Wednesday, 1 April 2020

Which Business Intelligence Tool is best for you?

Business Intelligence Tool
First of all what is a business intelligence tool? We need to understand what this is in the first place before we look at which is the best one for you. So getting back to the question…

What is a Business Intelligence Tool? 


Business intelligence tools are basically a software package that collects, transforms and presents data from a business for decision making. Much like what accounts do. The software takes data from a variety of sources, whether it is from structured or unstructured sources, and transforms according to the needs of the business.

Now since we know what business intelligence tools are, we can take a look at some of the best ones that will help your business grow.

Grow- as in grow your business: 


Grow is a cloud based business intelligence tool. It allows you, whether you’re a data analyst or a normal business user, to take control of your business’ data and take appropriate decisions based on them.

Here is a list of some of its features:

  • It has 115+ readymade data connectors for systems such as Saleforce, Bronto, Marketo and others 
  • You can create custom dashboards from their 20 different data visualizations options 
  • Make as many user accounts as you need 
  • Simple user interface for both managing SQL as well as readymade transformations 
  • From the app to emails to slack integration, all make it easier for you to share your insights with the team 
  • Hosted on Grow’s own cloud and is constantly supported by their team of experts 

Datapine as a business intelligence tool you might find useful:

Datapine is one of the most powerful and user friendly business intelligence tools out there. If you’re a data analyst or a non- technical user, this app has got you covered. It consolidates data from a variety of sources and compiles them in a form suitable for your understanding.

Here is a list of some of its features:

  • Integration of data in seconds with fast and easy to use data connectors 
  • Drag and drop features allow you to create data visualizations in seconds 
  • Ability to create intuitive dashboards with their advanced data tools 
  • Contains 80 different pre- defined dashboard templates 
  • Communicate via email reports, secure and customizable viewer areas as well as embedded dashboards 

Zoho Analytics: 


Zoho is your self- service kind of business intelligence tool. It allows you to create collect and present information in dashboards in a matter of minutes. It even has a cool AI feature which allows you to ask questions of an AI assistant and get answers in the form of reports.

Here are some of its features:

  • It has over a 100 ready made connectors that can be used for business apps as well as cloud drives and databases 
  • You can view your data in the form of pivot tables, charts, KPI widgets and custom themed dashboards 
  • It has a unified business analytics tool that analyzes data from a wide variety of sources and across departments as well 
  • You get augmented analytics with AI, ML and NLP 
  • You also get embedded analytical solutions and BI portals to work with. 

Yellowfin business intelligence tool: 


Yellowfin is your one stop business intelligence tool. With this in tow do you don’t need much else. It is applicable across a range of industries as well. With this tool in your business you can access data and compile it in a form most suitable to your particular business.

Here are some of its features:

  • Dashboards can be accessed from a webpage, company’s intranet or a mobile device in the form of an app 
  • It also has mapping mobile business intelligence features that make it easier to access and monitor business related data 
  • With the way it presents data, it makes it easier to take decisions and also faster 
  • Ability to create data rich presentations and interactive reports 
  • It also supports the decision making process 

Clear Analytics as a BI tool you need to try out: 


Clear Analytics condenses data so as to enable timely decision making. With this tool in your business arsenal you have all your business needs met at one place. With this business intelligence tool you can take large amounts of data from a variety of sources and present it in professional reports.

Here are some of its features:

  • Less interaction of humans required 
  • Ability to create your own dashboards 
  • You can present data in a variety of graphical formats 
  • It also gives you KPIs for easier comparison of performances 
  • Clear indication of fundamental issues 
  • It also offers the ability of predictive analysis 
  • Aids in strategic planning 

SAP business intelligence tool: 


SAP is an integrated business intelligence tool. It is basically an enterprise level software either for open client systems or server systems. It has developed new standards for a more effective presentation of information.

