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BetaNews.Com (23 non lus)

Check your Amazon account for free credit as Apple coughs up in ebook lawsuit settlement

Publié: juin 21, 2016, 11:41pm CEST par Mark Wilson

Following a court ruling that it was involved in ebook price-fixing with five publishers, Apple has started the process of paying back $400m in refunds. Despite agreeing to pay out the thick end of half a billion dollars, Apple denies doing anything wrong. Interestingly, the payouts will not necessarily reach customers direct from Apple. Refunds are being issued through four ebook stores -- iTunes, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo -- and Amazon customers (Kindle users) should be getting their credit today. If you're in line for a refund, you should have received an email informing you, but in case this… [Continue Reading]
Twitter and Vine introduce support for much longer videos

Publié: juin 21, 2016, 10:41pm CEST par Mark Wilson

While Twitter is primarily a text-based social network, more recently there has been an increased importance placed on images and videos. Just as tweets are limited to a certain number of characters, videos have -- until today -- been limited to 30 seconds in length. Now Twitter is embracing video in a big way, and today increases the maximum length to 140 seconds -- continuing the love affair with the number 140. The company says that the number of video posted to Twitter has increased by 50 percent since the beginning of the year. This is an astonishing increase in… [Continue Reading]
Check the performance of your tweets with Twitter Engage for iOS

Publié: juin 21, 2016, 9:45pm CEST par Mark Wilson

Today Twitter launches a companion app designed for anyone who wants to analyse their tweet activity. Pulling out all the buzzwords, Twitter says it "provides real-time data and insights, allowing you to quickly understand, engage, and grow your audiences". This is not just about gaining more followers, it's about making more meaningful connections, and trying out different marketing ideas. Twitter already provides fairly detailed analytics on its website, but here things are presented in a more accessible way. It also provides a more detailed breakdown of audience demographics for better targeting. The beauty of Twitter Engage is that it provides… [Continue Reading]
Microsoft breaks into contactless mobile payments with Wallet for Windows 10 Mobile Insiders

Publié: juin 21, 2016, 9:02pm CEST par Mark Wilson

Apple has done it; Google has done it. Microsoft may be a little late to the party, but it's getting involved in the mobile payment game. Today the company releases Microsoft Wallet to Windows Insiders using Windows 10 Mobile build 14360 or higher. Microsoft has teamed with MasterCard and Visa to provide a contactless payment solution that is -- for now -- available to Lumia 950, 950 XL and 650 users in the US. As well as making contactless payments, the app can also be used to store reward cards to reduce the amount of plastic you have to cart… [Continue Reading]
DoD's Hack the Pentagon will include more systems and networks

Publié: juin 21, 2016, 8:47pm CEST par Anthony Spadafora

In an effort to find more security flaws in its defense systems, the US Department of Defense (DoD) has decided to expand its Hack the Pentagon program to include more of its systems and networks. The program pays hackers to find and report the vulnerabilities in exchange for payment from the US government. So far the program has proven to be quite effective with the the first bug in the DoD’s systems and networks being discovered a mere 13 minutes after its launch. Hack the Pentagon began as a pilot program that was only scheduled to run from April 18… [Continue Reading]
MFT-based UltraSearch 2.10 adds file content searching

Publié: juin 21, 2016, 7:30pm CEST par Mike Williams

Super-fast MFT-based search tool UltraSearch has hit version 2.10 with some major improvements. The program can now search for file content, as well as file and folder names. A File Type list enables searching for particular groups of files: audio, video, text, database, mail files and more. You can edit these groups or add new ones as required. Searches may be run on specific folders, drives, or whatever combination you need. An intelligent "Suggest Patterns" option offers suggested searches based on recent program use. A new command line interface enables starting the program with specific search parameters. You can now… [Continue Reading]
ADATA announces Premier SP550 M.2 2280 SATA SSD

Publié: juin 21, 2016, 6:55pm CEST par Brian Fagioli

While 2.5 inch SSDs were once viewed as cutting edge technology, they are now seen as being old and bulky. Instead, M.2 variants are all the rage. The slim design makes them ideal for Ultrabooks, as it can contribute to an overall lighter and thinner machine. Heck, M.2 is great on desktops too, as more and more motherboards come with the needed slot. Not all M.2 drives are created equally, however. You see, there are models that use SATA and others that use PCIe NVMe. While the latter is faster, it is also more expensive. Not to mention, not every machine has… [Continue Reading]
Google vs Apple: Contrasting approaches to app store evolution

Publié: juin 21, 2016, 5:49pm CEST par Sameer Singh

This year, Google I/O and WWDC seemed to lack the excitement seen in years past with most announcements being fairly mundane -- a combination of maintenance/incremental updates and "me-too" products -- inevitable at this point in the maturity cycle. The most interesting part of these developer events was really the contrasting approaches Google and Apple have taken to evolve the app ecosystem. Unsurprisingly, both approaches are diametrically opposed to each other and favor each company's business model. However, the "winning standard" will necessarily be one that better serves the needs of both consumers and developers. The biggest news from Google… [Continue Reading]
Fedora 24 is here with GNOME 3.20 -- download the open source Linux distro now

