Google shoots my site in the foot! (Unnatural outbound links)

I got this email Thursday!

It wasn’t the best news that I could of wanted from Google.   After all, I was getting some great traffic from searches.   Although, admittedly I am not really to worried about page rank.   It isn’t like I was making a ton of money from people coming to my site but it is the principle of thing that really bothers me and makes me really un happy.  I would of like Google to email me saying we think you have unnatural links and suggest which links were unnatural instead of just dropping my page rank.   some sites just do not know some of this, I am working long hours at work and this comes my way.   It’s like Google likes to shoot all sites in the foot just because they can.

Granted, Sites like to Make Money!

It would be silly of my to say that I didn’t like the adsense revenue that started to happen last month.   I pretty much doubled my adsense in a months time and I am quite sure it was all by my doing alone.  I know which posts Google had a problem with and I’ve pretty much dealt with them.  It was my Gust Posts from other people and organizations.   I found out that Google thought I was getting paid for these guest post.   In truthfulness these were really from BlueFirePR, which isn’t necessarily anything bad but I guess Google Doesn’t want them to control SEO rankings.  So I am instituting a new guest post policy.    Anyone wanting to submit any guest posts, must now be using the NOFOLLOW policy, and maybe a Dofollow policy for anything that I think is a good site but I have the final say so.   I have already went and put all those links that I think were not tech related as nofollow and I have also submitted a request to remove the block and asked that they give back my rankings.   I do not know if I will be at the same level as before, or if it will go down and never recover but I am willing to work with Google on this.

Guide Lines for Other Webmaster!

I thought it best to talk about some of the things most webmaster will want to implement as soon as they hit that little snag in the road.  It isn’t everyday you get an email like this from Google.  I have submitted a manual request but it could take several weeks before I find out the results of what they will do!  Until then here are some suggestions for future guest posts that you might do on your own site:

• Guest Posting — If your looking for quality guest posts, join something like Guest Crew (Affiliate Link).  I’ve been on their for some time and I have been publishing posts to other sites with little effort and been making my site more popular!
• Only have one Dofollow link — If you looking publish an article that isn’t in your niche you may as well make all links nofollow just so you do not make Google suspicious!   It is up to you how you publish or post your content.
• Niche Guest Posting — If you are going to post, it is suggested that you keep the post in your niche and that way Google will not get to suspicious.   This is where Guest Crew (Affiliate Link) can help.   It can find posts that are in your niche and you have the final say so!

I was going to do a how to on finding these culprit links but there are plenty out there that do the job for me and I didn’t have to look far or long to find the problems on my site since I have been doing this for so long, I know Google doesn’t act slowly, so I knew it had to be really recent that was the red flag for them.   If you think it is something really old, then you will need to do a lot of searching but I knew it wasn’t so for me.

I’ve played a version of this game before and I know my site is older than it looks but I also know what to do when I get hit by these problems.   Stop think, re-examine the problem and you will always come out on top!  

Has it happened to you, how about leaving a comment telling me what you did?

The Chromebook experience and the White Screen of Death!

White Screen of Death!

From: [ Version 32.0.1700.95 (Platform version: 4920.71.0)]

The latest update : [ Version 32.0.1700.103 (Platform version: 4920.82.0)]

Had a really strange effect on my system.   Whenever I started booting up the system right after the update, I would just go into a cycle of white screens or I would see the default background for a few minutes and then it would just turn all white!  It got so annoying, I started calling Acer Laptops about it and requesting a Chrome OS Ninja for help on this issue.   They said  I would have to send in my laptop and wait 7 to 10 business days for it to be resolved.   I didn’t have that time or luxury to not be without a laptop so I went back on my resolve to figure this little issue out.   The only thing I could come up with is to go download a new version of Chrome OS for my Acer Laptop by using Windows Recovery Option.   Strange Google should have a way for me to download an ISO of the latest version without having to having to do these steps.

Recovery Options

By Pressing Esc+Refresh then hold down the Power button.  I was able to bring up the “Chrome OS is missing or damaged” message and then after I made a new usb card for my device it booted without a problem.   I do not know what actually happened but it was quite frustrating and Google needs to start providing more ways to recover the system without having to go through so many hoops.   

Has anyone else had this type of problem?  I’d like to know!

Google pulls a very vital App off their store and says we didn't mean to release it! (Apps Ops)

Google removes a Hidden Privacy feature!

If you haven’t heard, the last week Google removes a hidden privacy feature in the new upcoming Kitkat build to help keep apps such such as this flashlight app that sold users data without your permission!  I am quite concerned with what happenes when another app does this or something else and you have no way to deny it or not use it.   Some of the things that I am sure your wondering like I am are the very things that come to mind.  Then Google tells it users that this was an accidental release of the feature and that it isn’t ready for public consumption.

Keep in mind the privacy feature wasn’t well known or even that easy to get to.   You had install another app such as App Ops to even get to use this little known menu in Android 4.3+.

