Apple launched trade-in program "iPhone Reuse and Recycle"

Summary: Apple Inc. said Friday that it has launched an iPhone trade-in program at its U.S. retail locations. The program will allow consumers to trade in older devices for credit on new products.

If you're worried you won't have enough cash saved up before the imminent release of the iPhone 5S, you're in luck. Apple is reportedly introducing a trade-in program ahead of the next iPhone's release, which would get your old iPhone off your hands and take a few bucks off the new one.

(Morefrom Techtimes24: Twitter’s new update conversation Apps for iPhone and Android)

Values can range depending on a variety of factors, including device color, physical damage and liquid damage. Though the prices could very well be tweaked before the program goes wide, the range is said to be around $120-200 for 16GB iPhone 4 and 4S models. A 16GB iPhone 5 in good condition could go for around $250

Maximum trade-in values

*Company offers gift card, not cash

Once the paperwork is done, the value is added to a gift card. The balance is applied to a new device, and the customer keeps the gift card if there’s money left over. The store keeps the old phone. The trade-in program is only applicable if you’re in the store to get a new phone, so you can’t just trade it for a gift card.

(More from Techtimes24: China's Xiaomi Hires Google Executive Hugo Barra)

Source: techcrunch, cnbc, huffingtonpost, apple recycling program

China's Xiaomi Hires Google Executive Hugo Barra

Vice president of Android product management Mr. Hugo Barra has announced he’s joining Android smartphone maker Xiaomi as vice president of its global team to expand the device-maker’s product portfolio and worldwide reach.

The news, which was first reported by AllThingsD, followed closely reports about a split between Google co-founder Sergey Brin and his wife Anne Wojcicki. The reports suggest that Brin is now seeing another Google employee who was previously seeing Barra. The third Google employee has not been named. Barra tendered his resignation before the drama involving Brin unfolded.

(More from Techtimes24: Twitter’s new update conversation Apps for iPhone and Android)

Xiaomi is one of a number of Chinese smartphone makers that have been gaining market share in China against foreign rivals like Apple and Nokia. Until recently, these Chinese companies seemed happy with their rising sales in China, the biggest smartphone market, but now companies like Xiaomi, Lenovo and Huawei seem intent on expanding internationally.

Mr. Barra said in a statement posted on a Google social networking service that he intended to help Xiaomi “expand their incredible product portfolio and business globally.”

“I’m really looking forward to this new challenge, and am particularly excited about the opportunity to continue to help drive the Android ecosystem,” he wrote.

“We wish Hugo Barra the best,” Google said in a statement. “We’ll miss him at Google and we’re excited that he is staying within the Android ecosystem.”

(More from Techtimes24: Apple snaps up AlgoTrim, a data compression startup)

Source: Android’s Hugo Barra Departs Google for China’s Xiaomi

Twitter’s new update conversation Apps for iPhone and Android

Twitter has taken note and a new update to the website, iOS and Android apps available today makes engaging in conversations on Twitter a much more intuitive process. Using this App user can make it easier to discover and follow conversations in their home timeline.

When browsing your Twitter stream, some tweets will now be connected with a blue line, letting you know they're part of a conversation. If you want to view the rest of the associated tweets, just tap on "more replies" and you'll launch the conversation view.

All users will now be able to flag tweets as inappropriate or spammy directly from the app or web interface (iOS users have had this ability for a while) — a change made partially in response to a popular petition with over 100,000 signatures calling for the feature.

(More from Techtimes24: Apple snaps up AlgoTrim, a data compression startup)

Source: Keep up with conversations on Twitter

Apple snaps up AlgoTrim, a data compression startup

Summary: Apple acquires Swedish codec and compression algorithm maker AlgoTrim.

According to a new report by Swedish emerging industry news service Rapidus, Apple has acquired AlgoTrim, a Swedish company specialising in compression technologies to optimise memory handling in mobile devices. AlgoTrim develops advanced solutions for mobile devices within the fields of data compression, mobile imaging and video, and computer graphics.

