Category: Top Around the Web

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Google Rolls Out New Features to Strengthen Online Security

In wake of the privacy scare haunting all netizens, specifically so in recent times, Google has announced the roll-out of new features to strengthen online security of users.

The new features include easing the filtering of messages from trusted sources. This would be achieved by the company by simplifying security settings and making them more user-friendly. Google also plans to run various initiatives to make Indian users more aware of ways of ensuring their security online.

“We are adding five million new users a month taking the user base of a connected’ Indians to 500 millions online by 2018-2019. It’s more important now than ever before to ensure the data and profiles of these users is safe online,” says Sunita Mohanty, director, Trust and Safety, Google India.

Along with this announcement, Google India also revealed trends in security related searches from last year. According to the collated data, there has been a 20% increase in searches for “change password”. The trend also shows another 97% increase in searches for “two-step verification”, which is basically a process of signing in to your Google account by using more than one password. An example of this is a 6-digit code sent on your cellphone, along with the usual password.

Privacy settings are becoming an immediate concern for all inhabitants of the virtual space with every passing day. Consequently, the added security that Google promises its users comes as welcomed news making us feel ever so slightly safer on the Internet.

February 11, 2016
6 Free Dating Apps to Download Before Valentine’s Day

The horrendously red hearts dangling from pretty much every Archies store out there tells us it’s that time of the year again. While it’s always great to celebrate love, in whichever form, love for pets and family and hobbies and life, this particular day has come to be associated with a specific kind of love. And in case you have missed out on finding yourself someone to share it with, things might not be too pleasant.

To make sure things don’t come to this for you, here’s a list of apps to make life easier this Valentine’s Day. While Indian parents are busy creating secret profiles for their kids on matrimonial websites, the kids are already taking things a step further with these apps.

1. DesiCrush

This is pretty much the Indian version of Tinder. It requires the user to create an account with an image and basic details. For verification purposes, the user would have to link their account with Facebook. There are preferences that can be given based on which matches would be made. Once two people mutually like each other’s profile, a match would be made and they can begin chatting. DesiCrush is available in both Google Play Store and the App Store.

2. Woo

Called ‘Matchmaking app for singles’, Woo is a fun app that allows the user to connect with the right person. Once again, you are required to create an account using Facebook and enter your basic details. Even though Woo is very particular about its users’ privacy, one concern that many may have with the app is that it leaves your Facebook profile accessible to everyone you chatted with, even if you ‘unmatch’ them later. On the brighter side, the app allows you to record seven second long voice messages to exchange, and shows only the initials of its women users to other people until they choose otherwise. Woo is a free Android app that can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and the App Store.

3. OkCupid

OkCupid is an app that breaks away from hetero-normative roles and lets the user choose from hetero, homo and bi-sexual partners. This app also has one of the most elaborate searches. It asks you detailed questions about your life, habits, choices and preferences. The user can increase these filters, refine their searches and get a better look at who is viewing and visiting their profile by opting for a paid subscription of the app called ‘A-List’. Otherwise OkCupid is available for free download on both Android and iOS devices.

4. TrulyMadly

TrulyMadly is a great app that includes games like ‘Hocus Pocus’ and ‘Styletastic’ to help you find like-minded people. In case you feel at a loss of words, to describe yourself or express ideas in your profile, the app comes to your rescue in the form of stickers that it offers. The profile can be created either using Facebook or your email address. TrulyMadly can be downloaded for free from Google Play and the App Store.

5. Tinder

The immensely popular dating app which needs no introduction -Tinder. Once again, you have to create an account using your Facebook profile and put up a picture with a short description. Depending on whether or not you like the results it shows, you can swipe right to choose or left to move on, along with an option to ‘Super-like’ people you see. In case the user wishes to disclose their location, or undo a left swipe, it can be done on a paid version of the app called Tinder Plus. The usual app is available for free download on both Android and iOS devices.

6. Grindr

Grindr is the world’s largest dating platform for gay and bisexual men. It is available in about 190 countries, including India. It helps users find partners based on their location and is available with both paid and non-paid subscriptions. The official website asks potential users to “View the gorgeous men of Grindr the way they were meant to be – large and in charge.” Point conveyed and noted. Grindr can be downloaded from Google Play as well as the App Store.

