Teaching How to use PC, Tablet, Mobile and Internet

Jetpack brings Universal Search for WordPress Admin Panel — Omnisearch

Ashish Mohta — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:43:41 +0000

If you are running a website powered by WordPress, then here is a big news for you. Jetpack Plugin has introduced a new feature — Omnisearch which allows you to do a universal search in WordPress Admin Section. This means when you make a search using this new search box, it will not only search in your blog posts, but also your comments, plugins, pages and other sections.

Like you can see in the image above that the search result is already categorized into above mentioned categories. You can quickly jump to each section where you are looking for.

Because of this now it will be easier for one to get more result when it is difficult to find something. However, it will be doing more query and if you are sure that you would want to search only comment, then using this is not a good idea.

Also there is no option to change settings so you can skip plugin search for example. Most of us would be interested in comment and blog posts search together.

The Search box for this is available on top right corner and also ahs a menu under the Jetpack Menu. To enable this, just upgrade the plugin which should be already sending you notifications.

Developers interested to add some more functionality to this can do so by using the Omnisearch Class which has open hooks. Head over to his page to learn more.

Jetpack brings Universal Search for WordPress Admin Panel — Omnisearch by Ashish Mohta originally appeared on Technospot.Net on 2013/06/19. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The post Jetpack brings Universal Search for WordPress Admin Panel — Omnisearch appeared first on Technospot.Net.

Vine for Skype — Video Messaging comes to Skype & FAQ’s you should know

Ashish Mohta — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:34:16 +0000

Skype has finally launched its video messaging service to all of its clients — Windows, iOS and Android except Windows Phone which allows you to send a short video as offline message to your friend. This is a perfect tool to capture moments and share with others when they are not here. To start using them, you will have to download the application and update your current client. So if you see the app update notifications popping up, you got it. Below is a video demo:

That said that option shows up for any contact you want to send a video message ( No Group Video message!!). So first select a contact, hit video message button, record and send. A preview is show before you hit send. You also have record video if there is a disturbance in the current recording. This means you don’t have to go back and start again.

Important Points you should know before stating your Video Messaging.

None of these messages can be deleted. So you better watch out what you send.
Regular Skype users can view the message for 6 months while the Skype Premium can watch them any time you like.
There is no video section where you watch all of them. It will appear in the conversation folder. So scroll!!
Users who don’t have the feature enabled or are using the old client will receive a link and a code. To view the video message you’ve received, simply click the link and enter the code on the webpage that opens in your internet browser.
A video message can be send when you are on voice call or when somebody does not answer your call on Skype.

Download from here.

Vine for Skype — Video Messaging comes to Skype & FAQ’s you should know by Ashish Mohta originally appeared on Technospot.Net on 2013/06/17. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The post Vine for Skype — Video Messaging comes to Skype & FAQ’s you should know appeared first on Technospot.Net.

Twiiter Now Lets You See Your Tweet Performance

Ashish Mohta — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 13:47:08 +0000

It’s not uncommon that most of the pro twitter users use some sort of analytics to keep track of their tweet performance and measure their influence. Twitter today has opened up the Analytics option for everyone according to TheNextWeb. This option was usually available via their Ad Platform and only to advertisers to find how their promoted tweet performed.

Now before you get excited here is the deal:

When you login to the dashboard for the first time you only get to see last 6 hours performance. Click on the link at the bottom to load more tweet. ( Be Warned, It’s an infinite scroll after then)
You can see how many Favorited, Retweeted or replied to the tweet
You can download the data as CSV file and use it with any other desktop or analytics tool which supports that. You can also filter to find out which tweet performed well by choosing Best, Good or All

That said there is nothing much apart from them. You cannot make a search, find out who tweeted and so on. Even then at least you have a great tool in your hand to find out your influence. I am hoping there will be more third-party tool coming soon which will use either the CSV or the data directly to make it more relevant.

Also with this there is another menu named as Followers. It should be showing some data from your followers but it did not work for me.

To view them, Go to Twitter Ad Dashboard and choose analytics from the top. Via TNW

Twiiter Now Lets You See Your Tweet Performance by Ashish Mohta originally appeared on Technospot.Net on 2013/06/13. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The post Twiiter Now Lets You See Your Tweet Performance appeared first on Technospot.Net.