App Dev

The people behind the apps are probably up in arms because they worry that they won’t be able to make money on their apps that are using advertising to help pay them for each time someone sees an advertisement or when a users clicks on an advertisement they get some kind of revenue.   This isn’t the only reason but I am sure it is one of the top reasons why the development gurus would be up in arms over this new way to control what permissions an app can have and who ultimately has control over what they can and do with your app.   It was and probably soon will be the customer who decides what the app will have permissions for and that worries them.

Google apps will become paid!

The one thing that will happen for sure is that we will either have to pay a monthly service or a one time fee for an app because once this starts to be released or if it is released then the app developers will have no choice but to go to a pay wall model to get the money they probably think they deserve and/or want for their work.   I am sure we haven’t seen the last of this and or other apps that do something similar.   I would just like to have Google be more upfront to their customers about why.

Google Wallet tries but fails!

It’s a Mastercard with NO Fees! But not very useful!

Got my Google Wallet Card!

Wasn’t really that impressed with it.   I was hoping the Google Wallet card had a NFC chip in it but that was really not the case.   It comes with as a way to load money through your Google app or through the website.   There is no way to deposit money from a Adsense or for that matter from job.   You have to use another credit card to transfer money on to this card.  It seems redundant and not very well received around the tech community.   Even Android Police was thinking it was going to have an NFC Chip in it, but the functionality of this card was to me a lot under whelming.   It has so much to be desired for.   

Possibilities are endless!

The Possibilities for this card are endless if you step outside of the box.   You could put it in a museum and see if anyone can guess card number by looking just on the front of the card, and not the back.   You could give out a full 20$ if someone figures out all the required information to use the card.

Other than that, here are what I see you can do with this card.   If you don’t have a NFC device and that is like 85% or more devices who don’t use NFC than you can at least use this as a way to make payments to a shop that accepts credit cards.   It however has that possibility.   

Online Purchases!

If your planning to use this for online purchases it.   I haven’t tried this but can’t see any reason why it wouldn’t work.   Just turn the card over and use the back 16 numbers that are on the card, they are divided into 4x4 sections ( EXAMPLE: 1234 1234 1234 1234 ).   You would use all those numbers as your credit card number and then you will need the 3 digit code that should be right beside where you sign your card.   It was the number you needed to verify you got the card.   Then you would be all set to use your new Google Wallet card online.  Again you can try this yourself but I don’t see any reasons why it wouldn’t work!

Other than that, you really don’t have much else you can do with this card.  So much for it standing out and creating even more buzz.   If this service survives it will need to be more useful in the future.   I guess you could say this is still in beta but I am not impressed with it and disappointed with the product myself!

Why Porting your Mobile Phone Number is Obsolete!

No need to transfer your number!

A few years back you would need to worry about keeping that number of yours for your friends and family, so they wouldn’t have to worry about updating that number of yours.   In today’s time we have a great option for everyone to keep your number where ever you go.   You no longer have to tell people to update there numbers for you.   After today, you will have a number that you can keep and use where ever you go.   It is only available in the USA, so please keep that in mind.

Google Voice Features

Google Voice is the one thing that I recommend to my family and friends, to have a number that you can give out to anyone, and keep your cellphone account private.   It is almost like Ring Central but it is virtually free for any Google user.  I have had my number for over 2 years and that is the only number I give out to anyone I know.   It helps me because I am using prepaid and it allows me to try different phones on different prepaid networks.   I also get unlimited calls and text messages when I use this service because most cell providers like Virgin Mobile US gives you unlimited data on all accounts.   So you no longer have to worry about how many minutes you have used.

Choosing your Number!

In order to get started with Google Voice, you will need to Choose your Number through Google.   This part is free, unless you intend to change the number later on.   Which is a 10$ one time charge for everytime you change the number   Unlike Ring Central, which cost your a monthly service fee for using their service.

Benefits of Google Voice:

• Number Forwarding 
• Number Filtering
• Voicemail Transcription (Experimental)
• One Number for the life of your account!
• SMS to Emails
• Do not Disturb feature!

As you can see there are many benefits to using this service.   It is also avail for the Google Android and Apple IOS devices such as Iphones, And Samsung Galaxy Smart Phones.   I have been using it on the ZTE AWE from Virgin Mobile USA and it works flawlessly without using any minutes!.

Now that you have seen the benefits of this service, I am sure you are going to go check it out.   If you decide you want to keep from giving everything to Google, you can always go to Ring Central and pay for their service which has many to all the same things you can do with Google Voice but that is up to you!   It just depends on what you want to do!  

My Problems with Virgin Mobile and the ZTE AWE!

Virgin Mobile likes to mislead people!

When I was researching this phone, I saw this on their website and thought well it looks to be promising and that I could pay the extra 15$ and be able to teether my phone to my laptop whenever I needed to.  Even though, I am simply am enjoying this new phone of mine.   The idea that they made me believe that I could easily without effort pay them to allow me to teether my phone is simply absurd.   I shouldn’t have to circumvent the new security feature in Android 4.1.2 which  Google decided to break tethering and prevent people from using those so called teether apps.   I have yet to find one that will work.

Calling all Geeks!