AlgoTrim was founded in 2005 by Anders Berglund, Anders Holtsberg and Martin Lindberg, and according to the report, Holstberg recently moved to California, near Apple's headquarters. While confirming to Rapidus he now works for Apple, Holstberg declined to comment on the acquisition to the publication.

(More from Techtimes24: New York Times Website Hacked by Syrian Electronic Army)

According to AlgoTrim's website, its imaging codecs are used in Google's Gallery app while other compression technology is used to compress firmware updates in some Android devices.

It also has several image codecs to for JPEG, PNG, GIF and BMP files in addition to other imaging solutions for "modern computational photography". The company's products are based on a patented lossless compression method that is used for compressing processor instructions.

(More from Techtimes24: Facebook Global Government Requests Report for user data)

Source: Apple acquires Swedish software start-up

New York Times Website Hacked by Syrian Electronic Army

Second time in this month The New York Times Web site was unavailable to readers on Tuesday afternoon after an online attack on the company’s domain name registrar. A hacker group calling itself the "Syrian Electronic Army" claimed responsibility.

Within minutes of the attack, the New York Times quickly set up alternative websites, posting stories about chemical attacks in Syria. "Not Easy to Hide a Chemical Attack, Experts Say," was the headline of one. The service was restored early Wednesday.

(More from Techtimes24: Facebook Global Government Requests Report for user data)

Source: Times Site Is Disrupted in Attack by Hackers

Facebook Global Government Requests Report for user data

Every year, Facebook gets thousands of requests from governments for access to its users’ data. According to a new company report, the tech giant has an easier time fending off requests from foreign governments than from U.S. law enforcement agencies

Image from facebook

Facebook's Global Government Requests Report, released on Tuesday for the first time, offered details on official requests from 74 countries.

Facebook said "We are pleased to release our first Global Government Requests Report"

The report details the following:

·         Which countries requested information from Facebook about our users

·         The number of requests received from each of those countries

·         The number of users/user accounts specified in those requests

·         The percentage of these requests in which we were required by law to disclose at least some data

The US made by far the most requests, asking for information on between 20,000 and 21,000 users. UK authorities requested Facebook hand over data on 2,337 users.

Report made to Facebook click

(More from Techtimes24: Microsofteyes Xbox One launching November-8)

Source: Global Government Requests Report

Microsoft eyes Xbox One launching November-8

A leaked email supposedly originating from a Walmart marketing firm marks the Xbox One with a Friday, November 8 launch date.

The company has yet to announce when the Xbox One will be available, but Microsoft may decide to launch the high-powered console on November 8, gaming site Kotaku reported on Monday, citing a person who has knowledge of Microsoft's plans.

Source: The Xbox One Might Be Out On November 8

Computer backup make it free, find free online storage websites for individual or business purpose

Summary: Online storage is now popular for its easy maintenance, save and secure uploading and downloading files from everywhere you want. Find popular free cloud storage websites.

What is cloud/online storage?

Cloud storage is a model of networked enterprise storage where data is stored in the webhost which are generally hosted by third parties. User requires their data to be hosted free, buy or lease storage capacity from online storage providers.

(More from techtime24: Everyone should know before buying Google’s Chromecast)

There are many online backup service providers; here some free well-liked cloud storage websites;

1.       Google Drive

2.       SkyDrive

3.       Mega

4.       Dropbox

5.       iCloud

6.       IDrive

7.       Just Cloud

8.       Box2

9.       Bitcasa

10.   Evernote

11.   Humyo

12.   Binfire

13.   More cloud storage providers are at the tail of the page

How does it work?

Online Backup involves downloading a company’s software application which will be installed on your computer or laptop. The application will run in the background backing up your files to their secure storage servers. Most companies use 256 bit SSL encryption which is classed as “Bank Grade Security” Most companies provide and online control panel so you can search your files online and download, or share these files. The purpose of the software is to allow you to easily restore your computer if at any point it crashes from hard drive failure, you accidently delete a file or if your laptop is stolen. Restoring files should be easy with just a few clicks but will take some time to download all your files depending on your internet connection speed

(More from techtime24: Know about thumb-size PC "Project Ophelia")

Why cloud storage?

