Bing says don’t go to Google
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Bing says don’t go to Google

Knowliz is on Google+ now too, Check it out and Add to your circles

With today’s launch of Google+ pages, I wanted to get Knowliz up and going on the Google+ as soon as possible.

I am happy to announce that now there is a Google+ page for Knowliz too.  I would really love you to visit and if you can also add Knowliz to your Google+ Circles. Alongside alerting the visitors with original cross posts and article across the web, I may host a hangout with special feature and event, quizzes and suggestion oriented sessions.

Please visit here to access our profile and find the red “Add to Circles” button in the upper right corner.  As you can obviously guess I am also on Google+, so add me to your Google+ circles.  Other than that you can also

BTW, while you are at it, why not like Knowliz on Facebook and follow on Twitter if you’re members of these social networks?  Please do share how would you like to see the information on Google+ and Facebook fan page.  Is there anything specific you would expect from it.

One thing that comes to mind right now is that I would probably be using Google+ page for more user interaction like asking question about upcoming articles, quizzes and any other suggestion you as a reader might have for Knowliz.

So help me kick off this page so that I find a reason to keep it up to date.

Original Article

Google+ for Android gets a huge face lift

Wow! What I just saw is unbelievable.  As I mentioned in my previous post, Google is definitely up for creating a consistent look among various Google products.  Entire Google team is working on creating/updating its entire range of products in a better looking beautiful looking feature rich products.

What Google has released today are two product updates. Google+ app for Android gets a huge face lift and Google Reader get the same consistent look we are slowly becoming used to with Gmail, Search and all.  Google reader also receives Google+ integration.  But that update is probably another post in itself.

In this article we want to see what Google+ updated app brings on the table.  Let’s see what’s new in this version:

  1. Completely new app and new visual design.  New Home screen design puts the notification in top right corner which were previously in the bottom.
     
  2. Press and hold a post in the stream to +1, share or mute it.  The stream also get a UI tweak.
  3. Brand new posting UI.  Posts with photos show more content, covers most of the area as far as possible.  You can also quickly toggle the location sharing.
  4. Hangouts has all new controls.
  5. Messenger also show items with bigger pictures and provides a cleaner design.
  6. Profile tab also shows more information in tabbed format.
  7. The album view receives a huge change.  All your albums are now displayed here instead of hopping around different screens.  When you open an album the photos take full space on the screen which give a stunning look at all your photos.
  8. When you go to the circles, it shows a preview of who all are in those circles.  And when you go to one particular circle, it shows you a list of all the members in that circle.
  9. Among other updates is the support for Google Apps users, ability to sign out and add people to a circle from circle profiles.
With all these updates, it feels like a release of brand new product.  Doesn’t it feel like a superior social network altogether?
Now the only problem is that being such a beautiful range of features and close integration with other Google products, Google+ is still loosing users.  The real issue in my opinion is to bring people over from Facebook to use Google+.  For example, in my case, it was already hard to convince people to create a profile on Facebook, now it is again whole new story to bring them over to Google+.  The communities over at Facebook has become so matured and people have probably embraced the platform so well, that unless Google+ provides something ridiculously different, there is no real incentive for users to migrate.
I just wish Google has some trump cards to play against Facebook in this social battle.  Nonetheless, if you have already migrated or planning to migrate to Google+, now is the chance to start using this on your Android phone with this updated app.
Let us know in comments if you were able to bring over your friends from Facebook.  And how you did that.

Original Article

Chrome Web Store gets a welcoming brand new look

We all should agree that Google has been really busy lately in UI improvements among all Google products.  A similar activity can be noticed on the Chrome Web store too.  Chrome Web Store now has a very clean and welcoming new look.  Things look more organized and it is easy to see the popular extensions - Be it games, utilities or productivity related apps.

