Narendra Latest Software - Tools and Tips

Monday, July 22, 2013

How To Record A Skype Call In Windows

Recording a Skype call could come in handy in other ways, too. For example, you could record a conference call so that you have a record of it later.

Of course, always keep in mind that you DO want to make sure the other party knows they’re being recorded. In many places, it is illegal to record somebody without their knowledge. Just keep that in mind. And, I’m not weird enough to be a lawyer, so keep that in mind, too.

Recording Skype Calls On Windows

Under Windows, there are several solutions such as:

None of these are free, but they’re not expensive at all. And, of the 3, Pamela is the one I’ve heard the most about. It does have a freeware version, but it is limited to 15-minute recordings.

All profess to record both audio and video. So, you can not only get the audio recording, but you can do things like side-by-side video, etc.

What’s New in System Center 2012 Configuration Manager

Use the following sections to review information about significant changes in System Center 2012 Configuration Manager since Configuration Manager 2007:

Site Installation and the Configuration Manager Console
Sites and Hierarchies
Client Deployment and Operations
Software Deployment and Content Management
Monitoring and Reporting

In addition, the following features either have not changed or have minor changes:

Wake on LAN
Windows Embedded devices

Site Installation and the Configuration Manager Console

The following sections contain information about changes in Configuration Manager since Configuration Manager 2007 that relate to how you install System Center 2012 Configuration Manager and changes to the Configuration Manager console.

Site Installation

The Configuration Manager Console

Sites and Hierarchies

The following sections contain information about changes from Configuration Manager 2007 that relate to sites and hierarchies in System Center 2012 Configuration Manager.

Note
The Active Directory schema extensions for System Center 2012 Configuration Manager are unchanged from those used by Configuration Manager 2007. If you extended the schema for Configuration Manager 2007, you do not need to extend the schema again for System Center 2012 Configuration Manager.

Site Types

Site Communication

Site Modes

Language Pack Support

Site System Roles

Boundaries and Boundary Groups

Fallback Site for Client Assignment

Discovery

Client Agent Settings is Now Client Settings

Security: Role-Based Administration

Security: Certificates and Cryptographic Controls

Backup and Recovery

Manage Site Accounts Tool (MSAC)

Client Deployment and Operations

The following sections contain information about changes from Configuration Manager 2007 that relate to client deployment and client operations in System Center 2012 Configuration Manager.

Client Deployment

Client Assignment

Collections

Queries

Client Status Reporting is Now Client Status

Desired Configuration Management is Now Compliance Settings

Out of Band Management

Remote Control

Hardware Inventory

Software Inventory

Asset Intelligence

Software Metering

Power Management

Mobile Devices

Exchange Server Connector

Mobile Device Legacy Client

Endpoint Protection

Software Deployment and Content Management

The following sections contain information about changes from Configuration Manager 2007 that relate to software updates, software distribution, operating system deployment and task sequences in System Center 2012 Configuration Manager.

Software Updates

Application Management

Operating System Deployment

Content Management

Monitoring and Reporting

The following sections contain information about changes from Configuration Manager 2007 that relate to monitoring and reporting in System Center 2012 Configuration Manager.

Reporting

Alerts

Monitoring Database Replication

Technet URL

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Everything you need to know about Apple's iOS 6

Apple's next iOS version packs quite the punch! Find out all the details.

At the Worldwide Developers Conference 2012 (WWDC) Apple announced iOS 6 — the next generation of iOS, the software that controls your iPhone and iPad. iOS allows you to run apps, talk to Siri, play music, check email, and do all the different things that the phone does right out of the box.

The newest version will be available for the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod Touch (4th generation), iPad 2, and the new iPad. According to Apple there will be over 200 new features in iOS 6, from new ways to use Siri, to a new Maps app with built-in GPS turn-by-turn navigation, to an upgraded Phone app that allow you to deliver automated replies to phone calls.

Let's take a look at some of the more major changes.

Siri
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Siri will be coming to the new iPad with iOS 6, however you'll still need an iPhone 4S if you want to access Siri via your iPhone.

For sports fans, Siri will be able to tell you the score of your favorite sports team, as well as show you what their standing is in their league. In an example at WWDC, Siri was asked "What's the score of the last Giants game?" She replied, "The Giants were downed by the Ranges yesterday; the final score was 5 to 0."

Movie buffs will enjoy a new feature of Siri that shows you what movies are playing at a theater near you. You won't have to go far anymore and rummage through web pages to get to a movie listing, Siri will just do it all for you. And before you head off to the movies, if you want to find a good place to eat, Siri will use Yelp to help you find the perfect bistro.

Additionally, Siri will also now allow you to launch apps by just saying their name. It will also integrate with your car so you can just press a button on your steering wheel to activate Siri and talk to it: Apple calls this "eyes free" Siri.

Phone messages
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You'll be able to set up reply messages for incoming phone calls through the Phone app in iOS 6. Say you're in a meeting and your husband is calling. Instead of just ignoring the call, you can tap the "I'll call you later" button for a quick and painless reply. There are other default options such as "I'm on my way" and "What's up?" You can also set up custom messages.

