RaKEM an APP to 'UNSEND' TEXT

A new app called RakEM, can now help you to unsend your message by deleting the message from both the user and the receivers side.

All of us had a experience of a text regret , there are times when we send a message which is not meant for that particular person without thinking it through and this is when this app comes in use. it lets you unsend your text, in other words delete it from receivers mobile.

The app also claims to deliver high privacy for instant messaging, file, image and location sharing, voice and video calling.

“With security breaches making headlines almost daily, people want assurance that their communications are private and protected,” said Greg Parker, president and CEO of Raketu in New York.

According to a company statement “RakEM ensures the utmost privacy for data as it is transferred from device-to-device directly, without the use of servers.Its innovative server-less direct technology for peer-to-peer messages not only ensures complete data security while transferring, but also zeros possibility of illegal data mining and storage via stringent encryption.

The technology is based on RakEM’s patent pending, self-mutating encryption algorithms which is designed to offer strict privacy via end-to-end encryption during data transfer from one device to another without passing through a server. This data privacy is ensured not only on text content but also on streaming of instant messages, files, image and location sharing, voice and video calling.

How To Buy A CAMERA - Part 1

Ah, the billion dollar question, how should I choose a Camera?

I almost thought about my first camera for five minutes and ended up buying an Olympus point and shoot, long back. Thought for my dSLR for a month and bought a Nikon. Over time I have realized few deciding factor which play a major role in buying camera. Let’s get to them.

Mirrorless vs. Compact: 

A mirrorless ILC is almost always a better choice than an advanced compact. Most of them have larger sensors (all but those from Nikon and Pentax). Even with respect to price they tend to be a better deal; you can find a decent ILC kit with an APS-C sensor, but a good compact with a smaller 1-inch sensor will run you about the same. The only two disadvantages an ILC (Interchangeable Lens Camera) has relative to a compact are size (though the lenses are small, they never retract into the body the way they do on a compact) and price for a good lens. Decent advanced compacts in high range have fast lenses, while the kit lenses that ship with an ILC tend to be slow f3.5-5.6 versions. On the other hand, you can start with the kit lens and upgrade to a better one when you can afford it, something you can't do with a fixed-lens model.

Mirrorless or dSLR: 

This is a bit trickier, though one rule of thumb is if you need good battery life or fast startup, stick with a dSLR -- those are the two standout weaknesses of mirrorless models, since they have more electronics. Additionally, if you're on a tight budget, cheap dSLRs tend to be cheaper than cheap mirrorless cameras. And if you're looking at the higher end, midrange-to-high end dSLRs still tend to be faster than higher-end mirrorless options.

On the flip side, mirrorless models are frequently as good or better for video than dSLRs. The best ones can do all the same things as a dSLR, but you can also view through the viewfinder while shooting, they support power zoom lenses and they're much smaller. And the less expensive mirrorless models tend to be better than their cheap dSLR equivalents.

Specifications to look for when buying a Camera:

Resolution:

Generally referred to in megapixels. This number tells you how many pixels the camera uses to produce an image. Every modern camera has more than enough for any need. That's why it's not important as a spec. In fact, watch out for cheap cameras with high resolutions -- they usually lack the processing power to deal with the large images, which can slow them down.

Lens:
There are two important specs relating to all lenses: aperture and focal length(s). The lens' focal length, measured in millimeters, conveys the magnification of the image and the amount of scene covered by the lens (called the angle of view). As focal length increases, things look bigger and take up more of the frame. A lens that covers multiple focal lengths is a zoom lens, and the zoom spec is the ratio of the longest to the shortest focal length: a 20-100mm lens, therefore, has a 5x zoom. A lens of a single focal length is called a prime lens, and very flat ones are usually referred to as pancake primes. Note that the focal lengths as imprinted on the lenses of compact cameras will not be the same as the reported focal lengths; they frequently don't reflect a multiplier that normalizes the length based on a frame of 35mm film, a reference point that adjusts for the multitude of sensor sizes in cameras. Sometimes called the crop factor, you really only need to think about it when looking at lenses for interchangeable-lens cameras. Ultra-wide-angle (less than 18mm) is good for very large scenes where lens distortion adds rather than detracts from the appeal.

Wide-angle (around 18mm to 30mm) is good for group shots, landscapes and street photography, as well as selfies and group shots. Normal (about 30mm to 70mm) is good for portraits and snapshots.

Telephoto (about 70mm to 300mm) is good for portraits, sports and arena photography. Super telephoto (greater than 300mm) is good for sports, wildlife and perhaps private detectives and Batman.

