The Techno Arena

Samsung gives its app store a makeover with a focus on Galaxy devices

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 12 Jul 2014 17:56:00 +0000

John Ribeiro / PC World:

Samsung Electronics has updated and rebranded its app store, in an apparent bid to cut into Google’s revenue from its Play store for apps running on Android devices.

The new Samsung Galaxy Apps store has “hundreds of apps” exclusively available to users of Samsung Galaxy mobile devices, the company said Friday in a blog post. The redesigned app store will offer higher customization of mobile devices and a variety of promotions and discounts to users of Samsung Galaxy mobile devices, it added. The earlier store was called Samsung Apps.

Google breaks down how much email is encrypted during transit, launches End-to-End encryption tool

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 03:56:00 +0000

Jordan Kahn / 9to5Google:

Google wants you to know exactly how much email you send and receive is encrypted during transit, so today it launched a new section in its Transparency Report that does exactly that:

When you mail a letter to your friend, you hope she’ll be the only person who reads it. But a lot could happen to that letter on its way from you to her, and prying eyes might try to take a look. That’s why we send important messages in sealed envelopes, rather than on postcards… Email works in a similar way. Emails that are encrypted as they’re routed from sender to receiver are like sealed envelopes, and less vulnerable to snooping—whether by bad actors or through government surveillance—than postcards.

Instagram 6.0 Seduces Pro Photographers With Adjustable Filters And 9 New Effects

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 03:37:00 +0000

Josh Constine / TechCrunch:

“People come to Instagram today to post their photos but haven’t come back to edit their photos” Instagram CEO Kevin Systrom tells me. So today Instagram is adding sliders to control 9 new photo effects and the intensity of its existing filters. These give everyone the power of desktop editing suites and photo apps like Camera+ and Photoshop Express for free, which Systrom says “creates a nice level playing field for the Instagram community.”

The Instagram 6.0 update is rolling out today to iOS and Android (Ice Cream Sandwich and above).

Google launches 64-bit version of Chrome, starting with Dev and Canary channels for Windows 7 and Windows 8

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 03:23:00 +0000

Emil Protalinski / The Next Web:

Google today announced the debut of a 64-bit version of Chrome for Windows, starting with the introduction of 64-bit Dev and Canary channels for Windows 7 and Windows 8 users. You can download both now from their respective pages: Dev and Canary.

It’s worth noting that in both cases the 64-bit version is offered by default if you are running a 64-bit flavor of Windows, though the 32-bit version is still available. This would suggest Google eventually plans to serve up the 64-bit version of Chrome as the default version for 64-bit Windows users.

Google Glass Gets Fancy New Frames and Shades

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 02:59:00 +0000

Stan Schroeder / Mashable:

Google has announced a new collection of frames and shades for Google Glass. Called the DVF | Made for Glass collection, they were created in a collaboration with American fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg.

Five new fames and eight new shades will be available through the Google Glass website and Net-a-Porter starting June 23.

The sunglasses from the collection, which include a grey, rainbow-hued and a brown option, will sport a DVF logo in the corner, akin to sunglasses from brands such as Ray-Ban.

Apple Unveils iOS 8, the Biggest Release Since the Launch of the App Store

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 03:45:00 +0000

Apple:

Introduces iCloud Photo Library, New Messages Features & New Health App

SAN FRANCISCO―June 2, 2014―Apple® today unveiled iOS 8, the biggest release since the launch of the App Store℠, giving users incredible new features and developers the tools to create amazing new apps. iOS 8 delivers a simpler, faster and more intuitive user experience, including iCloud® Photo Library, allowing you to enjoy your photos and videos more easily across your devices; new Messages features to easily share voice, video or photos with just a swipe; and an entirely new Health app that gives you a clear overview of your health and fitness data all in one place. iOS 8 also includes predictive typing for Apple’s QuickType™ keyboard; Family Sharing, the easiest way to share purchases, photos and calendars within the same household; and iCloud Drive™, so you can store files and access them from anywhere.

No Microsoft Start Menu for Windows 8 until 2015: Sources

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 03:06:00 +0000

Mary Jo Foley / ZDNet:

Summary: It's looking like Microsoft's new 'mini' Start Menu for Windows 8.x won't be part of Windows 8.1 Update 2 as rumored. Instead, it's sounding like a 2015 deliverable now.

Microsoft won't be delivering a new Start Menu for Windows 8 with its coming Windows 8.1 Update 2, after all.

That recent change in plans comes courtesy of a couple of my sources who've had good track records on Windows information.

Apple Announces OS X Yosemite

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 02:58:00 +0000

Apple:

Introduces Refined New Design, Powerful Apps & Amazing New Continuity Features

SAN FRANCISCO―June 2, 2014―Apple® today announced OS X® Yosemite, a powerful new version of OS X redesigned and refined with a fresh, modern look, powerful new apps and amazing new continuity features that make working across your Mac® and iOS devices more fluid than ever. The new Today view in Notification Center gives you a quick look at everything you need to know, all in one place; iCloud Drive™ is located within the Finder and can store files of any type; and Safari® has a new streamlined design that puts the most important controls at your fingertips. Mail makes editing and sending attachments easier than ever; Handoff lets you start an activity on one device and pass it to the other; and Instant Hotspot makes using your iPhone’s hotspot as easy as connecting to a Wi-Fi network. Yosemite even gives you the ability to make iPhone® calls on your Mac.

