Posts Categorized: News

Google 8-bit Maps

Google 8-bit MapsGoogle Labs – Dateline 1st April 2012. Google has released a new 8-bit version of its world famous mapping software. Feeling nostalgic, and want to re-live the good old days of computing then this is the one for you!

All you need to do is go into Google Maps using your favourite browser and click Quest from the map options on the right of the screen.Select Quest Your maps will then be shown in full 8-bit retro glory.

Google 8-bit Maps

Google Launches Android Design

Google has launched Android Design a site detailing creative design principles, user interface best practise, and guidelines for Android app designers. This move is a meant to try and achieve design consistency along the lines that Apple imposes on iOS apps through it’s app review. However Google’s approach is voluntary not compulsory. Based on the new Android 4.0, Google wants designers to adopt some base principles – Enchant me, Simplify my life,and Make me amazing.

Android 4 Upgrades for Samsung Devices

Samsung Electronics plan to provide the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich update for GALAXY devices. The ICS-upgradable devices are:

GALAXY S II,
GALAXY S II LTE,
GALAXY Note,
GALAXY R,
GALAXY Tab 10.1,
GALAXY Tab 8.9,
GALAXY Tab 7.7,
GALAXY Tab 7.0 Plus.

 

For upgradable models, Samsung will make separate announcements on details of OS updates schedule for each market according to market situation and carriers’ requirements. Read more.

Firefox for Android – new features


Firefox for Android has new features that put users in control of their mobile Web experience. With Firefox Master Password, you can protect all your saved usernames and passwords. This will help your private info stay private if you ever share or lose your Android device.

Firefox lets Android users add icons for any bookmarked website or Web app to the home screen and launch with just one touch.

Firefox 8 Released

Mozilla has released Firefox 8 for Windows, Mac and Linux.

Features include:

  • an integrated Twitter search
  • a new Add-on Manager that allows you to turn off any add-on installed by a third party
  • improved tab management
  • the ability to customise right-click context menus for apps and web sites
  • plus a pile of bug fixes including fixes for security issues

Download it here.

Smartphone malware attacks increasing


The incidence of malware attacks on smartphones is increasing dramatically. One of the commonest scenarios is that users are duped in downloading a fake app – often a social media app – this then runs in the background generating texts – maybe one a minute – to premium text numbers which can cost up to £6 a message.
To ensure that you use your smartphone safely pick up some tips at Get Safe Online – this site is sponsored by HM Government and leading businesses

Google freshens up it’s search

Google has freshened up it’s search algorithms such that it now delivers more time relevant results to your enquiries. Given the incredibly fast pace at which information moves in today’s world, the most recent information can be from the last week, day or even minute.

Depending on the search terms, the algorithm needs to be able to figure out that if  you searched for ‘Olympics’ it’s quite likely that you are looking for the 2012 Olympics not the 1984 games, so where possible Google serves up the most timely information first. Google reckon that the the results of up to 35% of searches will now be fresher and more relevant.

Android 4.0 – Ice Cream Sandwich

Android 4.0 aka Ice Cream Sandwich is the first Android version that will run on both smartphones and tablets. Up till now Android has been a little rough around the edges, release 4.0 takes Android to a new level of sophistication. It is anticipated that it will be ready for user download in December this year. (more…)

Microsoft Security Essentials mistakes Google Chrome for a Trojan!

Chrome logo

Microsoft’s Security Essentials anti-malware tool has mistakenly identified Google Chrome as a password sniffing trojan, and actually removed the browser from many users’ machines. A fix for this  false positive is now available.

Microsoft released an updated signature that fixes the error where Chrome is mistakenly identified as a member  of the Zeus malware family. Google also issued instructions on how to fix the problem.

Win 8 Metro will not support flash

Windows 8 Metro

Microsoft said that IE 10 the default web browser on Windows 8 will drop the support for flash when you are in the new Metro mode of Windows 8.

Read more:

http://tinyurl.com/4y9vpnu