More on lens:

Aperture:
The aperture is the size of the opening that lets in light, alternatively referred to as an f-stop or f number. The lower the number the larger the aperture. The largest aperture usually varies over the zoom range; lens specs generally list the maximum aperture at the shortest and longest focal lengths. Thus, when the spec is listed as 18-55mm f3.5-5.6, that means the widest aperture is f3.5 at 18mm and f5.6 at 55mm. As aperture size increases, the area of sharpness in front of and behind the subject increases; area of sharpness is called depth of field. Since wider apertures let in more light and give you more control over depth of field, wider is better. A lens with a wide aperture is referred to as fast or bright and one with a narrow aperture is slow. Fast lenses are considered better than slow lenses; confusingly, "fast" and "slow" have nothing to do with focusing performance. Watch out for lenses that start wide but get narrow very quickly. For instance, with a 24-120mm f2-5.9 lens you don't want the maximum aperture to jump from f2 at 24mm to f5.9 at 28mm.

Sensor size and type:

Sensor size is the dimensions of the array of photoreceptors that create the pixels that become an image. Bigger sensors generally produce better photo quality, but the bigger the sensor the bigger the camera -- a larger sensor also requires a larger lens, more space for supporting electronics, and if the camera uses sensor-shift image stabilization, it requires an even larger footprint. Larger sensors are also more expensive to make, so the cameras are pricier.

Sensor sizes are usually indicated in one of two ways: actual dimensions in millimeters or with labels such as "1/1.7-inch." The latter is an old convention from the early days of digital video, and don't represent actual sizes; 1/1.7 inch isn't equal to 0.59 inch, for example. However, they are accurate in a relative sense -- in other words, 1/1.7-inch is smaller than 2/3-inch, for example.

There are a few primary sensor technologies. CMOS is the most popular. A variant, BSI (backside illuminated) CMOS, is popular for compact cameras because it allows greater low-light sensitivity on a relatively small sensor. There are some manufacturer-specific variations of these as well, usually with different arrangements of the on-chipcolor filter array (CFA), which separates the incoming light into red, green and blue primaries that later get recombined to form the colors in the image. The most common CFA is the Bayer array; some CFAs have extra green-capturing sites (because green carries the most detail information -- it's a human eye thing), such as Fujifilm's X-Trans, and Sigma's Foveon-based technology stacks the filters so that each pixel processes each color primary.

Cheaper point-and-shoots still use CCD (charge-coupled device) sensor technology. Inexpensive CCDs don't deliver photo quality as nice as pricier CMOS sensors, but conversely, expensive CCDs like those used in medium-format cameras produce better photos. In general, CCDs are slow and poor for video.

Light sensitivity:
A camera's sensitivity to light is dubbed ISO sensitivity; the higher the number, the better the camera is capable of shooting in low light. However, as sensitivity rises so does the amount of noise -- those colored speckles you see in night shots. Cameras perform noise suppression to try to eliminate it, but that can result in smeary-looking artifacts. As a result, few cameras perform usably at the top of their rated ISO sensitivity ranges, making an unreliable spec. If you take it with a big grain of salt you can usually guess at the maximum usable sensitivity; for instance, a camera rated up to ISO 6400 will probably produce decent images up to ISO 800.

Viewfinder:
While most consumer cameras these days have eliminated a viewfinder altogether, more advanced models still have them. They're useful when it's hard to read an LCD in sunlight, and holding the camera up to your eye forces you into a more stable body position for shooting. There are basically three types of viewfinders: the type that used to be found on film point-and-shoots which gives you a direct view of the scene rather than a through-the-lens (TTL) view called a reverse Galilean; an electronic viewfinder or EVF; and the TTL optical viewfinder found on dSLRs.

EVFs have an advantage when shooting video, as you can't simultaneously view and record video using an optical viewfinder, plus they can simulate what the photo will look like. On the other hand, optical viewfinders are better for shooting action, though they have a tiny blackout period between shots as the mirror flips up and down; an EVF can only show you the action once it's already happened, not while it's in progress. Some EVFs are better than others for this, however. Important viewfinder specs are percentage coverage, or how much of the scene they can display -- 100 percent is best, obviously -- and effective magnification, which tells you how big the image looks in the viewfinder. A good viewfinder will also have a diopter adjustment, to fine-tune the viewfinder focus for your vision or for glasses wearers.

Nikon D3300 - Best Entry Level DSLR

You know how to take a snapshot, but point-and-shoot just isn't doing it for you anymore. You need the flexibility and high quality that comes with a DSLR camera. How do you know where to start, though? Nikon's D3300 may be just the camera to help you take your photography hobby to the next level. I bought it a few days ago and here’s what I have to say about it…

With a large CMOS sensor and 24 megapixels on board, this camera will produce high-resolution images you'll be proud to frame and hang on the wall. Track a moving subject with 11 auto-focus points, then fire off up to five frames per second to capture the action. The new EXPEED 4 image processor makes sure you're getting subtle, accurate colors in any type of light. All of that power and speed comes in a lightweight body that fits comfortably in your hand.

