Android Alternatives to Apple’s ‘Siri’ Assistant
Since Apple announced Siri, a personal assistant feature that enables users to perform tasks on their iPhone 4S via voice commands, Siri lookalikes have popped up all over the Android world. The big players are getting involved too, with Google rolling out a much-anticipated Siri competitor, its Assistant (formerly Majel), and Microsoft now offering its own personal secretary, TellMe, for the Windows Phone 7.
Why is Siri so special?
What makes Siri so great for the iPhone 4S users is its ability to understand natural language structures, syntax and rhythms, allowing you to interact with Siri almost as if it were another person — albeit one inside your smartphone.
Here are a few Android alternatives to Siri that offer almost-comparable quality and service:
The Most Anticipated Gadget Releases for 2012
Technology can leave us breathless, with the pace of advances and innovations in electronics hard to keep up with to say the least. It’s not long that one model has come out before we’re already speculating on the wonders of the next. The following are some of those much-anticipated gadget releases of 2012.
Apple iPhone 5
The release of the iPhone 5 has certainly been a teaser for electronics enthusiasts, with one false start and ongoing mystery surrounding its actual release. The most current estimate given is the autumn of 2012, but until then, the latest rumours and speculations are that not only will the iPhone 5 be more trendy, capable and powerful, but it will also have a larger screen, a quad-core processor and 4G/LTE network support. Many expect Apple will extend its iCloud service to the iPhone 5 as well.
What are the Benefits of Cloud Computing?
What are the benefits of cloud computing? Why should you consider using clouds for your business or personal use? What is cloud computing anyway? In this article, we’ll answer all of these questions and more.
What is it?
Cloud computing is using the Internet for your data processing and storage needs.
Efficient
If you run a business or organisation, there are many advantages to using the cloud. Cloud computing is a very efficient, fast and convenient way to store, process and share large amounts of information among large amounts of people. It also eliminates the need for everyone to have their own hard drive and central processing unit, and offers flexibility and greater collaboration, especially over long distances.
The Very Short History of Cloud Computing
You may or may not have heard of cloud computing, but you most definitely will have used it. You probably did a Google search to find this article, for instance, and by doing so accessed Google’s server networks — in other words, the Google “cloud”. Increasingly, people are using applications (like Dropbox, and Facebook) over the Internet and storing large amounts of data on virtual servers in these clouds. The following is a short history of what it is and how it has come about.
Free and mobile
Cloud computing allows you to be free of the personal computer as we know it. Instead, all you’ll need is a client machine like an iPad, Kindle or ChromeBook to access the Internet, providing you access to all the computer applications, data and networks you’ll need to function on an everyday basis. You can also access cloud computing through mobile machines like your iPhone, eliminating the need for most computer repair and maintenance and network support, meaning huge savings for businesses.
5 Tips for Boosting Wireless Network Speeds
According recent data from the CCi’s World Internet Project, nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) of Australian households used a wireless network. Providing mobility, flexibility, and cost savings, it’s easy to see why wireless networks have become so widely used in Australia. While wireless networks have grown in reliability and speed, sometimes router speeds can be affected by interference, outdated hardware, or other factors. These tips will help you boost wireless network speed, as will seeking professional computer support.
1. Reposition Your Router
Repositioning you router will improve your wireless network speed by reducing obstructions to the signal and eliminating interference.
Are QR Codes Safe?
QR codes, or quick response codes, are a type of matrix code that allows very quick reading by smartphones and other devices. While they were first invented by the Japanese automotive industry to speed up the manufacturing process, QR codes have gain popularity for consumer use. We take a look at QR codes and their security implications. It’s a good idea to seek professional computer support services if you have any specific concerns about your mobile device or computer.
QR Codes and Common Usage
With a storage capacity of up to 7089 characters, QR codes are able to hold much more information compared with the more widely used barcode used on everyday products (which holds a maximum of 20 digits). QR codes are used to store information such as website addresses, geographical locations, and text. For this reason, they’re widely used by businesses in advertisements and other promotional materials.
8 Ways to Bank and Shop Safely Online
The internet has made both banking and shopping more convenient for everyone. With the added convenience comes a need for additional security measures for users to protect themselves against identify theft, malicious attacks, and attempts to steal private information. These eight strategies will prove to be effective for maintaining the integrity of your data whether you’re using a smartphone, mobile device, or computer. However, you should seek professional computer support for specific security advice where appropriate.
1. Keep Browsers Up to Date
Most browsers come with in-built security features including authentication and encryption, so sign up for automatic updates to ensure that you’re shopping or banking with the latest in-built security features.
Encryption works to scramble any data you send and receive over the internet, while authentication allows sites to verify their identity. Most browsers come with an option to verify the authenticity of sites.
A – Z Guide to Smartphone Online Security Protection
With more and more people using smartphones to shop, obtain information, or bank, smartphone security has become more important than ever. In this quick guide, we look at how to protect your smartphone against viruses and malware, by installing security programs, obtaining computer support, and through careful use.
Why is Security Important for Smartphones?
According to a recent study, Australia has one of the highest smartphone usage rates in the world with as many as 37 per cent of all mobile users opting for smartphones. This rate brings smartphone use in Australia close to that of PC usage.
The same 2011 study by Google and IPSOS Research found that Australians weren’t just using their phones to find information, they were using them to make purchases and perform everyday banking tasks.
5 Reasons to Back Up Your Computer
A regular backup routine is vital no matter how new your computer may be. These are five advantages in setting up a backup system to safeguard your data today.
1. Easy Setup
No computer is perfect, even a computer you have just purchased. Files can be corrupted, parts can malfunction, and you may inadvertently download a virus that wipes your hard drive clean. Services for computer support in Sydney and elsewhere can assist you with setting up an appropriate procedure for automated backup, so you won’t even need to manually initiate the process every day.
Some of the leading causes of data loss include:
- Unintentional deletion or accidental formatting of the hard disk.
- Physical failure of hardware or accidental damage to the storage facility, such as the hard drive.
- Corrupted data files.
- Software corruption, such as corrupted system registry files.
- Virus or malware attack.
Top 6 Causes of Computer Crashes
A computer that frequently crashes can interrupt your work flow and lead to the loss of valuable data. Sometimes applications slow to a crawl before freezing; at other times your computer will simply switch off without warning. Whatever the symptoms, computer support in Brisbane or elsewhere can assist with resolving the issues by eliminating the cause. These are some of the more common causes of computer breakdowns.
1. Full Hard Disk Drive
Your computer may experience a range of ‘symptoms’ if your hard disk drive is full and fragmented. These may include applications slowing down, installation problems, and even freezes and crashes.
What to do:
- Run the Disk Defragmenter and check for fragmentation. Go to Control Panel>System and Security>Administrative Tools, select Disk Defragment, and click on Analyse Disk.
- Check your hard disk drive space by clicking on Computer from the Start Menu. You’ll be able to see how much space you’ve used on your C:\ and other storage devices.
- Make sure you have sufficient disk space to save files and install new programs. Try deleting existing files or moving them to a new storage medium, such as an external hard drive, USB key, or a CD.