Yandex.Kit gives Android vendors a free substitute for Google apps and services

Screen Shot 2014-02-19 at 14.19.40

While Android itself is a free, open-source operating system that can be used by any company and individual commercially, the Google apps and services we see bundled on popular devices do not share the same philosophy. Handsets have to be approved by the search giant in order to use the bread and butter of the Android world, which, among other things, includes access to the coveted Play store, and the Gmail and YouTube apps.

Because Google apps and services are not part of Android, we see lots of devices that are sold across the globe without them. Those come from lesser-known vendors, and may be available in anywhere from supermarkets to retail stores in emerging markets. To give those vendors a fighting chance against more popular rivals and increase its reach, Russian tech giant Yandex has announced Yandex.Kit, an Android suite that offers the company's own apps and services as a viable substitute for Google's own offerings on the platform.

Continue reading

You don’t need an app for that: four ways to leverage mobile without building an app

background_with_tablet_pc_with_icons

No one could argue very convincingly that mobile isn’t one of the most disruptive, transformational factors in business -- and in life -- today. Consumers are armed 24/7 with ever more powerful smartphones and tablets. But most aren’t dying to download the app you paid handsomely to develop.

Most consumers are using their mobile devices to access the web while away from home and from the couch. They’re using them to read your opt-in emails, clicking on your links and forwarding your offers to friends. They’re comparison-shopping, pitting brick-and-mortars with online stores, and reading reviews as part of their decision-making process. They’re relating their experiences with ratings and photos in real time with their social networks.

Continue reading

Oracle delivers enterprise financial planning in the cloud

Cloud planning

Effective financial planning and budgeting is essential for all businesses, but the software needed to support it can be expensive.

ERP specialist Oracle has released its Oracle Planning and Budgeting Cloud Service to help businesses harness the power of integrated financial planning cost effectively and fast.

Continue reading

SkyDrive relaunches as OneDrive, adds new features

OneDrive-Microsoft-Collection2

Following a legal battle with satellite broadcaster BskyB, Microsoft was forced to change the name of its popular cloud storage service SkyDrive, opting to go with OneDrive. The name change was unveiled three weeks ago, but today the update begins rolling out across all compatible devices.

Microsoft hasn’t simply just changed the name and logo of its product, and switched the web address to onedrive.com, it’s added some additional features too, and to celebrate the launch is giving away a grand total of 10 petabytes of free storage.

Continue reading

Google offers do's and don'ts for classless Glass owners

Explorers

When I was young, one of my favorite things to do was read Highlights Magazine. If you aren't familiar, it is a magazine designed for kids. Besides looking for hidden pictures, my favorite was Goofus and Gallant. It was a short comic strip that showcased two boys that were polar opposites -- Goofus was a jerk and Gallant was good. For example, Goofus would run with scissors, while Gallant would walk nicely with them.

Unfortunately for Google, it seems owners of its Glass product are far more Goofus than Gallant. In other words, the search-giant seems concerned that rude owners will give Glass a bad reputation. And so, Google has produced a list of do's and don'ts for these knuckleheads.

Continue reading

Google brings the Drive API to Code School

bored-students

For many people, learning to code or program is very hard. Young computer nerds often dream of becoming programmers, but reality hits them like a ton of bricks when they experience the level of difficulty. Of course, it doesn't have to be difficult. Quite frankly, many factors can cause a student to be overwhelmed by learning, such as a poor teacher or outdated curriculum.

With that said, where there is a will, there is a way. Many discouraged people may find that they can learn to program if they do it at their own pace and think outside the box. This is what makes Code School so intriguing -- students can pick what they want to learn and take it slowly. Today, Google announces that it is partnering with the online school.

Continue reading

Showtime launches on Roku

roku 3

Roku has been continuously adding content, or what it terms channels. This refers to, in some cases, actual channels, while in others it is a service, like YouTube and more. Now the little set-top box company has partnered up with one more network to deliver content to its customers.

Showtime Anytime is the new addition, as reported by Roku's Ed Lee. "Users can now watch current and past seasons of award-winning Showtime original series including Homeland, Ray Donovan, Masters of Sex, House of Lies, Dexter, Nurse Jackie and more on available on all current-generation Roku devices in the US".

