Some Social Media Apps for Android

Internet, sometimes back, used to be the chief source of information for the people in general. But with the change in technology and introduction of smart phones, it has become an integral part of people and especially the younger generation. Android and iPhone apps development has created history and social media has changed the way people used to think and behave online. People use social media for almost every purpose.

List Of Social Media Apps

Here is a list of some of the best social media apps for Android, so you can always be connected.

Friendcaster for FaceBook:

Friendcaster for Facebook lets you enjoy all the features of Facebook on your Android device. You can update your status, upload a photo, send a message, can receive real-time notifications, full news feed, and write comments on status updates, view pictures, like them and do lot more things. The best part is that it even supports multiple accounts.

 

WordPress:

Create your own space with WordPress on the web. Express your views loud and out and talk about anything and everything! WordPress is a website that allows you to set up your personal blog. Express your experiences, upload images, opine of political or social issues and do all sorts of things; WordPress is your very own, personal place! The advantage is that you can do all from the comfort of your handheld Android device. This WordPress app for Android gives you all the freedom to create new posts, check over the content, and control comments from anywhere in the world. 

 

Instagram:

Life is full of surprises and you may wish to catch all those surprising moments into a celluloid frame! Instagram lets you catch those moments that you want to cherish for the years to come. Whatever you see, capture the moment with Instagram to share it later with friends and relatives. This amazing Android app has a variety of filter effects to edit each frame as per your choice. Edit the images and upload them to your favorite social media sites.

Foursquare:

Foursquare is an awesome Android app that gives you real-time statistics of your friends’ behavior and lets you see what your friends are doing, where and at what time. And your friends will also be able to see what you have been up to. You can collaborate with your friends and work out places to be visited with family. So, explore the world with Foursquare.

Android apps development has given the world great Android apps for various social media sites by brilliant apps and research ideas. Not only that, there are millions of other apps for almost every purpose people have been using. Get an Android app of your choice and enjoy sharing with your friends online!

About the Guest Author:
Kristinakathy is a techno-savvy writer of repute. She has been observing the Android application development market for the last 5 years. She has penned many articles upon Android and its various aspects. Her articles are insightful and give a different angle to the readers. Read more blogs

Guest Post:BBM Spy is reporting Major Carriers' Support for BlackBerry

It seems that BlackBerry has been struggling for some time now. Tough competition from other platforms has left the device limited to the subscribed users who have been dragging it out over the past few years for a number of reasons. These include large companies who use the devices for employees and those who trust the platform for its safety (BBM spy software is hardly a problem). But despite that it seems that the time has arrived for action on the part of RIM, the only alternative being watching their sales decline and dedicated users throw in their white flags.

The action that they have decided on is the release of the BlackBerry 10 OS range of handsets and devices all set to be hailed within 2013. The exact time of release or how much they will cost the consumer is not known at the moment but all of this info is set to be public knowledge by the end of January, which RIM has already announced at the CES conference, will be when the devices are debuted.

In the current modern day scenario, a good platform means a lot of consumers and a lot of mobile manufacturer support. This is obviously why all manufacturers are usually willing to run Android OS and nowadays we even see manufacturers going for Windows 8. However Apple and BlackBerry have been fruitful in running their own patented devices only. So asides from having manufacturer support, carrier support is also a must. And so on the carrier front, we see RIM bridling with confidence and claiming that they already have 15o carriers testing out the new OS worldwide. It doesn't hurt that BBM spy software fail virtually everytime because of the top notch security that Blackberry provides.

Amongst these, the most attention grabbing is definitely the US carriers; Verizon, AT&T and T- Mobile. The obvious conclusion to be drawn from this is that there is real confidence in the new BlackBerry platforms capabilities. Each of the three carriers have released statements making it clear that they are excited about the device. What it truly points to is that no carrier wants to risk losing potential customers because they don’t support the RIM devices. And the bulk of customers looking towards the devices are businesses and enterprises, assuring the carriers of a large number of subscribers to come. Other than that UK carriers have also extended support for Blackberry. EE is amongst these carriers which is UK’s first 4G LTE network. So BlackBerry is definitely maneuvering out its devices into mainstream carriers, hoping this will bring the has- been back into the glory days.

