Archive for January, 2015

By January 21, 2015 Read More →

Security: stop your business from being hacked

It is a well known fact that hackers are becoming increasingly intelligent when it comes to hacking into businesses IT systems. In fact experts are now warning that over 50% of UK businesses could be hacked in just one hour – a pretty worrying thought!

After the vicious attack on Sony in 2014 which took the entire world by storm, it has become evident that hackers really do know what they are doing – and the results are potentially dangerous. This scam also highlighted the fact that very few of us are protected against these criminal offences thanks to the assistance of criminal lawyer Melbourne, but much more needs to be done in order to combat these criminals.

It is well known that attacks on both small and medium sized (SME’s) companies are extremely common due to the less sophisticated security software they have in place. Hackers are also aware of this hence why these are the businesses that are often targeted – security is a huge problem for all firms, but it is the SME’s that are truly under threat.

Protecting your business

Here are some of the highly recommended tips to securing your business:

Education

One of the most important things any business can do in their plight to remaining secure is to educate their staff on their role in security. Your employees really are the frontline of defense when it comes to the security of your business, whilst this isn’t the only way, according to experts like Andy Defrancesco, if staff are vigilant it means hackers will have a much harder time.

Endpoint Security

Many companies are also introducing Endpoint Security into their business in order to remain as safe and secure as possible. Endpoint Security is an information security method for protecting a corporate network through the focus of endpoints. Software, authentication and authorisation are each monitored carefully to ensure maximum security. This software will include antivirus, anti spyware and firewall protection.

Encryption

It is also recommended by experts that all business data is encrypted to ensure safety if any data is stolen. This works to ensure that if the data is stolen, the thief cannot read the data – only you can. This is one of the best security techniques out there.

Mobile

Now, it is no surprise that mobile is becoming huge – we are constantly on our phones, emailing or talking. So, it is important to set up mobile network security due to more and more members of staff working away from the office at home. Therefore it is vital to ensure that any wireless mobile connectivity is as secure as possible.

With these tips in mind, you will be able to protect your business for years to come from the infamous hackers.

By January 16, 2015 Read More →

Google updates to the Spiral 2

Project-Ara-Modular-Android-phone-2Google has finally unveiled it’s new prototype for Project Ara called the Spiral 2 and it features a 3G modem, 11 additional modules, and other selectable options. The Spiral 2 is a pretty decent step forward from the original prototype. So far it has a 3G modem / RF bus for antenna support and features a totally different processor which is an ASIC (application specific integrated circuits) processor. One of the more impressive notes is that Google has 11 prototype modules already and, of course, more are on the way as companies and developers make their own. These modules are held to the phone through magnets within the bracket frames so popping a module in is pretty easy.

If you have been following the whole Project Ara development then you will be interested to know that the hardware for Project Ara devices will not be made using mostly 3D printing as was originally planned. Hopefully the new method won’t affect the cost of production too much in terms of increasing it.

Google did not announce any sort of base cost for a Project Ara device, only that they are going to try and keep it low and let consumers customize their device as much as they like. This will allow consumers to control the cost of their device initially, and then future upgrades can be done whenever a user wants to do it and keeping it within a budget if needed. The base device will feature an exoskeleton type of set-up inside and users can just slip a module into the available spaces. Some modules that can be swapped out include ones for batteries, storage, processors, cameras, speakers, and other components.

Currently a third prototype is in the works, named the Spiral 3, and when that launches it will be labeled as a “Market Pilot Launch”. This means that a few lucky people will be able to get one of these third prototypes. Puetro Rico, or more specifically the University of Puerto system, is the first location announced for the Market Pilot. From here Google will determine how they want to scale the global Market Pilot launch for the Spiral 3 and are hoping to have “20-30 modules across 10 categories” by the time this takes place. This includes the possibility of subsidized / on-contract modules as well.

So for right now getting a Project Ara device is really difficult even if you are a developer and sign up for it. As for a launch date here in the United States, nothing was mentioned regarding that but hopefully we see this in 2015.