Continue reading

Dude, you're getting a services contract -- Lufthansa selects Dell

Dell logo

When people think of Dell, they usually associate the company with cheap Windows computers and the "dude, you're getting a Dell" guy, Ben Curtis. However, the company is also in the services business, which, as PC sales continue to decline, is increasingly important.

Lufthansa is the largest airline in Europe, so who it selects to work with is important. After all, simply being associated with the largest airline is a great boon to a company's reputation. Today, Dell announces that it is the recipient of a 5-year service contract with the airline.

Continue reading

Happy 1st birthday Outlook.com! Microsoft gives away 'celebration packages' to mark the big day

birthday cupcake

http://youtu.be/AjMfwW1oWRQ

Time sure goes fast. It’s hard to believe but it’s been a year since Outlook.com came out of preview. To celebrate the one year anniversary, Microsoft has created a video showing the new features and changes it has made to its popular webmail service.

Continue reading

Opera partners with TiVo to bring apps to US TVs

opera-tivo

Smart TVs have become all the rage, bringing the world of apps into the living room. But other devices, like Blu-ray players and set-top boxes, can do the same thing. Now TiVo, a pioneer in the DVR field, is partnering with Opera to bring its app store to customers.

This isn’t for all TiVo users, only for those on US cable service RCN. Opera, largely known as a Norwegian browser maker, is one of the biggest forces in the smart TV business, maintaining an app store it licenses to device makers.

Continue reading

Panda releases Panda Cloud Antivirus Beta 2.9 ahead of final version 3 release

panda_cloud_av_icon

Panda Security has released Panda Cloud Antivirus Beta 2.9, a major revision of its popular cloud-based antivirus tool for Windows PCs.

The beta -- which will become version 3.0 on its final release -- includes a redesigned user interface based along Windows 8 lines as well as a new Wi-Fi Monitor module, and comes with the promise of improved protection and performance.

Continue reading

CrowdInspect checks your PC for malware with VirusTotal, Web of Trust

CrowdInspect200-175

Installing a good antivirus package will protect you from most threats, but there are no guarantees. It’s always wise to have one or two "second opinion" tools around, just to help out if you think your system has been infected.

CrowdInspect is a portable tool which uses VirusTotal, Web of Trust and Team Cymru’s Malware Hash Registry to reveal (but not remove) malware which is currently active on your network.

Continue reading

Amazon teams up with MGM for new Prime content

watching tv

The battle of the streaming video services continues, which is good news for cord-cutters, and those who are potentially considering taking that route. Amazon today scores a new deal with a content provider, allowing for additional material to become available to all subscribers.

The online retailer has teamed with MGM in a deal that will bring viewers such movies as The Terminator, Silence of the Lambs, Raging Bull, and Thelma and Louise. In addition, TV shows like MTV's Teen Wolf are arriving on Prime.

Continue reading

HTC wants your trust, shows commitment with Advantage program

Screen Shot 2014-02-18 at 17.17.01

HTC may be upping the ante by releasing quality smartphones and quickly rolling out Android updates, but the company's not-too-distant past, riddled with less than stellar support, is still taking a toll on its reputation, with sales of the latest smartphones underperforming compared to those of main rivals. The lack of trust is certainly an issue which HTC has to overcome.

The company seems to have found a resolution. To give more credence to its commitment of becoming a trustworthy vendor, HTC has unveiled a new program which is meant for the One, One Max and One Mini, that promises extended software support, accidental damage coverage and other perks like lots of free cloud storage and back-up services.

Continue reading

Sony shifts 5.3 million PS4s and takes number one spot

sony ps4

Ten days ago, the PlayStation 4 passed something of a landmark -- selling 5.3 million units. Figures also show that the PS4 was the top selling console in the US in January. Hitting the number one spot is based on data from NPD Group, while the overall sales numbers come from Sony's own record of sales in North America and Latin America, as well as in Europe and Asia.

Andrew House, President and Group CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc said "I am thrilled that so many customers around the globe have continued to select PS4 as the best place to play throughout and beyond the holiday season. We are delighted that according to the NPD Group's latest data, PS4 was January's top-selling console in the United States. The PS4 system's momentum just keeps growing stronger".

Continue reading

Load More Articles