For example, ask any iOS or Windows Phone OS user you know how to hack their phones to a new OS. Chances are very few of them have any idea how to do it. Then go ask any Android OS users you know the same thing. Again, chances are that very few of them know how to do it either, though you likely will find a few more who will know how to. It’s not that people want to know how to be able to modify their phones, but rather they are in love with the idea that they ‘could’ do it. That’s part of what’s wrong with the entire Android ecosystem. There are too many ‘could’ and ‘would’ users that aren’t interested in maintaining the system. In fact, they are often what contributes to these four problems.

Many Android users do not want to spend money

In some cases, they actually don’t have money to spend in the first place, as the Android market growth has lately been into new and developing markets, which rarely have the economical profiles to support expensive devices. However, visit any of these developing countries and the first thing you’ll notice is that anyone who has the money to afford an iPhone is carrying one. Switch over to the Android market, and there is a mix of devices from all sorts of manufacturers – but few of those device owners are willing to spend any real money. Now, this isn’t to say that Droid users in the UK and other developed nations won’t spend money. Rather, it’s to say that users in the undeveloped nations where Android is dominant don’t have credit cards and instant payments, or if they do, can’t afford to make them. Even if they had money, they’d often rather get hacked, pirated, or otherwise free apps.

Android is forked and fragmented almost beyond belief

If you have an iPhone or a Windows Phone, there is usually just one set of instructions you need to follow to fix a problem. At most, there might be two or three ways, but that’s it. A great example of this is in resetting your phone. Windows and iOS make it easy – a few of the same standard button presses and steps, and you can reset your phone. Not so with Android. There are literally a dozen different ways to reset your Android phone, and if they don’t work, then there are software apps you need to use for resetting it. Use the wrong app, and you can damage your firmware, meaning you’ll not be able to later update or restore the phone at all. This lack of standards might be great for some manufacturers, but it cripples the wider adoption potential of Android, and can make resolving a problem very frustrating.

Samsung is a bigger name than Android

The Samsung Touch Wiz overlay on their port of the Android operating system has always been more common than anything Google or any other Android manufacturer has offered up. Add to that the fact that Samsung was working on their own operating system (Tizen), which Google supposedly attempted to take down, and you’ve got a strange mix that sort of homogenises Android. This is in part due to Samsung having more of the Android market share than anyone else – but it’s also due to the fact that Google isn’t in the business of selling phones. Well, minus the Google Nexus anyway. This means that the heavy lifting is done by mobile manufacturers and people selling devices, while Google rakes in the top level marketing and search data, which profits them. Not everyone manufacturer is happy about this.

The battle for enterprise tech isn’t one Google will likely win

First off, Google is not known for their attachment to policies, or their lifetime of commitment to supporting items for users. Instead they are known for what can be described at best as delivering some good services, and providing reasonable search results. It’s Microsoft that provides professional email and corporate services, and lately Apple through a partnership with IBM that is also looking at shaking things up with their own corporate offerings. Then there is BlackBerry, which is still recognised as a leader in the mobile security field. Android, however, won’t be invited to that party. They are just too fragmented, too unreliable, and far too insecure in comparison to more closed and secure device ecosystems. That isn’t to say that the OS isn’t secure, but rather that it’s built around advertising and collection of user data. No one wants that if they are truly interested in security, which means no one truly interested in enterprise level security wants an Android.

In short, if the Android operating system doesn’t start making money for phone manufacturers and carriers, it’s not a problem for Google, but it is a problem for the carriers and vendors who support Google. This is because they aren’t getting anything out of the deal. Sure, they get a free OS, but that just ties them to Google, who will make any future money or ad revenue the users generate. So the manufacturer of a phone just gets the little profit the actual device generates, but none of the on going revenue stream.

It’s not unlike buying a home phone to call Amazon and order something. The phone manufacturer gets the profit from the retail sale of your home phone, but Amazon gets profit on every order you place – forever. Google is no different, and as long as people are using their OS, Google profits long after phone manufacturers have made their sale and moved on – yet it’s those same device manufacturers who are bound to support devices – while Google makes the profit.

