From send me a mail to WhatsApp me...

WhatsApp has come a long way in redefining the way we communicate. The era of mail me soon seems to be limited to professional chores only. All other communications are usually done over WhatsApp.
When I saw the recent update on iOS, I was startled to see the limit of photo/video sharing raised to 30. Suddenly felt that I need to cope up with more spam pictures and videos. But no there was a smarter way of clearing out the storage too in the update. Kudos to the team. 

Inkscape: Free open source alternative to adobe photoshop

Inkscape is probably the most appropriate alternative for abode photoshop for vector related content creations. I used this open source app fro designing my app icons.
The app is a bit difficult to grasp, but you can use it after some learning. There are plenty of videos available in YouTube to guide you around.
These were the icons that I created for my app classify.
Classify - android, iOS

Open source software to design icon for your mobile app (android/iOS)

The designing of mobile app icon can become a daunting task. It is even more frustrating as many of the online creation websites charges for downloading the .png files. After quite a bit of researching, I stumbled upon an open source software to make the app icon, Inkscape.
Download the Inkscape software from the official website.

The app has lot of features and you might be confused if you start searching for tutorials on Youtube. Many of them are good but they go into basics and unwanted stuffs for creating an app icon. You can go through them if you want to completely understand the design process.

Here is a YouTube video for Inkscape. This video has concentrated specifically on how to create a mobile app icon.

WhatsApp and Facebook’s data sharing agreement: Guide to opt out

Facebook has finally realized that it wants to gain something from it’s multi billion dollar buy. So it simply wants too improve Facebook ads and product experiences by using your whatsapp data. So in case you find it too intrusive and desire to opt out. Here are two methods to do it right now even if you have already agreed to the terms  

Method 1

• Tap “Read” before you tap 'Agree' to accept Facebook's updated 'Terms of Service and Privacy Policy',.
• Toggle to the bottom of the screen to see “control”
• ‘Uncheck' the box or 'toggle' the control

Method 2

So if you have already agreed to Facebook's updated 'Terms of Service and Privacy Policy’, still there is a way out but you only have a 30 days window period to roll back your agreement. 

• Go to Settings > Account > Share my account info inside the app. 
• ‘Uncheck' the box or 'toggle' the control.

Finally, Facebook plays a classical Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) game
Once you uncheck the box or toggle the control, you will be asked,
“Are you sure you don’t want to use your WhatsApp account information to improve your Facebook ads and products experiences? If you tap don’t share, you won’t be able to share this in the future.”
So it is a take it or lose it offer where many people would prefer better losing it.

Apple music subscription: A clever ploy

Apple has made a very clever ploy in it's new Apple music services. Once you upgrade to the new iOS, you get an option to subscribe for Apple music services for free. But this free subscription is only for 3 months. Once you are subscribed, you are put on automatic renewal after 3 months of free subscription.

Turning off the automatic subscription 
Turn off this automatic renewal feature in case you did not like the Apple music services. Or else you will be charged monthly for this service. 
In iTunes store
Go to Manage subscription
And turn off automatic subscription

3 ways to deal with Apple iPhone 16GB's "storage almost full" error

The iPhone 16GB entry level model's problem with most of us is that the storage is not enough in any measure. Most of the entry level models of Android flagship smartphones ships with 32GB or they have an option for expanding. Apple may or may not kill the 16 GB model as reported in this CNET article, but for those who are stuck with the 16 GB model, here are some tips that helps you to reduce the storage space.
iPhone 16GB's "storage almost full" troubleshoot 
Bug bug bug 
While some apple fans may deride me when I put bug as a reason but indeed it is true. Find out in iTunes whether you really have consumed that amount of data. Do a backup and restore helps in most of the occasions.
Update to the latest OS 
If you are thinking a latest OS comes with heavy features and occupies more space, then you are onlt half right. Apple is making all efforts to make its iOS updates as much lean as possible.
The cache problem 
The iOS never gives you an option to clear cache of applications. Some apps like Twitter, Facebook or others occupy huge amount of space because of the bug in cache clearing. I particularly had problem with Twitter app, which used to occupy more than 1GB space at times.
Finding out the cache size
Go to
General
Settings
Usage
Under Storage, Manage Storage
In case you find out any of your social media apps occupying a disproportionate space then the problem is with the cache of these file.
Since iOS does not let you remove the cache manually, the only option left with you is to delete and reinstall the app. 

WhatsApp web client: Steps for activation for Android, BlackBerry or Windows phone

WhatsApp has a web client and those who were dying for this feature can sigh a breath of relief. And the process is also very simple. Just follow the below mentioned steps.