Room to grow

As you become more comfortable with your camera's settings, it's natural to want to take charge of the details. The rotating Mode Dial on the upper right side of the chassis is your gateway to full creative control. Each function that can be handled automatically by the camera can be turned over to you in manual mode. Dip your toes in the water with shutter and aperture priority modes, or dive into the deep end on full Manual. The D3300 lets you find your own comfort level while you grow as a photographer.

If you need moving pictures to tell your tale, the D3300 is also an excellent video camera that records high-definition video at 1080p resolution. There's a mono mic built in, but you have the option of adding an external microphone via the included 3.5mm jack for even better sound.

Two excellent lenses

The ability to change lenses to match your environment is one of the exciting features of a DSLR camera, but deciding which one you need as a first lens can be daunting. Nikon has bundled the 3300 with two lenses, so you can get off to a great start. The all-purpose AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR  gives you the flexibility to shoot portraits as well as landscapes, zooming in to bring details closer when necessary. The AF-S DX Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II picks up where the first lens leaves off, giving you the ability to shoot distant objects with a telephoto lens that brings your subject into sharp focus. Both lenses feature Nikon's vibration reduction technology, which helps keep images blur-free even when you're shooting without a tripod.

Share your vision

Want to start editing and sharing your images right away? Use the optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter (sold separately) to upload photos instantly to your smartphone or tablet, where they can go live on social media. If you're on an adventure, the GP-1 GPS module will help tag your photos with all of the relevant geographical details. When you're home relaxing, or there's no Wi-Fi handy, the 3300 offers built-in USB and mini-HDMI connections to help you display your photos on your high-definition television, print copies on your printer, or save them to your hard drive.

Product Highlights:

Camera Body:

·         high-density, 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor (23.5 x 15.6 mm)

·         3" LCD monitor screen with adjustable brightness

·         captures up to 5 frames per second in continuous shooting mode

·         self-timer (2-20 seconds) lets you get in the picture

·         11 autofocus points for 3D tracking of your subject

·         compatible with Nikon's F series lenses

·         red-eye reduction

·         hot shoe for connection of optional powered accessories

·         color temperature presets adjust to ambient lighting conditions

·         multiple auto-focus modes

·         records TV-ready 1080p HD video

·         built-in mono microphone with adjustable sensitivity for video recording

·         4-13/16"W x 3-13/16"H x 4-15/16"D

·         weight: 16.2 oz (body only)

·         warranty: 1 year camera body, 5 years lens

·         Our 60-day money-back guarantee

Included Lenses:

·         AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

·         AF-S DX Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II

Accessory Options:

·         accepts optional EyeFi and SD-type memory cards, not included

·         add wireless file transfer to smartphones and tablets with the optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter

·         add location information to photos with optional GP-1 GPS module

·         optional MC-DC2 remote trigger

·         3.5 mm jack for connection of optional external microphone

·         1/4" tripod socket

There might be many more advantages or tricks with this device, but till now these are the few I could recall.

You know more ??? Share in the comments below.

How to Locate your Mobile and Save Data from ANDROID DEVICE MANAGER

First of all, enable Android Device Manager, on your Android device, go to the Google Settings app, then tap on Android Device Manager. The locator feature is enabled by default, but to enable remote data wipe, tap on the box next to "Allow remote factory reset," then tap "Activate." Also on a safer note backup all your data first.

To begin with, go to https://www.google.com/android/devicemanager and log in with your Google account. You may get a prompt asking you for permission to allow Android Device Manager to use location data. Click on the "Accept" button to continue.

Location: The location of your Android device will appear automatically on the map, along with the name of the place, when it was last used, and when it was last located. You can zoom in and out of the map to check out the location.

Ring: The location data is an approximation and may not help you figure out if it's hiding somewhere in your home. Instead of having someone call your phone to help you find it, you can choose to ring your device from Android Device Manager. This will cause your device to ring for 5 minutes at the highest volume, even if it's set on silent or vibrate.

Lock: Locking your device remotely can be useful if you want to lock your Android device so no one can access your data while you're trying to recover your lost device. To lock your device, click on the "Lock" option. Enter your new password twice, and then click the Lock button. Once the command is sent to your device, it will lock it immediately, even if it's being used.

Erase Device: If you think you've lost your device for good and would like to force a factory reset to protect your personal data, choose "Erase Device." This will erase all your apps, photos, music, and settings from your device. If your device is offline when you send the "Erase Device" command, it will perform the reset the next time it comes online. Once your device has been wiped, you will no longer be able to access it from Android Device Manager. Also keep in mind that a remote factory reset may not wipe external SD memory cards.

Remember, if your device has been stolen, contact the police and let them do their jobs, don’t try to be BATMAN. With Android Device Manager, your data is safe, so make sure you stay safe as well by not attempting to retrieve the device on your own.

