Social Items



Microsoft's cloud storage service, OneDrive offers file sync, sharing, collaboration and storage for personal and business users; and with the growing emphasis on privacy, the company has incorporated a Personal Vault feature to protect sensitive files, which requires two-factor authentication.

While it is important to have the right tools for effective business support, it is even more so to have the right protection and safeguard for your files, such as personal information, which the OneDrive Personal Vault offers a layer of security to further protect your most sensitive and important files.

According to Microsoft, data in the secure vault will be encrypted just like all other files on OneDrive, but additional security is provided through different 2FA options like face unlock, fingerprint, PIN, Microsoft Authenticator, or OTP sent via SMS to your mobile phone.

The OneDrive offering itself runs on the trusted Microsoft cloud, which already boasts of many security measures that ensure that users files are safe, the company, however understands that some people need even more protection for their most important and sensitive files, which is why the Personal Vault feature was introduced.

It adds to the robust privacy and security features that are already available on OneDrive, including file encryption at rest and in transit, monitoring for suspicious activities, ransomware detection and recovery, with mass file deletion notification and recovery, virus scanning for known threats, and history for all file types.

Going forward, Microsoft users can use the OneDrive for mobile app to scan documents, like important travel docs, identification, vehicle, insurance files or even take pictures/video shooting directly to the Personal Vault, with those personal items kept off less secure areas of your device, for instance the camera roll.

And you’ll also have access to these documents wherever you go, across all devices, just as applicable to your other files on OneDrive, albeit you'll require extra security measure, as the Personal Vault uses more than just two-step verification to help keep your files safe and private.

Microsoft adds a privacy and security feature, Personal Vault on OneDrive to protect important and sensitive files



Everyone knows how strongly guarded the Apple garden is, and it can be a real piss off for users who wish to play their favorite songs or movies on other devices, such as Android phones. Now, you can easily convert DRM video to DRM-free file formats like M4V, AVI, HD MP4, MPEG, MKV, and H264 with DRmare M4V Converter, so you can conveniently save and enjoy them on your Android media player.

While there are many DRM removal software in the market, DRmare M4V Converter brings a little extra to the table, the ability to remove DRM encryption which prevent movies purchased or rent via iTunes to be played outside of Apple’s ecosystem has never come this easier.

So, if you want your iTunes purchased movie titles playable on other devices or simply saved for later viewing, you need to remove the Digital Rights Management (DRM) encryption by converting it to a DRM-free format that can be freely played or stored on a player other than the iTunes.

Unique Features of DRmare M4V Converter



  • UI is pretty simple and user-friendly
  • 30 times faster in converting or removing DRM Encryption
  • Allows easy conversion of non-DRM and DRM videos and audios to different formats like MP3, MP4, AAC and more
  • Retains AC3 5.1 Audio or Closed Captions or subtitles or any other feature
  • Supports bigger collection of formats means it will be supported on many devices


How to Convert iTunes M4V Videos to other formats using DRmare M4V Converter



DRmare M4V Converter for Windows is pretty straightforward and easy to use in removing DRM from iTunes M4V videos, and you don't need any technical knowledge to use it. Even a newbie can use it for the first time without hassles. Simply see the instructions on how to convert iTunes videos as illustrated step by step below:

Step 1. First download and install DRmare M4V Converter on your Windows PC.



Step 2. After installing, open the software, and you will see the main screen. From there add the iTunes Videos you wish to convert to the software.



Alternatively, you can also drag the video files from iTunes to DRmare M4V Converter main screen. And it supports batch conversion, so you can easily add as many files as you wish.

Step 3. Now, Set the output format as lossless M4V.



If you wish to keep the original quality, it is advised that you choose the original iTunes video format lossless M4V or MP4. But it won't change any quality of your video content, only the DRM will be removed and it also keep the AC3 dolby 5.1 surround and subtitles.

Step 4. Finally, apply the settings to remove the DRM Encryption.



And on clicking the button at the bottom right, the settings is applied and DRmare M4V Converter will remove the DRM protection and export new videos you requested.

