Technology Bites

Chrome for Android beta launches with Bookmarks Sync, Incognito Mode

vrreddy — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:07:03 +0000

Google Chrome for PCs launched almost four years ago and became second most popular browser worldwide. But in spite the popularity Google didn’t introduce this browser till now for Android, stock browser in Android is not Google Chrome although based on WebKit rendering. Chrome for Android is the most requested app for Android. Today finally Google released Chrome beta for Android, don’t know what took them this long to launch Chrome for Android.

While this is good news for Android users, Chrome for Android beta is only available for Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich devices as of now. Not sure whether GingerBread will get this or not, Chrome blog has no information either.

Google says like the desktop version this is also built on speed and simplicity. It also comes seamless syncing, incognito mode, a card view for tabs etc.

With Chrome for Android scrolling web pages becomes quick. When searching, top search results are loaded in the background as you type for faster loading of pages.

Tab navigation is designed in such a way that it fits perfectly into small screens as well as tablets. “You can flip or swipe between an unlimited number of tabs using intuitive gestures, as if you’re holding a deck of cards in the palm of your hands, each one a new window to the web”.

Link preview makes it easy to find proper link from sea of links in a page by automatically zooming in on links. Incognito mode is also included in Chrome for Android for that private browsing session.

Syncing perhaps is done perfectly, you can sync all your bookmarks between desktop and mobile versions. Not only that you can even sync currently open web pages on desktop from mobile, so you can continue your browsing, you need to login to both desktop Chrome and mobile Chrome for this to work.

With seamless sync, card view for tabs etc Chrome for Android looks promising, if it performs like the desktop version I am sure it is going to go popular on Android. Once Chrome reaches final builds from beta this may become the default browser in Android. If you have an Ice Cream Sandwich phone go checkout the Chrome beta.

Download from Android Market, Via Chrome blog

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Samsung Galaxy S III to be just 7mm thick, launch in May

vrreddy — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:59:49 +0000

The next iteration of Galaxy smartphone from Samsung, Galaxy S III is reportedly is one of the thinnest smartphone. Samsung won’t introduce the Galaxy S III at the Mobile World Congress, and earlier rumors said that it may be launched in April. New report came from a Korean news site that Samsung Galaxy S III will be launched in May.

According to the Korean site Electronic Times News the Galaxy S III will measure only 7mm in thickness making it one of the thinnest smartphone. The smartphone is expected to come Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, a quad-core processor, a Super AMOLED plus HD display. It will have 8 megapixel camera at the rear, a 2 megapixel camera at the front. Other rumors suggested that it comes with 2GB of RAM, 4G LTE connectivity.

Electronic Times News claims that Samsung plans to sell 30 million copies of the Galaxy S III when it is launched.

Via BGR

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German Federal Agency recommends Google Chrome

vrreddy — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:54:49 +0000

Google Chrome is the second most popular browser worldwide behind IE and just ahead of Firefox. It is one of the safest browsers out there. Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security (Known as BSI in German Initials) recommends Chrome for Windows users in its best practice guidelines for Windows users. The report is part of the overall guidelines and recommendations for Cyber Security.

BSI recommended Chrome because of it’s sandbox technology, which isolates browser from the operating system of the computer, it’s auto updating feature and bundling of the Adobe Flash. The report also states that comparable sandbox mechanisms implemented in other browsers are weaker or non-existent. BSI says, by using Google Chrome users can significantly reduce the risk of cyber attack.

Unlike in other countries European users are presented with a ballot screen with all the browsers listed, users can choose the browser of choice when setting up the machine first time, thanks to a anti-monopoly agreement between Microsoft and EU commission.

BSI also recommended other software for Windows users to keep their machines secure from cyber attacks. These include, Adobe Reader X, which also uses sandbox technology to protect users from exploits. BSI also mentioned Secunia’s Personal Software Inspector, a free tool that scans the PC for outdated programs and points to appropriate downloads.

BSI also recommends anti-virus solutions for PC users if they don’t need advanced functionality like Child protection filter, monitoring of browsers and e-mail activities for malicious programs. The recommendations include Microsoft Security Essentials, Avira and avast!.

Gmail is recommended as free web mail service along with paid options. Along with these recommendations users should keep their PCs up to date with Windows auto-update feature.

Via Computer World

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Dropbox offers 5GB of free space to beta testers

vrreddy — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 07:21:32 +0000

Dropbox is giving away 5GB of free data storage to anyone who is willing to test their beta application. Dropbox is hugely popular as a cloud storage service, it gives users 2GB of free storage space online.

