Google forces developers to make Chrome extensions 'simpler'
When it comes to browsers, Firefox had long been the king of the customization. The browser revolutionized the usage of themes and extensions to allow the user to have a unique and personal experience. When Chrome was initially released, a lack of extensions caused many web users to turn their noses up at Google's browser. After all, if you want to release new product, it needs to at least surpass existing ones for people to notice.
Well, times have certainly changed -- Chrome has usurped Firefox in both customization and usage statistics. Google's browser has an amazing selection of extensions and themes. In fact, the browser has proved so important and popular, that it even spawned an operating system based on it -- Chrome OS. However, Google now announces that it is changing the policy regarding extensions in the Chrome Web Store. But, is this a good or a bad change?
Shhh! The noise your computer makes could be used to decrypt your files
It's probably not something you need worry about in relation to your personal files just yet, but according to a newly published paper (the snappily titled "RSA Key Extraction via Low-Bandwidth Acoustic Cryptanalysis") it appears that it is possible to extract 4096-bit RSA decryption keys by listening to the sounds made by a computer.
This might sound like the talk of someone paranoid, but it is actually more feasible than you might first think. And the paper has been penned by no less than Adi Shamir, the co-inventor of the RSA algorithm.
Take control of your privacy in Windows 8.1
Privacy has been a hot topic throughout 2013 and it’s always worth taking a little time to make sure you’re not accidentally sharing more information with the world than you might want to. Microsoft’s tiled operating system comes with some handy privacy controls baked in that you should definitely take a look at if you haven’t already.
This feature won’t stop the NSA spying on you, but it can prevent apps from accessing personal details like your name, photo, location and account info, and prevent them from using your PC or tablet's camera and microphone without your knowledge.
Genie Timeline 2014 adds Recycle Bin, backup history
Genie Corporation has announced the availability of Genie Timeline 2014, the latest edition of its popular backup tool.
All editions now benefit from a Recycle Bin. Accidentally delete some backed-up files and they’ll all appear together in the Bin, making them much easier to restore. Or, if you really need to be sure the files have gone forever, then you’re able to permanently delete them with a click.
Bulk SMS messaging app puts Android users at risk
Having uncovered the Android dialler malware last week, mobile security specialist Lookout is warning of a new threat involving a tangled web of spam, foreign banks and bulk messaging.
The threat surrounds a bulk SMS network called Bazuc which offers Android users a payout if they allow the network to access their unused SMS message allowance. The app has been downloaded up to 50,000 times from the Play Store but the author claims up to 100 downloads an hour so it’s evidently on third-party stores too.
Google certifies CyanogenMod for Oppo N1
When Oppo unveiled the CyanogenMod version of its N1 phablet, the Chinese company did not provide any details as to whether the new model would receive Google's stamp of approval and, therefore, official access to the Play store. I was very skeptical that this would happen, seeing as CyanogenMod has never been certified for prime time use.
As some of you may know, in order for a device to officially receive Google Play access, it has to be certified by Google. This is one of the reasons why there are so many Android smartphones and tablets (mostly inexpensive ones) out in the wild that ship without any Google-branded apps and services. As it turns out, the N1 will not be part of the said bunch.
IBM partners with Eurobank to deliver cloud-based international trade
As the world begins to emerge from recession it's trade that will play a major role in driving the recovery. In a bid to bring together importers and exporters from around the world to increase transactions, IBM is partnering with Eurobank -- one of the largest banks in Greece -- to launch a cloud-based platform for international trading.
Called Exportgate -- a name which puts us in mind of some sort of scandal but we're sure they know what they’re doing -- it uses IBM's Digital Experience software to create a secure business-to-business web portal. Exportgate combines industry analysis tools to allow buyers to view company profiles and presentations, contact sellers directly and exchange ideas and research via forums. It also has the social capabilities you'd expect of any self-respecting modern business package.
Motorola rolls out Android 4.4.2 KitKat for Moto G
Christmas comes early this year for Moto G users. Motorola has announced that Android 4.4.2 KitKat is now rolling out for its entry-level smartphone, in less than two months after parent company Google launched the latest version of the popular mobile operating system.
