Saturday, January 30, 2016

Five Windows 10 tricks you need to know

the world, Special for USA TODAY 7:39 a.m. EST January 29, 2016

Windows 10 is now installed on more than 200 million gadgets worldwide. That's quite a feat in the tech world since its official release was only 6 months ago on July 29, 2015. If your computer is one of those gadgets, you've probably found Windows 10 has its share of sheer winning features and unfortunately, very frustrating steps.
Of course, getting used to a new operating system always takes time and effort. You have to relearn tricks, find where familiar items have moved or change things around to suit your style of computing. Let me help you along with a few insider tips on taking control of the new Start menu, improving privacy, finding the traditional Control Panel, cutting down on annoying notifications and more.
1. TAKE CONTROL OF THE START MENU
One of the biggest problems with Windows 10's predecessor, Windows 8, was the lack of a Start menu. Instead, Microsoft replaced it with a touch-friendly Start screen that left desktop and laptop users with a mouse and keyboard out in the cold.
Microsoft wisely elected to bring back the Start menu for Windows 10. This time, it incorporates great features of the Start screen, such as "live tiles" for getting information from apps without opening them.
When you first install Windows 10, your Start menu has programs on the left with app icons on the right. Some app icons are "live tiles" that update with new information, such as the current weather, new messages and more, automatically.
Of course, you might not want these hogging up space if you don't use them, or you want your own app or program icons there. Fortunately, customizing is simple and flexible.
Simply right-click on any App icon to resize it or unpin it from the Start Menu. Selecting "Unpin from Start" takes it away. You can also uninstall programs with a right-click as well.
To add an app to the tile area, click and drag its icon from the left column or right-click on an app icon and choose "Pin to Start."
Once the icon is located in the right-hand area, drag it around to exactly where you want. Putting icons close together lets you group them. You can name groups whatever you want, and move groups around by clicking the icon with the horizontal lines next to the name. Give it a shot and you'll see it's super easy.
Don't forget you can click and drag the edges of the Start menu to make it larger or smaller. You can have it take up most of the screen, or very little space at all. It's your choice.
2. MAKE WINDOWS 10 MORE PRIVATE
One valid criticism of Windows 10 is that it stores more information about you than previous versions of Windows. The personal assistant Cortana, for example, remembers everything you tell her, and keeps tabs on what you do on the computer so she can offer you better suggestions and recommendations.
Not everyone likes this level of data collection, and you can make changes to send Microsoft less. Click here for the exact steps to take control of your Windows 10 privacy. You can also get separate programs that bring important privacy settings into one spot, such as Win10 Spy Disabler and AntiSpy.
3. VISIT THE OLD CONTROL PANEL
Windows 10 shipped with a streamlined Settings screen that has most of the options you'll want. You can find it under Start > Settings.
While the new Settings screen is handy for the basics, it doesn't quite have all the options a more advanced user might want. Fortunately, you can get to the old Windows Control Panel with no problem.
Simply right-click on the Start button and select "Control Panel." Right-clicking the Start button is also a fast way to access other hidden familiar areas you might want to use, such as the Device Manger or the Run command prompt.
4. GET FEWER NOTIFICATIONS
Windows 10 added a handy notification area, similar to what you find on smartphones. Simply click the notification icon in the lower-right corner of the screen and it will pull out the Action Center on the right side of the screen. Here, you'll see a list of new email, app updates and more.
However, with lots of apps and Windows features using notifications, it can quickly get cluttered, or just annoy you with continual popups. That's especially true when your new computer comes pre-loaded with a ton of software and apps you don't need. Click here to learn how to quickly declutter this junk from your computer.
You can also choose which apps and programs can use the notification area. Go to Start > Settings and click "System." Then go to the "Notifications & actions" area. Here, you can choose whether or not to see Windows tips, app notifications, notifications on the lock screen and more.
If you scroll down, you can turn notifications on and off for individual apps. For each app, you can also choose if the notification plays a sound or not.
Bonus: When you click the Notifications button, you'll also see a list of Quick Actions at the bottom of the Action Center. Be sure to set Quiet Hours on notifications. It's really handy if you only want notifications during certain times.
5. GET THE LOOK YOU WANT
OK, changing the colors and background picture in Windows might not seem that important, but you're looking at your computer for hours every day, so why not see something you like? A lot of people just live with whatever theme Windows has out of the box, but making Windows your own is simple.
Go to Start > Settings and choose "Personalization." Your first option is to change the Background. You can choose from a picture, solid color or slideshow. Windows 10 has some very nice default background pictures, or you can click "Browse" to choose your own. Be sure to choose a fit that looks good so the image isn't squashed and stretched. Fill, Fit or Center are safe choices.
Next, go to the Colors area and pick your accent color. By default, this only affects a few icons and window borders. However, if you scroll down and turn on "Show colors on Start, taskbar, action center, and title bar," they will all take whatever color you pick.
Other options include letting the computer pick a color based on your background image, which is great for slideshows, and making the Start menu, taskbar and notification area transparent. Play around with those to see how you like it.
Moving on, the Personalization area lets you customize the lock screen image and what shows up there; choose and save collections of backgrounds, colors and sounds as "themes"; and edit how the Start menu works.
Hint: If you got used to Windows 8.1's full-screen Start screen, the Start area is where you can get that back. Just turn on the "Use Start full screen" option.
Want to know even more about Windows 10? Here are more step-by-step tips and tricks about Windows 10.
On the Kim Komando Show, the nation's largest weekend radio talk show, Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today's digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks

