2013年7月7日星期日

Finally to be certain that user information is correctly shielded

  Evernote currently introduced an update for its Home windows Contact software that provides a redesigned hub website page, support for its Small business merchandise, and two-step verification to its users. When a shift that may look minor, the organization phone calls them considerable that can help generate the “best-looking, indigenous experience” on Home windows products.
  For the people users accessing Evernote with a Home windows Floor, phone, or pill product, a different commence display will likely be shown. The corporation says that it's placed all of its main navigation products and account content that a person could need to have ideal on the single monitor.
  The display screen has now been sorted into buy office professional plus 2010 retail pack several sections, which include “create”, which ought to quickly allow you to make notes, snapshots, or start out having a file attachment. Other sections over the screen consist of shortcuts, your latest action, as well as a record within your notes, notebooks, and tags.
  Realistically, this really is much more of an aesthetic transform if anything. None of these options are completely new.
  Evernote Business has become supported on the Windows Contact application, bringing it to par with its Android and iOS counterparts. Now, Evernote says users should be able to combine with their company’s Company Library with the Get A lot more portion. Throughout the notebook area about the hub website page, people will see not just their individual contents, but also individuals for their organization.
  Finally, to be certain that user information is correctly shielded, Evernote is employing two-step verification. This security evaluate was introduced months after the provider suffered an unauthorized breach in March, which resulted during the corporation resetting its 50 million-plus users’ passwords. In May possibly, Evernote explained that two-step verification can be at first accessible for its quality and Business enterprise users. So although Windows Touch app buyers have that function, you may not be truly able to work with it.
  Two-step verification provides a further protection move to logging in to an Evernote account, and makes certain that the individual logging into Evernote would be the rightful owner of that specific account. The login course of action with two-step verification enabled demands a username, password and exclusive code that’s sent on the user’s cell phone, produced by the Google Authenticator application or printed out from the person beforehand.

