join Conference, a powerful conference calling tool.

  Grab any, or all, of the tools from Microsoft Garage.

  Photo credit: Andrew Lam / Shutterstock

  
• 

  New solution makes online payments simpler for small businesses

  Publié: février 25, 2015, 4:29pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  Being able to do business online is almost essential these days, but for smaller companies the mechanisms needed to accept payments can prove complex and expensive.

  Specialist in web client engagement software for small businesses vCita is making things simpler with the launch of its new, seamless online payment solution for service-based small businesses.

  According to MasterCard's 2014 Merchant Scope study, 90 percent of small businesses have an online presence, yet only 20 percent are leveraging their websites for product or service focused transactions.

  The vCita LiveSite Online Payment system eliminates these barriers by allowing small businesses to use web technology for a cost-effective and convenient online payment system that works on any internet-connected device. LiveSite Online Payments gives businesses a website-integrated, online payments solution where clients can easily pay with any credit card, at any hour, even from their mobile phone. This caters to the growing population of consumers in the US who prefer using their mobile device to pay bills.

  "We've created a solution that is easy to use and intuitive for small businesses to efficiently offer online credit card payment options to their clients," says itzik Levy, founder and chief executive officer of vCita. "For small businesses today, the ability to easily accept online payments in a secure and hassle-free manner is a huge advantage that can make or break a consumer's decision to continue the business relationship, and vCita is pleased to bridge this gap with these new capabilities".

  Features of LiveSite Online Payment include a Pay Now button that accepts credit card payments to be deposited straight to a bank or PayPal account. It has a customized payment form, where the business can request additional information about the customer as part of the payment process, plus a seamless user interface ensuring the client doesn’t have to leave the business' website to pay.

  There are also online payment options directly from Facebook, emails, and any other online presence. A self-service portal allows returning clients to be automatically recognized and view their account, inquire or pay their balance.

  For more information on the vCita online payment and other engagement options you can visit the company's website.

  Photo Credit:  Slavoljub Pantelic/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Technician's Toolbox is a portable troubleshooting toolkit

  Publié: février 25, 2015, 3:19pm CET par Mike Williams

  

  Utilities developer Tweaking.com has released Technician’s Toolbox and Technician’s Toolbox Portable, a free-for-personal-use suite of 20+ PC maintenance, monitoring and management tools.

  Networking features are a highlight, with a graphical netstat, in-depth details on your network adapters, traffic monitoring, DNS server management, an IP subnet calculator, network scanner and more.

  A substantial "Manage Windows Users and Groups" module covers everything from viewing individual user accounts, to managing users and groups, even providing a "Bulk Manage" tool to process all your chosen accounts at once.

  Other features are much more basic. You get viewers for running processes and Windows services, for instance, but although these have one or two extras (you’re able to delete a selected service) they’re otherwise barely up to the standards of the standard applets, and no match for the best-of-breed freeware.

  We weren’t impressed by the "system monitors", either. These aim to help you track CPU, hard drive, RAM and network usage, but they’re limited, with cluttered interfaces, and we’d much prefer to use either standard Windows tools or alternative freeware.

  There are also plus points. "Run as System Account" launches a program with system account privileges, potentially very useful when removing viruses. A "Quick List" can immediately launch Explorer, Regedit, Task Manager or the Services applet with system rights, and you can add your own tools to the list in a few seconds.

  Smaller, but still welcome tools are on hand to schedule chkdsk, move or rename locked files at the next boot, or set up your PC to shut down at (or after) a given time.

  Right-clicking in a few modules reveals even more functionality. Whether you’re browsing a summary of network activity or a list of running processes, for instance, you’re able to send some or all of that information to the clipboard, or save it as a txt, html, csv or asc report.

  Technician’s Toolbox (go for the Portable build) doesn’t get everything right by any means, but for the first release of a free (for personal use) product it’s not bad, and there’s more than enough here to be useful. Check it out.

  
• 

  Smart glasses, coming soon to an enterprise near you

  Publié: février 25, 2015, 3:14pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  Up to now smart glasses have been a bit of a gimmick, but they could soon be making a major impact in the enterprise market, allowing workers to communicate as they carry out tasks.

  Eyewear technology company Vuzix has announced a partnership to use its Vuzix M100 Smart Glasses for the EyeSight platform from wearable software specialist Pristine. Customers taking advantage of the combined Pristine and Vuzix platform will benefit from impressive video quality, strong integrations into safety goggles and a vertically adjustable camera, useful for surgery and hands-on repair tasks.

  "Pristine's EyeSight platform is a killer app for the exploding smart glasses market and enables users to collaborate in industries and locations never before imagined," says Dan Cui, Vice President of Business Development at Vuzix. "Having Pristine's solution optimized for our award-winning smart glasses will open new opportunities and deliver real value and ROI to customers around the world".

  EyeSight is a powerful video communication platform for wearables that allows colleagues to securely collaborate and solve problems hands-free. It uses cross-platform architecture built on open source technologies and hosted in the cloud. This means no on-site hardware is needed and users can get up and running quickly with zero capital investment. For healthcare organizations, EyeSight also fulfills strict requirements for HIPAA-compliance.

  This makes the software a good fit with Vuzix M100 Smart Glasses which are are the world's first commercially available hands-free display and wearable computer designed for enterprise users. The M100 contains a virtual display with an integrated camera and a powerful processing engine running Android. It can connect wirelessly using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi directly to most standard networks or to a smartphone.

  "Our customers are generating incredible ROI. What used to cost them $2,500 per day now costs next to nothing. Using Vuzix technologies, we are delivering an incredible telepresence solution for clients in life sciences, industrial equipment, field service and healthcare." says Kyle Samani, co-founder and CEO of Pristine.

  You can find more information about the M100 and enterprise smart glasses solutions on the Vuzix website.

  Image Credit: Vuzix

  
• 

  Seagate Wireless: Portable mobile storage that can stream media to up to three devices at once [Review]

  Publié: février 25, 2015, 1:06pm CET par Wayne Williams

  

  Unless you and your family are into just the one tech manufacturer -- Apple say -- the chances are you will have various devices running different operating systems. In my home, for example, there are three Windows PCs, two Android phones, two Android tablets, an iPad and an iPhone. All of which have media -- photos, videos, music -- stored on them.

  There are various ways to make all of this content accessible across the different devices, but Seagate Wireless from Ebuyer is a simple, yet powerful solution. It’s a portable, battery powered 500GB drive with a built-in wireless network that can stream content to up to three smartphones, tablets and laptops simultaneously.

  Dimensions wise it’s 125.36mm x 125.36mm x 24.5mm and sits nicely in the palm of your hand. It weighs just 281 grams.

  Setting up the Seagate Wireless is very straightforward -- you press the on switch and then wait for 60 seconds while the built-in Wi-Fi network initializes, during which time you can download the free apps you require for your mobile devices. There are apps for iOS, Android (Google Play and Amazon) and Windows. Then you just connect your device(s) to the Seagate Wireless network and access the content stored on the drive, or copy over new media or documents. You can connect a PC to the drive in the same way. It’s so easy there’s no manual included, just a Quick Start leaflet. Should you require more in-depth literature, there’s a PDF manual you can download from here.

  If you have a lot of files you want to copy to or from the drive you can connect it to your PC via USB 2.0 (turn it off first). You use the same method to charge the device. Fully charged the non-replaceable lithium-ion battery will give you around 6 hours active use. The app will show you the current charge remaining.

  You don’t need to disconnect from Seagate Wireless’s network and reconnect to your own Wi-Fi in order to access the internet -- just connect the device to your network, and you can view content stored on the drive and go online at the same time.

  You can browse Media Libraries (Videos, Photos, Music, Documents, and Recent) or Folders in the app. Content can be sorted by title, date, size and type, and filtered using the options at the top. Select Photos, for example, and you can view them by Albums, Day Taken, or Slideshows. Videos can be sorted by Albums, Genres, or Years. If you’re looking for a particular file you can search for it by name.

  Media can be played, downloaded, saved to the device, deleted, shared, and so on.

  The native player on iOS can handle common media formats, but if a file is unrecognized you’ll be prompted to choose a different app to use. The device can stream content to Chromecast, Roku and LG Smart TVs, which is useful. I’ve found it great for viewing holiday photos and videos on the big screen via Chromecast.

  The Settings screen lets you shut down and restart Seagate Wireless, reset to factory defaults, rebuild the database, and turn the Wi-Fi password on or off. You can also enable auto upload so all of the photos and videos from your mobile phones or tablets are automatically backed up to the drive.

  I’ve been using the Seagate Wireless quite a lot since it arrived and have found it useful for all sorts of purposes, including viewing photos in the car, and entertaining my young daughter with a movie on a long flight. 500GB might not seem like a lot of storage in these days of multi-terabyte drives, but (according to Seagate) it’s enough to hold over 150 HD movies, 62,500 songs or 50,000 photos, and of course it’s intended as a streaming device rather than a backup drive.

  If you want a simple way for the whole family (well up to three members at least) to access content like home videos, photos, documents, and even blockbuster movies at the same time, Seagate Wireless is an excellent choice. I’d definitely recommend it.

  It is available in Green, Blue, Red, White, and Black and costs £107 from Ebuyer with free delivery.

  
• 

  Data classification is the key to protecting information

  Publié: février 25, 2015, 12:27pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  Although organizations are increasingly concerned about data protection many of them don’t have the appropriate tools in place to secure their information.

  According to a new report from data loss prevention specialists Boldon James compiled by Bloor Research, although over half of organizations see data security as a major concern 47 percent say they don't have a data classification tool.

  The report is based on a survey of 200 organizations in the UK and US. It finds that even where classification policies are in place 64 percent of respondents that have a critical or serious concern over data security admit that their policy is not being adequately enforced. This is partly because of a lack of knowledge.

  Martin Sugden, MD of Boldon James says, "Enterprises need to understand what information they have and where it is held in order to know what level of security to apply". Security strategy also needs to take account of new technologies like mobile. Over a third of respondents stated mobile security to be of serious concern, particularly as mobile devices are easy to lose or have stolen.

  Unsurprisingly financial services companies report the most concerns over data security, with almost all respondents from this sector saying that it is serious or critical. However, they're also most likely to have policies and classification tools in place. Manufacturing firms lag behind, most seeing data security as a low concern with only 27.5 percent rating it as serious or critical. They also lag in implementing data classification policies, with a quarter stating that they do not have one in place and just 41 percent using a technology tool for enforcing data classification.

  But securing data based on classification needs a combination of technology and understanding and Sugden believes understanding is more important, "If users add labels themselves they have more trust in what they mean. They're therefore less likely to leave confidential documents lying around or read them on the train".

  Boldon James' solution allows labels to be used to filter documents so that they can be kept within an organization or prevented from being sent to mobile devices or specific domains like Gmail. You can read more on the company's website.

  Image Credit: megainarmy/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Pebble Time can make it without Kickstarter, but why bother?

  Publié: février 25, 2015, 12:25pm CET par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Pebble launched its first smartwatch through Kickstarter, raising more than $10 million from nearly 70,000 backers. It's one of the most successful campaigns to ever be hosted on the crowdsourcing site. Some might say that it's time for Pebble to move on to the next level.

  However, earlier this week Pebble used Kickstarter once again to launch its latest smartwatch, called Pebble Time. The company's second crowdsourcing campaign is a huge hit, days after its start, surpassing its initial goal of just $500,000 by nearly $8 million at the time of writing this article, with 30 more days to go before the grand finale.

  Nearly 40,000 backers have contributed to the Pebble Time campaign, handing over $8.3 million to get their hands on the smartwatch. With so many folks wanting to get Pebble Time, it was only a matter of time before the $159 pledge -- which gets the first 10,000 backers Pebble Time at the lowest price, in any of the available three color trims -- would be off the table.

  Heck, now there are just over 5,200 spots left -- out of 30,000 -- in the $179 pledge before that goal is met. There are backers -- nearly 3,800 -- who opted for the costlier $338 pledge to get two Pebble Time smartwatches at a lower-than-retail cost. (There's also a $5,000 pledge available, which gets backers 10 Pebble Time smartwatches in each color, but just over 70 have used it so far.)

  When it goes on sale, the device will be available for $199, so there are some significant savings to be made here. The smartwatch packs a color display, a first for a Pebble, has a microphone for voice control, week-long battery life, and is compatible with -- Pebble says -- 7,500 existing apps. The price, combined with the strong feature set that is characteristic of Pebble smartwatches, make Pebble Time one of the easiest sales in the smartwatch market right now.

  This begs the question: "Why is Pebble even bothering with Kickstarter to bring Pebble Time to market?" It is not like the smartwatch needs all the help it can get to make it. Its predecessors have done just fine alongside a competition which has offered color displays, more features, sometimes better integration with certain devices. Also, the upcoming and unproven Apple Watch, which might not even get a day of battery life if current reports are to be trusted, is in a totally different price league, costing at least 75 percent more.

  One likely reason why Pebble is leveraging Kickstarter with Pebble Time is for the publicity that comes from having a hugely successful crowdsourcing campaign, which in its case is virtually a given, and, at the same time, to make it easy for prospective buyers to pre-order -- and pay for -- the smartwatch. Whatever the reason, Pebble's strategy is working great. By the end of the campaign, I wouldn't be surprised to see the company raising well over $20 million. So why bother changing the recipe?

  
• 

  Reddit imposes ban on non-consensual sexual content

  Publié: février 25, 2015, 11:25am CET par Mark Wilson

  

  If you want to post naked pictures or videos of people on Reddit without their consent, you only have a couple of weeks to do so. As of March, the site is imposing a ban on content of an explicit nature that the subject has not given permission to be posted.

  The cleanup of the site comes hot on the heels of news from Google that explicit content will be banned from Blogger. It also comes in the wake of last year’s Fappening which saw a glut of naked celebrity photos leaked online.

  When the images appeared on Reddit, the site was criticized for failing to take action quickly enough. This is something that the announcement acknowledges, saying: "we missed a chance to be a leader in social media when it comes to protecting your privacy -- something we’ve cared deeply about since reddit’s inception. At our recent all hands company meeting, this was something that we all, as a company, decided we needed to address".

  In a post on Reddit, the team behind the site introduced the new privacy policy:

  No matter who you are, if a photograph, video, or digital image of you in a state of nudity, sexual excitement, or engaged in any act of sexual conduct, is posted or linked to on reddit without your permission, it is prohibited on reddit. We also recognize that violent personalized images are a form of harassment that we do not tolerate and we will remove them when notified. As usual, the revised Privacy Policy will go into effect in two weeks, on March 10, 2015.

  Reddit has quite a task on its hands if it is to keep on top of the mass of content that is uploaded each day. Anyone spotting offending content is invited to contact the site via email at contact@reddit.com -- although Reddit is calling for the subjects of pictures and videos to get in touch, not just for people to report content they suspect may be breaching the rules:

  If you believe that someone has submitted, without your permission, to reddit a link to a photograph, video, or digital image of you in a state of nudity or engaged in any act of sexual conduct, please contact us.

  
• 

  Gemalto confirms hack on network, but says it didn't result in massive theft of SIM card keys

  Publié: février 25, 2015, 11:21am CET par Manish Singh

  

  Gemalto, the world’s largest producer of SIM cards which reportedly had its encryption keys stolen by the NSA and GCHQ spying agencies, announced today that its network was hacked, but it didn’t result in massive theft of keys used to encrypt conversations, messages and data traffic, a conclusion it reached after a thorough investigation.

  The Netherlands-based SIM manufacturer says that it noted sophisticated attacks on its networks between 2010 and 2011 that appear to have been carried out by the aforementioned intelligence agencies. But the company notes that the agencies couldn’t get in far enough to get access to SIM encryption keys.

  "Investigation into the intrusion methods described in the document and the sophisticated attacks that Gemalto detected in 2010 and 2011 give us reasonable grounds to believe that an operation by NSA and GCHQ probably happened", the company writes in a blog post. "While the intrusions described above were serious, sophisticated attacks, nothing was detected in other parts of our network".

  "No breaches were found in the infrastructure running our SIM activity or in other parts of the secure network which manage our other products such as banking cards, ID cards or electronic passports. Each of these networks is isolated from one another and they are not connected to external networks," the company adds. Therefore the hack attacks "could not have resulted in a massive theft of SIM encryption keys", the company concludes.

  Gemalto further notes that even if spooks had managed to get deeper access to the encryption keys, it would not have affected people on 3G and 4G networks as these networks are not vulnerable to these type of attacks. People on the 2G network could have been affected, however. But Gemalto claims that most people have already switched to faster networks.

  Last week Intercept reported that the United States' NSA and Great Britain's GCHQ had hacked Gemalto's network and stolen the encryption keys to SIM cards. This allowed them to directly eavesdrop into a user’s mobile handset and access data without the need to get permission for wiretapping, the report added.

  Gemalto has a vast presence and usage across the world. The company has a partnership with more than 450 mobile operators operating in 80 nations and it produces more than 2 billion SIM cards every year. Your smartphone and tablet are likely carrying a SIM card produced by it.

  Would you trust a company which denied any prior knowledge of the attack just a week ago -- and said that it hadn’t observed any suspicious activity over the years -- that then announces today that not only did it note that it was hacked, but its products are secure? What’s your thought on this? Share them with us in the comments below.

  Photo Credit: NorGal/Shutterstock

  
• 

  CCleaner 5.03 improves support for Windows 10, enhances Chrome cleaning

  Publié: février 25, 2015, 8:58am CET par Mike Williams

  

  Piriform Ltd has today released CCleaner 5.03 and CCleaner Portable 5.03, the latest revisions of its popular Windows maintenance tool.

  The build brings new support for cleaning Google Chrome IndexedDB, a technology which websites can use to persistently store data within a visitor’s browser.

  The release also features improved Windows 10 (build 9926) compatibility, and offers enhanced Firefox and Google Chrome session cleaning.

  Low-level tweaks range from better Unicode support in the Startup tool to improved keyboard navigation, and of course there’s the usual scattering of minor bug fixes and GUI adjustments.

  CCleaner 5.03 and CCleaner Portable 5.03 are available now as freeware downloads for PCs running Windows XP or later.

  
• 

  WatchESPN hits Roku, more channels on the way

  Publié: février 25, 2015, 7:08am CET par Alan Buckingham

  

  Sports is the great pain of the cord-cutter -- networks force set-top box providers to verify a cable or satellite account to log into their channels, at least in many cases. The latest addition to Roku changes that somewhat, though not enough to satisfy most customers.

  The manufacturer is introducing WatchESPN as a new channel on its product. You'll get everything -- right after you verify your subscription. Otherwise, you'll have access to news clips. Not terrible, and certainly better than nothing, but also not what we want to hear.

  Roku spells it out pretty directly -- "WatchESPN on Roku TV provides a one-stop destination for sports fans with live access to ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN3, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, Longhorn Network, SEC Network and much more for customers who receive ESPN’s networks as part of their subscription from an affiliated provider. Those without a cable subscription can access the latest news clips".

  Roku also promises more on the way thanks to a new deal with Disney. Customers will soon have access to WATCH Disney Channel, WATCH Disney Junior and WATCH Disney XD.

  You can head to the Roku store now and get started. Let us know what you think -- more importantly let Roku and ESPN know. Let's get rid of these restrictions if we can.

  
• 

  Google's Pwnium V to last forever and offer unlimited money rewards -- get rich, y'all!

  Publié: février 25, 2015, 2:52am CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  Paying developers and users for discovering security vulnerabilities has become rather commonplace. You know what? Good. Why shouldn't the "average Joe" have the opportunity to earn some cheddar in exchange for making software more secure? It's a win / win proposition.

  Every year, Google announces the annual Pwnium event, in which people have one day to show off a Chrome browser or Chrome OS exploit and get money. The problem? Limiting this activity to one day per year limits the opportunity. In other words, why not pay people all year long for discovering exploits? Well, Google is doing exactly that; Pwnium V will last forever and offer unlimited money rewards. Ready to get rich?

  "Around this time each year we announce the rules, details and maximum cash amounts we’re putting up for our Pwnium competition. For the last few years we put a huge pile of cash on the table (last year it was e million) and gave researchers one day during CanSecWest to present their exploits. We’ve received some great entries over the years, but it’s time for something bigger", says Tim Willis, Hacker Philanthropist, Chrome Security Team.

  Willis further explains, "starting today, Pwnium will change its scope significantly, from a single-day competition held once a year at a security conference to a year round, worldwide opportunity for security researchers. For those who are interested in what this means for the Pwnium rewards pool, we crunched the numbers and the results are in: it now goes all the way up to $∞ million".

  Hah! Infinity million is rather funny, but Willlis explains that the Google legal team's collective heads were going to explode because of it. As a result, he shares the below disclaimer.

  Our lawyercats wouldn’t let me say “never-ending” or “infinity million” without adding that “this is an experimental and discretionary rewards program and Google may cancel or modify the program at any time”. Check out the reward eligibility requirements on the Chrome VRP page.

  So, why is Google making this change? The search-giant shares three specific reasons.

  • Removing barriers to entry: At Pwnium competitions, a security researcher would need to have a bug chain in March, pre-register, have a physical presence at the competition location and hopefully get a good timeslot. Under the new scheme, security researchers can submit their bugs year-round through the Chrome Vulnerability Reward Program (VRP) whenever they find them.
  • Removing the incentive for bug hoarding: If a security researcher was to discover a Pwnium-quality bug chain today, it's highly likely that they would wait until the contest to report it to get a cash reward. This is a bad scenario for all parties. It’s bad for us because the bug doesn’t get fixed immediately and our users are left at risk. It’s bad for them as they run the real risk of a bug collision. By allowing security researchers to submit bugs all year-round, collisions are significantly less likely and security researchers aren’t duplicating their efforts on the same bugs.
  • Our researchers want this: On top of all of these reasons, we asked our handful of participants if they wanted an option to report all year. They did, so we’re delivering.

  If you are talented enough, you can earn some serious money from Pwnium V. The highest payout for a single exploit is $50,000, but to earn that Google says you must "compromise a Chromebook or Chromebox with device persistence in guest mode".

  Will you try and get paid for finding Chrome-based exploits? Tell me in the comments.

  Photo Credit: Pavel L Photo and Video / Shutterstock

   

  
• 

  Tails reaches 1.3 -- the Linux distro that Edward Snowden used gets major update

  Publié: février 25, 2015, 1:08am CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  If you have nothing to hide, you shouldn't care if the government spies on you, right? Wrong. No stupider words can ever be spoken. Your privacy should be very valuable to you, even if you only do squeaky-clean things. If someone was to snoop on my computer, they wouldn't find much; some family photos, a few games and other nonsense. Guess what? It is my nonsense, and I'll do whatever it takes to secure it.

  If you want to cover your tracks, however, the best way is to use a CD or DVD-based operating system, as there is no hard drive access -- everything is run from the read-only medium. To be sure, you can physically remove the hard drive from your machine. A flash drive or SD Card can be used too, but they are less secure as both can be written to. Edward Snowden took this approach when he wanted to hide from the NSA. His OS of choice? The Linux-based Tails. Today, it hits version 1.3 and many security issues have been fixed.

  "Tails is configured with special care to not use the computer's hard-disks, even if there is some swap space on them. The only storage space used by Tails is the RAM, which is automatically erased when the computer shuts down. So you won't leave any trace neither of the Tails system nor of what you did on the computer", says the developers.

  The devs further explain, "Tails, The Amnesic Incognito Live System, version 1.3, is out. This release fixes numerous security issues and all users must upgrade as soon as possible". This update is major, as many fixes have been implemented.

  You can see a list of the now-patched security issues below.

  • Tor Browser and its bundled NSS: Mozilla Foundation Security Advisory 2015-11, Mozilla Foundation Security Advisory 2015-12, Mozilla Foundation Security Advisory 2015-16
  • xdg-utils: Debian Security Advisory 3131, Debian Security Advisory 3165
  • jasper: Debian Security Advisory 3138
  • eglibc: Debian Security Advisory 3142, Debian Security Advisory 3169
  • openjdk-7: Debian Security Advisory 3144
  • unzip: Debian Security Advisory 3152
  • krb5: Debian Security Advisory 3153
  • ruby1.9.1: Debian Security Advisory 3157
  • xorg-server: Debian Security Advisory 3160
  • dbus: Debian Security Advisory 3161
  • bind9: Debian Security Advisory 3162
  • libreoffice: Debian Security Advisory 3163
  • e2fsprogs: Debian Security Advisory 3166
  • sudo: Debian Security Advisory 3167

  The following are the new features that have been added:

  • Electrum is an easy to use bitcoin wallet. You can use the Bitcoin Client persistence feature to store your Electrum configuration and wallet.
  • The Tor Browser has additional operating system and data security. This security restricts reads and writes to a limited number of folders.
  • The obfs4 pluggable transport is now available to connect to Tor bridges. Pluggable transports transform the Tor traffic between the client and the bridge to help disguise Tor traffic from censors.
  • Keyringer lets you manage and share secrets using OpenPGP and Git from the command line.

  So, do you need to throw your hard drive in a lake and switch to Tails? Probably not. Your current operating system and HDD/SSD should be fine, as long as you stay on top of security updates and follow smart computing practices. With that said, if you have any need to be extra-secure -- and only you can quantify that level of need -- it is nice that something like Tails exists.

  Forget about Snowden, the NSA and the USA Government for a moment. This can be a great tool for someone living under the threat of an oppressive regime, such as North Korea or Iran. In some places, simply going to certain website or viewing certain content can get you jailed or worse. In other words, Tails may be someone's window to the world and a way to escape oppression.

  To give it a try, you can download it here.

  Photo Credit: Kjpargeter / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Microsoft removing Google and Facebook Chat from Outlook.com -- suggests Skype

  Publié: février 25, 2015, 12:54am CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  Communication is huge money. We take it for granted, as there is quite the glut of available chat solutions online. By controlling communication, you can track and control a user's behavior. A good example is Hangouts. Google makes an app that can run on Windows, but it requires the Chrome browser. As a result, Hangouts users may choose Chrome over other browsers. A consumer in the market for a smartphone may skip Windows Phone, as Google doesn't support the platform. Don't get me started on Apple; Facetime keeps users locked into Mac and iOS too.

  Today, Microsoft announces in an email to users that both Google and Facebook Chat support is being removed from Outlook.com. Google Chat is not a surprise, as the search-giant is sun-setting that service in favor of the more restrictive Hangouts; Microsoft does not have a choice. Facebook Chat, however, is a shock.

  "Within the next couple of weeks, we will be discontinuing support for Facebook Chat in Outlook.com. And due to Google's decision to discontinue the chat protocol used by the Google Talk platform, we can no longer provide Google Chat in Outlook.com. We understand that this may disappoint some of our customers, but we hope that you’ll try Skype for Outlook.com chat, and voice and video calling, so you can take advantage of the more robust ways to keep in touch with friends and family", says Microsoft.

  The company further explains, "this update will not impact the connection to your Facebook and/or Google accounts, which means your People page will stay updated with the latest contact information from the services you've connected. We're confident that Skype for Outlook.com provides the best experience for chatting and making voice or video calls, right from your inbox, when the conversation warrants richer communication than an email exchange".

  Microsoft is instructing its users to switch to Skype; something I recommend as well. Why? It is available on all platforms, including Windows, OS X, iOS, Android, Windows Phone and Linux distributions. Microsoft's solution is the most open from a cross-platform perspective. In other words, Skype is not being used to lock you anywhere, as Google and Apple seem intent on. The question is, who decided to cut Facebook Chat support, Microsoft or the social network? BetaNews has reached out to Microsoft for clarification.

  

  If you aren't already a Skype user, Microsoft offers the below instructions.

  1. Activate Skype for Outlook.com by clicking on the Messaging icon in your inbox header.
  2. Click on the Skype icon to join or sign in. Link your Outlook.com email with a Skype ID if you already have one, or use your Outlook.com address to create a new one.
  3. Navigate to the People page, and add existing contacts as Skype contacts, or add new contacts. You're ready to start chatting.
  4. To make free Skype to Skype video and voice calls right from your inbox, simply download the plugin.

  Will you switch to Skype? Tell me in the comments.

  [UPDATE] I asked Microsoft whose decision it was to remove Facebook Chat. A Microsoft spokesperson replied with the following.

  Most Outlook.com customers already prefer to use Skype when they are chatting and we see this as a great option for anyone impacted by Google’s decision to shut down Google Talk & associated APIs, or the recent deprecation of Facebook Chat for Outlook.com. With Skype for Outlook.com, you can easily connect with your Skype friends right from your inbox, so you can go straight from email to chat, or a voice and video call

  This did not answer my question, so I asked them again. A Microsoft spokesperson replied with the following.

  Thank you for clarifying, but we have nothing more to share at this time regarding who made the decision.

  Photo Credit: Chekman / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Google unveils a redesign after 1,000 Chrome Experiments

  Publié: février 25, 2015, 12:03am CET par Mark Wilson

  

  Chrome Experiments is now entering its sixth year and is home to hundreds of coding experiments that help to make the Internet a more fun and enjoyable place. Ten hundred in fact. To celebrate reaching the milestone of 1,000 experiments, Google is not only launching a new experiment that shows off all of the rest, but also rolling out a redesign.

  The redesign is about more than just a new look, it's also about emphasizing the fact that Google wants to be part of every platform available. It's a Polymer-based redesign that works equally well on large-screen-desktops and small-displayed mobiles and is Google's new way to showcase the best in HTML5 and JavaScript.

  As part of the celebrations -- if the word is warranted -- Experiment #1000 provides a way to look at every other experiment that is featured on the website. Chrome Experiments has come a long way since its launch back in 2009 when there were just 19 experiments to play with. Now there is a real-time code editor as well as a timeline with selectable tags -- it has been quite a journey.

  Picking out some highlights, Valdean Klump from the Data Arts Team said:

  Looking back at the old experiments this month has been a joy. Highlights include Mr.doob's classic Ball Pool (one of the original 19 experiments), the first WebGL experiment by Gregg Tavares (try 4,000 fish – this used to be very slow!), and Dinahmoe’s multiplayer audio toy Plink, which combines the Web Audio API with Node.js. At Google I/O in 2012, we released the first mobile experiments, including AlteredQualia’s Multitouch Toy and Dominic Szablewski’s X-Type. And each year afterward, new web technologies appeared, like getUserMedia and the Web Speech API. It's been a wonderful journey.

  Originally dreamt up to be a source of inspiration for coders, Chrome Experiments continues to go from strength to strength. If you're yet to check it out, what are you waiting for? Get yourself over to ChromeExperiments.com this instant!

  
• 

  2015 is year of the Chromebook

  Publié: février 24, 2015, 8:03pm CET par Joe Wilcox

  

  Last year, I disputed ridiculous assertions, based on widely misquoted NPD data, that 2014 would be "year of the Chromebook". It wasn't. But that designation does belong to 2015—at least in the United States. Measures: Number of new models; adoption by K-12 schools; and overall sales, which are surprisingly strong. Read carefully the next paragraph.

  Through U.S. commercial channels and retail, Chromebooks accounted for 14 percent of laptop sales last year, according to NPD, which released data at my request. That's up from 8 percent in 2013. Commercial channels, largely to educational institutions, accounted for about two-thirds of 2014 Chromebook sold. Year over year, sales soared by 85 percent, and the trajectory continues to climb.

  Soaring Sales

  Apple apologists will scoff at the numbers, citing Macs' stronger margins because of higher selling prices. But greater cost is exactly the point, anchoring one of Chromebook's major benefits. You can get a laptop that meets most, if not all your needs, for a fraction of a new Mac while offering similar benefits.

  My top recommended model right now is Toshiba Chromebook 2. Performance doesn't match Chrome OS models packing Intel Core "i" processors, but the overall benefits are superior when considering the bright, beautiful HD IPS screen. Chromebook 2 retail price is $329.99. For $1,299, you could buy the entry-level MacBook Pro with Retina Display, or for $20 more four of the Toshibas. Do the math, if a small business or school on a tight budget.

  Having used both laptops, I attest that broad benefits are closer than you might think. The Chromebook category's shortcoming isn't cloud connected dependence but crappy TN screens. They're too dim and viewing angles suck. But not the Toshiba, which as measured in nits is brighter than MacBook Pro, which screen likewise diagonally measures 13.3 inches.

  Other manufacturers focus on specific market benefits, like new Acer and Dell Chromebooks, which enclosures are toughened specifically for educational use. Apple's one-size-fits-all doesn't. Companies like Acer and Dell wisely differentiate, and they will continue sucking sales from one of the Mac's core markets. Recent, as in 2015, examples of K-12 Chromebook adoption:

  • Botetourt County High School
  • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
  • Eugene Tighe School
  • H.C. Crittenden Middle School
  • Windham Elementary School

  Not that Apple seems to care. If you closely examine the marketing strategy under CEO Tim Cook's leadership, sales focus is increasingly the 1 percent of buyers—those people who can pay more. That's not a criticism. "Premium" is a word Apple clearly wants associated with its brand. Let the people who can pay more and want the bitten logo have it. The driver choosing a BMW sports car isn't the same as the  minivan buyer with a couple of kids—and they don't have to be, contrary to the prognostications of fanboys for whom reason is a lost cause.

  Priming Pixel

  Google sells the only premium-priced Chromebook, the Pixel, which is primed for imminent upgrade. That's the buzz based on OMG! Chrome!'s juicy find in a now redacted (e.g., made private) Google YouTube video. Two models are currently available, for $1,299 and $1,449.

  Neither Pixel, old or new, is for the masses. Think developers and other creatives. In my February 2013 review, I asserted that:

  If only Googlers, developers, and a handful of others buy Chromebook Pixel, it can be called a success. Because most people won’t spend that much money anyway. That’s the point I keep coming to in my evaluation. What Google presents is a great computer for people who are willing to spend 1,300 or 1,500 bucks—and who might otherwise choose an Apple.

  As a full-time Chromebook Pixel user, my interest is longer battery life and WiFi AC. Performance and ergonomics of the existing models already are excellent. I would be shocked if the price comes down much, if at all. Wanna guess what developers will get at I/O this year—like they did in 2013?

  Google's decision to update Pixel demonstrates great commitment to the category and spotlights how strong is Chromebook's sales momentum. Google's marketing tagline for the category is “For everyone”. Pixel is not, for the price. But without the laptop, there is no "For everyone", because Toshiba Chromebook 2 and other models in the price range or costing less can't satisfy many developers, creatives, or the 1 percent willing to spend Mac pricing but wanting the Chromie lifestyle.

  As I look at the number of new Chromebook models coming to market, endless reports about K-12 schools buying the laptops, and the category's rising percentage of U.S. laptop sales, success is the descriptor. Acer and Samsung released the first commercially available Chromebooks in Spring 2011. Four years later, all major OEMs sell Chrome OS laptops, which, to repeat, have 14 percent U.S. commercial channel and retail sales share. Time is right to call 2015 what 2014 aspired to be: Year of the Chromebook.

  Photo Credit: Joe Wilcox

  
• 

  Microsoft releases OneDrive API for cross-platform cloud storage development

  Publié: février 24, 2015, 7:51pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  Today Microsoft launches a new OneDrive API, opening up its cloud storage service to a wider range of developers. The API can be used to integrate OneDrive into apps running on Android, Windows, iOS and the web, and there is a focus on efficiency with minimal calls needed to keep files in sync.

  The API has already started to roll out to a number of Microsoft apps, and the company is keen to ensure that all developers have access to the same set of tools. There are a number of new features to be found in the API which can be easily added to existing apps and services.

  Ryan Gregg, Principal Program Manager for OneDrive said that it takes just a few lines of code to set up basic integration with the Android Picker/Saver SDK and our iOS DocumentPicker contract support. He went on to say:

  We are looking forward to working with developers to increase the number of places where users can do more with the files they have stored in OneDrive.

  Other features include:

  • the ability to retrieve new changes to files and folders to efficiently keep a large set of files in sync with minimal calls
  • resumable uploads of files up to 10 GB via file-fragment uploading for working with rich content, like HD videos
  • customizable file thumbnail images for delivering a more integrated experience across your app and OneDrive

  Developers can browse through the OneDrive API documentation and grab code samples from a dedicated website. The API is already in use by PandaDoc, IFTTT and PicMonkey. A raft of updates are planned for the year ahead, and developers are invited to provide feedback through UserVoice.

  
• 

  Vulnerable mobile apps are not being patched -- millions of people at risk

  Publié: février 24, 2015, 6:49pm CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  Vulnerabilities in software are a fact of life; only a fool would say any code or method is perfect. The moment you fall into that trap of dangerous thinking, you have let your guard down.

  So while vulnerabilities will happen, and must be accepted, how the developer responds to the flaw is the true test and measure of its security. In other words, if a vulnerability should always be expected, so too should a prompt patch to fix it. Sadly, McAfee Labs finds in a new study that this is not the case. Many insecure and vulnerable apps are found to not be patched, months after the flaw-discovery. Yes, months.

  "In January, McAfee Labs tested the 25 most popular apps on CERT's list of vulnerable mobile apps that send login credentials through insecure connections and found that 18 still have not been patched despite public disclosure, vendor notification, and, in some cases, multiple version updates addressing concerns other than security. McAfee Labs researchers simulated man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks that successfully intercepted information shared during supposedly secure SSL sessions. The vulnerable data included usernames and passwords and in some instances, login credentials from social networks and other third party services", says McAfee Labs.

  The Intel-owned company further explains, "although there is no evidence that these mobile apps have been exploited, the cumulative number of downloads for these apps ranges into the hundreds of millions. Given these numbers, McAfee Labs’ findings suggest that the choice by mobile app developers to not patch the SSL vulnerabilities has potentially put millions of users at risk of becoming targets of MITM attacks".

  The shocking thing is that these apps are not abandoned; they are popular and being regularly updated by the developer for other things, while the security flaws are being ignored. This shows a priority being put on features, rather than safety. Sadly, the users of the apps probably have no idea.

  McAfee Labs has not revealed the names of these apps, and rightfully so; it doesn't make sense to bring the apps to the attention of people with malicious intent.

  With that said, McAfee explains further, "the most downloaded vulnerable app in this group is a mobile photo editor with between 100 million and 500 million downloads. The app allows users to share photos on several social networks and cloud services. In late January, McAfee Labs tested the most current version of the app downloaded from Google Play using CERT Tapioca; we were able to intercept the app's username and password credentials entered to log into the cloud service to share and publish photos".

  

  Yikes. McAfee Labs has been able to intercept login credentials for Facebook, Microsoft OneDrive, and more. The worst part is, these are apparently very popular and seemingly-reputable releases, so recommending the avoidance of "shady" apps does not help to protect here.

  You can read more of the scary details in the report found here.

  Photo Credit: faysal / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Ekko integrates communications across popular online services

  Publié: février 24, 2015, 4:38pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  It's rare these days to rely on just one service -- you find yourself using Facebook, Twitter, Gmail and more which means information and messages are coming at you from many different angles.

  This can lead to information overload as well as security worries. With its new secure platform San Francisco-based Ekko is launching a way to streamline all of your communications and protect your privacy.

  "Messaging has become fragmented across multiple apps and services. We created Ekko to simplify the way we communicate, and provide everyone with a way to keep messages private and secure," says Rick Peters, President and CEO of Ekko. "Ekko also offers new and unique messaging features, including comprehensive search, multi-modal messaging, and context-sensitive functions that we feel should be part of any messaging app. We’re confident that Ekko is the next generation of messaging -- private, secure, powerful, and right at your fingertips".

  Available for iOS or as a web app, Ekko supports Facebook, Twitter, Gmail, iCloud, Exchange, Outlook, Yahoo, AOL, POP3, and IMAP accounts, with others in the pipeline. It uses a subscription-based model that allows you to link unlimited accounts and use channels to tune, filter, and search your messages in any way you want. Built-in, user-friendly features protect your data and support private and secure messaging. Crucially, Ekko doesn't track you or your data, nor does it scan your messages, or profile you in any way.

  It allows users to apply easy-to-use security controls to any type of message, using any linked account. They can also password protect any message, redact it, or set it to delete on read -- after a predefined time or after a defined number of unique views. It lets you search simultaneously across all of your accounts ensuring you never lose track of anything important.

  "A recent Pew Research Center poll revealed that 91 percent of adults surveyed felt consumers have lost control over how personal information is collected and used by companies. Clearly we, and many of you, are tired of trading away our privacy and being profiled in exchange for 'free' services and apps," says Peters. "That's why messages sent through Ekko will always be kept private, and personal data will always be protected".

  Ekko charges a subscription of $5 per month (or $50 per year) but new users can try it out for $1 for the first month. You can download it from the Apple App Store or sign up via the company's site.

  
• 

  Firefox 36 arrives, allows pinned tabs to be synced, implements full HTTP/2 protocol support

  Publié: février 24, 2015, 4:37pm CET par Nick Peers

  

  Mozilla has released Firefox 36.0 FINAL for desktop, with Firefox for Android 36.0 due to follow in the coming days.

  Version 36 implements one visible new feature: when users pin tiles on the New Tab page, those pins will be synced to other platforms using the Firefox Sync feature. Those using the Android version on tablets will also gain a new, tab-optimized user interface to work with when the app is updated over the coming days.

  Another new feature -- more notable, but less visible -- sees Firefox 36 implement support for the full HTTP/2 protocol, which promises a faster, better scalable and more responsive web. As the name implies, it’s the second major version of the HTTP network protocol used to serve pages over the web, and is designed to eventually replace the current protocol (HTTP 1.1), which has been in existence since 1999.

  Firefox 36 FINAL also sees a number of security tweaks. The –remote command line switch has been removed, while the program has started phasing out support for root certificates with 1024-bit RSA keys. This move forces websites to implement 2048-bit keys or better in order to be signed as trusted.

  Two other notable changes include the program invoking the crash reporter to inform the user of a crash during shutdown, as well as a number of updates that may adversely affect add-on compatibility.

  The update also widens support for HTML5 elements and provides a number of minor developer tweaks. Among fixed issues includes one that saw users unexpectedly logged out from Facebook or Google after restarting Firefox.

  Firefox for Android 36.0 is also slated for release shortly -- in addition to sharing all the changes found in the desktop version, the mobile release implements a new user interface for tablets, optimised to make tabs as easy to manage on tablet as they are on desktop.

  Firefox 36.0 FINAL for Windows, Mac and Linux is available now as a free, open-source download. Firefox 36.0 FINAL for Android should be available shortly.

  
• 

  Can IT rise above the data deluge?

  Publié: février 24, 2015, 4:32pm CET par Jeff Klaus

  

  Data center teams face one crisis after another, but at least one has remained constant over recent years. The tidal wave of data, especially related to the Internet of Things (IoT) and big data, continues to grow at phenomenal rates, threatening to overwhelm operations for many enterprises. IT teams are struggling to keep their heads above this deluge of digital information, scale storage and processing resources to handle the data, and simultaneously provide the ubiquitous connectivity required for today's Internet of Things.

  Fortunately, data center equipment providers have been evolving the data center foundations. IT and facilities teams have the life vests and rafts that they need, if they know how to use them.

  Data Survival Tactics

  Ironically, gathering more data can help data center teams avoid drowning in data. A new class of management consoles can provide IT with a holistic view of data center resources. The leading consoles take advantage of middleware that taps into real-time equipment status parameters. The IT teams gain intuitive views (real-time maps) of the power consumption and temperatures for every server, rack, row, or room full of data center equipment. The monitored data can also be logged for trend analysis and capacity planning.

  Monitoring and extracting insights about energy patterns in the data center can yield significant cost savings. Instead of provisioning servers based on worst-case manufacturers' power supply ratings, IT can calculate the number of servers per rack based on actual power consumption in their own environment. Many data center teams use this approach to gain significant increases in capacity, thereby avoiding unnecessary rack purchases and minimizing floor space.

  The same monitoring consoles can be used to spot "ghost" or idle servers, and help avoid wasted energy associated with under-utilized assets. Putting idle servers into power-conserving sleep mode or redistributing workloads can trim 15 to 20 percent from the data center utility bill.

  Taking Control

  Besides reacting to monitored conditions, a holistic approach to energy management can put IT and facilities teams in a much more proactive stance. For example, hot spots can be clearly identified, which makes it easier to redistribute workloads and avoid conditions that shorten the lifespan of equipment.

  Since real-time monitoring makes it possible to safeguard against equipment-damaging conditions, many data center managers are turning up the thermostats and embracing higher ambient temperature operation. Increasing ambient temperature by one degree Celsius has been shown to result in a two percent decrease in a site’s power bill.

  Power capping, another feature available with best-in-class energy management platforms, is also a valuable tool for battling data growth. IT can prioritize servers and workloads, and allocate power to guarantee optimal operation and performance for the most critical services. This feature also makes it possible to build in protection from power spikes, and to ration power during disaster recovery phases.

  Bring it On

  Smart devices and the Internet of Things are here to stay, as is the challenge of keeping up with the associated growth of data. Energy and thermal management represent an exciting advancement for data center management teams, giving them the visibility and control to ride out influx of data. Immediate savings from driving down energy and cooling costs put the consoles and middleware within reach for organizations of any size. Energy costs may have been dropping recently, but budget pressures have not, and managing energy can be a lifesaver in terms of both capital and operating expense control.

  Jeff Klaus is the general manager of Data Center Manager Solutions, at Intel Corporation, where he has managed various groups for more than 13 years. Klaus's team is pioneering power- and thermal-management middleware, which is sold through an ecosystem of data center infrastructure management (DCIM) software companies and OEMs. A graduate of Boston College, Klaus also holds an MBA from Boston University. He can be reached at Jeffrey [dot] S [dot] Klaus [at] intel [dot] com.

  Photo Credit: Maksim Kabakou/Shutterstock

  
• 

  New cloud framework addresses data privacy concerns

  Publié: février 24, 2015, 3:59pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  Data privacy is a growing concern and a number of countries including Germany, France and Russia have recently adopted new data protection regulations to protect their citizens' information.

  Add in regulations like HIPAA and FINRA in the US and it's clear that businesses need to have an infrastructure to meet the various requirements or face possible legal consequences.

  Data protection and governance specialist Druva is launching a set of new capabilities that offer a comprehensive data privacy framework to enable businesses to meet growing global privacy demands.

  Built on the company's existing cloud security offerings it addresses concerns about corporate and employee data misuse and emerging legal data requirements. Druva centralizes and controls business data residing on employees' desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones via integrated endpoint backup, data loss prevention, IT-managed file sharing, and data governance controls. It then continually mirrors end-user data, which enables rapid data recovery for lost or stolen devices, allows remote user access to any file or folder from any device, and supports eDiscovery, compliance and forensics needs when required.

  Using a single cloud solution it has support for 11 different global admin regions. So for example companies with operations in Germany can comply with the country's tough employee data legislation. But whilst meeting local requirements enterprises can maintain a single global record of activity.

  "Securing data is important, but addressing security without enacting appropriate privacy measures leaves data -- and companies -- vulnerable. Today, more than ever, global organizations must comply with regional data regulations. Privacy concerns are being forced into IT’s top priorities. Focusing exclusively on security can compromise privacy, exposing organizations to negative publicity as well as possible legal and regulatory action," says Jaspreet Singh, CEO of Druva. "With 70 percent of new inSync customers now choosing our cloud deployment option, we have developed a rigorous privacy framework to reduce those risks and support their global needs".

  You can find more information about the framework on the Druva website.

  Photo Credit: Slavoljub Pantelic / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Bitdefender Adware Removal Tool updated to remove Superfish

  Publié: février 24, 2015, 3:58pm CET par Mike Williams

  

  Bitdefender has announced that its stand-alone Bitdefender Adware Removal Tool has been updated to remove the Superfish root certificate, while also "disinfecting drivers or executables that have been affected by the malware".

  It’s not even a week since news broke that the adware had been bundled on Lenovo systems for some time, and already bigger scares are appearing, but if you’ve not yet checked your computer for problems then the new build does at least make it very easy.

  Bitdefender Adware Removal Tool doesn’t require installation, registration, or even unzipping: just download and run it.

  There are no configuration options, no settings to consider. All you have to do is wait for the scan to complete (that’s five minutes or so on our test PC). Any threats will be listed, check the boxes for whatever you’d like to eliminate, and click "Remove" to dispatch them forever.

  The Superfish-ready Bitdefender Adware Removal Tool is available now.

  
• 

  Students worldwide: check your eligibility for free Microsoft Office

  Publié: février 24, 2015, 3:42pm CET par Alan Buckingham

  

  Microsoft has been a tireless proponent of education -- the company has many schools on its operating system and Office suite, sometimes at very big discounts. But the best discount of all is always "free", which is exactly what some students will pay for Office. The software giant has even instituted a way for students to check their eligibility.

  This comes on the heels of New York City announcing that its students and teachers will be running Microsoft's Office programs. The city isn't alone either, as many other educational bastions move to the platform.

  According to the Office 365 team "that includes the 5.5 million eligible students in Australia, the nearly 5 million eligible students in Germany, 7 million more in Brazil, 1.3 million at Anadolu University in Turkey, every student in Hong Kong and millions more".

  Checking to see if you're eligible is now a worldwide thing -- it was previously US only. To check availability students and teachers can follow a link -- students head for office.com/getoffice365, while teachers should visit office.com/teachers.

  Microsoft points out that once you have successfully registered there are plenty of benefits.

  • The latest version of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Access and Publisher installed on up to five PCs or Macs and up to five mobile devices like iPad, Android and Windows tablets.
  • 1TB of storage on OneDrive you can use to store and share all your documents across all your devices.
  • Office Online for in-browser editing, collaboration and co-authoring.

  So, if you are a student or teacher anywhere in the world you can head over and check your eligibility now. You may just score yourself a free version of Microsoft Office.

  Image Credit: Poznyakov / Shutterstock

  
• 

  More affordable Windows Phone 8.1 devices are coming from Kazam, TrekStor and Xolo

  Publié: février 24, 2015, 3:19pm CET par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  The vast majority of consumers who embrace Windows Phone buy low-end smartphones, so it should not come as a surprise to see manufacturers launching even more inexpensive devices running the tiled operating system. After all, as I said a few months back, Windows Phone is synonymous with the low-end.

  The latest such offerings come from Kazam, TrekStor and Xolo, vendors which may not have established brands across the globe, but which are better known in their home markets, UK, Germany and India respectively, for their affordable solutions.

  Let's kick off with Kazam. The company has announced two new Windows Phone 8.1 devices, called Thunder 450W and Thunder 450WL, which offer specs typical of a decent low-end handset nowadays: 5-inch display with a resolution of 720 by 1,280; 1.2 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor; 1 GB of RAM; 8 GB of internal storage; microSD card slot; 8 MP main camera; 2 MP secondary camera.

  450W adds a 2,200 mAh battery to the mix and dual-SIM support, while 450WL packs a 2,500 mAh battery and 4G LTE connectivity. So they cover the needs of low-end shoppers quite well, given the choice between dual-SIM and 4G LTE support to complete the solid spec sheet. There are no prices revealed just yet, as Kazam's likely waiting for MWC to give us more information.

  TrekStor will be coming with WinPhone 4.7 HD to market, which, as the name suggests, packs a 4.7-inch display with HD resolution (same as the two aforementioned devices). It also offers a 1.2 GHz quad-core Snapdragon processor; 1 GB of RAM; 8 MP main camera; dual-SIM support; weight of 99.6 grams and 7.5 mm thickness. Pricing is said to be €149. It'll launch next month.

  Finally, Xolo's offering is called Win Q1000. Like the aforementioned handsets, it also packs a 5-inch HD display, 1.2 GHz quad-core Snapdragon processor, 1 GB of RAM, 8 GB of internal storage; 8 MP main camera and 2 MP secondary shooter. There's a 2,200 mAh battery inside, and the price is Rs 8,499.

  As you can see, all devices appear to be designed atop the same foundation, which will allow them to run Windows 10 for smartphones well. All come with Windows Phone 8.1 out of the box, however, as Microsoft will launch its new operating system this summer, at the earliest.

  
• 

  Machine learning speeds up web application load times

  Publié: février 24, 2015, 3:16pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  The increase in web application use means that we're loading more code than ever into our browsers. According to httparchive, the amount of JavaScript used by the top 100 websites has almost tripled in the last three years whilst HTML has almost doubled. This has performance implications because larger page-sizes mean end users have to wait significantly longer for web pages to load.

  California-based cloud delivery service Instart Logic is hoping to improve things with the launch of SmartSequence, a new technology that employs machine learning to optimize how HTML and JavaScript code is loaded in browsers.

  SmartSequence uses a cloud-client architecture and machine learning technology to accelerate JavaScript and HTML, enabling browsers to load only the code that's needed, thus reducing download size and speeding up performance.

  It learns which code is most frequently used by watching user behavior. For JavaScript Streaming, it then downloads only what a web page or web application needs, while ignoring unused code. For HTML Streaming, it determines which portions of dynamic HTML are used across all users, and sends that in advance. SmartSequence can also learn which sections of the page <HEAD> are dynamic as opposed to static and patch dynamic data in as needed.

  "With SmartSequence, we are taking a revolutionary approach to a critical web performance challenge that is created by dynamic HTML and heavy use of JavaScript," says Peter Blum, vice president of product management at Instart Logic. "Our team of computer scientists and algorithmic experts have developed new machine learning techniques that enable us to intelligently stream JavaScript and HTML code, greatly improving page load times and customer experience".

  SmartSequence is available now as part of Instart Logic's software-defined application delivery platform and you can read more about it on the company's blog.

  Image Credit: isak55 / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Android One handsets start receiving Lollipop update in India

  Publié: février 24, 2015, 12:56pm CET par Manish Singh

  

  Google has finally begun to seed out Android Lollipop, the latest update to its mobile operating system, to Android One handsets in India. In a post on Google+, the Android maker notes that all of the three Android One handsets in the country -- Karbonn Sparkle V, Micromax Canvas A1, and Spice Dream UNO -- should be able to snag the update any time now. The update is rolling out in a gradual way so it may take a while before it hits your handset, the company notes.

  Announced at the Google I/O event last year, Android One is an initiative by the Mountain View-based company wherein it makes cheap-Android smartphones with reasonably decent hardware specification for consumers living in emerging markets, starting with India. Priced at $100, the handset doesn’t require carrier’s approval and push to receive the new software release, as it directly gleans it from Google.

  To tackle the growing fragmentation in the low-range smartphone category, with the Android One initiative, Google is trying to bring consistency across equally priced handsets, but that’s just a speculation from my end. The company had partnered with Indian OEMs Micromax, Spice, Karbonn for the first batch of Android One handsets. All the three handsets pack in a similar set of specifications, which includes a 4.5-inch display, 1GB of RAM, dual-SIM capability, microSD expandable storage, 5-megapixel main and 2-megapixel front cameras, and a 1.3GHz quad-core MediaTek mobile chip.

  As for the software, these handsets run on stock Android. However, in accordance with the region where Google is planning to sell these handsets, the company also includes some interesting localized features and apps to enrich users' experience and attract more customers. For instance, when the Android One handset was launched in India, it supported Hindi and several features from local publications in the Google Play Newsstand. The company also partnered with Indian telecom carriers to offer limited free 3G data.

  Since its debut in India, the Android One handset has been launched in Philippines, Indonesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh with plans to extend to more regions. At an event in New Delhi late last year, Shashin Devsare, Executive Director of Karbonn Mobiles told me that his company had started working on the second-gen Android One handsets. He didn't share a specific launch timeframe however. With Google I/O 2015 only months away, and the company's purported plans to invest in zero-rating plan, Google may have plans to refresh and announce the next chapter of Android One at the event.

  The Lollipop update is one of the major updates to the Android since its inception. The software version brings with it a revamped design language called Material Design, improved notification, better security, and ART runtime by default among other features.

  "To those with +Android One phones in India, here’s where we are with the over-the-air (OTA) update that will bring Android Lollipop to you soon. We’ve already started rolling out Lollipop to a small number of phones in India. This is a gradual process and so each week we’ll push the OTA update to more phones selected at random (pro-tip: connecting over WiFi will increase your odds). We thank you again for your patience, and please stay tuned for further updates," the company states.

  
• 

  View, back up and restore PC drivers with DriverBackup!

  Publié: février 24, 2015, 12:46pm CET par Mike Williams

  

  The average PC user doesn’t need to pay much attention to device drivers, these days, and that’s probably a good thing. Windows supports most devices natively, locates plenty of drivers on its own, and a driver disc (or a download) should add support for everything else.

  If you’re managing a lot of systems, though -- or maybe you’d like to skip the usual driver installers and their unwanted extras -- then you might want to simplify the process with the open-source DriverBackup!.

  The program name tells you all: it can back up your drivers, maybe to a USB key, so they’re ready for easy installation as required.

  There are plenty of similar tools around, but DriverBackup! has some useful extras. You’re able to view "All", "OEM" or "Third party" filters with a click, individual drivers may be selected via a checkbox, and there’s even an option to back up their digital signatures.

  When you’re ready, clicking "Start Backup" saves the drivers to your preferred destination folder.

  By default your backup file names and paths use today’s date, the computer name and your various device names, helpful if you’re looking for a specific version later.

  A "Restore" option can restore your backup at a later date. Extras include a command line interface, and you can use this to script any aspect of the process, including automatically restoring drivers from CD/ DVD.

  It’s still safest to leave Windows to manage your drivers, then, but if you need to take more control then DriverBackup! is a handy tool to have around.

  
• 

  UK businesses don't all have their heads in the cloud

  Publié: février 24, 2015, 11:44am CET par Ian Barker

  

  Although as we reported last week more businesses are turning to the cloud it seems that some UK companies are lagging behind the trend.

  According to a new Service Provider and Performance Satisfaction survey by audit and accounting specialist KPMG 71 percent of UK organizations are spending 10 percent, or less, of their IT budget on cloud services.

  As part of a global study of almost 2,100 contracts covering deals worth £7.8 billion (around $12 billion) it looked at 330 UK-based contracts. Asked why they are reticent about employing cloud services, the top 3 reasons cited by UK respondents centered around data location, security and privacy risks (26 percent), concerns over regulation and compliance (16 percent) and cynicism around the ease with which cloud services can integrate with legacy systems (15 percent).

  The results show that many organizations continue to rely on 'tried and tested' outsourcing models. The favored destinations for outsourced IT support services remain India (51 percent), Poland (8 percent) and South Africa (8 percent).

  "Despite widespread acceptance that cloud services offer access to the latest technologies, and make IT more accessible, adoption remains relatively sluggish. While concern about the security risks surrounding new technology is understandable it may also be disproportionate, as cloud options are just as safe as other outsourcing solutions. Of course, investors and stakeholders will welcome caution on the part of the buyers, but they also want to see innovation, meaning that UK plc will need to find the right balance to remain competitive," says Jason Sahota, director in KPMG's Shared Services and Outsourcing Advisory team.

  The survey also shows a nervousness about IT spending in the UK despite improvements in the economy. Only 43 percent said they plan to increase spending on outsourcing in the next two to three years. This figure contrasts with 77 percent this time last year.

  More information of the study is available on the KPMG website.

  Image Credit: Brian A Jackson / Shutterstock

  
• 

  No sex on Blogger please, we're Google

  Publié: février 24, 2015, 11:36am CET par Mark Wilson

  

  Blogger users risk having their blogs removed from public listings if they feature graphic nudity or explicit content. Starting on March 23, any Blogger blog found to contain offending pictures or videos will be converted into a private blog that can only be seen by the owner and those, erm, explicitly invited to see it.

  Google emphasizes that no content will be deleted from blogs created before March 23, 2015, but is encouraging blog owners to take action. It's a different story for any blog set up after this date.

  Any new blog that is found to house sexually explicit or graphic nude images or video runs the risk of being removed by Google. There is also the threat of unspecified "other action" for sites that violate Blogger Content Policy by hosting adult content, linking to commercial pornography sites, features child abuse imagery or encourage pedophilia.

  In the Blogger help pages, Google explains that there could be exceptions to the rule:

  We'll still allow nudity if the content offers a substantial public benefit, for example in artistic, educational, documentary, or scientific contexts.

  It is not made clear exactly what would constitute 'substantial public benefit', but there will be plenty of bloggers waiting in line to test the boundaries of what is acceptable.

  Photo credit: Mingman / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Securing enterprise mobile systems [Q&A]

  Publié: février 24, 2015, 11:12am CET par Ian Barker

  

  The use of mobile devices for business presents a new set of challenges both for IT departments and the broader enterprise. This is leading many companies to turn to enterprise mobility management (EMM) solutions to secure their data and devices.

  But how effective are enterprises at looking after mobile data and how will they need to adapt to the needs of new legislation? We spoke to Ryan Spence, Director of Enterprise Mobility Management for managed service company MOBI to find out.

  BN: How important is it for businesses to have procedures and protection in place to protect their use of mobile?

  RS: The need for active security design for the mobile workforce is nothing short of paramount. Properly designed security procedures and platforms are so critical to a valuable mobility program that I would recommend appointing security experts to help develop your security needs. Mobility platforms and the devices they manage are very good at constant change. This means organizations are required to create adaptive security structures.

  BN: Does the advent of BYOD and the proliferation of different operating systems and devices make EMM more difficult to implement?

  RS: Device and OS diversity do make strong EMM programs very complex and with that complexity comes increasing difficulty to build and maintain. The complexity of properly implemented EMM solutions requires integrators with expertise across diverse disciplines. It is common for current EMM solutions to be underutilized because so few organizations are clear about all of the moving pieces of EMM. The field of mobility arrived without respect to business processes or platforms, requiring business and IT to change. Change, especially in competitive markets, is a difficult process for everyone.

  BN: How complete an answer are technical solutions? Isn't educating employees in safe data practices equally important?

  RS: That's correct. Technical "solutions" are not, in themselves, the totality of security design. Technical solutions are vital, but they must be designed hand-in-hand with an organization’s education and communication strategy, business goals, and projections for the changes yet to come. Technical solutions only go so far, and if poorly implemented, they can create more problems and slow an organizations ability to win in their market. More often than not, this is what I see happening to organizations who are attempting to implement security measures. It is not enough to appoint a person, or buy a technology, or implement policies. Organizations must now revisit how they think about nearly every process and reshape it around the assumptions of mobility.

  BN: How will President Obama's proposed data breach notification law affect the way businesses handle data security?

  RS: Well, honestly, I don't think the proposed law will inform how businesses think about their data security. It was already common for states to require organizations to report data breaches. The proposed law simply unifies all current requirements across the US, making the requirement clear no matter the location of your organization. The proposed timeline on breach awareness will require businesses to be aggressive about their internal reporting in order to inform legal and messaging departments.

  BN: Is this likely to have an impact beyond the boundaries of the IT department?

  RS: Absolutely. As mentioned above, the proposal creates requirements that will effect PR and Legal more than technical. The impact of a required timeline on public awareness will predominantly be felt by departments outside of IT. There isn't anything technologically new in the proposal, it is really geared toward information and what an organization’s legal requirements are around public disclosure.

  BN: Do you think legislation will lead to greater overall visibility in terms of the way enterprises handle data security?

  RS: That's a great question. For good reason, much of the dialogue around security is not part of the public discourse. Discussing security designs publicly can have the unfortunate result of increasing risk. I do not anticipate legislation increasing visibility into enterprise security, but I do expect the frequency of data breach to compel open, public conversation around the difficulties of providing security, the complexity of security design, how this generation defines privacy, the nature and lifecycle of data, and so much more. The questions around security in the mobile age force us to dig deeply into how we have built technology, what we must do to move forward safely, and what kind of society and organizations we are working to build.

  Image Credit: Anan Chincho / Shutterstock

  
• 

  A third of Brits embarrassed by wearables

  Publié: février 24, 2015, 11:11am CET par Sead Fadilpašić

  

  Over a third of the people in the UK would feel embarrassed or self-conscious if they wore wearable tech as it currently appears, new research has found. As a result, businesses and app developers are being urged to do more if they want to improve uptake

  The study was conducted by the UK mobile app developer Apadmi to form part of its new report looking into the public’s view of wearable technology, such as smart glasses, watches and fitness trackers.

  Among other things, consumers were asked questions about currently available wearable tech and 35 percent said they would feel embarrassed or self-conscious if they wore it.

  Some 34 percent thought it made people look like show-offs and 32 percent claimed that wearable technology makes people look ridiculous.

  In addition, 17 percent said it makes people look unattractive when they wear it.

  On the other hand, 20 percent said the wearable tech makes people look intelligent and successful, 10 percent would feel cool wearing it, and 8 percent believe it makes people look attractive.

  Apadmi’s director says the developers must do much more to make wearables a long-term prospect.

  "These findings illustrate that more can be done to make wearable tech desirable. Wearables are entering the market thick and fast but we’re already seeing early adopters abandoning them. This is down to many of the reasons highlighted in our research but also because the app experience is not satisfying users," said Howard Simms, co-founder and director at Apadmi.

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

  
• 

  Google Wallet declares war on Apple Pay -- AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile join fight

  Publié: février 23, 2015, 10:41pm CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  Google Wallet far predates Apple Pay, but even with the head start, the Android-owner has failed to impact the mobile-payment market. Meanwhile, the fruit-logo company has made a serious dent, gaining the support of many partners. Even in popular culture, Apple Pay is featured in many TV commercials, while the average consumer probably has no idea what Google Wallet even is.

  Today this changes, as Google announces a strategic agreement with AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile to pre-load Wallet on all Android handsets. Clearly, this is a declaration of war against Apple Pay, but can Google realistically win?

  "We first introduced Google Wallet's tap and pay feature in 2011, and since then, mobile payments have grown rapidly. You can use the Google Wallet app on Android devices, on any carrier network, to tap and pay anywhere NFC is accepted. Over the years, we've received great feedback from people who use this feature and we’ve continued investing to make it easy and secure for more people to pay with their phones. A big part of this is working with other innovators in the industry to help provide a seamless experience across a wide range of phones and stores", says Ariel Bardin, Vice President of Payments, Google.

  Bardin further explains, "we're excited to announce that we're working with AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile USA and Verizon Wireless, as well as their mobile payments company Softcard, to help more Android users get the benefits of tap and pay. Under this relationship, the Google Wallet app, including the tap and pay functionality, will come pre-installed on Android phones (running KitKat or higher) sold by these carriers in the US later this year. We're also acquiring some exciting technology and intellectual property from Softcard to make Google Wallet better".

  So what does this mean? Google Wallet will be pre-installed on all future Android handsets from three of the top four US cellular carriers. With Android's large market share, this could move the mobile payment momentum from Apple to Google.

  With that said, even after acquiring some Softcard (formerly ISIS) technologies (the details of which aren't fully known), Google does not have the same software and hardware control as Apple. iOS is arguably more secure by being closed. What some Android users see as an iOS weakness, is actually a strength in this case.

  More importantly, Apple's Touch ID is brilliant; until every Android device has a fingerprint reader, financial partners will likely prefer the iPhone as a payment device.

  Can Google win this war, or has Apple already won? Tell me in the comments.

  Photo Credit: Aysezgicmeli / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Twitter lends its support to Net Neutrality campaign

  Publié: février 23, 2015, 8:54pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  Many prominent groups and figures have given their backing to the fight for net neutrality. Today Twitter reveals why it supports the proposals put forward by the FCC chairman Tom Wheeler, just a few days ahead of a vote that will decide whether they will be adopted by the FCC. The aim is to "protect the open Internet as a place for innovation and free expression".

  Twitter's public policy manager, Will Carty, says that protecting the open architecture of the internet is essential for the US to remain competitive and to allow freedom of speech. He says that providing a voice to those who would not otherwise have a platform is at the heart of Twitter, and this is just one of the reasons for supporting the net neutrality proposals.

  Central to the proposals are three key ideas: no blocking, no throttling, and no paid prioritization. The aim is to give Internet users greater powers to be able to access legal online content without interference from their ISP. Carty points out that the Internet is a great equalizer in terms of providing access to information, and also a platform for free speech.

  In a post on the Twitter blog, Carty said:

  This openness promotes free and fair competition and fosters ongoing investment and innovation. We need clear, enforceable, legally sustainable rules to ensure that the Internet remains open and continues to give everyone the power to create and share ideas and information instantly, without barriers. This is the heart of Twitter. Without such net neutrality principles in place, some of today’s most successful and widely-known Internet companies might never have come into existence.

  Twitter is especially keen to support rules that prohibit the blocking of legal sites, as well as traffic prioritizing for money. The FCC is praised for "avoiding unnecessary and overly burdensome regulation" and for adopting a 'light touch' regulatory approach.

  Photo credit: kentoh / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Internet of Things can change our daily lives -- but without identity it's just noise

  Publié: février 23, 2015, 7:11pm CET par Victor White

  

  As the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) wrapped up in Las Vegas last month, one thing became abundantly clear: 2015 is going to be a big year for connected devices. From toothbrushes that can schedule check-ups with dentists to yoga mats that can analyze poses in real-time, 3,000+ companies launched more than 20,000 new products at CES this year.

  Collectively referred to as the "Internet of Things" (IoT), this concept of connected devices is obviously nothing new. In fact, Gartner predicts that the number of Internet-connected devices will inflate to more than 25 billion by the year 2020.

  Driven by convenience and an infatuation with previously impossible technological capabilities, consumers will continue to build their arsenals of smart gadgets.

  As their collections of Internet-enabled devices grow, they will look to businesses to enhance connectivity and improve user experiences. Part of advancing the user experience means creating ways for these devices to seamlessly communicate with one another.

  Coffee makers that can be programmed to brew at a specific time during the day are now things of the past. The coffee maker that can communicate with a user’s mattress to sense when he or she is waking up, send an interactive push notification to the user’s phone asking which flavor is preferred, and automatically order those preferred coffee beans from Amazon when supplies are running low is the wave of the future.

  With such an abundance of smart devices producing exabytes of consumer data, businesses must rethink how they will store, organize, and leverage the information. Real-time processing and analysis will become the norm, and without an infrastructure in place capable of handling large volumes of both structured and unstructured data, organizations will fall behind.

  So what, exactly, should IT and marketing professionals do to stay ahead of the IoT curve?

  Focus On Identity

  Identity is the key to unlocking the true potential of the Internet of Things.

  By tying all of the data points generated from connected devices back to a user’s identity, businesses will be able to create truly personalized and lifestyle-based experiences for individual consumers. This reconciliation and attribution of data to a single consumer identity is what will enable a user’s toothbrush to successfully communicate with his or her smartphone, cloud-based calendar, and dentist’s patient scheduling portal.

  Without a clear system in place to attach information to individual user records, data can become fragmented and, essentially, useless. If the data points from each device are housed in independent silos, the experience becomes disjointed and aggravating for users.

  The best practice for businesses is to keep data clean, organized, and attached to a user’s identity from the very first point of connection. This process starts with registration. When a consumer first registers with a business on a connected gadget, either through traditional site registration or via a pre-existing social account, a user record needs to be created.

  From this point on, the business needs to tie any action taken by the consumer from any touch point managed by the business back to the user record. It’s this connection with user identity that allows devices to communicate with one another in order to learn user preferences and deliver convenience.

  For example, if a person purchases a Samsung smartphone, that individual is now a part of the Samsung ecosystem. If the user decides to treat his or her phone as a control center for a Samsung smart TV, remotely do laundry via a Samsung connected washing machine, or send files to a Samsung wireless printer using a third-party app, he or she should be able to do so using the same login credentials created upon first entry.

  All of the data points can be aggregated and relayed back to the user record, allowing the business to create unique, 1:1 experiences.

  Maintain a Unified Database

  In addition to ensuring all returned data points are attributed to user records, businesses must make sure they have a solution in place to securely house these records.

  Utilizing a dynamic-schema database with the ability to go beyond basic user attributes makes building accurate customer profiles and engaging experiences a reality for companies heavily invested in the creation of connected devices.

  An advanced database that is built with a dynamic-schema can easily process massive amounts of unstructured user data in an optimized way. Customer data is automatically indexed and updated when a user takes an action the business has identified as useful. This information becomes available in an organized, easily navigable manner that enables marketers to tailor and target their efforts.

  With systems in place to consolidate, organize, securely store, and access customer data, brands can bring to life the grand visions of a more connected world. As the Internet continues to evolve to include connected devices, it helps engineer the evolution of customer identity to include payment information, biometrics, and social graph data.

  With identity at its core, the Internet of Things can truly change our daily lives.

  After all, what is the purpose of billions of smart devices if they are unable to work together to create convenience and relevance? Without identity, the Internet of Things is just noise.

  Victor White is director of marketing communications at Gigya.

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

  
• 

  Microsoft Translator now supports Yucatec Maya and Querétaro Otomi languages

  Publié: février 23, 2015, 6:47pm CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  As an American, I am really only exposed to two languages -- English and Spanish. While I speak the former fluently (it is my native language), my comprehension of the latter is extremely limited. For the most part, I am satisfied in my English-only world, but I do regret not learning other languages as a child.

  While I am now too old and set in my ways to learn a new language, technology makes the need to do so less important nowadays. Translation software helps communication barriers melt away. Now, Microsoft Translator is expanding beyond common languages, to the more rare. The company announces that Yucatec Maya and Querétaro Otomi are supported.

  "In our ongoing effort to empower language communities to preserve their languages and cultures, we are excited to introduce Yucatec Maya and Querétaro Otomi to Microsoft Translator’s ever-growing list of supported languages. These language systems were developed in collaboration with community partners in Mexico, who created the automatic translations systems to permanently bridge the translation gap between these endangered languages and the rest of the world. The systems themselves were built using the Microsoft Translator Hub, a Translator product which is available for free to allow any group to create its own unique translation system", says Microsoft.

  The company further explains, "Maya and Otomi are indigenous languages from Mexico which are both currently threatened. Although they are still in use, the number of speakers is decreasing and younger people are not speaking them as actively as their elders. The new automatic translation systems will help the Maya and Otomi people safeguard their language and culture for generations to come".

  

  So, just how rare are these two languages? The Yucatec Maya language is spoken by less than 800,000 people, while the Querétaro Otomi is spoken by about 33,000. These are extremely low numbers in the grand scheme of things, which increases the risk of the languages dying out altogether.

  With that said, Microsoft's support of the languages in its translator software will essentially preserve it for posterity. Even if the languages end up fading away from actual use, it should live digitally forever.

  This is a great example of software being used for good, and not necessarily as a money-making endeavor. Think about it; supporting rare languages in Microsoft Translator probably isn't a great financial investment. Kudos to Microsoft for investing instead in humanity.

  Photo Credit: Aysezgicmeli / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Facebook's privacy policy breaks the law in Europe

  Publié: février 23, 2015, 6:32pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  There are many things that Facebook finds itself accused of on a regular basis. Unfairness to different groups, censorship of content, insensitivity, and endless problems surrounding its attitude to privacy and handling of user data. It seems that concerns about privacy were well-founded as a new report finds that the social network violated European law. Analysis carried out by the Belgian Privacy Commission and ICRI/CIR says that Facebook breaks the law in Europe in a number of ways. As well as placing too many expectations on users to be able to change settings for themselves.

  Facebook is also accused of failing to give people the ability opt out of certain privacy-invading features. Back in January, Facebook made some changes to its privacy policies and also introduced simplified documentation. The report found that rather than cleaning up its act, Facebook merely highlighted some of its old, existing practices. The social network is criticized for its "complex web of settings", for failing to explain what is meant when users are told that their data will be used "for advertising purposes", and for not allowing people to opt out of Sponsored Stories and location sharing.

  The report also poses an important question: "What are the precise implications of Facebook's extensive data gathering through third-party websites, mobile applications, as well recently acquired companies such as WhatsApp and Instagram?" Facebook's Statement of Rights and Responsibilities stands accused of failing to comply with the Unfair Contract Terms Directive. The report's authors say:

  We argue that the collection or use of device information envisaged by the 2015 data use policy does not comply with the requirements of article 5(3) of the EU e-Privacy Directive, which requires free and informed prior consent before storing or accessing information on an individual's device.

  While Facebook may argue that users have given consent for their data to be used in a variety of ways, the report disagrees:

  To be valid, consent must be "freely given", "specific", "informed" and "unambiguous". Given the limited information Facebook provides and the absence of meaningful choice with regard to certain processing operations, it is highly questionable whether Facebook’s current approach satisfies these requirements.

  While users are able to opt out of some features such as the use of personal data in advertisement, the fact that they did not actively opt in means that legally valid consent has not been given. Facebook is also criticized for the inclusion of unfair terms which violate European consumer protection law, and for abusing user data.

  In response to the report, a Facebook spokesperson said:

  We recently updated our terms and policies to make them more clear and concise, to reflect new product features and to highlight how we're expanding people's control over advertising. We’re confident the updates comply with applicable laws. As a company with international headquarters in Dublin, we routinely review product and policy updates ­ including this one ­ with our regulator, the Irish Data Protection Commissioner, who oversees our compliance with the EU Data Protection Directive as implemented under Irish law.

  Photo credit: Gil C / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Want the Windows 10 icons in Windows 7/8.x? Here's how

  Publié: février 23, 2015, 6:06pm CET par Alan Buckingham

  

  Windows 10 isn't here yet, though in a way it sort of is -- in other words, it's a Preview version meant to test the waters. Microsoft has high hopes of putting version 8.x behind it, even skipping a number to distance itself. But not everyone wants to run a possibly unstable version of an operating system, especially on a production machine. However, you can still get the new icon set without installing the OS.

  Packs of the icons have been collected and made available for customers of both Windows 7 and Windows 8x. Getting them on your desktop is just a click or two away. The icons are spread out, encompassing desktop, system tray and Explorer.

  The hard work is out of the way, as the icons have been extracted and packed into a simple installer. All you'll need to do is download and run the file. The installer was created by the wonderful community at Deviant Art, or one of them -- Hamedsp to be specific. This will automatically replace existing icons -- much easier than manually doing so.

  All of the icons are packed in a ZIP file and all are in standard Windows .ico format. This allows a user to get a taste of Windows 10 without the potential headache that comes with being a guinea pig for Microsoft. Sure, you won't get the other features, but at least you'll get a small feel for things to come.

  
• 

  Restore files, partitions, broken PCs with Lazesoft Recovery Suite

  Publié: février 23, 2015, 5:56pm CET par Mike Williams

  

  Install the free version of a commercial program and you expect to find some restrictions, but undelete tools often go a little too far. You might only be able to recover 250 files, perhaps. With a maximum size of 100KB. And only on Tuesdays. You know how it works.

  Lazesoft Recovery Suite Home Edition is refreshingly different. Okay, it’s strictly for non-commercial use, but aside from that the only notable missing feature is one you won’t find in most of the competition, anyway (HFS+ file system data recovery).

  That’s all the more surprising when you see how much the program can do. It’s able to recover everything from individual files to entire partitions; there are several scanning methods; you’re able to filter your deleted files (optionally with regular expressions), and there’s a built-in preview pane to help you find the file you need.

  There are other neat touches, everywhere you look. Even if a file appears to be corrupted, for instance, you can save its sectors for analysis later. And if you’ve spent a long time scanning a drive, filtering the results, trying to track something down, you’ll appreciate the ability to save your recovery session, so you don’t have to start from the very beginning later.

  This would be impressive on its own, but Lazesoft Recovery Suite also includes three other applications.

  A Password Recovery module builds a bootable CD/ USB key which can reset a forgotten local Windows password.

  The Windows Recovery module (also run from CD or USB) fixes common Windows boot problems, including a corrupted boot sector, MBR, Registry and so on.

  "Disk Image & Clone" is a complete disk manager which supports image backup/ restore, disk cloning, basic partition management and secure disk wiping. There’s also VHD support, boot sector/ MBR/ partition table backup and recovery, disk signature fixing, a sector editor, and more.

  These also have some restrictions, but aside from the "non-commercial use" license, they’re relatively light. The most significant is that Home Edition can’t fix boot issues due to missing system files ("ntldr is missing" etc), which your Windows disc will probably handle all on its own. You probably won’t care about the rest (it doesn’t support Windows Server, it can’t reset Windows AD Domain controller passwords).

  If you do need any of these, or want to use the program commercially, then check out the Professional ($27.95), Server ($94.99) or Unlimited ($199.29) editions here. The company deserves some support for their generous licensing.

  But for consumer use, the feature-packed Lazesoft Recovery Suite Home Edition is hard to beat. If you’ve any doubts about your own disaster recovery abilities then go grab a copy immediately.

  
• 

  The billion dollar Carbanak bank heist could have been easily avoided

  Publié: février 23, 2015, 5:52pm CET par Stuart Poole-Robb

  

  This month, the $1 billion bank heist affecting up to 100 financial institutions has highlighted a growing gulf of miscommunication between chief executives of large organizations and their IT departments.

  Kaspersky Lab reports that, working with international law enforcement agencies Interpol and Europol, it discovered that the gang, dubbed Carbanak, used malware enabling it to see and record everything that happened on staff’s screens. These and other recent high profile cyber-attacks, such as that which recently saw 76 million customer accounts hacked at financial institution JPMorgan Chase, are forcing organizations such as banks to examine why cyber criminals see them as easy pickings. Some are rapidly reaching the conclusion that they need to plug any security holes not only in their own networks but also in those of their advisers and partner companies.

  Bank of America Merrill Lynch, for example, believes it is "one of the largest targets in the world" for cyberattacks and is auditing cybersecurity policies at its outside law firms. According to the bank, law firms are "considered one of the biggest vectors that the hackers, or others, are going to go at to try to get to our information".

  Disconnect between boards and their IT departments

  However, the main reason that cyber criminals see large corporations and their senior advisers are seen to be such easy targets by cyber hackers is an alarming disconnect between company board members and their IT departments – a virtual 'Intelligence Gap'. A report "Exposing the Cybersecurity Cracks: A Global Perspective" conducted by the Ponemon Institute last year, shone a light on board-level ignorance regarding cyber security. Of the 5,000 IT and IT security professionals interviewed for the survey, almost half said that their board level executives have a sub-par understanding of security issues.

  But the problem goes deeper than ageing board members who may not have bothered to keep abreast with the digital age. IT departments themselves are also partly responsible for the huge intelligence gap which has grown between themselves and their board. Chief executives and senior board members are frequently surprised by the way IT heads frequently regard their departments as personal fiefdoms, resenting any external examination of procedures.

  Emotional impasse

  This is, in part, a legacy of a time when the majority of company directors were largely computer illiterate and rather proud of it. But it is also a result of an emotional impasse that now exists between IT department heads who are defending what they see as their personal fiefdom without comprehending that cyber security impacts every area of the company’s operations.

  Ring-fencing cyber security in this way leads to a dangerous culture of complacency within organizations, lulling the chief executive and his board into a sense of complacency, believing their cyber defenses to be impregnable when this may be far from the truth.

  A more realistic picture would be for the chief executive to understand that his/her organization is likely be hacked -- if it has not already been compromised. Unless a company regularly conducts third-party penetration tests on its digital defenses, it is highly likely that much of its data may already be compromised. In reality, this means that cyber criminals and business rivals alike will likely have access to some the company’s most sensitive business data.

  While IT departments may mistakenly think that cyber security is a purely IT matter, it actually crosses over into HR and other areas. Many data breaches, for example, come not from outside hackers but are internal, sometimes the work of disgruntled or dishonest staff or even ex-employees. According to industry estimates, roughly a third of all ex-staff in the UK still have access to data held by their former employer.

  The first step taken should, therefore, be to ascertain which data has already been compromised and by whom. Chief executives should rely on internal investigations conducted by in-house IT staff as they may overlook existing and long-standing "blind spots".

  An intruder can sit on an IT system undetected for months

  Often, an intruder can sit on an organization’s IT system for months or, in some cases, years before the host becomes aware. In such cases, the damage can be hard to quantify. A rival may gain prior knowledge of a company’s business strategy through examining its most confidential documents in real-time or a cyber-thief may simply use information obtained to misdirect company funds. Next-generation data loss prevention software such as Sentinel, created by UK-based developer ZoneFox, tracks the history of each document, letting the organization know the complete history and usage of any data or user. By monitoring each and every user interaction with data, Sentinel can inform organizations of behaviors occurring on their systems that may be malicious or non-compliant.

  The next step is to assume that, even if no sensitive data has been breached, there is no reason to assume it will not be breached in the future. This means developing a crisis management strategy capable of limiting the damage caused by a significant data breach.

  Until recently, a fully comprehensive cyber security policy was seen as little more than a 'nice to have'. But the massive data breach that compromised the data of over 70 million customers at US retailer Target and the subsequent resignation of its chief executive, Gregg Steinhafel, last year, provided chief executives with a much-needed wake-up call. When a data breach does occur, as it inevitably will, chief executives can no longer merely point an accusing finger at the head of their IT department and conveniently pass the buck.

  As legislation in the US rapidly moves towards making the reporting of corporate data breaches compulsory, chief executives will find their neck is on the line if they are seen to have mindlessly delegated all cyber security matters to their staff. Chief executives and their boards are also starting to discover that other third parties such as insurers and partner organizations are starting to scrutinize their cyber security policies.

  Those without an effective cyber strategy will soon find themselves paying increased insurance premiums and losing the confidence of those partner companies and clients who have taken the time to instigate effective cyber defense policies.

  Stuart Poole-Robb is chief executive of business intelligence and cyber security adviser of the KCS Group

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

  
• 

  The next Linux kernel is Linux v4.0, codename 'Hurr durr I'ma sheep'

  Publié: février 23, 2015, 4:31pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  In the spirit of democracy, Linus Torvalds recently started a poll on Google+ to decide on the version number of the next Linux kernel. Should it be Linux v3.20 or Linux v.4.0? Well, the people have spoken, and Torvalds has listened -- albeit somewhat reluctantly.