What happen if your hard drive crash, theft, fire, accidental deletion or hardware failure? All these can contribute to lost files. That means our valuable documents are always in risk. Online backup is now a must have for all computer users, as we now live in a digital age where our whole digital life is store online.

Is cloud storage secure?

All online storage providers use 256 bit SSL encryption which is sometimes referred to as “Bank Grade” security. Encryption is the process where data is scrambled into a long series of characters and a key is then needed to unscramble the information again. Encryption is one of the major reasons why online backup is the preferred choice for computer storage. Encryption prevents malicious parties from attempting to access, change or damage files by storing them in a why which is inaccessible without the key. In this aspect its save and secure.

(More from techtime24: MakerBot Digitizer 3D scanner released)

Other online storage websites;

Zip Cloud, MyPC Backup, SOS, SugarSync, Mozy, BackupGenie, Crash Plan, Carbonite, IBackup, BackBlaze, Backupify, Jungledisk, LiveDrive, keepit, Elephant Drive, ADrive, OpenDrive, Vault Logix, Druva, PennyBackup, Concentsus, Genie Backup, Yousendit.com, CloudBerry, Egnyte Backup, Yotta Vault, MiMedia, Kinetic D, Amazon Online Backup, NovaBackup, SafeCopyBackup ,Backupandshare, 4Shared, Sharefile Backup, Fileswap, Mediafire

Hon Hei (Foxconn) sells Wearable Technology Patents to Google

Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. released a statement today, saying that it has sold a portion of its patent portfolio to Google Inc., as part of its business strategy.

Hon Hai, also known as Foxconn, a key Apple Inc. (APPL) supplier. Foxconn confirmed on Friday it had sold technologies to Google that generate "a virtual image and is superimposed on a real-world view," according to The Wall Street Journal.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

(More from techtimes24: Another Mapping App Embark Acquires by Apple Inc.)

Foxconn said the patents were “commonly used in aviation and tactical/ground displays, engineering and scientific design applications, gaming and video devices as well as training and simulation tools”.

(More from techtimes24: MakerBot Digitizer 3D scanner released)

Source: Hon Hai Says It Sold Some Display Patents to Google

MakerBot Digitizer 3D scanner released

Summary: MakerBot Digitizer a desktop 3D scanner which allows users to scan objects and print them out has been developed by an American company, which goes on sale; it costs $1,400 (£900) and will be sent to those who order now in October.

MakerBot Digitizer takes around 12 minutes to scan an object up to eight inches (20.3cm) in height or diameter without any need for the user to learn any 3D modeling software or have any other special expertise. It works by training lasers on the object the user wishes to recreate to gauge its measurements. These measurements can then be sent to a 3D printer to print out, or uploaded to Thingiverse, a website for sharing 3D designs.

(More from techtimes24: Facebook announced a plan to make Internet more affordable by lowering the cost of data per megabyte)

MakerBot, which was acquired by Stratasys in June 2013, has risen to prominence with its 3D printing business. It currently has two 3D printers on offer: The MakerBot Replicator 2 and the MakerBot Replicator 2X.

(More from techtimes24: Yahoo Beats Google To top in U.S. Web Traffic)

Here’s what you can do with MakerBot Digitizer;

·         The MakerBot Digitizer runs on our simple, yet sophisticated software that creates clean, watertight 3D models with just two clicks

·         Turn physical objects into 3D digital design files in approximately 12 minutes

·         You don’t need any design skills, 3D modeling, or CAD expertise to get started

·         The output is a standard 3D model file format (STL) and can be modified and improved in third-party 3D modeling programs, like Autodesk’s free software MeshMixer

·         MakerBot Digitizer works seamlessly with MakerBot Replicator Desktop 3D Printers to let you make your freshly scanned models

·         Easily upload your scans to Thingiverse.com

(More from techtimes24: Another Mapping App Embark Acquires by Apple Inc.)

Source: MakerBot Digitizer Lets You Turn Objects Into 3D Models for $1,400

Another Mapping App Embark Acquires by Apple Inc.

