Archive for April, 2014
Facebook Rolls Out New Login Privacy Controls
At F8, Facebook introduced new mobile privacy tools, and a mobile ad business called Audience Network. Continue reading →
Microsoft keyboard prototype integrates gesture control
Microsoft Research has designed a keyboard that integrates gesture controls for a more seamless user interface. Continue reading →
Did you lose your iPhone or iPad? Here’s exactly what you need to do to find it
When it comes to your smartphone or tablet, there is absolutely nothing worse than the feeling you get when you realize your device is no longer by your side. First, a moment of sheer terror causes you to freeze in place. Then panic sets in and the frantic rush to retrace your steps and think of where you might have left your device makes accurately retracing those steps incredibly difficult. Continue reading →
Meet Nod, the Bluetooth Ring That Wants to Replace Your Mouse
Nod is a wearable Bluetooth ring that lets you control a number of devices by simply waving your hand in the air. Continue reading →
Huge leak may show us exactly what the iPhone 6 looks like
After numerous reports claimed the iPhone 6 will have a completely new design featuring curved edges and an extremely thin profile, Nowhereelse has found images showing a mockup iPhone 6 model that seems to match the recent leaks – the dummy iPhone has reportedly been photographed in China, although it’s not clear who made it and for what purpose. The publication says the images have been posted on a Chinese forum well known for Apple leaks. Continue reading →
How to download any YouTube video in seconds
YouTube changed the world, plain and simple. It made video an integral part of the Internet and it continues to give anyone and everyone a creative outlet. Careers have been launched on YouTube. Continue reading →
Tails is the secure system that protected Edward Snowden. Here’s how it works.
Tweak your Android device with Xposed framework
For those who don’t want to go through the risky procedure of flashing a custom ROM, the Xposed framework is a great tool to tweak your Android device. Continue reading →
Which is the best smartphone? HTC One (M8) vs Samsung Galaxy S5 vs Sony Xperia Z2
We’ve written a lot about the trio of the HTC One (M8), Samsung Galaxy S5 and Sony Xperia Z2. From reviews to comparisons to detailed breakdowns of what the software changes are. Continue reading →
NASA Tests Orion’s Parachute Performance over Arizona
The team designing the parachute system for NASA’s Orion spacecraft has demonstrated almost every parachute failure they could imagine. But on April 23, they tested how the system would perform if the failure wasn’t in the parachutes. Continue reading →
Heartbleed: The Internet's Nightmare Vulnerability
When security researchers announced the Heartbleed bug in early April 2014, it sent shockwaves through the online world. Heartbleed was a severe vulnerability in OpenSSL, the encryption software used by millions of websites to secure communications. The flaw allowed attackers to read the memory of servers, potentially exposing sensitive data such as usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, and even the private keys used to encrypt traffic. What made Heartbleed especially frightening was that it had been present in the code for over two years, meaning attackers could have exploited it without leaving any trace.
The discovery prompted an immediate scramble to patch servers across the globe. Major websites, including Google, Facebook, and Amazon, quickly updated their systems, but many smaller sites lagged behind. Security experts advised users to change their passwords, but emphasized that they should first verify that the website had patched the vulnerability. Otherwise, changing passwords on a still-vulnerable server would be futile, as attackers could simply capture the new credentials. The incident also raised questions about the security of open-source software and the resources available for auditing critical code that underpins the internet.
In the aftermath, the OpenSSL project received increased funding and support from major tech companies, leading to significant improvements in its development process. For ordinary users, the key takeaways were clear:
- Use unique passwords for each site to limit the damage if one is compromised.
- Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible to add an extra layer of security.
- Stay informed about security breaches and follow recommendations from trusted sources.
- Consider using a password manager to generate and store strong passwords.
Heartbleed also prompted a broader conversation about the need for better security practices, including the use of perfect forward secrecy and more frequent security audits. The vulnerability served as a stark reminder that even the most widely used software can harbor serious flaws, and that vigilance is essential in an increasingly connected world.
Windows Phone 8.1: A Major Step Forward
At the Build developer conference in April 2014, Microsoft unveiled Windows Phone 8.1, a significant update to its mobile operating system. The update brought a host of new features that brought Windows Phone closer to parity with iOS and Android. One of the most anticipated additions was Cortana, Microsoft's voice-activated personal assistant, which aimed to compete with Apple's Siri and Google Now. Cortana could set reminders, answer questions, and even tell jokes, using natural language processing to understand user requests.
