This may be too good to be true but it is TRUE. Those who work at Google have benefits that extends to the after-life. I personally think other companies, firms etc should adopt this Google employee-benefit plan most companies don't care the welfare of their employees, some take too many precautions guiding themselves (the company) leaving the hard working employees exposed and neglected.
So here is the full story from Forbes website or you can open thislink if you want to read it at a later time
Wednesday, 5 November 2014
Have you been wondering when Windows 10 will deployed on mobile phones? Wonder no more because Windows is already on that.
The Windows 10 Technical Preview has been out for a while, but we haven't heard too much about the update for mobile devices. We expect to hear quite a bit, because the plan is supposedly to finally make Windows into one converged platform that is the same at the system level on all devices, but with the UI optimized for the form factor (similar to the plans we've been seeing for Ubuntu.) But, we may get to hear a bit more about Windows 10 for phones soon.
According to Nawzil, a reliable source for Microsoft news, there are three builds of Windows being tested on phones internally at Microsoft. There are two major updates to Windows Phone 8.1 being tested; but, even more interestingly, there is a build of Windows 10 for phones being tested. Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1 has already begun rolling out to bring Cortana to more regions. WP 8.1 Update 2 is expected to bring Cortana to more regions, as well as adding a data toggle in the Action Center, allow for sortable settings, and adding support for new processors.
Unfortunately, we don't really know what to expect for Windows 10 on phones. It is expected to bring side-by-side multitasking on tablets and full Office Touch, but otherwise, we're in the dark. Maybe, if it is being tested internally, we may get more leaks on it though.
Microsoft recently entered a partnership with CNN, which dictated that the network's presenters will be given some free Surface Pro 3 tablets to use on live TV and, in turn, serve as advertisement for Redmond's "laptop killer". Unfortunately, the campaign effort may have backfired badly, as today, Twitter exploded with screenshots from the CNN elections night live broadcast, which shows that the presenters and journalists are either still using their iPads in hiding, or worse – using the Pro 3 slates as a kick-stand to support their iPads.
The Surface Pro 3 is Microsoft's attempt at creating a two-in-one device, which can serve both as a laptop and a tablet equally efficiently. As far as how successful it is – Redmond did say that it is outselling its predecessors – the original Surface Pro and Pro 2 – though, we do not know exact numbers yet. From the looks of it, however, it seems that the adoption rate is slow, with the main concerns being that the device's keyboard needs to be purchased seperately (and it is already an expensive tablet to start with), and that it does not seem comfortable to work with in one's lap, even though Microsoft claims that it is just as comfortable as a conventional laptop; the company even came up with a word when addressing this issue – "lapability".
So, whether CNN management knew about its journalists secretly using their iPads is unknown, but one thing is for sure – it was a low blow for Microsoft. Sure, non-techies maybe didn't notice, but the tech-savvy community is having a laugh.
We almost missed it, but it appears WhatsApp celebrates its five-year birthday today! We didn't get any birthday cake (shame!), but the company sent us this awesome infographic. Made by Lisa Hallgren at digital agency DPFOC, it sings the tune of millions and billions of numbers related to the app's relatively short history.
WhatsApp fans can enjoy intriguing nuggets of information from it, while competitors should sit and learn. Did you know WhatsApp has 1 active developer per 14 million users? Or that it processes 50 million messages all over the glob daily? You will also love CEOs Jan Koum and Brian Acton's quotes - "Dealing with ads is depressing!", "We don't want to build a hookup app!", and more WhatsApp lore awaits. Enjoy the infographic.
Android L, or its official title, Android Lollipop, is here, and it's brought a raft of new changes, with Sundar Pichai, head of Android, proclaiming it to be one of the biggest upgrades to Android yet.
It's got radical new design, 5000 new APIs, has been available as a developer preview for a while, and it's going beyond the mobile form factor. Android 5.0 will be contextually aware of its surroundings, plus voice is going to me a major input source.
The experience will also be seamless across devices - phones, TVs, and tablets - so making Android Lollipop devices communicate properly is at the top of the feature list. That said, don't think your handset will get left in the dust. Pichai was at pains to point out the mobile phone will always be the priority.
Want to know when your phone or tablet is getting an upgrade? Check our constantly updated Android 5.0 Lollipop upgrade article to see what's in store!
If you've got a sweet tooth for all the information about Android Lollipop, then you've come to the right place. Here's everything you need to know about Google's new mobile platform.
