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Review: Protect your data with Kruptos 2 Professional's strong encryption

If you need a robust security tool, shareware such as Kruptos 2 Professional can handle the job. In addition to strong 256-bit encryption, Kruptos creates encrypted ZIP files and self-extracting files, and it automatically re-encrypts files when you close them so you never have to worry about forgetting to re-secure your protected files. Kruptos 2 Professional does it for under $25; affordable to individuals and a bargain for businesses. You can try the fully-functional Kruptos 2 Professional for free for 30 uses. When the trial expires, you can still decrypt your files with Kruptos. Recent updates include Windows 8 compatibility … Read more

Review: Create magazine-style photos with InstaMag - Magazine Collage

This app gives you the chance to be the star of a magazine--a really poor magazine, but a magazine nonetheless! InstaMag - Magazine Collage automatically organizes a few of your pictures into a spread, but it looks terrible. You won't want to share anything this collage app makes.

This app is designed to present your photos as if they were in a magazine spread. InstaMag - Magazine Collage only supports collages with four photos-- you can't have more or less. You can't move where the photos sit on the digital page, either. In fact, the only thing … Read more

Review: Take artistic shots with InstaRetro for Instagram

InstaRetro for Instagram has too many ads and doesn't do too well in the filtering options category, either. It sits squarely at the bottom of the barrel of apps of its kind.

Though the app name-checks Instagram, it seems to have very little connection to that popular app. Instead, it's a direct rip-off of that app. Unfortunately, the filters in this app don't look nearly as good on top of your pictures. The invasive ads that seem to litter the app really detract from the experience. They pop up whenever you change filters and fill banner slots … Read more

Review: Perfect your photos with Magic Effects Studio Camera

This app inches so close to being the all-in-one photo app you need on Android. Sadly, it has some weird quirks and one glaring omission that make it just miss the mark. Magic Effects Studio Camera is still a solid editing app for your smartphone or tablet. If you like to shoot with your gadget, give it a shot.

One of the first things you might notice about this app is its layout. It's easier on the eyes than a lot of other Android apps, even though the ads it has often make some of the buttons disappear on … Read more

Review: Send pictures to your local Walgreens using PicDrop - Scrapbooking Friend

PicDrop - Scrapbooking Friend solves the photo printing problem by enabling users to wirelessly send pictures right to a local Walgreens to get processed. This is one application that scrapbooking users must have.

After a virtually instant download users will observe one of the most easy-to-navigate user interfaces. It features large, easy-to-read icons and a bright colorful scheme. There is a minor setup procedure that requires inputting some information regarding Dropbox, Facebook, and other Web sites that may be used in conjunction with this app. To get started using PicDrop - Scrapbooking Friend, the user must first select photographs that … Read more

HP CEO talks Android, not Windows 8

Hewlett-Packard CEO Meg Whitman had a lot more to say about the company's new Android products than she did about Windows 8 during HP's second-quarter earnings conference call.

Whitman's remarks hinted at HP's newfound affinity for new operating systems, which includes Android of course.

"Using multiple operating systems, multiple architectures, and multiple form factors, we are moving quickly to product the devices that customers want," she said.

Then she proceeded to talk about new Android devices, with no mention of Windows 8.

"Following the launch of our first Chromebook in February, we launched … Read more

How to enable Twitter's two-factor authentication

Going a week without a major brand having its Twitter account compromised was starting to become a rare occurrence. Critics and users alike repeatedly called upon Twitter to release two-factor (or step) authentication. The added layer of security requires you to enter your password, and then a subsequent six-digit access anytime you try to log into Twitter. The short code is sent via text message to your cell phone, which means that any would-be hackers would need to not only crack your password, but to also have physical possession of your cell phone.

Twitter, on Wednesday, finally rolled out its … Read more

HP's Q2 revenue slips, but Whitman looks ahead

Leading up to Hewlett-Packard's second-quarter earnings report after the bell on Wednesday, analysts were expecting a mixed bag.

They got one.

The tech giant reported earnings of $1.1 billion, or 55 cents per share. Non-GAAP earnings were 87 cents per share on a revenue of $27.6 billion.

Wall Street was expecting earnings of 81 cents a share on revenue of $28 billion for the second quarter.

Out of the six core segments highlighted in the second quarter report, only the software group posted a positive revenue mark as the support team was up by 12 percent annually. … Read more

Review: Deck out your phone with Beautiful Widgets Free

Beautiful Widgets Free has stunning, useful widgets that all conform to a sleek theme. However, the app locks most of its useful settings and options behind a paywall. It's not too expensive, but you might prefer a free alternative.

The free app lets you preview slimmed-down versions of the app's 12 different widgets. These include weather, battery life, and other settings displays. They certainly live up to the beautiful name, but most of the options to adjust them to fit your phone require a $3 upgrade. If you don't pay up, you can't do much outside … Read more

Cricket announces Samsung Admire 2 for summer (hands-on)

LAS VEGAS--Cricket Wireless has big plans for this year. In addition to announcing that it will be offering the Galaxy S4 in June, and its new "Half is More" ad campaign, the prepaid carrier also reported that it will sell the Samsung Admire 2.

Though no specific availability date and pricing information was given, the Admire 2 is scheduled to come out this summer. Its predecessor, which was originally offered on MetroPCS, launched with an initial price point of $129.

Design During the press conference, Cricket did not release any specs. But what I could gather from handling … Read more