Pulitzer prize-winning security expert denied White House clearance

SAN FRANCISCO - A Pulitzer prize-winning computer security expert recently hired by the Chief Technology Officer of the United States, Megan Smith, has been denied a security clearance and is heading to the West coast.

Ashkan Soltani was previously the chief technologist at the Federal Trade Commission. He was hired by the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy as a senior adviser to Smith in December.
On Friday he posted to Twitter that he was disappointed to announce his departure as he had been notified last week that he would not receive the security clearance necessary to continue working at the White House.
"Bittersweet end to my stint in government," he tweeted.

Wearable Sweat Sensors Could Track Your Health

by Charles Q. Choi, Live Science Contributor | January 27, 2016 01:08pm ET

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Wearable sensors could analyze and measure skin temperature, and levels of metabolites and electrolytes in human sweat.
Credit: Der-Hsien Lien and Hiroki Ota

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Blood tests allow doctors to peer into the human body to analyze people's health. But in the future, there may be a less invasive way to obtain valuable information about a person's health: wearable sensors that use human sweat to look for signs of disease.
Sweat is a rich source of chemical data that could help doctors determine what is happening inside the human body, scientists explained in a new study. Perspiration is loaded with molecules, ranging from simple electrically charged ions to more complex proteins, and doctors can use sweat to diagnose certain diseases, uncover drug use and optimize athletic performance, they said.
"Sweat is pretty attractive to target for noninvasive wearable sensors, since it's, of course, very easy to analyze — you don't have to poke the body to get it — and it has a lot of information about one's health in it," said study senior author Ali Javey, an electrical engineer at the University of California, Berkeley.

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Bangladesh vs South Africa ICC Under-19 World Cup 2016

(Catch Live Score Updates of Bangladesh (BAN) vs South Africa (SA) ICC Under-19 World

Cup 2016 Match 1 here)

BAN U19 won by 43 runs | Live Cricket Score Updates Bangladesh vs South Africa ICC Under-19 World Cup 2016: SA U19 197/10 (Target 241) in 48.4 Overs

Hosts Bangladesh U19 defeated South Africa U19 by 45 runs in the opening match of ICC Under-19 World Cup 2016. The Group A contest saw South Africa U19, despite a ton from Liam Smith, being bundled out for 197 while chasing 241. Also Check- Bangladesh U19 vs South Africa U19- As it Happened

The Young Tigers after winning the toss got off to a watchful start. However, Wiaan Mulder struck in the 10th over to remove opener Saif Hassan. Pinak Ghosh and Joyraz Sheik then guided their side with a 44-run stand for the second wicket.