I’m going to have to probably root the phone and install a Cyanogen mod on it to be able to use the tethering option on the phone.   I would however like to keep it the way it is.   Rooting the AWE be to much trouble for me right now.   Since I am mainly using a Chrome Book and have yet to install a Linux Distro to the machine.   I’d have to do that first before I could even root the device and you know how that is!

Does Anyone know of an app that will do that without having to break the warranty of the phone as Virgin Mobile told me over the phone?   I would break the warranty if I rooted the phone.   LOL That was a laugh.   If you know of an app in the Google App store please leave a comment and help everyone out who might have the same problem!   

Google Glass: The New Smartphone!

Thanks to smartphones, we are able to carry the universe in our pockets. But the next big advancement in technology could take us beyond the horizons reached by smartphones and tablets, allowing for the full integration of the virtual with the real world with Google Glass.

How Does Google Glass Work?

Google Glass is a lot like a smartphone or tablet in that it allows for constant connectivity. But instead of having to fumble with a hand-held gadget, this device allows you to simply look through a pair of glasses perched on your head. Those with Google Glass are able to utilize a variety of apps and Internet functions through use of voice commands.

Google Glass For Fashionistas

Although the very development of Google Glass is impressive in and of itself, the technology currently is not without significant problems. One major concern voiced by a number of prospective users surrounds the wearability of the device. Many worry about the aesthetics of the glasses, which are, admittedly, pretty far from fashionable. While proponents of the gadget argue that those concerned with fashion can simply take off the glasses in situations where they are not appropriate, others feel that, if the device needs to constantly be removed, its accessibility really isn’t much of an improvement over that of the already existing smartphone.

Google is beginning to address these fashion-related concerns with the help of glasses designer and manufacturer Warby Parker. Once Google Glass and Warby Parker are able to develop a design that is functional, comfortable and reasonably stylish, users should truly be able to integrate Google Glass into every aspect of their lives.

Google Glass And TV

Just as smartphones and tablets have had a major impact on the world of entertainment, it’s expected that Google Glass would also make its mark. But would the new technology harm TV or add to it? Arguably, the latter option would have the greater impact. After all, while many people have begun to watch their favorite shows on their tablet computers, more have opted to use mobile technology as a means of supplementing the viewing experience while still utilizing the TV as the primary medium. The same could easily be true for Google Glass.

Google Glass could easily determine the direction of the streaming, cable and satellite market in years to come. New packages are likely to develop alongside current HD and premium channels. These future TV packages might include live news and sports feeds integrated with the wearable Google Glass, explains Install-direct-tv..

Will Google Glass Just Be A Passing Fad?

The current excitement related to Google Glass has led many critics to wonder: does this technology have the potential to stand the test of time, or will it just be a passing fad? The answer to this question will be determined by a number of factors. First, in order to truly make its mark, Google Glass will need to be kept affordable. Right now, the introductory price is listed at $1,500, which, for many, is way out of reach, according to PC World. Factor in questions of the gadget’s limited durability and you have some critics positing that Google Glass will die out in a few years.

Sarah Davenport believes quality and relevant content is the future of the digital age, which is why she is happy to write about all things pertaining to SEO and social media.

Why Google will make a Referrer Program!

Google refocuses!

When Google announces that they are closing their affiliate network program.   I was really quite surprised and wondered what their plans were.  Then later this week, a thought struck me as odd and a made me think.   So I wanted to share with you what the thought was and how and why Google will make an Paid Referrer program and when to you can probably expect it!

Google Will have to compete!

Amazon and Apple have their own referrer program to draw people from all over the world into their sites.   We also know both Apple and Amazon have their own affiliate programs and referrer programs that will help people encourage readers and people to visit their site.  Google Play will have to come up with a way to get people to come to their store. This is the only way this will help increase Google’s Revenues and that seems to be the only way!

How and When?

I don’t know exactly when but If it is anything like the Kindle Fires prediction, then it will be really soon!  As far as how, it would really be a simple as transforming the Google Affiliate Network into a Google Play Referrer Program.   They have the tracking capabilities and it would be a shame and kind of a waste just to not use the infrastructure they have in place to track clicks to their play store and pay per click that goes their or even buys stuff from the Play Store.

I wouldn’t be surprised if it didn’t happen before the end of the year but that would just be a miracle in all aspects.

What I didn’t understand until just recently is that they would have to close the Google Affiliate Program to open up the Referrer program.   The reason why they can’t have two is that would be almost a monoply type of problems.   So Google probably decided to close it and make it a referrer program for their Google Play Store.   Just a thought but I’d hate to be wrong on this one and I really don’t think so!

 

Google Stores only for Google Glass

Since the beginning of this year we have been hearing a lot of news and rumors regarding Google’s new device Google Glass. Recently we have been hearing that Google will be opening their new stores just to sell one product and that is Google Glass. The stores are touted to not only sell the Glass but also customize each one according to user’s needs. Experts will be there to guide users how to set-up and use this portable device.

And the above speculation can be corroborated as Google recently recruited 40 advisers who will help guide the developers who bought Explorer version of Google Glass last year at Google I/O developer conference. And let’s not forget those 8000 people in “IfIHadGlass” contest who won the Google Glass specs, they would also be needing help in properly using the Glass.

