Opera Software has release a second beta for version 9.5 of its flagship browser. Opera 9.5 beta 2 brings several new features and a number of bug fixes as Opera moves toward the final release (slated for later this year).
Beta 2 adds support for syncing Notes via Opera Link, the company‘s hosted solution for those that want to sync and maintain bookmarks across platforms/PCs. On the security front, beta 2 brings EV SSL certificate support (the next-gen security layer that PayPal may soon require) and improved fraud protection.
The Opera Desktop blog also touts better performance and some UI improvements for the Quick Find search tool (also known as history search), as well as improvements in page rendering times and overall speed.
For complete details about all the new features and a list of bug fixes (which vary slightly by platform) check out the changelog. Although Opera 9.5 is still a beta, we’ve found it stable enough in previous releases. After playing with the new beta for a bit this morning I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it — so long as you bear in mind that it’s a beta and there could be some issues. If you’d like to take the plunge you can grab Opera 9.5 beta 2 from the Opera website.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
New Opera 9.5 Beta Improves Security and Adds More Syncing Features
Skype is now mobile. Calling your world is free.
Skype is looking to expand its mobile offerings and is opening up a public beta for its mobile software. You don’t need a computer to make free calls anymore. Use 3 Skypephone instead. It’s a stylish mobile phone that calls, texts and takes pictures like you’d expect it to – but wait, there’s more – you can call and instant message your friends on Skype, free. About 50 different phone models are compatible with the Java-based software. It allows users to chat, show their online presence, and receive both calls from other users as well as through SkypeIn. Mobile operator 3 during that time brought Skype to the mobile, however it was not true VoIP as it is commonly found. Instead, the voice signals flowed through a separate voice channel on the company's network. During the beta, the company will use consumer feedback to adjust the product to meet the needs of its users. Users in several markets also get additional features, including the placing of SkypeOut and Skype-to-Skype calls. Brazil, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Poland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom will all have markets that gain those additional features. The beta is expected to last several months. "We need to hear what delights them and where there is still work to be done," mobile chief Gareth O'Loughlin said of the beta. "This product underscores our commitment to innovation and to putting Skype conversations in the pockets of today's mobile masses."
The company had been distancing itself from mobile Skype due to handset and technical issues for some time. However it now appears those hurdles have been overcome, and the VoIP software is ready for prime time on mobile devices.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Shadow of Legend's Open Beta Doubles its Popularity!
The numbers are in! And for those who have been with us during our previous versions will have noticed this too: that the release of Shadow of Legend Open Beta was not just another update, but an UPGRADE that brought in an influx of fresh new players and breathed all new life into the game. We are excited to see our players, both experienced and new, give Shadow of Legend Open Beta a try, and see first-hand the difference we are making in the PC-to-mobile gaming industry.
At the moment, we are currently releasing only the PC version of Shadow of Legend. We want our players to get an idea of what will be possible on their mobile devices. Three new events are being implemented in this version: (1) Guarding Your Homeland, (2) The Magic Cube, and (3) the Turtle Sunbathe Island. We hope that these new events will keep your evenings entertaining and your game experience enjoyable.
There may be a war in Agnes, and we can fight each other for conquest, glory, or just for the heck of it; but who’s to say that we can’t have fun at the same time? And more importantly, who’s to say that you can’t have fun away from your PC? Get your mobile phones ready, because we’re stepping up the fun factor in Shadow of Legend to a whole new level. We look forward to your participation.
About SmartCell
SmartCell Technology, LLC, is a leading developer of mobile platform technology, mobile applications, and mobile online gaming solutions. Headquartered in Irvine, CA, with a research and development center in Shanghai, China; SmartCell Technology is currently working on Shadow of Legend, the world's first 2D MMORPG that can realize game play on both PC and mobile devices. More information about SmartCell Technology, LLC and its products can be found at http://www.smartcell.com/. More information about Shadow of Legend can be found at http://www.shadowoflegend.com/.
Shadow of Legend Website http://www.shadowoflegend.com/
Shadow of Legend Official Forum http://www.shadowoflegend.com/forum/
Shadow of Legend Myspace Page http://www.myspace.com/shadowoflegend
Shadow of Legend Facebook Page http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=27122140240
Microsoft Updates Open XML Mac File Converter Beta
Microsoft has published a new beta of its Open XML File Format Converter for Mac.
Microsoft has published a new beta of its Open XML File Format Converter for Mac.
The new version of the software appeared earlier this week. It's required equipment for Mac users seeking to convert documents created in Microsoft's proprietary Open XML standard (which has so far failed to be ratified as a full-fledged industry standard) into a format that's compatible with Office 2004 and Office v.X for Mac.
