Google is planning to shut down reader by July 1, 2013

As part of an annual "Spring Cleaning" post- one that seeks to help the company focus on the features that need the most use., Google casually has said that it is killing the Google Reader service effective July 1, 2013.

Read more on Google Reader Official Blog

More content @

Mashable
http://mashable.com/2013/03/13/google-kills-google-reader/

The Next Web
http://thenextweb.com/google/2013/03/14/google-to-axe-google-reader-on-july-1-as-part-of-larger-round-of-app-closures/

Engadget
http://www.engadget.com/2013/03/13/google-reader-shut-down-spring-cleaning/

Gizmodo
http://gizmodo.com/5990454/google-is-killing-google-reader

Android Central
http://www.androidcentral.com/google-killing-google-reader-july-1-2013

Samsung working on 6.3 inch screen Galaxy Note

Samsung is reported to be working on a Galaxy Note having screen of 6.3 inch.

Samsung has pioneered the segment which is between of a tablet and smartphone, can be calles as "phablet". Earlier devices of this segment failed to attract public, because they were heavy and not user friendly, but there's no such problem with Galaxy Note. 

Samsung has designed every Galaxy Note keeping the "ease of access" in the mind, which resulted in the bumper sale of Note Series Galaxy Smartphones. Last month, Samsung reported that it has sold 5 million units of the Galaxy Note 2 in two months. 

The report has been shown in Korea Times, according to which Samsung has planned to show something special in the upcoming Mobile World Congress 2013, in February 2013. It can be the new Galaxy S IV.

Til then we will wait for the new super-sized Galaxy Note.

Google Maps for iOS is back, this time has new features

Look who's back. It's Google Maps, again for iPhone. Once removed from the iOS, it has made its entry back. This time with more power and let's say, more sexy. 

This a joyful news for everyone, even they use iPhone or not because Apple's decision was hated worldwide and the world was waiting for Google's next step. And Google too has not disappointed us. Google’s app includes voice guided turn-by-turn driving directions, as well as public transit directions, Street View, and a 3D-like Google Earth view.

Download here

Google Maps on iOS has trace similarities to its Android counterpart, but it's udesigned for Apple's platform. This time Google Maps has a new sleek interface, making similar to that of Google Now, and guided turn-by-turn directions and public transit maps. 

Daniel Graf, Director of Google Maps for Mobile, reported that the company took a step back from its earlier creations and approached it with a fresher, more streamlined outlook. That means a more elegant interface, totally from the base.

And it is the most amazing news that Google Maps for iOS is the most downloaded App in the App store, in just few hours.

Are you among the crowd to use New Google Maps? Share your views with us in comments.

Google Chrome and Gmail crash reasons told by Google engineer

On Monday, Google's mail service Gmail went down for 20 minutes. But this was not the only failure, because Google Chrome also crashed on Dec 10. Later on in a thread on the Chromium developer forum, Google Software engineer Tim Steele explained that the issues were due to a mis-configured server that took out Google's Sync platform.

The crashes were affecting Chrome users who were using another Google web service known as Sync, and that Sync and other Google services. 

The problem was a bad coding of the Google Sync, which accidentally sent a wrong code to Chrome and the browsers as well Gmail got crashed. 

It’s also something that cloud service providers are going to have to worry about more and more, as services such as Apple’s iCloud and Windows Live get more closely intertwined with our phones and PCs.

More there will be the use of cloud based services, more will be the chances to face such problems as a server has its capabilities. 

Later on, Google released following statement

"Earlier today, we experienced an issue with Chrome Sync, which resulted in Chrome browser crashes for a subset of users. From our investigation, it appears the crashes were due to bugs in both the sync client and server.For everyone who was affected, we apologize - we know you count on Google to work for you and we worked hard to restore normal operation for you. The sync client and server teams are currently working on fixing the bugs to prevent the same issue in the future."

Were you also affected by it? Share in comments.

