Facebook Messenger App for iPad Finally Available for Download

Facebook has finally made its dedicated Messenger application available for iPad users across the globe, letting users do away with utilising the enlarged iPhone app on the tablet.

The Facebook Messenger app for iPad comes with a multi-window feature that gives users a list of chats on the left-side of the screen, and the current active chat enlarged on the right side.

Some of the other features included in the Facebook Messenger app for iPad are chat stickers, easy group navigation and VoIP calling. However, the iPad Facebook Messenger app misses on some of the latest features introduced by Facebook on the mobile apps, like split-screen selfie camera or quick video recording feature by simple tap-and-hold gesture. These features were introduced for Androidand iPhone last month. We assume these features will arrive soon as an update.

Additionally, Techcrunch noted that if users have both Facebook and Messenger apps on their iPad, tapping on the messages section on the Facebook app will lead them to the Messenger app with the desired conversation open.

The Facebook Messenger app for iPad is available to download from the App Store, and is compatible with iPad tablets running iOS 7 or later versions.

In April, Facebook Messenger was reported to have surpassed the 200 million monthly active users mark, and its latest appearance on iPad tablets will bump up the numbers. With more number of Messenger users, Facebook seems to be trying hard to make its mark in thee instant messaging sector. The firm notably acquired WhatsApp messaging service in February and also introduced its own Snapchat-like Slingshot messaging app last month.

The Slingshot app allows users to sign up for the service with their mobile phone number and connect with friends in their phone's contact list or, if they want, by finding their Facebook friends.

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APPLE IMAC 21.5-INCH (2014) REVIEW

Back in June, Cupertino lowered the price on its iMac desktops from $1,299 to $1,099. Though still spendier than many PC competitors, getting an iMac suddenly got significantly more affordable.

Our review iMac had the stock 500GB mechanical drive upgraded to a 1TB Fusion Drive, adding $250 to the price for a total of $1,349. Other specs match the base model, including a 1.4GHz Intel Core i5 dual-core processor, 8GB of RAM, and Intel HD Graphics 5000.

Apple envisions its newest iMac as the perfect computer for basic day-to-day use – tasks like Web browsing, email, and light gaming. While it may fit that description, $1,349 – or even $1,099 – is a lot to pay. So, does the iMac’s performance justify the new, lower price?

Nothing new here

Aside from a change in specs and price, this 21.5-inch iMac doesn’t sport any radical changes on the design front.

The iMac’s chassis is made of aluminum, and feels as premium as any computer we’ve ever laid our hands on. The system is thin, measuring 5mm at its edge, and rests on a solid L-shaped pedestal. Tilting the display up and down is so effortless you can do it with one hand – no need to grab the base to steady it.

The iMac feels as premium as any computer we’ve ever laid our hands on.

If there’s one word that comes to mind when we look at the iMac, it’s “neat.” The computer looks slick and will get a double take from anyone who passes by your desk. Power for the entire machine comes from a single cable, which minimizes clutter on and around your desk. We like that.

Apple’s dislike for cables extends over to the bundled peripherals, a standard keyboard and Magic Mouse, both of which are wireless. While they’re pretty, they are both small. If you’re used to a full-size PC keyboard, Apple’s flat wireless QWERTY will seem especially tiny.

Our other design complaint is that the power button is mysteriously located around the back left, where it’s difficult to find. Eventually, you’ll develop the muscle memory that ends the “find the power button” hunt, but we wish it was placed in the front. In fact, we think the Apple logo under the display would make a great power button.

The iMac’s 21.5-inch 1080p display produces crisp, luminous images, even if the gloss can be distracting when viewing at an angle. The built-in speakers will be more than good enough for most people, though audiophiles will probably want to add a nice pair of headphones, or some chic speakers.

Read more: http://www.digitaltrends.com/desktop-computer-reviews/apple-imac-2014-review/#ixzz36Tgrj4iT 

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BlackBerry Z3 With 5-Inch qHD Display Launched at Rs. 15,990

Canadian smartphone manufacturer has launched its recently unveiled large-screen smartphone in India, the BlackBerry Z3, priced at Rs. 15,990. The BB10 OS-based smartphone will be available to pre-order from Flipkart, The Mobile Store, and BlackBerry stores from Wednesday, and go on sale from July 2.