This is good news for RIM because other than just maintaining their own existing customers (numbering at around 79 million), they will stand a chance at getting the customers they lost to iOS. So the main aim seems to be to somehow project the BlackBerry devices as ultimate business phones which all enterprises should embrace. Here the significant factors have been the back-end management systems provided by the iOS devices which caused them to be preferred over BlackBerry. However, carriers supporting the sets definitely highlights chances of a comeback.

Jessica

About the Guest Author:
has been a regular contributor as a Cell Spy expert for some time now. Her work on blackberry messenger spy app has received great appreciation from readers who turn to her keep themselves updated with the latest news regarding mobile apps. You can read more about mobistealth here.

War of Browser – the extinction

It has been a while we have not reviewed the various browsers, we have been experiencing so many wars, world war I followed by world war II, but those wars have gone by and it is a peaceful place to live by, think over what I just said, is it really peaceful or are there more wars going on, I mean war related to the developed technology, war related to internet, or might be war related to browser.

Let us take one war at this time and see of technology is fighting for it or not, yes we would be talking about war of different browsers available for surfing the internet, we would be talking about the rise of browser and some review of browser, so what are you waiting for, read them below and see if you are using the most powerful browser yet or not.

Let us do something before we review some of the browsers, what we will do is first number them as per rated by users (via sources), then we will review them of why are they rated such, don’t you think a much easier way to see who is the pawn and who is the queen in this war?

1. Fire Fox – Well, we all have heard about this one, rather we all have used this one as well, the most loved browser of all time since its release. The best plugins are available, the best storing of history and download options available, not only for windows users but also for mac, iPhone and android users as well. Top of the list is Firefox by Mozilla Corporation, which is an open source browser always ready to get updated with more creativity.

2. Google Chrome – I think we all know this one as well, owned by non-other than the G group, yes I mean the Google group. The most rated and used browser, and since it is made by Google developers hence they have made sure that it gives you the facility to log into your Google account and use all your Google group related stuff in one place, like you tube, Google play and of course Gmail.

Another exciting feature is the chrome market, from where you can download lot of games like angry birds and grand theft auto, as well as lot of other add-on and plugins.

One added advantage of this browser over other browsers available is that if you open up a website in a different language then it would automatically detect the language and give you the option to translate the same.

3. Internet Explorer – Ok, one of the oldest browsers in the pipeline, I think when I had learned how to browse and surf the internet; this was one of the browser available by Microsoft. Thou as of that after much up gradation it holds the rank and is used by not so many users but still gives you lot of features pre-built which is compatible with other Microsoft related products, similar to chrome which has for Google related products.

One advantage of this browser over others is the SSL function encrypted for which it is highly used when opening https websites or government websites. The security features, privacy protection and an option to open websites which were made in compliance to the older versions of browsers are awesome.

4. Opera – Yet another browser, but gained its popularity because of the high usage of internet over mobile phones, in fact it comes pre-loaded with most of the high end android, apple and windows phone, the best feature of this browser is that it allows you to have a high speed browsing session even when your internet speed is slow.

5. Safari – Hoe can you think that after Microsoft and Google, apple would have sat back and not come out with its own browser and for the same reason apple came out with its own browser safari, pre-loaded in all mac and now in iPhones as well. Thou it is also compatible with windows but is more used by users who hate pop-ups because the best feature of this browser is to block pop-ups and automatic form filling option is great.

6. Rockmelt – Have you guys heard of this one, well this one is in the top list as well because of features like quick and more accurate search result that it shows up and has Facebook integrated, with lot of application supported.

7. Avant Browser – Here is one more browser that I have used personally, why I love this one to be on the top of the list, only reason is its tabbed browsing feature and the zoom in out feature, were one can zoom in or out 500 percent of a regular view.

8. Maxthon – This browser is more popular in china and between Chinese than others not because it is a china based browser and gives more accurate search results for china related topics but for the reason that it has a customisable interface and the feature to open any website by just a drag drop of the url, the only problem I find with this browser is its speed and vulnerability towards security.

9. Phaseout – The only reason this browser is popular is because of its multi search engine function which can be performed at one point of time, which means the next time you search for something using this browser then you get the results as of Google, Bing, yahoo and other major search engines as well at the same time.

10. Seamonkey – Yet another production of Mozilla, this browser is not only a browser but more, yes it has a chat client, email client and newsgroup client integrated all together in one.

