Archive for July, 2012
The 2012 London Olympics; who are you cheering for?
Jul 29th
The 2012 London Olympic Games’ opening ceremony, as unveiled by Twitter, has instigated more than 9.66 million tweets, breaking the record set the entire 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
If you were logged in to Twitter when the amazing 007 escorted the Queen, then you have probably noticed how your timeline was over flooded by tweets strictly show related.
The US microblogging Mekkah has grown tremendously since the Beijin Olympics, so being at the forefront of such a major discussion came as no surprise. If we look back to 2008, when Twitter was a mere growing startup (that wasn’t yet blocked in China), yet in this day and age, Twitter sees quite a behemothic 340 million tweets each day, a compelling ration, one that shall be Olympic-related over the next month or so.
While Twitter has not revealed the actual size of the highest spike of tweets this past Friday, yet a tweet sent by Tim Berners-Lee while on stage received an incredible 10,000 retweet alone.
Twitter was also responsible for some early Olympic controversy; British politician Aidan Burley tweeted “leftie multi-cultural crap” describing the opening ceremony easily landing him on all major headlines.
Burley tweeted later , explaining that he had been misunderstood and that his references were to the organization rather than the show itself. Nevertheless, the contents of his two tweets received wide media spread and attention.
The MP is not, however, the first prominent figure to find himself in a predicament because of a 140 character message; just days before the opening ceremony, Greek athlete Voula Papachristou was not allowed to attend with her country’s representatives after tweeting a highly racist joke, which is translated to:
“With so many Africans in Greece…at least the mosquitoes from the west Nile are eating local food.”
Well, whatever your team is, we hope you cheer with integrity! Write to us with your favorite sport!
Be part of the smart crowd and download G Cloud today; it’s free!
Top 8 Apps of the week!
Jul 26th
For the last Thursday of the month, here is a recap of the best 8 Apps for July. From photo editing apps that will arouse the Picasso in you to coloring Apps for your kids that will surly leave your walls and door cleaner than ever. We hope you enjoy this edition and be sure to send us your favorite one:
1. Colour Splash FX (Get it for your android)
Create stunning artwork with your photos by removing or changing colours! Gray out everything in your photo except your face! Make your hair green; paint a flag over your face; change the color of the water, the sky, anything you like! It isn’t the first app of its kind, but it’s a good-looking effect, the fast and liquid smooth interface makes Colour Splash FX easy and fun.
2. Widgetsoid (Get it for your android)
is a toggle and launcher widget that allows you to create a row (vertical or horizontal) of “buttons” that will toggle or open up settings or even launch an app or call/text someone. The desktop widget is highly customizable and the number of toggles/settings available is unbeatable.
3. Amazing Alex (Get it for your android)
This new Android Game is the first new IP put out by Angry Birds pioneers Rovio. This game is based on Casey’s Contraptions and features physics based puzzles. Amazing Alex takes place in a young boy’s messy house. Each level presents a different physics puzzle that involves cleaning up: you have to put balls in a bin, topple some books, or pop balloons. You then use the objects available to you to solve the puzzle, earning bonuses for each of the three stars you collect.
4. Ninja Fishing (Get it for your android)
This game takes the best elements out of Fruit Ninja and other games and gives you the total package. You can drop your line in the water while avoiding fish. Once you get to the bottom your job is to catch as many as you can. Once your fish are all caught you engage in the slashing of yummy sushi.
5. AutoReader 3D (Get it for your android)
Being able to carry copies of digital books may have made things easier for many of us, but if you read something for hours on end, it won’t take long before you’ve developed a headache and eyestrain. We have different ways of coping. Some of us turn down the brightness level of our mobile devices, while others change the background and the text color. Smarter, savvier Android users will have a different approach to preventing eyestrain; like downloading this app.
6. X-Ray for Android (Get it for your android)
This DARPA-funded app shows you the security holes on your Android device. Don’t be confused though; X-Ray is not an antivirus app, so it won’t attempt to identify malware-ridden apps. Instead, the app looks at the system and identifies the holes that attackers might take advantage of to compromise your Android device. Many of the holes are well-known in the world of security researchers, yet carriers do little to patch them. For instance, the GingerBreak vulnerability, found in Android 2.3 Gingerbread (the most prevalent Android flavor today), is a well-known bug that has been commonly abused by digital wrongdoers for more than 18 months.
7. G Cloud Backup (Get it for your android)
With over 70 million smartphones getting lost every single year and only 7% being actually recovered, we ought to immediately think of a way to protect ourselves and our digital life. For everyone who has coveted the simplicity of the iCloud, the backup software for iOS, here is an app for Android that is not only an equivalent, but as stated by one of the users: it puts the “Smart” in Smartphones. So get it and never worry about losing your phone or having it stolen.