Apple Releases iOS 8 SDK With Over 4,000 New APIs

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 02:51:00 +0000

Apple:

Biggest Developer Release Ever Includes Extensibility Features, HealthKit, HomeKit & Swift

SAN FRANCISCO―June 2, 2014―Apple® today released its iOS 8 SDK, the biggest developer release ever with more than 4,000 new APIs, giving developers the ability to create amazing new apps like never before. iOS 8 allows developers to further customize the user experience with major extensibility features like Notification Center widgets and third-party keyboards; and introduces robust frameworks such as HealthKit and HomeKit. iOS 8 also includes Metal, a new graphics technology that maximizes the performance of the A7 chip and Swift, a powerful new programming language.

Tech giants team up to take on US Government gag orders

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 24 May 2014 19:26:00 +0000

Nick Mediati / PC World:

As it stands now, tech companies can't disclose exact figures on how many national security-related user data requests they've received from the US Government. A group of major tech companies aren't happy about the current state of affairs, however, so they've decided to do something about it.

According to a report from the Washington Post, Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and Yahoo have filed papers with the 9th Circuit Court arguing against ongoing gag orders the Government has put in place to guard against disclosure of these data requests. According to the court papers, which were filed in April, the four companies see the gag orders as a form of prior restraint, and argue that they are therefore a violation of the First Amendment.

Surface Pro 3 review: Has Microsoft finally made a tablet to replace your laptop?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 24 May 2014 19:08:00 +0000

Dana Wollman / Engadget:

It didn't last long, but there was a moment earlier this week when I was sure Microsoft would unveil its own laptop. At a press event, Surface chief Panos Panay took the stage to remind the reporters in attendance how they once said tablets would make laptops obsolete. A quick scan around the room revealed rows of journalists, all typing on Ultrabooks -- including the MacBook Air, no less. For a moment, it seemed like Panay was conceding defeat.

Indeed, Microsoft has had multiple chances to prove it can bridge the divide between slates and laptops: Both the first- and second-gen Surface tablets were intended as do-it-all devices. And both times, the company fell short of its mission. The Surface Pro in particular was powerful enough to rival Ultrabooks, but suffered from several usability flaws: It was awkward to use in the lap, and also unwieldy as a tablet. For most people, a touchscreen laptop was still the better choice.

Samsung gives up on its homegrown Music and Book Hub services

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 22 May 2014 20:03:00 +0000

Sharif Sakr / Engadget:

Just like HTC with its doomed movie service, Samsung is apparently starting to realize that its in-house efforts can't compete with specialist alternatives. While Spotify has been busily publicizing its rapid growth, the Korean manufacturer has been quietly warning Galaxy phone and tablet owners about the impending closure of its similar, own-brand Music Hub. Users can no longer sign up for the premium monthly subscription option, and a message inside the app says they'll need to re-download any purchased tracks and use up any vouchers before the entire service shuts down on July 1st. This at least suggests that any stored tracks will continue to work after that date, perhaps via 7Digital, whose platform underpinned the Music Hub in the first place.

Google Wallet Is Coming To Glass

noreply@blogger.com (ptrx007) — Tue, 06 May 2014 05:34:00 +0000

Frederic Lardinois / TechCrunch:

Google Wallet is coming to Glass soon. According to a source close to the company, Google is currently testing a way for Glass users to send money to their friends through Wallet by simply using their voices to ask Glass to “send money.” The company is testing this service internally right now, but chances are it will launch to all Glass users in the near future.

To install the Wallet service on their devices, Glass users currently have to be signed in to a computer on Google’s corporate network. From there, they can install the Wallet glassware, and after setting the service up from there, they are ready to send money from Glass.

Foursquare is splitting its service into two apps: Swarm for check-ins and Foursquare for discovery

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 01 May 2014 16:42:00 +0000

Nick Summers / The Next Web:

Foursquare today announced it would be unbundling its location-based service into two separate mobile apps; one will be called Swarm, while the other retains the original Foursquare branding.

The idea is to break its business in half. Foursquare started out as a check-in app, allowing you to easily broadcast your location to friends and family. This will continue to exist under Swarm, a new Android and iOS app due in the coming weeks. A version for Windows Phone will follow shortly afterwards.

Snapchat adds IM and video calls, but messages will disappear when you leave a conversation

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 01 May 2014 16:28:00 +0000

Romain Dillet / TechCrunch:

Snapchat has been somewhat out of the limelight of late, but now the company that rejected a $3 billion offer from Facebook has introduced two new features for its users: private messaging and video calls.

“Until today, we felt that Snapchat was missing an important part of conversation: presence. There’s nothing like knowing you have the full attention of your friend while you’re chatting. We could not be more thrilled to announce Chat,” the company writes in a blog post.