11. Flock Browser – If you are a socialite guy or girl. Well, what I mean is if you are a regular facebook or twitter user then this is the best browser for you as it has the features included in it.

12. DeepNet Explorer – Down in the list but yet been able to restrain its position in the top few because of the only or lets read this as first ever browser to have RSS feed news reader and P2P client amalgamation.

Conclusion

 So, now when you already know of which is the browser made for you, why are you waiting for and waiting for what. Go grab hold of the browser, download it and use it for a life changing experience.

Top-apps-for-iPhone-by-TDW

Handheld and mobile devices have gone constant transformation with inclusion of touchscreens in place of buttons. They get more sleek and stylish and come loaded with features that were only thought of in science fiction movies or books. And how could one forget the contribution of Apple in this regard as they produced one of the revolutionary devices with its product called iPhone. But what matters most in a classy and advanced smartphone is how it looks from inside too and what are the applications that it possess that sets it apart from its counterparts. So, even an iPhone user could be looked down upon, if he doesn’t keeps himself updated with the latest and most sought after applications. So it would be better if we too follow the trend and take a look at the most used and downloaded applications by an iPhone user.

 

Instagram

One of top downloaded application it is a photo-sharing and social networking application. It comes with nifty filters that enhance the total experience. Awarded one of the best application it does capture one’s imagination with the tags and comments and followers of the image that is posted. The most interesting feature that this application has is the confining the images in a square shaped frame instead of using the 4:3 aspect ratio that is boasted by the mobile cameras. It has won many accolades and awards including ‘best locally made application’. It helps to find other users on instagram by suing hash-tags and currently is the most sought after application by the youths. The popularity it gained was so much that even Facebook offered to buy them at a huge price.

Facebook

 

As much the social media website itself the Facebook application is also in the limelight as users always reach out to other users socially through this site. But the heavy pages of the website could be a hindrance for faster navigation so Facebook comes up with its own lighter version with this application. Along with clear icons for friends, notifications and other major events which can be access singularly at a time keeps the application interesting and easily manageable. This application is the perfect complement to the Facebook users who constantly keeps in social touch even on the go and tells the world what we are up to with photos and videos to get our circle entertained.

Google Maps

After the Apple maps debacle Google maps returned to IPhone users to bring much relief to them. The constant travelling and the need navigate through unknown terrains was never so much helpful with the use of this application. The Google support produces the exact details of all the localities and even helps us to find the restaurants, pubs, bars, pharmacy and other such places of importance in proximity of our location. There is also provision for finding directions with clear description of routes if one has to travel to a new place of which he has no idea how to reach. With the failure of Apple maps this application has way to go for getting the top spot in the world of mobile navigation and GPS facilities. Flashlight- Suppose we are having a social evening at our room and suddenly all goes dark as the power fails. We have no idea where the candles are but that doesn’t means we will be in the dark. It is here where the flashlight application comes in handy. The strong LED light can be used as a torch and is a must have for every iPhone. Also it helps in taking really clear and good photos even in the dark thus act as a cool application for all the people who love to capture special moments of their lives.

Pinterest

This social tagging site creates quite a buzz as an application. The site as boast its features it got high appreciation to all those who are closely attached to the art and design sector. The popular photo tagging and sharing application has all the features of the website version but the experience it creates in a smaller screen of phone compared to computer monitor is quite something. Available from the apple stores for free, it is easier to use and the pin it options are more fun and with a better and concise menu the experience is rather comforting. And we can give a smile a just say Pinned it!

Twitter

Having a twitter account is not enough if we cannot post tweets about what we are up to. Thus steps in the Twitter application for the iPhone. It is smaller, easier to handle and works in the same way as the website but the clear demarcation of the various activity areas is helpful to manage our account. Also following others is easier as the screen takes up the place for all the posting it has got. The use of Hash-tags and sharing of ideas and photos are easier as we can include the contacts and data in the phone itself. So the world never loses the sight of us and we can keep tweeting at will.

Temple Run

 

It is not new to many of us to get bored while waiting for someone or something. But having Temple Run with us can be quite helpful in these times. The game which has every ounce of fun and simplicity never bores its player. It starts with a tomb raider being chased by the temple spirits and our only aim is to save him. The 3D view with the game’s camera positioned behind and above him, the games looks quite inviting. We have just to swipe up to jump or swipe down to slide and left and right swipe makes him run through the narrow lanes collecting coins. The more someone plays, the faster the raider runs and the numbers of obstacles increase and we literally have to be on the alert and on edge of the seat to get him alive. It is just the perfect time wasters that get every gamer to have a long shot at this frenzied game.

