Google Chat comes to Outlook and SkyDrive

Well, this is not something the internet thought they'd hear. Microsoft integrates a Google service right within their email service, and also on their Cloud based storage service - SkyDrive. In this surprise move, Microsoft says that this has been a popular requested feature from its users. You might remember that a while back Microsoft converted all Hotmail accounts into Outlook and all email is now handled only on Outlook. Outlook is quite amazing with a whole new interface and all. With the addition of Google Talk Microsoft seems to e opening up to their users needs, and also accepting that other services have indeed become useful and some users' can't live without.

How to chat with Google Contacts in Outlook
It should be available this week - this is how it'll work. You open your Messaging Pane in Outlook. Found on the top-right-hand corner and you should see a message asking if you'd like to connect your Google account. Choose to do so and it should happen seamlessly. Allow Microsoft to access your Google account and all your contacts are added. You can then use Outlook.com or SkyDrive and continue chatting with all your Google Pals. Clicking on a friends pic will bring up the chat box. This whole roll-out, should be completed this week and Outlook users' can use Google Talk from within their email.

The whole effort is being made to encourage people to come to Outlook.com and try it out. Microsoft seems to be stopping at nothing to attract more uses to Outlook. The service is actually quite good, but whether users will migrate to it en-mass is left to be seem. Do share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Source: Microsoft Blog. 

Kim Dotcom's 'Mega' Site Now Open to Public

After Kim Dotcom's website 'Megaupload' was taken down by US authorities. Kim Dotcom vowed to fight and has even launched a new website called 'Mega', which he says is bigger than anything known previously. With the new site, users' get 50GB of free space to use. With it they can upload files and shares those files with their friends and connections. The launch of the site site 'Mega' came with huge pomp and show and the stage was set at his New Zealand mansion. With dancers and singers and a reenactment of the raid on his mansion by US authorities. Once launched Kim Dotcom announced via Twitter that within the first 2 hours there were more than 250,000 registrations.

https://twitter.com/KimDotcom/status/292719859924598784

Mega is not different from other cloud hosting and cloud sharing services out there. Works on the lines of DropBox, Google Drive and Microsoft's SkyDrive. Cloud computing and cloud storage allows for users to upload files to the cloud and share the same with their friends. The service does not demand that users follow a protocol other than not uploading anything considered illegal.

How much storage space does Mega offer
Users get free cloud storage of 50GB that is completely free
Premium users get to use 500GB for $13.29, 2TB for $26.59 and 4TB for $39.90

What is the URL or web-address of the new 'Mega' site
You can access the site now by going to Mega.co.nz -

You can follow Kim Dotcom on Twitter here.

Related Topics
What is cloud computing and how does it work

http://youtu.be/PqspqcqQAEo

BoxCryptor for Windows 8: Encrypt and store your files in Microsoft Skydrive

BoxCryptor is one of those service which is a must use thing especially if you want to encrypt and store your cloud files. If you are a regular user of DropBox, Google Drive or Microsoft's Skydrive. This is one service you need to find useful if you're storing sensitive data in the clouds. By encrypting and storing a file you can be assured your privacy and safety are protected. We have previously written about BoxCryptor and its many benefits --  now that it is ready for Windows 8 and Windows RT. The app is available to download for free and once you download and install the app -- it is quiet easy to setup and run. Giving you an extra level of protections for all your Windows 8 files, you are going to store in SkyDrive.

Once you have your files stored securely -- you can then download the same files decrypt and use them as you normally would. Decryption happens locally on your system. BoxCryptor for Windows 8 is available for free and can also be used on Surface and other tablets running Windows RT.

BoxCryptor for Windows 8 and Windows RT

Be careful what you store on Microsoft Skydrive since your private files are monitored

Cloud storage is something that has taken off in a very big way. There is DropBox, iCloud, Google Drive and Skydrive to name a few of the more popular ones. What Cloud Storage does it allows you free storage to store all your files in the cloud and make them available on all your devices. Microsoft is moving out SkyDrive with Windows 8, Office 13 and Windows Phone. This would mean that many uses would store all of their files on SkyDrive and some of what is being store might be inappropriate. This is something that needs to be noted - these might be your private files. Even if they are your private files and your using Microsoft Cloud to store them it might get your banned. A dutch user on the forum Tweakers.net who goes by the handle WingsOfFury reports that he lost access to hos Live account, Hotmail account and XBox account. There are many users who are reporting the same online.


