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Friday, March 28, 2014

TechSource: 8 Google Now Tricks That Will Make You More Productive

TechSource: 8 Google Now Tricks That Will Make You More Productive

8 Google Now Tricks That Will Make You More Productive

Posted: 28 Mar 2014 05:18 AM PDT

Google Now began merely as Google's answer to the then-revered Siri. What the search giant needed was a service that users could rely on - A service that could combine the big G's search prowess and your personal information to become your own assistant. And yes, Google achieved that. In fact, far from being a personal assistant, Google Now evolved into a service that becomes an integral part of its future line of products like Google Glass.

When compared with the popular Siri, Google's service packs a lot of punch. Not only does it let you search with your voice, it also intelligently presents information that's relevant to you at the right time and at the right place. Therefore, it's easy to see that Google Now is more than just a digital assistant. It is a full-fledged productivity powerhouse that will help you get things done much more easily. That's why we have for you a list of cool Google Now Tips and Tricks that could help you ramp up your productivity in no time.


1. Practice Pomodoro On the Go

The Pomodoro Technique consists of working in 25-minute sprints with 5-minute breaks. Use Google Now's timer feature to set an alarm for 25 minutes into the future by saying "Set a timer for 25 minutes." Do this and go to work, as Google's alarm will remind you after 25 minutes.


2. Use with Task Management Apps

Popular to-do applications like Any.do, Todoist and Wunderlist make use of Google Now to make it easy for you to add new tasks. Stay productive on the go by installing any of those apps and hooking them up with Google Now.


3. Make Better Reservations

With Google Now at your disposal, you can make hotel or car-rental reservations without having to check the progress from your inbox. Google Now has a feature that conveniently shows up a card of your reservation along with the booking number, your name, date, and the name of the service. This can be used to get details about flights, hotels, and restaurants. In fact, Google Now can even track packages and show the relevant information as a card. Here's how to enable it: open Google Search application. Then, go to Settings -> Google Now -> Gmail Cards. Select the cards you want to enable and relax as Google gives you the relevant information at the relevant time.


4. Save Time with Commute Sharing

It's a huge annoyance when you're running late for a meeting or even a date and you have to keep updating the other person about your location every 2 minutes. Google's Commute Sharing is a lesser-known feature that allows you to share your current location with your friends and loved ones. On your Android, simply go to Menu -> Settings -> Accounts & Privacy -> Commute sharing and enable the feature. This way, from the moment you leave your house to the minute you reach the meeting, the other person will be able to keep a tab on your progress. The feature might seem creepy at first but is actually very useful in certain situations.


5. Save Travel Time

Get to the nearest bus stops with Google Now's cool location-enabled feature. Simply click on the wand icon in the search app and go to "Everything Else". From there, enable the option that says "Continue to get nearby public transit stops?" Once enabled, Google Now will notify you of the nearby bus stops or train stations.


6. Find Anything On the Go

Google Now is backed by the most powerful search engine in the world. Make use of it by asking it the right questions that save your precious time. Ask questions like: "Who is the CEO of Google?"  or "30 US Dollars in Euros?" to get the info you want.


7. Take Quick Notes

Google Now allows you to send yourself quick notes that remind you of the important things you need to do. For example, you can send yourself a note saying: "Note to self: write article tomorrow" and Google Now will then send you an email along with an audio transcript of a reminder. It is surely a great way to capture ideas on the go.


8. Do Quick Math

Are you bad at math? Don't worry. Google Now lets you speak math problems into your phone and get answers real quick. Feel free to ask questions like: "100 divided by 5 times 20" and see the answer pop up in no time. This is a great way to save time that is normally wasted in looking for a calculator.

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Posted by z0ltrix at 12:03 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

TechSource: How to Install Netflix on Linux

TechSource: How to Install Netflix on Linux

How to Install Netflix on Linux

Posted: 25 Mar 2014 09:36 PM PDT

It's 3 AM in the night. All the lights are off. The only light in the room is the one emanating from your laptop screen as you're trying hard to keep your eyes from shutting off. Then, for a moment you wince and gasp as Kevin Spacey looks at you and reveals his next Machiavellian plan. The episode ends and you admit to yourself, you're hooked to House of Cards.

Be it "House of Cards" or "Orange is the New Black", Netflix is known for keeping its users hooked to their service. In fact, Netflix has become the next HBO. Founded in 1997 by investing $2.5 million on one of the co-founder's own money, Netflix initially launched with 30 employees and 925 workers. The idea had come to Reed Hastings (CEO and co-founder of Netflix) one day when he was forced to pay $40 in overdue fines after returning Apollo 13, which was past its due date.

