You Can Now Receive Twitter Direct Messages (DMs) from Any Follower

Twitter new setting allows you to receive direct messages (DMs) from any follower, regardless you follow them back or not. Learn how to enable/disable it.

"Hey, please follow me so that I can send you a DM!"

Does it sound familiar to you? Twitter users should encounter it now and then.

It is Twitter's rule that you can only send DM (direct message) to another Twitter user who you and him/her follow each other.

The rule helps to cut the amount of unwanted (read: Spam) Direct Messages in your Twitter inbox.

But it could be a hassle when you simply want to receive a private message from a Twitter user but you are not interested to follow him/her Twitter updates.

Do you follow a Twitter user temporarily to receive DMs then unfollow the account? It sounds stupid, isn't it?

Twitter setting allows you to receive direct messages from any follower

Not anymore, if you wish. A new Twitter setting "Receive direct messages from any follower" (pic) allows you to receive DM from Twitter followers, even you are not following them.

The new Twitter messages setting has a note say:

Generally, you must follow someone before they have the ability to direct message you. If you check this option, any Twitter user that follows you will be able to send you a DM, regardless of whether you decide to follow them back.

Twitter new setting allows you to receive direct messages (DMs) from any follower.

CLICK TO TWEET

Thoughts

Now you can decide whether you want to receive private messages from followers without following them back, or you want to keep your Twitter inbox to friends only.

With the setting checked, you do not need to follow Twitter users to receive their DMs – Keep your Twitter timeline to only those you care.

I think that company customer support teams on Twitter are cheering for the new Twitter setting. They are often ask customers to send account information in direct message (for privacy) to solve customers' issues.

Do you enable/disable the Direct Message setting? I have mine enabled.Follow me (@liewcf) on Twitter to send me a DM now!

[via The Verge]

16 Best New Features of Windows 8.1 You Want to Know

 Windows 8.1 – a free update to Windows 8 – has been launched in October 2013. Windows 8.1 maybe looks identical to Windows 8 but there are many new features and improvements inside.

Here I compiled a list of 16 best new features of Windows 8.1. Let us know which feature you like most in the comment section?

Table of Contents [show]

1. Start button is back! (not really…)

Windows 8.1 Start button

Good news: "Start button is back in Windows 8.1."
Bad news: "It is not THE Start button."

Microsoft brings back the classic "Start" button in Windows 8.1 after removed it in Windows 8 (criticized by many users).

However, it is not the old Start button that we know. Click/tap on it bring you to Start screen (Modern UI a.k.a Metro UI) by default, not the old Windows cascade menu.

"What da…!"

Good thing is that you can change the Start button to show all your apps (Apps view) – Goto "navigation" tab on the taskbar properties dialog, tick "Show the Apps view automatically when I goto Start".

In media discussion with Sunny Ooi, Consumer Channels Group Director Microsoft Malaysia, pointed out that "traditional Windows cascade menu is not ideal for touch screen and different screen sizes – small to big".

Additionally, power users can access Windows admin tools – event viewer, device manager, disk management, computer management, Windows PowerShell, etc – and shut down/restart device by right clicking the Start button.

2. Start directly to Desktop

Many traditional Windows users and those who do not own a touchscreen device would like to skip Windows 8 start screen and boot directly into Desktop mode.

Windows 8.1 Start screen settings (Image credit: MaximumPC)

Now you can do it with Windows 8.1. On the "navigation" tab on the taskbar properties dialog, tick "When I sign in or close all apps on a screen, go to the desktop instead of Start".

3. More Start Screen visual options

Windows 8.1 Start screen showsing 4 different tile sizes

App tiles on Start screen now can have 4 sizes: Large, Wide, Medium, Small. Large and Small are new tile sizes. Large tile size is 2x the height of Wide tile;Small tile is a quarter of Medium size.

You can select multiple app tiles and move them all at once. No more moving one-by-one as in Windows 8.

Start screen background can use Desktop wallpaper. The setting is "Show my desktop background on Start" on the "navigation" tab on the taskbar properties dialog.

4. All Apps view

Windows 8.1 all apps view

Want to see all your installed apps in a view? Simply hit Ctrl+Tab to toggle between the All Apps View and the default Start Screen view.

Or, swipe up for All Apps View and swipe down for default view in the middle of the Start Screen.

5. Improved multitasking and productivity

Windows 8.1 multi-tasking

Now you can have up to 4 apps side-by-side in Windows 8.1 for double productivity (only 2 apps in Windows 8). Each app on screen can have flexible size.

