Eches - Technology | OS | Mobile | Software | Gadgets » Google http://eches.net Tips & Tricks related to web, internet and computer Fri, 30 Mar 2012 04:45:46 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 How to add iGoogle Gadget to Gmail http://eches.net/how-to-add-igoogle-gadget-to-gmail/ http://eches.net/how-to-add-igoogle-gadget-to-gmail/#comments Mon, 26 Dec 2011 09:23:43 +0000 eches http://eches.net/?p=10217 1. What is iGoogle Gadget?

iGoogle is essentially your custom Google page where you can put stuffs such as photos, news, weather etc at one place. iGoogle is accessible through www.google.com/ig but now you can now put it on your GMail account as well.

So what's the benefits you get by placing iGoogle Gadgets on your Gmail account? Basically the addition of iGoogle will add functionality as well as entertainment to your Gmail. From your Gmail you can play games such as Mario Bros classic or having your own virtual pet. While most of us use Gmail for business purposes, iGoogle gadget can increase productivity to your daily work with the existence of productivity tools such as calendar and Google Translator.

What best about iGoogle Gadget is it works exactly the same as any other Google products; it never stops to evolve. So be sure to visit the gadgets page to check the newly added stuffs.

2. How to activate iGoogle Gadgets on Gmail?

2.1. Open your Gmail in your browser, go to the top right corner of the page. Click on setting icon and choose "Mail Settings".

Step 1: Setup iGoogle Gadget on Gmail

2.2. Click on the lab tab at the top of the page.

Step 2: Lab tab

2.3. Find "Add Any Gadgets by URL" and enable it. Save it and you will be taken back to your Inbox.

Step 3: Add any gadget by URL

2.4. By now, iGoogle gadget feature is activated on your account. If you follow step 2.1 above, you will notice the addition of Gadget tab, next to Lab label. Click on the gadget tab.

3. How to add iGoogle Gadgets to Gmail?

3.1. Go to iGoogle page. Click "Add Gadget" button on the left sidebar.

Add Gadget page

3.2. The addition of iGoogle gadget is actually as easy as clicking the "Add It Now" button but because it is still in beta phase, the addition may not work as it is supposed to be.

Choosing gadget from the gadget list

3.3. To get around this problem, you need to click on the gadget's image of your choice. You will then be brought to a new page where you should notice "Share this gadget" link.

Share this Gadget

3.4 By clicking on "Share this gadget" link, a prompt will popup. Click on the "Or copy and paste a link to this gadget" link and the URL for the gadget will be available right below the link.

URL for specific gadget

From the link, locate the "moduleurl=" phrase. You need to copy everything after "moduleurl=" until ".xml". Basically it's the URL of the gadget that we look for.

3.5 With the URL already copied, you just follow step 2.4 and paste the URL into the box and add it.

Hamster gadget on Gmail

There you go. The gadget is now added to your Gmail.

]]> http://eches.net/how-to-add-igoogle-gadget-to-gmail/feed/ 0 Access your Gmail even when offline with Google Chrome plugin http://eches.net/access-your-gmail-even-when-offline-with-google-chrome-plugin/ http://eches.net/access-your-gmail-even-when-offline-with-google-chrome-plugin/#comments Wed, 21 Sep 2011 11:15:32 +0000 eches http://eches.net/?p=9113 Gmail users should be thankful to Google for making the Gmail accessible virtually almost every single second even when your internet connection is temporarily down. This features is realized with the presence of a Google Chrome plugin that will enable you to access your Gmail account offline.

Because this feature is developed by Google, it's clear that the plugin will be incorporated exclusively in Google Chrome. The interface of this plugin is very much similar to the email client of Microsoft Outlook.

How to access Gmail offline?

Step 1. Go to Chrome Web Store.

Google Chrome control panel (below close button) > Tools > Extensions

and install "Offline Gmail" application.

Offline Gmail application from Chrome Web Store

Step 2. When you hit the "Add to Chrome" button, it will prompt a confirmation box. Click "Install" to confirm and the installation should be completed right away.

Offline Gmail installation confirmation

Step 3. You will be asked to allow offline mail (recent) storage. By agreeing to it, your inbox mails will be synced on your PC. That' it!

