TechSource: Best Firefox Add-ons for Social Media Junkies

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Best Firefox Add-ons for Social Media Junkies Posted: 29 Jan 2014 05:35 PM PST If social media is something you swear by everyday, you have to make sure that your browser is packed with add-ons that help you stay connected. Be it Twitter, Facebook, or any other social network, adding a few add-ons to Firefox will make your work easier as a social media junkie. That's why we have for you some of the best Firefox add-ons that will help you make your social media addiction a tad easier to deal with: HootSuite Hootlet HootSuite is the lifeline of many social media pros. Not only does the service allow you to share to multiple social networks at the same time, it also lets you schedule your posts. One of the best ways to make the most out of HootSuite is by installing the Hootlet. The Hootlet, once installed, enables you to share any page without leaving the current tab. Right from the same page, you can choose which networks you'll share the page with and when the post will be published. Another great companion add-on for HootSuite lovers is the Hootbar, which allows you to tweet from the address bar.  Buffer Buffer is one of the best applications as far as social media management is concerned. We have so many profiles, be it Twitter, Facebook, or Tumblr, and it's often so hard to post to each and every network at the same time. Also, we come across so many new stuff that it is difficult to share all of it at once. Buffer is a popular service that solves that problem by letting you "buffer" your social media posts to be automatically posted later to all of your social media networks. This not only saves you a lot of time, it also avoids making you look like a social spammer. It's definitely worth trying out.  Facebook Photo Zoom Facebook Photo Zoom is one of the most useful add-ons for Facebook fans. If you use Facebook a lot, you must know how annoying it is to click on each and every pic to zoom it and see it. The add-on automatically zooms an image every time you hover it. Simply place your mouse over a pic you spot on your newsfeed, it will automatically zoom. Once you leave the mouse, it will go away. Twitter Address Bar Search This official application by Twitter lets you integrate the social media site with Firefox. Once installed, you can search for people directly from your address bar. Furthermore, if you pin the Twitter tab on your tab bar, the Twitter icon will glow every time you receive new tweets. The integration is pretty straightforward and simple and it's a great way for a Twitter addict to use the site without bloating the browser with unnecessary add-ons.  Yoono Sidebar Yoono is a great Firefox sidebar for all IM as well as social media needs. Integrating perfectly with Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, MySpace, YouTube, Flickr, Yammer, AIM, and Yahoo IM, Yonoo lets you easily share links, images, and videos right from the page you're on. If you want to see the latest updates on your social media feeds, simply open the sidebar and you'll have all the information at your fingertips. Though a little old and clunky, Yonoo is a great choice if you want a fully integrated solution for all your social media needs. Facebook Messenger for Firefox Facebook Messenger for Firefox is the most perfect application for Facebook addicts. Not only does the blend of Firefox and Facebook work seamlessly, it also helps you get rid of your constant nagging habit of checking Facebook to see if there's any new notification. With support for notifications built into your browser, you won't have to worry about the latest things happening on your newsfeed. Just install the app and relax, as Facebook becomes a part of your browsing experience. Written by: Abhishek, a regular TechSource contributor and a long-time FOSS advocate.

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TechSource: 7 Things We Expect from Ubuntu in 2014