8. Samo Coloring for Kids (Get it for your android)
The Google Play Store doesn’t only make room for apps for grownups but also has a selection of apps for children who are starting to figure out what they can do with their little hands. Letting small children get their hands on coloring materials could turn your walls and furniture into a coloring book disaster. Instead, try an alternative way to develop your child’s artistic side with Samo Coloring for Kids. It’s a simple and intuitive coloring application designed to immerse your child in the world of colors without the danger of accidental purchases common in many other apps since it is Ad-free.
Be part of the smart crowd and download G Cloud today; it’s free!
Wooga revamped; new Android and iOS integration
Jul 24th
Wooga, the social gaming behemoth, made an announcement today that will surly entice its many Android and iOS carrying fans, respectively.
The company’s hugely successfully Diamond Dash game, first released on Facebook last year in March, reached a whooping number of 70 million players. Now it will also be available for the little green robot holders to enjoy, as well as Apple carriers that alone account for 20 million of those players. The company seems to aim at a further reach with its Android launch.
Another massively successful Wooga game, and one of its first releases, Monster World has also been visited by the Mobile makeover team. With over 45 million people having played the game over the past two years, the company has high hopes for its iOS app.
Founder and CEO of Wooga, Jens Begemann, stated:
Our vision at Wooga is to make games for everyone and with the growing popularity of mobile platforms we have an opportunity to bring our games to a bigger audience than ever before. With unrivaled social features and a focus on connectivity, I believe Wooga has what it takes to define the social gaming experience on mobile.
Zynga, the other social gaming giant, has also tackled the mobile grounds yet reached mixed feedback; it is not an easy task to bring a full desktop experience offered by platforms such as Facebook, into the significantly smaller mobile environment. Nevertheless, Wooga seemed to have surpassed that obstacle.
Last month, it seemed that some people panicked at the rumors that Wooga was deserting Facebook altogether. Yet it turned out that those were in fact mere rumors, for when it comes to developing games, distribution is key. Rovio is the ideal example of exploiting as many platforms as possible in order to get ahead in the game.
Be part of the smart crowd and download G Cloud today; it’s free!
Smart phone Data loss infograph
Jul 19th
Ever looked at your precious Smartphone and wondered; how many people living on our planet right now hold such a set? Or perhaps you’ve wondered how many of those walking down the streets of NY, looking for a better life, end up losing their cherished data in a moment of haste! Well, after conducting much research, you’d be surprised by many of the perplexing facts we’ve encountered while gathering this hopefully intriguing infograph. Leave us your comments and let us know what you think.
Why you need to backup your Smartphone?
Jul 16th
Having so much data on one’s phone would make sense to have a strategic backup plan in case of a worst case scenario, yet how many of us actually do regular backup, or better yet consider losing our data to be of paramount concern? Big companies such as Apple, Google, and Microsoft, as well as mobile carriers such as Verizon and T-Mobile, have been smart enough to have already achieved great leaps in the data storage realm. Yet, both the companies and carriers seem to have a keen interest in centralizing the user experience to keep it trapped within the service provider or OEM device manufacturer. Logically, there isn’t any OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or carrier that would want their customer to stop using the product or service, so it makes perfect sense that they would exploit any means to keep the customer within the service. Manufacturer giants such as Apple and Microsoft have device specific platforms that they only backup to, such as iCloud or Live.com, what this ultimately means is that in the case you would want to switch platforms from iOS to Android; your data would most likely be unavailable, or very difficult to sync. Google is smarter in the sense of taking a more convenient approach, at least if you’ve activated one of their many products such as Gmail and Picasa that would salvage your data. But, have you ever considered, after restoring your data, who really owns it? Ah, yes, it’s a very important question, and I’m sure you would want to keep your data Your Own. So how would you? Having a device-autonomous backup service is imperative in today’s fast paced lifestyle. Product cycles that have an average of 6 months or less, OS platforms that alter almost yearly, the user ought to have the flexibility of switching carriers and manufactures as frequently as products do, and most importantly, the user ought to have the luxury of moving their data from one device to the next. Third-party backup App such as G Cloud comes in handy in the gap left open by the retention driven OEMs and Vendors through providing cloud-based data storage and restoration to any user on any current device, oblivious of the manufacturer or carrier. G Cloud takes it a step further by backing up SMS, call logs, Pictures, Videos, Contacts, Music and documents. Do not wait till you get disappointed and find out you cannot move your beloved data and basically digital life from your current phone to the next best phone ever just because your current manufacturer or carrier do not provide the service. Use the device –autonomous backup to make the transition as smooth as the summer wind!
Be part of the smart crowd and download G Cloud today; it’s free!
Never worry about losing your Android with this free App!
Jul 11th
With over 70 million smartphones getting lost every single year and only 7% being actually recovered, we ought to immediately think of a way to protect ourselves and our digital life.
