Note Editor improved in updated Evernote Android app

Recently, Evernote for Android was updated to version 4.3, bringing a host of new features to the table. In an official blog post, the company has added that the latest update introduces “nice new features”, one of which is an improved toolbar in the Note Editor.

Elaborating upon the changelog, Evernote shares that with the latest update, the Note Editor toolbar on Android has been de-cluttered. The app now excludes everything that doesn’t pertain to editing, and instead puts it into the Action Bars along the top of the note. Using the toolbar, users can style their text and even go ahead and organise it with bullets, lists, and checkboxes. If users want to hide the toolbar, they can do so by tapping on the arrow. 

The Note editor toolbar has been cleaned up

Among other changes to the app in this latest version is the Offline Notebook multi-select option for Premium users. With this update, users will be able to select multiple notebooks at once, which Evernote claims, makes it a no-hassle affair. Users can begin doing this by first going to their notebook list. Once there, they can tap on one either Android phone or Android tablet options. Tap the download icon in the bottom Action Bar for Android phone and/ or tap the three dots in the top right corner, then tap Offline Notebooks for Android tablets. Users will then be given the multi-select view option. Here, users should tap the notebooks that they’d like to keep for offline access, tap the check mark at the top left of the screen, and the notebooks will begin downloading in the background.

Offline notebooks now has a multi-select view option

Evernote shares that Offline Notebooks is one of its most popular Premium features. Using this feature, Evernote claims that Android users can download as many notebooks as they like directly to their phone or tablet. Users can access their notes and any attachments quickly, irrespective of where they are at the time. 

The updated app has made way for redesigned Action Bars for Android tablets. The updated app brings context aware Action Bar options for Android tablet users, shares Evernote in its blog post. With the latest update, users will be able to spot the actions in the bar changing depending on the panel open at the time. For example, if you’re in the Notebook List, an arrow will appear beneath Notebooks. Tap the Action Bar label to show a menu of sorting and grouping options. The same is true for Tags and All Notes views.

Evernote has also gone ahead and added a stretchable widget to their widget app. Let’s take a look at what’s new. Evernote now has a separate widget app available from Google Play using which users can create new notes right from their device’s desktop. Evernote claims that new Grid Widget is designed such that it will fit perfectly on any sized screen.

The stretchable Grid widget

Once users have downloaded the widget app, they have to tap and hold on their device’s desktop. Then, they will have to choose the Evernote Grid Widget. Once done they will have to select the note types and functions that they would like the widget to display. The widget will now appear on your screen. If users want to re-size the widget, they will have to tap and hold it until they see a frame appear. To keep the appropriate dimensions, users will have to drag the frame. 