Apple has purchased a small mapping company Embark Inc. that offers mass transit information, another in a long line of mapping-related acquisitions aimed at improving the Maps app it released for the iPhone last year to universal disdain.

Apple has confirmed to various news sites that it has purchased San Francisco startup Embark, the acquisition was first reported on JessicaLessin.com.

(More from techtimes24: Facebook announced a plan to make Internet more affordable by lowering the cost of data per megabyte)

Embark, founded in 2011, builds apps for mobile devices powered by Android and Apple’s iOS with information about transit systems in about half a dozen U.S. cities such as New York, San Francisco and Chicago. Its iOS apps are still available for download, but its Android apps aren’t, according to our checks.

(More from techtimes24: Yahoo Beats Google To top in U.S. Web Traffic)

Source: Apple Buys (Another) Map App, Embark

Yahoo Beats Google To top in U.S. Web Traffic

Summary: According to comScore Media Metrix Ranks Yahoo Tops Google in U.S. for Web Traffic in July

According to comScore's Media Metrix ranking released on Wednesday, Yahoo's sites had 196.6 million unique U.S. visitors while Google's sites -- which had held the top position for long -- received 192.3 million unique visits in July. The last time Sunnyvale, Calif.-based Yahoo surpassed Google’s traffic and topped the chart was in May 2011, and its web traffic increased 20 percent year-on-year in July, comScore data showed.

(More from techtimes24: Users of Google Maps for Mobile will now benefit from real time incident reports from Waze users)

Top 10 comScore's Media Metrix ranking;

1. Yahoo! Sites

2. Google Sites

3. Microsoft Sites

4. Facebook

5. AOL, Inc.

6. Amazon Sites

7. Glam Media

8. Wikimedia Foundation Sites

9. CBS Interactive

10. Turner Digital

(More from techtimes24: Facebook announced a plan to make Internet more affordable by lowering the cost of data per megabyte)

Source: Yahoo Tops Google in U.S. Web Traffic

Facebook announced a plan to make Internet more affordable by lowering the cost of data per megabyte

Summary: Facebook is set to announce an effort aimed at drastically cutting the cost of delivering basic internet services on mobile phones, particularly in developing countries, where Facebook and other tech companies need to find new users.

Mark Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Facebook, announced the launch of internet.org, a global partnership with the goal of making internet access available to the next 5 billion people.

On facebook post "Everything Facebook has done has been about giving all people around the world the power to connect," Zuckerberg said. "There are huge barriers in developing countries to connecting and joining the knowledge economy. Internet.org brings together a global partnership that will work to overcome these challenges, including making internet access available to those who cannot currently afford it."

(More from techtimes24: The complete lists of Xbox One launch)

The goal of Internet.org is to make internet access available to the two-thirds of the world who are not yet connected, and to bring the same opportunities to everyone that the connected third of the world has today. In order to achieve its goal of connecting the two-thirds of the world who are not yet online, internet.org will focus on three key challenges in developing countries:

1.       Making access affordable

2.       Using data more efficiently

3.       Helping businesses drive access

Half a dozen of the world's tech giants, including Samsung, Nokia, Qualcomm and Ericsson, have agreed to work with the company on the initiative, which they call Internet.org.

(More from techtimes24: Nokia’s Phablet “Bandit” to be first 1080p, quad-core Windows Phone coming soon)

Source: Technology Leaders Launch Partnership to Make Internet Access Available to All

The complete lists of Xbox One launch titles-23 games in all

Microsoft made several announcements as the launch of its next-generation Xbox One video game console draws near, but perhaps the most exciting for eager gamers was the complete list of launch titles that will be available in November when the Xbox One finally hits store shelves. The complete list of 23 titles follows below.