February 10, 2016
Google Public Alerts Will Now Include Flood Information in India

Using information provided by Central Water Commission (CWC) of India, Google will now provide flood alerts for different parts of the country. It has put together data from 170 areas where the CWC has active observation stations, Google mentioned in an official blog post.

In the wake of recent natural disasters in the country, Google has tied up with India authorities to ensure real time information on the water-levels in various water bodies in India. This information can be accessed by the user through Google Now cards, Google App, Google Maps and the Google Public Alerts homepage.

“We’re constantly working to improve our Google Crisis Response tools to make critical information more accessible around natural disasters. Through Public Alerts we show relevant official weather, public safety and earthquake alerts to give people the information they need to make informed decisions in times of crisis”, says Payal Patel in the blog-post.

The role played by the Internet has been commendable during the time of crisis recently. When Chennai was struck by catastrophic floods last year, Facebook’s ‘Safety Check’ feature had helped immensely with determining the location of people. Similarly, large amounts of important information related to emergency helplines had been swiftly exchanged using various social media platforms. Now, Google seems to be preparing us better for disaster control by offering this useful information.

February 10, 2016
Set-Top Boxes to Allow Internet Browsing on Television Sets

Even though this news is of not much consequence for smart-television users, it is an interesting development for those who use standard television sets. Tata Sky and Videocon d2h have announced that their set-top boxes will now also feature web browsing.

DTH (direct-to-home) service providers have experimented with various interactive features which have only been supplemented by things like 4K display support on TV channels. Internet browsing is yet another feather added to the cap. This doesn’t mean, however, that users can use services like video streaming.

Tata Sky offers this new service to all existing customers free of cost, while Videocon d2h is yet to confirm details of its offers. Those using a smart-TV already have access to the Internet along with a pre-loaded app store. Having said that, this is still an interesting tech development for others.

However, with such deep infestation of the virtual space in our daily lives, one wonders if we need another gadget to connect us to the Internet. What do you think -should we be moving closer or away from the Internet in our daily activities? Let us know in the comments below.

February 9, 2016
Mark Zuckerberg Stays Hopeful About Internet.org in India After TRAI Bans Free Basics

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has spelled doom for Facebook’s Free Basics campaign by banning it from India. So much for all the voiced opinions in the last couple of weeks.

Though this is big setback for Internet.org, Mark Zuckerberg refuses to let it douse his spirits. In a post he put up earlier today, he says,

“Our work with Internet.org around the world has already improved many people’s lives. More than 19 million people in 38 countries have been connected through our different programs. Connecting India is an important goal we won’t give up on, because more than a billion people in India don’t have access to the internet.”

One cannot help but question Facebook’s ‘altruistic’ intentions, or ones it cannot stop talking about when it comes to Free Basics. With its infinite resources can’t Facebook simply set up a company that provides Internet to remote locations for free? Wi-Fi powered stations that provide connectivity can be used to help with these attempts. Once there are a substantial amount of people involved, there can surely be a way figure out a way to make money without necessarily compromising on net neutrality.

It is a fact that Facebook has provided some sort of Internet connectivity, mostly through the platform of Free Basics in 38 countries. But in the future, both Internet.org and Free Basics are expected to face the same trouble it did in India elsewhere as well over net neutrality.

February 9, 2016
Pirate Bay Adds Streaming Option for Content on its Website

Move aside Netflix, Pirate Bay is here. The popular torrent sharing site has announced support for Torrent Time, a browser plugin that lets you stream a torrent directly inside your browser of choice. The addition of this new functionality has taken away the need for downloading a Torrent client such Utorrent or even downloading a small torrent file to your system.

To make use of the feature, the user will need to download the Torrents Time plug-in on their browser. It works in Firefox, Internet Explorer, or Chrome, on Windows and OSX. ‘Pirates’ can now go directly to the Pirate Bay website where they will find a new button to stream content easily.

