The Biggest Tech News Stories of 2012

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Tech Events 2012

Like last year, the stories that captured the attention of all the major tech news websites this year were mostly about Apple and Google. After following hundreds of stories, we are presenting here ten biggest news stories of 2012 for us tech geeks.

Angry Birds Space NASA announcement (8 March)

Rovio unveiled a new version of Angry Birds called “Angry Birds Space” this year in the most unique way possible. The company enlisted National Geographic and NASA as their launch partners for Angry Birds Space and released a video where we saw the first ever game announcement and gameplay footage from space.

Samsung Galaxy S3 (May 3)

If you are into smartphones or technology in general, then you might already know that this year was all about Samsung smartphones. The Samsung Galaxy S3 has been a blockbuster hit since its launch back in May and broke sales record by reaching 20 million in just 100 days. The company also released Galaxy Note 2 and Ativ S this year but when it comes to the “biggest news stories” of this year, the Galaxy S3 takes the cake. The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 has sold more than 5 million units worldwide.

LinkedIn Hacked (July 3)

2012 is considered as a bad year for online security breaches as we saw some high-profile security breaches in big companies like LinkedIn, Yahoo and Last.FM. The security breach at LinkedIn resulted in 6.46 million user passwords leaked and the security breach at Yahoo! Resulted in over 450000 account password leaked.

Google Glass: Live Video Skydiving (June 27)

Google demoed its Project Glass with a crazy stunt that is considered as one of the most insane thing done at a tech event. The company showed live video skydiving with Google Glasses during their Google I/O event. Our next big news is also related to this event.

Google Nexus 7 (June 27)

Google Nexus 7, the best-selling Android tablet ever is our big news no 5. Google unveiled this cool tablet at its I/O developers conference and released it in July. The 8GB version was available for only $200 earlier but now the 16GB version is available for the same price. The device comes with Tegra 3 quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage for only $199. Google also released the Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 this year but the Nexus 7 is a complete package with an affordable price tag.

Ouya Android Gaming Console (July 3)

Ouya is a new Android based gaming console that is planning to enter in the gaming console market soon with an attractive price tag of only $99. Julie Uhrman, CEO of Boxer8 announced Ouya on July 3 and started a Kickstarter campaign on July 10 to see how many people are actually interested. The project was an instant hit and the fundraising goal was raised within 8 hours.

Microsoft changes logo after 25 years (August 23)

Microsoft released their very own tablet this year, Surface and a new operating system, Windows 8. But we are not counting those as a big news story as the company also did something surprising, they changed their logo after a long 25 years. The new logo matches with their new tile-centric Metro interface.

Apple vs. Samsung Patent Case (Verdict August 24)

Apple has filed a number of lawsuits against Android device manufactures like Motorola and HTC but the company’s patent case against Samsung is considered as the patent trial of the century. The case began on April 15, 2011 and the verdict came out this year on August 24. The jury found Samsung guilty of infringing Apple’s patents intentionally and awarded Apple $1.05 in patent case.

Apple iPhone 5 and iPad Mini

Apple released the long awaited iPhone 5 and the 7-inch tablet, iPad Mini this year. The internet was filled with iPhone 5 and iPad Mini rumors before the release of these devices and now they are creating news by breaking sales record.

Google’s October 29th Tech Event Cancelled

After Google I/O’s keynote presentation, we were really looking forward to see what Google has in store for us this time. However, Google cancelled the big Android event due to Hurricane Sandy. They unveiled all the new gadgets and Android 4.2 “Key Lime Pie” in a blog post.

It is possible to overcome Exchange Server Error 528. Know How?

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You made an attempt to access the exchange server and unfortunately end up encountering the exchange server error code 528. So, how do you feel? Well, I am not a journalist and won’t expect a proper answer because you won’t like even image about such situation. But in case you ever face a very similar situation, you would always look to get rid of such terrifying experience. It is very obvious that nobody likes to face such situation. Nobody likes to invite a situation that makes it difficult to access exchange server properly. But incidents do take place and you must be ready to deal with such condition.

