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Finally, a way to shut down apps. You know, like we did in Windows Mobile

 

In Windows Phone 8 Update 3, Microsoft has finally addressed one of its users' key complaints, and you can now very easily shut down any app. This functionality occurs as it does on other mobile platforms, in what Microsoft calls the App Switcher experience.

In the original version of Windows Phone 8, some users would repeatedly tap the Back button in order to remove running apps from the "back stack," and, they hoped, shut them down completely as well. But this action didn't actually shut down any apps. Instead, the Windows Phone OS would automatically manage memory and tombstone and then shutdown apps only when needed.

But with Update 3 installed, you can now use the App Switcher UI to shut down apps for good.

You access App Switcher as you did before: Simply press and hold on the hardware Back button. When you do, each running app appears as a tile in the center of the screen, and you can swipe left or right to navigate between the available apps.

Two things have changed in Update 3. There is a small icon next to each app name, which can help you remember which app is which, since many users visually identify the app with its Start screen tile or Apps view icon. And second, and more important, there is a now a large "X" close button in the top right corner of the middle app. You can tap this button to shut down the app.

When you do, the app tile visually animates and appears to move to the bottom of the screen and then off-screen.

I'll be looking at more new Windows Phone 8 Update 3 features in the days ahead.

 

By Paul Thurrott

http://windowsitpro.com

Image Credits : www.windowsitpro.com ©

Since the introduction of Apple's popular iPhone, the smartphone market has become increasingly competitive. As a result of this increased competition, the consumer has benefited, with an array of smartphone options available to the general public, each with its own potential advantages and disadvantages over the competition. Three of the more popular smartphones, Apple's iPhone 3GS, RIM's BlackBerry Storm and RIM's BlackBerry Bold each boasts an impressive array of features worthy of consideration.

• Network

RIM's BlackBerry Storm is offered exclusively on the Verizon Wireless Network in the United States. RIM's BlackBerry Bold and Apple's iPhone 3GS are exclusive to AT&T. Choosing one of these three smartphone will largely depend on your preference of carrier and geographic location as each network's coverage varies throughout the United States. Although these exclusivity deals have a specific time frame, it is not uncommon for a carrier to offer a device exclusively for as long as it is available.

• Battery Life

RIM's BlackBerry Bold offers users 4.3 hours of talk time and 10.5 days of standby time. The BlackBerry Storm, by comparison, offers an impressive 5.5 hours of talk time and 15 days of standby. Apple's iPhone 3GS falls somewhere between, offering roughly 5 hours of talk time when using the 3G network and 12.5 days of standby battery life. Both BlackBerry models have user-replaceable batteries, the iPhone does not.

 

• User Interface

The BlackBerry Bold boasts a full QWERTY keyboard and trackball, situated directly below the screen. Apple's iPhone 3GS and BlackBerry Storm each rely on a touchscreen interface for most functions, although the Storm uses actual buttons to place and end a call and the iPhone has a single "home" button. Both the iPhone and Storm allow users a full QWERTY keyboard through the touchscreen interface which actively learns the user's typing habits and adjusts accordingly.

 

• Camera

Apple's iPhone 3GS recently improved upon the original iPhone's passable camera, increasing the megapixel resolution to 3. However, Apple recently included its proprietary "tap to focus" technology, which significantly improves picture quality. BlackBerry Storm's camera has a slightly higher resolution of 3.2 megapixels and utilizes auto-focus and image stabilization technology. BlackBerry Bold is easily the weakest in terms of resolution with only 2 megapixels of resolution.

 

• Storage

Apple's iPhone 3GS is easily the best option as far as storage, as it is available with up to 32 Gigabytes of storage space for applications, music, movies and more. BlackBerry Storm has 1GB of memory built in, but is packaged with an 8 GB micro SD card and supports up to 16GB. BlackBerry bold also has 1 GB of on board memory and can accept up to 16 GB of micro SD memory.

 By Vincent Healy, www.ehow.com

Microsoft is getting ready to introduce Windows Phone 7 in the next few months. This will be a new operating system for smartphones, as it will have very little in common with its forbearers, Windows Mobile and Pocket PC.

I recently got some hands-on time with a prototype phone, and I wanted to share my early impressions.

LOOK & FEEL

Homescreen
The homescreen for Windows Phone 7 uses tiles, rather than application icons. This sets it apart from Apple's iOS and Google's Android OS.

