Vamien McKalin | Page 5 | World Tech Today

New Qualcomm SoC to bring 4K and faster LTE to Cheap Smartphone Devices

Feb 18, 2015 by Vamien McKalin Leave a Comment

Future cheap smartphones are destined to get an enormous upgrade due to the birth of the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 620 and 618 processors. The company aims to bring forth 4K and faster LTE to these devices, a move that could allow anyone in the world to own a device that is 4K capable.

The new chips are expected to feature in smartphones that cost as little as $300. Usually, 4K and faster LTE speeds could have only be acquired by smartphones costing $500 or more, but Qualcomm is changing the landscape, and we expect others to follow.

The older version of the Snapdragon 600 line of processors featured in devices from Samsung, HTC, and LG. These handsets are capable of delivering full 1080p High Definition content to TVs, monitors, and other video capture hardware. We should also point out that the Amazon Fire TV is powered by the same processor.

According to Qualcomm, the chips will support Android and Windows though we expect other operating systems to be supported in the future.

While it is great to know that mid-level smartphones will support 4K output of video content, smartphone devices overall won’t support actual 4K screens for quite some time, so this is the best hardware designs can do for the moment.

However, we see no reason for mobile devices with 4-inch and 5-inch displays to come equipped with 4K screens because they would be too small to watch content the way it should be viewed. But hey, that’s just our assumption, things could be very different.

4K content on the rise.

As the years go by and as 4K hardware becomes plentiful, material is slowly growing and soon everyone might require a device that is capable of outputting video in 4K. Not only that, but internet speed in many countries will have to improve because streaming 4K content is no easy task.

Source: [Ars Technica]

Facebook Inc to create Virtual Reality Apps for the Future

Feb 18, 2015 by Vamien McKalin Leave a Comment

Facebook is a company that wants to change the way folks socialize on the Internet, so it should come as no surprise to see the social network creating virtual reality apps, especially since it is the owner of the Oculus Rift.

Back in 2014, Facebook made a huge bet when it acquired Oculus VR for a whopping $2 billion, a move no one saw coming. $400 million in cash and 23.1 million in Facebook stock eventually completed the deal.

Mark Zuckerberg at the time made it clear where he wants Facebook to be in the next 10 years, and these VR capable apps are the beginning of his dream and the main reason for dropping $2 billion on Oculus VR.

In a recent interview, Chris Cox, chief product officer at Facebook, confirmed the company is working on virtual reality apps. With these apps, users will be able to create their own virtual content, though it is not yet certain what these contents will be able to do.

“Virtual reality is pretty cool,” Cox said, according to Re/code. “We’re working on apps for VR….You realize, when you’re in [virtual reality], that you’re looking at the future, and it’s going to be awesome. When you’re in Facebook, you’re just sending around these bits of experience — a photo, a video, a thought,”

The social network is targeting publishers and is currently in discussion with several companies to allow Facebook to hosts their content directly on the website. Cox made it evident that these new partnerships will take time to materialize since what the social network is doing is the beginning of a grander plan.

He went on to state that the mobile reading experience is not pleasant, and Facebook is out to make significant changes in that department. So, he could be suggesting that this new venture will have an enormous role to play in the mobile space, but for that to happen, the Oculus Rift device would have to shrink in size.

For the moment, virtual reality is a new medium, and it will no doubt take time to get accepted by the masses.

Source: [Re/Code]

Google Shutting Down “Helpout” on April 20: What is Helpout?

Feb 15, 2015 by Vamien McKalin Leave a Comment

Google Helpout is on its way to the grave ladies and gentlemen but doesn’t anyone care? After all, not many folks have heard of Helpout, which is probably the reason why the search giant is shutting it down for good.

The company plans to end the service on April 20th, so for those who have not heard of it, this is the perfect time to see what Helpout is all about because in 2 months it will find its way to the grave where many Google services are now wandering.

What is the purpose of Google Helpout?

The service allows folks who are willing to learn new topics to connect with experts who are ready to give advice among a great number of solutions. The community has been vibrant due to the small amount of users, but it failed to take off in ways Google would have liked. It is the main reason why the company is shutting it down, which is quite sad.

Many critics have claimed Helpout isn’t that great of service when compared to the likes of Hangouts, which is used by millions of people around the world, including folks in the U.S. government and celebrities.

Apparently, coaching a person via Helpout can be a chore due to some people having low bandwidth and the compression of audio quality that causes for distortion. We’re surprised Google did not get this issue under control, which is proof enough the search giant has little interest in the product after a time.