1.       Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag (Ubisoft, Ubisoft)

2.       Battlefield 4 (DICE, Electronic Arts)

3.       Call of Duty: Ghosts (Infinity Ward, Activision)

4.       Crimson Dragon (Grounding/Land Ho!, Microsoft Studios)

5.       Dead Rising 3 (Capcom Vancouver, Microsoft)

6.       FIFA 14 (EA Sports, Electronic Arts)

7.       Fighter Within (AMA Ltd., Ubisoft)

8.       Forza Motorsport 5 (Turn 10 Studios, Microsoft Studios)

9.       Just Dance 2014 (Ubisoft Paris, Ubisoft)

10.   Killer Instinct (Double Helix, Microsoft Studios)

11.   LEGO Marvel Super Heroes (TT Games, Warner Bros. Interactive)

12.   Lococycle (Twisted Pixel, Microsoft Studios)

13.   Madden NFL 25 (EA Sports, Electronic Arts)

14.   NBA 2K14 (Visual Concepts, 2K Sports)

15.   NBA LIVE 14 (EA Sports, Electronic Arts)

16.   Need for Speed: Rivals (Ghost Games, Electronic Arts)

17.   Peggle 2 (Popcap, Electronic Arts)

18.   Powerstar Golf (Zoe Mode, Microsoft Studios)

19.   Ryse: Son of Rome (Crytek, Microsoft Studios)

20.   Skylanders: Swap Force (Vicarious Visions, Activision)

21.   Watch Dogs (Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft)

22.   Zoo Tycoon (Frontier Developments Ltd., Microsoft Studios)

23.   Zumba Fitness: World Party (Zoë Mode, Majesco)

Users of Google Maps for Mobile will now benefit from real time incident reports from Waze users

Summary: The Waze Map Editor will now include Google Maps Street View and satellite imagery as tools to make it easier to correct map errors reported by the community.

In a blog post from Google says “No one likes getting stuck in traffic. That’s why the Waze and Google Maps teams are working together to harness the power of Google technology and the passion of the Waze community to make it easier to navigate your daily life”

Real-time traffic reports from Waze app users will now appear on the Google Maps app for Apple iOS and Android. Meanwhile, Waze users will gain access to Google search and Street View. The updates to both services will be available today

For more information, visit the Waze blog

Nokia’s Phablet “Bandit” to be first 1080p, quad-core Windows Phone coming soon

Summary: Nokia is reportedly entering the phablet market, with a 6-inch, 1080p display and a Qualcomm Snapdragon quad-core processor Windows Phone device codenamed "Bandit."

The Verge reports the Bandit will boast a 20-megapixel camera -- almost as powerful as the snapper in the Lumia 1020. Windows Phone 8 currently maxes out at a 720p screen and dual-core processor where Bandit will be quad-core and Full HD 1080p. Recently announced biggest windows phone Nokia Lumia 625 appeared 4.7-inch and Nokia Lumia 925 appeared in a metal shell, the 6-inch Bandit is expected to come in a polycarbonate casing. Whether it'll have a smokin' firebird emblazoned on it is uncertain.

What are the new on Nokia Bandit?

Phone type: Phablet

Codenamed: Bandit

Operating System: Windows

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon quad-core

Screen: 6-inch

Display: 1080p

Casing: Polycarbonate

Camera: 20-megapixel

Big-screen Bandit device is currently being tested at AT&T, and it will debut by the end of the year in the US.

Source: Nokia Bandit: a 6-inch giant Windows Phone coming soon

Skype will be added with Microsoft’s services and offerings with Windows 8.1

Microsoft purchased the video- and audio-calling Internet phone service “Skype”, which today has about 300 million users in 2011 Earlier this week, Microsoft added Skype to bundle into Windows 8.1

A number of Microsoft’s services and offerings also would be bundled with Windows 8.1, including search engine Bing, personal cloud-storage service SkyDrive, Web browser Internet Explorer (IE) and Xbox Music, Video and Games.

Source: Microsoft to bundle Skype

Producer of audio products and equipment "Beats Electronics" want to partnership with HTC Smartphone

HTC smartphone

According to Wall Street Journal report Beats Electronics is in talks with an investor to finance a buy-out of HTC’s investment in the company. HTC’s $300 million mistake quickly turned into a $150 million mistake, and now Beats reportedly wants out once and for all. The rumor come as the popular headphone brand prepares to move into several new categories including other consumer electronics and music streaming. Beats hope to buy out HTC’s 25% stake in the company within the next few weeks.