Posted in: News, Phones
By January 15, 2015 Read More →

David Cameron wants to see your browsing history

SWITZERLAND-WEF-DAVOS-CAMERONIn a disgusting announcement regarding privacy destruction David Cameron has decided that encrypted messaging services such as WhatsApp and Snapchat could be banned unless they provide the government with backdoor access to user data. Cameron has said that carrying out surveillance on these services is essential for tackling terror attacks like the recent Charlie Hebdo shootings in Paris.

“Are we going to allow a means of communications which it simply isn’t possible to read?” said Cameron. “My answer to that question is: ‘No, we must not’.” “The attacks in Paris demonstrated the scale of the threat that we face and the need to have robust powers through our intelligence and security agencies in order to keep our people safe.”

Cameron is now championing plans to resurrect the ‘Snoopers Charter’, this allows authorities more powers concerning the monitoring of online communications requiring internet service providers, mobile phone networks and telecommunications companies to maintain records of every user’s internet browsing, social media activity, phone calls, text messages, and now, instant messages. Currently, Internet Service Providers can keep data where it has been processed for normal business purposes such as billing or marketing for 12 months, regulated by the Data Protection Act 1998.

The new proposals would require telecommunications companies to keep data that that would not ordinarily be retained for business purposes, for up to 12 months – during which time official agencies would be able to access the data. As things currently stand, the draft document does not specify which types of data firms would be obliged to keep.

The idea is that if passed in its current form, the bill would stop extremists from being able to communicate with each other without being monitored by intelligence agencies at a cost of £1.8bn over ten years. This allows extremists plenty of time to invest in some form of Virtual Private Network to avoid the Internet Service Provider from recording such communications, leaving only the law abiding open for surveillance. The UK Government would certainly not use this access to allow councils to snoop further, HMRC to monitor online transactions and authorities to search your internet browsing history for a spanking video.

 

Posted in: Editorial, News
By January 15, 2015 Read More →

Buying Suitable Storage Devices – A Guide

storage(1)The use of computing devices has increased exponentially. There are a lot of things nowadays that require the use of computers. With this increasing demand in computer use, there has also been an increase in the demand for storage. There are a lot of ways to store data from a computer. There is hardware that has been designed especially for storing information. A computing device has internal storage as part of its structure. Sometimes, its internal storage is not enough. This is why people buy external storage devices. These devices are also useful for backing up data. With an external storage device, one would not have to worry even if they lost the information on the primary storage.

There are a lot of places where one can buy quality storage devices. If you are looking for one, then check out VoucherBin. This is one of the options you have for buying storage devices. There are several choices when it comes to storage devices. Here is a look at some of them.

Discs – These are the most common ways of storing information. A disc can be CD-ROMs, Blu-Ray, DVD, CD-R, DVD+R to name a few. Discs are a type of optical storage which uses lasers to write and read the data on them. People use discs for storing all kinds of information from files to music to videos. Movies can also be burnt on to a disc from a computer.

Hard drive – this is another method that people use to store information. A hard drive is a type of magnetic storage. The best thing about hard drives is that the memory capacity can be expanded to a lot more. They are very effective for someone who needs to store a lot of information. They come in different sizes so a user can get what suit them.

Flash memory – this includes flash drives, memory sticks, memory cards or SD cards. This type of storage device is also very popular. It is convenient because it is portable. A memory stick can be carried around pretty much anywhere. It is light in weight and small in size. Memory cards are used in phones. A smart phone can do a lot of things that a computer can. Smart phones also come with expendable memory. This means that external memory can be added to increase storage capacity. Information can also be transferred from a computer to a memory card.

All these are options that one has when looking for storage devices. Ryman is one of the stores you can look at when in need of storage devices. There are a lot of options for computer users. If you are not sure what kind of storage device you want, then you can ask for help. Find out what works where. Compatibility is a key factor to consider when buying memory storage devices. It is also important to consider the performance of the device. In some cases, storage devices with more capacity may present some problems. It helps to know which type of storage device would be most suitable for your use. You should also consider the amount of information that you need to store. When you have decided which storage device you want, go for VoucherBin for options.