Additionally, the Phone app will allow you to go into a "Do Not Disturb" mode, where incoming calls won't bother you with interruptions. The notifications will still appear on your phone if you have it on, but otherwise your iPhone won't light up the screen or make a sound. This is a great feature for those that want to catch a quick nap during the day, or head to bed for an uninterrupted evening of sleep.

Sometimes there's an emergency though, and you'll get called repeatedly from the same number. When this happens your iPhone will recognize it and ignore the "Do Not Disturb" setting. At that point the calls will be sent through like normal.

Maps
The Maps app is getting a complete refresh in iOS 6. Gone is the Google version of the app; instead Apple has taken everything on itself, building a new app from the ground up. The Maps app will cover the entire world, and include Apple's own cartography. It also includes over 100 million points of interest (for the entire world), and integrates with Yelp to provide you with more information.

The new Maps app will also feature turn-by-turn directions for easy GPS navigation, which includes integration with Siri. Current apps on the market already provide this, but they can be a bit pricey. Apple is now giving us this as part of the default apps in iOS 6.

With Flyover in the new Maps app you'll be able to get 3D photographic models of cities, just like you were flying over them in an airplane. This can help a lot when you want to know what something looks like in a major city before you travel to it, it can be great to have a heads up before hand.

Passbook
With Passbook you’ll be able to keep all your passes -- such as boarding passes, movie tickets, or Starbucks gift cards -- in one place. Right now there are a ton of different apps for these, but with Passbook they'll all be in a central location for you to easily (and quickly!) access them.

Facetime
Starting with iOS 6, Facetime will be enabled over cellular networks. You'll no longer need a wifi connection to use it. This is great for those folks that are on the go and want to chat face-to-face. Other smartphones have previously offered this, and it's great to see Apple enabling this feature on iOS 6.

Other upgrades
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Apple has really beefed up its Facebook integration with iOS 6. You will now be able to post to Facebook from apps, and iOS will even begin pulling in events and birthday right from your Facebook account. They will now appear on your calendar, making sure that you never miss an important date.

With iOS 6 you'll have an easier time uploading photos to websites by providing the familiar Camera Roll when selecting pictures to upload. Once this gets integrated with Facebook and other apps, we should all be able to share our pictures taken on the iPhone much easier.

If you receive an important email, say from someone like your boss, you can have that email go directly to your lock screen, just like a text message. This can be done through iOS 6's new VIP email feature, which lets you flag certain senders as VIPs.

Let the waiting game begin!
Apple announced that iOS 6 is coming this fall, but that could mean anywhere from September through November, so we've got a bit of time before it gets here. For those people making apps, an early preview version of iOS 6 is available right now, but the rest of us will have to wait a bit to get our hands on all these new features.

How to protect your kids on Facebook

Ensure you and your child have a fun and safe experience with Facebook

Facebook: Like it or loathe it, you just can't ignore it. Millions of people use Facebook every day for a myriad of functions, and this includes your kids. While it can be fun to update status messages and IM friends and play social games, it must be acknowledged that the internet is an increasingly dangerous place to inhabit these days. Regrettably, not everyone is who they say they are out there, and enough children have fallen victim to those who prey upon them that we as parents need to take the necessary steps to keep our families safe.

Fortunately, teaching our kids how to be safe on the internet — and Facebook in particular — need not be an onerous task. A few basic rules will go a long way in preventing potential tragedy.

Monitor what your kids are doing online.
As the parent, it is your right and duty to make sure your children aren't visiting sites that are inappropriate for their age and development. The best way to do this is to keep the family computer in a public area. You don't necessarily need to stand over them and read over their shoulders to be sure that what they're doing is okay, but the simple expedient of having to use a public terminal tends to ensure that your children won't be tempted into visiting sites you'd rather they didn't.

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Know who your child's friends are.
Families of victims of internet predators typically claim that they had no knowledge of the people their kids were interacting with. This is understandable; we want to give our children their own space and privacy, and know that we can trust them. However, we need to know exactly who our kids are friending on Facebook. The rule to teach your kid is: Don't friend anyone you don't know in real life. Photos can be faked, and there's no way to prove that the person on the other side of the internet is who they say they are. This leads into the next rule...

Know your child's username and password.
This can be a sensitive subject, but it's absolutely necessary. As the parent, it's your job to set limits for all manner of behaviors, both online and off. If your kid wants her own Facebook account, help her set it up, and let her know that you have the login information. She shouldn't be posting anything she wouldn't want you to see in the first place, and knowing that you have veto privileges over the account should be enough to ensure compliance.

Friend your child.
This follows from the previous rule. Facebook shouldn't be your child's private playground, and as such, she should be fine with having you able to see whatever she posts. However don't comment on everything she puts online; she shouldn't feel that her mother or father are watching her every move suspiciously. But this way, you'll see the way she interacts with her friends... and you'll also see if any strangers are dropping in on the conversation.