Whenever you plan to travel internationally, the first thought that strikes your mind is about your connectivity with others while you are there. In most cases, people activate extremely high-priced international Roaming services provided by their Cellphone Carriers. But, there are some other affordable options too!

Rather than activating international roaming services, you can get an international SIM card from your homeland which will help you have a new local phone number in the foreign country. And one such product which I used and really liked was the XIM card.

XIM card is an international Roaming card which I received in India itself before I left for USA. One of the guys from their offices delivered the card personally to my place and explained everything about setting the card up and activating it.

Let me take you through the entire process and give my experiences with this product in detail.

Setting up and Activating the XIM card

There is nothing extraordinary required to be done for activating the XIM card. It just needs to be activated on the basis of the locale of the country you are visiting. In my case, I was visiting the USA and I needed to activate it for USA.

P.S. For ordering the XIM card, you will need to send a scanned copy of your Passport and Visa via Email to the XIM officials for verification of your international travel.

There is an activation PIN code which you need to enter for registering on local Carriers in foreign countries. For USA, the registration number for XIM card is 30000, so whenever I restarted my phone I needed to enter 30000 for my device to understand that it has to register my XIM card in USA and connect me to the nearest cellphone tower.

Once you enter this code, you get connected to the local network partner (AT&T and T-Mobile in my case) for XIM and are good to go according to your usage plan.

Features offered by the XIM service

Unlike all the international SIM cards, XIM didn’t just give me a US number to use. It gave me 2 phone numbers in a single SIM card which are smartly used using an internal algorithm.

One phone number was a local UK number and the other one was a local USA number. Whenever I used to call anyone in USA, it used my US number and the person receiving the call would get my local US number on his Caller ID.

On the other hand, if I made an international call, it used my UK number and the person receiving the call would be flashed with my UK number on their screen. Now, this is done to help you save money! Wondering how?? UK has very low international calling rates when compared to the US, so using the UK number for making/receiving international calls has its own benefits. I also gave my UK number to all my folks back in India, so even they can call me anytime they want and receiving calls would be free for me!

Note that they could also call me on my US number, but that would be chargeable for me as US service providers charge you for incoming calls and SMS unless you have a special tariff-plan exclusively with them.

Using Data was not a big problem as I could connect to the T-Mobile Data Network with ease just by tweaking my current APN settings.

Experience with XIM card

I used the XIM card as my primary connectivity option for about a week and I was pretty happy that it was getting things done for me.

I remember how easy it was to just insert the XIM card in the phone and just type the Registration code of “30000” to get started. Initially, the SIM card was registered on AT&T and I could make domestic calls in the US along with international calls to India.

The Call quality was never a problem for domestic USA calls but there appeared to be a small lag of about 1-2 seconds between the voice transmissions during International calls. Never faced any Call drops and the clarity of voice was good!

The XIM card usually connected to the T-Mobile network which is pretty good in the Chicago area, but it did shift to AT&T in some places. I sometimes faced a weird issue where the network got locked to AT&T and T-Mobile alternatively while I was sitting in the same room without specially switching it. Also, there were a few network issues with the XIM card where it refused to connect to any network for a short while even when the other phones using the same local network were working without any issues. No other major issues with the reception or network were observed and I could manage with the connectivity it offered!

International as well as Domestic SMSs were delivered at proper times within a couple of minutes of sending it.

The Data download speed offered in my plan was for 2G, but I didn’t have to rely on it heavily as WiFi is available at most places in the US for free.

XIM Card Tariff rates (for the XIM USA plan)

Incoming calls on UK Number: Free

Outgoing calls from UK number: Rs. 20 per minute (including International)

Outgoing SMS charges: Rs. 35

Incoming calls on US number: Rs. 10 per minute

Outgoing calls (local) from US number: Rs. 20 per call

Data Usage: Rs. 20 per MB

Verdict

Considering the affordability factor, I would surely recommend XIM card to people who want to visit foreign countries for a trip. It was priced at just Rs. 1500 and I received an effective usage value of Rs. 1000 at the tariff rates mentioned above. Please note that I would not recommend it for someone who would want to shift to a foreign country permanently or for a visit which lasts for over a couple of months. It is always suggested to get a local SIM card from your country of visit so that you can get local services and better options for add-on facilities.

