Questechie - Trends In Internet Technology

Yahoo Axis: Search Visualization Browser

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Fri, 25 May 2012 19:50:00 +0000

Yahoo against all odds, went on to launch an innovative 'search browser' termed Yahoo Axis late Wednesday. Albeit, early review painted the browser in bad light in regards to security, given a discovery by an astute hacker, Nik Cubrilovic on his personal blog, (but, the security glitch is now fixed) the search browser add-on innovation simply means Yahoo is not yet giving-up on the search market.

Yahoo Axis, unlike conventional web browsers is not a replacement for the later on desktop, rather it serves as a browser add-on to enhance visualized search experience. It comes as a free plug-in for Chrome, Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Safari web browsers on desktop computers and PCs.

Whilst, its application on mobile takes the form of a full-fledged mobile browser app, available for iPhone and iPad, with an Android version still in the works.

Installation of the plug-in on desktop comes really easy, and once installed, the add-on appears as a search bar at the bottom of the web browser. With users signed-in to Yahoo, Facebook and Google given the option to setup favorite websites and have Axis remember same for future reference.

Yahoo Axis uniqueness stems on the syncing ability across devices, with fast and simple user interface, presents an undeniable surfing pleasure especially on iOS platforms. Overall, the search visualization cum browser innovation may perhaps herald a new breakthrough for the dwindling Yahoo search service.

Semantic Search: Introducing The Knowledge Graph

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Thu, 17 May 2012 18:45:00 +0000

Google has unveiled a new search innovation known as the Knowledge Graph, as an augmented large data scale, to tap into the collective intelligence of the web to enable discovery of information more quickly and easily. According to the official Google Search Blog, this latest innovation marks a critical first step towards building the next generation of internet search.

The Knowledge Graph is an attempt into machine learning search technology, making search engine think as human, an intelligent model that understands real-world entities and their relationships without strings.

Google's Knowledge Graph cuts-across popular landmarks, celebrities, places, events, movies, works of art, geographical regions and more, providing instant information that is relevant to search queries. It automatically culls-up relevant information on simple topics like: places, people or things, eliminating the conventional search mechanism whereby internet search involves several clicks through piles of websites to arrive at desired result.

The roll-out of the service has commenced with U.S English users, and also available on smartphones and Tablet devices.

Google hopes the added intelligence will enable users engage more into web services, as the task of information discovery becomes more less time consuming and easier by Google Search.

Live: Bing Social Integration

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:12:00 +0000

Microsoft Bing's social search integration which has long been in the news went live today according to Bing Search Blog. It brings the integration of Facebook information stream into open search, with the possibility of bringing "social intelligence" in overall search experience.

The integration of people and search was made possible through a dedicated "social sidebar", bringing the social connections to bear in regular search patterns. it means tapping into the expertise of your networks to find relevant information through internet searches.

Bing suggest friends on Facebook who may have knowledge of your search terms through your social connections based on their "likes".

Unlike Google Plus Your World, which puts the social integration direct into regular search results, Bing's provision for a dedicated social sidebar is a plus. However, as to the actual tapping of social intelligence into the search experience, Bing does not yet get its act right. Albeit that the search innovation is perhaps too early for substantial reviewing.

The New Bing social search throws up people in your Facebook connections whom may be familiar to your search terms based on their likes instead of related pages or group information.

There is also the tool for building queries about topics common to the people in your connection you specifically selected as "Friends who might know" list. The actual application of this tool may be rather off-hand for some users, as the processes are mechanical.

In conclusion, the fact that internet search generally have come to acknowledge the need for personalized information really points to the next generation web. How the social web will impact accurate search and information retrieval through collective intelligence remains to be seen.

Webit Congress 2012: Startup Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Tue, 15 May 2012 19:10:00 +0000

Webit Congress is a global annual event for the emerging digital and technology markets with special focus on EMEA regions. It's the place where the emerging markets meets the world's unparalleled networking technology drivers at the top.

