A step toward better mobile experiences in Africa

If you’re online in Nigeria, chances are you’re on a smartphone. Of the more than 50 million Nigerians who use the Internet, 95% do so on a mobile device — and thanks to those devices, the number of people across Nigeria and the rest of Africa with access has grown tremendously. 

However, simply having an Internet connection isn’t enough. It’s important that people getting started with the Internet have a great, reliable, and relevant experience right away. This can be a challenge in places where local content may be limited, connectivity slow or intermittent, and quality phones costly.

While there’s still much more to do, we’re excited to take a step forward in addressing some of those challenges. Today in Lagos we’re announcing new products and features made to improve people’s experience when using a mobile phone to access the Internet. 

First, the Android One program is expanding to Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Egypt, and Morocco with the launch of the Infinix HOT 2. This is the first Android One device made with our hardware partner Infinix, one of the hottest, fastest growing smartphone brands in Africa. Starting today, the HOT 2 is available in Nigeria at select retail outlets and online through Jumia at a recommended retail price of N17,500* (~88 USD), and it will become available in the other countries over the next few weeks.

Like all Android One phones, the HOT 2 combines a high-quality hardware experience with pure Android software. Bringing together a quad-core MediaTek processor with 1GB memory, dual SIM support, and black, white, red, blue, and gold (with 2GB memory) models, the hardware is a great complement to Lollipop 5.1.1, which provides up to 2x better performance and extended battery features. The Android One HOT 2 will also receive an update to the next version of Android (according to Infinix’s schedule), and thus stays fast and responsive over time.

Second, for people who already own a smartphone, we’re helping them get more for their MBs through a streamlined version of Google Search rolling out to devices worldwide and offering a faster experience on low RAM phones, such as those with 512MB. This feature can reduce data usage on the results page by up to 90%, while removing up to ⅓ of the time it takes to load results.

Finally, we will make the YouTube viewing experience even better by extending YouTube offline to Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Egypt within the next few months. This feature of the YouTube app lets you store many of the videos on YouTube for up to 48 hours, so you can watch them later when your connection may be slow — or non-existent. And if you want to quickly re-watch a video with friends without waiting for it to load, that works great too.

Nearly one year ago, Google introduced the Android One program and YouTube Offline in India. Today, 6 countries in Africa — with combined populations of 379 million people — join the list of places where Android One phones are sold. We’ve been thrilled by the progress and feel humbled by the work that’s left to do. But we look forward to continuing our work with partners to ensure that people have a great way to access the Internet, using it in ways that are relevant and useful. 

Posted by Caesar Sengupta, VP, Product Management

* The pricing may differ from seller to seller in offline retail stores

An Update to Nexus Devices

Security has always been a major focus for Android and Google Play: Android was built from day one with security in mind.

For example, the “Application Sandbox” model keeps applications running separately from other apps and the rest of the device to keep your data safe. With Verify Apps, over 1 billion devices are protected via Google Play, which conducts hundreds of millions of antivirus-like security scans of devices per day seamlessly in the background. Also, Android is open source so that anyone can comb through the code to identify and address potential security risks, which makes the platform stronger. In fact, the Android Security Rewards Program financially rewards security researchers who invest their time and effort in helping make Android more secure.

We believe the combination of these approaches has led to there being fewer than 0.15% of devices with any kind of potentially harmful app installed, as long as apps were installed from Google Play. (See more of our research.)

An additional approach to further increase the security of Android users involves updates to the device software. For the past three years, we have been notifying Android manufacturers every month through bulletins of security issues so that they can keep their users secure.

Nexus devices have always been among the first Android devices to receive platform and security updates. From this week on, Nexus devices will receive regular OTA updates each month focused on security, in addition to the usual platform updates. The first security update of this kind began rolling out today, Wednesday August 5th, to Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7, Nexus 9, Nexus 10, and Nexus Player. This security update contains fixes for issues in bulletins provided to partners through July 2015, including fixes for the libStageFright issues. At the same time, the fixes will be released to the public via the Android Open Source Project. Nexus devices will continue to receive major updates for at least two years and security patches for the longer of three years from initial availability or 18 months from last sale of the device via the Google Store.

Security continues to be a top priority and monthly device updates are yet another tool to make and keep Android users safe.