The software is capable of both individual and batch file conversions of the following Open XML formats: Word Document (*.docx); Word Macro-Enabled Document (*.docm); PowerPoint Presentation (*.pptx); PowerPoint Show (*.ppsx); PowerPoint Template (*.potx).
Microsoft warns that this version of the converter is not compatible with Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac. "If Office 2008 is installed on your computer, do not install this version of the converter as it might cause problems with Office 2008 applications," the company says.
The converter is a Beta release, and might be unable to convert all the data in Open XML files.
Internet Explorer 8 to be available in beta version next year
After a lukewarm response to the Internet Explorer 7, Microsoft is already planning the next version of its flagship browser. Microsoft has announced that the beta version of the Internet Explorer 8 should be available early in 2008.
Internet Explorer 7 faced a myriad of problems after its release in October last year. The problem centered around a change implemented in the Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) feature. However IE8 will not have similar problems as it has passed the Acid2 test to ensure it does not "break" the Web.
"Acid2 is one test of how modern browsers work with some specific features across several different Web standards," explained Dean Hachamovitch, IE Team general manager at Microsoft. "With respect to standards and interoperability, our goal in developing Internet Explorer 8 is to support the right set of standards with excellent implementations and do so without breaking the existing Web."
Acid2 is a test developed by advocacy group Web Standards Project. The main intention of the test is to see that the browser will be compatible with prevailing web standards like CSS and RSS.
Microsoft had hitherto not focused much on interoperability. The reason was that most developers were anxious to have their products compatible with the Internet Explorer. However the rising popularity of other browsers like Firefox and Safari have forced Redmond to wake up to the interoperability issue.
"Standards are a (critical) means to this end, and we focus on the standards that will help actual, real-world interoperability the most," Hachamovitch admitted. However Redmond has not announced any date for the full release of the IE8. Microsoft said this would depend on the feedback received for the various beta releases.
Firefox 3 Beta 2 for Developers
Mozilla has released the Firefox 3 Beta 2 for download, solely for developers and testers.
Firefox 3 Beta 2 claims to include 900 improvements over the previous beta, such as fixes for- stability, performance and memory usage, and platform- and user interface- enhancements. Mozilla claims the improvements are based on community feedback received from the testing of beta 1 that was released in November.
Improved security features in Beta 2 promise protection from cross-site JSON data leaks, tighter restrictions on site-specific content using effective TLD service, better presentation of Web site identity and security, malware protection, more strict SSL error pages, anti-virus integration in the download manager, and version checking for insecure plug-ins.
Overall, Beta 2 promises further ease of use through better password management, easier add-on installation, download manager with resumable downloading, full page zoom, animated tab strip, and better integration with Windows Vista, Mac OS X, and Linux.
Refurbished customization tools, enhanced text and graphics rendering, and support for offline browsing along with Web-based protocol handlers are among other improvements in this beta.
Mozilla claims Linux users will appreciate the improved theme, which makes Firefox look more like a native GNOME application, and makes use of GTK+ icons where available.
Meanwhile, developers and testers can download the Firefox 3 Beta 2 at http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/all-beta.html (available for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux in different languages).
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Apple iPhone finally gets a native iChat application
They day we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived! No, we’re not talking about the hardware and software unlock solutions for the iPhone - although those are pretty significant milestones. We’re talking about the day that a natively installed IM chat application becomes available for the iPhone. Apollo IM gets the honor of being the first chat client that brings instant messaging to the iPhone sans the web-app inconvenience.
The Apollo IM application can be natively installed using the uber-easy-to-use Nullriver Installer and is available in a v.-1 pre-beta release. Just hit up the Nullriver iPhone Installer that you have installed on your phone (you do have it installed, right?) and find the Apollo IM application. Install it - nice and easy.
We love the fact that a native chat client has finally hit the iPhone, but we’re not excited about this pre-beta’s buggy performance. What does excite us, however, is the thought of what’s in store for iPhone users. With some more development and a little refinement, the Apollo IM chat client could beat Apple’s Mobile iChat.
Hey Apple, are you really going to let a third-party beat you to the punch? We’re still waiting on an iPhone update that does more than fix bugs, tighten security, and make things a little faster. How about we all just focus on iChat?
IM Watch: Yahoo Makes IM-to-Cell Connection
Web-based IM
Yahoo is expected to announce new features for its Web-based e-mail service, including new updates that will let Yahoo mail users send instant messages or text messages to cell phones, according to industry reports. The new features are expected to be first released for users in the United States, Canada, India and also the Philippines. To use text messaging within your Yahoo e-mail account, you simply need to add the cell phone information for a person in your contact list.