Additional tips: If the Videos are all on the iTunes library, you just click 'Add Files' button at the bottom left, the software will be able to detect the files and pop up a window for selecting the right files to convert.

Our Recommendations



DRmare M4V Converter offers a faster service compared to other related software programs, and the user friendly interface means that you won’t need any learning curve to get it running at all. We adjudged it the best solution for Removing DRM from iTunes Videos given that it allows you to backup the videos just like the iTunes rental movies forever and also transfer them wherever you wish.

DRmare M4V Converter Review: Easily convert DRM files to other formats playable on all devices



Microsoft had initially pegged support for the Edge browser to only Windows 10, but the move to ditch its own browser engine, replacing it with the Chromium open-source project, has also opened it up for support on older Windows version, including going cross-platform, with promised editions for macOS as well.

The main benefits for the jumping on board the Chromium project, whose rendering engines also powers Google's Chrome, and other several niche browsers, remains the fact that when it reaches the Stable version it will quicken up how the Chromium-based Edge gets security fixes.

The company had last week unveiled the preliminary versions of the browser for Windows 7, 8 and 8.1, which builds for the older Windows versions were marked as the "Canary" channel, with the other more reliable channels, marked as "Dev" and "Beta" to lead the production build, dubbed Stable.

Chromium Edge's Stable build when finally ready will synchronize with Chrome's release cycle, though it's still unclear how Microsoft will deal with providing security updates for the browser. Albeit, there is a likelihood that if Google issues out patches for Chrome, Microsoft Edge will have to be updated as well, because the vulnerabilities will be exploitable on the browser given that they share same engine.

The current reality is that Edge will eventually support the older Windows versions 7, 8 and 8.1, with cross-platform expansions expected later.

Microsoft's planned support for Chromium-based Edge browser on Windows 7, 8 and 8.1



OpenBSD Secure Shell (OpenSSH) is a suite of networking utilities based on the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol, which provides a secure channel in a client–server architecture over an unsecured network.

While there have been several side-channel vulnerabilities in modern processors and DRAMs, such as the infamous Spectre and Meltdown, which side-channel attacks leveraged the OpenSSH application installed on PC, whereby an attacker-owned process exploits memory read vulnerabilities to steal secret SSH private keys from the restricted memory of the system.

An OpenSSH agent keeps a copy of SSH key in the memory to make it easier for you to connect to the same remote server, instead of typing your password every time you want to access the server; and with modern operating systems storing sensitive data, like encryption keys and passwords, in the kernel memory; since SSH keys live on the CPU memory in plaintext format, makes it susceptible to attacks involving memory read vulnerabilities.

Now, the OpenSSH developers has released an update that resolves this rather huge security flaw by introducing new security feature that encrypts private keys before eventually storing it in the system memory, thus protecting it against all the known types of side-channel attacks.

The new update encrypt private keys in OpenSSH using a symmetric key derived from a relatively large "prekey" consisting of random data, and it's to serve as an effective mitigation against the threat rather than a permanent solution.

OpenSSH will now Encrypt Private Keys with relatively large "prekey" consisting of Random data



Apple's CryptoKit is perhaps the first step in the company's effort to enable the exchange of private and public keys that allow iPhone users to store and use cryptocurrencies, like bitcoin for mobile purchases.

The new CryptoKit will be available starting with iOS 13, and will enable developers to create digital signatures for public and private keys that will be stored and managed via Apple's Secure Enclave, with the keys representing cryptocurrencies, that can be exchanged as a form of payment by iPhone owners.

While Apple doesn't include all cryptography algorithms in CrptoKit, like the secp256k1 signature algorithm, which is essential in completing a Bitcoin transaction, there is the present of an abstracted interface that will make it easy to bring additional algorithms, which strategy Hyperledger Ursa also employs for making pluggable cryptographic algorithms.

The cryptographic library, Hyperledger Ursa is a repository which allow developers to easily create a layer of encryption, both for private and public keys, in order to increase the security of apps.

Apple, with its CryptoKit is looking to give iOS app developers a framework for creating secure hashes that will be operational for services like message authentication and cryptographic keys, and enables a second security layer via encryption for iOS applications with private and public keys, which addresses issues such as SIM jacking and hardware hacking.