[caption id=”attachment_2714” align=”aligncenter” width=”500” caption=”Chrome Web Store”][/caption]

Below are some of the improvements you will quickly notice:

  1. The Chrome Web Store has a brand new look which is very beautiful and feature rich while being minimal.
  2. Apps and extensions now appear in a wall of images which keep rotating.
  3. Apps are now easier to install - just hover the mouse over an image and click “Add to Chrome”
  4. Get entire information about the app/extension by clicking on its image.  A panel of information shows up with images, video and other information.
  5. Apps that are already installed will show a Green check mark on its image.
  6. At the same time, now the reviews are linked to Google+ profiles of the reviewers.

[caption id=”attachment_2715” align=”aligncenter” width=”500” caption=”The App Image Wall”][/caption]

[caption id=”attachment_2716” align=”aligncenter” width=”500” caption=”Installed apps with Green Check mark”][/caption]

I must say that it has become really user-friendly now and feels like a polished product.  Go check it out and when you are there, let me know what your favorite apps and extensions are.

Original Article

How Google has affected our Memory? [Infographics]

It is true that as the technology progresses we start relying on technology even more. Before we used to memorize everything, now we just Google it. Earlier we used to do the calculations orally or on paper, now we use Scientific calculators or our iPhone or Android. Let’s find out how this technology or rather Google has affected our memory.

[via OnlineColleges.net]

Original Article

Another Google+ cheat sheet in an Infographics

Google+ Plus Cheet Sheet
[Via: Technostreak.com]

Original Article

Google+ vs Facebook [Infographics]

With the introduction of the new Social platform from Google, Google+, there is a lot of buzz around the web. You obviously end up comparing it with Facebook. The below inforgraphics tries to capture some of these variations between the two social giants. Feel free to share…
facebook vs google plus 2

Original Article

Google I/O 2011 live updates : What’s new in Android World?

Today is the day for Google I/O 2011 where we generally get something new and entirely unexpected.
Similarly today a new service is announced by Google - Google Music (Beta). Currently it is invite only so get in lineto test it…

[liveblog]

Original Article

7 “Smart” Shopping apps for Android you should definitely try

Smartphones give you the ability to do smart things.  One such smart thing is to check for the cheapest price of an item before you purchase it in store.  If the item you are buying is available elsewhere cheap, then you get an opportunity to save some bucks.  May be you will have to wait for some time because of shipping and all, but in some case the nearby store might have it at a better price.

There are numerous speciality apps that lets you do specific searches like books, CD/DVD, Games etc.  But then there are multi-purpose apps where you get information about everything.  For the rest of it, there is Google Search.  Similar is the intent of this article, to make you aware of SMART shopping apps you can try on your favorite Android phone.

One smart case which I personally experienced is that at The Children’s Place my wife could search for a 20% off coupon to use in store while shopping at Tanger Outlet in Howell, MI.  That saved 20% off the bill right away.  Without my smartphone, I would have missed that saving.

(Image Credit : AlbusHotel.com

Here are some of them I liked (not in any particular order):

  1. Barcode Scanner : Barcode scanner makes it super-easy to scan any barcode and find its information online.  With Barcode scanner you can scan CD/DVD, books and other items and find their information, prices and reviews online.  You can also use this app to quickly find and install apps on your Android phone by scanning the QR code anywhere.
    (Quick tip: QR code can store any information like contact details, calendar event, URL, product information or anything else.  You can create a QR code for any information using some sites like Qurify.com etc.)
    2. Barcode Scanner for Android on AppBrain

  2. Google Shopper : Google Shopper is another great app with which you can take a picture of any product you want to find information for.  You can also do a voice search or scan the bar code.  Generally this app is reliable with CD/DVD covers and books.
    3. Shopper for Android on AppBrain

  3. Google Goggles : As the name suggest, Google Goggles is really an interesting app.  Just take a picture of any object and it will try to provide you the best possible outcome.  Check out below video to know more about Google Goggles.
    4. Google Goggles for Android on AppBrain

  4. Key Ring : Key Ring makes you smart because you no longer have to carry all those merchant cards.  Just key in the card numbers once in this app (or scan the barcode on your card) and keep your key ring light.  Next time you need that Kroger or LA Fitness member card, just scan barcode from Key Ring app on your Android Phone.  Isn’t it convenient?
    5. Key Ring Reward Cards for Android on AppBrain