Live Video Streaming with MEERKAT or PERISCOPE

Live from your mobile phone, it's either Periscope or Meerkat. The two video streaming apps are the latest social media sensations to broadcast real-time video. Turning everyone into an on-the-scene reporter, Meerkat made its officially debut at SXSW Interactive Festival this month. It links to your Twitter account for easy sharing to existing followers. Periscope with the same basic purpose, only it has official Twitter backing. It was purchased by social media company for a reported $100 million. It's difficult enough to broadcast with one of these new apps without distraction, so using both at the same time is out. It's time for our Periscope vs Meerkat comparison.

Both video streaming apps let you see through someone else's eyes. This makes them ideal for large, but distant events, like protests. Of course, for every critical-viewing event, there are a dozen meaningless salad making or one-second "Test" live streaming videos for the new services. That's to be expected. Both Periscope and Meerkat have launched iOS apps, and Meerkat has Android app as well. Periscope has the backing of Twitter and Meerkat has solid funding behind it, so there's an urgency to follow through on this promise.

Meerkat is a lot busier looking than Periscope. The interface displays the broadcaster's name, their Twitter handle and viewer count in the top left corner. The city they're streaming from and the title of their broadcast are in the top right corner. That's not all. There's also an always-present sliding menu of every watcher's profile pic. It conveniently brings the broadcaster and viewers together, streaming-face to still-face. Comments look congested on Meerkat, but can be more engaging. That's because you can scroll back through the black-outlined text. On Periscope, comments quickly disappear.

One thing that people dislike is Meerkat's deeper Twitter integration, which can SPAM your Twitter page with a bunch of @ replies, as every comment is tweeted. That's not fun. Periscope has launched with a cleaner interface, which looks great for capturing live video. But it may be a little too clean for my liking. As a viewer, there's only an easy-to-miss X in the top corner to close a stream. The viewer list and broadcaster information are hidden within a menu access via a left swipe. Comments and viewer count are tucked away at the bottom, and comments disappear after a few short seconds.Hearts can be "given" to a Periscope broadcaster when a viewer taps the screen. It seems meaningless, but it's a really helpful way to instantly tell the host that you like what you see.

The biggest advantage to Periscope is that you can archive clips for viewing them on the web. This isn't completely automatic. Meerkat did give me the option to save my broadcast to my phone, but it doesn't support sharing these clips within the app beyond the live stream. I expect this to change. For now, though, Meerkat is a bit like Snapchat. Video of your broadcast is unlikely to get out there, but it's still possible for other people to capture it nefariously. Meerkat does let you schedule broadcasts, which is very helpful for fans finding broadcasters and broadcasters reaching new fans. It's easier to build an audience. It also lets you use the iPhone's flash to light dark videos.

Video quality on Meerkat and Periscope greatly depend on your connection. With so many videos taken on the road, it's obvious that networks are not ready to live streaming the masses. This is further complicated by dropped frames (and audio) when switching between front and back cameras on both apps, as all talking heads like to do. Both apps are guilty of this. Periscope also had the distinct problem of hiding battery life and WiFi connection icons at the top of my iPhone. I found it hard to tell when I switched from WiFi to LTE unless viewers asked me if that just happened. Periscope looks a little more refined, and so far its early adopters are less annoying.  

Today's Periscope vs Meerkat comparison reminds me of 2013's Vine vs Instagram launch. Both services ushered in short-form video capturing apps with back-to-back launches. These are two very experimental apps that will likely be tweaked based on user feedback. Periscope, for example, has already toned down the mass notifications it sends. It'd be nice for Meerkat is get a cleaner interface and Periscope to figure out a way to keep comments longer without cluttering the screen space.

Best Entry Level DSLR's

Entry-level digital SLRs are perfect for photographers who've gone beyond the basics and want to take photography a bit more seriously. The point about DSLRs is that they deliver a big step up in image quality from a compact camera, much more manual control and the ability to change lenses to tackle a huge variety of projects. Best of all, entry-level DSLRs are remarkably cheap. Obviously, the more features you want the more you pay, but do you actually need them? Our top camera is one of the cheapest - but it's still a serious camera that's a massive step up from a compact camera and is likely to do everything you want for a long time to come, especially if you're still learning.

There are four makers competing for your money. The two biggest are Nikon and Canon, but don't rule out Pentax DSLRs either, and we've included a Sony SLT camera, even though it's not strictly an SLR - it still looks like one, handles like one and does all the same things.

Best Buy: Nikon D3300

Price with kit lens: about Rs 35000/- | Sensor: APS-C CMOS | Megapixels: 24.2 | Lens mount: Nikon DX | Screen: 3-inch fixed, 921,000 dots | Continuous shooting speed: 5fps | Max video resolution: 1080p

The D3300 is the best DSLRs for beginners right now and you get a lot for your money. The 24 million pixel sensor provides bags of detail resolution, which means you can safely crop into the image for extra reach or to improve composition. A higher pixel count can mean a greater risk of noise, but the D3300 keeps it well under control. Noise only really becomes apparent at ISO 3200 or higher and even then, it's at acceptable levels. As with several other DSLRs in Nikon's range, the D3300 does without an anti-aliasing filter so that you get slightly sharper, more detailed shots.