Here are some of its features:

  • It provides flexible and transparent business solutions 
  • The software is easily integrated with any system or application 
  • Its set up is done using modern methods and it makes the most efficient utilization of space 
  • It’s database systems combine both data analytics as well as data for a modern approach to storing data 
  • It has a simplified data container 
  • You can easily integrate it with both SAP as well as non- SAP applications 

MicroStrategy –best business intelligence tool to use: 


This business intelligence tool is mainly analytical software. With this tool in tow you can make better and speedier decisions. Using this tool you can transform the way you do business. You get a lot of predictive and advanced analytical tools to work with.

Here are some of its features:

  • Ease of use 
  • Advanced and predictive business data tools 
  • Self- services business analytical tools 
  • Large data solutions 
  • It even has Software as a Service or as it is most commonly called SaaS 
  • You get real time WYSIWYG report designs 
  • Dashboards and score cards for performance monitoring 

These are some of the best business intelligence tools that are out there.

Friday, 6 March 2020

Google Chrome Security Extensions You Need to Install

Google Chrome Security Extensions
Yes, Chrome is a safe browser and provides ample security as it is. But in today’s world you can never be too sure. With these Google Chrome security extensions you can boost up your security and with that increase your peace of mind as well. But which one to use? In this post we have compiled a list of some of some of the best Google Chrome security extensions that you can use.

 10 Best Google Chrome Security Extensions You Need to Install

  • ZenMate VPN:

This VPN integrates directly onto your browser. Besides this it has over 30 servers across the globe.
  • Click&Clean:

This is one of the Google Chrome security extensions on this list that scans for malware. It also does you the added caution of deleting all your browsing data with just a few clicks of the mouse.
  • Blur as one of the Google Chrome security extensions to use:

Blur is a password manager that also sets up a secure method for all your online payments. There is also the added advantage of preventing you from being tracked by deleting all your browsing data.
  • Ghostery a Simple and easy to use Google Chrome security extension:

This extension not only blocks ads but also speeds up your internet browsing. Plus there’s always the privacy it affords you.
  • HTTPS Everywhere:

This extension is a joint collaboration with EFF and Tor Project. It automatically shifts your insecure “http” to a more secure “http”.
  • Avast Online Security:

This extension aims at helping you avoid those phishing sites. Thus helping you avoid spoofing.
  • uMatrix as one of the Google Chrome security extensions on this list:

This extension is a point click matrix based firewall. It contains several privacy enhancing tools to ensure your security. With this extension you’re given full control of which browser your internet connects to. Not only that you’re also given the choice of what data is downloaded and what actions are executed.
  • Windows Defender Browser protection:

This Windows extension protects your PC, Mac and what have you from online threats such as phishing emails and their ilk. Besides this, it also protects you from entering into websites that are known carriers of viruses and malware.
  • AdBlock:

This extension is the Father of all ad blockers and the most popular too with over 200 million downloads. This extension too starts as soon as you have it installed. You can choose to avoid seeing ads when on certain sites or choose to have all ads blocked by default.
  • LastPass- Free password manager

This is the all- time favorite extension to use. Not only does it have the all encompassing security features but you can also use it on all devices too. Plus the great part about it is you don’t even need a premium account to uses it.

These are some of the best Google Chrome security extensions that you can use. While some block ads other do more than that and take care of security. Some of them prevent you from entering sites that are known to have malware.

Wednesday, 26 February 2020

Android 11 Developer Preview: Best Features to Look Forward

Android 11 Developer Preview
As with all developer previews, features will come and features will go. You won’t really see anything concrete till Google I/O to be held in May of this year. At present the Android 11 developer preview is for developers only. But still there are some noteworthy features to talk about here. But before you get your hopes up, it’s worth to note that Google releases features that don’t actually make it to the final cut. Right now there are some new features to which will be added more features between now and Android 11’s final release. So without wasting any more time let’s take a look at what Android 11 has in store for use till now.

Built- in Screen Recorder to wait for in Android 11 Developer Preview: 


This has had a disappointing start back in Android 10 and had been pulled out too. Now the Built in screen recorder is back for a repeat performance. Now you’d find it in quick settings in the overflow panel.