Google Mail Offline setting

Google Mail Offline interface

]]> http://eches.net/access-your-gmail-even-when-offline-with-google-chrome-plugin/feed/ 0 Outlook4Gmail: Keep your Google Contacts and Outlook in sync http://eches.net/outlook4gmail-keep-your-google-contacts-and-outlook-in-sync/ http://eches.net/outlook4gmail-keep-your-google-contacts-and-outlook-in-sync/#comments Sat, 27 Aug 2011 11:28:36 +0000 eches http://eches.net/?p=8527 Outlook4Gmail is a free and great addition to Microsoft Outlook that keeps Gmail contacts and your address books in Microsoft Outlook. After installing Outlook4Gmail add-in, add your Gmail account and start specifying the settings. You can choose one-way synchronization (either Gmail to Outlook or Outlook to Gmail) or you can even set two-way synchronization.

Outlook4Gmail Features

  • Two-way synchronization
  • Real-time synchronization
  • Tracking and viewing events logs of the synchronization process

If you are using both Gmail and Microsoft Outlook, you may want to consider using Outlook4Gmail.

Download link: Outlook4Gmail
]]> http://eches.net/outlook4gmail-keep-your-google-contacts-and-outlook-in-sync/feed/ 0 Download Google+ App for iOS http://eches.net/download-google-app-for-ios/ http://eches.net/download-google-app-for-ios/#comments Mon, 08 Aug 2011 22:51:17 +0000 niazor http://eches.net/?p=8112 Google+ is now available for iOS user via iTunes store. It has been weeks of waiting until the new social sensation is finally on iPhone 3G/3Gs/4. The Google+ apps requires iOS 3.1 or later and can be downloaded from the official Apple application store iTunes.

Google+ for iOS is another interesting application for Google+ user which has all the Google+ features on your phone. Couple of features that worth mentioning is the Huddle which easily makes up a spot for sharing fast message through your connections. The live stream from Google+ will automatically notify you for real time updates and your friend's activities and also places that they are checked in.


Google+ for iOS features

  • friend circle which let you share appropriate stuff for the right people.
  • Live stream for your friend's activities.
  • Share your message through Huddle

Google+ is only available for users 13 and older.

So, if you're already on Google+, this is the perfect application for you and you can download this application from iTunes application store.

Update from Google:

 We discovered an issue with the version of the iPhone Google+ App that was on the App Store. When we launched, the App Store started serving a previous test version of the App which didn’t have the stability and fixes that the latest version had. It started serving the correct version a little later. If you downloaded within the first 1 hour 40 mins, you may have downloaded the older test version.

To check for what version you're on:

Tap the gear icon on top left of your App’s homescreen. Look above the Help button, the version number of the App should be: 1.0.1.1809

Download link: Google+ for iOS
]]> http://eches.net/download-google-app-for-ios/feed/ 0 IMAPSize: Perform Incremental Backup of Gmail http://eches.net/imapsize-perform-incremental-backup-of-gmail/ http://eches.net/imapsize-perform-incremental-backup-of-gmail/#comments Sat, 30 Jul 2011 03:35:53 +0000 eches http://eches.net/?p=7836 Many were stunned by all of sudden lost of mails from Gmail which caught many off guard. If you are using Gmail for your business, this kind of issue will definitely can devastate your daily operation and in the long run. Lucky in the last incident, all data lost were recovered successfully by Gmail team.

As a precautionary measure, all emails that are stored inside Gmail must be backup and here where IMAPSize comes handy. IMAPSize is a free tool for Windows platform that helps you to manage your Gmail account efficiently and at the same time to perform incremental backup. You might be confused this with another email client, but it is not. That being said, it lets you do a lot of actions on any IMAP enabled accounts or Gmail account.

The incremental backup (anything that has been backed up will not be backed up again) can be done for the whole account or from any particular label while maintaining folder structure.

Feature of IMAPSize backup is accessible via the Account-> Account Backup menu. From here you can specify the folders to be backed up. The best part of this feature is it can restore the backup to another email account. This freeware is more of a managing tool for any IMAP supported email service or Gmail which is equipped with a lot of features.

Download link: IMAPSize
More details: Official link
]]> http://eches.net/imapsize-perform-incremental-backup-of-gmail/feed/ 0 How to make multiple calls in Gmail http://eches.net/how-to-make-multiple-calls-in-gmail/ http://eches.net/how-to-make-multiple-calls-in-gmail/#comments Fri, 29 Jul 2011 10:51:09 +0000 eches http://eches.net/?p=7826 Gmail is going through constant innovation where we can see a lot of new features and improvements since it's first introduced. Gmail is not only a mere email service but has expanded its communication abilities by incorporating video and voice calls. After the voice and video call was introduced, Gmail only allows only 1 call possible at one time.

