Free Software - Or Maybe Not?

So, I finally decided to splash out on some new Movie Maker or Video Editing software. Like most people probably would I opted to do a spot of research before I committed. I would rather have good free software if I can get it but I am also prepared to pay for it if required.

Anyone having gone through this painful exercise before will appreciate how time consuming it is. Firstly you have to beware of all those helpful folk who creatively explain how wonderful this or that software is - usually under a title such as "Top Free Video Editors" or "Best Free Movie Editing Programs" or similar enticing titles which ultimately end up with a bias write up and a referral link to the provider through their commission account URL.

Sometimes it becomes quite clear that the writer has not even bothered to download and use the software. When they have used the software the bias is often always towards their best commission provider. This does not bother me too much.

What does bother me is the blatant advertising of products under the banner of "Free Software" which you either have to download to find that half the features do not work unless you opt for the full upgrade or when they imply "Free" they were referring to the 30 day trial.

Suffice to say that we all end up downloading tons of useless software only to have to uninstall it all again. I have made a conscious decision to no longer look at the free software unless it comes by recommendation. It simply is not worth all the trouble, deceit and broken promises.

Seriously, life is too short. If you want something then go straight to the branded products where the price is clearly stated, the support outlined in writing, and if anything is dubious then move on to the next big player. At least the branded goods have reputations they can ill afford to lose if they get things wrong.

We have all spent hours struggling with this install or that install which for one reason or another refuses to do what it is supposed to do. Our computers are all configured differently and we have a variety of programs of which any one could be causing a conflict with the new install. This is accepted. This is the norm.

However, when you are stuck, and you have reached the point where your PC is about to become airborne, you will think about contacting support and you will want that support to be there when you call.

5 Mobile Application Development Trends for 2016

1. Hybrid apps are in

Hybrid applications using technologies such as Ionic and HTML5 are gaining traction for the amount time and cost savings they account for. With Swift 3, and rumours that Android will soon adopt it, going for JavaScript over Linux, we look at a more integrated platform base. Word is out that Swift 3 will be available for Windows Phone too. For enterprise and consumer apps, HTML 5 continues to remain the platform of choice for app development. Frameworks such as Ionic, JQuery Mobile, Mobile Angular UI and Native Script have mature languages that deliver high performing user experience. Even Facebook has hopped the hybrid app development bandwagon with the React Native framework. They are currently experimenting with Linux and Windows platform to render a complete service.

2. IoT integration

IoT technologies such as GPS, Beacon and location-based Wi-Fi will be integral to many applications. We are looking at a mature Home Application on iOS 10 which will enable iPhone and iPad users to operate household appliances with instructions delivered to Siri. The Android Wear and Apple Watch will do more than track health and fitness, and go a step further to perform more complex functions. Android's biometric scanning for unlocking the device is the most rudimentary utilization of IoT technology and its voice recognition technology is fairly advanced.

3. Rapid mobile app development technologies

With growing demand for app-related services, and also the tight cost schedules, mobile application development companies are using rapid development technologies such as AngularJS and NodeJS with their reusable components. More development tools and frameworks have made their entry into the market to meet customer expectations and the technology has matured, so quality remains uncompromised. In the foreseeable future rapid development and shortest time-to-market will be an imperative so as to capitalise on the early adopters' trend. With the number of applications crossing the 1 million mark on prominent platforms such as Apple's iOS and Google's Android, to gain visibility app development companies will have to pace their new launches at a greater speed.

4. Cloud Storage

Cloud technology plays a key role in mobile app development and storage from device is shifted to a centralised cloud server for apps and device. As multiple connected devices become common, smartphone, wearable device and other internet-enabled devices will share data over the cloud. Mobile applications will also have to have cloud storage and the data will have to be stored for real-time access across devices. With free storage space of up to 10GB, and easy integration via email address authentication, people are easily adopting the technology and immersing themselves into its utility, so the next step will be to follow the maturity in usage and new application of cloud storage, going beyond storing and sharing data.