Flipboard

How do we feel if we have some shiny new magazine in our hands that shows exactly what we want and in an interactive manner? And with touchscreen phone it becomes a whole new era of flipping through pages. Flipboard is an application for the iPhone users that performs exactly this task. It creates a scrapbook where we can draw links from the social networks and stick it on this application. This was basically an iPad application which gets its phone mode adaptation because of the ease of use. It creates an obvious necessity for reading through the favorite content in our free time. It is blazingly fast and if we tap on any one story or link it appears enlarges itself presenting the full content to us. It really creates a new bench mark for the company’s flagship smartphones and makes it as a must have application.

DRAW me

Got an aptitude for drawing but keep forgetting your papers and paints? Or is it too heavy to carry? Stop worrying about all these petty things that can hamper stint at painting or drawing. IPhone brings us one of the most innovative drawing applications called DRAW me. It comes at tough navigation with lots of support for lines or shapes, colors design and clip art. It can even help us to edit any one of the photos taken through the camera and make it to our liking. We can also use it to create paintings of our own without worrying about pens or paper, even on the go. For all those worried mother who have kids just started their painting stint and makes themselves and all the places dirty it comes with alphabet support and also help one’s kid to be kept clean. For all those who love colors in their life this is one application that can take breathe away for those who use it.

Today mobile phones have are adapting such technologies that can help its user to remain engrossed in whatever they like most, be it flipping through a magazine, or painting or drawing or share their whereabouts. And mobile phones are developed for exactly what it supposes to do by connecting people all over the world. Thus these applications are something that helps in keeping touch and remain connected to others in the way to our liking. And they are also helping us to pursue our hobbies in the leisure times of the day no matter where we are. So let us enjoy pinning or drawing something, and be available to all the people that matters by sharing a bit of our life through the social media even while we are navigating our way through the remotest part of the world.

How-Google-map-control-over-apple-map-(best-navigation-apple-store-got)

The modern age brought the technology on the fingertips of everyone irrespective of age, gender or race. And with the arrival of smartphones along with its cutting edge features, information sharing was never better as it is now. And the most sought out application in any such device is the navigation system or maps. They are quite handy specially while travelling to a lesser known place as we punch in the names or co-ordinates of certain place and it not only shows where the place is but even show a travelling plan along with distance and the shortest available route. The availability of this GPS feature has been of assistance to many globe-trotters to a simple man visiting a friend’s house. But sometimes the listing of various locations could be faulty too, Let us imagine a condition where we get out going to a new city and finding ourselves stranded somewhere that I completely opposite to the place we were heading to. Sometimes a faulty application produce unreliable results and we should avert it at any cost. And inclusion of Apple’s map in its product created a series of such confusion which made it revert back to the Google maps. Let us find out why. 

In September, Apple software developed a map application called Apple maps and there was an uproar. It replaced the Google maps to be the only navigation system for Apple phones. As these applications are a must have for every smartphone users they were downloaded by many only get there directions wrong. It lacked the right directions or locations and was deemed inferior immediately by the users. The thing got worse when Australian police issued an advisory note against use of Apple maps when a driver travelling to city got himself driven to a desert where he was stranded without food and water for one full day. Finally it reverted back to the original Google maps for iOS in December with Apple CEO Tim Cook issuing an apology stating that the application fell short of commitment of providing a richer experience when it comes to navigation.

(source:betanews.com)

But the question is why at the first instance it tried to replace Google maps with its indigenous product when it was one of the most popular applications for Apple users. It was rumored that Apple came into a disagreement with Google with the inclusion of a key feature that is ‘Voice-guided-turn-by-turn driving directions. While this was a feature developed by Google for its Android mobile OS a few years back and comes free. Apple sought after it but the Google-Apple deal does not state that Google have to bring this feature necessarily to Apple users. So the feature enables Google users to just speak to get a direction instead of looking at the screen and use inputs every time. And tying up with Google map got Apple in such a position that though the application is used in iPhones but it was as if Google was pulling strings which is a clear disadvantage for the former. Also Google was not happy with only providing the back-end data and wanted more control including in-apps advertising which was declined by Apple as it felt that it would reveal too much user data and information to the data giants. More over the former wanted to include Google latitude which was another feature that enhances the navigation experience but Apple declined that too. These reasons acted as bone of contention as the two companies were already dealing with differences on other issues.

