WARREN BUFFETT INTERVIEW FROM INDIA

Story of Dhirubhai Ambani

Motivational - Bill Gates Speech at Harvard

YOU AGAINST YOURSELF

Les Brown - What do you deserve? You deserve the BEST!

Android 4.3 Breaks Compatibility With Many Bluetooth Keyboards

There's no denying the usefulness of a keyboard when doing a lot of text input on Android, and there's no shortage of Bluetooth options that fit the bill perfectly. Anyone who spends a lot of time in email or a text editor likely has one of these handy little accessories laying around, but if that user also owns a Nexus device with 4.3, then they're in for a bit of a surprise the next time it's paired up: many Bluetooth keyboards no longer work post-update.

  

We first got wind of this issue through a tip from reader Tom Henriksen, who cited several different forum posts as proof that this is indeed a verifiable issue. To confirm, I grabbed two different Bluetooth Keyboards (ZAGGkeys Flex and Logitech K810) and paired them both up with my 2012Nexus 7, Nexus 10, and Nexus 4 – all of which are running 4.3. Both keyboards pair correctly and accept the input code, but past that, the results are quite interesting. The ZAGGkeys Flex – a keyboard designed specifically for mobile (Android or iOS) – doesn't work at all, regardless of whether it's in Android or iOS mode. The Logitech K810 – which is designed for Android, iOS, and/or Windows – works without issue.

 

At this point, it's unclear what has caused the keyboard incompatibility issues, or which keyboards may actually work. So far, a handful of keyboards have been noted as incompatible: Zagg, Apple, Spider, Kensington, and GYMLE, just to name a few. There's no conclusive list right now, so it's best to just try it out and see if yours works. If you're in the market to buy one, however, it's probably best to wait until Google rolls out a fix. Otherwise, the only other option is to either forgo the 4.3 upgrade or roll back to 4.2.2 using the Nexus factory images; unless you have a 2013 Nexus 7, in which case you'll just have to wait it out and hope Google pushes a fix in a timely manner.

Note: Two bugs have already been filed. No response from Google at this time.

Thanks, Tom!

HTC Releases Android 4.3 Kernel Source And Framework Files For One Google Play Edition, OTA Update To 4.3 Can't Be Far Off

While we haven't heard much on the Android 4.3 update news front for the One or Galaxy S4 GPE other than "soon," it sounds like soon really may mean soon. HTC just released the Android 4.3-based kernel source and framework files for the One GPE on HTCdev.

The corresponding software version for the source and framework is 3.06.1700.10, while the kernel version remains unchanged at 3.4.10. You can download the kernel right here, and the framework files here. The Android 4.3 update that goes along with it will presumably be coming shortly. We hope.

HTCdev

Yahoo Buys Rockmelt, 6-Week-Old Android App Already Strangled In Its Software Crib

It was just six weeks ago that we featured Rockmelt, an Android app with a bit of an identity crisis. It didn't know whether it wanted to be an RSS reader or a browser (but it did know it wanted to look like Pinterest). Well, the eponymous company that makes Rockmelt is the latest in a series of acquisitions by Yahoo. And they've killed the Android app deader than a dove at an NRA convention.

Rockmelt announced via its company blog that the Internet discovery service would be shutting down on August 31st as Yahoo integrates it into the larger corporation. But for whatever reason, they decided to kill off the Android app immediately, barely a month after it crossed over from iOS. (In case you're wondering, the iOS app is gone as well.) According to the still-active Appbrain page, the Android version had been downloaded more than 50,000 times - not bad at all.

Maybe those 50,000 users can give misery a little company with Astrid fans (like me). In a similar move, Yahoo acquired the task/to-do app and service Astrid... and announced plans to shut that sucker down just a month later. At least Astrid got a farewell tour: it's not scheduled to go offline for another three days. Yahoo hasn't said exaclty how they plan to use either property, but it's safe to say that elements of the apps and services will show up again somewhere in Yahoo's wide wheelhouse.

Source: Yahoo, Rockmelt

Android 4.3 Update Rolling Out To Google Play Edition Samsung Galaxy S4 And HTC One

We knew it wouldn't be long, and sure enough, the Android 4.3 update has started hitting Google Play Edition devices. Both the HTC One and the Samsung Galaxy S4 from Google Play are currently receiving update notifications. If you're lucky enough to have one of these devices, commence mashing the update button at your leisure.

 

The updates for both devices are developed by the OEMs, but there are no modifications to the UI and no carrier testing to get in the way. As a result, we get this super-fast update. The HTC Onekernel and framework source just dropped today, in fact. Hopefully all future updates come out this fast. The Nexus phones only started seeing Android 4.3 in the last week or so, and some users haven't gotten the notification yet. 