The BlackBerry Z3 is the first phone to be launched by BlackBerry since new CEO John Chen took the helm late last year.

The Z3 runs BlackBerry 10 OS (version 10.2.1) and features a 5-inch qHD (540x960 pixels) display offering an aspect ratio of 16:9. It is powered by a dual-core 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 (MSM8230) processor with 1.5GB of RAM.

BlackBerry's Z3 sports a 5-megapixel autofocus rear camera and also houses a 1.1-megapixel fixed-focus front-facing camera. The smartphone includes 8GB of inbuilt storage, which can be expanded up to 32GB via microSD card. 

The smartphone packs a 2500mAh battery, which is rated to deliver up to 15.5 hours talk time and up to 384 hours of standby time. Connectivity options on the BlackBerry Z3 include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G, GPS, NFC and Micro-USB.

The BlackBerry Z3 smartphone also comes preloaded with some BlackBerry services such as BlackBerry Hub, BBM, Time Shift, Story Maker camera features, and BB10 browser.

The Z3 was initially announced in Indonesia and is one of the first devices being made with FIH Mobile Ltd, a unit of the Taiwanese Foxconn Technology Group best known for building devices such as the Apple iPad and iPhone. 

The smartphone was made available for the Indonesian market starting in mid-May, and was priced less than $200 (roughly Rs. 12,000).

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Android L Preview Source Code Now Available for Nexus Devices

 

After releasing the Android L developer preview images for some Nexus devices, Google has now posted the source code on the AOSP (Android Open Source Project) for an even wider range of devices.

Notably, Google's Android Git repo page lists the source code for the following Nexus devices - Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7 (2012), Nexus 7 (2013) and Nexus 10.

9to5Google points out that the source code does miss out few things such as binary packages and kernel source.

Google, at its I/O 2014 Keynote, announced the "L" release of Android and called it the most ambitious Android release yet. Currently known only as Android L, there's no codename or even a formal version number yet. Android L is expected to release later this year, though an exact date isn't known.

(Also see: Android L: 8 New Features in the Next Major Android Release)

With Android L, Google has refreshed the interface design of the entire operating system. The company identifies it as the new "Material Design" which is bolder, more colourful, and more animated. Various changes to UI include a new dialler, refreshed Android navigation buttons, redesigned transition animation and more. Overall, the design theme focuses on elevation values of UI elements within apps.

The default Chrome browser has been upgraded on Android L as well and the Google search results can now be links that trigger an app, rather than links to websites. Google has notably ditched the Dalvik runtime in Android L and has introduced ART for 64-bit, which allows apps to run faster, and is compatible with ARM, x86 and MIPS architectures.

Other than improved performance, Google is also aiming for a better battery life in Android smartphones with its Android L. The introduced Project Volta improves the "instrumentation" of battery data through a tool called "Battery Historian." Google has also added a "Battery Saver" mode in "L" which can be triggered manually or configured to be enabled automatically when the battery is low.

Earlier, HTC and Nvidia announced Android L updates for some of their devices as soon as Google makes it publicly available.

Read More: http://gadgets.ndtv.com/mobiles/news/android-l-preview-source-code-now-available-for-nexus-devices-551532

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Microsoft Joins Qualcomm-Backed Alliance in Bid for Connected Homes

Microsoft Corp has joined Qualcomm Inc and other technology companies in a bid to establish standard ways for household devices like light bulbs and thermostats to talk to each other.

The Qualcomm-backed AllSeen Alliance is among a growing number of efforts for companies working alone or in groups to promote protocols for how smart devices should work together in a trend increasingly referred to as the Internet of Things.

(Also see: Expediting the Home of Tomorrow)

Microsoft on Tuesday joined 50 other members in the AllSeen Alliance, including major consumer electronics players Panasonic Corp, LG Electronics Inc and Sharp Corp, the group said.

But chipmakers that compete with Qualcomm plan to launch a rival standards consortium as early as next week, an industry source who was familiar with the plans but not authorized to discuss them, also told Reuters on Tuesday.