Multi-monitor support has been improved so that you can view the desktop or modern apps on any or all monitors.

6. Bing Smart Search

New Bing Smart Search will find everywhere – documents on device, SkyDrive, apps, song from Xbox Music, website – for your search query.

You can watch videos, play music and check Bing maps directly from the search results.

7. Windows Store Redesigned

Windows 8.1 redesigned Windows Store

Windows Store has new layouts and categories, such as New & Rising make it easier to stay up to date on the hottest apps.

Personalized recommendations powered by Bing advanced recommendation and relevance system help you to find your new favorites.

Best of all, apps are updated automatically by default. You always have the newest and best version of any app.

8. New lock screen

Windows 8.1 personalized lock screen

New Windows 8.1 lock screen allows you to turn your device into a digital picture frame by showing your selected photo gallery.

You can also access camera and answer Skype calls without unlock screen first.

9. Modify settings from Start

In Windows 8.1, you do not need to enter Desktop mode to modify your computer settings. Many settings can be accessed from within the Start Screen interface.

10. Better touchscreen typing

Windows 8.1 now has better touchscreen typing. It learns as you type and make suggestions based on what you have written before.

Touch keyboard child keys (Image credit: Winsupersite)

Plus, you can press and hold on a key to get other options such as numbers or language-specific alternatives.

One more thing, Emoji icons are now in colour!

11. Internet Explorer 11

Internet Explorer 11

Internet Explorer 11 is designed for touch screen with larger tabs and simpler controls, as well as speed boosts, and sync browsing history, favorites and settings across all your Windows 8.1 devices.

IE 11 features redesigned developer tools, support for WebGL,enhanced scaling for high DPI screens,SPDY, prerender and prefetch. (WikiPedia)

12. Your Windows follows you

When you logon Windows 8.1 with your Microsoft account, your Windows stuff – Windows settings, photos, apps, music, and so on – are automatically synced. Apps not on your device are not automatically download but you can see the app icon in All Apps View and one-click to install them.

13. SkyDrive Cloud in Windows 8.1

Windows 8.1 Skydrive

With deep SkyDrive cloud integration in Windows 8.1, you can create, edit and save files to SkyDrive cloud just like you save files on your PC.

Then, you can online access the latest version of your files anywhere, anytime on whatever device you are using.

Since your files are online and backed up on SkyDrive, they are always safe, even something bad happens to your device.

14. Native 3D Printing Support

Windows 8.1 is the 1st operating system provides native support for 3D printing. It has plug-and-play support for 3D printers, enable apps to print 3D jobs and understand 3D file formats.

15. High-DPI and DPI Scaling Support

In Windows 8.1 each display can have its own dot-per-inch (DPI) scaling factor which makes the relative scale of content consistent.

Meaning, if you have multiple displays mixed with normal resolution and 4K monitor or ultra-high resolution laptop, the on-screen content will be scaled consistently across different displays.

16. Quiet Time

Windows 8.1 Quiet Time (Image credit: Lifehacker)

Windows 8.1's Quiet Time is your device's "Do Not Disturb" mode. You can put your device to stay silent — no app notification allowed — for a preset time, like nighttime. Goto Windows Settings, then Search and Apps, turn Quiet Hours on in Notifications and set the quiet hours.

Bonus: FREE Windows 8.1!

Windows 8.1 is free update for Windows 8 users. The online update download size is over 3GB.

1. At Start screen, tap or click Store tile.
2. Tap or click the Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1 in Store.
3. Tap or click Download.
4. Download will start and install in the background while you can still use your PC to do other things.

Read more information on Windows 8.1 update here.

New Windows devices are also shipped with Windows 8.1 since October 2013.

Buy Windows 8.1

If your PC is not currently running Windows 8 or Windows RT, you can buy Windows 8.1 online download at USD119.99 and Windows 8.1 Pro for USD$199.99. DVD box edition is USD$169 for Windows 8.1 and $289.99 for Windows 8.1 Pro.

[AMAZONPRODUCTS asin="B00EDSI7QO"]

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Now you learn the 16 best features of Windows 8.1. Which one is your favourite? Did I miss out any new features? What are the features you would like to see in Windows 8.2? Please tell us in the comment.

How to Use Bing as Bitcoin Currency Converter

bing bitcoin currency converter

Microsoft adds one more currency conversion – bitcoin, the peer-to-peer digital currency – to Bing with over 50 currencies in its index.

It is simple to use the bitcoin currency conversion. Simply type: $ btc to currency or $ currency to btc.  Example: 1 btc to USD and 1000 usd to btc.