5. App Security

Security continues to remain a worrying issue for device manufacturers and more so for mobile app developers. A Gartner report from 2015 predicts that 75% mobile applications will fail security tests and present gaping holes for hackers to exploit. A uniform security guideline for mobile app developers will have to be soon arrived at to ensure app data security across devices, platforms and the cloud.

There are more complex issues that will be face by mobile app development companies while compiling an application. However, evolving development platforms and sophisticated programming languages are increasingly consolidating the app development process. With its new Swift Playground, Apple is already making app development possible for the common user.

I am Cris, A great artist, Love to develop app. I am working with Solution Analysts Mobile App Development Company as Mobile Application Developer and Web Development have expertise in developing iBeacon, iOS Swift, Android, ionic, PhoneGap mobile apps.

Battery Boots: The Alternative Power Source For The Amazon Echo

The Amazon Echo touted as a bestselling voice activated wireless speaker and personal digital assistant. Most owners of this device use it for more than listening to music or asking interesting questions and requests. Other applications include being able to obtain transportation, order a pizza and the ability to control integrated smart devices inside their home.

According to the Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRPs), it estimates that 3 million units of the Amazon Echo were sold in the United States. The data does not account for the sales of the new additions to the line, the Tap and Echo Dot. Novelty aside, the Echo is growing in popularity on a daily basis. The reviews of the device are above average, while the benefits are even more surprising.

Amazon is one of the leaders in digital media, but it didn't have any idea how well consumers would receive the Echo. It started out being a sleeper item until word of mouth made it a household name and not to mention, the recent appearance of commercials showing off its neat features.

The "skills" utilized by the device through the digital assistant are updated periodically and now open to outside developers to add their innovative and well-meaning list of skills for more technological enhancement. Because of the Echo is the first of its kind so to speak, they have competitors clamoring for their piece of the pie. Such as Google Home, which will have a better interactive interface and then, of course, the re-emergence of Apple TV.

The number of consumers that own the Echo is quite impressive. However, some have complained about the cost and the inconvenience of having to move it from room to room. To address these issues, Amazon introduced two additional Echo models.

The Tap, which is the portable version of the speaker, does not need to be plugged in unless the battery is being recharged. It functions the same as the Echo, but is not voice activated. The talk button has to be pressed for interaction with the device, thus the name Tap. The other new member is the Echo Dot. It is as small as a hockey-puck but has the same voice activation as the Echo. A Bluetooth speaker or stereo system can be connected to it.

I own an Echo, but for it to work efficiently, there must be a Wi-Fi connection and electricity. Without either, it will not function. Because of the need for electricity, some consumers have taken to purchasing one for each room in their house. It saves them time from having to move it from room to room and waiting for it to reboot once it is plugged into an electric outlet.

Some consumers debated whether to purchase the Tap since it's portable. However, lucky for them they procrastinated, because a few third party vendors have introduced a new accessory for the Echo, a battery boot or base.

It is now possible to enjoy the device in more than one room without having to be tethered to an electric outlet. However, there is still a need for a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection. There are several battery boots to choose from according to the needs of the user. The more popular model has its own 18-volt proprietary power adapter that will charge up to 18 hours.

There are other battery boots that can hold a charge for up to six hours. For these models, the Echo's power adapter cord can be used to recharge them. The Echo can be used while it is charging. The battery will remain in a standby state, so it does not drain while plugged in.

The bases fit snugly on the bottom of the Echo like a cup and does not present a bulky appearance. Both devices appear to meld together once fitted properly. The bottom of the boots is composed of non-slip materials that provide stability for the Echo.

A couple of the battery bases have LED lights on the front for low battery and charging status. Portability and convenience make these battery cases a welcome power alternative option for the Amazon Echo.

Since the battery boots have been introduced, the Echo can be used anywhere without worrying about the location of an electrical outlet. For additional information and more, visit my blog at http://www.coolgadgetsforyou.net.