Chrome for Android updated with better Search, Voice search for iPhone and iPad coming soon

Chrome for Android has been updated to version 27.0.1453.90 that brings better search that would let you view and refine your query directly in the omnibox instead of viewing just a search URL. This version also brings full screen support on phones and tab history on Android tablets that was available in the Chrome 27 beta that released last month.

New features in Chrome v27 for Android

•     Fullscreen on phones – Scroll down the page and the toolbar will disappear.
•    Simpler searching – Searching from the omnibox will keep your search query visible in the omnibox,   making it easier to edit, and show more on your search result page.
•     Tab history on tablets – Long press the browser back button to view your tab history
•     Several stability improvements

Chrome for iOS Voice Search

Google has also announced that the upcoming Chrome update for the iPhone and iPad that would let you search by voice in the omnibox, faster reloading of web pages with efficient cache management when the network is slow, option to open links in Chrome and then return to the app with just one tap.

Yahoo is buying Tumblr : A Discussion

More than an article it is an invitation for people to express their opinion and hopefully we will get engagement

Yahoo is buying Tumblr. Its a move bold and a show of strength from a company which many believe is on a perpetual decline. Possibly also a harbinger of things to come under Marissa Meyer. Its a billion dollar question (In all sense) - How will Yahoo benefit from it?
And Will it help bring up Yahoo's user engagement and minutes? How will Yahoo monetise Tumblr? Though initial direction is to keep Tumblr separate, will Yahoo be looking to integrate Tumblr with its other services to increase/generate revenues? If yes, then how? Will Tumblr's cool factor rub off on yahoo? Answering these questions will be very critical to Marissa's and Yahoo's future.

Why a cheaper iPhone doesn't make sense

Rumours after rumours suggest that Apple is working on that ‘less expensive’ version of the iPhone. When the likes of WSJ pick up on ‘sources’ and ‘analysts’, and attempt to chart out the future roadmap for Apple, it does resemble a journey that will probably only go downhill. Yes, we all know that the cheaper Android phones are selling well primarily because the affordability, and secondly because of the sheer options available to the buyer. But, that shouldn’t be why Apple has to make a less expensive iPhone.

Before I go any further, some people, mostly for the sake of writing something to pander to the rumour mill, had earlier suggested that an ‘iPhone Mini’ is on the way. That drama went along for quite a while, till everyone got bored with the mongering and went away. Now, we have the ‘cheaper’ iPhone logic being bandied around like it is the next big thing. As a word of caution, the rumor mill is designed to suck you in and make you believe that it is true. They will even make you doubt your logic, sense and knowledge, like a predator.

First and foremost, nothing from Apple till now has suggested that yes, it is indeed working on a plastic iPhone. If at all, it has been the other way around. No one doubts that Apple wants big profits. After all, that is why they are in the business. But, in a situation akin to one that demands the ‘if it isn’t broke, why fix it” logic, why tinker with the tried and tested formula that has worked all along for them? The iPhone has always been an expensive device purchased by those who really wanted to. It became a fashion accessory, an aspirational device along the way. And this has worked to the extent that Apple currently has more cash than the U.S. Treasury! With a device that has a smaller price tag, those margins will obviously be lesser.

Let us look at the example of the iPad mini. At $299, it would have taken the competition and basically wiped them off the face of the planet. What did Apple do? Priced it at $329 and let the market forces, the fans, the aspirational value and the brand perception do the job instead, on the shop floor. $299 means more sales, but $349 means more moolah. The Apple stamp ensures that.

I do not for one second believe that Apple will be happy with a plastic phone that basically is not Apple-esque. In other words, it might suck. Badly. That could and surely will do a lot more harm to the brand than the benefit the potential sales could bring in.

Globally, mobile service providers can make the iPhone affordable. At the moment, while the initial buying amount is well within reach, the monthly billing plans as per contract are rather expensive. Because they believe iPhone users are rich dudes who can pay a lot. If that mindset changes, and contract prices are made a tad sensible, the existing iPhone become affordable straightaway!

Then there is the issue of generations and product line-ups. So, what I am led to believe is that Apple will have the iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, the iPhone 5S/iPhone 6 and the ‘cheaper’ iPhone all available in the market at the same time. That will certainly confuse the buyers a hell lot. And how will they be priced anyway?

What happens to the iPhone 4S and the iPhone 5 when the next proper iPhone launches (not the cheaper one)? Wouldn’t they be the logical choices to get price corrections and slot into the price bands that the damn plastic iPhone was supposed to pander to? At least, they are guaranteed to not “suck”! And despite some claiming it is ‘older hardware’ at that time, they’ll still offer better performance and a better user experience than what the affordable Android or Windows Phone devices would.

Not to say that Apple may never make a plastic iPhone that targets the affordable price bands, but that will only be if the quality and experience aren’t compromised. If they can manage that, Good luck. If not, they will certainly not take the foot to the axe. 

#Vishal

Sonic The Hedgehog game released for Android, iPhone and iPad

 

SEGA Corporation, popular video game development company has remastered and released their classic Sonic The Hedgehog game for Android and iOS devices. This game has new widescreen support and lets you zoom through zones at 60 frames per second. Now you can unlock Tails and Knuckles as playable characters, enjoy a remastered original soundtrack, new leaderboards, achievements, and an all-new Time Attack mode.

 

Features of Sonic The Hedgehog

◾ Race at lightning speeds across 7 classic zones as Sonic the Hedgehog.
◾Run and spin through loop-de-loops as you collect rings and defeat enemies on your mission to save the world from the evil Dr. Eggman.
◾Play as Sonic’s friends Tails & Knuckles for the first time. Use their unique abilities to fly, climb, and glide around levels offering exciting new ways to explore.
◾Now play the game in widescreen at 60FPS
◾Legendary soundtrack has been fully re-mastered.
◾Challenge yourself with an all-new Time Attack Mode!
◾Sonic The Hedgehog on Android offers exclusive support for the Power A Moga, Nyko, XBOX, and all HID controllers.

Next version of Android to be Bluetooth Smart ready

We just heard some rumours about the next version of Android, which indicate a June 10th launch date, but the Bluetooth Special Interest group is already excited about it. The main reason why they are excited is that Google has announced at their I/O developers conference that the next version of Android will be Bluetooth Smart ready, for devices with a dual mode Bluetooth chip. Bluetooth smart was a name given to the latest features of Bluetooth 4.0 which includes drastically reduced power consumption using a low pulsing method instead of a continuous stream. This enables a lot of useful sensory applications like heart rate monitors and various accessories that can connect with your phone and not have a major effect on the battery.