New Halo 4 trailer shows origin of Spartans

With the release date for the game right around the corner, developer 343 Industries has released a new trailer for Halo 4. The trailer is more of a story trailer than anything else as it shows many small bits of story, including the origin of Master Chief and other Spartans. Master Chief's mind is violated by a powerful new enemy, who in searching for Chief's weaknesses, finds the source of his strength. The video sheds some light on how Master Chief became a Spartan. This hints to the fact that Master Chief, who was known as John before he donned the armour, had a lot of experiments done on him. Recently, Halo 4 was leaked and the game was easy to acquire through torrents. The game is available on torrent sites with all uploaders having their own versions of the disks. Some have single ISO files for each disk, sized 8,334MB; others have the entire two-disk game in one torrent. The torrent for the game is being seeded by several thousand torrenters, and is spreading like wildfire. This can be attributed to the fact that Halo 4 is easily one of the most anticipated games this year. Soon after the leak, Microsoft has started banning players it finds have pirated the game from Xbox Live. Users from Reddit have stated that they have received an email from Microsoft saying that they have been banned from Xbox Live for "prerelease title play".  Back in September, developer of the game 343 Industries had released some screenshots that showed some of the environments and weapons that will be in the game. The new screenshots showcase the game’s varied environment and level design and hints to the die-hard fans of the series about where the story will take them in this game. The screenshots also show the protagonist – Master Chief – using some of the weapons that were shown in the Covenant weapons trailer that was released by 343 Industries recently. More asses need to be kicked The developer had also released a trailer that showed the new weapons and sound effects in August. The trailer mostly attempts to showcase the completely rebuilt sound effects for the weapons in Halo 4. The video also displays the revamped sound effects of popular weapons from the earlier games, such as the pistol, DMR, rocket launcher and shotgun. Some of the newer weapons showed in the trailer are a sticky grenade launcher and a rail gun that can kill in one hit, but has a relatively long down-time between shots. During Comic-Con in July, Microsoft and 343 had announced a limited edition Halo 4-themed Xbox 360 set costing $399 (Rs 21,500 approximately). The set contains the Xbox 360 with Halo-themed artwork, two limited edition Halo 4 controllers, a copy of Halo 4, a wireless headset and downloadable codes for Halo-4 themed avatar items and in-game DLC. The development of Halo 4 has been taken over from Bungie by 343 Industries that helped out with the game Halo: Reach and provided fans with an HD remake of Halo: Combat Evolved. It’s about time the Xbox 360 got a solid first party game. It seems since the past few months, Microsoft has been targeting the casual gamer over the hardcore one. Halo 4, Microsoft’s next iteration in the Halo franchise, will arrive exclusively for the Xbox 360 by November 6, 2012. Halo 4 takes place nearly four years after the events of Halo 3 and will mark the return of Master Chief, who was absent from both Halo 3: ODST and Halo: Reach. Coincidentally, this game also marks the beginning of a brand new Halo trilogy.

Google acquires patent for left-eye version of Project Glass

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Google seems to be working hard on its devices for augmented reality. According toEngadget, the company has obtained patents for a left eye version of its augmented reality project – Project Glass. The patent simply switches the Project Glass eyepiece on the other side of the glasses to accommodate those who would prefer their information on the left side, instead of the right. Information on the patent can be seen here. The patent image for the left-eye version of Project Glass Google had unveiled its web-based digital project – Project Glass – back in April during the Google I/O event. The experimental 'augmented reality' glasses - from the same team that is developing self-driven cars - can snap photos, initiate video chats, and display directions at the sound of a user's voice. The prototype digital glasses, unveiled on the company's Google+ social network on Wednesday, are still being tweaked and tested, and are not available in stores yet."We're sharing this information now because we want to start a conversation and learn from your valuable input," Google wrote in a post on a Google+ page devoted to Project Glass. Google Chief Executive Larry Page has cut down on many of the projects and products underway at the company since taking the reins a year ago. But he has defended Google's commitment to working on "speculative" projects that could one day turn into "billion-dollar businesses," though he has stressed the company isn't "betting the farm" on such efforts. The glasses could provide a way for Google to more closely entwine its advertising-supported online services, including Web searches, maps and email, into people's daily lives. The glasses also could help Google match some of the buzz that rival Apple Inc has generated with its latest iPhone and the built-in Siri digital assistant, which takes spoken commands to do such tasks as schedule calendar appointments and get weather forecasts. Earlier this month, Google had attained the patent for a SmartWatch that incorporates augmented reality. Going by the description of the device on the patent filing, it would sport two screens, one at the top, and one that you get when you flip open the top. According to the patent filing, “A smart-watch can include a wristband, a base, and a flip up portion. The base can be coupled to the wristband and include a housing, a processor, a wireless transceiver, and a tactile user interface. The wireless transceiver can be configured to connect to a wireless network. The tactile user interface can be configured to provide interaction between a user and the smart-watch. The flip up portion can be displaceable between an open position exposing the base and a closed position concealing the base. Further, the flip up portion can include: a top display exposed when the flip up portion is in the closed position, and an inside display opposite the top display. The inside display can be concealed when the flip up portion is in the closed position and be exposed when the flip up portion is in the open position”.