The developers purchasing the Google Glass will go through a process of personalization and customization where Glass would be customized to ease the use of device for developers. At the same time they will be taught how to use the Glass and set it up. All this would be done with the hope that developers will add up to the Google Glass experience as they will later develop apps for the device. Some apps have already been developed for instance there is one that allows you to upload videos to your YouTube channels.

As for now nothing official has been announced but we anticipate that Google Glass will be merged with the larger Google retail operation that will not only sell the Glass but also include Nexus franchise selling phones and tablets as well. Contrary to this, judging by amount of attention each Glass sale would require, perhaps opening a separate store for Google Glass in not a bad idea at all.

Fahad Majidi is a Paid Contributor for the Paulstechtalk.com website.  Any views of his is his own and not of the website.   Any Links in this article are affiliate links to products mentioned to help support paying for the contributor.

Zeus and Spyeye Malware coming to the Google Android Platform.

Tablets and Phones Getting Sick??

Mobile operating systems, particularly Android, are not particularly difficult to make malware for, says Blasco, and there are signs that criminals are working to adapt methods used to target PCs. “We have found samples of Zeus and SpyEye on mobile,” he says.

Technology Review

We've talked about App Policies in the past, and you wonder what is in store for you in the coming years with Google Play and Malware.   We can't always be secure with this platform.   I could preach to you the reason why we will most likely have this but I am sure I am not the only one on this subject.  Even clicking a link on your phone could give your phone malware!  

Antivirus is A Joke!

I already talked about the Android Antivirus apps.   I am not sure if they are there just to make it look like they are doing something.   I can't tell which apps are truthful and which are just like a comfort blanket!  So When I started talking about Malware in Google, no one really believed me and I know it isn't a very popular subject so I understand.

So you asking what can I do to protect myself?

Here are some tips to help you not get the malware in the first place!

• Don't install new apps -- if they are new they haven't been reviewed or on the Google Play store long enough.   I won't install an app unless they have 100 reviews or more.   It is just my way.
• Permissions -- Checking the Permissions of an app can help you not install malware before it is to late.   Remember if they want something that they shouldn't then it is probably something you shouldn't install!
• Install Trusted sources -- do no ever install 3rd party applications, your just asking for trouble!  Only install from the Google App Store and nothing else.  This will help prevent from getting Malware!

Although these are simple things most people don't even do these.   If you know some way to prevent Malware then lets hear it.   I have already told you some of the stuff I do but maybe you have something else to help others.   Why not share it!

Paul Sylvester

Google Chromebooks -- Looks can be deceiving!

Laptops don't last forever!

I know I've had this Acer Aspire 5739G for over 3 years now and it is showing quite a bit of wear and tear.   It looks like I might need to invest a new laptop to do all of what I need with it.  So I've been doing a little research and found the Acer C7 Chromebook [Affiliate Link].   It has the Chrome OS so it should be interesting to say the least. Some of the Specs of this Chrome Book is:

Screen Size	11.6 inches
Screen Resolution	1366x768
Max Screen Resolution	1366 x 768
Processor	1.10 GHz Phenom Dual-Core
RAM	2.00 GB
Hard Drive	320 GB HDD 5400 rpm
Chipset Brand	Intel
Wireless Type	802.11bgn

Small but powerful!

As you can see this isn't a really powerful notebook. I really don't think I need a powerful notebook to be able to do what I need to online.   I've been using the my Acer Tablet more and more to do just what needs to be done.   I've not really been using my notebook, well lets face it, it is going to break sooner or later and I am trying to only use it for the blogging and other such stuff like that.   Everything that I need to do is being done with my Tablet and I'm have no problems with it.   I can watch movies and shows from it when I need to and It is small enough to take just about anywhere.   The only problem I may have with it is the ability to use it a notebook.   This is where I will need an actual notebook that isn't to big or to bulky to take with me from time to time.  

Installing Another OS!

If I get this, I might just have fun and install Kubuntu on it but that is after I check out the Chrome OS and see how it is.   I've not order this Chromebook just yet because I am going to wait and see how to buy it.   I am however quite interested in the promises it says up to 4 hours of battery life.   Will it last 4 hours without a charge that is a good question.  I've read one writers experience with at least one version of the Chrome OS.  So this makes me wonder if I will have the same problem with the OS as they had with it.

Don't need everything!

I don't really need everything but it would be nice to blog and use it offline, so I might have to install Kubuntu when I and IF I get it.   I'm one of those that knows that it isn't the end of the world if you find it not working just perfectly.   I will however explore other options and notebooks if I find something that will work under 300$.   I'm currently can only spend that much money on a notebook or laptop to be able to blog with.   So I am going to look around and see.   If you know of any good notebooks that you would recommend leave a comment or contact me and let me know.   I'd love to find out which one(s) your using and why!

Paul Sylvester

3 Goals for Google Play: More TV Categories, Better UI, and a Stricter App Policies!

Google Play needs improvement!

