What to expect from Google’s October 4 Pixel and hardware event

What to expect from Google’s October 4 Pixel and hardware event

Welcome to my blog abd123tech . I am happy to provide this new topic Thank you!

What to expect from Google’s October 4 Pixel and hardware event

Google’s big October event is tomorrow, and rumors suggest we’ll see a ton of new hardware unveiled, including new Pixel smartphones running stock Android (replacing the Nexus lineup of devices). The event will also tell us more about Google Home, the Amazon Echo competitor that Google previewed at I/O earlier this year, including likely when you can get your hands on one.

Here’s a breakdown of what we can expect, including some of the more out-there possibilities that haven’t already been leaked to the extreme.

Google Pixel and Pixel XL

Google’s Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones are two of the worst-kept secrets in tech right now, and will be more Google-owned than any Nexus devices before them (though HTC is said to be the supplier behind the scenes). The Pixel and Pixel XL will have similar specs, but the display on the standard version is 5-inches, while the larger XL will have a 5.5-inch screen.

As you might expect, these will have the latest and best in terms of specs, including a new Snapdragon 821 processor from Qualcomm, 4GB of RAM to power the OS and apps, and a full 1080p HD screen on the Pixel, plus a 2,560 x 1,440 or 2K display on the XL. Both will have 12-megapixel cameras and fingerprint scanners for access security.

It sounds like buyers hoping for a Nexus-style bargain like in the early days of the program are out of luck – reports beg the beginning price at $649 for these babies. Rumors suggest financing programs, similar to Apple’s own instalment purchase plans for its iPhone, might help ease the burden for buyers.

I’d be willing to accept premium pricing on these as long as they can deliver industry leading performance in all respects: Nexus never really set the bar for other Android makers so much as struck the best value point, so it’d be great to see Google really stretch its legs in terms of showing what Android can do at the top of the market.

Google Home

Almost overnight, Alexa became the gold standard in terms of voice assistants in the home, and so Google was bound to try to recapture some momentum there, especially given its early adoption of the “Ok, Google” voice command interface. Home is that product, a speaker with a vaguely air freshener-esque aesthetic, but with Google Assistant on board to field queries and take commands.

The $129 anticipated price tag for Home would put it in line with Amazon’s offerings, shy of the Echo but above the Dot, but the Bluetooth-enabled device has some additional advantages, since it ties into your Google account, and since it’s a Cast-ready device that can stream content from your iOS and Android apps out of the box.

Home got a preview at I/O earlier this year, but we’ll hopefully find out when it ships tomorrow, and maybe get some more details on how it ties with Assistant on your phone and in Allo, too.

Chromecast Ultra

Google’s minimalist approach to the TV streaming category continues with this rumored evolution of the Chromecast, which is said to support 4K video streaming and potentially also HDR. It’s reported price will be $69, putting it still well under competitors like the latest Apple TV.

This minor update to the Chromecast is a further continuation of Google’s light-handed approach to streaming; basically, they’re enabling basic tech improvements, while leaving the content/navigation/interface to the smartphone devices users are already more comfortable with to begin with. Adding 4K is a way to address some market demand inexpensively and early, which is smart on Google’s part.

Daydream VR

Google has already revealed that its new VR platform, Daydream VR, is built right into Android 7 (Nougat), for devices that have the specs to support it. But a key ingredient for Daydream will be hardware headsets and controllers for the VR experience.

The word on the street is that Google will unveil a first-party Daydream VR headset and controller, to set the stage for third-party options to follow. Or it might just unveil the first tangible partner products for this platform. Either way, we’ll hopefully get an update on Daydream and how we can start using it – this could be the next big moment for consumer VR, if it gets included in enough devices next year and OEMs do what they can to support it.

Google WiFi

Google already has OnHub routers, but it’ll introduce a new router device at the event tomorrow that’s designed more to be the anchor of an extensible network for whole-home coverage, reports suggest. This $129 device will be able to pair up with others to form a flexible, simple to use and configure extended network, similar to devices like the Eero.

OnHub’s whole purpose was to provide a dead simple router experience for end users, with some additional perks thrown in for users based on Google’s overarching product offerings. Making a new, low-cost modular option that complements the existing lineup sounds like a good idea, but the price point and nature of this rumored makes it seem like it could actually be rolled into Google Home and offer the same convenience plus speaker and assistant features. Still, it seems more likely it would live alongside that device as a separate offering, at least for now.

