Questechie - Trends In Internet Technology

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 smart mobile device. PressReader is currently available in 51 languages and supports the following mobile OS: iOS, Android, Blackberry OS, Windows Phone 7, 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.

Google+ Pages: Good Step, Wrong Timing

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:23:00 +0000

Google hurriedly introduced business/brand pages feature into its latest social networking platform Google Plus (Google+) on Monday, to serve the equivalent of the ever popular Facebook Pages. It intends to serve as a means of promoting businesses and brands, whereas such feat is only attainable with great pool of users on hand.

Google failed to consider the fact that the new platform is seriously begging for more user engaging functionality, as has been proven that availability of such functions keep users coming, rather than the platform itself or the brand behind it.

The geek world unanimously supported the Google social platform debut, making up the pool of early reviewers, driven by the open source connection. But, subsequently, those that remained failed to find a really convincing feature to stick, likewise those referred by them.

Without doubts, Google is never in want of highly talented developers to spearhead the needed app push to enhance the user friendliness and functionality of Google Plus. So, what had gone wrong?

Google must first feast users with credible functional reason to stick or equal the ace social network, Facebook, cos surpassing it seems highly illusive, before businesses will find reasons to join the party. Definitely, users must be paid their due, that Google Plus may not end up in the "Buzz Fate."

HTML5: Online Game Development

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 09:00:00 +0000

The Tuesday New Game Conference may well be described as a marriage of convenience between the two internet technology super-powers, as Google and Microsoft spearheaded its sponsorship. The two-day event which took place in San Francisco at the Yerba Buena Center for Arts focused on exploring the fundamental skills in creating cutting edge HTML5 games.

The emerging web standard, HTML5, has enjoyed tremendous support and perhaps the open web ecosystem has contributed to the overall success.

The technology vendors Mozilla and Google had always advocated the web in preference to native app development, with Google working through its Chrome Web Store and also its Native Client Project to making web-based gaming experience a better one. While Mozilla, on the other hand, had been pushing for APIs to support browser based games.

According to a notable remark at the conference, about 50% of installed browsers are able to play the HTML5 version of Angry Birds.

However, the extensive cutting-edge coding required in HTML5 execution remains an impediment to a broader adoption of the technology. And with the flood of new tools coming, the next version of WebGL specification, which allows JavaScript code to access a graphic processing unit, are all in the effort to break entry barriers.

The less vantage position of the emerging standard stems from the fact that it can reach only a small segment of the technology world, given that the old conventional technologies still hold sway on major devices. But, that not withstanding, the future is indeed open web standard.

XBAPs Security Considerations

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 11:02:00 +0000

Microsoft's patch Tuesday exposed critical vulnerability issues with the XAML Browser Application (XBAPs). XBAP is a new Windows technology employed in creating Rich Interactive Applications for the web. It combines the features of web application and rich-client application. XBAP applications are specifically run in sandbox to prevent unauthorized applications from controlling local system resources.

Security vulnerabilities in Microsoft .NET Framework and Silverlight could allow a remote code execution on a client system when a user views specifically crafted web-pages on a browser running XAML Browser application or Silverlight application.

The vulnerability could also allow a remote code execution on a server system running IIS (Internet Information Server), if the server allows processing ASP.NET pages and an attacker succeeds in uploading a specific crafted ASP.NET page to the server and then executes the page, as could be the case in a web hosting scenario.

This security vulnerability, albeit, labelled private has now been resolved in the latest Microsoft security update, MS11-078. The vulnerability was resolved by correcting the manner in which .NET restricts inheritance within classes.

Microsoft recommended that as majority of its customers have enabled automatic update, they will not need to take any action as the security update will be downloaded and installed automatically. However, customers who have not enabled automatic update will still need to manually download and install the latest security fixes.

The configuration information for automatic update has been made available, Microsoft advised that customers apply the update immediately using the update management software, or by checking for updates using the Microsoft Update service.

Review: Chrome Remote Desktop

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 09:35:00 +0000

Google over the weekend unveiled the beta version of its Chrome Remote Desktop, a Chrome extension enabling users to remotely access another computer across a network through the Chrome browser. It's a web cum browser-based equivalent of the conventional remote desktop software.

The Chrome Remote Desktop beta is fully cross-platform compliant, according to the release note, and can connect any two computers running any of these operating systems (Windows, Mac, Linux and Chromebook) with Chrome browser.

The beta release version allows access to another machine by providing a one-time authentication code. And access is given only to the specific person the user identifies for just one time. The information sharing section is fully secured through SSL connection.