Tiles offer several advantages. First off, there is a great deal of flexibility about what's on a tile. For example, the address book tile has pictures of your friends on it, not just an icon.

Also, the tiles can be different sizes, so more important ones are easier to see.

Tiles will be used to give the user some quick status updates. For example, the email tiles shows how many unread messages are waiting. Developers will have a certain amount of control about what appears on the tiles for their apps.

Unlike the Android OS, there are no homescreen widgets, and there is only one home screen, though you can make this as long as you like by adding as many tiles as you want.

You probably won't want to add more than a few, though, as the homescreen is really about giving you quick access to your favorite software, people, and music. A small arrow to one side gives you access to a complete list of the apps installed on the device, so you have easy access to everything.

PERFORMANCE

I was really impressed by Windows Phone 7's performance on the prototype device I was using. Everything was lightening fast.

But there's something you need to keep in mind: Windows Phone 7 is not a multitasking operating system. When you switch away from an app, it closes itself. This is probably one of the reasons why the performance is so good, but it's definitely a tradeoff.

A definite drawback is that Microsoft left support Cut & Paste out of this OS.

Software
I tried out the Microsoft Office apps, and was quite pleased. Admittedly, I was just opening the small demo files for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, but they opened in a flash.

I also used the web browser, and was equally pleased. I went to the Brighthand home page, and the Windows Phone 7 browser correctly handled the scrolling frame that lists recent news articles, something the Android OS browser can't do.

The address book -- called People -- stores the information you'd expect, plus it ties into Facebook and other social networking services. You can see more than just a single recent FB post from your friend, you can get all the recent ones, and even post replies, raising the question on whether you need a stand-alone app for this service.

One thing you need to get used to with the People app -- as well as the Games, Pictures, Office, and Music+Video ones -- is that what you're seeing is just a portion of a larger screen. For example, the image to the left is showing the People app. If you slide the screen to one side, you'll see a list of the most recent Facebook posts. If you slide it the other, you'll see images of people you've contacted recently.

I didn't get a chance to test out all the bundled software -- there wasn't enough time. But i was pleased with what I saw.

 

Hardware
Some of you are probably curious about the smartphone I saw running Windows Phone 7. I haven't mentioned it because it's not very interesting: it was the same prototype unit that Microsoft has been demoing this operating system on since this new OS was first unveiled.

Still, Microsoft is being cautious, and I was not allowed to take any pictures.

But we already know quite a bit about what all the devices are going to be like, as Microsoft has set some fairly stringent hardware requirements for its new operating system.

All smartphones running Windows Phone 7 will have to have a WVGA (800 x 480) capacitive touchscreen, Wi-Fi, at least a 5 megapixel camera with flash, a GPS receiver, and 8 GB of storage and 256 MB of RAM or more. The feature list also must include an accelerometer, compass, proximity sensor, and an FM radio.

VERY PRELIMINARY CONCLUSION

Based on my short amount of time testing out Windows Phone 7, I can tell you I like what I see. It's both functional and good looking, and the speed is more than acceptable.

It looks like Microsoft is going to offer a decent platform, but the real question is going to be whether it will get the support from other companies it needs. Even the best mobile operating system is going to bomb without a large collection of third-party developers. This group is going to have to write new applications for the platform, as ones written for Windows Mobile aren't compatible.

Only if the Windows Phone 7 software store is quickly populated with an array of apps will this platform will become a serious competitor for the Android OS and iOS.

The apps are more important than the hardware, though it appears HTC, LG, and Samsung are prepping some good smartphones for this Microsoft's next OS.

 

By Ed Hardy

www.brighthand.com

A few years ago, Apple decided to let third-party software writers release their own applications for iPhones, and the result has been an explosion of useful apps that can do everything from order pizzas to track packages being shipped cross-country.

These days, there are more than 100,000 useful iPhone apps available from the Apple store – many of them free. And with so much customer support and enthusiasm behind the Apple brand, it’s easy to log in and see which apps are generating the most excitement on any given day.

The short-list of which apps are spreading the fastest is constantly changing, but there are a few defining characteristics that destine an app for a huge base of users.

Many of the favorite apps are games or gimmicks, and they spread fast because the user can download them quickly and then use them until they’re bored and move on. But there are more than a few timeless iPhone apps that come in handy again and again. These are the apps that end up staying on board for the life of the phone.