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7 Things We Expect from Ubuntu in 2014 Posted: 27 Jan 2014 07:21 PM PST 2013 was a milestone year for Canonical. Not only did Ubuntu expand its wings to other arenas like tablets and smartphones, it also propelled itself into the world of gaming. With major milestones like Steam, Ubuntu Edge, and Ubuntu Touch under its belt, Ubuntu has its eyes set on convergence in 2014. That said, you won't get to see a convergent desktop this year. 2014 is just a setting stage for Shuttleworth's ambitious plans to spread the reach of Ubuntu to every device. Since 2013 for Ubuntu was a roller coaster ride, this year, we expect much more from Canonical. End users, system administrators, and even programmers, have different expectations from the world's favorite open-source desktop. And yes, there is no doubt that Canonical is working very hard to get there. As the year begins, we too have our own expectations from Ubuntu in 2014. As demanding as we may seem, here's a list of a few of our expectations. New Icons Set A whole new icon set is something Ubuntu users have been waiting for for years. The old icon set has been around for quite a while now and frankly, many users have gotten rather bored of it. We expect Canonical to match the desktop to the same rigorous design standards that Ubuntu Touch keeps. Also, keeping in line with the latest flat trends would be a great thing. Everyone from Twitter to Apple is making sure they follow the trendy flat design, which will be around at least for the next 5 years. Finally, the icon set should be congruent with the design of Ubuntu on other devices. Having different icons on different devices is definitely a no-go. A Little UI Overhaul Ubuntu 13.10 disappointed many users for its lack of novelty. As much as we love the hardworking Canonical team, we have to say the release left a lot to be desired. Apart from the wallpaper set and a few changes here and there, aesthetics for the salamander weren't as saucy as we'd expected. Even if Canonical focuses on stability and performance in 14.04, we'd like some eye-candy, at least to satisfy the novelty-seeking inner child in us. So, Mark Shuttleworth, if you're reading this article, please make sure you include a new theme and a default wallpaper that isn't just a color inversion of the older one. Improved Ubuntu Software Center Though the Software Center in its current incarnation is fast and satisfying, we believe that there's still more work that can be put into the application. After all, with the blooming mobile craze, the App Center has become one of the most important parts of the operating system. Currently, upon opening the software center, all the users see are applications that are geared towards developers and enthusiasts. The front page needs a little revamp to showcase the best of USC. More Developer Friendly We expect that 2014 will be year wherein developers would have it easier when it comes to publishing their applications. The approval process is in dire need of a speed up so that maximum developers can get benefit from it. Furthermore, Canonical also can actively encourage users from the community to develop more apps by giving them incentives through developer contests. An E-book reader app Yep, you heard that right. We want Canonical to include an e-book reader app in the desktop OS. Ubuntu, as of now, lacks a decent e-book reader. While Calibre is there, it's not as good as we hope it would be. An e-book reader app is definitely a good investment if Ubuntu has to gain some traction in the tablet department. Accurate Smart Scopes The new Smart Scopes service is good. However, it isn't up to the mark and sometimes throws the wrong results. We're hoping Canonical puts some energy into improving this service. There's a lot in the service that needs tweaking till it becomes a powerful feature users can rely on. A Better Boot Experience Though Ubuntu boots quite fast, there's one nagging thing about it that irks many users. Firstly, for people who dual boot, the GRUB menu is a bit old school. Many developers have made some impressive mock ups about a better boot experience with icons denoting specific operating systems. Also a new boot logo would be a great addition to get a complete overhaul for the experience.

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TechSource: How to Give your Android Smartphone the iOS 7 Look