Announced at IO, Android devices that have a dual mode Bluetooth chip, which can do both traditional BT stuff like data transfer and simultaneously do low power information transfer with Bluetooth Smart ready devices. Several accessories have already arrived in the market and the inclusion of Bluetooth Smart in the next Android natively will enabled developers to target all devices, instead of select few Android devices, in which Bluetooth Smart has been manually added through custom APIs of OEMs, like Samsung with its S-health accessories for example.
With the impending release of the next version of Android, what more are we likely to see then? Sound off in the comments section below.

NY Times app offers full access for free to BB10 users till 26th June

During the keynote at BlackBerry Live here in Orlando, the company announced that it has partnered with the New York Times to offer full access to its content through the BB10 application till the end of June. The native application offers an interface exclusive to BlackBerry 10 and integrates social features as well. In addition to the ability to share breaking news stories, you can also get push notifications for news updates.

 

Application Features include:

 

◾Access to all the articles, blogs, videos and more from the world’s finest journalists
◾Flow from section to section, article to article
◾Peek at the next article without leaving the current one
◾Share favourite content with friends and dedicated BlackBerry Groups
◾Create your own library to read whenever you like on any device

 

Click through the link to view the app on the BlackBerry App Store. After 26th June, the application will continue to offer a limited amount of free content while you will need a subscription to view the entire newsfeed.

Every (Well almost) Big Business Needs Apps

With mobile gaining popularity, business have another medium to promote themselves. And though it was optional to use this medium to start with, its becoming more and more of a necessity, or the business risks losing out to competition

Developing Apps is Like Putting Your Brand On fast track – They can generate tremendous loyalty and connection among the customers
It makes the company and its products easily accessible and also can generate Sales leads for you- There is an early mover advantage, as users have tendency to stick to what they experienced first
They are also an income stream – If you are able to monetize it. Great for SMEs

The rules are – Give first and then a little more and then some more and then get. You should provide value to get loyalty

BlackBerry 10.1 update announced, brings HDR Camera, Keyboard Shortcuts and more

BlackBerry has just announced the BlackBerry 10.1 update for the BlackBerry Z10 and the Q10 at the BlackBerry Live conference in Orlando. It  brings HDR Camera, Better BlackBerry Hub features Support for PIN to PIN messages, Fine Cursor Control and lots more. It would also bring support for Skype finally and Keyboard Shortcuts and instant actions for the BlackBerry Q10.

    BlackBerry Hub: Support for PIN to PIN messages for direct communication between BlackBerry smartphones has been added to the BlackBerry Hub. Plus, improved attachment support in the BlackBerry Hub makes it easier to view emails which have been sent as attachments to other messages.
    Notifications: With BlackBerry 10.1 you can personalize the notifications for your accounts and contacts so you always know what is happening around you. Customize ringtones, vibration and the LED light by contact or by account for more personalized notifications.
    Fine Cursor Control: BlackBerry 10.1 makes it easier and more accurate to pinpoint exactly where you want to type. Tap once to bring up the cursor. Grab the blue circle and drag it around to place it exactly where you need it. Tap either side of the circle to move left or right by just one character. It’s easy to move around with speed and precision.
    Camera: The 10.1 update adds HDR shooting mode for beautiful images in tricky lighting conditions. A standard image takes a picture at one exposure level. Where you have high contrast between light and dark areas of the photo, fine details can be lost. High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode takes multiple pictures at different exposure levels and layers them automatically to produce a single photo that combines the best of the dark and light areas.
    Lots more to discover: You’ll find lots of new improvements across the BlackBerry 10 OS like landscape support for the calendar, easier international dialing, improved red eye reduction in the picture editor and much more. The first step to discovering these new features is to update your BlackBerry 10 software.
    Skype: It will also bring Skype support

The BlackBerry 10.1 update for the BlackBerry Z10 would roll out through carrier partners over the coming weeks. You’ll get an alert in the notifications section of the BlackBerry Hub. You can also check for updates from Settings> Software Updates> Check for Updates>. No word on roll out for the BlackBerry Q10 yet.

Facebook for iOS 6.1.1 update brings new Photo viewer option, new News Feed

Facebook today updated its iOS app to version 6.1.1, focussing on improving the way photos are managed within the app. 

Facebook has updated its native iOS app with a slew of new features including new photo viewer option, improved Places and Events on the mobile device, and the new News Feed.

Facebook for iOS version 6.1.1 allows users to directly save and share a photo while viewing it. Earlier, users could only Like, comment or tag friends. The update also allows users to set a photo your profile picture. Facebook has improved places editing when checking in on iPhone whereas Events section now loads faster. You can download the latest version now from Apple’s App Store.

According to reports, Facebook has also rolled out the new News Feed for iOS users. However, update about new News Feed is not mentioned in the changelog on App Store. Moreover, Facebook has rolled out another update to remove the beta icon.

Facebook had rolled out last round of update to its iOS app in April. The previous update 6.0 included improved chatting features, such as chat heads and stickers. The update also improved the news feed on the iPad. Read about Facebook for iOS 6.0 update here.

Is Google going the iPhone app store way with Google Glass?

The new guidelines for Google Glass apps have been released for the developers and they seem to be more restrictive than the traditional Google guidelines for other products. Like, controlling the type of apps, no ads can be displayed, or that user data can’t be used for ads. They even can’t charge people to buy apps or virtual goods or services. So, what makes them tow this line?

•   Privacy concerns
•   To be less intrusive and allow the medium to establish before monetizing it
•   Google playing more cautious

What do you think?

Google Earth for Android 7.1 update brings Street View and streamlined interface

Google has started rolling out its Earth for Android v7.1 that brings a slew of exciting features including Street View, improved search and directions.

Hot on the heels of the launch of Google Earth 7.1 on desktop, Google has rolled out a slew of new features to its Android counterpart. The update version 7.1 comes with features such as addition of Street View, improved search and directions, and a streamlined interface.

Addition of Street View to Earth for Android will help users explore the globe from the street level as well. Users need to simply zoom into an area to explore, and Pegman will appear in the right hand corner. Users need to drag and drop the Pegman into the street to access the Street View interface.

Improved search and directions section make it easier for users to explore on Earth. Now users can have step-by-step ransit, walk and bike directions in full 3D. Also, new search suggestions will help save some typing time as well as providing access to search result list will enable users to check out all the search results in detail.

As said before, the new interface is very streamlined. With a click of the Earth logo in top left, users can browse and activate Google Earth layers such as Panoramio Photos, 3D buildings and Wikipedia.

Google Earth 7.1 for Android is available for download via the Google Play Store.

Facebook to acquire Waze social traffic app for up to $1B: Report

Rumors are circulating as social networking giant could be shelling out $1 billion to acquire Israeli mobile satellite navigation startup Waze.