By January 14, 2015 Read More →

GCell Solar Powered Keyboard Folio From Atlanta Solar Unboxing

vlcsnap-2015-01-11-13h19m56s62Gareth takes a look at the GCell Solar Powered Keyboard Folio against the Nexus 10 and iPad Air, check more solar power information at the Better Tomorrow Solar Atlanta website. Considered as one of the better  keyboard solutions for the iPad and suitable Android tablets this folio offers a rechargable battery option alongside a solar cell backup to help keep you productive during your day.

The Bluetooth® wireless keyboard uses solar technology to harvest indoor and outdoor light energy into a rechargeable battery. The convenience offered by the GCell keyboard allows users to type with an iPad from the home, at the office or during the daily commute without need to change batteries or revert to a mains powered charger.

The design has been focused on providing a contemporary, thinner streamlined and lightweight profile, popular with users of wireless keyboards. This ultra-portable keyboard weighs only 235g, is less than 6mm thick and has a lavish silicone-paint finish giving it a silky feel.

Posted in: Videos/Unboxings
By January 13, 2015 Read More →

Scientists Use Poker to Improve Robot’s Decision Making

A couple of scientists working in their laboratory.Whether they’re serving us drinks on a cruise ship or parking our cars for us, robots are learning new tasks at what feels like an extraordinarily rapid pace. Driving that point home is a new study out of the University of Alberta in Canada that demonstrates the incredible decision-making capabilities of one particular robot.

According to NPR, researchers at the university developed a program that can beat any human opponent at a variant of Texas Hold’em poker. It’s known as Heads-up Limit Texas Hold’em, a version of the game that only features two players and capped betting. Despite being more limited than other variants, the research team still found there are “10 trillion different decision points in the game.” And one of those can apparently be used to win no matter what the other players is doing, which is interesting considering the act of bluffing is crucial to any version of poker.

But lead researcher Michael Bowling said that no matter how good the human player is, the computer will win. It took him and his team many years and the power of some 5,000 computers to figure it all out, with one researcher claiming it took nearly “a thousand years of computation” to reach these results.

Despite this program’s obviously strong skill set when it comes to this poker variant, Bowling said that online players won’t have to worry about it dominating virtual poker rooms. For one, it’s playing a variant that isn’t terribly popular among poker players at large. That being said, Bowling noted that there are indeed bots out there that players should look out for—just not his. For Bowling, it all comes down to improving the robot’s ability to make decisions when facing uncertainty, not clearing out the bank accounts of rival players.

Of course, if they did want to make the robot’s decision-making processing even that much more incredible, the scientists could look to a slew of other poker games to test it out on. According to online platform betfair poker, there are a number of variants out there including one close to what the robot was taught to play. That’s the multi-player Texas Hold’em, perhaps the most popular version of the card game thanks to its boom in the late 1990s and early 2000s. That all being written, these more complicated games could prove exceedingly difficult and likely impossible in terms of programming. Can you imagine the number of variables at play here? Again, this is especially true when noting the very “human” factor of bluffing, a major component to play any form of poker.

For those interested in reading more about this poker-playing robot study, head to the Cepheus Poker Project. With this type of decision-making programming in place, it’ll certainly be interesting to see where other, similar studies can make advancements—and how they can be applied to real-life situations.

By January 12, 2015 Read More →

Alcatel joins the wearable fun

unnamedAlcatel continue to pick up traction with a new affordable smartwatch, cunningly titled “The WATCH.” Featuring a 1.22”, 262K round screen and a 210mAh battery Alcatel boasts the Watch can work for 2-5 days on a 1 hour charge. Also packing a IP67 rating for water resistance and compatibility with Android 4.3 or above and iOS 7, this looks like a neat little wearable worth looking at.

It looks like a watch and feels like a watch but it’s much smarter than that. ALCATEL ONETOUCH introduces the WATCH, a smartwatch that puts a premium on elegant design at a very accessible price. In launching the WATCH, ALCATEL ONETOUCH is not content just to make the latest connected technology available to the greatest number of consumers. Offering the WATCH at a fraction of the cost of competitors, the smartphone brand has implemented its design expertise to offer a series of fine finishes that meet the demands of those looking for the same look and feel as a traditional watch.