A given user-case been as employed in IT helpdesk, in which instance the helpdesk can use the Chrome Remote Desktop to help another user. And conversely, a user can also receive help by setting up a sharing section without leaving the desk.

The goal of this beta release is to demonstrate the core Chrome Remote Technology, according to Google. So, users feedback are thereby requested as future updates are expected.

Facebook: Timeline And Privacy

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 20:57:00 +0000

The recently announced Facebook new profile, Timeline has presented another twist in Facebook privacy concerns. Facebook has termed it 'frictionless sharing', a chronological archiving of a users life story right on the profile page. It aims to allow users to easily access the history of their activities on the social network.

Facebook Timeline is built on information from the most memorable events of your life recorded online through its algorithm, in other words, it accesses passed information, perhaps buried in your imagination, but still tucked-up in its archive. The Timeline changes the default profile from a list of recent updates to a users activities summary.

Timeline, also is built to work with third-party apps, thereby making such information available for their usage. The extent to which users can control the availability of these information remains shrouded in advanced settings, which an average Facebook user will find rather complicated.

Timeline has again iterated the level of contempt in which the social network holds its users, albeit, the social sphere is now saturated with great new prospects like: Google+ and Diaspora.

Critics claims that the Facebook Timeline seeks to capture more users data to make its service to advertisers more targeted. Whilst other privacy concerns includes the new features ability to surface hidden information about a user without collateral consent.

More than ever before, Facebook must get its bearing right as against the increasing agitation on its privacy stance. And make available an easy to understand settings to opt-in or out of such services as users deem necessary.

Google Flights: Natural Language Search

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:13:00 +0000

Google has finally responded to the challenge on the online flight search technology introduced by Microsoft Bing late last year with the launch of Google Flights. Also know as natural language search, the technology applies to booking of flights online, and eliminates the need of manually selecting airports, destinations and fares, as the booking requirements are automatically included on search.

The new feature was made possible by Google's acquisition of ITA Software, developer of flight fare and traveling price system used by major airlines, a deal that nearly went sore, but later reconsidered to Google's favor.

An early view of Google Flight Search feature among other things promise to enhance users experience in booking of flights online, as the flight selection are not necessarily controlled by any paid relationship. The booking links point to airline websites, and preference is given to the best available information.

The overall advantage of the technology points to speed and accurate information as regards destination and flights schedule. It helps you to figure out most convenient time to travel, see most relevant flights and consider your destination options. The flight search shows you an easy-to-scan list to help you get to your destination quickly and inexpensively.

The Flight Search feature started roll-out Tuesday as a takeoff and will gradually be extended to every user. At the moment, U.S. cities alone are covered and only results for round-trip economy-class flights are shown.

Next Web: Structured Programming?

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 10:20:00 +0000

The nature of the next generation web remains an intense debate amongst the tech world geeks, as to the former version fad web 2.0 continuum. And there is a varied controversy as to the actual programming elements to be involved in building the next web. The evolving aspect of the web, albeit, pointing to semantics and personalization, calls to bear on the need for more automatic availability of information tailored to individual needs.

The next generation web will be characterized by structured information: this critical concept, increasingly forms the basic mode of presentation of information on the web today. The key drivers of structured information are basically APIs, as it makes it easy to fetch information. And most APIs emit information as XML, which conforms to structured information.

Google's foray into structured programming in its purported new programming language, Dart, billed for launch at the GOTO developers conference in October, is a pointer to the trend.

There are indications that the web of the future will include several technologies, however, all the technologies will remix through the evolution drivers into structured web. The future indeed is structured information, and many of the semantic tools will be able to take advantage of the structured information on computers.

Regardless of what the next generation web will be called, one thing is definitely obvious, information will be more automatic and tailored to individual needs.

DNS: Key To Faster Internet?

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 09:31:00 +0000

OpenDNS, an alternative provider of DNS and internet security services, announced earlier in the week a partnership deal with Google and leading Content Delivery networks (CDNs) to collaborate in bringing about a faster internet. A project it calls Global Internet Speedup Initiative, is aimed above all, to enhancing a more effective communication within the Domain Name System.

DNS plays a key role in enabling web users get to their target resources, as often times, popular resources exist in different locations. It serves like a phone book for the internet, thereby converts readable domain names into an IP address that PCs can connect to. For instance, when a user tries to connect to a resources that exits in 50 different locations across the world, definitely you want prompt response and fastest or least congested location automatically.