In fact Microsoft monitors its cloud servers and takes action when inappropriate content is found even if it your own personal file - meaning pictures of yourself. Microsoft also has a Code Of Conduct if you want to use its service. What's disturbing to users is that files are monitored even when uploaded into a private folder and not a public folder. So before you think it is safe to store whatever yo want on SkyDrive, think again. Uses suggest encrypting your files before storing them on SkyDrive. Please leave a comment below with what you think about this whole thing. Does this raise privacy concerns?
Source: Private files monitored, Xbox and mail access revoked and Microsoft monitoring and censoring uploads to SkyDrive

An original post by

Sociolatte

Google Drive: How does it work

The long awaited cloud storage service from Google is finally here. It is being rolled out in a phased manner and you can still click the 'notify me' link to be notified when your Google Drive is ready. Google Drive will work like other cloud-sync and storage services like DropBox and Microsoft's SkyDrive. Cloud Storage is web based storage that allows you to upload and store files and then share it with other using file synchronization. So once you have Google Drive it will create a single folder on your computer and sync your files with Google's servers and all your other devices that have Google Drive. 


Google Drive - How to get started
You will need to go to the Google Drive home and then install Google Drive on your PC. The service then gives you 5GB of free storage in which you can upload all your files. You can upload docs, pics, movies etc. Once synced with your other devices. You files will now be available wherever you are. All you need is an internet connection to access all your files and folders. The only thing you will need will be an internet connection to access your stuff. You will also be able to share your files with other users. 


What devices is Google Drive available for
Google Drive is available for PC and MAC, Android Devices with iPhone and iPad coming soon. iPad and iPhone users might need to wait a little longer.


How much will is cost after using the 5 GB of free storage.
Google Drive is offering as of now 16TB of storage and you can find the entire price list over here. 


Google Drive also has support for Google Docs
This would mean that if you are collaborating on a project you can now invite all your team mates to work on the same doc using Google Drive. 


What about security
With Google Drive you can use Google's Two step verification process to add an extra level of security to your Google Drive. 
Download Google Drive now. To know more of the features available click here. 

An original post by

Sociolatte

SkyDrive now available for the iPhone and iPad

Image: SkyDrive

SkyDrive the file storage cloud from Microsoft is now available on your iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. The service which has been available to all Windows Desktop users and Windows phone users for sometime now transitions and comes to all iPhone users. With this new App you can do the following:


1. Login to the service and create folders
2. Upload images, videos and other files from your PC or Mac and access them on your phone
3. Files you upload from your PC, phone or mac are stored securely and will be then available whenever you launch the app on your iPhone ot iPad.
4. You can access files shared by other users with you
5. Upload all your photos and your videos to Microsoft SkyDrive and have them stored for free.
6. SkyDrive offers 25 GB of free personal storage 


If you already use Hotmail, Messenger or Xbox live you already have a SkyDrive account. If not you can head on over to SkyDrive and create a free account.


SkyDrive on the Web. 
Download the App on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch here. 
Launching an app like this makes a lot of sense since there are so many Windows users who also love their iPhones. Cloud-storage is all the big rage and this app just makes things easier.

An original post by

Sociolatte

How does Skydrive work

What is Windows Live SkyDrive and how does it work.


SkyDrive is part of Microsoft's Windows Live range of online services. SkyDrive is a file storage and sharing service that allows users to upload files to the computing cloud, then access them from a web browser. It is a cloud computing service or also know as a Cloud Storage service It uses Windows Live ID to control access to the users' files, allowing them to keep the files private, share with contacts, or make the files public. Publicly-shared files do not require a Windows Live ID to access.

The service currently offers 25 GB of free personal storage, with individual files limited to 50 MB. A Silverlight-based tool can be installed to allow drag-and-drop uploading from Windows Explorer. Up to five files can be uploaded each time if the tool has not been installed.




If you had previously been using Office Live Workspace you can now shift all your files to SkyDrive. To get started, sign-in to your Office Live Workspace account with your Windows Live ID and click the “Upgrade now” button. All your documents will be transferred to Skydrive (You will get an email once the process is complete) you can then permanently abandon your Workspace account.


Visit http://skydrive.live.com

You can sign-up with your Microsoft Account. Skydrive the cloud storage service from Microsoft. it can be used on the internet, there is a Skydrive App, it can be used on your iPhone, iPad and your Android phone and Windows Phone. Click on the links ot get the Skydrive app for your phone.

So, how does Skydrive work.

Personal folders: With personal folders, you can keep your files online and access them with virtually any web-enabled computer or mobile device—whether it's yours, a friend's, or a public computer.


Shared folders: Working on a project with classmates, coworkers, or family? With shared folders, the whole crew can upload, download, and collaborate with you on documents and other files.


Direct links: Each folder on SkyDrive has a unique web address, so you can save the link as a favorite or copy it and paste it into e-mail or other documents for direct access.


Password protection: You set the passwords and you decide who sees what, so you have confidence that your data is in your control.


With SkyDrive, you can embed public or shared folders on Windows Live Spaces. Everyone who looks at your space can see what you've made public, but only the people you've granted permission to can see your shared folders.