2013年6月13日星期四

Yahoo’s Shopping Spree Continues With Conference Calling Startup Rondee

  Thought Yahoo’s acquisition spree would culminate with a $1.1 billion deal for Tumblr? Nope, not so much. In fact, the buy-happy company just quietly made its second acquisition in 24 hours — in two different markets, no less. Yes, Yahoo followed this morning’s purchase of iOS photo app maker, GhostBird Software, by making a play into the enterprise conference calling space. Wait, what?
  Yes, users of six-year-old free conference calling service, Rondee, were tonight informed via email that the startup has been acquired by Yahoo for an undisclosed sum. It will also suffer the same fate met by other recent Yahoo acquisitions — like MileWise, Astrid, GoPollGo and Loki Studios to name just four — in that it will soon be going the way of the dinosaur. After June 30th, the company’s website now reads, users will no longer be allowed to access their data or create new conference calls.
  The startup will continue its progressive shut down from there, officially closing operations on July 12th, before ultimately cutting off user access to their calling data on July 30th, the startup said in an email to its customers today. However, to avoid stranding its users completely on such short notice, the company said that it’s arranging for “user Login ID and on-demand pins to work with InstantConference,” a company (and, previously, a competitor) it describes as a “highly reputable conference calling service.” Not sure that’s much consolation. “Hey, we may be forcing you to leave … but at least the place we’re sending you has electricity, right?”
  What’s A Rondee
  Rondee, for those who haven’t been following the crowded and congested conference calling market, launched in 2007 on a mission to build the “Evite for conference calls.” The startup set out to lower the barriers to entry in the conference calling arena and make it accessible to the masses. Today, that means it offers basic conference calling capabilities around the clock (for free) to anyone with an email address.
  Granted, for those looking to get “fancy” with call recording, like having access to audio, custom tones, call directories and call scheduling, some account setup is required. But that’s about it. Users can choose between free, on-demand conference calling, or free, “Scheduled Rondees,” in which users can pick a future date and time to schedule a conference call and let Rondee send out email invitations to which invitees can respond to and use via the company’s website. Straightforward, easy to use and free.
  Of course, while those are traits every company should shoot for, the VoIP market looks a little bit different than it did six years ago, becoming nearly ubiquitous thanks to companies like Skype and Google, meanwhile, startups like UberConference have moved onto free visual conference calling to compete with Hangouts et al. Today, Rondee’s basic VoIP model sounds very familiar.
  So Why Did Yahoo Just Buy This?
  While Yahoo nor Rondee has yet to share any more details on the terms of the deal or the motivation, we do know from a quick Google search (and a look at its press page) that the startup has been pretty quiet of late. Sure, it’s likely this wasn’t an exorbitantly expensive buy for Yahoo, but this also hasn’t been an area of strength (or focus) for Yahoo for a long time, which starts to make it seem like there isn’t really a good explanation for this one.
  Maybe Yahoo wants to integrate Rondee into its internal conference solution, for internal IT use, seeing as it’s cheaper than buying an enterprise solution? Probably not.
  What may be more likely (and hopefully will be the case) is that Yahoo liked the team and was eager to make use of its talent, so Marissa Mayer pushed Yahoo’s Acme Acqui-hire Button to the company fix Yahoo Messenger. Maybe? After all, on its website, Rondee says that it will be joining Yahoo’s Small Business Team, so while it may be a stretch, the motivation for this acquisition could lie in the company’s messaging client.
  Marissa Mayer has made talent acquisition one of her top priorities since becoming CEO, and mostly her shopping spree has targeted mobile — in other words, showing the company understands that its mobile strategy and products have to evolve if Yahoo ever hopes to be truly relevant again. (And, really, it’s probably a little late, but…)
  Either way, Yahoo has already made a number of mobile acquisitions. Plus, it’s easy to take a look at Yahoo’s product portfolio and sigh. Case in point: People used to Yahoo Messenger as their go-to chat app. (Well, some people did, somewhere. We’re still trying to find out who they are exactly.) But the point is that Yahoo’s messaging client used to be enormous, and now it’s about as cool as the Macarena. Meanwhile, sadly for Yahoo, gamified and chat-ified messaging apps are all the rage and continue to proliferate, especially in emerging markets. In some Upside Down World, this could mean that there’s still opportunity here for Yahoo.
  Though with Google’s assets, like gChat, Google Voice, Gmail and Hangouts, just to name a few, Yahoo has a long way to go. A pretty long way. Sure, if anyone knows how to get Yahoo up to speed using Google’s playbook, it’s Marissa Mayer. But then there’s WhatsApp, iMessage, Viber and too many more to name. Google launched free voice calling from Gmail nearly three years ago, doing the same for Yahoo Mail and just copying the Google Roadmap — would be dangerous and, well, just sad.
  Or maybe not. Maybe Yahoo will use Rondee as part of a foundation on which it will build a Hangouts competitor. Why the world needs that, of course, is another question entirely — sorry, Yahoo Mail diehards.
  These are a few possible explanations for Yahoo acquiring Rondee, though I’m not sure they’re particularly satisfying. To this point, it’s worth reading this post (really, lament) on Yahoo Messenger from Yahoo’s former director of global tech initiatives. Marissa Mayer seems to be addressing some of the friction he cites as contributing to Messenger’s downfall, a lot of which he attributes to leadership and the lack of a unifying product vision, the latter of which fittingly smacks of the very product strategy currently at work at the Googs.
  It’s a familiar tune at Yahoo, some of which appears very fixable. But watching Marissa Mayer acquire all these startups that are on their last lifeline or just keeping their head above water is a good way to bring in fresh and (relatively) cheap talent, sure. And maybe she’s got the vision and is the Great Unifier it sounds like Yahoo needs. In the end, perhaps it could be like watching Tony Stark build his first Iron Man suit from spare parts and scrap metal, or maybe it will just be like watching someone try to produce gold bullion by painting a bunch of bricks yellow. (Complemented, of course, by the sound of a sad trombone.)