But, until now, figuring out the location that is nearest to you is not possible with DNS alone. However, now using OpenDNS or Google Public DNS, and using a service provided by one of the participating networks (CDNs) in the Global Internet Speedup Initiative a truncated version of your IP address will be added into the DNS request. And the internet service will use this truncated IP address to make a more informed decision to connect you to the most optimal server.

This intelligent routing will ensure among other things that users have a better internet experience with lesser latency and faster speed.

Google's interest into positioning web apps to effectively take-on desktop apps has indeed found a resting place, albeit perhaps, making the internet faster will invariably benefit all web users alike.

Featured: The World Media Awards

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 20:16:00 +0000

The World Media Awards will culminate in a one day event in San Francisco that will celebrate the best in blogging, forums, publishing and media from around the world. So if you are a superb blogger, below are reasons you should enter:

1. Get Recognized- You Deserve It

You put a lot of work into making your blog incredible. You know it and your readers know it. The World Media Awards is a way for you to get authoritative credit from other bloggers and industry experts. That recognition will help you grow your readership, make new collaborative connections, and hopefully have great moments that make all the late nights even more worthwhile.

2. Meet Other Bloggers Who Care

Blogging, forums and most other on-line media is about conversation and interaction, but sometimes it’s easy to end up hiding away behind a screen in your office or home all alone. Meeting other bloggers and publishers keeps the fire lit and the conversation going. When you enter the World Media Awards, you’ll be listed alongside other bloggers and publishers who put the same level of pleasure, attention and work into making their blog top notch.

3. Expose Yourself to New Partners

If your blog or forum is part of your business, being part of the World Media Awards will increase your exposure by putting your name in front of the thousands of visitors to our site and the award ceremony. That means you can find out who else is doing great work, strut your own stuff, and expand your network of contacts and collaborators.

4. Make Yourself Irresistible to Clients

What helps your chances at winning that next pitch more than expanding your network? Telling that network that you just won a World Media Award. Winning an award shines a light on your accomplishments, and it serves as an example of the commitment, engagement and exacting standards you apply to your work.

5. Be Part of the Beginning of Something Big

Because 2012 is the first year for these awards, you have the one-time benefit to be the inaugural winner and set the standard for the World Media Awards in your category. Getting in on the ground floor of these awards will open doors for you as a blogger and a publisher. The bottom line is, the World Media Awards will shine a spotlight on the year’s most prosperous bloggers and publishers, and on the businesses that serve and interact with them. Now is your chance to be one of them.

The sponsors include Growmap, Pace Lattin, VigLink and Trancos. World Media Award judges include Steve Hall, Sarah Austin, Chang Kim, Julie Wohlberg, Pierre Zarokian, Ivka Adam, Cheryl Contee, Krystyl Baldwin, Adrian Harris, Jeremy Wright, Rob Bloggeries, Dave Duarte, Tanya Alvarez, Dana Oshiro, Tom Foremski, and Judith Lewis. Our Twitter hashtag is #wmads. Media partners include Adrants, Bloggeries, MediaVision, The Affiliate Marketing Awards, Read Write Web, My Blog Guest, Web Traffic Control and FeedBlitz.

Murray Newlands is author of How to Make a Blog Book and Online Marketing; a User Guide. He is also founder of the Affiliate Marketing Awards. Born in the UK, he now spends his time in San Francisco and New York. Murray works for Audience Mindshare and consults for Trancos Inc. as well as being an advisor for VigLink. Actually he is working on his new book: The Email Marketing Book.

Native Support For ISO And VHD Files

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 18:51:00 +0000

Microsoft's revolutionary positioning of Windows functionality continues with the introduction of native support for ISO and VHD Files in Windows 8. According to the 'Building Windows 8' blog, the next version of the OS billed for launch 2012 will let users open and view ISO and VHD files without the need for third-party ISO utilities, which prior versions of Windows had required users to burn an ISO file to a CD or DVD before the program stored in that file format can be installed.

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) file is a disc image composed of the data contents of the written sector of an optical disc. ISO image includes all the files contained on the archived CD, DVD or Blu-ray Disc. While, VHD files are virtual hard disk files used to store applications or an entire operating system.

These important storage formats (ISO and VHD) makes it relatively easy to store the ever increasing amount of data without the fear running out of capacity. While, the general usage is mostly in media, they are also useful as files within a file system. The facilities are especially handy for portability of system settings or to play back snapshot of a system.

The next version of Microsoft's OS, Windows 8, will allow users to read the contents by automatically creating a virtual disk drive of the file. It works as follows: Simply select 'mount' from the enhanced Explorer ribbon or double click on the file, a new drive is created, indicating that the contents are now readily accessible. And contents can be installed directly by clicking on the drive in Windows Explorer.