For the first time ever, we are introducing a free App for all Android users that effortlessly and seamlessly protects all that is important to you. With G Cloud backup all you have to do is select what you want to include in the backup and you’re done! Just wait for a few moments and you won’t ever have to worry about losing your phone again. Upgrading to a new Android just got a whole lot easier as well!
Long gone are the days when phone backup meant having an SD card; with G Cloud everything is encrypted with supreme security and you won’t have to be burdened with doing anything other than selecting what you want to backup. Point and click and whatever happens to your phone next ( gets lots, stolen, thrown in the garden or simply replaced by a new one) will no longer be of any importance.
Be part of the smart crowd and download G Cloud today; it’s free!
Android users, beware of this new virus!
Jul 9th
Just when we thought no harm can be inflicted on the Chinese IT sector, comes a jeopardous virus that has alreadycaused harm to more than 100,000 Android devices and 9 app stores in China itself.
The bug – named ‘MMarketPay.A’ has been uncovered by mobile security company called “TrustGo” and is said to automatically place orders from China’s Mobile app store and download paid apps and video content without the user’s consent or knowledge. These are the 9 third-party apps that have already been corrupted: nDuoa, GFan, AppChina, LIQU, ANFONE, Soft.3g.cn, TalkPhone, 159.com and AZ4SD.
China Mobile Limited is one of the largest wireless providers on the planet and has more than 600 million users. Currently, the majority of mobile malware is found in applications that originate from and attack third-party markets in China and Russia. The main source of Android-specific malware is the cloning, repackaging and modification of popular apps with intentionally malicious code.
The new virus, MMarketPay.A, can circumnavigate the SMS security step and then download content and place those orders, causing the using unknowingly to accumulate bills for things he/she did not genuinely purchase.
Apparently China has been hit with a virus not long ago; back in January a similar bill-racking virus named “MSOJPApps” started to sweep even outside of China.
Even though the new threat has not put its ugly claws into Google Play, yet the very nature of China’s app ecosystem -that holds hundreds and hundreds of highly popular app stores among the Android community- causing the bug to defect a significant number of stores and devices.
Ostensibly, TrustGo recommends that all mobile owners ought to be cautious when downloading content from any app store, as well as of course keeping your device secure with backup apps such as iCloud for iOS and soon to be released G Cloud for Android; the first effortless app made for Android to securely encrypt your precious memories, pictures and documents to a secure cloud location.
So, what do you use to protect your phone? Do let us know and write to us.
Guess what; it’s Free.
If you want to find out more follow @GCloudAndroid
Android user? This is the App you’ve been waiting for!
Jul 3rd
Ever wondered what would happen had you lost your beloved Android device? Ahh, all those pictures, videos, music files and not to mention the synced Social profiles hacked! Oh no, all your embarrassing secrets are out; now everyone knows you enjoy watching Martha Stewart before going to bed!
Well, another scenario now; you decide to make a grand gesture to your partner and gift her with the latest Android device on the market and all she has to do is upgrade and insert the Sim card, but wait, it’s not all sunshine and butterflies! You’re partner starts having a nervous breakdown just at the thought of having to move all the data onto the new device. Ahh, what a bummer; you’re gift goes unnoticed!
Never mind your unnoticed gift now and let’s help out grandpa! Yet again it seems he has managed to lose his beloved new phone that you got him for his birthday. His screams of frustration are driving grandma crazy and you don’t know if it’s all your fault in the end for actually getting him a new device and trying to keep him up-to-date!
Wait, what’s that? Is your baby boy holding your phone and pushing it down the toilet? Oh no, quick try to salvage whatever you can before all those important contacts vanish into thin air.
Well, what if we told you there’s an app that will save you from all these scenarios and yet surpass all your expectations? An app that will be so intelligent as to think on its own and only be activated when connected to WiFi, plugged in, or have sufficient battery life.
Sounds amazing, doesn’t it? Yes, and guess what; it’s Free. If you want to find out more follow @GCloudAndroid
Euro 2012; Who did you cheer for?
Jul 2nd
We bet all Spaniards and Spanish fans are still celebrating yesterday’s magnificent 4-0 win over Italy in the European Championship football finale. From the data unveiled by Twitter, it seems soccer fans beat sports-related tweets after an estimated number of 15,358 tweets per second at peak.
The incredible record was achieved after the fourth goal scored by Juan Mata awarding Spain the Cup yet again.
Moreover, the behemoth blogging service declared that the finale that came after 3 long tournament weeks prompted an astounding number of tweets; 16.5 million to be exact from all over the world. Fans congregated to discuss and share their thoughts, commentary and of course loud rants.
The Euro 2012 related mentions were at their peak –accoring to a Twitter graph- after the two goals were scored, even though there was an extraordinary high number of tweets around the opening game, as well as the two semi-finals.
