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High-Resolution Images Will Now Be Supported By Instagram

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Though not directly apparent from Instagram’s website, Instagram has begun storing images in more premium quality 1080 x 1080 pixel resolution. The Verge has reported that the company which used to store images in  640 x 640 pixel resolution has now gone High-Res.

The source code has the Key

Larger versions of the uploaded photos are not currently visible from the Instagram apps or website but can be found out by checking the source code.

It can be easily speculated that this change will lead to improvements involving the viewing experience of the application.

Again it will also help as a storehouse of all your High-res images. Getting better prints from applications that have Instagram plug-ins e.g. Shutterfly, can also be added to the benefits list.

Where can I see the Change?

To obtain any 1080 x 1080 pixels image in the Instagram website, just go to the concerned page and look up the source code. From there open the “Find” dialog and just type ‘.jpg’.

The first obtained result will be a direct URL to the larger version of the image.

Well, the news might not be as surprising. Storage is now becoming cheaper. With Google Photos offering unlimited storage, it’s time other photo sharing websites bring changes regarding photos and their quality.

Many Instagram users, in the past, have shown discomfort on the image resolution supported by one of the most popular services. Recent changes in storage capacity have enabled Instagram to quickly change gears.

But, we have to wait to see the real change.

What do you think about Instagram and the image quality support? Comment below and let us know. Also, share the news with your Instagram friends!

Hacking Team Hacked: From Hacking Team to Hacked Team

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What is it with the government and their intrusion into the private life of internet citizens? Well Hacking Team, a company that help government invade the privacy of their citizens just got hacked.

Who got Hacked?

Hacking Team, an Italian company has been hacked and information revealing how they help government spy on their citizens leaked.

The firm knew about the problem when their Twitter account got hacked and their display name changed from Hacking Team to “Hacked Team.”

This incident was shortly followed by a Twitter post containing a link to 400GB (as claimed by the attacker) worth of the company’s internal files, source codes and communications.

Note: Some sources are reporting a leak of 500 GB of data.

“Since we have nothing to hide, we’re publishing all out e-mails, files and source code”

as was posted by ‘hacked’ team followed by the respective links.

This Hacker/ group of hackers are presently unknown whereas Da Vinci (Hacking Team’s primary surveillance tool) has only been able to give the company a spot on Reporters without border’s “Enemies of the Internet” list.

Large Base of Customers

The company’s customers as revealed from the stolen internal documents, include Australia, Germany, Honduras, Hungary, Italy, Kazakhstan, Sudan, Switzerland, Thailand, UAE, United States,  Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Chile, Colombia, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Nigeria (Bayelsa State was specifically named), Oman, Panama, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

A YouTube Video currently acts as a means of advertisement of the Hacking Team’s services, though the company’s future seems grim as no intelligence agency will want to use the service after this major breach in its system.

The Hacking Team’s website doesn’t currently appear to be hacked and is also hiring a new staff. But again due to the aforementioned reason, it’s very skeptical if someone would join the firm.

Samsung faces Legal action over Bloatware in China

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Samsung Phone

Last Thursday,  the Shanghai Consumer Council announced filing a case against Samsung and Oppo for  placing so much bloatware on their devices and also making it very difficult for the users to remove the apps.

Samsung recently launched its latest device i.e. Samsung Galaxy S6 which was overloaded with apps and  bloatware.

The customers waited for a long time in hopes that the things might be figured out but all in vain. Finally, the China Council has taken legal action which has brought relief to the customers.

Bloatware, also known as PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs),  are the in-built or pre-installed applications or programs that are typically difficult to remove.

The council said that it had taken action after increasing number of complaints from users.  Most of the complaints were related to the large storage space the apps took and also about the acquisition of user’s personal data whenever the apps were upgraded.

The commission found that Samsung Galaxy Note 3 had 44 built-in apps while Oppo Find 7a X9007 had 71 bloatware/PUPs.

The apps not only occupied unnecessary space on the phone but are also updated without the customer’s permission or any pre-notification. The root cause of this legal action is to discourage the company from installing the built-in apps that are a continuous headache.

Samsung’s formal response stated,

We haven’t received any official document of the legal action taken by the Shanghai Customer Council. However, we will give appropriate response after we receive the documents.”

The apps are not only difficult to remove from the cellphone but also acquire the user’s personal data for any further upgrade which bothers the users even more.

“This action is our latest attempt to provide the customers a shelter when other methods are failed in a real sense”,

Tao Ailian, secretary general of the Customer Council, said while delivering his statement to a newspaper of Shanghai.

Despite Samsung’s current  stance,  this legal action will probably affect the upcoming devices of Samsung.

BMW Shows Off More Vehicles with Power-Boosting Water Injection

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Last week, a presentation was arranged by BMW in Miramas (France) where the automaker exhibited their upcoming technology for vehicles.

The main focus of this presentation was the i8 technology adopting hydrogen fuel cell. The 5-Series Gran Turismo and a 2-Series Active Tourer plug-in hybrid were also in the stream but the prototype equipped with power-boosting water injection technology was of keen interest.

This technology is not a new one as we have seen such systems in other vehicles as well. However, this latest technology has typically been customized for turbo engines.