While the war was going on Apple tried to develop its own version of maps by acquiring various mapping companies, but was force to speed up their work with the problems with Google intensifying. But the product rolled out was faulty and they had no other way out of it so the inclusion of the Google mapping in its new operating system iOS 6 was quite inevitable. But the fact is that Apple is not the only company that got its ego bruised and Google was affected a lot too. Google maps are used by most of the iPhone users and exclusion of their application means a loss of a huge fan base.

Though there is a cold war still going on between these two companies, they declined to comment on the reasons for all this mayhem and officially kept silent. Though, Google tried to provide a patchwork for their bruised ego by stating that they try to provide navigation support to all those who wants it, irrespective of operating system, device or browser.

Microsoft-office-2013-InDepth-Review

At the moment there is a preview of the new Microsoft Office 2013 available for customers. The official version of Microsoft Office 2013 is still to be released in late 2012 and you should know that the Office is actually Microsoft's second reason for success besides their operative systems. And in the OS department, Microsoft's concerns and attention are diverted towards the launch of Windows 8 which is soon to be released. After the release of Microsoft Office 2010 it's now time for Office 2013 to take over and rule the market. Here are some of the new features which will help you decide whether you should use 2013 as your primary office version or still continue using the current ones.

What makes this version so special?

The reason why the 2013 version of Office is special is because first of all, Microsoft is well capable of following the same keys of success that Apple and Google are right now. When Google and Apple started using the cloud storage service and providing it to customers, Microsoft decided to keep up and implement it within Office 2013.

Right now you'll be able to save all your work documents including Word, PowerPoint presentations and Excel spreadsheets online ad then you can access them from anywhere you want as long as there’s an internet connection.

New Features within MS Word 2013

Among the software that is being offered in the Office Suit, Word is the most commonly used and spread. People have been in love with this piece of software ever since its initial release and just about every document you see out there is edited and formatted using it. Here are some of the things making the new version special:

1. Full Screen Mode:

Were there times when you'd be disturbed by a certain task bar or notifications in attempts to read a document? You won't have to worry about that anymore using the new version of Word 2013.

2. Cloud Services:

As long as you decide to save your documents using this feature, you'll be able to access them anywhere you have an internet connection which is helpful especially when you don't feel like carrying around a USB or CD to transfer data.

3. PDF File Editing:

In the past you'd have to buy certain pdf editors or use slow online services, but right now you can edit PDF files directly using Office 2013.

4. Video Feature:

You probably never saw this coming, but right now you'll also be able to embed videos within your word documents. It's a fun way to make your documents a lot more informative and attractive by embedding existent videos.

5. UI:

Due to the fact that Microsoft wanted to make it a lot easier for use, the user interface on Office 2013 is pretty much the same as the previous version.

6. New Read Mode:

This is a new feature you might have been familiar with given that you've used PowerPoint in the past. You can just read any document in read mode, and it won't show any of the features - just the reading options focusing all your attention towards actual content.

New Features In Excel 2013

Microsoft Excel has always been known as the best spreadsheet software. It's already in use throughout thousands of schools and industries in need of spreadsheets to process data. You can easily use all your data to make graphs representing it. Also the excel formulas are used to make our lives easier and faster. Let's see what's new in Excel 2013.

1. The Quick Analytics Lens:

This is the feature responsible for enhancing the overall look of graphics and making it a lot easier to follow and read.

2. Auto-Completion:

Just like the famous Google search bar, Excel 2013 also has the feature for auto-completion. It'll guess the word that you're trying to type and then try to automatically complete it. This results in a lot less typing and it really is a time saving feature.

3. New Online Features:

The thing that sets Excel 2013 apart from other Office apps is its mail merge facility which makes it easier for you to mail out your spreadsheets. You can also save them and present using the Sky drive.

4. New Features:

The new version of Excel also comes with Graph's and enhancement features in terms of tables. There are more advanced tools available revolutionizing data representation.