  With 56 percent of the vote, v4.0 came out on top, so that's what the next version will be called. Torvalds made the revelation at the same time as announcing the availability of Linux 4.0-RC1. Oh... and it's codenamed "Hurr durr I'ma sheep".

  The codename comes from a previous Torvalds poll and the latest version of the kernel includes a number of changes such as fixes to the F2FS file system, DisplayPort audio support for the AMD Radeon driver, improved support for Toshiba laptops, and a host of driver improvements. Torvalds announced the new numbering system in a Git post:

  .. after extensive statistical analysis of my G+ polling, I've come to the inescapable conclusion that internet polls are bad.

  Big surprise.

  But "Hurr durr I'ma sheep" trounced "I like online polls" by a 62-to-38% margin, in a poll that people weren't even supposed to participate in.

  Who can argue with solid numbers like that? 5,796 votes from people who can't even follow the most basic directions?

  In contrast, "v4.0" beat out "v3.20" by a slimmer margin of 56-to-44%, but with a total of 29,110 votes right now.

  Now, arguably, that vote spread is only about 3,200 votes, which is less than the almost six thousand votes that the "please ignore" poll got, so it could be considered noise.

  But hey, I asked, so I'll honor the votes.

  Photo credit: Neale Cousland / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Old threats still dominate the security landscape

  Publié: février 23, 2015, 4:28pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  Most of the biggest IT security risks aren't new but are threats that have been around for years or even decades.

  This is one of the findings of the latest HP Cyber Risk Report published today which looks at pressing security issues facing enterprises during the previous year and indicating likely trends for 2015.

  "Many of the biggest security risks are issues we've known about for decades, leaving organizations unnecessarily exposed," says Art Gilliland, senior vice president and general manager, Enterprise Security Products at HP. "We can't lose sight of defending against these known vulnerabilities by entrusting security to the next silver bullet technology; rather, organizations must employ fundamental security tactics to address known vulnerabilities and in turn, eliminate significant amounts of risk".

  Among the key findings of the report are that 44 percent of known breaches came from vulnerabilities that are 2-4 years old. Attackers continue to use well-known techniques to successfully compromise systems and networks. Every one of the top ten vulnerabilities exploited in 2014 took advantage of code written years or in some cases decades ago.

  The main causes of commonly exploited software vulnerabilities are defects, bugs, and logic flaws. Yet most vulnerabilities stem from a relatively small number of common software programming errors. This means that old and new vulnerabilities in software are swiftly exploited by attackers.

  Server misconfigurations represent the number one vulnerability. Over and above things like privacy and cookie security issues, server configuration issues dominated the list of security concerns for enterprises in 2014, providing adversaries with access to files that leave an organization susceptible to an attack.

  Additional avenues of attack were introduced via connected devices. As well as security issues presented via Internet of Things devices, 2014 also saw an increase in the level of mobile malware. As the computing ecosystem continues to expand enterprises must take security into consideration or attackers will continue to find more points of entry.

  In order to stay safe HP recommends that businesses carry out a number of measures including keep their software patches up to date, carry out regular penetration testing, and take advantage of intelligence sharing to reduce risk.

  The full Cyber Risk Report 2015 is available to download from the HP website.

  Image Credit: Myibean/Shutterstock

  
• 

  How to choose an operating system for a virtual private server

  Publié: février 23, 2015, 3:59pm CET par Paul Johnson

  

  Internet technologies have penetrated into all areas of our life and changed it dramatically. With their help, people are able to implement most of their activities from reading favorite books and newspapers, communicating with each other, playing online games to booking tickets and buying particular products and services through their desktops, smart phones and tablets. As the number of online users has increased, plenty of different businessmen and even large companies and corporations have decided to move their ventures into Internet to get additional revenues. This technique appeared to be one of the most effective and lucrative, as it allows to find new customer segments and promote business projects in a short period of time.

  Currently, the online business environment is full of various websites, which try to attract client's attention by a pleasant look, useful customer services and loyalty programs. However, website owners forget that a significant part of future success depends on a hosting plan they use for their online business activity. The more powerful your server is, the more high-speed and accessible your website will be, what will help you build strong relationships with your visitors for many years to come.

  When you choose hosting services, you must be very attentive, as plenty of different hosting packages that are available in the hosting marketplace, can easily confuse even the most sophisticated website owners. Very often, buying hosting solutions, plenty of online businessmen don't have an idea what actually they need. As a result, thousands of websites can't handle with high loads and provide their visitors and owners with poor performance, low functionality and regular downtimes. To prevent this, I decided to outline some features of one of the major hosting solutions -- a VPS server.

  VPS Hosting

  A virtual private server (VPS) is a physical server, partitioned into several virtual ones between a particular numbers of users. Such a virtual copy is totally isolated from others and possesses its own operating system and dedicated resources. In this case, a user still shares CPU performance, RAM and bandwidth with other users, but he gets full control over his server options. In the other words, you will get a dedicated server on the shared hosting basis.

  Nevertheless, before buying a VPS hosting plan, you should decide on which operating system your server will run. As a rule, all VPS servers work under two main platforms: Linux and Windows. Both of them possess their own specifics and are oriented on different website owner segments.

  Linux VPS Hosting

  Linux-based hosting solutions utilize the Linux open-source software. Thanks to this fact, website owners are able to avoid spending their funds on purchasing licenses for downloading and running particular Linux programs and add-ons. A Linux VPS server will be a true gem for companies, which would like to make a fast start, but still meet budget limitations.

  Advantages of Linux VPS Servers

  If you still have a strong intention to provide your website with Linux VPS hosting services, you should pay your attention to further points:

  • Reliability and flexibility -- Linux VPS servers consume less resources, what increases website performance and excludes the appearance of possible downtimes. Furthermore, users will be able to allot resources between applications if required with the help of a control panel (cPanel);
  • Compatibility -- if you want to make your website pages more user-friendly and improve your server reliability and uptimes, then the Linux platform will be the most deliberate choice, as it supports a wide range of coding languages, such as PHP, Python, Perl, MySQL and Ruby on Rails;
  • Interaction -- all VPS servers are equipped with SSH text-based command systems, which allow users to increase functionality of their servers and reduce their overloading dramatically. However, a user must possess particular coding and programming knowledge to implement his operations via a SSH system;
  • Development -- as the Linux platform has got an open-source code, a website owner is able to change his server configurations, perform updates and customizations, as well as install various add-ons and applications, basing only on his needs and preferences.

  Windows VPS Hosting

  Windows VPS servers work under the Windows operating system, which makes them rather popular among plenty of website owners. Nevertheless, I have to mention that these hosting solutions are more expensive, as the Windows platforms are commercial software, which requires fees for installing and using additional programs and applications.

  Advantages of Windows VPS Servers

  If you are a great follower of the Windows operating system and want to buy a Windows hosting plan, then you should know that your server will provide you with following features:

  • User-friendly interface -- all Windows VPS servers possess a familiar and easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI), which will be especially useful, if you are not sophisticated in server management and maintenance;
  • Improved control -- every user is provided with an option called Remote Desktop access. With its help, a user will be able to control and manage his server at any time and from any place on his own;
  • Website support -- Windows-based hosting solutions include such programs as ASP and ASP.NET, which will come in handy, if you want to create complex websites or customize your current website that runs on the Microsoft software;
  • Strong security -- as a rule, Windows VPS servers are equipped with professional antivirus software and anti spy programs, as well as reliable firewalls, so you shouldn't be worry that somebody will hack your server and steal all valuable data.

  Differences between these hosting solutions are obvious. In summary, I would like to mention that when you choose between Linux and Windows VPS servers, first of all, you must consider not only their features, but mostly your business goals and skills, as well as hosting company consultations. However, if you know some other advantages of VPS servers that work under the Linux and Windows operating systems, I appreciate your thoughts in comments below.

  Photo Credit: Spectral-Design / Shutterstock

  Paul Johnson is a marketing manager at KickAssVps, an established provider of VPS hosting services.

  
• 

  Despite hack by NSA and GCHQ, Gemalto's SIM cards are safe, says the company

  Publié: février 23, 2015, 2:40pm CET par Manish Singh

  

  Gemalto, the world’s largest producer of SIM cards, which made headlines last week for reportedly gettings its encryption keys stolen by the mighty NSA and GCHQ spying agencies, says its SIM cards, as well as banking cards, passports and other products are secure, a conclusion it reached after conducting a round of initial investigations.

  The Intercept published a detailed report last week based on confidential documents it gleaned from whistleblower Edward Snowden, in which it revealed that America’s NSA and UK’s GCHQ hacked the systems at Gemalto to steal the encryption keys. By getting access to the keys, the agencies were able to directly tap phone calls, and monitor messages, among other things, on millions of mobile phones.

  "Initial conclusions already indicate that Gemalto SIM products (as well as banking cards, passports and other products and platforms) are secure and the Company doesn’t expect to endure a significant financial prejudice", Gemalto says in a blog post. The company will share more findings on Wednesday at a press conference in Paris.

  When approached by the publication, the company’s executive said that they had no prior knowledge about the hack. "It’s unbelievable. Unbelievable", a member of Dutch Parliament had said.

  The impact of any hack on Gemalto is significant because of its vast presence and usage across the world. The company has a partnership with more than 450 mobile operators operating in 80 nations. It produces more than 2 billion SIM cards per year. The SIM card in your smartphone, feature phone, or tablet is likely produced by Gemalto.

  Photo Credit: NorGal/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Here's our best look yet at Samsung Galaxy S6

  Publié: février 23, 2015, 1:55pm CET par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Samsung has not yet officially announced the successor to Galaxy S5, but we all know that the wait is almost over. The unveiling is scheduled for March 1, during the first Unpacked event of 2015. What we do not yet know is what the new device looks like.

  So far, teasers have only given us vague details about its appearance, as Samsung has tried to keep as much as possible for the main event. However, T-Mobile has decided to expose more of Galaxy S6, releasing a teaser which shows the side of the upcoming smartphone quite clearly. And it looks awesome.

  The Galaxy S6 model shown in the teaser features a black back and a curved edge display -- like Galaxy Note Edge has. However, since we're only shown a single side, there's no way of knowing if the display is also curved on the opposite edge as well.

  The black back gives the impression that it is made out of metal, which would certainly make the smartphone much more visually appealing compared to any of its predecessors. Of course, it wouldn't be the first time Samsung's using metal on a flagship device, as Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Note Edge feature a metal frame.

  Galaxy S6 seems to retain the Samsung logo at the top, as well as the physical home button. The latter appears to be taller than before, but it could just be the proportions tricking my eyes. However, like I already said, it won't be long until the grand unveiling.

  Having "Six Appeal" written above Galaxy S6 certainly adds to the cool factor, making it one of the most interesting teasers I have seen in a long, long time. For comparison, take a look at what Samsung has on its Instagram page now.

  It's not just inspiration, it's also craft. #TheNextGalaxy

  A photo posted by Samsung Mobile (@samsungmobile) on Feb 20, 2015 at 11:00am PST

  
• 

  LG launches mid-range Magna, Spirit, Leon and Joy Android phones

  Publié: février 23, 2015, 1:30pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  Mobile World Congress (MWC) kicks off next week, but ahead of the big event LG announces a quartet of mid-range Android handsets. Each of the four phones runs Android 5.0 Lollipop and each is available in LTE and 3G variants -- the former has a metal rear cover, and the latter's is plastic.

  The Magna, Spirit, Leon and Joy all share something of a similar look and LG describes the range as combining the "perfect balance of style and usability". At the top of the current batch is the LG Magna, which boasts a 5-inch screen, 1.2GHz or 1.3GHz quad core CPU (exact specs are region-dependent), 1GB RAM and 8GB of storage.

  An 8MP rear camera is backed up by a 5MP front-facer, while the removable 2,540mAh battery, LG claims, will get users through a full day even with heavy use. Taking things down a notch is the LG Spirit. Specs are virtually identical, but the screen is slightly smaller at 4.7 inches and the battery shrinks to 2,100mAh. The front camera drops to 1MP and the rear-facer is either 5 or 8 MP depending on the region. The Leon drop things further to a 4.5 inch display and a 1,900mAh battery.

  Rounding things off is the smallest of the bunch, the LG Joy, with a screen that measures just 4 inches. As well as featuring a slower processor, this handset is available in a 4GB model indicating that the price should be very low.

  The global rollout starts this week, but LG is yet to give pricing details.

  Those specs in full:

  LG Magna Specifications:

  • Display: 5.0-inch HD (294 ppi)
  • Chipset: 1.2GHz or 1.3GHz Quad-Core*
  • Camera: Rear 8MP / Front 5MP
  • Memory: 8GB / 1GB
  • Battery: 2,540mAh (removable)
  • OS: Android 5.0 Lollipop
  • Network: LTE Cat. 4 / HSPA+ 21Mbps
  • Size: 139.7 x 69.9 x 10.2mm

  LG Spirit Specifications:

  • Display: 4.7-inch HD (312 ppi)
  • Chipset: 1.2GHz or 1.3GHz Quad-Core*
  • Camera: Rear 8MP or 5MP* / Front 1MP
  • Memory: 8GB / 1GB
  • Battery: 2,100mAh (removable)
  • OS: Android 5.0 Lollipop
  • Network: LTE Cat. 4 / HSPA+ 21Mbps
  • Size: 133.3 x 66.1 x 9.9mm

  LG Leon Specifications:

  • Display: 4.5-inch FWVGA (220 ppi)
  • Chipset: 1.2GHz or 1.3GHz Quad-Core*
  • Camera: Rear 8MP or 5MP* / Front VGA
  • Memory: 8GB / 1GB
  • Battery: 1,900mAh (removable)
  • OS: Android 5.0 Lollipop
  • Network: LTE Cat. 4 / HSPA+ 21Mbps
  • Size: 129.9 x 64.9 x 10.9mm

  LG Joy Specifications:

  • Display: 4.0-inch WVGA (233 ppi)
  • Chipset: 1.2GHz Quad-Core / 1.2GHz Dual-Core*
  • Camera: Rear 5MP / Front VGA
  • Memory: 8GB or 4GB* / 1GB or 512MB*
  • OS: Android 5.0 Lollipop / Android 4.4 KitKat
  • Battery: 1,900mAh (removable)
  • Network: LTE Cat. 4 / HSPA+ 21Mbps
  • Size: 122.7 x 64.0 x 11.9mm

  *specification depend on region

  
• 

  After losing the top spot in India's smartphone market, Samsung gets robbed in the tablet category too

  Publié: février 23, 2015, 1:03pm CET par Manish Singh

  

  It’s not only the smartphone market in which Samsung has lost the pole position, but tablets as well. The South Korean media conglomerate is no longer the largest tablet vendor in India, the emerging market for digital devices where the tablet share grew by 3.6 percent quarter-on-quarter, reports IDC.

  As per the stats provided by the marketing research firm IDC, Indian OEM iBall captured the maximum market share (15.6 percent) in the country last quarter. Samsung managed 12.9 percent share, and was followed by Datawind with 9.6 percent share, Lenovo with 9.4 percent share, and HP with 8.7 percent market share.

  As for the traction of tablets in India -- the country which had witnessed a strong growth in the festive third quarter -- posted shipments of 0.96 million units in Q4 2014. It’s a 3.6 percent growth over the last quarter.

  “The market saw a correction post the introduction of BIS regulation in July 2013. Unbranded tablets were wiped off from the market thereby contracting the bubble of growth witnessed in 1H 2013 and hence resulting in year-on-year decline in growth”, says Tanvi Mann, market analyst, client devices, IDC India.

  The figure also pinpoints the type of tablets that are faring well among Indians. A vast majority of users are preferring the sub-$150 units. The 3G connectivity was also a big driving factor, prominently featured in more than 60 percent of the total shipments.

  Indian OEM iBall has been growing left and right. In within a year -- thanks to a number of tablets the company launched in the period -- it grew from 4.5 percent grab of the market to 15.6 percent.  Galaxy Tab maker Samsung, on the other hand, went from a 17.9 market share to 12.9 percent.

  "iBall rapidly climbed its way to the number one spot in this quarter. From a 4.5 percent share in Q4 2013, the brand has more than tripled its share in Q4 2014. Its growth is backed by low cost products targeted at consumers looking to own entry level form factors. The brand is actively engaged in expanding its retail presence as well as geographical reach," says IDC.

  Tablets have yet to mature in India. Despite the improving figure, only 0.96 million units were sold in the country last quarter. As per the data provided by IDC, about 76.1 million tablets were shipped worldwide in the same time frame. Datawind, which now holds the third largest share in the country, is playing a significant role in making tablets a household commodity. The company has a partnership with the Indian government to produce the Aakash tablet, a dirt cheap Android-powered device for Indian students.

  
• 

  Apple's new €1.7 billion European data centers will power cloud services

  Publié: février 23, 2015, 12:40pm CET par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Colder regions make great places for building data centers. Operators can leverage the colder air outside to cool those hot servers, without relying much on costly tools like air conditioners and the like. When we're talking about thousands of servers all running in the same place, the savings are substantial. And so is the positive impact on the environment, thanks to a healthy decrease in energy requirements and emissions.

  It should come as no surprise that Apple has announced Denmark and Ireland as the locations of choice for its two new European data centers. The two countries are also favored by other players in the tech industry, like Google and Microsoft. Apple's new data centers will power online services for European customers.

  As examples of services which will be ran from its new data centers, which cost €1.7 billion and will be built in Jutland in Denmark and County Galway in Ireland, Apple named App Store, iMessage, iTunes Store, Maps and Siri.

  But it's not just their climates that make Denmark and Ireland good choices for Apple's new data centers. Nowadays, location also plays a key role in the way cloud-hosted data can be handled and stored. And having data centers in two European Union member states, which Denmark and Ireland both are, allows Apple to easily comply with EU regulations, which are becoming stricter.

  Thanks to the colder climate of those regions, Apple says that its new data centers, which each measure 166,000 square meters, will run "entirely on clean, renewable energy sources from day one", and that it will work with local businesses to "develop additional renewable energy projects from wind or other sources to provide power in the future".

  The company's CEO, Tim Cook, expects the two new data centers to create hundreds of local jobs; however, Cook has not mentioned how many employees will be needed.

  Apple is recovering the land under its new data center in Ireland, to make it construction-ready, and restoring native trees to Derrydonnell Forest. In Denmark, it's positioning its local data center close to one of the country's largest electrical substations, and redirecting heat generated by the servers to the district heating system.

  Photo Credit:  Novelo/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Windows 10 build 10022 screenshots leak along with 10014 release notes

  Publié: février 23, 2015, 12:00pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  It has been a few weeks since Microsoft released the Windows 10 Technical Preview Build 9926, and Windows Insiders are now champing at the bit for the next version. Mobile users have been kept happy with the release of Windows 10 Technical Preview for Phones, but desktop and laptop users now have some more snippets to whet their appetites.

  Over the weekend, screenshots from a couple of new builds were leaked online by the renowned Wzor. First of all we were treated to a glimpse of build 10014, and shortly afterwards images of Windows 10 Professional Technical Preview Build 10022 appeared. Another revelation is a set of release note relating to build 10014. So what do we have to look forward to?

  The leaked versions are Russian -- as is so often the case -- and it seems that not a great deal has changed since build 9926. Wzor is a trusted leaker of Windows builds, and the screenshots appear to indicate that the changes in these most recent builds are largely under the hood; there are few discernible visual differences. What is particularly interesting is that the build 10022 leak comes from the fbl_impressive branch of releases, meaning that this is very likely to be the next publicly released preview build.

  On Twitter, Wzor introduced the screenshots as being from a "localized Russian version of Windows Professional 10 TP Build 10022.0.150216-2206".

  Локализованная русская версия сборки Windows 10 Professional TP Build 10022.0.150216-2206 [t.co] pic.twitter.com/F84vlF0GCN

  — WZor (@WZorNET) February 22, 2015

  The same source is also responsible for bringing us the release notes for build 10014. The release notes are dated February 11 and were given to Microsoft partners. They confirm the idea that the next public build will focus on improving stability, but there are a couple of notable changes:

  • In File Explorer, a maximum of four items can be displayed in frequent folders.
  • If OneDrive is set as the default save location, Documents and Pictures will be remapped to the OneDrive versions of these folders.

  The list of big fixes is rather lengthier, but there are still a few known issues. Cortana is still a work in progress, the Quiet Hours feature doesn’t yet work, battery levels may be incorrectly reported on portable devices, and so on.

  It's not clear if these will have been ironed out in the move from build 10014 to 10022, but it shouldn't be too long until we get to see for ourselves.

  Photo credit: Wzor

  
• 

  Lenovo's Superfish fiasco has badly damaged consumer trust

  Publié: février 23, 2015, 11:31am CET par Barclay Ballard

  

  Stories about potentially malicious software emerge practically every day, but it’s not often that a high-profile PC manufacturer admits to deliberately installing harmful files on consumer devices. However, that’s exactly what happened last week, when Lenovo was found to be pre-installing adware on its devices without the owner’s permission.

  Superfish, as the adware has been dubbed, is reported to affect Lenovo units purchased between the latter half of 2014 and January this year. While its ability to insert third-party advertisements into Internet Explorer and Google Chrome searches is annoying, the way that it installs its own security certificate is invasive and possibly harmful.

  By issuing its own security certificates, Superfish can intercept any information sent and received by the user’s device -- known as a "man-in-the-middle" attack, something that puts the user at increased risk.

  However, while the potential damage to the consumer is significant, the Superfish scandal has already greatly harmed Lenovo’s reputation.

  The Chinese company initially defended the software, describing it as helping "users find and discover products visually", but their swift removal of Superfish suggests that Lenovo is well aware it has damaged consumer trust.

  "We have thoroughly investigated this technology and do not find any evidence to substantiate security concerns", Lenovo said in a statement. "But we know that users reacted to this issue with concern, and so we have taken direct action to stop shipping any products with this software.  We will continue to review what we do and how we do it in order to ensure we put our user needs, experience and priorities first".

  Although Lenovo has now issued tutorials on how to remove the software, it is believed that this will not remove the Superfish root certificate authority.

  The reaction of many consumers has been one of anger and disbelief. For Lenovo to install this kind of software, essentially malware, onto its laptops in order to make more money from advertising is already galling, the fact that it also introduces a vulnerability into the user’s system is shocking.

  Many Lenovo users have now criticized the brand over the Superfish install.

  "It’s not like they stuck it on the flier saying… we install adware on our computers so we can profit from our customers by using hidden software", said one forum user. "However, I now know this. I now will not buy any Lenovo laptop again".

  Consumers rely on manufacturers to put their security first. In an age where cybercrime and malicious threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated it is baffling that Lenovo would voluntarily compromise its devices in this way.

  Moreover, the company responsible for the Superfish adware has been receiving numerous complaints regarding its software since its inception in 2006. A quick Google search reveals that Superfish has been criticized for the way it monitors user activity and hijacks legitimate connections, amongst other issues, for years.

  As one of the industry’s leading PC manufacturers, Lenovo surely cannot claim ignorance over these concerns.

  The question now is how the Chinese company goes about restoring user trust, if indeed it can.

  Removing the root certificate of Superfish is the only way to be sure that the user’s PC is secure, but this is a complicated process -- and one that many consumers are unlikely to undertake.

  The Superfish issue will surely come as a lesson learned for Lenovo, but hopefully the fallout will be heeded by everyone in the hardware industry. Individual users may be able to fix the Superfish vulnerability on their personal devices, but the wider breakdown in consumer trust may be irreparable.

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

  
• 

  Quickly scan documents to PDF, TIFF, and more with NAPS2

  Publié: février 23, 2015, 11:10am CET par Mike Williams

  

  Buy even the most basic consumer scanner and you’ll probably get some very capable scanning software with a pile of image processing features. But while that’s great if you’re looking to scan a photo, it might not be so useful if you just need to quickly scan a document and send it somewhere else.

  NAPS2 (Not Another PDF Scanner 2) is a straightforward alternative, an open source tool which is designed to scan documents to PDF, TIFF and other file types "as simply as possible".

  On first use the program asks you to create a "profile", a collection of settings defining how you’d like the document to be scanned. These include the device, preferred driver (WIA or TWAIN), document source, size, resolution, bit depth, horizontal alignment, brightness and contrast.

  You can set up multiple profiles for various purposes: low-res for speed, hi-res for detail, whatever you like.

  Once you’re prepared, click Scan, choose a profile, click Scan and NAPS2 acquires an image from your scanner, then displays this as a thumbnail. Repeat the process to scan as many pages as you need.

  Can you drag and drop these thumbnails to reorder them, we wondered? Well, no. But select one or more with the mouse and you’re able to move them up or down the page list, which is good enough. Individual pages may also be viewed, flipped or rotated as required.

  When you’re done there are buttons to save your pages as a PDF, as individual images, or to send them (as a PDF) via email.

  Alternatively, a command line interface makes it possible to automate the process, perhaps scanning and emailing your documents from a script.

  NAPS2 is focused very much on speed and simplicity, rather than power. You can’t preview and manually crop a scanned page, for example, or set the metadata or access rights (or anything else) for an exported PDF. The program is quick and easy to use, though, and if you just need a simple way to assemble PDFs from a few scanned pages then NAPS2 should do the job.

  
• 

  Lumia 535: Hands on with Microsoft's new budget smartphone [Review]

  Publié: février 23, 2015, 8:33am CET par Henry McIntosh

  

  With Microsoft’s recent unveiling of the Hololens, Windows 10, and the new Spartan browser, many commentators are suggesting that the software giant is finally getting back to a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to the market. Some would even go as far as to suggest Microsoft are now attempting to be 'cool' akin to their trendy rivals. Microsoft’s entrance into the Smartphone arena, however, was anything but proactive or cool.

  Lagging behind the innovations of rivals, it’s fair to say Microsoft’s attempts to establish themselves have previously been somewhat overshadowed by the likes of Apple and Android’s continued dominance. The Lumia 535 certainly isn’t as revolutionary as the Hololens, but neither is it necessarily a reactive creation by Microsoft. Rather, Microsoft’s attempts to develop an affordable smartphone is a proactive approach and there’s much to be admired about the Lumia 535; given its $132 price tag. It’s certainly progress on its predecessor, the 530, and its sleek design is pretty cool. Granted, the phone has its flaws and it isn’t ground-breaking in any way, but it is refreshing for the other thing it won’t break, namely, your bank account.

  Design

  The Lumia 535 certainly stands out. For a start, the Lumia’s large frame delivers an impressive 5-inch screen size. A bonus that gives the Lumia the aesthetic quality of a more expensive phone; most phones in this price range use a 4-inch screen.

  Even so, the size of the phone is not matched by reassuring strength and the old mantra 'you get what you pay for' may ring true here; because this does not feel like a phone that’s built to last. The size also makes the phone cumbersome when sat in a pocket or in the palm of your hand, but I still like the design of the Lumia range, size and all, and this is -- unmistakably -- a Lumia phone.

  Screen

  Once you use the Lumia 535 you’ll appreciate why I’ve dedicated a section to the screen.

  One of the main issues with the 535 is the touchscreen. The screen can be overly sensitive and unresponsive in equal measure. I witnessed such shortcomings when I managed to turn mute on, using my cheek, during multiple phone calls and found letters weren’t registered when texting.

  The problem isn’t constant but it’s there and that’s enough to make it problematic. If my word isn’t enough, this view is validated by the fact that Microsoft has already provided software updates to help improve the sensitivity.

  The screen has also been criticized for its resolution: 960 x 540. But I found it to be more than adequate given the price and it culminates in a satisfactory color contrast.

  Restricted viewing angles hamper the phone, but it’s easy to use outdoors which should negate any concerns you have regarding the contrast.

  

  Software

  Featuring the impressive Windows 8.1 operating system, the Lumia 535 is incredibly easy to use and the simplicity of its user interface is certainly a positive.

  The aforementioned 5-inch screen allows the metro style interface to be neatly laid out for the user, making this a pleasant and easy way to navigate around.

  On top of this, the phone comes with a selection of excellent staple apps. Here Drive+, a nifty satnav app that still works when you're offline is one such useful addition and pre-installed Microsoft Office and Skype, are decent inclusions to the 535’s interface.

  On the other hand, if you’re looking for a phone that can competently cope with a host of additional, downloaded apps I’d suggest the 535 may not be the best choice.

  For a start, there is a glaring lack of apps in the Windows Store. Whilst this is being rectified, you’ve still got the problem that the 535 utilizes a rather underwhelming processor that probably won’t fare well with being overloaded with games and apps.

  Processor

  The 535’s processor is a Quad-core 1.2GHz. It won’t win any races with its 1.2 GHz, but it is dependable and will comfortably complete everyday tasks.

  Within the price range you’re not going to find anything much quicker and, whilst the processor is a slight sacrifice, as long as you don’t overwhelm it with games and apps it will perform adequately.

  Camera

  With a front and back camera, a 5-megapixel resolution, auto-focus, a 24mm wide angle lens and an LED light on the back too, the 535 affords good camera and video functionality considering its price range.

  As ever with a budget buy however, don’t be overly impressed with the 5-megapixel resolution. I found the image to be grainy and susceptible to lag, so if you’re a serial smartphone photographer then be warned, this will handle your selfie addiction but may struggle with more intricate details.

  Battery

  Microsoft pinpoint the Lumia’s 'talk time' at 13 hours, which suggests the phone can handle sustained use during such a period.

  Whilst the Lumia did last a day with light use, if you’re using the phone for anything more complex: such as video streaming or sustained internet browsing, you’ll find the battery depletes at a rapid rate.

  Best case scenario, sustained use will leave you with just under half the alleged 'talk time' -- not even a working day. This is due to the fact that the Lumia boasts a rather paltry 1905mAh battery.

  Verdict

  A budget phone with the specifications to match but an appealing aesthetic quality.

  If you’re looking for a cheap smartphone that performs basic tasks adequately enough then the Lumia 535 is worth considering.

  There are few better phones in the 535’s price range but they do exist. On the plus side, at least it will still look good -- even when it’s out of battery.

  Pros

  • 5 inch screen
  • Great price
  • Easy to use and set up

  Cons

  • Slow processor speed
  • Poor battery life
  • Lack of available apps

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

  
• 

  You talkin' to me? Apple goes 'Taxi Driver' in latest iPad ad narrated by Martin Scorsese

  Publié: février 23, 2015, 5:08am CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  Martin Scorsese is a damn good director. He is behind such classic films as Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Casino, and Goodfellas. As a New Yorker of Italian heritage, I pretty much have to like the guy. Not all of his work is gold though. Bringing Out the Dead is a personal favorite, though not a classic. I downright hated Gangs of New York and The Departed, but people seemed to enjoy those, so what do I know?

  What I do know is that Apple has tapped the man for its latest iPad advertisement. Titled "Make a film with iPad". The one minute video is narrated by Scorsese, although he is never seen. This is probably for the best, as his signature unwieldy eyebrows might scare Apple's hip demographic.

  The gist of the commercial is that a teacher or professor has assigned his or her students an assignment of "Make a Film With iPad", which is due on Monday. Unlike me, these kids are not slackers, so they actually choose to do their homework and create videos.

  The students choose to do videos about aeronautics, dancing, painting and good ol' fashion film-making. All the while, Martin Scorsese offers words of wisdom with a piano track behind him.

  Is the advertisement / commercial a good one? I find it to be a bit lacking in Apple "magic". Ultimately, some of the students have access to so many additional accessories and much more equipment, that the average home user may not be inspired by the iPad alone. In other words, will someone see this and become so inspired as to run out and buy an iPad? I don't think so.

  Please watch the video above and let me know what you think in the comments.

  
• 

  What happens when Microsoft meets Minecraft?

  Publié: février 23, 2015, 1:58am CET par Alan Buckingham

  

  Microsoft and Minecraft are two of the biggest entities in their respective fields -- software and gaming. While the former captures most desktop users, the latter has become an almost obsessive fascination for kids and even many adults. Logic dictated the two should team up, and that's exactly what happened when Microsoft bought Mojang and Minecraft last year.

  As a testament to the partnership, two kids -- Alec Baron and Alessio Tosolin -- are using Minecraft in a cool and geeky way. The work, according to the boys, took more than 100 hours of collaboration. When they were finished, they had recreated the Microsoft Production Studios in Minecraft.

  The youths even got to show off the project as a presentation at Microsoft. The visit also included meetings with company officials. As one person put it, it's "an example of how gaming was used to bridge the corporate world with education in an innovative way".

  There's a full video of everything posted below to allow everyone to enjoy the exuberance and innovation of tomorrow's future. It's quite a tour of a facility that most of us will never get the chance to see.

  
• 

  Patch your PC with Kaspersky Software Updater

  Publié: février 23, 2015, 12:18am CET par Mike Williams

  

  Kaspersky Software Updater is a free stand-alone tool which regularly checks for updates to critical software, alerts you when any are discovered, then downloads and installs them with a click.

  It’s not entirely clear which software is supported, but from our tests it seems to cover the main internet-facing applications and components: browsers, Java, Flash, Adobe Air and so on.

  The program installed without issue, adding a new 13MB background process and an icon to our system tray.

  Right-click the icon and you're able to launch a scan right away. Alternatively, a scheduler can run scans daily, every weekday/weekend, weekly or monthly.

  Any updates are displayed in a list. There are links to read each individual licence agreement, a nice touch for anyone who might ever bother to read them. Otherwise you just select whatever you’d like to install, click "Update…", and each file is automatically downloaded and installed for you.

  What you don't seem able to do is to tell the program to ignore a particular application. If you'd rather manage Java with its own updater, say, you’re out of luck: Kaspersky Software Updater will still look for and warn you of any new patches, whenever they're detected.

  If you're happy with another update checker, Kaspersky Software Updater isn't going to change your mind. It doesn't support many applications, or offer much control over its functions (and we’re not sure why it has to be permanently running in the background, either).

  Of course, this is only a beta of a first release of a free product, so the short feature list probably shouldn't be a surprise. And basic though it is, Kaspersky Software Updater worked faultlessly for us. If you’re a Kaspersky fan -- or you're reluctant to trust something as important as updates to companies you've never heard of -- then give it a try.

  
• 

  OS X, iOS and Linux have more vulnerabilities than Windows

  Publié: février 22, 2015, 7:55pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  It might come as something of a surprise, but Windows is more secure than not only Apple's iOS and OS X, but also Linux. I'll just let that sink in for a moment...

  Windows, the operating system ridiculed for its vulnerabilities and susceptibility to viruses is actually more secure than the supposedly Fort Knox-like Linux and OS X. This startling fact comes from the National Vulnerability Database (described as the "US government repository of standards based vulnerability management data") which details security issues detected in different operating systems and software titles.

  The NVD has some revealing statistics for the number of vulnerabilities that were reported in each of the operating systems and GFI Blog has crunched the numbers; many will be surprised to find that Windows is not at the top of the list. In fact, in 2014 it is OS X that was found to be riddled with the greatest number of security problems -- 147 in total, including 64 rated as high severity, and 67 as medium. Also from the Apple stables, iOS did not fare all that much better: 127 vulnerabilities including 32 high and 72 with a medium rating.

  The latest version of Windows -- Windows 8.1 -- was found to have 36 vulnerabilities, and its predecessors -- Windows 8 and 7 -- both had the same number. For enterprise users, Windows Server 2007 and 2008 both have 38 vulnerabilities. Windows is reported as having no vulnerabilities of low severity; they cluster under the medium and high labels.

  

  Overall, there has been a huge increase in the number security vulnerabilities in the database. In 2013 the number stood at 4,794, but this shot up to 7,038 in 2014. A lower percentage are rated as high severity, but the number has still increased.

  While it is the vulnerabilities linked to individual operating systems that are probably most attention-grabbing, the main problem still lies with third-party software. 83 percent of reported vulnerabilities were to be found in applications, compared to 13 percent in OSes and 4 percent in hardware.

  Microsoft might celebrate coming ahead of Apple and Linux in one department, but Internet Explorer was found to be the most insecure web browser. IE had 242 vulnerabilities, compared to 124 in Chrome, and 117 in Firefox.

  Photo credit: Olivier Le Moal / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Tumblr now classifies all torrent talk as adult content

  Publié: février 22, 2015, 5:49pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  The idea of online censorship is nothing new, particularly when it comes to content of questionable legality. Just last week it transpired that Valve was blocking talk about Kickass Torrents in Steam chat and now Tumblr is engaged in similar activity.

  Rather than blocking bloggers from posting about torrents, or stopping people from reading such posts, Tumblr now classifies torrent-related content as 'adult'. This means that many people will not be able to see posts that make reference to torrents unless they change their account settings.

  Torrent talk has fallen victim to Tumblr's safe mode setting which was introduced in a bid to help clean up the blogging platform for a wider audience. It's still possible to access such content, as Torrent Freak explains -- all you need to do is hit the padlock icon to the right hand side of the screen to switch off safe mode, and the previously invisible search results will show up once again.

  Classifying anything torrent-related as adult content seems a little extreme, although torrent talk on Tumblr does seem to have a more pornographic bent to it than other sites. But whether you're looking for Tumblr blogs that can point you in the direction of the best porn torrents, you want to discuss Linux distros, or you want to talk about the torrential rain you've been enduring, it's good to know that access to such content is just one filter-removing click away.

  Photo credit: bofotolux / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Android Wear works with iPhones and iPads -- no jailbreak required!

  Publié: février 22, 2015, 4:34pm CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  Wearables are awesome, the next big thing. Smartwatches in particular are very functional extensions of the smartphones, which have become ubiquitous nowadays. True, many tech pundits were dubious of the smartwatch's utility; including myself. I came around after actually using a smartwatch -- the Android Wear-based Samsung Gear Live -- for an extended period and loving it. My colleague Joe Wilcox is a recently converted proponent.

  As great as Android Wear is, there are problems. While the most glaring is the fairly short battery life of devices, its lack of cross-platform support is a bigger issue. In other words, it can be harmful to consumers to have a product that only works with a certain platform, as it limits their freedom. An Android user with Android Wear that wants to move to an iPhone for instance, will be left with a useless smartwatch. Thanks to a developer named Mohammad Abu-Garbeyyeh, this may no longer be an issue. This impressive dev has gotten Android Wear to work with iOS. The best part? No jailbreak needed!

  Abu-Garbeyyeh explains that his solution takes advantage of an iOS feature called ANCS. Apple explains this feature, "the purpose of the Apple Notification Center Service (ANCS) is to give Bluetooth accessories (that connect to iOS devices through a Bluetooth low-energy link) a simple and convenient way to access many kinds of notifications that are generated on iOS devices. The ANCS is designed around three principles: simplicity, efficiency and scalability. As a result, accessories ranging from simple LEDs to powerful 'companion' devices with large displays can find the service useful".

  The question is, how did Abu-Garbeyyeh get ANCS to speak with Android Wear? The developer explains on Reddit, "it's an APK on the watch that uses Android's Bluetooth LE APIs to connect to ANCS on the iPhone, it's what Apple added in iOS 7 (?) and it's what the Pebble uses afaik".

  In other words, his creation is loaded onto the Android Wear device that can then intercept ANCS alerts. It is quite brilliant actually, although it does not allow the full benefits of Android Wear to be realized. For now, it essentially makes an Android Wear watch the same as a Pebble smartwatch on iOS; only a means to intercept alerts. With that said, iOS users would be better off with a Pebble, as the battery life will be much better than Android Wear, with the same functionality -- for now.

  This is a cool hack, but beneficial only to people who already own an Android Wear smartwatch and an iOS device. iPhone users should not run out and buy Android Wear; wait for the Apple Watch or get a Pebble instead.

  You can see the proof of concept in the video below. Keep in mind, however, that the APK has not yet been released and videos can be faked. Could it be a hoax? Sure. With that said, he is a recognized developer on xda, so this should be on the up-and-up.

  Photo Credit: Axel Alvarez / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Watermark images easily with Photo Date Stamper

  Publié: février 22, 2015, 1:35am CET par Mike Williams

  

  Send a set of photos to someone and they might sometimes want to see when they were taken. This might be possible by checking their properties or otherwise displaying EXIF/ IPTC data (if they're tagged correctly, anyway), but that's not exactly convenient.

  Photo Date Stamper simplifies the process by watermarking a batch of images with their "taken" date.

  File format support is basic (JPG, PNG, BMP), and you can only import a set of individual images -- not an entire folder tree.

  The watermark is reasonably configurable. You can choose a font size, color and position (top left, top right, bottom left or bottom right).

  It's also possible to add a short description which appears under the date. A Preview button shows you how this will look.

  When you're ready, click Run and the photos are watermarked and saved to your preferred destination folder.

  If the files don't have a "date taken" tag then you'll be prompted to enter a date manually. This can be applied to every untagged image, or you can enter a new date for each one.

  There's no great depth here, no surprise extras. If you’re hoping you'll be able to format the date with some custom macro language, for instance, forget it -- you're stuck with the standard Windows short date format.

  Photo Date Stamper is at least easy to use, though, and if you need to watermark your images with their "taken" dates then it's a reasonable choice.

  
• 

  Suggestions that Twitter is not a valid news source are insane

  Publié: février 21, 2015, 4:54pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  This morning, as I do most mornings, I started my day by firing up my phone and browsing the news headlines in bed. One story caught my attention -- and the reaction to the story in particular. As you'll have discerned from the headline, there were comments that questioned the value of using Twitter as a source of serious news.

  The subject of the story doesn't really matter, but for the sake of completeness, it was this one in the Guardian. It's about the backlash that followed a Telegraph article which suggested suicides in newspaper journalists could be attributed to stress stemming from trying to hit commercial targets. This is a story that's not without irony.

  So first, a little history.

  There had previously been a huge story alleging that a Swiss subsidiary of the HSBC bank had been helping wealthy customers avoid tax. This was big news, covered by websites and newspapers around the world -- but not by the Telegraph. There followed allegations that Telegraph reporters had been discouraged from writing anything negative about HSBC -- interestingly, this happened shortly after the owners of the newspaper secured a £250 million loan from the bank.

  The Telegraph's chief political commentator dramatically resigned this week, disgusted at his former employer's "fraud on readers". In an all-out attack on the paper, Peter Oborne made calls for an investigation into the lack of coverage in the Telegraph about the HSBC tax story. With the suggestion that reporters are being leaned on to avoid negative coverage of a bank seen as an ally, it seems slightly ironic, nay hypocritical, to then run a story saying that pressure to hit commercial targets (which would obviously be pushed by managers and editors) could lead to suicide.

  And we're not just talking hypothetically. The Telegraph was talking about two real deaths. Two reporters on other newspapers sadly took their own lives, and in addition to the interesting stance on the news, the Telegraph also decided to run the story suggesting the link without naming the reporter responsible for penning it.

  Apologies for the rather roundabout introduction, but a little background is needed to understand why there might be a backlash against something that appeared in a newspaper.

  It used to be that if readers were shocked, offended, outraged or otherwise upset by a story, they would put pen to paper and write to the editor. This does still happen, but electronic methods of communication have now taken over. Rather than a letter, it's more likely that an email will be fired off. Or, even more likely, an opponent or proponent of a story will take to Twitter to share their views with the wider world. It's the start of the dialog of a story.

  Like any dialog, it's a two-way process. Just as people respond to story by venting spleen on Twitter, so reporters and bloggers use Twitter as a source of news and a fount of inspiration. And this is the reason for my lengthy intro. The Guardian story about the negative response to the Telegraph referred to Twitter and quoted pertinent tweets. This, for some reason, upset some readers.

  Seriously though, twitter is not news...

  Said one.

  What worries me most is the decision of the Guardian to join the trend that regards what a few dozen people say on a "social media" site (Twitter) as the basis for news.

  Said another.

  The idea that Twitter should not be used as a source of news seems strange to me. It's just a medium. Any medium through which people communicate can be a source of information, and therefore a source of news. And it's important to remember that news reporting isn’t just about reporting the cold, hard facts that get you from A to B -- analysis, reaction, response, conversation and the like are just as important to the overall understanding of a story.

  But people disagree:

  We can look on Twitter for ourselves.  A journalist who quotes Twitter simply underlines that traditional newspapers are now irrelevant.

  In fact this particular comment spurred me to respond:

  I'm pretty sure newspapers and Twitter can live side by side... it's not a case of having to pick one or the other.

  The same person who prompted me to post a comment also said:

  I always think quoting from Twitter is a sad place for a real paper to find itself in. Especislly [sic] when those quoted are just 'randoms.'

  Which led me to respond:

  That's like disliking vox pops with people on the street. Every 'random' is part of the human collective, and their opinion and input is no more or less valid simply because of the medium through which it was delivered.

  I'd go further and say that the two not only live happily side by side, but also feed each other. We've moved on from the idea of the hypodermic needle model. Different media serve each other, and one is not better than another. Platforms such as Twitter mix things up a great deal as they help to give a voice to, well, just about everyone. Perhaps this is why Twitter is not always well-received. There's a lot of crap out there, but it would be foolish to tar every user with the same brush. If you were to see Fox News for the first time and dismiss all television news out of hand because of its blatant bias and absurdity, you'd be doing no one a disservice but yourself.

  In the comment on the Guardian article, there was some sense among the madness, however:

  Most of Twitter is just irrelevant chatter - but that's because most of what is said anywhere is just chatter... Forget Twitter - it's not important where something is said, it's what was said and by whom. Twitter is not separate from the real world, it is part of the real world - it's just people talking. And some of the conversations are important and newsworthy.

  Guardian writers also took the time to reply:

  The fact that twitter was the medium they'd used to quote is pretty irrelevant. In this case twitter has just made it easier to get useful quotes: poor journalism is when you cherry pick unqualified tweets, good journalism uses twitter better than that.

  I'm interested to gauge opinion. Do you use Twitter as a source of news, or to read reaction to the news? Do you value it more or less than other sources?

  Photo credit: turtleteeth / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Judge dismisses US antitrust claims against Google search in Android

  Publié: février 21, 2015, 1:58pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  A San Francisco judge has ruled that a class action against Google's alleged monopolizing of searches on Android devices. Gary Feitelson and Daniel McKee brought a case against Google saying that the search giant was being anticompetitive by forging agreements with handset makers that made Google search the default search engine.

  The company faces similar charges in Russia where the country's leading search engine, Yandex, has made a similar complaint to the Federal Antimonopoly Service. In Europe Google has just agreed to regular audits to ensure it complies with Data Protection Authority measures in Italy, and Friday's ruling in its favor in the Northern District of California will come as some welcome good news.

  Feitelson and McKee complained that when they purchased their phones -- an HTC EVO 3D and Samsung Galaxy S3 respectively -- that "neither Plaintiff was aware that Google search was set as the default search engine on those phones. Further, neither Feitelson nor McKee know if there is a way to change the default search engine setting, nor how to change the default search engine if there is indeed a way to change it". In particular, the pair were unhappy at alleged Mobile Application Distribution Agreements between HTC, Samsung and Google that allowed for the pre-loading of Google apps.

  The plaintiffs went on to say that entry into the search market by competitors was rendered all but impossible by Google's dominance. They believed that their phones "would have cost less and had better search capabilities as the result of the competition that would have ensued" if things were made easier for the likes of Bing.

  But the court disagreed. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman of the Northern District of California said in her ruling:

  There are no facts alleged to indicate that defendant's conduct has prevented consumers from freely choosing among search products or prevented competitors from innovating.

  She dismissed antitrust allegations, saying that Google's Android handsets were no different to Apple's iPhones in this regard. She also said that suggestions that Google's search engine stifled competition and limited choice were "entirely too conclusory and speculative".

  Photo credit: Sean Locke Photography / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Canonical teams up with Amazon and Microsoft to push Ubuntu for IoT

  Publié: février 21, 2015, 12:12pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  The growth of the Internet of Things spreads, and Canonical wants to ensure that Ubuntu is involved. To help with this, the company behind one of the most popular Linux distributions has announced partnerships with Microsoft and Amazon to help facilitate secure cloud infrastructures.

  The two companies are to publish their IoT developer APIs on Ubuntu Core so they can be used by Snappy developers in services and apps. The aim is to avoid a market fragmentation, and the new partnerships lay the groundwork to help Ubuntu Core's development deeper into the IoT.

  Canonical also announced partnerships with other companies that it is hoped will help give Ubuntu a boost in industrial and telecoms IoT. On the hardware side of things, Cavium will support Ubuntu Core in routers and switches while a move into enterprise is supported by Canonical joining the Industrial Internet Consortium. Speaking about one of the new partnerships, Microsoft's John Chewchuk said:

  Smart industrial systems need secure cloud back-ends for data storage and analysis. Microsoft and Canonical are partnering to deliver developer APIs to enable Ubuntu Core for snappy developers. This partnership will simplify cloud-backed device development.

  As with any system, there are security concerns surrounding the Internet of Things. To help to minimize the effect of any vulnerabilities that are discovered, systems are in place to help push updates to certified Ubuntu Core when needed. Ubuntu founder, Mark Shuttleworth said:

  Certified and supported Ubuntu platforms set the standard for safety and security in connected devices. Device manufacturers who choose Ubuntu Core on certified platforms now have a popular platform that meets corporate and government requirements for security updates and management.

  If the Internet of Things is to truly succeed, it is collaborative efforts such as those being spearheaded by Canonical that will drive things forward. Interoperability and guaranteed compatibility not only help to improve uptake rates, but also help to keep costs down.

  Photo credit: jules2000 / Shutterstock

  
• 

  TwitchCon 2015 is coming to San Francisco, bros! Are you going?

  Publié: février 21, 2015, 4:38am CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  When I was a young man, around the age of 8 or 9, a friend of mine got a NES and Super Mario Brothers. I went to his house almost every day to watch him play. Yes, he would give me turns, but you know how that goes -- you play for maybe 5 minutes while your friend plays for 3 hours. After a while, this became unbearable -- watching someone else play was torturous. I begged my dad for my own, so I could play as much as I wanted. My pops came through for me after a while, coming home with a NES, Super Mario Brothers and The Legend of Zelda. I had to play it on a black and white TV, but I didn't care; no more watching people play.

  Fast forward to 2015 and I don't have the time to play video games; it is tragic. With that said, I do find time to watch others play. I know this sounds crazy, as I used to hate never getting a turn to play, and having to watch watch my friend, but now I watch Pewdiepie on YouTube, and many others on Twitch, playing video games. Why is this enjoyable? I have no idea. I'm not alone, however, as Twitch is massively popular. In fact, it is so popular that the first-ever TwitchCon has been announced. Will you be going?

  "Created as a celebration of all things Twitch, the convention will attract members of the Twitch community from all over the globe. Attendees will have the chance to mingle with each other and their favorite broadcasters, experience live content from the convention center, and learn from the community's thought-leaders", says Twitch.

  Emmett Shear, CEO, Twitch explains, "Twitch broadcasters have the most passionate fans, so we want to create an amazing experience where they can come together in person. TwitchCon will be an opportunity for the entire community - broadcasters, game developers, viewers, and us - to play and learn together".

  Twitch shares the deets:

  • What: TwitchCon
  • When: September 25-26, 2015
  • Where: Moscone West, San Francisco, CA

  Unfortunately, what will specifically happen at TwitchCon 2015 is sort of unknown. While the players that stream themselves seem rather social, I am guessing the viewers don't get out much. In other words, I may be stereotyping, but if you spend hours watching someone else play video games, you probably aren't "Mr. Popularity".

  Will Twitch viewers want to mingle and socialize? If so, I picture it looking like Napoleon Dynamite's prom.

  To learn more, head here. You can enter your email address to sign up for updates.

  
• 

  Yahoo Mail brings enhancements to its search functionality

  Publié: février 21, 2015, 3:38am CET par Alan Buckingham

  

  While much is made about Gmail from Google and Outlook.com and Hotmail from Microsoft (now pretty much combined), Yahoo Mail quietly flies along getting little attention, but huge numbers of customers. Many people likely have accounts without even knowing it -- if you register for a Yahoo service you get an email address, and the company has several popular arms, such as Flickr. Now it is looking to improve its email offering.

  First off, there is now an easier folder search. Customers can select any of their folders from a list and then type a word or phrase to zero in on the targeted email. A dropdown menu on the right allows for the folder selection.

  Next up is some refinement of the process -- users can choose the name of the person who sent the message and then add terms to narrow things down. This is something Gmail already does, but its good to see Yahoo get it as well.

  Finally, there is "search suggestion". This is essentially auto-complete. As you type, greyed out letters will appear after what you've written. This attempts to guess what you wish to say and it's a handy feature in web search, saving a bit of time and key strokes. If what you want is displayed then simply hit the Tab key to get the results.

  All of the new features will be much welcomed by the many people who use Yahoo Mail. While it gets less attention than other services, the company really has made great strides in making it a decent alternative to the competitors.

  
• 

  Lenovo redeems itself with open source Superfish removal tool

  Publié: février 21, 2015, 2:14am CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  What do you do when you are facing scrutiny in the media? Damage control. You see it all the time with celebrities. A famous actor or musician does something wacky or stupid and ends up crying to Oprah, or going to rehab.

  If you are a respected computer manufacturer, what do you do to fix a tarnished image? Open source. Nothing makes computer nerds more giddy than hearing that software is open source and the source code is available to investigate. Today, Lenovo releases an official open source Superfish removal tool under the Mozilla Public License.

  "We ordered Superfish preloads to stop and had server connections shut down in January based on user complaints about the experience. However, we did not know about this potential security vulnerability until yesterday. Now we are focused on fixing it", says Lenovo.

  The company explains, "we have moved as swiftly and decisively as we can based on what we now know. While this issue in no way impacts our ThinkPads; any tablets, desktops or smartphones; or any enterprise server or storage device, we recognize that all Lenovo customers need to be informed. We apologize for causing these concerns among our users for any reason – and we are learning from experience and improve what we do and how we do it. We will continue to take steps to make removal of the software and underlying vulnerable certificates in question easy for customers so they can continue to use our products with the confidence that they expect and deserve".

  Lenovo deserves credit for acting fast and offering an open source tool for removing the adware. True, this never should have happened, but sometimes it's the way that an entity responds to adversity that shows its true customer commitment. An open source option shows the world that the company is being transparent; a smart move when it comes to security. Kudos to Lenovo.

  You can download the tool and directions here. The source code is available on Github here.

  Photo Credit: Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Need a flashlight in Android Lollipop? Just yell at your phone

  Publié: février 20, 2015, 11:10pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  Who hasn't used their cell phone as a flashlight? Drop your key as you get out of the car at night and it makes sense to reach into your pocket, pull out your handset and search using the light from your screen. If you're really organized you'll have a flashlight app installed, but when you need a source of light quickly, fiddling with the menu can be a little too... er... fiddly.

  Well fiddle no more. If your phone is kitted out with Android 5 Lollipop there's no need to navigate menus, or even have a dedicated flashlight app installed. Google has helpfully integrated a flashlight feature into the latest version of its mobile OS which can be activated with your voice.

  As revealed by Rita El Khoury over on Android Police, Lollipop introduced the ability to toggle some settings using voice commands. You can add a flashlight toggle button to the pulldown settings drawers, but this is too much like hard work. Next time you're in need of illumination, look no further than Google Now; just holler 'OK Google, turn on flashlight' at your phone, and it will oblige.

  

  Turn on your flashlight in an instant by shouting at your phone

  You can also use voice commands to toggle WiFi and Bluetooth, but the feature does not work for all toggle-able settings. Airplane Mode, for instance, refuses to play ball, although you can still access the relevant section of Settings with voice commands.

  Let there be light!

  Photo credit: Stocksnapper / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Google complies with Italian privacy audits

  Publié: février 20, 2015, 7:41pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  Few weeks go by without Google coming under fire for some privacy-related misdemeanor or other. In Italy, however, the search giant has just agreed to comply with measures put in place by the Data Protection Authority. Moreover, the company will be subjected to regular audits to make sure that everything is in order.

  Google is required to make improvements not only to privacy notices for its various services, but also obtain consent from users to use their data in research and profiling. The right-to-be forgotten also rears its head again as the authority requires Google to investigate individuals' requests for search listing removals.

  Services such as Gmail, YouTube and Google+ will be checked on a quarterly basis to ensure that each has its own specific privacy policy. Google will need to start explaining to its users when data is collected from each of these services and fed into a larger data for the purposes of user profiling. Should any changes be made to privacy policies, Google will have to maintain an easily accessible archive of previous versions to give people a chance to compare them.

  The Italian DPA is also demanding that the company makes improvements to its handling of data storage and deletion. Specifically, Google will have to make changes to the processes used to anonymize data and implement a specific time-frame for deleting data from backup systems. The authority is also looking for Google to improve its data storage and deletion mechanisms for users' personal information.

  The DPA said that Google has until the beginning of next year to comply:

  For the first time in Europe, it will be the subject of regular checks to monitor progress status of the actions to bring its platform into line with domestic legislation. The Italian DPA approved the verification protocol referred to in its order of July 2014 to Mountain View. This marks a shift from the laying down of measures by the DPA to the practical implementation of such measures by Google, which will have to be fully compliant by 15 January 2016.

  This is far from the first time Google's privacy policies have come under scrutiny, and the level of interest it attracts in Europe means it is unlikely to be the last.

  Photo credit: Chukcha / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Demand for Linux developers on the rise

  Publié: février 20, 2015, 7:33pm CET par Sead Fadilpašić

  

  The demand for Linux developers has jumped seven percent in comparison to last year, a study has shown.

  The 2014 Linux Jobs Report shows that hiring managers at tech-powered companies are focusing more attention on Linux talent, and that’s reverberating in the market, with stronger than average salary increases to those working with the OS.

  Dice and The Linux Foundation surveyed both hiring managers and Linux talent to gain a 360-degree view of the thriving jobs landscape, and here’s what they found:

  Some 77 percent of hiring managers have "hiring Linux talent" on their list of priorities for 2014, up from 70 percent a year ago. With these strategic priorities set, more than nine in ten hiring managers plan to hire a Linux professional in the next six months.

  Almost half of hiring managers (46 percent) are beefing up their plans for recruiting Linux talent over the next six months, a three-point increase over last year, and 86 percent of Linux professionals report that knowing the OS has given them more career opportunities.

  Another 64 percent say they chose to work with Linux because of its pervasiveness in modern-day technology infrastructure.

  This year’s survey includes responses from more than 1,100 hiring managers at corporations, small and medium businesses (SMBs), government organizations, and staffing agencies across the globe -- as well as responses from more than 4,000 Linux professionals worldwide.

  The OS has always had a strong presence in the technology world, but these numbers show that the open-source software is really picking up steam.

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

  
• 

  Microsoft is like Aquaman -- uses Windows Defender super powers to kill evil Superfish

  Publié: février 20, 2015, 6:59pm CET par Brian Fagioli

  Lenovo is not having a good time right now, and rightfully so. Its inclusion of the Superfish adware on some of its consumer products has caused outrage and shock in the tech community. It is important to remember that Lenovo is not the super-villain in this story, Superfish is. In other words, the manufacturer was not intentionally malicious, but most likely misguided.

  Today, Microsoft is a super hero -- Aquaman if you will -- and its super power is Windows Defender. Yes, Aquaman is destroying the Superfish villain, leaving Lenovo as the now-saved damsel in distress.

  If you own a Lenovo PC, you only have to update your Windows Defender Definitions and run a scan. These definitions may have already been installed automatically, so don't worry if a Windows Update refresh reveals nothing.

  After you run the scan, Defender should detect and remove the threat. With that said, not every Lenovo PC has Superfish installed, so if nothing is detected, that may be OK; its possible you were not affected in the first place.

  Even if you are not on a Lenovo PC, I would recommend regualrly updating Defender and running weekly scans as a best practice.

  After Defender removes Superfish, I would still suggest heading over to the Lastpass website here, where you can see if the removal was successful.

  Some Firefox users have reported the certificate remaining installed. If you are a user of Mozilla's browser, you should follow Lastpass' instructions below.

  • Open Firefox
  • Click the menu in the top right and select "Options" or open the Tools menu > Options
  • Click the Advanced tab
  • Click "View Certificates"
  • Scroll through until you see Superfish Inc
  • Click the Superfish, Inc - Software Security Device option
  • Press "Delete or Distrust"
  • Confirm it shows "Superfish Inc" and press OK

  Was your system affected? Tell me about it in the comments.

  Photo Credit: Wikipedia / Fair use

  
• 

  Dear EE, it really shouldn't be this way

  Publié: février 20, 2015, 5:40pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  Dear EE,

  We've known each other for a long time, you were called Orange when I first got to know you. A work colleague said we'd be good together and he was right. We've been through more than 12 years and five pay as you go mobile phones together. Then you decided to change your name to EE. What's in a name? I thought, a change to what was shown on the screen of course, but the service seemed the same as before so we carried on and I was still happy. Until I decided I needed a new phone.

  I went to your website which had a shiny new look, alarm bells really should have started to ring at this point -- I'll come to that in a bit -- but it was Black Friday, you were offering good deals and I placed an order.

  You emailed me to say there'd be a delay due to strong demand but that was okay. Then a few days later you send me a message, displaying high levels of apostrophe misuse, telling me that you didn't have the phone I ordered in stock but that you’d be in touch within 21 days to tell me what was happening or suggest an alternative.

  I waited, Christmas came and went, so did New Year, you didn't email me any more. Had I done something wrong? Then in February a chance visit to your website revealed that the phone I'd ordered was back in stock. I called customer services -- a process that involves one of the most labyrinthine menu systems known to man -- and spoke to someone who said the phone was indeed in stock and I could have one next day, still at the Black Friday price. Good, although I really shouldn’t have had to chase you over this you should have kept in touch. But a new phone is on the way so everything will be all right. I thought...

  The phone arrives, and this is where I knew your website should have rung alarm bells. On your old Orange site I could log into my account before ordering, the new phone came with a SIM programmed to my old number, I just activated it and all was good. On your new site there seems to be no link between my account and your shop. The new phone arrives with a SIM that has a new number and I have to get my old one swapped across.

  Still, that shouldn't be a problem, there's even a page on your website to do it. Except the page doesn't work, it asks for a 19 digit SIM code, the new card you sent me only has 12. So I call your customer services line again, another trip down Menu Lane, and talk to a pleasant chap who doesn't really know what he's doing and has to keep putting me on hold to talk to colleagues. Eventually he tells me the transfer is set up and will take up to 72 hours, after which my old SIM will stop working and I can switch to the new one.

  The following day I receive a text from you saying my credit is low. I knew there was about £20 on there when I started so I assume this is evidence of the transfer happening. Switch on the phone with the new SIM and I have credit, but I have the wrong phone number. Another call to customer services, "press three if you're losing the will to live," and I speak to someone else. She tells me this is normal, that the credit will move first and the number will catch up.

  The problem is I now need two phones. One with credit to make calls, one with my old number to receive calls and texts -- which I can’t reply to because it has no credit. Another day later and the old SIM stops working but if people ring my old number it comes up unrecognized so no one can contact me. My online account login no longer works either. None of this would be so bad if you properly explained the process or sent updates so I knew what to expect.

  At last! After two days you’ve finally managed to put my number and credit back together but, EE, I’m afraid that you and I are drifting apart. I still can't login to my online account and it really shouldn't be this hard to switch to a new phone with your existing provider.

  Maybe things will be better when you merge with BT but I’m not holding my breath.

  Yours truly,
  Ian

  Photo Credit: NinaMalyna/Shutterstock

  
• 

  NetCrunch Tools is a free network troubleshooting toolkit

  Publié: février 20, 2015, 5:02pm CET par Mike Williams

  

  If your PC network is misbehaving then you could turn to the standard Windows troubleshooting tools. But they’re mostly console-based, not exactly comfortable or convenient to use, even if you can remember all their various command line switches.

  NetCrunch Tools tries to make your life a little easier by combining 11 troubleshooting and information tools into a single straightforward application.

  The program is a fairly bulky download at 23MB, and unfortunately requires installation. But at least there’s no adware, and setup is quick and easy enough.

  NetCrunch Tools organises its eleven core functions into three groups: Basic IP Tools, Scanners, Subnet Tools. The opening screen is a little subdued -- gray buttons arranged in dark grey panels on a darker gray background -- but you’ll figure out what’s where in a few seconds.

  The program has the old standards, like Ping and Traceroute. Enter an IP address or domain name, click Start and watch as the results are displayed.

  If you need to check your entire network, then a Ping Scanner discovers used addresses, while other tools list MAC addresses, available network services, open TCP ports or basic SNMP information.

  "Who Is" and "DNS Tools" tell you who owns a domain, and give you various other low-level details (Address record, Mail exchange record, more).

  A "Wake On LAN" function allows you to turn on a computer remotely by entering its MAC address (assuming it supports that function), and a "DNS Audit" tries to identify DNS settings errors.

  There’s no great depth to any of this. "Ping" doesn’t produce a fancy graph, for instance: just a series of figures. Even that isn’t sortable, and can’t be saved as a report, or even copied to the clipboard.

  Individual tools aren’t particularly configurable, either. You’re able to set your Ping timeout, packet delay and data size, but that’s it.

  On the plus side, NetCrunch Tools does have a few relatively unusual extras -- DNS Tools, DNS Audit, SNMP Scanner -- and its simplicity does mean the package is easy to use. If your networking needs are straightforward then it deserves a few minutes of your time.

  
• 

  IT departments take the lead in bringing cloud services to the enterprise

  Publié: février 20, 2015, 2:39pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  It’s no surprise that more and more organizations are using the cloud, but the latest State of the Cloud report from RightScale throws up some interesting trends.

  The company surveyed 930 technical professionals across a broad cross-section of organizations about their adoption of cloud computing.

  Among the findings are that a vast majority, 93 percent, of organizations surveyed are running applications in the cloud or experimenting with infrastructure-as-a-service. In addition 82 percent of enterprises now have a hybrid cloud strategy, up from 74 percent in 2014.

  It seems to be IT departments that are driving the move with 62 percent of enterprises reporting that central IT makes the majority of their cloud spending decisions. 43 percent of IT teams are offering some form of self-service portal to allow access to cloud services, with an additional 41 percent planning or already developing a portal.

  Public cloud is the most popular with 88 percent of enterprises using it compared to 63 percent with private clouds. However, the private cloud leads in workloads with only 13 percent of enterprises running more than 1000 virtual machines in public cloud, while 22 percent of organizations run more than 1000 VMs in private cloud.

  Amazon Web Services is the most popular public service, AWS adoption is 57 percent in this years' survey, while Azure IaaS is second on 12 percent, up from 6 percent in 2014. Among enterprise respondents, Azure IaaS has narrowed the gap with 19 percent adoption compared to AWS with 50 percent. The rebranded vCloud Air from Vmware comes in with seven percent adoption among enterprises, behind AWS, Azure, Rackspace, and Google.

  Despite this widespread adoption there's still room for more with 68 percent of enterprises saying they run less than a fifth of their application portfolio in the cloud. 55 percent report that a significant portion of their existing application portfolio, although not in cloud, is built with cloud-friendly architectures.

  A full copy of the report is available from the RightScale website.

  Image Credit: everything possible/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Neptune Duo turns the smartphone/smartwatch relationship on its head

  Publié: février 20, 2015, 2:32pm CET par Sead Fadilpašić

  

  Neptune Duo is an interesting smartwatch/smartphone concept that flips our traditional view of the wearable tech on its head. Ask yourself: What’s a smartphone, and what’s a smartwatch?

  Most of us (I dare say almost everyone) thinks of a smartphone as a mobile computer, small enough to fit in your pocket, but large enough to watch videos, even movies on it, write emails, chat, talk to your friends, all that jazz.

  Smartwatches on the other hand (no pun intended) are nothing more than a watch with a display, capable of reading out notifications without the need to pull the phone out of your pocket, and stuff like that.

  Well, Neptune thinks otherwise. The company believes it’s the watches that should be 'smarter' than the phones, so it built the Neptune Duo -- a duo in which the smartwatch rules, and the smartphone is basically nothing more than a monitor, capable of doing a thing or two.

  I find it to be a very interesting concept, one that just might prove revolutionary -- the display and the processor are the two biggest power consumers on the device, and if you split them up on two devices, you just might get a smart 'hub' where the battery can last for a few days, and still be as powerful as any device, and have a pumped up display.

  The wrist wearable packs a quad-core CPU, 64GB of storage, 4G, Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth and a raft of sensors all hidden behind its 2.4-inch capacitive display, while the phone gets a 5-inch 720HD display, a duo of cameras (8MP and 2MP) and -- 2,800 mA/h battery. The makers say the duo can last "a few days" of "normal usage" on a single charge.

  The devices cost $798, or you can pledge $199 right now and pay $399 at shipping.

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

  
• 

  Best Windows apps this week

  Publié: février 20, 2015, 1:05pm CET par Martin Brinkmann

  One-hundred and nineteen in a series. Welcome to this week's overview of the best apps and games released for Windows in the past seven days.

  Our app of the week is Smash Cops Heat, an addictive fast paced arcade game in which you chase after criminals with your police car. Other apps and games of note include the promising Cody's App Academy which teaches basic programming concepts to children and the shoot'em up game Raijin Lite.

  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.

  Discounts this week

  The following games and apps are discounted by at least 50 percent in the coming seven day period.

  • Rayman Fiesta Run, a running game featuring Rayman for $1.49
  • Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams, a new interpretation of the classic jump and run game for $2.99
  • 7z Zip Rar, a file compression app for $2.49
  • House of 1000 Doors, an adventure game for $1.99
  • Freddy, a puzzle game for $0.99
  • Checkers By Post, multiplayer checkers game for $0.99

  App of the week

  Smash Cops Heat

  

  This game plays best with touch controls but you can play it with a mouse.

  You chase criminals in this action packed game trying to stop them using your police car.

  This is done by ramming the cars and avoiding other traffic and obstacles along the way.

  You have two special powers that you can use. The first rams another car for extra damage, the other improves the protection of your car for a short period of time.

  Visuals are really nice and the game is fast paced and entertaining.

  Other apps

  Cody's App Academy

  

  Cody's App Academy has been designed to teach children -- I guess adults too -- programming related concepts and computational thinking.

  The app features a mission mode currently only but the developer promises to add a game creation mode soon as well.

  The mission mode introduces several building blocks, walk, jump and loop commands that you need to combine in the right order so that the kid displayed on the screen can reach the milk bottle.

  Stage Dive Legends

  

  Stage Dive Legends is a jump and run game in which you try to reach your band's tour bus by jumping into the crowd to do so.

  You control the game with the jump button and collect coins and power ups along the way that help you reach the bus.

  To reach it, it is necessary to dodge objects the crowd throws at you and to avoid bumping into obstacles along the way.

  After each escape you may spend coins to purchase new outfits and upgrades.

  Jewel Blast Match 3 Game

  

  If you cannot get enough of match-3 type of games then you will certainly enjoy Jewel Blast Match 3 Game as well.

  While it plays similar to other games of the genre, it features great visuals that sets it apart from other games of its kind.

  All in all though it features more of the same. That is not necessarily a bad thing but if you expect the game to introduce new concepts then you will be disappointed.

  With all that said, it is still a well done game featuring many levels and all game elements that you expect a match-3 game to support.

  Happy Connect

  

  Happy Connect is a challenging puzzle game in which you need to change the position of smileys on the screen to make sure that their connections don't cross anymore.

  While that is relatively easy in the beginning, it quickly becomes complicated as you may move some smileys freely around while others are limited to certain positions on the map.

  AOL On

  

  AOL features videos, movies and television shows that you can watch using the app. What's interesting about it is that it does not seem to be geo-restricted which means that you can watch it from anywhere in the world.

  According to AOL, it features over a million videos that you can watch.

  Danger Road

  

  Danger Road is a modern adaption of the classic arcade game Frogger. It keeps the general premise of the game but adds obstacles and other elements to it to make it more challenging than the original.

  The game would not run on a non-touch Windows device and it is unclear if it supports non-touch devices at all.

  It features retro-style graphics and several characters to unlock including the frog that all started it back in the early 80s.

  A-Raijin Lite

  

  This is another touch-only game. It is a classic arcade shoot'em up game featuring tons of enemies and bosses that you need to defeat.

  The game is inspired by the popular Raiden series of shoot'em up games and features the same color-based power-up system for example.

  If you like shoot'em up games, this is one of the best ones currently available for Windows.

  The lite version is limited and an option to purchase the full game is available in the app.

  
• 

  Clean up Android devices with the (ad) free Droid Optimizer

  Publié: février 20, 2015, 12:59pm CET par Mike Williams

  

  German developer Ashampoo has been producing PC cleanup tools since 1999, but now it's looking a little further. Droid Optimizer is a one-stop app for cleaning, managing and maintaining just about any Android device (2.3+).

  There’s plenty of competition around, but Droid Optimizer scores immediately as it’s free, with no visible ads. The only marketing is a "More apps" button which displays some recommendations, but that’s it: leave the button alone and there’s nothing else.

  The app’s home screen displays key details on your system status, including free RAM and storage space. Five tiles then lead you to Droid Optimizer’s main features.

  A Cleanup module can stop background apps, clean your device cache or browser history with a tap, while a more capable Junk Finder locates surplus and large files.

  The App Manager lists your apps, displays details on them and allows them to be uninstalled.

  The Privacy Manager highlights potentially "suspicious apps", anything which requires the most critical permissions. You can review these in fine detail, and again, remove the app if necessary.

  A "1-Touch Speed Up" feature automatically closes some background apps, then lets you know how much RAM it’s freed.

  There are various automation options, too. You can have Droid Optimizer automatically stop background apps, clear your cache or browser history, at the frequency of your choosing. A separate Good Night Scheduler helps to extend battery life by optionally turning off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, background apps, auto sync and more, during the time periods you specify.

  There’s nothing radically new here, but Droid Optimizer has a good range of features, is easy to use, and from what we’ve seen -- and its current 4.4 star Google Play rating -- does what it claims. Worth a try.

  
• 

  Order food and find the right hotel using Bing

  Publié: février 20, 2015, 11:32am CET par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Microsoft has been very busy lately. Just in the last month, the software giant has adopted an international standard for cloud privacy, released Windows 10 Technical Preview for phones, introduced an Outlook app for mobile devices, updated mobile Office to support its rivals' cloud storage services, and removed all restrictions from its OneNote app. However, Microsoft isn't done, as it just introduced two useful new features in Bing.

  Bing is making it easier for users to order food and find the right hotel right from the search results. For restaurants that make deliveries, the search engine will show an Order online button; click it and you'll be taken to an ordering service to receive your favorite dishes at the door.

  If you're unsure of what's on offer, clicking on the Menu button will take you to the restaurant's menu. For those who like to order at odd hours, Bing makes it easier to know when a restaurant can make deliveries as it shows open hours.

  Eat24 is among the ordering services that Microsoft uses to make this feature happen. To test it, Microsoft recommends Golden Crust Pizzeria Chicago, Khan Toke Thai House San Francisco, Shawarma Spot Washington DC, Thai Spirit Los Angeles, and Oui, Oui New York City. (Presumably, other locations work as well.)

  The second feature is designed to make it easier for Bing users to find the right hotel in a certain area. The search engine will show a list of hotels with photos, ratings and other information at the top of the search results.

  Click on one and Bing will show a map of its location, the average price per night, review snippets, a link to the hotel's site and reservations page. You can also find rates for specific time-frames, thanks to TripAdvisor integration.

  

  
• 

  NSA and GCHQ hacked world's biggest SIM card manufacturer to steal your data

  Publié: février 20, 2015, 11:22am CET par Manish Singh

  

  In mid-2013, Edward Snowden revealed that the government-backed agency NSA monitored everything happening on the Internet, including spying on individuals phone calls, messaging, and emails to glean information and pinpoint suspicious activities in an attempt to stop the growing terrorist acts.

  Since the revelations -- which changed everyone's perspective on privacy -- the leaked information from Snowden and acceptance from major technology companies have given us an understanding of how the NSA managed to get our data from the services we heavily rely on. Essentially, either providers agreed to turn our data or the NSA found another way, a backdoor, to obtain it. But how did it manage to tap our phone calls was mostly unclear. Last year, Vodafone did acknowledge that it allowed the NSA to place surveillance tools inside its data centers. But as it turns out, the agency had more ways to log our phone activities.

  A new report based on the documents provided by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden reveals that United States' NSA and Great Britain's GCHQ spying agencies hacked the world's biggest SIM card manufacturer to steal the encryption keys, and silently and seamlessly eavesdrop on people without a warrant.

  The agencies hacked Gemalto, a multinational firm based in the Netherlands that makes SIM card chips used in mobile phones, tablets, as well as next-generation credit cards. The company provides the chips to more than 450 wireless operators, including AT&T and Verizon, spread across more than 80 countries. The report also sheds light on how NSA in conjunction with GCHQ gamed its way into Gemalto, and eventually millions of people's mobile handsets.

  The keys, in question, is what ensures data -- both audio and data -- encryption between the user’s mobile handset and the respective carrier. By gleaning the encryption keys, the agencies were able to decrypt said that and directly eavesdrop into user’s mobile handset.

  "[We] believe we have their entire network", reveals one of the slides about the operation against Gemalto. When approached by the publication to check whether the company was aware, or had suspicion of any such activities, one of the company’s executives said that they didn’t have any prior knowledge on this matter. "It’s unbelievable. Unbelievable", a member of Dutch Parliament told The Intercept.

  The direct access also allowed the agencies to find a route to circumvent federal court order, consent of the concerned government, and permission of the mobile carrier to access the logs and data in a user’s handset. To make sure they weren’t leaving any trail behind, the spying agencies also manipulated bills in a user’s mobile phone. The report discloses the existence of the Mobile Handset Exploitation Team (MHET) which has been operating since April 2010. The group finds and targets vulnerabilities in cellphones and penetrates computer networks of corporations that manufacture SIM cards.

  As absurd as it may sound, SIM cards are not designed to provide adequate levels of encryption. The chip was originally manufactured to facilitate carrier’s control on billing and other information. And not much has changed in the last couple of years as mobile operators never bothered to resolve it.

  Photo Credit: NorGal/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Uber bringing food delivery to Barcelona

  Publié: février 20, 2015, 11:21am CET par Sead Fadilpašić

  

  Uber, the taxi-hailing company from Los Angeles, has announced a food delivery service for Barcelona.

  The same service is already available in Los Angeles under the name UberFresh, while in Barcelona it’s called UberEats.

  Even though the company is present globally, this is the first time its food delivery service has been presented outside the United States.

  The new service comes to Barcelona in cooperation with Plateselector, a Barcelona food guide website, and its menu will be regularly updated with new selections, it says in an Uber blog post.

  Uber claims that lunch and dinner menus can reach their customer in less than ten minutes.

  "In the same time it takes you to walk up Las Ramblas you can open up your Uber app, choose your meal and get it delivered to an address of your choice", it says on the blog.

  Plateselector co-founder Johann Wald said his company is "excited to be a part of this collaboration with Uber, an internationally renowned brand", adding how they’re fans of the Uber app.

  Uber has faced numerous controversies, and was even banned in a couple of countries including Spain, although temporarily, when a judge ruled that it posed unfair competition to existing taxi services.

  The company has also faced problems in India, where an Indian woman was allegedly raped by an Uber taxi driver.

  Last month, Times of India reported that the woman hired a top American trial lawyer to sue the Los Angeles company.

  "I can confirm that I have been retained by the young lady who was raped by an Uber driver in Delhi, India, last December", Wigdor told ToI.

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

  
• 

  Google to launch YouTube Kids for Android

  Publié: février 20, 2015, 10:42am CET par Mark Wilson

  

  Google is launching a kid-friendly version of YouTube. It's a project we first heard about a few months ago, and now YouTube Kids is about to become reality. But rather than launching as a child-friendly version of the website we've come to know and love, YouTube Kids will start its life as an Android app.

  Parents will be pleased at Google's plans, where it will be possible to find carefully selected content that is suitable for a younger audience. Google will be curating videos, but there will be one question that enters the minds of mums and dads around the world: "what if my kid uses 'sex' as a search term".

  Google is one step ahead of the game. Should kids conduct searches that are deemed potentially dangerous or that are too adult in theme, a gentle suggestion that the user might like to "try something else" will pop up. Another parental concern is addressed with the inclusion of a time-limiting feature so the app will turn off when it has been used for a while.

  The video sharing site has already tried to get 'down with the kids' by introducing support for animated GIFs, but the deliberate targeting of a younger audience is a difference move altogether. Speaking to USA Today, YouTube Kids' project manager, Shimrit Ben-Yair explained how the upcoming app is suitable for children:

  Parents were constantly asking us, can you make YouTube a better place for our kids. The images are big as are the tap targets for small fingers, and since most younger children can't type they can search with voice.

  Split up in to a number of sections such as TV shows, music and educational videos, YouTube Kids, and partnerships with various content providers will spawn content for the platform. Google has not yet revealed how the service will be monetized -- it's not clear whether ads will be used, or if Google is taking the long view and hoping that child users transition to full-blown YouTube and other services later in life.

  
• 

  Top 10 Chinese smartphones

  Publié: février 20, 2015, 8:58am CET par Barclay Ballard

  

  China’s smartphone market is the largest in the world, but some of the country’s major players including Xiaomi and Lenovo have found that, with the domestic market reaching saturation point, they need to look internationally for further growth.

  To celebrate the Chinese New Year we’ve taken a look at ten of the best handsets to emerge from the Asian country.

  Xiaomi Mi4

  Various sources have placed Xiaomi as the world’s third largest smartphone vendor, but the brand is still relatively unknown outside of its native China. However, if it continues to make sterling handsets like the Mi4, that won’t remain the case for long.

  The Mi4 launched in August last year and quickly continued Xiaomi’s emphasis on high-end specs without the high-end price tag. The handset boasts a 5-inch 1080 display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor and a whopping 3GB of RAM.

  Priced at 1999 yuan domestically and costing international buyers around $370, the Mi4 offers very decent value for money.

  Lenovo Vibe Z2 Pro

  Lenovo is perhaps more associated with its range of laptops, but the Chinese firm also knows how to deliver a killer smartphone.

  The Vibe Z2 Pro fits the bill if larger handsets are your thing, with the device sporting a 6-inch display. Despite the size, Lenovo has managed to make the phone surprisingly portable, and the Z2 Pro is actually shorter in length than the iPhone 6 Plus and smaller in all three dimensions than the Nexus 6. It also comes with a 16-megapixel camera, 32GB of internal storage and looks very stylish -- which is always a bonus.

  IUNI U3

  IUNI may be one of the least well-known Chinese brands to Western consumers, but anyone who did take a punt on the U3 would have been pleasantly surprised.

  The handset’s real selling point is its fantastic display, which measures 5.5-inches and provides Quad HD resolution. When you factor in that the IUNI U3 also comes with some impressive specs, a 13-megapixel camera and is available for just $370 it more than holds its own against some better known devices.

  Oppo R5
  

  

  The Oppo R5 held the record (albeit briefly) for the world’s thinnest smartphone when it launched late last year, and at just 4.85mm thick, it proves that good things come in small packages.

  It includes an excellent AMOLED screen, a 13-megapixel camera and is available for around $447. While other handsets may boast more impressive specs, the R5’s sleek design is what really makes it stand out, so if the look of your handset is important, it is definitely worth checking out.

  ZTE Nubia Z7

  Many consumers both in China and abroad struggled to get their hands on the ZTE Nubia Z7, when it launched in July last year, such was the demand for the device.

  The Z7 utilizes a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor to power its 5.5-inch display and its 13-megapixel camera. The latter of which actually forms one of the handset’s best features, as it is capable of shooting 4K UHD video and 120 FPS slow-motion clips.

  The smartphone is available in three variants, the Maxi, the Mini and the regular Z7 and prices range from $300 to $460.

  Gionee Elife S5.1

  The Gionee Elife S5.1 is targeted at individuals who may not need top-of-the range specs, but want a good quality, well-designed smartphone that doesn’t break the bank.

  The handset boasts a 4.8-inch display, 1GB of RAM and LTE support. There’s also no sign of any plastic to be had here, with the Elife S5.1 housing everything within Gorilla Glass 3 front and rear panels and metal sides.

  It also measures just over 5mm thick and weighs less than 100 grams, so if you want a compact, stylish, budget smartphone then look no further.

  Huawei Honor 6

  One of the first things to note about the Huawei Honor 6 is its premium feel, despite a price tag of around $385.

  It has 3GB of RAM, a 5-inch laminated display and the option of expanding its 16GB internal storage with a microSD card of up to 32GB. Consumers may have to get use to Huawei’s custom Emotion UI, but will surely be delighted with the manufacturer’s claims that the phone’s 3100mAh battery will give more than full day’s charge, even under heavy use.

  Meizu MX4

  The Meizu MX4 is not one of the cheapest smartphones available from a Chinese manufacturer, but it still offers very good value for money.

  It’s powered by an octa-core MediaTek processor and boasts 2GB of RAM and a substantial 3100mAH battery. The smartphone is also equipped with a 20.7-megapixel rear-facing lens, so it should be a serious consideration for any budding photographers out there.

  Vivo Xshot

  Another worthy camera-centric option comes in the form of Vivo’s Xshot handset. Aside from its Snapdragon 801 processor and 3GB of RAM, the Xshot has a 13-megapixel camera, which is equipped with a second-gen Sony sensor and is capable of 4K video and slow-motion capture.

