It was widely expected that Google’s new Android mobile operating system would be called Key Lime Pie, following the tradition of oddball names (Gingerbread, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean etc) but it has now been announced that the next version will be called…KitKat.
Samsung improving malaware protection
Malaware protection is becoming an important factor for mobile phone manufacturers and Samsung has signed a deal with an anti-virus firm to offer improved protection to its Galaxy-branded Android devices. Samsung beefs up Knox malware protection with Lookout
Voice messaging is coming to Whatsapp
Whatsapp is adding the ability to record and send voice messages to its smartphone chat software in a move seen as helping it compete against Facebook Messenger, WeChat, Voxer and BBM which already offer the function. There will be no limit on the length of the voice messages.
Special effects
Seeing is believing, or is it? Can you ever really believe what you are seeing on the screen? Before and after special effects
LiFi
A very interesting idea from a German physicist, one he calls ‘data through illumination’. Forget WiFi, It’s LiFi: Internet Through Lightbulbs
Yahoo to buy the blogging service Tumblr
Yahoo’s board of directors has reportedly approved a deal to buy New York-based blogging service Tumblr for $1.1bn and a formal announcement is expected as early as Monday.
Let there be light
LIFX is a WiFi enabled, multi-colour, energy efficient LED light bulb that you control with your iPhone or Android. LIFX: The Light Bulb Reinvented
Enter Google Keep
Evernote and OneNote are currently the ‘big boys’ in the note taking world and it came as a surprise when Google suddenly entered the fray with Google Keep, available through Google Drive via web on your PC/laptop or via app for phone/tablet.
Apple Marketing Chief critical of Android operating system
Apple’s marketing chief Phil Schiller launched a rare attack on Google and Samsung and the ‘fragmented’ Android operating system which he believes means that up to 50% of people with Android phones are on an operating system at least two years old.
Google Reader to be retired
Times change, particularly when it comes to technology, and Google has decided to call time on its Google Reader, a much used RSS reader, as from July 1st 2013. Existing users, of which there are still many, will be able to easily transfer their data to other programs.