Amazon India selling Kindle but thats Coming via Croma Retail

Ashish Mohta — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:24:31 +0000

Received a newsletter from Amazon today about its first digital device availability in India from their online shop and its none other than — Kindle. Right after their announcement on last week, The list of kindle devices which are listed along with the price are as follows:

Kindle Fire HD — 21,999.00
Kindle Fire HD — 15,999.00
Kindle Paper White 3G — 13,999.00
Kindle Paper white — 10,999.00
Kindle — 5,999.00

This is an excellent opportunity for book readers who always wanted to own kindle but could not get it before because of import hassles. However, it may take time for all the models to get into stock. As of now I only see Kindle’s basic version available.

Another thing to notice about it that listing of Kindle shows “Sold by Cromaretail and Fulfilled by Amazon.” This clearly means that Amazon is not able to sell it directly but will only be able to sell through third part. If you are wondering why then it’s because of the FDI issues which still hasn’t settled down till date. Croma Retail is a trusted brand which you see across airports in India.

Along with these devices, Amazon India is also selling e-books for your Kindle Reader which you will be able to download once you signup with the same amazon account with which you bought the books.

Buying e-books:

Here is another catchy thing to notice. Right under the device listing there is an important note which says:

Important information about purchasing Kindle books Customers can browse over 1.7 million Kindle books on Amazon.in. Purchases will be completed on Amazon.com in either Rupees or American Dollars, pending what credit or debit card you use. Please note: your credit card must be internationally enabled.

When I first saw it, I was pretty confused why purchases can also be completed in American Dollars as this would mean that end-user will have to pay for conversion charges as well using their card. Then when I chose to buy an ebook, it clearly says buy from Amazon.com.

Clicking on which took me to Amazon.com where I had a warm welcome “Amazon.com welcomes customers in India to the Kindle Store. Make purchases in Rupees when using a Visa or Mastercard credit card or debit card eligible for international purchases.”

That said, Amazon India shows up the pricing in Indian Rupees and even you are charged in Indian Rupees. Their help page clearly says that if you are using Visa or MasterCard:

When you purchase eligible Kindle items from Amazon.com and you use a Visa or MasterCard denominated in Rupees, we’ll show you the total amount of your order in Rupees so you don’t have to calculate the cost of your purchase in Rupees. We’ll lock in the exchange rate at the time of purchase, and the applicable exchange rate includes all fees and charges for your purchase. Your purchases will be processed in US dollars (USD) if another other payment method such as American Express is used to place your order.

Though its bit confusing but unless somebody buys and share the details, we cannot confirm. But looking at the stament, it seems its all Rupees when using Master or Visa.

Amazon India selling Kindle but thats Coming via Croma Retail by Ashish Mohta originally appeared on Technospot.Net on 2013/06/13. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The post Amazon India selling Kindle but thats Coming via Croma Retail appeared first on Technospot.Net.

Linking YouTube with Google+ Page allows Managers to Upload Videos

Ashish Mohta — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:13:00 +0000

It’s a common scenario that YouTube Accounts are managed by multiple users when the video makers separated geographically. Now YouTube itself does not allow to add multiple users to their channel and till date it was only possible if you share the account credential with the editors.

However, I recently discovered this has becomes possible after Google started rolling out an option where it was asking YouTube accounts to choose a name either by keeping the same name or choosing a different name or even by linking to their Google Plus Page. The last part plays a crucial role to this “Multiple Users” scenario.

In my last post on “Link Existing Google Plus Page with YouTube Channel (Different Google Account)” explained how you can add managers to the page if they are using different Google account. This in turn also enabled sharing of YouTube Channel i.e. Managers who manage your Google+ Page can also access the YouTube Page linked with the Google Plus Page. They can upload videos, comments, check analytics and so on. A complete access to your YouTube Channel.

How to do this?

I have explained in the post I had mentioned above but here it is again:

First Connect your YouTube and Google Plus Page. If they are two different account, you need to add the account in YouTube to Google + Manager.

Once you have added it as Manager, confirm it and then sign-out from your Google account completely. It takes a while to reflect and because of cookies it might not show immediately.
Next, Login with the account which is a manager account.
Go to YouTube.com and either you will get immediate option to choose between The Page (YouTube Channel) or the email id you used to login with.
Choose the page and the manager will have complete access to the YouTube account.

So if you want to add multiple users to your YouTube Channel, add them as managers to your Google+ Page which is linked with YouTube Channel. Next time they visit the YouTube they can switch to the channel.

Like you can see in the image below, now I can switch to my Technospot.Net Channel or WPXBOX Channel when using a single account because I am manager at both the places.

