Overview and insight into the latest Technology news and Developments

 Here are 2015's best Android Apps picked up by Google.

Google's Picks for 2015's best Android Apps - Fox News


Rob Enderle gives deep insight in to the future of mobile and PC market on how they are going to shape ahead in the future. Both Google and Apple are looking ahead in the future for a versatile device that meets the industry demands and that which is mobile and pocket sized and is scaleable to a larger screen, that's where Android falls short, which was ideally conceived as a mobile operating system for small devices.
Also iOS conflict issues with MacOS and other detailed analysis of iOS and Android weaknesses.

 Why iOS and Android will soon become obsolete? -Rob Enderle for cio


Privacy expert Lorrie Cranor is going to replace Ashkan Soltani in January. Ms Lorrie Cranor holds a Doctorate in Engineering and Policy, Master's Degree in Computer Science and Technology and Human Affairs and a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and Policy. With her election analysts say she may keep her focus on Consumer Privacy and Data security.

Ms Cranor's latest areas of interest include Usable Privacy Policy Project, usable and secure passwords, privacy decision making, user controllable-security and privacy and usable cyber Trust indicators.

FTC's next Chief Technologist is on a quest for better passwords - PCWorld

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Yahoo's new IM client, Ford's SYNC and Facebook's live video steam launch: Overview and news

Yahoo launches it's new IM for Mobile and Internet Telephony amid speculations of a possible sale of it's entire internet business, industry analysts say.

As yahoo tries to relaunch itself in to mainstream of chat clients, it says it will support the old messenger for a only few more months more.

 Yahoo launches new Messenger app in face of possible big changes - ComputerWorld

Salient features of Yahoo's new IM client for PC and Mobile - Yahoo

Ford has announced that it has launched it's new software upgrade of SYNC infotainment system.  Now it has Wireless access to Apple's Siri, through voice recognition which can be activated through a long press of the button on the steering wheel. Earlier the users of iPhone had to connect to the infotainment system using a USB cable.

Ford marries it SYNC system to Apple's Siri using Bluetooth - ComputerWorld

Facebook today announced live streaming of it's video service across entire network for anyone with an iOS device and an apple app, after running a few months trial by enabling celebrities and journalists first to use the service.

To use the service you have to tap on the update status button and then choose the live video icon.

Features of this service include,  lets you choose intended audience, who you want to broadcast the stream to, receives live messages during the stream, displays number of users logging in to the stream, and then you can save it for later or delete it option.

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After EU court ruling Belgian users now have to log in to Facebook

Facebook users now have to log in to view the publicly available data on it's servers after the ruling by the European Court discussing the matter.

After privacy ruling, Facebook now requires Belgium users to log in to view pages - The Verge 

The ruling comes after the European Court observed in November that the company has undermined the privacy rules of the European Union which are more stringent than in the US.

 Facebook bows to Belgium privacy ruling over cookies. 

In the US, Facebook doesn't need the prior permission to place a tracking cookie in the User's system, but in European Union you now need to log in to view any Facebook pages, even for locally available business sites.

In October European Court invalidated 15 year-old agreement with the US companies validating the data transfer related to the information of EU residents to US.

Landmark EU ruling says US privacy protections inadequate - The Verge 

Facebook in response replied that it's cookie is only meant to prevent the network being used by Fake accounts, to prevent Hijacking and prevent online thefts. After the verdict Facebook said it will respond to the ruling.

This decision could affect 4500 U.S.companies that move and store, collected customer data in the US.


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Adobe renames Flash, Samsung's VR, iphone7 headphones : Tech Overview and News

 Adobe is changing the name of it's Flash professional to Animate CC, keeping in mind the interests of web developers using the tool to develop with open platforms like HTML5, tipped to be the web platform across all devices.  
  
Adobe isn't killing flash, just changing the name to - MacWorld

Adobe's new tools supports open web standards like CSS and Java Script also.

 Adobe's new tool supports open web standards like CSS, HTML5 and Java Script

Samsung Launches its new Web Browser for Gear VR available at Oculus store, supports voice commands, on screen keyboard, 360 degree video streaming and HTML5 for better performance. In the gaze mode a typical user won't even have to touch the screen. Samsung says it is an important step in consumerization of VR(Virtual Reality).

