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Android Apps on the BlackBerry Playbook: Is this foreshadowing the end of the BlackBerry OS?

Ozgur — Wed, 25 May 2011 17:46:30 +0000

BlackBerry just released the new Playbook, and there were a few surprises. The device was using Android apps, and was acting very Android like in other ways as well. But the BlackBerry OS is still alive and well on the BlackBerry smartphones, so it is a little early to hold a candle light vigil for the operating system.

BlackBerry Playbook manufacturer RIM knew that a lack of apps at launch can be the death of a mobile device in this age. Apple is killing everybody with their wild selection of apps available for the iPhone and iPad. Hewlett Packard released a beta version of their new WebOS months ahead of releasing their new Palm tablet computer so that developers could get a jump start on apps and help them to be competitive with the models that already have a great selection of apps for users to enjoy.

The Android Player, as the Android tablet will be officially called, has not yet been released. Users will need to go to App World to get their Andriod Apps for the BlackBerry Playbook. An interesting side note is that the radically popular game Angry Birds will be a native game on the BlackBerry Playbook and it will not even be cross platform.

RIM took a lot of heat for not making three critical features available since they first launched their tablet computers. The Playbook will now have these features: native email, a calendar and the contact list app. BlackBerry tablet users had to have a BlackBerry smartphone or a web based (cloud) email server client to access email before the new release of the Playbook.

Version 6.0.0.570 has been leaked, but not officially released, to the public. It is available for download online, but since it is not official, you do so at your own risk. Most of the downloads so far have been done by the Smartphone users.

The BlackBerry is being hailed as the first tablet computer market to professional users. It is as close as any tablet computer has come yet to the experience of a full desk top computer. It probably will not be enough to sway people who are already committed to the Apple platform, but for a web experience close to a desk top computer and for the business professional that uses the BlackBerry phones, the Playbook will be the best choice.

Sony VAIO + Chrome OS: Will it happen? What are the rumors?

Ozgur — Wed, 11 May 2011 13:50:08 +0000

No developer is immune from their information being leaked prematurely by employees and other snooping sources. The market for smaller, neater compact computers is driving manufacturers to partnerships to beat the competition and provide the most to consumers for the best price possible.

Sony is developing two new computers, rumor has it, and one of them will be running the Chrome operating system. It will be a netbook computer. The display is expected to be 11.6 inches with 1366 x 768. The RAM will be 1 GB and the memory card will provide 16 GB of storage space for the small machine. The processor is NVIDIA’s Tegra 2. It should also have Wi Fi and WWAN.

GPS and Bluetooth technology will not be available on the model initially, but is expected to be added later. The Chrome OS is a combination of Google’s web centered platform and some customized Sony VAIO software. It is expected to be released in summer of this year.

About 60,000 users already have beta versions of Chrome OS for testing. The Sony VAIO netbook is expected to have an Arm dual processor and weigh just a hair over two pounds. Estimates of the battery life of the computer are anywhere from 8 hours (the most common estimate) up to over 16 hours.

It is also expected to have an ultra low power Ge Force GPU. The keyboard is expected to be wider than some netbooks, a full 18 mm. The keyboard may be exactly like the Google Chrome CR 48 laptop keyboard. It will not even be a full inch thick, about 11.7 inches wide and an a little less than 8 and one half inches deep.

Not much else is known about the machine, even as it draws near the expected release date. Sony is to be competing in a tight market with other small, highly portable computers that are high on power and low on weight. Photos of the Sony VAIO show colorful designs partially decorating the exterior. Other than that, it is a pretty basic machine.

The ultra light computer market is tightening up due to more cloud users who need less storage space on their own computers and devices. The portability of today’s mobile society also demands smaller, leaner machines with more power and longer battery life to accommodate computer users. There is a huge market for these machines in business and with students.

Google + LG = Android Nexus Tablet? Will Google team up with LG to launch its own tablet?

Ozgur — Tue, 03 May 2011 13:32:17 +0000

Google and the manufacturer LG are getting together to make an another tablet computer, according to rumors. Google would neither confirm nor deny the report. It will be a Nexus tablet Nexus is the name Google uses for the products they develop with independent manufacturers of hardware.

It is also rumored that the Nexus tablet will be ready by late summer to early fall of this year. It may not be marketed to the general public, however. It could be a device used internally by Google’s development staff.

Some of Google’s earlier hardware attempts, such as the Nexus One smartphone, were not huge successes. The Nexus One was never a good seller. Their pairing with Samsung to make the Nexus S was not a big success story for Google either. Part of the reason for the failure of the Nexus One was the lack of support by mobile giants AT&T and Verizon. T Mobile was its only supporter.