Recently, Gmail has taken the voice and video call feature 1 step further by allowing users to make and receive multiple calls in Gmail. If you are already on the phone, you can make a second one. When you make the second call, the first call will be put on hold. Switching between these 2 calls is easy; you just need to press the "Resume" button which will render the previous call on hold.

Likewise, when you have another incoming call while you are on the phone, you will be notified through a notification where you can choose to reject or accept it. When new call is answered the previous call will be automatically put on hold.

Even though you are having a second call, you can always put the current conversation on hold by pressing the "Hold" button and when you are ready to resume your conversation, you can always press the "Resume" button again.

This new interesting feature works like a charm on all types of call (voice, phone and video). The small downside of this feature is when a small restriction is put on making calls to physical phones where you can maximum 2 simultaneous calls simultaneously.

]]> http://eches.net/how-to-make-multiple-calls-in-gmail/feed/ 0 Download Offline Installer Google Chrome 12 Stable Version http://eches.net/download-offline-installer-google-chrome-12-stable-version/ http://eches.net/download-offline-installer-google-chrome-12-stable-version/#comments Fri, 17 Jun 2011 16:10:07 +0000 eches http://eches.net/?p=7482 The latest version of Google Chrome 12 is finally released. Google Chrome 12 brings along a lot of security improvements, graphics capabilities and privacy. Chrome is a much safer web browser to use with its new capability of detecting links that contain malware.

Other new features and updates, include:

  • Launch Apps by name from the Omnibox
  • Improved screen reader support
  • Integrated Sync into new settings pages
  • Removal of Google Gears
  • New warning when hitting Command-Q on Mac

Google Chrome 12 Stable is compatible with Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Linux OS.

Download links

Windows | Mac | Linux
]]> http://eches.net/download-offline-installer-google-chrome-12-stable-version/feed/ 0 Gmail introduces desktop notification for chat messages and email http://eches.net/gmail-introduces-desktop-notification-for-chat-messages-and-email/ http://eches.net/gmail-introduces-desktop-notification-for-chat-messages-and-email/#comments Fri, 28 Jan 2011 18:57:35 +0000 eches http://eches.net/?p=5224 A new HTML 5 powered desktop notification for chat messages and email was officially introduced by Gmail. In order to enjoy the full benefits of it, you need to switch your browser to Google Chrome to use this notification. By using Google Chrome, it allows Gmail to display popup notifications through a nice HTML 5 on your desktop when you have an email or new chat messages.

The introduction of desktop notification would definitely be a great news for Google chrome users because they are no longer need to go to the Gmail account window to check whether they got new messages. On top of that you won't miss your important chat conversations too because new chat message will appear in the pop-up window even if your Gmail window is not opened. It is worth to note that at this time, Gmail Desktop Notification doesn't work in other popular browsers like IE, Firefox and Safari. Having said that, Google announced that they will make this feature available on other web platform.

How to setup your Gmail Desktop Notification for Chat Messages and Email

1. In your Gmail account, click on the Settings link in the top right corner then scroll down to the "Desktop Notifications" section.
2. Now you should see 2 option; New Mail notification and Chat notifications. You can set both or either one to be active.

]]> http://eches.net/gmail-introduces-desktop-notification-for-chat-messages-and-email/feed/ 0 Google Maps 5.0 For Android with Offline Navigation and New 3D Map http://eches.net/google-maps-5-0-for-android-with-offline-navigation-and-new-3d-map/ http://eches.net/google-maps-5-0-for-android-with-offline-navigation-and-new-3d-map/#comments Wed, 22 Dec 2010 11:06:24 +0000 eches http://eches.net/?p=4278 New Google Maps 5.0 for Android has something new to offer to the users - 3D interaction and offline reliability. By using vector graphics for its maps, it allows the application to be scaled smoothly because of the much lighter weight as compared to the traditional stitched together images used in most Google Maps incarnations. It also integrates the offline mode that will remember areas you’ve visited and the entire trip that have been routed in navigation, including potential reroutes. Google maps 5.0 is free application for android user. Please note though that the 3D and offline attributes are only for Android 2.0+ version.