Apple exec explains absence of light sensor on new iPod touch

When Apple announced the iPhone 5, the new iPod touch devices launched at the same event too received a warm welcome. However, a feature that is missing with the device is that it does not come equipped with an ambient light sensor. The lack of this feature has bemused a lot of early adopters, and one such user has written an email to Apple executive Phil Schiller inquiring why this feature was not present in the device. Apple’s Phil Schiller has replied explaining that the iPod touch does not come with an ambient light sensor because the device is too thin for it. As per a report by iDownloadblog, the author states that Apple had emphasised the lack of an ambient light sensor in the fifth generation iPod touch after initially highlighting the omission in its iPod touch fifth generation review. A reader then claims to have emailed Apple’s SVP of worldwide marketing, Phil Schiller, and received the response explaining the drop of the sensor. Apple recently announced the 2012 line up of iPods. The new iPod touch is the thinnest iPod touch ever, and features a 4-inch Retina display, Apple’s A5 chip, and Siri. Housed in an anodised aluminium body, it’s even slimmer than the iPhone 5 at just 6 mm thick, and weighs just 88 gm. With Apple’s dual-core A5 chip inside, iPod touch is touted to deliver up to twice the processing power and up to seven times faster graphics than the fourth generation iPod touch. Apple states that the device has a battery life of up to

Loop Mobile presents 1st time free calling and SMS on prepaid

Loop Mobile has announced a unique offering for their Mumbai circle - free intercalling and SMS for prepaid subscribers. This new prepaid offer enables an existing Loop mobile subscriber to refer unlimited number of subscribers and to avail free inter calling and SMS between the entire group, a product feature not offered on prepaid till now. Further, the existing subscriber can earn 10 percent extra talktime based on every new subscriber’s recharge for 1 year. Additionally, new subscribers can get free talktime 15 percent extra on every topup recharge done for a period of 1 year.  New plan launched Since, prepaid subscribers still constitute over 80 percent of any operator subscriber base, this kind of a closed user group offer with free calls and SMS might be beneficial for a large user group. Existing prepaid subscribers have to refer as many subscribers as they wish to, to avail free inter-calling and SMS benefit for a lifetime. Each new referred subscriber has to get a special Get Member SIM card and do a one time recharge with Rs. 94. The new subscriber will then have to share the unique code on the application form and send an SMS to his referrer.

Loop Mobile launches traffic alert service in Mumbai

Loop Mobile has announced in an official statement that it has launched a traffic SMS alerts service for its subscribers in Mumbai, in a bid to facilitate a better traffic experience in Mumbai. One can subscribe to alerts by sending a text message SUB TRAFF to 53535 (toll-free) or dialling the USSD code *888*8#.    Loop Mobile claims to be the first operator in India to have launched this service in Mumbai. This service allows Loop Mobile subscribers to choose the start and end locations while selecting the time to receive real time traffic information throughout the day suiting their routes of travel. For a better traffic experience Surya Mahadevan, Chief Operating Officer, Loop Mobile (India) Limited, said, “As a Mumbai operator, we cater to specific needs of our subscriber that enhance the mobility experience. We are pleased to offer this solution which will add value to subscribers and be alert and aware of congestion on the roads. This refreshingly different service is another addition to our wide array of VAS services.” Live traffic information directly sourced from the Traffic Police control room will be pushed to the subscribers during peak traffic periods in the day. In the future, subscribers will also get travel time estimates and alternate route suggestions as part of the SMS. The service is charged at Re 1 per day for prepaid users, and Rs 30 per month for postpaid users. After subscription users can set the route preference by sending an SMS with the text SMS TRAFF <Areaname> to <Area name> (eg: SMS TRAFF Andheri West to Mahim) to receive daily alerts along that route. Users can also get on-demand alerts by sending GET <Area name> to <Area name> to 53535. Loop Mobile has partnered with Birds Eye Systems to provide the service. Brijraj Vaghani, co-founder of Birds Eye, said “This innovative product is designed to make a Mumbai commuter’s life easier. It sources data from public transport vehicles moving across city streets. The information is then overlaid on a digital map or provided in text format to users. The SMS alerts will include speeds at which traffic is moving along different stretches of the road. The services will also keep customers alert of road accident and event information. The traffic alerts will be integrated with the Mumbai Traffic Police website.” The telecom provider took a step ahead when it introduced the M Wallet service recently, enabling its users to make social payments to friends and family just by sending a simple text message. Money transfer is now possible through SMS on Loop Mobile. The M Wallet service can be used to send money to any mobile number and any operator across the country, unlike with other operators. The money transfers can be made to any operator, and also allows bill payment of any operator. To create a free M Wallet, send ‘Money’ to 51888, to load the wallet with cash. This service has been launched in partnership with Zipcash.