Posted by Adrian Ludwig, Lead Engineer for Android Security, and Venkat Rapaka, Director of Nexus Product Management

Google Maps for Android Wear: Put the world on your wrist

Whether you’re exploring a new country or reconnecting with an old neighborhood this summer, Android Wear can help you get timely and local information, directly on your wrist. With an updated Google Maps app and API for Android Wear, it’s now even easier to know where you’re going, while leaving your phone in your pocket or purse.

Google Maps for Android Wear
Just say “Ok Google, navigate to…” to bring up Google Maps’ improved turn-by-turn guidance and full-screen navigation view on your watch. And with always-on screen support, your map view remains on your wrist in battery-saving mode, even when you’re not actively looking at your screen.

Glanceable maps in lots more apps
Many travel apps integrate with Google Maps on Android Wear to bring what’s around you to your wrist. Use HotelTonight to track hotel rates and get notified right on your watch when the price is right. Forgot to pack your toothbrush? Priceline customers can use Android Wear to locate the closest convenience store.

As you stroll through a neighborhood, Foursquare will make sure you won’t walk by and miss a restaurant’s legendary burrito. And TripAdvisor will tell you about the city’s best comedy club that you should visit now (or save for tomorrow night, directly from your watch). You’ll blend right in with the locals as you expertly navigate a new city’s public transport with Citymapper’s step-by-step directions right on your wrist.

No matter how caught up you get in your adventures, be sure to take the time to check-in with your loved ones. With Glympse on Android Wear, you won’t even need to take out your phone! And should your vacation inspire bigger life changes, use Trulia or Zillow to glance at all the home sale listings in your new, beloved neighborhood.

No matter where you go, Android Wear lets you stay on track while freeing your hands for an ice-cream cone—or two. So before you hit the road this summer, be sure to pack your Android Wear watch and your favorite travel apps.

Posted by Ben Greenwood, Product Manager, Google Maps

Flash Storage And Modern Businesses: Why It Works

Flash storage is the wave of the future for computers, mobile phones, notebooks, laptops and powerful business computer systems. Many businesses are transitioning to flash storage from their basic storage systems and hard drives. However, some business owners are still confused about flash storage and how it works in terms of network storage and business efficiency. The following can explain some of the benefits of flash storage as well as a brief description of what flash storage is.

What Is Flash Storage for a Business?

All businesses have a family of computers in it at some place. Those computers have storage systems for files, pictures, documents, music, projects, applications and the like. Flash memory is different from RAM or random access memory. RAM is the computer’s main storage system. Flash memory is a separate storage system that does not need power to it to operate. Use of flash memory is inexpensive as compared to conventional memory. Units that have flash memory can go through the booting process without ever causing the hard drive to spin. RAM requires constant power to it, and it is highly expensive.

How Flash Memory Is Designed

A flash storage system is a small unit with a memory chip and a flash controller. The chip is the part of the system that stores the data while the controller works in harmony with the RAM cache. The cache is what buffers the data that is going in and out of the memory chips, and the buffering enhances the speed and performance of the memory.

Flash is becoming more prevalent than conventional storage systems is. Business and individuals are turning to products that have flash memory because of the benefits that they are experiencing with data storage and network storage.

The following are a few reasons that flash memory is quickly replacing hard drives:

Less Power Consumption

 

Flash drives have no mechanical parts that move around, so they automatically consume less power than a conventional memory unit. In fact, a unit with flash memory will use 50 percent less power than a unit that has a conventional memory system will use. Additionally, flash drives provide unlimited access to files. Flash units have no limitations on them, so they can find files milliseconds faster than units that do not have flash can.

Data Center Compactness

Many of today’s small units have completely abandoned hard drives and moved to flash memory because of the compactness that they provide.

Overall Cost Effectiveness

One of the best features of flash storage is that it can save a business money. Switching to flash storage can make a business environment more secure, as well.

An interested business representative can contact a reliable provider to discuss the available options for flash storage and network storage. The person can help connect the business owner with solutions that can increase capacity and performance. Smart technology solutions are available for businesses of every sizes. Providers are on standby to assist a business that wants to grow and mature with the ever-advancing technology.



Author Bio:
Katrina racks them in for the market leader of custom racking products at Rack Solutions - visit us today.

5 Ways Voice Recognition Is Now A Part of Our Everyday Lives

Voice recognition software used to be the realm of science fiction, with practical applications rarely extending beyond devices that could recognize a few carefully selected words. When voice recognition hit computers, it became possible to train the computer to recognize your voice. However, this rarely resulted in perfectly accurate results. Now, people are communicating with devices, typing emails and improving their lives using natural speech patterns. As we take a look at the five ways voice recognition software has changed our lives, keep in mind the history and development required to reach this amazing point in history.