Albeit, the company has been silent when talks about its future products and services are aired, it already filed patents related to cryptocurrencies; and most of which have been made public covering ethical sourcing of materials for its building of mobile devices.

Apple prepping a crypto wallet for iPhone, CryptoKit for the exchange of private and public keys



Ubuntu, arguably the most popular open source operating system, will be dropping support for 32-bit packages starting with the 19.10 release, while users who wish to continue running the outdated architecture can opt for Ubuntu 18.04 LTS up until 2023.

Canonical, the company behind the Ubuntu distribution has also disabled upgrades for Ubuntu 18.04 to Ubuntu 18.10 to forestall users from running interim release with just six months support, which decision follows the fact that next LTS release, Ubuntu 20.04 won’t have support for 32-bit systems, as Ubuntu 18.04 is the last LTS version to support 32-bit systems.

At the moment there isn't much information on the features and changes that will be coming with the next release, but it’s certain that GNOME 3.34 upgrade will add to its performance improvements.

However, the official Ubuntu 19.10 release schedule has not been made public, though there is certainty that it will be arriving in October 2019. And the Testing weeks will most probably occur in July/September, before the release date. Albeit, the Ubuntu desktop development team have commenced the Testing weeks from Ubuntu 18.10 and each release will be preceded by just one Beta milestone.

The Ubuntu 19.10 development process, on the other hand, had set the Beta release for September 26, 2019, which will be followed by the final release on October 17, 2019.

Update: Canonical has made a u-turn about its plans regarding the ditching of 32-bit i386 packages for Ubuntu 19.10 and 20.04 LTS, following feedback from the open source community — specifically WINE and Ubuntu Studio users.

Finally, Canonical applies the kill switch on 32-bit with Ubuntu 19.10 (Updated)



A joint project between Adobe and UC Berkeley researchers, led to the development of an AI (artificial intelligence) tool that can detect images edited with Photoshop’s Liquify feature, which can be helpful in image forensics, the science of analyzing changes to digital images.

While Photoshop's Face Aware Liquify tool offers set of human-doctored photographs, whereby the original image and the doctored version seem undifferentiated to human inspection with spotted fakes only successful 53 per cent of the time, but with the Adobe AI it easily hit a 99 per cent accuracy.

The researchers trained a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) on a set of modified images using the Face Liquify feature of Photoshop and artists were hired to train the AI for human-made alterations and techniques. Adobe is aiming to make it easier to spot a fake, thereby making the web world safer from misinformation as the issue of fake news has been blown out of proportion with the aid of professionally edited pictures becoming harder to smoke out.

It is coming as a part of a broader effort to better detect image, video, audio and document manipulations by Adobe. With past research haven focused on image manipulation detection from splicing, cloning, and removal; this present effort focuses on the use of Face Aware Liquify feature in Photoshop as it’s the most popular for adjusting facial features, including making adjustments to facial expressions.

The effects can be delicate which made it an intriguing test case for detecting both drastic and subtle alterations to faces, according to Adobe. Albeit, a magical ‘undo’ button won't turn up overnight, but the AI tool is perhaps a major step forward in spotting doctored images that spurs the spread of fake news.

How Adobe's experimental AI is able to detect Photoshopped Picture from the real



Facebook is finalizing plans to launch into the booming cryptocurrency verticals, with its cryptocurrency which is set to make debut next week, amidst ongoing consultations with several financial institutions for support on Project Libra, its blockchain-based payments network.

Project Libra is reportedly backed by government currency, while Facebook will be employing actual financial firms to help with the launch of the project, which companies include Mastercard and Visa, along with several other web-based payment systems like PayPal, Stripe, and Booking.com.

The plan to develop a cryptocurrency has been on the burner for Facebook since December last year, and the company aimed to create the cryptocurrency for payments on all its platforms, which according to internal leaks is to be called Libra, and will be launching on June 18, with full rollout planned for 2020.