Cut to the chase
What is it? The next major upgrade for Android
When is it out? 'In the coming weeks'
What will it cost? Nothing, it'll be free, but some handsets will take longer to get it than others.
Android Lollipop release date
Here's what most of you will be wanting to know: when can I get it on my phone? Well, developers with a Nexus 5 or Nexus 7 have had access to early builds since June 26.
For the rest of the folk in the world Google has said it will be available for the Nexus 4, 5, 7, 10 and Google Play edition devices 'in the coming weeks' - so some users should be seeing it show up come November, if not before.
HTC has already been in contact, giving the following statement about its forthcoming upgrade to Android Lollipop (formerly known as Android L):
"HTC is excited about the new features in Android L and we can't wait to share them with our customers. We are committed to updating our flagship HTC One family as fast as possible.
"We will begin rolling out updates to the HTC One (M8) and HTC One (M7) in regions worldwide within 90 days of receiving final software from Google, followed shortly thereafter by other One family members and select devices."
Motorola has also confirmed that Android Lollipop will be hitting the Moto X at some point and OnePlus has committed to bringing it to the OnePlus One within three months of Google releasing a final build.
Of course, what would a new Android OS launch be without new hardware from the Silicon Valley-company itself? To satiate our sweet tooth Google has announced a new Nexus 6 phone built in collaboration with Motorola and Nexus 9 tablet designed with HTC to accompany Android L's release.
If you're wondering about how much this update will cost the good news is Android 5.0, like all previous updates, is free.
Android Lollipop Material Design
The big news for Android Lollipop is the change to the way it looks - and it's going well beyond the mobile phone to the tablet, TV screen, watch and even the car.
The new Material Design is strange in that it bucks a trend at the moment - yes, it's flat, but it's heavily based on making every animation, every ripple, every shadow look real, which is something that most brands are shying away from.
It's meant to look both flat and 3D
Google tells us that this feels more intuitive, which means that there will be shadow gradients, 3D tiles that slide over one another and most importantly: access for developers to use this for themselves on their apps.
The idea is obvious: remove the fragmented way Android looks and bring consistency to the app world no matter what device you're on. Google intends to create an expansive ecosystem that will allow you to start a song on one device, move to another room, pick up a separate Android device and continue right where you left off.
The Roboto font has been updated too, so everything from watch to TV to mobile looks the same.
The whole interface is updated and improved
Every animation on screen will be allowed to connect to one another - so there's no 'teleportation between apps'. The home, back and multi-tasking window buttons on Android 5.0 have been refined too, and overall, this is a massive step forward for a cleaner, more intuitive-looking version of Google's mobile platform.
To get a taste of Material Design now just head on over to the Play Store on an Android device, as the material design update is currently rolling out for it and the Google Chrome app.
Notifications and lock screen
Notifications on Android Lollipop are getting an overhaul, so only the more relevant information about your apps is being presented.
You can even adjust the OS to display notifications from the most important people and apps during the evening hours or an important meeting. The notification panel is being merged with the lockscreen so you can see what's going on as you pick up the phone, and a simple swipe up takes you into the phone.
Imagine that the lockscreen is similar to the notifications panel now, and you're pretty much there.
Android Lollipop will also learn from you, working out what you look at and interact with more often to prioritise that notification.
Another big change is that notifications will flow over the screen at the top - get a call when you're playing a game and it will pop up at the top, asking if you want to take it. This will likely be the same with messages etc too, meaning less intrusion at the wrong times.
The improved lock screen
The lockscreen on Android 5.0 is getting smarter as well - if you've got a specific location set up, or are wearing a Bluetooth device, the phone will recognise you and unlock without a PIN.
Move away or take your watch off and you'll need to tap or swipe in a code when you unlock - or you can even use your voice.
LED, LCD and plasma are the main types of TV available in stores, and they all have their own strengths and weaknesses that should be factored into your buying decision.
Of the, LED TVs are the most recent introduction and, as such, are generally a bit more expensive than comparable plasma and LCD models. For the money, though, you'll get a super thin and energy-efficient TV. Although, as with most modern flatscreen TVs, LED sets often suffer from poor sound.
Plasma TVs, meanwhile, offer arguably deeper and more detailed black areas on screen, but are hit by a higher energy consumption rate. LCD TVs are often the cheapest sets available, but they're now on the decline as LED technology comes to the fore.
Which LED or Plasma TV is best?
If you've already made up your mind on the technology and just want to find out which is LED TV and which Plasma TV came out top in our independent lab tests.