Facebook has been diligently working on going mobile, rumours are circulating as there have been reports that Facebook is set to acquire Israeli mobile satellite navigation start-up Waze for $800 million to $1 billion, as reported by business daily Calcalist.

Calcalist also revealed that discussions over acquiring the social mapping startup began six months back. Waze uses satellite signals from subscribers' smartphones to generate maps and traffic data, which can then be shared by users in the form of real-time traffic info.

Facebook earlier this year reported that it has passed 1 billion users. During a call with analysts, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg revealed the company was seeing a growth with mobile app installs added to users' news feeds. Facebook's push to mobile has certainly aided the company maintain some decent growth figures. According to the company, year on year, Facebook has measured an impressive 54 percent growth.

Facebook's recent acquisitions have been companies like Parse, Face.com and Snaptu, all acquired in an attempt to thrive on the mobile platform. However, both Waze and Facebook have declined to talk about this rumour. A Facebook spokesperson said, “We won’t comment on speculation.”

Emotion Sense: an Android app that tracks your mood throughout the day

Researchers at Cambridge University have come up with a new smartphone app that can track a user's mood by analysing the data on their phone.
Emotion Sense: an Android app that tracks your mood throughout the day

Well, there are apps for almost every purpose in the world. And now there's an app that can track your mood as well. The app called, Emotion Sense, is designed to track user's mood throughout the day on the smartphone and can even become a pocket therapist.

Available for Android platform, the free application has been designed and developed by University of Cambridge's Computer Laboratory. The app uses the concept that the phones are one of the best resources of gathering information about a user's location, ambience of their environments as well as with whom one is communicating. The app monitors data such as patern of user's calling and texting in a bid to track conversation and determine how one is feeling.

The app uses the smartphones's built-in GPS, accelerometer and microphone to monitor a user's habits, activities and routines. After the phone has gathered the necessary information, the app asks a brief survey to complete to determine the emotional state. The app will pop up to ask how the person is feeling, rate their mood, from positive to negative.

Dr Neal Lathia, who works on the project, said: “Behind the scenes, smartphones are constantly collecting data that can turn them into a key medical and psychological tool.In the long term, we hope to be able to extract that data so that, for example, it can be used for therapeutic purposes”


Cecilia Mascolo, a reader in mobile systems at the Cambridge Computer Lab, said: 'Most people who see a therapist may only have an appointment once every fortnight. Many, however, keep their phones with them most of the time. In terms of sheer presence, mobiles can provide an ongoing link with a person.”

“Most other attempts at software like this are coarse-grained in terms of their view of what a feeling is,” Jason Rentfrow, from Cambridge's department of psychology, said.

“Many just look at emotion in terms of feeling happy, sad, angry or neutral. The aim here is to use a more flexible approach, to collect data that shows how moods vary between people.”

Android users can download Emotion Sense app for free via Google Play store.

LinkedIn and Twitter update their respective BlackBerry 10 apps

LinkedIn and Twitter have rolled out some important updates to their apps on BlackBerry 10 platform.

LinkedIn and Twitter have released updates to their respective apps for BlackBerry 10 platform. The updates include a range of new features as well as improved interface.

LinkedIn for BlackBerry 10 has changed its “visual styling”, bringing the platform closer to its Android and iOS counterparts, which received the update last month. The app now allows users to import personal address book from their Z10 or Q10 device. This is likely to make it easier for users to find and connect with people in their contacts via LinkedIn.

LinkedIn's company pages has also been updated, featuring information that notifies user how they're connected, job openings and recommended companies to be followed. It also includes news and other updates.

Other major changes include improvement to inbox section, which now supports ability to delete and archive message. Moreover, users can update their pic within the app.

Twitter has made some minor yet important changes. This includes tweak to the way users are shown related content. The update brings Universal Search, which shows related profiles, tweets and top tweets. It also includes photos and relevant search queries.

Zynga launches 'Running with Friends' for iOS, takes on Temple Run

Zynga launches Running with Friends for iOS, another game to watch out for in the popular genre of running

Finally a worthy competitor for Temple Run, Zynga has launched a game called 'Running With Friends' to its portfolio of games.

Set in Pamplona, Spain, Running with Friends is a 3D action arcade game for iOS devices. The gameplay involves running through the streets of Pamplona, Spain, during the annual running of bulls. Players will have to evade obstacles like bulls, cars and barrels, and compete with friends for a place on the leaderboards. Players will also have an option of exploring a virtual Pamplona.

"We are committed to expanding Zynga's mobile portfolio to bring players the most fun, social, and accessible games to play with their friends," said Travis Boatman, Zynga's senior vice president of mobile, in a press release. "Launching Running With Friends is a natural fit for us as we combine the excitement of the runner category with the social elements of our 'With Friends' franchise."

It's a high tempo game where players compete with friends in three rounds, aiming to dodge obstacles by tilting the screen horizontally and vertically. Gamers can also ride a bull for bonuses, and have an option to select their own in-game character. They can play as a ninja, ballerina or a zombie.

Running with Friends was developed by Zynga in collaboration with Eat Sleep Play, the team behind the game series Twisted Metal. Running with Friends is available for free on the Apple iTunes App Store for all iOS platforms.

Best Android apps for web developers

Web developing is no more a desktop business, thanks to Android and lightweight gadgets like tablets and smartphones providing easy mobility and compatibility.

Android-based smartphones have brought many web development apps for you. It is now easy to frame code and test code from anywhere assuring you get all essential tools required for web development.

Here, are listed some of the best Android apps for web developers:

1. Magic Color Picker

If you are color crazy and want to add life to your web page, none matches the “Magic Color Picker”. With this app, you would choose countless shades through color- wheel. You can create your color schemes in various formats like YUV, HSV, RGB, HSL and hexadecimal. You can also choose your web palette, or sliders. One more good news, this app is absolutely free.

2. AndFTP

This is a JAVA – application that allows you to access the web through mobile. It is compatible with FTPS, FTP, SFTP. You can also download and upload files, you can also rename, create files & folders, delete. Navigation is very easy and user friendly, and yes it is also free of cost. With AndFTP you would be able to transfer files, you can also set up FTP servers by AndFTP.

3. kWS, Android web server

This app implements HTTP 1.0, it is the capacity of hosting most of the file types, and it functions like simple web server. It is a fabulous app for testing your web pages. It is light and fast enough to load your pages in no time, you can work efficiently on your local Wi-Fi connection with kWS Android web server.

4. View Web Source

With this app, you would be able to browse the source file. You have to feed URL, and you would be provided with the page’s source- code that you can copy on your device clipboard and use later whenever required.