Secure your child's account.
This is something that all Facebook users should do, regardless of age or experience. Facebook doesn't make it terribly easy to know if your account is entirely secure or how much of your personal information is being shared by default. Locking down your profile is doubly important for your child, who may not be savvy enough to realize how sharing her information can hurt her.

There are some simple things you can do to maximize your privacy settings, but in general, you'll want to use the most restrictive options available. In most cases, these will be "Friends only." In the case of "Contact information," "No one" is the best recourse. Anyone who needs to know that information should already have it. Finally, "Enable public search" should be unchecked. If only friends should see what you're putting up, this ensures that will remain the case.

Finally, keep talking to your child
Talk to her about everything she does on Facebook. Know what she likes and dislikes. Share with her the things you learn about concerning privacy and safety. Let her know that you want her experience to be as positive as possible and that you're always looking out for her. She needs to know that you're on her side and that she can come to you with news of anything untoward that may happen. There are some scary people out there, but with the proper preparation and some common sense, you and your child can have fun using Facebook.

Can your computer run Windows 8?

Do you need to upgrade your PC to handle Windows 8? If it came with Windows 7, probably not

With Microsoft preparing to release Windows 8 this fall, you may be wondering if your computer will be up to the task. The company is yet to release the official system requirements or minimum hardware specifications needed to run its newest operating system. But thanks to a consumer preview and the nearly final version of Windows 8 that Microsoft unveiled in February, we have a pretty good idea of what your computer will be able to manage.

ms 300 windows7logo micah

Look for a Windows 7 logo

If the computer you purchased runs Windows 7, chances are it will also be compatible with Windows 8. Grant George, corporate VP of Windows Test, states, "We are committed to supporting any device with a Windows 7 logo." Windows 7 was released in October 2009, which means every new computer sold thereafter came with a Windows 7 logo.

Still, Microsoft warns that your model may require manufacturer updates — a common occurrence when a new version of Windows is released. Since Windows 8 will be a dramatic shift from previous versions, manufacturer updates may become frequent in the weeks prior to Windows 8's initial release this fall.

Check your computer's hardware
Windows 8's system requirements are surprisingly similar to those of Windows 7. A new operating system usually needs more advanced hardware to run, but Microsoft has managed to avoid that pitfall. The 32-bit version of Windows 8 requires a processor with a speed of 1GHz or faster, 1GB of RAM or more, and 16GB of free space on your hard drive. If you choose to run the speedier and better 64-bit version of Windows 8, you'll need at least 2GB of RAM and 20GB of hard drive space.

To check what kind of innards your computer has, click the Start button at the bottom of your screen. If you use Windows 7, look for the Windows logo button. Click Computer, and then find System Properties at the bar near the top of the window that pops up. You'll then be redirected to a folder that shows your computer's processor and RAM. Want to check your hard drive, too? Simply open the Computer folder again, then find the list of hard disk drives to see how much space your drive has.

Be aware that simply meeting the minimum requirements isn't always going to give you the best performance. A faster processor and more RAM than what's required will make your experience with Windows 8 much smoother.

Find out your screen resolution
The biggest change in Windows 8 is the new Metro user interface (UI). While it is beautiful and easy to use, the new addition does come with a new requirement: a minimum screen resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels. If you want to use the snap feature that can align two windows side-by-side, then you will need a display with a minimum resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels.

To find out your screen resolution, head to Control Panel > Display > Adjust Resolution. If you are running Windows 7, you can right-click on the desktop and click Screen Resolution.

Is Windows 8 worth the upgrade?
If you purchased your computer within the last three years, Microsoft has made your path to upgrading to Windows 8 pretty easy. If your computer is older than three years, however, you may have some work to do — but rest assured that with the dramatic upgrades and improvements Microsoft has made, Windows 8 is definitely worth picking up.

What a Windows 7 user needs to know about Windows 8

Microsoft's next generation operating system presents familiar features in a flashy new way

With Windows 8 hovering on the not-so-distant horizon, there's been plenty of curiosity about Microsoft's newest operating system. After previewing an early version of Windows 8, we've now had a chance to use Microsoft's Consumer Preview and have a few initial impressions to share. The new operating system represents a fairly radical change if you've been using Windows all along, though many of the most striking changes are only skin deep.

How does it stack up?
The big question for most folks considering an upgrade when Windows 8 hits the market is, "How does it compare to the version of Windows I'm used to using for day-to-day functionality?"

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That question is best answered in two ways. Right out of the box, it looks confusing and abstract, since the familiar Start button and icons are gone, replaced by tiles and a side-to-side scroll bar. The "Metro" interface is Microsoft's new standard, since it's going to be shared across all of its major consumer platforms — Windows Phone, Windows 8, and even Xbox Live.

Knowing that the new Windows is geared as much towards small sizes and touchscreens, it begins to make sense that your desktop's profusion of dozens of tiny icons has been replaced with this streamlined, simplified interface... but that still doesn't mean it's a snap to get used to. On the desktop, it looks and feels like you're playing with over-sized Duplo blocks when you're used to the intricacies and details of LEGO.