 

The HTC One update clocks in at 185MB and the Galaxy S4 is a comparatively slim 150MB. We've got a mirror of the HTC One update below, but haven't seen the GS4 pop up anywhere. There are no official full factory images for these devices yet. Google clarified prior to release that the OEMs would be responsible for posting such images, if they cared to. It appears they do not, at least not yet. Also of note, the update enabled the One's IR blaster. Bluetooth tethering has been added to the GS4, but no word on IR yet.

Looking for more information on Android 4.3? Here you go:

• An In-Depth Look At The Big (And Small) Additions To Android Jelly Bean 4.3
• App Ops: Android 4.3's Hidden App Permission Manager, Control Permissions For Individual Apps!
• Another Android 4.3 Change: Photo Spheres Look A Lot Better Now
• Android 4.3 Feature Focus: Multi-User With Restricted Profiles
• Android 4.3's New Notification Service: Read, Dismiss, And Press Action Buttons From Other Apps; Imagine The Wearable Computing Possibilities!
• XXXHDPI Spotted In 4.3 Source: Prepare Your Eyeballs For Android In 4K Resolution
• Root On Android 4.3 Is Still A Bit Broken, But Chainfire's SuperSU Works, And Here's Why
• [Developer Changelog] Here's A Really, Really Detailed Look At What's New In Android 4.3 (JSS15J)

[HTC One Update via XDA, Anandtech – Thanks, John Nichols]

Android Device Manager Already Appearing On Devices Through Google Play Services 3.2.25 [Download]

Just yesterday, Google posted to its Android blog about Android Device Manager – a tool that will help Android users keep their phones and data safe by offering location and remote wiping/locking features that third party solutions have until now been filling in for.

This morning, users started reporting that the service was rolling out to their devices already. Indeed, Android Device Manager is getting introduced by way of Google Play Services version 3.2.25, but it's not complete just yet.

For now, it seems ADM is limited to a checkbox in the Device Administrators menu.

 

Of course, we're digging in to the new Play Services apk. Ron's found several strings that refer to options that simply aren't present yet.

• Android Police Mirror 1
• Android Police Mirror 2
• Android Police Mirror 3
• Android Police Mirror 4

Update: Since noticing the new Photo Sphere's button looks decidedly low-res, some users report that perhaps Google's rolling out different Play Services apk files for devices with different screen densities. We aren't sure whether this is the case, but if we come across any new information, we'll update the post again.

Update 2: Since it's likely Google is distributing multiple Play Services apks, we recommend that you uninstall updates then update directly from the Play Store once the update has reached a wider rollout (probably in several days' time). Until then, using the downloadable apk shouldn't hurt anything, but it may not be optimized for your device.

Google Play Services

Google Play services

by Google Inc.

500,000,000+ downloads

125698 ratings (3.3 avg)

 3.3

Free

Install

via Reddit

Thanks Moritz for the APK

New Google Play Services Also Introduces Photo Sphere 'Compass Mode' Just Like Streetview [Updated]

It looks like the new Google Play Services rolling out today held one more surprise besides hints of Android Device Manager. With the latest update, Android's Photo Sphere viewer can make use of the on-board compass, allowing you to navigate a sphere just by moving your device, much like Streetview's "Compass Mode."

To enter compass mode, users need only press the arrow icon in the lower left corner of the screen. The icon automatically disappears when you aren't touching the screen, allowing you to look at the sphere uninterrupted.

This is a small enhancement, but one that makes Photo Spheres just that much more awesome. Don't have the new Play Services yet? Head to our earlier post to grab the download.

Update: Since noticing the new Photo Sphere's button looks decidedly low-res, some users report that perhaps Google's rolling out different Play Services apk files for devices with different screen densities. We aren't sure whether this is the case, but if we come across any new information, we'll update the post again.

Update 2: Since it's likely Google is distributing multiple Play Services apks, we recommend that you uninstall updates then update directly from the Play Store once the update has reached a wider rollout (probably in several days' time). Until then, using the downloadable apk shouldn't hurt anything, but it may not be optimized for your device.

CyanogenMod Adds Support For 11 More Devices, Including The Nook HD And HD+, DROID RAZR M And HD, And Verizon Note 10.1

The folks on the CyanogenMod team are always adding new devices to their ever-increasing list, and over the last few days they've added no less than eleven more. According to a pair of Google+posts, there are new officially-supported phones and tablets including two Barnes & Noble Nooks, a ton of Motorola devices, and a few Samsungs thrown in for good measure. Here's the full list:

• Barnes & Noble Nook HD (hummingbird)
• Barnes & Noble Nook HD+ (ovation)
• Motorola Atrix HD (mb886)
• Motorola Photon Q - GSM (xt897)
• Motorola Photon Q - CDMA (xt897c)
• Motorola Droid Razr M (xt907)
• Motorola Razr HD - GSM (xt925)
• Motorola Droid Razr HD - CDMA (xt926)*
• Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G (apexqtmo)
• Samsung Galaxy S4 - C Spire (jfltecsp)
• Samsung Verizon Galaxy Note 10.1 LTE (i925)

*These builds may also work for the DROID RAZR MAXX HD. Double-check at your developer forum of choice.

