Microsoft to replace Nokia Store with Opera Mobile Store

After dropping the Nokia brand name from Lumia phones, Microsoft now plans to shut down Nokia Store for its non-Windows Phone devices — Series 40, Series 60, Symbian, Asha and Nokia X. The users of these phones will be redirected to Opera Mobile Store once the agreement gets through.

The migration is expected to be completed by June 2015, after which Nokia Store for feature phones (and select smartphones) will shut down.

While, Nokia Lumia smartphones feature the Windows Store for app downloads, other Nokia phones such as Asha and Nokia X feature Nokia Store for apps. These devices will be redirected to the Opera Mobile Store automatically.

According to the official statement, this means that the users will "have a new trusted source for tens of thousands of apps for their Nokia phone."

Once the Nokia Store for feature phones shuts down, Opera Mobile Store will become the third-largest app store globally in terms of downloads, claimed the company. Opera Mobile Store currently features 300,000 apps and games and supports over 7,500 devices.

Announcing the tie up with Opera, Microsoft vice president Rich Bernardo said, "We're delighted to partner with Opera Software and continue to provide a reliable app store experience for consumers and developers alike."

Lars Boilesen, CEO of Opera Software said, "When the current users of the Nokia Store are migrated to Opera Mobile Store, they will continue to get fresh, interesting apps for their Nokia phones. The Opera Mobile Store becomes an even more significant player in the app store market, and Nokia mobile phone users get a first-class app store for years to come."

This is the second partnership for both Opera and Microsoft. Earlier during the year, software giant announced that Opera mini browser will become the default browser on Nokia-branded phones, including Series 30+, Series 40, Asha and Nokia X handsets.




Source @TOI

Apple iPhone 7 to have DSLR-quality camera

It's been only three months since the launch of iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, but the next-generation model is already becoming the talk of the town.

According to a recent report, iPhone 7 (or maybe iPhone 6S) bring the biggest camera upgrade in the product line yet. Daring Fireball's John Gruber, who has a good track record when it comes to Apple leaks, has said in a podcast that the next-generation iPhone will have a two-lens system.

Gruber stated: "The specific thing I heard is that next year's (iPhone) camera might be the biggest camera jump ever. I don't even know what sense this makes, but I've heard that it's some kind of weird two-lens system where the back camera uses two lenses and it somehow takes it up into DSLR quality imagery."

The iPhone camera is widely considered among the best in the smartphone industry already, but DSLR quality images will take it leaps and bounds ahead of the rivals. While rivals like Sony, Samsung etc use 16-20MP cameras, iPhones are still stuck at 8MP resolution. With a major upgrade in image quality, the iPhone line may also see an increase in camera resolution.

HTC already uses a two-lens system in its One (M8) smartphone, which adds 3D effects to the photos it captures. However, Apple seems to be focussing on enhancing image quality than adding gimmicky effects to photos with its two-lens system.





Source @TOI

How to disable WhatsApp blue ticks for read messages

WhatsApp is letting users of its Android app
disable the feature that lets users know that their
messages have been read.

Recently, WhatsApp quietly introduced a new feature that lets users know that their messages have been read, with the double grey ticks appearing in front of the messages turning blue.

And now, just as quietly, the mobile messaging service is letting users of its Android app disable the feature with the rollout of WhatsApp version 2.11.444. This version is available for users on WhatsApp's website for now, and will eventually be rolled out to all users.

Here's how you can disable the blue coloured read receipts' with the message timestamp on WhatsApp's Android app:


1. Make sure that your smartphone is running on Android 2.1 or a newer version.

2. Go to settings menu and enable 'Download from Unknown Sources' in the Security tab

3. Go to the WhatsApp website and download the APK (application) file available under
    www.whatsapp.com/Android/

4. Once the APK file is downloaded to your device, tap the 'Install' option.

6. Now that WhatsApp has been updated, select Settings > Account > Privacy. Under the Privacy tab, uncheck the Read Receipts option.

This feature however doesn't apply to group messages and will let other participants know when you've read a message. Also, once you disable this feature, you won't be able to view blue double-check marks when you send a message as well. 


The feature that enabled the users to see when their messages were read didn't go down too well with the users and with this update, WhatsApp seems to be taking steps to please users who were not happy with the new feature.