• In desktop/laptop: Load up the WhatsApp Web client by visiting web.whatsapp.com in Chrome
• Android, BlackBerry or Windows phone
• Load up the app on your smartphone
• Make sure the app in your smartphone is upgraded to the latest version 
• Scan the QR code: WhatsApp is right there in your desktop browser
• For iPhone, the wait is still on and an update shortly might let you inside the desktop

Micrmoax Yureka : An eureka moment

Did Micromax pull off a real eureka moment by launching yureka with Cyanogen OS; going by the spec sheet and the response the thing could be a real eureka.
Jaw dropping specifications combined with an equally admirable and customizable Cyanogen OS makes it the perfect combination. The pricing point which is less than ten thousand might help it to take off like hot chips. The only thing is whether the model can sustain the momentum after the initial bubble is the real question. Micromax previously has tried to do it in the Apple way by announcing some premium smartphones with full of media limelight but could never get the momentum beyond days; if not hours.
The collaboration with Amazon and a good month before announcement of launch date has made people curious about this new Cyanogen killer and if everything goes on well after the initial subscription hiccup then this could be one of the most awaited smartphone killer from an Indian company which can give players like Samsung and HTC a serious run for their money.
For more information and spec sheet - amazon.in/yu

The lateral growth of smartphones

An assessment by Cisco predicts the number of connected devices to the web would be around 50 billion by the end of 2020. Dissecting the statistics reveal only smartphones, tablets or computers cannot contribute to these whooping number of devices. The missing numbers are to be taken by the smaller devices which will be making our lives more convenient. They all could vary from wearbles like smartwatches to many of the tiny devices that controls the larger units like cars,air conditioners, microwave.
Smartphones : Reached the zenith of smartness
The new editions of smartphones is not anything any incredible addition to the user experience. The processor speed might be increasing exponentially but that is barely identified by a normal customer. So is the case with the pixel density which has gone beyond the capacity of human's eyes to distinguish. The only thing that is coming up is the change in the size, shape; remember the curved ones or feel. Smartphones are not getting any smarter in the foreseeable future. The innovation is going laterally now.
Control everything
The smartphones till now concentrated on being the one stop solution to all your digital needs but now it would like to make your life more convenient. The lateral control where the future is going. Google is investing heavily on the remote controlled cars and has brought the Nest. Apple is partnering with car manufacturers. These are the things to come in the future. Get ready to hand over some of your control in the devices to your smartphones.

iOS 8 : Five significant changes

Apple in its recent WWDC conference announced the entry of the next iteration of it's iOS. Here are the five significant changes iOS8 can bring in the iPhone
1.Interactive notifications
The notification bar will now have more utility like replying to a message or liking a post from Facebook directly without going into the application.
2.QuickType keyboard
Apple has finally decided to overhaul it's lame but still elegant keyboard to a more utility oriented keyboard.
3.Spotlight
The search now includes the quite literally whole world with results including the information from the web and the device.
4.Push to talk
Seems iMessage wants to catch up with other IM applications at least on the iOS platform.
5.Better mac integration
Now this is for mac users where Apple has promised the airdrop and better syncing between devices using Bluetooth.

Amazon's 3D smartphone : Can it get right ?

A famous quote from Apple Inc says that it is not important to get anything first in the market but getting it right is. The Amazon is getting it first this time with 3D UI smartphone but can it get it right heads on will be the question. The teaser which the company has posted along with the invitation points  that Amazon is also aiming for getting right along with the first.

See the teaser here :

Moto G is Google's finest armament

Google brought the Motorola mobility a few months back. The move had raised eyebrows of several observers as it could have hurt the other android smartphone manufacturers. The fear was that the whole integration ecosystem provided by Google would abolish the level playing field.
Google gets it right with Moto G
Moto G is a smartphone with unbelievably low price when the specs are considered. But it isn't the high end smartphone that premium users desire for. The target obviously is the first time users. Google's aim is to afford them their ecosystem so that consumers stick to it. That's what Google's business is all about. It need not have to make business out of selling hardware as the Apple does. For Google the consumer just has to do a Google search, use it's mailing platform and many such things. Google also played safe with Moto X; though priced at a premium range, it was nevertheless a premium smartphone. The differentiation point was in it's customisation. Google ensured that it's strategy in hardware didn't result in bloodshed for other Android manufacturers.