                                                                                          

“It’s called a wearable, so we wanted to make something that would be a pleasure to wear,” said ALCATEL ONETOUCH’s Chief Marketing Officer Dan Dery. “The watch face and the band are slim, like a regular watch, but it has the multi-functionality of a smartwatch.”

Available in several styles — sporty dark red/volcano black, feminine all-white, classic chrome/dark gray and elegant metal-white — the ALCATEL ONETOUCH WATCH employs materials such as brushed chrome, micro-textured resin bands and white stainless steel. This choice of finishes assures that it will appeal to both men and women, demonstrating ALCATEL ONETOUCH’s dedication to bringing to the market products that fulfill everyone’s needs.

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While offering choice and style, the WATCH also offers multiple fitness functions and connects to Android and iOS smartphones via Bluetooth.

Monitors User Activity

The WATCH is packed with sensors: the heart-rate monitor is embedded discretely on the underside of the watch face; there’s also an accelerometer, gyroscope, altimeter and e-compass.

The WATCH also allows users to track their sleep cycle, distance covered, steps taken and calories burned. To monitor their fitness goals, users can access the activity overview that the WATCH offers. You can track your first yoga as a practice session with this.

Multimedia Remote Control and Phone Notifications

When the smartwatch is connected to a smartphone, it sends users call notifications; social media updates and vibrates if users stray too far from their phones.

Touching the WATCH’s screen activates a multimedia remote control. Users can control music, take pictures from their phone from a distance or make their phone ring in order to locate it.

Simplicity of Use Is Built In

The WATCH is compatible with a number of ALCATEL ONETOUCH smartphones in the HERO, IDOL and POP series, as well as with any phone running on Android 4.3 or above and on iOS 7 or above. It is dust and water-resistant, with a long battery life.

                              

Speaking of the battery, the WATCH has a clever USB charger integrated into its band for simplicity of use. With beauty and functionality integrated into one device, ALCATEL ONETOUCH offers a smartwatch at a smart price, fulfilling its mission of making the latest technology available to all.

By January 9, 2015 Read More →

HTC Re camera to deliver live streaming on YouTube

specs-top-cameraHTC, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, today announced live streaming from its new RE™ camera to YouTube. Now consumers can easily share the moment by connecting a RE camera to their YouTube channel and sending a live broadcast link to viewers around the world and do some real cellular bonding with friends family and fans.

Available for Android™ devices beginning tomorrow, Jan. 9, through a free update to the RE app in the Google Play™ store, the new live streaming feature allows RE users to not only capture great video with ease, but also to share special moments and favourite events with those who can’t be there. Friends across the world or traveling family members won’t miss any live action. The free update will also be available for iOS later in Q1 2015.

The RE camera’s wide-angle capture and small form ensure that both you and your RE won’t miss anything. With storage via a microSD™ card in addition to backup to your smartphone and the cloud, RE is always ready to capture your precious memories.

The live streaming feature is a simple-to-use and handy add-on to get the most out of video capture, making it easy to broadcast a piano recital, snorkeling adventure, puppy cam and more. With the RE app, sign in to your YouTube channel and activate live streaming, to learn about more streaming options, visit this go live webcasting website. Once verified, broadcasting from your RE is a snap. Any live footage you wish to share is transmitted directly from RE to your smartphone, which then sends your broadcast to your YouTube channel. Invite people to view the event by sending your broadcast link to tune in via SMS or social networks. Even if they can’t watch it live, the link will continue to be active, even after the broadcast ends.

Viewers do not need a YouTube channel to view broadcasts, and live streams can be broadcast in public mode, which makes videos available to anyone who has the link or discovers it on YouTube, or in private mode, which limits the broadcast to only those you share it with.

Availability

The updated software for the RE application will be available beginning tomorrow, Jan. 9, in the Google Play store and is coming to the Apple App Store™ later in Q1 2015.

The HTC RE is now available at EE, Three and selected consumer electronics retail partners.