Source +Times of India Technology 

Facebook's new privacy policy: 5 things to know

Facebook is once again trying to simplify its privacy policy, largely to address criticisms that it's too complex and lengthy for the average user.

Laid out with illustrations into short subsections, the new policy explains what types of information Facebook collects and how it uses the data. The new policy is 70% shorter than the old one.

Many of the changes are cosmetic, designed to make the policy easier to digest. Still, it helps to go through it to get an idea of all the things Facebook knows about you.

Users have until November 20 to comment on the proposed changes or ask questions. A finalized version will take effect soon after that.

Here are five things to remember about Facebook's data policies.

1. Location, location

Facebook only recently began allowing businesses to advertise to users based on their specific location. Previously, ads were targeted based on the "current city" listed on the profile.

Both the old policy and the new one note that the company can access your location information based on your smartphone's GPS information.The new policy points out that Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals can also reveal device locations.

Besides that, Facebook can also collect information from the photos you share on the site, including where they were taken.

2. Facebook 'tracking' extends to WhatsApp, Instagram

Facebook doesn't just track what you do on its site. It also collects information about your activities when you're off Facebook. For example, if you use Facebook to log in to outside websites and mobile apps, the company will receive data about those.

It also gets information about your activity on other businesses it owns, such as WhatsApp and Instagram, in accordance with those services' privacy policies

3. Cookies 'follow' you to Facebook

Unless you decline targeting, or opt out, companies whose websites you visit off Facebook can also show you ads on Facebook. For example, a website can use browser cookies to record who visited it. It can then ask Facebook to show ads to these visitors — both on and off Facebook.

4. All eyes on you

Everything is fair game. Facebook explains it best: "We collect the content and other information you provide when you use our Services, including when you sign up for an account, create or share, and message or communicate with others."

Plus, Facebook says it also collects information about how you use Facebook, "such as the types of content you view or engage with or the frequency and duration of your activities."

5. Shopping on Facebook

Facebook is testing a tool to let people buy things directly through its site. If you decide to do this, Facebook will collect information about your transaction, including your credit card number and billing and shipping address.

Source +Times of India Technology 

Samsung showcases Project Beyond 360-degree 3D camera

It uses stereoscopic interleaved capture and
3D-aware stitching technology to capture the scene
just like the human eye.

At its annual developer conference, electronics giant Samsung unveiled Project Beyond, a 360degree camera that can shoot in 3D. The company intends to offer omni-view 3D videos to users of its Gear VR device to offer a realistic virtual reality experience.

"With Project Beyond, the Gear VR will become a gateway to an ever-increasing pool of content that allows users to instantly teleport to places and events they always wanted to see. It frees the users of Gear VR from the limitations and rigours of physical travel, while providing a realistic experience that brings the nuances of an environment to the comfort of the living room," mentioned the company.

The company informs that it uses stereoscopic interleaved capture and 3D-aware stitching technology to capture the scene just like the human eye. The Beyond device can stream real time events, as well as store the data for future viewing

Samsung says the device it showcased is just the first operational version, and 'just a taste of what the final system it is working on will be capable of.'

According to Samsung, the content generated from Project Beyond will be available to all Gear VR users although the camera will not be available for sale immediately.

Besides Project Beyond, Samsung also showcased Flow, a platform that offers capabilities similar to Apple's Continuity. Users can seamlessly move between devices continuing or transferring tasks, and get notifications. The company also showcased the second iteration of its Sambaed health tracker with improved sensor capabilities and algorithm accuracy.






















Source +Times of India Technology 

Android One loses its mojo as Xiaomi, Moto rule

Early trends suggest that Indian consumers have
given a lukewarm reception to Google's
much-touted Android One devices amid intense
competition from the likes of Xiaomi and Motorola.

Early trends suggest that Indian consumers have given a lukewarm reception to Google's much-touted Android One devices amid intense competition from the likes of Xiaomi and Motorola, posing a tough challenge for the US company, which has made the standard the centrepiece of its emerging-market strategy for smartphones.