PowerPoint 2013 New Features

I've personally been a fan of this software for years, and making presentations is easily done by using this software. There are very few changes made to PowerPoint 2013, so let's see what they are.

1. Transitions Between Slide Shows:

There are now additional transitions added in order to enhance the response of your presentations by making them more presentable.

2. Read Mode:

Just like the new feature in Word, you can use read mode to avoid editing by mistake while you're trying to make a presentation.

3. Additional Features:

You can save and then share your presentations by taking advantage of online cloud services and adding images and videos has never been easier. There is also a widescreen feature added to make your presentations more attractive and you can also retrieve the same.

New Features in Outlook 2013

Outlook has been recognized as one of the most widely used email clients nowadays. Even though there are plenty of complains about the hard to understand interface of Outlook, Microsoft has went on to fix that as well. Here are some of the new features that it includes...

1. Brand New Interface:

The new interface of Microsoft Outlook is exactly the opposite of what it used to be - Easy to understand and configure. It's a really user friendly interface.

2. Calendars:

This time Microsoft really took Calendar features seriously and the calendar feature is noticeably improved.

3. Synchronization:

Synchronization is again made easy. You'll be able to synchronize the client by using Hotmail, Gmail, Google App account and others.

These are the new features that are being offered within the new Microsoft Office 2013.

Windows-8-vs Windows 7: Top 10 Features That Will Be Gone

With the emergence of cutting-edge User Interface for desktop PCs, and handheld devices every developer is looking for something that would make their product standalone in the market. So along with the endless streaming of news about Operation Systems like Android, or iOS the consumers are getting on a really fast track when it comes to technology. So to be at par with the modern looks and facilities the Windows 8 has been launched to amaze and inspire the modern generation. It comes loaded with many different and new features that were sure to keep many of us glued to our computer. The main customers for this latest version have been identified as the users who have Desktops, laptops, tablets and home theatre PCs. 

 

Windows 8 have been improved drastically as an operating system from its predecessor Windows 7. It provides us with fast and secure booting, malware filtering, and use of digitally signed operating system, built in antivirus protection and other significant visual and performance improvements. But for some of the vintage windows users it may not be a pleasing experience as they will miss some of the trademark features of the “Windows” as they are being discarded for a few reasons. So let’s look at what are the features that have been removed to the disappointment of many.

NO START BUTTON- The very beginning of using a computer for almost all of us is by clicking on the start button, which has been replaced by a hot bottom left corner of the screen which reveals the hidden start button

NO START MENU – Another main component that has been missing is the Start Menu which has been kept aside to make place for the dynamic start screen. There is no static desktop icon too. The start screen is accessible through the hotspot which arrives when the windows key is pressed or in the charms bar.

The visually stunning Aero Glass of the windows 7 is another thing that we may miss in the newer edition. The place has been taken by Metro-style theme.

Though less used the Linux or mac like Flip 3d is absent too. The stylish feature that was accessible when we pressed Windows key + tab button has been replaced by the new style where one has to move the mouse pointer up from the bottom left corner or down from the left top corner. This feature though could be used for switching the desktop only and not the desktop items.

Windows desktop gadgets are also no more available where a user could get a glimpse of their favorite widgets like the weather report or a clock or the current currency rates. These are already available fortunately in the start screen itself.

The most notable feature that is no longer available is the removal of DVD playback support. According to Microsoft it could not acquire the necessary decoder due to the prevalence of online streaming and high cost of the licensing for the decoders for the windows media player. Fortunately, the DVD playback would be still supported by the 3rd party software.

Along with the withdrawal of the DVD support, Windows has also curtailed the use of the Windows Media Centre. Since the usage of this software is not that widespread, so they have removed it from the installation package. Instead the manufacturers have put it in the list of premium application and can be availed at some cost from the Microsoft.

There is also no place reserved for viewing the recent document the user has used. So if we have to look for a file we better know its position or go for the search option.

Every time we booted up our computer there was some or the other balloon notification that pops up in the right corner till now to get our computer up to date. The users of the latest version would not have to get bothered by that as the update notification would be shown during the booting of the computer. So many will miss the update notification while casually surfing through the system.

The user who is to back up their data and use it for restoration have to look to some other way to restore their computer to an earlier state as Windows 8 has removed the feature. Instead they will be provided with file based history so if their file gets deleted they may be able to recover it.