Last week was a big week for new social network-based IM applications. Vancouver-based Atrexis Systems released SocialBox, a Facebook instant messaging application that lets you log in and simultaneously use Facebook IM, MSN, GTalk, ICQ, AIM and Yahoo messaging services. Atrexis Systems said there will also be future releases for MySpace and other social networking sites, and that future SocialBox updates will include options to enable video and audio chat, user blocking, file sharing and more.
Social networking site Bebo says it plans to launch a Microsoft-powered IM program in the fall, the starting point of a new plan to enable other sites to incorporate Windows Live Web services. The Bebo IM will have limited compatibility with Microsoft's own services and will let Bebo members click a link to start an IM session with any other Bebo member, even without a Windows Live ID. Bebo users will be able to send messages to Windows Live Messenger users only if they also have a Bebo account.
The partnership is designed to help Bebo grow its network by tapping the Windows Live Messenger user base. The arrangement also includes the use of the Windows Live Contacts API so users can freely import and export their contacts and relationships between the services, ultimately giving users the choice where and how they wish to use their social network.
Lastly, other IM and social network partnerships announced this week include news from eBuddy, a provider of Web and mobile instant messaging, who who says that MySpace IM has been added top its list of supported IM networks. MySpace IM users can now use eBuddy to chat with their friends without having to download and install any application. Also, Apple users can now access MySpace IM through this Web-based service, as there currently is no MySpace IM application support for the Apple operating system. eBuddy also supports AOL, GoogleTalk, MSN and Yahoo.
Clients & Platforms
IBM is hoping to further its unified communication and collaboration strategy by expanding its IBM Lotus Sametime software to include new telephony integration software. Lotus Sametime "Unified Telephony" software is designed to make it possible to manage communications across multiple business telephone systems and access them through virtually any application. With the Lotus Sametime Unified Telephony product, IBM says you will be able to manage incoming calls, see similar presence status updates for telephony as they do for IM presence (e.g., away, on the phone, in meeting), and also connect faster with colleagues and with a variety of back-end and legacy systems.
Mobile IM
Meebo launched its Web-based IM client for the iPhone. iPhone users can simply browse to Meebo.com and will automatically be directed to the iPhone-formatted site. On the iPhone version, a "smart buddy" list moves your active conversations to the top of the buddy list to enable message previews, and also alphabetizes your buddies, making them easier to find.
Verizon Wireless says its customers can now access AOL, Yahoo! or MSN instant messaging accounts from their wireless phones with Mobile IM. You can send and receive IM and see who is available, busy or offline from their contacts list, all on their mobile phones. The Mobile IM service is pre-loaded on most Verizon Wireless devices and can also be found in the new Messaging menu under Mobile IM on the Verizon Web site. Mobile IM is available on a monthly or per message subscription basis.
IM Security Highlights
Symantec announced its latest version of Symantec Information Foundation 2007, a security product that's designed to provide the controls to safeguard companies against data loss with unified protection for e-mail, Web and instant messaging. Symantec Information Foundation 2007 includes several new features to help control data in organizations, including identification, classification and control of sensitive corporate data held in databases, e-mails, IM and file systems. Controls to review, hold, release and audit of e-mail, IM and Web communications for policy compliance, and also beta support for filtering outgoing Web communications to prevent accidental or intentional data loss through Web mail sites such as Hotmail, Yahoo! Mail or Gmail .
Postini announced its new Message Discovery service optimizes mailbox storage management, e-discovery and litigation case management. Postini says it make archiving services available in three packages: Basic, Standard and Professional and can capture both e-mail and IM traffic. The new Postini Message Discovery is an optional add-on service that will let companies better manage multiple internal and external inquiries, making it easy for any authorized party to discover messages as part of an investigation. Relevant messages then can be save and exported, or put on a litigation hold ensuring that the data is preserved.
This month Yahoo has learned of two denial-of-service and buffer overflow security issues in the Web cam function. Yahoo Messenger clients downloaded before August 21, 2007, are vulnerable to these issues. If using the older version, a Yahoo Messenger client user who accept a Web cam invitation could be controlled by a malicious attacker. Yahoo has posted the details and a security update here.
Skype 2.7 for Mac beta integrates Address Book contacts
We know that many of you are faithful Skype users, and many of you are also masochistic beta software users. With your powers combined... Well anyway, those of you who cross over into both groups might be happy to know that Skype 2.7 for Mac beta just came out today. With it comes, as usual, a handful of useful features that make it easier and more pleasurable to use the VoIP software on your desktop.