Telephone Menus

Most businesses now have the option to speak your commands when you call a company. You might be presented with a list of options, or get a prompt to ask for what you're looking for in just a few words. Banks might allow you to ask for your balance, check the latest deposits or transfer money to another account all without touching any keys on the phone. This is extremely useful for people who are not able to free their hands to type, or that are working on other activities while attempting to complete errands.

Cell Phones

Most cell phones use voice recognition software to help you find what you need. Apple's Siri is a prime example of voice-activated software that helps you find information, get things done and even play around on your phone. If you're ever in the mood for a joke, ask your device to tell you a joke and see what it says. People with mild forms of autism have even used these response features to connect with the world and develop their social skills. The technology has come a long way, and is now used very comfortably in a variety of situations.

Voice Recognition Replaces Typing

Many people who work in business now use voice recognition software to dictate their emails and other communications. The technology has reached a point where a good degree of accuracy can be obtained. After typing the email, a quick glance over the text can help detect any errors. This technology can save a significant amount of time for people who don't type quickly, or that need to work on other projects while responding to communications. The technology also extends to opening up applications on your computer, typing reports and controlling various aspects of the operating system. As the technology continues to improve, voice recognition software may eventually make the keyboard less relevant.

Home Environment Controls

Many new thermostats and other controllers around your house now respond to voice recognition. You can turn your thermostat up or down by simply activating the voice recognition software. Enable or disable your home's alarm through a specially designed voice recognition app. Virtually everything in your home can be controlled using smart apps installed on your phone. The ability to use your voice to manage and control your environment poses a huge benefit for those with too much on their plate.

Driving Your Car

Navigation control, thermostat features, radio and your stereo in your car can now be controlled using just your voice. The technology allows you to adjust your route, play a selected song or artist, and drive more safely. By removing the distraction of fiddling with buttons while you drive, it makes it safer for both you and everyone else on the road. Phone calls can be answered without having to pick up your phone, and your entire car's audio system can be turned into a microphone and speaker to make and receive calls. As the technology continues to improve more safety mechanisms will be introduced to improve the experience of driving your car.



Author Bio:
Jessica Kane is a professional blogger who writes about technology and other gadgets and gizmos aplenty. She currently writes for Total Voice Tech, her go to for all professional Dragon products.

6 Interview Questions to Stop Asking Job Seekers

If you have been looking for young, fresh talent, you have probably found that the potential employee pool of the modern era is somehow different from its counterparts in the past. The Millennial generation is different in many ways, but there is one fundamental difference: They do not need your job.

The job seeker of today will hold five to seven careers in his or her lifetimes in completely different industries. Contrary to whatever you may believe about the student debt discussion, the Millennial is less economically encumbered than any generation previous because they are unmarried and do not have kids until later in life.

Getting these new Millennials to work for you is the secret to attracting new business. However, you need to ask different questions in the interview. Here are a few that you need to completely leave on the cutting room floor.

Question 1 - Where do you see yourself in five years?

This is perhaps the most disingenuous question in human history, job interview or not. You are looking for the answer, "Happily working for you for less than I am worth with no other life responsibilities!" New job seekers see right through it. It doesn't work anymore - there are simply too many choices for employment out there for a young, tech savvy individual.

Question 2 - What are your weaknesses?

Who wants to reveal their weaknesses? This question attempts to create a false camaraderie while attempting to make your talent pool qualify itself out through self-incrimination. All you will get with this question is politically correct self-censorship from this generation, and rightly so. You yourself know that anyone who would answer this question honestly probably isn't looking to get hired in the first place. You wouldn't answer it honestly, so do not ask it.

Question 3 - We have a lot of talented resumes; why should we hire you?

Do not play the bluff that you have more talent than you know what to do with. This is a play for later negotiations as well, to give the employee less to stand on when asking for a proper salary.

First of all, social media among the new Millennial generation has made every job posting public knowledge. Unless you are an international corporation who is flying in talent from around the world, people know who else has interviewed for the position. Make this bluff to the savvy job seeker and you show your hand.

Question 4 - What would your past bosses say about you?