Import data for October showed Google's Android One partners — Micromax, Karbonn and Spice — together imported just over 2 lakh devices in the first full month of sales. This was less than the nearly 2.3 lakh handsets imported for the 15 days of September, data from market research firm Cybex Exim Solutions, available exclusively with ET, showed. The devices were launched in mid-September. IDC analyst Karan Thakkar and Counterpoint Research Analyst Tarun Pathak said initial sales have been hurt by intense competition as well as the fact that Android One devices were initially only available online, which still has limited penetration in India. The strategy was flawed, especially for a device targeted at a large segment of the population unlikely to have access to the internet.

"For the month of October, roughly 8 million smartphones were shipped into the country, of which Android One would be just about 2.5%," said an industry tracker, who did not want to be quoted.

A Google spokesperson, however, said the devices were seeing "very strong sales and consumer interest", particularly in tier II and tier III cities. IDC's Thakkar, too, expects Android One sales to pick up in November and December.

A person familiar with the matter said though Micromax's sales of its Android One device exceeded that of rivals, it managed to sell only about 1.2 lakh units till October end, as against a total of 2.50 lakh units imported. "They had anticipated huge demand for the device, and therefore had ordered a large stock." Micromax didn't respond to requests for comment.

Pardeep Jain, managing director of Karbonn Mobiles, said its Android One Sparkle V smartphone had performed below the company's expectations, adding that sales were also marred as suppli es were available for only 15 days in Octo ber. "Traction has started coming now and demand is improving," he said. Prashant Bindal, chief executive officer of Spice Mobility, said sales were hit t by supply issues. "We had faced an out of-stock situation during the month since there was no inventory coming s from China."

A person familiar with the matter said that Karbonn and Spice, unsure about the product's prospects, had shipped low quantities, which were eventually sold out once they started offline sales in addition to online. "The factories in China couldn't suddenly cater to their requirements for additional stocks, thus creating a supply gap."

The two companies started selling their devices offline to push sales earlier in October, after their initial strategy of an exclusive online launch failed to gather momentum. The drawback with selling through retail stores is that it increases the cost of handsets.

Micromax imported 1.32 lakh units of its Canvas A1 device in October com pared with 1.19 lakh in September. Karbonn brought in just 34,390 units of its Sparkle V handset in October, almost half the 67,440 units imported in September. Spice brought 34,390 units in October, compared with 43,100 units in September, according to Cybex Exim.

Android One devices are facing stiff competition from the likes of China's Xiaomi and Motorola — both of which are also selling only online — as some of these models offer the same or better specifications at lower or similar price points. "Vendors such as Motorola, Gionee and Lava are providing stiff competition," said Pathak of Counterpoint Research.

Experts added that these phones need to offer more features at lower price points, and that their unique qualities need to be more effectively communicated.

"The USP of Android One such as software updates and other Google services of the device were not publicised. That was another reason for the lukewarm response toward Android One devices," Pathak said, referring to the close integration of Maps, Google Now and other features.

Moreover, the inability of these devices to take pictures without adding an external card may have also hurt sales.

Success in India — among the world's fastest-growing and most price-sensitive markets — is critical for Google, which plans to take the low-cost Android One devices to markets such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka shortly. The US giant has tied up with new partners including Acer, Asus, HTC, Lenovo and Panasonic apart from India's Lava and Intex and chipmaker Qualcomm for the next set of handsets.



Source +Times of India Technology 

YouTube introduces a paid service called Music Key

YouTube also is unveiling a new tab devoted
exclusively to music on its mobile apps and
website. This option is meant to make it easier
for the video site's 1 billion users to find specific
songs and entire albums, even if they aren't
subscribers.

Google is remixing the music on its YouTube video site with the addition of ad-free subscription service ``Music Key'' and a new format designed to make it easier to find millions of songs that can still be played for free.

The subscription service is part of Google's effort to mine more revenue from YouTube as the video site approaches the 10th anniversary of its inception. Music Key has been speculated about for months while Google Inc. wrangled over the licensing terms with recording labels. The service, priced initially at $8 a month, is comparable in cost to other digital music subscription services sold by Spotify, Apple Inc's Beats and Google's own 18-month-old streaming service tied to its Android ``Play'' store. But Music Key subscribers will be able to stream through the Google Play service at no additional charge, too.

