After the last success of Windows 7, Microsoft has sought after useful changes in its UI, platform and compatibility architecture. Some of the enhancements include:

No more Start menu: After many generations of the windows operating system, the start menu has now been replaced by a start screen. The metro UI, which is responsible for this change, makes the display more functional, simpler and much more attractive.

New Windows 8 Interface: The lock screen is fully customizable right from changing the picture to the emails / unread messages shown on it. You can also pin applications or other shortcuts to the screen.

The Windows App Store: It supports two different kinds of applications; the conventional desktop software and the new metro style apps. What’s more, Windows has its own app store. Once you launch apps, gestures can be used to arrange them. Swipe from the left to go to the next app, but you can also swipe and drag to put two apps side by side having one as the windows desktop.

Hidden Security: The new Windows 8 finally has a built-in anti-virus software known as Microsoft Security Essentials. The combination of Windows Defender and Windows update manage and maintain your system automatically and efficiently.

Well arranged desktop: Microsoft has always emphasized the importance of having a tidy desktop. With its new version, the user can arrange icons belonging to the Start screen into groups with the option of pinning and unpinning programs from the list.

On the whole, the new OS is more of a universal OS which will probably gain more popularity among mobile and tablet devices. There is still some time for the final version of the software to hit the market and it’ll be interesting to see what changes are made to make this great OS even better.

So what’s next?

Sources have predicted that two more iterations of the iPad are going to hit the market in the next 2 to 3 years.

The iBoard and the iMat! Yes, its true! Steve Jobs has already given a hint about these two products while the depth of technology involved in these wonder machines has not been disclosed yet.

Will the iBoard and the iMat manage to sell like the iPad and the iPhone is still a question for the future. But for now, things look very positive for the giants.

Source: begeek.fr

Facebook seems to be a right platform to promote your business. With nearly 800 millions users worldwide, facebook is highly accessed and therefore it proves to be the best medium to publicize your business. Gone are the days, when Facebook was only meant for college students to share their information with peers. Now, Facebook has come a long way from a simple social media site to a business enhancing site.

Facebook offers a lot of applications which are mostly developed by companies engaged in mobile application development and software development, which can be used intelligently in the site page or business page to attract the valued customers. In simple terms the business page should be attractive and informative enough to engage your customer or a first time user.

Here are some of the best tips for business promotion on Facebook:

• Invite your friends and customers to let them know you have a Facebook page and ask for them to drop in and like your page. Invite friends to seed your page if you’re just starting up.
• Try and embed a facebook social plug-in in the business blog.
• Create a welcome page that should be attractive enough to encourage the visitors to like your page.
• Post blogs on other groups of your interest; that will direct a healthy traffic to your business page on Facebook.
• Import blogs from the blog page of the company and Give a link on facebook to subscribe to your blog via RSS.
• Always try and keep the content updated that adds value to your viewers and readers creates deep engagement.
• Run contest and polls using the standard ‘Question’ feature on Facebook to engage and capture the audience. One can also use third party tools, if they are more effective than the regular ‘questions’ feature on Facebook.
• Include Twitter, linked in and Google+ in the menu of the business page. This is a quick way to provide other channels for engagement.
• Publish a lot of interesting content on the page as per the interest and theme of the page. Latest events in the company such as upgrading software development services, news on topics of interest that are happening in the world or niche. The valued customers or friends, who are part of your page, will get notification about the latest and hottest news on the page.
• Connect to your dear customers and peers directly; respond to all the comments on site page in a timely fashion.
• Embed slideshare presentations and youtube videos in the business page.
• Photos are the most captivating thing in the world. Place memorable and attractive photos of events at the organization as this will drive a deeper engagement with your prospects and customers.

Facebook can be used as the best place for advertisement of the product or service you are offering. One can use it effectively and wisely to get the required boost in a business.

