Firefox Marketplace launched on Android

Mozilla has launched a preview version of its integrated Firefox Marketplace in Firefox for Android. The feature is now available in the Aurora development version of Firefox for Android and includes a number of what Mozilla calls "showcase apps" that users can install and test. Mozilla is hoping to gather feedback for further launches of the Marketplace in other versions of the browser and for Firefox OS in 2013.

The developers say that the current version of Firefox Marketplace is still in its "early days" and that they are working on adding payment options, ratings and reviews and other features. Mozilla is calling for early adopters and testers to install the application and share their experiences of how it performs through the built-in Feedback function.

The applications within Firefox Marketplace are written in HTML5, JavaScript and CSS and are designed to work cross-platform across all Firefox editions. Firefox Marketplace will be an integral part of Mozilla's Firefox OS mobile device operating system. That is currently in development and builds on the same technologies for its UI layer.

To install the Aurora branch of Firefox for Android, users will have to enable side-loading of third party applications on their phones – they can then download and install an .apk package directly from Mozilla. Side-loading is enabled by going to Settings ➤ Security and enabling "Unknown Sources - Allow installation of non-Market Apps"; after installing Aurora, it is a good idea to disable that same setting to avoid accidental installation of malware.

Once the user is running Aurora, the integrated Marketplace is accessible by going to the options menu and navigating to Tools ➤ Apps. The Aurora version of Firefox will install alongside the regular stable Firefox for Android version as a separate app. However, users should be aware that the Aurora branch of the browser should be used for testing purposes only.

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How To Tutorial Manually Update Galaxy Nexus To Android 4.1.2

The Galaxy Nexus may now be a bit of a relic in comparison to the Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note II, but it still generates quite a bit of discussion amongst Android fans. The recent Jelly Bean 4.1.2 update, which has slowly but surely been trickling through to a large portion of Galaxy Nexus owners, has seen the once Ice Cream Sandwich-inclined smartphone thrust back into the news, and in the latest, those running “takju” iterations of the handset can now get their fill of 4.1.2.

The OTA is coming – that is certain – but what isn’t so assured is the patience of the masses. Due to the fragmented nature of Android, updating is seldom what you could describe as a “picnic,” so if you don’t want to stand on ceremony waiting for your over-the-air, you can kick your device into action by following the usual steps to force-update.

Of course, we would never simply push you down the “usual route” without offering a few handy pointers, so here’s a micro-tutorial demonstrating what you’ll need to do.

Disclaimer: Please note that we will not be held accountable for any damage or loss of data beset upon your device as a result of following this tutorial. Proceed at your own risk, and ensure you follow each step with care.

Before you proceed; 

Your Nexus must be flashed with the takju firmware. If you brought your device from Google Play, then you’re running on the takju firmware. Ensure your device is rooted / bootloader unlocked, and ClockworkMod Recovery flashed.

follow this link to do so.

Now lets proceed;

Step 1: Navigate through Settings > About > System Update to ensure you’re not wasting your time.

Step 2: Download the required file from Google.

Step 3: Transfer the .zip file you downloaded above to /sdcard (root directory).

Step 4: Reboot into ClockworkMod Recovery.

Step 5: Take a nandroid backup.

Step 6: Select install zip from sdcard > choose zip from sdcard > (the one you downloaded in step 2)

After that, simply reboot, and you’ll be running the latest and greatest version of Android Jelly Bean on your Galaxy Nexus.

Quite simple isn't it...? let me know you mind, comment below or follow me on twitter.

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Can Dust Actually Damage My Computer?

The Question

During the last few days, my screen froze a couple of times. After opening the chassis I discovered plenty of dust beneath my mother board. I wonder if that can cause short circuits.

The Answers

1. Dust is a problem from the standpoint of blocking fan vents, or, if deep enough, actually insulating parts, causing overheating, but unless it contains substantial amounts of corrosive or conductive material (in which case you shouldn’t be breathing it), it won’t damage the electrical components (beyond any overheating damage).

What could happen, in some circumstances, is condensation inside the box, mixing with dust and creating a conductive sludge. This would generally only occur if you bring the box in from an extremely cold environment (below 0C, roughly) into a humid indoor environment. The protection from this is to wrap the box tightly in plastic before bringing it indoors, and leave it wrapped for a couple of hours, while it has time to warm up.

2. No way. Unless it over heats. Trust me, I have cleaned server motherboards deployed in Afghanistanor months with inches of dust caked on, still running fine. And as long as you keep them cool, they will survive.
Now, optical drives. That’s a different story.

While you’re at very little risk of a dust blanket shorting out your hardware, heat is the eternal enemy of computers and a good cleaning will help keep things cool (and extend the life of your computer in the process).

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SEGA Releases Sonic Jump for iOS

SEGA has released Sonic Jump for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Game Features Include;

MULTIPLE CHARACTERS

Play as your favourite characters including Sonic, Tails & Knuckles, each with their own unique abilities.

AMAZING WORLDS

Jump across the legendary Green Hill Zone or take to new worlds including Mountain & Jungle Zones. 

STORY MODE

Leap through 36 different levels on a quest to stop the evil Dr. Eggman. 

ARCADE MODE

Jump until you drop in the infinite Arcade Mode, where where it ends depends on how long you can jump for.

BOSS BATTLES

Fight in epic boss battles between Sonic and his arch-rival Dr. Eggman!

CHALLENGE FRIENDS

Compete against friends to see who can jump highest in Arcade Mode or set epic scores in leaderboards.

UNLOCK MORE

Collect rings as you play the game, or purchase them in store, to unlock characters, power ups and more.

You can purchase Sonic Jump from the App Store for $1.99 or here

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GTA 5 release date before March 2013

News on the GTA 5 front has been a little slow of late. Since those teasing screenshots a few weeks ago, we’ve had nothing new to go on.

Having said that, it could be argued that GTA 5 news has been slow all year – we don’t really know anything more about the game than we did when the trailer was released all those months ago.

That has never stopped the tech world rumour mill before though, and the speculation surrounding the upcoming Rockstar title has been rife for months.

Every inch of GTA 5 has been the subject of heated debate, from in-game mini games to who the protagonist will be.

Yet the thing we care most about is, of course, when the game will actually be launched. So what is the latest release date gossip?

GTA 5 before March 2013?

According to outspoken analyst Michael Pachter, the March 2013 release date that’s been floating around is actually a little late.

If there’s one person who likes the sound of his own voice a little too much, it’s Michael Pachter. But in this case, he makes a decent point. He said:

“Every GTA, except for one, has launched in October. I actually think the Rockstar guys would have preferred to launch this October.

“Take Two is on the hook to deliver over a billion dollars in revenue. Their fiscal year ends March 31, so they pretty much have to bring the game out by March 31.”

GTA 5 release this year?

It’s a fair point; Take Two will have a lot riding on GTA 5, so could push for a February launch. But Pachter doesn’t stop there.

“I would say a March launch is more likely than May and knowing the Rockstar guys, I wouldn’t rule out a December 2012 launch,” he said.

“You just don’t know with these guys, they could announce next week that GTA is coming out December 20, I think it would be stupid, but they could do it.”

It’s an interesting statement, though not one we’re entirely on board with. But with GTA 5 gracing the cover of gaming magazine Game Informer this December, the title could be here sooner rather than later.

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