[via The Verge & Wired]

Galaxy Note II is going to have Android 4.1.2 update

This is a joyful news for owners of Galaxy Note II. The device is going to get powered by Android 4.1.2 update for the international handset, Galaxy Note GT-N7100. The update will be fresh and new however most of the people think that it's not a big update. But after all, its official update. It is supposed that this update will bring new notification panel, speed issues, disabling the multi-view, a new lock screen, updated Google Now and bug removal. It will soon make its way on Kies and Over The Air on devices. 

Are you going to update your Galaxy Note II? Share your views in comments.

Protect Your Data With A Personal Cloud

Surpassing earthly boundaries, digital data storage has set up shop in the firmament. “The Cloud” is an increasingly popular term for remote data centers, usually with astronomical storage capacity, which people can access via the Internet using their various devices. 

Attempting to mimic the convenience of cloud computing, new technology allows people to set up a “personal cloud” on their home networks. Let’s backtrack and first take a moment to talk about the “public” cloud.

The Public Cloud

The cloud refers to anything from Dropbox, a storage space for personal files, to Netflix, a reservoir of movies and TV shows people can stream to their computers, tablets and phones. Internet giants like Google, Apple and Facebook all offer various forms of cloud services, which is often referred to as third-party data storage because the company that is hosting the data is separate from the entity that owns the data and the entity accessing it.

Based on private analysis, Gartner Inc., a technology research firm, believes cloud computing will continue to grow precipitously going forward.

“The reign of the personal computer as the sole corporate access device is coming to a close, and by 2014, the personal cloud will replace the personal computer at the center of users’ digital life,” the report concluded.

The popularity of the cloud stems from convenience and reliability. Conveniently, one can access his or her files anywhere the Internet is available. In addition, the cloud is reliable as a way to back up data. With traditional storage methods such as on a home computer or external hard drive, there is a risk of hardware failure, like when your computer breaks or you drop your external hard drive or iPod. As you might imagine, a cloud is significantly more difficult to destroy, and it’s a safe place for your data. 

The Personal Cloud 

Sharing is at the heart of cloud computing. Cloud services provide smart and easy-to-use channels to selectively make files available to friends, family and colleagues.

The personal cloud, like its public counterpart, can be a great tool for families. It is a convenient way to have a centralized location for pictures, videos and songs, stored right in your own home. Also, it allows for the peace of mind of having data automatically backed up in a safe, secure and nearby location, without having to wonder whether or not third parties have access to your private and personal information.

On the downside, security and privacy are serious concerns many have with sending data into the digital stratosphere. What are those companies doing with all that data you are sending to them anyway? Maybe they are using the information to build a marketing profile that they will turn around and sell to advertising companies.

Enter the personal cloud, a piece of hardware that works with your wireless router. When configured, the device automatically saves data from home computers, tablets, phones and game consoles onto a localized cloud. The data can be accessed by any device within the wireless network — like your smartphone, tablet and laptop.

When it comes to digital data storage, unlike weather, a cloudy horizon may not be foreboding. Thanks to the convenience of cloud computing, the days of toting around disks and drives (both floppy and hard) will soon be as out-of-date as yesterday’s iPhone.

Sony's limited edition Golden Xperia P

Sony Mobile has created a Limited 24K Gold Edition Xperia P and is giving one away in a competition.  Sony has given the luxury treatment to its smartphone having 4-inch display and dual-core 1GHz processor. It seems that smartphone giant has decided to make it compete against elite business class phone Vertu. Undoubtedly, it is the first luxury phone having Android ICS. 

15 such models have been made and Sony is also giving away some golden models of Xperia on Facebook. Register as soon as you can because the contest will close shortly. Sony posted on its Facebook page, all that you need to do to enter the contest is answer a single question and email your response to fans.se@sonymobile.com. The golden question is :

“What is a gold Friday for you?”

You can also visit Sony Facebook page here

Here are the brief specs of Gold edition Xperia P

• 4″ 540 x 960 Display
• 1GHz dual-core processor
• 1GB RAM
• 16GB Internal Storage
• 8 MP Rear Camera / VGA Front-facing camera
• WiFi/Bluetooth/NFC/HDMI/USB OTG
• Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

[Source : Android Soul]