Chances are Google might re-launch the service in the future once its Fiber Internet service is available everywhere in the United States and other parts of the world. In fact, the company could simply make this a feature in Hangouts instead of making it a separate service.

While we have not used it before, we can definitely say it was a good idea. Google just failed to execute in the proper manner.

Source: [Google]

Facebook Allow Users to Appoint an Heir for Their Account After They Die

Feb 12, 2015 by Vamien McKalin Leave a Comment

What happens to your Facebook account when you pass away? Chances are it would lay there dormant until the end of time. However, that no longer has to be the case after the social network recently launched a feature that will allow users to appoint an heir to their account.

Should a person activate the feature, Facebook will transform the account into a memorial page after their death, and transfer the account login information to the individual who was chosen as the heir.

Up until now, Facebook only offered a memorialized account that could only be looked upon by friends and family members, but could never be altered unless someone close to the deceased knew the login information.

Facebook’s new feature is a welcomed addition for those who want to be remembered for years to come via the social network. We’re not certain how many people will use it, but it will no doubt be used by many.

“If someone chooses, they may give their legacy contact permission to download an archive of the photos, posts and profile information they shared on Facebook. Other settings will remain the same as before the account was memorialized. The legacy contact will not be able to log in as the person who passed away or see that person’s private messages.”

The fact that the chosen heir won’t be able to read the deceased private messages along with tampering with particular settings should make it easier for Facebook users to give this feature a test run. Furthermore, heirs will have the option to download photos and other content, but it would all come down to whether or not the deceased wants this to happen.

For those who want to be more careful, they can simply request their accounts to be deleted by Facebook on reports of their death.

The feature is available right now for those who are interested in wanting to be memorialized.

Source: [Facebook]

Pinterest Now Allow iPhone and iPad Users to Download Apps Directly

Feb 12, 2015 by Vamien McKalin Leave a Comment

Pinterest is getting better with the latest update but only for iOS users. The new feature allows iPhone and iPad users to download apps via the visual social network. We have to wonder if such an option will one day be available for Android and Windows Phone fans.

“Let’s say you’re pinning workout inspiration to your Marathon Training board,” Product Manager Julie Black wrote in a blog post. “If you see a fitness app that helps you reach your goals, you can download it right from Pinterest.”

We like this idea, and we expect it to benefit both Pinterest and Apple, one more than the other.

The best thing about this feature is that iOS users won’t have to ever leave the experience of Pinterest to get the app. Just tap on the blue install button, and the app will be downloaded directly to the user’s device. This is a cool way to do it, and we are surprised Apple didn’t allow iOS users to visit the Apple Store through Pinterest instead.

The announcement also made it clear that employees will choose their favorite apps, and they will show up in the Staff Picks section of the website.

We would love to see how far he partnership between Apple and Pinterest can go because so far it benefits iOS users a great deal. However, we believe a social network should not have special features that cater to only a single demography, hence why Android and Windows users should also being brought into the fold.

The company should strike a deal with Google and Microsoft to bring forth a similar feature. Even if the install links lead to the respective stores, it would still be good enough nonetheless.

Bear in mind this feature only works through the Pinterest app, and not via the web.

Source: [Pinterest Blog]

Windows 10 vs Windows 8.1: Reasons why Users Should Upgrade This Year

Feb 12, 2015 by Vamien McKalin Leave a Comment

Microsoft is making all the right moves to regain the trust of PC users around the world with the launch of Windows 10 Technical Preview. The operating system in its current form is smooth with a few broken features here and there, but how does it stack up against the huge mess that is Windows 8.1? Let’s find out.

While both Windows 10 and Windows 8.1 are similar in many aspects, they are also very different. The change should be seen as analogous to the jump from Windows 7 to Windows 8, but this time around, it is all for the right reasons and users will find peace with the new operating system.

For those who are still on the fence, let is point out a few things you need to know about Windows 10 and how it compares to the soon to be dead, Windows 8.1.

The Start Menu and Start Screen:

The biggest problem with Windows 8 and 8.1 was the touch-centric Star Menu. It was a huge departure from what users were used to in previous Windows versions, which is one of the main reasons for the outcry. However, the good news is that Microsoft listened to the community and made some significant changes in Windows 10.

