Google is discontinuing yet another app, opting to integrate its features into another platform instead. Last September, users were notified via email about the impending shift, and a recent follow-up email offers options to migrate subscriptions to YouTube Music or export them to compatible formats for other apps. The Google Podcasts app will cease to function after June 23, 2024. 

Google Podcasts used to be my go-to choice. Its simplicity and user-friendly interface made it my comfortable podcasting companion. Now, I'm left searching for a replacement. Although Google Podcasts is going away, making way for YouTube Music.  As Google podcast is going away, consider giving one of these alternatives a try. 



YouTube Music

YouTube Music, as will be an official alternative to Google Podcasts, it is a natural alternative I would first try. It will not only provide access to a wide array of podcasts, it is also primarily a perfect music app. With its integration with YouTube's vast content library and features like personalized recommendations, YouTube Music provides an alternative platform for discovering and enjoying podcasts.



Pocket Casts

 Known for its intuitive interface and robust features, Pocket Casts offers a seamless podcast listening experience with features like variable playback speed and automatic episode downloads.


Spotify

While primarily a music streaming platform, Spotify has expanded its offerings to include podcasts. With a vast library of podcasts, personalized recommendations, and the ability to create playlists that mix music and podcasts, Spotify is a popular choice for podcast enthusiasts.


Overcast

Overcast is another popular podcast app known for its clean design and advanced features such as Smart Speed, Voice Boost, and the ability to create custom playlists. It also offers features like recommendations based on your listening habits.


Stitcher

Despite being shut down by SiriusXM, Stitcher continues to exist as a podcast app. With a diverse selection of podcasts, curated playlists, and personalized recommendations, Stitcher remains a viable alternative for podcast listeners.



As I embark on this journey to find the perfect alternative to Google Podcasts, I remain open-minded and eager to explore other podcast apps. While I may not have found my ideal replacement just yet, I'm optimistic that with time and experimentation, I'll discover a new favorite that perfectly suits my listening preferences. So, here's to embracing change and the excitement of discovering new possibilities in the world of podcasting. Who knows? Perhaps in a few months, I'll have stumbled upon the perfect alternative that exceeds all expectations.


Another cliche post on a very common topic! Yes, this is clickbait, but if you really are looking for some productive apps to make 2024 more productive, you landed on the right page.




As the new year is around the corner, you might be looking to give your new year a productive start, I would say this post will be very useful. In today's fast-paced digital world, staying productive is a constant challenge. The good news is that technology offers a plethora of tools to help us manage our tasks and time more efficiently. Here are the 5 must-have productivity apps that can supercharge your workflow and make your day more organized and productive.


Todoist

Todoist is a powerful task management app that helps you organize your to-do list and stay on top of your priorities. With its intuitive interface, you can create projects, set due dates, and categorize tasks. The app's collaborative features make it easy to share tasks with team members or family, ensuring everyone stays on the same page. Todoist also syncs across all your devices, so you can manage your tasks from your computer, smartphone, or tablet seamlessly.


Evernote

Evernote is a versatile note-taking app that goes beyond simple text notes. It allows you to capture ideas, images, web articles, and even handwritten notes. With its robust organizational features, you can create notebooks, tag notes, and search for information quickly. Evernote's powerful search functionality makes it easy to find the notes you need, making it an invaluable tool for keeping your thoughts and information organized.


Toggl

Time management is a crucial aspect of productivity, and Toggl is a fantastic app for tracking your time effectively. Whether you're a freelancer, or consultant, or simply want to understand where your time goes, Toggl lets you track your work hours with ease. You can create projects, log time entries, and generate detailed reports. Toggl's simple interface and seamless integration with other apps make it a go-to tool for individuals and teams looking to optimize their time usage.