The D3300 is also easy to use. The Guide Mode is a great learning tool for less experienced photographers, giving real time explanations of important functions and features. Moreover, the 18-55mm lens collapses down to make it more convenient to carry, which will further widen this camera's appeal. It's a shame you don't get an articulated touch-screen display, but that's a lot to expect at this price. The D3300 lacks built-in Wi-Fi too, though Nikon makes a cheap Wi-Fi adaptor that just plugs straight in. Otherwise, though, the D3300 is a winner.

Nikon D3200: Best Bargain

Price with kit lens: about Rs30000/- | Sensor: APS-C CMOS | Megapixels: 24.2 | Lens mount: Nikon DX | Screen: 3-inch fixed, 921,000 dots | Continuous shooting speed: 5fps | Max video resolution: 1080p

In theory, the Nikon D3300 replaces the D3200, but Nikon keeps selling older cameras alongside newer ones, often at bargain prices. The D3200 doesn't have the retracting lens or anti-alias-removed sensor of the D3300, but it still produces high-resolution 24-megapixel images, shoots at an impressive 5 frames per second (excellent for a budget DSLR) and is a brilliant camera for beginners. There's no built-in Wi-Fi, but it takes the same inexpensive plug-in Wi-Fi adaptor as the D3300.

Canon EOS 1200D (or Rebel T5): Cheapest Canon (I guess)

Price with kit lens:  Sensor: APS-C CMOS | Megapixels: 18 | Lens mount: Canon EF-S | Screen: 3-inch fixed, 460,000 dots | Continuous shooting speed: 3fps | Max video resolution: 1080p

The 1200D is a solid if unspectacular DSLR but it is the cheapest way to buy into the Canon DSLR system right now. The 18MP sensor is quite long in the tooth now and while still good, is not as good as Nikon's 24MP sensor. The 1200D's 3fps continuous shooting speed is leisurely next to the Nikon D3300's 5fps rates and you have to download beginner’s guides through a separate smartphone app, which again makes the Nikon D3300 seem a better integrated option. For Canon fans, though, this is a still a cheap and effective camera.

Sony Alpha A58: Alternative tech

Price with kit lens: Sensor: APS-C CMOS | Megapixels: 20.1 | Lens mount: Sony A | Screen: 2.7-inch articulating, 460,800 dots | Continuous shooting speed: 8fps | Max video resolution: 1080p

The Sony is not strictly an SLR, being an SLT (single lens translucent) device instead. This means you get an electronic viewfinder (EVF) rather than an optical one - but the EVF on the A58 is bright and clear. What the SLT design does deliver is fast autofocus in live view (the A58 is always in live view, effectively) and 8fps continuous shooting - amazing for an entry-level camera. Sony is swapping its attention to compact system cameras now, but the A58 is still out there and still a real bargain.

Canon EOS 100D (or Rebel SL1): Small is beautiful

Price with kit lens: about £369 | Sensor: APS-C CMOS | Megapixels: 18 | Lens mount: Canon EF-S | Screen: 3-inch, 1,040,000 dots | Continuous shooting speed: 4fps | Max video resolution: 1080p

Put off by the comparative bulk and weight of DSLRs? The amazingly light and compact (for a DSLR) EOS 100D houses an 18 megapixel APS-C sensor with hybrid hybrid phase-detection AF built in for faster autofocus in live view and movie modes. But although the 100D is tiny, it uses the same lenses as other Canon DSLRs, which add to the bulk and negate much of its advantage. If you want a Canon, though, it's a useful step up from the EOS 1200D and pretty cheap now.

Pentax K-50: Tough and tasty

Price with kit lens: about £395 | Sensor: APS-C CMOS | Megapixels: 16.3 | Lens mount:Pentax K | Screen: 3-inch, 921,000 dots | Continuous shooting speed: 6fps | Max video resolution: 1080p

Just because you are a less experienced photographer doesn't mean you aren't an adventurous one. The weatherproofed K-50 will encourage you to get out shooting in all conditions, though you'll have to partner it with the more expensive WR (weather resistant) lens for the full benefit. Pentax's Shake Reduction system cuts camera shake and can even correct slightly skewed horizons. The K-50 is a good example of a entry level SLR that goes the extra mile. Well worth considering if you're not wedded to Canon or Nikon.

Canon EOS 750D (Rebel T6i): Canon's game-changer?