It will serve as a “stablecoin” - which means that it will be pegged to government-issued currencies - so as to limit the volatility associated with such cryptocurrency offerings like Bitcoin. As stability will be a key concern, Facebook is hoping to woo users in the more developed economies with alternatives to the volatile local currencies.

Facebook, however will need to overcome the obvious regulatory hurdles before it can be able to launch the crytocurrency, and also be required to address concerns such as money laundering and fraud before the full takeoff.

Facebook’s Libra to debut with support for Mastercard, Visa, and other online payment systems



The Firefox maker, Mozilla is looking to revolutionize the modern browser offerings, with new approach that includes securing the personal information of its users by deploying a VPN service add-on to avert issues like data breaches.

While Mozilla has partnered with the Switzerland-based ProtonVPN, whose VPN service will be made available for Firefox on Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS and Android; though the service offering is currently in testing with a small portion of Firefox users in the United States.

The company has also released a brand new logo for Firefox to go along with the fact that it is now more than just a browser, as Firefox has got traits not common in earthly foxes: stretchiness, which according to Mozilla, that fabled flexibility enables Firefox to adapt to a changing environment.

Albeit, the change is more than just logos, as the Firefox design system includes everything that marks the product and web experiences today and long into the future, which design is derived from the geometry of the logos making beautiful background patterns, spot illustrations, motion graphics and pictograms.

Mozilla had earlier launched some new products such as Password manager, file sharing service and Firefox Monitor, with the later serving as a security tool that alert users when their online accounts are at risks of possible breach, all in the line to facilitate the new monitization scheme.

The issue of privacy is equally one area that has overtaken most of the Internet service providers lately, and Mozilla is harping on it's new approach to secure the personal information leakable in scenarios like data breaches and the eavesdropping.

However, how Mozilla intends to make the new proposition of browser-as-a-service to appeal to the vast users of the Firefox browser remains to be seen.

Mozilla looks to subscription based Browser service with extra-value propositions



VideoProc is a specialized video editing software with full support for both 4K and 8K videos, including the latest HEVC / VP9 / ProRes codecs, 3D and 360° VR videos in any file format.

It is perhaps best for processing video exports from DJI OSMO Action / GoPro Hero 7, Camcorders, Drone, DSLR, iPhone, monitoring systems, and so forth. While the output does not result in a highly compressed video, and it still retains the best image quality.

With the conventional video editing processes, often very expensive, and involving rather complicated piece of software, such as Adobe Premiere, VideoProc takes away the complexity off those tools that require lots of training or self-teaching to get the better part of them. In fact, whenever it comes to video processing for beginners – be it from an iPhone, a GoPro, a DJI, or any other device you choose to edit video on the go with – the overriding aim is to arrive at a solution that’s affordable, pretty fast, and easy to use; that’s exactly what VideoProc represents.

Unique Features of VideoProc Software



  • Remove or reduce unwanted background/wind noise easily
  • Build M3U8 playlist with single or multiple .ts files for HTTP streaming
  • Turn video into GIF, extract jpg/png from video, resize image
  • Force a/v sync, adjust playback speed and audio volume
  • Pass through video streams into MKV with no encoding


Additionally, VideoProc integrates various other features, like video cutting, merging, A/V synchronization, shaky video stabilization, and noise reduction.

Step by Step Guide on How to Use VideoProc



VideoProc is pretty easy, so much so that without even looking at the manual, you can master it so easily. And to get started is only a few clicks away, and within a few seconds you’d be done with your video processing: including resizing, adjusting, transcoding, or recording.

Firstly, Download & Install VideoProc on your Mac (or Windows computer), then open the program, and choose either "Video", "DVD", "Downloader" or "Recorder" from the home screen based on your preference.



Then add and load your media file from your Mac to the application. And choose a format according to your requirements.



Select any item from the toolbar or Toolbox and edit the source file as needed.



Finally, now tap on the RUN button to get the target file.

Our Verdict



VideoProc software is feature-packed to cover the needs of beginners that has little to no abilities in professional video editing. So, if you don't buy into complicated processes, this is perhaps the best tool for you, most especially if you are looking for an all-in-one video software of great capabilities without breaking the bank.