The duo then were dismissed in space of 29 runs to leave Bangladesh U19 at 102 for three. Nazmul Hossain Shanto then held the innings together with a half-century to propel his side past the 200-run mark. Shanto scored valuable 73 off 82 balls. Also Check- ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2016 Schedule

In reply, South Africa U19 were undone by medium-fast bowler Mohammad Saifuddin and spin of Bangladesh U19 skipper Mehedi Hasan. The duo shared first three wickets to fell between them as South Africa U19′s score read 44 for three.

South Africa U19 then never recovered from these early jolts and were struggling at 112 for five in 33.4 overs. With wickets tumbling at one end, opener Smith scored a fighting century to keep his side in the hunt. However, his ton went in vain as South Africa U19 were bowled out for 197.

Mohammad Saifuddin and Mehedi Hasan sclped three wickets each. Saleh Ahmed Shawon and Saeed Sarkar chipped in with two wickets each as well.

Bangladesh U19 now face Scottland U19 while South Africa U19 take on Namibia U19 in their next assignment

(Image:Twitter/@ICC).

Modified Date: January 27, 2016 5:44 PM

Virat Kohli better than Sachin Tendulkar in Australia: Sourav Ganguly

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has rated Virat Kohli as the best touring player he has seen in Australia.

Kohli has been in sensational form against Australia with scores of 91, 59, 117 and 106 from the four ODIs. He is now the leading scorer in the series with 373 runs at an average of 93.25. Before this tour, Kohli averaged less than 16 against Australia in Australia.

Disappointed after India lost the four ODIs by 25 runs, despite being firmly in control for most of the 349-run chase, Ganguly said Kohli was the only bright spot in the side.

"The only positive from India's tour of Australia is Virat Kohli," Ganguly told Sports Today. He just keeps getting better and better in Australia. I have seen a lot of player do very well in Australia, like Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman but I think Kohli is the best."

However, Ganguly was far from impressed with the rest of his teammates, including under-fire limited-overs captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Dhoni has kept stressing that there have been improvements in the team but Ganguly failed to see any "marked" changes.

"There is no marked improvement from the rest. Dhoni's overseas performances haven't got better, neither have the spinners'."

Ganguly praised openers Rohit Sharma, who has scored 342 runs including two hundreds and Shikhar Dhawan, who has amassed 209 runs with one fifty and a hundred but said the rest needed to catch up.

"The team is not getting better in case of overseas performances. Yes, Kohli, Dhawan and Rohit have been very good but it's not just about individuals," Ganguly said.

The 43-year-old, who changed India's overseas fortunes during his tenure as India captain said the team management needed to reach out to the inexperienced players like Gurkeerat Singh Mann and Rishi Dhawan, who panicked under pressure in the course of India's stiff chase.

"The lower-order batsmen panicked and the inexperience showed. There should have been some message from the dressing-room. Ravindra Jadeja (who remained unbeaten on 24) needed to show them some direction. These are important in close matches."

Ganguly said India should not have lost the penultimate ODI of the five-match series given the way Dhawan and Kohli batted. The two were involved in a 212-run stand for the second wicket but India lost nine wickets for 46 runs in 12 overs to concede the game to Australia.

That Prove The Amazon is Totally Insane

Anyone who grew up in the United States probably had to endure more than a few classes dedicated to the rainforests and protecting them. For that reason, you may be sick of hearing about them. But, get over it! The rainforests are amazing, and the Amazon is perhaps the most amazing of them all. Why is that? Well, it’s simple. There are things that you’ll encounter in the Amazon that you won’t encounter anywhere else in the world. What’s more is that there are things about this rainforest that you may have never learned, and once you know them, you may never look at the world the same way again. So, what are these amazing animals, plants, and facts? Let’s take a look.

www.factzoo.com

Here's why Virat Kohli lost his cool with Steve Smith in Adelaide

Steve Smith was commentating when he got out and Virat Kohli let him know about it. WATCH: http://cricketa.us/1QyExJV

Steve Smith yesterday courted controversy for using an on-field microphone during Australia's unsuccessful chase against India in the first of a three-match T20 International series at the Adelaide Oval.