Facebook expands Anti-Virus Marketplace with 7 new partners

Facebook’s "The Anti-Virus Marketplace" or The AV Marketplace has now been updated to accommodate seven new partners to its existing network of security companies. What this means is that now Facebook users will be able to download software from avast!, AVG, Avira, Kaspersky, Panda, Total Defense, and Webroot. Users will also have access to new anti-virus software for their mobile devices from many of Facebook's existing partners such as Microsoft, McAfee, Norton, TrendMicro, and Sophos. A user can download free anti-virus software for their PCs, Macs, and mobiles from the AV Marketplace.  Offering better security Facebook adds that its new anti-virus partners will bring to the table the latest software and comprehensive intelligence. The 7 new partners, like the existing ones will work towards protecting Facebook's community, which is now over a billion users strong. It plans to achieve this by improving the URL blacklist system. Facebook's URL blacklist system looks through trillions of clicks each day, and before each click, the system gets back to the databases of the AV Marketplace partners to ensure that the website that a user is about to enter is safe. "This means that whenever you click a link on our site you are protected both by Facebook and 12 of the industry leaders in computer security. We will be cooperating with these partners more in the future, and look forward to announcing new tools soon," reveals Facebook.  Facebook launched its AV Marketplace roughly six months ago, and the social networking giant shares that in the six months that followed, over 30 million of its users visited it. Since its launch, Facebook claims to have introduced new phishing protection, while announcing the launch of phish@fb.com -- an email address for the public to report phishing attempts. In July, Facebook launched new malware checkpoints which enable users to enroll themselves to keep their devices free of malware.  If you have been spotting a slightly different looking top navigation bar in your Facebook account, then you are among the chosen few on whose profiles Facebook is testing it. Inside Facebook now reports that some users have been spotting a rather different-looking top navigation bar, in which the Search bar has been pushed closer to the company logo. The icons to view friend requests, messages, and other activity notifications have been moved further right on the bar. In fact, closer inspection reveals that Facebook has completely done away with the 'Home' button. Users viewing the test design have to click on the Facebook logo to go to their news feed.  Facebook is known for introducing cosmetic changes to the profile appearance and to the way images are displayed. The tweaks to the top navigation bar are under test, and there is no saying if the changes will actually find their way to user profiles. The most prominent of the changes that Facebook introduced to user profiles in the recent past remains the Timeline.