Publié: juin 21, 2016, 4:28pm CEST par Brian Fagioli

Many people consider Fedora to be an operating system for advanced Linux users, and yeah, I suppose there is some to truth to that. Distros such as Ubuntu and Mint can be easier for beginners, but Fedora is not necessarily a bad choice for these newbies. As more folks live in the browser and enjoy their media there, there can be less of a need for non-free packages. If someone is new to Linux and just needs a web browser and LibreOffice, for instance, why not the rock-solid Fedora? Today, Fedora finally achieves version 24. True, the team is a… [Continue Reading]
Lookout uses network layer security to expand mobile protection

Publié: juin 21, 2016, 4:15pm CEST par Ian Barker

The shift towards a mobile and cloud focused workplace has brought a great deal of flexibility but it's also added new risks. How do you protect data when employees can access it at any time and from any device? Lookout, a specialist in securing mobility, has expanded expanded Mobile Threat Protection with the introduction of Network Protection, an automatic on-device analysis of network connections to defend against man-in-the-middle attacks and ensure information is being securely transmitted. Lookout's approach focuses on the risks that are the most relevant to enterprises, namely attempts to intercept, and decrypt data in transit. This allows… [Continue Reading]
CCleaner tweaks browser and Windows 10 MRU cleaning routines

Publié: juin 21, 2016, 4:14pm CEST par Nick Peers

Piriform Software has released CCleaner 5.19 and CCleaner 5.19 Portable for Windows PCs. Once again, it’s a minor release, focusing on improvements, optimizations and some small bug fixes. The new release has no new features or supported applications, instead focusing on tweaking existing cleaning routines and improving the System Monitoring tool on the Professional edition. CCleaner 5.19 starts by promising improved Firefox and Chrome History cleaning, presumably adapting to changes in the most recent versions of both browsers. The new build also optimizes its detection routine for Browser Plugins. It also comes with the promise of improved cache cleaning of… [Continue Reading]
SMBs lack the resources to combat ransomware

Publié: juin 21, 2016, 3:33pm CEST par Ian Barker

Owners of small and medium businesses in the US recognize the potential of ransoware to disrupt their operations, but 84 percent say they wouldn't pay cyber criminals in the event of an attack. Yet the survey by data security company IDT911 also shows that company assets and business operations are left highly vulnerable as nearly 75 percent don't have cyber insurance, or are unsure if their policy includes cyber protection. "Ransomware is the Zika virus of the business world and there is absolutely no telling how far and wide this will spread," says Adam Levin, founder and chairman of IDT911,… [Continue Reading]
Google prompt makes two factor authentication less of a hassle

Publié: juin 21, 2016, 3:08pm CEST par Mihăiță Bamburic

Two factor authentication is one of the most convenient options for securing a user account, which is why you will find this feature available in many of the top cloud services. It can be argued though that it can be made even easier to deal with, specifically in cases when users frequently need to access their accounts from new devices. The problem there is that, the way that it is typically implemented, users usually have to get a verification code via SMS or retrieve it from a dedicated app to finish the authentication process, which is something that many folks… [Continue Reading]
Fix Windows 10 Start menu problems with Microsoft's new troubleshooter tool

Publié: juin 21, 2016, 2:45pm CEST par Wayne Williams

Windows 10 is a good operating system, but it can be a little buggy at times. Hopefully the forthcoming Anniversary Update will fix a lot of these issues, although it’s equally possible it may introduce more bugs along with the raft of new features. If you’ve been having problems with the Start menu in Windows 10 the good news is Microsoft has released a new troubleshooting tool which can identify and fix many issues automatically. SEE ALSO: How to fix Windows 10's most annoying problems All you need to do is download the troubleshooter from here (direct download) and run… [Continue Reading]
Professional services companies lose thousands to poor document management

Publié: juin 21, 2016, 1:58pm CEST par Ian Barker

You might think that a small amount of time spent looking for documents each day is insignificant. But according to a new survey of accounting, advisory and consultancy firms it could be costing US firms almost $4,000 per employee each month. The study from enterprise collaboration specialist Huddle finds that US respondents work on an average of 26 documents per day spending an average of 89 seconds looking for each one. With an average hourly billing rate of $265, that comes to $3,747 per employee each month. In the UK it's even worse, respondents work on an average of 25… [Continue Reading]
Create gorgeous word cloud art with Wordaizer