Smith walked in after the exit of David Warner but he was possibly distracted while commentating during his innings.

Shortly after answering questions from Channel 9 commentators Mark Nicholas, Ian Healy and Michael Hussey, Smith chipped Ravindra Jadeja to Virat Kohli at mid-off, who gave Australia's Test and ODI skipper a verbal send-off while making a "chatterbox" gesture.

Railway hikes fare, service remains woeful

News Report Bangladesh Railway (BR) authorities will raise the passenger fare by 9 per cent from February 1 next to boost the income of the BR to meet the increased operating cost. The enhanced fare will increase the railway income by only Taka 45 crore annually while the annual loss of Bangladesh railway is taka 900 crore. The proposal to hike the fare will not improve the services of railway in any way. Rather it will increase the burden on the commuters who are mostly from lower income group. Railway is the cheapest mode of public transportation. Mostly the lower income group people travel by train because the bus fare is higher and waterways are shrinking gradually. In this context, the new proposal to raise the railway fare will only add to the sufferings of the passengers. The passengers are already suffering in the rail journey due to woeful services. The compartments are dirty and in most of the compartments there is no toilet and light. The seats are torn and the inside of the compartments are dirty. The seats are mostly broken and passengers most of the time remain standing for the long journey. The railway administration is unable to maintain the minimum standard of services not to speak of improving those. The corrupt ticket supervisors hardly check tickets and most of the passengers travel without ticket or by bribing the ticket checkers. Corruption is one of the major ailments of Bangladesh railway. There are 339 trains operating in the east and west zone. Some of these trains are broad gaudge. The rail lines are old and dilapidated in many of the areas and many old lines are now closed. There are more than 100 railway stations that are inoperative due to shortage of manpower. The signaling system is faulty and lines are old that causes frequent accident. Derailment of the compartments is a common problem that disrupts the movement of trains. The shortage of locomotives delays the train movement. Railway remains the most important mode of transport for carrying cargo especially the containers from the port to the other parts and from those places to the port. The better railway services could move the cargo speedily and at a cheaper cost. But the inefficient services are slowing down movement of goods and services by the Bangladesh railway. Even then the passengers and the businesses will have to pay higher fare and freight from February 1. This money will be paid to service the bill for inefficiency and corruption.

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Welcome to Dhaka International Trade Fair-2016

Welcome to the 21th Dhaka International Trade Fair, (DITF)-2016 organized by Export Promotion Bureau and the Ministry of Commerce, Government of Bangladesh will be held at Sher-E-Bangla Nagar in Dhaka west side of Bangabandhu International Conference Centre during January 01-January 31, 2016. This event would project quality exportable of Bangladesh to the visitors from home and abroad. The local producer in the remote areas of rural Bangladesh who does not have financial strength to participate in International trade fair will have the opportunity to display their products to the buyer from abroad at this fair. On the other hand, the overseas participants would have opportunity to display their products to the consumer of Bangladesh where domestic market of consumer goods is expanding. The foreign participants will also have the opportunity to display their state-of-the-art technology to the local producers and exporters. Besides, the participants will be able to identify business contacts with prospect of entering into subsequent business negotiatio

Lay Out Plan of DITF 2016

Alex Teixeira to Chelsea: Liverpool fly out to hijack deal for £30m Shakhtar Donetsk midfielde