Now once you get encountered with Exchange Server Error 528, chances are very high that you may further face another error messages summarized under the following headings:

Event ID: 5000
Source MSExchangeIS
Type: Error
Category: General
Description: Unable to initialize MS Exchange Information Service Store
Error 528”

Facing this sort of error consequently makes it nearly impossible for you or any other individual to access any single data stored in the mailbox. Not only this, in fact if you are not able to access folders located in the database, then you must not be surprised. You are in middle of nowhere because such incidents make you feel like a complete handicapped person as you are almost in the situation to loss your data completely. However, there is always a reason behind every creation made in this world and the same rule applies in Exchange Server error.

Research has shown that the most common reason behind MS Exchange Server Error 528 could be the absence of Edb.log and Edb.chk files from the database.

For those who are not aware about the location of these files, then let me tell you that these files are stored in a particular directory called Exchsrvr\Mdbdata. Facing a fatal error 528 situation makes it impossible to access any single data because the level of corruption is very high. Until you repair EDB files the situation cannot be rectified. And, in case you are wondering about how to repair EDB files, then you need to perform EDB to PST conversion. All that you got to do is take help of EDB recovery tool to repair EDB file and restore EDB file to PST file quickly.

EDB recovery tool makes use of unique techniques for repairing exchange file and export EDB file to PST file instantly. It recover exchange file and convert EDB file to PST file along with different elements like: Inbox, Sent item, Outbox, Deleted items, Calendars, Tasks, Contacts,Notes and self-made folder etc.

Acting as an ideal EDB file converter program it allows you immediately recover EDB mailbox and convert EDB to PST with accurate format of exchange file. The tool is very well embedded with a strong algorithm that play a very important role in the easy conversion of exchange edb file to pst file which later can be accessed with Microsoft outlook email client. With the proper usage of such software it gets lot easier to restore EDB emails with all emails items-To, Cc, Bcc, From, Subject etc.

Article Summary

Exchange Server Error 528 makes it nearly impossible for any other individual to access any single data stored in the mailbox. But with the help of third party EDB to PST conversion tool the complexity to deal with such error can be easily managed. The software repair EDB file and restore EDB file to PST file quickly.

Author’s Bio: Steve is a technical content writer and with his writing provided different tips to deal with EDB file corruption and ways to get rid of it successfully. In this article, he has emphasized on exchange server error 528 and provided solution to fix the error instantly.

The battle of tech giants Apple and Samsung on Patent; who won, Nokia or Microsoft?

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The two titans of tech world Apple and Samsung have been battling in courts worldwide over the violation of Apple’s patent and that Samsung has used the technology or ideas of Apple in various devices illegally.

Who won the battle and what are the consequences: 

  1. One of the Tokyo courts dismissed the Apple Inc’s claim on Samsung of its Patent infringement.

    Nokia phone with windows OS
  2. The world’s largest maker of phones, Samsung Electronics Co. Of South Korea, welcomed the decision of Tokyo District court.
  3. The fine of $1 billion was echoed in the court room of USA against Samsung. Following this was a rumor which went viral on social sites that Samsung tried to pay $1 billion fine to Apple by sending 30 trucks of 5-cent coins and that Samsung said it is how they are going to pay the fine! That’s funny but it was really not true. The court in USA questioned the company about the innovation or labelled Samsung to be an imitator!
  4. Apple’s win over Samsung brain teased Google and there might be problems for Google’s Android. Samsung uses Android OS for Galaxy series of smart phones. Also, Samsung failed to prove its point that Apple infringed on some of its essential patents which could in turn be cause for worry to Google! Does this mean Windows 8 would be the preferred OS for upcoming handsets over Android which is a kind of mimic of IOS?
  5. Since the launch of Galaxy S3 handsets in May 2012, more than 10 million sales have been reported. Apple has added this Samsung’s best selling device along with 21 other gadgets to the list saying they infringe Apple’s patents and seeks ban on sales of these devices.
  6. Samsung hit back at Apple in South Korea with 10 patent infringements. Samsung won over two patents in home turf, Seoul court, South Korea. But Samsung was also hit as it lost on one of design patent resulting in various gadgets of both the companies being banned from selling in the country.

