Smartphone and OS Features Overview
March 9th, 2011Android, Blackberry, iOS, webOS & Windows Phone 7 Features
Smartphone and OS Features Overview
The explosion of smartphone technology has not only revolutionized the way we communicate but also the way web and application developers work. These advances in micro technologies have caused programmers, developers, and businesses alike to rethink mobile computing. As the population at large becomes more mobile they demand that their technology moves with them. Smartphone users now account for nearly one-fourth of all mobile phone subscribers. Here is a brief overview of the latest smartphone technology and mobile operating systems and their feature set.
Android
Android is an open source, Linux rooted software stack for mobile phones. It features an activity-based user interface and allows any app to utilize the phones core features such as camera or email, giving complete integration between functions. Since it is an open source software its technology can constantly evolve without licensing issues.
- Android Features
- The ability to replace and reuse applications
- WebKit engine integration
- A customizable 2D graphics library; 3D graphics graphics optimization and optional hardware acceleration
- highly structure data storage enabled by SOLITE
- Media support for common audio, video, and still image formats (MPEG4, H.264, MP3, AAC, AMR, JPG, PNG, GIF)
- Bluetooth, EDGE, 3G, and WiFi
- A camera, compass, and GPS system
Blackberry
BlackBerry smartphones are integrated with software that gives you access to a variety of data and communication services including email, phone, maps, organizer, applications, games, and internet access. You can download the Blackberry App World to your smartphone and choose from thousands of free and paid apps such as social networking apps, productivity apps, and games.
- Blackberry Features
- you can add up to 10 email accounts AOL, Hotmail, GMail, or Yahoo Mail
- Push Delivery Technology
- Attachment Viewing
- Voice Notes, text, SMS & MMS messages, chat, and more.
- WiFi
- Web alerts for your favorites and ability to use any web browser
- Mobile video and audio streaming and Blackberry podcasts
- Blackberry wallet
iOS and webOS
The iOS operating system was officially released in January 2009 exclusively for use with the iPhone. It has since broadened its reach to include the iPad, iPod Touch, and Apple TV. Although Apple does not allow licensing for third-party apps, their App Store features over 300,000 iOS applications which have been collectively downloaded more than 10 million times.
- iOS Features
- top of screen status bar
- ability to stick frequently used apps on a bottom of screen docking station
- FaceTime video calling feature
- pre-loaded apps include Safari web browser, YouTube video streaming, Google maps, iTunes, and an iOS app store
- Nike odometer plus an iPod
- fully customizable with an auto-named folder system that can hold up to 12 apps. While in wiggle mode, you just place one app on the other for creation of folder.
Web OS is a linux-based operating system which was originally developed by Palm and acquired last year by Hewlitt Packard. Subsequently HP unveiled that Web OS would be the supporting platform for a new line of smartphones that are in development including the HP Pre 3 and HP Veer. Where webOS has differentiated itself from the rest of the mobile platforms is in its ability to truly multitask applications, much the same way a traditional desktop Operating System would. Although you can only use one app at a time with Web OS, other apps you have been working with will remain live in the background. While running, they will update regularly either by displaying notifications in the lower portion fo the display or through a banner crawl across the bottom of the viewing screen. webOS handles the interaction of multiple applications through its “Card View” interface whereby running applications remain open, and visiable, like a deck of cards laid out across the screen. This interface allows the user to easily swipe through open applications and even close them by “swiping up” to toss the app away.
- WebOS Features
- WebKit Apps
- SDLL for gaming and PulseAudio and variable support for video streams
- card view fans out open apps so you ‘shuffle’ through them, remove the top most with a simple flick, or you can drag an app to a new location
- automatically saves email drafts as separate cards and moves between up to 10 emails at a time to read, edit, or revise them
- customizable quick launch bar for your most frequently used apps
- instant response and smooth transitions between actions
- a constantly updated dashboard panel and notification bar that keeps you aware of changes in status with disrupting your current actions
- Official HP web apps are available through the Palm App catalog and developers can create WebOS compatible apps through HP
Windows Phone 7
Although it is the last to really get into mobile phone OS development, Windows Phone 7 has come up with a very good one with some improvements over the other smartphone operating systems. One noticeable difference is smoother and more effective scrolling through lists. With Windows Phone 7 you won’t have some of the difficulties with friction that you find with Android and iOS and better screen orientation. It does not have a menu key, however. All available options are shown as buttons on the bottom of the screen and require a press and hold. There is no visible notification bar; a tap on the top edge of the screen and the icons for battery status, WiFi, and other notifications will drop down. These are not available for viewing on all apps though. The user interface is much better than with some of the other OSs, with smoother and more appealing animations and better usability.