  It also includes special modes, such as a Smart Night Mode, and even sports a front-facing full-spectrum flash, so camera enthusiasts will have plenty of features to fiddle with, all for around $460.

  OnePlus One

  

  The OnePlus One made headlines last year for its unusual distribution strategy, with consumers only able to purchase it via an exclusive invitation process.

  However, the hype surrounding the phone soon grew for other reasons, namely its high-end specs and low-end price. The 16GB version can be purchased for just $370 and offers a 5.5-inch display, 3GB of RAM, and the latest Snapdragon processor. What’s more, the OnePlus One will also allow consumers to root their handset without voiding their warranty, enabling them to run whatever custom ROMs they want -- a far cry from the walled garden of Apple’s iPhone.

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

  
• 

  Reporter’s Notebook: Yahoo, IBM, IEEE and me

  Publié: février 20, 2015, 8:19am CET par Robert X. Cringely

  

  I haven’t been writing as much lately. This has been for several reasons, some of which may surprise you. It’s true I’ve had to spend a lot of time fending-off attacks from IBM corporate (more on that below) but I’ve mainly been at work on two secret projects. One is a new documentary series for PBS and the other a new technology startup I’m doing with a partner. The PBS series will be announced when PBS decides to announce it but most of the shooting is already done. The startup has taken the traditional VC route and looks, surprisingly, like it will actually be funded. Evidently if your idea is wild enough and your partner is smart enough it’s still possible for an idiot (that would be me) to make it in Silicon Valley. This project, too, will be announced when the money is dry, hopefully in a week or two.

  In the meantime I’ve been working on several columns. One of these, about Yahoo, has been especially frustrating. There was a time when companies actually wanted reporters to write about them, but I guess those days are past. I e-mailed Yahoo corporate communications (twice) and have yet to hear back from media@yahoo-inc.com. I called (again twice) the number they give on Yahoo press releases, leaving messages both times but have yet to get a call back from 408-349-4040. For awhile the Yahoo press site was completely down.

  So if you work at Yahoo please ask someone in the press office to give me a call at 707-525-9519.

  Back at boring old IBM, heads continue to roll in the current reorg. I don’t want to waste a whole column on this but stories reach me every day showing both the mean spirit and delusion that seem to be the dominant themes these days in Armonk. I’ll give you two examples here, the first being mean spirit:

  In June of 2011 IBM gave every employee seven shares (about $1000) worth of restricted stock options, a gift to the workforce on IBM’s 100th Anniversary.  Normally the vesting period for such options would be four years.  But IBM in this case moved the vesting date back to December, 2015 (4.5 years).  It is now like the 401K employee contribution match but unlike any IBM option program I know. So if you’ll still be on the IBM payroll in June but won’t be in December, as looks to be the case for tens of thousands of IBMers, the company gets to keep your money.

  And now delusion:

  Here’s a VentureBeat story: IBM makes a big bet on software-defined storage and hybrid clouds. It’s a good idea but IBM, being IBM, is doing it exactly the wrong way.

  Where IBM has it absolutely right is that managing storage between a data center and a cloud service can be tricky.  The cloud folks use very different technology making this an area where most cloud services are not quite ready. So this announcement from IBM could be exactly the right idea. Its XIV technology is very good and if it can be applied to this challenge it could be a big win with corporations wanting to move to the cloud.

  But there are two things about this announcement that bother me -- five years and $1 billion.

  If IBM takes more than six months to produce its first iteration of this service it will be too little too late. In the cloud world, especially given IBM is years late to that market, IBM needs to move at Internet speed.

  Also the $1 billion investment is way too high. Even IBM should be able to do this product for $50 million. I think the truth here is that $1 billion is a marketing number intended to impress big customers, to pre-sell some expensive XIV systems, and to keep those big customers waiting years until the technology -- by then completely obsolete -- is finished.

  Finally, pity the poor IEEE, which picked-up information from my Forbes column only to be almost crushed by a negative reaction from IBM. I give the IEEE a lot of credit here for sticking more or less to its (in this case our) guns, but the point I want to make has to do with the varying burden of proof in the case of such business stories.

  IBM of course hates me and has worked hard to discredit my work. Yet there is an interesting disparity in how the burden of journalistic proof is being applied. IBM says I am wrong yet consistently won’t say what’s right. Exactly how many employees have been RA’d so far in 2015? How many have been fired outright? How many have been pushed into early retirements by being rated a 3 for the first time in their long careers? And how many of these affected people are age 50 and over? IBM refuses to give any of this information.

  If stories are pro-IBM, anyone can write anything without substantiation.  If they are anti-IBM, then it has to be wrong. IBM can say it’s wrong, get ugly about it, and not provide any proof of what it says. Ironically, this is exactly the opposite of mainstream news, where the more negative the news, the fewer details seem to be needed.

  
• 

  Duplicate & Same Files Searcher: not just another duplicate file finder

  Publié: février 20, 2015, 8:12am CET par Mike Williams

  

  Unnecessary duplicate files can waste hard drive space and cause all kinds of odd PC issues, which is probably why there are so many programs designed to help you track them down.

  Duplicate & Same Files Searcher sounds like it's just going to be yet another "me too" duplicate finder, but no -- there are some interesting differences, and they're obvious from the very beginning.

  We were expecting adware, for instance, and the program's 427KB download was an immediate red flag. It had to be an installer which would grab the real code -- and assorted other junk -- from elsewhere, right?

  Well, no. There's no adware and no installation required, just a compact free-for-personal-use executable which you can run when and where you like.

  One limitation is that the program locates files with identical content only; unlike some similar tools, you can't compare files just on their names, dates or size. This makes Duplicate & Same Files Searcher relatively slow, as it must read and process every single file in your selected group.

  Fortunately there are some ways to improve performance. You can direct the program to scan a particular folder tree only (C:\Users\MyName), to examine files of a particular type (*.mp3, *.jpg), to ignore others (*.iso, *.exe), to check only files of a defined size.

  There are some options you won’t often see elsewhere. You can have the program check for (or ignore) differences in alternate data streams, to ignore different ID3 tags in MP3s, to skip symbolic links (or not).

  When the scan is complete, each set of duplicates is listed, along with their file names, paths, size and dates. You even see their number of file fragments, which we weren't expecting. But if you don’t care which duplicate you keep, being able to delete the most fragmented is a small plus.

  There's a very lengthy context menu. Right-click a file and you're able to open it, launch Explorer at its containing folder, delete, rename, or copy it to your clipboard.

  Once you've selected the files you don’t need, you can have the program delete them all, compress them, or move them to a folder somewhere.

  Perhaps best of all (if you know what you’re doing) there's even an option to replace the files with hard links. This means you can have a single file referenced by multiple paths on the same volume, so for example the hard links C:\Here\File.dll, C:\There\File.dll and C:\Everywhere\File.dll would only require the file space for one copy of File.dll.

  Duplicate & Same Files Searcher isn’t for NTFS beginners, then, but if you’re a Windows expert then there's plenty here to enjoy. Go take a look.

  
• 

  Docker to host 'Open-source-a-thon' -- proceeds will be used to adopt blue whale

  Publié: février 20, 2015, 2:10am CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  Every summer, I board a charter boat out of Captree State Park in New York to go fishing. Why do I do this? I love to fish and I cannot afford my own boat, so it is a great way to experience the Long Island nautical life for the afternoon (not to mention catch a tasty dinner). It is also a great way to have a technology-free day, leaving the smartphone at home and replacing it with a rod in my hand.

  Almost always, however, there is some idiot who does not appreciate nature, that throws his garbage overboard into the waters below. It is depressing to see people not care about the environment. Not to mention, seeing Bud Light cans and food wrappers floating by ruins the picturesque scenery. Today, Docker announces a new 'Open-source-a-thon' where people can learn about both open source and marine life conservation. The best part? Docker will use the proceeds to adopt a blue whale! Any excess proceeds will be given to Oceanic Society to help study and protect our oceans.

  "The Docker Project, the open platform for distributed applications, today announced it will be organizing an open-source-a-thon where Docker core team members will teach and mentor people in how to contribute to open source. Contributions include code, documentation, tutorials, videos, and mentoring. Each contribution to the Docker Project will also support the Oceanic Society and its mission to conserve oceans. The program is timed to coincide with the project's second birthday and is focused on a cause -- ocean and marine life health -- that is important to its millions of users. Docker's logo, Moby Dock, is a blue whale that was contributed and selected by its community. The charitable program starts on March 23 and will span a total of five weeks; part of the proceeds will go towards the adoption and naming of a female blue whale soon to be known as Molly Dock", says Docker.

  The company further explains, "Docker and the Oceanic Society will be providing further education on the risks faced by marine wildlife, including the threat of container ships to the whale population, at events surrounding Docker's second birthday starting the week of March 15. These events and activities will celebrate and acknowledge the unparalleled achievements of the Docker community which has forged one of the fastest growing open source projects ever in under 24 months, including 770+ contributors creating software for millions of users that have done over 200 million container downloads and created nearly 100 thousand Dockerized applications".

  

  The excess funds (if there are any) given to the Oceanic Society will be distributed for two goals, as Docker explains below.

  • "Blue Habits", a program recently launched by Oceanic Society in partnership with Stanford University behavioral scientists to determine best practices for motivating lasting pro-ocean behaviors. Blue Habits seeks to convert environmental awareness into conservation action on a broad scale, beginning with Oceanic Society's Bay Area whale-watching community.
  • Oceanic Society's Blackbird Caye Field Station in Belize, where marine mammal and coral reef experts from around the world are helping to monitor and understand dolphins, manatees, and other keystone species to help protect the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve that lies at the heart of the Mesoamerican reef biome – the most significant coral reef and coastal complex in the Americas.

  This Open-source-a-thon is the very definition of a win/win; people will get the opportunity to learn about open source while benefiting the ocean and marine life. The only loser are the people that pollute and show disregard; hopefully this event can change the behaviors of some offenders.

  If you want to learn more about the Open-source-a-thon -- including registration -- you can visit the really cool URL of http://docker.party/. Once there, you can enter your email to be kept up to date.

  Photo Credit: Dominic Laniewicz / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Tempus Fugit -- Microsoft cloud storage service OneDrive celebrates its first birthday

  Publié: février 20, 2015, 1:00am CET par Alan Buckingham

  

  Yes, today Microsoft's cloud storage service OneDrive turns one year old, well sort of. Really it has been around since 2007 when it began life as Windows Live Folders, then switching its name to SkyDrive the following year. That was when things began to take off and it has grown ever since, evolving into OneDrive a year ago and adding both features and storage.

  Microsoft has been pushing this hard, offering numerous options for free storage, another one announced just earlier today. "We’ve been working hard to make OneDrive the one place for all of your files — including photos, videos, and documents — available across the devices you use every day for work and life", says Microsoft's Omar Shahine.

  He also goes on to point out some of his favorite moves that the company has made during this rapid growth period. These include unlimited storage for Office 365 customers, the launch of OneDrive for Business, save and send file integration with Outlook.com, increased free storage and more.

  No hint is given regarding plans for the future, though there is little doubt that many are in the works. With the cloud service now integrated tightly with both Windows and Office there is really no turning back from this path.

  

  Photo Credit: Ruth Black/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Dropbox users can get 100GB free bonus storage on OneDrive -- here's how

  Publié: février 19, 2015, 8:43pm CET par Wayne Williams

  

  Earlier today my colleague Mihaita Bamburic explained how to get 100 GB of free OneDrive storage courtesy of Bing Rewards. It’s a great offer, available worldwide, and all you have to do is click a single link to claim your bonus storage.

  Of course you can never have too much cloud storage, and the great news is Microsoft is giving away another 100 GB free, this time to Dropbox users (sign up for a free account if you don’t already have one). Make use of both free offers and boom, that’s 200 GB of free additional storage claimed in under five minutes.

  As with the Bing Rewards offer, the process of claiming your extra 100 GB is very straightforward, and available worldwide.

  Just click this link and then click the "Verify and get my storage" button. You’ll need to save a OneDrive Getting Started document to your Dropbox. That’s it -- the 100 GB will be added to your total.

  The free storage claimed through Bing Offers lasts for two years, while the Dropbox storage is only good for one year, but even so, it’s a great bonus.

  
• 

  Lenovo loads dangerous Superfish adware onto new computers -- this fish stinks

  Publié: février 19, 2015, 7:26pm CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  Buying a new Windows computer can be a really fun moment. When you say goodbye to your aging and slow machine, and start fresh with a new model, everything seems faster and peppier. Unfortunately, many manufacturers pre-load unwanted software on these computers, causing headaches and wasted time for the consumer. It can take hours to uninstall all of the stuff you do not want.

  Sadly, Lenovo has crossed a line when it comes to this practice. Along with all the the usual added software (bloatware), was a piece of adware called Superfish. From a security standpoint, it could potentially put customer data at risk with man in the middle attacks, which in turn threatens the manufacturer's reputation.

  Just how bad is Superfish? Very. The EFF explains, "Lenovo has not just injected ads in a wildly inappropriate manner, but engineered a massive security catastrophe for its users. The use of a single certificate for all of the MITM attacks means that all HTTPS security for at least Internet Explorer, Chrome, and Safari for Windows, on all of these Lenovo laptops, is now broken. If you access your webmail from such a laptop, any network attacker can read your mail as well or steal your password. If you log into your online banking account, any network attacker can pilfer your credentials. All an attacker needs in order to perform these attacks is a copy of the Superfish MITM private key".

  Yikes. this is a horrible thing and users of these Lenovo machines could potentially be at a huge risk. Luckily, Lenovo has acted quickly, by apologizing and vowing to stop.

  "Superfish was previously included on some consumer notebook products shipped in a short window between September and December to help customers potentially discover interesting products while shopping. However, user feedback was not positive, and we responded quickly and decisively", says Lenovo.

  The company further explains, "to be clear, Superfish technology is purely based on contextual/image and not behavioral. It does not profile nor monitor user behavior. It does not record user information. It does not know who the user is. Users are not tracked nor re-targeted. Every session is independent. Users are given a choice whether or not to use the product. The relationship with Superfish is not financially significant; our goal was to enhance the experience for users. We recognize that the software did not meet that goal and have acted quickly and decisively".

  What actions has Lenovo taken? The company lists the following.

  • Superfish has completely disabled server side interactions (since January) on all Lenovo products so that the product is no longer active. This disables Superfish for all products in market.
  • Lenovo stopped preloading the software in January.
  • We will not preload this software in the future.

  Should consumers and the media crucify Lenovo over this? Yes; for now. Should the manufacturer be forgiven? I say yes. The company didn't do this with the intention of hurting consumers.

  True, it was a stupid mistake, but the company's overall foundation and track record is solid. If anything, the consumer outcry should cause all manufacturers to think twice before pre-loading anything questionable on its consumer's PCs. All manufacturers should take this as a lesson.

  While Microsoft is not to blame, I turn to them to fix the overall problem of OEMs loading crap onto consumer machines. The fact that Microsoft sells "Signature Edition" laptops with the selling point of not being loaded with unwanted software shows that there is a problem.

  Moving forward, Satya Nadella and team should create stricter guidelines in their OEM licensing to prevent adware from being pre-loaded on Windows machines. Not all pre-loaded software is bad, so a distinction must be made at the top, and I urge Microsoft to act.

  Can you forgive Lenovo? Tell me in the comments.

  [Update] Lastpass has released an online tool to see if your machine is affected. Go here to use it.

  If your machine is affected, there is a removal guide listed to help.

  Photo Credit: Tanya Puntti / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Smartphones just as accurate as wearables for tracking fitness

  Publié: février 19, 2015, 7:09pm CET par David Curry

  

  Fitness trackers have become all the range and over 3 million were sold in the second half of 2014, making up over three quarters of the total wearable sales, but it looks like the benefits of a fitness tracker might be minimal.

  That is according to a new study by the University of Pennsylvania, which measured the amount of steps on a treadmill with two smartphones and three wearables.

  The case study claims smartphone apps work just as well for collection step counters -- a major feature on most health apps -- and don’t offer the wild variants that some fitness trackers show.

  Smartphones apps offered a -6.7 to 6.2 percent relative difference in the step counter, while the three wearables offered a much wider range, -22.7 to -1.5 percent.

  This means wearables are also failing to document footsteps, while smartphones (normally in a pocket) are capable of keeping with the rhythm.

  "In this study, we wanted to address one of the challenges with using wearable devices: they must be accurate. After all, if a device is going to be effective at monitoring -- and potentially changing -- behavior, individuals have to be able to trust the data", head author Meredith A. Case said. "We found that smartphone apps are just as accurate as wearable devices for tracking physical activity".

  This is a worry for those that carry around a smartphone and fitness band, not knowing their smartphone is capable of collecting all of the information anyway.

  Wearables do offer ways to track blood oxygen, heart-rate and other health information due to the position on the wrist, but most fitness bands do not offer that functionality.

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

  
• 

  Choosing a streaming stick -- Chromecast, Roku, or Fire TV? [review]

  Publié: février 19, 2015, 5:28pm CET par Joe Wilcox

  

  My household cut the cord in July 2014; the cable box is gone. In the process, I have been testing various streaming set-tops and sticks, and the latter is today's topic. Google opened up the category with $35 Chromecast in July 2013, and the device gets better with age. Roku Streaming Stick, at $49.99, is priciest choice, while Amazon Fire TV Stick is the $39 in-betweener.

  Briefly, before deep diving, Chromecast is easiest to use and offers more commercial programming support. Roku delivers broadest streaming channel selection. Fire TV fits tightly into the broader Amazon Prime ecosystem, while offering satisfying, but incomplete, content options compared to either of the other devices.

  None of the three streamers is good enough for everybody, which is reminder that the benefits you receive matter more than features the device manufacturer promises. I will lay out key benefits, which you can compare when making your buying decision. For my current setup, only one of the three devices is an option, and that's warning to look before you buy. While our Vizio M322i-B1 television has three HDMI ports, the two round back will not fit streaming sticks; only the side slot does. Check your tellie, too.

  Cord-Cutting Adventure

  The Wilcox household cancelled AT&T U-verse service last summer, switching to Cox Internet for $59.99 per month. The new provider promised 50Mbps service but doubled bandwidth in late October. However, in speed tests, I more typically see better—120Mbps downstream over WiFi. For us, cord-cutting means watching no live TV, even over antenna (more because of reception problems in our apartment). We stream everything from services like Amazon, Hulu Plus, Netflix, and YouTube, among others.

  Earlier this month, we finally accepted Cox's offer to add more, with service called Flex Watch. For another $19.99 monthly, the cable company offers local TV channels from HD box plus Encore, HBO, and Starz for one year without contract. However, we put into storage, rather than connect, the set-top box for two reasons:

  • My wife and I are adjusted to a different viewing lifestyle—what we want and when, with few (Hulu Plus) to no (most other services) commercials and without that mindless remote clicking so common when using a program guide before finding nothing worth watching. Stated another way: More channels isn't better. However, we are testing Sling TV, about which I will write more in the future.
  • The cable connection comes into the bedroom and the television is in the living room. Cox currently cannot wire up without wall drilling that our landlord would never permit. So that HD box isn't an option, and I am glad about that. We wanted the subscription channels—and so much we pay another $5 monthly for Showtime. Our viewing interest in the network, and HBO and Starz, is the series more than the movies. We stream all to the TV or various devices.

  Of course, streaming sticks can, and should, be used by anyone. Cord-cutting isn't required. But I frame them in the context in which I tested. Now let's get to the devices.

  Chromecast

  Google's stick is the granddaddy, and today's hardware is essentially the same as that which released about 20 months ago. Chromecast improvements come from updates to App, OS, and supporting services. Your device running Android, Chrome, or iOS is the remote where you access and "cast" content.

  If you don't mind, even find beneficial, using phablet, smartphone, or tablet as remote, Chromecast is excellent choice. If you would rather use separate remote, the stick may not be for you. I prefer Android device in the remote role. It's convenient if, say, an interesting YouTube shows up on my social feed to cast from Chrome to the TV. My wife enjoys the cat vids.

  However, the other two sticks support casting from YouTube and from some other sources. The benefit isn't just limited to the Google device. But the number of Cast-ready apps is considerably longer. Most of the sources I would want are supported, and they include all the premium movie channels that I'm authorized to stream by way of the Cox sub.

  The other sticks can stream from HBO Go and Showtime Anytime but not the Encore or Starz networks. Where Chromecast comes up short: Amazon Instant Video. If you can only use one streaming stick and consume content from Amazon, Chromecast isn't the best choice.

  Key benefits:

  • Ease of casting from devices
  • Large selection of entertainment apps
  • The increasing number of supported apps
  • Chrome browser casting adds utility and content breadth

  Like the other two sticks, Chromecast plugs directly into the HDMI port and comes with choice of USB cable connected to the TV or electrical charger to provide power.

  Overall device performance is excellent, and I would rate it to be subjectively superior to either of the two other sticks.

  Roku Streaming Stick

  By contrast, I find the Roku device to be annoyingly slow; perception that is accentuated by my having used the company's set-top model, which is quite zippy. I recommend looking for a deal on Roku 2 or, better, 3 before buying the stick.

  With Chromecast, your content comes from supporting apps installed on the devices acting as remotes. Roku requires you to add channels, which is fairly easy but nevertheless is another step (or more for subscription content). The lineup is fairly comprehensive and is similar to that available for the other two sticks.

  Key Benefits:

  • Large selection of channels, including Amazon
  • Some services, like DishWorld, are exclusive to Roku
  • Search across channels is remarkably accurate and revealing
  • Unique content, such as the ICC Cricket World Cup, is a big bonus
  • Google Play Movies & TV channel creates Chromecast alternative for some users

  However, my device drops frames when streaming, or some channels will crash. By contrast, Roku 3 is considerably more reliable, as are Chromecast and Fire TV Stick.

  Tip: The Roku starts slow. When my TV is powered down, the stick gets no juice, which means long wait for bootup every time I turn on the TV. If your tellie operates similarly, plug Roku into the wall charger instead.

  

  Deal Alert: If you sign up for four months of DishWorld, Roku Streaming Stick is free—or you can get Roku 3 for 50-percent discount.

  Fire TV Stick

  Amazon's device is surprisingly smooth and satisfying. Performance doesn't match the set-top box model, which from a subjective speed perspective is best of class. The full Fire TV is so exceptionally fast, I suggest paying more and grabbing the device during one of Amazon's frequent, ah, Fire sales. But if budget or other considerations demand a stick, this one is excellent choice.

  Amazon's UI is clean, bold, and bleeding screen. The apps selection is excellent, although it falls short of Chromecast (because of Android) or Roku Streaming Stick (for the sheer number channels). But the majority of popular services are available; and there is the retailer's own streaming service, which, unsurprisingly, is better presented and more navigable than on any other device.

  Key Benefits:

  • User interface is best of class
  • New content is easily discovered on all services
  • Remote is hassle-free; simple and straightforward to use
  • Selection of apps (not just streaming) is large and satisfying
  • Prime, Prime, Prime. Subscribers get lots of free video and music selections

  Deal Alert: If you sign up for three months of Sling TV, Amazon's stick is free—or you can save $50 off the Fire set-top box.

  The Winner Is...

  I can't choose for you and wouldn't try. The benefits that matter most will vary among users and households. For some people, none of the three is best choice. Set-top box models Fire TV, Nexus Player, and Roku 3 all offer better benefits, starting with full gaming support. If you want game play as well as audio and video entertainment, the pricier, $99-range boxes are better choices. Voice-search offers so many benefits, the capability alone is reason to choose Fire TV or Nexus Player over Amazon and Google sticks.

  So which is my choice? Chromecast, because I love using Android device as remote, and the majority of services I want are available. Amazon is the exception, which necessitate's using a second streamer. But our TV's HDMI ports only accommodate one stick, although a cord extender could enable others. The family's main box is Fire TV, which covers about 90 percent of our monthly streaming content. Chromecast covers the rest, such as Encore and Starz, and it's what I use most often (my prefers more traditional remote).

  Apple TV fills the third HDMI port, but the box is there just to watch content foolishly purchased from iTunes. ATV is slow and buggy compared to the sticks (okay Roku's streamer is exception) or Amazon, Google, and Roku set-tops. In the future, when budget allows, we may swap in Roku 3 (I sold our first one last summer).

  Photo Credits: Joe Wilcox

  
• 

  Large enterprises targeted by mobile Trojans

  Publié: février 19, 2015, 4:31pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  Mobile cyber threats are more common and more sophisticated than ever before, with a number of high profile threats in the past year.

  According to a new report from security companies Check Point and Lacoon Mobile Security, this means mobile devices are growing into a serious threat to the enterprise.

  The survey monitored more than 500,000 Android and 400,000 iOS devices from over 100 countries, uncovering over 20 variants and 18 different mobile remote access Trojan (mRAT) families. Of the 1,000 devices found to be infected 60 percent were Android and 40 percent iOS.

  It finds that enterprise employees are increasingly targeted by mRATs, risking sensitive data found from emails, messages, keystrokes, calls, employee locations and more. Large organizations in the US have only a 0.21 percent chance of an infection, but employees of infected corporations are twice as likely to be infected by mRATs. If there are 2,000 devices or more in an organization, there is a 50 percent chance that it will have infections within the enterprise network.

  It also points out that attacks on organizations are clustered. Attackers choose certain large organizations and attack multiple targets inside them, as opposed to just attacking corporate employees of random organizations.

  There's a summary of the findings in infographic form below or the full report is available to download from the Lacoon website.

  

  Image Credit: watcharakun/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Fighting cyber threats hampered by disconnect between IT and business

  Publié: février 19, 2015, 3:26pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  A disconnect between systems leaders and business leaders coupled with a lack of resources is keeping enterprises from properly addressing cyber threats.

  This is according to a new study commissioned by defense and security company Raytheon and conducted in conjunction with the Ponemon Institute.

  Among the findings are that less than half of respondents (47 percent) believe their organizations take appropriate steps to comply with the leading cybersecurity standards. Also only one-third of those surveyed believe their organizations are prepared to deal with the cyber security risks associated with the Internet of things (IoT) and the proliferation of IoT devices.

  Only 47 percent of respondents believe their organizations have sufficient resources to meet cybersecurity requirements. Plus 66 percent of those surveyed indicate that their organizations need more knowledgeable and experienced cyber security practitioners.

  When asked about trends over the next three years almost half of respondents believe zero-day threats will become one of the most prevalent cyber threats. More than one-third (35 percent) believe attacks on critical infrastructure will become one of the world’s five most prevalent threats.

  Senior IT leaders see the use of virtual currencies as being a low risk to their organizations today but likely to become a very high risk in the future. Surveyed CISOs believe that when it comes to strengthening cyber security, the three most important technologies in the future will involve big data analytics, forensics and next-gen firewalls.

  "You don’t have to wait until you’re attacked to take cybersecurity seriously," says Jack Harrington, vice president of cybersecurity and special missions at Raytheon Intelligence, Information and Services. "From the board room to the President’s desk, rallying around the cybersecurity issue is critical to address the real threats we face as a global society".

  You can see an overview of the report's findings in infographic form below, or read more on the Raytheon website.

  

  Photo Credit: Sergey Nivens/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Opera sees Africa as a fast growing market for mobile phones

  Publié: février 19, 2015, 3:22pm CET par Alan Buckingham

  

  While those who reside in the US and Europe may see mobile as a massive market, that isn't the case in all parts of the world. Technology spreads a bit slower in some parts of the globe where even "feature phones" are only now on the rise. Africa is one such market, but it is starting to see an increase in mobile adoption.

  "Africa is poised to become a hotbed for mobile growth and commerce in the coming years" according to a State of Mobile Advertising report from Opera Mediaworks. The assessment comes from studying two of the company's most prominent areas -- the mobile browser and mobile advertising.

  Why does the company feel this is important? "Beyond the monetization potential of a world of new or localized apps and websites, there are distinct possibilities to harness the power of social networking and to implement innovative internet usage plans, as well as new ways to push forward digital healthcare initiatives in Africa".

  While much of this growth is being fueled by feature phones, Opera is seeing an increase in Android adoption. It claims that 30 percent of those with mobile devices now are using Google's smartphone platform. These users are twice as likely to use the mobile web as those on feature phones. The largest markets include South Africa, Namibia, Sudan, Egypt, Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola.

  While use of mobile apps is still much lower than other parts of the world, Opera sees potential in social networking and healthcare fields. Clearly this is an emerging market that many companies will be, and perhaps are, looking into.

  Image Credit: Art Allianz / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Dear Apple, I will switch from Android to iPhone if you meet my demands

  Publié: février 19, 2015, 3:19pm CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  Believe it or not, even as a big tech and gadget nerd, I have never owned an iPhone. My smartphone life went from Palm, to BlackBerry and ultimately Android. I didn't purposely boycott the iPhone or anything, it just never happened.

  As an iPad owner, however, I have come to love iOS for its ease of use and collection of amazing apps. For whatever reason, I usually prefer the iOS version of apps over the Android equivalent; they seem more snappy and fluid. So, why haven't I switched to the iPhone? There are still some major issues with Apple's phone and mobile operating system that prevent the jump. The ball is in Apple's court, however, and if the company meets my demands, I will switch.

  Some of you are wondering why I would bother switching. Do I hate Android? Not at all. With that said, the fragmentation of the platform is becoming fatiguing. Users should be celebrating every new release of Google's operating system, but instead, it causes feelings of jealousy and despair, as only a fraction of users get to upgrade.

  With the exception of Nexus owners, most Android fans are like starving dogs just waiting for their owner (cellular provider) to throw them a scrap. It's not fun and it's not fair.

  Meanwhile, a new iOS version is a shared experience, where all owners, with the exception of those on no-longer-supported devices, get to try the new version together. It is refreshing and the way it should be.

  I also love the Touch ID sensor, as it blows away the competition. Samsung's sensor is passable, but sliding your finger is a chore, and app support is lacking. The idea of unlocking apps and my phone by just placing my finger is a dream.

  Sadly, before I switch to the iPhone, I demand Apple do all three of the below things. They are quite reasonable too.

  1.) Stop the bending: The "Bendgate" scandal has quietly disappeared from the media. While the outrage is gone, the problem remains. Look, the aluminum body of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus is beautiful, I get it, but durability is more important. If the next iPhone has to be thicker, or made of a less malleable material, so be it. I don't care what the thing is made of, as long as it doesn't bend in my pocket.

  Many will suggest just buying a case, and yes that is a a band-aid, but it doesn't solve the problem. If I am spending a lot of money on a smartphone, I want it to be structurally sound. Is that really so much to ask?

  2.) Drop 16GB: If I do buy an iPhone, it is going to be the model with the most storage. So why do I care about the base model? It causes the prices of the larger models to be more expensive. Apple should start at 32GB or 64GB, while keeping current pricing based on steps. This should make a 128GB model less expensive, and maybe even introduce a 256GB model -- which I would gladly buy.

  Keep in mind, there is a precedent here, as increasing the storage of the base model does reduce pricing for the larger; just look at the 8GB being replaced by 16GB.

  Not to mention, Apple is now allowing 4GB apps in the App Store. Come on now, a 16GB model can realistically install only two of these apps!

  3.) Universally allow default apps: This is the biggest deal-breaker for me and iOS 9 must address it. I refuse to buy a smartphone where I cannot set the default web browser and email client. On my iPad, it is frustrating that I cannot make Microsoft's wonderful new Outlook app my default for email, or Google's Chrome for web browsing.

  The funny thing is, I prefer Safari on my iPad, and would use it on an iPhone (it is the best web browser on iOS), but it is the principle of the matter. Let the user decide which web browser they want as default. If Safari is so great, and it is, users will choose it; let it happen organically, Apple!

  The ball is in your court, Apple. Will you make me an iPhone user?

  Photo Credit: Mark Herreid / Shutterstock

  
• 

  The Internet of Things will change your life

  Publié: février 19, 2015, 2:14pm CET par Lee Odess

  

  The Internet of Things (IoT) -- you may have heard of it in discussions around wearable devices or perhaps just know it as one of the top technology trends of 2014. If you aren’t familiar with the term, be prepared to hear about it a lot this year.

  As much as the Internet of Things has become an extremely hot topic for businesses and consumers alike, there is still a chance that you are unsure how it will impact you personally. While items such as "smart" thermostats and coffee makers sound cool, it’s tough to determine how these products will change the way we live.

  Connected devices are already making a significant impact on our lives, whether you know it or not. If you own a smartphone, you’re already contributing to the Internet of Things world. For example, if you’ve ever used Apple Pay to buy a coffee or the latest tech accessory, you’ve experienced firsthand how your iPhone can "speak" to a payment terminal, sharing your personal information to complete your purchase through pre-authenticated information. Moving forward, these transactions will become commonplace, cutting down on cash or card purchases. And the way we pay for items is just the first step in the IoT revolution.

  The IoT is improving many industries, including healthcare, entertainment and retail. For example, the term "Health of Things" has been coined to explain how the IoT is changing the way consumers interact with their doctors. Using properties such as Bluetooth Smart and beacon technology, devices are able to securely interact with each other without so much as the press of a button. From a healthcare perspective, these methods of authentication have the ability to personalize and simplify our interactions. For example, it is now possible for relevant patient history to be shared with doctors before an ambulance gets to an emergency room or share lifestyle information with a specialist, including sleeping patterns, fitness activity and eating habits of patients.

  The benefits of IoT don’t stop at healthcare -- businesses of all sizes (from SMB to enterprise) can leverage the technology to change interactions of both employees and visitors. Just one of the many ways it can be used is for access control, as in leveraging the transfer of information from a connected device to authenticate an identity and allow entry to a building or a room.

  The idea centers on making the experience frictionless for both the person requesting access and those granting it. Think of the last time you had a business meeting. Chances are, you arrived at the location and had to check in at least once to confirm who you are and who you were there to see, possibly more times depending on the size and security of the building. Through a connected device "talking" to the reception area, the identity and reason for being in the building would be shared, granting access to a specific office or conference room. Frequent visitors are even able to have preferences tracked through access control management software, like how they take their coffee or which newspaper they prefer to read while waiting for the meeting.

  In Sports

  The IoT movement will improve experiences outside of a business or healthcare setting, too. Let’s take it out to the ball game, a sports stadium to be exact. In a typical scenario you would arrive at your home team’s stadium, park, enter the stadium and head to your seat. That could all change if the arena took advantage of the IoT to ensure that each game is a unique experience, custom tailored to your individual needs.

  The personalized ballpark experience could involve your connected device, the iPhone in your pocket, notifying the arena of your arrival while at the same time sending a list of available parking spaces to your phone and directing you to the closest one. When entering through the ticketing gate, your identity and tickets would be authenticated without so much as taking your phone out of your pocket. Once in the stadium, the device would map out the best route to your seats, taking into consideration factors like foot traffic, potential hazards (if you’re allergic to peanuts, it will avoid passing any peanut vendors) and your favorite food stalls. By the time you get to your seat, your experience will have been custom tailored to you and your needs.

  As the IoT continues to gain momentum in both our personal and business lives, one thing is sure: it will change the way we live. Predictions place the number of connected devices by 2020 into the 20-billion plus range, creating a grand potential for the IoT to enhance our lives for the good in an unlimited amount of ways.

  Image credit: Gustavo Frazao / Shutterstock

  With 14 years of experience in leadership roles, Lee Odess has helped lead Brivo Systems as the Vice President of Marketing as well as the General Manager of Brivo Labs, and Internet of Things division of Brivo Systems. Lee’s background as an entrepreneur brings a unique perspective to the security and IoT industries.

  
• 

  Find your PC's most space-hogging folders with Folder Size

  Publié: février 19, 2015, 2:05pm CET par Mike Williams

  

  If your hard drive space is a little lower than expected then your first instinct might be to uninstall a few applications, maybe use CCleaner to remove any leftover junk.

  If you really want to understand where you drive space has gone, though, there’s no substitute for analyzing it properly with a tool like Folder Size.

  The program requires installation, which is a pity: there’s nothing complex here that we can see, no real reason why it couldn’t be portable. But at least it doesn’t have any annoying dependencies: the developer claims it will run happily on any version of Windows from 98 upwards.

  The Folder Size interface is relatively cluttered, but we still figured out what to do within seconds: point the program at the top of our target folder tree (C:\, C:\Program Files maybe), click Start and watch as the system as scanned.

  Within 30 seconds the program was displaying a list of folders in order of size. A separate pie chart presents a basic summary of the same data (you can switch this to a pie or animated chart with a click).

  This list may not tell you very much, at least initially. 63.12 percent of our files were located in the Users folder, for instance -- but which user?

  To find out more, double-click a folder of interest, and Folder Size displays its contents only. This showed us which user had the most files; selecting that individual user told us their Downloads folder was a major space hog, and double-clicking Downloads displayed the ISO images which were the cause of our problems.

  While Folder Size is free, the program does have Personal ($24.95) and Professional ($39.95) versions available which add extra features (they can scan network files, use command line switches, save/ load projects, filter your files, print results, export reports and more).

  Slightly annoyingly, these features aren’t left out or disabled. If you accidentally select one (File > Print) then you’ll be told it’s not available, and asked to upgrade.

  Still, once you’ve learned what you can’t do, this problem doesn’t crop up very often, and the core Folder Size features are more than enough to be useful.

  
• 

  How to get 100GB of free OneDrive storage worldwide

  Publié: février 19, 2015, 1:15pm CET par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  You can easily increase the amount of storage that's available with your OneDrive for free. Bonus space can be unlocked by referring the service to your friends and enabling the auto camera upload feature in the mobile apps. The most that you can get though is 20 GB. Those of us who have been using the service from the early days also get a loyalty bonus of 10 GB. But maybe that's still not enough.

  As you may know, Microsoft has recently started to give Bing Rewards users the option to unlock a further 100 GB of free OneDrive storage. The catch? Only folks using the service in US have been welcome. However, now you can get the same treatment worldwide. Here's how.

  The only thing that you have to do is to click on this link, which takes you to the OneDrive site, to claim that extra 100 GB of free OneDrive storage. Like the previous offer, this one is also powered by Bing Rewards. Remember to access the link while you are signed in using your own Microsoft account (or log in with it, if asked to).

  Since one can never have enough storage, especially when it's free, I just took advantage of this method to add the extra storage to my OneDrive account. You'll get a similar message to the one shown in the screenshot at the top of the article. (I've removed my Outlook.com handle for obvious reasons.)

  Given that there already is an Office 365 subscription attached to it -- which now gives me 10 TB of storage -- the increase is rather modest in my case. Still, come next year, even if I don't renew my subscription, I will have 141 GB of OneDrive storage, which is not too shabby.

  The extra storage is good for two years, after which the 100 GB of free space will be removed from your OneDrive account.

  

  [Update] Dropbox users can get an additional 100 GB of storage on top of this offer. Find out how here.

  
• 

  Reply to WhatsApp, Hangouts messages directly from Pushbullet notifications

  Publié: février 19, 2015, 1:13pm CET par Mike Williams

  

  Pushbullet’s latest Android app update means it’s now possible to reply to messages from WhatsApp, Hangouts, Facebook Messenger, Telegram and Line, directly from your desktop notifications.

  There’s no complex tweakery required to make this happen. As long as you’re running Android 4.4 or later (and you have the Android Wear app installed for Hangouts messages), notifications from supported services now have a Reply button: just click it and go.

  If you’re still not convinced you need these notifications all the time, this release adds a Widget which toggles forwarding on or off with a tap.

  Elsewhere, there are now heads-up notifications for some pushes.

  The build also has the usual scattering of bug fixes, although some look particularly important (apparently these included "Inbox and Gmail notifications not being forwarded").

  Pushbullet’s latest Android release is available now, but it also has apps for iOS, Windows and Mac, as well as browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Opera and Safari. Just install what you need and sign up with a Google or Facebook account.

  
• 

  Android 5.1 Lollipop could be widely available in March

  Publié: février 19, 2015, 12:39pm CET par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Google had become rather predictable at introducing new major Android releases, announcing two a year, when we most expected them -- around late-June and October. But this changed in 2014. Lollipop stood alone. What's more, the first major update that followed -- version 5.1, which came earlier this year -- arrived completely unannounced. There wasn't even a blog post about it, as we confirmed its existence based on reports from folks who discovered it on their Android One smartphones, and a mention in passing on the Android One site.

  Weeks after Android 5.1 was revealed to exist we are still waiting for Google to tell us more -- well, something -- about it, including when we should expect to see it available in the Android Open Source Project. Luckily, we may now know this important detail thanks to an HTC VP.

  When asked about an update for HTC One (M7) Google Play Edition, HTC's vice president of Product Management Mo Versi replied on Twitter that "It'll be tied to Google's next MR, which is in March".

  In Google speak, MR means Maintenance Release, and, based on what we know so far, there is no other version of Android that could qualify as the next "MR" but Android 5.1 Lollipop. Of course, it could also be Android 5.2 that's coming next month, but it is even less official -- if that's possible -- than the second Lollipop installment.

  As I mentioned, there is no official information about the changes packed into Android 5.1 Lollipop, but there is an unofficial changelog that is floating around. XDA Developers has commented around a report from a Reddit user who has one of the Android One devices with Android 5.1 on board, and you can read the major findings here.

  Either way, once the next Android MR hits AOSP, it won't be long before enthusiasts come up with updated custom distributions. Google is also fairly quick at rolling out a new release as an over the air update, and posting the factory images.

  
• 

  Happy birthday Photoshop -- 25 years old today!

  Publié: février 19, 2015, 12:21pm CET par Wayne Williams

  These days there are a lot of image editors to choose from, and they run on computers, the web, smartphones and tablets. Whatever your price range you’ll find one to suit. For me, however, there’s really only one photo editor, and that’s Photoshop. I’ve been relying on it for work and home image editing for a good 15 years (probably longer) and while I’ve used other rival packages, I always end up returning to Adobe’s powerful suite.

  As an example, for the past few weeks I’ve been scanning in hundreds of old photos, slides and negatives. Removing dust, scratches and other flaws and rebuilding missing areas in all those has only been manageable thanks to brilliant time-saving Photoshop innovations like layers, the healing brush and content aware fill. Photoshop is, without question, my favorite program -- bar none.

  This year Photoshop celebrates a massive milestone. First launched in 1990 (although its roots stretch back to a program called Display developed in 1987 by Thomas and John Knoll), it’s been changing our perception of the world for a quarter of a century now, being used for everything from creating logos and styling movies, to airbrushing away model and celebrity imperfections.

  It is one of the most recognized software brands in the world, and like many popular products and services its name has become a verb. Just as you don’t search the web for something, you "Google it", so you don’t fix photo flaws in a picture, you "Photoshop it". People talk about "Photoshopping" photos even when they’re using Paint.NET or GIMP.

  Photoshop has changed a lot over the years, as you’d expect, getting better and more powerful with each iteration, but also now powering Lightroom, and mobile apps. It’s managed to survive for 25 years, outlasting many wannabe rivals, by adapting to changing needs and technology.

  "For 25 years, Photoshop has inspired artists and designers to craft images of stunning beauty and reality-bending creativity", says Shantanu Narayen, Adobe president and chief executive officer. "From desktop publishing, to fashion photography, movie production, website design, mobile app creation and now 3D Printing, Photoshop continues to redefine industries and creative possibilities. And today that Photoshop magic is available to millions of new users, thanks to Adobe Creative Cloud".

  You can see the full historical timeline below.

  

  
• 

  Google faces anti-trust probe in Russia over Android

  Publié: février 18, 2015, 7:48pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  Google has a new battle on its hands, this time in the form of a potential anti-trust probe in Russia. Yandex, the internet company behind the eponymous Russian search engine, has filed a complaint to the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS). Yandex claims that the US search giant is abusing its position by bundling Google services with Android.

  It claims that users are forced into using the Google ecosystem including Google Search, and that it is difficult to install competing services on smartphones and tablets. There are distinct echoes of the antitrust lawsuits Microsoft has faced for its bundling of Internet Explorer with Windows.

  Yandex is thought to be unhappy after being told that it is no longer able to pre-install its own services on handsets produced by its partners. Calls have been made for Google Search to be disconnected from Android in much the same way that Microsoft was asked to unbundle Internet Explorer. Google has yet to issue a public response, but the Russian company issued a statement saying:

  Google's practices relating to Android have been the subject of investigations and lawsuits in many jurisdictions around the world.

  Google is the owner of Android, the dominant global mobile operating system. Many believe that Android is an open platform.

  In reality, manufacturers of Android-powered devices are locked into the proprietary Google Play application store and closed APIs. In order to install Google Play on their devices, device manufacturers are required to preinstall the entire suite of Google GMS services, and set Google as the default search.

  In addition to that, device manufacturers are increasingly prohibited from installing any services from Google’s competitors on their devices.

  Yandex is Russia's largest search engine, and its demands are fairly simple:

  We believe that user-centric services, such as search, maps, email, etc., should be unbundled from the Android OS. It is essential to return to a level playing field where competition is over quality of products and services rather than bundling and pre-installation.

  Google is already facing scrutiny in the US and Europe, and this looks like it could be a battle that runs for some time yet.

  Photo credit: Bloomua / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Imation IronKey S1000 is fastest hardware-encrypted USB 3.0 flash drive on Earth

  Publié: février 18, 2015, 7:23pm CET par Brian Fagioli

  The world of computing is getting very scary. I tend to be a bit of a conspiracy-theorist, mostly due to my inquisitive nature. While being concerned about hacked hardware and government surveillance would be viewed as paranoia years ago, it now becomes a sad reality.

  In light of Kaspersky Labs' bombshell and brilliant research (deserving of an award, in my opinion), we now know that nothing can be trusted -- your hard drive may be an undetected spy. Today, Imation announces the IronKey S1000, a hardware-encrypted USB 3.0 flash drive, which the company calls the "world's fastest hardware-encrypted USB flash drive". Can it thwart the now-infamous Equation Group?

  "The S1000 protects files with Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 Level 31 and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)-approved XTS-AES 256-bit encryption, ensuring compliance with the most stringent government and industry regulations while allowing workers to remain mobile. IronKey offers double the performance of competing hardware-encrypted USB 3.0 SuperSpeed flash drives and has increased the capacity of its secure storage flash drives to 128GB, enabling users to store and retrieve the most data-intensive files quickly and easily, thus increasing user productivity", says Imation.

  The company further explains, "the S1000 is twice as fast as the competition, with read speeds up to 400 MB/second and write speeds up to 300 MB/second. It combines the high performance of USB 3.0 technology with a military-grade, ruggedized, portable design that resists physical tampering and will self-destruct if unauthorized attempts to physically obtain access to the data are made. In addition, the S1000 protects against attacks such as BadUSB to which other USB vendors are vulnerable. In an industry first, based on IronKey’s heritage of quality and durability, the company is offering a lifetime warranty for its S1000 family".

  A lifetime warranty on a flash drive? That is a rather bold move; one that should instill confidence in consumers. Look, I know cloud storage is convenient, and it has become ubiquitous nowadays, but if your files are truly sensitive, a hardware-encrypted drive is a smart bet.

  In 2015, USB 3.0 really is a must, and the relatively large 128GB option will be attractive for many. Whether it is truly the fastest hardware-encrypted flash drive on Earth remains to be seen, so hopefully this claim can be independently tested and verified soon.

  If you are interested in purchasing, you can buy one here now. Be warned, however, as the sticker-shock may cause you to spit out your coffee; the 128GB model is a staggering $849! The paltry 8GB version is the least expensive at $219. To a home user, these prices are a non-starter, but for a business, securing trade secrets and client data is priceless.

  
• 

  Don't go to RedTube without protection -- the adult site could give you a nasty infection

  Publié: février 18, 2015, 6:54pm CET par Wayne Williams

  

  Yesterday I reported how Jamie Oliver’s website was serving up malware to unsuspecting visitors. It was a problem that was quickly fixed, but a worrying one seeing as the website has over 10 million visitors a month.

  Now today, Malwarebytes -- which first discovered the Jamie Oliver exploit -- reports another compromised site that’s even more popular. Adult website RedTube.com sees over 300 million visits a month (some shorter than others), and currently has a malicious iframe in its source code.

  This leads to a Flash exploit and a malware payload which Malwarebytes Anti-Malware detects as "Trojan.FakeMS.ED".

  Adult sites do occasionally serve up malware through malicious advertising (malvertising), although it’s much rarer for the threat to come from the site itself.

  While you might not expect the likes of Jamie Oliver’s site to infect your PC, you probably should be aware of the dangers you could face when dipping into the seedier side of the web, and should never go to adult sites without protection.

  Stay safe out there!

  
• 

  Find hidden executables with MZreveal

  Publié: février 18, 2015, 6:54pm CET par Mike Williams

  

  Malware uses many tricks to avoid detection. Sometimes this involves ultra-complicated, super-stealthy, rootkit-like Windows hooking. But often it’s no more advanced than giving an EXE or DLL file a much less worrying extension (virus.exe > virus.txt, perhaps). A simple technique, but maybe enough to get past you and your antivirus software.

  MZreveal is a tiny free tool which can expose this hidden code by scanning the content of every file, listing any executables it finds which don’t have an EXE or DLL extension.

  One immediate problem is the program only scans its current folder and any subfolders. There’s no way to point it anywhere else, so if you want to check your User folder, say, you must copy the file there first.

  Once that’s out of the way, launch the program and you’re asked if you’d like it to display filenames only, or full paths.

  MZreveal then starts to scan your specified folder tree. This involves checking the content of every single file, so expect it to take a while.

  Fortunately any concealed executables are listed as they’re discovered, along with their file type (DLL or EXE). The list of disguised executables is also saved to an MZreveal.log file, in the same folder as MZreveal.exe.

  Don’t read too much into this report. There are plenty of entirely innocent files which contain executable code, but don’t have a DLL or EXE extension (OCX, SCR, PYD and so on). Scan your whole system and you might easily find hundreds of these.

  MZreveal does give you a starting point, though, and even if you don’t find any malware, you could learn more about file types. Did you know Photoshop 8bf plugins were executables, for example? Worth remembering: malware has hidden behind the 8bf extension before, and it surely will again.

  
• 

  40 percent more PlayStation 4s in use than Xbox Ones by 2019

  Publié: février 18, 2015, 6:13pm CET par Wayne Williams

  

  Over the holiday buying season, Microsoft managed to sell more Xbox One consoles in the US and UK than Sony sold PlayStation 4s, but globally Sony's console retains a healthy lead. Both companies like to lump together the current and previous generations of console, which makes comparing the Xbox One and PS4's sales tricky, but provides us with a general overview. During the holiday season, Microsoft sold 6.6 million Xbox consoles (360 and One) worldwide, while Sony sold 7.5 million PlayStations (PS4 and PS3). In 2014, Sony was the clear leader, having sold 18.8 million PlayStations, while Microsoft managed just 12.1 million Xboxes.

  Obviously there’s still a long way to go, and a lot to play for in the latest round of the console wars and anything could happen in the next four or five years. Windows 10 could give the Xbox One a huge boost, and a run of great Xbox exclusive games could make a big difference too. However, the latest forecast from Strategy Analytics doesn’t see things improving for Microsoft in the coming years -- quite the opposite in fact.

  Analyst Eric Smith predicts that there will be 40 percent more PS4s in use than Xbox Ones in 2019. He believes the Xbox One will have sold 57 million units by then -- which is far from shabby, but pales into insignificance when compared to his numbers for the PlayStation 4.

  According to Smith, the PS4 will have sold 80 million units in the same time frame. A difference of some 23 million consoles.

  There’s even a little graph (below) illustrating the predicted sales curves of all of today’s consoles, including older models like the original Xbox, PS2, GameCube, and Wii.

  

  While this prediction is clearly bad news for Microsoft, David Mercer, Principal Analyst at Strategy Analytics, does offer up a positive note for the games consoles business:

  We have heard so often over the past 10-20 years that the console’s days are numbered, with various reasons being cited, most recently the 'inevitability' of cloud gaming and competition from mobile devices. In spite of those apparent threats the demand for premium quality TV-based games seems to be as strong as ever, and doom-mongers have had to eat their words once again.

  What do you think of this latest forecast? Do you think the PS4 really will outsell the Xbox One by such a huge margin?

  
• 

  How to breathe new life into an old PC [Beginner’s guide]

  Publié: février 18, 2015, 6:11pm CET par Barclay Ballard

  

  With today’s rapid pace of technological change and consumer-centric culture it’s easy to throw out your laptop or PC as soon as a shinier, flashier model comes along. The problem is: there’s always a faster, more up-to-date version waiting just around the corner.

  However, you can save the environment, and your bank balance, from taking any extra strain by following these tips to get some extra life out of an older computer.

  Tidy up

  In everyday life, a full-blown tidy-up can help you do all manner of tasks much quicker, and your PC is no different.

  You can start with something simple, like clearing your desktop of shortcuts that you don’t access often. It may not seem like a big deal, but this could help your computer start up much faster.

  You can either manually remove the icons you no longer need, or if you’re running Windows XP, the operating system includes a pre-installed Desktop Cleanup Wizard. Simply right click on the desktop, go to sort by and select the Cleanup function.

  Remember, this will only remove shortcuts leaving program files intact, so a more in-depth clean-up may also be required.

  Remove unnecessary files

  Over time, your PC can become cluttered with a large number of unnecessary files, which you no longer need, and may be slowing down your device.

  You can use the Windows Disk Cleanup feature in order to purge your device of unwanted information, by removing temporary files and other unneeded items such as the contents of your Recycle Bin.

  In Windows 8 and 8.1, Disk Cleanup can be accessed via the Control Panel or by typing Admin into the Search box. Then the user simply clicks on Disk Cleanup, and selects which drives they want to clean, along with the types of files they want deleted.

  Users may also want to uninstall any programs that they no longer need. To do so, access the Control Panel and select "Uninstall a program", but be careful. Once they’re gone, they’re gone and you’ll have to reinstall them if you’ve been too hasty with the delete button.

  Run anti-virus

  Although viruses and other malware have the potential to cause serious damage, such as identity theft, in most cases, they’ll simply slow your computer down and after years of daily use, you may have been infected.

  Make sure you regularly scan your device for malicious files and remove any that do crop up. Some anti-virus programs are also free to download, with Malwarebytes and Panda Free Antivirus both being highly-rated.

  Organize your startup

  Waiting for your PC to load up can be a tedious process, particularly as you wait for iTunes, Spotify and Skype to boot-up, even though you have no intention of immediately using them.

  One quick and easy way to speed up your PC is to organize which programs automatically startup when you turn on your device. By typing "msconfig" into the search bar of the Start menu, users can then select the startup tab and choose which software packages start up automatically.

  By making your startup more efficient, you can greatly increase the speed of your boot up and reinvigorate that PC that’s been hanging around for a few years now.

  Update it

  Sometimes, you can get that new PC feeling, without shelling out on an entirely new device. Upgrading your operating system is often a lot cheaper than buying new hardware and, providing you have the specs required to cope with the new software demands, it could help extend the life of your PC by improving performance and introducing a number of new features.

  What’s more, Microsoft is currently letting users trial a preview versions of its next OS, Windows 10. So individuals with Windows 8 may want to give the next iteration a trial-run, before making a long-term commitment.

  Give it a clean

  This one may be for the more tech-savvy PC owners out there, but if you’re feeling brave, open up your PC/laptop and give it a clean.

  Over time, PCs can get clogged with dust and other unpleasant dirt that has the potential to cause your device to heat up more than it should. This can lead to a slower performance than desired or even cause some components to fail.

  A can of compressed air may be all that is required to remove unwanted dirt from your PC’s fan and other features. However, remember to be careful, as the internal workings of your computer are extremely sensitive and removing your laptop or PC’s case may void its warranty.

  Still if you’re willing to go the extra mile to get your PC working like new, there are plenty of online tutorials advising the best way to clean your computer.

  Disk defragmentation

  Windows XP users may want to look at defragmenting their hard drive to improve their system performance. Over time, data can become fragmented or spread out, causing your hard drive to work harder and take longer to complete tasks.

  XP users can click on their disk drive in My Computer, select properties and then choose to defrag their drive. This may take a while, but heavy users are suggested to run the process once a week. For Windows Vista users and beyond, defragging takes place automatically and so is less of an issue, but you may want to check the schedule is running as it should by selecting Disk Defragmenter from the Start menu.

  Overall, it is worth thinking twice before investing in an entirely new PC or laptop. You may have had it for a few years now, but with a decent tidy and some better organization, it may be that there’s life in the old dog yet.

  Image Credit: Tom Woodward

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

  
• 

  DataRPM brings machine learning to big data

  Publié: février 18, 2015, 5:26pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  We constantly hear about the benefits big data can bring to organizations, but a shortage of expertise means that many are missing out. A recent McKinsey report reckoned that the US alone faces a shortage of up to 190,000 people with big data skills.

  In order to overcome this DataRPM is introducing Smart Machine Insights which uses machine learning to automatically model data, perform advanced statistical analyses, and present key insights to users in an easy to use visual format.

  "This is not a human scale issue, it' a machine scale issue," says CEO of DataRPM Sundeep Sanghavi. "As Smart Machines dominate the disruption in the next decade, the only way to provide any insights in any reasonable time frame is through machines. Current data discovery tools presume that the enterprise knows where to look and what to specifically ask and have enough resources and skills to address it. As we learned with one of our smart enterprise customer, Cisco, this assumption is simply flawed, hence we are advancing beyond data discovery to insights discovery using smart machines, which will completely reshape how analytics is performed on Hadoop infrastructure".

  DataRPM runs natively within Hadoop and its algorithms automatically discover entities and relationships in the data and conduct statistical analyses and hypothesis tests. This includes machine learning algorithms such as time-series analysis, forecasting, prediction, root cause analysis, anomaly detection, recommendations and more.

  You can visit DataRPM's website for a demonstration of how it works or the solution will be on display at Strata + Hadoop World in San Jose from February 17-20th.

  Image credit: David Gaylor / Shutterstock

  
• 

  New software boosts productivity for event managers

  Publié: février 18, 2015, 4:00pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  Organizers of events and conferences often find themselves using multiple software tools in the process, from ticketing services and project management to emails and spreadsheets.

  To streamline things Bizzabo is launching what it calls an Event Success Platform, equipping small to medium event organizers with a complete system to promote, manage and monetize their events.

  "The Bizzabo Event Success Platform is the next step in the natural development of our product -- a comprehensive system where event organizers can actually take more ownership of their event branding and overall event experience," says CEO Eran Ben-Shushan of Bizzabo. "After working closely with thousands of organizers we understood the need for a holistic event software that works. We wanted to free the industry from a reliance on multiple siloed tech solutions that increase an event organizer’s workload, minimize their ability to measure success and limit productivity. By evolving our current product offering we are able to provide a one stop shop for all event technology needs, delivering the same quality we’re known for through a much more enhanced and complete experience from start to success".

  

  Bizzabo's Event Success Platform has been trialled by a number of conferences around the world prior to its official launch. It can create an event website, sell tickets, launch an event app, initiate email marketing campaigns, build engaged networking communities. It can also help organizers get to know their audience using a smart contact management system.

  The platform helps organizers measure success too by generating real-time analytics on each feature giving a snapshot of all aspects of an event's progress as it happens. The success dashboard allows organizers to deliver on measurable ROI to stakeholders, and track how they're doing compared to their goals.

  Bizzabo is available online and on mobile platforms, for more more information go to the company's website.

  Image Credit: Maxim Blinkov / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Google Maps sets sail for Greenland with the Vikings

  Publié: février 18, 2015, 3:10pm CET par Alan Buckingham

  

  While we all know the Vikings for Scandinavia and for their raids on Britain, we forget the great explorers that they were. They settled in Iceland, Greenland and eventually made their way to North America long before Christopher Columbus "discovered" it. However, it's that second stop we're talking about today.

  Google Maps and its Street View technology is more or less constantly adding locations, allowing users to view exotic locals from the comfort of their home or office. This time it’s the Fjords and Viking sites located in Greenland.

  "Thanks to our partners Visit Greenland and Asiaq, you can now explore immersive 360-degree imagery of the world’s largest island, which is sparsely populated yet chock full of glorious natural wonders and historical sites. Let us take you on a tour of fjords, waterfront vistas, Norse ruins and more", states Alex Starns, Street View technical program manager.

  Visit abandon settlements, including one established by Erik the Red, father of Leif Erikson who is now widely credited with discovering the North American continent. Check out such beautiful locations as Ilulissat icefjord.

  "To see more of Greenland’s world-renowned icebergs and cultural gems, start your virtual exploration now. Like the Vikings before you, a new frontier awaits", Starns concludes. Now we'll seen where the team heads off for next.

  
• 

  Microsoft kills yet another standout Windows Phone feature

  Publié: février 18, 2015, 2:45pm CET par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Some of the features that have made Windows Phone special, differentiating it from its rivals, are slowly being stripped away. The latest victim is Rooms, which Microsoft has announced it will no longer be supporting starting next month. What a shame.

  The software giant says that, as a result, users of Windows Phone 8 and Windows Phone 8.1 will be unable to chat with their Room contacts, create new rooms, add or remove members, or change permissions. And, if they upgrade to Windows 10 Technical Preview, their beloved rooms will be gone forever.

  Microsoft says that users will still be able to access their photo albums, calendars and notes on their Windows Phone, which does not mean much if the most-important functionality is removed. To view that content folks can use Outlook.com and OneDrive, on the web.

  You may think that Microsoft must have a very good reason for killing Rooms. Heck, it could very well have. But, the fact of the matter is, Rooms is one of the few features that Windows Phone has that its rivals don't. And it's one of the best. Why take away that advantage?

  I'm a huge fan of Rooms. In fact, I've been using Family Room -- which is basically a template of Rooms, designed for family members -- for years now to chat and share photos with my girlfriend, because it does these things -- and more -- in a more user-friendly way than dedicated apps, used individually. Seeing it gone feels like a huge step backwards.

  Prior to Rooms, Microsoft also stripped away other standout features. As an example, with the transition from Windows Phone 8 to Windows Phone 8.1, the software giant removed the Facebook Messenger integration from the built-in messaging app, and also took away the ability to share social messages -- on Facebook, Linkedin and/or Twitter -- directly from the Me hub.

  Those were convenient features to have. They really were. The former kept all conversations with a contact in a single place, making it easier to keep track of all the chats. The transition between SMS and Facebook Messenger was nearly seamless.

  And the second made it very easy to share something, without having to waste time opening apps. Now, you also have to rely on a third-party app to share a message on all three social networks at once -- something which was made possible before by ticking all the supported social networks under the message box.

  I know that Microsoft wants to encourage developers to bring features like these to the platform, through apps, but by removing them it's making Windows Phone look less like Windows Phone and more like a follower of Android and iOS.

  With each major iteration, Windows Phone is losing a few of the things that people used to love about it. One can only hope that this is where the feature-cutting ends.

  Photo credit: Minerva Studio / Shutterstock

  
• 

  New cloud platform helps promote employee engagement

  Publié: février 18, 2015, 1:31pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  If a workforce is engaged people will be happy and more productive in their jobs, so it's something that businesses are keen to promote. But a Gallup survey last year found that 87 percent of workers worldwide and 70 percent of employees in the US are either not engaged or are actively disengaged in their jobs.

  In order to try to put this right Californian company Glint is launching a real-time cloud solution to help people succeed at work. It's based on attractive and user-friendly pulse surveys that take only two or three minutes to complete.

  Automatic analysis of survey data gathered then delivers immediate insights into key employee engagement drivers like leadership, culture, manager, and recognition. Managers can analyze the data by business unit, tenure, location or performance rating, while protecting individual employee confidentiality. In addition, Glint's cloud solution delivers smart alerts that can highlight groups with engagement scores that fall below industry benchmarks or company averages, as well as flagging up significant increases or decreases in scores.

  "We created a platform to deliver real-time feedback that allows you to drill down into specific engagement data while ensuring a level of confidentiality that employees need in order to give direct and honest feedback," says Glint CEO and Co-Founder Jim Barnett. "In addition, we spent a lot of time and effort designing our pulse surveys so that they are a quick and positive experience that employees look forward to, as opposed to the dreaded annual survey".

  Unlike traditional employee engagement solutions that produce reports with a long time lag, Glint delivers real-time insights that can keep pace with the business. It's also quick to implement and easy to configure allowing companies to get started quickly.

  Glint is available on a SaaS subscription model, you can find out more or sign up for an introductory webinar on the company's website.

  Image Credit: wavebreakmedia / Shutterstock

  
• 

  How do US carriers fare at unlocking your smartphone?

  Publié: février 18, 2015, 1:20pm CET par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  The four-largest carriers in US have come up with a list of measures designed to make phone unlocking easier for their customers, following pressure from FCC and activist groups, among others. The deadline for enforcing these measures passed last week, so how do AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon fare today?

  According to consumer rights activist Sina Khanifar, surprisingly to some, Verizon, which is the leading carrier in US, is the only player that implements all the measures. At the other end of the spectrum are T-Mobile and Sprint, which appear to be doing a shoddy job, only managing to implement half.

  The measures that the big four have voluntarily agreed upon are a disclosure policy that is clear, concise and easily available to customers, a postpaid unlocking policy, a prepaid unlocking policy, eligibility notice, two business days response time, and, finally, a deployed personnel unlocking policy.

  Of these six measures, which CTIA refers to as "principles", only one is enforced across the board, by all four carriers, and that is the two business days response time.

  Verizon is actually leading the pack thanks to FCC, which forced the carrier to unlock its customers' phones back when it purchased licenses in the 700 MHz Block C auction.

  AT&T comes right after Verizon in implementing these measures, with five out of six being implemented today. The only weak point is the eligibility notice part, which Khanifar says AT&T doesn't make clear whether it is implemented.

  Sprint has issues with the first, second and sixth measures, failing to provide a clear, concise and easily available policy on its site. The carrier is also limiting postpaid unlocking to international use, and limiting the international unlock to a single device per year.

  There is also a limit on the unlocking of phones used by personnel; if they have previously unlocked another device in the past year they won't be eligible. This limitation is said to be "well outside" CTIA's Consumer Code.

  T-Mobile fares badly when it comes to the postpaid and prepaid unlocking policies as well as the response time. The carrier enforces some limitations upon prepaid customers, who cannot unlock more than two devices per line in a year, or devices which have been active for less than 40 days. Khanifar says that the latter practice is in violation of the aforementioned Consumer Code, when consumers have ended their contract in the meantime.

  Also, only T-Mobile's prepaid customers with accounts "not [...] canceled and in good standing" can unlock their devices. And, finally, T-Mobile doesn't make it clear whether it is notifying eligible customers of the option to unlock their devices.

  You can check out Khanifar's score-card below, and if you want to read more about the findings you can hit the link in the first paragraph for the whole report.

  

  Image Credit: Robert Kneschke/Shutterstock

  
• 

  HTTP/2 has been approved, bringing the promise of a more efficient web

  Publié: février 18, 2015, 1:08pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  The web could be in line for a speed boost as the HTTP/2 standard edges closer to being finalized. The updated standard will be the first major alteration to the protocol since the late 1990s, and it includes a number of important updates that should help to make life online faster and more enjoyable.

  Although HTTP/2 is yet to be published as a completed standard, it is already supported by some web browsers including Chrome and Firefox. However, it won't be until the standard is far more widely adopted that the real benefits will be felt.

  The draft proposal for the HTTP/2 standard explains that it will introduce header field compression and allow more simultaneous connections for more efficient use of network resources. As The Next Web suggests, this could also help to reduce the costs associated with running websites and online services by reducing server loads.

  In a blog post Mark Nottingham, chair of the IETF HTTP Working Group, said:

  The IESG has formally approved the HTTP/2 and HPACK specifications, and they’re on their way to the RFC Editor, where they’ll soon be assigned RFC numbers, go through some editorial processes, and be published.

  The move to HTTP/2 should be a relatively painless one as it uses the same HTTP APIs. While some finetuning may be needed, Nottingham explains that HTTP/2 is not a completely new standard, rather about "getting the HTTP we know on the wire in a better way". There are also security benefits thanks to improved security options, and the interesting concept of 'cache pushing' that will make it possible to proactively send data to users' caches for later use.

  It’s not yet known how long it might be before HTTP/2 is formally adopted, but the wheels are now very much in motion.

  Photo credit: atm2003 / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Dropbox for iOS simplifies file uploading from other apps -- but only for iOS 8 users

  Publié: février 18, 2015, 12:42pm CET par Nick Peers

  

  Dropbox has unveiled Dropbox for iOS 3.7.0, a major new version of its client for iPhone and iPad. The new release adds a single feature to its roster, one that requires iOS 8 in order to work.

  The feature in question is the addition of a new action extension, which allows users to save files straight to their Dropbox storage from within selected other apps without first having to open Dropbox itself.

  Once installed, users will need to first enable the action extension -- navigate to any supported app, such as Photos and tap the Share button. Tap the More… button in the bottom row and flick the "Save to Dropbox" switch to "On".

  Users will now see the new option appear in the list. Tapping this opens a dialog displaying the filename and selecting the root Dropbox folder as the default location to save to -- tap the filename to rename it, or tap "Choose a different folder…" to save the file to a specific place. Once done, tap "Save" and the file is uploaded before the user is returned to the app they were previously using.

  Version 3.7 also includes a number of fixes and improvements related to the moving, deleting, printing and exporting of files.  Also improved are previews of RTF files and the handling of password-protected files.

  Dropbox for iOS 3.7.0 is available now as a free download for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch running iOS 7.0 or later. The new action extension requires iOS 8; iOS 7 users can still use the old "Open in Dropbox…" option from the Share dialog to transfer files to the Dropbox app for uploading.

  
• 

  Remove JPG and PNG tags with StripPhoric

  Publié: février 18, 2015, 10:49am CET par Mike Williams

  

  StripPhoric is a free tool which removes JPG and PNG metadata, reducing file sizes, and -- by removing details like geotags -- perhaps protecting your privacy.

  The program is extremely basic, and has a few annoyances, but if you’re looking for ease of use then it’s hard to beat.

  StripPhoric arrives as a 404KB installer, which is the first problem: it really should be portable. But there’s no hidden payload, no adware or other unwanted extras. And if you install it, and copy the 95KB StripPhoric.exe executable, then you’ll be able to run it anywhere.

  Launch StripPhoric and you must point it to your target files, either by clicking the "Add Files" and "Add Directory" buttons, or by dragging and dropping them onto the program.

  There are two modes of operation to choose from. "Default" strips all metadata; "Basic" keeps commonly-used fields, such as aspect and color (unfortunately the developer hasn’t spelled out the precise details of that).

  Select your preferred mode, click "Strip Files!", and StripPhoric rewrites your images to be tag-free.

  The key word here is rewrite, because the program replaces your source files with the reduced version. This shouldn’t cause any major issues, but we’d still recommend you only work with copies, at least until you’re confident that the new images will be okay.

  StripPhoric is extremely basic, and offers no real control over its operations. But it’s extremely easy to use, and the ability to work with JPGs and PNGs is also a plus. If simplicity is your top priority, give it a try.

  
• 

  IBM launches new storage software portfolio

  Publié: février 18, 2015, 10:20am CET par Sead Fadilpašić

  

  Tech giant IBM unveils IBM Spectrum Storage, a new storage software portfolio designed to address data storage inefficiencies. The portfolio is aimed to change the economics of storage with a "layer of intelligent software".

  The software creates a "data footprint", which stores data at the optimal cost, thus maximizing performance and security. The Spectrum Storage incorporates more than 700 patents to help users move massive amounts of data fast and easy, from a single dashboard.

  According to IBM: "The software helps clients move data to the right location, at the right time, from flash storage for fast access to tape and cloud for the lowest cost".

  Aside from the new software portfolio, IBM also announced it will be investing more than $1 billion in its storage software portfolio over the next five years.

  The investment will focus on R&D of new cloud storage software, object storage and open standard technologies including OpenStack.

  "A new approach is needed to help clients address the cost and complexity driven by tremendous data growth. Traditional storage is inefficient in today’s world where the value of each piece of data is changing all the time", said Tom Rosamilia, senior vice president, IBM Systems. "IBM is revolutionizing storage with our Spectrum Storage software that helps clients to more efficiently leverage their hardware investments to extract the full business value of data".

  IBM’s Spectrum Storage portfolio can centrally manage more than 300 different storage devices and yottabytes of data. This device interoperability is the broadest in the industry -- incorporating both IBM and non-IBM hardware and tape systems.

  IBM Spectrum Storage can help reduce storage costs up to 90 percent in certain environments by automatically moving data onto the most economical storage device -- either from IBM or non-IBM flash, disk and tape systems.

  In addition to Spectrum Accelerate, IBM Spectrum Storage portfolio includes key storage software such as Spectrum Virtualize, Spectrum Scale, Spectrum Control, Spectrum Protect and Spectrum Archive.

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

  
• 

  Bing predicts the 87th Academy Awards -- will Microsoft get an Oscar or a Razzie?

  Publié: février 18, 2015, 6:57am CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  It's Oscar time, baby -- woo! It's time to start planning your parties and get-togethers. Hopefully you've seen all of the nominated films. Sadly, I have not seen any, which is tragic, as I love the cinema. Unfortunately, I can no longer afford to regularly go to the movie theater (who can, nowadays?), and I am opposed to pirating films. I've heard wonderful things about American Sniper, Whiplash and The Theory of Everything -- maybe I will try to see one of them on Saturday (Whiplash looks like the best of the bunch).

  Microsoft announces that its search engine is predicting the Academy Awards. Believe it or not, Bing has a pretty good overall track record -- it predicted the Patriots to win the Superbowl long before New England was guaranteed a spot in the game. With that said, it predicted Beyoncé to win best-album Grammy, but the more talented Beck won instead. Will Bing see success at the 87th Academy Awards?

  "Hollywood's biggest night of the year is less than a week away and Bing will help you get ready for the 87th Academy Awards. Whether you're a movie buff, red carpet watcher or just love the spectacle of the show, we've put together an interactive guide that puts everything Oscars at your fingertips. Come check out all the nominees and find out who we're predicting to go home with a statue this year!", says The Bing Team.

  The team further explains, "after taking on the big sporting events, reality shows and elections with our predictions engine, we turned our attentions last week to the GRAMMYs. This week, we've put Bing to work predicting the Oscars -- but with a twist: Think you can beat Bing’s predictions? Choose who you think deserves Oscar-night glory, then use your personal Bing Oscar ballot to pick your winners and pit your choices against Bing and the Academy".

  You can print your Bing Oscar ballot here (PDF).

  Here are Bing's predictions:

  • Best Picture: Birdman
  • Best Actor: Eddie Redmayne, The Theory of Everything
  • Best Supporting Actor: J.K. Simmons, Whiplash
  • Best Actress: Julianne Moore, Still Alice
  • Best Supporting Actress: Patricia Arquette, Boyhood
  • Best Director: Richard Linklater, Boyhood

  You can see the entire list by searching Bing for "oscars nominations". You can also see a demonstration of some new Oscar features in the below video.

  Do you think Bing is offering Oscar-winning predictions, or are the predictions worthy of a Razzie? Tell me in the comments.

  Photo Credit: Joe Seer / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Microsoft wants you to 'Trade-in and trade up to Surface Pro 3' but you shouldn't do it

  Publié: février 18, 2015, 5:15am CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  The Surface Pro 3 is still one of the the best computers you can buy. Sure, there are more powerful and less expensive machines, but the overall Surface experience is unique and versatile. It can be a tablet, laptop, or desktop, while the included pen offers even more added value.

  The problem for many, however, is the price. Yes, you can get a core i3 Surface Pro 3 for $799, but once you add in the keyboard attachment -- which is technically optional, but realistically necessary -- you are approaching the $1,000 mark. With that said, it is not overpriced; the price is quite reasonable for what you get, especially when the cost is averaged over the life of ownership. If you want to get one at a discount, today is your lucky day -- sort of. If you have a previous generation Surface -- both ARM and x86_64 -- you can trade it in towards a Surface Pro 3. Believe it or not, you can earn up to $650! However, there is a catch and you shouldn't do it.

  Microsoft has partnered with company CExchange to offer the promotion. The companies list the following terms of the deal

  Valid 2/15/2015 until 3/8/2015. Available on Microsoft online store in US (including Puerto Rico). Not valid online in Canada. Exclusions may apply. To receive full $650 store credit towards the purchase of a new Surface Pro 3, customer must trade-in qualifying device subject to these terms. To be eligible for trade-in, product must power on battery must hold charge and not be required to be plugged in to operate, and be in fully functional, working condition without broken/missing components, cracked display/housing, liquid damage, modification(s) or have device warranty seal broken to be considered working. Cannot be password protected, and include original chargers/accessories. Any appraised value will be determined at trade-in and provided as a Microsoft online store redemption code and is valid online only.

  The online redemption code will be sent via email once CExchange receives and appraises your trade in. The redemption code will be valid until 4/8/2015. All trade-ins are subject to Microsoft's discretion and approval. All trade-ins are final. Recycle for Rewards program provided by CExchange, LLC., and other terms and conditions may apply. Not valid on prior orders or purchases; cannot be transferred or otherwise redeemed for cash or gift cards. Not combinable with storewide discount promotions; combinable with select Surface Pro 3 bundles. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Microsoft reserves the right to modify or discontinue offers at any time. Limit 1 trade-in per new Surface Pro 3 purchase per customer.

  This seems reasonable; the companies are not interested in buying broken or damaged computers. Sadly, you may be disappointed by the offers. As usual, "up to" indicates the best possible scenario, and there is a major catch here. In order to get $650, you would have to trade in a pristine Surface Pro 3 Core i5 256GB. The problem? The promotion is to trade up to a Surface Pro 3; why would you trade in an existing Pro 3 for another?

  The only scenario would be if you wanted to move up to a Core i5 512GB or i7 model. However, to trade in your existing Surface Pro 3 for $650 only to use that towards a different model would be a huge loss of money. You would be much better to head to Craigslist or eBay.

  So who should take advantage? Maybe if you own a Surface RT or Surface 2, as the ARM-powered machines are not looking to be a priority of Microsoft. A perfect Surface RT 64GB will get you $94, while the Surface 2 64GB gets $114. At those prices, even if the Windows RT platform is abandoned, I would recommend holding onto them as a secondary tablet or historic piece of technology past.

  Even worse? If you opt to trade in your keyboard cover, Microsoft will pay you nothing for it. The trade in value is the same with or without it. If you do decide to take advantage of the promotion -- which you shouldn't -- do not trade in your keyboard. The funny thing is, the existing keyboard will work with the new Surface Pro 3 you would be trading for; it is laughable for Microsoft to offer nothing for it.

  Should you buy a Surface Pro 3? Absolutely. Just don't trade in your existing Surface in this promotion.

  Not sure which Surface you own? Microsoft shares the following chart.

  

  Photo Credit: Africa Studio / Shutterstock

   

  
• 

  TorrentRover tracks down torrents from the desktop

  Publié: février 18, 2015, 2:37am CET par Mike Williams

  

  TorrentRover is a torrent search tool for the Windows desktop.

  Do we really need this, we wondered? Surely it'll be packed with adware? But no, there's nothing to worry about, it's portable and payload-free.

  The program is very easy to use, too. Enter something in the search box, the program passes your query to a few torrent search engines (PirateBay.se, Kickass.so, BitSnoop.com, isoHunt.to), collects any matches, and sorts them in order of quality. Double-click anything that appeals to open it in your default torrent client.

  You could do something similar on the web, but TorrentRover also stores your search locally as a "Rover". At its simplest, this means you can use it again with a click, no retyping required.

  What's more interesting is that you can edit these searches. There are options to refine them (search only a particular category of file, or your favourite search engines), to schedule them to run at a particular time, even to automatically download the preferred file.

  A "Plugins" menu can run the same search on YouTube, Amazon, eBay, Wikipedia, IMDB, last.fm, MetaCritic, Walmart and Google.

  TorrentRover did have one fairly major problem: every time we tried to access the Preferences dialog, it closed down. Uh-oh.

  Still, maybe that was an issue specific to our test system. And even if it’s more general, everything else worked just fine, so if you’re interested in this kind of application then we’d say give TorrentRover a try.

  
• 

  Google pushes Inbox by pulling Sparrow email client from the App Store

  Publié: février 18, 2015, 1:38am CET par Mark Wilson

  

  It's not all that long since Google launched Inbox. The 'smart' alternative to Gmail appeared a few months ago and Google tried to get the hype machine going by launching it as an invite-only service, gradually trickling out invites here and there.

  Now the search giant is trying a new tactic to encourage people into using the service, specifically Apple users. Google has pulled the iOS and Mac version of the Sparrow email app from the App store; the hope is clearly that Sparrow users will migrate to Inbox.

  Although the Mac version of the app can still be grabbed directly from the Sparrow website, iPhone users who do not already have the app installed will find that there is now no way to download it. Google bought Sparrow less than three years ago, but is clearly keen to promote its latest email tool that boasts a snooze feature.

  At the moment, Inbox remains invite-only, arguably increasing interest levels and the perceived value. Update has already been reasonably impressive but Android users far outnumber those running iOS. By eliminating an alternative, Google is enticing Apple fans into using Inbox and it will be interesting to see how this is received by fans of the app.

  
• 

  Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver serves up an unpleasant malware surprise

  Publié: février 17, 2015, 9:10pm CET par Wayne Williams

  

  Most web-based threats come from malicious adverts placed on websites (aka malvertising), but Malwarebytes has discovered a well hidden malicious injection on the official website of Jamie Oliver which redirects unsuspecting visitors to an exploit kit.

  The compromised site -- www.jamieoliver.com -- is currently ranked 519 in the UK (5,280 in the world), according to Alexa, with around 10 million visitors a month, which makes it a valuable target for hackers.

  According to Malwarebytes, the malicious JavaScript injection creates an iframe and uses a second compromised site to redirect visitors to an exploit kit landing page where at least three exploits (Flash, Silverlight and Java) are launched. If the PC is not fully patched, a malicious dropper (Malwarebytesidentifies this as Trojan.Dorkbot.ED) downloads and runs.

  Once infected, users face search engine hijacks, and the danger of being tricked into downloading malicious software updates.

  As to how the compromised JavaScript found its way onto the site in the first place, Malwarebytes isn’t sure. "It could be a legitimate script that has been injected with additional content or a rogue script altogether" says senior security researcher Jérôme Segura. He also speculates that the cause might not be a plug-in at all but "perhaps stolen credentials".

  You can find out more about the discovery on the Malwarebytes Unpacked blog.

  
• 

  Bodhi Linux 3.0.0 is here -- download the Ubuntu-based distribution now!

  Publié: février 17, 2015, 7:51pm CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  There are many Linux-based operating systems nowadays, making it difficult to pick one. This is a good problem to have, however, as trying new distributions can be fun. Unfortunately, many are so similar, that you can end up wasting your time.

  One alternative distro may be worth the time and effort; Bodhi Linux. Since it is based on Ubuntu 14.04, there is less of a learning curve for users of Canonical's OS. What really makes it stand out, however, is the Enlightenment window manager, which is lightweight, functional and pretty.

  "Our stable release is not the only thing that is new at Bodhi Linux this month. Our main website, AppCenter, Wiki, and Forums have all gotten complete overhauls to go along side this new release. A big thank you goes out to our Web Admin, Sys Admin, and the community populating the fresh wiki for all of their hard work", says Jeff Hoogland.

  Hoogland further explains, "if you are new to Bodhi Linux please take a look at the Quick Start Guide that opens by default when you first boot the LiveCD / Operating System. It covers many questions new users have and odds are will save you any confusion you might have while getting to know your way around Bodhi. Should you encounter any issues with your Bodhi Linux 3.0.0 install you can request support on our user forums".

  Jeff Hoogland lists the following major changes

  • Enlightenment E19.3
  • Terminology 0.8.0
  • ePad 0.9.0
  • Numix Icons
  • Linux Kernel 3.16
  • Ubuntu 14.04 LTS Core

  What is particularly cool, is that besides the typical UEFI 32-bit and  64-bit ISOs, Bodhi also offers releases for legacy hardware (non-pae) and Chromebooks/Chromebox (Seabios).

  If you are interested in trying Bodhi and the Enlightenment window manager, please download it here.

  Tell me what you think about it in the comments.

  
• 

  Raspberry Pi sales surpass 5 million -- now most successful UK computer manufacturer ever

  Publié: février 17, 2015, 7:31pm CET par Wayne Williams

  

  It’s fair to say Raspberry Pi, the super-affordable ARM GNU/Linux computer, has been a massive success. Originally envisaged as a way to get kids coding again as they did in the 1980s and 1990s, the device has found a massive fan base outside of the education system, and has been selling in impressive quantities since its launch in 2012.

  The British success story sold more than a million units in its first year, but since then the pace has picked up, and the Raspberry Pi Foundation has just tweeted some staggering news -- it has now sold more than 5 million Raspberry Pis worldwide.

  That’s impressive on its own, but it’s worth pointing out, as a follow-up tweet does, that means that the Raspberry Pi Foundation is now the biggest selling UK computer manufacturer ever -- dwarfing iconic British brands like Sinclair Research -- and with the launch of the new Raspberry Pi 2 that growth is unlikely to show any signs of abating.

  In fact, there’s a good chance a large portion of the existing Pi owners will be upgrading to the new model (as my colleague Brian Fagioli did). Few people will quibble over spending $35 to get a new Pi that’s six times faster than the original, especially as it will be able to run Windows 10.

  Perhaps most impressively, the majority of the sales have occurred in the past year, as the company only hit the two million milestone in November 2013.