Apparently the guy who owned it lost it with a bus

  Apple famously shed an iphone 4 prototype in a very bar, sparking a hunt for your men and women linked to the decline and sale on the handset. Microsoft has also shed a cellphone, a single operating a foreseeable future Home windows Cellular phone 'Blue' edition of its mobile application. A Reddit consumer posted screenshots and information obtained within the machine about the weekend, building curiosity in unannounced characteristics for Home windows Cellular phone which provided an early prototype of a notification center. The Verge achieved out into the Reddit consumer in concern, which would be the tale in the shed mystery Windows Cellphone.

  Jeremiah Wong procured a Lumia 920 from eBay on June fifth from a seller situated in Seattle. "The mobile phone in the pictures appeared diverse," suggests Wong, speaking completely on the Verge. "Mainly the start Display experienced the responses hub, also etching over the back again that examine MSFT." Wong in the beginning considered the gadget was a developer package for the reason that it had the specific etching together with a cracked screen, nonetheless it was quite a bit a lot more essential. So vital in actual fact that Microsoft preferred it back again.
  Just after posting screenshots with the computer software operating around the product, and unintentionally revealing his cellphone selection within the system, Wong was contacted by Microsoft's lawful group. Microsoft locked the phone remotely and asked for that Wong just take down his pics from his Flickr account. "Apparently the guy who owned it lost it with a bus. It had been then picked up and sold," he claims. Rather than pursuing Wong, Microsoft has offered to reimburse him to the expense of the gadget as well as ship him a substitution telephone. "I was unbelievably astonished for the deficiency of intimidation and even more surprised at their lodging," claims Wong.
  Sources acquainted with Microsoft's Home windows Cell phone plans have discovered for the Verge that the computer software is early prototype perform for an future update codenamed Blue. Describing the application, Wong says it had "pretty significantly anything he preferred," but that "a handful of issues desired perform nonetheless." The screenshots unveiled Microsoft's function on a much-requested notification center for Home windows Phone and some advancements to multitasking plus the typical usability of your application see.
  Because the improvements are only in the prototyping period, it's unlikely that each one of these is going to be provided in the final version of Home windows Mobile phone Blue. The Verge understands this update is not really scheduled for launch until early upcoming yr. When the screenshots clearly show a notification centre as section of a independent software, it's probable this implementation ?a if it ships at all ?a will improve through the time Windows Mobile phone Blue is produced.
 http://www.windows7retailbox.com/microsoft-office-home-and-business-2010-retail-full-pack-p-3604.html

2013年6月10日星期一

Why is Comcast encouraging users to share internet bandwidth?

  Comcast is looking to bring the world one step closer to a universal and open wireless network, according to a report posted Monday by ZDnet.com. With the release of a new Wireless Gateway and router, Comcast is now encouraging its Xfinity Internet customers to establish internet hotspots for shared Wi-Fi access.
  The concept is simple: the new gateway broadcasts two separate Wi-Fi signals, one the standard-issue, secure, and private home internet system most users are used to, the other a neighborhood “xfinitiwifi” signal that can be accessed by other Comcast users on the fly. The community hotspot can be broadcast at no additional cost to the wireless customer, and other Comcast users can then access the new network for free by simply entering a username or password.
  Even non-subscribers will be able to benefit from the new shared hotspots, though Comcast says outside users will only be able to access the networks for two separate hour-long periods each month.
  Sounds great, doesn’t it? For those emergencies where cell service is out and you need to check email on your mobile device, or when you need to pull over, turn on your laptop, and quickly send a mass attachment, Comcast’s new strategy could be a welcome friend. If the model works, we could see more providers offering similar services, and more customers looking to “pay it forward” when it comes to free internet access.
  The big question, of course is security. The reason privatized wireless networks have become the norm in so many situations is the extra security they offer, both in keeping viruses and Malware isolated and in keeping hackers and other unwelcome cyber threats out. But will letting a bunch of strangers share your network put you at risk for intrusion?
  According to Comcast, not at all. The company assures customers that the two wireless signals produced by their new gateway are “completely separate,” and that Comcast users will be at no greater risk for a network hack with this shared system than they would be if they simply maintained a single private signal for themselves.
  Comcast’s plan is similar to an idea the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has been circulating for months. The foundation joined in an “Open Wireless Movement” last October, suggesting that Wi-Fi networks accessible to all may be the next big thing to happen to the internet.
  “We envision a world where sharing one’s Internet connection is the norm,” said Adi Kamdar, one of EFF’s activists, last fall. “A world of open wireless would encourage privacy, promote innovation, and benefit the public good, giving us network access whenever we need it. And everyone–users, businesses, developers, and Internet service providers–can get involved to help make it happen.”