Webit Congress gives startups the rare opportunity to showcase their projects in front of the largest number of potential investors/VCs from around the world.

Webit Startup Challenge 2012 is open to all startups from the EMEA regions. It presents startups the chance to pitch on the stage in front of the biggest investors for direct and exclusive feedback and get coverage from international media.

The application procedure is very simple, you apply online and be preselected by a jury of experts to win a chance to showcase at the expo and pitch on stage for potential investors. And there are no costs to apply to the Startup Challenge.

Total of 21 startups will be shortlisted and receive free stand at the expo ground in Istanbul, Turkey - the venue for this years conference. Along with 2 free tickets for Leaders of the Future 2-day conference program, with 5mins to present the project.

The overall winner will get international media coverage in most of the global and local media partners of the Webit Congress and maximum exposures to 6000+ visitors from 60+ countries. The entry deadline is 30th June, 2012. While, the shortlisted 21 startups will be announced 1st August. Click here to apply now.

DNSChanger: Surrogate DNS Servers Shutdown

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Wed, 09 May 2012 11:09:00 +0000

The DNS malware, DNSChanger, is a Trojan disclosed about 5 years ago, which allowed cyber criminals to hijack computers and redirect traffic to specified hacker-crafted-websites. The malware provides hackers control over DNS servers, thereby making it possible to channel traffic to fraudulent websites and also making such computers vulnerable to other malicious software.

The rogue DNS servers controlled by the cyber criminals allowed them to manipulate users internet activities.

The FBI, late last year, brought down the hackers ring based in Estonia, with the Internet Systems Consortium (ISC) providing temporary surrogate servers for the rogue DNS servers that were shut down as a result of the operation.

And starting July 9, the surrogate DNS servers will be shut down and computers still infected with DNSChanger may lose connection to the internet.

The DNSChanger Working Group has made available a list of anti-virus software that can fix the malware issue. See the DNSChanger Check-up Website to check if your computer is infected.

Can Google Drive Turn The Game?

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:28:00 +0000

Google on Tuesday announced its long rumored cloud storage service, Google Drive, to augment the ever growing cloud computing adoption. Cloud computing as means of increasing capacity without investing in new infrastructure has become the 'Holy Grail' of modern enterprises, but given the substantial fear of data security and up-time services had posed stumbling blocks on the overall adoption.

Google Drive comes as a direct integration to Google Docs, allowing easy file sharing amongst users. Now, you can work with others in real time on spreadsheet, documents, and presentation. Google's long absence in the 'office collaboration tool' space championed by Microsoft has finally been covered by the new service. The sharing functionality has been brought over direct from Docs, and also integrated to its social network, Google+ with an option of public sharing.

The public file sharing feature also available on SkyDrive (Microsoft's Cloud Storage service), but lacking in Dropbox, seems most appealing. These alternative cloud services, however, invariably falls-short on the security offered on Google Drive.

Google Drive also recognizes text in scanned documents using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology, search by keyword and filter by file type. The image recognition allows you to drag and drop photos into Drive, and later search for the photo. Regardless to platform, blind users can access Drive with a screen reader.

Google Drive as an open platform affords developers the opportunity to contribute to the overall service.

The service comes with free 5GB space for users, whilst users have the option to upgrade to 25GB at $2.49/month, 100GB at $4.99/month, or 1TB at $49.99/month. Google promises an eventual integration of the service to Gmail, allowing users to attach items of media direct from their email to Drive.

Fusion Tables: Data Visualization

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 09:13:00 +0000

Google debuted Fusion Tables in mid 2009 as a research tool to explore and visualize large data set. Data Visualization in concept, implies displaying important data in a graphical format for actionable group research purposes or individual usage.

The art of data visualization is becoming somewhat popular nowadays, with the term Infographics (Information Graphics) as a case-in-point. But, how average internet users can utilize this latest trend in information storage and retrieval systems remains the overriding interest.