Even if the big mobile companies are not willing to support the Nexus tablet, other Wi Fi only tablets have seen success, such as the Apple iPad and the Motorola Xoom. The lack of cost associated with the mobile carriers has allowed these tablets to sell for less and sell well.
If Google does market the Nexus tablet to the general public, it will have to provide users with plenty of apps and competitive pricing in order to be successful. Google and LG have also partnered to produce the T Mobile Galaxy Slate, an Android tablet, coming to the market soon.

There are already 200,000 Android apps for consumers to download, and Apple’s App Store has over 400,000. The tablet market is tight, and offering the most to consumers for the best price will tip the tables to the company who is able to provide these things.

There is no word yet on the technical specs that the Nexus tablet might have. The Mobile Review and The Boy Genius Report have both reported the development of the Nexus tablet. Google did not respond to bloggers’ requests for comment on the project.

The T Mobile Galaxy Slate is due on the market in February of next year. The tablet market is flooded with offerings, allowing consumers to take advantage of the price wars. They are inexpensive and through cloud services can be as powerful as larger computers.

Nokia & Microsoft: Info About Their Partnership

Ozgur — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 16:00:41 +0000

What’s going on with Nokia and Microsoft? Nokia has been a household name for a number of years but in recent years it has become a phone sitting on the way side as more trendy phones hit the market and many older models was sent to the recycle piles. A Nokia shined in the highlight back when cell phones made their public debut. Many first time cell phone owners bought a Nokia as their first phone. Now, over run by the iPhone and under seize by the Google Android phones, Nokia needed a deliver, a champion to come along side and help carry the load. It was a time for Nokia to remove the old operating system and choose a new path for the cellular journey. Who would they pick?

Nokia had the choice between The Android phone and the Microsoft Windows Phone 7. As you know, they went with Microsoft. Android is quickly making waves in the cell phone and mobile device industry while Microsoft has been a consistent fourth or fifth runner up in the market place. So why did Nokia choose Microsoft?

Microsoft may have more to gain than Nokia with partnership. Why? Because they have become a partner with the number one phone maker in the world. By 2015, it is predicted that the Android phone will be the number one phone and mobile device with Microsoft coming in not far behind. This is because Apple has developed an operating system used only of one phone only and that is the infamous iPhone. That means Microsoft can take their operating system and use it on any phone all the over the world. More people will begin using the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system and that means more people will be purchasing Nokia phones.

Many phone makers want to add the Google Android software on their phones. Actually, many are very eager to do so. Apple will lack here because their operating system only reigns on the iPhone. This may be the number one reason for Androids forecasted number one position.

Nokia matched up with Microsoft just may take the world by surprise and here’s why. First, Nokia is a market leader in imagining where Microsoft will use the most innovation in the new partnership. Nokia can also lend its expertise in areas such hardware design and language support. And Bing would power the search engine.

There is a promising future for Nokia and Microsoft.

Blackberry Playbook to Support Android Applications?

Ozgur — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 15:00:41 +0000

Rumor has it that Android Apps will be supported on RIM’s forthcoming BlackBerry Playbook. This can only be considered a coup for gadget experts. Some of the rumors state that the Playbook will be comparable to other industry leaders within the field due to hardware and software upgrades. Having Android Apps on the Playbook is more likely to increase the options for businesses. Although the Android Apps have rumored to have some security issues with malware, I suspect that will be remedied by the security conscious Playbook. According to industry analysts, the Playbook is designed to manage the day to day tech requirements for business and individuals as does the ever popular BlackBerry Smartphone without the info leaks associated with some other handheld devices.

Rumors abound that the Playbook is expected to launch shortly and will no doubt include the newest in video conferencing and face to face telecommunications. This tablet will allow users communications more suited to WiFi platforms as opposed to handhelds or tablets. The Playbook will include a wide number of options such as both front and back camera options. Industry insiders are predicting RIM will corner some of the business market share with these features. Speculation is rampant whether the Playbook will support video conferencing, which again hits the targets for businesses which use the widely popular Blackberry handhelds religiously.

The Playbook will also give gamers a better experience with a better platform for games, as the previous OS pulled the game down and make the system slow to unresponsive. Having Android Apps with the Playbook, should give gamers a better experience and allow for better graphics. Android Apps have a loyal fan base from housewives to fanatic gamers that will have high expectations, just based on these initial rumors.

iPhone Sharepoint Client Applications

Ozgur — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 14:45:24 +0000

The Sharepoint software allows users to share and collaborate on documents all over the world through a centralized server. This has been revolutionary for companies who need to get their employees working together, but are not located in the same place. With the release of an iPhone app allowing Sharepoint users to connect to their own space, there has been much excitement and hype, leaving many who have never used the software asking what is so great about it.