For now it looks like a proper app, which may not be so in the coming months. Only time will tell. A tap on the icon starts recording while another tap stops recording. At present it does not record audio. We can only hope that the recorder stays till the final release of Android 11.

Pin your Favorite Apps: 


Another feature that didn’t make it to the official Android 10 was pinning your favorite apps to the Share Menu. This is to ensure easy access. Why exactly it didn’t make it to Android 10 only Google knows. But we hope these interesting features remains till the official release of Android 11.

The feature works when you share anything from an app you can tap and hold the app icon to pin it. This will make sure that it’s always at the top, good to go for future sharing.

Notification History in Android 11 Developer Preview: 


You’d need to tweak things a bit before you see this new feature. As shown by Developers with this feature you can get the notification history page. This something you can already see but it’s not easy to find. With this new feature you’ll be able to look at your notification history easily. Hope this one too makes it to Android 11.

Scheduled Dark Mode: 


At present Android does have dark mode but what it does not have is a scheduling system. With iOS you can schedule the mode so that it automatically turns on and off at predetermined times. This has been something that has been lacking for some time now in Android. But in the developer preview of Android 11 it does makes an appearance.

Bluetooth remains on: 


Another helpful feature found in Android 11 Developer Preview is that Bluetooth now remains on when you turn on airplane mode. This, however will work only if you are currently connected to a device when you switch on airplane mode.

Sunday, 16 February 2020

Get Ready for Google Game Developers Conference

Google Game Developers Conference
Google is all set to have their annual Game Developers conference in March. Since the last several years Google’s game developer conference has centered around the mobile and cloud services. A recent blog from the tech giant has detailed what this year’s conference has in store. The company has various divisions offering a variety of services. Google game developers conference is all set to bring in these various divisions under one banner.

Activities lined up in Google Game Developers Conference: 


A series of innovations from each Google division team is all set to be a part of the keynote. These will include innovations from Google Play, Google Cloud as well as Stadia. Last year around there was no separate keynote for Stadia. Like all the keynotes, Stadia too will have a live stream for those who can’t attend the function this year. Speaking of the function, the Google game developers conference is all set to be held in San Francisco this time.

Starting from March 18 – 20, the tech giant will have a Games Booth which will have demos, 1:1 plus a few “surprises”.

Start of the Conference: 


The first day is normally devoted to the latest in Android games and cloud services. On Monday evening one session of Stadia is lined up. However the bulk of such talks are scheduled for the next day. Google Cloud will be conducting all these. There’s also a talk on Semantic ML tool which helps create realistic characters and in game AIs.

More of the itinerary will be given later. Attendance to any of these sessions will require a Google game developers conference pass.

Few of the many Topics Lined Up: 


These are some of the Topics that are in store for attendees-

  • Open Match- this is an open source matchmaking project. In this session, you will learn how game companies are incorporating this product in their various games. Next lined up is a talk on Google Cloud and Stadia. In this talk you will see how both these complement each other to give you the best experience while playing games as well as developing them.
  • Destiny2- in this talk a senior developer gives his account of how he built Destiny 2 for a brand new platform. From testing to graphics to tweaking and latency, you’ll be walked through the entire process.
  • Vulkan Graphics- in this session Google will be talking about their Vulkan graphics API development. They will also talk about what’s in store with the 1.2 release as well.
  • Cloud Gaming and all that it beholds- In this talk Stadia’s partners will take you through what it took to bring their games to a new platform. You will also be given a low down on the capabilities of Stadia in creating newer game playing experiences.
  • Google’s Machine Learning and Game Development- This talk is mainly geared at showing how various experts have used machine learning in a variety of ways to better their games.
Google has more sessions line up which they will release later.

Tuesday, 11 February 2020

Best Free Learning apps for Kids in 2020

Best Free Learning apps for Kids in 2020
Learning need not be a stressful activity to undertake. Plus learning need not always have to be in a class room setting. Learning can be made by other unconventional means like apps. Apps these days have content made to suit each individual learner. They take a child through their courses in a very interactive manner. The other benefit of using apps to teach your kids is that some of them are free too. So why not take advantage of the world of apps to imbibe in your child a love for learning. In this post we’ll take you through some of the best free learning apps for kids.