It didn't really click for me until I got my hands on a tablet computer with Windows 8 on it, at which point it seemed like the most natural thing in the world to tap, swipe, and treat it like the biggest, most powerful iThing out there.

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There's more than one way to re-skin a cat
After getting used to the large, friendly buttons that are the new face of Windows, the logic behind this change makes a lot of sense. We tend to use the same handful of programs all the time, so why not make them big and easy to access?

Where the new look really shines, though, is when you get one step under the hood and want to adjust your system settings. The top layer of the control panel (a portion of which is shown above) is vastly cleaner and easier to navigate than even the "Category View" option afforded by Windows 7, and lets you hit the main aspects of customization and functionality in a single screen. Don't worry, though; the full Control Panel suite of icons are still around, and nearly identical in look and feel to the previous version, if you simply scroll to the bottom and click More settings.

Once you've slipped past the Metro interface (by clicking on Windows Explorer or hitting the Start key on your keyboard), the traditional Windows environment is still 100% in evidence, with the familiar folders and icons on a desktop wallpaper of your choice.

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Metro's homepage is likewise just a Start button tap away, too, so it's easy to flip back and forth between them.

Putting it to daily use
Once the novelty of having a humongous smartphone screen for a desktop wore off, Windows 8 did the absolute best thing I could have hoped for: it made me forget I was using it. Admittedly, the pre-release version still has a few holes, and not everything you currently use is necessarily going to be supported right away (especially in a business environment where special applications and custom code are the order of the day), but for home-office use, it's an easy transition, especially if you do a lot of your work online. Internet Explorer 10 continues the improvements IE9 made over its predecessors, so even if you don't immediately head out to download Firefox or Chrome, it's still a much better browsing experience than what was standard fare as recently as Windows Vista.

If you have a touchscreen tablet or full-size computer, Windows 8 was pretty much made with you in mind. If you're more of a keyboard and mouse traditionalist, you'll need to come to grips with swinging your cursor back and forth a bit more, and whacking the Start key a lot more frequently than you're probably used to. Still, other than those minor changes to what you'll do to interact with Windows, it's a quick, slick, and surprisingly elegant revamp of the operating system most of us take for granted.

Today in Tech Windows 8 coming in October, says Microsoft

Microsoft Surface Windows 8 tablets

If you've been waiting to get your hands on Microsoft's new, tablet-friendly Windows 8 operating system, your wait is nearing its end. Today at Microsoft's annual Worldwide Partner Conference, it was confirmed that Windows 8 "will reach general availability by the end of October."

Simply put, the news means you'll be able to buy your upgrade or new computer pre-loaded with Windows 8 in October. The operating system will be released to manufacturing in August, which is when certain enterprise business customers will be able to upgrade.

Of course, if you're in urgent need of a new computer, there's no need to wait for October. If you buy a Windows 7 PC now, you'll be eligible to upgrade for $15; those who bought a PC that runs Windows 7, Vista, or XP prior to June 2012 will be able to upgrade for $40. If you really can't wait, the Windows 8 Release Preview is available for download right now. Just be sure your computer is powerful enough to run it, first.

Windows 8 Pro Upgrade Available at Cheap $39.99

Microsoft is offering upgrade version of Windows 8 Pro, the ultimate edition of upcoming Windows operating system, at a ‘steal’ pricing of $39.99. The price is more than 60% discount from the $99.99 Microsoft charged for upgrade version of Windows 7 Professional in the similar promo. And mind you, the Windows 7 offer was not even for top of the line edition, while Windows 8 is. In fact, $39.99 price tag is also $10 cheaper than the cheapest early-bird upgrade offer available for Windows 7, which was $49.99 upgrade license to Windows 7 Home Premium.

The $39.99 Windows 8 Pro upgrade promo is available for current users of Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 in 131 markets. Furthermore, it includes Windows Media Center for free through “add features” option within Windows 8 Pro after the upgrade which is otherwise a paid option, according to Windows Team blog.
The upgrade promotion is available until January 31st, 2013.
During the promotion period, a packaged DVD version of the upgrade to Windows 8 Pro will be available for $69.99 at local retail stores, as an alternative to consumers who not favor the download-only option. With the download-only option, user can create own bootable USB or .ISO file to burn to CD for upgrade and backup purposes. Alternatively, a backup DVD can be ordered for $15 plus shipping and handling charges.
Unfortunately Microsoft does not make the cheap price for Windows 8 permanent. The offer also makes the price of Windows 8 upgrade within the touch of upgrade pricing of Mac OS X, which Apple is offering at $29.00 a license.
The Windows 8 Pro Upgrade promotion can be ordered online via windows.com when it’s available.
For consumers who purchase new Windows 7 PCs through January 31, 2013, an even cheaper upgrade offer is available. They can purchase an upgrade version of Windows 8 Pro for $14.99 through windowsupgradeoffer.com.

iOS 5 and iCloud New Features List

Apple officially unveiled the next version of iOS mobile operating system, iOS 5, during the keynote address of WWDC 2011. Unfortunately, iOS 5 is introduced without the much-awaited iPhone 5 (or iPhone 4S). Nonetheless, iOS 5 is probably a do or die firmware software upgrade for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, which face increased competition from Android phone and tablets, and the upcoming Windows 8.