Infographics present complex information in a clear and concise format, such as maps, signs and graphs. And these information presentation mode is increasingly becoming the standard for modern Media, as it's commonly used to show weather reports, general maps, and graphs for statistical data.

Google is also pushing to popularize the information system, as is evidence in its just concluded Technology and Journalism Conference, where it announced more enhancements to the Data Visualization search tool.

The new features include a checklist from which users can select subsets of the different data and see how their combination in a map or chart will be. Also included are tabs that can be used to compare the different results to see which is best. Fusion Tables also presents new format for displaying data, with a network graph for displaying relationships in a social network.

The Fusion Tables API affords developers the chance to test-run the search tool, with the capability that can return data in JSON (an acronym for JavaScript Object Notation), making it easier to manipulate with JavaScript, allowing tables, maps, and graphs to be modified using RESTful programing.

Twitter MySQL Goes Open-Source

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 18:48:00 +0000

MySQL is the database technology employed by Twitter in rendering its users data, which comprises: timeline, users tweets and interest graph. Twitter Engineering blog announced on Monday that the micro-blogging platform has now open-sourced its MySQL works on GitHub under the BSD license.

Albeit, MySQL is an open-source software, clients have the ability to tweak and change it. Twitter's numerous tweaks to the database technology is now open for the MySQL community to contribute to improve the overall service.

Jeremy Cole and Davi Arnaut, Twitters Developers, in the blog post stressed the points that the company 'believes in sharing knowledge and that open source facilitate innovations'.

And furthermore, mentioned sharing its work with upstream and downstream MySQL vendors, with a goal to improving the community.

Twitter plans to disclose more information on the MySQL project at the Percona Live MySQL Conference and Expo on April 12th, in Santa Clara, California.

Flashback Botnet: Mac OS X Targeted

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 08:57:00 +0000

Mac OS X users have got something to worry about. Earlier in the week, a Russian Internet Security Company, Dr. Web announced some findings about a new Trojan BackDoor.Flashback, which is fast spreading on PCs running Mac OS X, contrary to claims by some experts that the OS is currently not under any security threats.

Flashback botnets, have already gulped about 300,000 machines in the U.S and Canada alone. And the spread statistics is alarming considering the mode of transmission via traffic distribution systems.

The BackDoor.Flashback Trojan has been confirmed by Kaspersky Lab, with the latest variant termed, Trojan-Dowloader.OSX.Flashfake.ab.

The confirmation report indicates that, "Flashfake is distributed through infected websites as Java Applet that disguises as an update for Adobe Flash Player, with the main component being a Trojan-Downloader that continuously connects to its command-and-control servers, while its awaits new components for execution".

Although, Apple's Mac had been the target of major malwares as a result of its growing popularity, this current attack is perhaps the largest so far.

Apple, however, has declined to comment on the latest findings, but hinted that a patch will follow in the upcoming version of the OS due this summer.

Also, the company revealed a future plan to tackle such security threats by a feature it called Gatekeeper, billed to be introduced in the next version. The tool will among other things ensure that developers register with Apple, and users have the option to keep their computers from installing software that has not been duly registered.

Browser Wars: IE9 Gains On Windows 7

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 08:56:00 +0000

Microsoft Windows 7 marked a revolutionary point in the company's incursion into the mobile web cum Smartphones and Tablet markets. The iconic touch-screen technology introduced in the ace OS is what is still driving the wider adoption of the Windows mobile platform.

Now, Windows 7 success has even shifted to embracing the company's browser, Internet Explorer. According to a March Analytics report on browser performances by NetMarketShare, IE9 recorded a marginal increase in market share against Firefox and Chrome Browsers contrary to its declining trend.

Microsoft's IE9 market share for the month went from 52.84% up to 53.83%, which translated to a gain of 0.99% share.