Liverpool are looking to beat Chelsea to the signing of Alex Teixeira and have flown to the USA to conduct negotiations with Shakhtar Donetsk.
Chief executive Ian Ayre has led a Liverpool delegation to Orlando, where Shakhtar are currently participating in the Florida Cup.
Liverpool have already had an opening bid of £23m rejected for Teixeira, who has scored 26 goals in as many games this season.
The 26-year-old, who is valued at £30m, has been on top of Chelsea's wish-list for some time and the club were hoping to buy him this month or in the summer.
Teixeira spoke of his desire to move to Chelsea earlier this week and admitted that a transfer would improve his chances of a first call-up to the Brazil team.
But Liverpool, who have Brazil internationals Roberto Firmino, Philippe Coutinho and Lucas in their squad, believe he can fulfil his ambition with them.
When does the transfer window close across Europe? Scroll over the map below to find o

TfL to take command of London's entire suburban rail network

The entire suburban rail network in London is to be rebranded as the London Overground

Embattled commuters should finally get more frequent and reliable train services after Transport for London confirmed today it would take control of the capital's suburban rail network.
The long-running campaign to persuade ministers to devolve powers over services should increase capacity, eventually bringing an end to the cattle truck conditions for millions of Londoners, and improve accessibility.
TfL plans to streamline fares and travel information across the whole suburban rail network, rebranding the services London Overground and turning the capital's transport map orange.
Commuter services running from Cannon Street, Charing Cross, Moorgate, Victoria, Waterloo and London Bridge, which has suffered some of the worst delays, would all be transferred under the plans.
With the capital's population set to rise from 8.6 million today to 10 million by 2030, the proposals should ensure the network is able to cope, especially in South London which is heavily reliant on surface rail.
The new era for rail travel was hailed a victory for Boris Johnson who has spearheaded the campaign, which has cross-party support and was first initiated by Ken Livingstone, to take over control of each route as its franchise comes up for renewal.
The Mayor told the Standard: "Our railways have been the workhorse of the London and South East economy since Victorian times.
"They're key to the day to day lives of millions of people and vital to our future prosperity, and that's exactly why this new partnership is such a seminal moment.
"By working closely together and taking on these new services, we're going to emulate the success of the London Overground and give the entire capital and surrounding areas the services they truly deserve."
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin added: “We are committed to making journeys better across London and the South East, and this new partnership represents a huge opportunity to transform travel by putting passengers where they should be – at the heart of the rail network."
The first route to come under the next Mayor's control will be Southeastern in 2018, followed by Southern, Thameslink and Great Northern services in 2021.
The South West trains franchise is currently under negotiation but is likely to include a "break clause" that means it could be taken over in 2019.
TfL, which will set up a joint management team with the Department of Transport, will run services which operate within the capital's boundaries while DfT officials will be responsible for the wider South East.
The Mayor's control could stretch as far as Sevenoaks and Dartford in the South East, Epsom and Croydon in the South, Hampton and Chessington in the West and Hertford and Welwyn Garden City in the North.
It could mean that more than 80 per cent of stations have a train every 15 minutes, up from 67 per cent today.
Since TfL took over suburban rail routes from Silverlink in 2007 and created London Overground, passenger numbers on the routes have increased sixfold and the network has become one of the most popular railways anywhere in the country.
The proposal means town halls, local enterprise partnerships and other regional bodies could play a more hands on role in how services are planned.
Unlike most of the existing franchise agreements, income from fares would be handed over to TfL to invest in the network, for example bringing in new walk-through trains with more doors and staffing 100 per cent of stations during operating hours.
However, huge sums would still be needed to bring the network up to scratch, especially across South London where demand is highest, at a time when TfL's finances will be under pressure.
City Hall insiders suggested cash for investment could also be raised from the land value increase around stations, as well as from Network Rail and the Government.

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Apple’s iOS 9.3 update might help you sleep better

Apple’s iOS 9.3 update might help you sleep better,

Your iPhone will soon be easier on your eyes.
Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images

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Apple is known to throw in some pretty useful features when it updates its mobile operating system, from battery improvements to smarter notifications.

But with iOS 9.3, the tech giant hopes to give you a better night’s sleep.