That said here is my warning. Only add users whom you trust as you give them complete access to the channel including analytics. Also to note the notifications are only sent to the email that is related to the main account even if one of the managers upload the video. So this is not a complete multiple user account support but it does help your authors to upload videos with you giving them account details.

Linking YouTube with Google+ Page allows Managers to Upload Videos by Ashish Mohta originally appeared on Technospot.Net on 2013/06/12. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The post Linking YouTube with Google+ Page allows Managers to Upload Videos appeared first on Technospot.Net.

Nokia 105 Unboxing & First Impression

Ashish Mohta — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:11:16 +0000

Nokia announced their starting models 105 and 301 back February during MWC 2013. This phone is built for Indian market conditions and came with set of features which the lower segment enjoys a lot — Torch & FM Radio along with the phone capability. Below is the unboxing of Nokia 105.

Watch On YouTube

Like I said before that this phone is a very basic model for people who would like to just have a phone and are on very tight budget. This phone just fits that definition. There is no 3G, No Bluetooth, no way you can connect it with your PC. But it comes with a great design which is used in the Lumia version of Windows Phone from Nokia. Thus it gets a great look and feel when somebody holds it.

The keyboard unibody which makes sure dust or water don’t make their way through the phone and destroy them. This is again a common scenario i.e. a mobile falling in water or getting drenched in rain, which is answered by Nokia’s thought process. Another good thing about the keyboard is that they are backlit giving you complete access in dark and they are bigger

The screen of the phone is quite small but comes in color version which gives a positive feeling to a user. The software is very similar to Nokia’s Symbian interface with all basic feature like making a call, sending SMS etc are available. There is no way to transfer contacts though and it seems to be only between SIM to Phone and vice versa.

Overall build quality is good but is still plastic but you cannot expect something solid at this price.

Gallery:

That said, I will try this phone out for 2-3 days or get someone to test this who meets the need. Let us know if you have question on this till I get the final review done.

Nokia 105 Unboxing & First Impression by Ashish Mohta originally appeared on Technospot.Net on 2013/06/12. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The post Nokia 105 Unboxing & First Impression appeared first on Technospot.Net.

Link Existing Google Plus Page with YouTube Channel (Different Google Account)

Ashish Mohta — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 16:37:52 +0000

I have all my Google Plus Page managed by a single Google Account. Today when YouTube asked me to choose between existing username or choose something else, I saw there is an option to link the Google Plus Page of the website associated with it. However the option was not showing up. Problem is it only looks into the currently logged in Google Account i.e. YouTube Account in this case and find no page and hence shows up nothing.

If you are facing the same problem, here is the solution.

Add your YouTube Google Account to Page: Google Plus pages allow you to add Managers. These managers have restricted role but since this is your account, you don’t have to worry much about adding it. A confirmation email is sent so make sure you do that.

Switch to the Google Plus Page you plan to link to.
On The menu option on top right where you actually click to switch between pages, click that.
You will see Managers link right there.
Add the same email id which you are using in the YouTube Channel.

Link Google Plus Page:

Once you add it, login to YouTube Account. Go to Settings and look for an option which says Link channel with Google+. Hit that you will see a form showing up and now you will have the page listed .

Done that, now your channel will pick the same name as your Page Name. So make sure you want that to happen. In case you don’t want that name make sure to keep the YouTube Name itself.

How to remove Google Plus Association?

It seems Google also lets you remove the YouTube & Google Plus association for now. It seems to be temporary because it says “Temporarily disconnect Google+ page, and use your YouTube username”. So give it a try if you don’t like it, remove it because you might not get the chance later when this gets permanent.

What advantage you get by linking?

Apart from having a name of your choice (Like mine is fixed from ASHISHMOHTA to TECHNOSPOT.NET), A Google Plus page if you don’t have one, you get to use the Hangouts on AIR on your channel. If you wish to Interact with your users, it’s a great way to do so.

Link Existing Google Plus Page with YouTube Channel (Different Google Account) by Ashish Mohta originally appeared on Technospot.Net on 2013/06/09. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The post Link Existing Google Plus Page with YouTube Channel (Different Google Account) appeared first on Technospot.Net.

Bing Translator Comes to Windows 8, Translate Texts Using Camera

Ashish Mohta — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 17:40:21 +0000

If you have ever used Windows Phone, the vision feature or the camera lens allows you to translate text from any language to your language. Something similar has come to Windows 8 via Bing Translator which was already available in Windows Phone. This app will allow you to translate any written text into one you want.