Launchpad Iphone App

Here are a few most popular iPhone apps:

Launch Pad:

Launch Pad may not be a glamorous iPhone web app with all kinds of clever gadgetry on board, but it’s a great streamliner that comes in handy for anyone who uses their phone to surf the Web. Launch Pad is a top contender in the "Productivity" category on Apple’s homepage.

What It Is and How to Use It

When an iPhone user installs Launch Pad on their phone, it becomes the starting point for any internet searches. Launch Pad lets users connect to popular sites like Wikipedia, Google, Youtube and other favorite destinations in a single click. Rather than navigating first to the parent website, the user can fly with their search terms directly from the launch pad to their site of choice.

Here are a few special features of Launch Pad:

• Launch Pad items: this feature lets the user link immediately to any applications or websites. These links are marked with a familiar icon and tucked into the Launch Pad toolbar for quick and easy access.
• Page indicator: this feature automatically starts up when the control has two or more pages going at once. It lets users quickly select which page they want to use.
• Change angles: Launch Pad automatically adjusts for landscape and portrait orientations and it keeps up with users on the fly. 

URL to setup launchpad on your Iphone:

• LaunchPad

Where Traveler App

Where Traveler

This web app is perfect for the kind of business-oriented travelers who can’t remember how they ever got by without an iPhone. It already has tens of thousands of entries covering restaurants, hotels, shops and entertainment venues around the world. The list continues to grow as more users climb on board.

What It Is and How to Use It

Where Traveler has been in the travel guide business for more than seven decades, so they have plenty of experience connecting people on the move with the places they’re most interested in finding. Before going digital, the company published guidebooks on more than 120 distinct destinations. Most of these destinations where in the United States, but they also have information on several capital cities in Europe.

Where Traveler is ideal for globetrotting iPhone users who don’t have time to ask around for advice on restaurants and hotel rooms. The service is completely free from the Where Traveler website.

Here are a few of the apps leading features:

• Translation: this archive of information is available in 27 languages, so that the more than 50,000 entries are available to the masses.
• Real-time currency conversion: on-the-fly conversion between all major currencies – an invaluable tool for checking bills in restaurants and hotels.
• Up-to-the-minute airport information: including a full roster of arrivals and departures, flight cancellations, traffic conditions around the airport and expected security wait-time at the gate.

URL to setup Where Traveler on your Iphone:

• wheretraveler

Geo Meter Iphone App

Geo Meter

This little web app doesn’t inspire awe when users first hear about it, but there’s a reason that it tops the list in Apple’s "Utilities" category. Geo Meter delivers accurate GPS details on the user’s latitude and longitude, outputting information that can be used in conjunction with a host of other apps.

What It Is and How to Use It

Geo Meter keeps the user constantly updated regarding their current latitude and longitude, altitude, heading and speed. It also keeps track of its margin of error at all times, so the user knows how reliable the reading is at any given moment.

This GPS information is triangulated with the help of GPS satellites, cell phone towers and even wireless internet signals, the entire set of which guarantee accurate results. This handy app is especially with avid geocachers.

Here are a few of the special features of Geo Meter:

• Coordinates: the app perpetually recalculates GPS coordinates and outputs up-to-the-minute latitude, longitude, speed, heading and altitude measurements.
• Google Maps: it features a crossover interface so that users can view their location on Google Maps.
• Cut-and-paste data: coordinates and other information can be cut out of the app’s user interface and pasted into another, so users can tweet their coordinates or enter them into other GPS-related web apps.

URL to setup GEO Meter on your Iphone:

• Geo Meter

 

by Iberkenbosch

http://hubpages.com

 

There are a number of apps in the Apple App Store that let you control your computer or a specific software using your iPhone. You can use your iPhone as a mouse, remote control iTunes with it and do a whole lot more. Such apps are fun to use simply by the virtue of the “awesomeness” factor.
We are going to be using the iPhone as a VNC server. Apple, of course wouldn’t allow such a feat to be accomplished on their cherished device, so you won’t find any such application in the Apple App Store. However, you might be aware that another very popular platform exists where you can get free and paid apps that you won’t find on Apple’s App Store. I am talking about Cydia.

Before we proceed any further I must mention a disclaimer. Jailbreaking has recently been legalized in the United States but you might want to check your local laws if you are outside the United States. Also keep in mind that jailbreaking will void your Apple warranty.