Dropbox is testing a new build of its software which does automatic uploading photos and videos. During this beta period users who will test the beta version will up to 5GB of free data storage. First you need to upload 500MB of photos then you will get 500GB of extra space and this goes on until it reaches the cap of 5GB.

If you are trying out this build remember this is a beta build and backup your Drobox before uploading to this build. Download links are available for Windows, Mac OS X, Linux. Click here for details.

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Skype 5.8 for Windows brings Full-HD video calling, Group Screen Sharing

vrreddy — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:43:56 +0000

Microsoft released an update for Skype which brings some new features to the popular service. Skype 5.8 for Windows now supports full HD video calling, support for Facebook audio and video calling, other notable feature is Group screen sharing, screen sharing features is only for Skype premium users.

Now with the new update you can make crystal-clear video calls. You need at least 2mbps upload / download internet connection to enjoy this feature. And also you need a webcam that supports full HD video calling.

Group screen sharing allows users to share their entire desktop or selected applications with other users on a conference call while continuing to stream video. To start a group screen share hit +menu and select “share my screen”

Other features include video calling to Facebook users, you can make video call with all of your Facebook friends even if they are not Skype users. Push to talk feature in Skype allows users to set a hotkey for microphone muting on a Skype call. You can Hide offline Facebook friends in Skype now. This update also brings Bing toolbar integration.

Via Skype blog, Download Skype 5.8 for Windows

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Google using a Bouncer to keep malware out of Android Market

vrreddy — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:39:24 +0000

Google revealed a security tool today codenamed Bouncer to address the malware concerns of Android market. the service performs set of analysis on new application, applications already in Android market and developer accounts.

Google says the tool is already in use, in the past year there is a 40% of decrease in number of potentially malicious applications compared to the second half from first of the year. Surprisingly the decrease in number of malicious applications came at the same time the security companies which sell the security software anti-malware software are reporting that malware is on the rise in Android market.

Bouncer does automated scanning of applications for potential malicious software without requiring developers to go through an application approval process. Once an application is submitted to the market, the tool scans for, malware, spyware and trojans. It also compares the behavior of the application with the previously analyzed apps to detect possible red flags.

According to Google Android was designed from the beginning to make malware less disruptive unlike PCs where the potential of misuse of your information by malware is high.

Some of Android’s core security features.

Sandboxing: The Android platform uses a technique called “sandboxing” to put virtual walls between applications and other software on the device. So, if you download a malicious application, it can’t access data on other parts of your phone and its potential harm is drastically limited.

Permissions: Android provides a permission system to help you understand the capabilities of the apps you install, and manage your own preferences. That way, if you see a game unnecessarily requests permission to send SMS, for example, you don’t need to install it.

Malware removal: Android is designed to prevent malware from modifying the platform or hiding from you, so it can be easily removed if your device is affected. Android Market also has the capability of remotely removing malware from your phone or tablet, if required.

It’ a good thing to know that Google is not sitting ideal and in fact they are trying to keep Android safe. Google addresses that no security is fool proof and they are working to make things better day by day.

Via Google Mobile blog

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Windows Phone 8 ‘Apollo’ comes with Windows 8, Skype and SkyDrive integration

vrreddy — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:38:49 +0000

New details emerged about Windows Phone 8, next generation mobile operating system from Microsoft. Pocketnow got hands on with a video supposed to be for Nokia executives, according to Pocketnow senior vice president and Windows Phone Manager Joe Belfiore of Microsoft revealed a number of WP8 features in that video.

Windows Phone 8 code named Apollo will come after the Tango iteration of the mobile OS. This will bring lot of new features along with hardware changes, integration with the desktop version of Windows 8 and 100,000 applications at the launch time.

Hardware

WP8 or Apollo will add support for multicore processors like the desktop OS, four screen resolutions, details of the four are not known yet, and removable microSD card storage. NFC support allowing users to make mobile payments by simply tapping their phone, a mobile wallet experience.

Windows 8 integration

Integration with the Windows 8 is not just the UI but uses the same code as Windows 8 in PC and tablet. Developers can reuse the code while developing apps for both desktop and smartphone. In addition Zune desktop client is scrapped in favor of a syncing companion application and the Xbox companion app currently found on Windows phone 8 will have a client on Windows phone 8.

SkyDrive support for Windows Phone 8 provide a cloud storage solution for the phone and seamless syncing between the devices. SkyDrive already provides 25GB of free data storage online, which is ideal for storing documents, music as well as other files.

Apps

Microsoft will add native code support, which enables more powerful applications. porting of apps from iOS and Android will be much easier. Support for app-to-app communication. The camera is now based on lens apps, OEMs can skin the lens or overlaid with viewfinders.