Who might be getting the advantage of this battle?

The share market started seeing some ups and downs. Samsung’s and Google’s shares fluctuated where as Nokia’s, Apple’s stock and Microsoft’s shares are reasonably doing well after the USA court verdict.

Advantage Microsoft and Nokia! Apple revealed in a court case that it has licensed some of its technologies to Microsoft. Apple’s lawyers also showed pictures of Nokia Lumia as an example of how a phone is distinct which runs on Windows 7. Apple is also trying its hands against two other Android based mobile companies Motorola owned by Google (another problem for Google) and HTC. The verdict in USA in favor of Apple Inc can empower them to file more such lawsuits against Samsung thereby making a proxy war against Android (Google). Microsoft would be hugely benefited and Windows 8 would be able to see a new high on success.

After Nokia won the lawsuit against Apple Inc on patent infringement years back, Apple had to pay an undisclosed lump sum and royalties to Nokia. Nokia clearly emerged as winner as every Apple device sold would in turn benefit Nokia.

The best example of winning device is Nokia Lumia where Nokia mobile technology and Windows OS come together for user satisfaction.

What do you think? Nokia was hugely benefited or Windows will be taking the advantage in future!

Select an appropriate Outlook Duplicate Remover Software

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The redundancy of emails is one of the common problems of a MS Outlook user. Sometimes these redundant or duplicate emails are spam and while on the other time the duplicity of emails is caused due to some actions which we take outside our Outlook. These actions include retrieving email messages by Outlook after re-installation of system fills our Outlook mailbox with unnecessary copies of emails; synchronization of Outlook with electronic devices like Smart Phones, etc. also fills our mailbox unnecessarily. Since, duplicate entries eat up the space of Outlook and increase the size of the PST file which not only slows down the performance of Outlook but also generates chances of Outlook corruption. Therefore, before all these unforeseen situations occur and harm your precious emails and other Outlook items, it is recommended to use a reliable third-party Outlook duplicate remover software.

What to look for in an Outlook Duplicate Remover Software:

If you will search over the Internet then you will get to know that a lot of tools for the same are available online and to select the most reliable out of them is a difficult task. Mentioned below are some points which may help you to select the most efficient Outlook duplicate remover software:

User Interface:

First of all the software should have understandable user interface. Having this feature, you do not require assistance of an expert or prior training of the software to delete duplicate emails from your Outlook all by you.

Various Actions on Duplicate Emails:

The software should have various personalized options such as Delete (move to deleted items folder), Move to folder, Mark as Expired, Copy to Folder, Delete Permanently, etc to be performed on scanned duplicate emails.

Support for Multiple Mailboxes:

The software should have option to select multiple mailboxes and allow you to delete duplicate emails from all the selected mailboxes.

Different Criteria to Find Duplicate Emails:

The software should have a wide range of criteria to identify duplicate emails.

Log Report:

Authentic and reliable software provides the detailed log report of the process.

One of the tool which has all the above mentioned features is known as Stellar Phoenix Outlook Duplicate Remover. One of the add-on features of this software is that it appears as ‘Add In’ on the top left corner of your Outlook and thus you can use this software within your Outlook. The software provides a wide range of scanning criteria to find out duplicate emails and is designed to use successfully with MS Outlook 2010, 2007, and 2003.

Author Bio – “I am Jane Parker and having 6 years experience in IT consultancy. I like to write on latest technologies, issues related to email applications and software for backup, Outlook Duplicate Remover, PST recovery, password recovery and more.”

How to Fix Microsoft Outlook Performance Issues

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If Outlook hasn’t been performing the way you expect it, then you’re probably becoming annoyed with your computer. Slowdowns, crashes, and miscellaneous errors can prevent you from sending or receiving email, or even from doing simple things like editing your calendar and contact list.