Price with kit lens: about £689 | Sensor: APS-C CMOS | Megapixels: 24.2 | Lens mount:Canon EF-S | Screen: 3-inch articulating touch-screen, 1,040,000 dots | Continuous shooting speed: 5fps | Max video resolution: 1080p

The EOS 750D is brand new, so we've not been able to get one in for review yet. What we really want to check out is the performance of Canon's new 24.2-megapixel sensor, a long-awaited replacement for the ageing 18-megapixel sensor used for so long in the company's APS-C format cameras. What's especially interesting is that the 750D is on sale for not a whole lot more than the much older EOS 700D. To be honest, we can't wait to find out what it can do.

Nikon D5500: Polished but pricey

Price with kit lens: about £899 | Sensor: APS-C CMOS | Megapixels: 24.2 | Lens mount: Nikon DX | Screen: 3.2-inch articulating touch-screen, 1,040,000 dots | Continuous shooting speed:5fps | Max video resolution: 1080p

This is Nikon's brand new 'top beginners' DSLR. The Nikon D3000-series cameras are designed for cost-conscious first-time DSLR users, while the D5000-series cameras are for those who want to get a bit more creative. The touch-screen display is a first for Nikon, and the 24-megapixel non-anti-aliased sensor deliver excellent resolution. However, Nikon still hasn't cracked speedy live view autofocus, and at current prices this is a lot to pay for a beginner's camera.

Everything Thing New in FACEBOOK

Facebook announced a series of features and updates at its annual F8 Developer Conference in San Francisco on Wednesday, and while the news is mostly targeted for developers and app designers right now, it could eventually mean big things for Facebook users. CEO Mark Zuckerberg kicked off the two-day long conference with a major update to Facebook Messenger, the social network's chatting tool. Users will be able to send photos, GIFs, music and integrate with apps like ESPN and the Weather Channel. Other improvements were made to Facebook's video player and its app analytics platform. The social network announced it's getting into the Internet of Things trend, too.

Facebook Messenger as a hub

Perhaps the biggest update unveiled during Zuckerberg's keynote is that Facebook Messenger is becoming a massive communications hub, where users will be able to do much more than chat with others via the service. In the future, for example, a developer could be able to add a Messenger button within a movie ticketing service app, so after a customer makes a purchase, they could share those details and movie times with a friend on Facebook. Many of the early partners working with Facebook Messenger are focused on photos and entertainment. Some apps were developed specifically for the platform, while others are building Messenger in as an added feature.

Facebook Messenger Business

A noteworthy feature of the growing platform is Messenger Business, which will allow users to communicate with merchants by sending them a direct message or making a reservation and checking shipping information. People will be able to have personal conversations with companies — specifically, customer service representatives — and be able to make requests, asks questions and get quick responses in an ongoing thread, the company said.

Spherical Videos

Facebook spent some stage time talking about the future of video on the site. To start, the social network will soon support "spherical videos" — immersive, 360-degree videos that work right in Newsfeed. The videos will run natively in Newsfeed and will be shot with 24 high-resolution cameras. These videos will also work with virtual reality headsets, like the Samsung Gear VR and, of course, the Facebook-owned Oculus Rift. Conference attendees will be able to experience spherical videos in its "Teleportation Stations."

Embeddable videos, refreshed comments

Facebook is rolling out a new social plugin that lets publishers embed native Facebook videos across the web. This means a video uploaded (and hosted) on Facebook can now be embedded on other websites. Although you'd think Facebook's video player would already have the ability to embed videos on other sites, the move is now a part of a larger effort to catch up with YouTube. Facebook also pushed out another social plugin update to its Comments feature. Users will be able to log into their accounts and comment on a webpage, but now the message will be duplicated on the official Facebook-shared story, too.

Analytics for apps

The company introduced a new Analytics for Apps tool that provides a dashboard of data so developers and marketers can better understand their audience.

The Internet of Things

Facebook introduced a software developer kit (SDK) to support the growing influx of web-connected devices for the home, like smart garage door openers and refrigerators. The company will be opening its mobile app building suite, Parse, to web-connected devices to support the Internet of Things.

The Internet of Things refers to products — and, well, things — that are connected to the web. This includes everything from smart thermostats and garage doors to toothbrushes, tennis racquets and even your bed. They collect data about your usage patterns and habits, and typically connect to an app that offers feedback to improve your lifestyle (or your racquet swing, for example). It's unclear as of now how exactly Facebook will incorporate Internet of Things technology into its platform, but perhaps dimming the lights at night or opening your garage door could one day all be possible from directly within the social network.

5 Simple Ways to Online Security

The perils of Internet, many. The hope is to encourage more responsibility when we use the Internet and mobile technology. That can mean a lot of things and can be as simple as being more respectful online. There are a few ways through which we can save ourselves from harmful malwares and losing our data to malicious hands on Internet.