Upon pressing this button a pop-up window will open where the streamable content will start buffering before playback. Streaming through Pirate Bay will include support for automatic subtitles as well as Chromecast, Airplay, and DLNA support, and hence has all the possibilities of becoming a major streaming solution in the future.

Having said this, streaming content from servers shared by Pirate Bay and its affiliates much like downloading torrents from it, is considered as piracy, so for all of you out there looking at this as a nice alternative to Netflix, know the risks before proceeding.

February 8, 2016
Vodafone 4G to Launch in Mumbai and Bangalore Next Week

About a month ago, Vodafone revealed plans of rolling out 4G services in major cities of India. This was followed by 4G internet soon being made available in Delhi and NCR. Now the company has announced dates of when it will be available in Bangalore and Mumbai.

Vodafone will launch 4G services in Mumbai on the 10th of February and in Bangalore on 11th of February. Vodafone is also planning on home delivering 4G-ready SIMs to its premium high-value customers in Mumbai, and formal communication for it is already being sent out. The launch in Mumbai will be in phases starting with South Mumbai.

Currently, Vodafone is offering data packs ranging from 35 MB which costs Rs. 11, going up to Rs. 2,499 for 20 GB in Delhi and NCR. It has also become country’s first network provider to provide 4G international roaming in the UK, Romania, Spain and Netherlands. Vodafone, one of the biggest network operators of India, also has big plans like introducing 5G in countries like Australia by 2020. But let’s see if it manages to overcome the 4G hurdle first.

February 5, 2016
Fitbit Launches the Stylish Alta Fitness Wristband in India

Fitbit Alta, a sleek new wristband fitness tracker has been announced by the company which recently introduced a bigger Fitbit Blaze at CES this year. Fitbit Alta is a slim, sleek fitness wristband that can be personalized to fit your style. Alta comes equipped with features which enable it to automatically track the users day to day activity, exercise and sleep patterns.

Fitbit left no stones unturned when it came to styling the device. The fitness tracker is designed with a satin finish, stainless steel body and features a line of stylish interchangeable bands in multiple popular colors and premium materials.

Speaking about the Fitbit Alta, the CEO and Co-Founder of the company James Park, said

“Fitbit Alta will turn heads as our most fashionable device yet. The attractive, versatile design of this new fitness tracker fits seamlessly into daily life – from the gym to the office to a night out.”

The company says that the Alta will remind you to move, and nudge you to stay active throughout the day. It will congratulate you on reaching personal health milestones daily, and help keep track of your progress. Users can customize the prompts based on the schedule and can put it on “Do Not Disturb” during long meetings or appointments.

Fitbit Alta Lineup

The Fitbit Alta works in tandem with the Fitbit app which records the users daily activities and shows them in the app along with the weekly goals. The goals can also be personalised to the user’s fitness routine. The Fitbit Alta will start retail with a price tag of Rs. 12,999 available starting March via Amazon India and retail stores.

February 4, 2016
Vodafone Launches 4G Services in Delhi and NCR

After successfully launching its 4G services in Kerala, Karnataka and Kolkata, Vodafone has now announced the release of its next-generation 4G network in Gurgaon, soon to be followed by Delhi and the NCR in regular phases.

Running on an 1800 MHz band of the spectrum, the service can be used on all smartphones with 4G support, and will make the overall experience of downloading and streaming media efficient and enjoyable. The 4G Mobile Wi-Fi would support connectivity for up to 10 devices.

The company also has a series of offers up its sleeve that include high-speed 4G SIMs, but also free 4G upgrade for those already using Vodafone SIMs. Users can enjoy up to 3 months of access to free television, movies and music on Vodafone Play as part of their Vodafone 4G subscription. Vodafone Music, HOOQ, an on-demand video service, and Hungama Play, are some of the other services users would be able to avail as part of their subscription.

Currently, Vodafone is offering data packs ranging from 35 MB which costs Rs. 11, going up to Rs. 2,499 for 20 GB. The company is also offering door-step delivery of postpaid 4G SIMs for requests that are received before 4 PM on the day the request is made. Vodafone has also become country’s first network provider to provide 4G international roaming in the UK, Romania, Spain and Netherlands.