Google is used world wide and has the strongest algorithm to fetch results. It’s the fastest SE of all the search engines in the market. Google has been dominating the market from a very long time. Now, Google has decided to spread its wings in the social media market also. It is going to launch a new social media site called Google+. Currently, this social networking site is in the testing phase and was launched on 28 June 2011 for a small group of people to test its usability. On June 29, 2011 the existing users were allowed to send invitations to friends for creating their own account, but that was closed the same day due to the large demand for new accounts on this buzzing site.

With the advent of various companies providing software development services, the social market has become very much competitive. Every now and then these offshore software development companies want to go for their brand promotion using social media sites. Google has tried to combine all its social services at one place in the Google+, such as Google profiles etc. Some new terms have been introduced in Google+, such as Circles, Hangouts, Huddles and Sparks. These are basically the features of this site which makes it different from its rival Facebook. Google is also going to launch this as Desktop as well as mobile application for different operating systems such as Android and iOS operating systems by following mobile application development activities. By doing so, Google has tried to attract as many customers as possible, by providing them with the ease of accessibility and connectivity.

Google+ Features :

• Circles: This is a rather an old thing with a new name, it enables users to manage contacts as per their choice. One can add any number of circles to one’s profile and add people to these named circles such as family, friends, best friends, etc. by drag and drop interface. A user can share anything with the circles, such as Google services, videos, snaps or some important information.

• Huddle: It is a feature that is available to Android, iPhone and other devices to interact with the people added in different circles.

• Hangouts: If one wants to chat with a group of friends or family members or say colleagues, then he can do the same through this amazing feature called group video chat, wherein all the group members (maximum 10 are allowed!) can interact with each other at a single hangout point. “Instant Upload” is specific feature for Android for storing photos or videos in a personal album for sharing or safe keeping.

• Sparks: Like the “Share” option on Facebook, Google’s development team introduced “Sparks”, where users can find and share topics that they find interesting. It will recommend you what you like so you never get bored.

• Streams: This feature is similar to “notifications” on Facebook; thus users can see updates of people in various circles. There a user can add status update, image or video.

Google has tried its best to organize everything as per the user’s requirements. The rest now depends on the users worldwide and their taste. But it is quite certain that Google is going to capture the market in a similar manner it has been doing since the past decade.

1. Outline your work: Make a plan as how to proceed in your project and don’t use codes again and again, try and make functions for that purpose. It will reduce typing work and save time.
2. Keep it simple: Don’t overload the user with options. The hard fact is if a user cannot learn how to use a feature, it might as well not exist. Documentation and tutorials can help, but they should be reserved for complicated features. Sometimes you just need to take the hard decision to kill features to simplify the UI.
3. Communication: Listen to end users patiently as they are reason for writing the software. They often won’t express their requirements clearly, so be patient and ask questions that will lead to concrete explanations. Listen to some smart developers as well and pick up some useful tips and feedback from them.
4. Comments and back up: Write comments, so you know what you were thinking when you programmed that code last night. Comments are helpful in making things easy and less complicated. Make successive backups of your code so you can go back — if you realize later you made a critical low-level error that requires a rewrite. Backup only your modified files or use an appended RAR archive file.
5. Environment: Find a best suited place to start with your work as it requires a lot of concentration to develop that piece. Quality programming requires focus and attention to detail.
6. Customer is king: Remember you are familiar with your software, whereas your users probably aren’t. Every time you work on your design try to look at it through the eyes of a fresh user, keep their goals in mind and find something online that offers quick and convenient testing with online users.
7. Learn advanced tactics and help others: Being a good developer is not just about your skills, but also having tactics in searching for the required information and gaining new ideas in depth.
8. Learn the basic theories underlying your field: learn the basic working of the functions which will help you understand why they work as the way they do.
9. Code: Study general best practices and coding standards. Consider your code’s readability by indenting code consistently, writing comments, naming variables and functions well. Write it so it should last and be relatively easy to pick up years later or for someone else to take over. Use a text editor or IDE that you’re comfortable with. A good editor will help a programmer adhere to coding standards.
10. Bugs: Fix the true source of bugs when possible, rather than working around a problem. This can help other applications that will share that problem code and prevent others from stumbling across the same bug. For example, if you use your own framework and find a bug, fix the bug within the framework when possible, rather than coding around the problem in each application that relies on that framework. Take ownership of the bugs you create and work to fix them.

