28
Jun
2010
Android Smart Phones Getting Froyo Update
Google has finally released a final build of the Android 2.2 Froyo update and that file is now available for people to download. Many have reported that the update does not appear on their handsets which means that this patch will not work on all Android operating systems. It has been confirmed that users would need to have the FRF50 firmware if they want to get the latest version of the Android.
Initial tests on the new Android 2.2 Froyo shows that Google has been true to their word in terms of the improved performance; the screens shift faster, apps and features load quicker and overall, the phone experience feels a lot smoother. In some ways, the update makes it feel like the CPU itself has been boosted in speed.
Web browsing has also been improved in the case of loading Java faster, however, since some internet connections are really slow, it is hard to see the big improvement –though when the connection is fast and stable and users are viewing pages with plenty of Java script, the performance boost is pretty noticeable.
Tethering and turning the handset into a WiFi hotspot have been confirmed, though these have yet to be tested. The feature has been much in demand among many smart phone owners in order to make full use of many 3G data plans and the inclusion of this to the Android is a welcome addition.
Naturally, the most anticipated feature is the Adobe Flash Player. Fortunately, Android smart phone owners do not need to wait any longer as Adobe has already released the downloadable Flash Player update just two days ago. The software development company was met with surprised and confused reactions from people as the player was only compatible with Android 2.2 and only the Nexus One has the OS at that time. Users of HTC’s Desire handset are expecting an update to Froyo soon.
24
Jun
2010
How Location Based Apps are Changing Economy
Before the introduction of the modern smart phone technology, at a time when internet access was something that only a few people had available, many small businesses thrived on having geographically close customers from small, local communities.
Many of these businesses continue until this very day, while some have died out, other have found a new range of customers walking into their stores thanks to the power of smart phone technology.
While this may seem hard to put together, the smart phone industry has plenty of impact on small businesses. Take Foursquare for example. As the application encourages people to go out more, they also encourage people to visit more places. Of course, some users would aim for a mayor badge by visiting a single establishment often, but more often than not, people try to get other badges by being able to visit many other locations.
The fact that users can also leave feedbacks and recommendations is also quite impressive. More often than not, a visit to a nearby bookstore or fitness gym will have users reading recommendations about nearby pubs or restaurants. A quick stay at a local hotel might get you recommendations for the best movie houses around town. And there are more locations based services than just Foursquare.
GPS navigation services often employ a “point of interest” feature which not only shows users the locations of nearby health and emergency centers, but also the nearest stores and shops. Landmarks –both the well known and the locally established, are often noted as well. In fact, it can be said that GPS technology has allowed may businesses that have ‘bad locations’ (mostly as some road works would re-route traffic flow, turning previously busy streets into quiet side routes) to flourish. With Nokia and Google now offering free voice guided sat-nav services, expect this impact to get even larger.
17
Jun
2010
Research Shows: Internet Exposes Children to “Negative Content”
Norton is brand that has always been affiliated with their efficient and powerful antivirus software. Throughout the years, the company has grown and expanded its services to provide deeper levels of security and threat prevention software to their many clients all over the world.
Annually, the company conducts various studies of growing threat patterns –especially on the ever evolving internet. And from what they have discovered, it appears that children are often given internet access without being properly prepared.
The new Norton Family Report for 2010 shows that at least three out of 5 children will encounter negative material on the internet. And anyone who has tried using the internet before, finding violence, nudity, and other adult oriented material on the internet is as common as seeing a tree on the roadside. It is everywhere, and no one can properly manage or hide it. While we certainly do not need to keep trees away, children deserve better than to be surprised with images of naked women.
However, the solution is not to cover the children’s eyes and pretend that the issue is not there. There is nothing about the internet that states that only people of a certain age is allowed to use the resources available. Children have as much right to browse as any grown up, but the matter of preparing and educating children, falls on the hands of parents.
With the advent of smart phone technology, 3G and wireless LAN, there is no way that a parent could ever prevent a child from going online. The best thing to do is to give the child the proper amount of awareness and guidance on the various issues and problems associated with going online and interacting with people on the internet.
While it is difficult, providing your kids with the proper education and discipline is far better than any firewall or filter that anyone can provide.
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