  Just confirmed the big news we’ve all been waiting for: we’ve now sold more than 5 million Raspberry Pis.

  — Raspberry Pi (@Raspberry_Pi) February 17, 2015

  
• 

  UK Police raid popular movie and TV show piracy site

  Publié: février 17, 2015, 5:40pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  Police in London have raided a site providing movies and TV show downloads. Three men have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud as well as copyright infringement offenses. The site has not been named, but police describe it as "extremely" popular.

  The raid followed an investigation by FACT (the Federation Against Copyright Theft) and resulted not only in three arrests, but also the seizure of computer equipment and financial documents. Although we don’t yet know which site is involved, police say that "it ranked thousands of places higher than a well-known and legitimate film download site".

  Talking to TorrentFreak, Detective Sergeant Neil Reynolds said that investigations continued to determine how money raised through the site was being used. While the site was registered to an address in Romania, money brought in from advertising was paid into a UK bank account.

  It can be difficult for people to care about copyright laws being broken but the money made from such sites is often spent on funding other crime. We are looking at how much money was made from advertising on this website and where that money went to.

  It seems that the site must have been generating a reasonable amount of money as it managed to come to the attention of the London Regional Asset Recovery Team. Comprising revenue and police officers, the team is concerned with financial investigations surrounding profits generated by criminal activity.

  Photo credit: pjhpix / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Using video games to close the 'engagement gap' in corporate wellness programs

  Publié: février 17, 2015, 5:37pm CET par Mike Tinney

  

  Even though nearly 90 percent of companies offer wellness incentives, more than two-thirds of American adults are overweight or obese. Studies abound on the adverse health effects of excessive sitting; most recently, researchers from Toronto found that sitting more than eight hours per day can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by ninety-one percent, dying of cardiovascular disease by eighteen percent and dying of cancer by seventeen percent.

  The silver lining to those bleak statistics is that many of the negative effects of prolonged sitting can be reduced simply by finding ways to move throughout the workday -- for example, a brisk walk around the block during lunch or a few chair squats at your desk. Given sitting’s bad rap -- not to mention longer workdays -- it’s no surprise that companies are striving for more effective ways to incentivize and reward healthy employees to reduce absenteeism and insurance costs.

  Despite the proliferation of wellness incentives in corporate America, ninety-five percent of Americans still fall short of the Department of Health’s recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. A look at our rising health incidences shows us we are falling short in the results department as well. Ours is not a knowledge problem -- it’s a behavioral problem.

  In fact, many corporate wellness programs that are results-based (typically relying on biometric screenings) are beginning to incorporate engagement elements in the form of challenges that boost awareness and participation. However, while many wellness providers have mastered measuring progress, few programs truly understand the fundamentals of engagement.

  Our answer for engaging employees in corporate wellness programs may seem like a paradox: video games. Despite its status as a scapegoat for sedentary lifestyles, video games are undeniably engaging. In fact, studies have found that the dopamine levels in peoples’ brains increase when they’re playing video games. Research suggests that video games can be more addictive than alcohol.

  Employees will become substantially more involved with a corporate wellness program if it feels as gratifying and easy as playing a video game. My company has proven it.

  "Gamified health" is a catchall term that has picked up steam in recent years, often referring to fitness apps or programs that use badges or leaderboards to reward users. The problem is that layering social rewards without the true underpinnings of a game does not create long-term engagement, and people inevitably lose interest with these incentives over time. A successful gaming health platform should go beyond badges and leaderboards and include the following components:

  1. A flywheel, or repeatable behavior pattern that advances the game while having a degree of unpredictability
  2. Interaction with other players, as teammates and opponents
  3. A sense of progress with challenges and rewards that scale over time

  Gaming health platforms are already gaining traction with consumers: the mobile analytics firm Flurry reported that between December 2013 and June 2014, health and fitness app usage increased by sixty-two percent, while app usage overall increased by just thirty-three percent. Increasingly sophisticated devices like the Fitbit and Jawbone UP have simplified tracking activities and syncing them to mobile apps that interpret the results. It’s unsurprising, therefore, that corporations are embracing gaming health platforms to fill the "engagement gap" in their employee wellness programs.

  However, companies need to choose wisely when investing in solutions to engage their employees. Despite their prevalence, badges and other insignificant rewards will not encourage employees to move more throughout the workday. Unpredictable but logical outcomes based on their actions, feeling accountable to a team, and escalating consequences and rewards will.

  Image Credit: Monkey Business Images / Shutterstock

  Mike Tinney is a former video game company executive and the founder and CEO of Fitness Interactive Experience, which creates platforms that incentivize employees to be active.

  
• 

  Microsoft reveals Office web and mobile apps can use ANY cloud storage service

  Publié: février 17, 2015, 4:29pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  Microsoft's mobile-first, cloud-first strategy continues. In something of a surprise announcement the company reveals that it is launching a new cloud storage partner program meaning that any cloud storage provider will be able to integrate with Office for iOS and Office Online.

  The news follows on from Microsoft's partnership with Dropbox in November and while it is just iOS users who will benefit from the new mobile options for now, Office for Android and Office for Windows 10 will also get the same treatment in due course. It's a recognition of the fact that integration with OneDrive is not enough so it shouldn't be long before we see iCloud and Google Drive working with Office.

  Opening up the mobile version of Office to third-party cloud storage providers means that the likes of Google, Apple and others will be able to add their cloud services to the Locations picker in the Office apps. Users will be able to open, edit and save files using their preferred cloud service, cutting the ties with Microsoft's offering.

  Today's announcement also sees Microsoft opening up Office Online to third-party providers, and Box, Citrix, and Salesforce are already on board. Once developers have signed up to the Cloud Storage Partner Program they will be able to integrate Office Online -- complete with PowerPoint, Word, and Excel document viewing and editing -- into their own apps and services.

  Microsoft's corporate vice president for the Office team, Kirk Koenigsbauer said: "these new features represent a big step forward for Office integration into the apps and services that are important to our customers". He added: "Today’s announcements are just one more step on our continuing journey to open up Office in new ways for our customers and partners. Living in a cloud-first, mobile-first world is all about having the flexibility to get things done from anywhere and on any device".

  
• 

  Researchers produce Global Risks report, AI and other technologies included in it

  Publié: février 17, 2015, 4:09pm CET par Alan Buckingham

  

  Let's face it, we're always at risk, and I speak for human kind, not just the personal risks we take each time we leave our homes. Some of these potential terrors are unavoidable -- we can't control the asteroid we find hurtling towards us or the next super volcano that may erupt as the Siberian Traps once did.

  Some risks however, are well within our control, yet we continue down paths that are both exciting and potentially dangerous. In his book Demon Haunted World, the great astronomer, teacher and TV personality Carl Sagan wrote "Avoidable human misery is more often caused not so much by stupidity as by ignorance, particularly our ignorance about ourselves".

  Now researchers have published a list of the risks we face and several of them are self-created. Perhaps the most prominent is artificial intelligence, or AI as it generally referred to. The technology has been fairly prominent in the news recently as both Elon Musk and Bill Gates have warned of its dangers. Musk went as far as to invest in some of the companies so that he could keep an eye on things.

  The new report states "extreme intelligences could not easily be controlled (either by the groups creating them, or by some international regulatory regime), and would probably act to boost their own intelligence and acquire maximal resources for almost all initial AI motivations".

  Stephen Hawking, perhaps the world's most famous scientist, told the BBC "The development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race".

  That's three obviously intelligent men telling us it's a bad idea, but of course that will not deter those who wish to develop it and if it is controlled correctly then it may not be the huge danger we worry about.

  What else is on the list of doom and gloom? Several more man-made problems, including nuclear war, global system collapse, synthetic biology, and nanotechnology. There is also the usual array of asteroids, super volcanoes and global pandemics. For good measure, the scientists even added in bad global governance.

  If you would like to read the report for yourself it can be found at the Global Challenges Foundation website. It may keep you awake at night -- even better than a good horror movie could.

  Image Credit: Mopic / Shutterstock

  
• 

  New vulnerabilities kick off 2015

  Publié: février 17, 2015, 3:46pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  There's always that tiny glimmer of hope that in some way a new year is going to be somehow different from and better than the one that went before.

  Usually it's extinguished quite quickly and it seems that, in software terms at least, 2015 is no exception according to the latest vulnerability report from Secunia released today.

  It finds that in the last quarter of 2014 there were 1,357 new vulnerabilities in the 20 most used software products and that the vendor with the most vulnerable products in the period was IBM. The single product with most vulnerabilities was X.Org Xserver, the open source X Window implementation.

  2015 meanwhile has got off to a bang with two zero day vulnerabilities for Adobe Flash in January and one at the beginning of February. As Secunia points out a zero day in a popular product like Flash, "...means there are more entry points into any organization. The only thing to do about it is to either remove the affected product from everywhere in your infrastructure -- which can effectively paralyze your business -- especially when the affected application is bundled and widespread -- or have complete visibility to your systems and complete data control."

  The report also highlights a new set of patches for Java in Oracle's January update which see 19 vulnerabilities fixed. Java is high on Secunia's 'Most Exposed' product list thanks to its large market share, but many users simply don't bother to patch it.

  The Ghost vulnerability in GNU Library C was patched in version 2.18 as long ago as 2013. However, older versions are often bundled in other applications which may remain unpatched. Secunia has issued advisories on 24 products made vulnerable by Ghost, including McAfee, Cisco, IBM, Red Hat and Xerox. Exploitation of Ghost may allow for remote code execution so users are advised to make sure their product patches are up to date.

  There's some praise for Google in the report for relaxing its strict 90-day rule on disclosing vulnerabilities. On 13 February it amended its policy to allow a two week grace period to allow vendors to release patches.

  You can read more about Secunia's vulnerability reviews on the company's website.

  Image Credit: Pavel Ignatov / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Why data quality is essential to your analytics strategy

  Publié: février 17, 2015, 3:03pm CET par Michael Morton

  

  Analytics can be worthless, counterproductive and even harmful when based on data that isn’t high quality. Garbage in, garbage out, as they say. So when Salesforce Analytics Cloud hit the market, vendors rushed to announce plugins that would load high-quality data into the solution.

  The painful truth is that without high-quality data, it doesn’t matter how fast or sophisticated the analytics capability is. You simply won’t be able to turn all that data managed by IT into effective business execution.

  The impact of bad data

  Let’s look at a few common scenarios. These are based on real experiences, although I’ve left out the company names to protect the guilty.

  • A company operating in the southeast region of the U.S. knew that the state of Georgia was its best market. With a new product coming out, it invested heavily in a targeted direct mail campaign, and only after the fact discovered that three-quarters of the postal addresses were bad. The campaign failed miserably.
  • A cable company adjusted its service offering and bought a number of mailing lists to saturate the potential market. But because the company had no way to de-dupe the list, it ended up sending multiple pieces to the same person (Mike Stone, Michael Stone, Mike E. Stone, Michael E. Stone, M. Stone, etc.). This resulted in a significant waste of resources and angered a lot of existing and potential customers.
  • An insurance company serving a specific region of the U.S. planned an email campaign but realized it had more names in its customer database than the number of adults living in the region! Upon investigating, it found that because it had no de-duping capability, no names were ever deleted from the list even though new names were constantly added. The company had no idea how stale the data was.
  • A retailer invested heavily in collecting transaction data following a new product introduction. But the data in the transaction system did not sync with the data in the ordering system, so replenishment levels were nowhere near what they needed to be, and a huge opportunity was lost.

  If you don’t know how dirty your data is, you don’t know what opportunities you’re missing. To put some numbers behind the potential harm of bad data, let’s look at a hypothetical direct mail marketing campaign. Imagine you spend $20,000 per month on a campaign to a highly targeted set of 100,000 customers in a specific market. Assume the annual cost of this program would be $240,000 (excluding employee and other operational costs). Based on previous experience, you know that each conversion from the campaign will result in a $100 gain in revenue, and you can count on about a 5 percent success rate, generating revenue of $500,000. After subtracting the $240,000 annual cost, the total annual profit for the program would equal $260,000.

  But if your data quality is poor and your error rate is 50 percent (a not uncommon issue for enterprise sales and marketing departments due to duplicates, incorrect addresses, outdated lists, and so forth), the revenue would be cut in half to only $250,000, slashing the total annual profit for the program to just $10,000. If you include operational costs, you are likely losing money on the program.

  To make matters worse, the pace of business is constantly accelerating, and organizations, along with their customers and partners, increasingly expect access to real-time and near real-time data. But let’s face it, it makes no sense -- and would be potentially disastrous-- simply to deliver bad data faster!

  Ensuring high-quality data

  To ensure sales and marketing teams always have access to high-quality data, organizations need to develop data management capabilities to ensure their data has been:

  • De-duplicated -- Duplicate data within each system is deleted. This will, for example, eliminate multiple pieces of sales campaign mail going to the same person.
  • Cleansed -- Inaccurate, incomplete, irrelevant, and corrupted records are identified and corrected. This can ensure that a mail campaign is actually targeted to real people at real addresses.
  • Synchronized -- Data existing in multiple systems is made consistent. This can eliminate the disconnect between transaction and ordering systems, ensuring the appropriate level of replenishment.
  • Enriched -- Raw data is enhanced and refined by linking with trusted, authoritative, industry-standard reference data repositories. The raw data in many systems may be incomplete and full of errors. Enriching data ensures that your data is complete and accurate.
  • Refreshed -- Data is constantly kept up to date. A mailing list that was complete and accurate a year ago may be nearly worthless today. Data must be refreshed constantly in order to optimize any activity based on it.

  Providing these capabilities is the role of master data management (MDM), a proven technology that until recently has been far too expensive for all but the largest companies to afford because it required the deployment of multiple systems from multiple vendors. Mid-market companies simply don’t have the time, budget or resources to purchase, deploy and manage multiple new systems.

  Now, however, vendors have begun offering single platforms that include all of the essential MDM capabilities. Even better, some vendors offer their solution as a cloud-based service, eliminating the upfront costs as well as dramatically reducing the time and complexity of deploying the solution and managing the environment. MDM solutions can also feed solutions for complex event processing (CEP) and real-time analytics to ensure the deepest and most accurate insight at the speed of today’s businesses.

  Every organization today depends on data to understand its customers and employees, design new products, reach target markets, and plan for the future. Accurate, complete, and up-to-date information is essential if you want to optimize your decision making, avoid constantly playing catch-up and maintain your competitive advantage.

  Photo credit: Andrey_Popov / Shutterstock

  Michael Morton is the CTO of Dell Boomi, where he is responsible for product innovation. Michael joined Dell Boomi in 2013 after an impressive and successful career with IBM, where he became and IBM Master Inventor and worked directly with Fortune 100 Companies. He has been innovating and producing a wide-range of enterprise IT solutions for over 20 years. This includes being a founding developer of IBM WebSphere Application Server, as well as providing architecture leadership on the IBM InfoSphere data integration and IBM Tivoli systems management family of products. Michael’s broad experience coupled with his deep understanding of the complexities and challenges enterprise customers face when modernizing and attempting to remain competitive in the their industry rounds out his superb qualifications for the Chief Technology Officer position.

  
• 

  Samsung finally gets it right -- slashes price of Galaxy A3, A5, S4, S5, S3 Neo in India

  Publié: février 17, 2015, 2:11pm CET par Manish Singh

  

  Finally acknowledging the growing competition from arch rivals and emerging players in the developing regions, Samsung today slashes the price of several of its handsets in India, one of the largest and fast-growing smartphone markets. The South Korean technology conglomerate revised the retail prices of Samsung Galaxy S4, Galaxy A3, Galaxy A5 in the country. While yet to be officially announced, the company seems to have quietly slashed the price of several more handsets too.

  Galaxy S4, the flagship handset from Samsung which was launched in India in 2013 for Rs 41,500 ($667) off-contract, is now available to purchase for Rs 17,999 ($290, roughly 57 percent off), with an additional Rs 1,000 ($16) Gift card to buyers.

  Earlier this month, Samsung also adjusted the price of Galaxy S3 Neo to Rs 12,499 ($200). The handset was launched in the country last year for Rs 25,499 ($410).

  The other two handsets that saw their retail price dip are Samsung Galaxy A3 and Galaxy A5, two of the three handsets in the company’s new metal-clad premium lineup. Both the handsets were launched in India in January earlier this year. The Galaxy A3 -- which was launched at Rs 19,300 ($310) -- can now be purchased for Rs 17,900 ($285). The Galaxy A5 -- which was previously available at 23,000 ($370) -- can now be purchased for Rs 20,900 ($335).

  Interestingly, the current flagship smartphone -- the Galaxy S5 -- which was launched in India for Rs 51,500 ($830) is now faring on e-commerce websites for Rs 31,999 ($515).

  The price drop comes two weeks after we criticized Samsung for its inability to judge the market and overpricing its handsets. The company is facing stiff competition from emerging players such as Xiaomi, Gionee, and Micromax among others who are selling better specced handsets at half the cost of Samsung’s offerings. Today’s price reduction is a welcome move from the company and does put it in a slightly better competing position against its rivals.

  Photo Credit: patpitchaya/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Google brings Android One to the Philippines, two smartphones coming soon

  Publié: février 17, 2015, 12:05pm CET par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Google today announces the arrival of Android One in the Philippines, bringing the number of countries where the program is offered to six. The first Android One smartphones to launch in the Philippines are called Cherry One and MyPhone Uno, and they'll both come with Android 5.1 Lollipop out-of-the-box.

  Google says that both smartphones will be available to local consumers in the coming weeks, featuring hardware specifications that are on par with those of other Android One devices. Let's take a look at what One and Uno have to offer.

  On paper, there is nothing to separate the two smartphones. They both pack a 4.5-inch FWVGA display, 1.3 GHz quad-core Cortex A7 processor, 1 GB of RAM, 1,700 mAh battery, 5 MP main camera, 2 MP front-facing camera, 8 GB of internal storage, support for microSD cards up to 32 GB in size, and two micro-SIM card slots.

  Where they differ is in terms of design. To my eyes, One is the better looking of the two, as it features more squared corners and sleeker back design. On the other hand, Uno will appeal to those who like curves to their smartphone.

  Judging by the photos posted by Google on the Android One site for the Philippines, Uno will be available in two color trims, the typical black and a yellowish white. One is only shown in silver. (The color options are only for the back plate, as the front's black in both cases.)

  Given that Google has announced offline support for YouTube in a number of Asian markets, including the Philippines, this data-saving feature will be made available on both Android One devices. Google adds that "our connectivity partners will be offering promotional plans to people who buy Android One's that will help reduce costs for over-the-air (OTA) updates and app downloads from Google Play".

  There are no details surrounding availability, however Android One smartphones typically cost around $100, without a mobile operator contract, and it's very likely both One and Uno will go on sale with similar price-tags.

  
• 

  Safely test antivirus software with EICARgen

  Publié: février 17, 2015, 12:01pm CET par Mike Williams

  Your antivirus software claims to be working all the time, monitoring every file you access for any potential threats -- but is this really how it is? EICARgen can help you find out.

  This tiny freebie has a single task: to generate the EICAR Anti-Virus Test File on demand. EICAR isn’t an actual virus, not even executable code (it’s just a few characters of text), so it can’t harm your system in any way. But it is something which all antivirus programs should detect as a threat, making it very useful for testing.

  EICARgen is a console-based tool, and is easiest run from a shortcut. Download and unzip the program, and configure it like this.

  Right-click EICARgen.exe, select Create Shortcut, then right-click the shortcut and click Properties.

  Click in the "Target" box and surround the path with quotes, like: "C:\Users\mike\Downloads\EICARgen_V2_1\EICARgen.exe"

  At the end of that text, add a space, and the file type you’d like to create (zip, pdf, xls). Try zip, so it looks something like "C:\Users\mike\Downloads\EICARgen_V2_1\EICARgen.exe" zip

  Double-click your shortcut, and wait. On our Norton-protected PC, Explorer showed eicar.zip appear immediately but there was no security response. This isn’t unusual, most antivirus tools limit their archive scanning for performance reasons (if you don’t mind slower scanning you can probably enable or extend archive checking in your settings).

  If it’s the same with you, try extracting the contents or opening the file. We right-clicked eicar.zip, select 7-Zip > Extract to… and that’s where Norton stepped in, detecting the test file, deleting it and raising an alert.

  Once you’ve completed that test, try replacing the zip switch in the shortcut with xls to create a new spreadsheet, and see how your system responds.

  The test PDF file is even more interesting, because it shouldn’t be detected itself. Instead it displays an explanatory message, and uses an embedded script to create an EICAR test file whenever you click inside a rectangle. This worked faultlessly on our test PC -- the PDF loaded, Norton stepped in as soon as we clicked -- and may also be useful when testing security on other PDF-enabled platforms or devices.

  EICARgen is an interesting tool, and a handy way to test your antivirus software, but just be careful what you do with it. EICAR test files are completely harmless, but if you email someone a copy of Eicar.zip, and it raises an alert, they won’t necessarily realize that. If you must share EICAR files, make sure the recipient fully understands what you’re doing, before you actually do it.

  
• 

  Sony announces SmartEyeglass Developer Edition SED-E1, goes up for pre-order today

  Publié: février 17, 2015, 11:33am CET par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Smartglasses are tricky. You have people who don't like to wear glasses. Those who do may not like their design. They can also be tiring to wear for extended periods of time, as Google Glass Explorers have confessed. Not to mention that smartglasses are also very expensive. And, at least for the time being, consumers are not taking the plunge, as they appear to be perfectly happy with using just their smartphones.

  The lack of consumer interest, and Google recently killing its beloved Glass project, hasn't stopped Japanese maker Sony from coming out with its own pair of smartglasses. They're called SmartEyeglass Developer Edition SED-E1, and they're available for pre-order starting today.

  The final name -- of the version that consumers are likely to get (assuming Sony doesn't kill the project as well) -- looks to be SmartEyeglass, which sounds fine for a pair of high-tech glasses. But today's model is aimed at developers, hence the longer moniker. If it's not clear enough, the design certainly brings this point home.

  SmartEyeglass Developer Edition SED-E1 has a design that only a cyborg could love -- although I seriously doubt they would be seen in public wearing them. (Take a look at the video embedded at the end of the story to see what I mean.) Given their target market, that's understandable. Sony clearly has some work to be done before it can sell them to consumers.

  So what are developers supposed to do with SmartEyeglass Developer Edition SED-E1? Sony says that it is looking to create an ecosystem around its smartglasses and, as such, the device is designed as a testing platform for apps (in conjunction with the software development kit, which is made available for buyers).

  The smartglasses won't be running any apps on their own, as Sony designed the device so that it needs an Android smartphone from which to pull all the data from. So interested developers will have to design Android apps for SmartEyeglass Developer Edition SED-E1. Communication is done via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

  Right now, Sony says that there already are a few apps available, to let you do basic things like checking Facebook, Twitter, Gmail, RSS feeds, calendar and so on. So at least some of the basics are covered from the get-go.

  The highlights of SmartEyeglass Developer Edition SED-E1 are its transparent binocular lens, which allows for augmented reality content. The lenses are designed to impede visibility as little as possible; I should point out that there isn't an option for corrective lenses.

  SmartEyeglass Developer Edition SED-E1 also packs a small binocular display and 3 MP camera, as well as various sensors. The smartglasses can be controlled using a wired controller with a touch sensor, which also packs a battery, microphone, NFC, and speaker.

  For more details on the smartglasses you can hit the link in the third paragraph, which takes you through all the features in more detail. But, before you do that, here is some other information you should know.

  SmartEyeglass Developer Edition SED-E1 will be available to purchase starting in March, in US, UK, Germany, Japan, Belgium, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and Sweden. It goes up for pre-order only in the first four markets; at the time of writing this article, however, it's only available for pre-order now in UK and Germany, for £520 and €670, respectively.

  
• 

  VAIO makes a comeback with two new hybrid laptops

  Publié: février 17, 2015, 9:24am CET par David Curry

  

  VAIO might not have the market presence it did ten years ago -- especially with the recent sale by Sony -- but it is still an exciting brand to look out for in the laptop market.

  The two new hybrid laptops are the first from Japanese Industrial Partners (JIP), the new owners who acquired the VAIO brand late last year.

  Named the VAIO Z and VAIO Canvas Z, the two laptops represent the top of the range for the brand. It looks like JIP is conforming to the usual design of laptops, but with the classic sleek black finish.

  Both laptops have a 'multi-flip' mode allowing for tablet, laptop or outward screen usage. This gives the VAIO Z new flexibility, while maintaining the same design and performance of the usual high-end VAIO laptop.

  The VAIO Z features a 13.3-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) display, Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB of RAM and 15.5 hours of battery life. The VAIO Canvas Z features a 12.1-inch QHD (2560 x 1704) display and this will be completely detachable from the main frame.

  It is certainly interesting for VAIO to return to the laptop market, considering rumors of a VAIO branded smartphone and potentially an Android TV, however the two laptops will only be available in Japan to start off.

  The new VAIO Z doesn’t come cheap, in Japan it will cost 900,000 yen (approx. $1610) around the same price range as the Windows Surface Pro 3, MacBook Pro or 13-inch MacBook Air.

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

  
• 

  Pebble gets more Android Wear-like with latest update to smartwatch

  Publié: février 17, 2015, 6:05am CET par Alan Buckingham

  

  Pebble was not the first smartwatch to market, but it did set the trend for today's fad in wearable technology. Now Google has joined the game and Apple has big plans to enter the arena. But for now, Pebble remains the dominant force and the company wishes to maintain its hold.

  What more can Pebble do to retain its position? How about adopting Android Wear? That's exactly what the smartwatch maker is doing, announcing that "Our Android Wear compatibility goes from Beta to public release, giving Pebble the power to reply and act on notifications right from your wrist".

  It actually goes a bit beyond that, as Pebble points out that it integrated "user-defined responses" that Android Wear doesn't have. That includes emoji, money transfers and more.

  "Integrating Pebble with Android Wear is thanks to the open approach Google built into Android’s notification system. Openness is a value Pebble shares and appreciates. We hope more mobile operating systems follow suit so all Pebblers—no matter their smartphone choice—can take advantage of all the delightful features we introduce now, and in the future", the company states.

  Pebble concludes by telling us that it has much more in store for the future, both for Android and iOS users. What those endeavors are remains a mystery at this point.

  
• 

  Google launches YouTube channel for Chinese-speaking developers -- 谷歌开发者视频中文频道

  Publié: février 17, 2015, 2:19am CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  The Earth is one place, where all human beings are family. True, we may use a different language or live in different countries, but we are all equal. In America, for instance, there is no official language; English is most popular, but it's not written in stone as the one true language. The USA is a melting pot, where all languages and cultures are celebrated.

  China in particular, is a big contributor to the world of technology; both for hardware and software. Whether a developer is Chinese and residing in China, or an American that speaks only Chinese, Google has found a great way to show respect and support; the Chinese Google Developers YouTube channel.

  "Today, the Google Developer Platform team is launching a Chinese language and captioned YouTube channel, aiming to make it easier for the developers in China to learn more about Google services and technologies around mobile, web and the cloud. The channel includes original content in Chinese (Mandarin speaking), and curates content from the English version of the Google Developers channel with Simplified Chinese captions", explains Bill Luan, Greater China Regional Lead of Google Developer Relations.

  Luan further says, "a special thank you to the volunteers in Google Developers Group community in the city of Nanyang (Nanyang GDG) in China, for their effort and contribution in adding the Chinese language translations to the English language Google Developer Channel videos on YouTube. Over time, we will produce more Chinese language original content, as well as continue leveraging GDG volunteers in China to add more Chinese captioned English videos from Google Developer Channel, to serve the learning needs from developers".

  While this is a wonderful addition to YouTube, I hope it does not end there. Chinese is a good choice, as the country is very large and has so many people. With that said, there are many languages in the world -- many more than just Chinese and English -- and I am sure those other speakers would like to take part in developing too.

  Are you a Chinese-speaking developer? Tell me in the comments as to how this channel will help you.

  
• 

  Worldwide Equation Group hid undetectable spyware on hard drives

  Publié: février 17, 2015, 2:16am CET par Mark Wilson

  

  In a new twist to the on-going NSA story, security firm Kaspersky Lab has discovered that a threat actor of previously unknown complexity and sophistication has been embedding surveillance software on hard drives produced by a number of well-known manufacturers. With names such as Western Digital, Seagate and Toshiba mentioned, and the reach of the spy program stretching to dozens of countries, it's not clear quite how many people may be affected.

  Although Kapersky does not go as far as naming the NSA, or even specifying which country is responsible for the advanced surveillance, it seems that the spying campaign is somehow related to Stuxnet -- the tool used by the NSA to attack Iran -- and the Flame group.

  The Russian security company uncovered a series of spying programs. It said that it had detected two modules that allowed for the firmware of hard drives to be reprogrammed, and that systems in more than 30 countries had been uncovered by the investigations. Those that have fallen victim include governments, military, energy companies, and even Firefox.

  One of the reasons the US government's surveillance activities have been criticized so much is down to the dragnet approach that has been adopted -- data about entirely innocent people is collected as well as 'legitimate' targets. Installing spyware on hard drives allows for slightly more targeted surveillance, but this is unlikely to quell the fears of those concerned about privacy.

  A former intelligence worker confirmed to Reuters that the NSA has successfully developed techniques for hiding spyware on hard drives. Director of the Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT) at Kaspersky Lab, Costin Raiu said:

  Once the hard drive gets infected with the malicious payload, it is impossible to can its firmware. To put it simply: for most hard drives there are function to write into the hardware firmware area, but there are no functions to read it back. It means that we are practically blind, and cannot detect hard drives that have been infected by this malware.

  With infected machines found in the likes of Russia, Afghanistan, China, Syria and Yemen, it amounts to a massive spying operation. There is the possibility that Kaspersky Lab's discoveries and revelations could have an impact on relations between the West and other parts of the world. Fingers of suspicion will almost certainly be pointed at hard drive manufacturers. While Toshiba, IBM and Samsung offered no comment, Western Digital, Seagate and Micron denied knowledge of the spying programs.

  Raiu explains that the coders behind the malware must have had access to the source code of hard drives, although this is something that manufacturers would ordinarily guard ferociously. In what is described as an "astonishing technical accomplishment", the Equation group's ability to "reprogram the hard drive firmware of over a dozen different hard drive brands, including Seagate, Western Digital, Toshiba, Maxtor and IBM" is explained over on SecureList.

  There is the promise of more details over the coming days, and this could include some very revealing information.

  Photo credit: hadescom / Shutterstock

  
• 

  I was wrong about the smartwatch being a dumb idea

  Publié: février 16, 2015, 9:30pm CET par Joe Wilcox

  

  Over the holiday weekend, I started using the Moto 360, which user experience is way better than anticipated. For all the nutcases calling Apple Watch innovative and revolutionary—without there even being a device for them to test—Android Wear is, ah, timely. Google gives great utility that will be difficult for the fruit-logo company to match. Reasons are simple: Context, search, sync, UI design, and Google Now.

  I resisted the smartwatch concept for having been there before. Few of the gadget geeks gushing about wearables are old enough to remember Microsoft SPOT. Mid-last decade, the company partnered with real watchmakers (Fossil, Suunto, and Swatch); the devices were as much jewelry as functional timepieces; FM radio delivered appointments, news, weather, and other alerts independent of cell phones; and battery life lasted three days or more (which wasn't enough). By these measures, SPOT watches were so much more and still failed. Hence, these are reasons why in past analyses I called the decade-later attempt dumb. But I was wrong.

  Context, Search, and Sync

  Android Wear demonstrates why there is a market for smartwatches. Whether or not Apple will be worthy is the $6 billion question. Much depends upon the company's capability to get right context, search, and sync—they're part of Google's corporate cultural DNA and functional attributes still quirky in iOS and supporting services like iCloud.

  As I have repeatedly asserted: There is no post-PC era. Welcome to the contextual cloud computing epoch, where what matters most to you is stored on remote Internet servers and made available anytime, anywhere, and on anything. That's what I mean by context. What you need changes based on situation, or location. Google's core competency is context—that's what search is all about—and sync. Apple Watch can't just be pretty. Context, search, and sync must be core benefits.

  As the Google search agreement expiration approaches for Safari, I don't see how Apple cannot go elsewhere. Siri already uses Bing, which watch default destination seems almost predestined. What? Will Google really provide better contextual framework for iOS than Android Wear? The relationship between the two companies is too icy and competition too great. Strange that Apple's one-time archenemy would be better partner. Problem: Neither Apple nor Microsoft gives as good context, search, or sync today as Google.

  If, and that's an unlikely if, Android Wear device support came to iOS, Google might just route Apple Watch. The search and information giant provides broader range of contextual services—where and when you want them—than any other company. The remaining subheads explain how in, ah, context of Android Wear watches.

  Battery Life, Redundancy, and Dependence

  In considering smartwatch's place is the lexicon of personal devices, my early analysis focused too much on Microsoft's past failure, smartphone dependence, redundancy, and short battery life. So far, using Moto 360, none of these factors present problems that overwhelm other benefits. Stated differently: I underestimated Google's contextual design capabilities.

  Battery life was by far the biggest concern. Consumers that wear watches don't charge them. They're wear and forget. That's learned, familiar behavior. I have charged Moto 360 three times since Friday: Out of the box that evening, again about a day later, and this morning. I see 24 hours or more use, which is much better than anticipated. Meanwhile, recharging is fast.

  My plan is charge like I did today: Not overnight, as I have read in many end-user reviews or forum posts. The most sensible time is when I get out of bed to clean up for the day. I will eventually take off the watch to shower anyway. So why not put the device into the wireless charging dock early day; let it get ready while I do. If there is some need to work immediately at the computer, Moto 360 is a timekeeping assistant while juicing up.

  Redundancy and smartphone dependence also made me skiddish. Many people don't wear watches because their handsets provide the time. Meanwhile, smartwatch and phone duplicate many functions. Why use two devices to accomplish single tasks? Surely the wristwear is redundant. But my expected experience isn't. Context is the reason.

  Almost immediately, I could see the benefits of using Android Wear and Moto 360, without ever looking at a manual (there is none beyond flimsy fold-out instructions). I don't always carry smartphone or can easily get it out. Washing dishes the other night, I could see my sister calling from the watch. My mom was hospitalized over the weekend. I wouldn't have heard the phone two rooms away over the running water. Later, while sis and I talked, a text message from my daughter popped up on Moto 360. I would have missed it otherwise.

  Bicycling, Driving, and Walking

  There are plenty of circumstances where I wouldn't take out my smartphone—phablet, really, as I use the Nexus 6: Car and bicycle and sometimes walking. That I can flip my wrist and see a text message, email, or other notification is damn convenient. In the car, at a stoplight, I can quickly dictate a text reply or even set a reminder. Haven't you ever had some brilliant idea while driving only to forget it later? No longer.

  Other examples are boundless, which for less than three days use surprise the hell out of me. Google Now is essential element to the benefits equation, and Apple offers nothing comparable. The concept is simple, and in some ways creepy: The search giant prompts with information before you ask, based on context, location, and past behavior. Now is contextually relevant on an Android Wear watch paired to a smartphone.

  It's extremely convenient when out biking or walking to stop, say "OK, Google" and ask for a nearby restaurant, which the watch displays, with reviews, business hours on that day, and directions from my location should I want them. That's context, extended by search and supporting services like location and mapping.

  Contextually, I rely more on Nexus 6 more than my Fujifilm X100T as camera. Using Moto 360 as remote is cool and convenient, although often unnecessary. But for those people looking to pose the perfect selfie or group shot, there's utility. I could gush on, but the point should be obvious enough about the many contextual benefits.

  The best devices change your behavior, improving your lifestyle by taking what's familiar and extending it with new benefits. That's my contextual experience using Moto 360 as a companion to my big-ass phablet and major reason for confession: I was wrong about the smartwatch being a dumb idea.

  Photo Credit: Joe Wilcox

  
• 

  Microsoft leads the way with adoption of first international cloud privacy standard

  Publié: février 16, 2015, 6:18pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  The gradual push of just about everything to the cloud means that security and privacy are of greater concern than ever before. This is true for everyone who makes use of cloud services like OneDrive and Azure, but it is of particular interest to enterprise customers.

  Today Microsoft has become the first major cloud service provider to adopt ISO/IEC 27018, the world’s first international standard for cloud privacy. The idea is to ensure that there is a global standard that determines how personal data privacy is handled in the cloud. The standard equips people with a number of assurances.

  The code of practice for protection of personally identifiable information (PII) in public clouds acting as PII processors -- to give ISO/IEC 27018 its full title -- ensures that customers remain in control of their data. There's a strong focus on leaving the customer not only in control, but fully informed about how data is processed. Customers will be told where their data is stored, how and when it is transferred between places, and who else has access to it -- including access by government agencies where the law permits.

  In the case of unauthorized access, the privacy standard requires companies to inform customers, and companies must only process data that could identify customer in accordance with instructions from the customer in question. Any company signing up to the standard will not be able to use customer data for advertising, and are banned from transmitting personally identifiable information over public networks.

  Microsoft's General Counsel and Executive Vice President, Legal and Corporate Affairs, Brad Smith, said:

  All of these commitments are even more important in the current legal environment, in which enterprise customers increasingly have their own privacy compliance obligations. We're optimistic that ISO 27018 can serve as a template for regulators and customers alike as they seek to ensure strong privacy protection across geographies and vertical industry sectors.

  Today's news is just one way we've been working to help strengthen privacy and compliance protections for our customers in the cloud.

  Photo credit: Maksim Kabakou / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Did you buy the Raspberry Pi 2? Here are 5 things to do first [How-to guide]

  Publié: février 16, 2015, 5:10pm CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  The first generation Raspberry Pi was a rousing success; its low cost and potential captured the imaginations of many. For $35, you could not only buy an inexpensive computer, but be a part of something. In other words, the Raspberry Pi community is so vast and plentiful, that ownership gains access to countless projects.

  The Raspberry Pi 2 is now here, however, and it ups the ante even further. This new generation Pi is six times more powerful than the original, while retaining the same $35 price tag. Buying one is a no-brainer, but if you do purchase it, it may be confusing as to what you should do first. Don't worry, we've got your back; here are 5 things you should do.

  1.) Buy a case. The mini-computer ships without a case, as it does not require one. With that said, I urge you to buy one to protect your investment. True, the computer is inexpensive, but still, why risk damaging it?

  I would recommend the case below, which is inexpensive and well-designed. To install the case, watch the video below, with the heading of Case and Heat Sink Installation.

  
  

  2.) Gather your hardware. You will need at the very least, a micro SD card, a micro USB power source and a USB keyboard. I would suggest also adding a USB mouse, USB Bluetooth and a USB Wi-Fi adapter. If you plan on hard-wiring your Pi to a modem or router, you can forgo the Wi-Fi, but I have a feeling that many of you will want the freedom to move the computer around and not be tethered to a location where there is active Ethernet. I would recommend the adapter found below.

  
  

  3.) Load operating system onto microSD card. There are multiple operating systems available for the Pi 2, but I would suggest only using Raspbian. Why? It is based on Debian Wheezy and has a lot of packages available. You can download the OS here.

  Once the file is downloaded, you must install it to your microSD card. You can follow the official guide for your operating system below.

  • Linux-based
  • Mac OS X
  • Windows

  4.) Boot it up! OK, this is the exciting part -- powering on the diminutive computer. On the first boot, you will be presented with a settings screen. For most users, you will want to do a few things -- expand the filesystem, set a password and overclock.

  

  When you install the operating system on the micro SD card, the entire card is not usable by the file system. This is a problem of course, as you want to take advantage of the entire card. Select the "Expand Filesystem" option and the entire card is now available to the OS.

  A password is optional, but highly recommended as a best practice. Just do it!

  Overclocking is optional, but I suggest it as it is only a modest 100 MHz increase, which limits risk. Could this potentially ruin your precious Pi 2? Yes, I suppose so, but not likely. If you are comfortable doing so, select "Raspberry Pi 2" from the overclock menu and you will go from 900 MHz to 1 GHz.

  

  5.) Update firmware and packages. Now that you are booted into Raspbian, you will want to update the firmware and packages. Follow the below steps in the terminal.

  • sudo apt-get update
  • sudo apt-get upgrade
  • sudo rpi-update
  • sudo reboot

  Once your Pi 2 reboots, you can install additional software. I recommend VLC, and LibreOffice at the least. Chromium is also available as an alternative browser, but the version offered is outdated and buggy. Still, you may want to try this as an option.

  To add these packages, do the following in terminal.

  • sudo apt-get install vlc
  • sudo apt-get install libreoffice
  • sudo apt-get install chromium

  Raspbian comes with LXDE as the default desktop environment, but I am not a huge fan. Sure, it is functional and lightweight, but so is Xfce, which is better. With that said I recommend installing Xfce and using that instead. I have found it to be peppier than LXDE on this hardware (it is prettier too).

  To install Xfce, enter the following in terminal.

  • sudo apt-get install xfce4

  Once it is installed, log out of your desktop. On the login screen, select Xfce before logging in with your credentials and enjoy!

  Conclusion

  Congratulations! You now have a full-fledged computer, capable of web-surfing, YouTube watching, office work and much more. As an added bonus, the below videos should help you on your journey too.

  Case Unboxing

  Raspberry Pi 2 Unboxing

  Case and Heat Sink Installation

  
• 

  Malware on the increase as Android and Windows battle for 'most infected' top spot

  Publié: février 16, 2015, 4:57pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  According to a new report from telecommunication company Alcatel-Lucent's Motive Security Labs security threats to mobile and residential devices and attacks on communications networks all rose in 2014.

  It estimates that 16 million mobile devices worldwide have been infected by malware. It also points out many retail cyber-security breaches in 2014 were the result of malware infections on cash registers or point-of-sale terminals, not online stores, so shopping offline isn't guaranteed to keep your details safe.

  The report finds that malware infections in mobile devices increased 25 percent in 2014, compared to a 20 percent increase the previous year. Android devices have now caught up with Windows laptops, which used to be the primary workhorse of cybercrime. Infection rates detected by researchers are now split roughly 50/50 between Android and Windows devices.

  Less than one percent of infections come from iOS and Blackberry devices, indicating the benefit of their more strictly controlled app stores. However, new vulnerabilities indicate that these platforms aren't entirely immune from threats. Alcatel-Lucent says that mobile malware generally is gaining in sophistication with more advanced command and control features.

  The overall monthly infection rate in residential fixed broadband networks is up too at currently just under 14 percent, a fairly substantial rise from the nine percent recorded in 2013.

  The big increase in mobile infection rates is aided by the fact that many users still don't take proper precautions. Few people would now think of attaching a Windows PC to the web without protection but the same isn't true of Android. The spotlight therefore tends to fall on service providers to address the issue.

  "With malware attacks on devices steadily rising with consumer ultra-broadband usage, the impact on customer experience becomes a primary concern for service providers," says Patrick Tan, General Manager of Network Intelligence at Alcatel-Lucent. "As a result, we're seeing more operators take a proactive approach to this problem by providing services that alert subscribers to malware on their devices along with self-help instructions for removing it".

  The full report is available to download as a PDF from the Alcatel-Lucent site.

  Photo Credit: style-photography.de/Shutterstock

  
• 

  LG announces Watch Urbane: Stylish, all-metal Android Wear smartwatch

  Publié: février 16, 2015, 4:52pm CET par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  When designing smartwatches, manufacturers tend to miss what makes plain old watches attractive. So they come up with products that look overly geeky, have short battery life, and feel too fragile. Motorola is the only one to have come close to an appealing design with its Moto 360, but it, sadly, missed the mark in other areas.

  With the newly-announced Watch Urbane, LG gives the impression that it too understands that smartwatches have to look great, first of all, and then woo us with all the bells and whistles that come with the software. But does it also nail the other bits?

  Watch Urbane gets off on the right foot. "LG Watch Urbane is an important part of our strategy to develop wearable devices that are worn and viewed as everyday accessories, not electronic gadgets", says LG's Juno Cho.

  Watch Urbane doesn't resemble a luxury timepiece, as LG would love to us think, but it looks similar to some affordable, good-looking watches. The case is all-metal, which is a good start. Its 22 mm-wide strap is leather-made, making it look quite elegant.

  Watch aficionados will notice that there's no crown guard to protect its one and only button, which means it's not as rugged as a proper sports watch -- which is what Watch Urbane is actually trying to mimic, judging by its case design and watch-face LG chose to showcase it with -- typical of a chronograph. (Sport watches can be luxury timepieces too, as the two categories can overlap.)

  It's said to be dust and water-resistant (IP67-certified), but LG isn't saying anything about its depth-rating. Usually 100 meters is what the cheapest watches promise -- as you may know, that's good for swims, not diving. I doubt that Watch Urbane will match that.

  Now, what about the specs? Well, LG is quite happy to announce that Watch Urbane has the same 1.3-inch round P-OLED display as G Watch R, but with narrower bezels this time. Inside, there is a 1.2 Ghz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor, which should ensure smooth navigation throughout menus and apps. It, of course, runs Android Wear.

  Other specs include: 4 GB of internal storage; 512 MB of RAM; 410 mAh battery; lots of sensors (including a heart rate sensor) and physical dimensions of 45.5 x 52.2 x 10.9 mm.

  Watch Urbane will come in silver and gold. The former gets a black strap, while the latter comes with a brown one. LG will showcase the device at MWC next month, in Barcelona. There is no pricing information at this point, but expect it to hit store shelves for roughly the same money as G Watch R and other high-end Android Wear devices.

  
• 

  Error Lookup converts PC error codes to text descriptions

  Publié: février 16, 2015, 4:43pm CET par Mike Williams

  

  Windows error messages are never exactly clear, and Windows Update is a particular offender. One common alert complains that "Windows could not search for new updates", displaying the cryptic code: "80072EE2". Which it then helpfully translates as "Windows Update encountered an unknown error".

  Error Lookup is a portable free tool which can help by translating error codes into a (hopefully) more meaningful text description.

  The interface is simple -- just a box to type your code, and another which displays the details -- so there doesn’t seem much to learn. Until, that is, you type something like 80072ee2 into the box and nothing appears.

  Fortunately the solution is easy. Error Lookup doesn’t recognize hex codes on its own, unfortunately, so you have to start them with "0x" (that’s a zero). Type 0x80072ee2 into the program and it immediately tells you this means "the operation timed out".

  Just seeing the description is extremely useful. It suggests that your PC isn’t somehow damaged, you don’t have to reinstall or repair Windows, the problem might just go away on its own if you simply wait until tomorrow.

  You could just search for the code online, of course, and the first links give you much the same advice. But, surprisingly, they don’t all tell you that this is a timeout error, so Error Look does give you an immediate advantage (plus it works offline, too).

  The program also supports a wide range of codes: regular Windows errors, DirectX, NTSTATUS (Native API), WinInet, Device Manager, STOP (BSOD), RAS/VPN and IP Helper library. And we think it can probably be configured to read more (Settings > Modules (custom)), although there’s no documentation to confirm that and we didn’t test it.

  There are several similar tools around, but Error Lookup looks like one of the best, and it’s still being actively developed (the last release was only days ago). Give it a try.

  
• 

  Did the NSA spy on you and pass information to GCHQ in the UK? Here's how to find out

  Publié: février 16, 2015, 4:34pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  It is just about impossible to be an internet user without being aware of the surveillance that has been carried out by the NSA; cheers for the tip, Mr Snowden. While it was the NSA's activities that hit the headlines, governments in other countries used -- and continue to use -- similar surveillance techniques and even share information between each other.

  We already know that GCHQ believes that online privacy has never been an absolute right, but this does not change the fact that data sharing between the NSA and GCHQ was illegal before December. Now Privacy International, one of the organizations opposed to such spying, has launched a campaign to help people find out if GCHQ illegally received information about them from the NSA.

  It does not matter if you are in the UK, people all over the world are invited to put their names forward for Privacy International to take to court and demand to know whether information was illegally received. Signing up is a simple matter of visiting the Privacy International campaign page and enabling the organization to make a data request on your behalf under Article 8 and Article 10 of the European Convention for Human Rights. Make sure you respond to the confirmation email you receive as well.

  The campaign's FAQ explains the reasons for the action:

  Intelligence agencies' culture of secrecy have allowed them, for too long, to avoid public accountability. Whether it's secret hearings in closed court rooms or committees equipped only with rubber stamps, intelligence agencies like GCHQ have never been forced to answer to the public for their actions.

  We think you have a right to know whether you have been caught up in GCHQ and NSA's illegal intelligence sharing. If so, you have a right to demand that data be deleted. Privacy International wants to help you assert those rights.

  As the law has now changed it is not possible to determine whether a governmental agency is currently spying on you. All you will be able to determine is whether the NSA gathered information about you and passed it to GCHQ before December 2014. Privacy International admits it could be years before any information is delivered by the courts, but if you are concerned about your privacy it takes very little effort to sign up.

  If you feel uncomfortable handing over your details (which amounts to nothing more than your name, email address and phone number) to Privacy International, there's nothing to stop you from putting in a request of your own, but there is strength in numbers.

  Photo credit: 360b / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Netrunner 15 'Prometheus' is here -- the best KDE-based Linux distro gets better

  Publié: février 16, 2015, 3:14pm CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  I'm a GNOME 3 man through and through, but I love KDE too. Quite frankly, you can't go wrong with either desktop environment, but if you are new to Linux, KDE may seem a bit more familiar. Why? It more resembles the traditional "Windows" user interface.

  What makes Netrunner the best KDE-based Linux distribution, and one of the best distros overall, is the polish. The team behind it pays close attention to detail, making it a cohesive and positive user experience. It comes pre-loaded with plenty of software and it is drop-dead gorgeous. Today, you can download version 15, codenamed "Prometheus". The most exciting aspect? It has been redesigned and comes with KDE Plasma Desktop 5.2 -- yeah, you want this.

  "We are proud to announce the official release of Netrunner 15 – Prometheus (64bit). Netrunner 15 is revised from the ground up: As the first distribution, it officially ships the new KDE Plasma Desktop 5.2. Therefore, an upgrade from previous Netrunner series with KDE4.x is neither officially available nor really recommended. This release is 64-bit only", says Clemens Tönnies.

  Tönnies further explains, "Being named after the 'God of Fire', Netrunner 15 is coming fresh from the rooster! We took many extra steps to make sure Prometheus feels comfortable and as enjoyable as you would expect from using previously released Netrunner versions. Still it might have some hot corners left here and there, so be prepared for getting burned a little, while setting your heart on fire".

  

  Clemens Tönnies lists just some of the major changes below.

  • Kernel 3.16.0.30~40
  • KDE Plasma 5.2
  • KDE Frameworks 5.7
  • Qt5.4
  • Firefox 35.0.1
  • Thunderbird 31.4.0
  • VLC 2.2.0
  • LibreOffice 4.4
  • Krita & Karbon 2.8.5
  • Gimp 2.8.10
  • Pidgin 2.10.9
  • and much more…

  While some people will decry the dropping of a 32-bit version, let's be real here -- it is 2015. If you don't have a 64-bit capable chip, a Linux-based operating system with this much eye candy really isn't for you anyway. Netrunner is a distro more appropriate for modern systems; there are plenty of options available for an older 32-bit CPU.

  If you do have a 64-bit chip, and want to try one of the best Linux distributions, I urge you to give this a go. You will be shocked at the beauty and polish; clearly the the Netrunner team cares about its releases. Download it here and tell me how you like it in the comments.

  
• 

  UserIdleStarter runs programs when your PC is idle

  Publié: février 16, 2015, 2:42pm CET par Mike Williams

  

  UserIdleStarter is a Windows console program which runs an application when your system is idle, maybe to back up files, launch or close an application, anything you like.

  The program syntax is fairly straightforward. An example command might look like this.

  UserIdleStarter.exe hide 60 idle "c:\windows\system32\calc.exe"

  Launch this from a batch file, and it runs UserIdleStarter; hides the console window; waits for 60 seconds when the user is idle, then launches Windows Calc (you need to specify the full path of whatever you want to run).

  The timeout can be changed to suit your needs. You might also change the "idle" command to "lock" (launch a program after the desktop has been locked) or "disconnect" (wait until a Terminal/ Citrix session has been disconnected).

  Windows has a very capable tool which does this already, of course: Task Scheduler. It’s far more powerful, and if you want to set up some permanent idle time task to run on your own PC, then that’s what you should use.

  If you only want to run this particular idle task occasionally, though -- or maybe you’re working on someone else’s PC, and don’t want to (or can’t) modify their tasks -- then UserIdleStarter could be a simpler solution.

  Either way, it’s entirely free and a mere 10.1KB download, so there’s no harm in grabbing a copy for your scripting toolkit.

  
• 

  Valve blocks talk of Kickass Torrents in Steam chat

  Publié: février 16, 2015, 2:38pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  If you want to chat about the relative merits of Kickass Torrents, it seems that Steam chat is not the place to do it. The censoring of words deemed offensive is nothing new, but gamers have found that any messages they post which included references to Kickass Torrents or the URL http://kickass.so are stripped.

  Like the Pirate Bay, Kickass Torrents has fallen victim to domain name seizures, but even though the site has been taken offline, it would appear that Steam does not want its users to discuss it. A ban on mentioning the site has been described by some gamers as "covert censorship".

  It's not clear why Kickass Torrents has been singled out for attention, but the censorship is all the more interesting when you consider that the site has been taken offline. It is understandable that Valve wants to protect its income streams by discouraging users from turning to torrents sites for their game needs, but blocking discussion entirely is something that has not been well-received. The fact that mentions of the site are simply removed from messages without explanation has caused some irritation.

  PlayerAttack explains that, at the moment, only one of the various Kickass Torrent mirrors is being blocked. However, links to other URLs for the site are flagged up as being "potentially malicious". Valve has not issued a statement about the censorship, but if we hear back from the company, we'll update this story.

  Photo credit: Leigh J / Shutterstock

  
• 

  New FAA rules could ground Amazon's package delivery drones, require operators to get certified

  Publié: février 16, 2015, 1:37pm CET par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  We always knew that the US government would have a very tough time stopping civilians from using drones -- formally known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). First of all, they are easily available and can be had for very little money. You can order one today from Amazon for less than $100. And, second, flying does not require the operator to have any special skills, as proven by numerous videos posted by enthusiasts all across YouTube.

  So, instead of taking on that Herculean task, the Federal Aviation Administration has come up with a proposed set of rules that aim to regulate the use of small UAVs, weighing less than 55 lbs (or 25 kg), by the civilian sector. And under this new set of rules, Amazon might have to ground its package delivery drones for good. What's more, operators will have to meet certain requirements just to get theirs up from the ground.

  The FAA is looking at small UAVs because these are common among enthusiasts. For instance, a DJI Phantom 2 Vision+ comes in at just over 12 pounds, including gear that lets you shoot videos. But more basic drones, like the original Phantom, comes in at just over two pounds, not including any gear. And it is just as ready to fly.

  Amazon's package delivery drones are similar, in that they are also light. However, as opposed to UAVs you and I may use, they do not have human operators. And, according to the FAA's proposed set of rules, that is a big no-no.

  For small drones to be flown, they must be in the visual line of sight of operators and physically close enough to be seen by operators, "unaided by any device other than corrective lenses". Also, flight is restricted to daylight hours, between the official local sunrise and sunset times to be exact.

  So, while Amazon may not be affected by the daylight operation requirement, it would have to employ operators -- who would be required to be in close proximity to the package delivery drone at all times -- to get them off the ground, let alone deliver anything to its customers. It might as well deliver packages the old fashioned way.

  Speaking to the Guardian, Amazon vice-president of global public policy Paul Misener admits that "The FAA's proposed rules for small UAS [unmanned aircraft systems] could take one or two years to be adopted and, based on the proposal, even then those rules wouldn't allow Prime Air to operate in the United States". "We are committed to realizing our vision for Prime Air and are prepared to deploy where we have the regulatory support we need", adds Misener.

  Fortunately for Amazon, the FAA says that it wants to be flexible in the way it's designing the rules for the civilian use of small drones. "We have tried to be flexible in writing these rules", says FAA administrator Michael Huerta. "We want to maintain today's outstanding level of aviation safety without placing an undue regulatory burden on an emerging industry".

  Of course, as technology advances, drones will be easier and safer to operate, and it looks like the FAA is willing to adapt its rules to take this into account. However, at the same time, this may not happen right away, as the proposed set of rules make even flying a small drone more complicated than it currently is.

  For instance, operators will have to be over 17 years of age, they have to pass a test at an FAA-approved center and pass a recurrent test every two years, be vetted by the Transportation Security Administration and obtain a UAV operator certificate with a small UAS rating (FAA gives the pilot airman certificates as example).

  It's difficult to argue with the FAA on this one, as these requirements could make operators more easily accountable for the way they fly their drones, as well as more responsible. Of course, it doesn't look like the FAA wants to restrict the sale of drones only to those who are certified to fly them, which makes adding the TSA into the mix -- to make sure there are no terrorists trying to use drones, I presume -- questionable.

  
• 

  Security concerns will determine which Internet of Things products come to market

  Publié: février 16, 2015, 12:19pm CET par Richard Pharro

  

  The Internet of things (IoT) will overhaul the way in which we use technology and its proliferation will offer endless advantages from being able to turn on your washing when you are in the office to alerting your doctor that your heart rate has risen.

  However, the premise of connecting all things to the Internet carries with it a corollary statement; everything that can be connected to the Internet can be hacked which raises a host of security questions.

  There are more internet enabled devices, more data and as such, more hacking opportunities.

  Samsung is the latest to alert consumers to concerns that through its voice technology third parties in Korea may be listening to its customers’ living room conversations.

  However, not all these matters will be trivial and taking a step back to look at the possible effects of hacking on other sectors such as medical devices they may be far more sinister.

  The practice of pushing out new software as fast as possible has fostered a culture of acceptance within the IT industry that mid-level maturity is good enough to get the service running.

  However, if it involves personal safety and loss of sensitive data, consumers will be less understanding. For businesses looking to move forward and embrace the Internet of Things, its vulnerabilities could prove costly.

  Devices operating with the IoT technology will be data rich as they will be laden with sensors and, as such, may be a security concern. They typically communicate through the use of unencrypted data, often via a Wi-Fi network that, without adequate protection, could be easily hacked.

  The devices are prone to cross-site scripting, enabling attackers to inject information and directions into web pages to function intrusively. Over the longer term, this is highly dangerous when taken into context for items such as satellite controlled cars or aircrafts.

  IoT devices are likely to intersect with Software Defined Networks (SDNs) to appease the strain because of their ability to intelligently route traffic and exploit under-utilized network resources.

  They will arm systems in preparation for the data overflow of IoT but their vulnerability will still ring through. SDNs will, however, eradicate bottlenecks and stimulate efficiencies to help the data created by IoT to be processed without placing increased stress on the network, which has provided an avenue to offset certain concerns. This, however, may only prompt an increase in the speed of devices coming to market.

  It is likely cyber security concerns will shape what products come to market. It will also broadly determine what survives, because reputational damage will have a big impact on the players who are trying to bring in, for example, medical devices, smart cars, planes.

  When a company in these fields falls foul of hacking or there’s an accident that’s proven to be cyber, then that company will likely go out of business.

  There have already been issues with Internet controlled cars and satellite controlled items, fortunately some have been rectified and serious consequences were avoided. Wide scale adoption will no doubt prove to be a massive teething process and the final result is many items will fail because of security related issues.

  It is crucial that companies are mindful of security issues during the development stage as it is far more challenging to retrospectively correct these. The level of trust that organizations can build with consumers will determine its place in the market and how successful it becomes.

  Firms rushing to market may put their trust level at risk, which could prove highly damaging them. Trust in IT is something built up over time and is hard fought for but incredibly fragile.

  To win over public opinion and keep it, security needs to at the forefront of their plans.

  Richard Pharro is CEO of APM Group.

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

  
• 

  CIOs are being held back by their focus on details

  Publié: février 16, 2015, 11:25am CET par Ian Barker

  

  Chief Information Officer (CIO) is usually seen as a plum role in technology organizations. But new information from search specialist Lucidworks reveals that day-to-day responsibilities are holding back CIOs from driving innovation.

  Some 25 percent of CIOs are solely responsible for leading tech-driven innovation at their organizations, but most of their time is being taken up with problem solving and troubleshooting.

  Ideally CIOs would like to be spending 57 percent of their time driving innovation but currently are only spending 12 percent. In order to free up time for innovation they're increasingly turning to unconventional activities like hack days, study tours and tech showcases.

  There also seems to be a trend towards recruiting more staff to take pressure off the department head, with 87 percent of CIOs surveyed saying they plan to increase headcount in the coming year. The findings show that appointing a deputy can free up the equivalent of one day a month.

  CIO time needs to be spent in promoting a digital rather than corporate culture. They can do this by maintaining regular contact between IT and business leaders and by increasing the level of business knowledge within IT. They're also increasing their spend on tools to empower individuals, with the biggest investment being in business intelligence and analytics.

  You can view the complete findings in infographic form below.

  

  Image credit: olly/Shutterstock

  
• 

  How data privacy is turning into an Orwellian maze

  Publié: février 16, 2015, 8:56am CET par Stuart Poole-Robb

  

  The Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) ruling that GCHQ’s access to information intercepted by the NSA breached human rights laws is feeding a growing and increasingly heated global debate regarding the whole issue of digital privacy.

  Earlier this month, the tribunal held that the British intelligence and security agency had been in breach of articles 8 and 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, referring to the right to private family life and to freedom of expression. But hard on the heels of the UK ruling came news that the US government is creating a dedicated agency to monitor cybersecurity threats, pooling and analyzing information across a spectrum of risks. The Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center (CTIIC)’s mission will be to 'connect the dots' between various sources of intelligence.

  Any new initiatives such as this by official bodies and governments to pool intelligence is likely to come under increasing scrutiny from online privacy pressure groups like Privacy International. However, establishing privacy rulings for digital data may soon become a King Knut-like exercise as the Internet becomes increasingly swamped by a sea of spyware. According to Kaspersky Labs, cyber criminals are now creating 315,000 new and unique variants of malware each and every day of the year.

  Digital privacy becoming a Utopian ideal

  The privacy debate is not a new one and many in the IT industry itself now believe that the very notion of digital privacy is rapidly becoming an unrealistic Utopian ideal.

  A decade and a half ago, Scott McNealy, head of Sun Microsystems said: "You have zero privacy anyway. Get over it!"

  A decade later, Google chief executive Eric Schmidt, a former protégé of McNealy, said, "If you have something that you don’t want anyone to know, maybe you shouldn’t do it in the first place".

  At the time, Schmidt’s comments caused consternation among privacy rights activists as Google was thought to be in discussions with the US authorities with regard to sharing its customer data to help combat cybercrime and terrorism.

  But even McNealy and Schmidt would privately admit that "zero privacy" does not negate the need for security. McNealy, for example, was adamant that pictures of himself with his children should not appear on the Internet for fear of their being kidnapped.

  While privacy groups may wish to turn the tide on what they see as the encroaching powers of the state, the greatest threat to privacy is coming not from western governments but from the ever-growing legions of cyber criminals and corporate cyber spies.

  What, for example, could be more private or personal than an individual’s personal health records? Yet millions of US citizens this week learned that their medical records had been compromised. Hackers broke into the data banks of Anthem, the country’s second largest medical insurer. A database containing the names, email addresses, birthdays and social security numbers of 80 million customers was compromised.

  Last year also saw the databanks of number of household names also heavily compromised. These included eBay, Target, Home Depot, JPMorgan Chase and Sony. The Home Depot hack alone resulted in 56 million people’s credit and debit card details being exposed. The hack at JPMorgan Chase exposed information belonging to roughly 83 million individuals and small businesses.

  The fact that tens, and perhaps hundreds of millions of people worldwide, have now had their personal data compromised following targeted cyber-attacks is beginning to make the whole data privacy debate look largely academic.

  As long as trusted institutions such as JPMorgan Chase are unable to provide adequate security for customer data, there is little that private individuals can do to safeguard their own data. For example, using TOR to encrypt personal messages would do little safeguard the mountains of data now held on all of us by banks, credit rating agencies, health services, telecoms carriers, retailers and a host of other organizations.

  Wi-Fi cafes a 'goldmine' for cyber criminals

  As consumers, the best most private individuals can do is to be selective about how they connect to the Internet. For example, anyone using Wi-Fi in a cafe or hotel should be aware that these facilities represent a virtual goldmine for cyber criminals, who are now well-equipped to spy on unsuspecting Wi-Fi users.

  Slightly larger than a smartphone, the Wi-Fi Pine-apple Mark V is the "ultimate" cyber surveillance device. It uses an "intuitive" web interface to enable hackers to break into Wi-Fi connections without users’ knowledge. It is widely available online and costs only $100.

  It is also well-known in security circles that some devices such as laptops which have originally been manufactured in countries such as China already come with illicit and pre-installed spyware. For example, last summer eBay barred listings for an Android-powered smartphone, the Star N9500, after it was revealed the phone had preinstalled malware designed to send personal information to a server in China. The malware was disguised as a legitimate Google Play Store App and was found to be impossible to remove.

  Be careful what you say in front of the TV set

  Some manufacturers even admit that their devices are capable of spying on their owners. Samsung has issued a warning for its latest Smart TVs relating to voice recognition software that enables users to issue voice commands to the TV via a small microphone on the remote control. Disturbingly, the software does far more than that.

  According to Samsung: "Please be aware that if your spoken words include personal or other information, that information will be among the data captured and transmitted to a third party through your use of voice recognition".

  As they see their data increasingly compromised by software vulnerabilities and malicious hackers, IT users will become more security conscious and less likely to share confidential information on social networking or in unencrypted emails.

  Until this intelligence gap between IT users and the true nature of modern communications technology is closed, many may find themselves staggering blindfolded through an Orwellian maze with all manner of 'third parties' -- official and unofficial -- looking over their shoulders.

  Stuart Poole-Robb is chief executive and founder of the KCS Group.

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

  
• 

  Google relaxes Project Zero bug disclosure policy after Microsoft complaints

  Publié: février 16, 2015, 1:15am CET par Mark Wilson

  

  Google managed to ruffle a few feathers recently by disclosing bugs and security problems in widely used software. Project Zero is used to encourage companies to fix issues that have been detected by imposing a 90-day deadline before details of the vulnerabilities are made public.

  Microsoft was angered a month ago when Google published details of a security issue in Windows 8.1 just a few days before a patch was due to be released. A few days later, two more bugs were revealed leading to complaints not just from Microsoft but from software users. Now Google has backed down and announced a slight relaxing of its previously strict 90-day disclosure policy.

  This is not to say that the 90-day policy is going away, just that there will be a little more flexibility in the future. For example, if the deadline runs out on a weekend or public holiday, it will be rolled over to the next working day. This is something that will go down well with software developers, but the introduction of a 14-day grace period is something that will particularly please Microsoft.

  From now on, if a publisher lets Google know that a patch is due for imminent release, the publication of vulnerability details will be delayed for up to a fortnight. The new approach was announced in a post on the Project Zero blog:

  We now have a 14-day grace period. If a 90-day deadline will expire but a vendor lets us know before the deadline that a patch is scheduled for release on a specific day within 14 days following the deadline, the public disclosure will be delayed until the availability of the patch. Public disclosure of an unpatched issue now only occurs if a deadline will be significantly missed (2 weeks+).

  Of course there will still be plenty of companies who are unhappy with what is seen by many as Google's decision to police coding. Google points out that all vulnerabilities are treated equally: "Project Zero has bugs in the pipeline for Google products (Chrome and Android) and these are subject to the same deadline policy".

  Photo credit: NatBasil / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Are we really in danger of losing our history to the cloud?

  Publié: février 15, 2015, 7:20pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  If Google's vice president is to be believed, we are in danger of losing an entire generation of information to the digital realm. Look to the history books, and you do just that -- look in a real, physical book. Pictorial histories can be found in photo albums. The works of Oscar Wilde, Samuel Pepys, and Charles Dickens are stored in real, tangible formats.

  But now just about everything is stored digitally. Photos are rarely, if ever printed; millions of words are published online each day on blogs, online newspapers, and message boards. These are all important social, political, literary, and historical records. There's no guarantee that the sites, apps and technology needed to access all of these records will still be available in 50 years or more. Could our history be lost to the cloud?

  Every day we post reams of information to Facebook and Twitter, and it's usually stuff we have no 'backup' of. Upload a photo and there's a high chance that you have a copy stored on your phone, camera or computer, but the same cannot be said of every bon mot penned. It's easy to deride the contents of social networks as material that we should just forget about, but historians in several hundred years' time may well find it difficult to piece together what it meant to be alive in the late twentieth/early twenty-first century.

  Google and other companies have quite a propensity for shutting down services willy nilly -- Helpouts is just the latest in a long line of victims. Speaking at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Google's VP, Vint Cerf said:

  When you think about the quantity of documentation from our daily lives that is captured in digital form, like our interactions by email, people’s tweets, and all of the world wide web, it's clear that we stand to lose an awful lot of our history [...]We don’t want our digital lives to fade away. If we want to preserve them, we need to make sure that the digital objects we create today can still be rendered far into the future.

  We can't be sure that everything we say on Facebook will be accessible next year, let alone in a couple of decades. We have no guarantee that images currently stored as JPEGs will be as easy to open in 2115 as they are in 2015 -- the software horizon is completely unknown. In the relatively short time in which digital documents have become the norm we have already seen a number of once-popular file formats fall by the wayside. Conversion tools are available in many cases, but not in all.

  The likes of Word are likely to stick around for longer than any other formats, but there is a danger that we would reach a time when opening certain types of documents requires specialist intervention. Old computer systems and games consoles are consigned to museums. Could the software you are working with at the moment become the Pong of tomorrow?

  Storing anything digitally leaves it open to a serious problem -- security. Chuck your data to the cloud, and you're placing a lot of trust in the companies involved to keep your files safe. But if something goes wrong -- from a company closing down, through a hardware failure that wipes out files, to a hack attack -- there is no way of knowing that your cloud-stored information will continue to be available to you.

  It's a problem exacerbated by the huge range of mobile apps that are now out there, each storing files in their own unique, often incompatible formats. When it comes to apps for phones and tablets, storing data in the cloud is very much the norm -- it's just the way things are. Too many apps fail to provide a way (or at least an easy or free way) to convert data into another format that would allow it to be used with another piece of software. Patents and IP laws often stand in the way of enterprising programmers from creating their own conversion tools.

  This is far from the only concern. The sheer volume of data we all create on a daily basis is staggering

  Talking to TechRadar, Mark Whitby, Senior Vice President of Branded Products Group at Seagate Technology, said that our data storage needs are spiralling out of control:

  The total amount of digital data generated in 2013 was about 3.5 zettabytes (that's 35 with 20 zeros following). By 2020, we'll be producing, even at a conservative estimate, 44 zettabytes of data annually.

  Our data is spiralling out of control. Whether it is stored on hard drives or in the cloud (which ultimately means that it is stored on a hard drive somewhere) we generate countless libraries worth of information every day with no guarantee that it will be accessible in the next century. How much data do you have stored on old 5.25 inch disks, 3.5 inch floppies, or even CD-Rs that are unreadable? It might not just be that you don’t have the drives necessary to read these various types of storage, but that the media is prone to deterioration over time. And this is still where we're relatively in control of it. We have no idea how accessible our cloud data will be further down the line. No idea whatsoever.

  CDs we created a few years ago have already become unreadable with age. DVDs and Blu-ray discs will suffer the same fate, and it would be naïve to believe that the hard drives and memory built into so many devices are not prone to the same problem.

  The lure of the paperless office means that less and less information is stored on slices of tree, but this is the format that has proved to be one of the most enduring throughout history. Perhaps it's time to dig out the printer, invent in a bunch of ink and start running off hard copies of everything we couldn’t bear to lose.

  Right... who's going to print out Wikipedia?

  Photo credit: Bruce Rolff / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Kaspersky Lab says malware is used to steal millions of dollars from banks

  Publié: février 15, 2015, 5:33pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  However much money you have flowing through your bank account, you probably take measures to keep it secure. You protect your PIN, you use secure passwords for online banking, and ensure that your computer is free from keyloggers and malware. It's only right that you expect your bank to be similarly eagle-eyed about security... right?

  A new report from security firm Kaspersky Lab shows that banks' security is not up to the standard that many would expect. In fact Kaspersky says that sophisticated malware has allowed criminals to help themselves to more than $300 million. Has your bank been hit? The affected financial institutions are now aware of the attacks, but non-disclosure agreements and on-going investigations prevent them from being named.

  This is not money that has been taken in a single hit. The report, which has been shown to the New York Times ahead of its official publication, shows that money has been syphoned off since the latter half of 2013. Accounts in the US, Europe, Russia and Japan have been targeted, and a variety of techniques have been used to extract money from more than one hundred banks around the world.

  The malware has been used to remotely monitor the day-to-day operations of individual banks and employees. More than this, the malicious software enabled criminals to take remote control of banking computers, and this is when the thefts started to take place. Moving money from one account into another would seem like an obvious way to go about stealing money, and this was one of the methods used. But money transferred in this way is easily traceable, the criminals also used different electronic payment systems to send money to fraudulent accounts in other countries.

  Perhaps the most audacious method of theft was to simply send instructions to ATMs to dispense money at particular times. All that's needed then is to have someone in place at the right time to collect the cash and move on to the next ATM.

  Other techniques included adding 'virtual money' to an innocent target's account and then withdrawing this cash. The New York Times gives an example in which an account with $1,000 in it is artificially inflated to show a balance of $10,000. Cybercriminals could then withdraw the difference of $9,000 without alerting the account holder.

  The Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center issued a statement that said:

  Our members are aware of this activity. We have disseminated intelligence on this attack to the member... Some briefings were also provided by law enforcement entities.

  What will be most worrying to many people, perhaps, is the fact that the attacks have been going on for so long -- and apparently continue to take place. Chris Doggett, managing director of Kaspersky Lab's North American office, said the Carbanak malware helped to keep the attacked under the radar:

  This is likely the most sophisticated attack the world has seen to date in terms of the tactics and methods that the cybercriminals have used to remain covert.

  Although individual banks have failed to issue statements about the report, President Obama has made a recent call for companies to publicly disclose details of any security breaches that compromises individual's personal or financial information.

  Photo credit: Frank11 / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Work with images from Explorer with XnShell

  Publié: février 15, 2015, 1:09pm CET par Mike Williams

  

  XnShell is a handy Explorer shell extension which makes it easier to view, process and generally work with images.

  The program allows you to preview any picture, in just about any format, directly from its right-click menu. No need to turn on Icon View, enable the preview pane or open the full image (which may not work, anyway, if it's not supported by your default viewer): just right-click, select XnShell, and you'll see a thumbnail in the context menu.

  You're able to convert your selected files directly to GIF, BMP, JPG, PNG, PCX, TIF and TGA from the context menu.

  A separate "Convert…" option opens a dialog with more formats, resize options, and the ability to set your output folder.

  There are simple options to rotate the image by fixed amounts (or according to the EXIF tag), flip it, or edit its IPTC tags.

  An Upload tool sends the picture to ImageShack and opens it in a browser window, ready for immediate sharing (no registration required).

  Other options can send your selected image to the clipboard, or set it as your wallpaper.

  This is all configurable via a detailed Options dialog. In particular, you’re able to customize the program menu to remove features you’ll never use.

  XnShell doesn't do anything too surprising, but the value here is all in the shell integration. If you occasionally work with images from Explorer then the program should help make your life a little easier.

  
• 

  How Google and Facebook are breaking net neutrality to game their way into emerging markets

  Publié: février 15, 2015, 3:49am CET par Manish Singh

  

  After proving their dominance in developed nations, technology giants are now eyeing emerging markets -- regions where a vast majority of people are yet to access the internet. Earlier this week, Facebook partnered with RCom to launch Internet.org in India to bring free internet access to millions of people who weren’t previously connected to the internet, and now we’re learning of a similar plan by Google. As The Information reports, the Mountain View-based company is working with carriers and developers to lower or eliminate the data usage and data charges in emerging markets like India.

  Known in the industry as zero-rating, Google is essentially trying to act as a middleman between carriers and app developers to reduce the data charges as well as other expenses sought by app developers to ensure that the price of using these services by users is minimal. The company would be closely monitoring data usage when a person uses any of the app partner’s app and would pay the carrier the fee.

  Interestingly, the report suggests that Google isn’t trying to make access to its own apps free. Google offers all its apps such as Gmail, YouTube, Maps, Keep, and Hangouts for free, but users still have to pay their carriers for the data usage clocked while accessing these services. In the past, however, Google has also favored its own services. The search giant, in the past, had partnered with Airtel to make access to its search engine free to users.

  The report further claims that the company will pilot this project on Android One handsets. By reducing the charge to use an app, Google is ultimately aiming to make the dirt cheap Android One handsets more useful and valuable to people. To ensure minimum bandwidth is used while accessing apps, Google could use its own content delivery network infrastructure.

  Google has indulged into is very similar  methods as the approach Facebook has taken. Through Internet.org, the social network company is allowing users free access to select apps and services. In India, the company has partnered with RCom, a broadband and telecommunications company to offer free access to around three dozens websites to those who are on Reliance network. Google is also trying to bring down the cost of using select apps.

  Both Facebook and Google are participating in acts that defy the essence of net neutrality. The companies are favoring one carrier and apps or services developed by partners of that carrier. In the long run, this could entrench powerful monopolies and devastate the competition and ultimately slow down innovation.

  Photo Credit: Yuriy Boyko/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Microsoft removes restrictions from OneNote free edition

  Publié: février 14, 2015, 9:22pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  Since its release as a free tool, OneNote has gained a massive following. The note-taking, clip-organizing, jack-of-all-trades tool fits neatly into Office, but can also be used as a standalone tool. Although it has been available free of charge for some time, there were a few features reserved for paying customers -- now this has changed.

  Microsoft is making OneNote "even more free" by adding options such as password protection and new audio and video options. All previous restrictions that existed in the free version of the app have been removed.

  As well as giving you the ability to secure sensitive notes, a page history feature brings versioning to OneNote. If you're working with other Office files, you can now embed them in your notes, and there are new options for working with audio and video files. An enhanced search tool can be used to track down words in your recordings, and it's possible to take notes whilst recording and jump straight to specific sections when you need to.

  Announcing the arrival of the new features, Brad Corob from the OneNote team says:

  Today we’re happy to share that we’re adding even more to the free edition. We’re removing all feature restrictions from OneNote 2013. Starting today you’ll be able to access the full power of OneNote on your PC.

  Everything must remain in the cloud, however. If you want to take advantage of what OneNote has to offer, you'll have to accept that everything will be stored in OneDrive rather than locally.

  You can grab yourself a copy of the app for Windows 7 and Windows 8 from the OneNote website.

  
• 

  Google Helpouts to be consigned to history

  Publié: février 14, 2015, 6:07pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  Google is shutting the door on its Helpouts service. Just two and a half years after launching the help and support extension to Hangouts, it has been decided that there just is not enough interest to warrant keeping it running.

  Designed as a platform for experts to offer their paid service to people, Helpouts failed to gain the traction needed to make it viable. The shutdown will not take immediate effect, but there's quite a short deadline for users to seek out an alternative.

  There are a little over two months until Helpouts is shuttered on 20 April; users are encouraged to download their historical data through Google takeout. The Android app for Helpouts has already been removed from Google Play, although anyone who already has the app installed can continue to use it for the time being.

  The closure was announced in a post on the Google Helpouts support pages:

  We have some sad news to share: Helpouts will be shutting down on April 20, 2015.

  Since launching in 2013, Helpouts has been a home for people to connect with experts on topics they want to learn about or seek advice and solutions to everyday challenges. The Helpouts community includes some engaged and loyal contributors, but unfortunately, it hasn't grown at the pace we had expected. Sadly, we've made the tough decision to shut down the product.

  Starting April 20, you'll be able to download your Helpouts history using Google Takeout (available until November 1, 2015).

  Payments will still be made to those who have earned money through the service, but Helpouts will completely disappear after 20 April -- the site will not be retained for reference. Google says that the service "hasn't grown at the pace we had expected", but there will still be a number of people disappointed at news of the closure.

  Photo credit: Mikkel Bigandt / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Highlight text file changes with Text Compare

  Publié: février 14, 2015, 3:00pm CET par Mike Williams

  

  You’re looking at two copies of a text file. They’re different sizes, so you know something has changed. But what?

  Text Compare is a tiny (<50KB download), free and portable tool which should be able to tell you more.

  Launch the program and you must first point it at your target files (or just drag and drop them onto the appropriate file name boxes).

  Clicking "Compare and show all" then displays the files in two separate text boxes, and highlights any lines (but not the individual characters) which are different.

  The program doesn't use a simple linear comparison. It’s smart enough to recognize files which just have a different encoding. It can also recognize when lines have been inserted, copied or deleted, and lines which have moved up or down as a result are highlighted in a different color.

  You can scroll through either text box to examine that file in detail. There's no way to scroll both files at the same time for easy side-by-side comparison, but you can search for specific text or use the file’s line numbers to do that manually.

  Alternatively, if you're only interested in the differences, the program can display those -- or just the moved/ copied lines, or the new/ changed lines -- with a click.

  Text Compare's interface is poor, there's no support for batch comparisons, and it can't save a report of file differences. But its multiple compare modes are a plus, and it’s also portable and no-strings free. If you just want to do occasional ad-hoc comparisons then the program might be worth a try.

  
• 

  Is Apple really worth $1,300,000,000,000? Activist investor Carl Icahn believes so

  Publié: février 14, 2015, 5:28am CET par Sead Fadilpašić

  

  A major Apple shareholder and activist investor, Carl Icahn, believes Apple is worth much more than it is currently valued.

  He believes the American company’s stock should be valued at $216 (£140), which is far more than the current price of $124.92 (£81.32). At $216, the company would be worth $1.3 trillion (£845 billion), which is about the size of South Korea’s gross domestic product, Reuters writes.

  Even without these crazy numbers, Apple is still the most valuable company in the world, worth $700 billion (£455.5 billion).

  "This is why we continue to own approximately 53 million shares worth $6.5 billion [£4.23b], and why we have not sold a single share", Icahn said in a letter to his Twitter followers.

  "Also, to the extent Apple introduces a TV in FY 2016 or FY 2017, we believe this 20X multiple is conservative", he wrote.

  Carl Icahn is one of Apple’s top investors, and has predicted a 100 percent increase in share value back in October 2014. Apple’s shares were worth $100 (£65) back then.

  He urged the company to use its cash and buy back more shares.

  "[...] We look forward to the capital return program update in April, anticipating it will include a large increase to share repurchases", Icahn wrote.

  Apple had cash reserves of about $178 billion (£115.82 billion) as of December 27, enough to buy IBM.

  However, the company said it would give back more than $130 billion (£84.59 billion) to shareholders by the end of 2015.

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

  Photo credit: FooTToo / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Microsoft updates photo sharing app Xim for all mobile platforms

  Publié: février 14, 2015, 5:01am CET par Alan Buckingham

  

  When it comes to sharing photos services like Instagram and Flickr spring to mind, but there are countless others buried beneath the waves of information and programs available these days. Many fly under the radar, and some of those may be better than the big name alternative you're using.

  All of that is not say that Microsoft's Xim is better -- that's simply a matter of personal taste. What I am saying is that you've likely never heard of it. The app has one simple mission -- "share your photos, not your phone". It goes a bit further, promising that the recipients of your shares don't need to have the app to view your images.

  Now Microsoft Research has released an update for all versions -- iOS, Android and Windows Phone. "The latest release of Microsoft Xim, the nifty app that allows you to share your photos, not your phone, is available for download in all three stores (iTunes, Google Play, and Windows Phone)", Colleen Estrada announces.

  New in this update is the ability to add photos from your camera. According to Estrada "you can swipe, pan, zoom, and take a photo together for even more photo fun". There are also the usual bug fixes and performance enhancements.

  The app is free and you can grab it from the previously listed links based on your mobile platform of choice. Perhaps you'll find a new favorite photo tool.

  
• 

  Facebook now lets you buy and sell stuff in Groups

  Publié: février 13, 2015, 9:05pm CET par Sead Fadilpašić

  

  Step aside, eBay, Facebook is here. The social media giant announced it’s rolling out new features for Groups, allowing users to buy and sell stuff using Facebook.

  People posting in groups on Facebook will now have the option to add whether they're buying or selling a certain item, and include prices and shipping methods.

  Groups is a very popular feature on the social network, with groups where people buy and sell goods being among the most popular ones.

  Now all users and admins of such groups will have a much easier time doing business.

  Currently, members in those groups usually post photos of items for sale and add details in the description.

  With the new feature, each profile will have a list of previous items bought and sold.

  Facebook however, emphasises that it’s simply giving users a new option and is in no way affiliated or responsible for the business done.

  The new feature was spotted in December when it was still in testing phase, after which the company confirmed it was working on it.

  Now, the feature is rolling out globally to more Groups on the web, Android and iOS.

  "We will continue to introduce new features in the coming months to help people in the For Sale Group community easily connect, browse and search", says Facebook in a blog post.

  "These new features will roll out to all Facebook For Sale Groups in the coming months across iOS, Android and web", adds the company.

  Facebook Group admins who would like to participate now can nominate their Group on this link.

