Scam Virus Shield app tops Google Play's paid app charts before being yanked

Google recently pulled a $4 security app from Google Play that bilked thousands of users before it was finally found out.



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Yahoo to join Amazon, Netflix, and everybody else with original TV programming

Yahoo is no stranger to original content, but now the company wants to follow in the footsteps of Amazon, Hulu, Microsoft, Netflix, and Sony.



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Windows 8.1 Update Coming Tomorrow

Windows 8 users are probably looking forward to getting some much needed improvements to their operating system. The adoption rate of Microsoft’s latest operating system leaves no doubt as to how unsatisfied people are with it – Windows 7 still dominates the operating system market share. Even Windows XP beats Windows 8!


Come April 8, however, Microsoft will be releasing the latest Windows 8.1 update.


Windows update


So what’s going to be new?


One of the main things is that the operating system will now automatically know whether you’re using a desktop or a tablet – that may seem a to be trifling detail but it can make the user experience much better.


Another change is that Microsoft is bringing back the title bar at the top for full-screen apps; so, if you want to “get out” of the app, you simply have to click the “X” at the title bar.


Now I am not sure whether this detail falls under “wanted” and “improvement”, but the Windows Store is now automatically pinned to the taskbar on the desktop. At least when you need to purchase something – anything – you have fewer clicks/taps to make.


If you are the type that does not do well with changes, though, and you want to keep things the way they are, there’s no need to fret. In this latest update, Microsoft is going to give you the option to set your startup preferences. So, whether you want the desktop or the tiles, you can take your pick.


On the downside, if you’re looking for the Start Button of old, that’s not going to happen for this update. However, Microsoft does say that a future update will bring that back – sort of. That is, the old Start Button will be combined with live tiles. Hopefully, that will provide the happy medium between the two.


Here’s a quick look at what to expect tomorrow with the update.



Are you happy with what’s going to be included in the Windows 8.1 update? If not, what are the missing pieces?


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Security and quality top companies' reasons for using open source

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Behind The Scenes With Project Ara

Google has given us a glimpse of the work that is going into Project Ara, the company’s modular phone concept, that is being developed by its Advanced Technology and Projects (ATAP) group, via a new video (below).


In order to appeal to the masses, Google explains how there is a focus on keeping the interface simple and straight forward. ”We’re really trying to make this interface as simple as possible, and as spacially intuitive as we can,” says Eric Gunther, co-founder of SoSo Ltd, an interactive design studio that’s working with Google’s ATAP on the design of an Ara configurator app.


Behind The Scenes With Project Ara


The video gives you a glimpse of the metal exoskeleton, on which prototype modules are tested by the ATAP team, as well as renditions of how the finished design may look in various size configurations.


Project Ara behind the scenes


The timing of the video is very appropriate when you consider that later this month Google will be running its first 2-day developer conference for the device. You’ll notice the video has an overall style of a sales pitch, which is no doubt designed to build up some anticipation and excitement for the modular phone.


It could be that Google proves to be a real pioneer in the modular device market with Project Ara and with there being a shift to more customizable devices in general, it could potentially put them way ahead of the game.



[Images via Techcrunch]


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[Software Update] Vivaldi 7.1 Released, Here is What’s New and Fixed

UPDATE: Release of Vivaldi 7.1 stable version to public. Good news for Vivaldi browser users! Vivaldi team has released Vivaldi 7.1 to stabl...