Battle lines are being drawn as manufacturers roll out growing numbers of Internet-connected burglar alarms, televisions and baby monitors. But like the early days of video cassette recorders, many of the smart home products being launched are incompatible with each other.

Qualcomm and other tech companies believe the quick establishment of standards across home-connected gadgets, cars and wearable computing devices will accelerate the introduction of new devices by manufacturers.

Making it easy for software developers to design apps that let household devices work together in useful ways, like making living room LED light bulbs flash red when food is burning on the stove, may also stir more interest from consumers who have yet to become excited by smart products currently on offer, the companies hope.

To that end, Qualcomm led the development of a connection standard called AllJoyn and made it free for other companies to use in their products.

Read more: http://gadgets.ndtv.com/internet/news/microsoft-joins-qualcomm-backed-alliance-in-bid-for-connected-homes-551497

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APPLE KICKS OFF ‘BACK TO SCHOOL’ PROMOTION WITH $50-$100 GIFT CARDS

Apple isn’t exactly well known for discounting its products, but it does offer good deals for students, teachers, and their parents now and then. Apple just kicked off its “Back to School” promotion with a slew of discounts and gift cards on iPads, iPhones, and MacBooks.

All incoming freshmen, current college students, K-12 kids, and teachers are eligible for the discounts, as are students’ parents, provided they’re buying the device for their kid. Basic education discounts range from $30 to $200, depending on what product you buy. Apple will also throw in a $50 or $100 gift card, to sweeten the deal.

If you buy an iPad Air, iPad with retina display, iPad Mini with retina display, or just a regular iPad Mini, you’ll get $30 off your purchase, plus a $50 gift card to the Apple Store.  Those who purchase an iPhone may not get the education discount, but they will get a $50 gift card. The deal includes the iPhone 4S, iPhone 5C, and iPhone 5S.

Naturally, discounts on Apple’s Macs are much higher, seeing as these laptops and desktops will actually be used in heavy-duty school work (and are priced higher). MacBook Airs are $50 off and come with $100 gift cards, while MacBook Pros cost $100 to $200 less and include $100 gift cards.

Apple also took $50 to $100 off of the price of the iMac and added $100 gift cards. Mac Pros are the most heavily discounted of the Apple products, with price reductions ranging from $200 to $300 in addition to $100 gift cards. Even so, that promotion won’t take too much off the $3,000-plus price tag.

The Back to School promotion lasts until September 9. After that date, education discounts will still be in effect, but Apple won’t offer the gift cards anymore. The promotion is in effect for all students and educators who buy online or at Apple’s retail stores. Similar discounts are also available in Canada, the U.K., and Germany.

Copyright : http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/apple-back-to-school-promotion-2014/#!69RHt

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Samsungs new 850 Pro SSDs are super fast, and start at $130

Samsung just announced that it is launching a brand new lineup of SSDs.

Dubbed the 850 Pro, these drives are powered by the company’s 3D V-NAND tech. According to Samsung, V-NAND “features a proprietary vertical cell structure and represents a breakthrough in overcoming the density limit currently facing planar NAND architecture used in conventional flash memory, yielding significant speed, endurance and energy efficiency improvements.”

Samsung claims that its new 850 Pro drives will shuttle data at blazing rates, which doesn’t surprise us one bit. The company says these new SSDs will reach read speeds of up to 550MB/s, and write speeds of up to 520MB/s. For what it’s worth, according to this page, the Samsung 840 Pro has the same write speed, but is 10MB/s slower on the read speed front (540MB/s).

From an aesthetic standpoint, Samsung didn’t do much, if anything, to switch things up with the 850 Pro’s exterior. In fact, it looks identical to the 840 Pro, right down to the orange square underneath the logo, along the side of the drive’s top panel.

The Samsung 850 Pro will come in one of four storage varieties. The entry level version packs 128GB, and costs $129.99. The next step up is the 256GB model for $229.99. From there, Samsung doubles the storage to 512GB, and attaches a $429.99 asking price to the drive. Finally, there’s the 1TB version, which will run you a whopping $729.99.

Though Samsung hasn’t provided us with an exact release date for their new 850 Pro drives, we have been told that they should be released sometime later this month. Once we get more precise release date information, we will update this article accordingly.

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