Android reinvented

Lots of signs, including tweets by Android and Chrome SVP Hiroshi Lockheimer, suggest we’ll see a major rethinking of Android at this event. This will probably be more than just a point update (we just got Android 7.0, after all) and will instead be a reconfiguration of the product to do more than just power smartphones.

Android already powers a lot of devices beyond smartphones, but Google will be looking to make that more apparent, and direct it along those lines in a more concentrated and effective fashion. Also, we could see the debut of the so-called Andromeda Android hybrid OS, which incorporates some features of Chrome OS and could make Android more suitable for desktop working environments.

We’ll be live from Google’s event tomorrow, so you can follow along as all the news arrives right here on TechCrunch. This could well be the biggest day ever for Google hardware thus far, so it should be well worth it to tune in.

Read More

Yahoo rebrands its main app as Yahoo Newsroom, lets you post your own news links

Yahoo rebrands its main app as Yahoo Newsroom, lets you post your own news links

Welcome to my blog abd123tech . I am happy to provide this new topic Thank you!

Yahoo rebrands its main app as Yahoo Newsroom, lets you post your own news links

Yahoo’s homepage used to be the place where web users started their day, reading the top headlines, sports scores, stock updates, and other news. On mobile, that’s no longer always the case. In an effort to get back into the game, Yahoo this morning is launching a rebranded version of its flagship application, now called Yahoo Newsroom.

The goal with the new app is to compete with the many sources where people get their news today – ranging from standalone apps like Apple News to social media sites like Facebook.

Disclosure: TechCrunch parent company AOL is owned by Verizon. Verizon made an offer toacquire Yahoo, but the recent disclosure of the large-scale Yahoo hack may impact the potential merger.

Similar to Apple News and some other aggregators, Yahoo Newsroom aims to offer a personalized experience. In the “Explore” section, you can browse through a series of topics, like “U.S. News,” “Politics,” “Finance,” “Lifestyle,” “Celebrity,” “Sports,” and more, then select those that are of interest to you. In the app, these topics – for whatever reason – are called “Vibes.”

As you continue to use the app, read and interact with the stories, the news it displays will become more tailored to your interests over time, says Yahoo.

 

 

What’s different about Yahoo Newsroom is that it’s not just a collection of Yahoo News’ own content – it encourages users to actively participate, as well, by posting articles from around the web into a “Vibes” section in order to spark discussions.

This sounds like the potential for trouble – in addition to having to keep out spam and other malicious content, it seems likely that people will share news from less-than reputable sources – there’s now a plethora of “fake” news sites out there thanks to social media, and even Facebook’s algorithms have been duped by them before – like whenFacebook’s trending section promoted a 9/11 “truther” story, for example. It should be interesting to see how well Yahoo’s tech holds up against this crowdsourced news-gathering.

Yahoo is positioning the app as a better alternative to Facebook, because it frees you to “speak your mind,” away from social pressure, and allows you to “engage in open discussions.” I hate to tell Yahoo this, but it doesn’t appear that people have too many qualms about posting their opinions – however terrible they may be – directly on Facebook.

Yahoo Newsroom is live now on iOS and Android.

Read More

Google Pixel XL

 Google Pixel XL

Welcome to my blog abd123tech . I am happy to provide this new topic Thank you!

 Google Pixel XL

Google has two new smartphones, the Pixel and Pixel XL, and these are the first that Google says it has designed on its own in terms of both hardware and software: It shows. These are great-looking devices that also feel excellent when held, with industrial design that clearly inherits some of its sensibilities from Google’s work with the Pixel Chromebook, and recalls last year’s Nexus lineup, but that goes beyond, too.

The Pixel is a device with a 5-inch display, and the Pixel XL has a 5.5-inch screen, but both actually feel (and are) slightly smaller than the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus in terms of footprint (though slightly thicker, too), thanks to a lack of any hardware buttons on the face, resulting in a device that feels smaller in the pocket and in the hand.

Displays on the Pixel (1080p) and the Pixel XL (Quad HD) both look great, with deep blacks thanks to the use of AMOLED screens, and both benefit from the new Pixel Launcher, which makes the software navigation buttons present in Android smaller, and which also has smaller, rounder icons throughout and a new Google launcher that takes up less space. The end result of all these changes is a focus on just how much real estate the screen has to offer, which works well with rich images used as backdrops.

 

 

The backs of the Pixel phones might represent Google’s most unique design choice, with a broad, glossy plate occupying the topmost portion of the back of each. The fingerprint sensor is located in the middle of this, while the camera is located up and to the left corner, where it manages to occupy a smaller space than you’ve probably seen on smartphones in recent memory — and which doesn’t include any kind of bump jutting from the phone, as Google was quick to point out in their presentation today.