I give it a good 3.5/5 rating!

Whether you’re a business leader looking for a  way to push your own firm towards the cutting edge or an employee hoping to further your understanding, here we take a closer look at cloud computing – what it is and why it works.

The Basics

Cloud computing offers businesses the ability to store data ‘in the Cloud’. This means that data is held centrally and shared over a network, whether that is a local network within the office, or over the internet itself.

With the growth and development of the internet, as well as the widespread adoption of smartphones and tablets, the ability to share data anytime and from any place over the web is having hugely positive implications for the business world.

For evidence of this you need only look at the actions of some of the biggest tech brands on the planet – all of which seem to be moving towards the Cloud.

ZTE, the fifth largest telecoms equipment maker, for example, plans to take their cloud computing services out of native China in an overseas bid outlined in this Reuter’s article.

Security on the Cloud

One of the most immediate and tangible benefits to using the Cloud has to do with security. Storing key information about your business and customers on hard drives in the office leaves you somewhat vulnerable.

Not only could a break in have terrible consequences, but the information could easily be destroyed by a fire.

By taking the information outside the office and spreading it around, you can be sure that it will be safe. Cloud data is encrypted and can only be accessed by you and your chosen employees.

Accessibility of Data on the Cloud

Cloud storage also has hugely positive implications for the actual running of your business. The ability to access key information from anywhere, not just within the office, means that you can do more of your business on the move.

This can help to ensure that you’re up to date with matters such as accounts, regardless of where you are. It also means that, using cloud accounting software, making them easier for you to handle at the end of the day.

Collaboration on the Cloud

One of the less often acknowledged benefits to come with cloud computing is the potential for collaboration. Regardless of the industry in which your company works, collaboration is often a powerful tool. The trouble is that it’s not always possible for co-workers to be in the same place for long enough to work on a project.

Using the cloud, co-workers can work on the same documents simultaneously, seeing changes that the other makes as they make them. This is a great tool for businesses whose employees are always on the move, or for creative teams who are always keen to work on their projects.

Now, do you feel inclined to take your Small Business on the Cloud?

Most people assume the typical purchasing model – wherein you purchase, own and then use a product – applies, but this simply isn’t the case. Thanks to a Software as a Service deal (the end user agreement you select when you install the software), you only own a copy of the license.

This gives you a few different rights to software, notably the lack of ownership and access to the source code, so you need a different approach to defend your interests. In this case, have you considered Escrow Associates?

How it works

Software escrow works by putting the source code into an escrow account, under the control of a third party. As such neither side can access it, and only the account holder/escrow agency can do so.

The result of this is the code is out of the company’s hands. If they break the Software as a Service agreement, then you get the code. This lets you solve any problems but, perhaps more importantly, the sheer deterrent is enough for most businesses.

Getting the most out of it

As already mentioned, this can be best applied as a deterrent but this also means it can be used as a simple test. When you depend on a digital product, a firm that isn’t willing to enter into escrow arguably doesn’t rate their ability to meet the agreement. The more willing a business is, the more confident they are in their own performance and quality.

However, one of the bigger problems people have with escrow is dealing with the wall in front of them. You know the account exists but you can’t look inside it. So, how do you know it’s the right source code?

This is where software verification comes in, to help answer this very question. It tests the code put into holding, using it as you would and looking for the desired outcome.

These escrow verification services can then pass on any findings to you. First of all, this will confirm exactly what the code is for, to ensure the company is playing fairly. Secondly, it will offer help on how to use the code and essentially provide instructions. Source codes, after all, are seldom uniform and a little help goes a long way. Again, it will also make the provider a little hotter under the collar.