Forest

In an age where digital distractions abound, staying focused can be challenging. Forest is a unique productivity app that helps you overcome the temptation of checking your phone every few minutes. The app encourages you to stay focused by planting a virtual tree for a set amount of time. If you resist the urge to use your phone during that time, the tree grows. However, if you give in to distractions, the tree withers away. It's a fun and effective way to build discipline and enhance your concentration.


Slack

Communication is key in any productive environment, and Slack is a leading messaging app designed for teams. With its channels, direct messages, and file-sharing capabilities, Slack streamlines communication and collaboration. It reduces the clutter of email threads and keeps all your team's communication in one place. Integration with other productivity apps, such as Google Drive and Trello, makes Slack a central hub for all your work-related discussions and updates.


Incorporating these five must-have productivity apps into your daily routine can make a significant difference in how you manage your time and tasks. From organizing your to-do list to tracking your work hours and staying focused, these apps offer a range of features to suit different productivity needs. Try incorporating them into your workflow and watch as your efficiency and overall productivity soar to new heights.


 

 (Sponsored Post)

Baghchal, also known as Bagha Chal, is a traditional board game that has been played in Nepal for centuries. The game is popular among both adults and children, and is enjoyed throughout the country. Mobile version of Baghchal is also available on Android and iOS.

Baghchal is a two-player game that is played on a 5×5 board. One player takes on the role of the tiger, while the other player takes on the role of the goats. The objective of the game is for the tiger to capture all of the goats, while the goats must try to surround the tiger so that it cannot move. The game is divided into two phases. In the first phase, the goats are placed on the board, while the tiger waits to make its move. The goats are placed on the board in turns, with the goat player placing one goat at a time. The tiger player must wait until all of the goats are placed before making its first move.



In the second phase of the game, the tiger takes its turn to move. The tiger can move one space at a time, either horizontally or vertically, and can capture a goat by jumping over it. The goats, on the other hand, can only move one space at a time, and cannot capture the tiger.

The game ends when either the tiger captures all of the goats, or the goats surround the tiger so that it cannot move. If the goats manage to surround the tiger, they win the game. If the tiger captures all of the goats, the tiger wins.

Baghchal is a game that requires strategic thinking and planning. The goat player must try to position their goats in a way that will make it difficult for the tiger to capture them, while the tiger player must try to outmaneuver the goats and capture as many as possible.

The game is not only a fun pastime, but also has cultural significance in Nepal. Baghchal is believed to have originated in ancient India, and was brought to Nepal by the Malla dynasty in the 14th century. It is often played during festivals and other cultural events in Nepal, and is a source of national pride.

In conclusion, Baghchal is a simple but challenging board game that is enjoyed by people of all ages in Nepal. Its cultural significance and strategic gameplay have made it a beloved pastime for generations. If you’re looking for a new and exciting board game to try, give Baghchal a chance and see if you can outsmart your opponent and emerge victorious!


 

Board games have been around for thousands of years, providing endless hours of entertainment and fun for people of all ages. While some board games can be quite complex, there are plenty of simple and easy-to-learn options available that can be enjoyed by anyone. Here are five of the simplest board games that are perfect for beginners.

  1. Checkers

Checkers is one of the most well-known and popular board games in the world, and for good reason. This classic game is easy to learn, but still offers plenty of strategic options and challenges for players. The object of the game is to capture all of your opponent’s pieces or to block them in so they cannot make any more moves.

Each player starts with 12 pieces, which are placed on opposite sides of the board. Players take turns moving their pieces diagonally across the board, and can capture their opponent’s pieces by jumping over them. The game ends when one player captures all of their opponent’s pieces or when a player is unable to make a move.

  1. Connect Four

Connect Four is a simple but addictive game that can be played by people of all ages. The game consists of a vertical board with seven columns and six rows, and players take turns dropping their colored discs into the columns. The object of the game is to be the first player to connect four of your own discs in a row, either vertically, horizontally, or diagonally.