The ISO 'mount' feature definitely comes in handy for mobile device users, as data storage remains a critical requirement for tablets and other mobile devices.

Web Tracking: Next On The Watch List

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 09:14:00 +0000

Tracking users online activities has taken a new dimension with the latest web tracking technologies, albeit, evading browser privacy add-on. The recent report on 'Supercookies', extensively employed on MSN homepage to track users activities, had again brought to the fore the incessant concern on users privacy.

Microsoft admittedly employs ETags cookies to track the online behavior of visitors on its homepage - activities especially beneficial to its ads serving campaigns.

A group of researchers had earlier made available a white paper on their findings in relation to the above lines: whereby, many popular websites were circumventing users privacy settings by deliberately restoring previously deleted HTTP cookies using local storage outside the control of the browser.

The findings in part, iterated the porousness of most browser privacy settings, allowing persistent tracking of users, even when such users had taken steps to avoid web profiling.

The tracking vectors assessed in the report included the following: Flash cookies, HTML 5 local storage and Cache Cookies via ETags.

ETags, according to the report, represent tokens by a users browser to a remote web server in order to determine whether a given resource had changed since its last profiling. The Cache cookie method used ETags, and is still capable of unique tracking, even when all cookies are blocked by user and 'Private Browsing Mode' is enabled.

The safe web initiative must above-all call to respect the 'do not track' status of users, and necessary legislation put in place to check its default.

Firefox Add-On To Be Checked

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 08:59:00 +0000

The Mozilla browser, Firefox, is perhaps notable for extensive add-on features which have greatly enhanced the open-source browser. However, malware programs have taken advantage of the feature to self-install on users PC thereby infiltrating such systems.

Mozilla in response to security threats posed by aggressive add-on that find there way into the browser without users permission have scheduled two new features for launch in Firefox 8. The new features will serve basically two functions: The first been automatic disabling of add-on added to Firefox by other programs. And secondly, it kicks in at the initial Firefox run after upgrading to Firefox 8, and goes through programs installed and sort them into two categories: Self-installed add-on and user installed. While, on initial Firefox start after an add-on has been installed, a notification window prompts users to either activate or ignore such add-on.

The feature, additionally, will offer a confirmation lists of add-on you have ignored as another level of security. While, all third party add-on will be automatically de-activated unless you choose otherwise.

According to Mozilla blog post, about one and half million add-ons are downloaded daily, whilst some may booster performance and others, on the other hand hampers same.

Mozilla Firefox 8 is currently running on the Firefox nightly channel, but reports has it that its billed to move to the Aurora developer's build next week. And all things been equal, Firefox 8 may reach the stable channel around late September.

Chrome 13 Arrives With Instant Pages

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 12:49:00 +0000

The much expected search innovation, Instant Pages, announced by Google mid June is now live on the latest stable version of Chrome 13, according to the Chrome Blog. The Instant Search feature in Chrome renders top search results pages on Google even before a user clicks.

Chrome search page-rendering element begins from the top search results, where a user will likely click-on, its predictive-input, albeit not 100% accurate, definitely makes a top choice. The pages under the 'Instant Page' feature appears to load faster than without it, invariably meaning sacrificing accuracy for speed.

But, how much faster? Google had made available a video comparison of Chrome with and without the Instant Page feature on YouTube.

However, users that are worried about bandwidth cost can disable the feature by navigating to the tab settings/advanced and uncheck the 'predict network actions to improve page load performance' box.

Chrome's Omnibox, a combination of search box and address bar feature, is now even more smarter in the latest version. It now allows easier back and forth movement on pages visited.

The fact that Google is highly obsessed with speed remains visible in this search innovation. Also, following on the heels of its recently announced war against slow websites.

Social Search Recommendation

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 19:46:00 +0000

The internet as a conduit of information cannot be over emphasized, but how such information are presented and the level of accuracy of search results remains a great challenge. Hence, the need for more human contribution to the search mechanism through viable social features.

Google's recently launched, Plus One (+1), seems a tool in the right direction to incorporating social experience into general internet search. It's a direct recommendation of things of interest which invariably effects better search results.

Plus One (+1) makes it easier to find exactly what you are searching for when a friend or someone you know already found it. The social connections to search may greatly enhance local search as it directly recommends a product to friends and gives a general rave review.

Microsoft had earlier incorporated Facebook 'like' into its search result, but not effected in overall search algorithm.

The new search trend is perhaps a major shift in the visual architecture of internet search, albeit the search giant is yet to integrate it into its search algorithm. However, webmasters have been called upon to avail themselves of the social tool in their web contents as it will soon serve great search engine optimization (SEO) criteria.