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

  Photo credit: Twin Design / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Panasonic Toughbook 54 is durable and svelte -- has 5th Gen Intel Core i5 vPro

  Publié: février 13, 2015, 7:23pm CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  Panasonic's durable Toughbook line of laptops are legendary. Not only are they designed to take a beating, but are extremely functional too. To the average home user, the massive body and weight can seem like overkill. If you are sipping latte's all day in a coffee shop, it may seem that way. In reality, much work happens outside of safe places like an office or Starbucks; blue collar workers use technology too, and the Toughbook series is built for these workers.

  Today, Panasonic announces the Toughbook 54. This semi-rugged machine is actually quite svelte (for being a semi-rugged Toughbook), which may make it more attractive in situations where a job is rough and dirty, but not overly so. Best of all? It is powered by a 5th generation Intel Core i5 vPro; durability meets performance and impressive battery life.

  "As the thinnest and lightest semi-rugged laptop in its class, the Toughbook 54 is a highly portable tool for mobile professionals who need durability, power and feature sets beyond what a standard consumer laptop can offer. With a 5th Generation Intel Core i5 vPro processor, 11 hours of battery life -- 18 hours with an optional hot-swappable second battery -- and a wide range of integrated options, the Toughbook 54 is a reliable and versatile tool for mobile workers in demanding markets such as video production, insurance, utilities, construction, field service, public safety and government", says Panasonic.

  The company further explains, "offering enhanced security, a full magnesium alloy case with handle, and resistance to spills and drops, the Toughbook 54 is purpose-built for professionals who spend a significant amount of time working from the road or in the outdoors. For professionals who need power in addition to rugged portability, the Toughbook 54 is available with discrete graphics, dual drives, up to 16GB of memory, and a 1080p full HD display and webcam. Four models will be available to meet customer demand -- Lite, Prime, Gloved Multi Touch and Performance -- with each one designed to assure a high long-term return on investment for a diverse range of businesses and government agencies".

  Panasonic touts the following features

  • Highly Portable Design: 2 pounds lighter and 0.5 inch thinner than the nearest semi-rugged competitor
  • Semi-rugged and Reliable: MIL-STD-810G and IP5x magnesium alloy design with built-in handle. Tested by an independent third-party lab to survive 3 foot drops on 26 faces; features port covers, a spill-resistant keyboard, touchpad, hinges and display. The Toughbook 54 offers improved vibration resistance and uses tough magnesium alloy in more areas as compared to our similar models such as the Toughbook 53.
  • Next-Generation Processor: 5th Generation Intel Core i5-5300U vProvProcessor (3MB cache, 2.3GHz up to 2.9GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology)
  • Powerful Graphics Processor: Intel® HD Graphics 5500 (all models); AMD FirePro M5100 graphics (Performance model) which offers more than double the graphics performance of the similar Toughbook 53 when comparing 3DMark Fire Strike benchmarks.
  • Full-Shift Battery Life: Up to 11 hours of continuous use (Prime and Gloved Multi Touch models); up to 18 hours with optional media bay second battery. Lite model offers up to 8 hours of continuous use.
  • Enterprise-Grade Memory & Storage: 4-16GB RAM (8-16GB on Performance model); 500GB shock-mounted flex-connect hard drive with heater for cold temperature operation. Optional 128GB SSD, 256GB SSD and 1TB 7200rpm HDD with heaters. For even more storage and/or convenient backups, the Toughbook 54 is the first Panasonic notebook to offer optional dual drives -- 128GB or 256GB SSD with heaters.
  • Advanced Operating System: Windows 8.1 Pro Update 64-bit or Windows 7 Professional (available through downgrade rights from Windows 8.1 Pro)
  • Optional 1000 nit Touchscreen: 10-point capacitive Gloved Multi Touch model with stylus available. Panasonic is one of the few manufacturers that has been able to offer the smooth operation of a capacitive display but still allow users to choose to keep their gloves on if they need.
  • High Resolution Displays: 14.0 inch IPS 1080p full HD display (Gloved Multi Touch and Performance models) or 768p HD display (Lite and Prime models)
  • High Resolution Webcam: To go along with the available 1080p full HD display, the Toughbook 54 offers an optional 1080p webcam for crystal-clear video conferences.
  • Faster Typing & Night Time Use: Standard on all models except for the Lite model, an emissive backlit keyboard offers four levels of brightness for uses to adjust their keyboard brightness setting from a soft light to a warm glow for easy typing at night or in darkened settings. Plus, the rounded ergonomic keys allow for faster typing with less chance for errors.
  • Improved Speakers: To help combat with the noise outdoors or inside vehicles, the speakers in the Toughbook 54 (up to 91 dB) are now twice as loud as similar models such as the Toughbook 53. For comparison, a Boeing 737 at 1 nautical mile before landing is 97 dB and a diesel train at 45mph from 100 feet is 83 dB.
  • Dependable Connectivity: USB 3.0 (x3), Bluetooth 4.0 (class 1), Intel Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac; optional 4G LTE multi carrier wireless broadband with satellite GPS; optional dedicated GPS (u-blox) and antenna pass through
  • Wirelessly Stream Content: Intel Wireless Display (WiDi) allows easy and secure presenting without the need for any video cables on displays that either have Intel WiDi built in or have an adapter plugged in.
  • Enhanced Security: Trusted platform module (TPM) 1.2, Computrace theft protection, cable lock slot, supports multiple variations of dual-form authentication with optional fingerprint, insertable and contactless SmartCard readers.
  • Additional Options: DVD drive, true serial port, VGA, PC Card, 2nd LAN, rugged Fischer USB port.

  Pricing will start at $1,499 for the base model, but expect that price to skyrocket once you start adding features and moving up to different configurations. Again, this is for business use where durability is a necessity; you pay a premium for the overall protection that the chassis design provides. If it does break, don't panic; a 3 year warranty is included.

  Do you have a job that requires the use of a rugged or semi-rugged laptop? Tell me about it in the comments.

  
• 

  Best Windows apps this week

  Publié: février 13, 2015, 6:14pm CET par Martin Brinkmann

  

  One-hundred and eighteen in a series. Welcome to this week's overview of the best apps and games released for Windows in the past seven days.

  Microsoft launched the Windows 10 Technical Preview for phones yesterday and if you are interested in knowing more about it or downloads, check out Mark's post here on Betanews that covers the launch.

  This week saw the release of several amazing games and apps. Autodesk released Pixlr, an image editing and effects application for example.

  As far as games are concerned, Rescue Diver and Cute Block Match are my favorite releases this week.

  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.

  Discounts this week

  The following games and apps are discounted by at least 50 percent in the coming seven day period.

  • Cold Alley, air-combat simulator for $3.49
  • Grim Legends: The Forsaken Bride (Full), a point and click adventure game for $2.99
  • Finding Teddy, an adventure game for $2.99
  • Poster & Flyer, a poster and flyer designer for $1.99
  • Heroes of Kalevala, a match-3 type of game for $1.49
  • Ichi, a challenging puzzle game for $0.99
  • Extractor for Zip and Rar, an unpacker for $2.99
  • Live Interior 3D Pro, interior design app for $9.99
  • Time Mysteries 3: The Final Enigma (Full), an adventure game for $0.99
  • Clockwork Tales: Of Glass and Ink (Full), another adventure game for $2.99

  App of the week

  Autodesk Pixlr

  

  Autodesk Pixlr is a photo editing software that offers basic image editing options and Instagram-like effects that you can apply to your pictures.

  The first two menu options displayed on the left sidebar offer basic image editing options such as cropping the image, removing red eye effects or changing color or contrast.

  The remaining six options lead to various effects that you can apply. You will notice that some of the effects are not available right away and that you need to create a free account to gain access to them.

  Effects range from adding various kinds of firework and stickers to the image to border effects and over one hundred Instagram-like effects that apply filters to the loaded image.

  Processed images can be saved to the local system or shared using Windows' share feature.

  Other apps

  Breakout?

  

  Breakout? is a faithful adoption of the classic arcade game of the same name. It is a distant cousin of Pong but with the difference that there is only one paddle and that you use the ball to destroy bricks displayed on the screen.

  Your task in each level is to use the ball to remove all bricks in it to advance to the next level.

  The game plays well and features 15 levels in total that you can play through. The one thing that is not so great is that it displays many ads at the bottom of the screen that are animated sometimes.

  Kids Learning Word Games

  

  This is a free learning application for children who are starting to read. It features games designed to enhance skills such as basic English, letter recognition or vocabulary.

  Only the first three quizzes are available for free. Two additional quizzes become available after you have rated the app, and the final three only when you purchase the premium version of the application.

  Rescue Diver

  

  Rescue Diver is a great looking and challenging puzzle game in which you try to rescue divers stuck underwater by removing groups of corals that block their way.

  You can only remove blocks of three or more in the game and need to keep an eye on the divers oxygen level as it is game over when it runs out.

  Power ups, such as water mines, aid you in your tasks.

  Cute Block Match

  

  Cute Block Match is a great puzzle game in which you need to connect blocks of the same color to remove them from the board.

  Blocks can only be connected if a visible path can be drawn between them on the board.

  The game features five different game modes including a memory mode in which all blocks are colorless and dozens of entertaining levels.

  Crash Derby

  

  Destruction Derby was a great game and Crash Derby tries to bring the game's greatness to Windows 8.

  You can play it with the keyboard or touch, and try to wreck all other cars in the arena to win the race.

  It is not an realistic game though as you can pick up power-ups, health and money while driving. You can spend money in the ship to improve your car further, for instance to increase its top speed or health.

  Ring Ping

  

  It is Pong all over again but instead of deflecting balls and waiting for your opponent to do the same you play against yourself.

  To make matters complicated, the paddles rotate in a circle on the screen and the only control you have is to change the direction of the rotation.

  Try to survive for as long as possible by deflecting the ball using one of the paddles.

  Pixel Boxers Free

  

  This 8-bit style boxing game is best played on touch-devices. You can compete against the computer or a human opponent in the game in 3 to 15 round fights.

  Controls allow you to punch high or low, or to defend high or low. The only other option available is to move in the ring.

  A Pro version is available that comes without advertisement.

  Novaux Point of Sale

  

  This Point of Sale system has been designed specifically for Windows 8.

  It offers several features including table and staff employee shift management, cashier integration, credit card processing and acceptance of Bitcoin, Dogecoin and Litecoin virtual currencies.

  
• 

  Cast your vote in Linus Torvalds' Linux version numbering poll

  Publié: février 13, 2015, 4:58pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  When Microsoft launched Windows 10 Technical Preview, the name came as something of a surprise; everyone had been, understandably, expecting Windows 9. Over in the world of Linux, as we know, things work a little differently.

  The world of Linux-based operating systems is a fragmented one, but Linus Torvalds -- whose loins were partly responsible for giving birth to Linux -- is asking the community how version numbering should be handled moving forward. Should things be kept simple, or should version numbers just keep getting longer, and longer, and longer, and longer?

  Taking to Google+, Torvalds says that there is a danger that 'big numbers' are starting to creep into releases. Should it be nipped in the bud before things get out of control, or should things be left to run their natural course? Judging by the volume and passion of comments on the post, this is something that Linux users feel pretty strongly about -- although there's not exactly a knock-out winner at the moment.

  Introducing the poll, Torvalds says:

  So, I made noises some time ago about how I don't want another 2.6.39 where the numbers are big enough that you can't really distinguish them.

  We're slowly getting up there again, with 3.20 being imminent, and I'm once more close to running out of fingers and toes.

  I was making noises about just moving to 4.0 some time ago. But let's see what people think.

  So - continue with v3.20, because bigger numbers are sexy, or just move to v4.0 and reset the numbers to something smaller?

  You've got two choices: I like big versions, and I cannot lie (currently standing at 43 percent of the vote), and v4.0, 'cause I get confused easily (er, 57 percent, obviously). The vote may have no impact on how version numbering is handled, but you can have your say over on Google+.

  Photo credit: Fabio Alcini / Shutterstock

  
• 

  HERE for Android gets slew of improvements as it graduates from beta

  Publié: février 13, 2015, 3:58pm CET par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  In less than a week, HERE has seen two major updates. The first brought more accurate maps to Android and Windows Phone users, making way for turn-by-turn navigation in more countries. And the second brings a slew of improvements to HERE for Android as the app finally drops the beta label.

  Having used HERE on Android right from the start, I have to say that there is little that I miss compared to what the app suite has to offer on Windows Phone. Still, this hasn't stopped Nokia from making some tweaks here and there. Here's what the latest update brings to the table.

  Those of you who use HERE for Android to get walking routes or in conjunction with public transit will notice that the app now shows you the fastest routes for all transportation modes, not just driving as it was the case before. Alternative routes can be seen by swiping left or right.

  One of the main benefits to using HERE is the ability to take advantage of offline maps. Previously, you were forced to download them in the foreground, but the latest update now makes it possible to get the maps to your Android device in the background.

  HERE for Android now also gives you more information on points of interest, with things like contact info, photos and reviews now being shown. This improvement extends to traffic information, which, for instance, shows you the length of the road segment that's closed and the streets that are impacted by the closure.

  As part of what Nokia calls Venue Maps, HERE for Android can now show you a 3D view and maps of airports, malls and other locations. In case of multi-story buildings, you can see what's on the different floors.

  There are also refinements to the user interface, which is said to bring more visual polish and make it easier to keep just the information that you want in the foreground. Another change brings collections to the menu. And, last but not least, HERE for Android gains "many, many bug fixes" and tweaks, the latter of which include 25 percent louder volume for spoken directions.

  There is also an infographic on HERE for Android, which you can view below.

  

  HERE is available to download from Google Play.

  
• 

  There is no smartwatch market

  Publié: février 13, 2015, 3:19pm CET par Sameer Singh

  

  A few months ago, I wrote a post comparing the early sales of smartwatches to those of tablets and modern smartphones (early iPhone and Android models). As I expected, the numbers didn't bode well for smartwatches. Now that we have another year's worth of data to play with (from Canalys this time), we have an opportunity to test the validity of my previous analysis.

  The chart above plots smartwatch shipments against smartphone and tablet shipments for two years after the point when each category was meaningfully conceived. Data on smartwatch shipments has been combined from multiple sources including Canalys, Strategy Analytics and ABI Research. Now compare this updated chart with my previous observations.

  The first observation from the chart is that early tablet shipments dwarfed those of modern smartphones and smartwatches. But even modern smartphone shipments more than doubled those of smartwatches. The smartphone-tablet dichotomy is fairly easy to explain. The iPhone and other modern smartphones relied on a completely new interaction model (capacitive touch and multitouch) which most consumers had never used before. In addition, this was in the "pre-appstore" era when software distribution was still unclear. By the time tablets were unveiled, both consumers and developers were comfortable with the interaction model and appstores, i.e. tablets had no real learning curve.

  In some ways, smartwatches have had the same advantages that tablets enjoyed. The interaction model doesn't seem drastically different (compared to the transition from keyboard/mouse to touch) and appstores are well established. They also benefited from Samsung's offer of a free Galaxy Gear with the Note 3 phablet. Despite these advantages, smartwatch shipments have remained well below those of early smartphones and tablets.

  It is clear to me that smartwatch technology has improved significantly over the past year. But the fact that this has had no impact on consumer adoption should be worrying. It is becoming increasingly clear that the use cases targeted by smartwatches (at least today) are primarily valued by a niche segment of technology enthusiasts. The list of questions about wearables, seems to be getting longer, but we are no closer to finding answers.

  Update:

  • The data in my chart includes all wearable wristbands, including fitness trackers. If we drill down to just smartwatches like the Pebble and Android Wear devices, year 2 shipments drop to around 1.5 million.
  • The measurement period begins when products relying on the dominant interaction models are introduced to the market, i.e. a touch interface that does not require a stylus for smartphones / tablets. App developers play a major role in discovering use cases, but those still depend on the advantages and drawbacks inherent to the interaction model. Would Angry Birds be a viral hit if users had to fiddle around with a keypad? With this context, it may even make sense to exclude Pebble shipments to make a more accurate comparison (<1 million in Year 2).

  This story was reposted with permission from tech-thoughts.

  Sameer Singh is an M&A professional and business strategy consultant focusing on the mobile technology sector. He is founder and editor of tech-thoughts.net.

  
• 

  BowPad is an easy-to-use Notepad replacement

  Publié: février 13, 2015, 2:29pm CET par Mike Williams

  

  If Notepad isn’t enough for your text editing needs then there’s no shortage of possible replacements (we’ve covered plenty before). But most developers seem to focus on functionality above all else, cramming in as many features as they can, which means the end results aren’t always easy to use.

  BowPad is a refreshing change. It doesn’t try to do everything, but for many people it’ll do enough, and a well-designed interface ensures the program is a comfortable place to work.

  The program unzips to a single executable. This isn’t quite as portable as some of the competition (it requires Windows 7 or later) but it’s still a good start.

  Smart use of a ribbon interface means BowPad looks great, too, with all its key functions just a click or two away.

  File handling is strong. Documents can be browsed and opened from an Explorer-type pane; a tabbed interface allows multiple documents to be open simultaneously; you can restore all the tabs you had open last time with a click, or have BowPad do this automatically when you start.

  The core editor has some neat touches. Select some text and BowPad automatically highlights matching text in the same document. You can drag and drop selected text elsewhere to move it, or right-click to convert case, or search for it on Google or Wikipedia.

  BowPad’s "Find and Replace" dialog is a highlight. It can run text, case sensitive/insensitive or regular expression searches, throughout the current tab, all tabs, or all the files in a folder. It opens with the search text you used last time, keeps a history of your recent searches, and responds to the keyboard shortcuts you know already (F3 = Find Next, say, although you can reconfigure all of these if you like).

  There are also a few more advanced text processing tools, including split/join/sort/duplicate line functions, space tab conversion, white space trimming, tab handling and so on. Useful enough, although quite weak compared to the high-end competition.

  BowPad fights back well with a decent set of developer functions, including syntax highlighting for 100+ languages, automatic brace matching, line numbers, jump to function/method, one-click line (un)commenting and more.

  The program is also extremely configurable. This might start by setting up custom fonts, colors, tabs, margins and more. A neat "Custom Commands" option can be configured to open the file you’re editing in a defined application, or pass the selected text to a search engine or any other website. And if you really know what you’re doing, there’s an option to extend the program with JavaScript or VBScript "plugins".

  BowPad still doesn’t have the extras you’ll often find in other Notepad replacements. If you absolutely must have multiple clipboard support, eight case conversion options and a Snippets manager, say, this probably isn’t the tool for you.

  But for everyone else, we think the program is a good balance between power and ease of use. Give it a try.

  
• 

  Google sticks to its guns, will continue to publicly disclose security vulnerabilities

  Publié: février 13, 2015, 1:42pm CET par Barclay Ballard

  

  Google risks incurring the wrath of its competitors after announcing it will continue to disclose any security vulnerabilities that are not fixed within 90 days.

  The search engine giant’s "Project Zero" identifies high-profile bugs with the aim of creating more secure products for customers everywhere. However, recently the scheme has been criticized as a way for Google to embarrass its technology rivals.

  In January, Microsoft requested that Google not reveal a security bug, as it was due to be corrected in the upcoming "Patch Tuesday" release. However, Google refused to budge on its 90 day policy and disclosed the vulnerability anyway.

  According to Business Insider, Microsoft’s security research group director Chris Betz was among those to criticize the search giant.

  "The decision feels less like principles and more like a 'gotcha', with customers the ones who may suffer as a result", he wrote in a blog post. "What’s right for Google is not always right for customers. We urge Google to make protection of customers our collective primary goal".

  Similarly, Google revealed another Windows 8 security flaw just a few weeks prior to the Patch Tuesday release. The firm has also reportedly identified 43 potential vulnerabilities in Apple products and 39 involving Adobe software.

  While some industry experts have praised Google’s strict policy, other have criticised the company as hypocritical. Despite the extensive database of errors identified by Project Zero, there is not a single flaw listed involving Google products.

  Moreover, Google actually refused to patch a major Android vulnerability previously, arguing consumers should instead simply update to the latest version of the operating system to counter the threat.

  Although watching technology giants take lumps out of each other in public is perhaps not the most dignified spectacle, Google’s monitoring of the security landscape is likely to prove beneficial in the long run for consumers. Late last year, it was revealed that PayPal took 18 months to patch a security bug, something that is unlikely to occur under Google’s watchful gaze.

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

  Image credit: ollyy/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Apple boosts iMessage and FaceTime security with two-factor authentication

  Publié: février 13, 2015, 1:22pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  It's something that has been supported by iCloud for a while now. Bringing two factor authentication to iMessage and FaceTime means that messages and video chats are now locked behind an extra layer of protection.

  If you log out of your iMessage or FaceTime account, the next time you try to sign in you will be prompted to activate two factor authentication. This means you'll have to log into your account and generate an app-specific password before you can continue.

  The security of iCloud had been called into question after a number of high-profile celebrity photo leaks. Until the introduction of two factor authentication, a username and password were all that was required to gain access to an account.

  You can set up the extra security feature over on the Apple website, as well as create a Recovery Key in case anything should go wrong.

  Photo Credit: Yotka fotoaloja / Shutterstock

  
• 

  US likely responsible for Iran's cyber warfare know-how

  Publié: février 13, 2015, 12:26pm CET par Sead Fadilpašić

  

  Iran might have learned advanced cyber warfare from the US, recently revealed government documents have shown.

  Leaked National Security Agency (NSA) documents published by The Intercept show fears that the American cyberattacks on Iran might have helped that country develop sophisticated cyber tactics and strategies.

  The document was created before a meeting before NSA and its British counterpart, the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), called because of Iran’s cyberattacks against some financial institutions in the US.

  Iran’s nuclear and oil facilities have been targeted numerous times and the US and Israel are thought to be behind them.

  "Iran’s destructive cyber attack against Saudi Aramco in August 2012, during which data was destroyed on tens of thousands of computers was the first such attack NSA has observed from this adversary", it says in the report.

  "Iran, having been a victim of a similar cyber attack against its own oil industry in April 2012, has demonstrated a clear ability to learn from the capabilities and actions of others", the report says.

  However, the document says Iran has had no plans on targeting the UK or the US at the time, but NSA cannot rule out that possibility.

  "While the NSA has no indications at this time that Iran plans to conduct such an attack against a U.S. or UK target, we cannot rule out the possibility of such an attack, especially in the face of increased international pressure on the regime", adds the report.

  Iran has been under a lot of pressure, including international sanctions, because of its nuclear program.

  The West fears Iran uses its nuclear facilities to create an atomic bomb, while Iran says it has no such plans and wants to use the nuclear facilities for peaceful purposes.

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

  Photo Credit: Jirsak/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Parallels Desktop 10.1.4 improves Windows 10 support, simplifies installation

  Publié: février 13, 2015, 11:47am CET par Nick Peers

  

  Shh, don't Apple, but Mac users can now test the next version of Windows quickly and easily with the release of Parallels Desktop 10.1.4 for Mac.

  That's because the latest update promises "experimental" support for the latest version of the Windows 10 Technical Preview, along with support for Office Preview for Windows 10 too.

  Not only does Parallels provide support for the next versions of Windows and Office respectively, it also makes it easy for users to download and install the preview version of Windows -- when users come to add a new machine, Windows 10 is now prominently displayed as an option for downloading.

  Users are also guided through the download and installation process, which includes a choice of 12 languages, giving them a quick and easy way to set up and play with the pre-release version of Windows 10 on their Mac.

  The update also promises to address "overall stability issues" although only one specific fix is mentioned: one that means Parallels Tools will no longer continually reinstall itself when users attempt to add it to guests running Windows 10 Technical Preview.

  Parallels Desktop 10.1.4 is available now as a trial download for Macs running OS X Lion or later. A Core 2 Duo processor or later is required, with 4GB RAM recommended.

  The full version can be purchased for $79.99, with a Student edition ($39.99) and upgrade from Parallels 8 or 9 ($49.99) also available. A three-month complementary subscription to Parallels Access comes with the purchase.

  
• 

  When you die Facebook will grant your 'legacy contact' access to your account

  Publié: février 12, 2015, 9:37pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  Have you prepared for the day you die? Let people know if you want to be stuck in a hole in the ground, cremated and scattered in an awkward place, or just left at the side of the road to be picked at by passing foxes? While you may have considered what happens to your lifeless meatsack and your worldly belongings, what about things in the digital realm?

  Facebook has just taken a step that will make it easier for a designated loved one to take control of your account. Your 'legacy contact' will be able to set up a memorial to you and download your account archive.

  If this sounds of interest, and you're in the US, you're in luck. Facebook is now rolling out the Legacy Contact feature so you can make things easier for those you leave behind when you shuffle, run, leap, or fall off this mortal coil. There's no need to worry about how this contact might sully your memory, as there are limits to what they will be able to do.

  Once Facebook is informed of your death, your account can be converted to a memorial page and your chosen contact can add a post at the top of your account. They can also change your profile picture and cover photo, as well as respond to friend requests -- although these would presumably only be coming from people who didn’t know you all that well in the first place.

  While the legacy contact can, if you choose to let them, download an archive of your Facebook activity, you can be sure that your private messages will be kept out of sight.

  To activate the feature on your account, head to settings and click Security followed by Legacy Contact. You'll be guided through selecting your contact and given the chance to send a message to the person in question. While the feature is starting off in the US, there are plans to roll it out further afield. If you'd like to be left alone after you snuff it, you may prefer to have your account deleted

  Photo credit: Lane V. Erickson / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Microsoft launches Windows 10 Technical Preview for Phones

  Publié: février 12, 2015, 8:24pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  The chances are that you have tried out Windows 10 on your computer already and now -- at long last -- you have the opportunity to try it out on your Windows Phone. Windows Insiders can now grab the first public build of Microsoft's latest mobile operating system and try it out for themselves.

  Windows Insiders have been eager to see what Microsoft has done with Windows Phone, and earlier today Gabe Aul cryptically hinted at when the first build would be released. Now it has gone live. As with all preview builds, this is far from a completed product, and there are a few caveats to bear in mind.

  First of all, there are a very small number of handsets that are eligible to use the preview for now. In fact, there are just six: the Lumia 630, Lumia 638, Lumia 635, Lumia 730, Lumia 636 and Lumia 830 -- but, pleasingly, the preview is available internationally. There's no mention of some of the big hitters like the Lumia 928, 929 and 930 at this stage. If you're wondering why more high-end phones are not included, Microsoft has an explanation:

  We have a feature that will be coming soon called 'partition stitching' which will allow us to adjust the OS partition dynamically to create room for the install process to be able to update the OS in-place. Until this comes in, we needed devices which were configured by mobile operators with sufficiently sized OS partitions to allow the in-place upgrade, and many of the bigger phones have very tight OS partitions.

  The second thing to keep in mind is that -- as the company points out -- this is the earliest ever public preview for Windows phones. Just as with Windows 10 on the desktop, Microsoft is looking for feedback but warns Windows Insiders that:

  You will encounter bugs. You will see experiences that are clearly just not done yet, and UX that lacks polish at this point. DON’T WORRY! It will improve as we go and new features, stability and performance improvements, and more polished UX will come at each step.

  So what's new? In addition to a (somewhat) seamless experience when moving from the desktop to a phone handset, and the ability to work with universal apps on both platforms, Windows 10 Technical Preview for phones boasts:

  • Full-size Background Image for Start: We believe phones should be intensely personal -- so we’ve added another option to customize the start screen with a full-size background image.
  • More Quick Actions in Action Center: We’ve increased the number of quick actions available to you. Windows Phone 8.1 has four programmable quick actions -- but with Windows 10 you also get an expanded view that can now have up to three rows.
  • Interactive Notifications: Notifications are now interactive, allowing you to take action directly like dismissing an alarm, or seeing images for maps. For example, for text messages, when the toast pops, you can quickly reply inline via text or voice.
  • Significantly enhanced speech-to-text capability: You can talk to virtually any data field you choose. Your words show up as you speak them – and punctuation appears automatically.  This feature is smart enough to understand when to use 'two' -- the number -- instead of 'too' as in 'also'.
  • More powerful Photos app: From your very first launch, Photos will show the aggregated set of all your local photos and all your OneDrive photos

  There's a lot missing at this stage, and there's clearly a lot of work still to do, but this is the preview that people have been asking for. There are a lot of known issues, but they're being worked on, and new builds will follow in the coming weeks and months.

  Introducing this first build in a blog post, Aul explains how to get hold of Windows 10 Technical Preview for phones:

  • Join the Windows Insider Program
  • Register your device to receive builds as over the air updates
  • Builds will come to you automatically as they are ready, after being validated by engineers at Microsoft and used on their own phones
  • Use the built-in Windows Feedback app to send us problem reports and suggestions
  • Updates will continue all the way up to the final build that goes out to all customers
  • You can roll your phone back to the previous OS any time you'd like

  So... fire up your Windows Phone and head on over to the Windows Insider website. Joe Belfiore shows off some of what you have to look forward to in a specially-produced video:

  
• 

  SMath Studio: Like Mathcad, only free

  Publié: février 12, 2015, 4:57pm CET par Mike Williams

  

  It used to be feeble in the extreme, but these days Windows Calculator is a relatively capable tool. With its Scientific mode, statistics and other options, it can handle most of the math that the average user will ever need.

  Of course, if you’re not an average user -- if you’re regularly running complex scientific or engineering calculations -- then it’s a different story. You’ll need something far more powerful, maybe along the lines of the free SMath Studio.

  The program arrives as a ridiculously small installer, under 2MB, and we wondered if it would download everything else. But no: even when installed it takes up a mere 3.6MB of drive space, and more than half of that is supporting files (examples, documentation, languages and more).

  Although it’s aimed very much at engineers and scientists, the program can be immediately useful to anyone. Just click anywhere on the paper-like interface, type a simple math expression -- 2+2= -- and as soon as you hit the equals key, the answer appears.

  You can do that anywhere, but one immediate SMath plus is that it displays what you’re typing using the appropriate mathematical notation, rather than just a string of characters.

  The program also supports just about every function you could ever need, and plenty you won’t. To try that out, type Sin. As soon as you press "S", SMath pops up a list of everything it thinks you might want to type. Sure enough there’s sin and sinh, but you also get sec and sech, sqrt, solve(2), solve(4), submatrix, sum(1), sum(4), and a host of measurement units, amongst other things (Angstrom, BTU, byte, dB, deg, dpi, dyne and more).

  SMath Studio can also solve differential equations, run calculations on matrices and vectors, find roots of polynomials and functions, handle hyperbolics, complex numbers and trigonometry, even run simple programs, displaying graphics, working with strings and files.

  Assorted plugins help you do much more. Bundled examples extend the program to work with images, plot graphs, maybe save the results as images or HTML.

  There’s a lot to learn, but SMath Studio provides several examples to get you started. Click Tools > Snippet Manager > Examples and double-click anything interesting to take a look.

  
• 

  Antivirus tools miss almost 70 percent of malware within the first hour

  Publié: février 12, 2015, 4:36pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  Threat protection company Damballa has released its latest State of Infections report for the fourth quarter of 2014 which highlights the limitations of a prevention-focused approach to security.

  The report finds that within the first hour of submission, AV products missed nearly 70 percent of malware. Further, when rescanned to identify malware signatures, only 66 percent were identified after 24 hours, and after seven days the total was 72 percent. It took more than six months for AV products to create signatures for 100 percent of new malicious files.

  This has an impact on containment and raises the risk that at any time there may be live infections on a network. The report also highlights the importance of automating manual processes and decreasing the noise from false positives to make the most of skilled security manpower, rather than trawling through uncorroborated alerts to find the true infections.

  In order to reduce manual efforts, Damballa advises that security teams must have automatic detection of actual infections able to reach a statistical threshold of confidence in a true positive infection. They also need integration between detection and response systems, and policies that enable automated response based on a degree of confidence.

  "What's clear from these figures is that we have to turn the table on infection 'dwell' time. In much that same way that a flu vaccine hinges on making 'best-guess' decisions about the most prevalent virus strains -- AV is only effective for some of the people some of the time. Viruses morph and mutate and new ones can appear in the time it takes to address the most commonly found malware", says Brian Foster CTO of Damballa. "Dependence on prevention tools simply isn't enough in this new age of advanced malware infections; attackers can morph malware code on a whim, yet organizations have a finite number of staff to deal with the barrage of noise generated from security alerts. We urge taking a fresh 'breach-readiness' approach, which reduces dependence on people and legacy prevention tools".

  The full report is available to download from the Damballa website.

  Image Credit: Sergey Nivens / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Microsoft adds more depth to Office Online

  Publié: février 12, 2015, 4:15pm CET par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Office Online is great for creating simple documents, presentations and spreadsheets, as well as doing some light editing, while maintaining compatibility with the full-blown version of Office. The web suite may not be as powerful, and that's fine. Not everyone needs the most advanced features that Office has to offer.

  Still, Microsoft has been working hard on improving Office Online, to make it even more powerful and refined. The latest update, which is available now, adds more depth to the features offered by the web suite.

  Microsoft has focused on expanding the functionality that Office Online already offers, so that explains why there are no new major features in the mix. Let's take a look at what's new.

  Those of you who like to print from Word Online will be pleased to know that you are no longer required to download files locally; the web app adds support for direct printing now.

  Microsoft tweaked the Reading View toolbar to make commands like Edit, Print and Share immediately available, and make tools like Download and Translate easier to locate.

  The Save As menu is more powerful now, letting you choose where to save files and what to name them, rename files, download copies, and download files as PDFs.

  From the Office Online toolbar you can now also easily add files to OneDrive. Microsoft explains that this feature can be helpful when, for instance, you want to edit a locked file -- just save it to your OneDrive and make the changes you want. Click on Add to OneDrive, choose the location and hit Save to take advantage of it.

  The latest update to Office Online is also touted to be designed to let you start editing much faster. You can quickly create documents with a certain template, directly navigate to your most-recently used files, and see more OneDrive files.

  The proofreading service is improved, and there is also a new highlighted word count feature, which works for the whole documents as well as specific sections you select.

  Last but not least, Tell Me, the Office Online help tool, now integrates the ? help icon. Just type in the Tell Me box to get the information you're looking for.

  Head over to Office Online to experience all the latest changes now.

  
• 

  Web app self-service reduces support queries and cuts costs

  Publié: février 12, 2015, 3:47pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  Last year we looked at how supplier of point-and-click answer technology AnswerDash was integrating its software with the Zendesk help centre system.

  Now the company has released performance stats from its customers which show that self-service technology can cut support costs by an average of $20k a year.

  The technology can also boost conversion rates by up to 85 percent and reduce support ticket volume by 60 percent.

  By providing a first line of defense for handling customer questions Answerdash can reduce the volume of incoming support inquiries requiring human assistance and allow customers to get answers at their point-of-action where they are most likely to complete a purchase.

  "We calculated AnswerDash's impact on support ticket reduction across our early customer base and examined the average support cost savings, revealing a substantial $20K average cost reduction across all verticals. AnswerDash provides the biggest impact for SaaS customers, with a $32K average cost reduction", says Jake Wobbrock, founder and CEO of AnswerDash. "By answering common and frequently asked questions, AnswerDash reduces support ticket volume by up to 60 percent, allowing businesses to grow without a huge support investment".

  A separate analysis across eight customers revealed that companies which had implemented AnswerDash witnessed double-digit increases in sales conversion rates, averaging around 30 percent increases.

  For example PetHub experienced a 24.9 percent increase in sales conversion rate and also a 67 percent reduction in customer support tickets. Similarly after implementing AnswerDash, TireBuyer saw an 13 percent increase in revenue per visitor by deploying AnswerDash in the checkout process.

  You can find out more about how AnswerDash works and see interactive demos on the company's website.

  Photo Credit: sheelamohanachandran2010/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Hacker finds vulnerability in Facebook, can delete your photo albums

  Publié: février 12, 2015, 2:15pm CET par Alan Buckingham

  

  Like it or not, Facebook has become almost ubiquitous in today's world. Most people you know, both young and old, are on there. Worse, some folks keep memories of their lives stored on the service, including precious photos that, in some cases, may not be backed up in any way. It feels safe, after all, Facebook wouldn't lose them, right? Not so fast.

  This is less about Facebook losing them, I'm sure it has backups, but more about a third-party taking them away. That sounds scary, but a security researcher has proven it's possible. Laxman Muthiyah posted his findings along with details of how the exploit works.

  Essentially he utilized the Graph API to accomplish both deletion of his own album and then that of a "victim". Though Facebook claims this isn't possible, it is quite the opposite case and proof is posted for everyone to see. The token generated should only grant limited access, however generating a token for the mobile version of the social network changed things.

  "The album got deleted! So i got the key to delete all of your Facebook photos", Muthiya calmly states. Of course he won't do this, he's only proving a point. But that point should be acted upon quickly by the service because, now that it's out there, someone will certainly begin using it "just for fun", right?

  Well, no. Fortunately, it has been fixed, so the need to worry about this is no longer a concern. Facebook also awarded Mr. Muthiyah $12,500 for finding the flaw. Kudos for acting quickly.

  Photo credit: 1000 Words / Shutterstock

  
• 

  PingView is a versatile network monitor

  Publié: février 12, 2015, 1:59pm CET par Mike Williams

  

  Managing networks is a tedious, time-consuming business, and if your needs are simple then it might be best not to bother. If a network device goes offline, so what? You can just deal with any problems as they crop up.

  If several others are using your network, though, you might want to take a more proactive approach, and keep an eye on your hardware. Enter PingView, a free tool for monitoring selected devices -- or domains -- and checking they’re still online.

  The program is portable, making it easier to use from anywhere on your network. Just unzip the download and go.

  PingView opens with the Ping Collection Creation Wizard, which scans your network for available devices. Accept its default settings, it quickly finds any network devices, and clicking "Create" builds the collection.

  The main interface then displays a list of any discovered devices. You can select any of these to display a little more data -- MAC address, device name maybe -- although there’s nothing like the detail you’d see with a full network scanner (device type, manufacturer, services available etc).

  Right-clicking in the collection pane and selecting "Add Target" allows you to add additional devices, IP addresses or domains.

  The Options > Collection Properties dialog gives control over details like ping frequency and timeout.

  Once you’re ready to go, clicking Actions > Start launches the monitoring process.(You can also press F1, slightly bizarrely. PingView’s developer pays no attention to keyboard shortcut conventions.)

  PingView checks each device every 30 seconds (by default), highlighting anything which is inaccessible, and displaying response times and other information for working devices.

  Right-clicking individual devices displays further options to view graphs of ping times, open a browser window at that IP address, and more.

  PingView has some quirks and irritations. For example, by default the program is set up to play a sound when a device becomes unavailable. And it comes with four WAV files, representing various device states. But those audio files aren’t linked to the events, so for this to work you must manually go to Options > Collection Properties > Sound and set them up yourself.

  Still, once you’ve done that, it’s no longer an issue. And by way of compensation, PingView does offer some interesting advanced features. In particular, remote access allows one instance of PingView to share its collection with another, enabling you to see the status of network devices even if they’re behind a firewall and maybe inaccessible from your current location.

  On balance, we think PingView’s portability and bonus extras (like the ability to monitor domains instead of devices) are enough to justify the download. But be prepared to spend an extra five minutes figuring out the interface before it’s all working correctly.

  
• 

  Remembering Radio Shack

  Publié: février 12, 2015, 12:46pm CET par Robert X. Cringely

  

  With Radio Shack having declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy, with hundreds of stores closing and others possibly becoming Sprint locations, let’s take a moment to look back at the important contributions the company made in the early days of personal computing.

  Charles Tandy started the Tandy Leather Company which opened hundreds of little shops in the 1950s selling kits for consumers to make their own tooled leather belts, for example. I made one in 1959, burning my name into the belt with a soldering iron. As leather craft faded as a hobby and electronics boomed many of those Tandy Leather stores became Radio Shacks (but not all -- a few leather stores survive even today). Radio Shack stores always had the advantage of proximity balanced by higher prices. If you needed a part or two you drove down to Radio Shack but if you had a bunch of electronic parts to buy there was generally some cheaper store across town.

  Even today you can buy a $35 Raspberry Pi computer from the Raspberry Pi Foundation or a $121 Raspberry Pi kit from Radio Shack. No wonder the Shack is in trouble.

  Just as Jack Tramiel’s Commodore rode the 1970’s handheld calculator boom, Radio Shack rode that decade’s even bigger CB Radio boom. But as each boom faded the two companies had to find the Next Big Thing, so they both turned to personal computers.

  Radio Shack found its salvation in Steve Leininger, an employee at Paul Terrell’s Byte Shop in Mountain View where the original Apple 1s were sold. Leininger designed the TRS-80 that was to become, from 1978-82, the fastest selling computer in the world -- bigger at the time than even the Apple II. The barebones TRS-80 cost $199.95 in a pretty much unusable form and about $1800 completely tricked out. The TRS-80 was fabulously successful.

  Not so successful but equally important to computer history was Radio Shack’s answer to the IBM PC, the Model 2000, which appeared in the fall of 1983. The Model 2000 was intended to beat the IBM PC with twice the speed, more storage, and higher-resolution graphics. The trick was its more powerful processor, the Intel 80186, which could run rings around IBM’s old 8088.

  Because Tandy had its own distribution through 5,000 Radio Shack stores and through a chain of Tandy Computer Centers, the company thought for a long time that it was somehow immune to the influence of the IBM PC standard. The TRS-80, after all, was a proprietary design and a huge success. Tandy thought of their trusty Radio Shack customers as Albanians who would loyally shop at the Albanian Computer Store, no matter what was happening in the rest of the world. Alas, it was not to be so.

  Bill Gates was a strong believer in the Model 2000 because it was the only mass market personal computer powerful enough to run new software from Microsoft called Windows without being embarrassingly slow. For Windows to succeed, Bill Gates needed a computer like the Model 2000 available everywhere. So young Bill, who handled the Tandy account himself, predicted that the computer would be a grand success -- something the boys and girls at Tandy HQ in Fort Worth wanted badly to hear. And Gates made a public endorsement of the Model 2000, hoping to sway customers and promote Windows as well.

  Still, the Model 2000 failed miserably. Nobody gave a damn about Windows 1, which didn’t appear until 1985, and even then didn’t work well. The computer wasn’t hardware compatible with IBM. It wasn’t very software compatible with IBM either, and the most popular IBM PC programs -- the ones that talked directly to the PC’s memory and so worked faster than those that allowed the operating system to do the talking for them -- wouldn’t work at all. Even the signals from the keyboard were different from IBM’s, which drove software developers crazy and was one of the reasons that only a handful of software houses produced 2000-specific versions of their products.

  Today the Model 2000 is considered the magnum opus of Radio Shack marketing failures. Worse, a Radio Shack computer buyer in his last days with the company for some reason ordered 20,000 more of the systems built even when it was apparent they weren’t selling. Tandy eventually sold 5,000 of those systems to itself, placing one in each Radio Shack store to track inventory. Some leftover Model 2000s were still in the warehouse in early 1990, almost seven years later.

  Still, the Model 2000’s failure was Bill Gates’s gain. Windows 1 was a failure, but the head of Radio Shack’s computer division, Jon Shirley, the very guy who’d been duped by Bill Gates into doing the Model 2000 in the first place, sensed that his position in Fort Worth was in danger and joined Microsoft as president in 1983.

  While Radio Shack still sells computers (at least for a few weeks longer) the company’s computer heyday peaked around 1980 -- 35 years ago.

  Mobile phones offered the company a lifeline over the past decade but the positioning was all wrong. Those 1000+ Radio Shack stores that are rumored to be going to Sprint, for example, will represent the primary point of retail contact between the wireless carrier and subscribers valued by Wall Street at more than $2000 each. Sprint has far more to gain from each Radio Shack location it takes over than Tandy could ever have hoped to get from selling us batteries and speaker wire.

  Where Radio Shack could no longer operate a profitable enough business in the age of Amazon Prime, for Sprint there’s still real value in neighborhood locations.

  
• 

  The kill switch works! Smartphone theft drops in major US, UK cities

  Publié: février 12, 2015, 11:43am CET par Sead Fadilpašić

  

  Smartphone theft in some of the major cities in the US and the UK has declined dramatically, so say the authorities.

  But it's not because of improved law enforcement, it's actually down to manufacturers implementing a kill switch option, allowing smartphones to be deactivated remotely.

  London saw a drop in smartphone thefts by 50 percent, San Francisco by 40 percent, and New York by 25 percent, said authorities on Tuesday.

  "We have made real progress in tackling the smartphone theft epidemic that was affecting many major cities just two years ago", said London Mayor Boris Johnson.

  Senior politicians of these cities started a joint campaign back in 2013, asking manufacturers to introduce a kill switch to their devices, saying that tens of thousands of devices are being stolen every month.

  Only in London, as the mayor said, 10,000 handsets are stolen every month.

  Apple was the first to react, adding a "lock phone" feature to its Find my iPhone app in 2013, followed by Microsoft and Google, who had announced, in July 2014, a similar feature.

  California is about to implement a new law that would force manufacturers to implement a kill switch feature. The initiative has gotten wide support from California prosecutors and law enforcement agencies.

  "The wireless industry continues to roll out sophisticated new features, but preventing their own customers from being the target of a violent crime is the coolest technology they can bring to market", said San Francisco District Attorney George Gascon.

  Photo Credit: The To/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Here are 10 awesome apps for Valentine's Day

  Publié: février 12, 2015, 11:30am CET par Barclay Ballard

  

  The most romantic day of the year is almost upon us, but there's no reason for any man or woman to tackle Valentine's Day alone, as there are a whole host of apps to help you safely navigate the swathes of balloons, chocolates and rose petals.

  So, without further ado, here are 10 of the best apps for Valentine's Day.

  Tinder

  Those of you without a date for the big day needn't fear as there's an easily accessible trough of singletons to be found on Tinder.

  The matchmaking software was originally launched in 2012 and now boasts more than 20 million members. Those kinds of numbers should mean there's something for everyone, but you might want to get swiping now as Valentine's Day is fast approaching.

  Love Quotes

  If you do manage to secure a hot date but are worried about fluffing your lines, then perhaps Love Quotes is for you.

  The app is simple enough, offering a selection of romantic phrases that range from cheesy to creepy to fit any situation. Just as a disclaimer, this one is probably best for long-term couples as a first date is not the best time to say: "If I had to choose between breathing and loving you I would use my last breath to tell you I love you".

  OpenTable

  Valentine's Day is one of the busiest days of the year for the restaurant industry, so finding a venue that's not fully booked can be a pain.

  However, OpenTable provides online reservations at approximately 31,000 upscale restaurants across the globe, so you should be able to find somewhere nearby to suit you. What's more, the app lets you filter by price, so whether it's a cheap date or an expensive one, OpenTable has you covered.

  Ocado

  If eating out isn't for you, then why not try a romantic home-cooked meal for two?

  Ocado will deliver everything straight to your door and also comes with a low-price guarantee, so if your shop comes to more than it would at Tesco, you'll receive a money-off voucher covering the difference.

  The app also has a special Valentine's Day section, offering deals across flowers, chocolate and champagne.

  Couple

  Instead of clogging up your friend' social media feeds on V-day, download Couple, so no one else has to see you proclaim: "I wuv u" or "you complete me".

  Couple allows you to connect just with your partner privately and lets you share to-do lists, calendars and photos and even experience a ThumbKiss.

  Kamasutra Sex Positions Guide

  If things start getting a little racy but you've used up all your best moves already, simply tell your partner to wait a second while you check your Kamasutra Sex Positions app.

  The free version comes with 30 positions, but once you've mastered them you can switch to the paid version to unlock more. The app also comes with a progress bar letting you know which positions you've tried and how often.

  Hotel Tonight

  Spontaneity can add some much needed spice to a relationship, so why not decide to book a last-minute hotel-stay for Valentine’s Day.

  Hotel Tonight lets you see which venues are offering the best discounts on their empty rooms and the easy three-swipe process lets you book a getaway in less than 10 seconds.

  Date Escape

  Sometimes it's best to cut your losses and for anyone stuck in a date from Hell this Valentine’s Day, Date Escape lets you do just that.

  Upon request, the app bombards your phone with fake texts and phone calls so you can more easily make your excuses and launch a speedy getaway.

  Valentine’s Day Fun Facts

  Nothing says, "You’re single" like downloading the Valentine’s Day Fun Facts app, but who needs romance when you've got useless trivia?

  Plus, once you've absorbed all these interesting facts, you're sure to be a hit with the opposite sex, because anyone who knows that "the first Valentine gift was sent by the Duke of Orleans to his wife, after he was captured in 1415", is sure to be an interesting date.

  Fingle

  First dates can be awkward at the best of times, but Fingle looks to break the ice by getting you to explore the intimate touch of each other's fingers.

  The two-player game will require you to come into close proximity with the other participant, so you might want to make sure those palms are dry.

  However, the game’s creators admit that this might not be for everyone, as it could help kick-start an evening or make things "awkwardly close".

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

  Image Credit: Naypong / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Microsoft enigmatically reveals release date for Windows 10 for phones

  Publié: février 12, 2015, 10:44am CET par Mark Wilson

  

  The Windows Phone Windows Insider App was recently updated, indicating that a mobile build of Windows 10 is imminent -- but when? Answering questions from eager users on Twitter, Microsoft's Gabriel Aul has given some cryptic hints about when the first preview of the successor to Windows Phone 8.1 will be launched.

  Over the last few months Microsoft has been popping out new builds of Windows 10 left, right and center. While we now have a pretty good idea of how things are going to look and feel on the desktop, the same cannot be said of mobiles and tablets.

  Of course it would be far too simple to just come out with an actual release date, so Gabe decided to tease Twitter users a little. Rather than answering queries about the release date directly, he chose to wind people up by answering in mysterious terms. If you want to know when you can get your hands on a mobile build, you'll have to solve a puzzle.

  Make of it what you will, but the release date is somehow wrapped up in the clue 1316:

  @callum90ish I love the creative ways you guys try to squeeze me :-) How about a puzzle? This is a REAL answer if you can solve it: 1316

  — Gabriel Aul (@GabeAul) February 12, 2015

  Joe Belfiore had already made it clear that we should expect a release in February, but no date was pinned down:

  Also, we're on track for Insider build coming "in Feb" as Terry said at our 1/21 event. We need to complete internal testing 1st, hang in!

  — joebelfiore (@joebelfiore) February 8, 2015

  Gabe himself, in response to numerous guesses at the date, caved in a confirmed that we can expect to see the release this month, but would not go into any more detail:

  @dey_ritwick All I can say today is "in February". When it comes out, we'll see who gets it right. No one has solved puzzle so far though

  — Gabriel Aul (@GabeAul) February 12, 2015

  So... start guessing! It seems that no one has managed to pin down the release date precisely yet -- or at least Aul is not saying as much -- but there's only a couple of weeks to wait at the most now.

  Update

  It's out now!

  
• 

  Watch the 2015 Cricket World Cup on Roku, India and others compete for the title

  Publié: février 12, 2015, 5:58am CET par Alan Buckingham

  

  Sports fans can rejoice, providing they prefer Cricket at least. The event may seem foreign to US viewers, but to much of the world it is a big deal, and the world cup is something special. If you are looking to catch all of the action then Roku has your back covered.

  The tournament kicks off on February 13th and runs through most of March. The event is being held in Australia and New Zealand, but teams from around the world will compete. Things start with Sri Lanka pitted against New Zealand, a match that takes place at 5pm ET on opening day.

  "We’re proud to be the only connected-TV device that’s featuring the ESPN Cricket World Cup. Can’t make it to Australia and New Zealand? Now you don’t have to miss the action! Roku customers in the U.S. can stream the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 on their big screen from the comfort of their couch", says Steve Shannon on Roku.

  As you likely guessed, this isn't free. You'll need to pony up $99 to watch the event. However, in exchange you get "access to live and on-demand coverage of all 49 matches in the quadrennial tournament in the world’s second most popular sport, direct from ESPN". According to Roku, that is over 390 hours of Cricket. Get your caffeine ready.

  
• 

  Get organized with sChecklist's 'to do' manager

  Publié: février 12, 2015, 4:09am CET par Mike Williams

  

  Task management software should be all about making you more productive, saving you time, but it doesn't always work out that way. Especially if the software is so complex that you waste most of your time just trying to figure out how it works.

  SChecklist isn't that kind of package. You won't spend an age figuring out how to set up sub-tasks, time requirements, dependencies or web sync because it can't do any of that. It's just about creating lists of item names, with checkboxes, and there's absolutely nothing else.

  Unsurprisingly, the program is extremely simple to use, right from the beginning. There's no installation, just unzip it into a folder and you get a single EXE which should run on anything from Windows XP up.

  The interface has two panes. Your checklists appear on the left, and you can create as many as you need in a click or two.

  Select a list and you're able to add as many items as you need. The standard ways of doing this are a little cumbersome (click an Add button, type a name, click OK , or double-click an empty line, type a name and press Enter), but sChecklist also has more convenient clipboard support. If you already have a list in Notepad, Excel or anywhere else, just copy and paste it here and it's ready for immediate use.

  Once you're set up, there's very little else to do. Check a box once that item is complete; maybe change the sort order for long lists (move checked items to the top or bottom); save a list as text if you'd like to use it elsewhere, or just delete it when you’re done.

  If you need the program to always be available then you’ll also appreciate its ability to minimize to the system tray (this has to be enabled from the Options dialog).

  SChecklist has no fancy features, but that’s only because it's focusing on core "to do" list basics, and in general it does that very well. If you need a simple to-do manager which works anywhere, online or off, then give it a try.

  
• 

  Microsoft Office 365 free to all New York City Public School students and teachers

  Publié: février 12, 2015, 3:02am CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  I'm going to let you in on a secret. Ever hear of Microsoft Office? Of course you have. Well, learning it is essential for success in a business environment. I'm not just talking about word processing, but spreadsheets, presentations and more -- Microsoft's software is the best. Sure, the average student can get by with Google Docs on a Chromebook or Libreoffice, but guess what? Formal education ends eventually. Software that is "good enough" just won't cut it in the working world.

  Today, all New York City Public School students and teachers gain access to this important software, as Microsoft Office 365 is being given to them for free. Yes, you are reading that right -- every teacher and student for free. This is a huge win for Microsoft, the students and the teachers. More importantly, however, it is a win for society, as future members of the workforce will be better prepared for success.

  "In collaboration with the City Council, the New York City Department of Education is making the Office 365 ProPlus benefit available to all teachers and students -- at no cost -- providing them with up to five downloads of the latest versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Access and Publisher, along with anywhere, anytime access to OneDrive cloud storage. Students and teachers can also download Office to 5 additional mobile devices (smartphones or tablets)", says Anthony Salcito, VP Worldwide Public Sector Education, Microsoft.

  Salcito further explains, "with the program, educators can access full Office on up to five PCs or Macs and can unlock the editing capabilities of Office apps for iPad. They can also take advantage of great Office apps and add-ins like Office Mix to record and publish class lectures. With tools like Lync, the students in NYC can communicate with other classrooms around the world, and collaborate instantaneously. And with OneNote, teachers can share lesson plans, class notes, photos, and ideas on any device, accessible from anywhere".

  It is important to remember that when you get a job with a company, you don't typically get to pick the operating system or software that you use. If you're a Linux or OS X user that loves Libreoffice, tough luck; you use what the company gives you, and that is more than likely to be Microsoft's Windows and Office. You know who will succeed? Those that are proficient at both.

  If your boss needs to create pivot tables or use complicated formulas in Excel, you had better know Excel and not an imitator. Proficiency in Microsoft Office on Windows is a skill employers want to see.

  What do you think of this news? Tell me in the comments.

  Photo Credit: Vadim Georgiev / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Amazing! Apple wins the smartwatch wars without ever shipping a device!

  Publié: février 12, 2015, 1:49am CET par Joe Wilcox

  

  That is the only takeaway from today's brutal bias assault against Android Wear. Canalys reports half-year 2014 shipments of 720,000, and the Apple-loving free press categorizes the number as a failure. Meanwhile, the analyst firm boasts that "All eyes are now on Apple, which will reveal further details about the Apple Watch prior to its release in April". Not mine. Are yours?

  Over at Wall Street Journal, Rolfe Winkler begins his hatchet piece with: "It's been a slow start for Google’s smartwatches". The search and information giant doesn't sell any of the devices, developing the underlying platform. Nitpicking aside, he ridiculously writes: "Apple sold roughly 114 million iPhones over the same period. That means Apple sold almost as many iPhones each day as makers of Android smartwaches sold over the six months". Oh yeah?

  Apples to Coffee

  According to Starbucks, 60 million people visit its stores each week. Assuming that only 40 million buy coffee, then the company sells more cups of Joe in three weeks than Apple sold iPhones during the previous six months. There you go! Case closed! iPhone is a failure. You can bitch nay in comments, but the measure of coffee to iPhones makes about as much sense as comparison to smartwatches. They are quite different categories.

  What would make a bit more sense is Android Wear to iPhone during summer 2007, when the device was, like Google-powered smartwatches in 2014, a new category. By that reckoning, the original iPhone reached 1 million units in about 74 days. If that's your measure of failure, fair enough. But consider this: Canalys claims Moto 360 is the Android Wear market share leader, but the smartwatch's sales started in early September, selling out almost immediately.

  Winkler quotes Canalys analyst Daniel Matte: "Android Wear is not very good", then paraphrases about poor battery life. That's a category-wide problem, by the way, although in his press statement Matte claims: "Apple made the right decisions with its WatchKit software development kit to maximize battery life for the platform, and the Apple Watch will offer leading energy efficiency". Based on what disclosed facts? If as widely rumored, expected charge lasts as much as 19 hours. Consider this: Gizmodo published a review of Sony's newest Android Wear today, finding that the "SmartWatch 3 routinely nets over 48 hours". Forty-eight is less than 19 in what universe?

  I know. I know. You may feel a little uneasy comparing smartwatch to smartwatch and actually discussing the type for which Canalys reports shipments. But, hey, not everything in life is about Apple or compares to iPhone.

  Something else to ponder: Categorization. Canalys' numbers make Android Wear devices look less than they really are. That 720,000 is from a pool of 4.5 million. Except—and someone correct me, if I am mistaken—Canalys lumps together timepieces and fitness gadgets, calling the category "smart wearable bands". Or did I miss something, and the 1 million Xiaomi Mi Bands shipped tell time and run smart apps? Combining two marginally-related device categories gives Android Wear about 16 percent market share, creating even more negative perceptions about its success—or seemingly lack of it.

  Apple's Bitches

  Now, it's a little unfair to single out WSJ, so who else swung the hatchet in the most irresponsible manner?

  • BGR: "Almost nobody wants an Android Wear watch right now"
  • CNET: "Android Wear gadgets not a big hit..."
  • re/code: "Android Watch Sales Are Running Slow"
  • SlashGear: "Apple Watch may have already beaten Android Wear"

  That last story is excellent segue to the idea that, based on Canalys' presentation of the data and media-bias giving the fruit-logo company millions of dollars in free publicity, that Apple's timepiece wins the smartwatch wars without ever shipping. It's just too fraking strange for my sensibilities, since there's presumption Apple Watch will be better based on nothing more than conjuncture, while misrepresenting the success of the early-to-market leaders—and the group is much larger than Android Wear devices; Pebble, anyone?

  Common sense news reporting may wane, but it's not gone. Take a look at Andrew Cunningham's ArsTechnica headline: "Android Wear sales: Bad compared to phones, OK compared to other watches". He writes: "These numbers are decidedly unimpressive when considered next to smartphone sales numbers...but by smartwatch standards, the Wear ecosystem is collectively doing OK". That's quite a bit better than bad.

  Common Sense

  Journalist peer Kevin Toffel's Google+ post brought this total news reporting mind-frak to my attention. He writes:

  Bit ludicrous to compare recent iPhone sales—a market that's been around for 8 years now—to the first 6 months of Android Wear sales. I might have taken the article seriously had that not happened. Folks: Smartwatches are accessories. Not everyone wants or needs them. In fact, I'm not sure we've decided what an optimal smartwatch should even do.

  He absolutely is right. So what? If Apple Watch sells 1 million units in, say, 24 hours, will fruit-logo crusaders call that a success by comparing to Android Wear while ignoring the iPhone matchup? You can't have it both ways; if the Google platform underperforms compared to iPhone than so must Apple Watch if the numbers are any less than the handset.

  So there you go. Maybe Apple Watch is a loser instead. Because the Wall Street Journal and many other blogs and news sites have set the measure of success as 6 months of iPhone sales.

  
• 

  All smart home security systems are insecure

  Publié: février 12, 2015, 12:35am CET par Sead Fadilpašić

  

  Every "smart" security device in your home is vulnerable, a new study suggests.

  Results of a security testing study conducted by tech giant HP show that 100 percent of the studied devices used in home security contain significant vulnerabilities, including password security, encryption and authentication issues.

  Home security systems, such as video cameras and motion detectors, have gained popularity as they have joined the booming Internet of Things (IoT) market and have grown in convenience.

  Manufacturers are quickly bringing to market connected security systems that deliver remote monitoring capabilities. The network connectivity and access necessary for remote monitoring presents new security concerns that did not exist for the previous generation of systems that have no internet connectivity.

  The most common and easily addressable security issues reported include insufficient authorization, insecure interfaces, privacy concerns and a lack of transport encryption.

  The study questions whether the devices make our homes safer, or more vulnerable.

  "As we continue to embrace the convenience and availability of connected devices, we must understand how vulnerable they could make our homes and families", said HP’s Jason Schmitt.

  "With ten of the top security systems lacking fundamental security features, consumers must be diligent about adopting simple and practical security measures when they're available, and device manufacturers must take ownership in building security into their products to avoid exposing their customers unknowingly to serious threats", adds Schmitt.

  As companies push to incorporate much needed security measures, consumers are advised to be extra vigilant when deciding to go for a smart security system for their home.

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

  Photo Credit: bahri altay/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Microsoft confirms that it has acquired calendar app Sunrise

  Publié: février 11, 2015, 11:38pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  Following on from the rumors that surfaced a week ago, Microsoft has confirmed its acquisition of calendar app Sunrise. The Android and iOS calendar app is widely recognized as one of the best that's available, and the announcement marks the latest move in Microsoft's recent productivity focus.

  This is the second big acquisition Microsoft has made recently -- just a couple of months ago, the company snapped up email firm Acompli. It also sees Microsoft adopting rather Apple-esque language, referring to "meaningful, beautiful experiences in mobile email and calendaring".

  But this is about more than just an interest in productivity; Microsoft is set to do nothing less than reinventing productivity. Rather than starting from scratch and building tools from the ground up, the company has made the decision to jump on established tools that already have a loyal following.

  Quelling fears that the app could be shuttered or transformed into an expensive tool, Microsoft said that Sunrise will not only live on, but will remain free. Confirming the acquisition on the Microsoft blog, Corporate Vice President for Outlook and Office 365, Rajesh Jha said:

  We are making this acquisition because we believe a reinvention in the way people use calendars on mobile devices is long overdue. Our goal is to better help people manage and make the most of their time in a mobile-first, cloud-first world.

  Sunrise founders Pierre and Jeremy also emphasized the fact that the app is here to stay:

  Sunrise will remain free and available for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android and Desktop – we’re not going anywhere [...] Both Sunrise and Microsoft share this vision to make your life a little easier by focusing on time, design, and building experiences that delight you everyday. We can’t wait to show you what we’ve been working on lately :-)

  A video posted by the company shows Microsoft’s Steve Clayton talking with the CEOs of Sunrise and Acompli:

  Photo credit: Leena Robinson / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Google's PerfKit Benchmarker tests the performance of cloud services

  Publié: février 11, 2015, 9:03pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  For both software and data, there is a relentless move to the cloud. But with so many different cloud services to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which one is best. To help make things a little easier, Google today launches PerfKit Benchmarker.

  The open-source tool makes it possible to run benchmarks across a variety of cloud platforms, and a dedicated visualization tool, Perfkit Explorer, has been created to help with the interpretation of results. The tool provides essential data to developers who are creating applications in the cloud.

  PerfKit Benchmarker can be downloaded from Github, as can Perfkit Explorer. Source code has been released under the ASLv2 license, so anyone is free to participate in the future development of the tools. Unlike other benchmarking tools, PerfKit Benchmarker measures the end to end time to provision resources in the cloud.

  This is not something that Google has been working on alone -- in fact there are many companies involved. Introducing the new tool, the Google Cloud Platform Performance Team said:

  Over the last year, we’ve worked with over 30 leading researchers, companies, and customers and we're grateful for their feedback and contributions. Those companies include: ARM, Broadcom, Canonical, CenturyLink, Cisco, CloudHarmony, CloudSpectator, EcoCloud/EPFL, Intel, Mellanox, Microsoft, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., Rackspace, Red Hat, Tradeworx Inc., and Thesys Technologies LLC. In addition, we’re excited that Stanford and MIT have agreed to lead a quarterly discussion on default benchmarks and settings proposed by the community.

  PerfKit is described as "a living benchmark framework" which will change over time. With support for Compute Engine, AWS and Azure, the new tools offers a great way to determine which cloud service is the most suitable for different tasks.

  Photo credit: OmniArt / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Facebook's real name policy now causing issues for Native Americans

  Publié: février 11, 2015, 7:59pm CET par Sead Fadilpašić

  

  You might poke some innocent fun at your Native American friend Sitting Bull while he's on the toilet, but if you're that Native American, you wouldn’t want to be trolled by, let's say, Facebook.

  That's exactly what happened to Shane Creepingbear, a Native American who, Facebook thinks, is using a fake name.

  Through the social media's fake name policy, Facebook forces people to use their "real" names (those in their identification documents). This policy has been criticized before, mostly by members of the LGBT community who, wanting to protect themselves in not so LGBT-friendly environments, used fake names.

  Facebook was forced to apologize and promised to create a way for people to identify themselves using "legitimate pseudonyms".

  As you can see from the Twitter post below, Shane Creepingbear wasn't best pleased.

  Hey yall today I was kicked off of Facebook for having a fake name. Happy Columbus Day great job #facebook #goodtiming #racist #ColumbusDay

  — Shane Creepingbear (@Creepingbear) October 14, 2014

  But he isn't the only person with this issue. According to the Last Real Indians blog, a person named Oglala Lakota Lance Brown Eyes had his account suspended and, after wrestling with Facebook's administration, got his profile back under the name Lance Brown.

  Only after threatening with a lawsuit, was he able to get his full name back.

  There are many examples of Native Americans struggling with Facebook. The social network wants people to use real names and, if the person gets suspended, he or she must provide a scanned copy of a legal document such as a passport or a driver’s licence, to confirm his or her identity.

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

  
• 

  Recovery Rapids video game uses Microsoft Kinect to provide therapy to stroke victims

  Publié: février 11, 2015, 6:46pm CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  If you or a family member suffers a stroke, it can be a life-changing event. While some people do not have lasting effects, many face paralysis and weakness in different parts of their body. In other words, someone who is very active and mobile, can be relegated to a more sedentary lifestyle. This change can have psychological impacts too.

  Luckily, there are therapies for victims of stroke, that can return the patient's strength and mobility. While this therapy is normally a boring affair, the Ohio State University has devised a new technique that is beneficial to recovery, while also being fun too. You see, it uses Microsoft's Kinect device.

  "Recognizing the need for an effective, affordable home therapy, a team at The Ohio State University has developed a therapeutic game called Recovery Rapids -- and we’re pleased to note that the Kinect sensor is an important part of this ingenious solution. Recovery Rapids is based on constraint-induced movement therapy (CI therapy), a method shown to produce improvement in patients regardless of their age or how long ago the injury occurred. CI therapy discourages use of the unaffected arm, and focuses on using the weakened intensively to complete prescribed tasks", says the Kinect team.

  The team further explains, "a clinical trial on 11 participants with long-lasting arm weakness due to a stroke has shown the Recovery Rapids game to be as effective as traditional CI therapy in improving motor speed. Participants improved the performance of such tasks as picking up a pencil or drinking from a cup, increasing by an average of five completions per minute after two weeks of game play. Many participants also showed significant improvements in range of motion and arm use. In fact, 9 of the 11 participants rated Recovery Rapids as more enjoyable than other forms of rehab, and 10 of 11 said the game was more effective than other rehabilitation therapy they'd received".

  This is a wonderful use of technology, that makes something that is normally tedious, to be fun. Think about it; given the opportunity, would you rather play a video game or just mindlessly do exercises? Clearly, the Kinect option will better engage a patient, while improving their condition.

  What do you think of this use for the Kinect? Tell me in the comments.

  
• 

  Datameer brings big data analytics to the cloud

  Publié: février 11, 2015, 3:08pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  As more businesses want to take advantage of the insights that analysis of big data can offer there's greater demand for the cloud to allow direct access to stored data.

  San Francisco-based big data platform specialist Datameer was the first big data analytics platform purpose built for Hadoop. Now the company is first to market with a big data analytics platform designed specifically for the cloud.

  Datameer Professional offers an affordable and agile option for business executives who want to start integrating, preparing, analyzing and visualizing all of their data right away. Using Hadoop-as-a-Service (HaaS) it allows businesses to start taking advantage of big data without the need to invest time or effort in setting up and maintaining a Hadoop infrastructure.

  "Datameer Professional is the accelerant the market has needed for individual departments within an organization to stop talking about the benefits of big data and Hadoop and start realizing them immediately", says Stefan Groschupf, CEO of Datameer. "Now companies that want to gain a competitive advantage with big data analytics right away can simply purchase Datameer Professional running on a HaaS offering and discover actionable insights in hours or days, not months. We believe that this will catapult Hadoop adoption as a whole as businesses discover shared success between departments and discover new use cases, encouraging the entire company to become data-driven".

  The company has established partnerships with cloud providers Altiscale and Bigstsep. This will allow it to make its latest offering available to companies with limited IT or Hadoop expert resources but who want direct and immediate access to their data, regardless of its size.

  For more information and to request a demo you can visit the Datameer website.

  Photo Credit: T.L. Furrer / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Do you love Amazon? There's a Valentine's Day sale going on

  Publié: février 11, 2015, 3:00pm CET par Alan Buckingham

  

  Amazon, originally known as a book seller, has become an all-around retail super store with a growing list of its own electronics. Sales are not infrequent as the company tries to push its devices, in many cases selling them at a loss with plans to make up the money once the customer is ensconced in the ecosystem. It's a plan that seems to pay off.

  Now, if you're looking for that special gift for Valentine's Day, which fast approaches, Amazon is holding yet another of these sales. Discounts are available on many of the products produced by the company.

  The Kindle, regularly priced at $79 is discounted to $59, or you can grab the higher-end Paperwhite model for $99, regularly $119. Tablets have also seen price slashes -- Fire HD 6 takes off $15, dropping it to $84, while the Fire HD 7 goes from $139 to $114. If you have kids then the children's versions of the 6 and 7 are also seeing a price cut -- now $134 and $164 respectively.

  Granted, this may not seem the most romantic of Valentine's Day gifts, but on the other hand, you may have someone in your life who wishes for one of these products. It's also a gift that, unlike a dinner out, will benefit the recipient all year long. And if you're alone this holiday there's nothing to stop you from giving yourself a gift.

  
• 

  Get organized with sChecklist's to-do manager

  Publié: février 11, 2015, 2:44pm CET par Mike Williams

  

  Task management software should be all about making you more productive, saving you time, but it doesn't always work out that way. Especially if the software is so complex that you waste most of your time just trying to figure out how it works.

  SChecklist isn't that kind of package. You won't spend an age figuring out how to set up sub-tasks, time requirements, dependencies or web sync because it can't do any of that. It's just about creating lists of item names, with checkboxes, and there's absolutely nothing else.

  Unsurprisingly, the program is extremely simple to use, right from the beginning. There's no installation, just unzip it into a folder and you get a single EXE which should run on anything from Windows XP up.

  The interface has two panes. Your checklists appear on the left, and you can create as many as you need in a click or two.

  Select a list and you're able to add as many items as you need. The standard ways of doing this are a little cumbersome (click an Add button, type a name, click OK , or double-click an empty line, type a name and press Enter), but sChecklist also has more convenient clipboard support. If you already have a list in Notepad, Excel or anywhere else, just copy and paste it here and it's ready for immediate use.

  Once you're set up, there's very little else to do. Check a box once that item is complete; maybe change the sort order for long lists (move checked items to the top or bottom); save a list as text if you'd like to use it elsewhere, or just delete it when you're done.

  If you need the program to always be available then you'll also appreciate its ability to minimize to the system tray (this has to be enabled from the Options dialog).

  SChecklist has no fancy features, but that's only because it's focusing on core to-do list basics, and in general it does that very well. If you need a simple to-do manager which works anywhere, online or off, then give it a try.

  
• 

  HERE Maps gets major map update on Android, Windows Phone

  Publié: février 11, 2015, 2:28pm CET par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  HERE Maps users on Android and Windows Phone are being treated to a major map update today, which expands the list of regions where turn-by-turn navigation is available, improves map quality in a number of regions, and increases the accuracy of public transit information in more cities, among other things.

  In fact, Nokia claims that there are too many changes in this update to list individually, but says that they impact users all over the globe. Let's take a look at the biggest changes.

  As far as map quality goes, Nokia has added new and changed roads and constructions to better reflect the road system and the immediate surroundings. There are also more water features shown on the map, with a more accurate representation of rivers also in the mix.

  Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Fiji, Gambia, Liberia, Madagascar, Sierra Leone and Somalia are singled out for map quality improvements, in regards to navigation, although Nokia doesn't say what the areas of focus are.

  Cyprus, Mayotte and Zimbabwe now offer maps with "navigable status", meaning that turn-by-turn navigation is available. The last-known figure for the number of countries where this feature is available is 118. Today's update would increase it to 120 (Mayotte belongs to France).

  And last but not least, public transit routes more closely match reality in regards to geography and their paths and lines. For instance, where users have previously seen curved routes, they will now see routes that follow the road accurately.

  Since the update only targets the maps, Nokia hasn't also updated the HERE Maps apps in Google Play and Windows Phone Store. So, head over to the app on your Android or Windows Phone device, and check for map updates to enjoy all the latest changes.

  

  
• 

  DH2i launches first container management solution for Windows Server

  Publié: février 11, 2015, 1:23pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  Containerization of applications has done much to enhance the flexibility and portability of software as it makes it easy to move between in-house, private cloud and public cloud.

  Until now, however, it's been restricted to Linux systems, using solutions like Docker, or Oracle servers running Multitenant. Now though containerization is coming to Windows servers as DH2i launches its DxEnterprise container management solution for Windows Server.

  By decoupling the apps and all associated data from the host OS and the underlying physical infrastructure, DxEnterprise delivers fast and transparent application portability. This offers enterprises cloud-like agility and ensures high availability. It also makes it easier to provision, test, deploy, and manage new applications.

  Each container -- called a Vhost -- consists of a logical computer name, an associated IP address (or addresses), Vhost management metadata, and portable native NTFS volumes. The metadata within the Vhost coordinates container workload management and directs the managed application to launch and run locally. Multiple DxEnterprise containers can share a single Windows Server OS instance and are then stacked on virtual or physical servers.

  Management features include protection from hardware, OS or application faults with "self healing" and quality of service automation. Resource management allows workloads to be adjusted to meet the needs of the highest priority tasks.

  "With DxEnterprise, customers can containerize and make any new or existing Windows Server app service, file share, or Microsoft SQL Server instance portable and highly available, with the native dynamic NTFS volumes following the workload -- all with just a few clicks", says OJ Ngo, CTO and Co-Founder of DH2i. "The results include a reduction in software and infrastructure costs of 30 percent - 60 percent and the elimination of significant lifecycle management expense -- and headache. It also eliminates OS sprawl and reduces OS cost by eight-15 times, and provides near zero application downtime as well as protection from OS, application and infrastructure faults".

  DxEnterprise is available now and there's a technical white paper with more details of how it works on the DH2i website.

  Image Credit: Oleksiy Mark / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1 finally comes to Verizon Nokia Lumia Icon [Update]

  Publié: février 11, 2015, 1:18pm CET par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Nokia Lumia Icon is among the last Windows Phones to receive a software update to Windows Phone 8.1, despite its flagship credentials. But this shouldn't surprise anyone. After all, Lumia Icon features Verizon's logo. And we all know that big red is not exactly quick with updates.

  In fact, despite being a Verizon exclusive, Lumia Icon is long gone from the carrier's portfolio. Talk about support there! The only Windows Phones Verizon sells now are HTC One (M8) for Windows and Samsung ATIV SE. Still, Lumia Icon will at least get Lumia Denim, which is based on Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1, quite possibly before any other high-end Windows Phone in US.

  While the update is officially announced, Verizon, however, hasn't revealed when its customers will start to receive it. Judging by the URL I just linked to, it could happen as soon as today, February 11. One can only hope! (Update: It is indeed rolling out today, according to a Microsoft blog post.)

  The announced software update has the 02540.00019.15024.38022 version number, and it seems to add little on top of what Lumia Denim and Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1 bring to the table. Verizon mentions a Softcard app, which enables contactless payments at participating stores. You can read more about it here.

  You probably know what the changes will be, but, just to recap, here are some of the highlights: Action Center (notifications center), Cortana personal assistant, Start screen background, folders, Word Flow swipe-enabled keyboard, independent volume controls, Internet Explorer 11, Skype integration, universal search, new and improved built-in apps like Calendar, Lumia Camera, HERE Drive+, Battery Sense, Data Sense, Storage Sense, Wi-Fi Sense and more.

  For a more complete breakdown of the new features packed into Lumia Denim and Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1, check out our coverage of the new firmware and Windows Phone 8.1 update.

  To check the availability of the software update, you'll have to navigate to the phone update menu, under Settings, and hit the check for updates button. If it's available, hit download and follow the instructions to complete the process.

  The only other Lumia devices to have the Lumia Denim update available in US are, apparently, Lumia 822 and Lumia 928, two other Verizon-exclusives, according to a Microsoft support page. That said, neither is truly comparable to Lumia Icon, in terms of specs. At the time of writing this article, Lumia Denim is not listed as available for Lumia Icon.

  
• 

  Clean PC infections with Trend Micro Anti-Threat Toolkit

  Publié: février 11, 2015, 12:10pm CET par Mike Williams

  

  Trend Micro may not always make the headlines, but it produces some great antivirus products which are loved by the independent testing labs (the company came top of the list in AV-Comparatives' December 2014 Real-World Protection Test).

  Detection rates aren't everything, of course, and you might prefer something else. But if your system gets infected anyway, you can try out the company's technology for free with Trend Micro Anti-Threat Toolkit.

  The package has no real-time protection. It's a rescue kit only, something to use on an infected system to detect and remove malware.

  The Toolkit won't necessarily detect everything, either, although there's enough power to be useful. The company says there's support for removing rootkits, Zbot, Cryptolocker, master boot record infections, CIDOX/RODNIX and "general malware".

  The process starts by choosing the right version for your system: 32 or 64-bit? In addition, those builds assume your system is connected to the internet. If this isn't the case, download the Offline version here.

  Run whatever you download as an administrator. By default the program runs a "quick scan", although that's hard to believe as it seemed slow to us. But if you click Settings you can choose the scan type or check a specific location only.

  Once you're happy, click Scan Now and wait. When the Toolkit has finished, any threats found will be listed and you can remove them all with a click.

  It's hard to assess how useful this kind of product is, but Trend Micro Anti-Threat Toolkit passed our simple detection test, and the company's technology seems highly rated right now. Grab a copy for emergencies.

  
• 

  Most mobile email users prefer iOS over Android

  Publié: février 11, 2015, 10:54am CET par Sead Fadilpašić

  

  People in the UK really love Apple products. OK, to be more precise, people in the UK with email accounts love Apple products.

  More than half of all email in the UK (54 percent) is opened on an Apple device, says SendGrid, an email delivery platform. The total number of opened emails on iPads and iPhones has increased by 18 percent and five percent respectively.

  Android devices, on the other hand, have dropped 30 per cent year-over-year, down to a total of eight percent this year.

  According to SendGrid, it's not Nokia who stole Android's market share. Nokia also lost market share showing a drop of 68 percent in the number of emails opened on its phones compared to the same period in 2014.

  Blackberry showed a steady increase of 20 per cent year-on-year, which SendGrid suggests might be due to the company's renewed interest in privacy.

  SendGrid analyzed millions of emails opened in a 10-day period at the start of 2015 and compared it to the same period in 2014.

  Email users in the rest of western Europe seem to favour Apple products as well, with the exception of Italy. In France, 47 percent of all email are opened on an Apple device, exactly the same as in Spain, while in Germany it's 46 percent.

  Italy, however, saw a decrease of 44 per cent year-over-year in the use of Apple products to read emails.

  Aaron Beach, Senior Data Scientist of SendGrid, believes Android's problem lies in its handset makers: "The variety of devices people use for email tells us a lot about how different platforms are performing across the UK. While people might own a number of devices it seems that Apple is still the firm favorite, as their recent results show. Android was the surprise this year showing a marked drop on 2014, perhaps reflecting the problems of handset makers such as Samsung".

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

  
• 

  Here are the specs for Sony's upcoming Xperia Z4

  Publié: février 11, 2015, 10:36am CET par David Curry

  

  It looks like the Xperia Z4 will be coming to stores earlier than expected, following a new leak from Geekbench showing a Sony device running Android 5.0.2 and Snapdragon 810 processor.

  Not many devices come running the latest Android Lollipop update, and only two devices currently feature the Snapdragon 810 processor, the LG G Flex 2 and Xiaomi Mi Note Pro.

  Geekbench's benchmark also showed 3GB of RAM, surprisingly not 4GB like the Mi Note Pro or reported Galaxy S6 specs. Considering the Snapdragon 810 features a 1.5GHz octa-core CPU, most device manufacturers are adding another gig of RAM to the device.

  Sony will split the Xperia Z4 into two options, a QHD display and 1080p display. It is not known how big the price gap will be between the two devices, possibly $100 more for the QHD display.

  Previous rumors claimed the Xperia Z4 would come much later in the year, as a result of poor sales overall from Sony’s mobile division, however this new leak shows it is only a few months away.

  Sticking to six month release dates does put Sony at a slight disadvantage when it comes to big improvement announcements, while Samsung, HTC and Apple all have one year to plan the new device.

  This has been a big problem in trying to get customers to buy a Sony device, if the customer knows it will be irrelevant in six months when the successor is announced.

  The next major event is Mobile World Congress, which starts on March 1, where Samsung, HTC and Huawei are all planning to announce new devices.

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

  
• 

  Calm down -- Samsung refutes claims that its Smart TVs are spying on you

  Publié: février 11, 2015, 4:22am CET par Alan Buckingham

  

  The past couple of days have been a whirlwind for Samsung. Allegations have been flying about the Korean company's Smart TVs spying on users and logging information for the company. It's safe to say that people are a bit paranoid over being spied on these days; Edward Snowden had far-reaching implications. But, while a degree of paranoia isn't necessarily a bad thing, it also isn't good to have an overdose.

  Samsung is now answering to those charges and its claims are much different than the accusations. While it's still difficult for most customers to actually realize what is happening, it isn't all that hard to explain.

  Essentially, the TVs use voice in much the same way that devices like Xbox One and Amazon Fire TV do. That doesn't mean that everything in your living room is being recorded for Samsung or a government to parse.

  As the TV maker explains "some Samsung Smart TVs offer voice recognitions functions. These functions are enabled only when users agree to the separate Samsung Privacy Policy and Terms of Use regarding this function when initially setting up the TV".

  The company also points out that this functionality is only enabled if the user agrees to it during setup. With that said, consumers have been known to not read terms and conditions. In other words, it's your choice if you want this or not; nobody is twisting your arm.

  There are two microphones activated, one within the TV and one contained in the remote control. The one in the remote is likely the one that has caused the concern. It interacts with a server to interpret what you say. So does your Android phone, though. In fact, Samsung points that out, saying "'Recommend a good Sci-Fi movie'. This interaction works like most any other voice recognition service available on other products including smartphones and tablets".

  While security and the Internet of Things can be confusing, this one has become a bit overblown in the media. Of course you can't believe everything a company tells you, but that doesn't mean riot in the streets. Let's calm down and find out what's going on before entering full-on panic mode.

  Image Credit: Andresr / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people can now snatch a .LGBT domain

  Publié: février 11, 2015, 2:44am CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  One of the proudest things of my lifetime, is witnessing the growing acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the United States. While hatred and discrimination still exist, it is far less nowadays. Heck, the number of states that allow gay marriage is increasing all of the time, while more and more people are being open-minded about gender.

  Today, a monumental thing is happening on the Internet -- the .LGBT domain launches to the public. What does this mean? Rather than .net, .com, or many others, you can snatch up a domain name ending in .LGBT too. With that said, it is not strictly reserved for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals, but supportive organizations too. Heck, anyone can utilize .LGBT for a website or email address to show support for equality!

  "Global domain registry operator Afilias announced today the first and only top-level domain (TLD) dedicated to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community is now open for registration: 'dot LGBT' or .LGBT. All LGBT community members and businesses, organizations and other entities serving the community may register for a .LGBT domain name immediately", says the registry operator.

  Roland LaPlante, Chief Marketing Officer of Afilias further explains, "the large and vibrant LGBT community now has an Internet address that embraces the full breadth and diversity of LGBT people around the world in a protected, inclusive manner. The new .LGBT domain provides email and site addresses that instantly convey 'LGBT-friendly'. Innovative companies and organizations like the ones below know that .LGBT will help them stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace for goods, services and ideas for this distinctive community".