The company made sure to bring back the traditional Start Button along with the Star Menu. Folks should bear in mind that while the Star Menu has returned, it is now a blend of the traditional Windows 7 design, and that of Windows 8.1. Now, this is not a problem; it is actually an advancement of both, and it works really well.

On the matter of the Start Screen, it’s here too. Many might not realize it, but the Start Menu and the Start Screen are one and the same. What Microsoft did here was to add the option to expand the Start Menu into the Star Screen. Basically, those who preferred the Windows 8.1 way of doing things should feel right at home, and the same can be said for those who preferred the traditional style.

Better User Interface:

Not a big departure from Windows 8.1, but significant enough to warrant a mention.

The modern Windows apps are here, but Microsoft made them easier to use. In Windows 10, the apps perform similarly to any desktop app instead of the full-screen mess that caused many users to rip their hairs out in frustration. Users can now run a desktop app alongside a modern app, and no one would be able to tell the difference.

Furthermore, the gestures that made little sense are gone. However, some things gestures that were good enough, such as swiping from the right to bring up the charms bar, is no longer here.

This time around, swiping from the right pulls up the Action Center, or notification center as it is called on other platforms.

Cortana and Bing Search:

Since Windows 8 and 8.1, Bing Search has been a central part of Microsoft’s vision on the desktop, and that hasn’t changed with Windows 10. What the software giant did here is to increase the search functionality with the addition of its new voice assistant, Cortana.

We have to say, Cortana is not a bad addition, but at the moment the use of this feature is limited. Cortana on Windows Phone 8.1 is much more functional though we expect Microsoft to bring parity to the desktop version in time for launch.

Still, we do not see ourselves talking to our PC anytime soon. It’s easier to do this with a smartphone, a PC, on the other hand, is entirely different.

Windows 10 should be available before the end of the year as a free download for Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 users.

Users of Samsung Galaxy S5 with Android Lollipop 5.0 on it facing several bug problems after

Feb 11, 2015 by Vamien McKalin Leave a Comment

Users of the Samsung Galaxy S5, who have updated their handset to the Android 5.0 Lollipop update, are not exactly happy today due to several problems the update has brought to the table.

We know for certain that no software is perfect, but this update is different because the issues users are facing are more significant when compared to past Android updates.

Due to the amount of problems users are facing, we thought it would be a great idea to place these issues into focus so that users can have a general idea of what is really going on.

Hopefully, Google releases a broad fix across the board that will exterminate these bugs once and for all.

Battery Life and Overheating:

Several users are reporting that the new updates allow for less battery power when compared to Android 4.4 KitKat. Google should look into this issue as soon as possible because optimal battery life is critical to users at all times.

Furthermore, some users are reporting overheating of their Galaxy S5 after installing the Lollipop update. It appears this could be the cause of the battery drain problem, so if Google can get it out of the way, then battery life should return to regular performance.

Bluetooth Freezing:

The Bluetooth functionality is well loved on the Galaxy S5, but for some it is not working correctly, and this is allegedly due to some huge underlying problem that can be fixed no doubt.

Further issues also include broken Wi-Fi among many other things that are still waiting to be fixed since day one.

The Verizon Wireless customers who are planning for the update, can either be patient or get the hard way. Users who have upgraded to Lollipop 5.0 will have the option to downgrade theit device back to Android KitKat 4.4

Windows 10 vs Windows 7: How Does the new Operating System Stack Up

Feb 11, 2015 by Vamien McKalin Leave a Comment

Windows 7 users have been on the sidelines ever since the release of Windows 8. Upgrading always seemed like a bad idea, especially for the power user who prefers the mouse and keyboard, along with the traditional look and feel of Windows.

It is safe to say that Windows 8 suffered due to Windows 7 users dilemma. However, could the same issue repeat itself with Windows 10? We don’t believe it will because this operating system in our mind is the perfect time for Windows 7 users to make the jump.

First of all, the traditional Start Menu is back with a twist that is not too difficult to learn. It works similarly to Windows 7 and Windows 8; a blend of both worlds if you will. We prefer what Microsoft did with the menu in Windows 10 due to the additional features that make it usable on both desktop and tablet.

Those on Windows 7 who uses the Bing search engine will feel right at home with Windows 10 since Microsoft made sure to incorporate the search engine into the operating system. Not to mention, Cortana is here too, and we have reasons to believe this voice assistant might never make it to Windows 7.

On the software side of things, Windows 7 users can only download and use the traditional desktop apps. This is not the case on Windows 10 since the ability is there to download and use the modern apps from Windows 8.1. The apps are useful though they feel less advanced when compared to desktop apps.