  1. Tic Tac Toe

Tic Tac Toe is another classic game that is easy to learn and perfect for beginners. The game consists of a 3×3 grid, and players take turns placing X’s and O’s in the squares. The object of the game is to get three of your own symbols in a row, either vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. The game ends when one player gets three in a row or when all of the squares are filled and no one wins.

  1. Snakes and Ladders

Snakes and Ladders is a classic game that has been enjoyed by children for generations. The game consists of a board with 100 squares, and players take turns rolling a die to move their game piece along the board. The board is filled with ladders that allow players to advance quickly, as well as snakes that can send players back down the board.

The object of the game is to be the first player to reach the end of the board. Along the way, players must navigate the ladders and snakes and try to avoid getting sent back down the board.

  1. Uno

Uno is a popular card game that can be played with two or more players. The game consists of a deck of cards, with each card featuring a number or special action. The object of the game is to be the first player to get rid of all of your cards.

Players take turns playing cards from their hand, and must match the number or color of the card in the discard pile. Special action cards can be used to skip a player’s turn, reverse the direction of play, or force the next player to draw cards. The game ends when one player gets rid of all of their cards.

In conclusion, board games are a great way to spend time with friends and family and have fun. These five simple board games are perfect for beginners and offer hours of entertainment and enjoyment. So, gather your family and friends and try out one of these classic games today!


 


Are you a fan of board games and word puzzles? If so, Bananagrams might be the perfect game for you! This fast-paced and entertaining game is great for all ages and skill levels, and it is sure to provide hours of fun and excitement.

What is Bananagrams?

Bananagrams is a popular board game that is similar to Scrabble and Boggle. The game consists of letter tiles that are placed face down on the table, and players must race to create their own crossword-style grid of words using all of their tiles. The first player to use up all of their tiles is declared the winner.

The game is called Bananagrams because it comes in a banana-shaped pouch that makes it easy to store and transport. This unique packaging also adds to the game’s fun and quirky vibe.

How to Play Bananagrams

Playing Bananagrams is simple and straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

  1. Each player takes 15 letter tiles from the pouch.
  2. All players race to create their own personal grid of words using their tiles. Players can rearrange their tiles as many times as they like, but they must always be working on their own grid.
  3. Once a player has used up all of their tiles, they shout “Peel!” and all players must take an additional tile from the pouch.
  4. If a player can’t use a tile, they can choose to swap it for a new tile from the pouch. However, this means they must place the unwanted tile back into the pouch.
  5. The game continues until there are no tiles left in the pouch and one player has used up all of their tiles. This player is declared the winner.

Bananagrams can be played with 2-8 players, and games typically last around 15 minutes. This makes it a great game for a quick round of fun, or for longer game nights with friends and family.

Benefits of Playing Bananagrams

Not only is Bananagrams a fun and engaging game, but it also has several benefits for players. Here are just a few reasons why you should give Bananagrams a try:

  1. Improves Vocabulary and Spelling Skills – Bananagrams is a great way to expand your vocabulary and improve your spelling skills. By creating words from the letter tiles, you’ll be exposed to new words and learn to spell them correctly.
  2. Enhances Cognitive Function – Bananagrams requires players to think quickly and strategically. This can help improve cognitive function and problem-solving skills.
  3. Builds Social Skills – Bananagrams is a great game to play with friends and family. It encourages communication and interaction, and can help build social skills and relationships.
  4. Provides Entertainment – Most importantly, Bananagrams is a fun and entertaining game that provides hours of enjoyment for players of all ages and skill levels.

In Conclusion

Bananagrams is a fantastic board game that is perfect for word lovers and puzzle enthusiasts. Whether you’re playing with friends, family, or on your own, Bananagrams is sure to provide hours of fun and entertainment. So why not give it a try and see for yourself?

Image Source: Flickr


 


Chess is one of the oldest and most popular board games in the world. It is played by millions of people globally and is considered a game of strategy, skill, and intellect. The origins of chess can be traced back to ancient India, where it was first known as chaturanga.