Samsung Launches new web browser for Gear VR

Apple iPhone7 is tipped to use new smart headphones which will Synchronize with Apps and automatically adjust volume. Also Apple is rumored to get rid of headphone jack to lightning ports, which industry experts are divided on whether or not Apple is going to get on with that idea.

iPhone7:What will the Smarphones new headphone's do? - The Week


For Further Reading:

Youtube Red topping charts, Swatch's new Swipe Watch due in 2016 and Vtech hack details - Tech Overview 




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Youtube Red topping charts, Swatch's new Swipe Watch due in 2016 and Vtech hack details - Tech Overview

Youtube Red, You tube's new ambitious strategy to rope in new customers for ad-free service since it's launch in October 2015, is reportedly gaining traction as the featured app showed up among the Top Grossing charts.

 Youtube is now offering the same percentage of ad-revenue share of 55% with the new service without any other options for the creators, but only sign it or leave offer. That has led to ESPN's departure from the service, where Youtube has reportedly pulled down the prime broadcasters major chunk of video's off the network. Detailed story and more at TechCrunch

Youtube Enter's The App Stores Top Grossing Charts, Thanks to Youtube Red - TechCrunch

Switzerland based watch maker is introducing Swatch Swipe watch, which will let you pay through a swipe with your wrist using a NFC(chip). For more interesting features of the watch please go to 
Cnet website below.

Swatch will let you pay with your wrist - Cnet

V Tech hack proves costly, as the company details out the damage caused by the hack. Read further about the story at Mashable.

The story was  first reported by Lorenzo Franceschi Bisceshi - Bichhierai of Motherboard . Detailed analysis of the hack done by  Microsoft Developer Troy Hunt .

For Further Reading: 

Adobe renames Flash, Samsung's VR, iPhone7 headphones : Tech Overview and News

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Windows 10, iPhone7 rumor, Amazon's unlimited online storage and Pirate bay - Tech Overview and news

 Here are some snippets of the latest and important Tech updates and news for you.

1. Windows has released new version of it's operating system that is Windows 10 in July 2015.

• Windows 7, 8, 8.1 Users will be able to freely upgrade to the newer version up to one year and thereafter will be charged approximately 100 pounds. 

• Android and iOS apps will be able function with the new OS.
• Comes with a new web browser Windows Edge

 2. According to Japanese Tech site macotara the iphone7 is going to ditch the headphone jack to slim down its latest model by a full millimeter.

Also it will feature

• Lightning based ear pods
• Support third party Blueetooth and
• Lightning based headphones 

For further reading

Rumor suggests the iphone7 will ditch the headphone-jack - Macworld

3. Amazon's unlimited online storage comes with riders. Read the terms of use and full story at.

Is Amazon's online storage really unlimited read the fine print ?

4. A Swedish court has ruled that local ISP Bredbandsbolaget is not responsible to enforce blocking of Pirate Bay
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What is Spyware? How to protect your Mobile/PC from it?

A Software program designed in such a way to extricate information from a device Mobile/PC or communication/electronic device including identity details, financial transactions, property certificates, bank information, credit card information, other personal communications etc.,

 Intrusion into a system through a software program is one of the ways to do it. Often spyware is loaded on to a computer in the form of a legitimate PC game or a Browser Tool bar etc etc.,. Then it logs your activity, the sites you visit, the communications you make and transfers data remotely without the user even knowing about it on a regular basis, unless it scanned and removed from the system regularly.

Often the cookies that you receive from the sites you visit they record and trace your browsing info, but when you store those cookies continuously, they will continue to know about even after several months that you have visited their site. The companies use such information to target customers when they are browsing the Internet. And ads that Pop up in your browsers reflect that reality. Those are Adware.

Always have an Anti-Virus and Spyware protection on hand. Run the spyware scan and remove any unwanted program on your computer. Buy your Spyware Protection and Anti-Virus from a reputed brand.

There is no fool proof security, some or other way a User clicks on unwanted Pop-up. Sometimes visit a website while browsing and malware catches it. It's always useful to close Pop-Ups by clicking the X sign instead of cancel.

Don't click on suspicious links on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace etc.,

Three basic steps for Android Users :
1. Do not leave 'unknown sources enabled'
2.Avoid third party apps i.e., use only apps from Google Play store.
3. Read App Permissions carefully.

For Apple Users :
 It is a Unix based operating system it is less susceptible to attacks.

1. Apple has built in Anti-Malware X protect officially known as File Quarantine, snow leopard, Apple OS X
2.  Do Not Install Norton Anti-Virus on a Mac machine. Not compatible and it will seriously damage your device
3. Number of fake security products don't install them.
4. Block Pop-ups
5. Avoid suspected websites
6. Avoid Peer to Peer communications.
7. Consider using Mac OS X built in firewalls.
8. Use an Anti Virus Program like ClamXav.