  The fact that a .LGBT domain exists is a huge win for equality and humanity. With that said, there is still a lot of work to be done both in the USA and globally to eradicate ignorance. Believe it or not, some countries make it illegal to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. How sad is it that someone is persecuted for merely being themselves?

  True, this new domain option won't magically destroy the hate, but it is another step closer.

  Photo Credit: Vectomart/ Shutterstock

  
• 

  Dropbox 3.2.4 FINAL supports opening files from web, updated File Explorer shell extension

  Publié: février 10, 2015, 11:28pm CET par Nick Peers

  

  Dropbox has unveiled Dropbox 3.2.4 FINAL, the first stable build in its 3.2 series for Windows, Mac and Linux. The cloud backup and sync tool gains a number of new features and improvements with this latest release, which needs to be manually installed on some platforms.

  The update’s headline feature is support for opening files locally directly from the web. Windows users also get a new File Explorer shell implementation, while OS X users gain improved network proxies.

  The major new feature allows users to browse their Dropbox folder in a supported web browser and open files directly from the browser window. If certain prerequisites are met, after clicking a file to preview or view available options for it, users will see an Open button appear in place of the Download button. This then links to the locally stored copy of the file, which is opened in the usual manner for editing.

  The requirements for this new feature are: Dropbox 3.2.4 must be installed and running, all local files must be in sync, and users must be browsing using a recent version of Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox or Safari -- we also tried the feature in Opera, but it didn't work.

  Windows users also gain a new implementation of Dropbox’s File Explorer extension, which should now work as it did in version 3.0 or earlier -- right-click a file inside the Dropbox folder to reveal available options.

  OS X users gain support for automatically discovered and auto-configured network proxies, while version 3.2.4 also fixes a number of Linux-specific tray icon issues. Certain window managers remain affected, but Dropbox promises additional fixes will appear shortly.

  The update is rounded off with connection sharing support, which comes with the promise of lower latency.

  Dropbox 3.2.4 is available now as a free download for Windows, Mac and Linux.

  
• 

  File sharing site RapidShare is no more

  Publié: février 10, 2015, 8:25pm CET par Wayne Williams

  

  Things were seriously rocky for file sharing sites after MegaUpload was raided and shutdown three years ago. Several other sharing sites voluntarily closed their doors shortly after to avoid suffering the same fate, but since then it’s been relatively calm and business as usual among file sharing services.

  So it’s a bit of a surprise (albeit not a massive one) to hear that Switzerland-based RapidShare, one of the first file hosting and sharing services on the Internet, is to shut down next month.

  RapidShare launched in 2002 and has undergone a few changes over the years, including -- in the wake of MegaUpload being shut down -- making more of an effort to clamp down on people sharing illegal content through it.

  The site hasn’t been doing well in recent years though, and shut down its free service, increased its prices, and let a large portion of its workforce go last year, but even so the final nail in the coffin is a bit of a shock.

  If you visit the site now, you will be greeted with a message stating:

  Dear RapidShare Customers

  Kindly note that RapidShare will stop the active service on March 31st, 2015. Extensions of STANDARD PLUS and PREMIUM will be possible until February 28th, 2015.

  We strongly recommend all customers to secure their data. After March 31st, 2015 all accounts will no longer be accessible and will be deleted automatically.
  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to send us an e-mail to support@rapidshare.com

  Thank you for many years of trust.
  Your RapidShare Team

  So, that’s it. After March 31st, all of RapidShare’s user accounts and data will be deleted and the site will be consigned to history.

  Did you use RapidShare, and will you miss it?

  
• 

  Google blocks Mozilla Firefox for Android from the Play Store

  Publié: février 10, 2015, 6:43pm CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  If you're an Android user, there is a good chance that you use the Chrome browser on your device. Look, I get it, it can be easier and more seamless to use all Google apps. Me? I use Firefox on my Nexus 6. Why? I find it to be a better experience from a speed perspective -- scrolling is very fluid. More importantly though, I enjoy using plugins, such as Lastpass.

  Today, however, I noticed something odd. When clicking a link to the Play Store in Firefox for Android, I did not see the app store. No, I instead saw an error message that Firefox was no longer supported. In other words, Google has flagged the user agent for Firefox, thereby blocking it from the web version Play Store. Disgusting.

  What makes this a horrible practice, is that Firefox is capable of displaying the site. If you change the user agent, you can access it and all is well. Google is deciding that it doesn't want the mobile version of Firefox accessing its precious Play Store on the web.

  

  What ultimately makes this a scary thing, is that Google develops its own browser, Chrome. Blocking Firefox is anti-competitive behavior, and quite frankly, goes against Google's original pledge to do no evil. Blocking Firefox is evil, end of story.

  Firefox's solution of handling the Play Store was genius too, and I loved it. You could launch the Play Store app from the web version at any time by clicking on a little icon in the address bar.

  I have reached out to Google for an explanation, but have received no response. I will update the story if and when the company does.

  Photo Credit: Syda Productions / Shutterstock

   

  
• 

  Safer Internet Day Google giveaway -- 2Gb of free Drive storage

  Publié: février 10, 2015, 6:29pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  As it's Safer Internet Day today, lots of companies are getting in on the action and doing their bit to encourage people to be a little safer online. One such company is Google, and if you spend a few moments performing a quick security check, you can bag yourself 2GB of Drive storage for free.

  There are no trick questions -- it's nothing more than ensuring that your Google account recovery information is up to date. You don’t get the extra space straight away, but you only have to wait until the end of the month for the start of the rollout.

  Head over to the Security Checkup page and you can check that your mobile number, recovery email address and security question are all set up correctly. If anything needs changing, this is the time and place to do just that. Click All Done and, well, you're done!

  While you're here you can also check your recent account activity -- keep an eye out for anything that looks suspicious -- and disable account access for apps that have been deemed "less secure". You can also check which apps, devices and sites have access to your Google account.

  In a blog post Google points out that "Google Apps for Work and Google Apps for Education users are not eligible for the bonus storage but should still consider taking the Security Checkup." If you're a regular Drive user, there's not really any excuse not to take advantage of the offer. What are you waiting for?

  
• 

  Nest introduces Home Report, find out where you stand in each category

  Publié: février 10, 2015, 5:20pm CET par Alan Buckingham

  

  Nest, the thermostat maker that everyone seems to love, has been busy innovating with the Internet of Things lately, allowing users even more control over the devices in their homes. But the company hasn't forgotten its roots -- it's still about being a thermostat that aims to save energy and money.

  Now the company is touting a new report to get customers up to speed with where they stand with the whole "savings" part of things and more. This new report incorporates more of what Nest does -- not just the energy savings, but information on the smoke detectors the company produces, as well as the integration with other devices.

  "We work with other companies to create the thoughtful home. So today we’re introducing the Nest Home Report" says Nest's Matt Rogers, who is the founder and also head of engineering. So what's included in this new document?

  Well, there's information on energy, as one would expect, but also the "leafs" you've earned, what percentile of users you fall into, a safety summary, tips and more.

  Rogers points out that "if you have a Nest Protect -- or a few Nest Protects -- you get something completely new: a Home Report with a safety summary".

  The company published an infographic to show some of what's included. You can check that out below.

  

  
• 

  Facebook continues to bring free Internet access to people, partners with RCom to launch Internet.org in India

  Publié: février 10, 2015, 4:17pm CET par Manish Singh

  

  Facebook is on a mission to get more people to use the internet. Through Internet.org -- a global partnership between the social networking service and six mobile phone technology giants, nonprofits, local communities and experts -- the company today took its biggest step in that direction. Internet.org is now available in India, the world’s second most populous nation.

  The company has partnered with Reliance Communications, an Indian broadband and telecommunications company, to provide access to 38 services (products and websites) for free. To get things started, the service has been launched in six Indian states -- Tamil Nadu, Mahararashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, and Telangana -- and will work for both existing and new RCom subscribers.

  The 38 different services the company is offering include portals of news, health, weather, music, sports, and search (using Microsoft’s Bing). These services will be available in English and six local languages namely, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Gujarati, and Marathi. Some of the websites are, Aaj Tak news, BBC News, Reuters Market Lite, Wikipedia, wikiHow, AccuWeather, AP Speaks, Babajob, BabyCenter & MAMA, Bing Search, Cleartrip, Dictionary.com, ESPN CricInfo, Girl Effect, Hungama, Maalai Malar Tamil news, OLX, and TimesJobs. The bundle also includes Facebook's marquee and Messenger apps.

  "We just launched Internet.org in India -- giving people in six Indian states access to free basic internet services for health, education, jobs and communication", says Mark Zuckerberg. “Over the last year we've rolled out Internet.org free basic services to countries with more than 150 million people total across Africa and Latin America... But to continue connecting the world, we have to connect India. More than a billion people in India don't have access to the internet. That means they can't enjoy the same opportunities many of us take for granted, and the entire world is robbed of their ideas and creativity", he added.

  This is a unarguably one of the biggest noble initiatives in recent times. About 70 percent of mobile India is currently not connected to the internet. By giving these people access to the web, the company will play an important role in enriching these people's lives.

  The initiative has already been launched in a number of African countries including Zambia, Kenya, and Ghana, and Colombia and Tanzania. The project aims to bring internet access to 5 million people. The social juggernaut is working with Samsung, Ericsson, MediaTek, Nokia, Opera and Qualcomm to bolster the reach of Internet.org to more people. These companies offer their expertise in data-compression technologies and cheap, high-quality smartphones to reduce the overhead expenses.

  
• 

  Intelligent and connected devices are driving a 'third industrial revolution'

  Publié: février 10, 2015, 3:30pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  Software-driven intelligent devices and the Internet of Things are changing the way companies deliver their products and services.

  This is among the findings of a new report from Flexera Software and IDC which points towards a 'third industrial revolution' transforming the global economy.

  The report based on responses from software vendors, intelligent device manufacturers and end-user enterprises, finds that the number of manufacturers making Internet of Things devices is set to more than double in the next two years.

  There's also strong growth in intelligent devices, with 50 percent of respondents saying they currently develop intelligent devices and another 21 percent planning on making their devices intelligent over the next two years.

  79 percent of respondents say they are, or plan on, delivering remote monitoring and maintenance as part of their product/service mix. 66 percent will add business intelligence capabilities and 37 percent will improve their supply chains with new services, such as automatic replenishment -- for example empty water coolers being able to order their own refills.

  Software licensing and entitlement management is seen as key to monetizing the Internet of Things, allowing companies to develop new offerings that bundle device, services and consulting. This will see the proportion of revenues gained from hardware decline over the next two years and revenue from services grow to take its place.

  "The report supports a long-proven truism in the high-tech arena -- that innovation, alone, isn't sufficient to transform an industry. There must also be a practical means to monetize new technology in order to profit from it," says Vikram Koka, Vice President of Intelligent Devices and Internet of Things at Flexera Software. "Software- and Internet-enabled products are spawning a vast new category of products and services previously unimaginable. The data from today's report shows that in conjunction with their new products and services, device makers are also beginning to transform their business models via flexible licensing and entitlement management -- enabling them to turn their innovations into revenue".

  Image Credit: alexmillos / Shutterstock

  
• 

  List image aspect ratios with Arti

  Publié: février 10, 2015, 2:49pm CET par Mike Williams

  

  If you need to find images which fit into some predefined web or document layout, you’ll probably need to consider their aspect ratio. But that might require some manual calculations, especially if your pictures aren’t in standard sizes.

  Alternatively, you could just use Arti -- "Aspect Ratio Tool for Images", the latest release from prolific freeware developer Jody Holes, aka skwire -- to handle everything for you.

  The program has options to add selected files or entire folders, or you can drag and drop your target images onto the Arti window.

  A table lists their names, widths and heights, their exact ratio (4:3), the decimal equivalent (1.33), or the nearest match to a list of preset ratios (handy if you’d like something at 16:9, say, but don’t mind if it’s a few pixels out).

  This would be useful in itself, but Arti has some thoughtful extra touches. If you spot a few files you’d like to use, for instance, right-clicking displays options to open their containing folder, or copy them to the clipboard, ready for pasting elsewhere.

  The program also offers some useful reporting options, ranging from copying selected file details to the clipboard, to saving the entire report as a CSV file for later reference.

  Arti is still very much a niche tool, of course, but if you do sometimes need to calculate aspect ratios then it could save you a lot of time. Recommended.

  
• 

  2015 Motorola Moto E offers Android 5.0 Lollipop and 4G at just $99

  Publié: février 10, 2015, 1:42pm CET par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Consumers looking to purchase their first smartphone have so many options to choose from that the only way manufacturers can differentiate is by giving their devices more upscale, standout features. In a time when 4G LTE is on the rise, faster data speeds would certainly qualify. And with the 2015 Moto E, Motorola is finally giving its future customers just that.

  Yes, folks, the 2015 Moto E will arrive packing 4G LTE cellular connectivity, at a price that is similar to its predecessor's. And it will run Android 5.0 Lollipop out-of-the-box.

  The current Moto E is Motorola's least-expensive smartphone, being available for around $100 off-contract. According to a Best Buy listing of the 2015 Moto E, the new smartphone, in Sprint trim, will be available for as little as $99.99, obviously sans contract.

  Motorola has also fixed another issue with last year's model, as the 2015 Moto E arrives with double the internal storage -- 8 GB, compared to just 4 GB for the 2014 Moto E. It retains the microSD card slot.

  And it will also pack a faster processor, namely a 1.2 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon. The other major specs remain unchanged: 4.5-inch display with a resolution of 540 by 960; 1 GB of RAM; 5 MP main camera; 0.3 MP front-facing camera; GPS; Wi-Fi 802.11n.

  The 2015 Moto E comes in at 5.12 x 2.64 x 0.47 inches and 5.04 ounces. The Sprint version, pictured at the top, is the black model; other color options will most likely be offered.

  At just $99.99, the new Moto E (while writing this article, Best Buy took down the page, so I'm linking to Google Cache instead) will face tough competition from last year's Moto G, which can be had for even less money and with better hardware. A pre-paid Verizon model can be had now for just $69.99. However, you'll have to shell out more for the 4G LTE Moto G to also get a microSD card slot; assuming you're fine with a carrier-branded model, it also costs $99.99.

  
• 

  New and nastier Android ransomware uses unique keys to lock data

  Publié: février 10, 2015, 1:34pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  The Simplocker ransomware targeting Android systems first appeared in mid 2014. Prior to Simplocker most ransomware only claimed to encrypt files but didn't actually do so.

  Fortunately files locked by the malware were fairly easy to decrypt, but now researchers at antivirus company Avast have uncovered a new version of Simplocker with an even nastier trick.

  The latest version uses unique keys for each device it infects making it much harder to decrypt and is already believed to have infected around 5,000 devices.

  Avast mobile malware analyst, Nikolaos Chrysaidos writing on the company's blog says, "To use an analogy, the original variant of Simplocker used a 'master key' to lock devices, which made it possible for us to provide a 'copy of the master key' to unlock already infected devices. The new variant however, locks each device with a 'different key' which makes it impossible to provide a solution that can unlock each infected device, because that would require us to'‘make copies' of all the 'different keys'".

  The new Simplocker masquerades as a Flash Player update to trick users into installing it. Android blocks installs from unofficial markets by default, so users should be safe unless they've changed their settings.

  If it is installed the app is granted administrator rights and uses social engineering to deceive the user into paying a ransom to unlock the device and decrypt the files. The app claims to be the FBI, warning the user that they have found suspicious files, violating copyright laws and demanding the user pay a $200 fine to decrypt their files.

  There's more information including a look at how the Simplocker malware operates on the Avast blog.

  Image Credit: Carlos Amarillo / Shutterstock

  
• 

  TailExpert is a versatile Windows log monitor

  Publié: février 10, 2015, 1:15pm CET par Mike Williams

  

  Windows Event Logs can be a great troubleshooting resource, packed as they are with a host of essential low-level system details. But the bulky, underpowered Windows Event Viewer means all this data isn’t nearly as easy to access as it could be, and so many people avoid it just as much as they can.

  TailExpert is a free-for-personal-use alternative, a powerful tool for viewing, analyzing and monitoring Windows Event and plain text logs.

  The tabbed interface allows you to open several log files at once. Each file can be viewed in the full program window, or you can choose to view two logs side by side.

  You have full control over the details TailExpert displays. Open an Event Log, say, and you’ll get all the usual information: event type, date, time, source, user, computer, message and so on. But you can reorder the columns, remove some entirely, change the sort order and otherwise organize the log to make it more readable.

  One problem with Event Logs is the sheer volume of data they contain, but TailExpert provides several tools to help, including filters, text searching with regular expression support, and a bookmark system.

  If this sounds too much like hard work, you might like to try the Notify feature. Set TailExpert to monitor your log for some given text, leave it running in the background, and you can have the program play a sound, run a command or send an email whenever something interesting happens.

  Advanced tools include log compare options and the ability to analyze logs via Lua scripts, and there are plenty of configuration options to help set up TailExpert exactly as you’d like.

  The developer’s site isn’t exactly impressive. There’s a total lack of supporting information about the program. A support forum with a single post, and a "Buy" link which gave us a "Forbidden" message. A little background research gave us a real company and person who appeared to be behind the site, so we don’t think it’s malicious (the program itself scored 0/57 at VirusTotal), but this still seemed odd.

  Still, TailExpert is only at version 1.0.0, so maybe they decided to finish the program before the website. Either way, it’s a feature-packed log analyzer and an excellent troubleshooting tool. Go take a look.

  
• 

  Google turns virtual doctor with health advice through the Knowledge Graph

  Publié: février 10, 2015, 12:07pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  We're a global nation of hypochondriacs; Google has revealed that 5 percent of search traffic comes from people looking for health and well-being information. To help with any queries you might have about your body and different conditions, the search giant has furnished Knowledge Graph with a raft of medical data.

  Got a funny looking rash? Google could help you to determine whether you have something to worry about, or whether it's something that's likely to clear up on its own. Knowledge is power, and medical knowledge is what Google is trying to arm people with to avoid the worry that comes with uncertainty.

  The problem with Googling health problem is that, ordinarily, the results that are thrown up are entirely uncurated. You might find some valuable advice, but you are equally likely to find quack advice which is potentially dangerous. The difference with the medical information made available through Knowledge Graph is that real doctors have been involved in information-gathering and fact-checking.

  Introducing the feature in a post on the Google blog, Prem Ramaswami said:

  We worked with a team of medical doctors (led by our own Dr. Kapil Parakh, M.D., MPH, Ph.D.) to carefully compile, curate, and review this information. All of the gathered facts represent real-life clinical knowledge from these doctors and high-quality medical sources across the web, and the information has been checked by medical doctors at Google and the Mayo Clinic for accuracy.

  Of course Google wants to protect its back -- there's no guarantee that data provided through the Knowledge Graph is one hundred percent accurate, and it's certainly not going to be a complete replacement for visiting your doctor. There's the disclaimer:

  That doesn’t mean these search results are intended as medical advice. We know that cases can vary in severity from person to person, and that there are bound to be exceptions. What we present is intended for informational purposes only -- and you should always consult a healthcare professional if you have a medical concern.

  The feature will be rolling out over the next few days, and can be accessed on phones, tablets and computers -- just ask natural-language questions. For now it's US-only, but there are plans for a wider release as well as information about more conditions and treatments.

  Photo credit: Africa Studio / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Safer Internet Day tips for parents

  Publié: février 10, 2015, 11:28am CET par Ian Barker

  

  It probably hasn't escaped your notice that today (10 February) is Safer Internet Day. This is intended to promote safer and more responsible use of online technology and mobile phones, especially amongst children and young people.

  Online advice site Knowthenet.org.uk -- operated by the Nominet domain registry -- has published some new research looking at the attitudes of parents to their children's use of social media and finds that whilst it has a generally good effect there's still a need for caution.

  Parents are mostly positive about social media's effects, with 27 percent saying it has helped their children make new friends, 23 percent that it helped them feel more included and 18 percent that it helped them feel more confident.

  There are some worries though with 24 percent saying that their child was unhappier since using social media and 31 percent that their child had been upset by something they'd seen on a site. 42 percent of parents say they don't set any time limit on their child's internet use.

  In response to the findings Knowthenet has put together some handy tips for parents. These include:

  • Being open with your child about social media sites and listening to any problems they may be having.
  • Setting time limits on internet usage and if possible keeping smartphones and laptops in communal spaces rather than allowing them in bedrooms.
  • Checking the privacy settings of social networking sites to ensure children don’t over share information or get exposed to anything they shouldn't be.
  • Educating yourself about how sites work in case of a problem and remembering to check the policies of social networking sites: both Facebook and Twitter have age limits of 13 for example.
  • Finally, set a good example yourself. If parents are constantly checking and updating social media sites it sends a message to children that they should be doing the same.

  For more information on keeping children safe online and understanding internet safety in general you can visit the Knowthenet website.

  Image Credit: Pressmaster / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Manchester City Football Club scores its own wearables app

  Publié: février 10, 2015, 11:17am CET par Sead Fadilpašić

  

  Manchester City has claimed the title of the world’s first football club to create an app for Android Wear smart watches.

  The app is called CityMatchday Wear, and it can be downloaded for free from the Google Play store. It offers club related news, goal alerts and notifications for different events, such as yellow and red cards, penalties, team sheets, match details and substitutions.

  The app also provides a textual commentary on the games, as well as a compilation of best tweets from Manchester City fans around the world.

  "CityMatchday Wear is another example of how we are constantly exploring and adopting new technology with the ultimate goal of improving the fan experience and strengthening fans’ engagement with the Club", said Diego Gigliani, director of Media and Fan Relationship Management. "We recognize the smart watch market is still in its early stages but its popularity is projected to increase rapidly as new players come into the market. We’re thrilled to get in early and start discovering ways to tap into the devices’ potential".

  Manchester City is currently in second spot in the Barclays Premier League, lagging seven points behind leaders Chelsea.

  City have failed to win in their last four Premier League games, drawing with Hull City, Chelsea and Everton, and losing to Arsenal, showing how important Yaya Toure is to the team.

  In the past month, the midfielder has been participating in the African Cup of Nations, where he played for his home country, Ivory Coast.

  On Sunday night, Ivory Coast defeated Ghana on penalties and were crowned champions of the African Cup of Nations 2015.

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

  
• 

  Video chat with your pets using Microsoft's Skype -- adorable puppy video inside!

  Publié: février 10, 2015, 5:49am CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  I'm a dog guy. No, really; I'm all in on this canine thing. You know those weird people that dress up their dog in clothes? I'm that guy now. Having never owned a dog growning up, I used to laugh at people that did that, but now I am having birthday parties for my little puppy. Heck, I even dress her up for Halloween and go to Petco for the costume contest! Believe it or not, I'm not alone in this behavior. More and more people are treating their pets as family members and even treating them as equals.

  Today, Microsoft touts a new use for its popular communication solution, Skype -- keeping a loving eye on your pets. Yes, some people cannot bear to be away from their pets for long amounts of time. With Skype, you can monitor your furry family member using a webcam. With that said, I must warn you; there is an adorable example video below that will melt your heart.

  "We've tried to make it as easy as possible for you to keep in touch with your pets no matter where you are or what device you’re using. To help show an example of how families use Skype catch up with their pets, we met up with Lilly and followed her to the pet hotel where she had just checked in for the weekend", says The Skype Team.

  The team further explains, "even while Lily's mom and dad are on holiday, they like to check in on her throughout the day to say hi and make sure she's relaxing as much as they are. With a quick Skype video call, Lily's parents were able to talk to Lilly through Skype on TV. By catching up together, Lily's parents gained some peace of mind knowing that Lilly was in good hands".

  Obviously, pets cannot operate a webcam or device on their own (unless you have a chimpanzee, maybe), so I am sure you are wondering how the chat is initiated.  As you can see in the video above, the human that is caring for the dog takes care of this.

  Ultimately, this allows the dog owners (parents) to relax knowing that the dog is safe and sound. The dog may be calmed as well, hearing and seeing her mommy and daddy.

  By the way, how adorable are the dogs in the video? OMG, I can't even!

  Will you Skype with your puppy or kitten while away from them? Do you do this already? Tell me in the comments.

  
• 

  Need a bigger cloud? Microsoft has 100GB of free OneDrive storage for you!

  Publié: février 10, 2015, 2:07am CET par Mark Wilson

  

  It's difficult, if not impossible, to have too much storage space. There has been a slow, but steady move to the cloud, and there are numerous names vying for attention, from Google Drive and Mega to OneDrive. Numbers talk, and it's the amount of free space that can sway users to one service or another.

  Google has been giving away Drive storage with Chromebooks for some time, and now Microsoft is getting in on the action. Agree to receive promotional emails through Bing rewards, and you can bag yourself an extra 100GB of OneDrive storage completely free of charge for the next two years. If you're in the US, that is. Or if you use a proxy...

  It's a pretty straightforward offer. Pay a visit to the Bing Rewards page, click the OneDrive offer and then indicate that you're happy to "receive promotional emails from OneDrive". That’s all there is to it. Oh... it's worth noting that "you can unsubscribe at any time". It's not clear whether this will result in your free storage being removed, so you might want to set up suitable filters to prevent your inbox from filling up with junk.

  Once the two years are up, you'll have to stump up the cash for the extra space or lose it, but until then, just enjoy the extra breathing room.

  It seems that the offer is only officially available to those within the US, but there's nothing to stop you from using a proxy service to, say pretend you were in the US even if you're not. S'up to you...

  
• 

  Forget that invitation, Sling TV comes to the masses as cord-cutters rejoice

  Publié: février 10, 2015, 1:15am CET par Alan Buckingham

  

  Cutting the cord, the phrase commonly used to describe those who get rid of cable and satellite service for their entertainment, has become part of the modern lexicon. Now Sling, the box maker that enables TV sharing, has its own version of internet TV. This one is designed to compete with the likes of Hulu, Amazon Prime and Netflix, but is a bit pricier than its rivals.

  Sling TV was already announced, but until now it required an invitation. The floodgates are now open as that restriction gets lifted. As of now, anyone can sign up for an account, getting access to a wealth of TV shows. These include channels such as ESPN, HGTV, Food Network and more. The first is the most intriguing -- the possibility of watching live sports without the need to use sketchy services like Wiziwig.

  The service promises "the best of live TV -- sports, hit shows, movies, and breaking news". That's quite a lot to live up to and much of it will depend on the bandwidth of each user.

  If you sign up now then you can grab a seven day free trial, and Sling promises there is no commitment of any sort -- you can cancel service if you aren't satisfied. To find out more just head to the Sling website. Fans of live sports have been waiting for something like this.

  
• 

  Imgur Pro is now free for everyone

  Publié: février 10, 2015, 12:26am CET par Mark Wilson

  

  It’s a free for all as Imgur Pro goes free for all! The image sharing site is celebrating its sixth birthday by handing out gifts to its users rather than expecting to receive them. As of today, everyone is able to take advantage of unlimited storage on the site, but of course there is a -- very slight -- catch.

  You don’t get owt for nowt, and the cost of free in this case is ads. Imgur has long been ad-supported, and now Imgur Pro has gone down the same route. Now that everyone has access to a Pro account, they have access to more than just extra storage space.

  If you want to keep track of how popular the images you upload are, you can monitor this using image analytics, and you'll also gain access to extra thumbnailing options. Emails have been sent out to existing Pro subscribers, but the news was also broken in a post on the Imgur blog:

  It’s been an amazing six years for Imgur. What began as a simple image uploading service has transformed into a community of the Internet’s most dynamic visual storytellers. Imgur has become the best place to explore, share, and discuss the Internet’s images–and we couldn’t have done it without your support and loyalty. We’re looking forward to many more years of uniting the universe through images with you.

  Enjoy the free stuff!

  Don't worry if you recently coughed up for a Pro subscription -- you might be able to get your money back. Providing you upgraded in the last 30 days, you are entitled to a full refund. If you're rocking a subscription, your account will remain ad-free until your subscription period runs out.

  
• 

  Build multimedia HTML quizzes with QuizFaber

  Publié: février 9, 2015, 10:03pm CET par Mike Williams

  

  Quizzes have been used to test our knowledge since the dawn of schooling, and they’re still just as effective today.

  They're not just for teachers, either. A well-designed quiz can help anyone find out more about themselves, learn about something that interests them, maybe compete with friends.

  You could design a quiz of your own with a pen and paper, or maybe Windows Notepad. But for more engaging results you might prefer QuizFaber, a free tool for developing multimedia HTML quizzes, no web design or scripting experience required.

  The program supports several different question types. These include multiple choice, multiple answers (pick one or more right answer), true / false, gap filling (enter the missing words in a paragraph), and freeform (type text in a box).

  Not enough? QuizFaber can also be extended with custom modules, to create new question types. Bundled examples include Jigsaw (shuffle tiles to recreate an original picture), Crossword (fill in a crossword), Numerical (enter a number in a box) and Hotspot (click in a defined area of a picture).

  Your quizzes can contain a wide range of multimedia objects, including QuickTime, Java, Flash Video, Image, Real Audio/Media, Flash, Sound and Video.

  Quizzes are extremely configurable. Questions may be presented one at a time, or all on one page. Custom sounds can be played for right / wrong answers. You might set timeouts for individual questions, and/ or the quiz as a whole. There are ways to adjust quiz navigation, background colors, images and more.

  By default quizzes are anonymous, but you can also assign them to individual students, save the results in various ways (including to cloud storage or your own web server), and analyze the performance of your students over time.

  It's not all good news. QuizFaber’s interface isn’t always intuitive or straightforward. There's no real-time WYSIWYG preview of the quiz (you must manually build and run it). Even though we were supposed to be generating an English language quiz, the prompt for one feature appeared to be in Italian, and the final "Quit" button didn't close our browser window.

  For all that, QuizFaber has a vast array of features and functionality, certainly more than we'd expect in a free application. If you need this kind of tool then it’s worth a try, just be prepared to spend a while fixing any issues and getting everything working correctly.

  
• 

  Is evolution rather than innovation the best focus for Apple's iOS 9?

  Publié: février 9, 2015, 8:37pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  Asking someone to switch from their operating system of choice is akin to asking them to switch partners when they’re in a happy relationship. But time and time again, Apple, Google and Microsoft try to attract new users with redesigns, killer features, and headline-grabbing excitement. It's an approach that Microsoft is using for Windows 10, but Apple could use a different tactic with the release of iOS 9.

  If you've got an iPad, iPad mini, iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus, the next version of iOS could be slightly lacking in the 'new' department. Reports suggest that rather than taking the wraps off a raft of new features, Apple is instead focusing firmly on improving stability and performance of its mobile OS.

  People who have complained that iOS 8 is a little portly will be pleased to hear that iOS 9 will see Apple trying to rein in the size of updates to keep those with less storage space happy -- at least this is the story according to 9to5Mac's sources. But what is more interesting is the idea that Apple is now more concerned with boosting performance and stability, as well as squashing bugs.

  That's not to say that there won’t be any new features -- it would be difficult to imagine a new version of iOS being released with little more than bug fixes -- but it looks as though the shift from iOS 8 to iOS 9 might be less marked than moving from Windows Phone 8.1 or Windows 8.1 to Windows 10. It's a little while until we can expect to see the launch of iOS 9, so there's plenty of time for rumors and speculation to mount. As TechCrunch points out, 9to5Mac is usually reliable so even though the source of the information is unnamed, we're probably safe to have some faith in its accuracy.

  iOS has recently managed to make inroads into Android's market share and it seems that Apple is now pulling a Microsoft and listening to its customers with a view to delivering what people actually want -- in this case, a solid, reliable OS rather than one dripping with new options or a completely new look. Moving forward Apple's view of software looks like it could more closely follow its attitude to hardware -- it's all about evolution rather than going for all-out innovation.

  Photo credit: Ollyy / Shutterstock

  
• 

  $1 million prize goes to collision-resistant search and rescue drone

  Publié: février 9, 2015, 7:37pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  A drone designed to help with search and rescue operations has won the top prize of $1 million in the Drones for Good contest. The contest was held in the United Arab Emirates and when we mentioned Drones for Good a couple of weeks ago, we highlighted the Gimball entry from Flyability. It seems it wasn't just us that was impressed with this drone, as Gimball went on to win!

  The Swiss drone was designed as "the world's first collision-tolerant flying robot" and it can help with search and rescue operations without fear of damaging itself or people in the area.

  Like other drones, Gimball offers incredible maneuverability, but the design here is unique. Surrounded by a geodesic cage which makes Gimball look a little like a flying gyroscope, the rugged framework keeps the drone itself safe from collisions whilst also protecting humans in the vicinity. Team leader Patrick Thevoz said:

  We struggled to find funding to develop our search and rescue drone but this UAE Government Summit initiative, Drones for Good, means we can commercially develop our project within a year, and with Flyability able to go where it is dangerous for rescuers, help save lives.

  The Drones for Good Award is the first of its kind. It is inspirational, because while there are many awards for academic research there aren't many for the social application of new technology. It allows passionate teams like us to move forward and make this a reality. The Drones for Good Award is a unique opportunity to help people realize that these flying machines are capable of positively impacting society.

  The financial prize will be a great help to getting Gimball into production, so it shouldn't be long before we see more in action, helping out where they are needed most.

  
• 

  Google Chrome to ditch SPDY -- implementing HTTP/2

  Publié: février 9, 2015, 7:34pm CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  The web is unnecessarily complicated. Competing web browsers support differing technologies and standards, leading to varying performance and compatibility issues. The problem is, it may be naïve to think there are truly open standards. True, there are standards that can be pointed to, but stop and think for a moment -- who decided on the standards? In other words, if the web is truly open, why does it seem like big companies are steering the ship when it comes to the major decisions?

  Google is one such company that is making decisions that will form the future of the web, and that is not necessarily a bad thing. The thing to take issue with is that the company could arguably have a conflict of interest when contributing to web standards. Why? It develops its own web browser (Chrome) and associated operating system (Chrome OS). Today, Google announces that it is abandoning SPDY for the HTTP/2 protocol in Chrome.

  "HTTP is the fundamental networking protocol that powers the web. The majority of sites use version 1.1 of HTTP, which was defined in 1999 with RFC2616. A lot has changed on the web since then, and a new version of the protocol named HTTP/2 is well on the road to standardization. We plan to gradually roll out support for HTTP/2 in Chrome 40 in the upcoming weeks", says Chris Bentzel, Google.

  Bentzel further explains, "some key features such as multiplexing, header compression, prioritization and protocol negotiation evolved from work done in an earlier open, but non-standard protocol named SPDY. Chrome has supported SPDY since Chrome 6, but since most of the benefits are present in HTTP/2, it’s time to say goodbye. We plan to remove support for SPDY in early 2016, and to also remove support for the TLS extension named NPN in favor of ALPN in Chrome at the same time. Server developers are strongly encouraged to move to HTTP/2 and ALPN".

  In this case, the move from SPDY to HTTP/2 is the right choice. Comparatively, they are both "open", but HTTP/2 is clearly the future, as it more closely resembles a standard. Quite frankly, average users should feel no impact from this change.

  Developers, however, should take notice. Thankfully, SPDY compatibility will not be pulled until 2016, so you will have ample time to transition. Still, we are already well into February of 2015 and 2016 will be here before you know it; don't dawdle!

  Photo Credit: Pavel Ignatov / Shutterstock

  
• 

  The case against cyber censoring the Islamic State vermin

  Publié: février 9, 2015, 12:03pm CET par Derrick Wlodarz

  

  There's a reason we are in a cultural, military, and cyber messaging war with a twisted group called IS -- still widely called ISIS, its old name. It doesn't call itself HISIS; they don't claim to represent Hinduism. Nor BISIS; they aren't Buddhist radicals. CRISIS and JISIS would also be incorrect, since they aren't Christian or Jewish radicals, either.

  They may not represent mainstream Islam, but they wholeheartedly believe in their evil calling to establish a global Islamic caliphate based on a radical Sharia ideology -- affectionately and simply called the Islamic State.

  This diseased breed of Muslim fanaticism shares a common core with the likes of Boko Haram in northern Africa, and the present day Taliban in lawless Pakistani and Afghani regions. Peaceful followers of Islam claim that these groups don't represent them -- but if the world is to understand this, we need to see the symptoms of their hatred on display, especially in the connected cyber world.

  But this isn't merely a far-away problem, one that is relegated to those caught in the crossfire of a self contained civil war. Man hasn't seen such inhumane scum sweep into power since the time of the Nazis, which one should remember was only slightly longer than a mere half century ago.

  Instead of concentration camps slaughtering Jews by the masses, IS is sweeping the Middle East in the effort to rid the planet of Christians, Jews, and ironically without missing a beat, fellow Shiite and Yazidi Muslims as well.

  Which brings up a great question on the silence surrounding our modern day Holocaust. Where are the righteous Christians calling for the destruction of IS? Where are the righteous Jews, coming to the defense of Christians and Yazidis being slaughtered town by town? And the same can be asked of the rest of the global community, especially those refusing to commit resources in the battle against this modern evil?

  The silence is deafening, sadly.

  

  The savages of IS practice modern day slavery against Christian and Yazidi women in Iraq and Syria, shown above in this photo from an Iraqi news website. Islamic State even went so far as to release a publication outlining their Islamic-based justifications for slavery of women captured in holy war. Were it not for social media, the uninformed would have believed slavery was extinct. (Image Source: IraqiNews.com)

  The above point on a lack of ground swelled outcry from the civilized world has been a common daily theme on the radio show of Michael Savage in the United States. He has been one of the few in the media championing the discussion on IS, and specifically why the world has been repeating the same mistakes as were made in pacifying Hitler in his rise to power. "It's not our war" seems to be the passive justification coming from most corners of the world, geographically and politically disconnected from the effects of IS (for now, at least).

  A lot of people feel rightly insulated from the nightmarish parts of the world falling under IS control. But one weapon on both sides of the isle, the internet, is a tool which some people believe should be kept censored in favor of one side. The savagery and barbarism of IS, some say, is too extreme to be allowed to float around on channels like YouTube or Twitter.

  But I don't share this view. Let the IS propaganda flow, I say. Let the world see what they are all about. For open and free flowing information is the only way for the insulated world to truly awake to the twisted, sadistic truth IS represents.

  I've always held such a belief, and in fact, was joined in this opinion by Michael Ingram of GigaOm a few days back. He penned a fantastic piece which dove deeply into the reasons why YouTube and other social media sites shouldn't be taking down IS imagery and media.

  Aside from the usual central belief that preservation of free speech shouldn't be at the behest and confirmation of private firms, he properly affirmed the notion that there is a concrete duty to mankind that we have a right to be informed -- even when it rises to the scale of evil currently on display in the form of beheadings and mass slayings by IS warriors.

  In a telling response to a question Michael Ingram posed on Twitter, one respondee intelligently quipped:

  During the Holocaust, many Germans claimed they "didn't know" the horrors of the death camps. With ISIS, we know. (@sylviebarak)

  Her response couldn't be closer to the truth. In the age of the internet, with an enemy determined to propagandize its cause utilizing this digital carriage, people of the free world have little excuse to be hiding behind naivety.

  The Real Reasoning Behind Free Speech Protections

  Many of us in the West like to think that free speech was a concept created in the effort to merely protect political opinion, freedom of thought, and other idealisms at the heart of a free society at large. But the founding fathers of America had a different innate vision for why free speech protections were needed: to protect the most offensive forms of speech. The kind currently emanating from the hot zones under IS control.

  Joshua Goldberg referenced this corrected, nuanced definition of free speech on an excellent post up on Thought Catalog:

  If freedom of speech only protects popular speech, then it is not free speech at all. Freedom of speech is intended to protect the most unpopular and irresponsible forms of speech – the only kinds of speech that people would actually want to be censored.

  We consider the extremism flowing out within IS propaganda as being "unpopular" and "unwanted" kinds of speech, but we need to be mindful that limiting such speech in the effort to cleanse social media won't really have the effects that most well-to-do'ers believe.

  

  The country of Jordan has stepped up blistering airstrikes against Islamic State rats and vowed to go after them "wherever they are", after one of its captured pilots was burned alive in barbaric tactics not seen since medieval times. It took a horrific act against one of its own to turn public sentiment in their country. What will it take for the rest of the world to get serious? (Image Source: DailyMail)

  Think about it. Islamic State, for as long as the internet is free and open, will always have venerable channels to disseminate its propaganda. Its own websites, forums, chat rooms, and other dark spots of solitude to distribute media in the effort to attract new followers and believers.

  But the ones who don't follow the news closely, those pinned to social media like Twitter and Facebook, is the crowd we should be more concerned about informing regarding IS and its atrocities. Vile, inhumane, and disgusting, yes -- but a lack of information by the free world is exactly what IS is hoping for. Secrecy of its horrors, and apathy among the general distant populace, is the key to IS continuing its rampage with impunity.

  These throwback vermin relish in keeping their horrors secret from the greater society, preaching primarily to impressionable disaffected Muslims in regions of high unemployment with nowhere else to turn but Sharia. Just like Hitler's forces perfected mass murder under the guise of normalcy, these cockroaches have no lesser goal than planting their flag on the White House one day if given the chance.

  It was vowed by the free world that the horrors of the Holocaust would never ever be allowed to repeat. "Never Again" became the unofficial slogan of the pact the free world committed to in forever preventing another such widescale atrocity.

  But the sad truth is that IS is succeeding in its goals to wipe out "apostates" and those who oppose its tortuous reign. A UN report released last year provided numbers of about 24,000 Iraqi civilians being killed at their hands -- in just the first eight months of 2014, mind you.

  And the map of territory that this marauding religious army covers continues to expand as well, as documented by the BBC online.

  I'm fully in belief that knowledge is power when its comes to arming the free world with intellectual ammo. Hitler expanded his ideology and control at a time when there was no such thing as the internet, social media, and Twitter hashtags. Documentaries like Night Will Fall, recently played on HBO, place on full display the horrors and atrocities committed at the hands of the Nazi regime. And so we said, Never Again.

  If we are to uphold this promise to the free world, we need to preserve the notion of uninhibited free speech, even if it places on display the worst of humankind, currently in the name of IS. It took a heinous killing of one of its countrymen for the people of Jordan to realize the scope of what humanity is up against in the fight with IS. That nation and its people finally awoke in unison.

  

  Islamic State punishes those severely who do not adhere to their strict interpretation of allowed speech under Sharia. Yet, they take the full liberty in using free speech to propagandize their cause, as displayed in their puppeteering of hostage John Cantlie in slick documentary-esque videos, as per above. We may not agree with them, but putting IS free speech on open display is the only way for the world to understand their cancerous cause. (Image Source: YouTube)

  What will be the 'Jordan moment' for the rest of the world? How many more documented horrors need to be passed over social media for the likes of Obama, Hollande, and Merkel to stand up for what is right?

  That's a good question. Until it happens, unfettered social media exposure of Islamic State is the best concerted effort we can hope for to accelerate the destruction of the largest threat to mankind since the Third Reich.

  If Islamic State doesn't represent mainstream Islam, where are the righteous Muslims in this telling moment in history? Here's hoping the power and reach of social media in Muslim countries will thrust this conundrum into prime focus.

  Until the righteous Muslims, in particular, stand up with unity against Islamic State, the YouTubes and Twitters of the world need a constant flow of IS media to prove a point: the only way to overcome pure evil is to put it on display for all the world to openly see.

  
• 

  Nectar bolsters security as police investigate eBay points fraud

  Publié: février 9, 2015, 11:40am CET par Claire Woffenden

  

  A police investigation has been launched after fraudsters targeted members of the UK’s biggest loyalty card scheme, Nectar.

  Nectar, used by over 19 million people, has beefed up security after members reported fraudulent transactions on accounts that had been linked to online auction website eBay.

  Under the Nectar and eBay scheme, members can collects points on eBay purchases and can convert their points into vouchers to spend on the auction site. People can link their Nectar cards to more than one eBay account and more than one Nectar card can be linked to an eBay account.

  Nectar has now added extra security measures after some members saw thousands of points go missing from their accounts, which fraudsters had exchanged for eBay vouchers.

  The Swales family from York noticed their Nectar account had missing points when they tried to pay for shopping in Sainsbury's with their card at the start of December. After checking their online account, it showed 9,000 points had been used on eBay on 3 December, which they reported to customer service.

  "Nectar told us they would look into the problem and it would take a month to investigate", says Mr Swales. "A month later I contacted Nectar again and they said they were still looking into the matter with eBay. However, the next day I received an email asking us to contact Nectar, where I was advised I would have my points refunded immediately".

  According to Nectar’s parent company Aimia, it has "constant checks and processes to identify and investigate potentially fraudulent activity" and suspicious activity was spotted on a "small number" of its customer accounts.

  Ania Krwawicz, senior PR Manager at Nectar’s parent company Aimia, told Betanews.com: "We became aware of suspicious activity on a small number of Nectar accounts. We informed those customers affected, notified the police and are working with them on this investigation".

  "We have made some enhancements to our systems so customers are now required to enter a secondary authentication when linking their accounts. We would like to reassure our customers that we have a number of processes and procedures in place to constantly monitor for fraudulent activity and the security of our customers’ Nectar accounts is our highest priority".

  Krwawicz continued: "Where we are confident that a transaction is fraudulent we immediately block the card, contact the customer and refund the points. We also investigate immediately if any customer informs us of missing points. However, we would always recommend members check their balances and notify us of any discrepancies".

  Nectar also advises members to change their passwords on a regular basis and to use different passwords across different accounts.

  An eBay spokesperson said: "eBay does not comment on matters of security".

  
• 

  TaskUnifier Pro now free! But…

  Publié: février 9, 2015, 11:27am CET par Mike Williams

  

  Benjamin Leclerc has announced that TaskUnifier Pro, his comprehensive task manager for Windows, Mac and Linux, is now available for free.

  Unfortunately this isn’t quite as good as it sounds, because the reason is the program will no longer be maintained.

  There’s still a lot to like here. Tasks can be created with subtasks, grouped using folders or various tasks, and presented in task, note or calendar views.

  There’s also an option to synchronize tasks with the services OrganiTask or Toodledo, allowing you to view and work on them from anywhere.

  An option to publish your tasks to Google Calendar may help if you’re working on projects with others, too.

  How long this will all stay working is open to question, of course, particularly the web features. Still, if you’re in the market for a task manager then TaskUnifier Pro has plenty to offer, and just might be worth a look (for a few months more, anyway).

  
• 

  How secure is Android? And should we be worried? [Q&A]

  Publié: février 9, 2015, 11:10am CET par Ian Barker

  

  In the past malware developers and hackers have tended to concentrate on Windows. But as mobile has taken off and there's been a shift in the type of systems people use they've diversified their efforts into other systems.

  In particular Android, as the most popular mobile OS, has become a prime target. We spoke to Ren Huan, chief architect at Android security and performance specialist 360 Security to get his view of the mobile security landscape.

  BN: How does the Android threat landscape differ from other operating systems? Are premium SMS threats still a major problem for example?

  RH: There's no absolutely safe operating system on the market. Android in particular has from day one been the go-to platform for a couple of reasons. Android makes up nearly a third of the global smartphone market. At the same time, Android's open platform supports many different variants of the Android ROM running on different types of devices, and hundreds of different app stores around the world. It's no surprise under these conditions that hackers target Android -- the low hanging fruit. With a far higher volume of threats to account for, compared to other operating systems, Android also tends to be home to the more creative types of hacks, whether it’s an SMS Trojan, or even an adware scheme.

  BN: Does the fact that Android is often customized by hardware OEMs make it more difficult to keep it secure?

  RH: There are pros and cons to Android's open platform. The open platform has encouraged Android to flourish, it provides developers and OEMs the convenience of adopting a single operating system, and users with choices between phones. However it's far more difficult to provide robust security services in an incredibly fragmented market when it's not only Google's responsibility to provide support to users. For instance, Google will push a vulnerability patch through a new OS version but historically the OEMs are slow to react and deliver the patch to the end user. In a real world analogy, this explains why Jelly Bean has been delivered to under 0.1 percent of Android users.

  BN: People tend to point to the operating system when breaches occur, but how much of the security risk comes from poorly designed apps?

  RH: You're definitely onto something. The Google team is known to be on top of Android security vulnerabilities. For example, Google rolled out Security Enhanced Linux (SELinux) with Jelly Bean. Google also updated SMS broadcast requirements, which secures SMS messages that are delivered to mobile apps. Of course this is just the tip of the iceberg. Google offers encryption protocols including MD5, AES, and HTTPS, along with regular security patches. The consequence of providing an open platform is a loss of control over its own platform and security standards. If security isn't a prerogative for an app developer they may decide to store users' information in plain text format for the sake of developing a fast, minimum, viable product. Of course this opens the app up to vulnerabilities and hackers wouldn't need to sweat to steal any stored information about the app's users.

  BN: Are we at the stage where it's essential for Android users to have some sort of anti-malware app installed on their device?

  RH: Many Android users end up installing malware because they're downloading untrustworthy apps or apps from third-party Android markets with questionable policies. Or users may unwittingly download malicious apps from forums and even other devices. Surprisingly, not many Android users are cognizant of the threats that lurk on Android, so we'd argue that it's essential for Android users to have one additional anti-malware app installed on their device. Fortunately, these days, security apps are simple to use and free-to-download. Think of an Android security app like the antivirus software you’ve installed onto your PC. Because Android security apps have varying degrees of quality, you might have more than one antivirus product installed in the case that one product failed to catch a virus. You can check AV-TEST's monthly list of top security apps, which includes 360 Security's antivirus engine by Qihoo 360.

  BN: In response to Google's recent pulling of support for WebView you recommended users switch to using Chrome. Is the Chrome browser significantly more secure and why?

  RH: Ideally you'd want to be using Chrome or Firefox if you want to avoid these WebView vulnerabilities. The reason isn't because of how secure Chrome is. Google explained that it's dealing with five million lines of outdated code, not to mention thousands of commits developers are submitting regularly, making it more difficult to deliver patches to WebView, particularly when WebView until recently came packaged in firmware. That means to get the latest WebView version delivered to end-users Google had to first send it to OEMs and carriers to distribute the patch. Once that happens it's out of Google's hands and it's a waiting game before the OEM and carrier gets around to delivering the patch. So to cut to the chase Google decided to deliver WebView patches directly and instantly to users by way of the Google Play store. Because Chrome and Firefox can be downloaded from the Play store, to receive the latest WebView patch all you need to do is update your browser version when a new one is available.

  BN: Is the user always the weakest link in keeping any system secure?

  RH: I'm sure, based on my previous response, that you'll get the inkling that Android users aren't taking enough precautionary measures to safeguard their mobile security. Oftentimes it's what apps you download, sites you browse, or links you click that causes you to have that nasty bug hiding away in your phone. Of course, not everything is in the users' control. For instance, there are plenty of situations where a trusted developer's app is hacked and user data is stolen. But more often it's the users’ actions that cause their device to contract malware. Luckily, there are measures that users can take to safeguard themselves to minimize the chance that this happens.

  BN: Finally, what everyday steps should people take to protect their Android devices?

  RH: We'd recommend that you update your apps and operating system regularly to ensure that you're receiving the latest patches. This will minimize the chances that a hacker could take advantage of your device. At the same time, security apps are a great aid in not only detecting any new threats, but also removing them. And of course, users should pay more attentions to how they're engaging with the content on their device. That means avoiding suspicious links, apps, mobile sites, and unfamiliar Wi-Fi networks.

  Image Credit: Palto / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Anonymous targets ISIS: 'You are a virus -- we are the cure'

  Publié: février 9, 2015, 9:28am CET par Wayne Williams

  

  A month ago hacker collective Anonymous vowed to go after terrorists, and shortly afterwards took down its first target, ansar-alhaqq.net.

  That was just the first shot in Anonymous’ war on terror and the hacktivists have been actively targeting Islamic State-related Twitter and Facebook accounts to reduce the terrorist group’s ability to spread its message online.

  A post on Pastebin lists a long number of Twitter handles targeted by Anonymous RedCult as part of #OpISIS, alongside Facebook accounts that Anonymous says appear to have close contact with the terrorist organization.

  According to a video posted by Anonymous, the campaign is being waged against Islamic State by people from all races, countries, religions, and ethnicity, including "Muslims, Christians, Jews… hackers, crackers, hacktivists, phishers, agents, spies, or just the guy next door…" People "United as one, divided by zero", as Anonymous puts it.

  In the video the collective also states "Remember the terrorists that are calling themselves Islamic State, ISIS, are not Muslims", before issuing a warning to the terrorists:

  We will hunt you, take down your sites, accounts, emails, and expose you…

  From now on, no safe place for you online…

  You will be treated like a virus, and we are the cure…

  We own the internet…

  We are Anonymous; we are Legion; we do not forgive, we do not forget, Expect us.

  Naturally, there is yet more to come from Anonymous, but it’s a solid start from the hacktivist collective that, as my colleague Alan Buckingham puts it, is breaking the hacker stereotype and standing up for what is right

  
• 

  Cisco: wearables will lead to a massive increase in mobile traffic by 2019

  Publié: février 9, 2015, 8:14am CET par Darren Allan

  

  We’re hearing a lot about how wearables are set to explode before this decade is out -- not literally explode (well hopefully not -- though there’s bound to be some sort of incident like that at some point, if smartphones are anything to go by), but rather to explode in terms of their numbers.

  And Cisco has released another report which points to big numbers of wearables before 2020 arrives.

  This is the company’s Visual Networking Index (VNI) study, which is performed twice a year and scrutinizes levels of fixed and mobile data traffic.

  The research estimated that there will be eight billion connected mobile devices come 2019, and 3.2 billion -- 40 percent -- will be machine-to-machine connections, including wearables.

  From this year to 2019, Cisco reckons we will see mobile traffic from wearables increase by a factor of 18 -- with most of that traffic happening via the user’s smartphone, which the wearable is hooked up to. And of course, all that bandwidth has to be catered for by network providers…

  The total number of connected things (this is the rapidly expanding Internet of Things, of course) is expected to hit 50 billion by 2020.

  In terms of these rapidly increasing levels of traffic, Cisco observes: "2015 could well be the year corporate, service provider and public sector networks start feeling the pressure".

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

  
• 

  Google snaps up photo backup app Odysee in latest acquisition

  Publié: février 9, 2015, 1:43am CET par Mark Wilson

  

  The latest service to be gobbled up by Google is Odysee. Available as an app for iOS and Android devices, Odysee enables users to privately backup and share both photos and videos. In some ways the service is similar to the automatic backup feature provided by Google+, so it is perhaps unsurprising that the Odysee team will be joining forces with the Google+ team.

  The mobile apps have been pulled from the App Store and Google Play by developer Nimbuzz Inc, but the service remains in operation for the time being. It's likely that the Odysee API is what sparked Google's interest, and it will be interesting to see how things move forward.

  At the moment there's no hint at whether the features of Odysee will be integrated into Google+, or whether new apps and services could emerge. Google has confirmed that it is joining forces with Odysee to TechCrunch. A message on the Odysee website reveals that the service as it is currently known will cease to operate in a couple of weeks' time:

  We are excited to share that the Odysee Platform Team will be joining the Google+ Team.

  Odysee’s vision was to be the easiest way for everyone to capture unlimited memories and access them everywhere. We are very excited to join Google where we'll continue to focus on building amazing products that people love.

  Our deepest thanks to every one of our users. To help you with the transition, the Odysee service will continue till Feb 23rd and soon after that all your photos and videos will be available as a downloadable archive.

  If Google is moving into the arena of private photo sharing, it would mark an intriguing switch in focus, and adds fuel to the rumors that the company is considering splitting Google+'s photo features into a separate product.

  Photo credit: violetkaipa / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Google Maps finds its way to a 10th birthday celebration

  Publié: février 8, 2015, 11:30pm CET par Alan Buckingham

  Google Maps has become the standard for many smartphone users as stand-alone GPS devices get replaced. That doesn't mean it's the best, but it is certainly at or near the top of the list. Apple found out just how difficult this type of program can be to pull off, then invited the search giant back to its mobile platform.

  Now the mapping program is celebrating its 10th birthday -- they grow up so fast. "If you hopped in your DeLorean for a trip back to before 2005, you’d remember the days when we were all dependent on paper maps, print-outs, post-its and sometimes even a compass for directions! Getting from point A to B is something we do all day, every day—from finding the fastest way to get to work, to dropping the kids off on a carpool route, to meeting friends for drinks at a new spot—so it should be as easy as possible", the Maps team states.

  Google claims that it strives to provide the most useful and accurate maps available. That's rather necessary to prevent users from becoming completely disoriented.

  Nothing is perfect of course, you won't be relying on it in the middle of a hike in a large national park, but for driving it certainly gets the job done.

  
• 

  How to automatically bypass Windows 10's login screen

  Publié: février 8, 2015, 8:42pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  Like every version of Windows before it, Windows 10 has its share of standout features, and a few niggles here and there. If you're working with the Technical Preview, you may have seen our earlier guide to removing the desktop watermark. But this is not the only thing that can be irritating, you may be frustrated by the requirement to enter your password to login every time you power up.

  As with previous versions of Windows, you can configure Windows 10 so that you are logged into your account automatically. This is great if you are the only person using your computer as it shaves valuable seconds off the startup process. If you're sick of typing your password, here's how to bypass Windows 10's login screen and log into your account automatically.

  Unlike some tweaks, this particular tip does not require you to delve into the registry or fiddle with key system files. There is a built in feature that can be used to automatically log into a particular user account, but it's pretty well hidden -- you'd be forgiven for not spotting it on your travels through the operating system.

  Hit the Start button, or press the Windows key, type netplwiz and then click the entry at the top of the list of search results. If you're feeling old-school, press the Windows key and R to bring up the Run dialog and execute the same command.

  In the list of usernames that's displayed, select the entry for your account (if you see more than one that appears to be yours, opt for the one that's an Administrator). Uncheck the option labelled 'Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer'.

  

  When prompted, enter your password -- for what will be the last time -- confirm it, and then click OK. That's it. Once you restart your computer, you'll be automatically logged into your chosen account. Simple!

  Photo credit: Nata-Lia / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Waiting to take screenshots on Xbox One? The feature is coming soon

  Publié: février 8, 2015, 6:06pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  Taking a screenshot of your gaming prowess on your Xbox One will soon be as simple as screenshotting your desktop on your computer. It's a feature that has been requested for a long time, and promised for almost as long. Now head of Xbox Phil Spencer reveals that work is well under way and the ability to take screenshots should be coming to gamers soon.

  The ability to record in-game video is nothing new, but the simple option to grab a screenshot is something that Xbox One owners are still waiting for -- although PS4 owners have enjoed this abilty for a while. With access to development software, Phil Spencer tweeted, er, a screenshot, of the screenshot feature in action.

  This is something that's certain to generate a lot of interest, but Spencer has given no indication of when the feature will be ready for primetime. He generated a good deal of interest by tweeting the image which shows that one button press will be used to record video, and another to grab an image of what's onscreen -- great for sharing proof of a high score, or keeping a record of a great move you managed to pull off.

  Nice to finally be doing this on my Xbox One dev kit. pic.twitter.com/AgDDWr3ExJ

  — Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) February 6, 2015

  In response to queries from Xboxers on Twitter, Spencer went on to say that things are still being debugged at the moment, and that the Xbox team would reveal more in due course:

  @hybriddialek Team will do a proper intro to the feature when it's ready for preview. UI and activation is all debug right now.

  — Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) February 6, 2015

  Gamers have been patient so far, and it looks like there's a bit more of a wait to endure.

  Photo credit: 360b / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Inateck Surface Pro 3 felt sleeve tablet case [Review]

  Publié: février 8, 2015, 1:23pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  If you've dropped a few hundred dollars on a Surface Pro -- or even if you're one of the crazy few to have put your faith in Windows RT -- you want to protect your investment. One of the delights of the Surface Pro is that it is pleasingly svelte, even with the keyboard cover connected. So while you'll undoubtedly want to keep your Surface safe and secure, you probably don’t want to wrap it in armor casing that triples its size and weight.

  Filling the gap in the market between full-blown laptop case and simple slip cases comes the Inateck Surface Pro 3 felt sleeve. Described variously as a Surface Case Cover, Laptop Bag, Felt Sleeve, Surface Pro 3 Sleeve Case Protection, and a Surface Pro 3 Sleeve, the felt case provides a surprisingly protective home for your tablet, and packs a few pleasing extras.

  The case is made of the same soft, thick felt throughout, meaning the screen of your Surface will be secured against scratches whether you have a keyboard cover connected or not. This is not a case that's going to withstand drops from a great height onto concrete, but there's ample cushioning to protect against bumps, scrapes and knocks. This is referred to as a Surface Pro 3 case, but it suits the smaller Surface Pro and Surface Pro 2 just as well -- there's just a little more breathing room with the smaller versions.

  

  Slip your Surface into the sexy, felty folds.

  In front of the main tablet compartment is another smaller compartment, accessible through a narrower slit. This is ideal for small items such a notebooks, pens, and other relatively flat bits and pieces that you might want to take on the road with you. A flap Velcros in place to keep the contents of these two compartments secure.

  Flip to the rear and you'll find two more little compartments. These are just the right size for slipping in a phone or MP3 player, but it's important to remember that there's nothing to keep the contents in place if you turn the case upside down.

  

  Extra pockets provide storage for extras you might need to carry.

  The case is not without its problems, however. Like all cases of its ilk it suffers with a lack of storage for the bulky charger that's so essential to extended periods of work. With this in mind, you might want to consider this a case you would use only for short trips out with your Surface -- if you're planning a full day away from home working around the clock, you'll need to carry the charger separately, or look to a different case.

  On top of this, if you're the type of person who eschews the Surface's trackpad in favor of a mouse, you may be disappointed to find that there's not really room to carry such a peripheral in the case. You could slip a mouse into one of the various pouches, but this would ruin the sleek lines and run the risk of damage. To help overcome this, Inateck includes a small mouse-sized secondary pouch made of the same felt as the main case. This is a nice touch, but at the same time, it's slightly annoying to have to carry something extra.

  

  The matching mouse case is a nice touch, but something extra to carry.

  For all the talk of Surface, there's nothing to stop you from using the case to house other tablets. The 33.5cm (13.1 inches) by 23cm (9 inches) dimensions are quite accommodating, but there are also specific versions available for 15 inch Macbooks, iPad Airs and iPad minis.

  There's an MSRP of $38.99, but at the moment it is possible to buy the sleeve with a $22 discount. Hit the Inateck website to order yours.

  
• 

  Korora 21 Darla is finally here -- Linux fans, download the 'Fedora Remix' now!

  Publié: février 8, 2015, 5:50am CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  There are so many Linux-based operating systems nowadays, that it can be maddening to try and settle on one. For many home users, sticking with Ubuntu or Mint is probably for the best. Why? These distributions are beginner-friendly while also be powerful for experts too. In other words, you can grow with them without fear of hitting a ceiling.

  My personal favorite is Fedora, because it is powerful and stable, while offering frequent updates to various packages and the actual kernel too. Even Linus Torvalds, the father of Linux, uses Fedora. The problem with this operating system, however, is that it is not beginner friendly. This is because Fedora is so strictly focused on being entirely free; not in price, but in licensing and other things. A beginner may face trouble getting media to play; a non-starter to say the least. Korora is designed to fix this dilemma. It is essentially a "remixed" Fedora, which makes it better for beginners by including things -- repositories, codecs, proprietary software -- that is not normally included. Heck, Fedora experts may even prefer it, as it can be tiring to frequently configure vanilla Fedora installs.

  "It has taken a few weeks longer than we had hoped, but we're finally happy to announce that the final release of version 21 (codename 'Darla') is now available for download (we strongly recommend using BitTorrent). The 21 beta was quite successful and we were able to make some minor changes to help improve the overall experience. Users who are currently on the beta need not re-install, updates are provided via the package manager. Users who are on 20 may consider upgrading, however this is not necessary as version 20 is supported for another 6 months or so", says Chris Smart of the Korora team.

  Chris further says, "thanks to our continued support from core contributors Maik Adamietz (DarkEra) and Jim Dean (ozjd) we have been able to retain our Xfce and Cinnamon editions for another cycle. Unfortunately, due to the lack of any active maintainers we have decided to drop the MATE edition. It has been almost a year since our last release and we have spent a lot of time developing some new core technologies which lay the groundwork for some exciting features in the future".

  

  Yes, you have read this correctly; the team has dropped the MATE desktop environment. Quite frankly, this is not a huge loss, as Xfce 4.10.1 remains, and is a better choice for less powerful systems anyway. Fedora purists will want to stick with GNOME, which is updated to 3.14, as that is the official DE of the operating system. KDE 4.14.3 and Cinnamon 2.4 are great choices too, but the true Fedora experience is GNOME.

  As with Fedora 21, Smart lists the following major improvements.

  • Changes to Ruby 2.1 include the default values of keyword arguments can now be omitted, suffixes for integer and float literals, and def-expr now returns the symbol of its name. To Ruby 2.1's core are new methods, the RGenGC generational garbage collector, new environment variables, bignum performance improvements, standard library updates, and plenty of other changes.
  • OpenCL support has been added through enabling the OpenCL/Clover state tracker within Mesa by default, shipping POCL for OpenCL support on CPUs, and packaging other OpenCL-related open-source Linux codes.
  • Terminal has a set of additional features, including: support for transparent backgrounds, automatic title updates to help you identify different terminals and a simple toggle for disabling shortcuts in the Terminal.

  So the question you may be wondering is, why does anyone use Fedora instead of Korora? A few reasons. Developers may want to work within the constraints of a conventional Fedora install, plus some Linux purists don't want the non-free additions. Most importantly, however, is that Korora will always come down the road from the official Fedora release. So while users of the normal OS are enjoying the benefits of a new Fedora release, a Korora user would have to wait longer.

  If you want to try this great Linux distribution, you can download it here. Tell me how you like it in the comments below.

  Photo Credit: VGstockstudio / Shutterstock

   

  
• 

  Android platform partners should think differently, or fail

  Publié: février 7, 2015, 9:13pm CET par Joe Wilcox

  

  Outside Apple Store, people excitedly line up to buy iPhone 6. The crowd is remarkably eclectic. Tattoos here. Mohawk there. Someone wearing a prim business suit chats with a burly biker wearing sleeveless T-Shirt. Everyone's clothes beam bright, vibrant colors. Loud laughter and uproarious chatter is everywhere. This is one happy group of buyers.

  The store's doors exit onto a green pasture of sheep. Each wears a chain around its neck, with iPhone 6 attached. Cow bells appear on the screens, and clanging sounds against the chirping of birds. One animal looks up: "Baaaaaaa!" Then another, and another. An announcer asks: "Do you really want to be an iSheep?" Then the Android logo and robot flash across the screen.

  That's the kind of TV commercial Google and/or its manufacturing partners need to air now that in the United States iPhone market share nudges ahead of Android handsets (fourth quarter 2014, according to Kantar Worldpanel Comtech). Such circumstance was unfathomable 12 months ago. What happens in the four quarters ahead depends much on who wins the mindshare wars. I got to admit: Apple's lead is momentous.

  The Next Big Thing

  Samsung had the right idea with commercials that mock people waiting in long lines for iPhones that offer less capabilities than the Galaxy S series. Given the company's recent smartphone sales declines, maybe the South Korean electrics giant should have stuck with something similar for much longer.

  Because those ads hit at iPhone's biggest appeal as adoption grows: Belonging. Or better stated: Not wanting to be left out. Human beings are innately gregarious. We seek and thrive on community, and, too often perhaps, being part of the herd. Just look at fashion trends that spread or any day's Internet meme. Look at last week's Super Bowl, where people who on any other Sunday  don't watch football become one-day fans—whether at home alone or partying with others.

  I tracked this kind of behavior when conducting consumer surveys for Jupiter Research a decade ago. Assign whatever name you like—I'll use the "Cool Kids" syndrome, quoting from the Echosmith song: "I wish that I could be like the cool kids, `cause all the cool kids, they seem to fit in". Around the release of the mini in early 2004, iPod tipped into the "I want", "I must have" category. If everyone else had one, and iPod was cool, you had to have one, too.

  That explanation simplifies iPod's success, because Apple accomplished many feats with respect to product design, marketing, and content available from the iTunes store. But there nevertheless was a tipping point iPod reached that made music players with better features less desirable rather than more. I consulted several companies mid last decade that couldn't grok why iPod sales soared when offering buyers less.

  Benefits is the answer. Apple better balanced benefits and recognized that consumers prefer attributes like appearance and smaller size more than, say, having a FM radio. But all that said, popularity propelled iPod. When enough people wanted one, most everyone did.

  iPhone follows similar track, even with Samsung and most other competitors out-innovating Apple. Samsung Galaxy Note Edge is literally cutting-edge design. Google/Motorola Nexus 6 or HTC One M8 pack pleasing, booming front-facing speakers. iPhone provides a tinny, single sideways speaker. But iPhone sales soar, benefiting from the platform ecosystem, single brand, and aggressive advertising.

  Largely, in the United States, Apple and Samsung are the only smartphone manufacturers directly marketing during U.S. prime-time TV watching. Cellular carriers are aggressive, and some of their advertising includes various devices. I have griped for years about how little device manufacturers advertise, with exception of Apple. iPhone promos are everywhere—and interestingly most commonly in traditional media, like on television, inside newspapers, and on back covers of magazines.

  Do-or-Die Time

  iPhone isn't unstoppable yet. But banks' fast adoption of Apple Pay, which looks so cool in aggressive advertising, hints at building momentum. Google got to mobile payments much sooner and accomplished what? Nothing, in part because of Android fragmentation.

  Last week, I ordered some T-Shirts from Google's company store, only to be surprised. Last time I purchased, the online retailer used Google Checkout, which was quick and convenient. No longer. I had to enter credit card payment information—for a store bearing Google's brand. Checkout discounted service in November 2013. Meanwhile, Apple Pay is seemingly everywhere, if for no other reason than advertising, while Google Wallet is incognito.

  I single out payments, because it is potentially the killer application that will tip the smartphone platform balance one way or another. If everyone uses Apple Pay, then everyone else will use Apple Pay. Belonging—not being left out—is more than about responding to what's cool but adopting what's practical or available practically everywhere.

  Apple's unified platform and single brand is a formidable combo when Android is fragmented by every measure that matters—number of competing brands, OS versions across devices, and varied, inconsistent user experiences because of UIs like HTC's Sense or Samsung TouchWiz. Androids compete against one another, and Apple, while the fruit-logo company is a distinct brand standing against the many.

  Based on Kantar's numbers, and those from other analyst firms, Android could win the world as measured by market share but still lose the United States. I remember when Nokia had almost no presence here but commanded 70 percent share in India. There are many other examples of one brand dominating one market while not others. In the United States, Apple stands at the precipice, where iPhone could become unstoppable. How Android competitors respond, and even Microsoft with Lumias running Windows 10, means everything.

  The first line of defense, or in this instance offense, is aggressive, clever, relentless marketing. There, competitors should borrow from Apple. In the late 1990s, the company started successful ad campaign "Think Different", which arguably, and presumably quite deliberately, is grammatically incorrect. At the time, Windows was the herd product that everyone used. Apple appealed to PC users who wanted something more—to be creative, individual, and to stand apart from the herd.

  Humans may thrive on belonging but cultural influences matter, too, and individuality is a character trait that American society immensely values. You can be YOU using Android. No one decides for you. Do you want to be like everyone, or unique? Special? Make Android clearly the platform for choice, for expressing individuality, yet also place for being with other people. There look to Google's Chromecast commercials or Chromebook "For Everyone" ads. Their "belonging" tones are superb.

  The anti-Apple set and Android or Windows Phone fanboys have long waved around term "iSheep" as a club. Marketers should use it differently. There I speak advertising-heresy when suggesting the marketing should make people feel bad about being one of the herd while enticing them to feel good about being part of the Android army. Sometimes trying to pull out both emotions can backfire if the ads aren't precisely executed.

  Samsung's "It Doesn't Take a Genius" and "You Need to See This" series are good starts, but we need to see them lots more. Something else: Samsung has pulled from YouTube the video commercials that mock wall huggers waiting to buy iPhones. WTF?

  If not iSheep then anything. But be it something rather than nothing. Mobile World Conference commences on March 2nd, and already there are wild rumors about the next HTC and Samung smartphones. If there was ever time to advertise, advertise, advertise, the next four months is it. But the effort will fail as long as Apple product commercials run repeatedly during U.S. primetime, and competitors air little to nothing.

  Google and Android platform partners must aggressively advertise, or fail. Other platform problems can be solved later. But the first step is clear. If not taken, Apple will take the last step—to owning the U.S. smartphone market.

  Photo Credit: Creativa/Shutterstock

• 

  Detect signs of malware with Recent Files Seeker

  Publié: février 7, 2015, 2:56pm CET par Mike Williams

  

  If you suspect your PC has been infected by malware, but your regular security package hasn't raised an alert, then you could try to locate the threat yourself. It's sometimes easier than you might expect.

  One strategy is to search your system for recently changed or modified executables. If you find an EXE file created yesterday on your desktop, maybe an SCR file in a temporary folder, and you’re not sure how they got there, then they might deserve further investigation.

  You don't need to install any software to make this happen. On Windows 8, open an Explorer window, choose the starting folder, click in the Search box, and you're able to set all kinds of parameters for the search ("Programs" modified in the "Last Week", say).

  That's a good start, but Recent Files Seeker goes further, providing extra search options and saving a report which you can share with others.

  The program is a single executable, only 300KB in size, and unsurprisingly has a very basic interface. It's really just a dialog box which runs a search, saves the results to a text file, and that’s it. There's not even a report viewer (the file opens automatically in Notepad).

  Still, the search itself is quite capable. You start by entering a pattern representing the file types you’d like to locate (.exe|.dll|.com|.vbs|.cmd|.bat|.reg|.sys|.vbe|.scr by default), a starting folder, the time you’d like to check (creation, last modified, last accessed) and the maximum file age to report (the last x days).

  One problem with this kind of tool is that you'll often get a lot of legitimate hits. Recent Files Seeker can help by excluding Microsoft files, so for example you won’t see the results of your last Windows update.

  There's also an option to verify file signatures, and you’re able to customize the report by including file attributes, description, company name, file size, even the MD5 hash.

  Once you've made your choices, click Start, and wait. Recent file seeker scans the system according to the rules you've specified, saves the results to a text file, and automatically opens this in Notepad when it’s done.

  The final report is awkward to read, and because it's just a plain text file, not something you can easily organize (you can't just click a column header to sort path names, for example).

  Recent Files Seeker’s search options and portability mean it can still be helpful, though, and on balance it probably deserves a place in your troubleshooting toolkit.

  
• 

  BQ Aquaris E4.5 is the first official Ubuntu Phone -- will anyone actually want it?

  Publié: février 6, 2015, 7:07pm CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  When it comes to smartphones, it is important to remember that they are not religions. All smartphones have data connections, a display, a web browser and for the most part, a camera. The underlying operating system is the big difference, but even that does not matter much, other than to be secure. In reality, for many consumers, it is simply a means to run apps.

  Windows Phone has a great user interface, but it lacks apps; this is why the platform is unsuccessful. Today, the world's-first Ubuntu Phone device is announced and it will be coming soon. The BQ Aquaris E4.5 is a dual-sim affair with a fairly low price tag. The question is, who wants it? From an app perspective, it will be behind even Microsoft's mobile OS. Other than the absolutely biggest Ubuntu followers, I cannot see an educated consumer making the purchase.

  "The world’s first Ubuntu phone -- the Aquaris E4.5 Ubuntu Edition -- will be available across Europe from BQ.com through a series of Flash Sales over the coming weeks. The BQ Ubuntu smartphone, which puts content at the heart of the experience, is the perfect balance between price and specifications and will cost 169.90 Euros. The date, time and URL for the first Flash Sale will be announced through @Ubuntu and @bqreaders on Twitter as well as Ubuntu G+ and Ubuntu Facebook within the next week", says Canonical.

  The company further explains, "the sleek, 8GB Aquaris E4.5 Ubuntu Edition comes in black. It features a five megapixel front camera and eight megapixel rear camera with autofocus and dual flash and full HD (1080p) for super-sharp video. The rear camera is also equipped with high-quality BSI sensors and a Largan lens. It features a MediaTek Quad Core Cortex A7 processor running at up to 1.3 GHz and 1GB RAM for a faster experience".

  The BQ made phone has nothing going for it from a hardware perspective -- even at 169 Euros, you can do better with an Android or Windows Phone at the same price.

  The Linux community is so fragmented, that users of other distros would scoff at owning an Ubuntu Phone. Linux users wear their distro as a badge of honor, and a Fedora or openSUSE fan for instance would not likely want a phone bearing the name of a competitor. Don't forget, Android is already representing Linux too.

  

  With all of that said, there are quite a few Ubuntu fans, and maybe they will be interested from a curiosity or developer perspective. Even then, buying the phone won't be easy, as it is being sold in a convoluted European-only flash-sale format that will likely lead to frustration and disappointment.

  Would you buy this Ubuntu Phone? Tell me in the comments.

  
• 

  Lepow Poki 5000 and U-Stone 12000 external battery chargers [Review]

  Publié: février 6, 2015, 5:57pm CET par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Working from home has its perks. I don't waste any time commuting. I get to eat home-made food at lunch. And, among other things, I never have to worry about battery life. If the battery of my smartphone is nearly done, I can always find a charger to top it up again. Life is easy in this regard, until I walk out the door.

  I don't usually plan my trips so that I go out with a fully-charged smartphone. This is the least of my concerns, to be honest. There's always a charger in the car. And, for the times when that is not an option, I carry either a Lepow Poki 5000 or U-Stone 12000 external battery charger. I'll be reviewing both in this piece.

  Before we go any further, I should mention that I received both external battery chargers for review, in early January. I have used them, when needed, since. I will be discussing both to give you a better idea of which size fits you best. Right, now let's move on and kick off the review with the smaller, and more battery looking, of the two, Poki 5000.

  As its name suggests, Poki 5000 has a 5,000 mAh battery inside. Using a 2.1 A phone charger, it is said to take between three and four hours to top up its battery completely. Based on my testing, it seems fairly accurate; that said, I haven't used a timer for more scientific testing (nor have I for U-Stone 12000 for that matter).

  Given that it takes longer to charge than a typical smartphone (be it low-end or high-end), my advice is to leave it plugged in at night -- or another time of day when it's convenient for you. The remaining battery capacity is indicated on a strip on the side, as shown below, which lights up when you swipe across. Nice touch.

  

  Poki 5000 is quite pocketable, and comes with a nice pouch to store it and the USB cable it comes with. It measures 5.04 x 2.54 x 0.52 inches and weighs five ounces, which means it can be carried inside a purse or a (larger) jacket pocket with ease. It's available in black, green, white and yellow; the model that I have received is, as seen in these photos, the green one. Poki 5000 feels decent to the touch. It costs $24.99, at the time of writing this article, on Amazon.

  U-Stone 12000 is bigger in every single way. It's got a 12,000 mAh battery inside, which is said to require seven hours to fully charge (again, with a 2.1 A battery charger). It measures 6.7 x 3.1 x 1 inches and weighs 12.8 ounces. U-Stone 12000 also has an USB cable, which is designed to be carried with it plugged in at both ends. It doesn't come with a pouch, but is shipped in an "oval dinosaur egg" like package, which doesn't look like it may hold an external battery charger inside. I like the grip on U-Stone 12000, which is covered by a textured plastic. It is available in Stone Gray or Khaki Brown. I'm reviewing the latter trim.

  Just like with Poki 5000, given that it takes an even longer time to charge, I recommending charging it over night as to have it ready as you head out the door in the morning. Seeing that it's got a really, really big battery inside, you can get away with charging it every two days (possibly rarer). As shown below, the remaining battery capacity is indicated by just four lights; it's definitely not as precise as with Poki 5000. It costs $34.99, at the time of writing this article, on Amazon (only the Stone Gray model is available new now).

  

  Let's move on to how you can leverage Poki 5000 or U-Stone 12000. Lepow may prefer to advertise the battery capacity in mAh like just about every other company (Apple, for instance, is an exception), but it doesn't give you an accurate representation. I won't bore you with the details, but the main idea is that in order to compare your smartphone's battery to that of an external battery both have to have the same voltage, which is never the case in real life.

  So, for the sake of accuracy, I'll refer to its capacity in Wh instead. With that said, what Poki 5000 can offer is 25 Wh. Similarly, U-Stone 12000 can give you 60 Wh. Now, let me give you some figures for some well-known smartphones. (I'm using flagships because they have the biggest batteries around, and, therefore, would strain the two the most.) Here goes:

  • Apple iPhone 6 -- 6.91 Wh battery
  • Apple iPhone 6 Plus -- 11.1 Wh battery
  • HTC One (M8) -- 9.88 Wh battery
  • LG G3 -- 11.4 Wh battery
  • Motorola Moto X 2014 -- 8.74 Wh battery
  • Nokia Lumia 1520 -- 12.9 Wh battery
  • Nokia Lumia 930 -- 9.19 Wh battery
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 4 -- 12.39 Wh battery
  • Samsung Galaxy S5 -- 10.78 Wh battery

  Now, here are a few tablets for good measure:

  • Apple iPad Air -- 32.9 Wh battery
  • Apple iPad Air 2 -- 27.62 Wh battery
  • Google Nexus 7 2013 -- 16 Wh battery
  • Google Nexus 9 -- 25.46 Wh battery

  Using the figures above, you can mix and match as you please. As an example, you could fully charge a 2014 Moto X and second-generation Nexus 7 from zero percent, but only once, with Poki 5000. Or, you could charge a Galaxy Note 4 twice, fully, also from zero percent using the same external battery charger.

  Meanwhile, a U-Stone 12000 can charge an iPad Air 2 twice, from zero percent, and there would still be some room left to charge a Lumia 930 or Moto X to more than 50 percent. Or, you could charge an iPhone 6 Plus five times or a Lumia 1520 four times, again with some charge to spare. Keep the Wh battery capacities of your mobile devices in mind as you choose which external battery charger to buy.

  (There is also a 10,000 mAh version of Poki, called Poki 10000, in case you like the design but want something bigger. U-Stone 12000 is only available in this capacity.)

  Since there is little that one can say about how external battery chargers work in real life, I will tell you that both Poki 5000 and U-Stone 12000 have performed as expected during testing. There was only one hiccup, when U-Stone 12000 or my iPhone 6 Plus refused to work, using an Apple Lightning cable. It could have been my phone that refused to charge. I couldn't replicate this issue again, however. With other devices, there have been no problems whatsoever. I should note that no Lightning or 30-pin Apple cable is provided. Same goes for a charger; you can use one you already have.

  
• 

  Could artificial intelligence really threaten human existence?

  Publié: février 6, 2015, 5:33pm CET par Barclay Ballard

  

  Last month, a collection of the world’s most renowned scientists and technology entrepreneurs signed an open letter from The Future of Life Institute warning of the potential dangers that unchecked artificial intelligence could bring.

  The institute cautioned that, while AI has the potential to do good such as eradicating disease and poverty, the risks are often being left unconsidered as private companies fund millions of dollars into rapidly accelerating research programs.

  While a Terminator-style apocalypse may seem far-fetched, examples of artificial intelligence are already all around us. Siri and similar mobile personal assistants, virtual agents on customer service websites, and even non-playable characters in video games are all present-day AI applications.

  However, while no one could reasonably suggest that AI is a threat to human existence currently, it is the technology’s unknown future that is concerning, particularly as artificial intelligence becomes more capable. As The Future of Life Institute warns, "Our AI systems must do what we want them to do".

  While it is easy to dismiss talk of the AI threat as misinformed nonsense or scaremongering, it is a view gaining some high profile support. Professor Stephen Hawking recently claimed that AI could "spell the end of the human race", while Bill Gates echoed his sentiment late last month.

  "I am in the camp that is concerned about super intelligence", said the Microsoft founder. "First the machines will do a lot of jobs for us and not be super intelligent. That should be positive if we manage it well. A few decades after that though the intelligence is strong enough to be a concern".

  Already, autonomous machines are being used to aid military campaigns. While the US prohibits fully-automated lethal robots, the Navy is developing semi-automated drone boats that can swarm enemy targets and the US Army is working on automated convoys to deliver supplies in a war zone.

  However, the development of AI weaponry raises a number of moral, ethical and legal problems.

  "Autonomous weapons systems cannot be guaranteed to predictably comply with international law", Prof Sharkey told the BBC. "Nations aren’t talking to each other about this, which poses a big risk to humanity".

  Recently, however, nations have been talking about the issue. The United Nations held a discussion on the matter at its Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW) last year, while the subject has also received serious academic debate through a recently released Oxford University paper.

  Aside from the threat of physical violence, the mass deployment of AI robots would have huge socio-economic impacts, the likes of which we are currently unprepared for. Already robots are taking the place of humans in a number of manufacturing roles, but if AI develops sufficiently, we could see the approach taken in other areas of employment.

  However, while we must exercise caution against an AI-dominated future, the present is far from threatening. Artificial intelligence as it stands today often requires human involvement and the prospect of a fully-automated robot having a detailed conversation with a human being is still some way off. That being said, progress in this area is rapidly accelerating.

  Last year, it was announced that a computer algorithm had become the first example of AI passing the Turing test. Developed by World War Two codebreaker Alan Turing, the test is a benchmark for machines displaying intelligent behavior indistinguishable from that of a human. Eugene, as the computer algorithm was named, was able to convince 33 percent of judges that it was actually a 13-year-old Ukrainian child. While critics have dismissed this identity as being a lot easier to mimic than a full-grown adult’s, the feat is impressive nonetheless and points towards the technology’s remarkable advancement.