  5. Amazon : Search, compare prices, read reviews, and securely purchase from Amazon like you do from the web. This app can also try to find a similar product on Amazon.com. Many matches are instant; others take just a few minutes. You can even manage your entire shopping cart, place an order through this app on your Android Phone.
    6. Amazon.com for Android on AppBrain

  6. eBay : Enjoy the convenience of couch shopping from this app on your Android phone.  Get bidding reminders, messages and manage your items, leave feedback and do other things easily on the phone.  There are very less chances you will have to go to your PC for shopping on ebay again.
    7. eBay for Android on AppBrain

  7. Paypal : I included Paypal in this list because it makes it easy to make the payment of anything you buy.  You can split a restaurant bill with a friend as well, make a payment with another Paypal user whether they use iPhone or Android using the secured Bump feature.
    8. PayPal for Android on AppBrain

There are many other similar apps but the above 7 are on my hit list.  Do share your favorite shopping apps with us in the comments section.  And feel free to share this article with your friends on Facebook, Twitter and other social networks.

Original Article

Not sure if you remember, but a while ago I introduced you to a really cool FREE directory service to replace your costly 411 service.  You just call 1-800-GOOG-411 or 1-800-4664-411 from any phone and follow the voice prompts to get connected with any business in US or Canada. Alas, Google is shutting down that cool and free service on 12 November, 2010.  Google states, that…. GOOG-411 was the first speech recognition service from Google and helped provide a foundation for more ambitious services now available on smartphones, such as Voice Search - search Google by speaking instead of typing, Voice Input - fill in any text field on Android by speaking instead of typing and Voice Actions - control your Android phone with voice commands. Since the purpose of GOOG-411 is successfully completed, Google is shutting it down. Anyway, for users who still want to get directory assistance free of cost from any mobile phone, not only smartphones, can dial BING-411 (1-800-2464-411) instead.  BING-411 is a similar service created by Microsoft in competition with GOOG-411 which actually provides you even more information including directions, traffic and weather conditions. How to use BING-411? Using BING-411 is really straight forward.  You just dial 1-800-2464-411 from any phone, say the business name, city and state after the prompt.  BING will help you connect to that service in no time.  You can confirm the details before getting connected, get directions to the business, traffic and weather conditions etc.  Isn’t it simple? I am sure you can happily move on to BING-411 without any issues, but remember it works only in US for now.  If you already use it then let us know how the two compares.  New users can let us know if they find BING-411 useful. Original Article
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Not sure if you remember, but a while ago I introduced you to a really cool FREE directory service to replace your costly 411 service.  You just call 1-800-GOOG-411 or 1-800-4664-411 from any phone and follow the voice prompts to get connected with any business in US or Canada.

Alas, Google is shutting down that cool and free service on 12 November, 2010.  Google states, that….

GOOG-411 was the first speech recognition service from Google and helped provide a foundation for more ambitious services now available on smartphones, such as Voice Search - search Google by speaking instead of typing, Voice Input - fill in any text field on Android by speaking instead of typing and Voice Actions - control your Android phone with voice commands.

Since the purpose of GOOG-411 is successfully completed, Google is shutting it down.

Anyway, for users who still want to get directory assistance free of cost from any mobile phone, not only smartphones, can dial BING-411 (1-800-2464-411) instead.  BING-411 is a similar service created by Microsoft in competition with GOOG-411 which actually provides you even more information including directions, traffic and weather conditions.

How to use BING-411?

Using BING-411 is really straight forward.  You just dial 1-800-2464-411 from any phone, say the business name, city and state after the prompt.  BING will help you connect to that service in no time.  You can confirm the details before getting connected, get directions to the business, traffic and weather conditions etc.  Isn’t it simple?

I am sure you can happily move on to BING-411 without any issues, but remember it works only in US for now.  If you already use it then let us know how the two compares.  New users can let us know if they find BING-411 useful.

Original Article