Apple announces that there are more than over 200 new features and 1,000 new APIs been included and added in version 5 to the iOS, the most advanced mobile operating system, though iOS 5 will probably remembered as a watershed version that Apple tries to catch up (read: copying) instead of innovate ahead of rival platforms, where most of the new features are either already built into Android, Blackberry and/or Windows Phone, or already provided by third-party apps.

Highlights of New Features in iOS 5:

Notification Center – Android style notification bar is finally coming to iOS platform with the introduction of an unobtrusive way to easily view and manage notifications of text messages, missed calls, calendar alerts, app alerts and all other notifications in one place without interruption. Notification Center can be accessed from anywhere within iOS 5, by swiping from top down. New notification arrived will appear briefly at the top of the screen without interrupting current app’s operation, and user can choose to tap on the alert to go to the notifying app, or “X” to close the notification instantly. Currently, a notification pop-up alert is displayed on the center of screen, which stops the current app briefly until user tap on Close button, or View to go to the notifying app.
Lock Screen Enhancement on Notifications – Notifications now appear on the lock screen instead of pop-up alerts which disappear once screen is unlocked. Swiping across the notification (similar to unlock screen but on the line of notification) will take user to the notifying app directly.
iMessage – A new messaging service (but not so new as it’s built right into Messages app which means Messages is now iMessage) that lets user easily send text messages, photos, videos and contact information between all iOS devices – iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Messages are sent via Wi-Fi or 3G, and can be sent to single individual or a group. All iMessages are automatically pushed and synced to all your iOS 5 devices. iMessage also features delivery and read receipts, typing indication and secure end-to-end encryption. WhatsApp probably has to go permanently free with iOS 5 release. Luckily iMessage only supports inter-IOS messaging. But we keep wondering why Apple even need to spend time to develop iMessage, as there are plenty of apps under Social Networking category that already provide such messaging capability, with most is cross-platform between iOS, Android, Blackberry and even Windows Phone or Symbian.
Newsstand – a new way to purchase and organize your newspaper and magazine subscriptions in bookshelf style.
PC Free – Means no connection to iTunes is required to activate and set up iOS device, and iOS software updates are delivered and installed over the air (OTA). It’s interesting to Apple calls the feature “PC Free” instead of “iTunes Free” or “Cable Free”, as currently iTunes on PC or Mac is required, and not PC is required. Goes PC Free may also start the decline of iTunes, in favor of iCloud.
OTA Delta Updates – Only differences or changes are been pushed over the air to iOS device, instead of whole update package.
Wi-Fi Sync – If you can leave iTunes, Wi-Fi Sync in iOS 5 transfers and backs up the content securely over SSL between iOS devices and iTunes. Any new purchased content is wirelessly synced from device to your iTunes library too.
Twitter Integration – Single sign-on with Twitter and iOS 5 supports tweeting directly from Twitter-enabled apps, including Photos, Camera, Safari, YouTube and Maps. User can also sync contacts with Twitter. Third-party apps can take advantage of Twitter integration with availability of new APIs which allow access to Twitter single sign-on information. Unfortunately, there is no Facebook integration, yet – we hope, which proved to be much more popular than Twitter among novice Internet users.
Safari Reader in Safari – Finally Apple is tackling one aspect of Safari web browser that renders it virtually usable especially on iPhone and iPod touch, that it’s extremely weak in resizing font on web pages to a readable size in single vertical scroll column. Android’s browser has been excelling in this aspect. Safari Reader is an attempt by Apple to catch up with Android, though Apple markets it nicely as a way to “gets all the clutter out of the way and sets the right font size on a web page, so you can easily scroll and read through a story”.
Reading List in Safari – Unlike bookmarks, Reading List saves articles to read later and the list is automatically show up on all your iOS devices.
Tabbed Browsing in Safari.
Reminders app – A tasks management app that lets user create and group tasks together. Features ability to set time or location-based reminder alerts, priorities and due dates, or when you arrive or depart a given location. Tasks in Reminders can be synced and updated to iCal and Outlook.
Instant launch of Camera app from lock screen by double pressing the Home button, and tap on Camera icon beside the unlock bar.
Snap button to capture photo – Long overdue feature which uses the volume-up button to quickly snap a photo instead of tapping on snap button on screen.
Enhancement to Camera app – Optional grid lines to help line up objects, and a tap will lock focus and exposure settings on one subject, useful when capturing creative scenes that require focus on object which is not a main subject.
Enhancement to Photos app – Ability to auto enhance, crop, rotate, enhance and remove red-eye, and organize your photos into albums right on the device to share them on the go.
Split Keyboard – System-wide split keyboard mainly for use on iPad by dragging keyboard with thumb at the top of iPad.
Dictionary – iOS 5 will come with a built-in dictionary which can be utilized by all the App Store apps.