  As with any new and developing technology, scientists are right to postulate on both the good and bad potential outcomes, whether that’s regarding nuclear power, the Internet of Things or AI. As such, the debate surrounding artificial intelligence is an important one, but at this stage of the technology’s development, many will be rightly asking if it is also premature.

  Is artificial intelligence a threat to humanity? Not yet, but it is the responsibility of every scientist, researcher or engineer to ask themselves this question when developing such a transformative technology.

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

  
• 

  Ashampoo reveals Ashampoo ZIP Pro

  Publié: février 6, 2015, 5:32pm CET par Mike Williams

  

  With so many great free archiving tools around for the PC, commercial packages need some seriously powerful features to stand any chance of success. Berlin-based developer Ashampoo has taken the plunge anyway by releasing their $29.99 Ashampoo ZIP Pro -- but does the program have what it takes to win us over?

  ZIP Pro’s Windows 8-like interface gets it off to a good start, pastel-shaded tiles floating over a white-gray background. And if this isn’t quite to your taste, there are a few alternative skins to try out.

  File format support is good. There’s full support for creating and extracting all the main archive types -- ZIP, 7-ZIP, CAB, TAR (TAR, TAR.GZ, TAR.BZ2, TAR.XZ) and LHA -- and it can open more than 30 formats. A Preview tool allows you to view many file types without extracting them, and ZIP Pro doesn’t only have Explorer integration: you can define exactly which right-click options you’d like to use.

  The program’s Encryption Suite similarly delivers much more than you might expect. It supports both ZIP and ZIPX AES 256-bit encryption; can sign, verify, encrypt and decrypt OpenPGP files; comes with a password manager, and has optional policies to set the minimum strength for your passwords.

  There are modules to create self-extracting archives, split massive archives into smaller volumes, repair broken Zip files, or convert archives from one format to another.

  Some tools are so capable they might replace entire applications all on their own. Zip Pro can rip CDs, DVDs and BDs to ISOs, then mount them as virtual drives on demand; a Cloud Browser integrates with your Dropbox, Google Drive, One Drive, Amazon S3, Azure and Box accounts without having to install their regular software; and "ZIP Scripts" help control all this to use the program as an automated backup tool, archiving the files or your choice, burning them to disc, or copying them to network, FTP or cloud destinations.

  We’re not yet sure how robust any of this really is. The most in-depth test we tried is seeing if the "Repair" module could recognize and fix a zip file if we simply zeroed the first two bytes (the "PK" signature): it couldn’t.

  The program does have a free build, but it’s annoying; the vast amount of its functionality is stripped out, and every time you carry out some tasks (create a self-extracting archive) it opens a browser window at the Ashampoo site. If you need a zip repair program then it might be worth a try, but otherwise we’d leave it alone.

  Ashampoo ZIP Pro is much more impressive as a commercial tool, though, particularly with its encryption, cloud storage and automation features. If you’ll use all that functionality, a 40-day trial build gives plenty of time to see if it’s right for you.

  
• 

  Gartner: Businesses are not prepared for the Internet of Things

  Publié: février 6, 2015, 4:12pm CET par Sead Fadilpašić

  

  Even though most IT and business leaders are certain that their business will benefit from smart devices in the next three to five years, very few organizations actually have a clear strategy on how to take advantage of the new market. That’s the result of a survey conducted by Gartner. The company surveyed almost 500 IT and business leaders and found that 40 percent believe the Internet of Things will benefit their business in the next three years, while the other 60 percent believe it will happen in the next five years.

  However, basically nobody has thought of a clear and concise strategy on how to take advantage of the emerging market.

  "The survey confirmed that the IoT is very immature, and many organizations have only just started experimenting with it", said Nick Jones, vice president at Gartner. "Only a small minority have deployed solutions in a production environment. However, the falling costs of networking and processing mean that there are few economic inhibitors to adding sensing and communications to products costing as little as a few tens of dollars", Computing quotes Jones.

  "The real challenge of the IoT is less in making products 'smart' and more in understanding the business opportunities enabled by smart products and new ecosystems".

  Gartner said that senior leaders still don’t have a full understanding of the IoT’s potential, and has singled out banking, education and insurance as areas where even the highest executives know next to nothing about the meaning of IoT for their business.

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

  
• 

  Thanks to Snowden, NSA-GCHQ surveillance data sharing is now legal

  Publié: février 6, 2015, 3:45pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  A secret UK court has ruled that the UK's intelligence agency GCHQ acted unlawfully by intercepting information gathered by the NSA. Investigatory Powers Tribunal said that because the rules surrounding the UK’s access to the NSA's PRISM and UPSTREAM program data were secret, data sharing between the US and UK was illegal. A case has been brought against GCHQ by Privacy International, Bytes for All, Liberty, and Amnesty International.

  But while the IPT said that accessing this information breached human rights laws this is no longer the case. Why? The illegality of sharing data collected through these surveillance programs centered on the very fact that they were secret. In blowing the whistle about what the NSA was doing, Edward Snowden unwittingly made this data sharing legal. Whoops.

  The IPT's ruling states that GCHQ's access to NSA data was illegal before December 2014, but after this time the documents revealed by Snowden has brought the sharing of gathered intelligence to the public attention -- it is now legal. The activities of the NSA are now something we are all too aware of. This is largely thanks to the revelations made by Snowden which led to a massive surge in public interest about government monitoring of web usage.

  Few would have suspected, however, that the documents leaked by Snowden would end up making the activities legal. The new ruling says that

  ...prior to the disclosures made and referred to in the Tribunal's Judgment of 5 December 2014 and this judgment the Prism and/or Upstream arrangements contravened Articles 8 or 10 ECHR, but now comply.

  So when we didn’t know about what was going on, it was illegal. Now that we do know about it, it's legal. The ethical and legal rights and wrongs of the surveillance have been questioned by many, and today's ruling will do little to silence those opposed to what is going on. Deputy director of Privacy International, Eric King, said:

  The only reason why the NSA-GCHQ sharing relationship is still legal today is because of a last-minute clean-up effort by Government to release previously secret 'arrangements'. That is plainly not enough to fix what remains a massive loophole in the law, and we hope that the European Court decides to rule in favor of privacy rather than unchecked State power.

  Privacy International and Bytes for All are now calling for the deletion of all data collected before December 2014. The two groups will also continue to fight against GCHQ access to NSA-gathered information, and the ruling is seen as being very bittersweet. James Welch, Legal Director for Liberty, said:

  We now know that, by keeping the public in the dark about their secret dealings with the National Security Agency, GCHQ acted unlawfully and violated our rights. That their activities are now deemed lawful is thanks only to the degree of disclosure Liberty and the other claimants were able to force from our secrecy-obsessed Government [...] The Tribunal believes the limited safeguards revealed during last year's legal proceedings are an adequate protection of our privacy. We disagree, and will be taking our fight to the European Court of Human Rights.

  Photo credit: Bocman1973 / Shutterstock

  
• 

  The Acme Made Charge case for iPhone 6 [Review]

  Publié: février 6, 2015, 2:40pm CET par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  I have never used a case with any of my smartphones. When the back is all plastic and there is no metal in sight, the added width and thickness that a case adds is not something that I can justify just to cover some superficial scratches that are not off-color. But then I got an iPhone 6.

  With nothing but metal surrounding the 4.7-inch display, I soon had a feeling I would be getting a case after all. On iPhone 6, scratches would look terrible, especially on my Space Gray model. I haven't found it to be as slippery as my colleague Joe Wilcox has, but this has also been of concern, more so than with any of my previous smartphones. Enter Acme Made Charge for iPhone 6.

  I received the case for review less than a month after I got my iPhone 6, in late-October. (There is also a version available for iPhone 6 Plus.) In the meantime, I purchased the black Apple Leather Case, which I have used until Acme Made Charge came to my door. The two are not designed to match the same needs, but there are some worthwhile observations to be made along the way.

  What makes Acme Made Charge interesting is the fact that it packs a short Lightning cable with it and has a kickstand. The cable is hidden behind the kickstand, and I think the design is quite nice, all things considered.

  Given that there is a Lightning cable and kickstand, Acme Made Charge is thicker than, say, Apple's Leather Case. It's also much heavier. It comes in at 138 x 67 x 7 mm (5.4 x 2.6 x 0.3 inches) and 100 grams (3.52 ounces). The iPhone 6 Plus version is even bigger, but, apparently, just as heavy.

  At the same time, it is also much more versatile. The former is made of matte plastic, which feels quite nice to the touch. Only the kickstand has a glossy finish. I quite like what I'm seeing.

  The kickstand is easy to deploy, requiring little effort to pull the bottom end from its place. It's spring-loaded, so there's just one position you can use it in. It can be quite useful when you're at a desk, as the display is angled just right so you can see notifications, make video calls and so on. You can use the kickstand both vertically and horizontally, although it's clearly designed more for the former scenario.

  

  At the same time, because the kickstand is off-center, tapping on your iPhone will see it rock slightly on a flat surface. It's to be expected, really, but it is something that you should keep in mind if you do a lot of typing like this.

  As I mentioned earlier, the Lightning cable is under the kickstand. It is held firmly in place, so it will not fall once the kickstand come out. The design works well. It is easy to remove when you need it, and easy to put it back once you're done syncing data or charging. It fits a bit too snugly for my taste at both ends, but it works as expected.

  Given that the Lightning cable is shorter than the length of iPhone 6 (I have not tested the iPhone 6 Plus version of the case, but I'm assuming it's a tad longer), you'll be keeping your iPhone very close to your laptop and charger. It's not much of a problem in the former case, but if you use a wall charger you won't like it. However, it'll work just fine with an external battery.

  

  Now, how well does it protect the iPhone 6? I am sure that the Lightning cable and kickstand are awesome to have, but the main goal of the case is, after all, to keep your iPhone intact in case of drops and scratch-free on the back. And I have to say that it is well designed in this regard. Fortunately for you, unfortunately for me, I accidentally dropped my iPhone 6 twice with Acme Made Charge on.

  Snapping my iPhone 6 on was easy, but removing it took a bit more effort. That's because the plastic basically has no give. Once your iPhone 6 is in, it stays there. The lateral sides are taller than the height of the device, so the display is protected when laid face-down on a table, which is great.

  Needless to say, all the ports and buttons are easily available, and the camera and flash work as if the case isn't even on. In this regard, it's better than Apple's own Leather Case, as the lovely tactile feel of the buttons isn't lost by snapping the case on.

  Now, on to the drops! The first time I dropped my iPhone 6 with Acme Made Charge on I had the misfortune of being in a place where the pavement isn't flat. The taller sides couldn't help. This resulted in a small chip in the middle of the screen. The case was perfectly fine though, proof that it's quite durable. I expect it to age well, assuming no such drops are involved.

  Being the lucky person that I am (well, that's not quite the right word, but I'm going with it anyway), I also had the opportunity to see how Acme Made Charge fares in a much more severe drop (again, accidental), from a few stories high. I have to tell you, the case looked much better than my iPhone 6 when I picked it up.

  There is a slight dent in the bottom right corner, scuff marks on the sides and the upper corners, but that's pretty much it (catching the marks with my camera is pretty tough, as it's black and I have no macro lens to show them off from up close).

  

  My iPhone 6, on the other hand, had a shattered display, and was very much bent. Hey, at least the back was still free of any scratches! I believe that, no matter how durable Acme Made Charge is, it couldn't have helped protect the display in such a high fall.

  Acme Made Charge did hold my iPhone 6 firmly in place. That said, the smartphone was bent right where I expected it to -- around the volume buttons, an area known to be structurally weaker from all the iPhone 6 bend tests. This explains why I "switched" to an iPhone 6 Plus, by the way. (I had insurance, which proved to be wise. Since the iPhone 6 model I had wasn't in stock, I was given the option to get an iPhone 6 Plus that was.)

  So, should you buy an Acme Made Charge case for your iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus? Well, as always, it depends on what you're looking for. I think the kickstand and the hidden Lightning cable are awesome to have. Having the cable always on you will come in handy, trust me. When few people around you have iPhones, you can use it to charge your device using any USB charger -- Lightning cables are not easy to come by, after all. If, on the other hand, you drop your iPhone more often and Lightning cables are easy to come by, then you might want to look for a different case. It costs $49 for the iPhone 6 model, which is also something to consider. The price, however, is not bad, if you consider the features.

  (At the time I took these pictures, I only had my iPhone 6 to snap photos, which explains why it's not seen with the case. I planned on taking some nicer pictures later, but, sadly, the final accident ruined my plan.)

  Photo Credit: Mihaita Bamburic

  
• 

  Emojis and video -- how smartphones should be evolving the way brands communicate

  Publié: février 6, 2015, 2:00pm CET par JF Sullivan

  

  The emoji heart was, perhaps not surprisingly, the most used "word" of 2014. It’s the first time that the Global Language Monitor has awarded the title to a symbol, a significant moment for the English language.

  New digital formats continue to change communications; text speak was the first widespread digital vernacular and, although it might be out of fashion now, we still use words derived from that language today. We live in an era of images and video, where Pinterest, Vine and emoticons are prevalent in our lives. If people do use words at all, they communicate in 140 characters. Social and digital tools have also made people see symbols differently. Before the smiley face emoticon first appeared in a post to Carnegie Mellon University Computer Science General Board, from Professor Scott E Fahlman in 1982, or indeed prior to this in a public appearance in Puck magazine in 1881, would our brains have recognized the punctuation pictorially? Probably not. However, digital technology has taught us en masse to recognize the position of the open parenthesis relative to the hyphen and the colon.

  Smartphones Driving Digital Language

  Smartphones have been key drivers of a change towards visual language and the "smiley face" is just one example of this. Messaging services and apps, as well as the inherent nature of communicating "on-the-go" using a mobile device, means that images, emoticons and stickers are being used widely, as users turn to pictures to tell their story in short form, and quickly.

  The brands that embrace these mobile formats to speak the language of their customers will have a far better engagement mode, which is considered authentic and relevant. Brands’ marketing needs to evolve with these consumer trends.

  Innovations including over-the-top (OTT) communication mean that brands can reach audiences more directly and visually. With an OTT message, brands can get right into a customers’ pocket in a highly targeted manner, capturing their attention quickly with the ability to start a tailored conversation. This is highlighted in a survey by Intelligent Environments last year, which found that more than six in ten (61 percent) bank and building society customers aged 18 to 30, the equivalent of nearly seven million people, would like a WhatsApp-style messaging service from their bank.

  Brands can also use WebRTC technology to give customers the opportunity to "click to communicate", providing customer experiences through video, voice and instant messaging straight from a web browser or mobile app. By instilling real-time and visual calls to actions using rich media, brands can make services more personal and bring back the element of human interaction that sometimes is completely missing from digital communications. This is convenient for the customer and echoes the personal approach they would receive from brands face to face.

  The Language of Sharing -- If It’s Not Worth Sharing, Is It Worth Saying?

  Another element of digital language is shareability. People are now rolling out more content, from more sources, with more people, via more channels, more often, and more quickly than ever.

  Millennials (more so than any other generation) shape their identities through digital consumption, and the rich content that they share online is a strong indicator of brand affiliation. According to Customer Insight Group (CIG), 73 percent of millennials process information more deeply, thoroughly and thoughtfully when they share it and 85 percent say reading other people’s responses helps them understand and process current events. As a result, to make an impact amongst this influential generation, it’s crucial for brands to get involved in this digital language and to build shareability into their communications. For example, brands should ensure images are a regular part of their engagement strategy as a study found that more than two-thirds of tweets involving images receive a retweet, compared to just 30 percent of tweets that do not feature an image.

  Communications across mobile are a perfect way to trigger that sharing mentality, and the results speak for themselves; brands can capitalize on the fact that people are sharing 20 billion photos and 35 million selfies on Instagram, for example. In addition, a research report from ShareThis cites that millennials are twice as likely to purchase products they share or have been shared, so speaking the language of sharing will ultimately garner results for brands.

  Use Data to Inform Communications with Customers

  The leap forward in language and content sharing is also leading to new marketing and monetization opportunities. For example, according to Analysts Viktor Mayer-Schonberger and Kenneth Cukier "mining information about social media as it integrates, yields a goldmine for businesses and will structure business sales’ strategies going forward". Whether we are discussing a trending topic, commenting on a photo or sending an emoji or sticker, the noise we omit can be harnessed for targeted marketing.

  Astoundingly, 90 percent of the world’s data has been generated over the last two years. This exponential growth is as awe inspiring as it can be bewildering for brands and their marketers. As businesses turn from decisions based on instinct toward data-driven campaigns, they must surround themselves with the right partners to mine these insights effectively so that they can nurture the data and translate it into customers.

  With help, brands can evaluate today’s digital language, and therefore better understand customer behavior for targeting. However, marketing must not become lost amongst the reams of content already being produced. By using technologies like WebRTC brands can stand out with human interactions which are not only convenient, but are more direct, tailored and personal and build brand loyalty. A generic approach doesn’t cut it anymore; just as brands, and even consumers, change their communications style across their differing social media and digital channels, they must also address the languages and methods of engagement made popular via the mobile and now smartphone. Custom made, personalized and relevant content driven communication will make the mobile and millennial generation feel they are recognized, understood, valued and rewarded.

  Image Credit: igor.stevanovic/Shutterstock

   JF Sullivan is Acision’s CMO & EVP Strategy

  
• 

  Best Windows apps this week

  Publié: février 6, 2015, 1:18pm CET par Martin Brinkmann

  One-hundred and seventeen in a series. Welcome to this week's overview of the best apps and games released for Windows in the past seven days.

  Microsoft released preview versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint on systems running the latest official Windows 10 Technical Preview build. The company optimized the universal apps for touch and mobile use, and first reports indicate that they run fine on all devices regardless of screen size.

  On to the apps and games. 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.

  Discounts this week

  The following games and apps are discounted by at least 50 percent in the coming seven day period.

  • exZeus 2, a 3D shooting game for $3.49
  • Text-O-Matic, typographic app for $2.49
  • Sound Meditation, relaxing sound app for $0.99
  • Rush for Gold: Alaska (full), strategy game for $1.99
  • Amadeus Melody Puzzle, a puzzle game for $1.49
  • Quoridor 3D, a 3D puzzle game for $0.99
  • Essential Anatomy 3, anatomy app for $9.99
  • Live Interior 3D Pro, interior design app for $9.99

  App of the week

  The Tribez

  

  The Tribez is a building game in which you develop your village from humble beginnings to a metropolis.

  Control and hire workers, the backbone of your village. You can use workers for a variety of tasks that include constructing new buildings, operating buildings and gathering resources.

  Quests are given to you on a regular basis which act as guidance and offer rewards on completion.

  Most activities require resources, workers and take a certain amount of time before they complete which means that you there are times where you cannot do anything but sit back and wait for tasks to complete.

  Your workers need food for example which you produce on fields or by gathering resources from bushes.

  Some tasks take hours to complete and you can either wait out the time or use premium currency to speed things up.

  Other apps

  Grand Theft Seagull

  

  Take control of a seagull in this endless running, or shall I say flying, game.

  You control the seagull much like you control runners in similar games. Swipe to the left or right to change lanes, up to fly higher and down to fly lower.

  In addition to that, you can shoot at things in front of you which comes in handy in later stages of the game when other seagulls and birds attack you or get in your way.

  You collect coins and earn experience while you are playing the game which you can invest in the build in store to gain access to various improvements.

  Achievement Art

  

  If you have connected your Xbox One account to the device you can install the application to display unlocked Xbox One achievements.

  In addition to browsing all your achievements you can furthermore download achievement art to the local system and set it as your lock screen image directly from within the application.

  Jewel Star

  

  If you like match-3 type of games you will definitely like Jewel Star as well.

  You are tasked with the usual in each level: reach a score threshold, bring objects to the bottom of the level or clear all ice.

  While that is still exciting if you like match-3 type of games, there is not anything new that the game adds to the concept.

  The game is well designed  and if there is one thing to criticize it is that it appears harder to distinguish between diamonds if you compare it to other games of its types.

  Selffina

  

  This is a basic income and expense tracking application. You can use it to manage one-time and recurring income as well as expenses.

  Transfers are linked to accounts which you can add and manage in the app as well. It ships with two accounts, bank and wallet, and options to add more accounts, a second bank account for example, as well.

  Survival Games Season 1 ($9.99, free trial available)

  

  Mindcraft meets deathmatch, that is probably the best way to describe Survival Games Season 1.

  It is an online game in which you compete against up to 15 other players. Besides fighting, it is also necessary to keep a constant eye on your stamina, food and sleep meters.

  As far as combat is concerned, you can equip melee and ranged weapons as well as armor. In addition to using these weapons, you can also lay traps or explosives on the map.

  You can customize your character to your liking and select character perks that give you an edge in one way or the other.

  The tutorial that you can play through is quite confusing as it is gives you contradicting instructions on what to do next. There are signs that describe how you would use a game controller to perform an action while overlaying instructions how to use the keyboard.

  Orb Trials

  

  Remember Marble Madness? Orb Trials plays fairly similar to the classic dexterity game.

  You control an orb that you need to guide to the level exit. You lose if you fall off the map but can restart it if that is the case.

  The game introduces new mechanics, switches, elevators or extending bridges in later stages to add to the complexity of the game.

  Orb Trials is a fun challenging game that you can play with the keyboard or touch.

  
• 

  Big names lined up for the Wearable Technology Show

  Publié: février 6, 2015, 11:46am CET par Wayne Williams

  

  If CES is any indication, wearable technology is going to be huge this year, so it’s no surprise that the Wearable Technology Show has doubled in size for its second outing.

  Boasting twice as many exhibitors and product launches as last year, the UK show moves to a new home at ExCeL in London, and will be co-located with the Augmented Reality Show, an event dedicated to AR, VR and smart glasses.

  There will be more than 80 exhibitors including Intel, Jawbone, Misfit, Samsung and Withings, and the show will be divided up into four different zones -- Innovation; Fitness and iHealth; Smart Textiles and Fashion; and Wrist Innovation.

  A conference program will feature over 200 speakers and nine dedicated tracks including Innovation and IOT; Wearable Start Up; Augmented Reality; Smart Textiles and Fashion; Connected Living; Medical, Performance Sports; Products, Payments and Retail; and Enterprise and M2M.

  "Last year, we launched the Wearable Technology Show when wearables had just started to enter most people’s consciousness and curiosity was on the up. The whole idea of wearables was new and fresh and inviting", comments John Weir, COO, Wearable Technology Show.

  "This year, we return with the Wearable Technology Show to a market bursting with new launches. Many have earmarked this year as the year the wearable market will prove itself. And I couldn’t agree more. The innovation and creativity hasn’t stopped. But now designers, futurists and start-ups have an even better idea of functionality and are creating products that solve real problems and make our lives easier, more efficient and more enjoyable".

  The Wearable Technology Show takes place at ExCeL, London, on the 10-11 March 2015. You can find out more at www.wearabletechnologyshow.net.

  Image Credit: gst/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Control PC user accounts with Quick User Manager

  Publié: février 6, 2015, 11:31am CET par Mike Williams

  

  If your PC has several users -- or you’re checking its security -- then you might occasionally want to examine or tweak its user accounts. You can do this from Windows, but it’s far from easy. Information and options are scattered across several applets, sometimes buried in the Registry, and it can take quite some time to find what you need.

  Quick User Manager is designed to simplify user management by making all the important details and settings available from a single interface.

  The program arrives as a portable executable, under 400KB in size. There’s no payload of any kind, no nag screen, not even a "Donate" button unless you click "About this app": it’s all very functional, ready to run and use wherever you are.

  On launch Quick User Manager displays a list of all your user accounts in the left hand pane. Click any of these and key settings and options appear in the right-hand pane.

  You can change a user account name, for example, or adjust its privileges (Guest/ Standard User/ Administrator). You’re able to set/ remove a password, choose new security rules (password can’t be changed/ never expires), or have an account automatically log on. And you can create or delete a user account directly from the program.

  Quick User Manager also gives access to settings that are more difficult to find in Windows itself. For example, when setting a picture you can define whether it’ll be centered, cropped or stretched to fit the account box. And if you want to keep an account private then you’re able to remove it from the Welcome screen with a click.

  There’s nothing revolutionary here, but if you’re tired of waiting for Microsoft to fix the regular Windows user account tools then Quick User Manager could still be very welcome. Take a look.

  
• 

  5 ways your business is at risk from a cyber-security attack

  Publié: février 6, 2015, 11:31am CET par Anica Oaks

  

  The Internet has changed the way that you do business. No matter what industry you are in, you value what your cyber network does for you in terms of connecting with clients and staying efficient.

  But, with advances in cyber technologies come more cybercriminals. No matter how sophisticated cyber security technologies and firewalls get, it seems that there is still a more sophisticated hacker capable of breaching your systems and stealing sensitive data. Believe it or not, three-quarters of businesses surveyed have reported that they have experienced a security breach in the last 12 months. As you can see, you are more vulnerable than you might think, and here’s how:

  You Fail to Invest in Encryption

  Hackers attempt to break through firewalls in an effort to steal information. From bank accounts and routing numbers, to social security and credit card numbers, businesses have a lot of sensitive data that they have to protect.

  When these attackers steal information, they can affect your reputation and cost you money. If you have failed to encrypt your data with full-disk encryption tools, your data may be vulnerable.

  You Are Not Wi-Fi Protected

  Did you know that it is much easier for cyber attackers to gain access into a network when you have a Wi-Fi network?

  Most security experts recommend that businesses connect to the Internet with a wired network, but if you do have a Wi-Fi network, then you need to have a complex password complete with special characters, numbers, and capital letters.

  Leaving Computer and Mobile Devices Vulnerable

  Not all cyber-attacks involve hacking into the network. Actually, a large portion of businesses who are targeted by "cyber" criminals are those who have had their computing devices stolen.

  If your business laptops, cell phones, tablets, and other devices are stolen, it is easy for the burglar to gain access into your network and find important personal and account information on you and your clients.

  Having special physical locks to secure devices can deter burglars looking for a quick score.

  Failure to Focus on Mobile Security

  The cyber infrastructure is turning mobile, and many companies have not developed a strategic plan to keep up with the growing popularity of mobile computing.

  If you use smartphones for conferences or tablet devices for estimates, your network could be at risk of an attack.

  Mobile threats are becoming so common that accredited institutions like Norwich University have developed an online master’s in information security that trains MS graduates how to stay ahead of these damaging threats. Mobile security needs to go to the forefront of your security planning.

  Employees Are Not Properly Trained

  You do not have to be a large corporation just to implement employee training programs that will prepare everyone to follow good security practices.

  You should teach your employees how to make strong passwords, how often to change passwords, how to spot a threat and how to avoid sites that make the company network vulnerable.

  By doing this, you can prevent potential attacks.

  There will always be the threat of cyber attackers as long as the Internet is around.

  While the threat is there, there are also ways to make your business more secure and less vulnerable. Brush up on security and be sure your company is equipped to survive.

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

  
• 

  Could the FBI be involved in the Pirate Bay revival?

  Publié: février 6, 2015, 8:28am CET par David Curry

  

  The Pirate Bay re-launched last week to much fanfare after two months offline following a raid on the server room by Swedish authorities, but the new owners have revealed very little about the plan going forward.

  What started off as curiosity quickly became finger pointing. Twitter user 'TheAnonMessage' claimed users should stop using The Pirate Bay, due to CloudFlare integration and potential FBI IP bugs.

  Nobody knows who really runs The Pirate Bay, but the old moderation team were all removed as part of the relaunch. The Pirate Bay now allows people to 'report' malicious torrents instead of having a moderation team.

  Some claim the FBI re-launched The Pirate Bay or had connections to the owners, implanting IP bugs on all torrent’s uploaded for investigation.

  The Pirate Bay has denied these accusations, claiming CloudFlare is only a temporary measure to help with the influx of traffic on the torrenting site.

  CloudFlare is a cloud server provider, but is based in the US. Many privacy advocates claim CloudFlare is not a safe tool, due to the potential warrant-less searches from the FBI and other US agencies.

  On the topic of working with the FBI, The Pirate Bay has not responded, but TorrentFreak claims the accusations are "complete nonsense" but said that "general security concerns of using a US-based service are legitimate".

  The three original owners of The Pirate Bay are either in prison or disconnected from the service, leaving new mysterious admins in charge of the show.

  The Pirate Bay is still the most popular file sharing site on the web, but new services taking the 'Pirate' and 'Bay' name are being used by Isohunt and other torrent providers, to reap some of the benefits of two months offline.

  The FBI has not commented on The Pirate Bay rumor.

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

  
• 

  Microsoft is fighting Ebola and other diseases with Kinect and Windows 8.1

  Publié: février 6, 2015, 4:12am CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  While the hype of Ebola is no longer the focus of the mainstream media, it remains a threat nonetheless. With that said, it is not a danger to the United States, as we are far removed from it. Even when it did come here, it did not cause pandemonium. Why? Because it is not easily spread; especially when safety precautions are followed.

  All human beings deserve to be healthy, regardless of the country in which they reside. In other words, even though a horrible disease isn't in your neighborhood, you should still care. Microsoft, an American company, is indirectly helping to fight Ebola globally, thanks to an unlikely tool -- Kinect. Yes, the same camera accessory for the Xbox One (and Windows developers) is also a tool in the fight against a virus.

  "Kinect's gesture-enabled interactions can be entertaining (think games), profitable (think marketing), or educational (think kinesthetic learning). And sometimes, they can be potentially lifesaving! Such was the case when the British Army asked CDS, a communications-solution company based in the UK, to create a touch-free interactive kiosk for use by possible Ebola victims. Part of a government-sponsored mission named Operation Gritrock, the kiosk will use video to provide critical information to people possibly infected by the deadly virus", says The Kinect for Windows Team.

  The team further explains, "having investigated the technological options, CDS selected the Microsoft Kinect for Windows v2 sensor to deliver a sensory, gesture-driven solution. This involved developing a customized Windows 8.1 application using the Kinect application program interface (API). The Microsoft UK Developer Experience team fully supported CDS on the development of the kiosk solution, which was slated to be field tested in January 2015.".

  Think about that for a moment -- technology being used to save lives, rather than play games and other nonsense. The kiosk can educate those that are possibly infected, while Microsoft's accessory helps keep the kiosk from becoming contaminated. Kinect's potential here extends beyond just Ebola, as other diseases are transmitted through body fluids like sweat and blood too. The innovative camera is very versatile.

  Heck, I want to see an ATM powered by Kinect -- the buttons on those are probably loaded with germs!

  Photo Credit: Albert Ziganshin / Shutterstock

  
• 

  YouTube's automatic subtitling 'makes absolutely no sense'

  Publié: février 5, 2015, 8:05pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  For the deaf and hard-of-hearing, subtitles are essential. Blu-rays, DVDs and TV shows usually feature subtitling as an option, and it's also something that crops up on streaming media such as YouTube videos. The Google-owned video site attempts to automatically add subtitles to videos, but the feature leaves a great deal to be desired.

  You may have noticed this for yourself but if not, vlogger Rikki Poynter would like to bring it to your attention. Rikki, who is hard-of-hearing, complains that YouTube's subtitling is often "completely nonsensical". YouTube acknowledges that it has a long way to go.

  Rikki is an active YouTube user and says that the automatic subtitling feature "makes absolutely no sense 99 percent of the time". But the vlogger is not just complaining, she is campaigning to try to get things improved. Talking to the BBC, she explains that because the automatic feature is so unreliable, more video uploaders should add subtitles manually.

  The sheer volume of footage uploaded to the site every minute of every day means that YouTube has quite a task on its hands. But product manager Matthew Glotzbach says that the technology is just not quite good enough yet:

  Although I think having auto caption is better than nothing I fully admit and I fully recognize that it is by no means good enough yet. It's an area that we've been committed to really from the beginning. Frankly, it's really hard computer science problem that hasn't been solved at that scale yet.

  Rikki's campaign is gathering momentum and supporters in growing numbers, and YouTube says that investments are being made to make it easier for corrections to be made to subtitles that go awry.

  Check out the video below to see Rikki explaining more about what she hopes to achieve -- and you can also find out how to add subtitles to your own videos:

  Photo credit: FMStox / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Samsung NX500 is a 28MP camera featuring 4K video, Wi-Fi, and a flip-display for selfies

  Publié: février 5, 2015, 7:06pm CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  Nowadays, many people use smartphones as their main camera. This is smart, because your phone is always with you. Something important may happen when you least expect it, and a fancy standalone camera at your house will be of no use. Still, I see value in having a standalone unit, as they often take superior pictures and videos thanks to better sensors and larger lenses. Not to mention, many new smartphones do not have expandable memory, while most standalone cameras do.

  Today, Samsung announces a downright sexy camera called the NX500. Not only does it feature 28 mega pixels, but it does 4K video too. In other words, this is a great solution for things like vlogging, YouTube and most importantly, family moments.

  "The NX500 guarantees superb image quality and vivid photographs, regardless of the shooting scenario or subject matter. With its ultra-high resolution 28MP Back Side Illumination APS-C sensor, NX500 has the ability to take the perfect shot, even in low light situations. It also supports both 4K and UHD video recording, utilizing BSI APS-C sensors, the largest BSI sensor currently available, which provides more flexibility when it comes to capturing movies", says Samsung.

  The manufacturer further explains, "the NX500 is equipped with a DRIMeV processor, which is much faster than its predecessor. This feature boasts superior color reproduction, improved noise reduction and enhanced image quality, providing users with results that serious photographers crave. Combined with an innovative 28MP sensor and Hybrid AF system, users can capture even the briefest of moments by simply focusing and shooting immediately, allowing for extreme speed and flexibility. Additionally, 9FPS continuous shooting means NX500 users can easily monitor and capture ongoing action shots. Further enhancing the NX500’s action capture capability, the Samsung Auto Shot (SAS) feature uses motion detection to accurately predict when to capture the perfect shot in difficult scenarios, such as when a child fields a baseball".

  

  The company lists the following specs.

  Image Sensor			28MP BSI APS-C
  Display			3inch Super AMOLED Touch FVGA Tilt / Flip
  ISO			Auto, 100~25600 (Ext. 51200)
  Shutter Speed			1/6000 sec
  Image			JPEG : (3:2) : 28M (6480x4320), 13.9M (4560x3040), 7.1M (3264x2176), 3.0M (2112x1408) (16:9) : 23M (6480x3648), 11.9M (4608x2592), 6.2M (3328x1872), 2.4M (2048x1152) (1:1) : 18.7M (4320x4320), 9.5M (3088x3088), 4.7M (2160x2160), 2.0M (1408x1408) RAW : 28.0M (6480x4320)
  Video			MP4 (Video: HEVC /H.265, Audio: AAC) 4096x2160 (24fps), 3840x2160 (30fps), 1920x1080, 1280x720, 640x480
  		Frame rate: 60fps, 30fps, 24fps NTSC / 50fps, 25fps, 24fps PAL
  Video Output			HDMI (NTSC, PAL)
  Value- Added  Features			Samsung Auto Shot SMART Mode (Action Freeze, Beauty Face, Fireworks, Landscape, Light Trace, Multi-Exposure, Night, Panorama, Rich Tones, Silhouette, Sunset, Waterfall) UHD Time-lapse Video
  		Attachable Flash (Guide Number 8 at ISO100)
  Connectivity			Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n Quick Transfer, Email, Auto Backup, Remote Viewfinder Pro, Mobile Link, Photo Beam, Bluetooth GPS Tagging, Auto Time Setting, TV Link
  		Bluetooth
  		NFC
  Storage			SD,SDHC,SDXC,UHS-I
  Battery			1130mAh
  Dimension  (WxHxD)			119.5 x 63.6 x 42.5mm (without projection)
  Weight			287g (without battery and memory card)

  I have been in the market for a quality camera for vacations, YouTube unboxings and capturing family moments in 4K and this certainly meets my needs.

  While the flip-display can be useful for selfies (yes that is important) it can also help you get a shot when you must hold the camera at a strange angle.

  Unfortunately, you will have to wait until March for this sexy piece of tech. With that said, it will give you time to save up the $799.99 needed to buy it. Expensive? Arguably. I follow the old adage of "you get what you pay for". If you consider it an investment and average the cost over the years you will own it, it's actually quite reasonable. Why buy a cheap camera that won't last?

  The only thing you must decide is whether to buy it in black, brown or white. Me? I like brown. Which color do you prefer? Tell me in the comments.

  
• 

  Apple's core is rotting

  Publié: février 5, 2015, 6:48pm CET par Joe Wilcox

  

  I should read Harvard Business Review more often. There, Juan Pablo Vazquez Sampere offers insightful and fresh perspective in post: "We Shouldn’t Be Dazzled by Apple’s Earnings Report". Of course, I would agree, having written something similar in past BetaNews posts. Point is the same, just the context changed. I lack his prestige and venue, and that's okay. The observations we both make aren't rocket science, or shouldn't be.

  Simply stated: Atop the pinnacle of success, Apple stands at the precipice of failure. The scrappy innovator is gone, replaced by the, ah, Establishment cofounder Steve Jobs and his renegades challenged with years of guerrilla tactics. Apple has in this decade achieved huge success. But managing success is challenging, if your business model is innovation. The two objectives often work cross-purposes.

  Apple defenders will rap this post, waving around the recent quarter's fantastic results: $74.6 billion revenue; $18 billion net profit; 74.688 million iPhones shipped. The numbers are amazing. Consider this: Apple profits equaled Google revenues ($18.1 billion) for the same time period. The fruit logo company is a juggernaut, and that's the long-term problem.

  David Becomes Goliath

  Sampere presents a quick, and appropriate, recap of disruptors versus incumbents. Apple has moved from the former to the latter category, where holding onto loyal, high-end customers matters more than innovation for all. In May 2014 BetaNews analysis "Why Apple no longer innovates", I said something similar and recanted my December 2009 post: "Why Apple succeeds and always will". That company is gone, standing as Goliath—no longer David—seeking to preserve the status quo rather than adopt new rules of engagement that disrupt the Establishment.

  I sympathize with the dilemma CEO Tim Cook faces. He's a logistical genius, and preserving Apple's success plays to his strengths. Successful companies, particularly those that are publicly traded and which come to dominate a category of products used by a large number of businesses or consumers, are less inclined to take risks. Incumbents don't want to tip over the cash cart, while upstarts have less to lose and can risk more.

  Last month, I asserted that "Apple is boring", observing that's recipe for current success. But the past (innovation) and future (little disruptive innovation) is the other perspective worth flushing out—and how Apple waves around fabulous data to obscure tactical shortcomings.

  Sampere sees in Apple's calendar fourth quarter earnings report attempts to distract from fundamental problems. In April 2014 analysis "Tim Cook pulls off a Steve Jobs", I make similar point about a different set of quarterly numbers. Both of our posts even use magician art. But his story is more important because of context: Record quarterly earnings. He writes:

  By dazzling us with dollars, it seems that Apple’s leaders are deliberately trying to divert our attention. By making such a communication effort to let us know how much money they’ve made—instead of what they’ve done to change the world recently—they are inevitable forcing us to ask ourselves, is this what we get from the new Apple?

  Risk Nothing

  The answer: Yes. That's what you get. He is right to write: "Announcing boatloads of money, as if that were point, makes us think Apple no longer has the vision to keep on revolutionizing". Apple Pay isn't revolutionary. Nor is Apple Watch. Bigger smartphone screens propelled the quarter, but demonstrate status quo thinking: Preserve existing revenue streams without taking risks.

  Risk-taking defined Apple under cofounder Steve Job's leadership. Some examples:

  • iMac (August 1998)
  • iTunes (January 2001)
  • OS X (March 2001)
  • Apple Store (May 2001)
  • iPod (October 2001)
  • iTunes Music Store (April 2003)
  • iPod mini (February 2004)
  • iPod nano (September 2005)
  • iPhone (June 2007)
  • App Store (July 2008)
  • iPad (April 2010)

  I asserted three days before the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus announcement:

  This launch is when CEO Tim Cook proves whether or not he can be an innovation leader...Risk must define the next-generation iPhone, and more—other products coming on Tuesday. I don't suggest Cook should dump older iPhones, like Jobs did with iPod mini in late 2005. My point is taking design-innovation risks that defy established conventions and define new ones.

  Apple took no such design risks with iPhone 6 or 6 Plus. The Cook era is, so far, one of stewardship rather than innovation. Apple's CEO chooses to preserve and extend rather than innovate and expand. Given the recent quarter's blockbuster results, there is much to be said in favor of the status quo.

  That said, Sampere is right. Whatever Apple was it isn't anymore.

  Photo Credit: 1000 Words/ Shutterstock

  
• 

  WhatsApp set to introduce voice calling -- here's why it matters

  Publié: février 5, 2015, 6:45pm CET par Manish Singh

  

  WhatsApp today rolled out an update to its iOS app, which along with bug fixes adds a dialer button to its text messaging service. The dialer button -- as you might imagine -- is for placing voice calls, a feature that the Facebook-owned company announced last February. Earlier this week, the same feature was spotted on the WhatsApp’s Android client, and the company also confirmed that it was beta testing it with select users.

  The feature, however, doesn’t work just yet, but changes in the user interface do give us an idea of what this forthcoming feature will look like. It is evident that WhatsApp has plans to roll out the voice-calling feature to its app shortly. But why is everyone in the press writing about it? How does the addition of voice calling functionality -- something which Facebook’s Messenger, Google’s Hangouts, and Microsoft’s Skype already offer -- change things? Here’s how.

  Last month, WhatsApp announced that it has reached 700 million MAUs (monthly active users). The company also announced that its service is being utilized to send about 30 billion messages a day. It’s a huge number, and its significance increases by many folds when you realize that people all over the globe only send 20 billion SMSs a day.

  In brutal -- yet factually correct words -- WhatsApp alone is cannibalizing SMS. I’m not saying that WhatsApp and/or any other IM will push the SMSs to extinction, but unarguably, growing numbers of people are now using instant messenger clients to chat. And I can’t help but imagine that the voice-calling feature on WhatsApp will set the tone to a new tradition, as well, and change the way people make calls around the world.

  Voice calling may not sound as handy in developed countries such as USA, as people on that side of the pond have incredibly cheaper voice and data plans. And Skype is already a household name. But things aren’t exactly the same in other parts of the world especially in developing nations.

  Statistically speaking, using an instant messaging service to place a voice call makes financial sense. Skype, for example, uses 6 to 20 kbps or around 150KB per minute for a voice call. The amount a user would have to pay for this much data is a lot less than a voice call tariff. In India, for instance, that much data usage with standard internet data plans of say $2-4 per GB will provide users with over 6,820 minutes, something which would otherwise cost a user Rs 6,820 (more than $100) over a typical voice call.

  As I mentioned above, the voice-calling feature in WhatsApp is a big deal. Sure it has been around in services like Skype, and Hangouts, and some not as popular IMs like Viber and Line, but none of them have such a large userbase. In India alone there are around 70 million monthly active WhatsApp users. It’s a huge number considering that only 150-200 million users sport a smartphone in that country.

  
• 

  Anthem Health Care is latest hacking victim, millions of users could be compromised

  Publié: février 5, 2015, 5:28pm CET par Alan Buckingham

  

  It's another year and time for a new set of companies to be compromised. In 2014 we witnessed high-profile attacks on victims such as Home Depot and Target, but 2015 is shaping up to be no better, given the recent news regarding Anthem, a major health care provider in the US. The potential implications of this one are still mostly unknown.

  However, reports are surfacing that perhaps millions of users have been compromised. Data such as names and social security numbers have been lost. The company isn't yet citing numbers, but does admit that all of its branches were affected. According to security researcher Brian Krebs that could mean a catastrophe.

  "Given the company’s size, this breach could end up impacting tens of millions of Americans" Krebs states in his analysis of the available information. Meanwhile the BBC points out that "The attackers stole names, addresses, birthdays and social security numbers of customers from every one of Anthem's business units".

  Anthem is now in full damage control mode. The company has issued a statement that begins "Safeguarding your personal, financial and medical information is one of our top priorities, and because of that, we have state-of-the-art information security systems to protect your data. However, despite our efforts, Anthem was the target of a very sophisticated external cyber attack".

  The health care provider does point out in detail all of the information potentially stolen. The company also claims that once the breach was discovered it made an effort secure things and also contacted the FBI. The statement was issued by Joseph Swedish, CEO of Anthem, who goes on to claim that employee data, including his own, was also potentially stolen.

  Swedish ends by issuing an apology to everyone. While that doesn't make things any better, it is at least more than some arrogant companies have done in these situations.

  Image Credit: OleGunnarUA/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Comodo Internet Security 8.1 tightens sandbox controls, enables PUP protection by default

  Publié: février 5, 2015, 5:13pm CET par Nick Peers

  

  Comodo has updated its range of free and paid-for security tools with the releases of Comodo Internet Security Premium 8.1.0, Comodo Internet Security Pro 8.1.0 and Comodo Antivirus 8.1.0.

  Version 8.1 sees a change in bundled browser, improved sandbox and protection against potentially unwanted programs, and various critical fixes.

  The headline new feature in Comodo Internet Security 8.1 is the fact the suite’s bundled browser has apparently changed to Chromodo. In fact, Chromodo is basically the new name for Comodo Dragon, its Chromium-based browser, which implements a number of additional security and privacy features. Chromodo is required to access the program’s Virtual Desktop sandboxed environment.

  The suite itself implements one major improvement to its sandboxing feature, which isolates untrusted files for analysis before they can be accessed by the main computer. As of version 8.1, PDF readers are now automatically added to Sandbox rules via the File Group.

  The default settings have also been tweaked to enable protection against Potentially Unwanted Programs from the off; previously, users had to navigate to Settings > Security Settings > File Rating > File Rating Settings to switch the feature on.

  The update also fixes a number of bugs, four of which have been highlighted in the release notes. CMC server issues have been resolved, as has a problem whereby the Sandbox couldn’t detect files from restricted sites.

  Another fix ensures any HTTPS link will now function in Chromium when not part of a block rule, and Microsoft Office will no longer switch to its classic theme when users enable Enhanced Protection Mode.

  Comodo Antivirus 8.1.0 and Comodo Internet Security Premium 8.1.0 are both free downloads for PCs running Windows XP SP2 or later. Also available is a trial for Comodo Internet Security Pro 8.1.0 -- users can purchase a three-PC, one-year license from the Downloadcrew Software Store for just $29.95, a saving of 25 percent on the MSRP.

  
• 

  The top five mobile marketing mistakes

  Publié: février 5, 2015, 4:15pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  Consumers are increasingly using mobile devices to access various aspects of their digital lives including online shopping.

  Yet in many cases businesses are failing to take advantage of the extra marketing opportunities that mobile offers them.

  Smart online forms company Formstack has put together an infographic that uncovers the top five mistakes businesses make in their mobile marketing.

  The first mistake is simply not bothering to build an app or a mobile optimized site. Yet 46 percent of consumers say if they're using a company's mobile app they're unlikely to shop around for other options. The second error is not optimizing for devices with different screen sizes like tablets.

  Not having a strong call to action, such as a one-click button to download a coupon, is another error, as is not offering the ability to auto-fill forms using links to social media accounts. Companies also suffer from overloading their mobile sites with content, 57 percent of users say they won’t recommend a badly-designed mobile site to their friends.

  You can view the five main mistakes in infographic form below.

  

  Image Credit: Bevan Goldswain / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Unplanned app downtime costs companies billions

  Publié: février 5, 2015, 3:33pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  System downtime is always frustrating, but according to a new survey from IDC, sponsored by performance management specialist AppDynamics, it has major cost implications too.

  According to the survey respondents an infrastructure failure can cost $100,000 per hour. A critical application failure costs between $500,000 and $1 million per hour.

  A little more than a third of those outages last from one to 12 hours; 17 percent of infrastructure failures and 13 percent of application failures last more than a full day. This means that downtime could be costing the Fortune 1000 companies between $1.25 billion and $2.5 billion every year.

  The quest for more reliability is why many companies are turning to DevOps practices. 40 percent of Fortune 1000 companies already use DevOps and the survey shows that a further 40 percent are actively investigating its adoption.

  They expect it to deliver improvements in customer experience, productivity, costs and profitability, as well as speed of application delivery. These benefits will be delivered through increased capabilities in automation, continuous delivery, continuous integration, automated testing, and application monitoring.

  You can read more about the report's findings and download a full copy from the AppDynamics blog and there's an infographic summary of the findings below.

  

  Image Credit: amadorgs / Shutterstock

  
• 

  The evolution of wireless generations -- from 1G to LTE Advanced

  Publié: février 5, 2015, 3:12pm CET par Wayne Williams

  

  The first mobile phones were released back in 1984 and were capable of making and receiving phone calls, but nothing else. Analog "brick" phones were large, heavy, and very dumb. You couldn’t send or receive data on them.

  In 1991 that changed with the arrival of 2G technology which introduced the wonders of text messaging, and even email. Ten years later 3G changed the game entirely, and of course in 2009 4G/LTE arrived, making it possible to stream movies on your mobile.

  Intel has put together an interesting infographic charting the evolution of wireless technology, from the very start when 1G was a thing (but no-one knew), to today and LTE-Advanced which will make it possible to download 100 minute HD videos in as little as 37 seconds (in theory at least).

  The infographic reveals some interesting stats as well, including the average download speeds of each generation and mobile subscription numbers. In 1984 less than 1 percent of Americans had mobile subscriptions. Today around 96 percent do.

  You can browse the full infographic below.

  

  Infographic credit: Intel

  
• 

  LaunchBox is a gorgeous game database and launcher

  Publié: février 5, 2015, 2:06pm CET par Mike Williams

  

  First revealed back in Windows Vista, the Games folder was supposed to be the starting point for all your games, with shortcuts, cover art, updates, news and more. But no-one cared, unfortunately, and although it’s still there, most gamers pay no attention to the Games folder at all.

  If you’re happy with a service like Steam then this won’t be a problem. But if you’d like something simpler, more lightweight, then you might be interested in LaunchBox, a free games database and launcher for Windows Vista+.

  Despite the "setup" name in the download, LaunchBox is actually portable, and installation just unpacks it to the folder of your choice. The program is designed to work with DOSBox (which is included in the download), but can also handle PC games, emulators, even import your games from Steam.

  There’s a lot of functionality here, but a splash screen helps out by providing links to video tutorials, and there are wizards to walk you through the process of importing DOS games, ROMs and more.

  If you prefer to take full manual control, then that’s also relatively straightforward. Click Game > Add, and enter part of a game name (try "Meier"). LaunchBox quickly searches Wikipedia and displays a list of matches. Choose the one you need and the program automatically finds all the associated metadata (title, release date, genre, platform, description etc).

  There’s also an option to download associated images, and not just the usual box art: there might be logos, banners, fan art, screenshots and more.

  Next you must point LaunchBox at the game itself. There’s nothing particularly difficult here, either: it’s just a matter of pointing the program at the executable files/ folders, and (if necessary) telling it to run the game via DOSBox, ScummVM, or an emulator.

  Repeat this process a few times and LaunchBox presents your games via their cover art. You’re able to organize and filter your collection by genre, platform, ESRB rating, developer, and publisher. Clicking any of them displays all the metadata you downloaded earlier, including a rating and description, and you can launch your favorite with a click.

  The end result looks great, is configurable and easy to use. If you regularly play a mix of games -- the latest PC releases, old DOS classics, emulators and so on -- then LaunchBox is a great way to bring them all together.

  
• 

  Cybersecurity best practices for facilitating IT/OT integration

  Publié: février 5, 2015, 1:01pm CET par Andrew Ginter

  

  The German government released an incident report in December detailing a targeted cyberattack on a steel mill blast furnace that resulted in "massive" damage. The translated report reveals that attackers were able to compromise the steel mill’s corporate network, and from there reach into the production network.

  Fortunately, no lives were lost, but this event serves as a rallying cry for the safe integration of IT networks with operations technology (OT) networks. Simply applying IT-style defenses to OT networks is not enough to ensure the safe and reliable operation of industrial control systems (ICS), which is why OT cybersecurity best practices continue to evolve to address modern-day targeted, persistent attacks (TPAs).

  Firewalls alone are not enough

  Common wisdom has it that "if I have a firewall, and encryption, then I must be secure". The problem is that firewalls are software devices, and all software has bugs. Some of those bugs are security vulnerabilities, and so in practice, all software, including network firewalls, can be hacked. The limitations of software-based firewalls are well-known to anyone with a moderate level of cybersecurity education.

  Worse, OT network security generally lags behind IT security. Any security update must be tested thoroughly to ensure that the changed software does not impair control system operations, and such testing takes time. This means OT networks will always be softer targets than IT networks, and so compensating measures such as physical perimeter and cyberperimeter protections will always be more important for OT networks than for IT.

  Protecting soft interiors with a hard shell

  While advanced data exfiltration prevention technologies are being used to address these targeted attacks on corporate networks, the technology does little to prevent the cybersabotage of industrial networks. Best practices for OT security are evolving in different directions to meet the threat of modern targeted attacks. OT security advice is evolving to recommend hardware-based network perimeter protections to protect soft OT network interiors. These protections come in the form of unidirectional security gateways, which are embraced and endorsed by regulations and guidelines such as NERC CIP, IEC 62443-3-3, the ANSSI guidelines and others. Unidirectional gateways shut down the two-way communication channels permitted through firewalls and used by targeted attacks by allowing information to travel only out of a protected network, thus making it impossible for any targeted, remote control cyberattack to access the sensitive OT network from the Internet-exposed IT network. This greatly reduces the security risks associated with IT/OT integration.

  OT cybersecurity programs are generally part of larger safety and reliability-assurance programs at industrial sites. OT network administrators therefore have a very different set of priorities than do IT network administrators. To facilitate safe IT/OT integration, hardware-enforced defenses must be deployed to support IT processes and infrastructures, without putting industrial sites at risk. The German steel mill attack is a good example of IT/OT integration done wrong. Modern defenses are needed in the face of modern cyberthreats, and industry leaders are answering this need by applying new best practices in the form of unidirectional security gateways.

  Photo Credit: ra2studio/Shutterstock

  Andrew Ginter is the vice president of industrial security at Waterfall Security Solutions, a provider of Unidirectional Security Gateways for industrial control networks and critical infrastructures. Ginter has 25 years of experience leading the development of control system software products, control system middleware products and industrial cybersecurity products.

  
• 

  New iOS malware can steal personal information from non-jailbroken devices

  Publié: février 5, 2015, 12:13pm CET par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Yesterday, I told you that Android users may be affected by malware even if they only use Google Play to get apps. Three popular, adware-riddled, titles made it past Google's security checks, remaining undetected for months -- in fact, they may still be affecting users as we speak. And if you believe that iOS is safe, you might want to reconsider. New malware has been found, affecting iOS users even if they haven't jailbroken their device. Is there nothing that's safe anymore?

  Security firm Trend Micro has uncovered the malware as part of an investigation into Operation Pawn Storm, a cyber-espionage operation with economic and political targets. It is designed to steal personal information, like contact lists, geo-location data, photos, text messages and more. The malware affects both iOS 7 and iOS 8, which are found on 97 percent of Apple's mobile devices.

  Trend Micro uncovered two malicious apps in its research, one called XAgent, and the other bearing the name of iOS game MadCap. The malware is said to be "very similar to next stage SEDNIT malware", which has been found on Windows devices.

  XAgent can do what I already mentioned above, as well as record audio, get a list of installed apps and processes as well as the Wi-Fi status. It works on non-jailbroken devices. On the other hand, MadCap does not, requiring a jailbroken device. The latter is focused on audio recording.

  XAgent is believed to have been developed prior to the release of iOS 8, as it is more effective on devices running iOS 7. "After being installed on iOS 7, the app's icon is hidden and it runs in the background immediately. When we try to terminate it by killing the process, it will restart almost immediately. Installing the malware into an iOS 8 device yields different results. The icon is not hidden and it also cannot restart automatically", says Trend Micro.

  How can you stay safe? Well, there appears to be no clear answer at the moment. Trend Micro says that it does not know with absolute certainty all the ways in which the malware is installed. It does not rule out infection via a compromised Windows device, through USB.

  The security firm does mention that it is possible to get the malware onto an iOS device by tricking users into tapping on a "Tap Here to Install the Application" link inside a web page. Apple's ad-hoc provisioning -- a distribution method designed to allow iOS developers to beta-test their apps -- is then used.

  Photo Credit: style-photography.de/Shutterstock

  
• 

  BetaNews exclusive: Start testing Bitdefender Total Security 2015 -- 6 months for FREE!

  Publié: février 5, 2015, 9:17am CET par Wayne Williams

  

  We talk about data protection, but what about our actions? Internet users claim to care about their privacy and financial data, but in reality an alarming number of them fail to take basic measures to secure their bank accounts or digital identity. According to a survey carried out by Bitdefender in September 2014, one in three US-based computer users don’t use an antivirus solution, and as a result 46.9 percent have had their home devices infected with malware, while 7 percent encountered malware infections at work.

  Bitdefender Total Security 2015 helps users fight off all e-threats, from viruses to identity theft and most every trick in between. Designed for the best user experience, Bitdefender offers full antimalware defense as well as other advanced safeguards including dedicated online banking and e-shopping security, device anti-theft, highly secure online backup and sync, social networking protection, and more.

  Why Try It

  • Offers best protection and best performance
  • Easy to use and simple to understand -- manage security with one click
  • Imperceptible, your PC will run extremely fast and silent
  • Secures all your data online
  • Helps recover your device in case of theft

  Bitdefender Total Security 2015 builds on technology awarded Best Protection by AV-TEST for three years in a row. Bitdefender also achieved Best Performance thanks to its imperceptible scanning technology ensuring the fastest system speed.

  Besides unrivaled antimalware protection, Bitdefender Total Security 2015 includes the OneClick Optimizer to free up hard disk space, secure online storage and device anti-theft, to help you find your computer should it be stolen.

  Key Features

  • OneClick Security

  Engages security with a single click. Bitdefender OneClick Optimizer automatically speeds up your system and frees up disk space by running every known optimization. All in one click.

  • Bitdefender Profiles

  Prevents other applications from slowing you down when you work, play or watch movies.

  • Autopilot

  Provides a hassle-free experience by making optimal security-related decisions with no input from you.

  • Two-Way Firewall

  Monitors your Internet connections and prevents unauthorized access, even over a Wi-Fi network.

  • Device Anti-Theft

  Locates, locks, or even wipes your laptop from any Internet-connected device you have at hand.

  Start testing Bitdefender Total Security 2015 for free! Simply enter your email address and Bitdefender will email you the license.

  
• 

  Virtual reality vs augmented reality: which will achieve mainstream success?

  Publié: février 5, 2015, 9:15am CET par Barclay Ballard

  

  Both virtual reality and augmented reality attempt to immerse the users in ways that detach them from the real world, but the subtle differences between the two concepts may ultimately decide which, if either, becomes a mainstream success. While virtual reality or VR devices create a completely fabricated world for the user to inhabit, augmented reality (AR) creates a blend of real and virtual, with the user clearly able to distinguish between the two.

  Despite both technologies being able to trace their lineage back more than 40 years to the early VR headset the Sword of Damocles, neither has found widespread traction with consumers. While there has been no shortage of failed attempts in the past, ranging from Nintendo’s Virtual Boy console to the Sensorama multimedia device, successes have been short-lived or non-existent.

  However, with technology giants backing virtual reality through Facebook’s Oculus and Sony’s Project Morpheus and augmented reality gaining more and more apps every day, now could be the time for these technologies to experience the kind of success that has so far eluded them.

  In terms of similarities and differences between AR and VR, the latter often requires a substantially larger piece of hardware, as it must block out the user’s real-world surroundings to create a sense of complete immersion. Early headsets were often cumbersome and left wearers feeling nauseated and unwell. AR meanwhile, has seen more recent growth through smartphone apps like Wikitude World Browser and Google Ingress. VR is currently trailing augmented reality, as the latter simply requires a display, camera and motion sensor, all of which are carried by millions in their smartphones.

  Many people also give augmented reality the edge over its virtual competitor, because they see VR as simply a video game accessory -- a 21st century Virtual Boy. However, Oculus founder Palmer Luckey believes that his device has a huge variety of applications.

  "Gaming is just about the only industry that has the set of tools and skills needed for VR. At its core, VR is an extension of gaming," he said during a talk at the CES show in Las Vegas. "But it’s the idea of digital parallel worlds, allowing people to communicate and do things in a virtual world. Most don’t spend the majority of their time playing games now, and I can’t see that changing with VR -- gaming is not the end game".

  Perhaps stemming from the somewhat anti-social reputation of gaming, the predicted rise of virtual reality has also been criticized as encouraging isolation and cutting-off individuals from the real-world. If either VR or AR is to overcome this perception, organizations will instead have to show the potential these devices have to connect individuals in ways that are currently impossible. The possibility of using a VR headset to experience an event, such as a friend’s wedding for example, which you are unable to attend in person could help change negative opinions of these growing technologies.

  The future of both virtual and augmented reality hangs in the balance. While smartphones have provided an affordable entry point for AR applications, surely the next step is to get consumers interested in bespoke AR devices like SixthSense.

  Virtual reality meanwhile has often failed to live up to expectations, but recent developments suggest that this is about to change. VR is no longer the dream of sci-fi obsessed computer geeks, but a technology receiving some serious financial backing. Facebook were willing to spend $2 billion on acquiring Oculus, while Sony, Samsung and perhaps even Apple are also preparing to enter the market.

  Moreover, real-world applications for VR technology are already in development, such as the startup using VR to help patients suffering from a "lazy eye" and scientists using headsets to further their academic research.

  The question of whether virtual or augmented reality is likely to become a commercial success is a somewhat disingenuous one. Just as AR blends real and manufactured, ultimately the technology behind both VR and AR is also likely to become one. Consumers of the future are unlikely to have to choose whether they want a virtual reality or augmented reality device, but instead whether a VR or AR experience is what they want from a particular headset or wearable gadget.

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

  
• 

  View 70+ file types with Free Editor

  Publié: février 5, 2015, 9:06am CET par Mike Williams

  

  Office, PDFs, ebooks, archives, audio, video, images: the average PC owner regularly encounters a lengthy list of file formats, and viewing them all typically requires an entire library of software.

  Free Editor claims it can simplify all that by opening 70-plus file formats from a single interface, and editing some of them, all for free. Too good to be true? Let’s see.

  As you might expect, the installer will by default change your browser home and search pages. But this is easy to avoid, as long as you’re paying attention, and we didn’t find any other issues.

  Free Editor can open Office documents (doc/ docx, xls/ xlsx, ppt/ pptx, odt), many image types (including RAW, ICO, PSD, TIFF), videos, audio files, archives, PDFs, RTF, ePubs, source code, binaries, plain text and more.

  The program wasn't always successful in our tests. Free Editor failed to open some large PDFs. It crashed with one test PSD, and we found complex Word documents were sometimes formatted incorrectly.

  The program's editing abilities are limited, too. You can’t edit PDFs; audio and video files are strictly for playing only; and the image editor is just about as basic as you'll get anywhere (it includes only rotate, resize and crop tools, grayscale/ blur/ sepia effects, brightness/ contrast adjustment and simple tag editing).

  Free Editor is better at text-based documents. There are all the usual text formatting options, indents, paragraph settings, lists, tables, images and more. The spreadsheet is more basic (no charts, not even a formula bar, although you can enter a formula directly in a cell), but you can still view, edit or create sheets, edit formatting, and edit/ enter data.

  Another plus is that you’re sometimes able to save your files as another type, although this didn’t work as often as we’d like. PDFs can only be saved as PDFs. Image exports are restricted to BMP, GIF, JPG, PNG, TIFF and TGA. Word documents may be saved to DOC, DOCX, ODT, RTF and TXT (no PDF).

  There are a few unexpected extras. A hex editor, a very simple resource editor for binary files, and a source code editor with syntax highlighting for a few languages.

  In our tests, Free Editor revealed some bizarre shortcomings. We wanted to create a new Word document, for example, but found there was no File > New option. Pressing Ctrl+N worked there, but was ignored with some file types, and crashed the program if we tried it with images.

  We also noticed that, if you modify a file and accidentally close the program, there’s no "Do you want to save?" warning: it just shuts down.

  Despite that, Free Editor can open some file types which you might not currently be able to handle (EPUB, ODT, PSD, TIFF, various RAWs). Specialist viewers will always deliver the best results, but as it’s free you might also try Free Editor as a viewer of last resort.

  
• 

  Pebble hits the magic one million user mark

  Publié: février 5, 2015, 7:15am CET par Alan Buckingham

  

  The Pebble watch has come a long way, from Kickstarter darling to success in the market. It's becoming a crowded playing field, though Pebble has the name recognition to compete. That's why it's become the success it now is, with new and innovative versions and colors.

  Now the smartwatch maker announces numbers. It seems the company has hit the magical one million mark in terms of users. That's a lot of wrists that now have the device strapped on (I'm one of them).

  "Our path to this milestone is what excites our team the most. We got here because of Pebblers—backers, users, developers, fans, partners, friends, family, and colleagues—supporting us along the way. Every win, milestone, and achievement is thanks to you. We’ll take that path to growth any day of the week, 24/7, 365 days a year", the company states.

  Pebble goes a bit further, hinting at big things on the horizon in 2015, though what is in store was not mentioned. The company also takes a moment to advertise to (or for) developers -- "If you (or a friend) develop for Android or iOS, are passionate about bringing wearables to the masses, want to push Pebble to the next level, and love working with an awesome team at an innovative company, check out our Jobs page to get in touch!"

  
• 

  Samsung slowly becoming irrelevant in the smartphone market

  Publié: février 5, 2015, 3:56am CET par Manish Singh

  

  Samsung Electronics, the digital gadget arm of the South Korean technology conglomerate, made $4.87 billion profit in revenue last quarter. It’s a huge number, but significantly lower than $7.7 billion profit the company made in the same period a year ago, and again, a lot less than the $8.27 billion profit from two years ago.

  In terms of smartphone shipment, the company shipped 75.1 million smartphones last quarter, compared to 84.4 million from a year ago. As per IDC, the company’s market share dipped from 31 percent in 2013 to 24.5 percent by the end of 2014. What’s happening? Why has the company’s profit and shipment figures slumped down? Once the only mammoth in the smartphone world (by shipment figure), Samsung is slowly becoming irrelevant in the game. Here’s how.

  Samsung Electronics is losing smartphone ground in both low-end and high-end tiers. Its flagship and premium handsets aren’t able to compete with Apple’s iPhone, and in the affordable tier, the company is facing stark competition from Chinese and Indian smartphone manufacturers that are selling better-specced handsets at nearly half of Samsung’s offering.

  According to the latest stats provided by Samsung, it sold 95.1 million handsets in Q4 2014. Of this voluminous amount, roughly 70-75 million handsets were smartphones. Apple, which reported a record-setting earnings last month, roughly sold the same amount of smartphones. This is a huge blow to Samsung for a couple of reasons. But mostly because -- unlike Samsung -- Apple doesn’t sell cheap priced smartphones. Moreover, the average selling price of its handsets has only increased over the past couple of years.

  Research firm Counterpoint’s survey of 35 markets revealed last year that the then eight-month old iPhone 5s was more popular than the Galaxy S5, which was only two months old then. It noted that 7 million people in May of last year bought iPhone 5s compared to 5 million who bought the Galaxy S5. The firm further noted that the Galaxy S5 was actually doing worse than the Galaxy S4, as the S4 had at least managed to tie up with iPhone 5 with both selling 7 million handsets a month.

  Samsung eyes at all different smartphone tiers including, and especially, the low and mid-range, the categories that contribute a lot to its phone revenue. Despite its large offerings -- and evidently larger consumer base -- the company hasn’t managed to match up to Apple’s iPhone sales figure.

  Here’s why: Samsung’s smartphone has lost its charm in the emerging market, the regions where most people don’t have smartphones and are about to buy their first soon. Chinese smartphone manufacturers including, Xiaomi, Meizu, Gionee, and Indian smartphone manufacturers Micromax, Karbonn Mobiles, and Xolo are offering better-specced handsets at half of Samsung’s offerings. Consumers, naturally, don’t see any point in purchasing an affordable handset from Samsung as they can get a better handset from other companies for less bucks. Here’s a neat example to give you an idea of how overpriced Samsung handsets are in emerging markets.

  

  And that’s precisely why Samsung lost the position for top smartphone vendor to Micromax in India, one of the world’s fastest growing markets, as per the latest figures provided by research firm Canalys.

  Inability to judge the market and overpricing its handsets

  In India, for example, the company launched its flagship handset Galaxy S5 for Rs 51,500 ($830). It was overpriced and resulted in low sales figures. Within months, the company slashed the handset's price by 38 percent revising it to Rs 32,000 ($500). Other handsets including the Galaxy Edge, and Galaxy Note 4 tell a similar story.

  Xiaomi, which entered India mid-2014, has managed to sell plenty of handsets through flash sales. The company sold its flagship handset Mi 3 for Rs 14,000 ($225). Rumor has it that the company was selling the phone at a loss of about $20 on each handset, in an effort to expand its presence in the country. Lenovo launched the A6000 handset at CES for $169, but the company launched the same LTE-capable handset in India for $114.

  What Samsung has failed to realize is that in order to stay relevant, it needs to first understand the local market and their demand.

  
• 

  Microsoft can do no wrong lately -- rumored to buy Sunrise Calendar for $100 million

  Publié: février 5, 2015, 1:56am CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  If there is one thing you should always remember about the technology community, it is that the tides are always changing. In other words, a company that can never lose, will eventually face calamity. A good example of this is Blackberry. We aren't many years removed from a world where seemingly everyone owned a Blackberry as their device of choice. Hell, if you didn't have BBM, you were not a part of the "in" crowd. Today? Not so much. Using one of those devices is perceived as very uncool. Even Apple, despite making tons of money, has seen its iOS devices hemorrhaging market share as Android grows. Again, everything changes -- nothing is set in stone.

  I'm not saying Microsoft is Blackberry -- quite the contrary -- but its loss of mind share over the last decade has been staggering. Computing used to be synonymous with Windows, and it still is on the desktop, but the company is essentially absent on the mobile front, which is arguably more important. Let's be honest, Windows Phone is a failure; there is no benefit to use it over iOS or Android. Why? Because apps are really the only thing that matters. From a consumer standpoint, a mobile OS is a means of running apps -- nothing more. Guess what? Microsoft finally realizes this and if it can't be the platform for the apps, it can be the apps. Today, the company which can do no wrong lately, continues its win-streak as it is rumored to be buying Sunrise Calendar.

  A rumor is a rumor, so this may not even be true. With that said, I love playing make-believe, so let's just pretend it is. Have you used Sunrise Calendar before? If not, you are missing out. It is the best calendar app for both iOS and Android. I use it all the time between my Nexus 6 and iPad. Not only is the app useful, but very pretty and more importantly, cool. I imagine that Google and Apple -- two of the "coolest" companies -- are kicking themselves for letting Microsoft snatch this one away.

  Yes, I realize "cool" is subjective, and hard to quantify, but that is the only way I can explain Microsoft spending a rumored $100 million. As great as the app is, I believe Microsoft could have easily duplicated the style and functionality in-house. The problem with that is, you have to convince people to use a new offering. With Sunrise, the users are essentially part of the deal. In other words, yes, Microsoft over-paid for an app, but it got a great deal on both user data and perception.

  From an analysis perspective, collecting data that shows a user's behavior and plans is very valuable. It is important insight into the mind of its users. Does Microsoft plan to use data in this way? Who knows -- it is pure speculation on my part. However, the data is there and just the potential to analyze it has a value.

  More important, however, is the perception that is achieved from buying a "cool" app. On its own, it wont turn the dial on Microsoft's cool-factor, but when combined with the awesome new Outlook app, the popular Office for iPad, the upcoming HoloLens, Windows 10 bringing back a start menu and the company's increased embrace of open-source, it makes both consumers and analysts take notice. It's even cool that Microsoft can drop $100 million like it's nothing -- a sign of success.

  While I hope Microsoft keeps the standalone Sunrise Calendar app development, I am more interested in it being integrated into its existing technologies. While the calendar aspect of the new Outlook app is passable, there is no reason not to replace it with Sunrise. Hell, it would be a damn shame if it is not in some way integrated into Windows 10.

  Again, this is all just rumor, but exciting to talk about, right? Microsoft is doing so many things right lately, and this acquisition would be a continuation of that trend.

  Do you think $100 million is too much? Tell me in the comments.

  Photo Credit: Iakov Kalinin / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Facebook will urge UK users to register to vote

  Publié: février 4, 2015, 7:10pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  If you're in the UK, your Facebook feed might look slightly different tomorrow (Thursday). In addition to the usual bitching and moaning, cat videos, and lists of eight things you didn’t know about your friends, you may well also see a reminder to register to vote in May's General Election.

  Why? Well Thursday 5 February is the excitingly named National Voter Registration Day, and the Electoral Commission has teamed up with Facebook to try to up voter numbers. The idea is riding the wave of interest in politics that swelled around the Scottish referendum on independence, and it is hoped that more young people will be encouraged to register in time to cast their vote at the ballot box.

  What's different about 2015's General Election is that it is the first time people are able to register online to vote, although online voting is still a distant dream. While it is possible to register online, research shows that this is something few people realize. With so many people making use of social networks, it seems like the natural medium through which to reach voters. Banners will appear at the top of the newsfeed of those who will be of voting age directing them to register to vote on the Gov.uk portal.

  All political parties are keen to attract younger voters, and the Scottish referendum -- a vote in which people as young as 16 could play their part -- showed that there is greater interest in politics from this age group than in the past. For the General Election, however, the voting age remains at 18, and it is people who will be voting for the first time who are particularly being encouraged to register.

  To help spread the news further, anyone who does register to vote is invited to share this fact on their newsfeed.

  Photo credit: nfsphoto / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Grab yourself a free copy of Office for Windows 10 Technical Preview now

  Publié: février 4, 2015, 5:47pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  A couple of weeks ago we learned a little about what to expect from Office for Windows 10. Today Microsoft has made the universal apps for Office for Windows 10 available for download. In order to grab yourself the preview software, you need to be running Windows 10 Technical Preview build 9926 as the apps are being made available through the new Windows Store Beta.

  For now, the Word, Excel and PowerPoint apps that make up Office for Windows 10 are available for PCs, laptops and tablets running Windows 10 Technical Preview, but this will open up in due course to phones as well.

  Like the Windows 10 Technical Preview, the preview versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint are available free of charge -- for now. The store listing explains that: "You can use most functionality in Word preview for free. After preview, some functionality will require a qualifying Office 365 subscription".

  As revealed two weeks ago, Office for Windows 10 is a series of universal apps. The only reason the apps are not currently available for phones is the fact that Windows 10 has not yet been made available as a preview for such devices. Today's announcement about the availability of the preview builds makes no mention of any changes that have been made in the intervening fortnight, but it's likely that -- just like with Windows 10 itself -- there will be numerous updates in the weeks and months before the official release.

  The preview of OneNote was launched at the same time as the build 9926 of Windows 10 Technical Preview, and now you have three new apps to take for a test drive.

  
• 

  Microsoft Internet Explorer security flaw could put users at risk

  Publié: février 4, 2015, 5:02pm CET par Alan Buckingham

  

  In terms of market share, Internet Explorer remains the top web browser thanks to being the default on Windows and average users not knowing any better. Those with a lean towards technology frequently use alternatives like Chrome and Firefox. This was a major problem in the days of IE 6, but Microsoft has improved its offering with each iteration.

  But no software is perfect and security holes are found on a regular basis. This time it seems Microsoft's browser has a major one. The flaw that has been discovered can be used to exploit users via phishing attacks and malicious code insertion.

  Security researcher Graham Cluley reports "The bug, which works on Internet Explorer 11 running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, is a universal cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability, and bypasses what is known as the Same-Origin Policy".

  Same Origin Policy is used to protect the browser from malicious code injection. Swati Khandelwal of The Hacker News describes it this way -- "SOP actually prevents one site from accessing or modifying the browser properties, such as cookies, location, response etc, by any other site, ensuring that no third-party can inject code without the authorization of the owner of the website".

  The flaw was discovered by David Leo, who posted details along with a proof-of-concept. The flaw apparently only affects Internet Explorer 11, but given that version runs on both Windows 7 and Windows 8.x, it leaves a lot of people potentially vulnerable.

  So far, there are no actual reports of this in the wild. If you are using Microsoft's browser then consider making the move to another -- until a fix is found for it.

  Photo Credit: ra2studio / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Can you trust crowdfunding projects? Not in the UK

  Publié: février 4, 2015, 4:20pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  Crowdfunding is now an incredibly popular way for startups and individuals to get the funding to get their projects off the ground. It's certainly an interesting approach to things. Ideas that might not otherwise come to fruition receive the money they need to hit production, further development and so on, and investors get the chance to be involved in something from a very early stage, and possibly reap the benefits when it hits the big time.

  But in the UK the Financial Conduct Authority found that most British crowdfunding websites were less than honest with the information shared with potential investors. Specifically, the regulator warns that companies are being selective about the information that is shared with would-be investors, whilst simultaneously underplaying the risks that might be involved.

  The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) warned that some sites using this method of seeking funding misrepresented themselves by deleting negative comments left by others. But the real cause for concern was the finding that many sites were giving investors a "misleading or unrealistically optimistic impression of the investment". The regulator has already introduced concern about "equity crowdfunding" -- this differs from the type of crowdfunding found on Kickstarter as investors expect to get a return on what they put in rather than just settling for incentives.

  As well as the dishonesty unearthed by the FCA, there were also concerns that many of the investors who ploughed money into startups had little or no previous experience of investing. Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, chief executive of crowdfunding company Seedrs, Jeff Lynn, said that he expects more than half of the startups (up to 80 percent) using his platform to raise money will fail.

  There is talk of European regulation being introduced to help to protect investors, but there is currently no timescale for this.

  Photo credit: Andrey_Popov / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Lack of trust holds back app downloads

  Publié: février 4, 2015, 4:15pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  Consumers are increasingly wary of downloading apps according to a new report by mobile commerce community MEF and antivirus company AVG.

  The study is based on data from 15,000 mobile media users in 15 countries across five continents. It explores the key areas of trust, privacy, transparency and security to identify their impact on mobile consumers, from purchasing a new device to downloading apps or paying for goods and services.

  Among the findings are that almost half of all consumers surveyed (49 percent) say a lack of trust limits the amount of apps they download, compared to 37 percent last year. 72 percent of mobile consumers are not happy sharing personal data such as their location or contact details when using an app and 34 percent say a lack of trust prevents them from buying more goods and services using their mobile device.

  Of the markets studied the US experienced the largest increase in a lack of trust, at 35 percent (up nine percent year-on-year). Many consumers feel that app stores and device manufacturers should be taking greater responsibility for protecting their personal information. 30 percent of respondents said this would give them greater trust in the platforms and 63 percent said that they considered transparency important or extremely important (compared to 49 percent last year).

  Interestingly although the results show a high awareness of malware, caution surrounding it has decreased. Only 48 percent of respondents said the threat of malware would make them think twice when downloading apps compared with 74 percent last year.

  "Building consumer trust is an integrated process," says Judith Bitterli, Chief Marketing Officer at AVG Technologies. "While the mobile industry across the board must step up and take responsibility for increasing transparency across user privacy policies, it is equally important that consumers take their own steps to educate and protect themselves in order to better protect their rights and understand their choices online. This research shows that while consumers are taking certain proactive steps towards greater protection there is still some way to go in order to ensure their privacy and security are not at risk".

  More information about the report is available from the MEF website.

  Photo Credit: phloxii/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Google fails to spot adware-riddled Android apps in Play store

  Publié: février 4, 2015, 2:28pm CET par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  If you want to steer clear of malware on Android, just stick to Google Play. I am sure you have heard this line before. And it makes sense, if you think about it, as Google subjects apps to security checks prior to approving them. So, it makes sense to hand out that piece of advice whenever new Android malware is discovered in the wild. But what if the malicious bits are found in Google Play itself? A change of tune is in order.

  Security firm Avast details how three popular, seemingly harmless Android apps -- but, riddled with adware -- have been tricking users into visiting unwanted sites, installing other apps, to fix different non-existent issues, like fake malware infections, porn-filled storage (though, I have to say, it is far from an unlikely scenario, in some cases) and so on.

  Of course, following Avast's report, Google has pulled those three titles from Play. But, that doesn't mean that these titles have stopped affecting users -- and there are plenty of them!

  The most popular app of the bunch is a card game called Durak, which had between five and 10 million installs since December. The other two are an IQ test and Russian history app. Here's a more detailed explanation of how they work.

  Avast says that the adware doesn't surface immediately after the apps are installed. Their developers have designed them so that users cannot tell which app is the culprit, making the origin harder to isolate, as the first signs only appear after a couple of days -- Avast adds that these apps may "wait up to 30 days until they show their true colors". Clever, isn't it?

  When the adware surfaces, users are redirected to fishy sites, advised to install risky apps -- like apps that collect lots of personal information or send premium SMS messages without them knowing -- and even legitimate security tools from Google Play!

  Avast says that "Even if you install the security apps, the undesirable ads popping up on your phone don‘t stop", noting that "most people will trust that there is a problem that can be solved with one of the apps advertised 'solutions' and will follow the recommended steps, which may lead to an investment into unwanted apps from untrusted sources". That's certainly possible, given that people don't consider Google Play a safe haven for malicious apps.

  Every once in a while I see similar messages on some sites I visit (not malware-ridden, mind you -- the messages surface from prominent ad banners, making the message appear more credible given a site's reputation), but, knowing why they are displayed, I ignore them.

  Also, it is possible to get redirects to sites that look just like an app's Google Play landing page -- don't make the mistake of falling into the trap of downloading it; to stay safe, don't enable sideloading (also known as "Unknown sources" in Android settings) unless you need to do so.

  But, back to the three apps in question, what I find most worrying is that Google has been totally and utterly useless at spotting those adware-riddled apps for months. And they could have gone unnoticed for longer, if not for Avast bothering to check a report from one of its users.

  Obviously, things can be improved by employing more stringent rules, using more capable tools for checking apps, or hiring actual people that check every single app thoroughly (right now, the process of approving an app is automated) before giving the green light. Google can do better, and it has to if it wants its customers to truly feel safe using its app store.

  Photo credit: wk1003mike / Shutterstock

  
• 

  New tool to identify website vulnerabilities

  Publié: février 4, 2015, 2:20pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  Many of the security breaches that have made the headlines over the past year have been due to some form of web vulnerability. It's no surprise that the web has become the main route for cyber attacks as highlighted by things like Shellshock.

  But identifying these flaws manually can be a mammoth task. Which is why cloud security provider Qualys is announcing the latest version of its Web Application Scanning (WAS) tool.

  Qualys Web Application Scanning is a cloud service that provides automated crawling and testing of custom web applications to identify vulnerabilities including cross-site scripting (XSS) and SQL injection.

  It's an automated service which makes it possible to carry out regular testing that produces consistent results, reduces false positives, and easily scales to secure large numbers of web sites. Qualys WAS also proactively scans websites for malware infections, sending alerts to website owners to help prevent search engine black listing and consequent damage to brand reputation.

  "In today's increasingly digital world, web applications are the new battleground for attackers looking to gain access to corporate or personal data," says Philippe Courtot, Chairman and CEO for Qualys, Inc. "Since its inception, we designed our web application scanning solution with scale and accuracy in mind as we anticipated this explosive growth of web apps. Now with the new progressive scanning capabilities, we have reached a new milestone, which coupled with our recently introduced Web Application Firewall, allows companies of all sizes to ensure the security of their web apps".

  Key features of the new release include progressive crawling where each scan builds on the information obtained in previous scans, prioritizing newly identified pages over previously tested ones. Similarly, progressive testing enhances the flexibility of scanning by automatically starting, stopping and resuming scans across networks without manual intervention. There are also new customized reporting templates to simplify the time and effort needed.

  For more information and to sign up for a free trial you can visit the Qualys website.

  Photo Credit: Yuriy Boyko/Shutterstock

  
• 

  Tweak, process and optimize your JPEGs with Jhead

  Publié: février 4, 2015, 2:16pm CET par Mike Williams

  

  Jhead is a free command line tool which crams a host of JPEG-tweaking power into its tiny 163KB executable.

  The program can strip out all unnecessary metadata, reducing file size a little (occasionally, a lot), and maybe protecting your privacy.

  If you’d like to be more selective then there are commands to delete individual sections of the header (IPTC, XMP, the comment field). Jhead can also extract comments from your JPGs to a file, replace them with custom text of your own, even transplant the Exif header from one image into one or more others.

  The program provides various ways to tweak your JPEG timestamps. You might set all your JPEG date/ times to whatever is specified in the Exif header, say, or rename them using a custom format. If your camera clock was set incorrectly, you’re able to add or subtract a date/ time offset to restore the correct values.

  There’s a command to save the thumbnails you’ll find in some JPEG headers. This might be useful if a JPEG is corrupted and you can’t view the main image, or you just need some thumbnails and don’t have any other tools to produce them.

  None of this is particularly complicated to use. Jhead requires that you specify a command, then your target files, so for example this is how you’d strip out all the surplus metadata from a set of files:

  jhead -purejpg c:\folder\*.jpg

  Entering jhead -h at the command line provides a lot of detail on the available commands.

  Jhead isn’t as capable as some of the command line competition. If you need a serious JPEG manipulation tool then something like Exiftool gives you far more options.

