Windows Tablets For $65

What does a good cup of Java cost you these days? A couple of bucks, right? So all you need to do is give up coffee for a little over a month and you could save up enough cash to buy a new Windows tablet.

Granted these machines are not going win any speed prizes, but they are real and they are cheap. The Emdoor I8170 is 7 inch and the Ployer MOMO8 is 8 inches and they are both priced at just $65, which makes them considerably cheaper than an OEM copy of Windows OS.

I must admit, I hadn’t heard of Emdoor or Ployer before this, but they are the firms behind these two new dirt-cheap tablets. So, what do you get for $65? The Emdoor I8170 is a 7-inch tablet and Ployer’s MOMO8 is an 8-inch tablet. Both tablets feature an Atom Z3735G chip and 1GB of RAM. Their quad-core Atom Z3735G processors are superior to previous Atom processors, but they are still not quick by any stretch of the imagination. The machines come with 1GB of RAM and both come with 16GB of onboard storage. There is also a Micro SD slot included too.



You will not receive a Surface Pro-like experience from these Windows tablets, but then again, that is not what they are designed for. Hats off to Emdoor and Ployer for putting together a nifty pair of little devices for a small price.

A little gratitude also must go to Microsoft for giving manufacturers free Windows licenses to use on low-cost devices like these and also a huge Atom price cut from Intel means we are going to be seeing lots more tablets and laptops such as these coming to the table in the near future.

As always, if you would like to leave a sensible comment, then please do so in the comments section below.

[Image via umpcportal]

SOURCE: http://www.geek.com/microsoft/65-windows-tablets-cost-less-than-a-copy-of-windows-1606696/

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MasterCard to Come with Biometric Sensor

The pairing of iPhone 6 & NFC is great news for iPhone users, albeit a little behind the times, as some Android models have had this tech for a while now. But what about more standard methods of payment, like credit cards? Sure contactless payments are great for small purchases aren’t they? But are they as secure as you think?

The attraction to contactless payment cards is understandable, all you do is just wave your credit or debit card over a terminal and that’s it you’ve paid. This does have it’s downside however, as it also removes the PIN from the scenario. No PIN, means less security, ergo it is easy for someone to steal and then use your card for numerous small purchases until you block it.



How do we get around this issue? MasterCard is on the case. To combat this quandary and at the same time keeping contactless payments as easy as possible, MasterCard has recently announced the first credit card with a built-in fingerprint sensor for biometric security.

In theory the action of paying for goods or services should remain the same. When making a contactless purchase the card owner only needs to make sure their thumb is placed on the biometric sensor during the transaction. The card will obviously have the owner’s pre approved thumb print stored on it and if the thumb print isn’t detected during a transaction, then the purchase will not be processed.

The firm behind the technology, Zwipe will be releasing a version of their card for MasterCard in 2015 following on from a recent successful trial in Norway. The prototype carriers a battery attachment, which is too bulky, but in order to keep it as slim as the credit card already have in your wallet, Zwipe are working on a card that will be powered by energy from the payment terminal being used.

As always, if you would like to leave a sensible comment, then please do so in the comments section below.

[Image via absolutegeeks]

SOURCE: http://gizmodo.com/mastercard-will-offer-a-credit-card-with-a-fingerprint-1647567991

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Apple SIM Quietly Launched with iPad Air 2

After the recent Apple event, it has come to light that the new iPad includes a software-controlled SIM card, which will make it a great deal easier for consumers to change their network. Because of this, mobile carriers could be looking at a new threat to their reign of the networks.

Apple SIM has been in the pipeline for several years now and it will allow individuals to select a mobile network and pay on-screen. Apple themselves have said that it will allow people to switch networks more regularly and thereby get hold of the best deals. The iPad’s SIM is obviously marketed at those who travel, as it will be particularly useful for them. The Apple SIM will enable them to join a localised network abroad other than paying (usually high) roaming fees to their operator at in their home country.

Whenever you need it, you can choose the plan that works best for you – with no long-term commitments. And when you travel, you may also be able to choose a data plan from a local carrier for the duration of your trip…The Apple SIM gives you the flexibility to choose from a variety of short-term plans from select carriers in the US and UK right on your iPad,” said Apple.