[via]

]]> http://eches.net/google-maps-5-0-for-android-with-offline-navigation-and-new-3d-map/feed/ 0 FREE calls in the US and Canada throughout 2011 with Gmail http://eches.net/free-calls-in-the-us-and-canada-throughout-2011-with-gmail/ http://eches.net/free-calls-in-the-us-and-canada-throughout-2011-with-gmail/#comments Tue, 21 Dec 2010 06:48:28 +0000 eches http://eches.net/?p=5343 Google announced yesterday that free calling from the US to anywhere in the United States and Canada would be extended throughout 2011. Dialing a phone number through works like a regular telephone. Search for "Call phone" at the top of your Gmail chat list and enter a contact’s name or dial a number. Calling in Gmail is currently available to the U.S. based Gmail users only.

Extending the free calls service just makes a heavy blow to the carriers and to a certain extend has even trumped Skype that offers a low cost service (not completely free). With their position and power they can wield to make everything FREE, Google is for sure a disrupter to this market balance. It is gonna be an interesting sight to see how carrier companies respond to the irresistible offer made by Google as more people are taking full advantage of Wifi for calling and data connections.

]]> http://eches.net/free-calls-in-the-us-and-canada-throughout-2011-with-gmail/feed/ 0 Backup Your Gmail Mails without Using Email Client http://eches.net/backup-your-gmail-mails-without-using-email-client/ http://eches.net/backup-your-gmail-mails-without-using-email-client/#comments Wed, 05 Nov 2008 02:08:54 +0000 eches http://eches.net/?p=1505 Backing up Gmail content can be done by using email client like Thunderbird or Microsoft Outlook, but not everybody is willing to use them just for the sake of backing up mails. Lifehacker pointed out how to backup Gmail mails with the use of fetchmail but I think some people will not feel comfortable to engage with this application because it involves scripting, Unix commands and configuration file changes; well, unless you are interested in learning something new.

Gmail Backup is another alternative solution that will backup all Gmail mails and mail folders with all labels, from fields and dates. Before initiating the backup, make sure to enable IMAP in the Gmail settings. You can also specify a time interval so that emails that come in during a certain period of time will be only backed up and not all of them.

One interesting feature in Gmail Backup is it stores the backup in Microsoft's eml format which allows user to easily import the messages into other mail clients.

]]> http://eches.net/backup-your-gmail-mails-without-using-email-client/feed/ 0 Test new Gmail functionality with Gmail Labs http://eches.net/test-new-gmail-functionality-with-gmail-labs/ http://eches.net/test-new-gmail-functionality-with-gmail-labs/#comments Mon, 09 Jun 2008 21:27:35 +0000 eches http://eches.net/?p=455 Since I've been using Gmail more frequently lately, I started to make full use of all the advantages in Gmail to keep my inbox clean from spams. While doing the filtering, the "Labs" link at very end of settings menu caught my attention. Never aware of that, so I presumed it's a new link. What's interesting about Gmail Labs is it holds up add-ons that are not yet ready for prime time.

Currently there are 13 new features which are by default disabled and they can be enabled separately. Most of them look very useful. So here are several features that get my attention

1. 1-click access to any bookmarkable URL in Gmail
2. Friends' profile pictures when you chat with them
3. Customize keyboard shortcut mappings
4. Mouse gestures
5. Random signature

In case something went wrong (function breaks Gmail), you can always use the following rescue link

http://mail.google.com/mail/?labs=0

which will effectively turn all the functions off. Play around with them and let Gmail knows what you think of the new features.

]]> http://eches.net/test-new-gmail-functionality-with-gmail-labs/feed/ 0 4 ways to block spams from your Gmail inbox http://eches.net/4-ways-to-block-spams-from-your-gmail-inbox/ http://eches.net/4-ways-to-block-spams-from-your-gmail-inbox/#comments Mon, 12 May 2008 14:50:13 +0000 eches http://eches.net/?p=445 While Gmail doesn't filter all spam messages that could reach your inbox, it still does a better job as compared to other webmails such as Yahoo Mail or Hotmail. Apart from consistent improvements being done on Gmail's filters, the utmost ingredient that contribute to the overall effectiveness is the use of community signals. Whenever you click on the "Mark as spam" button, Gmail uses that information to block similar future messages not only for you, but for all Gmail users.

As a matter of fact, regardless of how good a system is, there's always a small fraction of spams that manage to sneak up on our mailbox. So, here are few things that we can do to further eliminate spams attempt.

