Sunday, August 29, 2010

A review of Gmail Calling Feature by Tej Kohli

Tej Kohli brings you the first impressions of the latest Google Gmail Calls feature...

A few days ago, Google introduced the feature of making phone calls to mobile phones and landlines directly from your Gmail inbox. In order to use the feature, first you must be a google user, and second, you must be signed into your Gmail account. Plus, it also requires you to to download and install the voice and video browser Plugin, which allow users to carry out voice and video chats from gmail.
However you will; not find this feature instantly as you login to your gmail account as it is somewhat burired in the Gmail Chat Feature poistioned on the left side of inbox. Look for a tiny phone icon, and click on it to open a dialer.

Like most Google services, this utility too has a pretty bland interface. At the top of the dialer, there are two tabs – the first is for the dialer itself, and the second is a small clock, which reveals your call history on clicking. Those who have a Google voice number, that history too will be included in the calling history list, including calls made from the Google Voice Android application. So, anyone who receives a call from you will see your Google voice number on their screen. However, Google voice is not a prerequisite for Gmail calling feature to work.
Thanks to the ease of this ability, dialing numbers is a cakewalk. You can dial a number using your mouse or the number keys on the keyboard. Alternatively, you can search contacts by typing names as well. The dialer will automatically sort through your contact list as you types and offer suggestions instantly. Once you've typed or found the desired number, press the Call button at the bottom of the screen.

The feature is swift and the calls connect pretty quickly. This feature runs on VOIP technology, and can be used to call on physical phone numbers. Calls are clear and works just fine even with a laptop's bulit in speaker and microphone. However, if you want to make calls more private, you can attach a headset to the machine.

As far as the call quality is concerned, it was at par with average VoIP standards. The voice quality was somewhat subdued and digital sounding. Many people I called noticed that my voice was echoing.

At present, it allow users to make free calls to the U.S and Canadian numbers, in addition to offering substantially low call rates to other countries. Use Google check-out to purchase credits for international calls. Once the call has ended, the remaining credits will be showed in dollar amounts across the top of the dialer, so you know when you need to recharge your account.

Is Skype better than this service? In many aspects, Yes! First, Skype is a household name. Secondly, it is available on most computing platforms including the latest smartphones. Furthermore, Skype offers free Skype-to-Skype calling from/to anywhere, while Google calling only works from the U.S, at least for now.

While there is no doubt this feature has a lot of room for improvement, seeing the goodwill Google has built over years now, this product will soon become a hit.
 
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Monday, August 16, 2010

Tej Kohli reviews Samsung Epic 4G (Sprint)

Tej Kohli Samsung Epic 4G (Sprint) Review:

Pros: The size is great. The screen is amazing. The viewing angle is like none other. Everything else is very similar to the Samsung Moment just longer. Great phone.

Cons: With the Qwerty key board it makes the phone feel thick unlike the Hero touch feels very thin in the users hand. Nothing else but the same as always. Want a bigger screen with a smaller feel.

Summary: Everyone knows the "new" stuff is always great to have and this phone is one of them. I don't care about the upfront cost as much as I do the service plan. Choosing a provider is like asking a person which car is better. We all have likes and dis-likes. I LOVE SPRINT all you can use for $99.00. If you live in an area that has REAL 4G there unlike Verizon, T-Mobile, etc... I use my phone for everything and kill battery after battery with Sprint because I can. There is NO limit of time and usage for any data plan because they are all covered in this price. Can't go wrong with the plan unless $99.00 is out of your budget.
 
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Courtesy CNET

Monday, August 9, 2010

Apple is ready with Patch for Iphone, iPad - Tej Kohli

Tej Kohli talks about the security flaws in the Apple'e iOS that powers iPads and iPhones...

Apple is secretly struggling with a security snag and how successfully the company tackles it could decide the speed at which hackers fasten attacks on iPhones and iPads.

Apple Inc. is hurriedly working to release a patch for a milestone security conundrum that makes it possible to remotely hack the iOS, the OS for iPod touch, iPhones and iPad.

Apple has confirmed the completion of the patch, but the date for its public release is undecided yet .

The remote hacking or jailbreaking refers to the hacking of iOS to download web apps not approved by Apple. Earlier, this used to be difficult but not anymore, thanks to the website called Jailbreakme.com. Only last week, the website published a technique for remote jailbreaking, which makes it possible to access the OS of someone else's iPhone or iPad.

The would get attackers almost total control of affected devices. For now, the most apparent concern for Apple has been the pranksters visiting Apple Stores and jailbreaking display models, which is an indicator of bigger problems related to security and privacy of Apple gadgets.

According to the security experts, the pattern that has come to rule the PC world to start to penetrate smartphones. The hackers continuously dig up new security snags in computers and utilize them to launch malicious attacks. The companies, in the meantime, devise patches to prevent such attacks.

The hackers are now increasingly adapting the same technique to jailbreak all smartphone platforms such as Windows Mobile, Google Android, RIM Blackberry, Symbian and Apple iOS.

The Apple's problem is, however, unique. The company has given ample importance to hiding the technical details of iOS, allowing only approved web apps to tie in. While this tight control initially helped to keep the iOS secure, but made it difficlut or anti-virus companies to develop third-party protection for iPhones. But now Apple may have to share its iOS coding with anti-virus vendors.

Seeing the current scenario, it is quite possible that hackers have already created a worm to take control of hacked iPhones and iPads, and unfortunately there is nothing users can do about it. Whereas, apple is aware of the danger but is keeping mum on the matter.

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