1. Microsoft Lets Skypers Leave Face Mail
Microsoft announced on Friday that Skype users will now be able to leave video messages via the Voice over IP service. This new messaging service, which is now undergoing a beta test, will allow users to send video recordings to contacts even if they're offline or on another call. What's different about this announcement is that it seems aimed more at mobile users than the traditional desktop users of Skype. Users on Windows who receive the video messages will receive a link rather than a video clip, while Android, iOS and even Mac users will receive a video message in their mailbox.
2. Build The Best Bang For The Buck PC
We all know that, generally speaking, buying the newest top-end part gets you the most performance. But, in most cases, the premium you pay for that part covers a whole lot of other stuff as well that has no bearing on frame rates or video encoding times. More »
3. Android 4.2.2 rolling out for Nexus devices
Google Nexus owners, unlock your devices and start checking for updates because Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean is now rolling out. The latest software version is reportedly hitting Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 devices, with no word at the moment relating to the Nexus 4.
The Android 4.2.2 update bumps up the build number to version JDQ39 and mostly appears to contain minor fixes. No official changelog has been provided by Google at this moment, but users are reporting improvements for Bluetooth streaming which now presents "less hicups [...] but still not perfect" with apparent disconnects when switching from Wi-Fi to cellular data.
The update comes in at little over 46MB and considering the fairly significant size may feature plenty more under-the-hood changes. Android 4.2.2 is currently rolling out in waves and will likely hit the Nexus 4 in the following days if previous deployments are of any indication. For Galaxy Nexus owners there is an OTA Android 4.2.2 update file that can be manually downloaded and installed afterwards using ADB Sideload in the recovery.
4. Making the case for the smart watch
Microsoft announced on Friday that Skype users will now be able to leave video messages via the Voice over IP service. This new messaging service, which is now undergoing a beta test, will allow users to send video recordings to contacts even if they're offline or on another call. What's different about this announcement is that it seems aimed more at mobile users than the traditional desktop users of Skype. Users on Windows who receive the video messages will receive a link rather than a video clip, while Android, iOS and even Mac users will receive a video message in their mailbox.
2. Build The Best Bang For The Buck PC
We all know that, generally speaking, buying the newest top-end part gets you the most performance. But, in most cases, the premium you pay for that part covers a whole lot of other stuff as well that has no bearing on frame rates or video encoding times. More »
3. Android 4.2.2 rolling out for Nexus devices
Google Nexus owners, unlock your devices and start checking for updates because Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean is now rolling out. The latest software version is reportedly hitting Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 devices, with no word at the moment relating to the Nexus 4.
The Android 4.2.2 update bumps up the build number to version JDQ39 and mostly appears to contain minor fixes. No official changelog has been provided by Google at this moment, but users are reporting improvements for Bluetooth streaming which now presents "less hicups [...] but still not perfect" with apparent disconnects when switching from Wi-Fi to cellular data.
The update comes in at little over 46MB and considering the fairly significant size may feature plenty more under-the-hood changes. Android 4.2.2 is currently rolling out in waves and will likely hit the Nexus 4 in the following days if previous deployments are of any indication. For Galaxy Nexus owners there is an OTA Android 4.2.2 update file that can be manually downloaded and installed afterwards using ADB Sideload in the recovery.
4. Making the case for the smart watch
With all apologies to my colleague Joe Wilcox, who bashed the Apple rumor of an "iWatch", I must respectfully disagree. I get his point, don't get me wrong. Most people of the "modern" generation do not even wear watches. In fact, they may not even own them. The cell phone has become the time piece of choice in today's world. I also understand that a watch is not the ideal place to check your email. The screen is simply too small.
However, there are uses for these devices for some of us. Not all of us, but some. I am a runner. Have been since middle school -- more years ago than I care to mention. Those of us who ran cross country and track, and later moved to road races, care about time and smartphones don't cover it. Sure there are apps for that -- Map My Run, Run Keeper, Nike...they all do the job. My colleague Wayne Williams loves Zombies, Run! But, who wants to strap a 4.5-inch screen to their arm and go for a run?
I am not saying the rumored Apple "iWatch" is a good idea. What I am saying is that smart watches in general have a future, although it is certainly a niche one. Sure, if Apple releases a watch then the sheep will form lines around its store waiting to hand over their money, but it will be mostly be for a status symbol.