Throughout the OS, performance was snappy, more so than I can recall on any other Android device. Google taking ownership of hardware design and tailoring software to components like processors probably has a lot to do with this general UI smoothness.

Likewise, the new Google Assistant system-wide features are fast and responsive. They handled queries well even in the loud demo area, and I was impressed especially by the contextual features that let you ask follow-up questions — I couldn’t confuse it in my limited trials. Assistant seems almost like a game in Allo, the standalone messenger app launched by Google recently, but as a system-level feature, it feels much more like the beginning of a significant UX shift.

The other standout feature here was the camera, which did very well in conditions that were far from optimal for taking pictures. Below, you can see an image of me dancing like an idiot in low light that looks great, with next to no visible noise.

The Pixel and Pixel XL are both very compelling devices, and definitely mark a departure point for Google’s Android hardware. Whether that’s enough to make them hot sellers when they start shipping October 20 remains to be seen, but it won’t be for lack of trying.

Read More

Adblock Plus for Chrome

Welcome to my blog abd123tech . I am happy to provide this new topic Thank you!

Adblock Plus for Chrome

Adblock Plus is the Chrome version of the hugely popular ad blocker for your browser. 

On the block

When you are surfing the web, you’ll know how irritating adscan be. They flash, blink and generally get in the way. If you’re really unlucky, they can even be dangerous. Adblock Plus removes ads from the pages you are viewing, leaving a clean, peaceful white space in their wake.

Adblock Plus works using filters. If certain elements are present on a page, the extension filters them out. There are several ready-made filters available, and you can choose however many you want from Adblock Plus’ settings menu. 

All blocked up

If you are a little more technically-able, you’ll also be able to create your own filters, or mark previously-unfiltered items by right-clicking on them and choosing Block Element. This is made easier by the developer tools panel that shows blockable items along with applied filters.

Under Adblock Plus’ settings options you’ll also be able to add certain websites to whitelists (to exempt them from blocking) and toggle a few other options. You’ll also see the Adblock Plus icon in the address bar, and by clicking it you’ll be able to enable and disable Adblock Plus in a single click. 

Been around the block

If you’re bothered by ads while on the internet, try Adblock Plus . You won’t regretit. 

Read More

Avast Free Antivirus

Avast Free Antivirus

Welcome to my blog abd123tech . I am happy to provide this new topic Thank you!

Avast Free Antivirus

Connoisseurs of free antivirus solutions will already know of Avast Free Antivirus 2016 and have probably installed it at some point or another. This software is one of the leaders in its field, providing a robust suite of defences against viruses and malware, as well as some other useful tools that you might not expect. Better still, Avast is one of the less intrusive antivirus programs- perhaps less so in recent years, but still a lot less system-hogging than the big two. 

Brimming with features

A big plus point for Avast Free Antivirus 2016 is its suite of features. Although these features have caused its install size to increase (up to 2GB hard drive space is recommended!), it shouldn’t prove an issue for most modern hard drives and you do get a lot of tools for free.

Aside from the standard antivirus scanning, which is kept sharp with constant updates, the latest version of Avast has home network security which detects vulnerabilities for all devices connected to your network.

The latest version, the ‘Nitro’ update, also adds a dedicated Avast browser called SafeZone. Heralded as the world’s safest browser, this could equally be argued as bloatware and a great free feature. For those who are security conscious, especially regarding banking, it should be seen as beneficial. The in-built ad blocker can be a godsend when visiting certain sites. Another new feature is CyberCapture, which quarantines any suspicious incoming files. Victims of viruses will know the importance of this buffer. 

A simple and effective interface

Avast has changed a few times over the years and the Nitro update is no different, but thankfully their design approach seems to have remained constant. The program is simple and straightforward to use, with bold buttons and clear text in friendly colours.

Avast Free Antivirus 2016 will sit in the system tray until needed, like most antivirus software, then expand when opened into a small borderless window that looks sleek matching the Windows 10 design scheme. Most sections of this are easy enough to follow, with a large set of buttons for the tools and standard icons like a cog for accessing settings.

Of course, you’re also never far away from a premium upgrade button, encouraging you to download and pay for Avast Premier. However, this is not forced upon you.

Each of the main features of Avast has its own section, such as internet security, the SafeZone browser and Smart Scan, so you really can’t go wrong. 