February 3, 2016
Australia to Have 5G Network by 2020, Says Vodafone

We all know that 5G is the next big thing. We are also aware that the speeds 5G promises will be massive. While many countries still try to have an established 4G network, including India, Australia is one country which wants to stay ahead of the pack. According to Vodafone, Australia will likely have 5G mobile network by 2020.

The development of the fifth-generation mobile network has invited a number of eager investors. After all, the next-gen network promises supremely fast speeds and will be the guiding factor for everything from ‘Internet of Things’ to driverless cars.

Vodafone’s Australian chief Benoit Hanssen believes Australia will be among the first countries to have 5G network by 2020. “Australia adopted the smartphone enthusiastically — smartphone penetration is one of the highest in the world,” he said. “There is a readiness to adopt new things, and you have a population that can largely afford to adopt new things. We do think that as 5G comes out, Australia will be there.”

Indeed, Australia has embraced 4G greatly with almost 70% of Vodafone customers on 4G phones. Hanssen expects the figure to cross 90% this year. 5G is all set to break speed records if the tests have anything to show for it. In 2015, British scientists claimed they broke speed records during tests of 5G data connections, reaching one terabit per second. According to the BBC, with such a speed, it “would be theoretically possible to download a file 100 times the size of a feature film in about three seconds.”

Spectrums have and continue to be the main reason behind the delay of not only 5G but 4G as well. In fact, many countries still face a lack of 3G connectivity. The release of spectrum is being negotiated globally. We wonder how long it takes before we can even begin talking about 5G in India, which is still being introduced to 4G network slowly.

January 20, 2016
TRAI Takes on Free Basics After Response from Users

In what will come as welcome news to millions of netizens across the country, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India(TRAI) in its latest communication to Facebook, has in rather stern words intimated to the company that it does not approve of the manner in which Facebook is misrepresenting the results of its ‘support Free Basics’ campaign, and what it seems to be suggesting is a subtle attempt at nudging the voice of the people out of the decision-making equation.

This letter from the desk of TRAI’s joint advisor K.V Sebastian, pulls up Facebook for the way it has conducted itself through the campaign to save Free Basics from being shut down. TRAI has suggested that Facebook is guilty of not conveying the full text of the regulator’s message to users who had supported Free Basics, and hence is misleading them into making uninformed choices.

TRAI had earlier asked Facebook to convey to its users in support of Free Basics and zero-rating campaigns four specific questions which the telecom regulator wanted answers to before taking any final decision on the matter. Facebook, for its part responded to TRAI’s request by sending back a highly charged template response in favour of saving Free Basics which it claimed reflected the sentiment of its users.

TRAI’s reply to this read,

“Your response is silent on whether the text of TRAI has been shared with users as was specifically requested by TRAI. In light of the tangential natures of the responses by the users to the questions asked, the communication of the text was vital to demonstrating and ensuring that those who are responding to TRAI are making informed decisions.”

The letter further goes on to say that in light of Facebook not disclosing crucial information to users, TRAI does not accept Facebook’s assertion that the initial template responses in support for ‘Free Basics’ and ‘Digital Equality’ are an appropriate representation of what people are saying.

TRAI, not mincing its words, has also slammed Facebook in this letter over what it calls as ‘self-appointed’ spokesmanship on behalf of its users who it says “have not authorized Facebook of speaking on their behalf collectively.”

It has further said that it does not approve of this practice of Facebook, and believes that what the company is doing through these uninformed template responses is curbing “public consultation” which it believes “has the flavour of reducing this meaningful consultative exercise designed to produce informed decisions in a transparent manner into a crudely majoritarian and orchestrated opinion poll”.

January 20, 2016
This App Blocks Third Parties From Tracking Your Location

There is no denying the omnipresent existence of the Internet in our lives. The virtual trail left behind by a user online has ensured that pretty much all their personal information has been documented in some form or the other in a deep, dark pocket of the Internet.