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How to Give your Android Smartphone the iOS 7 Look Posted: 25 Jan 2014 08:23 AM PST iOS7 was a huge release for Apple. It strongly adheres to the late Steve Jobs' minimalist principles of design and borrows heavily from the modern trends in user interfaces. With Jony Ive at the helm, iOS 7 brings a refreshing change to the outmoded skeuomorphic design. No longer would you see any shiny buttons, heavily rounded corners, or gaudy gradients. The design is flat, minimalistic, and uses basic colors. Of course, iOS 7 isn't perfect, but when compared to Android, it is a force to reckon with. On first glance, it looks gorgeous and works pretty much as you'd expect it to. In fact, many Android fans --including me -- who weren't impressed by iOS before are starting to develop a liking for the latest iteration of the mobile phone OS. For people in this category, owning an Android smartphone is enough to get a taste of the mobile OS. As Android allows limitless customization, bringing the iOS 7 look to the droid world is easy. The following are some simple ways in customizing the Android user interface and make it look like iOS 7: iOS Apex/Nova Theme To set the foundation right, you'll need to install a launcher that will help completely transform the look of your Android phone into iOS 7. Once installed, this theme will give your phone the complete iOS 7 look. It is compatible with most launchers out there; however we'd suggest you stick with Nova or Apex as they are more stable. The theme has as many as 1,800 icons that have been tailored to give you the iOS experience. Once you install this theme, you'll have pretty much all the basic UI elements of the latest iOS version.  DOWNLOAD HERE To polish things and take customization even further, the following apps will come in handy: iPhone Keyboard The keyboard is one of the most frequently used applications on your phone. That's why theming the keyboard to match iOS 7 is extremely important. This app helps you get that greyish-white keyboard on Android.  DOWNLOAD HERE Galaxy iOS 7 Parallax Live WP One of the most popular additions to the iOS update is the parallax wallpaper. The effect gives a spacey 3D-ish feel when moving around your phone. If you fancy it and want it on your droid to complete the iOS7 experience, then simply install it on your Android as a live wallpaper.  DOWNLOAD HERE iOS 7 Lockscreen Parallax HD To make sure all elements fit in, install this lockscreen replacement that even lets you set a wallpaper. Furthermore, you can also enjoy the parallax effect that many iOS 7 fanboys and fangirls swear by. DOWNLOAD HERE iOS 7 Calculator To take things to the very extreme, making the calculator look like it was made by Apple isn't a bad idea. After all, everything should fit perfectly. This app by Touchwood gives you the calculator that is featured in iOS 7. Even if you are not someone who wants to get the iOS 7 look, we highly recommend you check that app out because it's gorgeous.   DOWNLOAD HERE Written by: Abhishek, a regular TechSource contributor and a long-time FOSS advocate.

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TechSource: Best Linux Highlights and Announcements of 2013

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Best Linux Highlights and Announcements of 2013 Posted: 21 Jan 2014 03:39 AM PST 2013 was a year of major Linux advancements. If you look back at Linux's timeline, 2013 is a year that proves itself as a key milestone in the open-source operating system's growth. The events and announcements that happened in 2013 were hugely important as far as the future of Linux is concerned. Let's take a look at last year and see why the announcements and mega developments will help the mighty penguin get even stronger in 2014.  Ubuntu for Phones 2013 started off with a big announcement. Canonical announced in January its mobile-based operating system. This was a huge step not only for Ubuntu, but also for the open source world. With Android and iOS already at the helm of mobile marketplace, Ubuntu's announcement was met with both enthusiasm as well as a lot of skepticism. Ubuntu Edge In July came a huge announcement from Canonical. Before this announcement, most of Ubuntu's advancements didn't get any attention from the mainstream media. The only people excited about Canonical's endeavors were die-hard Linux fans and regular Ubuntu users. This changed, however, when Ubuntu Edge was unveiled. Shuttleworth, the brain behind this high concept phone left no stone unturned when it came to designing this device. The concept was to create a high-end smartphone with the latest specs and the best open-source operating systems: Android and Ubuntu. The way Shuttleworth saw this becoming possible was through crowdfunding. By setting a massive target of $32,000,000 in one month, Ubuntu Edge grabbed many eyeballs. Headlines from Linux-based websites to Engadget spoke of this brave endeavor with the same excitement. Ubuntu, in other words, had gained a massive public following in arenas where it hadn't expected before. That said, the campaign failed. Ubuntu only reached  $12,809,906 making the campaign a no-go. As far as the Linux community is concerned, this was a major exposure for Ubuntu and its touch operating system. In 2014, when Ubuntu goes mainstream again (hopefully), many people will remember the famous campaign. SteamOS Steam OS was undoubtedly one of the major announcements of 2013. The Debian-based operating system will be a core part of Steam's strategy to become a member of your living room. The sheer prowess of Linux was enough for Steam to ditch Windows 8 and consider Debian as a suitable platform for expanding their reach. Designed primarily for gaming, the initial version of SteamOS was released on 13th December 2013. Valve, upon the release, stated that [they have] "come to the conclusion that the environment best suited to delivering value to customers is an operating system built around Steam itself." The release didn't bring anything to the users in 2013, but this year, the OS might just end up becoming a hot trend. Watch out! Chromebooks Go Mainstream Chromebooks, dissing all the naysayers, gained a lot of attention in 2013. Finally, they became popular enough for Microsoft to take notice and start bashing them. These are definitely tumultuous times for Redmond as its legacy is being attacked from all sides. 2014 will, hopefully, propel Chromebooks into widespread adoption. Android Spreads Its Wings No Linux story is complete without the advancements of its pocket-friendly incarnate Android. Android managed to wow the crowd last year by introducing KitKat. The release was a major milestone for the operating system as it brought along -- at least in theory -- almost every Android user to the KitKat party. With support for RAM as low as 512 MB, Android 4.4 KitKat is Google's way of future-proofing the OS and saving it from the dreaded fragmentation ghost. This year, we'll get to see how the mega plan to end fragmentation unfolds. Gaming on Linux Gets Real Gaming on Linux got a boost last year with Steam embracing the OS completely. With Steam on Linux and Steambox in the making, gamers are taking Linux seriously as a platform. Don't be surprised if you find a major AAA title released for Linux this year. 2014 will be full of pleasant surprises for gamers on Linux. Written by: Abhishek, a regular TechSource contributor and a long-time FOSS advocate.