Soon, the popularity of Netflix grew making it a major player in the movie rental business. This maybe hard to believe but in 2000, Netflix was offered to Blockbuster for $50 million. Blockbuster declined and the rest is history. With a business model based on flat-fees and unlimited rentals without any due dates, shipping charges, or late fees, Netflix has become a household name for movie and TV lovers.

As omnipresent as Netflix is, it is not officially available on Linux yet. Thankfully, though, developers have come up with unofficial versions of the app. In this article, we'll show you ways to get Netflix working -- using these unofficial versions -- on your Ubuntu or Fedora desktop.


Ubuntu

On Ubuntu, installing Netflix is pretty simple. All you have to do is add the ppa and then install the app. First, open up your terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T together and type in or paste the following commands:

sudo apt-add-repository ppa:ehoover/compholio
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install netflix-desktop

To start Netflix, open the Dash using the Super key and type in Netflix to search for the app.


Fedora

Installing Netflix on Fedora isn't as straightforward as it is on Ubuntu. However, this doesn't mean that it is difficult. All you have to do is type in or paste a few commands and you are done.

First install wget by typing in the following command:

sudo yum -y install wget

To download Netflix in your home directory, type in:

wget -c http://sourceforge.net/projects/posti...

Then, unzip the file:

tar -xvzf Netflixplayer.tar.gz

Then, start Netflix Player using the following command:

sudo sh Netflixplayer.sh

To run Netflix every time, all you have to do is type in the following command in your terminal: 
 
sudo sh /usr/bin/Netflix.sh


Alternatively, if you want to save yourself some trouble and instead watch Netflix from your browser, Webupd8 has an excellent guide on how to enable Silverlight on Linux (which is required to run Netflix). You can check out the guide HERE.


Written by: Abhishek, a regular TechSource contributor and a long-time FOSS advocate.

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Posted by z0ltrix at 12:03 PM 0 comments

Saturday, March 22, 2014

TechSource: Best Android Apps For Interval Training

TechSource: Best Android Apps For Interval Training

Best Android Apps For Interval Training

Posted: 22 Mar 2014 03:33 AM PDT

A lot of people workout in the traditional way. They hop on the cardio machine, run for half an hour or twenty minutes, get tired, and go home. While this helps them break sweat, it doesn't really add much to their stamina. For those looking to build stamina, lose weight, and increase overall cardiovascular strength, interval training is the best bet. Not only does it help you lose fat quickly, it also boosts your metabolism, thus giving you an overall health benefits.

Basically, interval training involves training with high intensity for a few minutes followed by a low intensity workout or rest. The aim of the workout is to improve speed and fitness. Though you can do interval training without any help, having an app that guides you through the process doesn't seem like a bad idea. That's why we have here a list of Android apps that will help you get the most out of your interval training program.


HIIT Interval Training Timer by Giorgio Regni

If you are a runner and don't have a coach to help you with your interval training workouts, don't worry. HIIT interval training timer is an app that comes in handy for workouts that involve running, skipping, cycling, or any kind of high intensity cardiovascular activity. Once installed, you will be able to time your workout and rest periods effectively. The app is simple, easy to use and does much more than a simple stopwatch.



HIIT Interval Training TimerAD by halmi.sk

For interval training fanatics who are in need of some motivation to workout, this app comes in really handy. HIIT Interval training timer lets you set your workouts whether you are doing simple training or planning to do an extensive workout like they show in home-workout programs. Once you set the amount of time you need to workout and rest, the timer does an excellent job at helping you log your training. That way, you have a record of what you've done in the past and which areas need a little push. One of the most notable features of this app, however, is that it gives you rewards for working out. This is a great feature for those who are a little low on motivation.



HIIT - interval training timer by Caynax

One of the most beautifully designed apps on the list is Caynax HIIT timer. Once installed, you can set a workout schedule for as much as the next 30 days. This means that you won't have any excuse to skip the gym. Just enter your workout routine, be it daily or 3-times a week, and the app will do a good job at reminding you when your next workout will be. The timers work perfectly well too. You'll find a circular glowing timer that you can glance over to quickly get a feel of the time left. Another cool feature that this app provides is that of TTS. This means that you can write out any piece of text and using the text-to-speech service, the app will speak out those words. This is very useful if you're someone who relies on some motivational words while working out. If you are looking for a complete workout solution that compliments your interval training, this app is a must have.