The CM build boxes seem to be running a bit slow, but nightly ROMs should be appearing on theGet.CM download website over the next few days - the Motorola devices already have one build. With the exception of the C-Spire version of the Galaxy S4, all ROMs are in line to be updated to CyanogenMod 10.2 eventually. 

Source: CyanogenMod Google+ 1, 2

Android Bluetooth Exploit For Japanese Toilet Brings New Meaning To The Word "Vulnerability"

Imagine, if you will, that you've just checked in to a hotel in Tokyo for an extended vacation. Weary from the long train and cab rides from the airport, you make use of the bathroom, noting the famously futuristic facilities adorning the electronic toilet. As you take care of business, you hear a laughing, sniggering sound from the other side of the wall - clearly someone in the next room is having a good time. All of a sudden, you are having a very bad time indeed, as a jet of water unexpectedly invades your nether regions. A peal of laughter erupts from the other room, just as the eruption in the toilet ceases.

This nightmarish scenario is probably being enacted all over Japan this weekend. Software security firm Trustwave has published some interesting information on the Inax Satis series of Bluetooth-enabled toilets, namely that they all come with the common PIN code of "0000" hardcoded into both the device and its companion app. This allows anyone with the My Satis app and a handy Android device to control any of said toilets at will... including the bidet (cleaning water stream) and blow-dryer functions that are a staple of Japanese bathroom fixtures. Malicious users could close the lid, or flush the toilet continuously. It will also allow anyone to access a detailed record of, ahem, deposits. Say what you will about the FBI and NSA, but even they generally draw the line at bathroom habits.

According to the published security advisory, Trustwave contacted the manufacturer three different times over the last two months to try and warn them of the inadvisability of a wide-open toilet authentication system, and received no response. It's pretty hilarious that there are toilets with companion apps in the first place (although not all that surprising that they come from Japan). But leaving the Bluetooth control open for anyone to access speaks of a security mindset that can only be described as "shitty."

YouTube Live Streams, Private Videos, And Mobile-Disabled Videos Don't Work With The Chromecast

Were you hoping to gather 'round the flatscreen and Chromecast with your local Android Users Group for the live stream of Google's next Nexus event? Too bad: at the moment, YouTube live stream videos just won't work with Chromecast, as demonstrated by our tipster Nathan. We tried it using the Lollapalooza 2013 live stream, and sure enough, it just won't display.

 

This lack of functionality is documented in Google's support page as well, though the reason isn't clear. Videos set to "private" and videos disabled for mobile viewers are likewise inaccessible (remember that Chromecast is running a modified version of Android) no matter what device you "cast" to your TV, or from what account. Interestingly, sending a live stream to Chromecast from a desktop or laptop with the full Chrome browser will let you listen to the audio and see a few choppy frames, but it isn't close to satisfactory. Google may address this with a future update, or they may not - I can't imagine that these relatively narrow use case scenarios are much of a priority.

On a personal note, I can report that using an Android device as a mobile WiFi hotspot also won't work - you can't "cast" from your phone to the Chromecast when it's being used as the Internet connection. You can work around this by having another Android device or laptop handy, but that makes it even harder to enjoy the Chromecast while traveling.

Source: Google YouTube Support - thanks to Nathan for the tip!

Zombies Can’t Jump now available for Windows Phone 8

Okijin Games is pleased to announce the release of Zombies Can’t Jump for Windows Phone 8.

Challenge and fun is awaiting you in this original, nail hammering zombie defense game. Don’t let the zombies knock you down – build your defenses, use TNT devices, spiked balls, gun turrets, crates, collect powerful weapons and unleash your survival rage. Battle your way through 20 original levels and 2 survival challenges re-playable in different ways.

Features (version 1.0):

• 20 story mode levels.
• 2 re-playable survival challenges.
• 6 weapons to unlock.
• 9 abilities and construction items to unlock.
• 2 loveable toons.
• 6 even more adorable zombies!

Trial version available.

Get it on Windows Phone Store

See more screen shots and the game-play trailer after the break.

WU TANG

BlackBerry 10.1.4 upgrade now available

After releasing BlackBerry OS 10.1 for the Z10 devices recently, BlackBerry has now announced the release of upgrade 10.1.4537.