5. Word Press for Android

This app will provide you platform to create new posts, view posts, edit content and manage them. Built in notifications helps you to keep updated.

6. Drupal Editor

Just like other CMS, this app is also used to create new posts, edit articles. In this app, the Blog API is to be enabled for the functioning of Drupal editor – app. In case you are running a Drupal site, then enabling becomes a secondary work.

7. Webmaster HTML Editor Lite

This awesome app does a vast job of editing and enables you to work with CSS, PHP and JavaScript, it also has syntax highlighting & code completion.

8. ConnectBot SSh Client

This app is full featured SSH client. It allows you to connect to the web server so that you can transfer files, make changes and can run commands on remote web-host directly from Android.

9. 920 Text Editor

It is the best code editor for Android. It has several eye catching features like multiple file tabs, supports web syntax like HTML, PHP, CSS and JavaScript, configurable color- coding, session handling.

10. VT View Source

This app is compatible with nearly all browsers and allows you to view HTML. When it is installed you have to share the URL page, VT will open all downloads and display source. You can select your choice of color theme also.

11. MYSQL Connect

This app allows you to connect remote MYSQL database when you are not having PC at your place, and you are in urgency.With a new cell phone in hand, consumers use their phones for apps and for a variety of other purposes. Old, outdated and extensively used phones are of hardly any use to them. Cell phones which are ultimately considered useless as they become outdated and over used become a source of pollution for the environment as they are not disposed properly. In such a situation, e-waste recycling comes to the rescue and prevents environment depletion. Many companies across the United States such as Pacebutler among others, deal with organized e-waste recycling services to end consumers, which serves a valuable purpose.

BlackBerry 10.1 OS update begins rolling out

BlackBerry 10.1 OS update seeding begins, and will be available for users worldwide very soon.

The Canadian smartphone company has started to roll out the first major update for their new range of smartphones, running on BB10. The seeding of BlackBerry 10.1 OS update is getting underway which should be of interest to the owners of the new BlackBerry Z10 and BlackBerry Q10 smartphones.

While BlackBerry has not released a detail changelog, we know from previous reports that the new BB10.1 update would bring improvements in PIN to PIN messaging, HDR stills functionality, an enhanced BlackBerry World store, new help demos and walkthroughs, APN editing, the ability to turn off alerts for particular apps, text highlight feature in green, and more. The 1015MB update will bring your device to version 10.1.0.238.

The BlackBerry 10.1 OS update has arrived for users in the Philippines, and is gradually rolling out, so it might not be available in every country immediately. The update is said to roll out stage by stage, so we can expect it to be available globally very soon.

Google+ Hangouts On Air now allows live rewind, instant YouTube recordings

Google has launched some new functionality to Hangouts that makes participating in a live On Air much easier and fun.

Google+ Hangouts On Air now allows live rewind, instant YouTube recordings

Google on Tuesday announced a major update for its Google+ social network, adding three new features to Hangouts On Air. Now users can have live broadcasts, broadcast rewinds and replay, as well as have access to superior quality videos on mobile devices.

“Have you ever missed the beginning of a live Hangout On Air and wanted to rewind? How about viewing and sharing your recording right after your broadcast, versus waiting for "processing…"?” says Google in a post.

The broadcast rewinding feature lets users see Hangout on Air from the beginning irrespective of when joined the conversation. Moreover, video plays as soon as the show begins if a user has a window opened with a Hangouts On Air (like Events or YouTube), without needing to refresh. Also, once user is no longer On Air, recording will be available on YouTube.

Google, however, warns these new features may take a longer set up.

“As part of these enhancements, it may take longer to set up your Hangout On Air. For example: the 'Start broadcasting' button may be grayed out for a bit, before it turns red. Nothing to worry about, this is just us getting everything in place before you go live,” adds Google.

Google Glass XE5 software update brings improved Google+ support and more

There are a precious few that have access to Google Glass and these select individuals will soon be getting the first update for the augmented reality heads-up glasses. The update called XE5 brings with it some bug fixes and a bunch of new features.

One of the features brought to Google Glass is a new rule for uploading data in the background. Apps will be able to upload data when they are connected to Wi-Fi and a power source. There is no information why Google has adopted this policy for the glasses.

A complete list of the features that will comes to Google Glass with the XE5 update is as follows:

•     Change to sync policy: require power + Wi-Fi for background uploads
•     Crash reporting
•     Incoming G+ notifications (direct shares, comments, +mentions), including ability to comment and +1
•     Incoming Hangout notifications
•     Transcription of queries & messages is now wicked-fast
•     Long-press to search from anywhere in the UI (no longer just from off)
•     International number dialing + SMS
•     Hop animation on disallowed swipes in the UI
•     New On-Head Detection calibration flow
•     Show device Serial Number on Device Info card
•     More reliable estimation of battery charge remaining
•     New recipient-list mosaic

To access the update, users will have to plug the Glass hardware into the charging port. Reports on the Internet suggest that the update will take some time to download and install. Google Glass is set to hit store shelves towards the end of 2013 for roughly $1,500 (Rs. 81,000 approx.)

Google will next week be holding its annual I/O event, which kicks off on May 15. Google is expected to unearth more details about Glass along with the next generation Nexus devices and the next iteration of the Android OS.

Google's Policy Violation Checker patent raises email privacy concerns

According to a post on HuffingtonPost, Internet giant Google has filed for a patent that would essentially spy on users' email and detect 'problematic/controversial phrases'. The new patent, for a tool called Policy Violation Checker, would be able to figure out all those things that you shouldn't be writing and is not in accordance with company policies and norms of the land.

This move is especially galling, after all the negative attention Google got when it revealed it was sifting mails for keywords to serve relevant ads in Gmail.

The feature allows Google not only to spot what are 'problematic/illegal' phrases but would give them leverage to report you to the right authorities. As the article in the HuffingtonPost reveals, 'The tool could not only inform a person that they’ve written something that violates protocol, it could also tell an individual why she’s run afoul of the rules, suggest alternate wording that would be less risky and, crucially, alert third parties to the violation'.

Apart from the fact that this patent blatantly violates privacy, the question arises as to who decides what is problematic phrasing. It is a matter of great concern that an individual be held accountable for being critical towards an institution or government in a private email. Even organizations could use this to control employees voice their opinions which means that your job could also be at stake.

Essentially, Google's patent, if it finds its way into Gmail, is quite a concern for privacy.

Facebook Messenger for iOS adds swipe to delete feature, stickers

Facebook has updated its Messenger for iOS platform with a slew of new features. The Messenger has now restored the popular delete-by-swiping feature, and has added stickers to make chatting more fun. The app, version 2.4, also brings in a number of bug fixes.

