Google launches Snapseed, an Instagram like app, for Android

Google has launched a content sharing app, called Snapseed. With Instagram like functions, the app allows users to edit images and share the same via Google+ or other social networks.

Snapseed has been developed by a company called Nik Software, which has been brought by Google sometime back. Notably, the Snapseed application was even adjudged as the best iPad app last year, and was available for $4.99 for Apple devices. However, the app is now available for free on both iOS and Android platforms, and will challenge Instagram which was bought by Facebook .

Vic Gundotra, senior vice president of Google, in an official blog post said, "Having welcomed Nik to the Google family, we're excited to bring their Snapseed app (last year's iPad app of the year) to Android."

The app includes ability to do basic adjustments like tune, straighten and crop, add creative filters like drama, black and white, and vintage that you can apply individually or in combination to images. You can also use one 'Point technology' to selectively enhance your photo-to brighten just a face, for instance, or deepen just the sky.

Meanwhile, Gundotra said Google+ also will be adding a new feature called "Communities," which makes the "hangouts" feature of the social network into permanent locations.

"Google+ has always been a place to crowd around common interests and meet new people. What's been missing, however, are more permanent homes for all the stuff you love: the wonderful, the weird, and yes, even the things that are way out there. With Google+ Communities there's now a gathering place for your passions," Gundotra added.

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WhatsApp reportedly fixes status error bug, warns users of hoax messages

WhatsApp has reportedly fixed the glitch that sprung up earlier this week that showed “error:uknown” as contact status. According to reports, the glitch had affected thousands of users worldwide.

WhatsApp acknowledged the glitch on Twitterand said it was working on resolving soon-ish. Here's WhatApp's message on Twitter:

The bug was followed by a hoax message urging people who use the app to forward a message to all their contacts or face having their accounts deleted.

The viral message is from the CEO of WhatsApp, one 'Jim Balsamic', and reads, "We have had an over usage of user names on whatsapp Messenger. We are requesting all users to forward this message to their entire contact list.

"If you do not forward this message," the message continues, "we will take it as your account is invalid and it will be deleted within the next 48 hours.

"Please DO NOT ignore this message or whatsapp will no longer recognise your activation," the fake communcation orders, warning, "If you wish to re-activate your account after it has been deleted, a charge of 25.00 will be added to your monthly bill."

According to Naharnet, WhatsApp has assures its users on circulated messages calling them hoax. The site quotes a Whatsapp blog as saying “We have been getting a lot of emails and questions from you about a chain letter message circulating in our network. Please understand that this is a hoax and there is no truth to it.

“While we are flattered that we made it Hoax Slayer we would rather work on cool new features instead of debunking silly stories like these.”

It's not the first time such hoax message has surfaced. WhatsApp confirms on its blog that a very similar message went viral back in January. According to Cnet, the spam appears to have started “BlackBerry messaging service BBM -- hence Jim Balsamic, a vinegar-flavoured corruption of Jim Balsillie, former co-CEO of RIM”. Check out the past messages that have done rounds of WhatsApp

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IPv6 internet addressing now available in India

Indian Registry for Internet Names and Numbers (IRINN) has started issuing next version of internet addresses 'IPv6', which would make it easy for security agencies to identify each internet user. 

The internet addresses under the present version IPv4 (Internet Protocol version 4), are limited and service providers often assign single IP address to many users, making it difficult to identify the end user. 
"The number of IPv6 addresses available is enormous. ISPs (Internet Service Providers) can allocate an IP address to their users. People can be easily identified if they are using IPv6," APNIC Director (Services and Operations) Sanjaya said at the roadshow for new version IPv6 here today. 
APNIC, which is one of the five authorised bodies for issuing internet addresses, has recognised Indian Registry for Internet Names and Numbers (IRINN) for issuing IP addresses in India. 
"We are issuing IPv6 addresses at up to 60 per cent less than prevailing rates in the ongoing soft launch period. This is to test compatibility of hardware and softwares that has to be in place. In next couple of months we will launch industrial grade of IPv6," National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) Chief Executive Govind said. 
IRINN has been set-up under the state-run NIXI. On new version IPv6, Internet Service Providers Association of India President Rajesh Charia said that the new addresses will be multiple times cheaper for companies than IPv4 addresses. 
IRINN is issuing initial set-of IPv6 addresses in price range starting at Rs 21,999 compared to prevalent rate of around Rs 66,000 in Asia Pacific region. 
On addressing security issues with the help of IPv6, Charia said, "Government will have to ensure that the new equipment and devices that are produced or imported in the country are at least IPv6 enabled." 
At present, there is no import restriction on devices and equipment that do not comply with IPv6 standards.

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