- Windows Phone 7 Features
- Metro UI which is similar to Zune HD
- better functionality
- WiFi and Bluetooth capablity
- Tiles feature on home screen that not only accesses apps but displays currently updated info on live apps as well
- Bing Maps and XBox Live on board as standard apps
- available from all major US mobile phone services
- works with hardware from Dell, HTC, Garmin ASUS, LG, Samsung, SE, Toshiba, HP and Qualcomm
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Local Backup Versus Cloud Backup
March 2nd, 2011Local Backup Versus Cloud Backup
It does not matter if the business is small or large, backing up valuable data is extremely important. Even the home-based business should backup the documents and data that are used to operate. There are several options for data backup; not all of them are suitable in every circumstance. The amount of data, the number of workstations or computers and the budget available are all contributing factors when selecting a backup service or routine.
There are two basic types of backup available. Local backup refers to data that is either stored locally on an external drive or server situated at the business location. Remote backup saves the data to a location away from the business office. This can be accomplished by what is called “cloud computing.” Cloud computing, simply put, is working in a virtual office on the Internet, a great idea for “road warriors.” A cloud backup is one in which the data is uploaded to remote servers owned and operated by a data backup service. An office of 25 to 30 computer workstations may use a combination of local and remote backup. The local server, usually maintained by an IT consulting and maintenance service, backs up data and shares files for collaboration. The IT service company may also assist the larger office in setting up and maintaining a cloud-based backup system.
The small-business owner with two or three computers is usually not able to afford costly server hardware for local backups. Cloud computing has become more sophisticated and secure; therefore, it may be a more cost-effective solution for data protection for the small-business owner’s routine backups. There are several data backup services available, each with different options and pricing structures.
Some online data storage companies offer backup and encryption services only, while other will facilitate online collaboration so that users can share and edit documents online. The pricing of these sites will range from a small, monthly fee to a yearly subscription. The amount of data stored by the customer determines the monthly fee. One example is Dropbox, which has file sharing features. The first 2 gigabytes of storage are free. A monthly fee is charged for disk space used above the 2 gigabyte limit. For around $10, the allotted storage goes up to 50 gigabytes. The yearly subscription for Carbonite runs around $55 and allows for unlimited backup, but is not used for storage or collaboration.
If unsure about what options to choose for backup, any business owner should confer with an IT consulting firm for guidance.
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Browsers… Why One Over The Other?
September 2nd, 2010Some of the most common questions asked of the tech-gurus that we are – have been, “Why the need for other browsers?” “What are the differences between them?” “Why should I use the fiery mammal over that metallic plated browser?”, “Why can’t I just use the little ‘e’ icon on my desktop?”, and lastly, “Is it the same internet or does it take me other places?”
You laugh, but some of these are actually questions that I’ve gotten in the past. True, one of them was slightly embellished, but, it was the same question, nonetheless.
The answers are fairly simple, but for the sake of educating the public that really does want to know, we’re going to answer them with as best descriptions as possible.
For years, Microsoft, Netscape, and America Online ruled the internet surfing capability, and Safari (Mac) That is, until 2004*. In 2004 a group known as the Mozilla Foundation, a group spawned from the Netscape Communications Corporation, created the Mozilla Application Suite (now known as SeaMonkey) which, in turn, FireBird, the predecessor to FireFox (1.1, 1.5), was born.
FireFox is an open source web browsing application that allows community members (open to the public) to program, develop, and modify the source code to help make the browser better; by creating Add-Ons and extensions that interface with the browser, itself. Bookmarking tools, web debugging tools, social network toolbars, tabbed browsing (viewing multiple pages within the same browser window), and the like, all help make Mozilla FireFox a great internet browsing tool.
In 2008, Google released it’s tabbed browser based off of 25 code libraries from the Mozilla platform. Much like FireFox, Chrome has Add-On features and extensions to help the end user enhance their browsing experience and has multiple support forums for developers and enthusiasts and is open source. Again, meaning the source code is available to developers to help enhance the end user’s experience.
Safari, an Apple product for the Mac platform, was released to the mass public of Mac users in 2003, and then opened up to PC users in mid 2007. Safari, unlike FireFox and Chrome is not an open source browser and it’s source code remains proprietary. However, Apple has made many enhancements to their Safari browser, including: tabbed browsing, top sites (a nifty little interface), image viewers, and more.
All the while, Microsoft kept improving Internet Explorer, from 1995 to present day (IE 8, released in 2009). In keeping up with the industry standards and recommendations, Internet Explorer, now has Add-Ons, tabbed browsing and more.
With all of the Add-Ons, extensions, and plugins, the possibilities are endless. Many of the Add-Ons available to FireFox and Chrome are:
- Flash Video Downloaders
- Themes (you can choose custom decoration for your browser)
- Script Debuggers (to help people like me find errors in code)
- Social Network book marking tools, and toolbars
- Calendar Reminders
- Custom Search Tools
- Games
- Mail Readers and RSS Feeds
- Etc.
Some extensions for browsers include:
- Advertisement blockers
- Pop-Up Window blockers
- Script Blockers (those nasty little buggers that put spyware on your computers)
- Movie Listers
- Web Page Captures
- Selective Flash Blockers
- Etc.
While Plugins assist you with daily tasks, like viewing flash video, reading PDF documents, and preventing malicious attacks on your PC.