Checking-ins on social media platforms, booking cabs and taxis, looking for train or plane tickets or simply the nearest cafe to grab a cuppa -all these activities have ensured that that details about our location and day to day activities are on public display all the time, leaving us vulnerable and unprotected.

However, not all is lost. A university in the US has developed an app which ensures that third-parties have no access to your location. Developed by a team of researchers at Binghamton University, the app makes sure third-parties are blocked from tracking down your location depending on what you search online.

“When we release personal information to the internet, it is out of our control, and can be easily searched and used for malicious purposes. We are trying to provide a more efficient and feasible solution to make sure that kind of information is secure,” says Linke Guo, team leader of the research.

Once developed successfully and put to use, the app would make the virtual space safer for the average user. Let’s see if this attempt manages to cure privacy issues online.

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January 18, 2016
TRAI Received Only 21 Counter-Comments On Net Neutrality

Last year, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) raised the issue of net neutrality and, needless to say, it sparked off a major debate. This eventually led TRAI to invite public comments on the differential pricing of net services and the last date to submit counter-comments was 14th January.

Of the total 24 million applications submitted over TRAI’s paper on the differential pricing of data, a significant aspect of net neutrality, there were only 21 counter-comments submitted by individuals or organisations.

List of telecom operators that countered the proposal of keeping net services neutral of discriminatory pricing include Airtel, Vodafone, Idea Cellular and Reliance Communications, through industry bodies, Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) and Association of Unified Telecom Service of India (AUSPI). COAI and AUSPI said in their joint counter-comment,

“Price differentiation will allow TSPs to cater to specific consumer requirements, including facilitation of access to those segments that are currently unconnected or poorly connected. Price differentiation is a widely adopted business practice used in many industries.”

While talking about the net-neutrality debate in India, how can we not talk about Facebook and its Free Basics? While openly opposing differential pricing of internet services, Facebook continued to defend Free Basics and claimed one more time that it’s not a threat to net neutrality.The company defended itself in an official statement,

“This is not true and evidence refutes it. In addition, this need not be a material concern since the programme is open to all operators on the same terms in a non-exclusive manner.”

While the future of net neutrality still seems uncertain, we can only hope to wait and watch the events unfold. In the meantime, find more information here Facebook’s Free Basics.

January 16, 2016
Should You Subscribe to Netflix in India?

Netflix announced that its taking measures to stop subscribers that use proxies in order to stream shows and movies that are only available outside their own country. “In coming weeks, those using proxies and unblockers will only be able to access the service in the country where they currently are,” David Fullagar, Netflix’s VP of content delivery architecture, wrote in a blog post. “We are confident this change won’t impact members not using proxies.”

The internet streaming giant recently went global at CES 2016, launching its services in a number of new countries including India. However, the launch of Netflix also comes with a few potholes. Let’s have a look at some of the pros and cons of having Netflix in India, and whether those who have been eagerly awaiting the service should go for it or not.

Pros

Netflix is Completely Legal

Online streaming, be it music or videos, is the next big thing. Gone are the days of actually owning physical CDs and a DVD player (Well, almost). And rightly so, when one can now find all the content available online. The only contention is does one take the privacy route or does one go completely legit. The problem was for a long time that privacy allowed people to get the latest of content in entertainment quickly through torrents and other ways that aren’t legal.

Netflix, however, is one of those companies out there that’s trying to fight online piracy. It’s channel and the contents are completely legal and are available though subscription. Yes, you have to pay, but it is worth given the content Netflix is offering.

Censor Board’s Got Nothing on Netflix

Netflix is completely and 100% uncensored. In a country where the censor board is looming around every corner, waiting to censor explicit (even mildly explicit) content. Netflix, however, does not fall under the jurisdiction of the censor board, as of now. And there are some shows and movies out there that just need to be seen the way they were meant to be seen. So for those who just abhor the beeps and cuts when enjoying their favorite movies and shows on television, can watch them uncensored on Netflix.