The Android 4.4.2 KitKat update is rolling out to Moto G smartphones that were purchased in the US, from Amazon and Motorola's online shop. It is expected to arrive in other markets, and at mobile operator versions, "soon".
Crowd-funded car built from Lego runs on air at up to 20km/h!
If you had access to 500,000 pieces of Lego (yes, they are Lego bricks or pieces, not Legos!) what would you build? When Steve Sammartino, an American entrepreneur, joined forces with "crazy Romanian teenager" Raul Oaida the answer seemed obvious -- build a full sized car capable of hitting 20km/h. Sammartino and Oaida met online, came up with the wacky idea for the plastic vehicle and tweeted to ask for help with funding.
The tweet lead to the birth of the Super Awesome Micro project. Having read the tweet -- "Anyone interested in investing $500 - $1,000 in a project which is awesome and a world first tweet me. Need about 20 participants" -- Ford Australia pledged some funding, as did some other investors, and the project was able to get off the ground.
The top 10 domain sales of 2013
Domain names aren't exactly sexy. However, they are extremely important in daily internet life. After all, without domain names, you would instead be entering the IP addresses of the websites that you wanted to visit -- that would suck.
If you want to buy your own domain, it can be very affordable. A certain website which is advertised using a certain Indy and Nascar-lady, has low prices; if the domain you desire isn't already claimed. If it is already taken, and you still want it, expect to pay hundreds, thousands or beyond to achieve it. Today, Sedo announces the top 10 domain sales of 2013.
Need to switch to a different Office 365 plan? Now you can!
One of the problems facing an organization investing in subscription software is determining what package to opt for. It makes sense to keep things as cheap as possible and plump for the lowest priced package, but what happens when your business expands and your needs grow? Microsoft is looking to make things a little easier for Small Business users who find that their needs change over time, making it possible to easily jump to the Midsize or Enterprise plans.
The Switch Plans program also makes it possible for Midsize Business subscribers to switch to an Enterprise plan. This is a great option for businesses whose employee numbers swell faster than expected, or for those who discover that they need access to additional features and options that are not available on the plan they originally chose.
Outpost Security Suite Pro 9 cleans up infected computers, supports Windows 8.1
Security vendor Agnitum has announced the availability of Outpost Security Suite Pro 9, Outpost Firewall Pro 9 and Outpost Antivirus Pro 9.
The new release is much better at handling infected systems. If malware prevents Outpost 9 from installing fully, it can run a Safe Mode scan to remove any threats. There’s also the option to create a bootable Linux-based CD or USB drive, which should help to eliminate even the most stubborn malware.
Google announces latest round of government takedowns
By now you know the routine, though none of us really seems to understand what we should think of it. We all have opinions of course, but I'll refrain from repeating the old adage about those. In the end, we can only report what the companies reveal to us, and that most recent unveiling comes from Google.
The latest Transparency Report reveals the notices the search giant received during the period spanning January through June of this year. The numbers are not particularly encouraging -- Google says it has received "3,846 government requests to remove 24,737 pieces of content". The company also states that this number represents a substantial increase over 2012, rising by a staggering 68-percent.
CCleaner adds individual cookie cleaning, Nero 14 support
The holiday season is upon us, and utilities developer Piriform has delivered a Christmas gift to all CCleaner users with an update to version 4.09.
The latest release now offers finer tuned cleaning, with an option to delete individual cookies from the Cookies interface.
LookDisk searches your drives for files, duplicates, text, more
Your PC’s hard drive is packed with files. Windows doesn’t provide all the search power you need, and you don’t have the time to research a host of specialist search tools, either.
The answer? LookDisk. It’s versatile, searching your drives for files, text, duplicate files and more. A host of configuration options ensures the program works just as you require. It’s also free, and portable, so ready to use almost anywhere.
Recent Headlines
© 1998-2025 BetaNews, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Cookie Policy.