We need a jailbroken device for Cydia and we need Cydia for Veency which is the app that lets you connect to your iPhone remotely via VNC and thus control it from your computer. Veency is of course not the only app that jailbroken device owners might be interested in. There are lots of them available via Cydia that let you tweak your iPhone in ways no other app on the App Store would let you do.

Jailbreaking is easier than ever before with the latest app called jailbreakme. The actual process is however beyond the scope of our discussion here.

Installing Veency

• Open Cydia on your iPhone. Let it download the packages and do its thing. Now go to search and look for Veency.

• Click or tap on Veency. You will be able to see details of the Veency Package. Browse through them to know more about it.
• Once satisfied you can click the Install button towards the top right.
• Cydia will ask for confirmation before proceeding and show you a summary of what will be changed

• Confirm and Veency will be downloaded and installed on your iPhone.

Using Veency

From a configuration point of view you only need to ensure that WiFi is switched on your iDevice before you can access it remotely. You will also need to know the IP address that gets assigned to your device. You already know this if you assigned it manually.

Else you can find the IP address assigned to your device by visiting Settings > General. Then click on the blue arrow next to WiFi network name and you should find your settings listed there.

Accessing Remotely

Your iDevice now has a VNC server installed. So you should be able to connect easily using a VNC client. We have covered a number of them before. TightVNC stands out if you are on Windows. Download and install it from here. A portable version is also available if you are so inclined. Once that is out of the way, fire it up.

Next up you need to enter the IP address we determined above. And confirm the VNC request:

Once you are connected you will be able to use your iPhone remotely via your computer.

This is especially handy when typing long messages or accessing your iPhone in another room. There are certain downsides as well. Since you are using this with the mouse you won’t be able to replicate all the ground breaking gestures that make the iPhone so special.

 

by Varun Kashyap

www.makeusof.com

 

What is a smartphone? The term means different things to different people, but for our purposes, it’s any mobile phone that can browse the web, send and receive emails and text messages, and can use applications from third-party vendors. Most also offer Wi-Fi Internet connection. If your mobile phone can do those things, it’s a smartphone.

The Opportunity for Hackers

Smartphones are big business. The Wall Street Journal estimates that almost 160 million smartphones were sold last year, surpassing the number of laptop PCs sold in the same period. That’s a huge opportunity for those who make smartphones or sell service. And it’s a huge target for those who would hack your smartphone.

Hackers at Work

Essentially, a smartphone is a connected PC that fits in your pocket. So it’s not surprising that smartphone hackers use the same basic tactics that they use to extract information from PCs.

• Snoopware. Originally marketed as a way for parents to monitor their kids’ mobile phone usage, snoopware can be used to eavesdrop on your conversations, emails, text messages contact lists, and passwords. If you use a smartphone to make financial transactions, snoopware can be programmed to eavesdrop on those too.

• Smiphishing. This is like email phishing on a PC, except that it sends phishing messages via your Short Message Service (SMS) text service. Typically, you’ll receive a text message from a hacker posing as a business with whom you do business. The message may ask you to update a password, re-enter your credit card or provide sensitive information which can be used to defraud you. Or to commandeer your phone to launch bot attacks or damage your files.

• Spam. Plain old spam, just like the kind that attacks your PC email, will also turn up in your smartphone email or even in text messages. A lot of it is just annoying, but some of it will be unsolicited offers or smiphishing, both designed to get your personal information for financial gain or to destroy your files.

• Bluetooth. Your Bluetooth connection can be hacked to provide access to your phone any time it’s turned on, even when it’s turned on but not in use.

What You Can Do

In a word, beware. Be as careful in how you use your smartphone as you are when you use your PC.

• Don’t open email if you don’t know the sender. If any sender asks you to provide sensitive information, don’t. If such a request seems to be from a business you know, use your browser to go to their website or a phone to call the business.

• Don’t answer text messages that ask for personal information. Again, if you think it might be legitimate, contact the purported sender by other means.

• Delete spam. Don’t answer it, ever.

• Turn off Bluetooth when you’re not using it. Also, turn it off when you are speaking or entering sensitive information into your smartphone.

• Buy protection. Just as you should always secure your PC with up-to-date Internet security software, you should protect your smartphone with smartphone security software to protect your smartphone against the latest security threats.

Be Smart, Beware

Beware, be careful, install security software and keep it up to date. Then you can talk, text, browse, and transact fearlessly. And live your mobile life to its fullest.

 

By Jennifer Martinez

www.earthlinksecurity.com