The Gionee ELife E7 can match up with the very best in the specification battle as the device is powered by the 2.2GHz QualComm SnapDragon 800 which offers smooth usage even under heavy functionalites. The device runs on the Android JellyBean 4.2 OS. The 5.5″ screen matches up with any other phone in the market by offering 440ppi resolution, it gives crystal clear images and viewing experience. The device has a RAM memory of 2GB and 3GB for the 16GB and 32GB memory variants respectively.

The smartphone though has been gathering all the attention due to the cameras embedded in the device as the company claims to have fixed up the device up with the most sensitive 16MP rear camera and a pixel size of 1.34µm.

Gionee also claims the OmniVision technology used in the phone is the best among the competition present and also among those to be announced in the near future.

Another jaw droppping feature of the Gionee Elife E7 is the 8MP front camera which is unmatched by any other present in the market. Gionee Elife E6 received much praise for its design and the Gionee ELife E7 has been working along the same lines and with the thickness varying between 9.5 to 6.2mm the sleek looking smartphone doesn’t disappoint on looks either.

Key Specifications

• 5.5″ Full HD screen(440ppi)
• 2.2GHz quad core processor
• Android JellyBean 4.2
• RAM 2GB/3GB
• 16/32GB internal memory
• 16MP rear camera
• 8MP front camera
• 2500mAh

The device is priced at Rs. 26,999.

This smartphone is typically structured for a customer with a 10k budget and offers the users the option of up to 10 different regional languages to choose from. The languages available are Hindi, Punjabi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Assamese, Marathi and Gujarati. The language can be applied across a whole set of features and Apps, games among others. The popular platforms on which the languages are supported on are ChatOn, Facebook, Gmail and Newshunt among others.

The device built on the base of the Samsung Galaxy S DUOS which offers a stylish mid range Dual SIM (GSM+GSM) phone. The device has a 4″ screen offering a pixel density of 233ppi which is adept for most of the viewing needs; the smartphone is powered on a 1.2GHz dual core processor and runs the Android JellyBean 4.2. The powerful processor supports seamless multitasking and provides more efficiency to the smartphone. The smartphone has a RAM memory of 768MB and the in-built memory of 4GB which can be expanded further. The Samsung Galaxy DUOS 2 has a camera of 5MP which gives good quality images and offers a VGA front camera for video-conferencing and other such features. The device has a battery power of 1500 mAh.

Key Specifications

• 4″ WVGA screen(233ppi)
• 1.2 GHz dual core processor
• Android JellyBean 4.2
• 5MP primary camera
• VGA front camera
• 768MB RAM
• 4 GB internal memory
• 1500mAh battery

The device is available at all major retailers and it is priced at Rs. 10990

With this being only the second year of the festival, it is still at a very nascent stage combined with the staggering performance of last year the venture seems to have a lot of potential. The shopping festival witnessed a 350 percent growth in the daily sales and majority of those customers were first time buyers. The shopping festival is offering a whole host of discounts on the various products thereby the options are limitless for the customer.

The main goal is to create the awareness and potential of online shopping and Airtel, Intel and Paytm are leading to promote the initiative. Apart from promoting the initiative, Airtel will also offer a flat 10% cashback on all online transactions on top of the other offers by participating websites to customers who transact using Airtel money.
So hop on, and get your carts out and shop till you drop on GOSF.in!

Since its inception, UFO Moviez has released over 6500 movies in 33 languages and has conducted over 17.3 million shows till date. The alliance between UFO and Bollywood especially enhances the impact the company has had over the film industry. Nowadays, UFO has a hand in over 70% of all Bollywood movies. The UFO-Scrabble combine is the only alliance in the world that offers non DCI satellite based Digital Cinema solutions as well as DCI-compliant solutions with VPF (Virtual Print Fee) deals to the global and Indian film industry.