The technology works in the manner whereby a mist is sprayed both in the intake manifold and then into the cylinder chambers where it cools down the pressurized air mixture before combustion.

This cooling down is critical in order to make up the efficiency that ultimately enhances the power. BMW claims that this system gives an impressive 10% increase in power and 8% increase in the efficiency.

The best thing about this system is the maximized efficiency which makes this technology quite attractive for the sports drivers.

Underlying mechanism shows a drop in temperature of the fuel before it enters the combustion chamber thus no more fuel is required in the chamber.

All the water drains into a tank whenever the engine is switched off. This system also guards the engine during freezing temperatures because the water sink tank is itself positioned in the frost-protected place.

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Water injection system has already been introduced by BMW in its M4 safety car for MotoGP. However in the previous edition,water had to be refilled every time the car set on a journey.

In the 1-Series prototype, the water in the tank is always topped-up due to continuous water recovery through the condensation process.

BMW hasn’t confirmed when this prototype will be released officially but it is expected to appear in track-focused M4 GTS set to debut this year.

Everyone wont get Windows 10 on July 29

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The month of July has already begun and the official release of Windows 10 is just a couple of weeks away. But there is sad news for all you Windows lovers.

If you are currently not on Windows 10’s developer preview, you might not get Windows 10 on July 29th.

Microsoft announced this last week that Windows 10 will come out in phases. All eligible PCs will not get Windows 10 on July 29.

Who gets the first updates?

The upgrade will first be delivered to PCs enrolled in the Windows Insider beta testing program. Then the lucky people in line are users who have reserved their copies.

The news might be a complete disappointment to regular users but double fun for the “Insiders”. Not only are they getting Windows 10’s official release first, Microsoft has just launched the latest build of Windows 10.

Windows 10 build 10162 just like build 10158 and 10159 mainly focuses on bug fixes and functional improvement.

Now with all the previous build that has been released up until now, all build more or less had some new features added to Windows 10 along with polishing the overall software and bug fixes.

Build 10162 has no new features. But it doesn’t have any noticeable bugs either.

So the people using Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 can now shift to the Insiders program if they want to get Windows 10 on the release date as there aren’t any major bugs in the current build that might cause concern.

Also on the other hand there might be issues that might occur while upgrading to Windows 10. So you can just stay put with your current version of Windows and let Microsoft track and fix those problems.

After that, with millions of others, you will get the OS that’s got the world all wound up.

MasterCard testing Payment Authentication by Selfie

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MasterCard on Thursday announced that it is in the process of testing a new security feature that will allow holders to make payments by simply taking a selfie of their face.

Does this changes anything?

The whole world is going online and to be honest the internet has a whole lot of security issues.

People are doing more and more of their activities online and that includes buying too; so multiple levels of authentication or a very intimate level of authentication is most welcome.

MasterCard is now assessing this issue. It will add a layer of biometric security to its credit cards. Payments will be authenticated by scanning your face.

The workings are a bit complicated so any person just holding a picture of you will not be mistaken for you.

The system does not keep a picture of you but a “Digitized map of your face” in the server. During the time of payment your face will be scanned and authentication will be given if it matches the map in the server.

MasterCard had previously stated that they have future plans to replace the static passwords by biometric scanning, voice recognition etc.

Currently, face recognition is the path the company has chosen as the replacement of passwords in online payments.

At first MasterCard’s new program will only roll out to 500 users. They are in current collaboration with Apple, Google, Samsung, Microsoft, and BlackBerry. Two Major Banks have also joined them in this venture.

Now if the program is well enough developed to be able to recognize your morning face and party face then- this feature could quite soon be publicly available.

Casio Entering the Smart Watch Market

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casio

Casio Computer Company of Japan has just announced that they will manufacture modern-day smartwatches to compete with the likes of the Apple Watch.

The masters of watch making enter the smartwatch arena

It has been four decades since Casio had introduced the first digital watch, which basically is a point of argument that Casio was the first manufacturer of “smart” watches.

But now The Wall Street Journal reports that Casio will be introducing their smartwatches.

Currently, Casio doesn’t have any smartwatch on its product line to compete with the kinds of Apple Watch. They do have a version of their famous G-Shock Watch that can connect to Apple and Samsung Galaxy devices.

These watches can alert the wearer about incoming calls, texts and calendar notifications that are on the phone. They also allow to control music playback on your phone.

Kazuhiro Kashio, Casio’s President hasn’t disclosed the specific features of the possible smartwatch from the company, offered some idea of what to expect.

The watch will be targeted at men interested in outdoor sports and leisure activities. This will determine the design and appearance of the watch.

Kashio also stated that it will be quite comfortable to wear and have a very stylish appearance.

Casio had in the past introduced watches with some novel features, like the inclusion of a heart rate monitor and tried-out a schedule manager.

Due to the failure of execution the products were pulled off as they didn’t sell well, said Kashio.

“We are trying to bring our smartwatches to a level of watch perfection: a device that won’t break easily, is simple to put on, and feels good to wear.”

The watches are estimated to come with a price tag of around $400 and will have a tough competitive market with companies like Apple and Pebble.

