WHICH IS THE BEST FILE HOSTING SERVICE?
File hosting services are Internet storage services which allow you to upload your files to the Internet and access them later from any computer, smartphone and tablet through password or other authentication. Most commonly known as cloud storage, this service allows you to access your files anywhere in the world via the Internet.
One of the earliest, Dropbox is also currently one of the leading hosting services. Offering storage of 2GB (unpaid) and 100-500GB (paid), Dropbox can be utilised on Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Android, iOS and BlackBerry OS.
FEATURES
* Available in 16 languages
* Storage – from 2 GB to extra 500 MB for each referral person, up to 18 GB; 25 GB free (for an HTC Sense 4 and 5 device); 50 GB free (for a Samsung device); 100-500 GB (Pro accounts); 1 TB-unlimited (business accounts)
* Maximum file size is 300MB
PROS
* Auto file sync from the computer to the web
* Web-sharing possible
CONS
* Low storage as compared to other services
* FTP upload not possible
* File expiration after 90-day inactivity period
Giving tough competition to its competitors, Google Drive is yet another successful launch from the house of Google. Offering an initial of 15 GB storage, Google Drive is currently one of the most vastly used hosting services.
FEATURES
*Available in English and many other languages
*Storage – 15 GB (unpaid), 16 TB (paid) Maximum file size – 10 GB.
PROS
* Large storage
* Direct access available
* High file size
* No file expiration date
CONS
* FTP upload not possible
Fighting its place in the list is CloudXeon, offering a wide range of services to its customers.
FEATURES
*Available only in English
* Storage space is unlimited
* Maximum file size – 1 GB (unpaid accounts), 3 GB (paid accounts)
PROS
* Storage – unlimited
* Direct access for paid service
* No file expiration
CONS
* Low maximum file size
* Direct access not possible on free account
SkyDrive is another leading internet hosting service. Providing 7 GB free storage and extra 3 GB for students, Microsoft SkyDrive manages to be in the leading list.
FEATURES:
* Available in 94 languages
* Storage – 7 GB (unpaid), 125 GB (paid)
* Maximum size of a file – 2 GB
PROS
* Direct access
CONS
* Low storage as compared to competitors
* Maximum file size comparatively lower
FINAL VERDICT: While there are drawbacks to every available cloud storage server, the huge advantage in the storage space on the Google Drive makes it a clear winner. What adds to the positives is the ease of accessibility and the fact that there is no expiration date for files which are uploaded.
NEW GADGETS
The recently launched Sony Xperia Z Ultra is touted to be the largest handset to hit the Indian market and has further blurred the lines between smartphones and tablets.
FEATURES
* 6.4 inch screen with 1920×1080 resolution
* Waterproof and scratch resistant screen
* Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor with 2.2 GHz quad core processor
* Ultra-slim and lightweight
*8 mp main camera and 2 mp front camera
* 16 GB memory extendable to 64 GB. 2 GB RAM
FINAL VERDICT: For the largest and among the most expensive smartphones to enter the market, it doesn’t match the expected standard. There are better options available for the same amount of money.
Amazon’s full-fledged entry into the tablet market sees the Kindle Fire HD coming out in two variants based on screen size. The special feature of the screen is that it reduces glare and improves colour saturation in spite of being viewed from any angle.
FEATURES
*8.9 inch HD LCD touchscreen (also available in 7 inch version)
* 1920×1200 screen resolution with pixel density of 254 ppi
* Dual Core OMAP 4470 chipset with 1.5 GHz processor
* 16 GB internal storage (also available in 32 GB version) with 1 GB RAM
FINAL VERDICT: The tablet is value-for-money since it gives you a good performance, has a good build quality and good screen resolution.
Droof of the month
Free Apps of the MONTH
RECOMMENDED FOR ANDROID & iOS
Category: Photo & video
Price: Free
Platform: iOS
Description: It provides unique ways to crop and frame your pictures with over 60 shapes to choose from. You can also add filters or edit the brightness and contrast of your images before directly sharing them on social networking portals.
Category: Photo & video
Price: Free
Platform: Android, iOS
Description: It allows you to arrange up to nine photos in one collage. The pictures can be edited, zoomed, rotated and switched around by tapping and swiping. You can also use the application to directly share your pictures via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and through email.
Category: Photo & video
Price: Free
Platform: Android, iOS
Description: Pixlr-omatic has over a million different permutations and options to make your pictures look just right. Unfortunately, it does not have social networking options, so no online sharing, but its photo editing functions are certainly worth using.
Category: Photo & video
Price: Free
Platform: Android, iOS
Description: This application is an absolute delight! It comes with over 350 scenes to play with which allow you to place your face on Superman’s body or on a billboard. Take a photo of yourself and be transformed into almost anything with the help of PhotoFunia; have some fun creating a unique profile picture.
Category: Photo & video
Price: Free
Platform: Android, iOS
Description: It comes with so many tools that your photograph will look nothing but perfect. It also has some free themed effects and frames. You can also draw and add text, apart from managing colour saturation and converting your photos to high definition.
NEW GADGETS
Google continues to amaze with their brilliant products, and their latest unveiling called the Chromecast is a slick new device which allows you to stream videos on your television directly from the Internet.
FEATURES
* Connects to your TV via the HDMI port
* Uses WiFi to connect to the Internet and stream films and TV shows on your computer
* Requires an app download on your smartphone which allows it to function as a remote control
FINAL VERDICT: This easy-to-use product comes at less than half the price of its competitors. It’s definitely worth the buy but there are limited online streaming options at the moment.
Bangalore-based company Tekfusion recently launched these smartphone friendly earphones.
FEATURES
* Comfortable for music and calls
* Microphone with a button for answering and disconnecting calls
* Can also pause, play and skip songs
* Compatible with Android, Windows Phone and BlackBerry
FINAL VERDICT: For the price and the fragility of the cable, the Twinwoofers M isn’t the best option. It is average in terms of audio quality which is another deterrent.
I’VE JUST BOUGHT A DSLR. WHAT ARE THE BASIC LENSES I SHOULD INVEST IN?
IT DEPENDS ENTIRELY ON WHAT YOU INTEND TO CLICK. DIFFERENT LENSES ARE SUITABLE UNDER DIFFERENT CONDITIONS TO PROVIDE YOU THE BEST POSSIBLE IMAGE SO MATCH THE STRENGTHS OF THE LENSES TO THE SITUATION YOU WILL USE THEM IN
1. For nature photography with animals, birds, plants and flowers, a telephoto zoom lens of 55-250 mm is perfect for shooting.
2. For taking images of landscapes, remember to keep an 18-55 mm wide angle lens in your arsenal. They usually come as part of the kit when you purchase your camera.
3. A macro lens is the most useful if you like taking high quality close ups with a lot of detail.
4. If you are bound to shoot images in low-light situations like at night or in parties or indoor functions, a prime lens is important since it is the best lens available for use in dimly lit areas.
For a beginner in photography, try experimenting with your kit lenses before investing too much in additional lenses. If you are an amateur planning on taking up photography as a career, you should definitely stock up on three lenses: prime, wide angle and telephoto zoom
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