Again, who is going to answer this question honestly? This is also a moot point with the amount of information that you can find about a person online. Perhaps this particular employee had a racist or a sexist boss. However, the old boss is not on trial here, and anything bad that boss would say about the person in front of you will only reflect poorly on the person in front of you. There is no way that you can discern any information that is actually relevant about the interviewee with this old school question.

Additionally, any job seeker worth his or her salt has come in to you with a list of past references that you can call. Do so and stop wasting valuable time in the interview with the talent.

Question 5 - Why do you want to work for us?

Did you seriously take an interview with a candidate that did not have the common sense to personalize the cover letter? Do you know whether this happened or not (many recruiters ask this question because they have not taken the time to actually read the cover letter or resume thoroughly).

People want to work for companies because companies have paychecks for them. Stop trying to build an entire relationship in a 10 minute conversation. Also, if you cannot tell who truly wants to be there and who is faking their body language to get a job, perhaps you should not be interviewing potential candidates in the first place.

Question 6 - How did I do in this interview?

First of all, whoever came up with this question is to be lauded for understanding that the interview process is now a two way street. The truly talented employee pool of today has more choices than ever, and this question is an attempt to show that the interviewer understands this shift in power.

However, it is quite the feeble attempt.

The interviewee has no idea if you have the personal fortitude to hear an honest answer to this question. There is no way that he or she can answer it honestly. Would you start off being totally honest with a complete stranger? You can only expect the same politically correct answer here along with a look of confusion.




Author Bio:

Amy Klimek is an experienced HR recruiter and VP of Human Resources for ZipRecruiter, a company that simplifies the hiring process for small to medium size businesses. Prior to that Amy has held similar roles at Rent.com, eBay and US Interactive.

For Amy, corporate culture isn't about dogs and free lunches, it's about empowering employees and creating an enriching environment for people to excel.

How Private is Google's Incongito Mode?

With the increase in the number of users of internet globally cyber crimes have also increased remarkably and people should try to be more careful while using the internet than ever before. In the age where almost everyone has access to the internet privacy is one of the most important things that you should worry about while browsing on the internet.

If you are using a public computer for general search like for the schedule of the football world cup fixtures or look for the weather report, privacy is not entirely necessary. But if you are booking a table in a restaurant online, shopping online by using your credit card, checking your bank account, logging into your social media profile or checking your email you need your browsing to be private.

If you are browsing in a public computer you need to be aware that the data you search can easily be accessed by someone else who uses the same computer after you. Mostly people who want their browsing to be private and don’t want anyone to see what they search on the internet remove the history manually after they are done. The traces are removed by clearing the cache and cookie files to completely remove the history. It can also be used specifically for the sites you want to be cleared. They can be removed selectively and the process which does not take much of your time.

Privacy on the internet is now taken very seriously and most modern browsers ship have a private browsing mode that you can be start independently. This helps to avoid keeping the record of the sites visited and the information browsed in that session cannot be restored once the browser is closed.

Private modes of browsing of all the browsers are the same. A new window opens that is independent from the main session. Just like the main session users can open as many sites as they want to open.

There is however a difference between the functioning of Firefox private browsing mode and google chrome's incognito mode.

In google chrome when you close the browser after using the incognito mode the data cannot be restored. Not everyone needs the private mode of browsing as If you search of a website of something that you need and after finding it you close the window than this information that you searched cannot be restored and if you do not remember the exact site that you searched you cannot reopen it as the data is not saved.

But in Firefox this feature is different. In Firefox data can be restored in the same way just like in the normal browser which is by using ctrl+shift-t. It can also be achieved by right click on the tab bar and undo close tabs from the context menu.

Other browser like opera and internet explorer also use private browsing. Opera is chromium based so its private browsing mode is just like that of google chrome’s incognito and the closed tab cannot be restored while internet explorer handles private browsing just like Firefox.

Comparing these browsers and their private browsing a question arises that is why these applications are different in re-opening the tabs once after they are closed. There is no official answer to this but an appropriate and logical reason can be that the browser that can re-open the closed tabs holds data on a window level while the browsers that cannot re-open the closed tabs in incognito mode like google chrome and opera hold data on tab level.

It makes google chrome’s incognito mode more private as there is no restoration of a tab once after it is closed.



Author Bio:
Brooke fill in as Parental and Tech expert and writer has earned her an exhibited accumulating of readers who are needing for the most recent news and audit about Tech updates. Her work turns around the most recent in spy app for mobile phones like Mobile Tracker.