No, your iPhone won’t be able to sing you a lullaby, or cuddle you to sleep – but the update will include a new feature called “Night Shift,” which will change the colours of the light emitted from your device based on the time of day.

Night Shift will use your iPhone or iPad’s clock and geolocation to determine when it’s sunset. Then it will automatically shift the colours to the warmer end of the spectrum, making it easier on your eyes in the dark.

Why will this help me sleep better?

Multiple studies have shown that using blue light-emitting devices before bed can affect how we sleep.

“We know light affects our day-night cycle, or our circadian rhythm, but particularly the short-wave or blue light from cellphones has a strong impact,” said Global News medical contributor Dr. Samir Gupta.

The light emitted from a smartphone or tablet, for example, can suppress the production of melatonin – a hormone that regulates a person’s circadian rhythm.

One study, completed in 2014, compared the effects of reading an e-book versus a regular paper book before bed.

Those who read on light-emitting devices took longer to fall asleep and had less REM – the stage of sleep you do most of your active dreaming in – than those who read the paper book.

The study also found those who read on a light-emitting device took longer to wake up and were sleepier the next day.

By transitioning your iPhone or iPad’s screen to a warmer hue, Apple hopes this new feature will make it easier on your eyes. However, that doesn’t mean it’s a cure.

“I don’t know if the latest changes that Apple is proposing would reduce or illuminate blue light, but I am doubtful. This is something you would need to look into but I think the way the display works would make it impossible to eliminate the blue light issue,” Gupta said.

The iOS 9.3 update was recently made available to developers, which means it will be a few weeks before the public will be able to download the update.

In the meantime, you might want to think about setting yourself a digital bedtime. Most experts recommend you should avoid looking at screens of any type – yes that means smartphones, tablets and TVs – at least an hour before bedtime.

Canadians to pay more for Apple apps thanks to falling loonie

WATCH: Prices for Apple apps, games and in-app purchases will increase within the next 72 hours.

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Sure, gas prices may be lower; but you can now thank the falling loonie for an increase in your iTunes bill. For the second year in a row, Apple is hiking prices in the Canadian App Store to account for foreign exchange rates.

According to an email sent to software developers Monday, prices for apps, games and in-app purchases will increase in Canada, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore and South Africa.

The change will take affect within the next 72 hours.

According to the document, two new low-price tiers will be available to developers for the Canadian App Store; however, Apple has not confirmed what those price tiers will be.

However, according to a report from The Next Web, apps will now start at $1.39 for Canadian users, up from $1.19. The report claims higher-priced apps will see the most impact – apps formerly priced at $50.00 will go up to $69.99.

An Apple spokesperson declined to comment.

This isn’t the first time Apple has raised prices due to the falling loonie. In Jan. 2015Canadian’s said goodbye to $0.99 apps after the tech giant was forced to increase app prices to account for adjustments in value-added tax (VAT) and foreign exchange rates.

Developers set the price of their own apps by choosing a price tier – CAD$1.39 being the lowest, CAD$999.99 being the highest. The developer can change that price tier at any time.

A word to the wise – if you have your eye on a few paid apps, you might want to buy them now before the price goes up.

Viber - Android Apps on Google Play

Viber syncs with your phone’s contact list so, as long as the person who you would like to add appears in your phone’s contact list, they will appear in your phone

https://support.viber.com/.../1354548-how-do-i-add-a-contact-on-viber-

https://www.viber.com/en

https://www.viber.com/en/products/android

Viber freely connects users around the world with the people that matter to them most, sending good vibes every day and making great things happen. With more than 606 million people on the platform, Viber gives people all over the world the ability to connect in the way that works best for them, whether it is through individual messaging, video calls or group chats or following brands and celebrities on Public Chats. Viber can be used on iPhone®, iPad®, Android™ phones and tablets, Windows Phone, Windows®, Windows 8®, Mac, Linux and Symbian devices over 3G/4G or WiFi connections. Viber is a Rakuten Group company.