The analytics report in terms of desktop usage, posted Google Chrome on 18.57% from 18.90% share, while Mozilla Firefox went from 20.92% down to 20.55% share.

The worldwide metrics gain for Microsoft, albeit, considering its heavily-pushed promotions, points to the Windows 7 successes. And perhaps, given the already spread hype on the next version of the OS, Windows 8, may carry-on in the coming months.

However, the intensity of upgrades and innovations across Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome browsers may present a more credible challenge. Microsoft indeed, has got a whole lot to prove in other to win back users trust, mostly on security considerations.

YouTube Privacy: Blur Faces In Video

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 11:16:00 +0000

Google's video sharing platform, YouTube, has been a center of incessant lawsuits from aggrieved individuals as most people are featured in videos by users without their consent or express approval. The terrific media platform has thereby suffered continuous criticism from various Privacy Advocacy Groups.

YouTube's director of communications and policy, Victoria Grand, has hinted on the inclusion of a new technology that will enable users to blur the faces of people in videos, as the case may be, allowing users to edit the videos so that a complainants face is blurred.

The face blurring tool will serve as additional privacy control option on the video sharing platform, as critics had argued for the possibility of concealing the faces of individuals in questionable instances.

Google had earlier demonstrated the image blurring technology capability in dealing with aggrieved parties in its Street View Images Controversy.

The enhancement to video editing tool to blur faces may be coming to YouTube in the next few months, so users are hereby enjoined to avail themselves of the new privacy tool when uploading videos that may generate controversy.

Mobile Web: Next Privacy Call

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 09:06:00 +0000

The extent of tracking users on the mobile platform has been a great privacy challenge, with the latest location-based technologies, there seems to be no feasible sign of containing the exploit. And coupled with the growing need of monetizing the social networking platforms on mobile application, the exploit may even take a more intrusive nature.

Mozilla is reportedly working on an open-source operating system for tablet devices and smartphones that will support its revolutionary "Do Not Track" feature on mobile.

The OS is code-named 'Boot to Gecko (B2G), and based on the Linux kernel. Also referred to as 'Open Web Devices Platform' - the Linux-based mobile OS, still in early developmental stage, is billed to introduce comparative privacy standard to the Mobile Web.

B2G will be overtly web-centric, bringing the full flavor of the web to the mobile platforms. All B2G apps will be live online (web apps), accessible directly instead of downloading to the device.

Privacy and security will be built from the foundation up, unlike the conventional mobile-app system whereby a single vendor controls all available apps, Boot to Gecko, will support multi-platforms and vendors applications.

The 'Do Not Track' option helps maintain privacy only when the concerned developer updated its app to respect the security user-demand. And unfortunately, there is wanting the legislation to compel all developers to comply with the 'Do Not Track' command.

However, the fact that Mozilla had envisioned a project built on security and privacy as a basic architecture, maintaining open all aspects of the design and implementation is rather more user-centric than just plausible. So, the call goes to all mobile web users, practice 'Safe Browsing'.

Add-On Sync On Firefox

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:28:00 +0000

The ability to synchronize add-on has been missing in the Mozilla browser, whilst add-on Sync capability had distinguished the Google Chrome browser, which the later made debut since 2010, now the latest stable version of the browser, Firefox 11, which is now available for download comes with add-on Sync and most add-on marked as compatible by default according to the release notes.

The synchronization also includes the ever popular extensions, allowing users to sync add-on across multiple computers for a seamless experience. The add-on Sync feature can be enabled from the Sync tab in the Option Menu.

Firefox add-on Sync feature also works with Android devices running the OS's version of Firefox and iOS devices running Firefox Home.

Mozilla has been gradually building up the open source browser to rank high against competitors: and has recently announced an upcoming browser for Windows 8 Metro desktop. It will be interesting to see how Firefox workout the expected advances in the browser market.