A phablet iPhone might be a bad pill for Apple

An article in business insider speaks of a rumor of two large sized iPhone offerings. It also mentions a gigantic iPhone. A brief look into the reason why a gigantic phablet might hurt for Apple.
More bigger the iPhone, bigger the cut in the apple's apple logo
The cut in the logo might literally turn out to be a cut in sales of iPad, if Apple ever turns out to make a phablet similar to note series. The desire for the iPad tablet drastically reduces if there are phablets with iOS ecosystem kissing the 6 inches screen with retinal display. Apple could have had a forethought of this when they persisted with a modest increase in screen size for iPhone 5 and subsequent 5S and 5C.
Apple : A product centered company
Apple desires to maintain difference between its devices. If you want to a phone with smartness, go for iPhone. Want a consumption device, go for a iPad. If you want productive ones, go for MacBook or iMacs. Apple has to maintain these boundaries if it has to reap in more profits. The product centred culture profits from such boundaries and as far I feel they will continue to demarcate this line rather than blurring the lines as the Surface is trying to do with its Pro offerings.
Link to article in Business Insider
http://www.businessinsider.in/GOSSIP-Apple-Will-Release-Two-iPhones-Next-Year-One-With-A-Big-Screen-And-Another-With-A-Gigantic-Screen/articleshow/23832039.cms

Nokia Lumia 1020 : so more but so late

Nokia has finally revealed the price for its flagship Lumia 1020 in India. The preorder price stands at a whooping Rs.49,999/-. The huge 41 megapixel camera turns out to be the USP of this device but nevertheless the success is not a cakewalk as many other devices offer a camera which are fairly good.

Nokia Lumia 1020 specifications

4.5-inch AMOLED ClearBlack display with 768x1280 resolution
1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor
2GB RAM
32GB of internal storage
41-megapixel PureView rear camera
1.2-megapixel wide-angle front camera
Windows Phone 8
2,000 mAh battery

iOS 7 : "define" not working

Define will not work in iOS 7 because the dictionary will not be pre-downloaded.

Steps to download the dictionary

1. Type any word 
2. Select that word and go to define
3. In the screen which mentions "no definition found", select manage at left bottom
4. Download from the list of dictionary which suits your needs

Type any word and select define

                      

Select manage : left bottom

Select relevant dictionary

Apple iPhone 5S fingerprint scanner vulnerability issues

Brought an iPhone 5 and have some concerns regarding security issues. CNET's senior editor has an advice for you, "Use fingers other than your thumb or index finger for authenticating fingerprints.

The flip flop launch of BBM messenger

The signs of battered company are visible more clearly now. Research in Motion, which was once the dear device for many with its premium BBM offer has managed once again to pull the wrong string correctly.

Releasing an unreleased version?
BBM has pulled out its release for iOS and android because of an unreleased version released for android. Seems a bit intriguing. Why would blackberry do so, and risk the reputation of BBM. Is it the surface signs of a more deeper troubles in the RIM or just testing the response from consumers before an official Big Bang release.

Press release about BBM release.
Prior to launching BBM for Android, an unreleased version of the BBM for Android app was posted online. The interest and enthusiasm we have seen already - more than 1.1 million active users in the first 8 hours without even launching the official Android app - is incredible. Consequently, this unreleased version caused issues, which we have attempted to address throughout the day.

Our teams continue to work around the clock to bring BBM to Android and iPhone, but only when it's ready and we know it will live up to your expectations of BBM. We are pausing the global roll-out of BBM for Android and iPhone. Customers who have already downloaded BBM for iPhone will be able to continue to use BBM. The unreleased Android app will be disabled, and customers who downloaded it should visit www.BBM.com to register for updates on official BBM for Android availability.

As soon as we are able, we will begin a staggered country roll-out of BBM for Android and continue the roll-out of BBM for iPhone. Please follow @BBM on Twitter for the latest updates and go to www.BBM.com to sign-up for updates about BBM for Android and iPhone. These issues have not impacted BBM service for BlackBerry.

New Samsung Note 3 : Improved stylus functionality

Samsung announced its new note series phablet, Note 3 and the functionality of stylus has improved much from the previous models. Samsung is leaving no stone unturned in phablet sector. Samsung till now has largely remained unchallenged from other companies in the form of any phablets making dent in the market. Note 3 with its gorgeous display would probably help Samsung continue its dominance.