Best Free Learning apps for Kids to take a look at!

Best Free Learning Apps for kids Pepi Play: 


Learning does not always have to be courses they normally teach in school. There are a lot of skills that are not taught in school but are equally important. Certain of those skills come from playing games too. Yes that’s right, you read correctly- Games.

Pepi play helps develop your child’s skills in focus and helps in developing their imagination too. The app takes your kid through a world of fun characters, different worlds and objects. The app opens up your child’s imagination and helps them to be more creative.

This best free learning apps for kids is for free right now on the app store.

Pico Christmas Tree AR Continue the Christmas Cheer throughout the Year: 


Kids love anything creative and artsy. This is good too as they are able to develop their imagination and many more skills. This app hones in on this love and gives your child the chance to decorate Christmas trees the way they like.

The AR tech in this app also allows your child to place their carefully decorated tree in whichever room they please and wherever they please. More importantly they can continue decorating trees throughout the year too. Whether your child uses this app throughout the year or not, it’s surely a blockbuster during the season.

This best free learning apps for kids is available for free on the iPad and iPhone.

PBS Kids Games- Games with learning: 


This app combines games with education. PBS Kids Games is an app that is a collection of games based on popular kids characters. The games usually have some sort of learning activity through the use of shapes, colors, letters and more. This keeps your child entertained while they learn at the same time. Who says learning needn’t be fun?

The app is available for free on the iPad, iPhone as well as Android devices.

Deal kids to Teach English to your Child: 


This is a starter app into the English world. The app teaches your child the alphabet and how to place them in words. The app is an excellent way to begin a child’s foray into the English world. Plus it’s free. The app is meant for kids aged 3 to 7 years.

Get your child’s Fractions down with Slice Fraction: 


This is one of the best free learning apps for kids that teaches your kids fractions. Kids normally struggle with the concept of fractions. But with this app in your learning tool box, that won’t be a problem anymore. The app takes your child through a game where they have to slice ice into various fractions in order to clear the way for the main character to pass through.

Kids may not be able to use this knowledge in tests or in school in any tangible way but they will definitely get the concept cemented in their heads. Thus, making learning fractions easier.

3D Brain as one of the best free learning apps for kids that teaches Science: 


  • This app gives your child a course on the human brain. 
  • It also has a 3D feature showing you the brain from all angles. 
  • The app also takes your child through the various parts of the brain. 
  • This app is not only great for children but can also be used by adults who are interested in the brain and its functioning.

The app contains 29 interactive structures that can be rotated to get various glimpses of the parts of the brain. Each part of the brain shows the functioning of the brain, the various associated disorders, case studies and links where you can research the brain part further.

The user interface is easy to use too. There is a hamburger menu on the top that allows you to maneuver through the app with ease. This best free learning apps for kids is for free and is available for use on both Android as well as iOS devices.

ABCya Games as one of the best free learning apps for kids to use: 


  • This app is organized by grade and subject area. 
  • The app has a number of games that your child can choose from. 
  • The app also has content in the form of videos, worksheets, games and an interactive studio to get your child’s brain cells moving.

The content is engaging and the level of difficulty of the games too is just enough to keep your child interested. The free version of the app gives you a lot of content which is not something you see every day. The app is available on both Android phones as well as iOS devices.

Boost your Child’s Math with Basic Math Skill Addition: 


This app takes your child through a number of stages. When they are aged 4-5 they are taught the fundamentals of math such as counting numbers and the very basics of addition and subtraction. Later on as they grow the app takes them thorough a more serious workout with addition and subtraction at the center.

Still older, at ages 8-9 your child is taught mental math as well as addition and subtraction. They are introduced to multiplication and times tables. The higher they go the more intense is the training but all meant for their particular grade. This app is available on both Android and iOS devices.
These are some of the best free learning apps for kids that you can give a go!