Enter Google Play

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 19:44:00 +0000

Google has launched a new service to replace the Android Market Place. The service is called Google Play, and among other things, it promises to bring virtual fun to the mobile experience according to the company blog, as the hassles of endless syncing across mobile devices is now eliminated.

Google Play, is duped a digital entertainment center, a place where you share music, movies and apps on the web, as well as on your Android devices. It's entirely Cloud based, bringing the mobility advantage to users, either on your PC or on smartphones.

The new service incorporate, Google Music, Android Market and Google eBook Store as one service. The Android Market will be upgraded to Google Play in the countries where the service is available in the coming days according to Google.

Android has proven a great platform as it now accounts for the major mobile browser share ahead of Opera Mini according to a recent StatCounter Analytics.

The celebration tagged '7 Days To Play' promises making the service for users in the U.S. and Canada available for a special discount price with assorted music titles, movies and eBooks. Google's long time goal is to continue rolling out credible services across the platform.

HTML5: Proposed Copy Protection

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 19:44:00 +0000

The emerging web standard, HTML5 is generating an intense debate as to the inclusion of copy-protection as proposed by its leading advocates: Google, Netflix and Microsoft Corp. Hypertext Markup Language, HTML5, which has revolutionized web content creation, making it possible to include streaming video and audio to web pages lacks mechanism for Digital Rights Management (DRM).

The web contents DRM is an encryption mechanism which permits only authorized access to video and audio. It invariably prevents unauthorized usage and distribution of web contents.

Adobe Flash Player, is an example of platforms that support DRM and copy protection, whereby commercial web video industries employ it through browser plug-in to protect their contents. But, how the open standard can effectively implement such mechanism without infringing on the pros of the popular technology remains a daunting task.

The staunch editor of the HTML standard, Ian Hickson, has completely opposed the move and stated categorically that the proposal is "unethical and should not be pursued", according to a W3C mailing list.

The obvious reason for the push for the proposal by leading web technologies is the rate at which commercial TV and video companies throng to the World Wide Web Consortium. And developers on the contrary have stressed the difficulties in coding video and audio tag as HTML does not support content protection.

The MegaUpload web portal law suit for infringement on copy-righted materials is a case in point for arguments in favor of the proposal.

But, would the HTML5 video copy protection, not in effect bring-up the enthroning of browser plug-in all over again?

Pinterest: Reinventing The Social Wheel

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 13:23:00 +0000

The buzz is all over the web, and perhaps, Pinterest has got the drive to take-on Facebook advances after all. This post, however, is not another social network wars stuff, but rather a research into the innovations that has made the new entrant unique. As stressed earlier, it's not the name behind the brand, but availability of user-engaging functionality that spells success in the social sphere.

The project started around December 2009, with the actual closed-beta service commencing March 2010. And, which till date is still an invitation only service.

Pinterest is unique from the fact that it has reinvented the 'image worth's more than a thousand words ideology', as pioneered by David Galbraith's Project Wist in 2005. Albeit, the social web phenomena has not taken-off, which may be the reason for the project's failure.

Pinterest is simply put as a 'visual bulletin board', bringing the beauty and power of images to live to convey specific message on the social platform. It is more related to Twitter in functions, and employs similar terminologies: Pin (is an image uploaded on Pinterest), Repin (is the equivalent of retweet), while Board (is a collection of pins).

There are varied interests and topic boards which are open for users to follow, and that reflects the updates on the home screen. Each image board contain items of media, known as pin, which may be a picture, video or related media stuff.

Pinterest, similar to other social networks, allows a user to follow the activities of other users, receiving updates on the Homepage through 'Pin Feed'. And the high point of the service, is perhaps, the ability to convey a vivid picture of events as in wedding, than words can relay, more reason the feminine folks are trooping en masse.

Final Windows 8 Preview

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 09:07:00 +0000

Microsoft has scheduled the 'consumer preview' date for the newest version of Windows operating system, Windows 8, on February 29. Windows 8 design is perhaps the most critical update the incumbent OS has put-up so far, and so much hypes have followed its announcement.

