Computer and internet briefs

Jan 1, 2012, 3:06 GMT

Not just for the PC: all gadgets need regular software upgrades

Berlin (dpa) - Just like with computers and smartphones, other technical devices should receive software updates from time to time. Televisions, Blu-ray players or cameras can all achieve higher performance or be more secure with updated device software, according to the German magazine Audio Foto Video Bild.

The most important argument for an update of the firmware is security. Depending on the device, users might expect entirely new functions. Picture and sound quality can improve on televisions while internet-capable devices even offer video-telephoning via Skype after an update. Digital cameras can profit from longer battery life or work quicker, while HD-TVs can improve their reception.

There are various ways to receive the new software. Televisions with an internet connection can directly load the update with the push of a button. Others can be updated via satellite television connection. Cameras can often be updated by being connected to a computer. Otherwise the most current firmware can be downloaded from the web and then carried over onto the device either with a USB stick or memory card.

High speed DSL via WiFi only with right standard

Berlin (dpa) - Those who want to use a high speed DSL connection via wireless connection (WiFi) must also have a correspondingly fast router. The German telecommunications portal Teltarif.de suggests that maximum data throughput be much higher than the DSL tempo. The actual connection speed is usually much slower than the manufacturer's data. A DSL connection with 16 Megabit per second (MBit/s) can only be exhausted by a router which supports the g-standard (802.11g) with a maximum 54 MBit/s. Even faster connections need the n-standard (802.11n), which can run up to 300 MBit/s.

In addition to the router, the computer must also support the fast standards. A WiFi adapter for the USB connection also can get older computers to recognize new forms of connections. Routers and computers should also not be too far away from one another and not separated by too many ceilings and walls. When in doubt, WiFi repeaters can be used for larger distances.

Design new ringtones for mobile phones with iTunes

Berlin (dpa) - The times of expensive ringtones from the internet are over now that iTunes software can be used to design jingles for iPhones. Just enter the desired audio segment of 20 to 30 seconds into options for the song title and transform the clip to an AAC format.

The file ending .m4a must be changed to .m4r and then the ringtone will appear in the corresponding section of iTunes and can be transferred to the iPhone via cable connection. As an alternative to iTunes, this can also be done with the free program iringer.

Google recognizes faces only with consent of user

Berlin (dpa) - The social network Google+ will soon be able to recognize faces. But 'Find my Face' can only identify people who have expressly consented, according to Peter Fleischer, data protection officer with Google. 'The data to recognize faces will not be created until the user activates the function,' he said. When opening or uploading a picture, Google+ asks if the user would like to use the new technology. Should a user later retract their consent, the created profile will be deleted.