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TechSource: Is Bitcoin The Next Open-source Software Revolution?

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Is Bitcoin The Next Open-source Software Revolution? Posted: 17 Jan 2014 07:42 PM PST Bitcoin: The next big thing. Imagine a currency that is free from any government restrictions! Imagine a virtual currency that you can use to buy anything off the Internet. No more carrying cash! No more remembering your credit card passwords! Wow! Doesn't it sound too good to be true? "Bitcoin is a techno tour de force." - Bill Gates "It's money 2.0, a huge huge huge deal." - Chamath Palihapitya (venture capitalist) But wait something doesn't seem right. Bitcoin seems a bit too perfect... a bit too utopian right? Well yes, it certainly does. Bitcoin has been one of the most polarizing topics recently. Some see Bitcoin as the "next Internet" while others see it as a giant bubble just about to burst. Everywhere you go, there is a certain amount of hype about this new "virtual currency". After all, if this thing really takes off, it will change our future forever. And yes, much like the Internet, it would be open to everyone. What is Bitcoin? Bitcoin is a digital currency that is generated using a computer program and can be converted into cash by depositing it into a virtual wallet. The transactions that are made using this currency are independent of any bank or government. How did it begin? Unlike Bill Gates or the charismatic Steve Jobs, the inventor of Bitcoin is rather a reclusive personality. Satoshi Nakamoto, the man behind the digital currency doesn't like to reveal himself to the public. Very little is known about him and his whereabouts. According to Nakamoto, he started working on Bitcoin since 2007. In 2008, he published a paper on The Cryptography Mailing List at metzdowd.com describing the functioning of Bitcoin digital currency. Then, in the following year, Bitcoin's first version was released to the public as open-source software. From then on, began the rapid growth of this open-source digital currency. In 2011, Wikileaks, Free Software Foundation and many others foundations began to accept donations in Bitcoin. In 2013, many hosting companies and online merchants were accepting payments in Bitcoins. But, but, but. There's a catch here. Bitcoin, despite its soaring growth, has attracted a huge amount of controversy. This is mainly because it's a decentralized mode of commerce, thus escaping from the clutches of tight government regulations, which are many times fair and sometimes downright evil. The main source of this controversy is the fact that Bitcoin has no central authority, and countries fear, especially those like China, that Bitcoin can facilitate a new world order wherein the global economic control is disrupted. "Right now Bitcoin feels like the Internet before the browser." - Wences Casares, Technology Entrepreneur How does it work? Once you download the Bitcoin software client, you can generate a set of unique keys without the help of any external resources. These keys can then be used to exchange Bitcoins with other users by mathematically linking your keys with theirs. You can have two or more keys. One can be a public key and others can be private keys. The public keys can be shared with anyone on the Internet for accepting payments, much like using a PayPal address. Is it just another bubble? Probably yes, probably no. Bitcoin, as far as a currency is concerned, is a utopia for consumers and merchants. It's completely decentralized and doesn't fall into the clutches of the governments. That's why many governments are scared of it. It has a potential to create a major disruption in the world economy.  Open Source Software Revolution? If Bitcoin really makes it, it will be a huge revolution, probably a bigger revolution than Linux itself. It will set a big role model for future technology enthusiasts about the power of open-source software. Open-source, slowly but steadily is spreading its wings into the technology of the future. Be it Android's dominance in the mobile market or the rise of Bitcoin, the future looks more open than we thought it would be. Written by: Abhishek, a regular TechSource contributor and a long-time FOSS advocate.

