Google's next operating system is 'Android N'

The new edition, initially, is being recommended only for mobile app makers and will only work on a few smartphones and tablets.

Google is previewing the next version of its Android operating system two months ahead of schedule in an effort to get the upgraded software on more mobile devices.

The upgraded software, known as “Android N” for now, offers a split-screen feature so users can toggle between apps more easily. Android N also enables users to reply directly to notifications, something already available on the software that Google makes for smartwatches running on Android Wear.

Another change is being made to reduce the battery power drawn by apps when the device’s screen turns off. Devices running on Android “Marshmallow,” a version released last year, shift into a battery-saving mode called “Doze” only when they’re stationary.

The new edition initially is being recommended only for mobile app makers and will only work on a few smartphones and tablets.

Google typically hasn’t released test versions of Android until its annual developers’ conference, which begins May 18 this year. The head start is designed to get Android N the hands of mobile device makers earlier than ever, according to a Google blog post , to give them more time to set up the new software on their latest models.

By the time phones running on the software hit the market this fall, Android N is expected to eventually be named after a sweet food beginning with “n” in the tradition of all the previous versions that Google has made.

Although other improvements could be added before the software is released to consumers later this year, Android N doesn’t appear to breaking any new ground. Both the split-screen and reply-to-notifications features, for instance, are already offered in the operating system running Apple Inc.’s iPhone.

The absence of a “gee-whiz” factor underscores the challenges facing the smartphone industry as its market matures and it becomes more difficult to come up with new ideas nearly a decade after Apple revolutionized mobile computing with the iPhone’s debut.

The decline in innovation extends beyond the mobile software to the devices themselves, reducing the incentive for consumers to buy new smartphones. That’s one of the reasons that Apple is bracing for its first-ever quarterly decrease in iPhones sales during the opening three months of this year.

Google doesn’t make smartphones, choosing instead to give away Android to device makers. The software is designed to highlight Google’s search engine, maps and other features, giving the company more opportunities to sell the digital ads that generate most of its revenue.

The strategy has established Android as the world’s most widely used mobile operating system, but it also has limited the amount of control that Google has over how the software is used.

Among other things, about 56 per cent of Android devices are still running on versions of the software that were released in 2013 and 2014, according to Google’s tabulations. Only 2 per cent of Android phones are on Marshmallow, last year’s model.

In contrast, about 79 per cent of iPhones are already running on iOS 9, the operating system that Apple released six months ago. Unlike Google, Apple exerts sole control over the software on its mobile devices.

PICS OF THE DAY !!!!!!!!!!

Day in pictures



President Pranab Mukherjee presents Presidential Award of Certificate of Honour to S.M. Veerraghavcharya an investiture ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.



Army jawans seen in Lasjan area of Srinagar. A major tragedy was averted as security forces detected an improvised explosive device (IED) on the Srinagar-Baramulla highway in Jammu and Kashmir. Photo: Nissar Ahmad



Participants cover themselves with plastic sheets as it rains at the venue of the World Culture Festival on the banks of the river in New Delhi



Pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba, the cubic building at the Grand Mosque, during the minor pilgrimage, known as Umrah, in the Muslim holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

How much common sense do you actually have? Take a test to find out

We have often heard of the five sense organs – Ears, Eyes, Nose, Skin and Tongue and these help us to listen, see, smell, feel and taste respectively. But there’s another sense, that’s sort of intangible. And that’s common sense.

Most of us often talk about people having or not having common sense. Some are blessed with ample of it and some none.

Here, we have a fun online quiz for you that will help you check your common sense level.

To play the quiz, click here

Art of Living’s World Culture Festival 2016 – Day 1

LIVE: Watch - Art of Living’s World Culture Festival 2016 – Day 1

To mark the completion of 35 years of service to humanity, spirituality and human values spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s Art of Living has organised a 3-day mega event - World Culture Festival 2016 - in Delhi from March 11 to 13, 2016. The cultural extravaganza will see artists, musicians and dancers from across the globe participating with utmost zest and enthusiasm.

The event aims at spreading the ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – 'The World is one Family', by laying an emphasis on peaceful co-existence.

Watch the event LIVE here:

http://livestream.com/accounts/1497761/events/4827308

World Culture Festival 2016 Day 1 tentative schedule:  

5 PM- 5.15 PM

Welcoming the Dignitaries on stage

40 musicians will play the Nādaswaram, the world’s loudest non-brass acoustic instrument. This auspicious tradition is prevalent in temples across Southern India.

Invocation by Ms. Chandrika Tandon and troupe.

Ms. Tandon is a Grammy Nominee in the category for the Best Contemporary World Music Album in 2011.

Lighting the Lamp of Celebration

Dignitaries will be invited to light the lamp, which is an Indian tradition for an auspicious beginning.

Honouring Dignitaries from around the globe

Vedic Chants by 1000 Veda Pandits

A group of trained Sanskrit scholars with their students will recite peace prayers from the Vedas, the world’s most ancient scriptures.