The bitcoin data is provided by Coinbase (bitcoin digital wallet). The feature is first available to users in the US, Australia, Canada, India and UK. It will be rolling out to more markets in the coming weeks.

As far as I know, bitcoin has different value in different bitcoin markets as shown here. Bing's bitcoin currency converter only gives you an idea how much bitcoin worth in your currency.

Coincidentally, bitcoin exchanges, such as MtGox, halt bitcoin withdrawalsdue to hacker attacks. Bitcoin price was peak at USD$1000 last year then stable around $800 but dropped below $700 after MtGox announcement.  

How to Disable "Google Shared Endorsements" that Show Your Name and Photo in Google Ads

Google updated its Terms of Service with new "Google Shared Endorsements", which may display your name and photo in Google Ads. Learn how to opt out and disable it for your Google+ account.

google shared endorsements

Google Terms of service has been updated. The new terms will go live on November 11, 2013. One of the three changes is the Google Shared Endorsements, here is an excerpt about how it works:

To ensure that your recommendations reach the people you care about, Google sometimes displays your reviews, recommendations and other relevant activity throughout its products and services. This sometimes includes shopping contexts, like the Google Play music store, and ads. Your profile name and photo may appear with the recommendation.

Your G+ profile name and photo may appear in Google Ads. But it's easy to opt out.

CLICK TO TWEET

How to opt out Google Shared Endorsements?

The good thing is that, which Google emphasize a lot, you are free to choosewhether you want your name and photo appears in Google ads or not. And, it is very easy if you found the Shared Endorsements setting page.

Google Shared endorsements setting

1. Login your Google account.
2. Goto Shared Endorsements setting page. You will be asked to upgrade Google+ account, if you haven't.
3. Uncheck "Based upon my activity, Google may show my name and profile photo in shared endorsements that appear in ads."
4. Click "Save" button and you're done.

Hope this tip helps you to hide your name and photo in Google services and products. Please ask any question in the comment below.

How To Export Feedly Feed Subscriptions to OPML File?

Export Feedly subscriptions to OPML

You switched to Feedly when Google Reader shutdown. You were a happy Feedly user and added many new feeds into the service. One day, you found a better feed reader matches your news reading habit and you want to switch over.

Or, you simply want to backup your Feedly feed subscription.

You don't find Feedly Export feature in Feedly sidebar nor Preferences. How do you export Feedly subscription feeds?

Export feedly subscriptions in OPML format

Apparently, Feedly OPML export is a hidden, undocumented feature! It is not even there before July 2013!

Follow these instruction to export Feedly feeds in OPML file for backup or import into other feed reader:

1. Login Feedly account from your web browser.
2. At the browser's address bar, enter: http://cloud.feedly.com/#opml
3. You will get a page of XML code (refer to header image). That's your feedly feed subscriptions!
4. Copy from <xml version=1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> till </opml> (end of the code)
5. Open any plain text editor, paste in the text and save the file as OPML file, example: feedly.opml
6. Now, the OPML file you saved is your exported feedly subscriptions. Now, you can use the file to import your feedly subscriptions to other feed readers.

Hope this helps you migrate your news feed from feedly to other feed reader.Which feed reader are you using now?

How To Apply Maxis RM1 Unlimited Internet Data Plan via Opera Mini

Maxis Berhad partnered with Opera Software to launch unlimited web browsing plan via Opera Mini browser for as low as RM1 a day.

The Opera Mini data plan is available for both prepaid and postpaid customers. It will be delivered via the web pass platform, no monthly subscribtion fee. Just apply for the Internet pass whenever you like.

How to apply Maxis RM1 Unlimited Internet

1. Make sure your mobile phone has installed the Opera Mini browser (version 4.4, and above). Click here for free download.
2. Launch the Opera Mini browser on your mobile phone and click/tap on theSpeed Dial tab.
3. Click/tap on "Unlimited Internet RM1/day" to buy the pass.
   

   Maxis Opera Mini browser with RM1 Internet pass in Speed Dial

4. An activation SMS will be sent to you. The pass is vaild for 24 hours after activated.

The Opera Mini data plan is available for Opera Mini browser 4.4, and above on BlackBerry, J2ME, S60 and Android phones (Sorry, iPhone and iPad users!).

What's the catch?

Before you are too excited about the low cost Internet pass, please note thatstandard data charges will apply if you…

• access Internet via other mobile browsers.
• access Internet via mobile applications.
• access video and music streaming websites (read: youtube).