Next Trends: Group Chat And Video Calling

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:13:00 +0000

The Facebook's Skype deal may perhaps have triggered a new trend in video calling consumptions on the web, coupled with the current Google's Project, Google Plus (Google+). Bringing the social experience to the fore, Facebook within the week, announced its Video Calling Feature, and also a new chat interface enabling Group Chat option.

Facebook Video calling was made possible by a Skype plug-in, which is downloadable on-demand with a single permission, allowing a user to launch a video chat session with another user in just 2 clicks. The recipient, however, can answer without having the Skype software installed.

Although, the much hyped Google Plus has promised a group video calling capability, comprising a maximum of 10 people, Facebook's new Video Calling feature maintains one-on-one calling for now. However, the likelihood of upgrading to a conference calling capability much later was declared possible according to report credited to Mark Zuckerberg.

The Group Chat feature, on the other hand, makes it possible for group assembly and interaction on the social network.

The current trends have pointed to apps as the driving force in the social networking innovations, which means that users experience and satisfaction will invariably depend on what is built on the platform, rather than the platform itself.

Google Plus (Google+): Realtime Social?

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 19:01:00 +0000

The latest project on Google's portfolio, Google+, has promised a more connected and realtime social experience, invariably intensifying its footprint on the social circle. Albeit, some early reviewers have termed it, a take-on on Facebook, its rather more a collaborative platform, intending to bring realtime sharing across the social networking platforms.

Google Plus is designed along what it calls plus circles, a realtime social interaction circle, that will allow users to selectively share information with specific groups, rather than all social connections. It also features a web conferencing option, in which up to 10 people can join.

It will incorporate web content on various topics, allowing users to subscribe through a feature known as Spark. And users can create custom categories, also share contents with friends.

Google Plus, 'Huddle' feature will automatically turn conversations into group chat. Amidst the cluster of information, however, will be the Cloud storage facility available for users photos and group chats, with an instant upload capability.

Google definitely is not a newcomer in the social circle, as its Buzz service has been briskly successful. But, how it will implement this new platform, against the ever increasing privacy issues remains to be seen. The company have commenced a total revamp on its page looks and feel, which will continue over the next few months, as it introduce a 'What Do You Love?' (www.wdyl.com) page.

Next-Gen Apps: Windows 8 Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 09:04:00 +0000

Microsoft's radical shift in Windows 8 programming foundation has perhaps heralded the much awaited next generation of web applications development, albeit, presenting a credible challenge to the Google initiated WebGL project, an open-source cross-platform API intended to provide support for hardware graphics acceleration on the web.

Chrome requires hardware graphics acceleration to compete effectively with Internet Explorer, which introduced same in IE9 through Windows DirectX Graphics API.

The introduction of WebGL in Google Chrome 9 enabled the experience of high quality 3D direct on the browser. Microsoft dismissed the new technology citing its open vulnerability to attacks, given instance being the report posted on its Security Research & Defense Blog.

The next-gen Windows will allow developers build native apps with the same technologies employed for web application development, a possibility Microsoft has termed, 'Tailored Apps'. The Windows 8 'tailored apps' will employ: HTML (for describing web pages), CSS (for formatting) and JavaScript (for executing programs), all browser interfaces that run web programming.

Tailored Apps, unlike desktop apps, will make use of browser engines - higher level interface, possible reason for the change is to make room for the mobile web convergence as the new Windows code best support processor independence. However, the immediate challenge will be on how developers falls into the plan, how programmer can quickly churn-out tailored apps.

Instant Search Everywhere - Google

noreply@blogger.com (John Onwuegbu) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 18:46:00 +0000

Internet search technology invariably means instant information, hence the search giant, Google has enabled 'Instant' on all its search products: Instant Search, Instant Pages, Instant Image Search and Instant Availability in 32 languages. The latest addition being the introduction of Instant Pages, whose announcement follows at the Google Inside Search Event holding today in San Francisco.

Instant pages, automates query to open results nearly instantly, allowing a pop up to the given search page. The average time taken normally to launch a page under Google search is 5 seconds, whereas, the new feature takes only 3.2 seconds at most.

Google Instant has also been extended to Image Search, enabling instant change of images as your enter search queries.

Google's lead in the search technology front is one that can never be questioned, with incessant churning of search innovations. Albeit, that Microsoft and Yahoo have combined their search technologies to challenge the Google advances, no tangible headway has been achieved.

The new features will be available starting this week on the Chrome beta, however, Mobile search version will follow soon.