Chaturanga was a game played in India during the 6th century AD. It was played on a board with 64 squares, and the pieces represented the four divisions of the Indian army: elephants, chariots, cavalry, and infantry. The game was designed to simulate a battle, and players moved their pieces to capture their opponent’s pieces and ultimately the king.

The game of chaturanga was introduced to Persia during the 7th century, where it underwent significant changes. The game was given a new name, shatranj, and the pieces were altered to represent the Persian army. The chariot became the rook, the cavalry became the knight, and the infantry became the pawn. The game also saw the introduction of the queen, who was initially a weak piece, but later became the most powerful piece on the board.

Shatranj was introduced to the Arab world during the 8th century and soon spread to Europe. The game’s popularity continued to grow, and by the 15th century, chess had become the game we know today.

The rules of chess were standardized during the 19th century, and the game became more popular than ever. Today, chess is played all over the world and is recognized as a sport by the International Olympic Committee. The game has been played by countless notable figures throughout history, including Napoleon Bonaparte, Benjamin Franklin, and Bobby Fischer.

In conclusion, the game of chess has a rich and fascinating history that spans over a thousand years. Its origins can be traced back to ancient India, where it was known as chaturanga. The game evolved and spread throughout Persia, the Arab world, and eventually Europe, where it became the game we know and love today. Chess remains a popular and beloved game, enjoyed by millions of people of all ages and backgrounds.

Image Source: Flickr


Image Source: Flickr

 Board games have been played in Africa for centuries, with many games still enjoyed today. These games often have cultural and historical significance, and they provide a way for people to connect and socialize with one another. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular board games that originated in Africa.

  1. Mancala

Mancala is one of the oldest and most well-known board games in Africa. It is played on a board with small pits or holes, and players move small stones or seeds around the board, trying to capture their opponent’s pieces. Mancala has been played in Africa for thousands of years and is thought to have originated in ancient Egypt. There are many variations of Mancala played across the continent, with each region having its own unique rules and strategies.

  1. Oware

Oware is another popular African board game played on a board with small pits or holes. Like Mancala, players move small seeds or stones around the board, trying to capture their opponent’s pieces. Oware is believed to have originated in West Africa, and it is still played today in many countries across the region. The game is considered an important part of West African culture and is often used as a way to teach children about math and strategy.

  1. Senet

Senet is an ancient Egyptian board game that dates back to around 3100 BC. It is played on a board with 30 squares and involves moving pieces around the board based on the throw of sticks or dice. Senet was played by pharaohs and commoners alike and was thought to have a significant religious and spiritual significance. The game was often depicted in ancient Egyptian artwork, and many Senet boards have been found in tombs and burial sites.

  1. Fanorona

Fanorona is a strategy game from Madagascar. It is played on a board with a grid of intersecting lines, and players move their pieces diagonally to capture their opponent’s pieces. Fanorona is a complex and challenging game that requires careful planning and strategy. It is thought to have originated in Madagascar in the 17th century and is still played today throughout the country.

  1. Ayo

Ayo is a board game played in West Africa. It is similar to Mancala and Oware and involves moving seeds or stones around a board with small pits or holes. Ayo is played by people of all ages and is often used as a way to socialize and pass the time. The game is popular throughout West Africa and has many different variations depending on the region.

  1. Bao

Bao is a board game played in East Africa, particularly in Tanzania and Kenya. It is played on a board with small pits or holes and involves capturing your opponent’s pieces. Bao is a complex game that requires strategic thinking and careful planning. It is thought to have originated in East Africa in the 19th century and is still played today by people of all ages.

  1. Morabaraba

Morabaraba is a traditional board game from Southern Africa. It is played on a board with a grid of intersecting lines, and players move their pieces around the board to try to form a mill (three in a row) and capture their opponent’s pieces. Morabaraba is a popular game throughout Southern Africa, and it is often played at social gatherings and events.