Many iPhone pages have been programmed to load quicker, and optimize the small screen in such a way that users have the best possible surfing experience from their mobile device. Sharepoint has no problems in this respect, and gives the user a stable and powerful tool for their work on the go. The SharePlus app is also revolutionizing the way the world of business works, with easy access to corporate information and access to client sites to track projects and progress.

One application in the Sharepoint family is Moprise. This successful application has proved itself in the way of real time business by creating an opportunity for collaborators to share real time updates with their colleagues. This is important to those who want to be sure they are working from the same page, with the right information being passed on to their clients. The same kind of flexibility is also offered through apps such as Moshare, Formotus and Shareoffice, and more and more app developers are realizing the importance of having a sleek, easy to use interface for accessing Sharepoint sites.

The beauty of these apps is in the fact that Sharepoint is now so mobile. Work that was handled on a server is now free to use and work from wherever in the world the individual is. Mobile business has become so important to businesses because clients have begun to expect responses and progression at all hours of the day, which used to be a problem for those without any kind of mobile business solution. Over the last couple of years, mobile business has become so widespread that any business can afford to be a part of it for a small cost to the employer, and iPhones can be customized in the apps that can be installed, so that the device becomes almost a carbon copy of their work computer, in their pocket. Apps like SharePlus make working on the go even easier than before.

ActiveSync vs. BES – Email, Calendar and Contacts on your Phone

Ozgur — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 14:30:42 +0000

Gone are the days when a USB, infrared, or Bluetooth was needed to hook up a network-connected computer and a hand held device. The two most popular technologies allowing emails to be sent from the given server through the handheld smartphone or tablet are the Exchange ActiveSync and the BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES). Each comes with its own set of pros and cons.

The BES allows for complete logging of SMS messaging, phone calls, and PIN on its server. Remote lock, wipe, and unlocking of the device are supported. Synchronization of email, notes, Calendar, contacts and other tasks is supported, as is controlled internet surfing. This means that internet access is routed out of the corporate network with an in-house proxy server. Lastly, it carries the ability to access intranet sites along with any applications which may be available.

The Exchange ActiveSync, like the BES, allows remote lock, unlock and wipe. Also, like BES, the synchronization of Calendar, notes, emails, contact and other tasks is supported. Unlike the BES, however, is the ability to view all old emails. The BES has a limitation on this. Large attachments can be downloaded easily with ActiveSync, whereas with BES there is a 5MB limit. The ActiveSync only works with Exchange Server2003 Service Pack 2 or later.

As far as the security factor is concerned, it is about the same for both technologies. To date, there has not really been any known cases of BlackBerry Enterprise Server or ActiveSync being hacked. Cost is a major consideration when choosing these technologies. To be able to install the BES, a blackberry server is needed along with the license and if a number of people are going to be using it, then additional licenses are going to be needed. Furthermore, the BES only works with Blackberry devices.

Additionally, a technical staff to manage the server will be needed, the enabling of each device has to be carried out by Blackberry Enterprise services, and the cost of GPRS for faster email sync will be added. The ActiveSync requires no additional licenses as it come with the package, though excessive mobile use may require additional licensing. There may be a need to upgrade exchange server so enhanced policies and securities can be accessed. Any Windows phone or ActiveSync supporting phone can be used. No additional server hardware for installation is needed. The Exchange administrator manages the ActiveSync.

The bottom line is that ActiveSync is cheaper and improving with each version, while providing more freedom when it comes to choosing a mobile unit. It also delivers more of the basic email push requirements. While the impression is that BES is easy since it is a black box, in reality there is equal amount of work in terms of setup and management. So the real deciding factor has to do with the individual needs and not really what the technology provides at this point.

HP Slate Introduces Tablets to Business (or Business to Tablets)

Ozgur — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:00:41 +0000

Ever since the release of Apple’s fast-selling iPad tablet device, competing manufacturers have been looking for a way to insert themselves into the market and grab a little bit of the customer frenzy for themselves. Hewlett-Packard decided to concentrate their efforts on a business-centric device that it made the HP Slate.

The HP Slate comes loaded with Windows 7 Professional instead of a special tablet-specific operating system. This allows it to be used just as any traditional Windows machine would be used, although the capacitive touchscreen and included stylus do change the way those tasks get completed. There is no pre-loaded software layer on the HP Slate. Instead, it comes with the bare bones, basic, and ready-to-use Windows 7 set of applications and control panels.

For those who are a little shaky with touchscreen keyboards, or simply want to take notes without having to feel around for the keys, the HP Slate comes with a stylus and has a built-in digitizer. This allows users to write on the screen and have their handwriting automatically turned into textual, typed-up notes like one would find in a Word document. This is a great feature for enterprise users, as the need to type or write quickly can arise without warning. This way, there’s no waiting around or uncertainty about the on-screen keyboard. Break out the stylus, and write!