Here is a video from PocketNow which demonstrates this new feature

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Official Specs

Network 2.5G (GSM/ GPRS/ EDGE): 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz3G (HSPA＋ 42Mbps): 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 MHz 4G (LTE Cat 4 150/50Mbps) : up to 6 different band sets (Dependent on market) Processor LTE 2.3 GHz Quad-Core Processor 3G 1.9 GHz Octa Core Processor ( A15 1.9 GHz + A7 1.3 GHz) The selection of AP will be differed by markets. Display 5.7inch (144.3mm) Full HD Super AMOLED (1920 x 1080) OS Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) Camera Main(Rear): 13 Mega-pixel BSI Sensor, Auto Focus camera with Smart Stabilization, LED Flash(High CRI), and Zero Shutter Lag Sub (Front): 2 Mega-pixel BSI sensor with Smart Stabilization, Full HD recording @30fps Dual Camera: Dual Shot / Dual Recording/ Dual Video Call Recording: UHD 30fps, Smooth motion (FHD 60fps), Slow motion (HD 120fps) Camera Mode: Drama Shot, Sound & Shot, Animated Photo, Eraser, Best Photo, Best Face, Beauty Face, HDR (High Dynamic Range), Panorama, Sports, Golf, Surround shot, Live effect Video Codec: H.264, MPEG-4, H.263, VC-1, WMV7, WMV8, Sorenson Spark, MP43, VP8, HEVC Recording & Playback: Full HD (1080p), UHD (*may differ by market) Audio Codec: MP3, AAC/AAC+/eAAC+, WMA, AMR-NB/WB, Vorbis, FLAC(*), WAV(*) (*) Ultra High Quality Audio (~192KHz, 24 bit) support S Pen Optimized Features Air Command: Action Memo, Scrapbook, Screen Write, S Finder, Pen Window S Note, Multi Window, new Easy Clip, Direct Pen Input Additional Features Group Play: Share Music, Share Picture, Share Video, Share Document, Play Games Story Album, S Translator Samsung Smart Scroll, Samsung Smart Pause, Air Gesture, Air View Samsung Apps, Samsung Hub, ChatON (Voice/Video Call, Share screen, 3-way calling), Samsung WatchON S Voice™ Hands Free, S Health Samsung Adapt Display, Samsung Adapt Sound Auto adjust touch sensitivity (Glove friendly) Samsung Link, Screen Mirroring Safety Assistance, Samsung Google Mobile Services Chrome, Search, Gmail, Google+, Maps, Play Books Play Movies, Play Music, Play Store, Hangouts Voice Search, YouTube, Google Settings, Play Games, Messenger Connectivity WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (HT80) GPS / GLONASS NFC, Bluetooth® v 4.0 (LE) IR LED (Remote Control), MHL 2.0 Sensor Gesture, Accelerometer, Geo-magnetic, Gyroscope, RGB Proximity, Barometer, Temperature & Humidity, Hall Sensor Memory 32/ 64 GB User memory ＋ microSD slot (up to 64GB) 3GB RAM Dimension 151.2 x 79.2 x 8.3mm, 168g Battery Standard battery, Li-ion 3,200 mAh

Smart pricing for smart devices

One of the Reuters blog that I stumbled upon had an interesting fact dissected out of a subscription plans from nytimes.com. A closer look at those plans reveals the priorities set by nytimes in terms of customers. The target is no doubt, the smartphones and tablets users. Here is the extract from the blog
"access to nytimes.com plus a phone app is $15 every four weeks, access to the website plus the tablet app is $20, and access to the website plus both phone and tablet apps is $35. Which logically means that access to the website itself is worthless. (If A+B=15, and A+C=20, and A+B+C=35, then A=0.)"
The strategy is all clear from these pricing polices. Several publishing houses have been able to identify that it's potential customers who will pay are those with sophisticated devices and would like to access from an app in such devices. The publishers have, therefore resorted to a smart pricing policy for these smart devices.

Nokia's potshots at Apple and others

The new add from Nokia highlights its unique 41 megapixel camera in Lumia 1020 model. The camera out in this device, arguably is the best on a smartphone in the market as of today. But will the consumer make a mind for a dent in his pocket to offer for Lumia 1020 which really has a bump in its back for accommodating hefty 41 megapixel camera.

Grow up windows for fighting
The windows 8 offering for mobile devices has still a long way to go if it has to really challenge its opponents really rather in the adds. The lack of apps adds up for the misery of stability issues in these devices. Apps are the new buzz word which is ruling the smartphone industry. Apps are what consumers are attached to . Take an example for Lumia 1020,  Windows 8 still lacks basic apps like Instagram. If that is the case, the user is devoid of opportunity to share on that platform easily even after taking best pictures from a smartphone.