The successor of the Windows 7 is just out and it will take some time to reach a wider market. With new features it has already created a buzz but how much marketing boon will it be Microsoft only the future will tell? Till then we can just try to explorer the new interface.

10 features Ubuntu 12.04 that will Rock

BY Jack Wallen

Ubuntu 12.04 is almost here (April 26, 2012). Canonical has some serious plans for its flagship platform, and Precise Pangolin has both some big changes and some minor changes that will make a huge difference in how people feel about Unity and the Linux desktop in general. Although some of the major changes won’t be immediately apparent, some of the minor ones will be quickly evident and worth examining.

Let’s take a look at 10 of the features and changes I believe will make a big impact on the way users view Ubuntu.

1: HUD

The Head-Up Display, to me, is a big one simply because it integrates application menus into the desktop UI. With an application open, hit the Alt key to bring up the HUD. When the HUD is open, you can search your application menus based on keywords. For example, if you have LibreOffice open, you can open the HUD, do a search for Format, and all menu entries relating to Format will appear in a list for you to select from. This means no more bouncing back and forth from keyboard to mouse to poke through application menus.

2: New privacy tool

Because the new iteration of Unity records all your recent history, the addition of a privacy tool was necessary. With this tool you can determine exactly what Unity records and what it doesn’t. You can turn recording off to completely disable the feature or you can specify what files and applications it can record.

3: Launchbar

A few nice touches to the Launchbar make a difference. The first is that the Launchbar can now be set to auto-hide. When enabled, this gives Unity a bit more of a GNOME 3 look and feel. Another addition is the ability to resize icons. No more dealing with the oversize icons that make the Launchbar look like a child’s toy. And finally, the Launchbar is no longer set with the dodge window behavior. This caused a lot of issues when interacting with certain applications. The default behavior now is always on top.

4: Change to Unity Dash

The Unity Dash’s default home screen has changed the order in which things appear. This is not a huge change, but it will go a long way toward making Unity more efficient. Now, the Dash shows Recent Apps first, Recent Files next, and finally, Recent Downloads.

5: Quicklists

Although Quicklists aren’t new, additional lists will be available. What is a Quicklist? Simple. Quicklists allow you to right-click an icon in the Launcher and select from options. For example, in the Google Chrome Quicklist, you can right-click the icon and immediately open an incognito instance of Chrome. The new Quicklists for Unity are the Dash Quicklist and the Home Folder Quicklist. The Dash Quicklist includes Dash Home, Applications, Files and Folders, Music, and Videos. The Home Folder Quicklist includes Documents, Downloads, Music, Video, Open In New Window, Home Folder, and Unlock From Launcher.

6: Video Lens

Unity Lenses enable you to easily organize items in the Unity Dash. If you open the Video Lens, you can select and play videos from a variety of sources, such as those from your local collection, YouTube movies, BBC iPlayer, and TED Talks. Open the Lens, do a search, and click on the video you want to view. Simple. Efficient.

7: Rhythmbox default

Banshee has become plagued with problems. Because of this, Ubuntu is returning to Rhythmbox as the default music player. Although there is a bigger issue (at least from the perspective of Canonical), causing the removal of Banshee (more on that in a bit), many users will be happy to use the less crash-prone Rhythmbox for their music pleasure.

8: MyUnity

Ubuntu Unity will finally include a configuration tool for the desktop. This application was developed to provide full customization of Unity features, including the Unity Launcher, Dash, Panel, Desk, and Font. This tool was available for 11.04 and 11.10, but had to be installed from the Software Center. Now, MyUnity will be installed and ready for configuration by default.

9: Mono-free

It’s been a battle cry for some time now, but much of the Linux crowd will be pleased to know that with the removal of Tomboy and Banshee, Ubuntu is now Mono-free. Why is this important? Microsoft Patent Extortion. A patent deal was made between Microsoft and Novell that involved Mono. Because of this, many in the Linux community see Mono as proprietary software that should be relegated to the non-free repositories. But it goes deeper than that. If you dig into the verbiage of the agreement, you find that the only “safe” users of any Mono-dependent software are Novell customers.

10: Trackpad support

This one has been a long time coming. Owners of trackpads whose clickable button is built into the surface can now enjoy support for their device. Most new Synaptics trackpads are supported, as are Apple Macbook trackpads. Ubuntu 12.10 should also include support for Apple’s Magic Trackpads.