The company has made use of existing technologies and modified it slightly and used it in a novel way. UFO enables the electronic delivery of digitized full length feature films in theatres across geographies via satellite. The digitized film so delivered in the theatres can be played out for the required number of shows as per the decision of the film distributor. UFO thereby acts as an intermediary between the distributor and the theatre owner, UFO relieves the distributor of the headache of transferring the print in a secured manner and the owner is not worried about the print quality and whether it will reach in time.

The biggest advantage was the cost benefit that was provided to the distributor whereas in the earlier case, the distributor is required to physically transfer the disk to the theatre UFO charges only a minimal service charge as compared to the physical transfer of the movie. Post UFO’s entry into the scene, the average cost of releasing a film in a theatre has been in the range of Rs 8000 to Rs 12,000 (which is less than 20% of the print and logistics cost).

The steps performed by UFO from getting the print from the distributor till depositing the digital format to the theater owners are illustrated:

• Conversion of celluloid films into digital format
• Encryption of film Content to eliminate possibility of piracy
• Secured transmission of such encrypted content via satellite to the desired theatre for storage and play
• Online Licensing processes which enable the Producer/Distributor to finalize the business arrangement with the theatre owner and thereafter, instruct UFO to allow chosen theatres to run specific number(s) of shows of a film during the week
• Ensuring secured play out of the show of the film using the Theatre end Digital Cinema infrastructure by decrypting the encrypted content of the film upon use of the license by the theater owner

The UFO has benefited all parties who has used the system be it the distributors, exhibitors, consumer and the government.

The BBM channels will be available to all users having Blackberry OS 5 and above. The BBM channels can be downloaded from the Blackberry World for BB10 users or BlackBerry users can simply update to the newest version of BBM to have access to the BBM Channels beta when it becomes available later today.

BBM channels can be considered as an upgrade to the functionalities of the BBM, it acts as a forum between individuals, communities and organizations. It gives the option of likeminded people to be connected and share their interests on a larger scale. Similar to the BBM, the BBM channels offer more freedom to the user to post content, pictures, videos etc. Integrated live chat allows channel owners to offer “scheduled chat hours” where BBM users can directly engage with their favorite channels one on one.

This beta period is also a great time for notable brands to test content and engage with users. For instance, Toronto Maple Leafs fans can go behind the scenes via the Leafs’ BBM channel to get up close and personal with the team and engage in genuine conversations around their shared passion for Leafs hockey. In return, the Maple Leafs is seeing strong user engagement on BBM Channels. Besides the corporations, a number of individuals have used the channels to express their view, opinions and passions to the public.

BBM channels will be available on Android and iOS systems in the near future.

The tablet has a 7.85inch screen offering a resolution of 1024x768pixels, additionally it has a multi touch screen which gives a wide range of colors and crystal clear display to the user. The presence of 3 axe load sensors with the screen is to provide automatic four directions to display which Ameliorates the experience of high-end technology.

The device runs on Android 4.2.2 JellyBean OS which is run by a 1.2GHz quad core processor. The device has a 1GB RAM and has an internal memory of 8GB which can be expanded till 32GB. It has an impressive battery power of 5000mAh which gives a long lasting battery life to the device. It has primary camera of 5MP for regular shots while the 2MP front camera is used for selfies and for the purposes of videoconferencing.

Mr. Indrajit S Sabharwal, Managing Director, Simmtronics commented on the launch saying, “We are very enthralled with the introduction of this new tablet. This all-in-one workhorse designed as the perfect companion for professionals and students who desire both reliable communications as well as optimum convenience – all at an affordable cost.”

Key Specifications

• 7.85inch IPS screen(1024x768pixels)
• Android JellyBean 4.2.2
• 1.2GHz Quad core processor
• 1GB RAM
• 8GB internal memory expandable to 32GB
• 5MP primary camera
• 2MP secondary camera
• 3G/USB/Wi-Fi/Dual SIM
• 5000mAh battery

The device will be accompanied by a free cover worth Rs.1999/- and it will be available across all leading stores  as well on the ecommerce portal, Flipkart. The price of the XPad Freedom is set at Rs. 13999/-.