Game Center enhancement – Features ability to add photos to your profile, purchase new games from within the Game Center app and easier ways to find friends and new games via automatic recommendations.
Mail enhancements – Include another long overdue ability to compose messages using draggable address field to rearrange name, and a new formatting bar with bold, italics, underline and indention controls, aka HTML rich text formatted email messages. Also supported is ability to add or delete mail folders from within the Mail app.
Calendar enhancements – Year view on iPad and week view on iPhone and iPod touch, with ability to view event attachments from within the Calendar app.
New multitasking gestures for iPad, e.g. using four or five fingers, swipe up to reveal the multitasking bar, pinch to return to the Home screen, and swipe left or right to switch between apps.
AirPlay Mirroring – wirelessly display iPad 2 screen to HDTV screen through Apple TV.
iCloud – The strength of Apple marketing is probably to pack several features into one and keep saying it’s a breakthrough innovation, and the believers accept it without doubt. But kudo to Apple, their approach may be more elegant and easier to use. iCould is a cloud-service seamlessly integrate with your apps to automatically and wirelessly sync and keep all of your mail, contacts, calendars, photos, apps, books, music and more, up-to-date across all iOS devices without ever having to connect to a computer. It inherits all features of the failed Apple MobileMe service, put iTunes Store on the cloud, and has music store that competes with Google Music and Amazon Cloud Player.
Here’s breakdown of various iCloud features and offerings:
1. Completely free former MobileMe services – Contacts, Calendar and Mail synchronization across all iOS devices and with computers with iCal and Outlook through iTunes 10.3 or newer version. With iCloud, users can share calendars with friends and family, and the ad-free push Mail account is hosted at me.com. No surprise here as PIM synchronization is a must since very early existence of smartphone since Palm and Pocket PC era.
2. App Store and iBookstore allows download of purchased iOS apps and books to up to 10 iDevices at no additional cost. Download is easily accessible after logging in with Apple ID as purchase history is shown with iCloud icon to start the download.
3. iCloud Backup – A feature naturally must available as iTunes is no longer compulsory. iCloud Backiup automatically and securely backs up content on iOS devices to iCloud daily over Wi-Fi when you charge your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. Backed up content includes purchased music, apps and books, Camera Roll (photos and videos), device settings and app data. The backed up data can be restored to new iOS device by just entering the Apple ID and password during setup. The function is currently performed by iTunes.
4. iCloud Storage – Offers up to 5GB of free storage to seamlessly store all documents created using iCloud Storage APIs, including Pages, Numbers and Keynote (iWork), and push/sync to user’s all iOS devices. The space is also been used to store mail and backup. But music, apps and books purchased from Apple does not take up the available free space limit even though they’re also stored online at the cloud. With most iOS devices internal storage starts from 16GB to as high as 64GB, additional storage purchase will probably be yet another service that generates huge income for Apple, especially from people who takes a lot of photos and videos, or get music and movie from non-Apple source. Unlimited iTunes storage costs $24.95/year.
5. iCloud Photo Stream – Automatically uploads the photos you take or import on any of your devices and wirelessly pushes them to all your devices and computers. Only the last 1,000 photos are stored on mobile devices, and iCloud will store each photos for 30 days for pushing to all connected devices. Photo Stream is built into the photo apps on all iOS devices, iPhoto on Macs, and saved to the Pictures folder on a PC.
6. iTunes in the Cloud – Allows users to download previously and newly purchased iTunes music to all own iOS devices at no additional cost, manually or automatically. A new “Purchased” tab is included in iTunes for this purpose.
7. iTunes Match – For $24.99 annually, iCloud will scan and match all music stored on local drives against iTunes’ online database of 18 million songs. If any is matched, the songs are replaced with a 256 kbps AAC DRM-free version stored on iCloud. The songs are instantly available on the iCloud without having to upload the complete local music files, and enjoy all benefits similar to music purchased from iTunes. Only unmatched songs are uploaded. But, do you like to be charged double to enjoy music that you’re already owned? Of course, unless you have thousands of illegally downloaded music wanted to be “converted” into legal versions, hosted on iCloud, which probably will become biggest pirated music hosting service. And unfortunate again, iTunes Match and iTunes in the Cloud is for iOS ecosystem. If you also have Android, Blackberry, Nokia Symbian, Windows Phone 7 or other mobile devices, Catch Media’s Play Anywhere, available through Best Buy Music Cloud is a similar service that even preceded iTunes Match.
Many online storage service provider such as Dropbox, Box.net and SugarSync has already provided cloud backup and sync service with added advantage of cross-platform support, though it can’t really integrates with native apps of iOS due to closed system nature of iOS.
Anyway, the good thing of iCloud is bring to an end the costly MobileMe, which priced at $99 yearly subscription. Instead, most of MobileMe original services are now available for free, including Find My iPhone which was made free in 2010. If you have paid up, you can get full refund if your license is used less than 45 days.