The HP Slate email experience is as robust as you would expect it to be on any machine running Windows 7, tablet or not. Because it is loaded with full Windows 7 Professional and not a proprietary touch-centric operating system, it supports the full Microsoft Office 2010 suite of applications including Microsoft Outlook 2010. This means hosted exchange accounts will sync just as completely and easily as users are used to on their full Windows 7 desktops or laptops. Setup is largely automated by the wizards included with Microsoft Outlook. In addition, sending emails or updating calendars through hosted exchange accounts is even easier than on Apple’s iPad due to the inclusion of a stylus and a digitizer. Emails can literally be “written” by hand and sent through Outlook.

The HP Slate email and hosted exchange support is reason enough to forego the iPad for business and use this full Windows device instead. But add in the stylus, the digitizer, and the traditional touch features like an on-screen keyboard, and you’ve got a truly robust machine that can do all of the traditional office tasks in just about any non-traditional office setting.

What is SSL?

RichC — Mon, 03 May 2010 19:33:37 +0000

SSL is an acronym for Secure Sockets Layer. It is standard security technology employed while establishing an encrypted connection between a browser and web server. This connection guarantees that all traffic (data) between the browser and web server is integral and private. SSL is an industry standard and millions of websites use SSL for protection of their online transactions with their customers.

How SSL certificates are issued?

The Web server requires an SSL certificate to create an SSL connection. You are required to answer questions related to the identity of your website and your company when you decide to activate SSL on your web server. Your web server creates two cryptographic keys; namely a Public Key and Private Key.

The public key is actually a data file containing your details. It is not necessary to keep the public key a secret as it needs to be placed into a Certificate Signing Request (CSR).

You are required to submit the CSR. The Certification authority validates your details and issues an SSL Certificate, which permits you to use SSL. Your web server matches your private key with your SSL Certificate. Once the key and the SSL certificate match, your web server will have the ability to establish a link between your website and customer’s browser.

How does SSL work?

When your browser tries to connect to a secure site it retrieves the SSL certificate issued for that site and checks its validity (by checking the expiration date). The browser also checks the issuing authority of the SSL certificate to know whether it can be trusted. It also checks whether the SSL certificate matches the website (domain name) for which it is issued. If any of the browser checks fail, it issues a warning to inform the user that site is not secured by SSL encryption.

The customer is unaware of the complexities involved in SSL protocol. However, browser informs the user that it is currently using the SSL protection. The browser informs the user about the SSL encrypted session by displaying a lock icon in the lower right hand corner of the browser. The user can click on the “Lock” icon to view details about SSL connection and view the SSL certificate. SSL certificates are issued to both, legally accountable individuals and companies.

Generally, the SSL Certificate contains your details, which includes your company name, your domain name, your address, your city, your state and your country. The certificate also contains the expiration date of the certificate and the details of the authority who has issued the certificate.

Outlook Express: What It Is and How To Use It

Melissa Smich — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:28:54 +0000

Outlook Express is a news and email client included with 4.0 through 6.0 versions of Internet Explorer. It is compatible with both IMAP as well as POP3 and contains an in-built newsreader. Though it sounds similar to the Microsoft Office Outlook it doesn’t share the same codebase but uses a similar architectural philosophy.

Working of Outlook Express

To put in simpler terms, you just need to set-up an Outlook Express profile with the help of the login details that you use to log in to any email service provider. Once done, the outlook Express, then retrieves your email by connecting to the web mail service you use and downloads all the messages from the web mail service in your computer, deleting them simultaneously from the web mail service.

Advantages you will get from the use of Outlook Express

With the help of Outlook Express, you can download, read and reply to your mails offline.
From a single account, you can access and read all the mails and can even zero down the account through which you want to send a reply.
You can also have different users and can hence use Outlook express for a public setting such as a library or a laboratory.

How you can set-up Outlook Express

Start the Outlook Express and then click Accounts from the Tools menu, a window will open up, click Add and then click Mail to access the Internet Connection Wizard.
In the Your Name page, enter your name as you want it to appear in your mail. Once done, click next.
On the page of the Internet E-mail Address, enter your email address. Once done, click next. Remember, this will be the mail account at which people will contact you or send a return mail.
Now, one the page of the Internet Mail Logon, enter the email or username, which you generally use to access your email service account. If you don’t want to type your password every time you use Outlook Express check the “Remember Password” box.
Once done, click Finish. You are now done and ready to use Outlook Express

Exploring the various options provided in Outlook Express

It is valuable to go through the different choices and settings provided in Outlook Express. To explore these options, click on the Tools menu and then select options you want to use as per your requirements.

You must have now got a fair idea of what Outlook Express means. Once you know how to use it you will enjoy working on Outlook Express.