A HIIT Interval Timer by Pimpim Mobile

If you are tired of the level of complexity offered by other "complete workout" applications, then this app just gives you what you want: an app focused solely on interval training and nothing else. Once installed, you get an app that has a simple and easy to use interface. The timer's fonts are big thus allowing you to glance over to your phone whenever you need to know how much time is left. As for the workouts, it plays a nice little ticking sound thus reminding you that the time is running out. 



Written by: Abhishek, a regular TechSource contributor and a long-time FOSS advocate.

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Posted by z0ltrix at 12:02 PM 0 comments

Monday, March 17, 2014

TechSource: How to Get the Flat UI Look on Your Ubuntu Desktop

TechSource: How to Get the Flat UI Look on Your Ubuntu Desktop

How to Get the Flat UI Look on Your Ubuntu Desktop

Posted: 16 Mar 2014 10:20 PM PDT

iOS is the latest Operating System to have jumped on the flat UI bandwagon. This trend, supposedly started by Microsoft with the Metro UI, is slowly overtaking the world. Be it Facebook, Twitter, or your desktop operating system, everyone's going flat. The days of shiny and skeuomorphic design are over and new minimalistic UI elements that involve less gradients and more contrast have arrived. What makes the "flat look" stand apart is the fact that it is minimalistic and goes really easy on the eyes. The elements of the interface that need the attention get the attention they deserve with the high contrast buttons.

Apple pulled off the revamp very well and so did Twitter by getting rid of "shiny objects" and sticking to minimalism. If you're a Linux user, you might have noticed that your Ubuntu setup doesn't really live up to the flat trends. While some elements of Nautilus have moved in that direction, it isn't really the "look" you're looking for. Thankfully, in the Linux world, there's an answer to your every prayer.

This quick and easy tutorial will show you how to give your Ubuntu desktop the flat UI look:


Step 1: Install the Numix Theme

Type in or paste the following commands to install the Numix PPA on your desktop. Open the terminal by pressing the combo Ctrl + Alt + T to enter these commands:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:numix/ppa
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install numix-gtk-theme numix-icon-theme-circle unity-tweak-tool


Step 2: Apply the Theme

The above command will install Numix theme along with the icon set on your desktop. It will also install Unity Tweak tool, which is required to apply the theme. Now that the installation is complete, open up Unity Tweak Tool by searching for it in the Dash.

Once the app opens, go to Appearance → Theme

Here, change the theme to Numix and save the settings.

Now in the same window go to the tab that says "Icons". Change the icons to Numix Circle and save the settings. Et, voila! This completes the "flat look" you were looking for.



Step 3: Go One Step Further

Now that you've applied the theme, your desktop will completely conform to the "flat look". However, if you want to tweak it even further, feel free to add stuff from the following resources:

To get more of the Numix touch for your desktop add the scrollbars as a userstyle in Chrome. Furthermore, if you are a conky user, you can apply the following conky themes to match with your new look: 





Step 4: Get a New Wallpaper

Finally, to make things even more perfect, you can download wallpapers from sites like interfacelift.com and wallbase.cc to complete the look.


Written by: Abhishek, a regular TechSource contributor and a long-time FOSS advocate.

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Posted by z0ltrix at 12:14 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

TechSource: Best Social Music Apps for Android

TechSource: Best Social Music Apps for Android

Best Social Music Apps for Android

Posted: 10 Mar 2014 11:39 PM PDT

Music is something people love to share. Be it that amazing song you heard on the radio or that classic that's been stuck in your head for years, sharing your favorite music with someone is an experience. In the good ol' days of music, people used to share vinyl records and cassettes. Then as time passed by, CDs became a common stock in every music lover's household. Music fanatics would create special mixtapes for their friends or their lovers and gift them. Those gifts, you'll agree, were much better than any other material gifts. Needless to say, sharing your favorite music with your friends and lovers is a tradition that isn't going to die any time soon.

Contrary to popular beliefs, the iTunes era hasn't really dampened the spirit of social music. There are many fabulous apps and services that help you share your favorite music with not just your friends but the whole world as well. Moreover, these applications also let you discover new music along the way, thus making your whole listening experience much better. So, if you own an Android app, the following social music applications will surely come in handy.


Soundwave

Soundwave is a brilliant application that lets you share your entire listening history with your friends and the world. It's basically a free application that sits quietly on your Android device. Once you install it, it will start tracking the music that you play on your phone. With the tracked plays, Soundwave creates a listening profile for you so that other people can discover what your music taste is like. It's similar to Last.fm but has much more socially oriented features built in. One really cool feature about Soundwave is that it tracks music from your Spotify and Rdio account, something that Last.fm fails at doing. There are many more cool features like listening to playlists of people nearby and filters that let you choose what appears on your playlist. Overall, it is a great app if you're an audiophile who loves to discover new music.