Lately, I've been thinking how Google play could be even better place.   I know I'm not the only one to think this and I've already talked about Google Play: TV and Movies but I thought it about it.   I've pretty much decided that I should tell you some other areas where Google needs to improve upon.   After all, if Google wants to win people over they will need to start out competing every one else.

Better User Interfaces!

I'm not saying that the UI has been disappointing but I will say that it needs much more work.   You can't really expect to bring people to your side without some fixing of the UI.   I have tried to see where Google was coming in the past but it seems that everytime I try to figure that out, I get stuck and can't go any farther.

Navigation!

It not asking to much I don't think to be able to navigate through the Google Play store without having to keep going back to the beginning.   It would be nice to have more Swipe side to side to move between areas or places in the Google Play store!

I can do the swiping from side to side on certain areas of the Google Play store but it seems so unusual to do because you wouldn't expect to do it in those areas so you have to look for clues.

More TV Categories!

I've suggested this to Google in the past and yet they still don't want to implement this one.   It seems kinda strange not to want to add more TV Categories to there Video section but that just might be something that they are unwilling to do just yet.   They have it done that with the Movie section but not the TV Section of their Google Play Store!  I am only hoping they fix this and make it more user friendly and make it easier to find Shows that you may want to watch.   I'd love to see a Science Fiction Category but that isn't something that is available just yet!

Stricter App Policies!

This one is the biggest and hardest to understand.  Lately the apps are getting rediculous and harder to find that are actually free.   Some Apps have in the past been consider malware, while others are claiming to be free but yet you really only get a DEMO of the APP.  Even one Reddit user has started keeping track of some of these Apps.  

Even the Apps have been know to use push notification on Advertising, which seems kinda like a way for them to make money at our expense.   I hate those types where they just constantly send ads to your notification when your driving or doing something that your can't be bothered with.   I had one game that would do that constantly and I removed it.   So when I say this shouldn't be allowed, you see where Google needs to improve upon.

We know sex sells but let's keep it out of the Google Play Apps and other places like that.   This should be a clean store and not having all the porn and stuff easily accessible to kids and teenagers.  If Google wants to make money this would be my first place to look to change.   Most people will go other places to buy their apps just to avoid all the problems you have with the Google Play store.

Paul Sylvester

5 Top job search apps for your Ipad/Google Tablet!

Job searching is hard!

I've been told "It is easier to find a job when you have a job!"  It isn't that I've not been looking but that I've found some great apps to help me look for that job.  It seems to work really well on my Acer A200.  It isn't as though you can find a job the next day but this will help you find a better job!

Simply Hired - Job Search

SimplyHired.com is the world's largest job search engine. Our app gives you instant access to over five million job listings, right from your mobile device. Searching, saving, sharing and applying to jobs is only a few taps away.

Monster.Com - Job Search

Stay connected to the premier job search website to discover the latest jobs that meet your needs. Get Monster.com Jobs for Android devices, which allows you to search, view and apply to jobs- whenever you want and wherever you want. You can even be alerted when new jobs are available!

Dice

Now you can search thousands of tech jobs right from your Android device.  The Dice.com app allows you to instantly search and apply for technology jobs from the employers you want to work for-anytime, anywhere. This app is from Dice, the leader in tech careers, which means when search by keyword and/or location, you’ll find only tech jobs.

Career Builders Jobs

Search the US's largest online job site on the go with CareerBuilder's Jobs app. It's powerful, easy to use, and completely free.

Indeed

Find jobs with Indeed.com, the most comprehensive search engine for jobs. In a single search, Indeed offers free access to millions of vacancies from thousands of company websites, recruitment agencies and job boards in USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, India, South Africa, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Singapore and Australia.

With these Five Job Search Apps, you can still be looking for a job while you are at a job. I keep these going almost constantly on my Android Tablet and it does seem to help me find jobs that I might not find any other way! You should check some of these Apps out yourself!

Chinese Market Over-ruled by Android, iOS Faces Adversaries

Android has certainly become predominantly the operating system with the largest market share. Informa Telecoms, an analytic firm, presented us with much bigger and clearer picture. According to their report the only OS that stands out in the overwhelming competition in China is Android, accounting for two third of all the handsets sold so far in 2012. One out of every three Android devices that was sold in 2012 was sold in China, certainly a big hub of Android lovers.

But to be more specific, out of all the Android devices sold in China 41 percent were the ones that did not run on authentic Android rather had the imitation of the Google’s original operating system. So if we right them off China still holds 20 percent share of all the Android devices sold in 2012 which is pretty impressive.

Statistically speaking, Android holds 85 percent of the market share in China and still growing where as Apple’s iPhone accounts for only 5 percent of the market share and Windows Phone a minimal of 1 percent. Although, the release of iPhone 5 last week in the country was very much promising, selling over 2 million units in the first of week of its release and setting a milestone of best launch of all time of Apple’s smartphone in China. Apple was not only able to establish the pre-ordering process but is now also available on two carriers for the first time.