Apart from these above mentioned tips one must not forget to take regular breaks. Sitting and typing in one position for long periods can lead to health issues. Breaks also clear the mind and help bring back focus. Take a break. Relax! Do something else that will surely help you concentrate more to develop a useful product.

The following mobile software development platforms will only run on hardware platforms from a specific manufacturer: iOS for iPhone and iPod Touch.

A new revolutionary gadget has been introduced in the world of tablet computer market  iPad. It is sleek and portable with a speedy processor and a long lasting battery. It has a virtual keyboard and multi-touch gestures that makes it a more usable device than majority of other Windows-based tablet PC’s.

The first iPad was released by Apple in April 2010 and the sale of this device went up to 3 million in just 80 days. Like iPhone, iPad offers several mobile related applications. Now-a-days, many software development companies are only focusing on development of mobile applications.

Features of an iPad are as follows :

• Design of the iPad:Body of the iPad is thinner, lighter and much sleeker in design that one feels so comfortable holding it in their  hands.

• Dual-core in one A5 chip:This feature makes iPad two times faster as a result iPad can do twice the work at once. Thus, its multitasking feature makes it smoother and allows the application to load faster.

• Superfast graphics and game:Faster graphics and game on iPad helps application to perform better — especially those with video.

• Battery Life:iPad has the 10-hour battery life. The inclusion of efficient A5 chip and iOS keep battery life from fading away.

• Two cameras:There are two cameras on iPad — one on the front and one on the back. They work together so you can talk to your favorite people and see them smile and laugh back at you. The front camera puts you and your friend face-to-face. Switch to the back camera during your video call to share where you are, who you’re with, or what’s going on around you.

• iPad Smart Cover:The iPad smart cover protects your iPad screen. When you open the smart cover, iPad opens instantly and when it is closed iPad goes to sleep automatically.

• LED-backlit display:iPad has a beautiful display with 9.7 inches of high-resolution photos, movies, web pages, books, and more. LED backlighting makes everything you see remarkably brilliant.

• Multi-Touch:iPad woks when your fingers touch the display. It instantly transforms your taps and flicks into real actions.

• Operating System:iPad has the world’s most advanced mobile operating system i.e. iOS4. It lets you browse, read, and see everything just by touching the screen.

• Wi-Fi and 3G:iPad is also available with 3G connectivity on either AT&T or Verizon Wireless networks. So, you can still surf the web and check mails.

• AirPlay facility:The AirPlay icon on the iPad allows you to listen to music and watch YouTube.

Because of the unique features available in iPad, today, iPad has and continues to rule the entire market. The usage of iPad is not only restricted to consumers, infact, it covers the business market as well.

In cloud computing, all the data and applications are managed by the cloud server. Such servers are usually provided by third parties. For example, Microsoft provides ‘Azure‘ as a platform for cloud computing. The cloud provides server-based applications and all the data services to the users with the output which is displayed on the client device. Cloud services works on various platforms such as Linux, MAC and Windows. As the cloud servers are remotely hosted and they could be accessed through the internet, it requires a high speed and very reliable internet connection.

The two important characteristics of the cloud computing are:

• Front end
• Back end

The front end is what a cloud computing user can see and the back end is the cloud servers hosting the various computers, services etc.