Further reading :

What is malware? How to protect your PC/Mobile from it? 

What is Computer Virus? How to protect your Mobile/PC from it? 
 
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What is Malware? How to protect your Mobile/PC from it?

Malware is an abbreviated term for various types of malicious piece of software like Viruses, worms, Trojans, RansomWare, SpyWare, Adware, ScareWare etc., causing your mobile/PC to malfunction.

If your computer/Mobile holds crucial data and a virus attacks it, then it could cause temporary or permanent damage to your hard disk and operating system unless you take remedial measures.

Worms are standalone malicious code and does not attach itself to other files but perform same disruptions as a Virus does.

Trojans are hidden pieces of software that were shipped along with your hardware device from the assembly line itself. or Installed on to your PC through online software purchases or through other peripherals connecting your PC.

Install a reputed Anti-Malware software from vendors such as Symantec, Google Play Store, Samsung or Apple, Avast, Kaspersky for your PC/Mobile. or Download online from Original vendor and not any other third party source.

Do not click on unwanted ads of email links or suspicious looking Pop-Ups on your computer or Mobile.

Always make a habit to click the X on the top right corner of a Pop-up instead of the 'cancel' button.

If you are using a cable internet always log out off your account. Install reputed company firewalls to protect your computer from unwanted traffic.

Scan any attachable peripheral before downloading any files from it on to your PC/Mobile phone. Do not fill in financial details in online forms from suspicious links.

Keep your confidential information like Credit/Debit cards safe. Don't store it on your computer. Don't give out your info even somebody calling on the phone from the bank, because banks never ask such info on the phone.

Don't click on to unknown websites/Ads or email links etc.,

Don't get drawn away by lottery win e-mails or 'collect a gift that you have won' asking you to pay for processing fees or inviting you to a seminar abroad and asking for fees.


Don't click on suspicious links on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace etc.,

Three basic steps for Android Users :
1. Do not leave 'unknown sources enabled'
2.Avoid third party apps i.e., use only apps from Google Play store.
3. Read App Permissions carefully.

For Apple Users :
 It is a Unix based operating system it is less susceptible to attacks.

1. Apple has built in Anti-Malware X protect officially known as File Quarantine, snow leopard, Apple OS X
2.  Do Not Install Norton Anti-Virus on a Mac machine. Not compatible and it will seriously damage your device
3. Number of fake security products don't install them.
4. Block Pop-ups
5. Avoid suspected websites
6. Avoid Peer to Peer communications.
7. Consider using Mac OS X built in firewalls.
8. Use an Anti Virus Program like ClamXav.

What is Spyware? How to Protect your Mobile/PC from it?

What is Computer Virus? How to Protecct your Mobile/PC from it?

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What is a Computer Virus? How to protect your Mobile/PC from it?

A Computer Virus is a malicious software code that is designed to spread from one system to another by attaching itself to a system file of an attacked computer system or Mobile rendering it to malfunction or rendering it's Operating system corrupt.

For example:- An infected Universal Serial Bus (USB) or Pen drive can infect the computer or the Mobile Phone. It not only infects but multiplies itself in to many copies and transfers itself to other computers on the network.

In order to prevent a Computer Virus to attack your system, it is highly recommended that a User should install an Anti-Virus software from a reputed vendor like Symantec/Norton, Kaspersky, Avast, Google Play store, Apple or Samsung etc.,

If you do not have an Anti-Virus installed on your PC or Mobile and your computer is already attacked by the Virus then try to install the new Anti-Virus software downloaded online or purchased through original vendor in the form of a CD/DVD. If the system has totally collapsed. Then it is bad news as all your data on Mobile phone or the PC will be lost.

So it is highly essential to scan a USB, CD or any other devices attached to your system/Mobile to be scanned first to check any hidden Virus.

Viruses could be downloaded on to your system through  Internet also. In order to protect your PC or Mobile Phone from online attack, avoid clicking on to suspicious links in e-mails or websites offering murky deals. Install a firewall to block unwanted and suspicious traffic entering your computer.

Outdated Operating systems should be removed from your system  and latest OS should be installed for your Anti-Virus Program to function properly and protect your PC or Mobile phone.

Always download your Anti-Virus software from original vendor online. Also download other essential utilities such as Adobe flash player from the Adobe site itself by visiting the site.