Rakuten, Inc. is one of the world's leading Internet services companies. They provide a variety of products and services for consumers and businesses, with a focus on e-commerce, finance, and digital content. Since 2012, Rakuten has been ranked among the world’s ‘Top 20 Most Innovative Companies’ in Forbes magazine’s annual list. Rakuten is expanding worldwide and currently operates throughout Asia, Europe, the Americas and Oceania. Founded in 1997, Rakuten is headquartered in Tokyo, with over 14,000 employees and partner staff worldwide.

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Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Karbonn launches Quattro L50 smartphone at Rs 7,990

NEW DELHI: Karbonn has expanded its product portfolio of 4G smartphones with the launch of Quattro L50. The company has priced the device for Rs 7,990 and it will be exclusively available in Amazon in Blue, Grey and Coffee colour options.

On the specifications front, the Karbonn Quattro L50 features a 5-inch Full lamination display with 1280x720 pixels resolution. The smartphone is powered by a 1.3GHz quad-core processor paired with 2GB of RAM. The onboard storage of the device stands at 2GB which can be expanded up to 32GB using a microSD card.

The handset sports a 13MP camera at the rear end accompanied by an LED flash and a 5MP front facing camera for clicking selfies. Its connectivity attributes include 4G, LTE, 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS and it packs in a 2,600 mAh battery.

Earlier this month, Karbonn also launched a smartphone called K9 Smart for Rs 3,990 which offers users the option to navigate the device in up to 12 Indian languages and the flexibility to choose from 21 Indian languages for typing input.

K9 Smart comes with a 12.4 cm screen, 1.2GHz quad core processor and 2300mAh Li-ion battery. The smartphone is packed with an internal memory of 8GB which is expandable to 32GB. It offers a 3.2MP rear camera with flash and a 1.3MP front camera. The device has dual SIM support with faster 3G connectivity with bundling offers from leading network operators

Cisco launches Cloud Consumption as a Service platform

FRANCISCO: When Cisco introduces its latest product on Wednesday, a tool for monitoring how employees use third-party software, it aims to bolster its offerings in the cloud, meaning internet-delivered services. It also has information technology specialists like Robert Florescu in mind.

The head of information technology at New York City-area urgent-care provider CityMD, Florescu must deal with complicated regulations around the privacy of patient data, on top of network security.

That made him a perfect candidate for Cloud Consumption as a Service, which Cisco is launching as a way to help companies manage software employees might download and use independently, for example email programmes like Google's Gmail or file-storage services like Dropbox.

While the services, which IT professionals dub "shadow IT," provide convenience for employees, they can create headaches if they expose vulnerability to malware attacks, eat up bandwidth, or fail to comply with laws.

Shadow IT is creating a growing corporate challenge. Most companies with over 5,000 employees estimate around 90 such services are deployed around their computer infrastructure, but the actual number is typically over 1,200, according to Cisco executive Bob Dimicco.

Of those, more than 40 fall in the high-risk category.

Offering its cloud consumption service, which Cisco plans to bill monthly at a cost of $1-2 per employee, will help Cisco expand its offerings in the fast-growing business area of cloud services.

While switching and routing products make up the bulk of Cisco's revenue, those businesses show lackluster growth. Increasing numbers of customers who once bought all their own switching and routing hardware now are relying on outside vendors who do not tend to use as many Cisco products.

So the company has been trying to beef up its offerings catering to the increasingly internet-based technology culture at many companies. It has introduced products like Cisco Meraki, which controls routing and security over the internet, and Cisco WebEx, which offers internet-based video conferencing and similar products.

Many companies, including Cloudability, Netskope and Skyhigh, offer services similar to Cisco's cloud consumption service, but Cisco says its product goes beyond the others because it offers more details on usage and about each individual third-party app provider, such as if it complies with relevant regulations.

As at CityMD, Cisco's product will typically supplement data-security and compliance services such as Digital Guardian.