The stickers are quite reminiscent of emojis that are popular in texting. Facebook has featured various animated creations. To add a sticker, users need to simple tap the smiley in the text box, choose one and tap to insert into a conversation. The social networking site is also offering premium stickers which user can purchase from a basket in the bottom right of the app.

The new swipe to delete was earlier available on the platform that was later dropped by Facebook, which now says it's restored in view of popular demand. The swipe to delete works same as deleting messages within Apple's messaging app within iOS.

The updated Messenger for iOS is available for download via the Apple iTunes app store.

Supposed BlackBerry R10 pictures leak; specs suggest it running BB10.1 OS

The BlackBerry Z10 and Q10 were the first two phones to bring in the BB10 operating system into the ecosystem, for that bloody battle to stay alive. Now, Instagram comes to the rescue of those who wanted the new OS at an affordable price. We had become pretty much numb to people posting pictures of food on Instagram, but this surely takes the cake. The first leak comes on Instagram, where someone who had access to a red coloured R10 smartphone uploaded the picture and even posted the comment “Scheduled Q3, but it's a mid tier... Plastic and all.. Nice though”.

The second batch of pictures arrive when someone, in an attempt to better the person who leaked the red image, uploads the R10 pictures, this time in black colour. With these pictures, we have bit more information in terms of the specifications to expect. The R10 is believed to have a 3.1-inch display with a 720 x 720 pixel resolution, 2GB of RAM, 8GB built-in storage, 1800mAh battery, 5MP camera and will be running BlackBerry 10.1 OS.

To be honest, the red colour does look like it will stand out in a crowd. Both colour options have a fairly glossy finish, and the keyboard layout seems fairly different than what we are traditionally used to with BlackBerry phones – in terms of the keyboard layout and the key design.

The fact that the sources suggest that the R10 is running BlackBerry 10.1 OS version means that this phone is still some way away from an official launch, if at all, considering the 10.1 update has not been rolled out yet for the Z10 and the Q10 smartphones. Critically, the price of the R10 will need to be absolutely correct, because the affordable segment is where the volumes largely come from.

Viber now available for download on PCs and Macs, mobile version updated to 3.0 for support

Viber, the cross platform VOIP client, which broke into the scene mobile-first has now transcended to the PC ecosystem by introducing its client on Windows and Mac computers. Viber is very similar to Skype in letting you make voice calls, video calls and send messages in groups or otherwise. Only thing differentiating it from Skype was desktop support and now that part of the puzzle has been found. Viber desktop lets you do everything you do on your mobile phone and even lets you transfer calls from one device to another, which is pretty cool. Here is a promotional video announcing the desktop support -

Viber desktop is available for Windows PCs and Macs. They are available for download here(for Windows) and here(for Mac) respectively.

Like Whatsapp, Viber connects with your phone number on the phone, so, when you are using Viber on the desktop you will actually be using the phone number as the login. Here is the description provided on the Viber site for the features(windows version) -

Viber for Windows lets you send free messages and make free calls to other Viber users, on any device and network, in any country!

Viber syncs your contacts, messages and call history with your mobile device, so you can start the conversation on the Viber mobile application and continue from the comfort of your PC.

•         Best-quality HD voice calls
•         Video calls
•         Free text and photo messages
•         Group conversations
•         No registration, passwords or invitations required
•         Contacts and messages sync between your mobile and Windows
•         Transfer ongoing calls between devices

 Download Viber, enter your phone number, and start connecting with your friends.

The Mac version is identical of course, no changes there. Do note that it requires OS X 10.7 and up for compatibility. It is presumed that Viber for Windows works on Windows 7 and above. Additionally, Viber has announced the 3.0 update for all its mobile clients, which will roll out gradually and will add support for the desktop Viber cross compatibility.

Gmail for iOS updated, adds direct linking to YouTube, Chrome and Maps Apps

Google has rolled out an important update to its Gmail app for iOS. Now the app, version 2.2.7182, opens Google links directly in the corresponding Google app.

This means you can open YouTube, Google Maps, and web links in Google's YouTube, Maps, and Chrome apps if a user has those apps installed, instead of going to the mobile web versions in Safari. Google, however, allows users to turn off this feature via the in-app settings..

Moreover, users can signed in with multiple Gmail accounts in the app can sign out of one of them.

The Gmail app for iOS is available for download via the App Store. The 12.1MB download is compatible with iPhones, iPod touches, and iPads running iOS 5.0 or later.

Google's new feature is said to deepen its ecosystem on Apple's iOS. Following Gmail app launch 18-months ago, Google launched a standalone YouTube app that replaced the native YouTube app Apple had omitted for the launch of iOS 6.

Google had rolled out major update to its Gmail for iOS app in March this year. The update brought in swipe gesture navigation and time saving features. The swipe gesture allows you to swipe right and left to move between messages and conversations. This negates the need to have to individually close messages and return to the inbox before selecting another message.

Intel reveals Silvermont architecture for Atom; tablet SoCs due late 2013

Intel Corp. yesterday revealed a new “low-power high-performance” processor microarchitecture for its future Bay Trail tablet and Merrifield smartphone Atom SoCs. The new architecture, Silvermont, is the first revision to the original Bonnel architecture of the first Atom chips from 2008. Silvermont also heralds a new tick-tock cadence for Intel’s mobile processor lineup, with the company alternating a new architecture and smaller fabrication every year.

Silvermont is based on a 22nm process (last generation’s Saltwell was on a 32nm process), using Tri-Gate non-planar 3D transistors for the first time in the mobile space. The first tablet Bay Trail Atom SoCs using Silvermont CPUs will released later this year, while the first Merrifield SoCs will be released in early 2014.

The next revision, using the same architecture as Silvermont, will be Airmont, based on a 14nm process, with the first chips scheduled to be released in 2014. The next revision (name still not disclosed) will maintain the 14nm process, but shall introduce a new architecture.

According to Intel, the Silvermont microarchitecture delivers exceptional performance-per-watt efficiency, offering 3X the peak performance of current-generation Saltwell Atom chips, or the same performance using 5X less power.

Silvermont is 64-bit capable, though whether it will be enabled in the SKU will depend on the intended application. The new architecture uses out-of-order execution, something that ARM Cortex A15 chips and the newest Qualcomm chips are using as well, promising lower latency and much improved single-thread performance. Because of this, Hyper Threading has also been done away with, further improving power efficiency. The Silvermont CPU is modular, and can be used in up to 8-core configurations.