In conclusion, board games have played an important role in African culture for centuries. These games have provided a way for people to socialize and connect with one another while also teaching important skills like math and strategy. Mancala, Oware, Senet, Fanorona, Ayo, Bao, and Morabaraba are just a few examples




 Senet is an ancient board game that was played in Egypt over 5,000 years ago. It is believed to be one of the oldest board games in the world, and its exact origins are shrouded in mystery. The game was popular in ancient Egypt and was often played as part of religious rituals. Some even believed that playing Senet could help the deceased navigate the afterlife.

The Rules of Senet

The rules of Senet are not entirely clear, as the game was played in different ways by different people in different parts of Egypt. However, most versions of the game involve a board with 30 squares, arranged in three rows of ten. The squares are marked with symbols that are thought to represent different stages of life, such as birth, childhood, and old age.

Players each have a set of pieces, which they move along the board according to the roll of dice or the throw of sticks. The objective of the game is to be the first player to move all of their pieces off the board. However, there are many obstacles and hazards along the way, such as traps and opponents’ pieces, which can set a player back or even knock them out of the game entirely.

Senet was not just a game of luck, however. It also required strategy and skill, as players had to make decisions about which pieces to move and when, as well as how to avoid traps and overcome obstacles. Some versions of the game even included special squares that granted extra moves or other advantages.

The Significance of Senet

Senet was not just a game, but an important part of ancient Egyptian culture. It was often played as part of religious rituals, and some believed that playing the game could help the deceased navigate the afterlife. Senet boards and pieces have been found in tombs and burial sites, suggesting that the game was considered an important part of the afterlife journey.

In addition to its religious significance, Senet was also a symbol of social status. Wealthy Egyptians often owned elaborate Senet sets, made from materials such as ivory, ebony, and gold. These sets were not just for playing the game, but also for displaying one’s wealth and status to others.

The Legacy of Senet

Although Senet has not been played in Egypt for thousands of years, its legacy lives on. The game has inspired many modern board games, such as backgammon and chess, which also involve strategy and luck. Senet sets and replicas are still sold today, and the game has even been adapted into digital form for smartphones and tablets.

Overall, Senet is a fascinating glimpse into the ancient world of Egypt, and a testament to the enduring appeal of board games. It is a game of strategy and luck, played by people of all ages and social classes, and its legacy continues to inspire and entertain people around the world.



 


Board games have been a popular form of entertainment for centuries, and for good reason. In addition to being a fun and engaging activity, board games can also play an important role in child development. From improving cognitive and social skills to teaching valuable life lessons, here are just a few reasons why board games are so beneficial for children.

  1. Enhancing Cognitive Skills

Board games offer a variety of opportunities for children to develop and improve their cognitive skills. Games that involve strategy, critical thinking, and problem-solving, such as chess, can help children develop their analytical and reasoning abilities. Additionally, games that involve counting, memory, and spatial awareness, such as Scrabble or Memory, can help children improve their math and language skills.

  1. Developing Social Skills

Board games also offer opportunities for children to develop and practice their social skills. Games that involve teamwork, communication, and cooperation, such as Pandemic or Codenames, can help children learn how to work together and communicate effectively with others. Additionally, games that involve turn-taking and rule-following, such as Candy Land or Sorry, can help children learn how to be patient, follow instructions, and be a gracious winner or loser.

  1. Teaching Life Lessons

Board games can also teach valuable life lessons that can benefit children in the long run. Games that involve money management, such as Monopoly or The Game of Life, can help children learn how to budget, save, and make financial decisions. Additionally, games that involve ethical decision-making, such as The Resistance or Werewolf, can help children learn how to navigate moral dilemmas and make decisions based on values and principles.

  1. Providing Screen-Free Entertainment

In today’s digital age, it’s more important than ever for children to have opportunities for screen-free entertainment. Board games offer a great alternative to video games, television, and other forms of digital entertainment. Not only do board games provide a break from screens, but they also offer opportunities for children to engage in face-to-face interaction and develop their social skills.