In other word, the RM1 Opera Mini Daily Unlimited Pass is valid to be used with Opera Mini browser on websites with text/image only.

What is Opera Mini?

Opera Mini is a web browser designed for mobile devices. It promises to improve web pages loading speed and reduces data usage by requesting web pages through Opera Software's servers, which process and compress web pages before send to your mobile phone.

[Hotlink]

How-To: Fix iMessage Bug that Prevent Android Phone Receiving SMS

Deregister iMessage

Last year I switch my smartphone from iPhone 4S to HTC One M8 (read my review here) and I never look back since then. I am a happy Android phone user now and I do not miss iPhone.

There was an "iMessage bug" that puzzle me for some time, though. Ever since I switched to Android phone, I no longer receive SMS or text message sent from other contacts who are using iPhone. All their messages were still sent to my old iPhone.

Apple recommends you to turn off iMessage before switch to a non-Apple phone following steps below:

1. Put SIM card into your (old) iPhone
2. Goto Settings.
3. Tap Messages.
4. Turn iMessage 'off'. Go back to Settings.
5. Tap FaceTime.
6. Turn FaceTime 'off'. Exit Settings.

It will take sometimes for the settings to take effect. Some users reported that the trick does not work. Also, what if you no longer have your iPhone (sold or lost)?

Starting from November 2014, Apple has a dedicated page to Deregister iMessage for those ex-iPhone users to deregister from iMessage.

deregister iMessage phone number

Simply enter your phone number, then enter the confirmation code send to your phone number via SMS. It will then deregister your number from iMessage.

After deregistration, other iPhone users will send text messages to you as SMS, which you can receive on a non-iPhone phone.

Visit Deregister iMessage

Everything You Must to Know About U Mobile POWER Prepaid Plan with Free 1GB Internet for Life

U Mobile Power Prepaid Starter Pack

U Mobile POWER Prepaid Pack is the first prepaid plan in Malaysia offer FREE 1GB mobile Internet quota every month for life. Good deal, isn't it?

Here is everything you must know about the new prepaid plan. Do not switch before you read this article!

Table of Contents [show]

POWER Prepaid Starter Pack

U Mobile POWER Prepaid Pack features including free basic Internet, free calls, mobile credit and low call rate to all network.

For RM8.50 (inclusive of 6% GST) POWER prepaid starter pack, you will enjoy:

• 200MB mobile Internet (10 days upon activation)
• 150 minutes of free calls
• RM5 mobile credit
• 10 days validity period
• 5 sen/30 sec call rate to all networks
• 8 sen per SMS to all networks
• Free basic Internet (64kbps speed, 2GB per month)

Free 1GB mobile Internet

U Mobile POWER Prepaid customers can enjoy free 1GB mobile Internet every 30 days, as long as their prepaid SIM card stay active.

You only need to make one-time top-up of minimum RM10 to activate the lifetime goodies before 1st January 2016. After the activation, you only need to top-up minimum amount (RM1) to enjoy the free 1GB mobile Internet every month.

Example: You top-up RM5 for 5-day active period. You will automatically receive free 1GB mobile Internet for 30 days. You can use the 1GB data in the 5 days of active period. After 5 days, you can top-up again to use remaining Internet quota (if any) in 30 days.

The 1GB Internet quota will automatically be refreshed every 30 days. You cannot carry forward unused quota.

You may purchase any U Mobile's Unlimited Mobile Internet (UMI) or Mobile Booster (MB) plans to enjoy more Internet data.

Free Basic Internet

U Mobile POWER Prepaid includes free basic Internet with speed up to 64kbps. The slow Internet allows you to stay online to receive/send instant text messages.

Free basic Internet is limited to 2GB per month. After exceeded the quota, you will have no Internet connection. It will be reset at every 1st day of the month.

Free call minutes

Upon Power Prepaid Pack activation, you will automatically enjoy 15mins of FREE U Mobile to U Mobile calls every day for 10 days. You can enjoy up to 450 minutes free calls every month. You get 15 minutes free calls for every RM1 top-up, following maximum validity of your account.

Maximum free call minute per day is 15 minutes. You cannot make 16 minutes free call in a day, even you just top-up RM30 for 450 minutes free calls…

The maximum number of days of FREE calls is capped at 150 days.

Active period

The active period is according to your top up amount, RM1 for 1 day. The validity (passive period) is 60 days.

Switch U Mobile prepaid plan

Existing U Mobile prepaid customers can switch to POWER prepaid plan with one-time RM3 switching fee starting on August 1st, 2015.