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TechSource: Best Linux Applications of 2013

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Best Linux Applications of 2013 Posted: 14 Jan 2014 02:01 AM PST 2013 was a year wherein Linux stood out in many arenas. It was a year of endeavors so big that it turned Linux into an underrated hobbyist operating system to a dark house to watch out for. Before 2013, the word Linux was uttered mainly in closed circles. Developers, system administrators, and those who were brave enough to "take the plunge" spoke about Linux. Besides that, you would rarely find Linux mentioned on a popular site like Forbes, Engadget, or The Verge. 2013 changed the scene completely. Linux, or more specifically Ubuntu, started the year with a bang by announcing Ubuntu Touch for smartphones and tablets. This was a major step as far as the operating system's strategy was concerned. As if that announcement wasn't enough to turn many heads, Canonical took another huge step in the mobile direction. Ubuntu Edge was announced thus propelling Ubuntu to mainstream popularity in a matter of days. Ubuntu was no longer the OS for programmers and hobbyists; this was something an average user might end up using someday. That said, Ubuntu Edge failed to meet its end goal thus plunging it into oblivion months after the campaign. Linux's tryst with fame didn't end there, though. Steam fully and completely embraced the platform thus making it a potential gaming beast. The consequences of this announcement are far reaching. Since gaming will become a part of Linux, NVIDIA and ATI will stop ignoring the penguin as they used to before. This massive progress was accompanied by a string of software releases that made Linux a platform more approachable to end users who are stuck with Windows or Mac. The following is a list of some of the best Linux applications of 2013: Steam Steam brings a whole new gaming platform to the Linux crowd. With solid titles like Left 4 Dead and Dota 2, Windows users can now finally take the plunge into the penguinian world. At the release, very few titles for the Steam client were available and its adoption kind of stagnated. However, Steam knows that gaming on Linux isn't just a move to please a community of software enthusiasts, it's their core strategy. After alienating, rather blatantly, the Windows 8 platform, Steam has placed all its bets on Linux. With Steambox running on the open-source operating system, Steam has ensured that many gamers will migrate to the FOSS world and eventually to Steam. Whether or not this strategy will work, no one can tell. However, what we know is that this strategy will give gaming on Linux a massive boost.  Lightworks Lightworks is one of the best video editing software out there. The tool is popular not just amongst professional editors but also among editing legends of Hollywood. Scorsese's award winning biopic The Aviator was edited using Lightworks. And guess what, Thelma Schoonmaker even won an Oscar for it. Lightworks is a high-end tool that many filmmakers rely on and its release on Linux came as a pleasant surprise for many users. Though released as a beta in 2013, this year, we'll see the maturing of the software as many users start to adopt it. Metro: Last Light Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Metro is a first-person shooter developed by 4A games. The title comes with stunning graphics and an amazing plot. Holding a Metacritic ranking of 80, it's a treat for gamers who had been looking for something "substantial" as far as gaming on Linux was concerned. Truly deserving of the many accolades it received, Metro surely is a game worth remembering. Viber for Linux Viber, popular alternative to Skype, came to Linux last year thus bringing along voice and video calling. Available for Ubuntu, Viber makes sure that you stay in touch with your loved ones without any hassles. The best thing about Viber is that it brings together conversations you've had on your smartphone, desktop, and tablet in one single place. Though the Linux version is buggy and poorly designed, we hope it gets some developer love in 2014.

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