Source: Beats By Dre Looks to Drop HTC

Security Researcher “Khalil Shreateh” posts Facebook bug report on Zuckerberg’s wall

Summary: A Palestinian IT Security Researcher Khalil Shreateh discovered a Facebook bug that allowed a hacker to post on anyone’s wall — even if they weren’t that person’s friend. Khalil has had his account disabled and been told he won't be paid a bug bounty after demonstrating a Facebook security vulnerability by posting an image into Mark Zuckerburg's timeline.

On blog post, Khalil Shreateh discovered a vulnerability that allows an attacker to post images into someone else's timeline, even though they're not in the target's friend list. Khalil tried to report the problem to Facebook's security account twice via the company's bug-disclosure and bounty program. The first time, Facebook security representative "Emrakul" couldn't see the results of Khalil's work – presumably because Emrakul wasn't actually friends with the person who Shreateh used as a proof-of-concept for the loophole. The second time around, Emrakul told Shreateh that his findings were "not a bug." Khalil, who doesn't appear to keen on taking "no" for an answer, did the next logical step: Used his loophole to post directly on Zuck's wall, likely hoping to stir the pot a bit and get a stronger acknowledgement of his findings.

Facebook software engineer Matt Jones took to Hacker News to offer a bit of an explanation behind Facebook's response and why Shreateh is out his minimum reward of $500 for the finding.

“To be clear, we fixed this bug on Thursday. The OP is correct that we should have asked for additional repro instructions after his initial report. Unfortunately, all he submitted was a link to the post he'd already made (on a real account whose consent he did not have - violating our ToS and responsible disclosure policy), saying that "the bug allow facebook users to share links to other facebook users". Had he included the video initially, we would have caught this much more quickly,” Jones wrote.

Source: facebook vulnerability 2013

Microsoft reduced the price of its Surface Pro tablet this weekend by $100

Microsoft over the weekend began offering a $100 discount on its Surface Pro, one of the two versions of the company’s tablet-style computer. Previously, Microsoft announced price cuts of up to 30% on the less-powerful version, called Surface RT.

Microsoft’s website says the lower price on Surface Pro is valid through Aug. 29 while supplies last. The discount is available to people in the U.S., Canada, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, the Microsoft spokesman said.

Websites of Best Buy and Staples also listed the discounted Surface Pro prices.

Microsoft Surface:

Microsoft Surface was announced on June 18, 2012, by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer at Milk Studios in Los Angeles.

The Surface comes in two versions: one with Windows RT and another with Windows 8 Pro. The Windows RT model uses an ARM CPU, while the Windows 8 Pro model uses an Intel CPU. Both models are able to install new applications via the Windows Store, however only the Windows 8 Pro model allows the installation of traditional third-party desktop programs

Source: Microsoft keeps chopping the price on the Surface.

Japan Launches humanoid Kirobo "robot astronaut" Into Space

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched the humanoid Kirobo "robot astronaut" into orbit from the Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan as part of nearly 3.5 tons of supplies and equipment to resupply the space station's six-person crew

Kirobo was packed inside Japan's unmanned  HTV-4 (Kounotori 4) cargo ship when it launched into orbit atop the country's H-2B rocket  at 3:48 p.m. EDT (1948 GMT), though it was early Sunday morning (Aug. 4) Japan Standard Time at the time of liftoff. The HTV-4 spacecraft will arrive at the space station on Aug. 9

Kirobo was put through a series of zero-gravity and other safety tests before it was deemed ready for flight. Image posted June 27, 2013.

Source: Japan robot astronaut ready for space launch

Google has launched new program "Google City Experts"

Google City Experts is a new program introduced by Google to encourage more high quality local business rating and reviews on Google+.

The Google City Expert program brings together the most active users on Google Maps who write reviews and upload photos of local places. As a City Expert you will receive:

• Access to fun, exclusive events in their local areas
• Free custom swag
• Special online recognition

The program is currently limited to select cities in the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Japan, and will reward users who have left at least 50 reviews to date, and who produce at least five new reviews each month.

Join now in Google City Experts

Source: Introducing Google City Experts!