Rithm brings a new twist to your listening experience. Once installed, it lets you share your favorite songs with your friends. With a simple interface, Rithm lets you pick any song of your liking. Then, you can add either a video, photo or an animated character to the song and send it to your friends via the app. This makes sure that the song you're sending to your friend has a little personal touch along with it. Apart from sending music to your friends, you can even share your favorite music on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook. Though it doesn't quite pack the full features of staple messaging apps, it does offer something new to audiophiles who are looking for new ways to share their music.



SoundCloud

SoundCloud isn't just a service anymore, it has now become a full-fledged platform. It can be likened to YouTube of music and other audio content. Unless you're living under a cave, you must be well aware of the popularity of SoundCloud. Not only does SoundCloud discover new music, it also lets you upload your own music and share it with the world. Whether you are starting your own band or have some badass standup comedy skills, you can share your voice with the world without paying a single dime. The SoundCloud app brings the same amazing features to your Android smartphone or tablet. It is definitely worth a try.



Spotify

Spotify is a hugely popular music streaming service. Hailed as the Netflix of music, its ability to let users enjoy their music on all platforms has made Spotify a true rockstar. What is more special about Spotify, though, is that it allows you to share your playlists with the world. Whether you want to post your playlist on your blog or send it to someone via email, Spotify lets you do that with such ease that you'll be surprised. The app brings all the goodness of the service on your Android device. 



"Without music, life would be a mistake." -- Friedrich Nietzsche

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Posted by z0ltrix at 12:03 PM 0 comments

Saturday, March 8, 2014

TechSource: How to Get NVIDIA Optimus Working on Ubuntu Linux

TechSource: How to Get NVIDIA Optimus Working on Ubuntu Linux

How to Get NVIDIA Optimus Working on Ubuntu Linux

Posted: 08 Mar 2014 12:33 AM PST

These days, most applications make use of your dedicated graphics card. Even running Ubuntu in its full glory requires you to have a decent graphics card. Oh and yeah, gaming is another area where you need to invest your hard-earned money into buying either an NVIDIA- or AMD- enabled laptop. The problem here is that graphic-intensive tasks, especially those that make full use of your graphics card consume a lot of your battery life. In fact, sometimes people feel that they'd be better off with a modest Intel graphics card.

Taking note of this problem, NVIDIA came up with an ingenious solution called NVIDIA Optimus. What Optimus does is that it dynamically switches between your onboard Intel graphics and your NVIDIA graphics card in order to save power. So, for example, when you're playing a game, Optimus will switch from Intel to NVIDIA so that you could have the best gaming experience. However, when you are working on that Excel Spreadsheet, Optimus makes sure that you are using your Intel graphics thus saving you a lot of power.

NVIDIA Optimus is already available on Windows with the default NVIDIA drivers set. On Linux, however, the Bumblebee project is responsible for bringing Optimus to your laptop. The following guide will help you get NVIDIA Optimus working on your Ubuntu desktop and hopefully make the most out of it. (This guide assumes that you have an Intel and an NVIDIA card on your laptop. For more information check the instruction manual accompanying your device).


Installing Bumblebee

Since the Bumblebee project is officially supported by Ubuntu, all you have to do is type in the following command in your terminal:

sudo apt-get install bumblebee bumblebee-nvidia

This will install the required drivers on your computer. Now, to run an application using NVIDIA drivers, all you have to do is type optirun before the app's name and enter it into the command line. Here's an example of how to run Firefox using Nvidia drivers:

optirun firefox 


Making the Most out of Bumblebee

To ensure that you can switch between your onboard graphics and your NVIDIA card anytime you want, all you need to do is install the Prime indicator applet for your desktop. Once installed, an indicator applet shows up that displays the graphics card that is currently in use. Upon clicking the icon, you can switch between the two cards. As simple as that.

To install Prime indicator on your Ubuntu computer, you'll have to add the Webupd8 ppa to your list of repositories. Enter the following commands to do that:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:nilarimogard/webupd8
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install prime-indicator

For all the perfectionists out there, you can download the Bumblebee configurator from a PPA. This tool allows you to configure Bumblebee to your liking and even troubleshoot it in case something doesn't go away. Type in or paste the following commands to install the tool:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:alessandrofac93/bumblebee-config-gtk-dev
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install bumblebee-config-gui


Written by: Abhishek, a regular TechSource contributor and a long-time FOSS advocate.

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Posted by z0ltrix at 11:41 AM 0 comments
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