In conclusion, board games offer a wide range of benefits for child development, from improving cognitive and social skills to teaching valuable life lessons. Whether you’re playing a classic game like Chess or a modern game like Ticket to Ride, board games offer a fun and engaging way for children to learn and grow. So next time you’re looking for a fun activity to do with your child, consider breaking out a board game and enjoying the many benefits it has to offer.


Board games have been a popular form of entertainment for centuries. From classic games like chess and checkers to modern favorites like Settlers of Catan and Ticket to Ride, board games offer a fun and engaging way to spend time with friends and family. One of the great things about board games is that there is something for everyone. 
Whether you prefer strategy games or party games, there is a board game out there that will suit your interests and preferences. Some games are designed for just a few players, while others can accommodate large groups. In addition to being a great way to have fun, board games can also offer numerous benefits. Playing board games can help improve cognitive skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making. It can also help improve social skills such as communication, collaboration, and sportsmanship. Many board games are also educational, teaching players about history, science, and other subjects. For example, games like Pandemic teach players about the spread of disease and how to work together to stop it, while games like Ticket to Ride teach players about geography and transportation. Another great thing about board games is that they are accessible to everyone. You don’t need to have a lot of money or special skills to play board games. Many classic games can be purchased for a low price, and many modern games have introductory versions or tutorials to help new players get started. 
 Board games can also be a great way to unplug and spend time with loved ones. In a world where we are increasingly connected to our devices and screens, board games offer a refreshing break and an opportunity to connect with others in a meaningful way. One of the great things about the board game hobby is that it is always evolving. New games are being developed all the time, and there are always new variations and expansions of classic games to explore. There is always something new and exciting to discover in the world of board games. 
 In conclusion, board games offer a fun, engaging, and educational way to spend time with friends and family. They offer numerous benefits, from improving cognitive and social skills to teaching players about history and science. Whether you are a seasoned gamer or a beginner, there is a board game out there for you. 
So next time you are looking for a way to unplug and connect with loved ones, consider pulling out a board game and having some fun!





Google finally revealed Android N, which is Android Nougat, not Nutella, the name predicted by most of Android lovers before. 
Google revealed Android Nougat on June 30th , 2016, Google asked for suggestion for the name during Google IO in May. As we already know Android Nougat will have cool features like Multi-Window Support, The Notification Shade, Improvement in Doze Mode,  Better Data Saving, and new settings menu.



Android Nougat which will be available later this summer, can be downloaded as beta from google developer website. Android Nougat preview is available for Nexus5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 6, Nexus 9, and Nexus Player.





Google announced today that name of new Android M is Marshmallow. Next version is believed to be released this fall. With the announcement of Android M Developer Preview in May at Google IO, the guessing started for the name of next version of Android. However Android M was called Android Macadamia Nut Cookie (or MNC in short) internally as seen during Android 6.0 SDK update, Google officially announced that it’s Android Marshmallow.

New android version will have several enhancements over the Lollipop version. Besides new exciting features include, better permission management, Android Pay and USB Type-C support.


Android Marshmallow will be released soon with new Nexus Devices form LG and Huawei. 





In May, Google Announced new version of Android operating system ‘Android M’ which is now named Marshmallow. With the release of Android M Developer Preview during the Google IO earlier this year, we got a glimpse of what is being cooked as new Android version and after a couple of Developer Preview updates We finally have final Developer Preview version of System images available for Nexus devices. That means Android Marshmallow is coming soon. With the release of Android version, another exciting part is the Nexus device.There have been rumors that Huawei is manufacturing the next nexus device. But recently Business Korea wrote about LG releasing next Nexus phone in October. So, the chances are, we will have two nexus phones each form LG and Huawei.