$1500 Google Glass costs just $80 in components, claims teardown company

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 01 May 2014 16:14:00 +0000

Ben Lovejoy / 9to5Google:

The Google Glass Explorer edition, which usually sells on an invitation-only basis for $1500, comprises parts whose total value is just $79.78, claims Techinsights after a teardown analysis.

The company was careful to add that this is a preliminary estimate which is likely to be revised in the light of more detailed research. Google, quoted in the WSJ, has dismissed the estimate as “absolutely wrong” …

Unmasked: The world’s first clear look at Amazon’s smartphone

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 01 May 2014 16:01:00 +0000

Zach Epstein / BGR:

Following a series of exclusive reports, BGR has now obtained the first unobscured image of Amazon's debut smartphone

Amazon is still more than a month away from unveiling its first own-brand smartphone, but there isn’t much mystery that remains. BGR gave the world its first look at the unannounced handset in mid-April, and we followed up with exclusive details surrounding the phone’s unique 3D interface and gesture-based controls. Then, we revealed that “Prime Data” will be one of the device’s key weapons in the crowded U.S. smartphone market.

Google stops scanning emails for Education users, and permanently removes ads option too

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 19:06:00 +0000

Paul Sawers / The Next Web:

Google Apps for Education users will no longer have their emails scanned for use in advertising, according to an announcement from the Internet giant earlier today.

To recap, Apps for Education is used by K-12 schools around the world, and it delivers free online applications including Gmail, Docs, Spreadsheet and more. Around 30 million students, teachers and administrators use the service today, according to Google.

Facebook unveils Audience Network, its mobile ad network for third-party apps

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 18:46:00 +0000

Josh Ong / The Next Web:

As expected, Facebook today announced its mobile ad network, Audience Network, with three formats: banner, interstitial and native. The service brings Facebook’s existing targeting and measurement features to third-party app ad inventory.

Introducing Anonymous Login and an Updated Facebook Login

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 18:33:00 +0000

Facebook:

Today at f8, we announced Anonymous Login, a brand new way to log into apps without sharing any personal information from Facebook, along with a new version of Facebook Login with even better privacy controls.

People tell us they’re sometimes worried about sharing information with apps and want more choice and control over what personal information apps receive. Today’s announcements put power and control squarely in people’s hands:

Samsung confirms fatal camera flaw on 'limited number' of Galaxy S5 smartphones

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 15:52:00 +0000

Chris Welch / The Verge:

The Samsung Galaxy S5's 16-megapixel camera is one of its best assets, but it's also turned into something of a liability for the company just weeks after launch. Complaints across internet forums have documented a major flaw with the camera on some devices — particularly the Verizon Wireless model — that renders the shooter useless.

According to reports, a "camera failure" error has been randomly popping up for some new owners. There's no obvious cause behind the bug, but once the error is received, the camera hardware becomes permanently disabled. Users have taken afflicted S5 phones back to carrier stores and Samsung's own specialty sections at Best Buy in hopes of bringing the camera back to life, but only a physical exchange for a new device has remedied the problem so far.

The Sony Xperia Z2 Will Launch In The U.S. This Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 13:38:00 +0000

Matt Burns / TechCrunch:

Sony has confirmed to TechCrunch that the Xperia Z2 will be released in the U.S. but not for several months. The release is scheduled for “summer.” A U.S. launch of the Xperia Compact Z1 is currently not on the books at all, we also learned.

The Z2 will be sold unlocked through Sony’s online store. Carriers have not been announced, and from what Sony told us, it seems talks are ongoing with carriers and nothing has been finalized yet.

Apple will replace your iPhone 5's faulty power button for free

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 26 Apr 2014 13:23:00 +0000

Jon Fingas / Engadget:

If you've noticed that your iPhone 5's sleep/wake button isn't working reliably, you're not alone -- and you'll be glad to hear that Apple is doing something about it. The company has started a free program in Canada and the US (worldwide on May 2nd) that will replace buttons on phones made through March 2013.

Microsoft’s $7.2BN+ Acquisition Of Nokia’s Devices Business Is Now Complete

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 15:47:00 +0000

Natasha Lomas / TechCrunch:

Microsoft’s $7.2 billion acquisition of Nokia’s devices and services business has been completed. Nokia confirmed the completed transaction in a press release, noting that it has “completed the sale of substantially all of its Devices & Services business to Microsoft” (using the same phrasing it has deployed throughout the process).

Nokia said it expects the final price-tag to be “slightly higher” than the original figure of €5.44 billion given when the deal was announced last September due to the transaction being “subject to potential purchase price adjustments”:

Google Wants To Bring Its Wi-Fi Networks To Google Fiber Cities

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 15:35:00 +0000

Darrell Etherington / TechCrunch:

Google is looking at ways to bring its Wi-Fi networks to cities where it offers Google Fiber, the high-speed Internet service it offers selected metro areas in the U.S., starting with a free plan and ranging up to $120 per month bundled with TV services. The Google Wi-Fi networks that currently are deployed in test markets including Mountain View offer free access to users who want to connect, though Google recently switched its Mountain View project from being a city-wide deployment to being one focused on just the downtown core.