500 days left for Microsoft to say goodbye to Windows XP

The countdown clock has been ticking on Windows XP for a couple of years now, but the end is coming into view. There are only 500 days to go before Microsoft ends its extended support, and that means no more patches and no more security fixes. Given that XP is not exactly famous for its security, this represents a significant risk.

Once the end of that countdown is met, Windows XP will cease to receive patches and other security updates. The operating system will therefore become dangerous for consumers, and anathema to the enterprise, for whom security is paramount.

Windows XP is coming to an end, and to fully migrate its user base – which won’t happen – the market would need to shift 1 million users a day to a more modern operating system.

However, a security breach might not be the worst of it. Journalists will be only too keen to write up the first few stories about companies whose defenses are penetrated because they are still using an obsolete operating system, so the damage to their brand and reputation could be unusually large. And rather than the polite sadness that sometimes colors such stories, victims can expect a well-deserved splattering of glee.

Still, there is no pain without gain. As well as profits for law firms, the end of XP could mean big bonuses for suppliers of cyber-liability insurance. With security breaches typically costing companies thousands of dollars/pounds a time, hefty insurance premiums would increase the already-high cost of sticking with Windows XP.

follow us on twitter for more updates...

Jolla releases new mobile OS 'Sailfish OS'

The new OS smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, automotive and other devices.
Finnish start-up firm Jolla has released the new Sailfish OS and detailed the improved multitasking features, interaction and its personalisation options.
Developed in collaboration with Sailfish, the new Sailfish Software Development Kit (SDK) and Jolla User Interface (UI) will support multiple chipset technologies.

According to Jolla, ST-Ericsson is all set to support the new Sailfish OS in its NovaThor platforms.
Jolla CEO Marc Dillon said that ST-Ericsson's NovaThor platform combined with Sailfish OS will enable vendors to bring competitive mobile products to the market. "We also target to announce other chipset provider partnerships soon," Dillon said.

Supporting smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, automotive and other device classes, the new OS will be developed through community participation.

The Sailfish SDK features Mer Core's tools, Qt Creator, Jolla UI components, Sailfish UI framework and Sailfish handset application interfaces.

The Sailfish user interface is claimed to be developed as per the latest user requirements and the UI Sailfish will offer easy multitasking.

Jolla is also planning to offer ready-made Jolla hardware to mobile network operators and also advised that firms that desire to incorporate their own technologies to the device can also deploy without sharing their elements with other vendors that operate on Sailfish.

The start was formed by a group of former Nokia employees who left the company following its decision to shift to Windows OS ditching the MeeGo operating system.

follow the team on twitter for more updates...

Sony releases development kit for PlayStation Mobile platform [Report]

Sony has released the first public version of software to create games for PlayStation Mobile, its gaming platform for third-party phones and tablets.


The company's gaming division said Tuesday that it is now offering a public version of its SDK (software development kit) for about US$100 in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, the U.K. and the U.S.

PlayStation Mobile is Sony's gaming platform for Android-based devices made by outside manufacturers. It is attempting to woo both hardware makers and game developers to the program, a departure from its traditional console business where it charges developers for the right to make and sell PlayStation software.

Sony will still attempt to tightly control the gaming environment in PlayStation Mobile: all software will be approved by the company, and will only run on devices it has certified. The company has also stressed that games on the platform will be largely distinct from the mainstream titles for PlayStation consoles, saying it will offer "PlayStation-like experiences" to users.

The company has made a strong effort to lure developers to the fledgling platform, setting the development cost equal to what Apple charges for building apps for iOS and offering online support for technical issues.
Sony last year launched a closed beta version of the SDK, which includes development tools and software, and has previously said the official launch would occur in November.
The company will use a pricing scheme by which developers sell their titles "wholesale" to the company, and then Sony sells the titles "retail" to end users. As a pricing example, the company said that a game priced wholesale at 70 cents will sell for about a dollar.


On the device side, PlayStation Mobile runs on Sony's Xperia phones, tablets and its Vita handheld. It is also available on a small number of phones made by Sharp as well as HTC's "One" line of smartphones.
Sony has also signed up Asus to make devices for its platform, which was previously called PlayStation Suite.

Source

follow us on twitter for more update

Nokia Releases HERE Maps App for iOS and Android

Nokia has released its new HERE Maps application for the iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Android devices.

HERE Maps helps you feel like a local anywhere you go. See where you are, search and discover nearby places, and get a feel for the place. Collect places to remember or for later discovery. Explore new destinations and know instantly how to get there on foot, by car or on public transport. HERE Maps is based on the world-class NAVTEQ mapping data used in 90% of in-car navigation systems in the world.

Features
 • Map views – Pick the map you need from map view, live traffic view, public transport line view or satellite view
• Save map areas & wander without data coverage
• In selected countries, access community maps created and updated by users
• Maps, search and place coverage for nearly 200 countries
• Search with history and suggestions
• Share places with just a tap, including the location and how to get there, over SMS, email, or social networks
• Organize places you love into Collections
• Sign in to HERE Maps with your Nokia Account or Facebook login
• Sync with Here.net – Access your Collections anywhere
• Step-by-Step voice-guided walk navigation
• Walk navigation through pedestrian routes, parks, alleyways, and more
• Public transportation and driving directions

You can download  HERE Maps from the App Store and Google Play Store for free.

follow the team on twitter for more updates...

Google’s Nexus 4 has been rooted just few days after released

Google’s Nexus 4 sold out around the world very quickly this week, and while there was talk of very limited supply, apparently some key people managed to get their hands on it. That’s right: the Nexus 4 has already been rooted, courtesy of HQRaja from XDA Developers.

For those who don’t know, Android rooting is the process of gaining access to the Google operating system’s subsystem. The point is usually to overcome limitations put in place by carriers and hardware manufacturers, allowing the user to alter or replace system applications and settings, run apps that require administrator-level permissions, and even completely replace the device’s operating system.

The root method for the Nexus 4 is fairly straightforward; if you have rooted an Android device before, you’ll find this an easy guide to follow. If, however, you don’t know or understand the risks of rooting your device, please don’t do it. You’re going to have to follow through and there is always a risk of bricking your device, rendering it useless.

There are now two methods you can follow, both outlined on the thread over at XDA Developers. We recommend reading over each of them and deciding which is best for you before getting started.

In addition to XDA, you can find the original method from HQRaja over on Addictive Tips. In short, all you have to do is unlock the bootloader, flash the insecure boot image provided, enable Android Debugging, plug the device into a computer via USB, and finally use ADB to push BusyBox and Chainfires SuperSU to it.

Again, this is not for everyone. Most people will not see any reason to root a device that comes with a stock version of the latest and greatest Android release, especially given that this will likely void your warranty. If, however, you want to start messing around with custom ROMs, want to make backups, and are looking to overclock your device, this is for you.

follow the team on twitter for more updates...