Silvermont processors are expected to be clocked at anywhere between 2 to 2.4GHz. Intel has also finally introduced independent core frequencies support, despite its previous stance on the issue, joining Qualcomm. This would let Intel offer the ability to run each core in a Silvermont module at its own independent frequency. Unlike Qualcomm’s implementation, the independent frequency planes in Silvermont are optional, useful for certain low-cost chips.

Relevantly, Intel has also introduced Burst Technology 2.0, promising more dynamic and responsive scaling, apart from support for single and multi-core designs. Power-sharing with the GPU is also possible, further enabling frequency and power scaling.

Intel has also chosen to do away with the FSB interface with Silvermont, using the in-die interconnect (IDI) tech seen in its Core processors. With a lower overhead, gains are seen in both single and multi-threaded performance. Finally, an updated system agent on the North Bridge enables reordering of memory requests to optimize performance quality.

As for graphics, so far only details about Bay Trail tablet SoCs are certain, which will offer Intel’s Gen 7 graphics first seen in the Ivy Bridge chipset. Overall, Intel's released benchmarks show a significant edge over the unnamed competition's yet-to-be released offerings, which should realistically include Qualcomm, Nvidia, Apple and ARM designs. Of course, we'll have to wait for actual performance comparisons between devices bearing these chipsets to correctly assess the gap.

The Silvermont microarchitecture will be offered in more than just tablet and mobile processors, with Intel announcing communications infrastructure product (Rangeley), microserver (Avoton), and automotive (unannounced) implementations. For an exhaustive analysis of the generational changes Silvermont brings, refer to the source.

Google launches Photo Sphere viewing widget

Google allows users to embed Photo Spheres on all websites or blogs, share them with the world and those outside Google+.

Among major highlights of Android 4.2 update was the new Photo Sphere feature, which allowed users to take photos in 360-degree panoramic mode that could be panned horizontally as well as vertically. The photos, however, could only be shared via Google+ or on a device running Android 4.2 and above. But, Google has now eased that restriction with the introduction of a Photo Sphere viewing widget that can be embedded in any website.

“We just launched a new Photo Sphere viewing widget that you can add to ANY website. Check out this example by +Colby Brown (http://goo.gl/BbEpS) and see instructions here: https://developers.google.com/panorama/web,” said Google in a blog post last week.

In addition to parameters such as imageurl, fullsize, croppedsize, offset, and displaysize, the widget also includes an autorotate option.

“However currently, there are already other applications for mobile devices that allow you to take amazing standard panoramas but the end results are always the same….a flat image that makes it somewhat difficult to really get a feel for what you are looking at,” says Colby Brown in his article titled Can Photo Spheres Change the Way We Experience The World?

“When looking at a PS, you can use your mouse (or finger on a mobile device) to rotate around the image, constantly changing your perspective. Want to look up at the sky as if you were there? No problem! Want to see what was behind the photographer? Easily done,” he further added.

Microsoft reportedly unveiling second-gen Surface tablet in June

Microsoft is holding a Build Developers Conference from June 26 to June 28. At the event the company is expected to showcase the second generation Surface tablets to developers. Sources have told DigiTimes that suppliers have shipped components for 1 to 1.5 million Intel-based units to Microsoft since the end of 2012.

The second-generation surface table will have a display between 7 and 9 inches. This seems fair since most of the successful tablets in the market such as the Google Nexus 7, iPad mini, Samsung Galaxy Tab 2, Kindle Fire and more boast of a display between 7 and 8-inches. No other specifications of the Surface 2 are known but we do hope the RT version has better built-in storage.

The DigiTimes report reads, “Microsoft retained most of its component suppliers from the first-generation models for the second-generation ones with Pegatron Technology staying as the devices' manufacturer. Chassis are supplied by Ju Teng, switching from China-based Chungnam Precision Casing; displays are supplied by Samsung Electronics and LG Display, glass Corning, batteries LG Chem, processors Intel and Nvidia, keyboards Chicony Electronics and Ko Ja (Cayman) and touch panels TPK and Youngfast, the sources noted. However, these component makers have all declined to comment about Surface shipments.”

Sales of the first generation Surface tablets have been quite disappointing for Microsoft. Microsoft only sold 1.5 million units of the first-generation Surface tablets of which one million were Surface RT tablets and 500,000 were the Surface Pro. This was half of what Microsoft expected to sell. Their expectations were at 3-4 million units. It looks like apart from making an awesome second-generation Surface tablet, the company will have to put in some serious efforts to market the device as well.

Google adds remote desktop feature to Google+ Hangouts

Google has rolled out an update to its Google+ social networking service, adding the remote desktop feature to Hangouts. Now users can allow others in their network to control their desktop through the Hangouts app.

Since users are part of a Hangout, they can still see each other and conduct voice chats while controlling other person's computer. This is supposed to make providing tech support much easier.

Hangouts' Remote Desktop is equipped with same technology on the Chrome Remote Desktop. To start with Hangouts Remote Desktop, users need to start a Hangout with their contact. After joining the Hangout, click the “View More Apps” button placed on the left panel of the screen. Click “Add Apps” and install the app.

Google denies reports of Google Now draining iPhone battery

It’s not even been a week that Google launched Google Now for iOSand reports have started making the round on the Internet that suggest that the service is draining the smartphone’s battery. Google was quick to respond to the reports, clarifying it isn’t Google Now that’s causing the battery to drain faster.

In a statement to CNET, Google says, “Reports that Google Now on iOS drains battery life are incorrect. We understand people's concern about seeing the Location Services icon stay on when they use Google Now. Many apps that keep the icon on actually do drain the phone's battery because they require very accurate location. (For example, some apps have to run your GPS all the time during navigation to keep you from missing your turn.) This update to the Google Search app is built very differently: it uses cell towers and Wi-Fi hot spots for much lower battery impact.

We extensively tested Google Now on iOS for months and didn't see reports of significant battery impact -- we would encourage you to try it in the Google Search app for a few days and we don't expect you to see significant impact on your battery. If you are seeing a problem, please do tell us (just tap feedback in the app settings). We take user feedback very seriously.”

Google Now has been available on Android devices natively since the launch of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. Simply put, Google Now is your one stop shop for information such as traffic details, nearby places, commuting information, weather details, news updates and more. Google Now on Android can be accessed by swiping up from anywhere on the display. For iOS however, you need to access the Google app, which houses Google Now features.

Google Now is available for free. Android users need to have Android 4.1 Jelly Bean or higher to access it and iOS users need iOS 5 or higher to avail its features.

#CNET

Angry Birds Friends starts rolling out to iOS and Android

Rovio has started rolling out its Angry Birds Friends to iOS and Android platforms. The social version of the popular Angry Birds franchise is available for free for users.