Where’s my phone? Android Device Manager can help you to find your lost phone

Android Device Manager is Google’s latest solution to help you hunt out your hidden handset. New Android Device Manager, of a few simple features you can use to keep your device—and the data you store inside—safe and secure.

Locate and ring your misplaced device

You may ended up dropping your phone between those couch cushions, Android Device Manager lets you quickly ring your phone at maximum volume so you can find it. If you left your phone at restaurant last night or if it's been silenced, you can locate it on a map in real time

Protecting your personal information and data

Android Device Manager can help you keep your data from ending up in the wrong hands. If your phone can’t be recovered, or has been stolen, you can quickly and securely erase all of the data on your device.

Availability and getting started

This service will be available later this month on devices running Android 2.2 or above; to use it, you also will need to be signed into your Google Account. There will also be an Android app to allow you to easily find and manage your devices. Stay tuned!

Source: Find your lost phone with Android Device Manager

USB 3.0 Promoter Group announced availability of the USB 3.1 Specification to increase SuperSpeed USB to 10 Gbps

The USB 3.0 Promoter Group today announced the completion of the USB 3.1 Specification which adds enhancements to enable SuperSpeed USB to operate at up to 10 Gbps. SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps uses a more efficient data encoding and will deliver more than twice the effective data through-put performance of existing SuperSpeed USB over enhanced, fully backward compatible USB connectors and cables. Compatibility is assured with existing USB 3.0 software stacks and device class protocols as well as with existing 5 Gbps hubs and devices and USB 2.0 products.

This latest release of the specification will be available today for download from the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) website.

Source: USB 3.1

Facebook Introduced Embedded Posts

In an attempt to boost its connection to current events and breaking news, Facebook is making the social network's public content more accessible to news outlets with the Wednesday release of embedded posts

Facebook software engineer Dave Capra said in a statement, “we are beginning to roll out Embedded Posts to make it possible for people to bring the most compelling, timely public posts from Facebook to the rest of the web.”

Embedded Posts let people add public posts from Facebook to their blog or web site. When embedded, posts can include pictures, videos, hashtags and other content. People can also like and share the post as well as follow directly from the embed. Only posts set to public can be embedded on other web sites.

Just put a hashtag(#) before the keyword of your facebook post. Same the following image

People can embedded posts clicking “Like Page” button

People also can embedded post clicking “Follow Page ” button

Every day, public figures, journalists and millions of regular people share their thoughts on what's happening around the world on Facebook publicly.  Anyone can get the opportunity to discuss with them by using embedded post

Source: Introducing Embedded Posts

Find most popular widget for your wordpress blog

Widget is a fancy word for tools or content that you can add, arrange, and remove from the sidebar(s) of your blog. Widgets create it easy to customize the content of your sidebar(s). Widget appears at appearance. Here are some most popular and also necessary wordpress widgets;