According to Skype's Villu Arak, the 2.7 beta allows you to organize contacts into groups—no longer will you have one giant list that sticks your mother right next to that "adult chat" line you've been calling at night. There are a few predefined groups already, but you can add however many new ones that make sense to you, like Family, Friends, Work, etc.
More notably, however, is Skype's ability to use the contacts listed in your Mac's Address Book. This should prove especially useful to people who use their Address Book as the main place to organize all of their daily contacts, freeing them (you? us?) from having to maintain multiple contact lists in multiple applications.
A few less-exciting features added to this latest beta include the ability to create public chats, auto-redial capabilities for when you are trying to dial a busy line, and easier sound-level controls. The Skype team has also "overhauled" the file transfer functionalities, which the team says should appear "more elegant" and behave more smoothly.
As usual, beware of beta software, yada yada yada. You can get the 2.7 beta from Skype's website and it weighs in at 31.8MB.
SugarCRM Adds Ajax E-Mail to 5.0 Beta Release
Sugar 5.0 will be SugarCRM's first rollout on the GNU General Public License version 3, which, coupled with the module builder, could lead to an explosion of module creation -- and sharing. "A developer can create new applications and then also share that package with anyone on the planet with an Internet connection," remarked John Roberts, CEO of SugarCRM. "It is truly an open system."
SugarCRM has released a beta version of Sugar 5.0, a platform upgrade that provides new development tools and a new Ajax e-mail client, and is based on a new so-called multi-instance on-demand architecture.
"This is the largest release in the history of the company's open source project since we founded it three and a half years ago," John Roberts, CEO of SugarCRM, told CRM Buyer. "It represents the end of the first generation of code we developed, in a way."
Platform Enhancements
Many of the enhancements were developed with an eye to customers' requests for greater customization functionality, Roberts said.
For instance, the Module Builder, one of the features of the new platform, allows users to build custom modules from scratch or to combine existing custom objects into a brand new customer relationship management module.
A mortgage broker, for example, might create such a module by combining local listings with its current client list and a list of mortgage brokers active in a certain submarket. Or a financial planner could build its own client database to accommodate all the quirky facts about its clients -- say, who has to have that hundred-dollar bottle of wine to be fulfilled -- that make their way into a financial planning session.
These custom modules interoperate with Reporting, Workflow and Sugar Studio tools. Another new feature in the platform, a metadata-driven user interface, stores customizations in a metadata repository. That means users will be able to upgrade their customized modules fairly painlessly.
The platform also offers improved access control to better support team hierarchies and access control functions.
Architectural Support
Supporting these changes is the application's new multi-instance architecture, which takes advantage of horizontal scale-out capabilities of open source software platforms. The result, according to the company, is a significant increase in processing power of commodity hardware and systems management software developed by SugarCRM, which eliminates the tradeoffs between deep customization and easy upgrades.
The benefits to users include better security , flexibility and control. Also, customers can be automatically upgraded to new versions of Sugar, or control when to upgrade. Users will be able to develop new functionality on test servers and then move into production in a multi-instance environment, as well as move between Sugar On-Site and Sugar On-Demand at will.
New CRM Functionality
New CRM features in 5.0 include an Ajax e-mail client integrated with Sugar's sales force automation functionality. Its design includes drag-and-drop capabilities, search, keyboard shortcuts and a rules wizard, as well as support for folders, contacts and personal in-boxes. It also interoperates with all e-mail servers, which means the client can either complement or replace existing e-mail clients.
The dashboard is also enhanced with new charting capabilities, including support for funnel, pie charts, line and bar graphs and performance gauge chart objects. A new feature also provides for multiple dashboards, which allowa users to access prebuilt or custom dashboards from their homepage.
Future Functionality
Previous upgrades of SugarCRM have focused on multichannel marketing, project management, knowledge base, and customer self-service portal functionality. Future releases, Roberts said, will look at building out unstructured content so users can create blogs and wikis, as well as real-time capabilities such as chat. "We will be basing those development decisions, though, on the feedback we get from users about 5.0," he said.
Users are likely to clamor for such developments, Bernard Golden, CEO of Navica Software and author of Succeeding with Open Source, told CRM Buyer. "SugarCRM is doing very well, and the reason is that it is already so easy to customize. It is the perfect example of open source capability marrying a business strategy."
5.0 will be made generally available in October, Roberts said. When it is, it will be SugarCRM's first rollout on the GNU General Public License version 3, which the company announced it was adopting about a month ago. The GPLv3 license coupled with the module builder could lead to an explosion of module creation -- and sharing -- Roberts said.
"A developer can create new applications and then also share that package with anyone on the planet with an Internet connection," he remarked. "It is truly an open system."