YouTube also is unveiling a new tab devoted exclusively to music on its mobile apps and website. This option is meant to make it easier for the video site's 1 billion users to find specific songs and entire albums, even if they aren't subscribers.

Most music subscription services own the rights to the same catalogues, making their ability to learn listeners' preference to create appealing playlists particularly important. Music Key, though, will offer the unique distinction of being able to show artists performing their songs too.

That difference could help lure listeners away from Spotify, which says it has about 50 million users, including 12.5 million subscribers, said Mark Mulligan, a longtime industry analyst with Midia Research. And YouTube's redesigned library of free music could do even more damage to Spotify and other services, such as video site Vevo, where people flock to check out songs at no cost. Expanding the audience that listens to free music would be profitable for Google because that would yield more opportunities to show ads _ the main way that the Mountain View, California, company makes its money anyway.

``A cynic might say that Google is only doing this subscription service on YouTube so it would get the rights to do what it always wanted to do with the free service,'' Mulligan said.

Google's main goal ``is to make the music experience better on YouTube,'' said Christophe Muller, who oversees the company's music partnerships.

Music Key initially will be offered on an invitation-only basis in the US, United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Ireland and Finland. The first batch of offers will be sent out next week to YouTube viewers with a history of watching a lot of music clips. Anyone interested in an invitation can request one at http://YouTube.com/MusicKey . After a free six-month trial period, Music Key will temporarily cost $8 per month before escalating to its standard price of $10 per month.

Besides removing all ads, Music Key also gives subscribers two other perks: the ability to continue playing songs while the screens of mobile devices are locked and the option to download tracks so they can be played without an Internet connection. The offline music can only be played in Music Key's mobile app.

Google Inc. bought YouTube for $1.76 billion in 2006, a price that some analysts questioned at the time of the deal because the service barely had any revenue and was drowning in copyright complaints about pirated clips of music videos, television shows and movies. After Google took over, YouTube set up a more stringent system for blocking pirated content to placate copyright owners. Recording labels now use the video site to help promote new songs and artists. The ads running within those music clips have generated more than $1 billion for the performers and recording labels, according to Google.

The world's three largest music labels —Universal, Sony and Warner — all have reached licensing deals with YouTube as part of the new subscription services. Hundreds of independent labels, including some that had been holding out for better terms, also are on board. Financial details haven't been disclosed.

YouTube is expected to sell $7.2 billion in advertising this year, based on estimates from the research firm eMarketer. Google has never disclosed how much revenue flows through YouTube. Music Key will be doing well if it attracts enough subscribers to generate $500 million in revenue after its first year in business, said Midia's Mulligan.





Source +Times of India Technology 

Windows 10 features that will make your PC safer

With Windows 10, it's clear Microsoft wants to
bolster security without opening up any new
holes.

Every new Microsoft operating system release is both a cause for celebration and a cause for serious consternation and concern among IT folks. New features tend to resolve persistent problems and make things a little easier for end-users. We already know the new Start menu is going to make workers more productive, and there will be a clearer divide between desktop and touch users (the OS will know which one you are using).

Thankfully, in terms of security, there's always a few new features to protect not only employees from would-be hackers but to protect the company from a data breach. Still, there's always a possibility that the new OS will provide new attack vectors, especially related to phishing and viruses, that are as yet unknown.

With Windows 10, it's clear Microsoft wants to bolster security without opening up any new holes. For the most part, after testing the preview build, it's clear most of the changes are related to usability and solving that Start menu issue for end-users. The tech giant is not trying to reinvent the wheel again with a dramatically new UI, which is good news for security pros.

Fewer weak points

Brenden Vaughan, a threat research manager at Webroot, says it's a big step in reducing security threats. "With the release of Windows 10, Microsoft is introducing a number of security improvements that should make the world of computing a significantly safer place. All things considered, the security improvements Microsoft is making for Windows 10 sound very promising. Much of it still relies on IT admins and end-users to use the tools at their disposal correctly, but Windows 10 should provide hackers fewer weaknesses to exploit."

In examining the features in the preview build for Windows 10 and the early Microsoft reports about features, the experts agree that the security upgrades look like a major win for those who worry about data breaches. Here are the top new enhancements to ward off hackers.