The Verge arrived at out into the Reddit person

  Apple famously missing an iphone 4 prototype inside a bar, sparking a hunt for the persons involved in the loss and sale of the handset. Microsoft has also lost a telephone, one particular functioning a long run Home windows Cell phone 'Blue' variation of its cell software. A Reddit person posted screenshots and data received from the product around the weekend, building curiosity in unannounced characteristics for Home windows Telephone which incorporated an early prototype of the notification middle. The Verge arrived at out into the Reddit person in issue, and this may be the tale in the misplaced solution Windows Cellphone.

  Jeremiah Wong acquired a Lumia 920 from eBay on June fifth from the seller found in Seattle. "The telephone within the photographs looked different," claims Wong, talking exclusively to the Verge. "Mainly the start Display had the opinions hub, also etching to the back that study MSFT." Wong originally imagined the machine was a developer package since it experienced the unique etching alongside a cracked display screen, but it really was a lot more significant. So essential in truth that Microsoft needed it back again.
  Right after publishing screenshots of the software package managing about the product, and accidentally revealing his cellphone amount during the process, Wong was contacted by Microsoft's authorized crew. Microsoft locked the cellphone remotely and requested that Wong just take down his pics from his Flickr account. "Apparently the male who owned it misplaced it on the bus. It absolutely was then picked up and bought," he claims. In lieu of pursuing Wong, Microsoft has made available to reimburse him for your cost of the machine and also ship him a substitute cellular phone. "I was very amazed in the lack of intimidation and also additional shocked at their lodging," states Wong.
  Sources acquainted with Microsoft's Home windows Cell phone designs have uncovered into the Verge which the application is early prototype function for an future update codenamed Blue. Describing the software program, Wong claims it had "pretty much all the things he wanted," but that "a few matters desired perform nonetheless." The screenshots uncovered Microsoft's do the job on the much-requested notification center for Windows Mobile phone and some advancements to multitasking and also the standard usability with the app perspective.
  Since the advancements are only on the prototyping stage, it really is unlikely that every one of these is going to be involved inside a remaining model of Windows Telephone Blue. The Verge understands this update just isn't scheduled for launch till early next calendar year. Whilst the screenshots present a notification center as part of the different software, it truly is very likely this implementation ?a if it ships in any respect ?a will alter via the time Home windows Mobile phone Blue is introduced.

2013年6月2日星期日

Android alters all: Now the PC?

  The Android laptop is coming. Does that mean more market-share pain for Windows PCs?
  Hewlett-Packard's upcoming notebook offerings speak for themselves. For $480, there's the SlateBook x2 Android "notebook". At $800, we have the Windows 8-based Split x2.
  For me, the choice gets easier every time I pick up the Nexus 10 tablet that I've been using for the last month. In other words, if I'm spending about 50 percent of my time -- and doing limited-productivity stuff -- on the Nexus 10, it's not a giant leap to an Android laptop.
  Nor is it a leap in the broader mobile space where Android rules. Combine Android ubiquity with the deep discount consumers get with one of these lappies -- compared with the Windows variety -- and it's an even smaller step.
  And it's not just Android. Samsung's $250 Chromebook is consistently ranked as a best seller on Amazon.
  Yeah, there's still opportunity for Windows 8/8.1 PCs. I expect a raft of relatively cheap Windows laptops and hybrids when Intel's Silvermont chip hits later this year. So you might see, for instance, a future version of the HP Envy x2 priced below $600 running a quad-core Slivermont.
  But as I've said before, market dynamics in the mobile space favor Android. Just ask HP.