The leaked overview has shown a radical interface change in the new OS, the ever popular start button which first appeared in Windows 95 will be replaced by an intuitive 'hot spot' (the smart corner serves the function of start button hub, with a swipe it brings-up the menus).

The new OS builds on the elements of the former version Windows 7, bringing with it the Metro Themes and Tiles. The Tiles is a live screen displaying updates from social networks realtime, and messaging status from email and IM on the Home screen.

Microsoft has maintained a keen sight on the Tablet market dominated by Android and Apple Device, and obviously, the new OS designs may nonetheless mark Microsoft incursion into the mainstream of the mobile platforms. As the timing and place also coincide with the date for the Mobile World Congress.

Although, no release date has been announced for the final version of the new OS, trend watchers are of the candid-view that it may show-up before the holiday season.

Push Notifications: Web Application

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 09:33:00 +0000

Push notifications is a feature that is native to Android and iOS apps, allowing it to notify users about the availability of a new content. Mozilla, is reportedly working on introducing the technology to the web according to Jeff Balogh, a developer at Mozilla Foundation.

The push notifications application for the web will allow websites to notify subscribers of new updates similar to how mobile apps notify users, albeit, mimicking the capability of RSS feeds, but as a core web technology.

The prototype and designing of the new API is currently in the works, and the notification service invokes the Firefox browser to deliver push contents to users. And user's permission is sort before the browser commences the notification service. It delivers the message to Firefox on the desktop, on Android, on Boot to Gecko, or iOS on Firefox Home.

The major point of the service is that we live in a multiple device, and cross-platform world. So, it acknowledges all the major platforms: Mac, Windows, Linus, Android, and iOS as Firefox Home.

Definitely, the notification service takes-on the role of RSS feeds, but rather built into the core web programming interface. The paramount question, then is, are we heading to an upgrade to the RSS feeds or just another viable alternative to the service?

Review: PressReader Newspaper App

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:20:00 +0000

The ubiquity and power of technology along with mobile web convergence have created a new paradigm in the accessibility of information. Nowadays, people want prompt access to the news on the go, as reflected in the dwindling of the conventional media system. Now, how about a tool that will put the full power of the conventional media right on your mobile device?

That is exactly what PressDisplay has done, bringing the full flavor of your favorite Newspapers to you on the go, through a mobile app, PressReader. The PressReader newspaper app brings 2,000 plus full-content digital newspapers from 95 countries right on your mobile device. PressReader is currently available in 51 languages and supports the following mobile OS: iOS, Android, BlackBerry OS, Windows Phone, and HoneyComb.

Our team member had a hands-on the latest version of PressReader for iPad, which is now available for download from the iTunes App Store. And to be frank the app did not disappoint on what has been written about it already.

In fact, I was impressed to find BusinessDay Nigeria on the list, making it the only local newspaper available. But, the avalanche of international newspapers really made it a delight, coupled with the innovative navigation feature that makes it possible to browse entire publication with a finger-tip. Also the jump feature is quite handy, it allows you shuffle from one article to another with ease.

Now, you may want to ask, how about bandwidth consumption? Well, truly innovative is the way the app is designed to fetch content and disconnect without any trace.

The pricing for individual newspapers (as the actual app is free) comes cheap compared to the conventional newspaper. Newspaper can be purchased for $0.99 per issue, or downloaded with a paid subscription. And, obviously you will enjoy complete digital replica of newspapers right before they are available in print version on newsstand, as every article, advertisements, crossword puzzle and cartoon on the original context.

Social Search: Google Plus Your World

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:40:00 +0000

Google earlier today announced new features to its social search innovations according to its official blog. The new search enhancements involves the inclusion of its social networking platform, Google+, into its search algorithms, to create what it calls 'Personal Results' search.