Mobile Phone

Jun 7, 2011

My Digital Life Editorial Team

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iOS 5 and iCloud New Features List

Apple officially unveiled the next version of iOS mobile operating system, iOS 5, during the keynote address of WWDC 2011. Unfortunately, iOS 5 is introduced without the much-awaited iPhone 5 (or iPhone 4S). Nonetheless, iOS 5 is probably a do or die firmware software upgrade for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, which face increased competition from Android phone and tablets, and the upcoming Windows 8.

Apple announces that there are more than over 200 new features and 1,000 new APIs been included and added in version 5 to the iOS, the most advanced mobile operating system, though iOS 5 will probably remembered as a watershed version that Apple tries to catch up (read: copying) instead of innovate ahead of rival platforms, where most of the new features are either already built into Android, Blackberry and/or Windows Phone, or already provided by third-party apps.

Highlights of New Features in iOS 5:
Notification Center – Android style notification bar is finally coming to iOS platform with the introduction of an unobtrusive way to easily view and manage notifications of text messages, missed calls, calendar alerts, app alerts and all other notifications in one place without interruption. Notification Center can be accessed from anywhere within iOS 5, by swiping from top down. New notification arrived will appear briefly at the top of the screen without interrupting current app’s operation, and user can choose to tap on the alert to go to the notifying app, or “X” to close the notification instantly. Currently, a notification pop-up alert is displayed on the center of screen, which stops the current app briefly until user tap on Close button, or View to go to the notifying app.
Lock Screen Enhancement on Notifications – Notifications now appear on the lock screen instead of pop-up alerts which disappear once screen is unlocked. Swiping across the notification (similar to unlock screen but on the line of notification) will take user to the notifying app directly.
iMessage – A new messaging service (but not so new as it’s built right into Messages app which means Messages is now iMessage) that lets user easily send text messages, photos, videos and contact information between all iOS devices – iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Messages are sent via Wi-Fi or 3G, and can be sent to single individual or a group. All iMessages are automatically pushed and synced to all your iOS 5 devices. iMessage also features delivery and read receipts, typing indication and secure end-to-end encryption. WhatsApp probably has to go permanently free with iOS 5 release. Luckily iMessage only supports inter-IOS messaging. But we keep wondering why Apple even need to spend time to develop iMessage, as there are plenty of apps under Social Networking category that already provide such messaging capability, with most is cross-platform between iOS, Android, Blackberry and even Windows Phone or Symbian.
Newsstand – a new way to purchase and organize your newspaper and magazine subscriptions in bookshelf style.
PC Free – Means no connection to iTunes is required to activate and set up iOS device, and iOS software updates are delivered and installed over the air (OTA). It’s interesting to Apple calls the feature “PC Free” instead of “iTunes Free” or “Cable Free”, as currently iTunes on PC or Mac is required, and not PC is required. Goes PC Free may also start the decline of iTunes, in favor of iCloud.
OTA Delta Updates – Only differences or changes are been pushed over the air to iOS device, instead of whole update package.
Wi-Fi Sync – If you can leave iTunes, Wi-Fi Sync in iOS 5 transfers and backs up the content securely over SSL between iOS devices and iTunes. Any new purchased content is wirelessly synced from device to your iTunes library too.
Twitter Integration – Single sign-on with Twitter and iOS 5 supports tweeting directly from Twitter-enabled apps, including Photos, Camera, Safari, YouTube and Maps. User can also sync contacts with Twitter. Third-party apps can take advantage of Twitter integration with availability of new APIs which allow access to Twitter single sign-on information. Unfortunately, there is no Facebook integration, yet – we hope, which proved to be much more popular than Twitter among novice Internet users.
Safari Reader in Safari – Finally Apple is tackling one aspect of Safari web browser that renders it virtually usable especially on iPhone and iPod touch, that it’s extremely weak in resizing font on web pages to a readable size in single vertical scroll column. Android’s browser has been excelling in this aspect. Safari Reader is an attempt by Apple to catch up with Android, though Apple markets it nicely as a way to “gets all the clutter out of the way and sets the right font size on a web page, so you can easily scroll and read through a story”.
Reading List in Safari – Unlike bookmarks, Reading List saves articles to read later and the list is automatically show up on all your iOS devices.
Tabbed Browsing in Safari.
Reminders app – A tasks management app that lets user create and group tasks together. Features ability to set time or location-based reminder alerts, priorities and due dates, or when you arrive or depart a given location. Tasks in Reminders can be synced and updated to iCal and Outlook.
Instant launch of Camera app from lock screen by double pressing the Home button, and tap on Camera icon beside the unlock bar.
Snap button to capture photo – Long overdue feature which uses the volume-up button to quickly snap a photo instead of tapping on snap button on screen.
Enhancement to Camera app – Optional grid lines to help line up objects, and a tap will lock focus and exposure settings on one subject, useful when capturing creative scenes that require focus on object which is not a main subject.
Enhancement to Photos app – Ability to auto enhance, crop, rotate, enhance and remove red-eye, and organize your photos into albums right on the device to share them on the go.