Skype integration

Skype is integrating into the OS making it to behave almost identical to the regular non-VoIP telephony.

Data Management

A feature called DataSmart reduces and simplifies the tracking of data usage by offering a breakdown of data consumption. Local Scout feature of Bing Maps will enable the real-time location of nearby hotspots. WP8 uses proxy to feed pages to IE10 that will reduce the data consumption by whooping 30%.

Business Support

For business customers Microsoft will add native BitLocker encryption, 128 bit full disk encryption found on desktop versions. WP8 will also come with a ‘line of business applications’, businesses can deploy these applications behind their company firewalls.

These are pretty long list of changes to get Windows Phone 8 comparable to other phone OS. Perhaps more details might emerge from the Mobile World congress later this month.

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Manage Passwords and Personal Info with Dashlane

vrreddy — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:43:35 +0000

There are several password managers out there for helping you to manage passwords and other personal information like credit card details. Password managers are quite useful for us now a days as we use several social sites, shopping sites and the likes, it is s real pain to keep remembering all those passwords. Although Chrome and Firefox take care most of this, there is there is a new application called ‘Dashlane’ that can take care of this password management quite effectively.

Dashlane, touted as your ‘Personal Internet Assistant’ helps you manage passwords and other personal information. It is not just a password manager as it can do many things apart from password management. You can access Dashlane across multiple devices and sync all your data so that you can access it anywhere. Dashlane can be accessed through desktop application or through web application. if you want to Dashlane on Mobiles you can use the web application, Dashlane apps for mobiles will be added soon.

It can store addresses, phone numbers, credit card info. Dashlane can generate secure passwords during registration process. All these information is managed through a master password to Dashlane. The master password is very important because currently there is no way to recover master password if you forget that.

It allows you to login automatically to websites and express checkout at shopping sites, it also keeps track of your online purchases. It shows strength of your stored passwords, so you know what passwords need a change. Dashlane works with Windows XP, Vista, 7 and Mac.

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Google Docs Android App now lets you view files offline

vrreddy — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:43:34 +0000

Google Docs Android app updated with offline functionality and an improved android tablet experience according to Android team.

The offline functionality is limited to viewing files when not connected to Internet through an android device. You can make any file offline in Google Docs app, click on the right side ‘more’ icon next to any file and select ‘Make Offline’ and that file will stored offline for you. Once you are connected to a Wi-Fi connection the files gets updated automatically. Alternatively you can update the file by opening that file or by clicking ‘Update’ from the offline section of the app.

Currently you can only view files offline with this android app but you can’t edit them, editing offline would have been nice, but we can expect this feature in the near future. Files supported to make offline are Google documents, Google spreadsheets, Google presentations, uploaded images and .pdf files.

Android team says they have made some enhancements for improving Google Docs reading experience on Android tablets. When users open Google docs file while online they are presented with a high resolution document. For easy navigation you can Swipe left and right to flip between pages, or use the slider at the bottom of the page.
Via Android G+

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Firefox 10 released with developer tools and full-screen API

vrreddy — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:32:36 +0000

Mozilla launched version 10 of the popular browser Firefox that introduces in-built developer tools, a full-screen API for game developers and CSS 3D transforms. Firefox development is under fast phase in recent times. It came from version 4 to version 10 in just nine months and Firefox 13 which is scheduled for summer will bring home tab and and new tab page features.

Firefox version 10 is available for download for Windows. Linux, Mac, users can download the latest version from Mozilla website. Firefox for Android is also released along with the desktop version.

This version brings the default add-on compatibility, that addresses the add-on incompatibility issues users complaining recently. Mozilla took this as priority and starting with this version 10 all the add-ons will be marked as compatible while updating. This is the most noticeable change for users, other changes are for developers.

Firebug for Firefox catered to the developer community till now as a web developer add-on for Firefox. This changes now as Firefox 10 brings the developer tools with it. With Page Inspector developers can view the structure of websites without leaving the Firefox similar to Firebug. Style Inspector will allow to edit the current web page style with in the browser. Scratchpad now uses the Eclipse Orion code editor for syntax highlighting and other features that make it easier to write JavaScript according to Mozilla.

Another notable feature that has been added for developers is Full Screen API for web sites and web applications. With this developers can take advantage of the full screen while developing applications.

Firefox now supports Anti-Aliasing for WebGL, that allows developers to create objects that blend smoothly. WebGL is an open standard for running Web Apps in the browser with hardware accelerated 3D graphics with out any third party software.

With CSS 3D transofrms support developers can animate and transform 2D elements into 3D objects using HTML5 without needing third party plugins.

Via Mozilla Blog

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