When used according to guidelines, the RE is rated for use in up to one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. For further information on availability, features, functionality and accessories, visit www.REcamera.com

Posted in: Gadgets, Press Releases
By January 8, 2015 Read More →

Sony goes mad for SmartWear

17 Smart B-Trainer lifestyle 2With CES news in full wing Sony have announced a new look, sleek stainless steel SmartWatch 3 to roll out in February 2015. In addition we are to see the introduction of a prototype concept, an all-in-one headset-style device with sensors optimised for running called the Smart B-Trainer. 

 

At CES 2015 Sony introduced new products, partners and experiences to its evolving SmartWear range – a sleek stainless steel edition of SmartWatch 3, new Lifelog collaborations, and concept wearable devices, including a multi-sensor, waterproof headset prototype, from Sony Corporation, designed for optimising performance and providing real time insight on the running track.

“Our approach to smart, wearable technology is based on the fundamentals of building depth and variety in user experiences, and providing choice with beautiful, functional products,” said Kaz Tajima, Senior Vice President, Head of UX Creative Design and Planning at Sony Mobile Communications. “The expansion of Lifelog – both in terms of its open API and our vision for new wearable concepts – will allow creative partners to integrate their apps and services to our platform – giving our users access to the richest, most varied wearable ecosystem.”

 

Designing for modular technology, with SmartBand SWR10

 

At CES last year, Sony first showcased SmartBand SWR10 – a 24/7 wearable device; fully waterproof1 (rated IP58) despite its exposed microUSB port. A light, unobtrusive wearable that first featured Sony’s modular approach – the independent “core concept” – it allowed the technology to be worn in different colours and styles, to suit individual taste and personality.

Over the past year, Sony Mobile has worked with creatives and brands from across the lifestyle, fashion, and design spectrum to explore custom apparel, establishing collections for Sony SmartWear from the likes of Jack Vartanian, ALTEWAISOME, and Ted Baker – and most recently, the popular women’s lifestyle brand, ROXY.

An elegant creative approach – SmartWatch 3, now in stainless steel

After launching in partnership this past Autumn with Google, SmartWatch 3 is Sony’s latest generation “SmartWatch”.

Sony unveiled the new stainless steel edition of SmartWatch 3, rolling out globally from next month.

SmartWatch 3 in beautiful stainless steel matches contemporary with timeless aestheticism for a premium look and feel. It features a 1.6” 320×320 TFT LCD Transflective display for visibility in bright sunlight, and is of course water protected2, rated IP68 – it charges via a standard microUSB port.

To further broaden the range of wearing styles available, Sony also unveiled a new SmartWatch 3 holder, allowing users and partners alike to customise SmartWatch 3 with any standard 24mm watch strap; available from the early part of 2015.

Even without your Android smartphone, SmartWatch 3 is a fun and useful accessory with impressive standalone functionality – featuring native music playback, intelligent sensor technology and a unique inbuilt GPS sensor.

Golfshot and iFit are two developers already creating Android Wear experiences with SmartWatch 3’s standalone capability, for both performance on the course and track respectively – from January, every SmartWatch 3 user will have exclusive access to the premium Golfshot and iFit apps out of the box3.

Sony also announced a new collaboration with Virgin Atlantic – to explore SmartWear initiatives together, to develop unique solutions using Sony’s SmartWear products to support operational activities and enhance the customer service experience for Virgin Atlantic customers. More news will follow over the coming months.

Lifelog – inspiration through insight, for any Android user

 

Downloadable from the Google Play Store, Lifelog is the popular Android app built to help you set personal goals, monitor progress, get to know yourself better and make smarter choices about your health, entertainment, and more.

A new web interface, lifelog.sonymobile.com, is launching during CES 2015. It uses open API functionality and latest HTML5 technologies, for a more visual experience. The site will work with any screen size, from your smartphone to your tablet to your TV – all you’ll have to do is log in using your Sony Entertainment Network4 account.

The new feature reflects Sony’s strategy to regularly bring new functionality and features to Lifelog, to keep the experiences as current as they possibly can be.