If Apple is to increase its market share in China it needs to come forth with TD-LTE because the only reason China Mobile, world’s largest carrier, has not been successful in selling iPhone is because of its 3G network. We anticipate iPhone based on TD-LTE to be offered by China Mobile in 2013. And as for Microsoft’s Windows phone, Informa anticipates that its market share will be double to 2 percent in 2013.

As for the US, Informa believes that Apple needs to come up with a better iOS otherwise it will face further decline in its market share because it is not meeting the standards that other high end Android devices are offering. The principal analyst Malik Saadi at Informa Telecoms anticipates that next year around 50 percent of the handsets sold in US will be Android based devices. The report also depicts that Apple might have to go for margin cuts in order to sustain its market share because the even the most diehard fan is realizing that Apple needs to upgrade its iOS. Inform forecasts that in 2013 Apple will be able to sell almost 34 million units which a million less than this year’s sale. Whereas Windows Phone will be accounting for 6.5 percent of the US market as Nokia and HTC are augmenting their marketing strategies and they are also in close relationship with US carriers.

According to an estimate by Informa Android will account for 50 percent of the global market by 2015. But 2016 Android market domination is anticipated to be decline because of other operating systems in the market specifically Windows Phone.

Fahad Majidi is a Paid Contributor for the Paulstechtalk.com website.  Any views of his is his own and not of the website.   Any Links in this article are affiliate links to products mentioned to help support paying for the contributor.

Nexus not as hot as you think, Chitika

Google’s tablets really made the news after the release of Nexus 7 [Affiliate Link] and one might consider Nexus 7 to be bought by almost everyone but when it comes to the web traffic the results are not that much convincing. According to the Chitika’s current web traffic report Google’s Nexus tablets hardly make a difference. Chitika compared Nexus tablets with Microsoft surface and examined the web traffic for a week in November and surprisingly Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 [Affiliate Link] together accounted for almost 1% of the web traffic.

Well, part of the reason Nexus tablets have accounted so less of web traffic is because Google has not been able to cope up with demand of their devices. No doubt the demand for Nexus tablets is skyrocketing but Google has not been able supply with enough units or perhaps the supply was not enough from the get go. And to aggravate the situation, there is no official figure regarding the sale of Google Nexus devices.

As for Nexus 7 things have settled down in terms of demand and supply and Google is trying to take care of Nexus 10’s supply as well. But if supply has leveled out for both devices and still they lack behind in web traffic then it means that Nexus tablets are not that much of hit of hit among masses as we thought. There are other factors to be taken under consideration.

For those who do not know Chitika is one of the research firms that play a significant role in mobile advertising space. Also we are not aware of any official report manifesting the exact number of units of Nexus Google has sold. Nexus tablets may be hot among the techno geeks but when it comes to average masses it might not be as much demanding as the Apple’s iPad.

As for Microsoft Surface the results were even worst. It only accounted for .13 percent of the web traffic even lower than Nexus’s .91 percent. Again, there is no official figure regarding the sale of Microsoft’s Surface so in situation like this third party analytics for instance Chitika provides a much vivid story. The people at Microsoft might be happy with the figure Chitika has presented since Surface is first of its kind from Microsoft.

In a nutshell, if it isn’t Apple it is not on the top of food chain. iPad is the only tablet which in enjoying the healthiest share in the tablet market and even the iPad mini was able to make its mark the despite the tough competition it faced because of the reasoned price it offered.

Other tablets such as Amazon Kindle fire and Samsung’s Android based tablets may also be enjoying a healthy share because of their strong marketing campaigns. For now we cannot say anything and it would be better to wait until the early 2013 when 2012’s Q4 reports will be out. But according to the numbers now, we anticipate not more than 10 percent of the market share of both Microsoft’s Windows and Google’s Android together. 

Fahad Majidi is a Paid Contributor for the Paulstechtalk.com website.  Any views of his is his own and not of the website.   Any Links in this article are affiliate links to products mentioned to help support paying for the contributor.

Google Play Movies & TV : What needs to fixed!

Google Play and You!

It hasn't been long since I've moved from Amazon to Google Play, but there seems to be something that needs to fixed.   I'm going to talk about some of the things that Google needs to do and possibly help you out in the same process!  I won't say that I regret the process but there are a few things that could be changed and also fixed.   I'm really am hoping that someone reads this and implements these changes in Google and thus making for a better user experience for everyone.   

Show's don't show up automatically!

When I buy a season on Google Play for shows, it doesn't show up.  I have to clear the cache for the Acer a200 to be able to download the newest episode(s).  

1. Visit Menu > Settings > Apps

2. Tab over to "All"

3. Select the Play Store app, and then tap "Clear cache" and "Clear data"

Please note that after clearing the Google Play Store app data, if you have set a PIN code and/or a content filter, you'll need to re-apply these settings

[Google Play]

This seems to be a lot of trouble everytime you have a new episode that comes out.  I waited a full 24 hours before contacting them about the next episode, so I know that if the app is going to check for new updates it should of done so in the 24 hour period.  It didn't, and I had to do those steps to download the next episode to my tablet.   

It would be nice if Google play would clear the cache every 8 hours or so or when you load it up.   This is a failure on the part of Google to think about customers needs.   