Windows Phone 8.1 also introduced a notification center, a feature that users had been requesting for years. The Action Center allowed users to view and dismiss notifications from a single place, as well as access quick settings for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other toggles. The update also included a new keyboard with swipe typing, improved multitasking, and a more customizable start screen with the ability to set a background image behind live tiles. Additionally, Microsoft added support for VPN and enterprise features, making Windows Phone more viable for business users.
The update was rolled out to existing Windows Phone 8 devices over the following months, though not all carriers released it simultaneously. Developers received early access through the Preview for Developers program, allowing them to test the new features before the general release. Despite the improvements, Windows Phone still faced an uphill battle in the smartphone market, which was dominated by Android and iOS. However, the update demonstrated Microsoft's commitment to its mobile platform and laid the groundwork for future iterations, including the eventual unification with Windows 10.
Amazon Fire TV: Streaming and Gaming in One Box
In April 2014, Amazon entered the increasingly crowded set-top box market with the Fire TV, a small device that promised to deliver both streaming media and gaming in a single package. Priced competitively, the Fire TV aimed to take on established players like Roku and Apple TV, as well as gaming consoles like the Xbox and PlayStation. The device featured a quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, and a dedicated GPU, making it one of the most powerful streaming boxes available at the time.
One of the standout features of Fire TV was its voice search capability, which allowed users to speak the name of a movie, TV show, or actor into the included remote. The voice recognition was powered by Amazon's cloud-based services and was generally fast and accurate. Fire TV also integrated tightly with Amazon's ecosystem, offering access to Prime Instant Video, Amazon's growing library of streaming content. Additionally, users could install apps like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube, though some were missing at launch.
For gaming, Amazon offered an optional game controller and a selection of Android-based games that could be played on the Fire TV. While the gaming experience was not as robust as dedicated consoles, it provided a casual gaming option for those who wanted more than just streaming. The Fire TV also supported screen mirroring from Kindle Fire tablets and later gained the ability to play Amazon's cloud gaming service, Luna. Initial reviews were mixed, with praise for the device's performance and voice search but criticism for the limited app selection and the requirement of an Amazon account for full functionality.
Google Glass Goes on Sale (For One Day Only)
In a surprising move, Google opened up sales of its Google Glass Explorer Edition to the general public for one day only on April 15, 2014. Previously, the wearable device was only available to developers and a select group of "Explorers" who had been invited by Google. The one-day sale allowed anyone in the United States to purchase Glass for $1,500, though the offer was limited to a single day and required buyers to have a U.S. shipping address. The sale generated significant buzz and was seen as a step toward a wider consumer launch.
Google Glass was a head-mounted display that projected information into the wearer's field of vision. It could take photos and videos, display notifications, and run a variety of apps designed specifically for the device. However, Glass had been controversial since its unveiling, raising privacy concerns due to its ability to record video discreetly. Some establishments banned Glass, and wearers were sometimes mocked or even harassed. Despite these challenges, Google continued to develop the product, promising a consumer version in the future.
The one-day sale was met with mixed reactions. Some saw it as a way to expand the Explorer program and gather more feedback, while others criticized the high price point and the still-limited functionality. Google eventually discontinued the Explorer program in 2015 and shifted its focus to enterprise applications for Glass. The device remains a notable chapter in the history of wearable technology, illustrating both the potential and the pitfalls of augmented reality.
Samsung Galaxy S5: The Next Big Thing?
Samsung officially launched its flagship Galaxy S5 smartphone on April 11, 2014, following weeks of speculation and leaks. The device boasted a 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display, a 16-megapixel camera, and a fingerprint scanner integrated into the home button. One of its most notable features was water and dust resistance, rated at IP67, which set it apart from many competitors. The Galaxy S5 also introduced a heart rate sensor on the back, catering to the growing interest in health and fitness tracking.
The Galaxy S5 ran Android 4.4.2 KitKat with Samsung's TouchWiz interface, which had been toned down slightly in response to criticism. The phone was powered by a Snapdragon 801 processor and 2GB of RAM, providing snappy performance. However, many reviewers noted that the design, with its plastic body and dimpled back, felt less premium than the metal unibody of the HTC One M8, which launched around the same time. The fingerprint scanner also drew some ire for requiring a swipe gesture rather than a simple touch, though it was still a step forward for Samsung.
Despite the criticism, the Galaxy S5 sold well, cementing Samsung's position as the leading Android smartphone manufacturer. It competed directly with the HTC One M8 and Sony Xperia Z2, both of which offered their own unique features. Ultimately, the Galaxy S5 represented a solid, if iterative, update that focused on practical improvements rather than radical redesign.