With many of the browsers out there, more questions began to come in. The biggest was a question of security… preventing mal-ware, and browser hijacks. Many of the functions and features of these browsers have built-in security plugin features that help the end users to prevent these malicious events. These features, coupled with your anti-viral softwares, firewalls and other standard security services, will not only protect your pc and your privacy, but your sanity as well**.
The beautiful thing about these browsers, is that they now run on ALL platforms; Mac, Windows, and Linux. No matter what your operating system, each will support these and their features.
Now, you are, no doubt, thinking, “That’s a great history lesson, but, why one over the other?”
And to answer that question, it’s a matter of personal preference. What features do you like the most? Will you stick with the old stand-by? Or will you try something new?
While being in the WDD Industry (Web Design and Development), it’s important to make sure that your work is supported in as many browsers as possible; keeping with the current industry standards, and making sure that all bases are covered.
Also, being a tech-guru, I encourage people to try new things. Click and explore. However, some of you may not want to venture out on your own just yet. Give us a call, we’ll help you through it. Sometimes change is good.
Information taken from Mozilla.org, Wikipedia.org, Google.com/chrome and Microsoft.com
*In 1996 Opera Software released it’s version of a web browser, and it is still in available today in many places, such as Mobile Smart Phone Browsers, Nintendo DS, and Nintendo Wii.
**Sanity Saver… pop-up blockers are a GREAT addition to the browsers.
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Q & A: 07.19.2010
July 19th, 2010Taken from my LinkedIn profile.
Which is considered the best free or least fee based antivirus?
Asked by Arrielle Mali, in Computers and Software
“Hello Arrielle, I started with AVG a few years ago but have recently moved to Microsoft Security Essentials.
However, nothing can beat the best FREE solution out there: Use CAUTION when browsing. Being an educated web surfer is the best line of defense against the onslaught of viruses and malware. I realize this is easier to say that to do, but consider these tips when browsing:
Before clicking a link you think may be dangerous, hover over the link with your mouse, depending on your browser, you will see the link text displayed at the very bottom of your browser window — in an area known as the status bar. (May have to turn the status bar on by clicking a menu option — again, depending on browser the location varies) If the link is taking you to a site in another country, this is a good bet you’re heading to some trouble.
If you get an email from someone you know, but it looks suspicious — delete it. Then call the person and say, “Hey, did you send me an email asking for my social security number so you can send me 10 million dollars?” If they say, “Well you see, I won the lottery and I wanted to share it with you, that’s why I asked for your info, sorry if I confused you.” Then you have a very good friend indeed!
Protect your personal email address. Many sites ask you for your email address as a way to ‘share’ information with you. Many of them will share these addresses with spam houses and you’ll never see the end of it. What I recommend is to register for a free web-based mail account, Hotmail, Yahoo, Google, etc. under an assumed name. This give you a valid email address and serves as a honeypot for spammers. I have such an account on Yahoo and routinely get thousands of spam messages per month there, my personal inbox, less than 10 per month.
And one more tid-bit of wisdom: DO NOT forward a message to everyone in your address book. What you are doing is providing ne’er-do-wells with a ton more email addresses to attack / spam. I’ve followed these rules and have been surfing virus / malware free for over 15 years. “
Can anyone recommend a good screen capture tool (for PC)?
Asked by Lisa Banks, in Computers and Software
“Well Lisa, I’m going to take the route that will most likely get me flamed for saying it, but I feel (and I’m in no way getting a kick back for this) that TechSmith’s Camtasia Studio is the best bet. Yes, it costs $300. However, you are getting a full recording and editing package, complete with professional looking templates, a wealth of overlay features, the ability to create quizzes, and access to a number of self-publishing sites.
I used an older version to create video captures for a web site usability test I conducted a few years back. I had no trouble capturing and editing the file at all. Not only does it capture the screen / audio, it can highlight mouse clicks along with your presentation. This was invaluable as it let the client (the group we were doing the usability study for, Kent State University Admission’s Dept) see more clearly where people were clicking on the screen. This drove home the poor navigation as many in the study were clicking on links that led them to the wrong information.”
I cannot get Word to open .Doc files or .Docx files after installing Office 2007
Asked by R.J. Dempsey in Computers and Software
“Hello R.J., The problem is most likely with Windows Explorer and it’s default action associated with the double-click. I’ve seen this happen at a client several years ago when an Internet Explorer update hacked the default action for all Office doc types and no one was able to open files via Windows Explorer. We fixed it by doing the following (note, these instructions aren’t specifically for Office 2007, this is because the problem is with Windows Explorer, not Office):
Default Double-Click Action Fix
It looks intimidating, but just follow the instructions and you’ll be fine. One thing of NOTE: in the above link, step 12 has the path for MS office to be “D:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\WINWORD.EXE” — your path MAY BE DIFFERENT. To find your path, right-click on the Word icon and choose properties, there you’ll see your path.”
Hope you find these answers useful, if so, let me know!
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Well, being a Technology company, and a self proclaimed techno-geek, I’m sure we’ll be adding more social networking connections as they arise!
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