Internal Memory and External Memory!

Something else that seems to be a problem is the ability to use the External SD card to put all my movies or shows on.   I bought a Sandisk Ultra 32 Gb Micro SD card [Affiliate Link] for that one reason, to be able to use it to keep my shows on when I download them.  Google doesn't use this card and keeps all my movies and shows on the internal memory card because it think it is the external Memory card.   It sees it as the sdcard and not anything else.   The External Memory is consider is considered External SD on the tablet and thus nothing will be put on it.  

It would be nice to use the tablet the way I want and not the way they want me to use it.   I have been looking for ways to fix this and if I find one, my readers will be the first to know but I am hoping Google reads this post and fixes these two major problems that I've seen so far.   

Do you know of something that needs to be fixed with Google Play and you want my help, you can always Contact me and tell me what the problem and maybe I will talk about it on my website.

Paul Sylvester

My Amazon Affiliate Link!

Securing your android tablets in Free Wifi Hotspots!

My Acer A200 is Portable!

It isn’t like my Acer Tablet is hard to carry around, Unlike my laptop.   I just want be able to surf the net and what everyone else is doing.   I just worry about what people are seeing when they are at a open wifi hotspot.  So I am going to discuss some ways to protect your privacy and help you keep safe with your new tablet that you have or are getting.  Although if your like me, you have already added a new ROM to your Acer Tablet, so it isn’t like this is brain science to some of you.  

Android VPNS!

Finding the right VPN was never going to be easy but it is someone of a neccessity and I have in the past talk about some of the VPN’s that you could use for Windows, Mac OSX, and Android.   This time however we are going to show you some more apps that might help you with that and make it even easier for you to keep your privacy safe and secure.  If your curious what a VPN is, then please check out the old post about it and there is a great little video that talks about it even more.

Google Play VPN apps that you should look at:

• Hotspot Shield — FREE VPN for your Android Device!* Unlimited Bandwidth! Save money on your data plan. Access blocked sites. Privacy and Security. Most popular VPN with 100 million downloads worldwide.  
• Hideman VPN — 5 Hours / Week for FREE. Earn premium hours via in-app ad networks. Easy solution for privacy and protection via VPN. Connect to VPN in one click with Hideman VPN widget.
• VPN One Click — Vpn One Click protects your privacy online, unlocks all blocked services like Twitter,Facebook,Skype,etc., by connecting to a Virtual Private Network Server. 
• Open VPN for Android — Openvpn for Android. Uses the new VPNService API that requires neither Jailbreak nor root on your Telephone.

Now these are just a few that I could find.   I don’t like messing with these apps so I will give you some other options as to have free wifi VPNS.   I think it is time to share some other ways to get a free VPN service without giving out your information.

Some Sites to Try are:

• freevpnhosting.com — a How to for your Android Device can be found here!
• us.hotfreevpn.com — For Android Devices check out this page!
• justfreevpn.com — Instructions here!
• superfreevpn.com — For Android Devices Check this page out!

As you can see these require no special apps from the Google play store to use them but remember, I can’t say what these people are doing on their side but at least the people locally can’t see your data.   it just depends on what you will do. There are many Paid VPNS out there that support Android and thus it is up to you which one you want to use.   If your like me you are looking for the cheapest solution and that is free but that isn’t always the case.  

One that I recommend 100%

VPN4ALL — This is the one that I am currently using and you only pay 5 dollars a month for 5 gigabyte a month plan.  Cheaper when and if you combine it with other plans.  I strongly recommend VPN4ALL to anyone who uses Android devices!  (Use coupon code paulstechtalk15 and save 15% on your order!)

Know any Good VPN Services?

Let me know by commenting and telling the world, I might even try them out myself!

Paul Sylvester

 

Foothold Scenario -- Google and Amazon!

Google gains a Foothold!

We've been seeing a lot happen with Google and Amazon.   Each bringing out their own tablets, like the Kindle and my recent Review of the Acer 200.   It is all about brand name and who captures the market.  When I first made the prediction of the Amazon Kindle, I didn't think Google would be this strong.  Although lately, I've beginning to want to make another great prediction and this one is looking to be a very good chance of happening.  Google whether we like it or not is gaining a foothold on the video market and we have to acknoledge that even if we do it grungingly. 

Reason why Google will win!

"Google will win by a landslide" will be a heading that I predict will happen.  When Google started making the Android O/S, no one expected them to want to go into the Video market place but that seems to be changing.  Now I know they have a ways to go before they will be Amazon but I do think they have a very good chance of that for several reasons and I will gladly share them with you.