  The program does have many plus points, though: it’s small, fast, has no dependencies, is well documented and (relatively) easy to use. If you regularly need to batch process JPEGs in this way then we’d give it a try.

  
• 

  Android 5.1 Lollipop is already here, but you can't get it yet

  Publié: février 4, 2015, 12:51pm CET par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Android 5.0 Lollipop was the only new Android release that came out in 2014. And that was unusual. Prior to its arrival Google had announced twice as many each year (even more, if we look far enough behind), with less than six months between them. In 2015, Google is shaking things up one more time.

  In recent years, the first new Android release of the year usually came in June or July, but in 2015 it arrives much sooner. In fact, Android 5.1 Lollipop is already here, as it is shipping on a new batch of Android One devices slated for Indonesia.

  Believe it or not, there is not even a formal announcement of Android 5.1 Lollipop at the time of writing this article. As spotted by the folks at Android Police, the only places where you are likely to find references of it are on Google's Android One landing page, and even there little information about it is available.

  On it, Google appears to have only replaced Android 5.0 Lollipop with Android 5.1 Lollipop and called it a day. A month ago, Android Pit came out with an unofficial changelog -- and it remains just that, until Google reveals the changes.

  The first devices to come with Android 5.1 Lollipop are Evercross One X, Mito Impact and Nexian Journey. If you live outside of Indonesia, it's likely you haven't heard of any of the said brands. (And who could blame you?) You can check out their specs in the screenshot at the top of the page.

  Even though Google has yet to reveal Android 5.1 Lollipop plans, it's likely that the latest version of Android will roll out in a reasonable time-frame to compatible Nexus smartphones and tablets. It first has to make its way to AOSP (Android Open Source Project), which used to be among the first places to house the final bits of code.

  
• 

  Samsung launches advanced enterprise mobility solution

  Publié: février 4, 2015, 12:07pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  The increasing use of mobile devices for business has highlighted the need for solutions to manage devices and keep them secure.

  Samsung has recognized the growing importance of this and has announced the release of the Good app container and management system on the Samsung KNOX enterprise security platform for Android.

  Good's container platform and app ecosystem are integrated directly into the KNOX security stack. This joint solution creates a secure solution for enterprises and government agencies looking to accelerate their Android deployment to drive secure mobile productivity.

  "Together, Samsung and Good are addressing the growing importance of mobility management for enterprises by delivering an unmatched secure mobile productivity solution for Android that will relieve organizations of past concerns with Android adoption," says Injong Rhee, executive vice president of enterprise business, IT and mobile business at Samsung Electronics. "The combination of Samsung and Good represents the best solution for secure enterprise Android productivity -- no matter whether corporate-liable, COPE (Corporate Owned, Personally Enabled) or BYOD(Bring Your Own Device) device ownership models are being used".

  The product creates a Good-secured domain within the KNOX Android system where any secured apps sit. It prevents the rooting of corporate Android devices and stops rooted BYOD devices from accessing corporate resources. It also protects devices against Android malware that attempts to modify the kernel or system and secures corporate apps and data whether they’re at rest, in motion, in memory, or between apps.

  "The large companies in the world trust Good Technology as the secure mobility leader, including all of the Fortune 100 commercial banks and other industry leading companies in over 190 countries," says Christy Wyatt, chairman and CEO of Good Technology. "By partnering with Samsung to integrate our container and secure app ecosystem with the KNOX platform, we are delivering a comprehensive, layered solution to secure Samsung Android devices in the enterprise".

  You can find more information about Good for Samsung KNOX and see a video of how it works on the Good website.

  Image Credit: Moon Light PhotoStudio / Shutterstock

  
• 

  iOS outsells Android in US for the first time since 2012

  Publié: février 4, 2015, 11:52am CET par Mark Wilson

  

  The latest figures published by Kantar Worldpanel show that US sales of iOS devices are outpacing those of Android handsets. Just. Buoyed by the launch of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, Apple saw sales figures rising across Europe, the US and in China, with the smaller of its two smartphones proving to be the best-selling handset in the US.

  Overall, iOS devices accounted for 47.7 percent of smartphone sales, just managing to edge ahead of Android which dropped slightly to a 47.6 percent market share. The holiday period was key to this switch in popularity, as the iPhone 6 proved the most popular gift in 2014. But it's not just in the US that Android is losing its grip on the market.

  In Europe -- or the five biggest markets, Great Britain, Germany, France, Italy and Spain -- iOS enjoyed a 6.2 percent jump in the share of sales, while Android dropped 3.8 percentage points from the previous year. While Great Britain saw iOS's sales increase by 13.1 percentage points, Android's share of European sales dropped to 66.1 percent.

  Carolina Milanesi, chief of research at Kantar Worldpanel ComTech, said: "In the US, Apple iOS overtook Android for the first time since this time in 2012, albeit by the slimmest 0.1 percent margin. While the success of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus is unprecedented, this quarter’s performance also points to Apple having its strongest portfolio ever. With a range of devices available at different price points in both contract and pre-pay Apple was able to take advantage of a weaker Android offering at the premium end of the market".

  Coming in second place behind the iPhone 6, Samsung's Galaxy S5 was the second most popular handset in the US, but Italy was the only European market in which Android sales grew. For Windows Phone, it is pretty much business as usual. Sales remain low in the US (3.8 percent) and China (0.7 percent) and while things look slightly brighter in Europe, a 9 percent share of sales still represents a 1 percentage point drop. There was, however, slight growth for Windows Phone in France and Germany.

  Photo credit: charnsitr / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Augmented Reality glasses set to become more popular than smartphones, says Augmented Reality promoter

  Publié: février 4, 2015, 9:10am CET par Darren Allan

  

  In the future, smart glasses (or AR, Augmented Reality glasses) will become more popular than smartphones -- although we are talking about the pretty distant future.

  This unlikely sounding conclusion -- particularly given the recent demise of Google’s Glass Explorer project -- was reached by a report from Augmentedreality.org, although it is potentially somewhat biased in that it’s an organization "committed to advancing Augmented Reality".

  At any rate, the Smart Glasses Market 2015 report (spotted by Wareable) claims that the number of smart glasses shipped worldwide will reach a billion come 2020, and will exceed the predicted number of mobile phone shipments when 2025 arrives.

  10 new smart glasses were launched last year, and in the near-term, the research predicts that shipments will reach one million by the autumn of 2015, increasing to 10 million by the following year. Initially, most adoption will come from the enterprise world.

  Augmentedreality.org notes that the early winners in the smart glasses arena will emerge by the close of 2016, with a major "shakeup" expected around then in terms of big investments and mergers or acquisitions.

  The company stated: "Consumer electronics giants, and other players in the ecosystem have no more than a 12 months window to position their companies in the space (build, buy, partner) -- or risk missing the opportunity".

  Well, we shall see -- there are certainly some interesting projects which have been freshly unveiled, most notably Microsoft HoloLens, which could succeed in sparking more interest than Google Glass did with consumers. The enterprise, meanwhile, is definitely the area to keep your eye (or perhaps lens) on when it comes to pushing smart glasses tech…

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

  
• 

  J7Z is a simpler, faster 7-Zip gui

  Publié: février 4, 2015, 8:50am CET par Mike Williams

  

  It may be more than 15 years old, but 7-Zip is an open source classic, still used as the archiving engine for a host of applications.

  7-Zip’s interface isn’t a strong point, though, and if you'd like something simpler then you might prefer the Java-based J7Z.

  The program is an ultra-lightweight 240KB download. It requires installation, but caused no issues for us, and won't interfere with an existing 7-Zip installation.

  Select and right-click one or more files, choose "J7Z", and the usual lengthy 7-Zip list of options is replaced by just two: "Create" and "Extract".

  Choosing "Extract" displays a number of extraction profiles, and all you have to do is select the one you need. "Beneath" extracts your archives to a folder beneath the current one; "Desktop" sends them to the desktop, "Documents" the Documents folder, "Temporary"… You get the idea.

  J7Z’s "Create" menu takes a similar approach, with a selection of archiving destinations to choose from: "Default" (the current folder), "Local", "Remote" and so on.

  These profiles probably won’t be right for you (the Create options mostly have hard-coded drive names), but there are a couple of ways around that.

  Both the Create and Extract menus have a Custom option which launches the J7Z interface. This doesn't have nearly as many options as 7-Zip, but you can still set your compression algorithm (7-Zip, XZ, BZip2, GZip, Tar, Rar, add password protection, set source or destination folders, use custom, 7-Zip command line switches, and more. Select what you need, click Create or Extract and watch as J7 processes your files.

  
• 

  Toshiba releases super-secure Encrypted USB Flash Drive with hardware-based encryption

  Publié: février 4, 2015, 1:16am CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  In a cloud-focused world, more and more people are shunning physical storage. It's hard to blame them, as cloud services are very convenient. Best of all, services like Dropbox and OneDrive store your files off-site, keeping them safe from floods, fires and other disasters.

  Unfortunately, not everyone can utilize cloud storage. Businesses in particular may be wary of using the cloud to store or transport sensitive information and trade secrets. Yes, a flash drive may be an option, but what if it gets lost? They are small, and can easily fall out of a bag or pocket. Today, Toshiba releases its solution; the unimaginatively named Encrypted USB Flash Drive. While the name may not be impressive, the AES 256-bit encryption surely is.

  "Available in 4GB ($95), 8GB ($112), 16GB ($140) and 32GB ($200) capacities, the Toshiba Encrypted USB Flash Drive uses a built-in mini-keyboard to authenticate access, incorporating a rechargeable battery so the user can enter a secure code before plugging into a USB port. Users simply enter their secure PIN and plug the drive into any USB 2.0 port on a compatible device. Once access is granted, the drive 'unlocks' the media, permitting clearance to all of the content stored on the drive. When the drive is removed from a USB port, the drive automatically re-locks and encrypts the stored media", says Toshiba.

  The company further explains, "should the Toshiba Encrypted USB Flash Drive become lost or stolen, it is equipped with a Brute Force Hack Defense Mechanism that will render all stored information irrecoverable after 10 consecutive unsuccessful attempts to enter the secure PIN. The Toshiba Encrypted USB Flash Drive also carries a FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standards) Publication 140-2 Level 3 certification, issued by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a certification often required by government agencies and other data security sensitive industries, such as healthcare and finance".

  While everyone deserves secure files, the pricing makes it overkill for the average home user. This is more aimed at the enterprise, where lax  file security can have a tremendously negative impact on the bottom line. In other words, your Nana's recipes, while important, probably do not need to be stored on a drive with hardware encryption.

  The physical design is quite smart, as the aluminum sheath covers the keys. Since the data is destroyed after 10 unsuccessful unlocks, you do not want to accidentally press anything -- try telling your boss that you destroyed your work!

  Since it is hardware encryption and not software, it should work on almost any operating system. Toshiba lists compatibility with the following:

  • Windows 8.1, Windows 8 and Windows 7
  • Mac OS X 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 and 10.9
  • Linux
  • Certain embedded systems

  If you are interested, you can buy the drives here, where prices are already marked down.

   

  
• 

  'Stop using Windows Server 2003!' says Microsoft

  Publié: février 4, 2015, 12:30am CET par Mark Wilson

  

  Microsoft is encouraging users to migrate away from Windows Server 2003. Support for the 12 year old operating system comes to an end in the middle of July, and companies are encouraged to seriously consider moving to Windows Server 2012 R2, Microsoft Azure, or Office 365.

  Previously published figures suggest that most of those who are yet to upgrade from Windows Server 2003 will do so before the end-of-life deadline. But this still leaves around a fifth of businesses who have to consider what action to take.

  For companies who are yet to put migration plans in place, the timing is now a little awkward. The launch of Windows Server 10 is not too far away so those keen on ultimately making the switch to the latest (and presumably greatest) operating system have a couple of choices.

  Firstly, they could continue to use Windows Server 2003 without support until Windows Server 10 RTM makes its way out of the door, or they could jump to Windows Server 2012 R2 as a stop gap measure and then upgrade to Windows 10 in due course -- of course, this involves additional cost.

  With Microsoft’s current infatuation with the cloud, it should come as little surprise that Azure and Office 365 are being pushed. In a post on the Microsoft blog, Takeshi Numoto -- Corporate Vice President of Cloud and Enterprise Marketing -- explained the risks associated with sticking with Windows Server 2003 after the support period comes to an end:

  Windows Server 2003 instances will, of course, continue to run after end of support. However, running unsupported software carries significant security risks and may result in costly compliance violations. As you evaluate security risks, keep in mind that even a single unpatched server can be a point of vulnerability for your entire infrastructure.

  To illustrate just how far we have come in a relatively short period of time, Numoto points out that the power of most modern smartphones far exceeds the minimum system requirements of Windows Server 2003. But demands have also increased. He also goes on to suggest that some customers may be under a legal obligation to upgrade from the aging software:

  Important financial and healthcare regulations also include provisions around security: US PCI DSS section 6.1 states that all organizations must “ensure that all system components and software are protected from known vulnerabilities by having the latest vendor-supplied security patches installed,” while HIPAA section 164.308(a)(1)(ii)(B) states that covered entities must “implement security measures sufficient to reduce risks and vulnerabilities to a reasonable appropriate level.” Industry regulations are often country specific, so you should consult your legal, security and audit teams to ensure you understand your compliance landscape.

  The costs associated with upgrading server software are not insubstantial, and Microsoft suggests that companies might want to consider replacing physical servers with Hyper-V alternatives.

  Photo credit: Macrovector / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Did you watch the Super Bowl online? It was powered by Adobe

  Publié: février 3, 2015, 8:42pm CET par Alan Buckingham

  

  The usual droves of people turned out to watch the big game this past Sunday. The Super Bowl is one of the biggest spectacles in sports. While you may or may not have been pleased with the result you should have been pleased with the quality of the online stream -- if that's how you happened to watch it.

  Over the past couple of weeks we've brought you news of Adobe security flaws -- they tend to be more regular than anyone would like. In this case, it's nice to report something good from the software maker.

  The NBC online coverage was powered by Adobe Primetime. And it held up quite nicely, as the company claims 1.3 million simultaneous streams of the event. This is an 18 percent increase over last year, and also a new record for viewers.

  Having watched it this way (I cut the cord last year) I can attest to the stream -- a couple of hiccups along the way, but no major problems.

  Adobe boasts some numbers, including an average of 800,000 viewers per minute, 213 million minutes viewed, five million unique total views and NBC Sports Extra getting an average 84.2 minutes of engagement per viewer.

  According to Adobe "Sports content is a huge driver for online viewing and getting users to set up online accounts to enable TV Everywhere. 2014 was a landmark year for TV Everywhere and the biggest year yet with special events like the Sochi Winter Olympics and Soccer World Cup. In fact, the Adobe Digital Index Q2 2014 U.S. Digital Video Benchmark report found that sports networks saw frequency of viewing rise 31% year-over-year (YoY). We are excited to see what 2015 holds for the future of TV and continuing our partnership with NBC Sports Digital".

  Well your team may not have won the game -- or even played in it -- but this is good news for cord-cutters moving forward. Live sports is pretty much the last big hurdle to clear.

  Image Credit: Steve Cukrov / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Microsoft's Bing is your source for the 2015 Grammy Awards -- Beyoncé, Sam Smith, and more!

  Publié: février 3, 2015, 6:56pm CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  Award shows can be rather lame, depending on many things; the host, the nominees and the overall presentation. The Grammy Awards are my favorite of them all, however, as music is one of my favorite hobbies.

  Sadly, while I enjoy the overall spectacle and the show, I often disagree with the results. As a Hip-Hop fan, I was disgusted last year when Kendrick Lamar did not win best rap album. Good Kid, m.A.A.d. City should have won, but I digress. This year, Microsoft is making Bing your one stop shop for all things Grammy, including karaoke and predictions.

  "To get you ready for the GRAMMYs on Sunday, February 8, we've put together an interactive guide to the nominees and we’re predicting who will take home music’s biggest awards. Starting today, you can use it to explore the people, songs and albums that are in the running: watch videos, listen to the songs, even sing along 'karaoke'-style while you pick your favorites to root for during the show", says The Bing Team.

  The team further explains, "we have used a variety of information, including search queries and social data, to pick who is likely to take home a trophy. We've done this in the past to forecast winners of The Voice, the mid-term election results, and, most recently, we called the Patriots’ Super Bowl win. You can check out who we fancy to win now for Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist and more by searching Grammys on Bing".

  

  Bing predicts that Sam Smith "Stay with Me" will win record of the year, and I generally agree with that. He is also expected to win best new artist, and I agree here too. Mr. Smith is a wonderful talent.

  For album of the year, Beyoncé's self-titled is expected to win, which I think is a shame -- Beck's "Morning Phase" is the deserving recipient in my opinion.

  

  If you want to sing along to these hot tunes, Bing has you covered there too. If you search for the name of an artist and song, the lyrics will display on the top of the page.

  What artists do you think will win an award? Does Bing have its predictions right? Tell me in the comments.

  Photo Credit: JStone / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Google shows interest in Indian startups, launches Launchpad to mentor 20 of them

  Publié: février 3, 2015, 4:35pm CET par Manish Singh

  

  In yet another major push into the Indian technology sector, Google has kick-started its Launchpad startup mentorship program in the country. The company has announced plans to offer three-month mentoring to 20 shortlisted startups. The move signals the search giant’s growing interest towards Indian startups.

  Launchpad -- which was started two-and-a half years ago -- is run by Google’s developer team. They examined more than 1,450 ventures and shortlisted 20 startups from it. Half of the startups in the curated list are in the B2B space while rest of them cater to businesses. A few of them focus on education and healthcare verticals.

  The first edition of Launchpad was launched in Israel in 2013. The program received an overwhelming response and resulted in the search giant having about 14 of these events there since then. Among other nations, Launchpad has also been introduced in Brazil.

  The company has plans to mentor over 100 startups in India over the course of the next few years.

  "Indian startups are lucky that there is a big domestic market and they can focus on local demand even as they think and work global. Israel does not have this advantage,” Amir Shevat, global start-up program manager of the developer relations team tells ET. "Globally more than 300 startups have been benefited by the Launchpad program with many of them pivoting their strategy after our program," he added.

  In Launchpad, a number of senior Googlers -- who act as mentors -- share their experience in technology, product strategy, user experiences, user interfaces and marketing with small startups. By the end of the one-week incubation duration, startups are given a chance to make a pitch to VCs and investors. "It is great to see companies like Google getting vested into the Indian startup ecosystem", Vijay Anand, the CEO and Founder of The Startup Center told BetaNews. "This can only signal the great things that are yet to come and happen in India".

  As part of the company’s India program, Google has relocated all its developer relations team members in India to Bangalore. Unlike other nations where the developer team consists of two members, the Indian team -- being the largest globally -- consists of four members.

  "Over the last year, we have seen most of the Indian companies increasingly focusing on the design. It is also interesting to note that the companies are looking at Indian consumers first now while a couple of years back they were only looking at Western consumers," Sunil Rao, country head for developer relations and start-up ecosystem at Google India said in a statement.

  Google isn’t the only tech giant interested in Indian startups, of course. Microsoft -- which maintains an accelerator program called Microsoft Ventures -- also entered India a couple of months ago. Through its four month-long program, the company provides startups with guidance from business mentors, technical and design experts while also taking care of the office space, and other resources required by startups to grow quickly.

  Alright. But what do these companies get in return? Through their accelerator programs -- wherein these companies offer guidance and resources to help startups grow -- the companies ensure (in a way) that these startups are using their services and hence are likely to adopt their technology in future. Google, for instance, provides startups with storage in the cloud, mail and access to several other Google products. But more importantly, these companies benefit from the growing digital economy as these startups later spend on their mentors to acquire customers.

  In the last couple of years, the dynamics of Indian startups has improved dramatically. As per the data provided by market analytics PrivCo, venture capital funding to Indian startups is up 261 percent from 2013, totaling $3.86 billion to date. These startups are attracting venture capital groups from across the world. Japan’s Softbank, for example, has plans to invest $10 billion in Indian startups.

  India is also one of the largest Google developer ecosystems, with a huge number of Android developers. Being the second most populated nation (over 1 billion people), India is the core of Google’s vision of getting the entire world to use the internet. Several top executives have visited the nation over the last few months. Last year, Google launched its Android One program in the country to make affordable smartphones available to more people.

  Image Credit:  wong yu liang / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Motorola claims more mindshare than market share

  Publié: février 3, 2015, 3:47pm CET par Mihaita Bamburic

  

  Motorola is getting lots of attention from the media. With smartphones as good as Moto G and Moto X, it's easy to understand why. Because of this, you might think that Motorola is selling lots of devices. After all, if it's so popular then that's a given, right? Well, that's not the case, at least not yet.

  In reality, Motorola claims more mindshare than market share. According to parent company Lenovo, the long-lasting smartphone vendor only shipped a tad over 10 million units in the last quarter of 2014. That puts it on the same level as Microsoft, which, Strategy Analytics says, is only at three percent market share. Motorola is far, far away from leading players in this regard.

  10 million smartphones is not a lot, compared to how many units leading players are shipping. Apple and Samsung each shipped 74.5 million units in the same period of last year. Even Lenovo, taken without Motorola, shipped more smartphones -- based on Strategy Analytics' numbers, that would be roughly 14.7 million units.

  But, there's a long-term value proposition with Motorola. Lenovo says that its shipments more than doubled year-over-year (118 percent increase, to be exact), which is impressive if we consider that the average market growth is 29.6 percent. Motorola is poised to claim a bigger piece of the pie, there's no question about it.

  The growth potential is just as important as the revenue Motorola is able to generate for Lenovo. In Q4 2014, it was $1.9 billion. Not too shabby, as Motorola has long been in the red, financially speaking. In case you are wondering, it will take some time before Lenovo breaks even. The Chinese player paid $2.91 billion to Google early last year to snatch up Motorola.

  But, no matter how long it'll take to get there, Lenovo will still be winning. Motorola is well known in western markets, selling phones for decades now. There Lenovo is associated almost exclusively with Windows PCs and laptops. But, as Motorola gains more traction, basically so will Lenovo.

  
• 

  Clustrix launches updated eCommerce database

  Publié: février 3, 2015, 3:38pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  Availability and performance are key factors to success in the eCommerce field but as sites grow, the software used to support them needs to be able to keep pace.

  San Francisco-based database company Clustrix is rolling out the latest version of its ClustrixDB product to help businesses cope with expansion and reduce the risk of slowdowns and outages.

  ClustrixDB 6.0 is compatible with MySQL and includes performance enhancements for Magento Community and Enterprise Editions. It can support hundreds of thousands of customers per hour and an unprecedented 2,000+ active sessions. In addition, its built-in fault tolerance and high availability capabilities ensure zero downtime and continuous processing of eCommerce transactions even during hardware failures, both on premise and in the cloud.

  It allows eCommerce sites to adjust their capacity easily to keep pace with variable volumes of customers, products and orders. Product highlights in this release include up to five times more read and write performance than standard Magento with MySQL, automatic recovery from hardware failures, prioritizing eCommerce transactions over other tasks, and data made available directly at each server to reduce load times.

  "Our largest customers manage upwards of 170 million products that require constant real-time inventory and pricing updates, and eCommerce retailers of all sizes are already benefiting from the performance and availability that ClustrixDB's scale-out architecture provides," says Mike Azevedo, Clustrix CEO. "Version 6.0 builds on these features, offering a scalable solution that ensures zero downtime and provides live reporting of business performance metrics to increase sales opportunities and capture more revenue".

  For more details of Clustrix's eCommerce products you can visit the company's website.

  Photo Credit: Nonnakrit/Shutterstock

  
• 

  How busy were you last Tuesday? Desktop APM can help

  Publié: février 3, 2015, 2:50pm CET par Mike Williams

  

  Spend a day on some personal PC task and you’ll probably only be interested in the end results. Did you find the information, produce the document, achieve everything you wanted?

  Go to work on a commercial project, where someone else is paying, and you’ll probably want a far more detailed breakdown. Which applications did you use, for how long, and just how much work was involved?

  Desktop APM is a free-for-personal-use ($3.75 otherwise) tool which can help by tracking exactly where you’re spending your PC time.

  The program works by counting your "Actions Per Minute", mouse clicks and keypresses. It only keeps totals, not the keypresses or mouse positions themselves, and so doesn’t have any significant security implications (it’s not a keylogger).

  As these details are collected, the main Desktop APM displays some key statistics. A "Highest APM" figure gives an idea of how busy you’ve been this session; "mouse moved" shows the distance your mouse has traveled in megapixels; "active time" is the total time you’ve spent working, while "inactive time" tells you -- well, you get the idea.

  A simple bar chart shows how your activity has changed over the past few minutes, and there are Hour/ Day/ Week views to give you a more long-term picture.

  An "Application Tracker" is more interesting, displaying a list of applications, with their APM and the time you spent working in them.

  The Tracker’s report may not be ideal. Applications are listed in order of use, not as a total, so if you kept switching between Word and Chrome then you’ll get a separate entry each time. And if you used an application for less than a minute before switching back, that time won’t be included at all, at least by default (you can set a lower "Minimum Time In Use").

  Still, Desktop APM does at least allow you to copy its text to the clipboard, which means you can paste it into Excel (or wherever) for further analysis. And of course if you typically work in applications for lengthy periods of time, this won’t be an issue anyway.

  The program also has some handy configuration options, covering everything from manually deleting APM histories (if you’re concerned about privacy issues) to having the program alert you if you drop below some defined APM figure.

  Desktop APM may not be the most professional of time trackers, but it’s simple, compact and easy to use, with some worthwhile features to explore. Give it a try.

  
• 

  UK companies pay more attention to cyber security

  Publié: février 3, 2015, 12:47pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  We reported a few weeks ago on research showing that cloud security was becoming a concern outside the IT department and having an impact on the boardroom.

  Now a new study in the UK by Tom Neaves, Managing Consultant at security specialist Trustwave backs this up, showing that cyber security is increasingly becoming a corporate issue.

  Looking at the annual reports of UK companies over recent years, the findings show that in 2012, just 49 percent of FTSE 100 companies made a reference to cyber security. In 2013, the number increased to 60 percent. And in 2014, more than three-quarters of companies (76 percent) referenced it.

  There are also changes across industry sectors. Neaves says, "In 2012 and 2013, the utilities industry remained stagnant at 60 percent of companies recognizing cyber security. In 2014, that number rose to 80 percent. On the other side of the spectrum, the oil-and-gas industry saw no change in 2014 at 85 percent. But that’s still a vast majority. I also saw a significant jump in the financial and health care industries, both showing an increase of 25 percent".

  As to why companies are taking security more seriously, it could be due to a number of things, the number of data breaches that made news headlines in 2013, increases in the number of internet-connected control systems, as well as involvement at a Government level to help improve cyber security across all businesses such as the UK government's Cyber Essentials Scheme.

  Neaves concludes that increased recognition of security at board level is a step in the right direction, but notes, "...a security program is only as good as the people who manage it. If businesses lack the manpower and skillsets to ensure their controls are installed, updated and working properly, they should augment their in-house staff and partner with a third-party team of experts whose sole responsibility is to protect their information".

  You can read more about the findings on Trustwave's blog.

  Image Credit: Manczurov / Shutterstock

  
• 

  I added a PowerColor AMD Radeon R7 250 2GB GDDR5 to my AMD AM1 desktop

  Publié: février 3, 2015, 12:45pm CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  Last year, I declared that AMD's AM1 platform was one of my favorite things of 2014. It's not hard to see why; it is inexpensive, uses very little electricity and offers ample performance for the average home user. For example, my desktop uses a GIGABYTE GA-AM1M-S2H motherboard that retails for $35, while the Athlon 5350 Kabini Quad-Core 2.05GHz APU is $65. In other words, for about $100 you can start building a really nice computer.

  While the Athlon 5350 supports 4K, the motherboard only has HDMI, which can be problematic with some monitors (even with adapters). Plus, a portion of the system RAM is used for the integrated video. This is particularly tough on an AM1 PC, as it only supports single channel memory. In my testing, the best performance is with a single stick, which maxes at 8GB. With that said, I wanted to try adding a discrete card to my desktop, so Windows can utilize the full 8GB. My requirements? I wanted an AMD card, it had to do 4K, had to have DisplayPort and had to be low-profile to fit my Micro ATX case. Enter the PowerColor AMD Radeon R7 250 2GB GDDR5.

  Card Specifications

  • Graphics Engine: RADEON R7 250
  • Video Memory: 2GB GDDR5
  • Engine Clock: 800MHz
  • Memory Clock: 1125MHz x 4 (4.5 Gbps)
  • Memory Interface: 128bit
  • DirectX Support: 11.2
  • Bus Standard: PCIE 3.0
  • Display Connectors: Mini DisplayPort x4

  

  System Specifications

  • Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-AM1M-S2H ($35 on Newegg)
  • APU: AMD Athlon 5350 Kabini 2.05GHz Quad-Core ($65 on Newegg)
  • RAM: AMD Radeon Memory Entertainment Series 8GB 240-Pin DDR3 1600 ($82 on Newegg)

  

  Initial Experience

  This particular card was extremely intriguing to me, as it has four Mini DisplayPort connections. I'm a sucker for unique hardware, and I loved that this did not have any HDMI or VGA connections. But wait, doesn't that limit the card from connecting to monitors that don't have DisplayPort? No, sir. You see, included in the box are adapters for HDMI, VGA and DVI.

  

  Unfortunately, AMD AM1 does not support PCI-e x16. Even though my motherboard has a x16 slot, it only runs at 4x. So with that said, it would not be fair to review the performance of the card, as it is not running at its full potential. Still, my needs are not hardcore gaming -- this isn't really a gaming card anyway -- I just wanted to add the 2GB of dedicated video RAM and DisplayPort.

  

  Upon removing the card from the box, I was immediately impressed with the build quality and size. The card truly only takes up a single PCI slot; the cooler does not extend into the next slot. I love this, as it means I do not lose an expansion slot. With that said, make sure the card next to it is not covering the fan. In my case, the length of a SATA/PATA card stops well before the fan -- phew!

  My other concern was noise; small fans like the one found here can sometimes be whiny and annoying. I am happy to report that the card is mostly silent unless under very heavy load. Even then, while audible, it is not obnoxiously so.

  

  Was it worth it?

  The big question is, was it worthwhile adding the card? Yes and no. My ultimate goal was 4K 60hz over DisplayPort, something my precious Surface Pro 3 cannot do (it maxes out at 24hz). I am happy to say, the card mostly delivers here -- in Windows 8.1, text looks crisp and images look fantastic.

  The problem, sadly, is 4K videos. Whether on YouTube or playing local 4K files, the overall system just can't keep up and freezes. With that said, it is not the card's fault, but instead, the PCI-e 4X bottleneck and the very modest AMD processor. 1080p videos play perfectly fine, however, so that is not a concern.

  The overall project, I confess, is an odd one -- why spend approximately $150 to add a card to a system designed to be low cost? Even crazier, the selling point of an AMD AM1 system is the low wattage, and this card boosts the used watts considerably. Still, it is worth it to me, as I don't care about watching 4K videos, but really wanted the sharp text and high-res image viewing. Mission accomplished.

  The card itself is built very well, and is unique in that it has four mini DisplayPorts packed into a truly single PCI slot form factor. If you have an AMD AM1 system, you know that expandability can be limited, so a card like this is perfect as you won't lose another slot. With that said, make sure you actually need a discrete card, as the onboard video performance may meet your needs.

  For those of you on other platforms (especially with full x16 support), this is a wonderful card, and I highly recommend it to anyone not focused on gaming. PowerColor is known for both quality and value and this card is no exception.

  Are you a fellow AMD AM1 lover? Tell me what upgrades you have done with your system in the comments below.

  
• 

  Relying on Windows 10 security is risky for business

  Publié: février 3, 2015, 9:43am CET par Stuart Poole-Robb

  

  Microsoft’s latest operating system, Windows 10, unveiled earlier this month, places a fresh emphasis on corporate security. But there are already industry rumblings that over-reliance on Microsoft’s new security features could be dangerous.

  Windows 10 is designed to run across the types of devices common to most business users: PCs, laptops, tablets and smart phones. In order to safeguard users’ privileged data, the new OS uses a two-factor authentication system utilizing biometric ID in the form of a finger or thumb print. Users can enroll a single device, such as a smart phone, which will effectively become their mobile credential. It will enable them to sign-in into all of their PC’s, networks, and web services as long as their smart phone is nearby.

  It all rests on smartphones

  According to Microsoft: "The phone, using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi communication, will behave like a remote smart card and it will offer two factor authentication for both local sign-in and remote access".

  Additional security features include data protection software designed to enable users to define which documents are corporate and which are personal. Companies can also designate all new content created on the device as corporate by policy. Additional features can enable organizations to prevent data from being copied from corporate content to non-corporate documents or external locations on the web such as social networks.

  While the security features incorporated into Windows 10 have been designed to address some of the key cyber security challenges now facing corporates, the jury is still very much out as to how effective these will be.

  In a world where many organizations still endorse a bring-your-own-devices (BYOD) policy, an OS that operates seamlessly across all devices could pose a whole gamut of security risks.

  It is also unlikely that most companies which have provided staff with devices using a variety of operating systems, such as iPads, Android smart phones and others, would be unlikely to ditch all their legacy equipment simply to switch to Microsoft’s latest version of Windows.

  The fallibility of biometrics

  Even if they do, there is a danger that they could place an over-reliance on the supposed infallibility of features such as biometric identification. Although biometric identification was first introduced as high level security for situations such as the US president launching a nuclear attack, the digital age is already exposing some inherent security flaws.

  At a recent presentation at the annual Chaos Computer Club hacker conference in Hamburg, biometrics expert Jan Krisller, alias 'Starbug', showcased how he had taken pictures of Germany’s Defense Minister, Ursula von der Leyen, at a press briefing in October using a focal length of 200 mm from six feet away. These were of sufficient clarity to enable him to use commercial fingerprint identification software from Verifinger, to replicate the contours of the defense minister’s thumbprint. He then used a technique dating back to 2002 to dupe a biometric scanner. The first reported use of this technique was the so- called "Gummi Bear attack" of 2002, when Japanese cryptographer Tsutomu Matsumoto used gelatin -- as found in Gummi Bears sweets -- and a plastic mold to create a fake finger, which he claimed fooled fingerprint detectors four times out of five.

  Should Windows 10 have anything the corporate market penetration Microsoft hopes for, it is increasingly probable that hackers will find all kinds of imaginative ways of cloning key executives’ fingerprints. It is, for example, likely that a phone picked from an executive’s jacket suit pocket or hotel bedside table would be likely to already have his or her fingerprints on its touchscreen, potentially making the device less secure than it might have been with a more traditional form of security such as a personal identification number (PIN).

  An easy route for hackers

  The fact that Windows 10 operates across a wide range of platforms of devices also poses an additional potential security hazard. If a device is hacked, the cybercriminal, spy or terrorist can potentially access the entire corporate database. Moreover, as the linked devices must communicate with one another, there is also an opportunity for cyber criminals to hack into the communication channels between devices.

  There are, however, some additional security features in Windows 10 that are less of a headline-grabber than biometric ID but which may prove more useful in the long run. These include enabling users to differentiate between corporate and personal communications.

  Whilst outlining the new security features on Windows 10, Microsoft quoted a report from security firm Stroz Friedberg finding that 87 percent of senior managers admit to regularly uploading work files to a personal email or cloud account -- with 58 percent of users admitting to having accidentally sent sensitive information to the wrong person.

  It remains to be seen if Windows 10 represents a turning point for Microsoft in terms of cyber security. Previous versions of Windows have been relatively easy to hack for two simple reasons. The first is that the original OS, on which all the other are built, was never designed to be networked across more than a handful of computers and has a large digital 'footprint' made up of legacy code which frequently offers a number of hitherto unidentified  'backdoor' entry points for determined hackers.

  But, for years, Windows’ greatest vulnerability was a direct result of its commercial success. At a time when by far the majority of PCs and laptops ran Windows and Apple was no more than upstart in computing, there was little point in trying to hack into any operating system other than Windows.

  Today, however cyber criminals are increasingly turning their attentions to a wider range of operating systems such as the Apple iOS, Google’s Android and the main flavors of the open source OS Linux.

  But whatever operating systems companies opt for, it is essential that they take independent advice to establish a firm set of security protocols and safeguards of their own rather than relying on those built into generic third-party software.

  Stuart Poole-Robb is CEO and founder of the KCS Group

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

  
• 

  Check and manage Win7+ and Mac security with OPSWAT GEARS

  Publié: février 3, 2015, 9:13am CET par Mike Williams

  

  How secure is your computer? Finding out can take a little work. You might have to check your antivirus, firewall, backup program, maybe the Windows Action Center and various other system settings.

  OPSWAT GEARS is a free utility which tries to do everything you need from a single interface. It works on individual PCs (Windows 7+) or Macs, and can also be used to check and manage security on up to 25 network computers (switching to the paid version removes that restriction).

  You’ll need to enter your email address to download the program, but after that it’s all very straightforward. Installation is quick and easy, and GEARS begins scanning your system as soon as it’s launched.

  The opening Home page summarizes GEARS findings as they appear, and soon it was telling us our "protection score" was an alarming 58/ 100.

  Clicking the "Security Score" tab showed this figure was built from individual scores for Firewall, Antivirus, Hard Disk Encryption, Backup and more. Selecting any of these gives a further breakdown, for example reporting we’d scored only 20/30 for Antivirus because we hadn’t run a full system scan recently.

  GEARS also scans for "potentially unwanted applications", anything the program thinks might compromise your security. It highlighted two file sharing programs on our test system (Vuze and uTorrent) and offered to uninstall them for us (you can ignore that, fortunately).

  OPSWAT GEARS also scans running processes and other key files with OPSWAT Metascan, a VirusTotal-like service which checks the files with 40+ antivirus engines.

  This could be a useful extra, but it takes a while, some 20 minutes on our test PC. All we got at the end were two false positives. And when we clicked the "See the results on Metascan Online", a browser window opened, saying "Invalid search term. Please check to make sure you entered the correct information and try again".

  Elsewhere, a "Manage my device" option enables you to manage up to 25 computers from the cloud. If you’ve several family or work PCs, say, you could monitor their security score for anything which might indicate problems (someone turns off or uninstalls a security tool).

  Perhaps our favorite GEARS feature is Session Shield, a secure isolated desktop. This looks a little like your own desktop, with a simple Start Menu which is able to launch many of your installed applications, but it’s effectively running in a virtual machine to protect your privacy.

  As a result, you’re able to run programs, access and edit existing files, but when you exit the session any changes will be lost.

  In addition, Session Shield uses a proxy service to give you another IP address, and disables USB ports, network shares and printers to further reduce the chance of data leaks.

  OPSWAT GEARS is an odd mix of features. Its Security Score sounds good in theory, but isn’t as helpful as it could be. You’re able to view individual issues, but the program provides absolutely no assistance in fixing them, not even a button to open the Windows Update applet or launch your Backup tool.

  The antivirus scan isn’t ideal, either. It may catch threats that your regular security package has missed, but it takes a while to run, you can’t choose what to scan, and -- on our brief test, at least -- we weren’t able to see which antivirus engines raised an alert.

  Despite that, the remote management option makes OPSWAT GEARS much more interesting, and Session Shield, its secure desktop, probably justifies the download all on its own. Give it a try.

  
• 

  Nest talks numbers on money and energy the thermostat can save

  Publié: février 3, 2015, 5:31am CET par Alan Buckingham

  

  The programmable thermostat concept isn't new, but today's versions are becoming increasingly smarter. Now it's not just programmed, but actually learns from your habits and it can even integrate with other things in your home -- the Internet of Things. There is, perhaps, no better example than Nest, which has become quite popular with the tech crowd.

  But what is the real advantage in all of this? Saving energy, and therefore money. Now Nest is reveling the numbers it has been collecting. In an effort to continuously improve its offering, the company keeps tabs on what is going on.

  According to a recent report from Nest founder and head of engineering Matt Rogers, the product is averaging 20 percent or more in savings on energy costs. The device maker estimates a savings of $131-$145 per year. It doesn't sound like a lot, but certainly enough so an investment in one is worth your money and the effort to install it.

  "Our internal study gathered energy data from homeowners across America before and after they installed their Nest Thermostats. In addition to that, two independently funded, designed and evaluated studies looked at families in Oregon and Indiana. Some saved less on their energy bills, some saved more, and many likely experienced events - like long vacations or new babies - that affected their energy bills more than switching thermostats ever could. But on average, after people installed Nest they saw real savings", Rogers states

  If you care for some exciting reading then there's a white paper that Nest has released. That will break down things further, though really all you need to know is that the investment apparently really does pay off in the long run.

  
• 

  What's the point of AdBlock Plus if Google, Microsoft and Amazon can pay to bypass it?

  Publié: février 2, 2015, 10:31pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  Ads are pretty much universally hated; in the list of lovable things in the world, ads rank pretty far down. On TV, in movie theaters, in magazines and online, ads are forced upon us and are impossible to avoid. Except that's not true online. Ad-blocking software can be used to filter out the stuff you don’t want to see, making for a happier web browsing experience.

  But it turns out that installing an ad-blocking tool like, ooh... I dunno... AdBlock Plus... is not enough to prevent the appearance of unwanted advertisements. Some time ago we learned about the whitelist operated by AdBlock Plus and now the Financial Times reports that that big companies like Google, Microsoft and Amazon have paid to be included on the list so their ads are no longer blocked.

  Back in 2013, we learned that advertisers could apply to be included on the whitelist. Just 9.5 percent of those who applied were actually added to the list, and Adblock Plus' Ben Williams explained that "over 90 percent get whitelisted for free". But what about the remainder?

  While the Financial Times does not reveal the dollar amounts that are involved, the newspaper was able to confirm that Google, Amazon, Microsoft and Taboola (which the FT says " sometimes serves racy content") have all cut deals with AdBlock Plus so their ads are no longer blocked. Users of the browser plugin can opt out of seeing ads on the whitelist, but Eyeo (the company responsible for AdBlock Plus) is obviously keen for as many users as possible see them.

  Much like the idea of net neutrality, there's something of a feeling of inequality about this. While it is claimed that the majority of whitelisted companies have not paid for the privilege, there must be some reason why the big names have coughed up the cash. Could it be that their ads are given greater priority? Are those with the fattest wallets able to punch larger holes in the ad blocking barriers?

  Writing for the Financial Times, Robert Cookson says:

  The deals, which are confidential but whose existence has been confirmed by the Financial Times, demonstrate that some of the biggest participants in the $120bn online advertising market see the rise of ad-blocking as a material threat to their revenues.

  Advertising is key to the survival of many web sites, but when users take conscious steps to control the content they are forced to view using a tool designed for this very purpose, it is only right that there be a greater degree of transparency. Does money talk? Can AdBlock Plus be trusted to respect the wishes of its users?

  While there is money to be made by websites through ads, it seems that AdBlock Plus is also able to make a tidy income. Cookson reveals:

  One digital media company, which asked not to be named, said Eyeo had asked for a fee equivalent to 30 per cent of the additional ad revenues that it would make from being unblocked.

  Is it acceptable to be able to pay to bypass restrictions? Does it matter if users are told one way or the other?

  Photo credit: Warner Bros.

  
• 

  Surprise! Adobe Flash has a security flaw on Windows, Mac and Linux

  Publié: février 2, 2015, 9:36pm CET par Alan Buckingham

  

  Well, it's been a week since we've heard about a security vulnerability in Adobe Flash -- that's like a lifetime in terms of this program. While the application is slowly receding, it's far from dead and that means users have reason for worry. Of course, using Flash at all is a general concern -- it's a highly targeted platform for attackers.

  Now Adobe is issuing it's latest warning, this one for "drive-by attacks". The flaw is technically known as CVE-2015-0313, though that moniker does little good for the end-user. What people really need to know is that the problem has been found to be used on the web.

  "We are aware of reports that this vulnerability is being actively exploited in the wild via drive-by-download attacks against systems running Internet Explorer and Firefox on Windows 8.1 and below", the software maker claims.

  So, what to do? Well, for starters try to avoid using Flash -- a tall order in many cases. However, Adobe hopes to have a patch available sometime this week.

  In the meantime, you can keep an eye on this Adobe site for further updates. Otherwise, we'd recommend crossing your fingers, praying or whatever you choose to do to ward off evil.

  Image Credit: lolloj/Shutterstock

  
• 

  SanDisk announces 'automotive grade' flash storage for your car

  Publié: février 2, 2015, 7:40pm CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  As more and more concerns about distracted driving are popping up in the media, it feels like more and more products are being developed that can cause said distraction. Texting and driving for instance, is a very dangerous behavior, but I see it happening all the time. Surely no message is more important than your life or someone else's.

  With all of that said, technology does not have to be a distraction in the car. Actually, if implemented correctly, technology should enhance the focus of drivers and lead to fewer fatalities and accidents. Today, SanDisk announces new storage products designed specifically for your car. The company calls the products "automotive grade", but what does that really mean?

  "SanDisk Automotive storage solutions are optimized to bring reliable, high-performance storage to a wide range of in-vehicle applications, including 3D mapping and advanced augmented reality in navigation systems, entertainment systems, intuitive driver assist technology, data event recorders, and more. By providing the responsiveness and capacity of SanDisk flash storage technology, SanDisk Automotive solutions offer the potential for car manufacturers to continue to push the boundaries of connected car application experience", says SanDisk.

  The company further explains, "the SanDisk Automotive portfolio of storage solutions includes an automotive grade SanDisk SD card and iNAND embedded flash drive (EFD), which are available to automotive manufacturers in capacities up to 64GB. Leveraging SanDisk’s innovative proprietary flash storage architectures, these solutions bring superior experiences to data-intensive automotive infotainment and connected car applications, enabling maps to load fast, improving touch-screen responsiveness, and reducing potential interference from driving on uneven or rough roadways".

  

  SanDisk lists the following features of the new Automotive line:

  • Up to 64GB
  • Works in temperatures from -40C to 85C
  • Enhanced power immunity
  • Up to 2 boot/2 user partitions
  • Meets AEC-Q100 specifications

  Now, I am sure these cards are great, but I am dubious that they are truly optimized for use in a car. In other words, many of the company's existing products would likely meet or exceed AEC-Q100 specifications. The "Automotive" stamp simply assures that car manufacturers can point to the stamp for compliance purposes.

  What do you think? Tell me in the comments.

  
• 

  How the cloud boosts business security

  Publié: février 2, 2015, 6:00pm CET par Bob Spiegal

  

  One of the most interesting aspects of the "Cloud Computing in 2015" infographic produced by QuoteColo is this: 94 percent of business managers state that security has improved after adopting cloud applications.

  While reading this stat on an infographic is comforting, we want to explore the statistic more to discover why and how cloud applications have made businesses more secure. But before we can get into why cloud applications have made businesses more secure, we need to talk about the false illusion of porous cloud security.

  The illusion of service provider and on-premise IT environment security

  When most people think about the cloud, security is not the term that comes to mind. This gut feeling is wrong. In a study conducted by Alert Logic, titled The State of Cloud Security Report, the specific finding is "anything that can be possibly accessed from outside -- whether enterprise or cloud -- has equal chances of being attacked, because attacks are opportunistic in nature".

  The report found web application attacks targeted and successfully compromised service provider environments (53 percent of all organizations) and 44 percent of on-prem IT environments.  More to the point, on-prem IT environments suffered 61.4 attacks per year as opposed to 27.8 for service provider environments. This clearly illustrates that non-cloud based IT environments are highly vulnerable to security threats.

  Many people believe that the more control a company or service provider has over its servers, the more secure that environment is. This simply isn’t true.

  How cloud applications strengthen IT environment security

  The major misconception concerning IT security is the location of your data. With cloud based applications, data is stored on servers, hardware and systems you don’t have direct control over or ownership of. While this may make some business owners think that their data is less secure, it’s the other way around: because your data is stored offsite in servers and cloud applications you don’t own, it is more secure.

  Here’s why:

  • Offsite cloud applications typically require more stringent firewalls, access credentials and security protocols than onsite stored data. With onsite stored data, security protocols tend to wane because they nest behind a local firewall onsite. On the other hand, offsite cloud applications must adhere to much more stringent security protocols, to make sure business owners are comfortable storing materials offsite and to make sure that access to those materials remains muted from the outside world.

  • Offsite cloud applications are stored within the walls of a 24/7/365 physically secured data center facility. All too often companies make the mistake of thinking their data is secure because it is stored on site, when they should really be noticing that onsite data storage leads to a much higher risk for the data to leave the building due to negligent employees. Cloud application data, which is stored in a secured data center facility, lessens this possibility by securely managing all physical bodies allowed to physically access hardware and virtual environments wherein data is stored.

  • Utilizing a cloud application means building a threat assessment model. A good cloud security threat assessment model will work to identify possible leaks within business cloud applications, and constantly work to break those security measures, in an effort to make them stronger and stronger. While a few of the onsite IT environments might take this step, most of them won’t.

  It is clear that security in the cloud has nothing to do with location. It has everything to do with access protocols, testable firewalls and physical access to data. While onsite IT environments might give the illusion of an increased security, cloud apps are definitely the way to go.

  

  Bob Spiegal is CEO of Quotecolo, you can follow him on Twitter @quotecolo

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

  
• 

  How to remove the build number watermark from Windows 10's desktop

  Publié: février 2, 2015, 4:57pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  Hundreds of thousands of people around the world are currently running Windows 10 Technical Preview ahead of the official launch. While it's fun to try out a pre-release of the upcoming operating system it does mean having to put up with a few problems here and there, as well as the occasional niggle.

  One thing that irks many Technical Preview users is the fact that the current build number is emblazoned on the desktop. It doesn’t really get in the way, but it looks kind of ugly. If you'd like to get rid of this unsightly watermark, there's no need to tinker with the registry or hack files by hand -- there's a nifty tool that will take care of it for you.

  The suitably-named Universal Watermark Disabler is available free of charge, and can be used to remove the unwanted text from the lower right hand corner of your desktop. You can enjoy your chosen desktop wallpaper in full, unadulterated glory... Hooray! Start by grabbing yourself a copy of the tweaking tool from the Winaero website and then extract the zip file. If you're using Windows 10 Technical Preview on your main machine, or just don’t want the hassle of reinstallation if anything goes wrong, now's the time to create a backup.

  Having taken whatever precautions you deem necessary, right click the UWD executable and opt to run it as administrator. Hit the Install button in the window that appears and then click OK to complete the process by signing out of your user account.

  

  Sign back into your account, and the job's done. Get ready to enjoy your watermark-free copy of Windows 10 Technical Preview! Should you ever want to revert to displaying the build number on the desktop, simply run Universal Watermark Disabler again and select the Uninstall option.

  You may find that future build updates bring the watermark back -- just run the tool again and it can be removed.

  Photo credit: Zadiraka Evgenii / Shutterstock

  
• 

  IBM announces new cloud-based identity protection

  Publié: février 2, 2015, 4:01pm CET par Ian Barker

  

  Many of the things we do online require an ID and password, but typically whilst this makes things easier for the site it doesn't always do a lot to protect the user, who may be revealing more information than they need.

  For example you may have to reveal your full date of birth and address to a video streaming service in order to verify your age and region, running a risk that the information may fall into the wrong hands.

  Now researchers at IBM have announced plans for a new cloud-based technology to help consumers guard their personal data.

  The technology, called Identity Mixer, uses a cryptographic algorithm to encrypt the identity attributes of a user, such as their age, nationality, address and credit card number in a way that allows the user to reveal only selected pieces to third parties.

  Identity Mixer can be used within a digital wallet, which contains credentials certified by a trusted third party, such as a government-issued electronic identity card. It's important to note that the issuer of the credentials has no knowledge of how and when they are being used.

  "Identity Mixer enables users to choose precisely which data to share, and with whom," says Christina Peters, IBM's Chief Privacy Officer. "Now web service providers can improve their risk profile and enhance trust with customers, and it's all in the cloud, making it easy for developers to program".

  Taking the example of the video site above, Identity Mixer would be able to confirm a user's age and region without revealing any more. This ensures that even if the website is hacked personal data remains safe.

  Similarly, if you wanted to make a payment Identity Mixer would be able to confirm that a credit card is valid and that it can accept payment, without actually revealing the full card number or expiration date.

  Identity Mixer is now being made available to developers as an easy-to-use web service in IBM Bluemix, IBM's new platform-as-a-service (PaaS) cloud. Beginning this spring, Bluemix subscribers will be able to experiment with Identity Mixer within their own applications and web services. Using simple pull-down menus, developers can choose the types of data that they wish to secure and Bluemix will provide the code, which can then be embedded.

  "Identity Mixer incorporates more than a decade of research to bring the concept of minimal disclosure of identity-related data to reality, and now it is ready to use for both computers and mobile device transactions," says Dr. Jan Camenisch, cryptographer and co-inventor of Identity Mixer at IBM Research.

  You can find out more about Identity Mixer and how it works on the IBM website.

  Image Credit: Nata-Lia/ Shutterstock

  
• 

  6 technologies featured at CES that could disrupt businesses in 2015

  Publié: février 2, 2015, 3:20pm CET par Alessandro Porro

  

  Every year in Las Vegas, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is the ultimate place to see what’s new in technology. CES showcases new innovative and next generation technologies -- It’s a global platform for innovation where cutting edge technologies are revealed to the world. And this year’s show didn’t disappoint. Smart homes, ever advanced wearable devices, wireless home entertainment systems and even personally owned drones all had top billing at the show.

  However, whilst the gadget geeks there were clearly bursting with excitement, the network administrators/IT Professionals/IT Managers I’ve spoken to seem to be scared witless as reality dawns on the practicalities of all of this. Issues such as bandwidth hogging, security vulnerabilities and the headache of ensuring compliance were the main areas of concern voiced to me at the show. Here follows the six technologies emerging from CES with the most potential to disrupt the business and network:

  1. The Smart Watch -- Control of Data

  Given Apple’s announced intent in early 2015, there is no doubt that a big trend this year will be the wearable watch.

  There are already a number of other popular watches on the market and with each launch, the technology becomes more user friendly.

  Samsung introduced the Gear S at CES, which is ultimately a phone for your wrist. It features a SIM card, makes calls and connects to the Internet. With the Gear S, Samsung is making a very bold statement, which invites consumers to replace their phones entirely.

  Similar devices, including Withings Activité Pop, Garmin Fenix 3, LG Audi smartwatch and Guess Connect, all encourage consumers to stay connected no matter where they are and through every hour in the day.

  Although the wearable watch is, admittedly, a very exciting innovation ITDM’s need to be aware that, as employees bring these into the workplace and introduce them to the network alongside smartphones and tablets, the level of data control that they have is likely to reduce.

  As fun as it is, overall, the wearable watch is likely to bring you a real IT migraine as it trends this year.

  2. Intel Curie -- Shadow IT

  Intel CEO, Brian Krzanich, announced the Intel Curie Module in his keynote at the show. The Curie, a tiny low-power hardware module that could be used to build wearables out of things like rings, bags, pendants, or glasses.

  Curie re-enforces the digital age reality that large concerns come in small packages, or "button-sized computers", as Krzanich describes his new technology that is scheduled to launch in the second half of 2015.

  Why should this be of concern? Experience tells us that the technology that usually wreaks the most havoc for IT is the technology that IT isn’t aware of. As gadgets continue to get smaller and almost invisible, they are becoming more powerful.

  IT is becoming caught in a never-ending game of catch-up, trying to cope with new stresses on the network posed by seemingly invisible technologies.

  3. HP’s Zvr Virtual Reality System -- Bandwidth

  Virtual Reality rocks, right?  However, whilst users will undoubtedly view systems like the new HP Zvr and think 'cool', ITDM’s will yell bandwidth limitations.

  HP believes that "users interact seamlessly with a high-definition 3D stereoscopic display combined with full-motion parallax and direct interaction, delivering an intuitive user experience with lifelike realism".

  Something tells me that this technology trend makes the bandwidth issue of employees streaming video and running iPlayer in the workplace the least of IT’s problems.

  The trend of high-production, high-bandwidth usage technologies taking over the workplace is a very real possibility in coming years and needs to be accounted for.

  4. Sony NW-ZX2 Hi-Res Walkman -- Wi-Fi Signal

  Remember the Sony Walkman? No? Errr…must be my age then. It was book-like in size, took music cassettes and had brightly colored foam over-ear headphones.

  Well, the newest addition to the Sony Walkman portfolio not only plays almost any audio format, it is laden with Wi-Fi capability, signifying yet one more example of technology set to infiltrate businesses.

  Wireless audio is a trend that should concern ITDM’s as today’s Walkman doesn’t possess the simple speakers of yesterday. They are powerful devices capable of seriously draining Wi-Fi strength in the organization.

  5. Fitbit Charge HR -- Increased Exposure

  As fitness is getting uber smart with gadgets like the new heart-rate monitoring version of Fitbit’s fitness tracker, the health of the corporate network is set to take a pounding.

  An increase in employee-controlled devices that have the capability to connect to a network means there will be more points of vulnerability and bandwidth usage.

  Individually, their impact will be relatively small, the cumulative effect of these increasingly sought after and reasonably priced devices will have an impact on the enterprise network.

  As history teaches us, what may start as a ripple, over time can become a tidal wave.  The joint effect is likely to create multiple points of access and vulnerability.

  6. Wocket -- Compliance

  The IT department may need to review which types of gadgetry is allowed access to an organizations network.

  Technology developments such as the Wocket, which swaps all your credit cards for just one all-purpose smart card, are breaking into the market. As e-wallets become more popular, more employees will try to integrate them into the business network.

  This runs a real security risk as your customer data becomes vulnerable to being shared in places it shouldn’t, creating a nightmare for those responsible for compliance.

  So, as another groundbreaking CES fades into the memory, amongst the very many excited faces headed back to their day to day lives, I also see a few showing the lines of concern.

  I’m sure that none of these issues are challenges that can’t be overcome, however, they need to be acknowledged and addressed before they become out of control.

  Alessandro Porro is vice president of International at Ipswitch.

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

  
• 

  The ease of upgrading to Windows 10 all but guarantees its success

  Publié: février 2, 2015, 1:49pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  People don’t like change. Well, people don't like change for the sake of change -- if it ain't broke, don't fix it, and all that. But people also don’t like things to stay the same. People are fickle buggers, when you come to think of it, and this is one of the reasons Windows 8 proved to be such a disaster. Windows 10, on the other hand, is almost guaranteed to be a runaway success.

  Uptake of the preview builds has already been impressive, but the ease with which it's going to be possible to make the upgrade -- be it from Windows 7 to Windows 10, or from a preview build to the RTM release -- is going to be key to the operating system's success. Why? As well as being fickle, people are suckers for 'easy'; Microsoft has made upgrading to Windows 10 RTM as easy as possible.

  Build 9926 of the Technical Preview introduced a new way to upgrade -- through Windows Update. This will, I believe, be key to the success that Windows 10 is almost certain to enjoy. Although Windows 10 Technical Preview has been billed as a release for developers and the like to tinker with, there has been great interest from everyday enthusiasts. For anyone who doesn't want to go to the hassle of fiddling with ISO images, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 can all be 'upgraded' to the latest build of the Technical Preview through Windows Update.

  This is unique in the history of Windows, and the same upgrade model is set to continue when the RTM build of Windows 10 is ready. Add in the fact that the upgrade will be free and it's hard to imagine that most people won't make the jump. Many people who did make the move to Windows 8 (yes, there were a few) are ready to leave it behind -- if they haven't done so already -- and it's certainly time for Windows 7 users to look to the future.

  By blending the best bit of Windows 7 and Windows 8 together with some intriguing new options, whilst pushing some of Windows 8's more irritating features into the background, I would be very surprised if we don’t see massive uptake of Windows 10. People are ready for change, but not too much. Windows 8 tried to be revolutionary and failed. Windows 10 is evolutionary and is already being well-received.

  But there is still the obstacle of the upgrade process to take care of. Microsoft has spent years pushing the importance of using Windows Update, so it makes perfect sense to use this as the delivery system for Windows 10. From a consumer's point of view it just makes things as easy as possible, eliminating the need to mess about with physical media and the update process for systems running Windows 7 is already being tested to help iron out problems. Keeping things simple is important for everyone involved, and coupled with the lack of a price tag, it's conceivable that many people will be tempted into upgrading to Windows 10 just to see what it's like -- there are so few obstacles standing in the way of an impulse upgrade.

  With Windows 10, Microsoft has made two brave decisions. Making the operating system free for all but enterprise users is a surefire way to get people's attention, and delivering the upgrade through a tried and tested channel only serves to grease the wheels further.

  
• 

  Raspberry Pi 2 arrives -- will run Windows 10!

  Publié: février 2, 2015, 11:28am CET par Wayne Williams

  

  The original Raspberry Pi Model B launched back in 2012, and got a big update in the form of the B+ last year. However, the core of the device -- the Broadcom BCM2835 application processor -- has stayed the same in all that time.

  Given how much technology changes and improves in just the space of a single year, the Raspberry Pi was long overdue for a processor refresh, and today the Foundation launches the new and improved Raspberry Pi 2.

  The bare bones credit card-sized computer gains an improved SoC, BCM2836 application processor that replaces the single 700MHz ARM11 with a 900MHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A7 complex. It also gets a full 1GB of SDRAM. It should be about six times faster than the old board.

  The new model has the same form-factor as the existing Model B+, so while it’s faster, it's essentially the same -- you won’t need to get a different case, or make any other changes.

  You will need an updated NOOBS or Raspbian image however, including an ARMv7 kernel and modules to use it.

  As I said in the headline, the new Raspberry Pi 2 will be able to run Microsoft’s forthcoming operating system. Eben Upton, Raspberry Pi’s founder and CEO says:

  For the last six months we’ve been working closely with Microsoft to bring the forthcoming Windows 10 to Raspberry Pi 2. Microsoft will have much more to share over the coming months. The Raspberry Pi 2-compatible version of Windows 10 will be available free of charge to makers.

  You can find out more about this from Microsoft here.

  Raspberry Pi 2 is available to buy from today priced at $35/£25. As always you can get it from the two main Raspberry Pi suppliers -- element14 or RS Components.

  In case you’re wondering, the original Model B, and the newer B+, will continue to be available, as will the A+ (there are no plans for a Model A+ 2 yet).

  
• 

  UK supermarkets need to be ready for the next wave of IT change

  Publié: février 2, 2015, 11:27am CET par David Rigler

  

  From farm to fork, there is no doubting that technology plays an integral role in the way supermarket chains interact with their suppliers, partners and customers. Since the first, secure, online purchase 20 years ago, retailers have come a long way in their use of technology to provide an efficient service and meet the ever increasing demands and expectations of their customers.

  Today’s shopper expects to be able to use a number of mediums to interact with a retailer and make a purchase decision -- be it browse in-store or online, make a "click and collect" order to pick up at their convenience or have their weekly shop delivered to their home. All of this needs to happen seamlessly, with any breaks in the chain or inability to interact with a retailer subject to immediate criticism via social media channels or emails. It is therefore imperative that any new technology application or upgrade is set up for success with seamless integration and operation from the start. For, despite the opportunities which can be realized through technology, it can also give supermarkets nowhere to hide if it all goes wrong.

  Don’t underestimate the pace

  With online sales continuing to soar, the fast pace of technology change within the industry has caught out some of the established supermarket retailers, with many needing to rapidly rethink their business models to keep up.

  The arrival of Amazon’s grocery business in Europe is a case in point and could have a huge impact on retailers, with many looking to focus on fulfilling online orders rather than putting more resources into the high street.

  Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become commonplace in the UK retail market, putting added pressure on infrastructures to deliver a slick multi-channel experience, even during these times of high demand and peaks in online shopping.

  This potential model shift could have disastrous results for those players who do not have the technology infrastructure or management processes in place to deal with the change.

  Indeed, supermarket giant Morrisons recently admitted that it had been held back by its "antiquated" IT infrastructure and Tesco announced plans in early 2014 to migrate to a single global network. This would enable it to roll out new technologies and services more quickly and effectively in the future.

  Omni-channel strategies of today have certainly put pressures on existing systems and it is only set to continue with new players like Amazon trying to steal a share of an online shopping market predicted to be worth £17 billion by 2019, according to food and grocery research company IGD.

  In this fast paced scenario, the legacy IT systems of yesterday are just not up the demands of today or set-up to adapt to those of tomorrow.

  It is imperative that CIOs realize the bigger picture and introduce change in the right way or they will risk relying on overly complex systems and processes which could result in a slow rate of change.

  Many are relying on middleware as an alternative to replacing legacy systems in a bid to adapt quickly and keep up with budget and time constraints.

  However, by taking this hand-to-mouth approach, cracks can appear, as the business objective of speed to market is often prioritized to the detriment of the IT department’s ability to undertake the appropriate due diligence and testing.

  Keeping on top of change

  Despite peaks and troughs in technology change within the sector, change should be seen as constant, with each project undertaken with the same due diligence as another for a smooth transition and outcome.

  In order to update legacy systems and mitigate the risks, a stringent quality regime needs to be at the heart of the process, with senior management working closely with the IT team to instill confidence in the change that needs to take place and deliver a glitch-free solution.

  When it comes to the future of legacy systems, there are typically two extremes: it either has a limited lifetime or no change is required; or it forms a key part of the strategy.

  In this first scenario, the legacy system is either expected to be retired reasonably soon due to outdated functionality / being replaced by a new system, or the business can survive without changing the legacy system for the foreseeable future.

  In the second case, the legacy system needs to be replaced because, if it forms a key part of the future strategy, obsolescence is a genuine risk.

  In either case, when change happens, supermarkets will need to undertake it with appropriate due diligence or risk damaging supplier and customer relationships.

  Working with an outsourced technology partner can give an extra layer of specialist expertise to ensure change happens smoothly and seamlessly. Business leaders will have a role to play in ensuring any change has minimal disruption for the business by developing a set of business-driven development tests at the outset, that describe the functionality of the present legacy system and expectations for the new system now and into the future.

  This will ensure an external provider is well placed to develop a replacement solution and ensure key milestones are met and will pass the test when everything goes live, leaving suppliers and customers confident in the relationships they have built and the transactions they are making.

  David Rigler is Director for UK Retail and Manufacturing at SQS

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

  
• 

  The future of wire-free charging

  Publié: février 2, 2015, 11:27am CET par Randall P. Marx

  

  At fliCharge we believe 2015 will be an important and instrumental year in the ongoing development and deployment of wire-free charging.  According to MarketsandMarkets Research, the total wireless charging market is expected to grow by over 60 percent (CAGR) per year reaching over $13 billion by 2020. To reach these levels we believe infrastructure markets will be key market drivers for wire-free technologies in the future.

  In recent years competing wire-free technologies have caused confusion and in some cases disappointment in the market place with consumers or companies looking to include wire-free charging in their products.  Cost and safety issues, as well as performance limitations, have led to a delay in wide spread deployment in the market.  Based on our research, consumers want more than just a fancy, expensive phone charger. People are looking for a wire-free solution that is highly efficient, cost effective and interoperable for charging multiple devices be it at home, in cars or at school or the office.

  In 2015, some of the concerns in the market place will be alleviated as new products come to market aided in part by the increase in power delivery from wire-free charging technologies.  Reports indicate that inductive resonance will increase from 5 to 15 watts, with magnetic resonance reaching 50 watts and conductive providing over 150 watts of power.  These increases should result in the charging of higher power products including tablets, laptops, power tools and in some cases multiple devices at the same time, the latter we believe to be the most desired feature.

  With an increase in power, a very important market for wire-free charging in 2015 will be educational, office and hospitality furniture and related products. Charging tablets, Chromebooks and in particular laptops requiring up to 125 watts of power have been problematic to date.  With the growing need and popularity of these devices in primary and secondary schools, higher education, and businesses, wire-free charging will be used across a diverse demographic and in several markets assisting in the acceptance of wire-free charging.

  In 2014, there was progress with wire-free charging in the automotive market we believe will continue in 2015.  Following the Dodge Dart, Jeep Cherokee and Toyota Avalon in 2013, Chrysler, Ford and Toyota all offered in-vehicle wire-free charging solutions in 2014.  These vehicles include the Dart, Viper, Caravan, Town & Country, 200, RAM, F150, Super Duty, Edge, Fusion and Scion xB10 which are using conductive wire-free technology for charging phones and tablets.  The Avalon, Cherokee and Camry XL are using inductive wire-free charging for phones. Reports indicate that other vehicles and manufacturers will enter the market in 2015 and over the next few years.

  As wire-free charging technology is adopted and implemented into more vehicles it will be a natural progression to see wire-free charging used in other devices and transportation segments in the coming years.  These include tablets, laptops, power tools, small appliances, mobile printers and scanner for emergency and commercial vehicles, trucking and recreational vehicles. Console chargers can keep smartphones, tablets and laptops fully charged. Interior shelving with wire-free charging can keep power tools, laptops and other products charged for contractors and service people during their drive to and between worksites and appointments.

  Photo credit: gdainti / Shutterstock

  Randall P. Marx is CEO of fliCharge Inc

  
• 

  This is why Windows 10 will be essential for your business

  Publié: février 2, 2015, 8:02am CET par Jamie Hinks

  

  Microsoft’s worldwide release of Windows 10 gets underway later this year and with it thousands of businesses and those in the enterprise will be on tenterhooks to see if it manages to fulfill all the promise that the company is throwing behind it.

  Windows 10 is a lot more than just the return of the Start menu and it could transform your business in a number of different ways.

  Cortana

  For the first time since it was released for Windows Phone, Microsoft’s virtual assistant Cortana will be on the desktop, able to deliver information across all the Windows 10 platforms and could result in an uplift to your company’s productivity. Cortana will bring with it voice commands on your desktop that will make advanced searching a lot easier, web integration with the newly enhanced Spartan browser and all of this will be spread across all your devices.

  Bolstered Security

  One of the major differences in Windows 10 is one that you might not notice: the addition of an extra layer of protection using containers and data separation that means security protection is at the app and file level. On each device that is using Windows 10, the enterprise can issue public and private keys using their existing PKI infrastructure and any devices will be able to be added using these credentials. The tokens are then stored in a virtualized container on top of Hyper-V technology thus making enterprises more secure against various different attacks.

  Continuum

  Tablets and hybrids are becoming increasingly more widespread in the workplace and as such continuum will be a valuable addition thanks to its ability to recognize when the user has switched from tablet to desktop mode and vice versa.

  Updates at your pace

  Enterprises can take one of two attitudes towards Windows 10 updates. One is to keep as up to date as consumers by using the automatic updates feature that will quickly become popular or roll it out at their own pace.

  Vastly improved multitasking

  Business will benefit hugely from the enhancements to multitasking that allows larger screens to appear as if there are four separate screens by snapping apps into different sections of the screen and mimicking a multi-monitor setup. This feature, known as Aero Snap, was actually present in Windows 7 but the big change is that back then screens couldn’t be divided up into different areas, as will be the case in Windows 10

  With the promised constant stream of updates for what will now be Windows-as-a-Service, plenty of other features will be unveiled in due course to help all businesses take full advantage of the new OS.

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

  
• 

  Obama's proposed overseas earnings tax could hit Microsoft, Google and Apple hard

  Publié: février 2, 2015, 12:16am CET par Mark Wilson

  

  It is common practice for companies to take steps to reduce their tax bills. One common technique is to channel money through overseas branches, taking advantage of countries that require payment of little or no taxes. If the President's plans to pull in taxes from multinational companies' overseas earning, the likes of Amazon, Apple, Google and Microsoft could be facing hefty bills.

  While the proposed 14 percent tax rate is far lower than the usual 35 percent, it could still top up US coffers by up to $238 billion. In addition to a one off tax payment on money currently held overseas, Obama is looking to slap a 19 percent corporation tax on earnings moving forward.

  Large numbers of companies, but particularly technology giants like Amazon and Apple, take advantage of tax schemes in Ireland (among other countries) to slash millions of dollars from their annual tax bills. Ireland had previously announced that it was planning to cut back on the use of such loopholes, and Obama's proposals echo those introduced by the UK -- late last year, George Osborne introduced a 25 percent tax on earnings generated by companies' activities in the UK, but funneled through other countries.

  Obama's budget is due to be unveiled on Monday, but details were released to media outlets. Making companies cough up for taxes is something that is likely to go down well with the nation, but just to sweeten things even more the President has outlined how the recouped money will be spent -- helping to fund repairs and expansion of the road infrastructure.

  Speaking to the Guardian, an anonymous White House spokesperson said:

  These investments would be paid for by closing tax loopholes as part of reforming the business tax rules to level the playing field and make sure everyone pays their fair share [...] After this initial payment, foreign earnings could be reinvested in the US without additional tax, which would [...] encourage firms to create jobs here at home.

  The budget is unlikely to be well-received by Republican opponents, but it does continue the theme of the State of the Union address which referred to the idea of wealth redistribution.

  Microsoft, Apple, et al are yet to respond to the tax proposals, but we'll almost certainly hear from them in the next couple of days.

  Photo credit: JohnKwan / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Hate NFL football? Here are 5 nerdy things to do instead of watching Super Bowl

  Publié: février 1, 2015, 9:00pm CET par Brian Fagioli

  

  Today's the day; Super Bowl Sunday is officially here. The game should be exciting, as the Patriots are rather hated outside of New England. Why? The "DeflateGate" controversy has many NFL fans considering the team to be cheaters. Actually, the team has been caught cheating in the past -- and penalized for it -- but in this case, the footballs have not been 100 percent proven to be intentionally deflated. Still, even though the accusations are only alleged, many think it is serendipitous for the Seahawks to win, as it would right a wrong.

  Even with this interesting back story, not everyone likes football. You know what? That's OK -- different strokes for different folks as they say. If you are a computer nerd who wants to do something other than watch the Super Bowl today, here are 5 things you should do instead.

  1.) Install a new Linux distro: If you have been meaning to try a Linux-based operating system, today is the day to finally do it. Don't worry about screwing anything up, as many distributions are available as a Live CD. What does that mean? You can run it from a CD or DVD, without installing anything to your hard drive. Hell, even if you are already using Linux, try a competing distro out, what's the worst that can happen? On Ubunutu? Try Fedora. On Fedora? Try Mint. Head over to DistroWatch and find the best Linux-based OS for you.

  2.) Defrag your hard drive: Are you still running Windows on a traditional hard drive? Too bad. Upgrading to a solid state drive will really improve your performance. If you don't want to spend the money on new hardware, defragmenting your hard drive may be a great way to get a bit more performance. Rather than use the one built into Windows, I would suggest trying Defraggler by Piriform, which you can download here.

  3.) Run CCleaner: Another good tool for maintaining your Windows machine is CCleaner, also by Piriform. This tool will clean up your registry and other files too. Besides optimizing your computer, it is great for privacy too. How? It will easily clear cookies and historyfrom all installed browsers. You can download the tool here.

  4.) Stream Dr. Who on Amazon Prime: Dr. Who is a great TV show for both nerds and geeks, and luckily, Amazon Prime members have been able to stream the show for free. Unfortunately, the TV show, along with other BBC shows, is apparently leaving the service on February 15th. That means you have 2 weeks of binge watching ahead of you! Might as well start today, right?

  5.) Play video games: More and more people are working longer and longer hours nowadays, leaving very little time for video games. Whether you own an Xbox, PlayStation or something else, today is a great day to play some games. While everyone else is watching sports on TV, you can actually interact with a game -- save a princess, kill an enemy, or even be a race car driver.

  What things will you be doing today instead of watching the big game? Tell me in the comments.

  Photo Credit:  Nenad Aksic / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Warning -- Microsoft's new iOS Outlook app is insecure

  Publié: février 1, 2015, 8:07pm CET par Mark Wilson

  

  After buying Acompli late last year, Microsoft didn’t take long to rebrand the mobile email app as Outlook and launch Android and iOS versions. But it seems that in the rush to get the app out of the door, Microsoft failed to ensure that it was suitably secure.

  In fact, IBM developer René Winkelmeyer suggests that enterprise users stop using the app immediately. He was shocked to discover a trio of security issues in the mobile version of Outlook. Perhaps the most worrying discovery is that users' personal credentials are stored in the cloud -- username and password included.

  Winkelmeyer made the discovery after disabling the app and sending himself an email from a second text account. Despite having stopped the app, he received a push notification letting him know of the new email. Investigating further by looking at server logs, Winkelmeyer found that his mail account was being scanned by an AWS IP address without his permission.

  Security concerns also surround the fact that Outlook has built-in connectors to OneDrive, Dropbox and Google Drive to allow for easy attachment of files stored in any of these cloud services. But it is also possible to share email attachments through these services -- something that will be greatly concerning for businesses. Malware, anyone?

  Completing the trio of security concerns is the fact that the iOS Outlook app does not differentiate between multiple devices used by an individual. You might install the app on an iPhone, an iPad, and an iPad mini -- the same ID will be used each time.

  The advice from Winkelmeyer at this stage is simple:

  The only advice I can give you at this stage is: block the app from accessing your companies mail servers. And inform your users that they shouldn't use the app.

  It is the sharing of user credentials that is particularly concerning, but the sheer number of issues that have been highlighted will make many people think twice about using the app -- Winkelmeyer does have some tips, however. What's interesting is that while the Android version of Outlook is listed as a preview, the same tag has not been applied to the iOS version.

  Photo credit: gst / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Is it cord-cutting, or just cheating?

  Publié: février 1, 2015, 7:44pm CET par Joe Wilcox

  

  Anywhere from two to three times a week, Cox sends offers to join Flex Watch, which would add $19.99 to my $59.99 Internet service. The cable company guarantees the price for 12 months—no contract—and would provide HD set-top box with access to local networks and some premium, subscription channels. Last year's offer: HBO and Starz. Last month's adds Encore. This week, Cox sweetens by tempting with Cinemax and Flix for just $5 more.

  The HD box and local channel access doesn't tempt the slightest. Cox would have to rewire our setup to enable access from the living room, but I'm a believer in the "If it ain't broke don't fix it" approach to networking. I've got 120Mbps Internet pumping down to the bedroom, where there is no TV, and don't want to risk mucking up what we've got. But I am tempted to pay $19.99, or $24.99, for the subscription channels and stream to the tellie content in their apps—which I find offer better benefits. But does that cross the line? Is it still cord-cutting?

  The question is on my mind today as we prepare for the Super Bowl. My antenna doesn't pull in the local NBC affiliate, so I will rig up the HP ENVY x2 loaner I will sometime soon review to the TV's HDMI port. NBC graciously livestreams the game from its website. Just lovely: There is a NBC Sports app for Windows 8.1, but it constantly crashes on open. Android app is fallback if the ENVY proves to be less than an envious option.

  The world won't end if we miss the game. It's a sunny day here in San Diego, and the beach calls my name.

  Back on topic, Game of Thrones also is on my mind, as season 5's debut approaches, and I wonder how long Cox will nag me to Flex Watch before the deal disappears. HBO GO would be the thing, just in time. So I ponder options and present my question to you: If I sign up for Flex Watch but only stream content—never attach cable box to the TV—is that still cord-cutting? Or will I violate some unseen definition? It sure looks like cord-cutting to me, if the Wilcox household only streams.

  Image Credit: Subbotina Anna / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Windows 8.1's market share remains utter rubbish

  Publié: février 1, 2015, 9:55am CET par Wayne Williams

  

  Last month, web analytics firm NetMarketShare released its usual batch of monthly desktop operating system usage share figures, and it showed Windows 8.x tumbling dramatically. The figure made little sense, and a day later the firm released revised data which showed the tiled OS still shedding a large chunk of share, but not quite as badly.

  In December’s revised figures NetMarketShare had the OS falling 5.13 percentage points for a total share of 13.52 percent, placing it back way below Windows XP. This meant January’s figures were always going to be interesting. Surely the tiled OS would rally wouldn’t it? But of course this is Windows 8.x, Microsoft’s least successful operating system in recent memory, so no. Its usage share remains utterly rubbish.

  Windows 8 went from 4.03 percent in December to 3.79 percent in January, a drop of 0.24 percentage points. Windows 8.1 went from 9.49 percent to 10.04 percent, gaining 0.5 percentage points. In total Windows 8.x grew by just 0.03 percentage points.

  In comparison, Windows XP went from 18.26 percent to 18.93 percent. That’s an improvement of 0.67 percent -- twice as much as Windows 8.x managed.

  Windows 7 went from 56.26 percent in December to 55.92 percent in January, a drop of 0.34 percentage points.

  Overall, January saw very little action, with OS usage share only changing by a fraction here and there. The biggest story is that NetMarketShare’s reporting of Windows 8.x’s share tumbling last month seems to have been correct, which is bad news for Microsoft, although it’s used to bad news with Windows 8.x. No wonder it’s going to be giving away Windows 10 (which now has 0.05 percent share by the way) to avoid finding itself in this sort of embarrassing situation again.

  Photo Credit:  JIANG HONGYAN / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Robots are after my job, and perhaps yours too

  Publié: février 1, 2015, 8:55am CET par Manish Singh

  

  Robots are after my job. They’re after yours as well, but let us deal with my problem first. Associated Press, an American multinational nonprofit news agency, revealed on Friday that it published 3,000 articles in the last three months of 2014. The company could previously only publish 300 stories. It didn’t hire more journalists, neither did its existing headcount start writing more, but the actual reason behind this exponential growth is technology. All those stories were written by an algorithm.

  Last summer the publication partnered with Automated Insights -- a US-based company that provides real-time content automation services to "transform data into narratives, visualizations and applications" -- to begin automating quarterly earnings reports using the software company’s patented Wordsmith platform. The algorithm is churning out business reports -- something which requires a human to have a scrupulous understanding of the market, drink a lot of latte, and be damn accurate and quick -- at an incredible pace.

  The articles produced by the algorithm were accurate, and you won’t be able to separate them from stories written by humans. Good lord, all the stories were written in accordance with the AP Style Guide, something not all journalists follow (but arguably, should).

  This isn’t the first time a program has attempted (and succeeded) at writing news stories, either. Last year, an LA Times writer-bot "reported" a snippet about an earthquake just three minutes after the event. No wonder the publication claimed that it was the first to report the story.

  But is it going to make journalists jobless? We don’t know yet. The publication says that it didn’t let go any journalists in the last quarter. In fact, the whole point of having the software in place, the news outlet says, is to give journalists some time to think and look at the bigger picture instead of rushing out to report the earnings numbers.

  That’s an interesting point. Algorithms can write stories, and they have been doing it for quite sometime now, but there are a few things they can’t do (just yet): deliver analysis, offer insights, put in opinion, and show readers the big picture. They can produce some kinds of stories -- stories that are publicly available, and could be crunched down to the highlight with boilerplate connectors.

  There has been a growth in the number of such software. Narrative Science, a Chicago-based company offers an automated narrative generator powered by artificial intelligence. The company’s co-founder and CTO, Kristian Hammond, said last year that he believes that by 2030, 90 percent of news could be written by computers. Forbes, a reputable news outlet, has used Narrative’s software. Some news outlets use it to write email newsletters and similar things.

  Hammond, however, insists that their software isn’t going to harm journalism or journalists. "This robonews tsunami will not wash away the remaining human reporters who still collect paychecks", he told Wired last year. "Instead the universe of newswriting will expand dramatically, as computers mine vast troves of data to produce ultracheap, totally readable accounts of events, trends, and developments that no journalist is currently covering", he added.

  But writing news stories isn’t the only contribution these algorithms are making to the field of journalism. News aggregator websites like Google News and TechMeme use algorithms to curate stories. Google News maintains this disclaimer at the bottom of its webpage. "The selection and placement of stories on this page were determined automatically by a computer program. The time or date displayed (including in the Timeline of Articles feature) reflects when an article was added to or updated in Google News". TechMeme too has officially acknowledged that it utilizes algorithms to find stories, though the aggregator also has a team of editors who oversee the operation and alter the headlines to make them click-bait free.

  Where is journalism headed? Will we have no human reporters in the future? Will the robots do field reporting as well? We don’t know yet. But before you feel sorry about journalists, have a look at the short documentary below as it might change your opinion about your own job.

  Image Credit: Ociacia / Shutterstock

  
• 

  Logitech now offering a line of Chrome OS compatible peripherals

  Publié: février 1, 2015, 3:11am CET par Alan Buckingham

  

  While most everyone is familiar with Chromebooks, the Google operating system also comes on a few desktop computers, a system generally referred to as a Chromebox. Like any computer, a Chromebox requires a keyboard and mouse, but sometimes those using notebook computers also prefer an external mouse instead of using the trackpad. Now Logitech plans to have everyone covered in this growing market.

  The hardware maker is announcing a new line of peripherals designed specifically for Chrome OS computers. You're likely thinking that any wireless keyboard or mouse will work, and you'd be mostly right. I type this now from a Chromebook using a standard Microsoft wireless mouse. But what Logitech has is a bit more interesting.

  It's a range of devices that can all be controlled using a single "unifying key" the company claims. "With the new Logitech Unifying app for Chromebook, available here, you can now connect multiple mice and keyboards to a single tiny receiver that plugs into a USB port on your Chromebook".

  Logitech has set up a special website to show off the compatible devices. It does point out that certain keyboards have enhanced function keys and those keys may not work with this system, though the keyboard still will.

  So, if you have a Chrome OS-based computer then this may be just the thing. Devices listed on the page even include headsets and none of the items are overpriced, so check it out if you're in the market.