Could Apple SIM make waves for operators and their customers?

This seems like a warning shot off the bow from Apple, in an attempt to cause a rift between mobile subscribers and their operators. I know what you are thinking, ‘tablet subscriptions only account for a small portion of revenues’ and you would be correct in thinking so. But, and this is a very big but, it is expected the technology will be introduced to the iPhone, which in the UK alone accounts for approximately a third of customers.

France Telecom’s EE is Britain’s biggest mobile operator, which has collaborated with Apple on new technology before, will be the only UK network to support Apple SIM. In the US AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile are supporting Apple SIM. Carriers may resist for a while, but they could soon face pressure from customers. If I were any of the other carriers, I would be afraid. Very afraid.

As always, if you would like to leave a sensible comment, then please do so in the comments section below.

[Image via ru.aliexpress]

SOURCE:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/mediatechnologyandtelecoms/telecoms/11168544/Mobile-operators-face-threat-from-Apple-iPads-SIM-card.html

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Hackers Put Nude Snapchat Pictures Online

It’s not been a good past couple of days for Snapchat or their users. Approximately 200,000 photos which users thought had been deleted have reportedly been put online by hackers, some of them believed to have been of nude underage children, since half of Snapchat’s users are between the ages of 13 and 17. It’s believed the hackers had been collecting the photos since 2011. They allegedly leaked the photos to 4Chan – the same site where images of nude celebrities appeared. The Snapchat images have allegedly now been taken down, but the hackers have threatened to leak more photos.

If you know next-to-nothing about Snapchat, it’s an app that lets you send short video and photo messages that delete within a few seconds of sending them. (At least that’s how it’s supposed to work…) As we all know by now though, nothing is ever “deleted’ forever. It’s believed the leaks came from the use of a third-party app which allowed users to save the deleted photos, and Snapsaved.com has allegedly taken responsibility for hacking the photos.





Snapchat has been very vocal about the fact that this leak is not their fault, stating,

“Snapchatters were victimised by their use of third-party apps to send and receive Snaps, a practice that we expressly prohibit in our Terms of Use precisely because they compromise our users’ security…We vigilantly monitor the App Store and Google Play for illegal third-party apps and have succeeded in getting many of these removed.”

What do you think? Do they share in some of the responsibility? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. And, please remember to use extreme caution before putting anything personal out there for the online world to see.

[Image via imore]

SOURCE: BBC

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Windows 10 Will Be Free for Personal Users‏

All eyes are on Microsoft next year, in 2011 the team screwed up by offering a mobile-like experience to Windows customers with Windows 8, alongside pricing it rather highly, compared to Apple who decided to drop the price of OS X and make it free to all desktop users on the platform.

It looks like Microsoft will take a note from Apple’s book and make Windows 10 (also Windows 9) free for all consumers. Notice the last bit? Yep, Microsoft will still offer paid features and upgrades for enterprise, the one market they can count on.

Enterprise has been stuck in this time-lapse where Windows XP is still acceptable, but throughout the past half decade, we have seen a steady move to the new age-old option: Windows 7, which will probably last longer than Windows XP if Microsoft doesn’t hit a home-run with Windows 10.



Microsoft will make the initial upgrade to Windows 10 free for enterprise, but offer paid privileges like only having to update annually, better admin controls, more enterprise level help on basic functionality – allowing a company to install the system without having issues.

It is about time Microsoft dropped the price for Windows, especially when they offer Windows Phone – their mobile product which will become Windows 10 in 2015 – for free to smartphone users.

Microsoft will talk more about Windows 10 at BUILD in April next year. Until then, we will get to see the latest updates via the Technical Preview, launched last month by Microsoft.

source: filehippo

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15 Powerful Twitter Promotion Ideas

Twitter can be a powerful marketing platform when you apply the right Twitter promotion ideas and apply them properly.

The secret is not to always be pitching and selling, but instead to communicate and deliver value.

The most powerful marketing does not feel like marketing.

Check out the article below and discover 15 powerful Twitter promotion tactics to help you build your brand and execute effective micro-blogging marketing campaigns.

1. Use Twitter’s New Header Feature

Twitter now enables you to add a header image to your Twitter profile.