Put simply, these performance issues make using Outlook a lot less enjoyable. If you want to eliminate these problems once and for all, then you’re in luck. Today, we’re going to show you how to solve a number of common Microsoft Outlook performance issues. [Read more…]

Microsoft Social Network SOCL goes in beta, book a place for yourself

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Microsoft Social Network SOCLFew months back we saw that Microsoft accidentally published its own version of Social Networking site Socl.com. They took down the site in few days but it seems they are back with their project renamed from Tulalip to socl (pronounced as social).

Socl is in fact not a new social networking site that wants to compete with Facebook, Twitter or Google Plus. Instead it is more like where users can collect interesting stuffs from web at one place and share it with their friends. [Read more…]

Tulalip: Microsoft’s “Secret” Social Networking Project?

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Few days back Microsoft “accidently” published a secret project named “Tulalip” which by it’s looks seems to be somekind of social networking site. FYI the word Tulalip is referred to a group of Native American peoples from western Washington state in the United States. Strange enough, Tulalip gives Facebook and Twitter log-in option and the tagline suggests it to be incorporated with Bing search (sounds like Google +1?). Here take a look at the pic:

The Tulalip project WAS accessible on socl.com, but now the website reads this:

Thanks for stopping by.

Socl.com is an internal design project from a team in Microsoft Research which was mistakenly published to the web.

We didn’t mean to, honest.

With the buzz generated by Google+ it is quite likely that Microsoft too wants a pie (bigger than what it has in Facebook :P) out of the Social Networking. Do express your views on the latest war on social networking and in the near future which one has the potential to take over the cyber world.

How to get the new Facebook chat with video calling

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Here is the response of Facebook to Google+. Skype integration into Facebook chat to provide video calling to users.  News was circulating that Facebook is about to launch something “awesome” and it comes exactly one week after the limited release of Google+. Facebook was missing the video call feature for a long time and Skype has a proven technology and experience. The integration seems to be a good add-on for Facebook. From another point of view it can also be seen as Microsoft’s rivalry with Google (Microsoft is the new owner of  Skype and a shareholder in Facebook). News apart, here is how you can get the latest video calling chat on Facebook:

  • Log in to your facebook account
  • Go to
  • Click on Get Started (Facebook can take you from here in steps but still I’ll write it), It will ask you to select a friend to video chat
  • Click on a friend, the chat window opens up
  • On the top of the chat window, there is the known video sign  , click it
  • It will ask you “Set up video calling?”
  • Click on Set Up
  • It will ask you to download a plugin exe file (on Windows)
  • Save the file, Run the file
  • Enjoy your video calling

If your friend does not have video calling installed on his/her computer you have an option of leaving a video message. Cool na?

Question, suggestions and a word of thanks is always welcome. Enjoy :)

How to solve: Skype crashes and won’t start again

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There is strange things going on with Skype since Microsoft took over it. Weirdly, while using, it crashes and will not launch again. And it happens to a lot of people. Probably a problem with Ubuntu. Any ways, since there is no standard solution available, one cannot wait for the new updates from Skype (if any). So folks, here is a quick and dirty trick to solve this problem.

In your home/your_user_name (or simply call it ~ directory), there is a hidden Skype directory. It contains few files and shared.xml is one of them. Either delete this file or rename it. Use either of these commands:

mv ~/.Skype/shared.xml ~/.Skype/shared2.xml 
or 
rm ~/.Skype/shared.xml

After this, start Skype again, enter your login details.

If the problem still persists, try removing this file as well by using this command:

rm ~/.Skype/shared.lck

On Windows:

As suggested by a reader Arri, the same problem can be solved by removing the same shared.xml file from the following location:

C:Users{YOUR_USERNAME}AppDataRoamingSkype

Hopefully this works for you all! Questions, suggestions and feedbacks are welcomed.