The weekly tournament, however, is slated to begin May 6, after that users can play with their friends on mobile or Facebook while the progress synced on both platforms.

"Download it today to get some practice in before it all begins. And be sure to invite your Facebook friends to take part in all the fun," Rovio said in a blog post.

Every Monday, users will get to play different tournament with new challenges. Users can also take help from power-up such as King Sling, Super Seeds and Birdquake, or get Wingman to boost on a level. Moreover, they can share their scores as well victors on Facebook and send out gifts to other competing players.

Players winning the tournament get a gold trophy, while the second and third players get silver and bronze trophies respectively.

In a related news, Rovio has updated its Angry Birds game for Windows Phone, adding 100 new levels. "The reason why we're re-releasing the game is that it will be technically easier for us to support in the future," Rovio said in a separate blog post.

The game is available for free until May 15 for Windows Phone 8 and Windows Phone 7.5.

Jelly Bean beats Ice Cream Sandwich in adoption, Gingerbread still dominates

Google has updated its Android distribution figures on its Android developer site, revealing its latest Jelly Bean version has gone past the predecessor Ice Cream Sandwich. Android v4.1 and v4.2 are now running on 28.4 per cent of global Android devices, while Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0.3 and 4.0.4) is on 27.5 per cent.

v2.3 Gingerbread, however, continues to be the top Android variant, as it accounts 38.5 percent of devices worldwide. The dominance of Gingerbread suggests the budget and older smartphones are still up and running.

About 0.1 per cent of Android users are still running Donut, Android 1.6. The same amount are sticking with the tablet-centric Honeycomb for now, too.

Jelly Bean has seen a consistent growth since its debut. Google's revamped Android distribution stats said last month Jelly Bean was on 25 percent of all Android devices while Ice Cream Sandwich was on 29.3 percent of devices.

Jelly Bean is set to maintain its growth in the near future, considering the availability of the Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One in more markets. The update is already available on Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 slates, as well as the Nexus 4 and other Galaxy Nexus phones.

Scientists developing 'bug-eye' camera that gives 180-degree view

Researchers around the world are working on a camera that has the ability to give users a 180-degree view. The design of the camera takes a cue from arthropods that have 180-degree vision. For this purpose, the device combines soft, rubbery optics with high performance silicon electronics and detectors.

“Full 180 degree fields of view with zero aberrations can only be accomplished with image sensors that adopt hemispherical layouts – much different than the planar CCD chips found in commercial cameras,” Rogers, a Swanlund Chair Professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign explained. “When implemented with large arrays of microlenses, each of which couples to an individual photodiode, this type of hemispherical design provides unmatched field of view and other powerful capabilities in imaging. Nature has developed and refined these concepts over the course of billions of years of evolution.” The researchers described their breakthrough camera in an article, “Digital Cameras With Designs Inspired By the Arthropod Eye,” published in the May 2, 2013 issue of Nature.

Getting the lens in its proper location requires a series of technically advanced techniques as well as materials. Once all the microlenses are in place, each of then clicks a picture and all the images clicked are stitched together to form the final 180 degrees image. Each of the microlinses is 1.5cm in diameter making them really small. It has taken researchers more than six year to develop this tech. The camera or the technology behind it still needs to be christened with a proper name.

The new digital cameras exploit large arrays of tiny focusing lenses and miniaturized detectors in hemispherical layouts, just like eyes found in arthropods.

From the looks of it this tech will never see the light of day for average everyday commercial use. Users who would like to get a 180 degrees image will have to rely on third party apps for their good old smartphone’s camera.

Instagram adds 'Photos of You' image tagging feature

Instagram has introduced a new feature called “Photos of You” that brings image tagging capabilities – a feature similar to Facebook's tagging system. The tagging feature allows you to tag your friends in pictures taken through the service.

“Photos are memories of the people, places and moments that mean the most to us. We have always sought to give you simple and expressive ways to bring the stories behind your photos to life. Your captions and hashtags capture the “what?” and your Photo Map answers the “where?” but until today we’ve never quite been able to answer the “who?,” says Instagram in a post.

Instagram, which was acquired by Facebook last year, says adding tags is as easy as adding hashtags. It further says users can tag people to only their photos, so they have control over the images they share. “And it doesn’t stop at people—you can add any account on Instagram, whether it’s your best friend, favorite coffee shop or even that adorable dog you follow,” adds the post.

Now there will a Photos of You section on your profile. If a friend has added you to a photo, you will receive a notification, and the picture will show in your Photos of You section. You can also customise settings to ensure nothing appears on your profile until you approve it.

There will now be a Photos of You section on your profile. When someone adds you to a photo, you’ll receive a notification and the photo will appear in your Photos of You. Want to make sure you like the photo first? No problem: you can easily adjust your settings so nothing appears on your profile until you approve it.

Instagram for iOS version 3.5 is now available for download in Apple’s App Store, and Instagram for Android version 3.5 on Google Play.

Facebook has 751 million monthly mobile active users

Facebook has continued to thrive on the mobile platform during the quarter, and now has nearly 751 million mobile monthly active users. The platform has seen a whopping 54 percent growth as compared to the same period last year.

The social networking giant reveals its revenue for the first quarter was $1.46 billion, up 38 percent from the same period last year, though down from $1.585 billion in the fourth quarter. Revenue from advertising was around $1.25 billion, making 85 percent of the total revenue. About 30 percent of the ad revenue came from the mobile ads, posting a 23 percent growth as compared to the last quarter.

During a call with analysts, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg revealed the company was seeing a growth with mobile app installs added to users' news feeds. About 3,800 developers used those ads to drive 25 million app downloads. Out of the top 100 apps on the iOS and Android app stores, 40 percent of them used Facebook's mobile app install ads.

Zuckerberg also commended Facebook Home as an “important milestone” for the company, though cautioned it's “still very early”. He added that the company aims to "push this out much more broadly and get this in the hands of a lot more people.”

Speaking about Instagram, which recent went past 100 million users, Zuckerberg said the service is "growing faster than Facebook did when it was this size."

"They're growing very quickly, and that's the right focus for them. They have this opportunity to capture and build up this huge community and that should be 100 percent of the focus right now,” he added.

Zuckerberg is "optimistic about the business opportunity" for Instagram," since brands are already embracing the app. But right now, Facebook is focusing on growing that user base while pondering ways to create a richer experience for brands.

Apple rolls out iOS 6.1.4 update for iPhone 5

Oh dear, no one in rumor-land got the sniff of this one. Landing as a surprise, Apple has rolled out the iOS 6.1.4 update, which tweaks the audio profiles and enhances audio from the handsfree speaker on the device. This update is specifically for the iPhone 5. The change log released by Apple simply states “Updated audio profile for speakerphone”, and the update itself is around 11.5MB in size. While the update size isn’t too big, we would still advice updating this over Wi-Fi. If the update isn’t showing up on your device just yet, have patience, because the updates are always sent out in batches.