The best part of this app is that it works completely offline if you download the language pack making sure you still get the job done without Internet. Apart from this you can snap it wherever you want and still do your work. This is particularly useful if you are working in respect to translation.

What Else? You can use Text to Speech to hear translations in your native language (40 language supported). The application integrates well with share charm to help you translate text from other Windows Store Apps.

That said, the applications seems to be working with only specific camera types which I am not sure of. When used with my HP Envy X2, it throws up an error saying that “Your Camera does not meet the requirements of Camera translation“. I am not sure what that means. It surprises me because I never thought there has to be a requirement type here. HP Envy X2 has 8MP camera in rear.

When using the app you can switch language using the quick switcher. The camera icon sits right where the text box is. If you want to download the new language pack, click on any of the language and it takes you to language management screen. You can choose to download using the “Offline Download Available”

Download from here. Via Bing

Bing Translator Comes to Windows 8, Translate Texts Using Camera by Ashish Mohta originally appeared on Technospot.Net on 2013/06/06. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The post Bing Translator Comes to Windows 8, Translate Texts Using Camera appeared first on Technospot.Net.

Automatically Save Screenshots to Dropbox

Ashish Mohta — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 09:40:31 +0000

Dropbox has rolled out a new feature in their latest build 2.3.2 which lets you save screenshot of your PC straight to Dropbox and upload it as usual. This feature aligns with the Camera Roll upload feature so any screenshot taken using Print + Screen keys will be saved into Dropbox Camera Roll Folder.

Once you install the latest build ( download here), the application will map the keys to itself to capture. Now in my case I have set this for SnagIt and if you have anything similar, you will have to choose what to do. As most of the scenarios doesn’t make sense for auto upload for screenshot, I will change the options when I need them e.g. Where I want to send bulk of screenshot to somebody.

Apart from saving the screenshot, it also copies the sharable link to the computers clipboard. So all you need to do is text, email or IM it to anybody you want. This is seriously useful. Below is a short video.

This feature is available for Windows, Dropbox and Linux.

Apart from these, there are three more features rolled out :

Move to Dropbox
Import from iPhoto
Much faster upload/download speeds for large files

Move to Dropbox was a much-needed menu option which was being fulfilled by a third party plugin, Dropbox Shell This option will allow you to move any folder or file directly into your Dropbox folder on your PC.

MAC users will be happy to get the Import from iPhone feature (iPhoto 7.0 or higher) which will let you import photos from iPhone Library. Best part is that all these iPhoto albums and events will also be created as Dropbox albums.

Automatically Save Screenshots to Dropbox by Ashish Mohta originally appeared on Technospot.Net on 2013/06/06. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The post Automatically Save Screenshots to Dropbox appeared first on Technospot.Net.

Review : HP Envy X2 & If You Should Buy It

Ashish Mohta — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 08:05:51 +0000

In this post I have talked my experience of using HP Envy X2 running Windows 8 Pro. Instead of talking all about hardware and boring specs, I have only talked my experience using it using it as Tablet, Laptop, build quality and battery life. If you have any questions apart from these please do put it in comments.

Design & Build:

HP has done an impressive job when it comes to the Design and Build Quality. It is very clear that this ultrabook is designed with lot of thoughts and keeping in mind how user will feel using it.

Envy X2 has two components. First is the tablet like monitor which has touch interface and works smoothly with Windows 8. Second part is the Keyboard. These two are connected with each other using a slot.

That said, Its lightweight so you don’t carry a brick in your bag or in your hand and the material on the outer side is such that it gives you a very strong grip. It’s all metallic with smooth finish but because it is light, it gives you a strong grip. Plus its only in length so it make sure you wont drop it.

Key Features:

Detachable display which makes sure if you want to use just the touch interface for media or casual browsing, it comes handy.
Since its detachable, both the keyboard and display panel has separate batteries.
Taking off the display panel is very easy, just slide the button at their junction and pull upwards.
Buttons to reduce volume and power is the back of display panel which is easily accessable..
Display Panel comes with SD card slot so even when you haven’t docked with keyboard, you still have access.

Envy X2 is metal build which IMO you need to careful that you don’t slam it anywhere. That’s true for any laptop but being metal the scratches will be more visible than anything else.

Apart from this caution, the look comes out great with the metal finish and the curves are just done right. Never had a problem holding it with one hand or even moving it from one place to another with lid open and single-handedly.