Widget Name	Summary
Top Posts & Pages	Top Posts & Pages Widget allows you to display up to ten of your most popular posts as of the last 48 hours or your most liked posts.
About.me	About.me widget allows you to pull in your About.me profile information, and a small screenshot of it.
Akismet	Akismet Widget will display the number of spam comments caught over the life of your blog.
Archives	Archives Widget organizes your previously published posts by month. This can be handy for readers who want to browse your older content.
Author Grid	Author Grid Widget is a great way to showcase your blog’s authors in your sidebar. The widget displays the avatars of all your blog’s authors, which link to a list of posts they’ve each written.
Authors	Authors Widget is a great way to showcase your blog’s authors in your sidebar. It can display the names or avatars of all your blog’s authors, links to a list of all their former posts, as well as links to posts they’ve recently written.
BandPage	If you are a BandPage user this widget will allow you to easily embed BandPage Extensions into your WordPress blog. This will make your BandPage music, photos, videos, event listing and bio.
Blog Stats	Blog Stats Widget displays the total number of views to your blog (not including your own views). It’s a nice way of showing off how popular your blog is
Follow	Blogs I Follow Widget allow you to list some of the blogs that you are following via the WordPress Reader in your sidebar.
Box.net	Box.net file sharing widget gives you a great looking way to share files with your readers or buddies.
Calendar	Calendar Widget is a simple, easy-to-use widget that displays links to your posts by date.
Categories	Categories Widget organizes your posts by category in your blog’s sidebar. This can be handy for readers who want to find more of your posts about certain topics.
Custom Menu	Custom Menu Widget allows you to display pages, categories, and custom links in your blog’s sidebar. To use it, you first need to create a custom menu.
Delicious	If you have an account with the social bookmarking service delicious, you can display your latest bookmarks in your sidebar with the aptly titled delicious widget. This is a nice way of sharing your bookmarks with your blog visitors.
Flickr	Flickr widget makes it easy to show thumbnails of your latest Flickr photos in your sidebar. Your photos must be viewable by the public in order for this feature to work, so be sure to check your Flickr privacy settings before activating this widget.
Follow Blog	Follow Blog Widget enables your readers sign up to receive your posts via email
Gallery	Gallery Widget provides you with a simple way to display a photo gallery or slideshow in your blog’s sidebar.
GoodReads	GoodReads provides a service that allows you to share your reading lists with friends, and the GoodReads widget at WordPress blog lets you feature some of the books you’ve listed.
Gravatar Profile	Gravatar profile widget allows you to pull in your Gravatar image along with some of your Gravatar profile data.
Image	Image Widget provides you with a simple way to display an image in your blog’s sidebar.
Instagram	Instagram widget allows you to display your latest Instagram photos in your site’s sidebar.
Links	Links Widget displays a list of links (also known as a blogroll) in your sidebar.
Meta	Meta Widget is a simple tool that makes it easy to log in and out of your blog and access your dashboard and RSS feeds from your sidebar.
Milestone	Milestone Widget provides you with a simple way to create a countdown to a given date theme.
My Community	My Community Widget allows you to show users who have interacted with your WordPress.com site.
Pages	Pages Widget displays your blog’s pages in your sidebar. This can make it easier for your readers to navigate around your blog.
Posts I Like	Posts I Like Widget allows you to list the most recent posts that you have ‘Liked’ on WordPress blog so that you can help your readers discover more good posts.
Readmill	Readmill is the best book reader for phones and tablets. With this widget you can enable users to send a book to their device with one click.
Recent Comments	Recent Comments Widget is a sidebar tool that displays the most recent comments readers have left on your blog.
Recent Posts	Recent Posts Widget displays your most recent posts in your sidebar, making it easy for your readers to see what’s new on your blog.
RSS Links	RSS Links Widget allows you to add links to your blog’s post and comment RSS feeds in your sidebar. This makes it easy for your readers to stay updated when you post new content or receive new comments.
RSS	RSS Widget displays posts from any RSS feed. You might find this handy if you want to show off one of your other blogs, or one of your favorite blogs, in your sidebar.
Search	Search Widget adds a search box to your blog sidebar, allowing readers to easily search your site for posts and pages you’ve written in the past.
Tag Cloud	Tag Cloud Widget shows a list of all the tags you’ve assigned to your posts. The most common tags will be displayed in the largest font size. It can display up to 45 of your most popular tags.
Text	Text Widget allows you to add text or HTML to your sidebar. It’s the most popular widget because of its power and flexibility. You can use a text widget to display text, links, images, HTML, or a combination of these.
Top Clicks	Top Clicks Widget show which of your external links (links pointing to other websites) in your posts are most popular with your readers. You can access this information without sharing it on your blog by going to Stats tab on the WordPress blog homepage.
Top Rated	Top Rated Widget, you can show which of your pages, posts, and/or comments have the highest ratings. You need to have ratings enabled on your blog for this feature to work. The widget displays up to 20 items for each type of rating, with selectors for day, week, and month
Twitter Timeline	Twitter Timeline Widget Twitter offers embeddable timelines that allow you to display any public Twitter feed onto your blog.
Upcoming Events	Upcoming Events is a widget and a shortcode. It allows you to use an iCalendar link to display a list of events on your WordPress blog

Source: Popular widget for wordprss blog