However, once the update rolled out, the people of the rumor world do suggest that this update will bring in minor security updates directed at a particular phone model. However, Apple has not said anything regarding any security or performance tweaks with this update, so we would assume this is more of a case of the rumor people smarting at the moment.

This could be one of the last updates that iOS 6 may get, considering the iOS 7 is being tipped for a preview at WWDC this summer, and a release well before the end of the calendar year. Sir Jonny Ive has been in charge of the development of iOS 7 and it is believed that radical UI changes in terms of visual appearance are in the works, with the focus on simplicity getting prime importance. A recent report suggested that while the development is running behind schedule, Apple’s bosses are giving Sir Ive all the time he needs to polish the OS. One of the things being suggested is the ‘flat’ design and the doing away with the skeuomorphic interface.

Yahoo buys to-do list app Astrid

Yahoo has been vigorously working to expand its services across multiple platforms under new CEO Marissa Mayer. The latest move after Yahoo bought Summly is the acquisition of Astrid for an undisclosed amount.

Astrid is a to-do list and a personal assistant mobile app for Android and iOS, with roughly 4 million users. It allows users to collaborate on projects and sending reminders.

In a blog post, CEO and co-founder Jon Paris announced the company will be joining Yahoo's mobile team with a goal of "making the world's daily habits more inspiring and entertaining." Paris elaborated on the future of the app, saying that Astrid will continue working as before for the next 90 days, but will not accept any new premium subscriptions.

Yahoo will oversee refunds to eligible users who have paid for annual subscriptions. Users, however will be able to download any data they have input to the service.

This calender year Yahoo has acquired the likes of Stamped, OnTheAir,  Snip.It, Propeld (Alike), Jybe and Summly. Astrid being Yahoo's seventh acquisition this year gives us a taste of where Yahoo is coming from and where they are going.

Google glass myth

It’s a prevalent Myth that Google glass is independently connected to the Internet. However, Google glass has to be tethered with the phones to connect to Internet and thereby to unleash its potential. It works on the personal hot spot feature of the phone.

Initial Beta product has a restriction on the devices it can be tethered with (Android phone and a Glass companion app). However, there are confirmed rumors (If there is ever anything like that ;-))) that the glass will soon be device independent, and possibly even independent of Glass companion app (That’s how it should be). This will allow iPhone users to get turn-by-turn directions, which they can’t right now, when they are connected to iPhone over Blue tooth and Wi-Fi.

Malware phishing with fake Facebook security check page detected

A malware has been spotted that targets Facebook users in the name of 'security checks' and 'spam cleaning'.

After the “some of them they approve and some of them they don’t” comments by Google Chairman Eric Schmidt about a month back, Google’s updated Search app has landed on the Apple App Store. This app brings the Now feature to iOS devices. This is Google’s attempt at taking on Apple’s own assistant, SIRI, in its own backyard. The Now service is available with the latest Google Search app, and will be compatible with the iPhone and the iPad running iOS 5 or later.

This is the first time Google Now is available on a platform other than their own smartphone operating system, Android. The release details state, “Google Now is about giving you just the right information at just the right time. It can show you the day’s weather as you get dressed in the morning, or alert you that there’s heavy traffic between you and your butterfly-inducing date—so you’d better leave now! It can also share news updates on a story you’ve been following, remind you to leave for the airport so you can make your flight and much more. There’s no digging required: cards appear at the moment you need them most—and the more you use Google Now, the more you get out of it.”

This has been seen as a clear attempt by Google to wean users away from Apple’s SIRI assistant. And this surely rides on the success the company had when it effectively captured the iOS user base and had them shift to Google Maps after the Apple Maps disaster. However, this is pretty much the case of two sides of the coin. While it is all good and show-off-ish to take on Apple at their own game, there is a sentiment that current Android users might get a tad cheesed off. A huge number of Android smartphones out there are currently not compatible with the Google Now service, for some reason or the other. But, the same feature will be available on older iPhones as well, basically any device running iOS 5 or later.


We would like to hear from you if you are an Android user – which phone are you using and do you have Now on that? If you do, do you regularly use it? If you are an iPhone user, we would like to know if you have experienced Now on your device and whether it appeals enough to make you shift from SIRI. Also read, iOS 6's Siri vs. Jelly Bean's Google Now voice-recognition.

45 billion downloads at 800 per second: Apple App Store's latest milestones

Google's Play Store still leads in terms of total apps downloaded but Apple beats it with respect to revenue generated from app downloads.

Amidst all the bad news of falling profits and stagnant growth, it’s easy to forget the behemoth that Apple still is with regard to the modern smartphone ecosystem. Apple has revealed that over 45 billion apps have now been downloaded from its App Store so far at an astonishing rate of 800 app downloads per second. This comes just four months after Apple’s January announcement, that it had crossed the 40 billion app downloads mark.

Apple currently has 850,000 apps available for download on its App Store out of which 350,000 apps have been designed for the iPad. Apple also explained that it has paid over $9 billion (Rs. 48,800 crores approx.) to developers so far with about $1 billion (Rs. 5,400 crores approx.) being paid out every quarter. Apple also revealed that the official App Store’s reach has been extended to 155 countries, covering 90% of people using iOS devices.

In comparison, Google’s Play Store for Android apps crossed 25 billion downloads in September 2013. According to a report by Canalys, more Android apps are downloaded on a daily basis than iOS apps and Android apps have a 51% of share of the total mobile apps downloads from the four major app stores- the Play Store, the Apple App Store, the Windows Phone Store and BlackBerry World . However, the report also shows that the most revenue is generated from the Apple App Store with a 74% share.

Outsourcing of iPhone apps development

Is there a trend of outsourcing development? I have come across many cases in the near past where the app development has been outsourced to India

Nowadays, iPhone app development is an industry in its own right, with programmers and firms wanting to develop apps quickly and get them to market. Much of that development work is going to India. How to find an iPhone apps development firm? Google for such organizations in India who provide best services at affordable rates. Here are a few tips that you might find useful

• Your preferred developers should be the ones who have created similar (sounds and animation on touch, etc) applications to the one you are building
• Prepare a list of questions for interviewing developers.
• Dig deeper into milestones and priorities. Has the developer stuck to timelines in the past. is the developer resourced to focus on your work?
• Get the NDA and Non compete agreements in place. They will safeguard your idea and effort
• Ask for frequent builds  after the initial app framework is programmed

Happy developing!!