The upgrade 10.1.4 comes with improved social networking features from Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Along with that the upgrade also brings in two points or two factor authentication for Facebook and Twitter for added security.

As per the new security policy, work and personal accounts will now be allowed to be different on devices. Along with this the upgrade also comes with support for simple passwords, users can now add simplified password from the lock screen and work space for authentication. The simple password feature utilizes a reduced keyboard layout containing only numeric characters and allows users to set a numeric PIN for your smartphone or work space password

The upgrade also bring Next/previous message navigation shortcut with which users can use a simple gesture to quickly move to the last or next message without having to return to the full message list. To do so users have to swipe to the right and then up (like a backwards L), to move back to the previous message and Swipe to the right and then down (like an upside-down L) to move forward to the next message

After the upgrade, BlackBerry world application will have My Wish list feature. Users can add items to their wish list from a content details page and add up to 48 items to your wish list. When the 49th item is added, the first item added to the list will be automatically removed.

The upgrade 10.1.4 release has been released in Asia Pacific, Canada, and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) and will be making its way to other countries by second week of August.

Micromax breaches privacy of users

Micromax, who had announced the launch of its flagship product - the Micromax Canvas 4 - a few days back, has been accused of leaking the private information of buyers of its smartphone.

Reportedly, Micromax sent emails to those who pre-booked the Canvas 4 regarding the deduction of the full amount, but that email had sensitive information related to 130 users who had pre-booked the Canvas 4 through Micromax's web store. According to the report, users who received emails also got information regarding details of other users that included phone numbers, login details, email addresses, and even shipping addresses of buyers.

Such a level of information leak is a serious issue as anyone with access to such information can easily change the shipping details and get the devices delivered at their own or some other address without raising an alarm.

However, Micromax has other problems to deal with too. According to retailers, the device is already available for sale, but those who have pre-booked it are yet to get their hands on it.

Amazon Kindle Fire line-up details surface

Amazon is expected to update its existing Kindle Fire tablet line-up following the launch of the new Google Nexus 7 (2013) tablet. BGR reportedly got tipped by a source about the upcoming Amazon Kindle Fire line-up. Amazon is reported of using a slightly different display with higher resolution and more powerful processors in the new devices. As per the report, both Kindle Fire and Kindle Fire HD devices will be updated to be offered at a lower price than the Nexus 7 (2013).

Amazon currently offers Kindle Fire tablets in three different flavours - 7-inch Kindle Fire, 7-inch Kindle Fire HD and 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HD.

Reportedly, the new 7-inch display bearing Kindle Fire HD will feature 1920x1200 pixel resolution bumped up from 1280x800 pixel resolution. Also the new 8.9-inch Kindle Fire HD will sport 2560x1600 pixel resolution up from the 1920x1200 pixel resolution of the current one. Similarly, we can expect the 7-inch Kindle Fire to sport 1280x800 pixel resolution up from the native 1024x600 pixel resolution.

Both new Kindle Fire HD tablet models will house the powerful quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 mobile chipset and 2 GB RAM to run the updated version of the modified Android operating system with Amazon App Store.

Also, the aforementioned models will feature the dual-band WiFi and dual-driver Dolby Audio Speaker configurations. Hopefully, promised 10 hours or higher battery life would remain the same. Of course, the Amazon Cloud server powered browser - Silk will continue to exist on these devices. Both Kindle Fire HD models will be offered in 8 GB, 16 GB and 32 GB storage options, added the report.

The updated set of specifications for the Kindle Fire line-up certainly is fantastic but we are more concerned about the pricing. If the prices of the new Kindle Fire HD tablets are close to that of the current line-up, users should seriously consider them.

Amazon is now offering the Kindle Fire HD 7-inch model for Rs. 15,999 and 8.9-inch model for Rs 21,999 in India through its official website.

How to accept call on Android devices using gesture control

Gesture control with mobile devices certainly reduces the steps taken to access or experience a particular feature. Samsung had introduced the Air Gesture function to accept or reject calls and even scan through images. However, that function was limited only to Samsung Galaxy S4 device.

The Air Call Accept/Reject function basically works with the help of the Proximity Sensor that detects proximity of an object or the user's hand and only then executes pre-defined command. There is a free app that allows the Android phone users to accept the incoming call with a simple wave gesture in front of the Proximity Sensor. Since the app has not been tested with large variety of devices, it may not work properly with select number of handsets.

Here is a simple guide to enable Air Call-Accept on your Android smartphone.

Step one:

Download the Air Call-Accept free version from the Google Play store.

Step two:

Launch the app by tapping on the icon.

Step three:

By default the Slider option will be enabled. Switch it off if you don't want to use it.

After doing that, you will be able to accept calls by simply waving your palm on top of the proximity sensor area of the phone.