Find out which LED and plasma TVs topped our tests.
TVs
Picture quality
Sound quality
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BEST LED TV The top scorer from our test lab has ground breaking technology that delivers the best picture quality around. And if LED TVs with top scoring picture quality are becoming increasingly common, the five out of five this achieved got for sound quality is even more impressive. Sign up or login in to find out the name of this TV
BEST PLASMA TV The best picture quality we've ever seen on a plasma TV and silky sound quality make this our top scoring plasma TV. You'll also get 3D and with a built in camera you can use the useful smart TV features to make Skype calls. Sign up or login in to find out the name of this TV
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Want to know which TV is best for you? Take a look at all of our TV reviews.
LCD TVs: how do they work?
Liquid crystal display (LCD) TVs come to life when light from behind the screen is shone through a matrix of tiny, coloured liquid crystal cells. Signals control each cell, letting varying amounts of colour through to build up the picture.
LCD has, however, been eclipsed by LED as the most popular TV technology. You might still find LCD TVs available in smaller screen sizes at the budget end of the market, but most manufacturers are now focused on LED.
"LED, LCD and plasma are the main TV types, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses that should be factored into your buying decision."
LED TVs: how do they work?
LEDs (light-emitting diodes) have been around for decades, but their introduction into TV design is a fairly recent development.
LED televisions employ standard LCD technology but with one crucial difference – the handful of backlight lamps that traditionally illuminate the LCD screen are replaced by a larger number of tiny LEDs. This enables LED TVs to be much slimmer than their LCD counterparts. Edge-lit LED vs back-lit LED - which is right for you?
These are the two types of LED TV, although most sets nowadays are edge-lit LEDs. Edge-lit models have LED lamps just around the edge of the screen, enabling them to super-slim. Early edge-lit models had problems with inconsistent lighting of the screen, and patchy colours. While you can still find a bad one, the technology behind edge-lit panels has improved significantly in recent years. Back-lit models (also referred to as direct-lit) have LED lamps spread across the entire rear of the screen. They aren't as slim as edge-lit LEDs, but the consistency of lighting should be much better. Dimming - backlit LED TVs were previously known for a technique called 'local dimming', which varies the backlight in different parts of the screen to give darker, richer blacks and brighter whites where needed. TV manufacturers have now found ways to incorporate similar technology into their edge-lit models, meaning you're not missing out by buying one - and they're usually cheaper.
Plasma TVs: how do they work?
Plasma TVs use completely different technology and principles to LCD and LED sets. A plasma display is an array of tiny gas cells sandwiched between two sheets of glass. Each cell acts like a mini fluorescent tube, emitting ultraviolet light which then strikes red, green and blue spots on the screen. These spots glow to build up the picture. Plasma TVs: beloved by home cinema buffs
Home-cinema enthusiasts would claim that the best plasma TVs still boast better blacks and more natural colours than the market-leading LED TVs, making them a better choice if you want spectacular picture quality. However, in recent years the difference between LED and plasma is not so marked, while the poor energy efficiency of plasma TVs means they can be costly to run.
The big manufacturers, such as Panasonic, are now scaling back their plasma TV production (or stopping it entirely) in favour of LED and even newer screen types - so plasma is definitely on the decline.
Flatscreen TV sound quality
While the picture quality of TVs has steadily improved over the last few years, sound quality on modern flatscreen TVs has failed to reach such heights. The desire for ever-slimmer televisions means there is physically less space to include a good set of built-in speakers.
We know from our testing that modern TVs just can’t match the old 'big box' CRT televisions for sound quality. However, improvements in speaker technology means the top-end models are slowly catching up.
If you want the best sound quality available there are various products available to buy; such as soundbars, sound plates and home cinema systems.
LED, LCD & plasma: how much do they cost to run?
Every television will consume electricity, but the TV types differ in terms how much they'll cost you to run. With comparably-sized LCD, LED and plasma TVs, the LED would be the most efficient and the plasma TV the most costly on your electricity bills.
We took a typical 42-inch TV from each type and calculated the average amount of energy used per year. The LED TV used 64 watts, the LCD set 107 watts and the plasma TV 195 watts. Putting that into money-terms, the LED would cost you £17 per year to run, with the LCD costing £28 and the plasma £50 - well over double the LED.
"LED TVs are typically energy efficient, while plasma sets will add the most to your electricity bills."
LED vs LCD vs Plasma: which should you buy?