An innovation it has termed 'Search Plus Your World', combines the conventional Google search algorithm with Google+ recommended results based on individual preferences and permission.

Google's 'Search Plus Your World' feature is made up of three basic enhancements: Personal Results, Profiles In Search, and People & Pages. It involves the inclusion of Google+ posts into Google search results where necessary and relevant to the search query, enabled by a user, and permitted by the Google+ Circles in which the given post is originally shared.

The 'Profiles In Search' aspect, enables a user to immediately find people within a Circle or a given area of interest, in both auto-complete and search results. While, the People And Pages, finds Google+ pages and people related to a specific topic or interest.

The internet search giant's obsession with Social Search may perhaps have found satisfaction in mingling with its own networking platform.

Google was fast to add that the 'Search Plus Your World' feature will never undermine users privacy and security, since the information that will be made available is already secured by Google+ SSL encryption. And the results page will also have the same level of security and privacy protection, that is to say, when a user is signed in to Google account, the search results, both private contents are protected by the same standard of encryption as your Gmail.

Also on effective control on features, Google stated that it will introduce a prominent new toggle on the upper of search results page where users can see how search results look like without personal contents, which translates to transparency and control over personal search results.

Review: Google Correlate

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 10:01:00 +0000

Internet search activities or patterns can help make available an incredible source of data that may translate to advancement in social/cultural breakthroughs as may be applied in checkmating the spread of epidemics or other real world activities.

What started with the Influenza outbreak in 2008, search discovery made available by Google revealed how Influenza outbreak correlate to searches for flu-related terms with Google Flu Trends. Google search data tools, Google Trends and Google Insights, were not designed with such research capabilities in mind.

Internet researchers needed a system more like Google Trends but in reverse functionality, they wanted to enter some real world activities and be able to see which search terms best match the trend. In response to the researchers quest, came the launch of Google Correlate in mid 2011.

Google Correlate allows search patterns to be compared against a specific time series (weekly/monthly), or against U.S. states. It mines similar patterns in search data terms. The new search tool does not yet support international application, however, users can upload their own data set and map it against Google's search terms.

The most unique feature in the new search tool is the ability to approximate data points from a data set based on graphs. Google Correlate is able to find data set which map closely to a given graph. You draw a time series and Google Correlate find terms that best match the trend.

Google, however, is fast to point-out that correlation is different from causation both in the FAQ and explanatory note.

Predictions: Trends 2012

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 14:18:00 +0000

Finally, the New Year has come and the mobile tech sizzles are yet to die-down, lots of new internet technologies will become featured on the mobile platform, as that is the rave of the moment. But before we commence on our forecast, we wish to take this time-out to wish our dear readers a prosperous and happy New Year.

In the 2011 Predictions, we did nominate Social Web TV as one of the surprises that will spring-up, but the actual story was different. Albeit, most other predictions were accurate, its daunting on us to give our candid-view on what the New Year may unfold. Below are our predictions for 2012:

Location-Based Applications: The social media break-through on the mobile platforms seems to be resting on the implementation of robust location-based services. Facebook's acquisition of Gowalla, a location-based social networking platform, is a pointer to the trend. Also, Google's new mobile search innovation, Autonomous Search, will be based on location apps.

Mobile Web: The bubble generated by the mobile internet is far from bursting, given the expected spread of cheap Smart Mobile Devices. In fact, who wins the Social-Media Wars for the New Year will be decided by dominance on the mobile platform, as that will be the main strong-hold.

Cloud Computing: The current advancement in Cloud Computing is astronomical, and the rate at which companies are moving their tent to embracing the new technology calls for caution. However, the concurrent updates on Cloud Security seems illusive. So, the paramount question remains, are we heading to a 'Cloudburst'?

Albeit, the predictability of technology follows on what is already on ground, the extent to which they are accurate is the real quest. Let us know what your stake is for the dominant trends for 2012 in the comment section. Once again, we wish you a memorable and prosperous New Year.