Netflix Guarantees Top Notch Quality, No Pop Ups

Being a paid service mean subscribers expect some benefits. When it comes to watching videos (and streaming them more importantly), one expects quality and clarity. This is what Netflix promises with its service. The Subscription plans are divided into three – the basic plan which costs Rs. 500 doesn’t provide HD quality, while the Rs. 650 and Rs. 800 plans do. The best choice for customers would be the middle one where HD quality and unlimited streaming are both offered. So, the one thing you can expect, if not anything else, is good streaming quality.

Another piggy back pro that can be included here is the lack of any pop ups or ads. While there are many free streaming sites available online that can give you shows and movies for free, these sites come cluttered with pop ups and possible viruses as well. So Netflix is the way to go for a clear screen with high quality streaming.

Anytime, Anywhere

This is the main selling point of any online streaming site. The whole idea is that you can watch your favorite content anytime across multiple devices. That’s the one downside to television, isn’t it? Fixed airing times mean that one is bound to miss out on some shows a or movie.

Netflix lets you watch any content (that’s available in its catalogue) anytime, and through laptop, mobile, tablet or even PlayStation and Xbox consoles. You can resume where you left off or binge through an entire season, the choice is yours.

Cons

Bandwidth Still a Problem in India

India is still catching up in terms of bandwidth. Speeds are good these days but still has a ways to go before we’re quite there in terms of seamless connectivity. Netflix is a guzzler of bandwidth and you will you require a decent broadband speed (2 mbps and above is good), and a ton of gigabytes in your plan. In effect, your total cost (subscription and broadband) will be above Rs 1000 at least.

Movies will drain a lot of data, be it on broadband or cellular, which means you will have to shell out a lot more for that. 3G connectivity will be needed while streaming and you may experience regular buffering.

Few Takers in the Indian Market

At least initially, Netflix in India is going to find a very niche audience. Many are yet unaccustomed to the online streaming site or the content it has to offer. Moreover, indian streaming sites like Hotstar already enjoys a huge population and these sites also deliver a great variety of Indian content, more so than Netflix. So, audience may prefer sticking to local streaming sites rather than dabble outside.

Lack of a Full Catalogue

Netflix subscribers do not have access to a lot of content due to a number of restrictions that are country specific. Netflix has arrived in India with a number of shows and movies that are still wanting. In order for subscribers in India, for example, to stream a show like House of Cards (which is unavailable on Netflix India), they would have had to bypass their own country and jump on to say the US region using proxy applications to watch the show. This is due to television channels owning exclusive rights to broadcast these shows in India.

The practice of using VPN, proxies and unblocking tools to bypass viewing restrictions has become pretty common these days. Indeed, since the launch of Netflix India, a number of stories have emerged online suggesting applications and tools with which one can do this. Netflix says it is working on bringing a full catalogue of content everywhere, and is working hard to stop proxy access.

While the pros and cons seem evenly matched, there is no denying that Netflix is here to stay. Despite not having a full catalogue, Netflix has some pretty great shows on offer which are definitely binge worthy. The first month is free so there’s no harm in trying it out before you make up your mind, is there? We suggest you start binging on Black Mirror, Narcos, Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Orange is the New Black, for starters. Lastly, their original content is brilliant so go ahead, Netflix and chill!

January 15, 2016
Microsoft Ends Support for Internet Explorer 8, 9 and 10

The first generation of netizens would fondly recall their days of web browsing and how Internet Explorer played such an integral part in it. But looks like it’s time to let go and move on, folks, as Microsoft finalised its withdrawal of support for the browser. The company would no longer offer technical support or security updates for Internet Explorer 8, 9 and 10.Microsoft had declared its plan to end support for the browser first in July 2014, and starting today, these plans have gone into action. However, the company would still continue to support Internet Explorer 11 and Microsoft Edge. Microsoft Edge comes embedded with any device running on Windows 10, and also offers integration with Cortana.

If users wish to continue using the older versions of the browser -not sure if there are many takers for it to begin with -Microsoft warns you against malicious software that might harm your computer. According to statistics, one in every five internet user was still using Internet Explorer 8, 9 or 10 in December. However, looks like now users might want to experiment with other options, especially since there are so many available to them -Opera Mini, Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari et al.

January 12, 2016