Still people are very well aware of the weight that comes with the brand name Casio and they should have a good market presence.

Kashio says the company will launch in Japan and United States first and hasn’t said anything about plans of international release.

Samsung Galaxy S6 Duos receives Android 5.1.1 update

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The dual SIM version of the Galaxy S6, the Samsung Galaxy S6 Duos is getting the latest version of Lollipop i.e.  Android 5.1.1.

The Single-Sim model of Galaxy S6 has already been upgraded to the latest Lollipop edition a month ago. The tests on Galaxy S6 Duos reveal that the new Android updates take almost 620 MB of available size on the phone.

If you find it difficult to upgrade to the latest Android version 5.1.1 Lollipop then you may switch to Kies, i.e. the Samsung’s Desktop application for its devices and you will be able to enable the new version update.

The new update has initially been released for the Dubai market but is expected to reach other commercial zones soon.

Galaxy S6 Duos Android 5.1.1 Update

It can be seen in the screenshots that the new version is not just an update bump but it also brings several modifications to your cellphone. Lollipop 5.1.1 gets enhanced security essentials, system stability and improved UI system.

From the perspective of an average user, Samsung Galaxy S6 Duos can be considered one of the best phone especially for its remarkable hardware specs.

However the release of Lollipop 5.1.1 is expected to give some edge to the Samsung Galaxy S6 and may help it restore its fledgling position in the market.

The new version is designed so as to provide a better user interface and support the heavy applications. So one should rather expect additions in apps support than expecting enhanced storage and time capacity.

Still users are concerned about the battery life of the device, making a backup of all the relevant data. Meanwhile, the battery life of Samsung devices remains the most critical issue yet to be resolved by the company.

Microsoft’s latest Windows 10 preview for PCs gets the Edge Browser

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Just one month before the Windows 10 hits PCs worldwide, Microsoft has added more amazing features of its upcoming operating system with the addition the new Edge browser in the latest preview edition.

Previously known as Project Spartan, Microsoft Edge is the replacement for Internet Explorer in Windows 10. However Internet Explorer will still be available for legacy support.

Edge Browser appears on Windows 10

The previous previews of Windows 10 revealed the introduction of Edge imminent but the release of Build 10158 is the final touch to the Edge Browser.

It is not just a name change rather the whole application ID has been transformed from Spartan release. The new browser takes over the previous version of Spartan with several new features like an optional home button and importing bookmarks from other or 3rd party surfers.

Additional options have also been included like New Start-up and New Tab customization, auto password/form-filling that enables you to manage your passwords for other websites, breaking and dragging tabs and last but not the least a brand new fabulous dark theme.

It is up to you to decide what you want to display on the screen when you click the browser option, including a marvelous feature of Suggested Posts that depicts your interest and shows relevant material to your search. Audio also keeps on playing on Edge even if it is sent to background.

Apart from new features providing ease of access, several new modifications have been made in the visuals and display. Continuum’s Tablet mode will get an improvised view with the addition of several animations supporting Windows 8/8.1 apps and classic (Win32) apps.

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“We are much satisfied and happy with the new features of Windows 10 and we are more focused to improve it to provide a better interface for the users”,

says a Microsoft spokesperson.

“Even between now and July 29, you can expect more builds and additions from Microsoft to this operating system”,

he added.

So Windows 10 is in its final stages of release and is expected to meet the end user’s desires when it hits PCs on July 29.

Facebook goes head on with YouTube, Video Ad Revenue Sharing

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Both YouTube and Facebook are social networking giants though in different aspects. Now Facebook wants to take on YouTube on its own turf by introducing a revenue sharing model for publishers in order to attract more video connect on its platform

On YouTube “socialization” revolves mainly around media content whereas, on Facebook it’s more about keeping up-to-date with friends and family.

Though Facebook can be used for playing games and keeping track of people you like (follow), generally celebrities. But now Facebook is in the mood of monopolization.

It has currently started a new business strategy of offering video creators on Facebook a cut of the revenue and hence challenging YouTube.

55% Cut for Publishers

Video creators will be given 55% of the revenue. It’s the first time Facebook has shared video revenue.

Dan Rose, Facebook’s VP of partnership told Re/Code

“A lot of [our partners] have said this will be a big motivation to start publishing a lot more video content to Facebook. That’s exactly what we’re hoping for.”

Currently, Facebook is in partnership with selected video creators including NBA, Fox Sports, and Funny or Die.

Facebook will introduce a new feature called Suggested videos, a sub-section of NewsFeed via which the revenue system will work.

If a sports highlight in the NewsFeed is clicked, the video may open in the suggested videos, which then display similar videos using a new algorithmic method.

The video then will continue to play automatically as the user scrolls. Ads will be interspersed between three or more videos.

The terms of payment to the video creators are the same as that of YouTube’s. But it is a bit trickier.

Suppose someone watches a one minute Fox Sports video and a three minute Funny or die video, Funny or Die would get 75% of the publishers 55% cut of any advertising viewed during that session.

“Suggested videos” is still in testing and would be releasing no earlier than 3 months time. At first it will be available for iOS and the Android and then later arrive for the web.