Microsoft provides a consistent expertise from console

  Global Laptop profits plunged 14% year-on-year in the very first quarter of 2013, and much with the blame was heaped over the lukewarm reception to Home windows eight. Microsoft's new functioning system was intended to supply a lift to the ailing sector but has ostensibly failed to try and do so.
  Microsoft states that it's already shifted a hundred million Windows eight licenses, which matches the income speed of Windows seven, but six months into your release of your former, NetApplications reports that Home windows eight only includes a 3.82% share from the desktop OS sector, although Windows seven and Windows XP nevertheless dominate with 44.72% and 38.31% respectively. Back when Home windows seven was also 6 months previous it already experienced an eleven.94% share, NetApplications claims.
  "Users are obtaining Windows eight to supply a compromised working experience that does not excel either being a new cellular interface or in the basic desktop interface," reported Jay Chou, senior study analyst, according to Reuters. "As a end result, a lot of people locate a drop in the regular Computer system experience with no gaining significantly from new attributes like touch. The end result is the fact numerous individuals are fearful about upgrading to Windows eight, to state practically nothing of company buyers who will be still just stepping into Home windows 7."
  Microsoft, to its credit, is having lively measures to handle the many user grievances about Home windows 8. The tech big will debut the absolutely free Windows 8.1 update (code-named "Blue") later on this 12 months, that can let buyers the choice of launching the OS using a button around the base left-hand corner of their screens that is certainly comparable towards the iconic 'Start' menu of preceding Windows iterations.
  Will the update alter the fate of Home windows eight? Richard Windsor, founder of the mobile-focused website Radio Absolutely free Mobile along with a previous tech analyst at Nomura, claims that it's virtually irrelevant, due to the fact given that Apple has stopped getting market share inside the Computer system globe, Personal computer end users will finally really have to enhance to Windows eight, presented the Microsoft hegemony in the industry. So the Redmond, Washington-based firm will never be also anxious about the fate of Home windows 8 at this stage.
  The proposition is of a Microsoft ecosystem, "a unified experience across all units that is built-in and easy to utilize. But handy and delightful just isn't what consumers see. Opportunity consumers are presented with what I seek advice from as Blue Squares of Dying," he states, noting which the problem went absent with Windows 7 but however resurfaced with Home windows eight.
  "When a person picks up a Windows Cellular phone or even a Windows 8 product at retail she or he is presented having a display full of blue or pink squares labeled Individuals, Maps, Tunes, Online games etc. Hit any one of those squares and absolutely nothing is located. Generally, the machine just isn't even related. This is the equal of heading right into a supercar showroom with $100,000 as part of your again pocket instead of getting able to own a examination travel," opined Windsor.
  "Furthermore, Microsoft provides a consistent expertise from console / Television as a result of Laptop, tablet and phablet every one of the technique to the mobile phone. These equipment are in no way displayed with each other and thus potential consumers hardly ever know this is an ecosystem for every gadget. How in the world Microsoft expects user to acquire Windows Telephones and Windows 8, when it does not demonstrate them what it truly is able to and exactly how large its scope is, is usually a secret."
  "As for [Original Devices Manufacturers], the top detail they are able to do is occur up with equipment that happen to be innovative, economical, which supply new persuasive ordeals in the Home windows eight ecosystem. You may see this along with the rise of convertibles, ultrabooks, and the upcoming launch of processors like Intel's Haswell, which purports to substantially broaden the battery lifetime of personal computers," Haynes included. "If they do not, the OEMs will discover a growing number of individuals actively searching for to abandon Windows 8 and beginning the go to pill computing rather of laptops and desktops.