The best things in life are free

For a free program, Avast is pretty impressive. Yes, it has lost some of its independent feel as the years have gone by, but that’s a small price for a great bit of free software. Avast Free Antivirus 2016 will interfere with your everyday browsing less than the bigger names in software. It’s very simple to use, therefore remains one of the top free solutions.

Read More

YTD Video Downloader

YTD Video Downloader

Welcome to my blog abd123tech . I am happy to provide this new topic Thank you!

YTD Video Downloader

There are many video downloaders out there but few as good as YTD Video Downloader. YTD Video Downloader is simply an excellent tool for saving your favorite video clips from YouTube and other video websites. 

Cut and paste URLs

When you install YTD Video Downloader it will ask you if you want other software programs, but you can reject this by hitting the decline button. After that, installation is very quick and it automatically opens YTD Video Downloader. The interface is self explanatory. As soon as you copy a YouTube or video link to your clipboard, it automatically detects this and places it in the URL field. You can now download in full 1080 HD quality, as well as much lower quality. Just click the big red "Download" button at the bottom and YTD Video Downloader instantly starts downloading. 

Convert to different formats

The Activity window shows you the status of your download and we found that downloading a three minute video took roughly one minute. You can also then play back videos you have downloaded straight from the Activity tab or by going into the Play tab. There is a right-click menu in the activity tab where you can choose to play in YTD or in your default player, as well as delete the file, stop pause, rename etc.

In addition, you can convert videos after downloading, courtesy of a number of presets for iPod, iPad, MP4, Windows Media, etc. To download and convert at the same time, you have to upgrade to the Pro version though. Conversions take roughly the same time as downloading.

Note that you can add as many videos for downloading and converting as you like so you can just line them up in YTD Video Downloader and watch them download. To convert multiple files at once, you again need to upgrade to the Pro version. 

Conclusion

Overall, YTD Video Downloader is an excellent YouTube and video downloader that's easy to use, quick and efficient. 

Read More

Download EagleGet for Windows

Download EagleGet for Windows

Welcome to my blog abd123tech . I am happy to provide this new topic Thank you!

Download EagleGet for Windows

A great freeware download manager for PCs, EagleGet provides a visually appealing way for users to keep track on their downloading, no matter what they happen to be drawing from the internet. It acts as an accelerator which means your downloads run more rapidly, but also helps you to keep all of your downloaded files and apps organised. It is a multi-function utility app that will help many people. 

Why Get EagleGet?

In short, this app makes use of an advanced software technology to make downloading easier. The multi-threaded software works by splitting files into multiple sections and subsequently transferring them to your computer simultaneously.

The makers claim that this approach allows you to augment your download speeds by up to six times, but these results are not always possible, depending on what else your internet connection is being used for and so on. Handily, the software can automatically update any expired download URLs. Importantly, it does this without the need to restart meaning you don't have to go back to square one, thereby saving both time and effort.

Another cool thing about this programme is that it provides users with multiple means of being informed about their chosen downloads. For example, the so-called 'Silent Mode' allows users to temporarily switch off download notifications, ideal if you happen to being doing something else in full screen mode which would be interrupted if a pop-up notification occurred. Basically, the programme allows you to do more without increasing your system resources, in other words to maximise your productivity. 

Running the Download App

EagleGet provides users with a great degree of customisation. Although it is fine to interface with in standard mode, users who would like to alter the look and feel can do so. For instance, you can choose the colour and background image for the app, making it more visually appealing. It runs with all of the commonly used internet browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer and Opera. Even if you like to use more than one browser at a time, it will allow you to enjoy accelerated download speeds.

Furthermore, EagleGet provides users with a great deal of control over their downloads. Users might set up several download queues, for instance, or sort their downloads according to their chosen criteria, such as games, utilities or videos, for example. What's more, users can implement speed limits for certain downloads if they want. This means that lower priority downloads don't take a disproportionate amount of the bandwidth at any one time. It is even possible to use the software to remove unnecessary downloaded files to keep everything in good working order.

Lastly, the download manager is designed to protect your computer. It features an automated malware checker that also runs a good anti-virus product. This can be set to perform a scan on completion of every download, if wanted. Indeed, the programme also has a checksum verifier that makes sure your downloaded files match their originals.

Download Heaven?

There really is little to criticise this app about. For a freely available item of software there are few download functions that it does not do or cannot be configured to do. It is ideal for anyone who downloads multiple files at a time, but will also suit occasional downloaders as well.

Read More