Adding this is easier than you might think.  Simply go to “Settings” and then “Design” and upload your image.

The recommended dimensions are 1200×600 and the maximum file size is 5MB.

Here’s what my header image looks like:

This image will also display on most Twitter mobile applications.

2. Choose Your Twitter ID Carefully

Your Twitter handle can either help or hurt you build your Twitter brand, so choose wisely.

Shorter is better because of RTs, but catchy is better than short due to memorability.

Get a catchy, short, username and you’re golden.

3. Promote With Your Profile

Your Twitter profile is highly visible so if you include a link

Ask yourself: where do I want to send traffic the most? The answer to this question is the link you should use in your bio.

In addition to the main URL spot Twitter provides if you mention other Twitter usernames, or include other URLs beginning with http:// in your bio, these will become click able links as well.

4. Link it Up

Promote your twitter presence by adding links to your Twitter profile on your website, your other social media profiles, in your email signature, and everywhere else it is relevant to do so.

5. Use Your Real Name

People connect with people better than they do with brands.

Present yourself as a person rather than a brand and this will make your promotion efforts much easier.

6. Promote with #Hashtags

Use the # symbol in front of a keyword to add your tweet to a stream of tweets all using the same #hashtag.

If you have a small audience this can be a powerful way to attract new people to your content.

Be wary of going overboard with hashtags. #When #you #use #alot #of #hashtags #it #looks #ugly.

7. Connect With People Who Have Shared Interests

When you connect with people who have shared interests

I use Twitter marketing software to connect with people who have keywords in their bio that are related to topics I tweet about (Twitter, Social Media, Marketing, Facebook, etc.)

8. Use Twitter Directories to Promote Your Twitter Profile

Here is a list of some of the best Twitter directories for expanding your network.

9. Cross Promote with Influencers

Follow the influencers related to your business or industry and retweet them to get on their radar.

After a few retweets reach out to them with a mention and some will feel compelled to connect with you since you have shown that you are willing to help them.

If you connect with and help influencers there is a good chance they will return the favor and help you with your promotion.

10. Space Out Your Promotional Tweets

Use a Twitter profile management tool like Hootsuite or Buffer to manage multiple twitter accounts & schedule your updates.

Check out this post about timing your tweets for more tips on this topic.

11. Offer Special “Follower Only” Promotions & Coupons

Increase sales using twitter by giving special offers and coupons to your followers.

One way to do this is to give a special offer to anyone who retweets one of your tweets.

12. Run a Twitter Traffic Contest

Create a viral contest by offering a prize to whoever sends the most traffic to your contest page.

Make entrants use a contest hashtag and a bit.ly link so you can track who sends the most traffic.

You can track bit.ly link clicks by adding a + to the end of any bit.ly link.

13. Use Offline Marketing to Drive Your Twitter Promotion

Just because a promotion is happening on Twitter does not mean you can;t promote it with offline marketing materials.

A traditional ad, a billboard, or twitter business cards will get you real results online.

14. Tweet Promotional Pictures

Post pictures of your products, business cards, and other items related to your business.

If you are on Instagram send your pictures to Twitter whenever it is relevant to do so.

A picture says a thousand words and can be a great way to get your audience engaging with you.

Make sure to respond as often as possible to the people who mention you, since ignoring your followers can cause your followers to feel alienated.  Engaging with everyone gets harder to do the bigger your following grows but do your best and you’ll get great results.

15. Get More Twitter Followers

The more followers you have the easier your Twitter promotional efforts will be.

Check out this article I wrote with 75 tips for getting more followers and learn more about organic online and offline methods for building a following.

If you want to turbo-boost your social proof and Twitter following  check out the services offered by Grow my Twitter Network.

Bonus Tip: Keep Your Account Secure

If your Twitter account is compromised this can seriously damage your brand, cause your to lose followers, and ruin your Twitter promotional campaigns.

Use a strong password to protect your twitter account from hackers, and make sure to always log out of your Twitter account if you are using a shared computer.

If you find any security issues, change your password immediately without fail.

Be wary of suspicious direct messages from your followers since there are several malicious applications send direct message without consent.