Hangout On Mobile

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 08:16:00 +0000

Google is gradually building-up its new social network, Google Plus, to appeal to users, as the company on Wednesday announced several enhancements to the service, including the availability of the most unique feature of the social network, Hangout, on the mobile platform.

Google Hangout, a group video chat feature on Google Plus (Google+), has been the rallying-point for the new social network, making it possible for group of persons to engage in a live video conference on the social network. The availability of the feature on Mobile is indeed a plus to the success of the new social platform, given the need for ease mobility and the current sway the mobile web holds.

And coupled with the fact that the Hangout feature is absolutely free, Google is sure armed with a killer-tool to take-on the Facebook advances.

The mobile Hangout beta includes recording and the ability to add phone calls to a handout. But, Google strongly emphasized on the innovation of face-to-face conversation as above any other considerations, 'as email can't match looking someone directly in the eyes', stated Vic Gundotra (Google's senior VP social products).

Google is set to bring the Hangout feature to Google+ Messenger app on Android in few days time according to the release note, while its availability on iOS will follow afterwards.

Developers are not left-out, as Google has made available the Google+ API, a new way for developers to interact with Hangouts. The API will allow developers to create apps utilizing Google's face recognition technology to place, through the added media effects.

Social Networking And Location Apps

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 13:15:00 +0000

The pool of people have given the social networks business-wing, but how to extend that reach to the mobile front has been a great challenge. Facebooks latest move, according to a report monitored on Friday night, the acquisition of Gowalla - mobile location-sharing app developer, points to location apps as the way to capturing the mobile web.

Indeed, location-based applications are the 'Holy Grail' of mobile marketing, and the prove is not far-fetched, as even Google has turned on that direction with the purported launch of Autonomous Search. Reports has it that Facebook plans to employ the location-based service on its newest profile feature Timeline and possibly extend same in its quest to positioning the social network to be profitable on the mobile platform.

Again, the issue of tracking users activities cannot be ignored at this point., as any location-based app tracks users surfing patterns and actions to decide their likes. And such information are now made available to businesses for marketing purposes.

The growing privacy agitation by Facebook users has to be critically analyzed against the current trend, and necessary measures put in place to check excessive exploit.

However, location-based mobile applications definitely has its advantages as regards local businesses, user recommended services and preferences. But the exploitations of users against their wish for mere business purposes certainly must be condemned.

Facebook Porn: Security Challenge?

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 09:33:00 +0000

The rampage of pornographic images witnessed on Facebook earlier in the week has really called for a more tighter security measures as to the authorization level allowed for 'Friends' or 'Friends of Friends' on the social network. Imagine a situation in which a complete stranger is able to tag a user in series of unrelated pictures without express approval? What embarrassing consequences and deplorable moral status the recent rampage of nude pictures had caused unsuspecting users?

The development was attributed to hackers, and mainly the internet subculture, Anonymous who were reported to have developed a new malware, 'Fawkes Virus', which could have made the infiltration of pornographic materials on Facebook possible. However, the internet meme group refuted the accusation according to a statement released by AnonymousWiki.

Facebook had labeled the situation a 'self-XSS ( XSS is shorthand for cross-site scripting) vulnerability in the browser', but did not mention the affected browsers. The attack involved tricking users to post rogue JavaScript code into their browser, which allows an attacker to control the websites a user interacts with and uses a link disguised as seemingly innocuous.

The recent spam has again demonstrated the level of vulnerability of the social network to engineered attacks. And security researchers has long warned about a collectively developed highly sophisticated malware that is set to target Facebook, which could spread through the social network, and then allow a remote administrator to control those accounts.

But the motivation for this level of attack remains the dominant question. Even as it appears a purely malicious act, its possible a bigger and more business reason could have triggered it. Facebook, however, is reportedly putting in place systems to contain a similar attack in the future.