Cloud computing platforms have many advantages. Few of them are listed below:-

1. Reduced Cost: Organizations save money as they do not have to spend money for creating the required infrastructure. In fact, they only have to hire it.
2. Increased Storage: Organizations can store more data to the cloud servers than on private computers.
3. Highly Automated: The task of cloud computing providers is to keep their software up to date, thereby keeping the pace with the current technology.
4. Flexibility: Cloud computing platforms offer much more flexibility than past computing methods.
5. More Mobility: As the services are available anywhere from the world provided there is good network connectivity, users can work from anywhere.
6. Allows IT to Shift Focus: There is no worry about constant server updates and other computing issues. Organizations can concentrate more on their work rather than thinking of maintaining the hardware or software.
7. Security: Clouds tend to be more secure than the traditional business models. Clouds offer real-time backup which results in less data loss. In case of outage, customers can use the backup servers that sync with the main ones as soon as they are up.

Let’s now discuss different types of Cloud Services:

• SaaS (Software as a Service): A service provider builds software while the end users configure it to suit their needs. The clients (end users) however, do not get the flexibility to change or modify the software.
• PaaS (Platform as a Service): provides a platform to clients to carry out several different tasks. For example, the platform provided by the Windows gives an opportunity to developers to build, test, and host applications that can be accessed by the end users.
• IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service): Provides infrastructure on demand. The infrastructure can be anything from storage servers to applications to operating systems.

In short, we can say that with the advent of Cloud computing, a dynamic change has been reported in the software industry as many software development companies look to gain on this opportunity. As the name suggest, Cloud platforms provide a potential platform for developers to write application as well as to use services provided by the cloud.

The best example of wireless application is the cell phone. Telephone sets are connected with nearby service points through radio waves. The service site receives and transmits signal for exchanging voice and data. Numerous transmitting towers are required and they are normally few and far between. The sites are linked to exchanges and connected to the broader network.

There are three different types of wireless communications technology used by mobile application development companies, which includes radio, microwave, or infrared frequency. To convert these forms of communication, point to point, broadcasting or cellular networks are used. Different types of wireless communication are: specialized mobile radio and land mobile radio, citizens band radio, amateur radio enthusiast bands, also known as ham radio.

Disadvantages of Wireless: Large number of devices whether big or small generate a sizable amount of radio power. This transmission of radio waves effect the human health a lot. Thus, companies need to go into a lot of research before developing a new wireless gadget.

Radio waves also require network security. Communication entities verification is required so that only verified and registered devices are used as a means of communication so that there is no breach of network security. Some form of encryption may be required for communications to avoid interception of data transmitted over the network by devices not taking part in the communications. Besides this, interfering signals are generated by other devices in the office environment, for example, printer. These devices can temporarily disrupt a communication link because of the noise generated.

Advantages of Wireless: Apart from disadvantages, a wireless communication system has a number of advantages. It is easy to relocate wireless communicating devices. It is also easy to add a communication device to the wireless system or remove one from the wireless system without any disruption to the remainder of the system. The cost of running and maintaining a radio based communication solution is minimal.

As business is getting more competitive in today’s altering times, custom application development is emerging as an answer to offer tailor-made solutions and meet the specific needs of clients. Today, with this increasing competition in mobile application development world, custom application development companies are offering complete, end-to-end mobile/wireless solutions that incorporate business via mobile devices and content delivery systems to publish a range of information valuable for both suppliers and buyers.

Wireless applications are fast becoming the ideal mode of interaction for people. The remarkable technological breakthroughs that have taken place in the wireless networking domain have led to the emergence of thriving wireless communities that deliver content-rich applications for the high-end mobile devices that are now readily available.

Mobile Application development is the process of developing applications which acts as an added feature in any handheld device. The applications which are developed in mobile application development process can be downloaded by the end user either by using various different mobile software distribution platforms available in the market else it can also be taken from application stores. These applications can also be found as pre-installed applications in the mobile devices.

The concept of developing an application based on technology has changed the way we communicate to each other. Mobile application development technology is enormously increasing and promoting the number of various applications developed for supporting mobile devices. Each and every application, whether it is simple or complex, is contributing in some or the other way to the end user. As mobile phone has become the necessity for everyone, the demand for the same has rapidly grown. The market is now-a-days exploding with variety of smart phone devices having the latest developed applications. Mobile software development provides users with several benefits like the user can have access to his mails, can chat with friends online. Moreover, the user can also send receive data and do many more amazing stuffs with the use of mobile applications anywhere anytime with no boundary or time limitations.