1.       Use two-factor authentication 

With two-factor authentication, users have to provide, in addition to a typical password, a one-time code when using a log-in service. In most cases, the code is sent to your phone — in a text message, for example. So after entering your password, you then have to put in what's basically a one-time second password. Based on your preferences, two-factor authentication can occur every time you log in to something or only occasionally, like when logging into an account on a new device. Many major websites offer two-factor confirmations. Google was among the first. But now a bevy of them — including Apple's iCloud, Dropbox, Microsoft, Twitter and Facebook — offer some form of login approval.

2.       Update your browser and devices NOW! 

Browsers, operating systems and mobile devices often need updates. Sure, this can be a pain. Many times, updates are intended to patch just-now-discovered security problems. Researchers are constantly finding new security holes that cyber attackers can exploit. So if an update notice comes through, never hesitate. It could be the difference between losing 15 minutes of your time and a hacker gaining control of your computer.

3.       Use unique passwords and a password manager 

People are really bad at making strong passwords. In 2014, the most common leaked passwords were "123456" and "password." It's also typical for people to include their birth year (especially those born between 1989 and 1992) in their passwords. Hackers are up to your tricks. For each login, each website, each service, you should be using unique passwords that have nothing to do with a dead pet or your birthday. "But how do I remember all these passwords?" you might be asking. Well, you don't have to.

There are a number of good password management services, such as LastPass or 1Password that can generate and store login information in a virtual vault. Some even offer security-checking features that will let you know if you have duplicate or weak passwords.

4.       Get a Google security checkup 

It takes a few minutes to run some quick tests on your Google accounts.  The feature offers an overview of your recent sign-in activity (to see if any unusual devices are logging into your accounts). With the checkup, users can also grant and revoke account permissions on their devices, as well as add recovery information — such as a phone number — to help Google get in touch if something is up with your accounts.

5.       Use HTTPS whenever you can

HTTPS is the secure version of hypertext transfer protocol — the letters that come before the "www." in a web address. That last "S" can provide a big difference, however. HTTPS works to promote  bi-directional  encryption of  information sent between you and a website's servers.

It isn't perfect. HTTPS will not protect you from, say, government surveillance, but it can be surprisingly sophisticated in its protections. BMW, for example, failed to use HTTPS when transmitting data via its Connected Drive car system. That made the car vulnerable to remote hackers, who could have exploited that oversight to open car doors. Most major websites are compatible with HTTPS, but it is best to be cognizant of the web addresses you're using. There are tools, too, such as HTTPS Everywhere browser extension that works to automatically switch any HTTP address over to HTTPS.

Samsung Galaxy S6 Review

The Samsung Galaxy S6 is a thing of beauty, a complete redesign that really works, but blended with large swathes of power once again. TouchWiz is still on board, adding a cartoonish feel to things where other brands still feel more premium, but Samsung has refined this again (building on good work from the S5), removed a lot of the bloatware and cleaned up the icons.

Design & Form Factor

Apple managed the same thing with the new iPhone 6, focusing on a premium metallic shell while getting the battery life just about tolerable. All the while Samsung toiled in the background, promising that we'd start loving plastic at some point, showing that it's more robust and scuff-free and rugged... and it didn't work.

Samsung has completely redesigned its S6 model from the ground up. Plastic was out, waterproofing gone, and in their place a fusion of glass and metal. Put simply: it's a much, much better phone, but again that's not hard when you've got the Galaxy S5 to improve upon. But the S6 does feel very well packaged, the combination of metal and Gorilla Glass 4 giving no hint of creak or give when pressed. Samsung's gone bold with this design in more than one way. It's got rid of two of the staples that users have loved for years: the microSD slot has been removed and the battery is locked in.

I'm behind the loss of the removable battery - after all, it's easier to carry a battery pack than shell out for a replacement power unit - but the microSD card disappearance is a shame. I appreciate the quest for a better performance, and perhaps it will turn out to be up there, but other Android phones seem to manage to tick along just fine with expandable storage. Samsung is offering the S6 in 32GB, 64GB and 128GB flavors to compensate, but those latter options are likely to be pretty expensive. I'm hugely impressed with the way Samsung has put this phone together though - it's managed the incredible feat of bringing the best screen on the market (the brand's words, although the combination of QHD resolution and a 5.1-inch display with Super AMOLED technology means I'm inclined to agree) in a package that's barely larger than the iPhone 6.

That means Samsung can offer a phone with a huge, crisp display while still being small enough to be considered alongside Apple's non-phablet. Considering the options from Sony and Apple both have a 720p resolution, and Samsung's packed in four times as many pixels in the same footprint, and you can see why I'm impressed by Samsung's option. Of course, this could all come at the expense of battery - after all, more pixels take more power, and the smaller package means there's less space for a battery (a 2550mAh pack is smaller than the 2800mAh seen in the Galaxy S5, which is a bit of a worry) so I'm intrigued to see how Samsung has managed to solve that problem.