Power Prepaid (1GB) vs. U28 Postpaid (3GB)

No doubt that U Mobile Power Prepaid free 1GB mobile Internet is more generous than other telcos' prepaid plans. It is a good deal if you live in the telco's coverage area. We can't help but want to compare it with U Mobile's own recently launched U28 Postpaid Plan.

U28 Postpaid

You pay an RM28 monthly fee for U28 with 3GB data quota, 50 minutes free voice call and free 100 SMS(U Mobile) and free 200 SMS(other networks). You would also like free 50MB daily roaming data when you are not in Malaysia.

The call rate is more expensive than POWER Prepaid Plan — 9 Sen (U Mobile) and 10 sen (other networks) for 30 seconds.

POWER Prepaid

If you top-up RM30 for POWER prepaid plan, you will get free 1GB data quota and 450 minutes U Mobile call minutes for a month.

Don't forget, you still have RM30 credit to buy UMI or MB plan for more Internet data or call minutes.

Conclusion

At a glance, POWER prepaid is more flexible with free data quota, more free call minutes, lower call/SMS rates, and credit to buy add-ons. But, the free call minutes is limited to 15 minutes per day. Buy RM30 UMI30 and you only get a total of 2.5GB data quota (Free 1GB + UMI30 1.5GB).

Do you want more Internet data or make more U mobile voice calls? As my friend said, few people make calls and SMS these days.

U Mobile POWER prepaid would be my second mobile line because it does not require monthly commitment. I simply top-up few bucks whenever I want to use its free data/calls.

If you are an active mobile Internet user, forget about U Mobile Power Prepaid. You should switch to U Mobile U28 postpaid plan instead.

What do you think about the U Mobile Power Prepaid Plan?

Learn more about U Mobile Power Prepaid Pack at www.u.com.my

sorce liewcf

Acer XR341CK 34-inch Ultra-wide Curved Monitor Now Available in Malaysia

Acer XR341CK curved monitor

Acer XR341CK 34-inch curved monitor, despite the difficult-to-type model name, is a beautiful and powerful computer monitor that I would like to own.

Beautiful Design

Acer XR341CK curved monitor

The first thing I noticed (and love) about the monitor is its futuristic aluminum metallic base that looks like a robot's 3 claws foot.

Thanks to the genius design, the thin metal base has no problem to firmly holding the big and wide monitor. The monitor stand is height adjustable of up to 130mm, and tilt from -5 to 35 degrees.

Acer XR341CK curved monitor

The shining glossy back panel has two built-in 7w speakers with DTS sound facing up and down, instead of placing at left and right.

Its thin bezels or "zero frame" according to Acer, allowing maximum viewing area and perfect for multi-monitor setup and daisy chaining for a broader view.

Acer XR341CK curved monitor

The ambient lighting at the bottom of the monitor is surprisingly entertaining. You can change the LED color and the lighting style (solid, ripple, flash, breathing, etc), as well as its brightness.

The practical use of it that came to my mind would be light up your no backlit keyboard in a dark room. Yes, you can turn off the ambient lighting.

Powerful Features

Acer XR341CK curved monitor

As for the monitor specifications, Acer XR341CK is 34-inch curved monitor with QHD (3440 x 1440) resolution in ultra-wide 21:9 aspect ratio. The IPS panel provides 178-degree viewing angle and supports 100% sRGB and 6-axis colour adjustment.

Acer XR341CK accepts a wide range of input signals via HDMI 2.0, MHL, DisplayPort and mini DisplayPort. It has a DisplayPort out for daisy chain and built-in 4 ports USB 3.0 hub (USB cable not provided).

Acer XR341CK supports Adaptive-Sync Technology that GPU controls the display's refresh rate to eliminate tearing and stuttering, and reduce mouse dormancy.

Acer EyeProtect technology in Acer XR341CK includes flicker-less technology and blue-light exposure filter to reduce your eye strain.

The ultra-wide big monitor means multitasking friendly. It supports Picture-By-Picture (PBP) and Picture-In-Picture (PIP).

PBP allows two inputs to Acer XR341CK and views side-by-side on one screen; PIP displays an input in full screen and the second input in a smaller size at a corner on the same monitor.

The sexy Acer XR341CK monitor offers great viewing experience for everyone, especially designers, photographers and gamers.

Price in Malaysia

Acer XR341CK curved monitor price in Malaysia is RM3,699.

For more information, please visit Acer Malaysia Facebook.

source : liewcf.com