Try it FREE by downloading from this Giveaway page and leave a review.

VideoProc Review: What’s Amazing about this 4K Video editing Software for Mac?



Apple at its WWDC 2019 developer conference announced new software for iPad, called iPadOS, while the new iOS 13 will now be available expressly for the iPhone line of devices. The new iPadOS comes feature-packed with such capabilities like enhanced multitasking to take full advantage of the large screen of the iPad.

The move seems to have drawn a parallel line between the iPhone line of devices and iPads, with separate features for the two hardware platforms to cater for the needs of the different userbases.

As already mentioned, the biggest difference is in the new homescreen with improved multitasking abilities – which includes gestures and ability to drag and drop apps side-by-side so that you can be able to work with multiple apps from the same homescreen at a time.

Some of the best iPadOS Features are as follows:

Files app & Keyboard Shortcuts



The new iPadOS comes with a redesigned Files app system, with new column-view that allow users to preview files without actually opening them. And the iCloud drive now offers additional folder sharing capabilities.

Full Desktop-like browsing experience



With enhanced Safari browser on the new iPadOS, users can now enjoy full desktop-class browsing experience, coupled with a new Download Manager.

Plug-in USB Drives



This is perhaps the most prominent of all the new features on iPad, allowing users to simply plug in any storage drive, such as a flash drive, SD card, or even a camera into the USB-C port. You can also access the storage devices via the Files app.

Other new features include the gesture control, which allows the use of the new multitouch gestures for text editing by simply sliding the finger diagonally over text to select it and then use a pinch to copy&paste it.

Beyond doubts, Apple is sure blurring the lines between the iPad and laptops, with the new iPadOS, as it reflects the company’s goal of promoting the iPad as more of a full-blown computer, instead of just an entertainment device.

What are the features that set Apple's new iPadOS apart from iOS?



The increasing technologically focused world has made a whole digital hub possible, where working remotely is now very much the norm. Besides, not everyone loves the office politics and being glued to a chair all day long while silently hoping for the day to end.

There are plenty of non-office jobs worldwide that you can venture into. Whether you are looking for a part-time or full job, you have the guarantee of finding the right home job. The good news is that you can make any place to be your workspace. With just the right tools and a sound work mindset, working from home will be pretty easy for you.

Here are the top five jobs that you can easily execute at the comfort of any place, including at home:

1. Proofreading jobs

With the increasing number of write works, the demand for editors is also surging. While most students write assignments and handle different academic papers. As good as they are, they are never perfect writers and do encounter errors in grammar when writing these papers. Paper editors proofread the papers making them flawless and readable to even young readers. You can find paper editing jobs at top online freelancing sites such as Paper Editing or Upwork.

How to become a paper editor- To become a paper editor a bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism or Communication will give you the job. However, anyone with a college degree can also train for the job.

2. Freelance Writing

Freelance writing is now more luxurious and accommodating than it was a decade ago. With plenty of sites for getting work such as Fiverr and Freelancer, you will always find the platform to market your gigs. These sites provide an easier way for you to create your own gig and market your services to clients worldwide who have several projects. Besides every project comes with its own specifications including the pay and the time of delivery.

This enables you to choose a project that is worth your time and effort. To succeed in the writing venture, you should look for more projects from multiple sources and work on them timely. If you have more work than you can handle- Outsource the work to someone you trust with the task.

How to become a Freelance writer- Typical good writing skills, a computer and internet access are the necessities for the job.

3. Web developer

According to the latest statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one in seven US web developers is a freelancer. This means that web developers can avoid the office experience and work from their homes. Besides, some companies also allow their web developers to work from home on a part-time or full-time basis. Web developers can also look for work on popular freelance websites such as Upwork.

How to become a web developer- To become a web developer one typically requires some entry-level education or a degree in computer science or related courses.

4. Virtual assistant

A virtual assistant is simply someone who assists in performing simple administrative tasks such as answering emails and making travel arrangements. The job is quite simple and is effective for anyone out there. Virtual assistants are in high demand right now and most companies want someone to assist their staff to undertake some duties remotely. You can apply for a virtual assistant job directly through different companies or look for such jobs in popular freelance sites like Upwork.