Samsung needed to sort out the build quality of the entire phone, but one of the big issues was with the home button, which was too soft to push. The S6 has a really nice action now, with a lot of effort put into the satisfying click (useful for when you need to activate the camera, which I'll come onto later).  The phone is going to be unveiled in four colours at launch too, with a pleasant jewel-like exterior that changes colour slightly as the light hits it. It's got a nice translucent effect, which again adds to the more premium chassis.

Specs

We already covered the QHD screen and improved design, but that's joined by a 64-bit octacore processor (clearly Samsung's own Exynos offering as it declined to name the chipset) 3GB of RAM and upgraded storage of between 32GB and 128GB. The RAM and storage used has also been improved, which Samsung reckons is worth at least 40% performance improvement in some areas.

The fingerprint sensor is present as well, and it's (likely - Samsung wanted to confirm this before launch) a touch option, in the same vein as the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6. This is great news as the swipe was just too inaccurate, so hopefully this new technology will allow you to be more accurate and stay secure as well. Payment options have been increased massive to include magnetic strip payment (somehow, the phone will mimic the stripe on your credit card, but the Galaxy S6 isn't THAT thin) and NFC payment too - with barcodes chucked into the mix as well for good measure it seems.

Overall, this is a very, very well specified phone, and one that even the most hardy of Android fans won't be able to resist at least looking at, despite their attitude towards Samsung. The loss of microSD and removable battery will sting a little, but the reasoning over their removal at least makes sense.

The camera on the Samsung Galaxy S6 is a 16MP affair with f1.9 aperture, up 34% in terms of low light ability from the S5. It's still got all the tricks of the Samsung Galaxy S5, including Auto HDR mode and optical image stabilisation, as well as an automatic tracking mode which can follow faces, pets and other moving objects without needing to refocus.

The front sensor is also improved, up to 5MP with the same impressive low-light performance and faster shutter speed. It also packs the same automatic HDR mode, which will show you just how much the high dynamic range will improve your pictures.

Of course, if you're taking selfies, then this is going to be the sort of thing you worry about... or you could just, you know, not.

Battery

The Galaxy S6 has a custom processor, which means it'll be more efficient at processing and won't need to do a lot of pointless work to complete whatever you're asking the phone to do. That same chipset is also smaller, which adds to the efficiency.

Samsung's being very upfront on how much battery life is left too, with an app letting you know how long you could get if you enable power saving or ultra power saving modes, so you'll at least be in control of what's there. The battery in the Galaxy S6 is 2550mAh, which is less than the 2800mAh option on last year's phone. That's also smaller than the one found on HTC's One M9 this year, which is something of a worry. HTC has always, historically, had the worst battery life of the top smartphone vendors, so if it can combine good efficiency from the Snapdragon 810 chipset with a lower-res screen, it could well leapfrog Samsung this year.

Also there's that QHD screen to think about - all those pixels in such a tight space is going to take its toll on the battery life, and the packaging of the phone overall is such that it's going to get pretty toasty in there. Samsung thinks it's got the problem covered, with better battery life than ever - plus it's stuck double wireless charging in there too. The Galaxy S6 will be able to wirelessly grab power from either of the standards (Qi or PMA) without having to mess around with an accessory if you've wandered into a coffee house with the 'wrong' technology built in.

This is the best phone Samsung as ever made, which isn't a very difficult thing to say given the efforts in the last two years. But it's managed to make a huge leap forward, offering something that's the equal of the best in the market and set a very high bar to reach. It's still got a couple of niggles: I'd have loved to see a completely redefined TouchWiz, and I'm not convinced the battery life is going to be stellar. But this phone is simplicity redefined for the South Korean brand. No betting on stupid hand waving gimmicks, no skimping on design to just make it waterproof... this is a premium phone as it should be. Samsung is back.

DRONES shall deliver the Package for AMAZON

Amazon will soon be able to test its drones in the U.S. FAA will permit Amazon's "experimental airworthiness certificate" to fly drones but only at altitudes of 400 feet or below, and only during daylight hours when the weather doesn't obscure vision.

In addition, the drone's operator must always have a line-of-sight to the craft, and that person needs to be a qualified pilot, complete with medical certification. On top of that, the FAA requires Amazon to provide it with monthly data on its test flights, including the number of tests, how long pilots spend flying the drones and complete records of any software or hardware malfunctions. 

The FAA said this was routine for a certificate like Amazon's, which the organization issues to companies that don't already operate some kind of aircraft. The certificate is a big step forward for Prime Air, the company's program in development that will ship products to Amazon Prime customers within a half-hour via drone. CEO Jeff Bezos unveiled Prime Air on 60 Minutes in late 2013, although he cautioned it was years away. Google is planning a similar service, being developed by its Google X division, called Project Wing.