After huge fame of Nexus 4 and Nexus 5, Nexus 6 couldn’t come at the same level of popularity. It was not because of the lack of good hardware though. Specs of Nexus 6 are sophisticated enough to be in the top of the line of Android high end devices. Only factor that made Nexus 6 from Motorola less popular was it’s size. Not all android users prefer phablets for daily use. Next Nexus devices are reported to be 5inch and 5.7inch form LG and Huawei respectively. Huawei having limited market penetration in the smartphone world LG nexus could be weigh more in the popularity scale. From the leaked photos of new LG Nexus 5 (2015), we can see Android Pay is one of the most promising feature of next LG flagship. 


Android is one of the top mobile operating systems. With over 1.5 million android apps, android devices are so popular that we have apps for almost everything. 

Don’t you think it would be a great to have android apps running on your computer? 
Yes, you are right. We can run android apps on computers. There are various ways of running android apps on computer but Android Runtime for Chrome allows you to run android apps on computers on Chrome .

Android Runtime for Chrome, also called ARC, allows you to run Android apps inside chrome. ARC has been a major development in the process of bringing android apps to Chrome OS. You can use Arc with Chrome on Windows, OS X  or Linux.


Installing ARC Welder


You can download ARC Welder app for Google Chrome from Chrome WebStore. 









After you download ARC Welder app it will appear on your Chrome App Launcher.


Click on it and add APK file. I used Loadshedding+ apk file. We can not download apk files directly to computer form play store but we can get apk files from various sources. For example, you can use websites like downloader-apk.com for downloading apk files. 




Once you have downloaded added the file you can select Orientation and form factor. Then click Test.




















The App opens and you can enjoy your favorite android apps on Chrome. Then the app is also pinned on Chrome app launcher so that you can launch the app clicking the app icon later.





Now download your favorite app and run on Chrome browser. 





At WWDC today, Apple announced new update to Siri, described as Proactive Assistant. It will be launched with iOS9. The proactive assistant is a personalized assistant app that will enhance the mobile experience through voice commands.


Proactive will be able to infer the commands based on your personal information on your device such as emails, calendar events, or your Passbook information. Proactive assistant seems to serve the same purpose as Google Now does but with focus on privacy. It will be anonymous, and the search will not be associated with Apple ID, hence maintaining the privacy.




Google announced Android M at Google IO 2015 in San Fransisco. Dave Burke, vice president of engineering at Google, outlined the features of Android M which will add more stability and usability.
App Permissions 
App permissions have been simplified in Android M. You won’t have to agree to the permissions when we install an app. The permissions will now be requested first time you try to use the feature. Permissions can be reviewed later and changed anytime.
Chrome Custom Tabs
Web experience has been enhanced by the new feature called Chrome Custom Tabs. This feature will allow developers to provide full chrome experience in an app. Chrome Custom Tabs will allow a customized Chrome tab on top of any app, instead of launching browser app for opening web pages.
Fingerprint support 
Fingerprint support is now “standardized” in Android M. Since fingerprint support will be available through Android framework, If the device has fingerprint hardware, it is no longer limited to unlocking to phone only.
Android Pay 
Android pay makes mobile payments much easier. It can be used for payment in more than 700,000 stores in US and is supported by American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Discover.
App Links 
App Links is one of the highly desired feature in Android. You might have noticed ‘Open With’ dialog when the system doesn’t know which app to use for the given link. Now developer can specify the apps that should open the link.
Power & Charging 
Google claims the new feature known as Doze will improve the standby time by reducing the background processes. And support for USB Type-C will allow charging one android device with another.
Besides these major features various other improvements have been added to Android M such as Auto Backup and restore for apps, New app drawer with a list of apps with alphabetical indexing. Enhanced Google Now and and Chrome will also make android better than before.
Android M Developer is available for download and the final version is due to launch in Q3, 2015.







Android 5.0 Lollipop has finally been announced by Google, and new Nexus devices will be launched soon. As we saw in Android L developer preview during the Google IO, the next version of android will be featuring material design with enhanced user interface, better battery life and many new cool features.
  