How to become a virtual assistant- Knowledge of current technology software and strong interpersonal skills are the top requirements for the job.

5. Online Tutor

As a tutor, you can avoid the daily bungle and jungle that comes with commuting to your institution. Online tutors provide students with the technical assistance of different fields of their subject by using an e-learning platform. Training for online tutors is rare, and most of the online tutors in the market now are either classroom instructors or in-person tutors. Besides, to get the job one must prove that they are experts in the subject they intend to teach. As a tutor, you can also do extra freelance academic writing on sites like Freelance Jobs.

How to become an online tutor- A high school diploma in a particular field will do, though most employers prefer tutors with a bachelor’s degree in their areas of specialization.

A teaching license can be a prerequisite too depending on the employer or job. Working from an office can be a strenuous task sometimes but with some jobs, you can enjoy working anywhere without the necessity for a fixed routine or workplace. Whether it is your sofa or bed, these jobs allow you a flexible and convenient routine- Besides you will enjoy being your own boss while cutting on your commuting costs.

5 Best Freelance Jobs for Beginners with little or no experience



Google's proposal to change Chrome’s extensions system, otherwise known as Manifest V3, could be implemented soon, which will halt the current ad blocking capabilities of Chrome, and may mean that modern ad blockers would not work again.

Chrome offers the great feature of cross-platform syncing, with extensions that are pretty fast and of course, free – but it isn't all that perfect. But, the browser users have come to make do with the rather crummy memory management because of its overall good experience; Google is about to take it all away.

With Manifest V3, there will be a major change to the extensions system, including the permissions system and fundamentally, the way ad blockers work on the browser, particularly: modern ad blockers, like uBlock Origin and Ghostery, that uses Chrome’s WebRequest API to block ads before even downloading it.

Google, however has responded to the issues raised by the community, by sharing more details on the permission changes, with the most notable aspect been the single sentence: "Chrome is deprecating the blocking capabilities of the WebRequest API in Manifest V3, not the entire WebRequest API" - clarifying the changes to ad blocking and privacy blocking extensions.

What the lines entails is that Chrome will still have the capability to block some contents, though this is restricted to only paid, enterprise users of the browser.

The ad blockers will switch to more rules-based system, called “declarativeNetRequest” - while Chrome currently imposes limit of 30,000 rules, popular ad blocking rules like EasyList use up to 75,000 rules. Google has maintained that they are looking to increase the numbers, depending on the performance tests, but there is no commitments to any specifics.

Google to deprecate WebRequest API ability to block ads in Chrome



Google Maps does not only allow you to locate restaurants around you, but now, it will also allow you to navigate popular dishes available in the restaurants, with "dish-covery".

The dish-covery feature, though currently rolling out to Android phones and will be coming to iPhones soon, employ crowd-sourcing to help spotlight popular dishes to make it easier for you to know what meals to order.

As you use Google Maps to scan the menu, you’d probably be wondering, “What’s good?” - with the new dish-covery feature, Google Maps will make it pretty easy to discover a restaurant’s most crowd-pleasing meals.

How does the feature Work?



Once you bring up a restaurant on Google Maps, you’ll find “Popular dishes” section in the overview. Simply tapping it will take you to the new “Menu” tab, where you’ll see pictures and ratings from other people who have tasted the dishes.

The feature is powered by a machine learning algorithm that matches the dish names provided by users, with relevant pictures and reviews. And it creates a handy arrangement of a restaurant’s most popular meals right in Google Maps.

You can easily scroll through all the most-talked about meals, or tap on a popular dish to explore more photos. While in any country where you are not able to read the language, Google will provide the translation of the reviews.

Google has also launched a new Lens feature that users can use with phone camera to point at a menu to automatically highlight popular dishes using Google Maps. Additionally, there is a new discovery and recommendation tools to help users find new places and spotlight nearby events in their locality.

How to easily navigate Popular Dishes in Restaurants using Google Maps

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)