Publié: juin 21, 2016, 1:40pm CEST par Mike Williams

Wordaizer is an intriguing tool for creating Wordle-like word clouds, gorgeous works of art where text is organized and arranged to fill a shape. We have some simple examples below, but the idea gets more interesting when you add some personal meaning, for example celebrating someone’s 100th birthday by filling a tree shape with the names of all their family. The program is more awkward to use than it should be, and seems to have a few bugs. Why does it display an alert insisting we run it as an administrator, for instance, even when we did? Who knows? We… [Continue Reading]
New release brings on-demand scheduling to field services

Publié: juin 21, 2016, 12:46pm CEST par Ian Barker

The field services industry has already benefited from mobile technology that allows workers to receive new jobs and file reports on the move, reducing the need for returns to base. A new release from mobile workforce management specialists Skedulo takes things further by allowing customers a self-service scheduling ability along with job tracking. Skedulo Lens incorporates APIs and web/mobile SDKs that make real-time scheduling and availability information accessible to end customers on public websites, portals and branded mobile applications. "With today's technology, you can order a car via your mobile device and know exactly who is driving and when they… [Continue Reading]
UK government wants to fine companies for data breaches

Publié: juin 21, 2016, 12:32pm CEST par Sead Fadilpašić

Even though the TalkTalk hack happened last October, it’s still sending ripples through the cyber-security world. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has given a number of recommendations, following the breach. Among the recommendations is the idea of fining companies that fail on cyber-security, as well as the idea of linking the CEO’s pay to effective cyber-security. It should be easier for consumers to get compensation if their information was compromised in an attack, and the government should run a public awareness campaign about the dangers of the cyber-world. Companies that fail to report on data breaches on time… [Continue Reading]
Improving data center efficiency [Q&A]

Publié: juin 21, 2016, 11:11am CEST par Ian Barker

With the growth of the cloud, data centers have become big business. In fact, it's estimated that they now use around 10 percent of the world's energy. It's not surprising then that companies are looking to increase the efficiency of their IT operations, cut their energy use and reduce their carbon footprints. However, the solution to finding more efficiency may be closer than they think. Jeff Klaus, general manager of Data Center Solutions at Intel argues that enterprises need to look to home grown solutions before turning elsewhere. We spoke to him to find out more. BN: Is energy efficiency… [Continue Reading]
Twitter buys AI image firm Magic Pony Technology

Publié: juin 21, 2016, 11:10am CEST par Mark Wilson

Twitter has demonstrated its commitment to artificial intelligence and machine learning by splashing a reported $150m on London-based Magic Pony Technology. The aim is to use the company's advanced technology to improve Twitter's live and video experiences. Jack Dorsey describes Magic Pony Technology as a 'company that has developed novel machine learning techniques for visual processing'. Thus far this has been used to sharpen blurry images, create computer-generated images from scratch, and to learn to recognize objects. While Magic Pony Technology's AI is not exactly unique, where it stands apart from the competition is in terms of raw speed. With… [Continue Reading]
Majority of consumers will embrace digital assistants like Google Now and Siri

Publié: juin 21, 2016, 10:15am CEST par Sead Fadilpašić

Like it or not, we’re all going to have Batman’s Alfred Pennyworth soon. In a digital format, that is, but nonetheless an assistant. This was concluded by research specialists Gartner, which said that by 2019, at least a quarter of households in developed countries will use the services of a digital assistant, either on a smartphone, or in a standalone device. That will be the primary interface in interacting with connected home services, moving us into the "post-app" era. "In the not-too-distant future, users will no longer have to contend with multiple apps; instead, they will literally talk to digital… [Continue Reading]
Huawei MateBook 2-in-1 Windows 10 hybrid coming to USA on July 11th, pre-order now!

Publié: juin 21, 2016, 12:44am CEST par Brian Fagioli

Huawei is a very popular brand in China, but hardly a household name in the USA. Quite frankly, outside of in-the-know Android fans, you'd be hard pressed to find many Americans that know the name. The company is looking to change this, however, in a very big way. Its MateBook 2-in-1 is finally coming to the USA. This elegant Windows 10 tablet/laptop hybrid has a very affordable starting price, and you can pre-order it starting today. The MateBook is a curious machine, with a design reminiscent of the iPad Pro, but running a desktop operating system. Yeah, this 12-inch tablet runs… [Continue Reading]
Huawei MateBook 2-in-1 Windows 10 hybrid coming to USA on July 11, pre-order now!

Publié: juin 21, 2016, 12:44am CEST par Brian Fagioli

Huawei is a very popular brand in China, but hardly a household name in the USA. Quite frankly, outside of in-the-know Android fans, you'd be hard pressed to find many Americans that know the name. The company is looking to change this, however, in a very big way. Its MateBook 2-in-1 is finally coming to the USA. This elegant Windows 10 tablet/laptop hybrid has a very affordable starting price, and you can pre-order it starting today. The MateBook is a curious machine, with a design reminiscent of the iPad Pro, but running a desktop operating system. Yeah, this 12-inch tablet runs… [Continue Reading]