Given the dwindling availability of LCD TVs and the ongoing demise of plasma TVs, most TV buyers will go for an LED set, and that’s no bad thing considering that they're getting a slim and energy-efficient television.
However, bear in mind that picture and sound quality on LED TVs varies hugely between brands and models. Be sure to check our LED TV Best Buys to ensure you make the right buying choice.
An OLED and 4K future?
New types of TVs are coming to challenge LED, LCD and plasma. The major manufacturers, such as Samsung and LG, are already producing the next-generation of television: OLED TVs and sets with 4K picture resolution.
OLED is a new screen type that promises to give you the best of LED and plasma in one. 4K, or ultra-high-definition (Ultra HD), is a new screen resolution that has four times the pixels of Full HD.
The big problem with both new types is the prohibitive cost - 4K TVs are now available for under £1,000, but OLED models are still into the many thousands. As the likes of Samsung, Panasonic, LG and Sony look to ramp up production, we should see a reduction in price for both OLED and 4K over the coming years.
Facebook has created the ability for users to connect directly to the social network via anonymising "dark web" service Tor.
While it was already possible to access Facebook via Tor, the new set-up means all data is encrypted and Tor users are not mistaken for hacked accounts.
Users could access the site "without losing the cryptographic protections" of Tor, Facebook said.
It may appeal to people in places where the network is blocked.
China, Iran, North Korea and Cuba are among countries that have attempted to prevent access to the site.
So too have such countries attempted to block access to Tor itself. China in particular has attempted to implement measures to disrupt the network.
The creators of Tor have been engaged in a cat-and-mouse game with governments to keep the service accessible. Stop tracking
Facebook is the first Silicon Valley giant to provide official support for Tor, a network built to allow people to visit web pages without being tracked and to publish sites whose contents would not show up in search engines.
Facebook's move would prove popular among those who wanted to stop their location and browsing habits from being tracked, said Dr Steven Murdoch, from University College London, who was consulted by Facebook for the project.
He explained users would still need to log-in, using real-name credentials, to access the site.
He told the BBC: "It's quite hard to use a social network completely anonymously, it somewhat defeats the point, unless you're just reading information.
"But just because you want to tell Facebook your name, doesn't mean they should be able to find out your location and your browsing habits."
When it comes to Internet speeds, the U.S. lags behind much of the developed world.
ISP refers to the network provider of any country on the internet, it means 'Internet Service Provider' That's one of the conclusions from a new report by the Open Technology Institute at the New America Foundation, which looked at the cost and speed of Internet access in two dozen cities around the world.
Clocking in at the top of the list was Seoul, South Korea, where Internet users can get ultra-fast connections of roughly 1000 megabits per second for just $30 a month. The same speeds can be found in Hong Kong and Tokyo for $37 and $39 per month, respectively. Related: Has Verizon's new tech site banned controversial topics? For comparison's sake, the average U.S. connection speed stood at 9.8 megabits per second as of late last year, according to Akamai Technologies. Residents of New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. can get 500-megabit connections thanks to Verizon, though they come at a cost of $300 a month. There are a few cities in the U.S. where you can find 1000-megabit connections. Chattanooga, Tenn., and Lafayette, La. have community-owned fiber networks, and Google has deployed a fiber network in Kansas City. High-speed Internet users in Chattanooga and Kansas City pay $70, while in Lafayette, it's $110. The problem with fiber networks is that they're hugely expensive to install and maintain, requiring operators to lay new wiring underground and link it to individual homes. Many smaller countries with higher population density have faster average speeds than the United States. "[E]specially in the U.S., many of the improved plans are at the higher speed tiers, which generally are the most expensive plans available," the report says. "The lower speed packages---which are often more affordable for the average consumer---have not seen as much of an improvement." Google is exploring plans to bring high-speed fiber networks to a handful of other cities, and AT&T has also built them out in a few places, but it will be a long time before 1000-megabit speeds are an option for most Americans.
The twin world trade center was destroyed in a terrorist attack by Osama Bin Laden about 14years ago, lives were lost and so were uncountable properties. It was a big loss to the United States and the pain is still free in some hearts. But America has proved to the whole world that they can always pick up their pieces and move ahead in whatever situation and that is what they have done. Few years after the twin world trade center was bombed, they built another one, although its not a twin tower this time, but its a magnificent building, a symbol of power, courage that portrays the Can-Do spirit of the United States. See the pictures below:
the new world trade center
The twin world trade center when it was bombed in 2001