New nexus devices with this new platform release will also be available in coming weeks. Lollypop will be featured in Motorola Nexus 6 , also known as Nexus X,  and HTC Nexus 9. Also, Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7 and other Google Play edition devices will be getting the initial Lollypop Updates.


Nexus Player is another new member of the Nexus device family, Nexus player will be running Android TV. Asus Nexus Player will be your companion if you want to enjoy your favorite android games on big screen. This Google Cast ready device will cast your favorite media to your TV from any Chromebook, Android or iOS device .




Today Microsoft introduced new version of Windows and surprisingly named it Windows 10. After windows 7 and windows 8 there were rumors for windows 9 but Microsoft skipped the “9” and unveiled the next version as “Windows 10”. Windows 10 appears to be more closer to windows 7 with more windows-like user experience.  Microsoft finally does away with the Metro UI from the desktop keeping it as optional feature as it caused annoyance among the classical windows users familiar with the the original windows interface. With introduction of Metro UI in windows 8, Microsoft tried to keep the same user interface across all devices however this time Windows wants to keep the desktop and tablet user experience separate

The complaints about start menu made Microsoft ship Windows 8.1 last year with start menu but there were still many disappointments regarding the productivity issues due to the tiles-based home. This issue seems to have been addressed with Start menu along with resizable tiles attached with start menu this time.

Windows beta releases will be available from tomorrow through
Windows Insider Program. The early versions are said to be available for tablets and Desktops and later the same Windows 10 will be available for broad range of devices including handsets with customized user interface. With the slogan of “One product family. One platform. One store.” , Microsoft seems to be making single platform concept as adopted by Google and Apple.

Windows 10 appears to be the combination of both desktop and tablet like user interfaces making classical windows users make feel at home once again. Skipping number 9 alone will however keep 'Windows 8 nightmare' far away,  the familiar user interface will definitely make millions of windows 7 users happy to upgrade to windows 10




Apple’s iWatch may not be the most overestimated gadget of all time but it is one of the most awaited product of the year. This product will be available in market in the early 2015.  Apple Watch comes in two sizes i.e. 38mm and 42 mm. The watch will be available with six interchangeable bands and comes in stainless steel, aluminum or 18 K gold. The estimated price of Apple watch is $349. All the watches have flexible, Retina quality touch screen displays, a digital crown, infrared LED’s and photo diodes which takes your pulse. Apple calls it a comprehensive health and fitness device. The watch runs on brand new S1 processor which is equipped with gyro-accelerometer. Users can navigate by tapping and swiping the face as well as through the crown which is on the right side of the watch that will bring the apps.  Apple Watch can also be used as a digital key to open smart lock on the front door of home. The Apps of the watch also allows users to access many other home- automation features such as thermostats  by using wireless connection. The watch will work with iPhone 5, 5c, 5s and iPhone 6. Like iPhone 6, Apple Watch also has NFC.








After a long wait and customer demands, Apple has finally given the people what they want. In fact, users can now have a choice to select from 4.7 inches iPhone 6 and 5.5 inches iPhone 6 plus. Iphone 6 features an aluminum body and glass front that curves around the sides. The base model is iPhone 6 that comes with 4.7 inches screen. The screen has over 1 million pixels while another model iPhone 6 plus has 2 million pixels. The new smartphones will be available from September 19th, and preorders start from September 12th.  With two year contracts the iPhone 6 will cost $199 for 16 GB of internal memory, $299 for 64 GB phone and $399 for 128 GB model. While the price of iPhone 6 plus is $299 for 16 GB, $399 for 64 GB and $499 for 128 GB with two years of contract. In the press conference, Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple introduced company’s new mobile payment tool known as Apple Pay.  This new tool aims to let users make purchases from their iPhone and Apple Watch.  Apple Pay uses short distance wireless technology known as field communication. This technology will enable users to make purchases. In the press conference, the CEO of company also introduced Apple Watch. According to the CEO, this is a next chapter in company’s history. 


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