Swipe Tab All in One dual-SIM 3G tablet launched in India

Swipe Telecom has recently announced the launch of a dual-SIM 3G tablet, the Swipe Tab All in One. This tablet comes in a chocolate brown coloured body and a velvet finish. Swipe states that due to its form factor, it can be considered to be the sleekest dual SIM 3G tablet available in the Indian market.  The highlighted feature of the tablet is its dual-SIM capability. Running on Android v4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich, the tablet consists of a capacitive touch screen with 5-point multi-touch. This helps in showing displaying the visuals better while holding it in various angles. The tablet is powered by a 1.5GHz processor. Dual SIM capabilities found here Here is a quick look at the highlighted features of the Swipe Tab All in One: 7-inch capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1028 x 768 3G, GPRS, Wi-Fi 2MP rear camera, 1.5MP front facing camera 8GB internal memory expandable up to 32GB more using a microSD card The new tablet also offers additional features such as a 2MP camera at the back, and a 1.3MP front-facing camera, FM Receiver and Transmitter, G-sensor, GPS, Accelerometer, Flash support 11.1, Olive Office Premium, ebook Reader, Audio Recording, HD and 3D Games. The Swipe Tab All in One has processing features such as 1GB DDRIII RAM, which helps in the performance of the tablet. It comes with a built-in Wi-Fi Module 802.11 b/g/n, 5 GHz giving the consumers an optional way to access the Internet. It comes with a Bluetooth v3, and it also boasts of an in-built GPS voice-based navigation. All these features are supported by a battery of 4,000mAh, which can last for hours.  This tablet is available in India at a price of Rs 11,999. The 7-inch tablet market in India is booming and various manufacturers are coming up with models at extremely competitive prices. This could be great for the Indian audience as one has the ability to use a tablet as a basic media consumption device as well as have the functionalities of a smartphone.  Another advantage is that students can carry it around and store eBooks on it as opposed to heavy bags. Budget tablets may be more expensive than regular books but it poses a lot of advantages which books cannot replicate such as quick browsing or taking notes on the go. Earlier this year, Swipe Telecom had launched its new tablets for the Indian market – Swipe 3D Life, Swipe Halo TabX74S and Swipe Float TabX78. These tablets are aimed at addressing the growing demand for affordable tablets in urban, semi-urban and rural India. The highlight of the launch is the new 3D Life tablet that supports three dimensional content on-the-go.

Windows 8 ad campaign worth $1 billion

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The Windows 8 operating system will be here in a few days, and the event is clearly going to be one of Microsoft’s biggest in recent times. While all the hoopla around it continues to swell, the Washington-based company doled out its first Windows 8 ad campaign on Sunday during the NFL games. The campaign is worth a mind-blowing $1 billion, reports Dazeinfo.  The 31-second long advertisement begins with the staple countdown clock, but the countdown ends at the number 8 (no guesses!). Along with foot-tapping music in the video, users are shown glimpses of touchscreen-based desktops, and laptops running obviously the Windows 8 OS. The video quite expectedly ends with a reminder that the OS will be launched on October 26, 2012.    Spending big on Windows 8 Microsoft had started accepting pre-orders for the much anticipated operating system last week. According to the report, Microsoft has set the price of Windows 8 at $70 (roughly Rs 3,712) for a DVD pack. The operating system is also available digitally for $40 (around Rs 2,121), where users can download Windows 8 on launch day, October 26. Along with this, any customer who buys, or already bought, a Windows 7 PC between June 2 and the end of January 2013 will be able to get an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $15, a move designed to prevent a drop-off in PC sales before the launch of Windows 8. It was recently revealed that Microsoft had released an update to Windows 8 even before the official launch. Microsoft states on its official blog that this 'post-RTM' update has been issued to do away with the usual waiting times users experienced with earlier versions of Windows as the company went about improving its core code to suit the various OEMs’ newly-developed or enhanced components, drivers and accompanying software. It states this update ensures we won’t have to wait for a service pack to experience such enhancements. This update to Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 will be integrated with the operating system when it is released on October 26. Additionally, Microsoft is working on updates for its in-built Windows 8 apps. The company will release updates for many of the apps included with the release to manufacturing (RTM) build of Windows 8, delivered to manufacturers and to MSDN and TechNet subscribers in August. The company announced on its official blog that it has started rolling out updates for the various apps Windows 8 comes with. These app updates will also be available to manufacturers to include by default with PCs shipped in the future. Those who have already installed Windows 8 RTM can get the updates from the Store app. The Store tile will notify you when updates are available, and you can open it and click the updates link in the top right corner to see the list, and install the ones you want. The Bing app is the first app to get the update. Microsoft will be rolling out updates for the rest of the in-built apps until October 26. The apps that would be updated include SkyDrive, Mail, Calendar, People and Messaging, Photos, Maps, Bing, Finance, News, Sports, Travel, Weather, Video Music and Games. Among some of the more interesting updates for the various apps is the ability to purchase videos in local currencies, new games, improved customisation, including custom pushpins and roaming options along with integration with Bing and travel apps for the Maps app, and the ability to search within SkyDrive.