Another big change in Windows 10 is the move from Gadgets to Live Tiles. In fact, this move began with Windows 8. Windows 7 users who are planning to make the jump should take this into consideration Live Tiles and Gadgets are entirely different things though some functionality are similar.

When it comes down to the Task Bar, nothing much have changed here. However, there’s a notification center goes by the name Action Center attached to the Task Bar on Windows 10, something that is not found in Windows 7.

Now, a not so significant change is the icons. Yes, many icons in Windows 10 is very different the ones in Windows 7 though it should not be an issue.

Overall, folks who are aiming to make the move from Windows 7 to Windows 10 should expect a slight learning curve to get themselves acquainted with the new look and feel of the operating system. It’s not significant at all when compared to the move to Windows 8, so users should not fear.

Only 720,000 Android Wear Devices Shipped in 2014: Apple Watch set to Dominate?

Feb 11, 2015 by Vamien McKalin Leave a Comment

Android Wear is Google’s big push into the wearables market, but things haven’t went as planned for the search giant so far. This is bad news because the Apple Watch is right around the corner, and no doubt, the device will transform the market from mediocrity to profitable.

A recent estimate from Canalys revealed that all the Android Wear devices released in 2014 could only manage a combined shipment of 720,000 units. That’s pretty disappointing, especially with all the promises Google and its partners have thrown at the public.

Interestingly enough, Android Wear only accounts for a small fraction of the 4.6 million smart wearable devices that were shipped in 2014. It proves that Google and its hardware manufacturer partners have a lot of work on their hands because things are not looking well for the time being.

The first smartwatch to run the Android Wear operating system, but it failed to hit the 1 million unit shipped mark in the first 187 days. To put this into perspective, the first Apple iPhone managed to ship 1 million units in 74 days back in 2007, while the first iPad surpassed that number in just 28 days when it was released in 2010.

It shows that the Apple Watch could be the first smartwatch to achieve a million devices shipped in the first year due to Apple’s track record so far. Compared to several devices the Cupertino giant is selling right now, the company’s smartwatch will cost only $350. With this type of pricing, the Apple Watch is already seeping with success.

“Apple made the right decisions with its WatchKit software development kit to maximize battery life for the platform, and the Apple Watch will offer leading energy efficiency,” according to Canalys analyst Daniel Matte. “Android Wear will need to improve significantly in the future, and we believe it will do so.”

We agree with Matte, Android Wear will improve, but it needs to happen quickly before Apple takes a commanding lead in the market to the point where hardware manufacturers have to play catchup.

Source: [Canalys]

Verizon Wireless Updating Nokia Lumia Icon to Windows Phone 8.1

Feb 11, 2015 by Vamien McKalin Leave a Comment

Nokia Lumia Icon users on Verizon Wireless can finally update their device to the latest update from Microsoft, Windows Phone 8.1. The update that was first released by Microsoft in 2014 brings several fundamental changes to the operating system to make it more like Android and iOS.

The update, which is called Denim, will begin its journey to Icon users starting Today, February 11. The update includes Windows 8.1.1 along with several bug fixes for a smooth experience. Verizon’s plan to issue the update via over-the-air, but there’s another option.

For those who are unable to wait, the update can be acquired via Microsoft’s Software Recovery Tool. We recommend only users who are tech savvy to venture down this route because if things go awry, the device could stop working indefinitely.

To get an idea how to use the Recovery Tool, visit Thurrot.com for all the details. Follow the instructions closely and watch the magic happen before your eyes.

What does Windows Phone 8.1 bring to the table?

With the new update, Microsoft brings to the table the Action Center, but everyone will know it as the notification center. The update also allows for placing images behind the tiles on the main screen. In our eyes, this gives the Windows Phone 8.1 start screen a beautiful look, especially with the live tiles moving about.

The biggest added feature, however, is Cortana. Halo fans should have an idea who she is. For those who are unaware, she’s the assistant to the Master Chief, and now she’s the voice assistant on Windows Phone 8.1 and Windows 10.

Many who have used Cortana have concluded that she is much better when compared to Siri on the iPhone, but still slightly behind Google Now. This is surprising since Cortana is just under a year old.

Users who plan to upgrade to Windows 8.1 should prepare themselves for the next big update, Windows 10. No, Microsoft is not calling it Windows Phone 10.

Source: [Lumia Conversations] [Thurrot.com]