Creating new experiences, with open principles

Sony is teaming up with a variety of lifestyle and health apps, so you can get the most out of the services you already love and discover new ones, to complement your SmartWear and Lifelog experience. Starting soon, Lifelog will enable you to:

  • Access IFTTT recipes for intuitive connections between Lifelog and your favourite apps
  • Develop healthy habits with Habit Monster, so you can learn more about yourself within Lifelog
  • Use Withingsconnected health devices to integrate your weight and BMI into Lifelog to see how you sleep, eat and move

 

“Lifelog is inspiration through insight, and our first partners are helping us bring this to life in new ways” said Yasuharu Nomura, Director of Experience Planning at Sony Mobile Communications. “We specifically designed the Lifelog platform on open principles, with capability that will help developers to build new experiences and access the Sony ecosystem like never before – it’s going to be an exciting year ahead.”

 

Exploring new wearable concepts and contextual sensor technology

 

Off the back of launching the software development kit, Sony Corporation is also sharing new applications for current prototype, SmartEyeglass Developer Edition, along with a new conceptual style, SmartEyeglass Attach! – a single lens display module for attaching to regular glasses, allowing developers to create applications for sport and performance.

Sony Corporation’s Smart B-Trainer prototype was also introduced – a waterproof all-in-one headset style device with multi-sensor capability specifically designed for runners. The current prototype features inbuilt memory – and will provide voice coaching, as well as music playback, intelligently suggesting the most suitable soundtrack to accompany a runner during a workout.

Follow @SonyMobileNews and #SonyCESfor all the latest news, views and information.

By January 5, 2015 Read More →

HTC Announces the HTC DESIRE 320

V01_3V_White2014Nov25HTC COMBINES AMAZING VALUE AND ALL-ROUND PERFORMANCE WITH THE HTC DESIRE 320

HTC packs all the smartphone essentials into one entry-level phone, with super-fast processing power, HTC BlinkFeed and Video Highlights

 

LONDON, 5th JANUARY – HTC Corporation (“HTC”), a global leader in mobile innovation and design, has today announced the HTC Desire 320. As the successor to the HTC Desire 310, it is packed with all your everyday essentials and delivers a smooth browsing experience, seamless multi-tasking and the ability to create quick, personalised videos. The latest addition to the HTC Desire family has been designed for the entry-level market and delivers a quality user experience in an affordable handset, offering real value for money. 

“Marrying super-fast processing with premium HTC features in a compact form, the HTC Desire 320 delivers a quality experience for the budget conscious well beyond its entry-level model status” said Peter Frølund, UK and Nordics General Manager, HTC. “Following on from the success of the HTC Desire 310, it boasts enhanced power and memory to enable more people to benefit from a quality smartphone experience that delivers the perfect balance between smart essentials and value.”

 

Seamless experience

Behind the slick operation of the HTC Desire 320, which runs on Android™ 4.4, is a fast Quad-core 1.3 GHz quad-core processor capable of handling an array of tasks, from watching videos, playing the latest games to juggling your favourite apps, delivering a smooth experience every time.

 

Packed with features

For an entry-level handset, the HTC Desire 320 is packed with features. Whatever your pace of life, the 5MP camera ensures you’re able to capture every key moment as it happens, in still or video format, brought to life on its stunning 4.5” screen. Furthermore, the HTC Desire 320 allows you to get creative with mini movies using HTC’s Video Highlights functionality. Simply take your favourite photos and videos, select a sequence and a favourite track, to create an impressive show reel in seconds, ready to share with friends and family. 

 

The HTC Desire 320 also brings you the renowned HTC BlinkFeed for up to the minute news, perfect for those who like to stay connected and keep up with the latest action as it happens. Combining content from your favourite news and social media sites into an easily digestible feed on your home screen, personalised updates are brought straight to you at a glance. Wherever you are, you can catch-up on the latest articles with Offline Reading mode. Simply download and add articles to your reading list when connected to Wi-Fi to access and enjoy at a later date, perfect for those who enjoy reading on the move.

 

Availability

The HTC Desire 320 comes in Vanilla White and Dark Gray. UK availability will be announced in the near future.

Posted in: Press Releases, Printers
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