The graphic that provided this information is taken from Twitter’s very own interactive Euro 2012 site which explicitly shows how the tournament “played out” on the 140-character service.
Increased tration among all manner of fans from across the world has been realized throughout the help of many mainstream media such as BBC’s football team.
To exemplify BBC’s support; its website aptly contained acknowledgements and thoughts from their readers in live commentary feeds as well as a special feed dedicated to BBC’s football correspondents.
Yet, what intrigues us more is how footballers implemented the service and used it to make official comments and connect with their followers, or in Spanish star Andrés Iniesta’s case, celebrate victories:
It seems twitter has put some serious thought and work into covering this sports event, with the launch of the #Euro2012microsite and the continuous world breaking records. The next major tournament shall be in 2014, Brazil, when the FIFA World Cup will surely out beat all standing records. Yet, with the London Olympics set to start this summer, we are eager to view how tweeps from across the world shall react and interact.
Yet Twitter shall not stand alone in the Social realm with Facebook still wanting a bite of the sports apple, with the launch of their very own special Olympic hub as means of promoting the games, teams and athletes.
Who did you cheer for this Euro cup and who will you cheer for during these Olympics? Do let us know and keep posted for more interesting news.
Looking for a simple, elegant backup solution?
Genie Timeline 2012 is a new version of the number one continuous data protection program Timeline 2.1. It offers the first metro style user interface; enhanced performance, and added features. Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter for the latest news.
>Follow @Genie9backup
Hurray! It is Social Media Day!
Jul 1st
If you are one of the 56% of social media users that have admitted to using channels to spy on their partners, then you can rejoice; you have a special day to celebrate today since it is Social Media Day!
Mashable launched Social Media Day 3 years ago, in 2010 and both the event and social media use have grown tremendously in that time. The event has been declared official by 17 cities worldwide and three U.S. states.
Social media has bombarded our lives; from tweeting about the latest in politics, to rekindling old friendships on Facebook all the way to documenting our lunch on Instagram.
Yet Social media has served a far more influential purpose throughout the course of the past few years; from the behemothic effect Twitter and Facebook have had on the upheaval of the Arab Spring, to more local news when social media has proven to be vital in notifying the public of important information when the catastrophic wildfire hit Colorado just a few days ago. On Twitter, the hashtag #WaldoCanyonFire was a trending topic for several days. Using this hashtag, citizens along with Colorado Springs authorities and the media have been relaying pivotal, life-saving information. Colorado Springs was also a trending topic.
Yet, social media does not stop at Facebook and Twitter; Pinterest is currently the 3rd most visited website in the U.S with 60% of the users being females that is, and it seems everyone wants a bit from the social media apple; with So.cl, G+and Quora of course.
According to a website called The Social Skinny; half of the people that are active online, check into their preferred site first thing in the morning; ahh those annoying Foursquare check-ins, you know what we’re talking about!
Well, moving on to the world of Fashion, as Heidi Klum always says: “one day you’re in and the next you are out.” How have fashion designers and fashionistas reinvented the social media realm you might ask? Well, Oscar de la Renta was up to date sharing his runway show live on Tumblr as it was happening as well as pinning his bridal show, as well as many other brands that have aptly used crowdsourcing for the purposes of generating hype on social media in addition to sparking an emotional connection with their customers and curation to leverage influencers’ networks and create shopping experiences that merge editorial content with retail.
Remember, if all those social accounts get too over-whelming, you always have HootSuite and TweetDeck to come to your rescue and help you sort it out.
On a final note, we’d like to leave you with one fun fact on each of our favorite Social website:
1. Facebook: More than 350 million users suffer from Facebook Addiction Syndrome.
2. Twitter: Twitter handles more search queries per month than Bing and Yahoo combined (24 billion versus 4.1 billion and 9.4 billion respectively).
3. LinkedIn: LinkedIn has 161 million members in more than 200 countries and communities.
4. YouTube: YouTube was founded to share dinner clips of a party due to the files being too large for email.
5. Pinterest: Pinterest drives more referral traffic than YouTube, Google+ and LinkedIn combined.
6. Instagram: President Obama is on Instagram, having joined in January 2012.
7. Google +: “Student” is the number one occupation of Google+ users.
8. The mobile Web: China is the No. 1 country in the world for Smartphone use, with approximately 1 billion users.
9. Blogging: 3 million new blogs come online every month.
10. Klout: Justin Bieber is the only person with a perfect Klout score of 100 (says it all, then).
Looking for a simple, elegant backup solution?
Genie Timeline 2012 is a new version of the number one continuous data protection program Timeline 2.1. It offers the first metro style user interface; enhanced performance, and added features. Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter for the latest news.
>Follow @Genie9backup