Better and better

The improvements just keep on coming for Ubuntu. I can honestly say I haven’t been this excited for a release of a distribution in a while. The HUD alone will be worth the price of admission with Ubuntu 12.04 (although there is no price). Canonical and Ubuntu are doing some incredible things with the Linux desktop. Even if you’re a naysayer, give Precise Pangolin a go and see if it doesn’t change your mind.

About Aurthor

A writer for more than 12 years, Jack's primary focus is on the Linux operating system and its effects on the open source and non-open source communities.

Social Networking : Quickest ways to get connected !

We are going to make a not-so -shocking revelation ."For an average users,social networking accounts for the most time spent online!"so here is how you can get even better at it.

Use all in one Messengers.
why use separate instances of Gtalk,Yahoo!,MSN,IRC,Facebook chat etc? Instead you can use a multiple-protocol messenger such as Digsby or Miranda  to aggregate all your chat and social networks into one place.pf these Disgsby is more visually appealing while Miranda is robust,offering Plugin support and customization.

Chromed Bird extension in Action

Use Extensions.
Extensions especially on Google chrome allow you to do a lot more and a lot faster when it comes to keeping track of updates and updating your social networks.Social networking be it Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or any other networks, is all about now. You need access to update all the time. Chrome extensions such as "Chrome Bird", "Facebook for Google Chrome", etc give you notification for comments, Updates and Replies. They will also allow you to Update status right from a Pop-up bubble without ever changing tabs. Head over to Chrome Web Store  for wide array of extensions.

Phone apps all the way
If you are not using your phone to networking on the go ,you are loosing out on a lot of precious moments in your daily commute where you could be catching up on lot happening ,iPhone and Android will have a host of apps but when it comes to lesser mortals like J2ME and Symbian we've found Snaptu to be a very good performer.It's Light and fast on the slowest of Phones.

Use one-to-many Updaters
One of the painful time consuming aspects of social Networking ironically is updating your status on all of those social networks you so enthusiastically joined .Fret not, services such as Ping Fm  will help you update your status in a jiffy on all of your social networks at once. The web app has an amazing number of services under its umbrella;from common one likes Facebook,twitter,Myspace to obscure one such as Identica,Tumblr and StatusNet. If you don't like ping.fm then there is always HELLOTEXT

SOCIAL TOOL : Tweetdeck , Improves Twitter Experience !

Twitter can be a confusing mess. Once you've started following 10 or more people,it becomes really difficult to keep up with all the updates.. the further you scale up the less practical it becomes it becomes to read every single post, and then of course important information might slip past undetected.Even worse,some people post updates constantly and searches for real-time news,which twitter excels at update far too quickely to be read . Twitter allows users to create list in order to filter users, but the website interface is clunky at best.

The solution lies in separating Twitter as as service from its own website.If it wasn't for mobile phone clients,we'd never have the kind of real time updates and photo sharing that we do today. Similarly,dozens of third party clients exist for the desktop,which improve upon the default experience in some way.

Tweetdeck's genius feature is the organization of Twitter lists columns that are displayed simultaneously and can be read at a glance. You can also quickly create and edit lists, allowing you to weed out people who spam your timeline and cultivates those whose posts are genuinely useful . Search results are displayed in their own columns, which can easily be left visible or knocked off when they aren't useful anymore. Most importantly you can immediately see when you have new mentions and direct messages, which are easy to miss on the Actual Twitter page.

Tweetdeck have completely changed the way of using Twitter.More than twitter itself , Tweetdeck have Improved the way Twitter works.

Internet Explorer Users Are Dumber, Study Shows

A company called AptiQuant, a self-proclaimed "world leader in the field of online psychometric testing," published the results of an online study that tested the IQs of users and grouped the results according to which browser respondents used.

The study found that users of Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Opera were all slightly above average in IQ test results, but Microsoft Internet Explorer users tended to be lower on the IQ scale.

These results aren't surprising because browsers such as Chrome, Firefox and Opera are generally used by professionals and other assorted "geeks," while Internet Explorer is the default option on Windows computers and is mostly used by the inexperienced and those who don't even know there are other options.

Opera users will be happy to know they averaged the highest IQ scores of all the browsers. Firefox, Chrome and Safari scores were relatively similar to each other, but lower than that of Opera.


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