5:15 PM to 5:35 PM

Welcome Address by Hon. Justice R.C. Lahoti

Former Chief Justice of India and Co-Chair of the World Culture Festival Reception Committee

A Presentation on The Art of Living’s 35-year journey by Cmde. Sarvotham Rao

Chairman of The Art of Living, India (Vyakti Vikas Kendra India)

5:35 PM to 5:45 PM

Address by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder-The Art of Living

5:45 PM to 6:10 PM

The Art of Living Grand Symphony

8500 musicians will play 40 different instruments showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the world.

Release of the Commemorative Souvenir

Kathak Ensemble

1000 artists from different Gharānā (lineages) will present a spectacular performance of this classical dance form from North India choreographed by Padma Vibhushan Pt. Birju Maharaj.

6:10 PM to 6:50 PM

Inaugural Address by Hon. Shri Narendra Modi Prime Minister of India

6:50 PM to 8:30 PM

Bharatnatyam Ensemble

1000 artists will express the spiritual aspect of life through the nuances and intricacies of this classical dance form from South India.

Addresses by Dignitaries

Horo Dance from Bulgaria

500 artists will perform the Horo, a traditional and festive Bulgarian dance form.

African Beats

A percussion extravaganza by 650 drummers from the vibrant continent of Africa.

Mohiniyattam & Kathakali

1500 artists will perform the nuances of two classical dance forms from the picturesque Southern State of India, Kerala

Whirling Dervishes

A mesmerizing performance by 121 dervishes from Turkey.

8:30 PM to 8:40 PM

Guided meditation conducted by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

8:40 PM to 9:00 PM

Addresses by Dignitaries

Lithuanian Dance

Over 100 dancers will perform the authentic Lithuanian folklore elements representing the ancient baltic symbols.

Brazilian Samba

100 artists will bring the exuberance and energy of Samba, a much loved dance form.

Russian Dance

An artists group from Sverdlovsk region of Russia will present their traditional dance.

A Tribute

35 renowned playback singers and musicians from the Indian Film Industry honouring 35 years of The Art of Living.

Himachali Nati

1000 dancers from the Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh, India will perform Nāti, a folk dance enjoyed by people of all ages.

Tai Dance

300 dancers from Tailand will perform their national dance.

Gujarati Garbā Dance

Over 1000 dancers will perform the traditional folk dance from the vibrant state of Gujarat, India.

9:00 PM to 9:10 PM

The Art of Living Grand Symphony

8500 musicians will play 40 diferent instruments showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the world.

In photos: Irfan Pathan marries Safa Baig, a Jeddah-based model

Indian cricket all-rounder Irfan Pathan recently tied the knot with a Jeddah-based model, Safa Baig, in a secret ceremony in Mecca. According to reports, Safa is 21-year-old and is currently employed with a public relations company. It has also been reported that Safa is also a popular nail-paint artist. Pathan, who has played 29 Tests, 120 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 24 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) for India, got married with Safa in a low-key ceremony in Mecca. Pathan made his international debut in Adelaide in 2003, and last played an international match four years ago, in 2012.

Confirming his marriage with Safa Baig, Irfan Pathan posted a picture, a selfie, with his wife in Mecca and said, “Entering probably the most beautiful phase of my life. We both wish to thank everyone for your wishes & #blessings.”

Reports have claimed that Irfan Pathan and Safa Baig met two years ago in Dubai, and got engaged recently with the blessings of their respective families. With the 31-year-old Pathan getting married, the list of Indian cricketers tying nuptial knots is growing

Is it women empowerment?

Is it women empowerment? Drunk women hurl abuses at man in Delhi Metro

New Delhi: At a time when the world is commemorating International Women's Day and many activists are voicing support for women rights, a group of girls, in an inebriated state, were found abusing a man in Delhi Metro

The girls, who were caught on camera while creating a scene inside the metro, abused a man and screamed at the top of their voice.

The video has gone viral with several people condemning their act.

watch this video on youtube........https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=17&v=_Nxr7ToE1GY

MUST READ: Why spotted bananas are better than yellow ones!

Why spotted bananas are better than yellow ones!

New Delhi: Banana's are perhaps one of the most consumed fruits in the world. A rich source of energy, bananas are also nature's most under-rated fruits.

Banana's pack a mean punch when it comes to being a super food, because it provides our body with everything that we need to thrive. So much so, that two banana's are enough to make up one full meal. This is because they’re packed full of nutrients, vitamins, fiber, and all-natural sugars, like sucrose and fructose.

Who doesn't like to eat those bright yellow and ripe bananas? We all do. However, what do we do when the bananas start developing brown spots? Most of you, we're sure, throw them away, thinking that they've gone bad.

We totally agree that the browning is a bit off-putting and unappetizing, but think again before you go throwing them away! Did you know that the more dark patches and spots a banana appears to have, the more ripe it is, and the more TNF it contains? TNF stands for Tumor Necrosis Factor, and it’s a cancer fighting substance that helps fight against abnormal cells in our bodies.

In addition to the brown spots and their immune system strengthening qualities, spotted bananas have a number of other health benefits, like fighting signs of depression, curing constipation, heartburn, blood pressure, anemia, ulcers and are also good for when you're feeling stressed or moody or going through PMS.