Battery Life:

We are happy to share that this has left has me so impressed that I would love to get one for myself. It comes with 2 set of battery. One is with the tablet or the screen while the other is along with keyboard. When used along with keyboard, the battery of keyboard gets consumed first followed by the screen battery.

On record the battery lasts for 8 to 10 hours on regular usage for 6 hours if media consumption is high and 4 hours when used along with gaming. From a normal consumer perspective, I have used it almost all day and only set to charge at night which is just great. You will almost worry free of battery if you plan to take it without the cable.

Charging time is almost 1.5 to 2 hours from zero to 100%.

Using as Tablet:

Even though the size of the separable display panel is not the right size for a tablet, I found it convenient for casual browsing and multimedia consumption.

It’s a 11 inch display panel which responds good to touch. When not using with physical keyboard, you will be using touch more often and you wont be disappointment. The volume knockers and the power button is right at the edges which gives you quick access for lowering down the volume or turning off the display when you need it.

The virtual keyboard comes in different style which includes default, split, handwriting. The best is to use split if you want to use both the hands for typing. The default keyboard just doesn’t work so well with this wide display.

Using as Laptop (Keyboard & Touchpad Experience)

Desktop with Touch:

Since this is a touch enabled desktop, when you start using the touch, you will feel very odd. As an example, I have never used a touch display before and was pretty awkward when I started using touch for almost everything. I was tapping for opening links, publish posts, closing apps, etc.

Envy X2 uses Windows 8 Pro which means you get both touch experience and desktop experience. You can use all the desktop application and the Windows Store Apps as well.

The respond to touch is without any delay and you will feel like you been clicking. The display not only shows vibrant display but when use it as tablet you get smooth operating experience.

Touchpad

Touchpad experience did not turn out to be so good. I had used a Dell laptop from last 6 years and when I compare that with HP’s touchpad, I think there is a lot of room for improvement.

First the material with which the laptop surface is made up was giigling me all the time I had my thumb or finger over it. It took me like 3 weeks to get used to it and my mind to get away of that feeling.

Second, even though the touchpad area is pretty big, the controls aren’t smooth. For example I often used to get more of right-click than left and there s no way to scroll from there. Though you will get used to touch behavior and will use touch for even clicking a link.

There is also a lock option for touchpad which can be set right from the touchpad interface.

Keyboard:

It’s an ultrabook which means its compact and hence you don’t have a full keyboard. If you been using a desktop it will take you a week or two get used to it completely. Lout of functions like Home, Function Keys, etc are combined in with other keys. What is odd here is that for using regular keys like home, you need to use the function key along with it.

Apart from what I sad above everything was smooth. Once you get to used to the keyboard you will be able to type on very fast. The keyboard is strong and responds well.

Performance :

It comes with ATOM processor. This straight away means that this ultrabook was never built to do heavy work. Even though I have played games, converted videos, audio editing, etc but they take more time compared to a powerful PC.

Apart from these I never had a problem with browsing, application launch and usage. Though I had to restart the laptop once every day as it gets slow at the end of the day when used heavily.

When it comes to RAM, it has 2GB of RAM and the 1.8 GHZ processor which is 32Bit. Total hard disk space is 57 GB of which 10Gb goes for recovery. There is microSD card support which you can use to expand memory for movies and songs.

Camera:

The specifications are impressive here. The Front facing camera is 1080P HD which makes sure when you go for video calling, you get the best look. The camera is true vision webcam with integrated digital microphone to get the best audio.

Though taking a picture with your tablet in hand looks very odd but if you do so, HP Envy X2 has 8MP camera. Though I am sure most of you will like to use it to show up what’s in front of you when doing a web chat.

Sound Quality:

When used without headphones, it failed to impress me because overall volume was on the lower side. The Speakers are located on the lower part of the screen which do get blocked when used with keyboard. Don’t be surprised if it sounds better without the keyboard.

When tried with the headphones, there was no problem at all but if you kind of person who wants to use it media only purpose, then best is take the screen off, relax and plugin your earphones.

Gallery:

Verdict

This ultrabook is priced at 60K which changed my verdict a lot. If I have to ignore the pricing, its an amazing ultrabook which gets you a tablet, light weight factor, best battery life, full HD camera and amazing touch experience.

So if you have that kind of money, its an amazing deal for you. I hope HP can cut down the pricing by around 10K to make it even more successful.

Review : HP Envy X2 & If You Should Buy It by Ashish Mohta originally appeared on Technospot.Net on 2013/06/06. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The post Review : HP Envy X2 & If You Should Buy It appeared first on Technospot.Net.