Split Keyboard – System-wide split keyboard mainly for use on iPad by dragging keyboard with thumb at the top of iPad.
Dictionary – iOS 5 will come with a built-in dictionary which can be utilized by all the App Store apps.
Game Center enhancement – Features ability to add photos to your profile, purchase new games from within the Game Center app and easier ways to find friends and new games via automatic recommendations.
Mail enhancements – Include another long overdue ability to compose messages using draggable address field to rearrange name, and a new formatting bar with bold, italics, underline and indention controls, aka HTML rich text formatted email messages. Also supported is ability to add or delete mail folders from within the Mail app.
Calendar enhancements – Year view on iPad and week view on iPhone and iPod touch, with ability to view event attachments from within the Calendar app.
New multitasking gestures for iPad, e.g. using four or five fingers, swipe up to reveal the multitasking bar, pinch to return to the Home screen, and swipe left or right to switch between apps.
AirPlay Mirroring – wirelessly display iPad 2 screen to HDTV screen through Apple TV.
iCloud – The strength of Apple marketing is probably to pack several features into one and keep saying it’s a breakthrough innovation, and the believers accept it without doubt. But kudo to Apple, their approach may be more elegant and easier to use. iCould is a cloud-service seamlessly integrate with your apps to automatically and wirelessly sync and keep all of your mail, contacts, calendars, photos, apps, books, music and more, up-to-date across all iOS devices without ever having to connect to a computer. It inherits all features of the failed Apple MobileMe service, put iTunes Store on the cloud, and has music store that competes with Google Music and Amazon Cloud Player.
Here’s breakdown of various iCloud features and offerings:
1. Completely free former MobileMe services – Contacts, Calendar and Mail synchronization across all iOS devices and with computers with iCal and Outlook through iTunes 10.3 or newer version. With iCloud, users can share calendars with friends and family, and the ad-free push Mail account is hosted at me.com. No surprise here as PIM synchronization is a must since very early existence of smartphone since Palm and Pocket PC era.
2. App Store and iBookstore allows download of purchased iOS apps and books to up to 10 iDevices at no additional cost. Download is easily accessible after logging in with Apple ID as purchase history is shown with iCloud icon to start the download.
3. iCloud Backup – A feature naturally must available as iTunes is no longer compulsory. iCloud Backiup automatically and securely backs up content on iOS devices to iCloud daily over Wi-Fi when you charge your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. Backed up content includes purchased music, apps and books, Camera Roll (photos and videos), device settings and app data. The backed up data can be restored to new iOS device by just entering the Apple ID and password during setup. The function is currently performed by iTunes.
4. iCloud Storage – Offers up to 5GB of free storage to seamlessly store all documents created using iCloud Storage APIs, including Pages, Numbers and Keynote (iWork), and push/sync to user’s all iOS devices. The space is also been used to store mail and backup. But music, apps and books purchased from Apple does not take up the available free space limit even though they’re also stored online at the cloud. With most iOS devices internal storage starts from 16GB to as high as 64GB, additional storage purchase will probably be yet another service that generates huge income for Apple, especially from people who takes a lot of photos and videos, or get music and movie from non-Apple source. Unlimited iTunes storage costs $24.95/year.
5. iCloud Photo Stream – Automatically uploads the photos you take or import on any of your devices and wirelessly pushes them to all your devices and computers. Only the last 1,000 photos are stored on mobile devices, and iCloud will store each photos for 30 days for pushing to all connected devices. Photo Stream is built into the photo apps on all iOS devices, iPhoto on Macs, and saved to the Pictures folder on a PC.
6. iTunes in the Cloud – Allows users to download previously and newly purchased iTunes music to all own iOS devices at no additional cost, manually or automatically. A new “Purchased” tab is included in iTunes for this purpose.
7. iTunes Match – For $24.99 annually, iCloud will scan and match all music stored on local drives against iTunes’ online database of 18 million songs. If any is matched, the songs are replaced with a 256 kbps AAC DRM-free version stored on iCloud. The songs are instantly available on the iCloud without having to upload the complete local music files, and enjoy all benefits similar to music purchased from iTunes. Only unmatched songs are uploaded. But, do you like to be charged double to enjoy music that you’re already owned? Of course, unless you have thousands of illegally downloaded music wanted to be “converted” into legal versions, hosted on iCloud, which probably will become biggest pirated music hosting service. And unfortunate again, iTunes Match and iTunes in the Cloud is for iOS ecosystem. If you also have Android, Blackberry, Nokia Symbian, Windows Phone 7 or other mobile devices, Catch Media’s Play Anywhere, available through Best Buy Music Cloud is a similar service that even preceded iTunes Match.
Many online storage service provider such as Dropbox, Box.net and SugarSync has already provided cloud backup and sync service with added advantage of cross-platform support, though it can’t really integrates with native apps of iOS due to closed system nature of iOS.
Anyway, the good thing of iCloud is bring to an end the costly MobileMe, which priced at $99 yearly subscription. Instead, most of MobileMe original services are now available for free, including Find My iPhone which was made free in 2010. If you have paid up, you can get full refund if your license is used less than 45 days.

More information with screenshots of iOS 5 is available at http://www.apple.com/ios/ios5/.