Mobile applications are developed using various platforms. Some of the platforms are iPhone, Blackberry, Android, Symbian, iPad, Windows mobile. The scope of mobile application development is now not only restricted to one category or one trend. It covers vast range of booming sectors like business, Games, News, Weather, Education, and Money or the finance sector are some of the few categories where the mobile application development process is carried on. Various companies are engaged in offering mobile application development services such as Mobile application planning, development and enablement, Mobile messaging – SMS Push Pull up applications, Mobile break and restore technology, programming services based on mobile pocket PC and many more to add on.

As we peep into today’s world, we can clearly observe the successfully flourishing field of mobile application development. Developing a mobile application is not an easy task. Mobile application designers and developers have to face many challenges and obstacles to develop and create an application that should be highly usable in a wide range of demanding customers. With the increasing competition and the demand in mobile application development field, companies are rushing forward to offer complete end-to-end solutions. Thus, we can conclude that mobile application development has become a mandatory tool for the organization focusing on a mounted rise in upward direction. To fulfill these requirements, every company is in need of employees having thorough knowledge about the development of mobile applications. In future, this rising demand for mobile application development process will definitely contribute tremendously in the huge growth in career of an organization as well as an individual.

Link Building helps a website in getting quality/worthy traffic which increases its creditability and exposure. It increases the visibility and resource value of a site. One of the major types of link building is through link exchange or reciprocal linking. It is basically a process where two webmasters agree to make visible each others link on their website.

In a custom application development organization, links that direct high amounts of traffic not only tend to provide better search engine potential for rankings, but also send important visitors to your site which is the foremost objective to be achieved in the field of Internet marketing.

Here are a few Tips of link building :

Simple content - Make your content easy to understand (accessible) so  people find it informative and want to link to your site.  Effort should be put into minimizing  grammatical or spelling errors, as it gives a bad impression on people.

Directory Submissions – In this, you simply submit your sites/URLs on other sites (Paid or Free). Be selective here and choose only quality sites with good Page rank. Focus on your category while submitting your data. Try to deep link wherever possible, it attracts links to your site.

Link Exchanges – Link exchange activities involve participation of webmasters to ask a website owner to link to your website and would offer to do the same for them. List your site at the local library’s Web site and non competitive businesses in same field. This helps a lot in promoting your website and hence, increasing the page rank of your site.

Article Submission – Write unique and interesting content for an article and submit it to various article directories. Keywords pertaining to your site can be hyperlinked which provide backlinks to your site.  As these article sites attract high traffic, your article will get hits and eventually your site. Software documentation template plays a very important role in case of article writing. The great thing about good article sites is that their article pages actually rank highly and send quality traffic. Now that’s a good link building strategy.

Blogging –You can also visit blogs and comment on relevant posts providing your link there. Outbound links are one of the cheapest forms of marketing available. Try to grab free links by commenting at Google groups, yahoo answers etc. Webmasters usually track the distribution of traffic visiting their site, to get a holistic idea of their visitors.

Link To Us Page – You can simply set up a page on your blog or website that tells people how they can link back to you. This can be effective over time.

Classified Submission –You can post your website/product with an attractive title along with your sites URL on various classified sites. Even though the ads are temporary, they provide sudden traffic boosts on your website.

Book Marking –The hottest technique in town as far as quick traffic is concerned. With the growing popularity of social networking sites, this technique has become a great way of creating high traffic backlinks. Submitting your firm’s success stories and other important links on sites like del.icio.us and digg.com will surely create a buzz for your site.

Link Building is the trump card for the higher rankings. Just working on one technique is not recommended as all methods have their own value. Using them efficiently and smartly is the key to successful link building.