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7 Powerful Twitter Account Management Tools

Twitter Account Management Tools are essential for anyone who wants to manage their micro-blogging without wasting time.


For business owners time is money, and most busy people don’t have all day to dedicate to social media.


Luckily the Twitter management tools in this post are here to save the day!


If you want to manage multiple Twitter accounts with ease the following twitter management tools will make your Twitter management efforts much easier.
1. Hootsuite


Hootsuite is the ultimate Twitter account management tool, and my personal favorite.


There are so many characteristics and features to commend in Hootsuite.





The ability to schedule tweets is an essential if you tweet often and do not want to spam your network with tons of posts at once. With Hootsuite you can control when your tweets go out, or use the auto-schedule feature to automatically space them out.


It scores high on the organization department. Posts, mentions, wall feed and so forth are organized in columns.


Hootsuite enablers you to post to Twitter accounts, Facebook Profile, Pages & Groups, LinkedIn and LinkedIn Groups.


Hootsuite offers up to five connected accounts for free, and unlimited accounts for PRO members.


At the top is a tab bar. Here you will see tabs for all your registered accounts in various social media sites. When you click on a tab, you will be presented with columns of posts, feeds, etc.
2. Bottlenose


The main advantage that Bottlenose has lies in their powerful social search engine which reveals real-time news and social trends.


It is very similar to Hootsuite in structure and navigation.





Users can customize what feeds (called “streams” in Bottlenose) will be shown in the columns of each Twitter account.





If you want to get the inside scoop about what stories are trending in your network bottlenose is a great way to go!
3. TweetDeck by Twitter


TweetDeck is very similar to Hootsuite, and comes with a desktop version in addition to the web based version.


The distinctive feature of the TweetDeck desktop app is the desktop notifications. These can be customized and will pop up in the corner of your screen to inform you of fresh Twitter activity.



4. Tweepi


Tweepi is a network management tool that helps you make sense of your Twitter network.



Flush the unfollowers – Unfollow people who do not follow you with just a few clicks. Tweepi’s Geeky Flush is a simple utility for quickly spotting tweeps that you follow but do not follow you back.
Reciprocate – It takes a really long time to find all the users you’re not following on Twitter and then following each one back individually! This tool helps you find all the users that follow you, but you do not follow back, so that you can follow them back with a click of a button.
Cleanup inactive accounts – Many users do not engage in conversations, never retweet anybody, or simply just ramble about nonsense stuff all day long. You can use the cleanup tool to filter these people out and unfollow them.
Clean-up – Filter out those inactive and unwanted tweeps by checking out their details and deciding for yourself!
Force people to unfollow you – Undesirable people are following you? You can use Tweepi’s Force Unfollow tool to block these people and force them to unfollow you.


Unfortunately, once you have more than 60k followers you cannot use Tweepi unless you buy a premium account.
5 Commun.it


This new discovery is a fascinating tool that analyzes your Twitter following to help you find the people you influence most and the most influential people that you follow.


It’s a great way to get the biggest bang for the time investment you put into Twitter.



6. ManageTwitter


ManageTwitter enables you to rapidly unfollow people you do not follow you back.


With ManageTwitter you can easily unfollow people after sorting them by several different criteria, such as inactivity, followers, etc.





The nice thing about ManageTwitter is no matter how large your Twitter network grows you can still use them for free.


ManageTwitter is free, but offers as premium version with a few more features.
Twitter Management Tools Save You Time


Managing social media accounts is important, but surely that’s not the only aspect of your business.


You’ll have other important matters to attend to, not to mention your own personal affairs.
Maximize your Social Media Efficiency


If you use even just one of the tools above it becomes much easier to manage even up to five different accounts.
Quickly Monitor Your Network Activity


Using a social media management tool is very useful for checking for spam and rants from your organization’s harshest critics.


These tools should help you make multiple account management on Twitter a breeze. Good Luck!
7. TweetAdder


TweetAdder is an awesome network building tool that I use daily to grow my Twitter network.


With TweetAdder you can create a list of people to follow automatically based on many different criteria, such as:
Location
Keywords in Bio
Keywords Tweeted Recently
Location
Followers of a User
Followed by a User
Twitter Lists
and more!

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