• No propietary software -- Although Android O/s is somewhat proprietary each company who wants to develop their own O/s from Android can.  So you can have multiple looks and feels to Android and thus get the most exposure.
• More Widely Available -- Let's face it the Kindle isn't free but yet you can't buy a different tablet and have it put on it.  You have to buy their proprietary software and their hardware to view there movies on a portable device.  Unlike Google, you can buy any portable tablet and probably even put android on it with little or not help.
• The market is satiuated with Tablets -- Before Amazon came along we already had a ton of tablets out there that was all ready to be used for video.   Although Netflix [Affililiate Link] and Hulu can be used it is somewhat kind of disappointing because you can't download them for later watching.  You can only stream them.
• Ipad Versus Android Tablets -- I hate to say this but Ipads, Iphones, and Ipad Minis are what I consider "High brow" and the Android Tablets are "Low brow".  In other words Android tablets are good for people who are watching what they spend and the Ipads are good for those who doesn't mind spending a lot.

As you can see these are just a few of the reasons why Android is going to win out on the Video market place but that isn't the only reasons.   I won't go into a lot of details about it but you can see they are gaining a really big foothold and I can't wait to see what Amazon [Affiliate Link] does to to try to prevent it.  I've also am quite excited that you can buy movies from Google before they are released on DVD just like the Men in Black 3 Movie, so I can watch it on my Android Tablet before the 30th! 

Paul Sylvester

Amazon Affiliate Link!

Maps were never that much fun with new Google Map update

New updates for the Google Maps is coming real soon, probably this Wednesday and not so surprisingly on the same day Apple will be releasing the new iOS which will be removing Google Maps from all iOS devices and kick in its own mobile maps.

As for Android devices, the new Google Maps will augment the search experience and make it much easier to use and you will also be able to personalize your map searches.

Speaking of augmenting the search experience, all of your Android devices will be synced with Google Maps. The things that you will search on Google Maps on your desktop will instantly become available on to your Android devices. For instance, in the morning you looked for a restaurant on your desktop and later in the evening you again went to Google Maps to look for a restaurant. As soon as you start writing in search box Google Maps will suggest you the previous searches you have made on your PC or any other Android device.

Vice president of engineering Google Maps Brian McClendon said that you do not type that much fast on your phones. So, our aim was to reduce typing. When he was asked about the Apple’s mobile map he refused to comment on it. But one thing is for sure, Google Maps definitely has the advantage of massive search engine Google backing all of its searches and data.

McClendon believes that really sets apart Google from the rest is its experience in the creating maps. He said Google has been doing this for seven years now and making maps is not easy. You need to put in a lot of effort and time to figure out how it is done properly. Experience is its crux.

Another feature that really stands out in Google Maps is the Google Map Maker which allows you to add in places and locations you know but Google does not. This is something really amazing and adds more depth to Google Maps. Whether it is a hiking trail in Namibia or an overpass that no longer exists in New York you can add anything. But Google with its algorithms and Street View photographs authenticates the legitimacy of your edits.

Referring to the Street View McClendon said that Google works on the world’s largest image database. It utilizes computer to update changes on the streets. In the beginning Google licensed its maps’ data, just Apple is planning to do, but then it started creating maps of its own by taking data from different agencies such as public transit data has been taken from various transit agencies. Not only that, Google has also mapped out the Tokyo subway stations from inside, guiding people to their closest destinations.

You can also go to your previous searches under the My Places section. And to save time you can also save addresses such as you work place or home address. With this you do not need to enter address over and over again, simply type home or work place and Google Map will give you the directions.

One Tablet to Rule Them All!!

Tablets Now a Days!

I've recently talked about the Kind Fire HD and how I pre-ordered it.  I've been really having second thoughts about this because of some of the comments I've read on the internet about the original Kindle Fire.  You can bet that you've probably heard the stories of how the last Kindle Fire went.  I'm one of those who questions this stuff about some fo the newest reviews on Amazon [Affiliate Link]. I just don't have a good feeling about buying the Kindle Fire HD.   Some of the things that may be a game changer for me are:

• No Charger!
• 15$ dollar charge for no sponsor advertising(Called Special offers).
• Amazon Market Place only, no Google Play ability.
• No SD card expansion unlike the Nexus 7 [Affiliate Link].
• Only 2 core unlike the Nexus 7 [Affiliate Link] with quad core!

Nothing is too compelling after all this to want to buy the Kindle Fire HD.   I just have to say that I am more than likely going to cancel my pre-order of the Kindle in lieu of buying the Google Nexus 7 which I can do more of.  The Only thing that I was truly going want from Amazon was the Amazon Video on Demand and streaming and storing of my videos for offline storage of my shows.  You see I like to be able to have videos to watch offline while doing other such stuff!

In the Coming Weeks!

I will be buying the Google Nexus 7 and since I've already have a 8 Gb Micro SD card, I will just use that to expand it to 24 Gb of storage and probably later on probably buy a 32gb micro SD card [Affiliate Link]!  In other words I'd make it almost like 50 gb of storage for offline viewing of my media files.  I basically just want to watch my video offline, I did however find out some interesting stuff about Google Play.   You can download up to 5 devices of videos and thus I thought I could only do it with Amazon Video on Demand.   I just hope Google gets more publishers to come to them and lets me watch my shows offline that I so love.   I will do a full review of the Google Nexus 7 [Affiliate Link]in the coming weeks once I buy it and play around with it.   I am sure I will find this tablet a very useful in the coming months and I see they have some great reviews of it all around.

Paul Sylvester