Also another grey is peer-to-peer or P2P networking, where online users use bit-torrent technologies such as now defunct Lime-wire to share movies, games, software, and other pirated data. There lies a potential threat of Trojans (hidden malicious codes) presenting itself as a genuine file getting downloaded on to your system.

Android phones are reportedly leaking data worldwide,  don't leave 'unknown sources enabled', avoid illegitimate apps i.e., outside of Google Play Store.

Downloading files on a Mobile is very much similar to a PC, always see what permissions you are allowing newly installed software/App access to on your device, that is the crucial thing to stop your device being manipulated. If you suspect anything suspicious twice check the credentials of the software again online before continuing with the installation.

Often clean your devices of temporary files, free up disk space, keep your installed programs regularly updated through visiting original vendor sites. Never let your personal device in a public space unattended or hand over it for even a few moments.

Always lock up your PC/Mobile through a Pin/Password or Pattern or Voice or Facial recognition lock, don't modify i.e., jailbreaking.

Wireless security is another area where users have to be cautious connecting to an unsecured network, where any one can log in and install a virus. Use a secure Wireless connection only. Bluetooth devices have potential security problems, like Bluetooth Holes and Bluetooth Bonding, often scan your Bluetooth devices for viruses.

Don't click on suspicious links on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace etc.,

Three basic steps for Android Users :
1. Do not leave 'unknown sources enabled'
2.Avoid third party apps i.e., use only apps from Google Play store.
3. Read App Permissions carefully.

For Apple Users :
 it is a Unix based operating system it is less susceptible to attacks.

1. Apple has built in Anti-Malware X protect officially known as File Quarantine, snow leopard, Apple OS X
2.  Do Not Install Norton Anti-Virus on a Mac machine. Not compatible and it will seriously damage your device
3. Number of fake security products don't install them.
4. Block Pop-ups
5. Avoid suspected websites
6. Avoid Peer to Peer communications.
7. Use an Anti Virus Program like ClamXav
8. Consider using Mac OS X built in firewalls. 

What is Malware? How to Protect your Mobile/PC from it?

What is Spyware? How to Protect your Mobile/PC from it?

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Internet Security and Privacy at stake

Ever since the news broke out about the wide spread surveillance programmes through monitoring and interception of communications of individuals and organizations alike, the confidence of an average internet user is fast eroding in the security policies of the internet which seemed fool proof at least in terms of high end communications, such as ATM transactions and private communication networks.

But detailed media reports in the recent times showing how monitoring agencies carried out the surveillance, left many users high and sundry. Private organizations have alleged secret surveillance of their businesses and black listing them out for continued surveillance can sum up the seriousness of the issue. The data about how an organization is going to conduct their business in the near future can practically be damaging to the interests of a private business.

In other instances individuals are reported to have been fooled into believing that they are communicating or logging into servers of giants like Google is quite alarming. There are allegations in the media about surveillance agencies carrying out Man in the Middle (MITM) attacks thereby intercepting and routing the user generated traffic to servers belonging to surveillance networks without the user not knowing is quite alarming.

Industry experts are already pointing towards the damage these findings are causing to the internet industry world wide. The biggest names in the internet industry like Yahoo, Google, Microsoft and others are tight lipped and have confirmed of giving out data belonging to consumers to surveillance agencies when there are specific requests from the government. What this corresponds to is whether anybody has committed a crime or not you are going to be monitored. Even the banking transactions over secure tunnels of ATM network is not out of the purview of surveillance, which means any body using any thing on the internet is under constant surveillance. Whether they write emails, conduct monetary transaction, shop online or even read any material, someone out there is watching you.

Though the technology is highly enabling but constant and relentless requests by the governments can scare away even legal and law abiding entities who want their business transactions and other lawful business plans coming into the domain of intelligentsia could spell the doom for the industry.

Nobody any longer would want to believe the technology that used to rely on is secure and cannot be deciphered and analyzed for any length of time. The world has come to know bitterly that internet is not secure no matter what the encryption standards are no matter how private a network is, no matter what the industry has to offer.

Decades of innovation, research and design has come under intense scrutiny that has given rise to plethora of questions, whether the internet is going to be a secure, fast, reliable, anywhere, anytime communication technology is going to be seen in the near future.

An ISP can track you, a hacker could break into your network, a surveillance network can intercept your online data, cyber criminals looting your private data from public entities such as hospitals, insurance companies, banks. How is it going to be any safer on the internet?

For Further Reading :

Discussing Internet Privacy issues