However, real smart watches, like the recently released Pebble, have a function for some of us. That particular item contains both GPS and Run Keeper, an app that can track your run, preventing the necessity of the old practice of driving a course before running it. Yes, some of us do that -- we are obsessed with distance and time, pace must be calculated. there are watches for that already, but what is wrong with a bit more functionality?
No, I don't need Dick Tracy-type software for a watch. I honestly do not need to know who is calling via my watch, although glancing at wrist, as opposed to fishing Galaxy Nexus from its home in my right front pocket would be handy. My Timex Ironman has worked just fine. But, devices like the Pebble could save me time and gas. I personally think this revolution can work, but it will be a small one. It is a niche product, but one that certainly has a home.
5. Leaked Screenshots Reportedly Show Samsung’s Smartwatch
Apparently every tech company is coming out with an iWatch/Smartwatch, and these screenshots — leaked from a Korean message board and spotted by SlashGear — supposedly show the time-telling wrist MP3 player Samsung has in store. More »
6. iOS 6.1 Security Risk: Anyone Can Bypass Your iPhone’s Lock Screen
So, iOS 6.1 hasn’t been Apple’s finest hour. So far it has been plagued with connection issues, battery woes, and now it’s sadly insecure too. You can bypass any lockcode on an iPhone using this straightforward sequence of button presses. More »
7. Top 10 Linux Networked Storage Systems Under $1,000
Cloud storage may be on the move, but local network-attached storage (NAS) systems continue to be in hot demand, especially as they integrate cloud backup and mobile access.This slide show of the top 10 Linux-based NAS devices for small office users includes a range of $200 to $1,000 desktop boxes that support 2 to 4TB of built-in networked storage. All of these devices run on embedded Linux, and support attached Linux desktop PCs in addition to other platforms.
However, there are uses for these devices for some of us. Not all of us, but some. I am a runner. Have been since middle school -- more years ago than I care to mention. Those of us who ran cross country and track, and later moved to road races, care about time and smartphones don't cover it. Sure there are apps for that -- Map My Run, Run Keeper, Nike...they all do the job. My colleague Wayne Williams loves Zombies, Run! But, who wants to strap a 4.5-inch screen to their arm and go for a run?
I am not saying the rumored Apple "iWatch" is a good idea. What I am saying is that smart watches in general have a future, although it is certainly a niche one. Sure, if Apple releases a watch then the sheep will form lines around its store waiting to hand over their money, but it will be mostly be for a status symbol.
However, real smart watches, like the recently released Pebble, have a function for some of us. That particular item contains both GPS and Run Keeper, an app that can track your run, preventing the necessity of the old practice of driving a course before running it. Yes, some of us do that -- we are obsessed with distance and time, pace must be calculated. there are watches for that already, but what is wrong with a bit more functionality?
No, I don't need Dick Tracy-type software for a watch. I honestly do not need to know who is calling via my watch, although glancing at wrist, as opposed to fishing Galaxy Nexus from its home in my right front pocket would be handy. My Timex Ironman has worked just fine. But, devices like the Pebble could save me time and gas. I personally think this revolution can work, but it will be a small one. It is a niche product, but one that certainly has a home.
5. Leaked Screenshots Reportedly Show Samsung’s Smartwatch
Apparently every tech company is coming out with an iWatch/Smartwatch, and these screenshots — leaked from a Korean message board and spotted by SlashGear — supposedly show the time-telling wrist MP3 player Samsung has in store. More »
6. iOS 6.1 Security Risk: Anyone Can Bypass Your iPhone’s Lock Screen
So, iOS 6.1 hasn’t been Apple’s finest hour. So far it has been plagued with connection issues, battery woes, and now it’s sadly insecure too. You can bypass any lockcode on an iPhone using this straightforward sequence of button presses. More »
7. Top 10 Linux Networked Storage Systems Under $1,000
Cloud storage may be on the move, but local network-attached storage (NAS) systems continue to be in hot demand, especially as they integrate cloud backup and mobile access.This slide show of the top 10 Linux-based NAS devices for small office users includes a range of $200 to $1,000 desktop boxes that support 2 to 4TB of built-in networked storage. All of these devices run on embedded Linux, and support attached Linux desktop PCs in addition to other platforms.
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