1. Block image spam

As the webmail filters get better, spam also evolves and becomes harder to block. This is particularly true when it uses images and literary texts. Here's a simple Gmail trick to divert spam messages (contain images) to the Trash folder (or any folder you specify) automatically.

Step 1: Firstly you need to go to 'Settings > Filters' and choose "Create a Filter".

Step 2: Type 'multipart/related .gif' in the 'Has the Words' field and also check the 'Has Attachment' box.

Step 3: Click next and select "Delete It" to move the spam message directly to the GMail Trash folder.

Note: There's a small chance of GMail filter triggering false positive and move few important emails from real senders to the Trash folder. To make sure this thing doesn't happen, create a new folder (label) in gmail and change the instruction to redirect all related mails to the new folder. You can sort out the mails later on during your free time.

2. The Plus Hack

If you like to sign up for internet freebies or buy things online, this tip will definitely come handy. Creating alias emails for aforementioned activities which are very likely to spam you, is an effective way to completely reduce number of spams in your Gmail mailbox. Not only you can track who is the culprit and you can also accurately learn with whom your email is shared with.

To do this, simply put a '+' after your account name and add words.

Example: I can do 'eches+online_deal@gmail' or 'eches+spammer@gmail.com'. All these mails will come into your mailbox anyway, but they can easily be filtered to a folder and even to trash them.

3. The Googlemail Hack

When you registered with Gmail account, you are actually given two email addresses

yourusername @gmail.com
yourusername @googlemail.com

You can use both without having fear the later might not reach your mailbox. Like the above trick, you can take advantage of these two domains so that less spam reaches your Gmail Inbox via filtering system.

For example you distribute 'yourusername @googlemail.com' address to your close contacts while keeping the 'yourusername @gmail.com' address for public. Set filter such that all 'yourusername @googlemail.com' to be delivered to a special folder. This is a definitive way to ensure important messages not to be diverted to Trash folder by mistake.

4. The Dot Hack

Gmail doesn’t acknowledge dots (.) in your account name. So I can use 'eches.net@gmail.com' or without any dots at all. Either way will return to 'echesnet@gmail.com'.

Again you can use the power of filter system to divert certain aliases to specific folders or directly to Trash folder.

I hope you can you use some of the tips above to reduce spams in your Gmail mailbox. Again, these tips are not definitive ways to completely eliminate spams but they can effectively reduce the spam numbers.

]]> http://eches.net/4-ways-to-block-spams-from-your-gmail-inbox/feed/ 0 Google Web Elements: Add Interactivity to Your Website http://eches.net/add-interactivity-in-your-blog/ http://eches.net/add-interactivity-in-your-blog/#comments Sat, 24 Feb 2007 17:00:16 +0000 eches http://eches.net/2007/02/24/add-interactivity-in-your-blog/ Update (7/1/2012) : This post is updated to reflect changes and the addition of web interactivity elements. All interactivity features provided by Google are now grouped under Google Web Elements. Visit its official for the most recent news and addition.

Google never fail to mesmerize us with its lightweight, useful products. If you have a personal blog or website that is dedicated to promote your business, Google always has something to offer. Having interactive map that shows exactly where your restaurant for example, will definitely sway your potential customers to take a closer look at your local store or restaurant.

If you are a singer, you can incorporate Google Calendar that can easily show your schedule of your next performance, gathering with your fans etc right from your blog.

As this article is updated, there are 14 useful products that can be used by webmaster to further enhance their websites.

1. Map

Maps Element allow your users to search for places on a Google map without leaving your site. This is useful especially when your potential customers are looking for direction to your store.

Google web element - Map

2. Calendar

Google Calendar

Calendar element can show visitors important event, dates, appointments, reservations and more. Not only visitors know what event is going to happen next but they can also learn the details of the event (whereabouts, who's got invited etc).

3. Checkout

Checkout element

Checkout allows average webmaster little to no knowledge about scripting a secured shopping cart or checkout feature to fully take advantage of Checkout element. Combined with Google Doc spreadsheets you can easily create an online store.

4. Conversation element

Conversation element

Conversation element allows your visitors to comments on your site or join in global Google Friend Connect conversations. The best thing about it is that message sent will be automatically translated into a visitor's preferred language right away.

There are 10 more products as follow:

Google Web Elements

Be sure to check Google Web Elements website for more information.

Visit Google Web Elements
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